heat waves & prom dresses

If you haven't heard already, it's very hot and humid in New York; as if the newly appointed summer were trying to make a point or something. This means one of two things. First, my eating habits will most definitely "improve." This is not to say that I make completely unhealthy choices the other three seasons of the year, just that in the heat of summer, I crave more raw fruits and vegetables.   

Case in point: today's breakfast smoothie. If you can believe it, I was actually explaining this recipe to a gentleman at a West Village bar late Wednesday night, and he was actually very interested in hearing it. I can be quite the conversationalist ;). Moving on... my usual blend consists of spinach, banana, cucumber, frozen berries, romaine, flax, almond milk, cinnamon, and avocado. Today, however, I tried something new.

Last week, a representative from Vega contacted me to see if I'd be interested in trying their newly branded Vega Energizing Smoothie. Yes, please! I hadn't enjoyed a Vega smoothie since the delicious Shake & Go choco-a-lot samples on my road trip, and was thrilled to find I love the vanilla almond Energizing Smoothie just as much. Rich in nutrition (two vegetable servings, 10g plant-based protein, 5g fiber, 1g Omega-3) and ridiculously convenient ("add water, shake, and go!"), they also come in four other flavors: tropical fruits, chocolate, mixed berries, and natural. I can't wait to try each one this coming week.

Aside from salads and smoothies, I also tend to gravitate towards quicker meals. Yesterday, I whipped up a batch of quinoa with edamame and bell peppers, grilled a handful of my beloved haricot verts, and warmed up left-over falafals (inspired by Heidi Swanson on a day when it wasn't ludicrous to use the oven) for lunch.

Second, the on-set of summer means that although I'm re-starting a running routine, I will most often seek refuge (and exercise) in beautiful, air-conditioned studios like this one. You can follow my class reviews on Pravassa. In other news, remember how I mentioned my little sister's prom? Well, there she is looking stunning as always in the left photo. To the right, you'll see me, seven years ago, at my junior prom. Our dresses are surprisingly similar, wouldn't you say?