Don't get too high

You may have heard of "runner's high." It refers to the release of endorphins in the brain when your body's reached a certain level of physical exertion. And, it's awesome! Interestingly though, this high comes at around the same time that your body's glycogen stores are depleted, putting you at increased risk for injury.

Glycogen is the way your liver and muscles store glucose to use for energy. During intense exercise, like running, you use it all up in under 2 hours, which will cause your body to begin breaking down muscle and fat to restore blood glucose levels. Repeatedly putting your body in this state may increase your risk for sport-related injury. So if you're undergoing a serious training regimen, consider looking into carbohydrate loading. And, like anything, remember to treat your body well, eat right, take days off, and don't get caught being a junkie!

Be a Vegetable Sensei

I love vegetables. LOVE them. But some people think they don't. I'm certain that if everyone could have them prepared well, they would find them delicious...but that's another blog, entitled "stop overcooking your vegetables, lying to yourself, and grow up." I recently had a friend over for dinner to make sure she left loving beets. I'll end the suspense--she did. Here are some suggestions for introducing new veggies to yourself or your friends:

• Serve them as a side dish--in case they're really hesitant, they won't starve. You're not the cafeteria lady, so don't push it. 
• Combine with foods they love (I did spinach salad with roasted beets,  toasted walnuts, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette). 
• Ask them if they've ever had them before...you'd be shocked how many adults still "hate" foods we've never tried!

3 X 3-Ingredient Party Apps

Throw these together in a breeze at your next get-together.

1. Dates + pecans + Parm: Split dates and take out pit. Stick pecan and shard of Parmesan cheese inside. Pair it with a glass of Cab.

2. Endive + Goat Cheese + Toasted Pine nuts: Spread goat cheese in endive leaves and sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top. Pair it with some Cava Brut. 

3. Whole wheat pita + Avocado + Lime juice: Toast pita and cut into triangles. Top each triangle with a slice of avocado, squeeze of lime juice (and sprinkle of sea salt if you want!) Pair it with a Skinny Tom Collins. 

Skinny Cocktails

Bethenny Frenkel may have coined the "Skinny Girl Margarita," but you can blend your own lower-sugar concoctions. Try these tips/recipes for some summer bevs that will help you cut the calories and hangover!

• Tip: Use club soda with a splash of fruit juice or citrus as a mixer instead of a regular soda like sprite. Try a GREYHOUND REMIX: 1 part gin + 3 parts club soda + 1 part grapefruit juice
• Tip: Add a little Splenda, Agave nectar, or honey instead of loading a drink with simple syrup. Try a TOM COLLINS REMIX: 1 part gin + 1 part club soda + 1 part fresh squeezed lemon juice + tsp agave, honey, or splenda. 
• Tip: Avoid sugar-loaded "specialty" martinis served at restaurants. Order a COSMO REMIX: ask for a "vodka and soda with a splash of cran and lime wedge." Or make it yourself at home: 1 part vodka + 3 parts soda + 1 part cranberry juice + squeezed limed wedge. 

Weekend at Gurney's

A girls' weekend in Montauk.

Start: put GPS in English.
Middle: mani/pedi/facial and delicious food at Harvest (below)

End: drive through Flatbush for an hour trying to make it back to Manhattan.

Verdict? Successful relaxtion...well, at least until the Flatbush adventure.

The Salad Whisperer

Others have marveled at my ability to toss together the perfect combo--into tupperware for midday lunch or for the perfect start to a dinner party. I am here to lead you to the promised land, away from the boredom and hunger. To a place where you can speak veg and inspire others through the perfect green salad.

Rules of The Salad Whisperer:

• Fresh, tasty greens. This is not a taco, and therefore not time for iceberg. 
• Varied vegetable consistency: carrot/raw zucchini peels, roasted cauliflower/peppers, caramelized onions, julienned peppers...
• Protein: egg, beans, nuts, meat

And the real, final secret is HOMEMADE SALAD DRESSING. The bottled stuff's for posers.