Perfect. Just what I need to hear before I drag my butt to the gym on this lovely Saturday morning!

Day 2-3: It's all about staying on mission. Doing a few moderate-intensity workouts without losing your stride. Also be sure to include extra stretching for an active recovery.

"Yo, yo, yo, yo baby-pop!" -Push It by Salt-N-Pepa (Workout Anthem of the Day)

Day 1 (back in the gym) was an absolute smash! Not only did I put in 60 minutes (30 minutes on the PRECOR and 30 minutes on the treadmill) of cardio in AM, but I did an AH-mazing Total Body Conditioning class this evening! That's right. Day 1 was a total two-a-day, and I'm going to own it! I feel great right now, but I know that I'm going to really feel it in the morning. You want to know the secret to conquering soreness and fatigue from a tough workout? Stretch, rest, and get moving again! When you have a tough workout, be sure to get in a moderate to lighter workout the very next day. This way, your body can recover during the activity, also known as active recovery. Active recovery enables muscle memory. You have to push through the aches and pains in order to build muscle memory and endurance. For a light to moderate workout after and intense day of training, my go-to cardio is biking at a higher solid pace and resistance for 45 to 60 minutes. But whatever you do, just stay consistent and remember to PUSH IT!

This weekend I hosted my very own episode of Gym Hunters. Something like House Hunters on HGTV. If you haven't seen it, look it up ASAP. It will change your life! I visited three very different gyms here in the Dupont/Adams Morgan neighborhoods on a mission to find a new home gym for myself.

*I'll give away the best part and tell you that I did find a new gym. But let me walk you through the three options before I reveal the one I chose:

1. MINT- "An Urban Retreat" It's a luxury health spa with ample amenities and private spa services. It's location is great,just one short block away. It's also very quaint in size and has a membership cap. This only adds to exclusivity of the gym membership. Members and non-members have access to the spa and pilates studio, so they're definitely warmly welcome new people in their facilities. I thought it was a great facility with adequate workout machines and amenities, but you certainly get what you PAY for. Because I couldn't afford to pay, I knew that I needed to keep looking.

2. VIDA Fitness- "The lifestyle megaplex." VIDA is a cool, fun, all in one place, but to be honest, I felt like I had entered the Globo Gym from the movie Dodge Ball. "We're better than you, and we know it! Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating (a little), but I did get that vibe from the place. Firstly, it's HUGE, 5 or 6 floors. I can't remember because I lost count! This gym has many great features, including 6 different workout studios, a roof top pool, and even a full unisex beauty salon! But that's just it! There were so many extras that my head was spinning after I left. The price was more in-line with my budget, they even offered me some really great "value-added features." However, as a left and walked down the street, I thought, "it all seems like just TOO much really."

3. Washington Sports Club- "Average Joe's gym" (yes another Dodge Ball reference!). When I first walked in, I thought "Ok. Pretty basic." Not really impressed at all. I even had to wait to meet with someone for a tour, which I didn't mind at all but it didn't add to the first impression. However, what did help was my first impression of everyone (an I mean everyone) that I encountered. Everyone is so nice and very laid back, all there for the same reason, to stay fit and have fun. I loved it right away. It genuinely reminded me of the gym I joined while staying in Arlington, VA Energy Fitness. The facilities have all be recently renovated with more square footage, new equipment, and a spa. I was also blown away by their unique fitness classes and small group programs. Even more than that, I was blown away by the sticker price. It's definitely within my budget and plenty of bang for my buck!

So which one do you think I picked? *In my House Hunters host's voice* 1. The Urban Retreat? 2. The Lifestyle Megaplex? or 3. "Average Joe's Gym? ...... I picked #3! Although it was nice to see the other, more luxurious gyms, I'm an Average Joe at heart. And with so many modern amenities at the right price, I had to go with my gut and choose what felt right! Although I haven't been in for a workout yet, I have made a step in the right direction. Remember, when getting back into a workout routine, it's better to go at a slower pace and ease into it than to set all sorts of unrealistic expectations of yourself. For me, tomorrow is the day, and you're going to keep me honest.

"If you've done it before, you can do it again!" -Just one of my many life mantras. I'm so there right now. Actually, I'm tried of being there, down that is. It's definitely time for a change, and there's no where else to go but up! GET BACK ON THE HORSE!

"Homey don't play dat" Happy Halloween!

Oasis Mediterranean Cuisine in Warren, MI, which is just outside of Detroit. Dad (an old-school carnivore) took me here when I visited last week. We both enjoyed the food, a great casual dining experience.


Signature hommos, salsa, and garlic paste. All delicious with BOLD flavor.


Falafel with pickled veggies

What do you do with a week-old eggplant? Bake it! Using Soy milk, Dijon mustard, flour, and bread crumbs, I made a delicious, crispy eggplant dish, with plenty of leftovers (I only used 1 large eggplant).



Pictured above are the coating ingredients: a Soy milk-Dijon mustard liquid, whole-wheat flour, and organic bread crumbs, all in an assembly line...



...and here is my finished product, a crispy eggplant! It's not quite the right color, missing that golden brown finish. However it is crispy with a nice crunch and texture.


This recipe is courtesy of Chez Bettay, the Vegan Gourmet.

Great crowd, food, and drinks tonight at Bread & Brew in Dupont. Check out the menu below:









THE MENU
▪ Vegan Tamales (real deal- steamed in corn husks!)
▪ Shredded "pork" Taco salads – in the big tortilla shell
▪ Nachos
▪ Taquitos
▪ Quesadillas

DRINKS
▪ 100% Agave Margaritas
▪ Watermelon Margaritas
▪ Organic white wine sangria
▪ Kumquat Mojitos

Café Gratitude. Recently, the LA Times reported on this Vegan, Raw spot that serves you warm and fuzzies along with their signature dishes. It's a fundamental concept. Everyone pays homage and respect to every one, creature, and being.

Visited Philly this weekend and ate at Kamal's inside the Reading Terminal market. I even got a chance to speak with the man himself, really cool! I had the Falafel and Grape Leaves. What a great Vegan option in the middle of a sea of meat, dairy, and seafood?! I personally think this is one of the better falafels that I have ever had, but Yelp reviewers tend to think otherwise, only giving it 2.5 out of 5 stars. Kamal's signature is to top the falafel with hot sauce. Unconventional? Yes. Delicious heat and great seasoning? Yes, YES! I rest my case.

Brad's Raw Chips. These Raw, Vegan chips proclaim to be the 'World's Healthiest Chip,' and they taste good! Tried some yesterday, and I was pleasantly surprised by their great flavor and crunch.

KindKreme, a gourmet, Raw, Vegan, organic Ice Kremery. According to my cousin Nate in LA, this place appeals to all types of frozen treat enthusiasts. It's a a must try in Echo Park!

My grandfather, 80-years young, outside of Ben's Chili Bowl, a historic DC landmark, located in the heart of the revitalized U street community. He was thrilled to finally try their famous chili and original half-smoke. I was thrilled to learn that they serve an amazing Vegan/Vegetarian chili. I love this photo.

I'm trying to budget my weekly food and grocery bills better. This article from VegNews Saavy Vegan is a great read with helpful tips to get the most value from your trip to the grocery store. Moral of the story: PLAN AHEAD.