Fall has hit in a big way.  We went from 92 degrees to 50/60’s overnight, quite literally. And I am doing everything possible not to partake in a large bowl of pasta with rich, warm tomato sauce. OMG that sounds sooooo good.

This is my month of health update . . .

Despite the fact the National Zoo is closed (stupid politicians) I am getting my morning walks in on the streets of Washington, DC. I like walking in the dark but there is a surprising amount of activity out there at 6 AM. This morning I took a little detour and found Open City restaurant is actually open at this early hour filled with quite a few patrons enjoying their morning meal – good to know should ever the need arise for an early morning breakfast in the future.

I make myself a healthy salad every day to take to work. I try to mix it up in terms of ingredients but when pinched for time I go to this very basic recipe as it takes about 1.5 minutes to throw together:

• Baby Arugula
• Shaved Parmesan Cheese
• Squeezed fresh lemon juice (I stick ½ a lemon right in my container)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For years now, I have been ordering  take out containers and plastic cups in bulk to accommodate breakfast on the run & easy homemade lunches. I buy larger containers for salads and small 2 oz. cups & lids for dressing. Large plastic cups, lids and straws for smoothies. Simple and disposable. No spillage. No dishes to take home from the office, or forget at the office — a more likely scenario.

I ‘m finding a little counter balance is needed to ease sore muscles and just plain relax for an hour or two. So weekends  are holding treats like a mani, pedi, massage or facial. I don’t do this often enough.