DoItWithDaisy

Cobra is a fun posture because much like it’s namesake, it takes multiple shapes depending on what you want to accomplish.

An adult cobra is more likely to engage in predatory and competitive behaviors like rising all the way up and displaying their hood.

To practice cobra posture, lay on your belly and bring your hands to the floor under your elbows.

Press your feet and legs into the ground as you straighten your arms and lift your torso off the ground, spreading your metaphorical hood, ready to strike at any obstacles in your path.

A baby cobra is born able to spread their hood and strike, so technically they could be hunting the minute they hatch, but in comparison to an adult cobra, they likely to spend more of their time exploring, moving slow and staying close to the ground as the nutritional sack they are born with provides the nutrition they need for.

For a more soothing and back-strengthening effect, practice Baby Cobra Posture.

Come to your belly like a snake. Place your hands back next to your low ribs, under your elbows

On your next inhale, pull up through your back to lift your torso off the ground, supporting with your hands as needed or lifting them off the ground for more off a challenge

Play here a little

Exhale slither down, and inhale rise up Baby Cobra.

Allow free interaction by your animal while practicing Cobra Pose. They may walk in our over you, jump over you, lay on you or offer a number of species-specific interactions while you focus on lifting your torso off the ground. Offer praise for all interaction

If your animal lays on your legs, take a moment to practice gratitude as their weight helps develop the muscle memory to ground through your legs and feet.

There was once a yogi so inspired by the way his dog looked up at him with the utmost respect, he felt moved to embody their experience and thus established Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, Upward Facing Dog Posture.

This posture embodies the essence of Animal-Assisted Yoga as you feel the connection, the way your body relates to your animal's, stretching through your ankles, groin, chest and shoulders, pulling and strengthening through your legs and glutes.

From chaturanga, come to the tops of your feet, squeeze and lift through your legs and glutes, and straighten your arms, allowing your gaze to be determined by the position of your spine as you lift up through your chest and push your shoulders down your back

There are countless ways your animal can interact with you here, but I find that your pet sitting tall while you practice creates a beautiful moment of shared reflection, both of you hyper aware of the energy and space that you are both entangled in, like you are pulling the strands that connect you taught with every breath as you lift through your torso.

Here are some other options:

You can test your communication skills with your dog by asking them to walk around your body, crossing over your legs.

You can hold onto a tug toy and let your play-motivated dog go nuts while you counterbalance by pressing into the tops of your feet and hold your shoulders over your wrists by pressing into your hands. Be sure to continue pushing your shoulders down your back to prevent and strain in your neck.

You can also ask your animal to lay on your legs to add a weight resistance aspect and increase the strength-building aspect if you have build enough strength throughout your legs to be able to lift through your thighs and glutes while protecting your knees by engaging your calves and keeping your legs straight. If you feel any strain in your knees or low back, stop. You can check out my animal-assisted yoga membership page for exercises and activities to help you build the necessary strength to practice this interaction.

Check out this week's live class for a visual demonstration and more instructions:

Check out more symbiotic living and AAY videos on my OFTV channel:

Today Waffles is eating chicken, sweet potato, spinach, zucchini, and egg whites. I’m not going to waste the yolks, so what should I do with them? How about I use a few other dog-safe ingredients I have around the kitchen to show you how to make a simple and delicious delicacy of a dessert? Don’t miss this first-try wonder on OFTV:

Today, I'm thrilled to introduce a recipe that's close to my heart – a delightful treat that's as nourishing as it is delicious. This isn't just any ordinary baked good; it's a recipe that caters to those who cherish a gluten-free and paleo-friendly lifestyle, without compromising on taste.

Let's talk about the star of the show – the ingredients. We begin with three rich egg yolks, known for their creamy texture and binding properties. To this, we add a generous 'egg' of oil, ensuring our bake is moist and tender. The natural sweetness comes from a couple of tablespoons of honey, a golden elixir that not only sweetens but also adds a beautiful glaze.

The dry ingredients are simple yet impactful. Half a cup of almond flour provides a nutty base, high in protein and low in carbs, perfect for those watching their glycemic index. A little bit of carob powder offers a chocolatey undertone without the caffeine, making it an excellent choice for all ages. And finally, a touch of baking soda gives our creation the lift it needs to be light and airy.

Now, onto the alchemy of baking. We start by whisking the egg yolks with oil and honey, creating a smooth and homogenous mixture. As we sprinkle in the carob powder, we're met with an earthy aroma that promises indulgence. The whisking continues until we achieve a mostly smooth consistency, a testament to the love and care put into every step.

Gradually, we introduce the almond flour, whisking continuously to reach the perfect batter consistency – not too thick, not too runny, just right. It's at this moment we add just the teeniest touch of baking soda, our secret ingredient that will whisper into the batter, coaxing it to rise to the occasion.

With our batter ready, we lovingly fill silicone molds, chosen for their non-stick properties and ease of use. Into the oven they go, at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean – the true test of readiness. The anticipation builds as the scent of baking fills the air, a prelude to the joy that's about to unfold.

Once baked to perfection, we allow our creations to cool, a pause that teaches us patience and promises reward. Gently, we remove them from the molds, revealing their splendid form, ready to be savored with a cup of tea or as a standalone treat.

This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and steps; it's a journey through flavors and textures, a celebration of wholesome baking, and a testament to the fact that healthy can be heavenly. So, tie on your apron, preheat your oven, and let's bake a difference together. Bon appétit!

-written in partnership with Copilot

Ingredients:

3 egg yolks

1 egg of oil

a couple tablespoons of honey

1/2 cup almond flour

A Little bit of Carob Powder

A Touch of Baking Soda

Instructions:

Whisk egg yolks with oil and honey

Sprinkle in carob powder

Whisk until mostly smooth

Continue to whisk as you gradually add in almond flour to reach a batter consistency

Add just a teeniest touch of baking soda

Fill silicone molds

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean

I like to keep steamed baby carrots in a silicone treat pouch in my pocket. One day, I realized how similar they were in shape and texture to little sausages. I immediately started envisioning a healthy version of pigs in a blanket. Knowing that bread and carrots would be the most boring combination of flavors just on their own, I started thinking about other blanket-shaped foods, and my mind went to a snack that I often eat and serve in the form of a rollup: turkey! The result was a soft and delicious bite-sized snack that was reminiscent in flavor to a cobb salad and the mouthfeel was like a juicy pig-in-a-blanket. Let’s talk about how to make them!

Ingredients:

6 Baby Carrots

12 Carrot Sticks

3-6 Slices of Turkey, to personal preference

Directions:

Steam the carrots in the microwave using a small dish or steaming sock

Cut the turkey in half

Roll 1-2 pieces of turkey around each baby carrot

Use a knife to pierce through the rollup

Insert a carrot stick into the slit

Enjoy!

The History of Sun Salutations

The sun is a source of energy for all living things, which cements its long-standing status as a symbol for strength, power and optimism. In ancient times, many cultures worshipped the sun for the light and energy it brings, and in India a practice to combine devotion with thoughtful movement and meditation was formed. It was called Surya Namaskar, now translated as Sun Salutation.

The Purpose of Sun Salutations in Animal-Assisted Yoga

Starting the day with mindfulness helps make clear thinking more achievable throughout the day. Asana, a set of postures aimed at clearing the mind, allows focus to come more easily when movements are directed toward a specific thought, idea, or point of interest.

Beginning the day with movement reduces the likelihood of pain and discomfort, and approaching it with mindful intent enhances this effect. Practicing with your pet creates an opportunity for physical and mental engagement, deepening the strength and focus you are building while also stimulating your pet both mentally and physically. The Sun Salutation warms and opens the entire body, promoting mobility in every joint and muscle through its sequence.

Practicing an AAY Sun Salutation

There are a few traditional variations of sun salutations, but today I’d like to share one of my own. This variation offers a couple more opportunities for your pet to interact than a traditional Sun Salutation while still accomplishing the same goals. I hope this encourages you to follow your heart, be creative, and step out of your normal routine when it feels right.

Inhale - Urdva Hastasana, Upward Salute

Exhale - Uttanasana, Forward Fold

Inhale - Ardha Uttanasana, Halfway Lift

Exhale/Inhale (repeat as needed to embrace a moment of play as part of your devotion to the sun) - Anjaneyasana, Low Crescent Lunge

Exhale - Adho Muka Svanasana, Downward Dog

Inhale - Phalakasna, Plank

Exhale - Chaturanga, Four-Limbed Staff Pose/Low Pushup

Inhale - Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, Upward Dog

Exhale - Adho Muka Svanasana, Downward Dog

Inhale - Uttanasana, Forward Fold

You can find a full tutorial for Animal-Assisted Sun Salutation on our OFTV channel at of.tv/c/doitwithdaisy

Sources:

Sun Salutations | YogaRenew

The Ancient Origins of Surya Namaskar: Sun Salutation

Surya Namaskar History: Origin & Mythology Behind Sun Salutation – Fitsri Yoga

Sun Worship in Hinduism- Exploring the Sun Temple's Significance - India's Biggest Dashakarma Bhandar | Poojn.in

I am happy to share a new cooking video on OFTV demonstrating how to make an easy gourmet dish!

Stuffed Chicken Thighs for You and Your Dog

Chicken Thighs, trimmed to 5% fat Spinach Egg, divided Parmesan, Chili and Ginger to season the human's These are all safe for dogs, so you don't need to worry about cross-contamination, and you don't need to worry about indigestion if it is only exposed to the cheese and seasonings instead of being dressed with them directly Plus Zucchini and Sweet Potatoes

Mix egg whites with spinach for the dogs and yolks with spinach, cheese and herbs for the humans Place the mixture in the middle of the chicken thigh, roll up and put in a frying pan or baking dish Cut sweet potatoes and zucchini to no more than 1/4 inch thickness and scatter across the chicken Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F

Safety first! Keep those fingers and furs away from the flame... Full dog toy tutorial is live NOW on #OFTV 😍

Chicky Picky Loafs

Ingredients:

450g (~1 lb) Ground Chicken

83g (~2/3 Cup) Diced Green Beans

89g (~1 Cup) Diced Broccoli

Directions:

1. Mix chicken, broccoli, and green beans and form into balls

2. Fill an oven-safe ramekin with balls and cover with aluminum foil

3. Bake at 400 F until internal temperature reaches 165 F

4. Allow to cool and enjoy!

For when you need something sweet and elegant, but sugar hurts your joints.

Ingredients:

1 Cup Water

1 3/4 Cup Honey

2 tsp Orange Extract

1 whole Nutmeg

1 TBS Lemon Juice

6 oz Pistachios

6 oz Hazelnuts

6 oz Almonds

3 TBS Honey

1 pinch Nutmeg

16 oz Phyllo Dough

Up to 16 oz Sunflower Oil

First, the Sauce!

Combine the water, honey, whole nutmeg and orange extract in a pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce to a simmer and let cook for 25 minutes

Remove from heat and add lemon juice

Remove whole nutmeg

Let cool

Next, the Filling!

Chop the nuts together

Mix in the cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg

Mix in 1-3 TBS Honey

Finally, the Phyllo!

Coat baking dish with oil

Lay down 2-3 sheets of Phyllo dough and use a pastry brush to coat with oil

Repeat step 2 until 1/3 of the Phyllo dough has been used

Cover evenly with 1/2 of the nut mixture

Repeat step 2 until 1/3 of the original Phyllo remains

Cover evenly with remaining nuts, reserving a few to sprinkle overtop the dish at the end

Repeat step 2 until there is no remaining Phyllo

Cut the uncooked baklava into rhombuses

Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean at the center

Pour cooled syrup over hot baklava

Gy-Ruffs and Pupmus

Ingredients:

330g (a little over 3/4 lb) Ground Turkey

100g (~2/3 Cup) Cooked Chickpeas

94g (a little over a Cup) Broccoli

94g (~2/3 Cup) Sweet Potatoes

74g (a little over 1/2 Cup) Carrots

4g (3/4 teaspoon) Sunflower Oil

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground salt

Directions:

1. Form the turkey into small rectangles and cook in a nonstick pan over medium to medium-high heat until internal temperature reaches 165

2. Puree chickpeas, sunflower oil, lemon juice and salt

3. Roll the sweet potatoes and carrots up in a damp towel and microwave for 5-6 minutes, until tender. Steam the broccoli according to the instructions on the bag and strain excess water into a bowl for the dog.

4. Lay a pita out. (*Optional: Add dog-safe mayo or tzatziki sauce) Pile the vegetables in the center and wrap the edges around the filling.

5. Enjoy!

Holiday Dinner for Dogs

Ingredients:

417g (just under a pound) Ground Turkey

187g (just over a Cup) Sweet Potato

84g (just under a Cup) Broccoli

84g (~2/3 Cup) Carrots

44g (~2 large) Egg Whites

Sunflower Oil

Green Peas

Directions:

1. Evenly coat a baking dish with sunflower oil

2. Form turkey into a loaf if using ground meat and place turkey in the center of the pan

3. Surround with vegetables, and use a pastry brush to coat with egg whites

4. Cover and bake at 350 for about an hour to an hour and a half per pound of turkey until internal temperature reaches 165 F and egg white glaze is golen

**Treat Tip: Omit the sweet potato and egg whites and make some Sweet Paw-tato Fluff to represent candied yams!

5. Enjoy!

Beef Balls

Ingredients:

380g (just under a pound) Ground Beef

83g (just under 1 Cup) Diced Broccoli

58g (~1/3 Cup frozen) Chopped Spinach

1 Cup Quinoa (dog-safe but only necessary for human(s))

Water Squeezed From Uncooked Sweet Potatoes

Directions:

1. Combine the beef and spinach and form into balls

2. Cook in a nonstick pan, covered over medium heat and turning occasionally or in the oven at 350 F until the internal temperature reaches 165 F

3. Add the broccoli to a bowl of uncooked sweet potato water, cover, and microwave for 2-5 minutes, until tender and vibrant in color

4. Chop finely and mix with quinoa for human(s), and cut dog's broccoli into 1/4 inch pieces.

5. Enjoy!

Lunchtime Liver

Ingredients:

58g (~1/6 lb) Beef Liver, cut into small pieces

83g (just over 1/2 Cup) Shredded Sweet Potatoes

4g (~2/3 Tablespoon) Parmesan

3g (~2/3 teaspoon) Sunflower Oil

1 Egg

Directions:

1. Evenly coat a pan with sunflower oil and warm over medium-high heat. Squeeze excess water from shredded sweet potatoes and reserve them for later use.

2. Scramble the egg in a medium bowl, and mix together parmesan and sweet potatoes in a second bowl

3. Soak the liver pieces in the egg and then allow the excess to drip off before coating them in the parmesan cheese mixture

4. Add to the frying pan and cook until sweet potato is tender and parmesan is crispy on each side, and the internal temperature reaches 165 F

5. Enjoy!