green juice: a love letter

In the chaos that was this summer (seriously, where did it go?), I found myself jumping on the juicing train in a big way.

Those of you who know me know can vouch for the fact that I have at most times in my life been the farthest thing from a health nut. Still, on the eve of opening a PIZZA restaurant, I found myself craving extra energy to get through this wild season in our lives. Surprisingly, I found that very thing from cleaning up what I was shoving into my trap.

Inspired by Mark Bittman's recent book VB6 (Vegan Before Six), I decided to give the famous foodie's approach to eating a chance. What's the plan then? Simple. You eat vegan until 6 p.m. each day.  This very regimen helped him lose over 30 lbs.

currently cooking: crustless mini quiche

Back in my college days, I relied on diet instead of exercise to keep it fit. Now, it's a healthier combo of both, but there was a time when I was hardcore believer in the South Beach Diet.

There's nothing wrong with low carb, but completely giving them up as Phase 1 of the diet requires doesn't really set you up for long term success. Still, one of the recipes I loved and still enjoy making are the Diet's Egg and Spinach Cups.

Basically, these tiny, individual quiches (made in a muffin pan) combine everything I love about the brunch staple minus the crust. They are delicious, super light and even tasty enough to be man friendly.

keeping fit

How do you guys keep fit?

For years, I struggled to find an exercise regimen that I would stick to. I discovered I was not a "runner." Other realizations? I'm also not a kickboxer, bootcamp cadet or much of a cyclist. Still, skipping exercise all together was not an option my health or vanity would allow.

Luckily, I found Physique 57 and to say I'm addicted is a bit of an understatement.

Focused on giving your entire bod a long, lean dancer look, this class uses tiny movements to create amazing results. A combination of pilates and light aerobics (with a few yoga stretches thrown in for good measure), this class is one of the hardest things I've ever physically done.

A fast pace, upbeat music and immediate results keep me coming back for more. I also like the class's focus on working the whole body in an hour. No more Tuesdays-are-for-arms sort of schedule. The New Yorker in me LOVES the time efficiency!

Physique has three studios here in NYC, one in the Hamptons and one in LA. They also have two sets of DVDs that work wonderfully well. Order them here.

Get buff!

(images courtesy physique 57)