Yoga and fresh healthy foods combined – what’s not to like? I went to visit this new concept last week, and was pleasantly surprised. Yoga Plus is a restaurant with some private spaces to practice yoga. I have practiced yoga in the past, but for the last two years I had hardly done a sun salutation. I was reluctant to try out a class as I was scared it would be too hard for me. But I had nothing to fear, as Sabine Parra took it slow and easy. Parra has been practicing yoga for 15 years and teaching for a year. I was surprised how my body remembered all these poses and moves.
Yoga Plus is the brainchild of Vanessa Yang, a busy mom of two who has a passion for yoga and a love for healthy salads. She had the smart idea to combine the two and took it a level up by adding super foods. Quinoa, chickpeas, avocados and acai berries; all these and more healthy produce awaits the health-conscious public of Beijing. I tried a fresh smoothie with avocado after my yoga class, and had a grilled vegetable quinoa salad. Health-wise this menu hit the right spot. There is also a salad bar, and healthy sweets.
Both moms, Yang and Parra, can’t stop raving about the acai berry which graces the smoothie bowl. What’s so special about this berry? Apparently it is richer in antioxidants than cranberries, raspberries, strawberries or blueberries. Acai can be beneficial in preventing health problems like arthritis, inflammation and allergies. The berries are found on the Acai palm tree in South America.
Visit this restaurant and yoga space at lunchtime to nurture your body in several ways. Find this yoga spot here: 109, 1st floor, Xiaoyun Center, no.15 Xiaguangli, Chaoyang District, Beijing. Phone: 010-84463683
Photos: Pauline van Hasselt
