Tasty! Tasty!

Food… the epitomy of my existence. I workout so that I can indulge in some yummyness every now and then, and I am hoping you do the same. With all sorts of incredible recipes out there, I am one who loves to sample the goods and savor some authentic southern cuisine–case in point: the best homemade shrimp and grits I have ever had–and I just happened to be the one that cooked them =)

I am telling you, YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE–so easy and delish!!

This is via the Food Network and the wonderful Bobby Flay:

4 cups water

Salt and pepper

1 cup stone-ground grits

3 tablespoons butter

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

6 slices bacon, chopped

4 teaspoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons chopped parsley {I didn’t include this in my recipe}

1 cup thinly sliced scallions

1 large clove garlic, minced

Bring water to a boil and then add salt and pepper

Add grits and cook until water is absorbed–about 20 to 25 minutes

Remove from heat and stir in butter and cheese

Rinse shrimp and pat dry

Fry the bacon in a large skillet until browned and drain well

In grease, add shrimp; cook until shrimp turn pink

Add lemon juice, chopped bacon, parsley, scallions, and garlic and then saute for 3 minutes

Spoon grits into a serving bowl–add shrimp mixture and mix well

Serve immediately

If that isn’t enough food to satisfy your appetite for the day, for all you local Nashvillians, next week is the fun Nashville Original’s Restaurant Week where you can eat at a number of local eateries for either $20.10 or $30.10 per person for a 3 or 4-course meal… I do believe I’ll be taking advantage of this. You can see a list of the restaurants with their menus here.

And finally, I just happened to stumble across the most fantabulous article about my beloved morning ritual–AKA coffee–at Runner’s World. So good to know that my cup of joe doesn’t go against all my running efforts.
Good Buzz: By Liz Applegate Ph.D. No more coffee guilt—caffeine boosts leg and brain power.

1. Run Longer, Think Faster: In a study done last year, researchers gave cyclists an energy bar with or without caffeine (equal to one cup of coffee) before and during a long, hard ride. They found that cyclists who have caffeine ride farther and think faster on cognitive tests than the no-caffeine group—useful news to runners in endurance events and adventure races, where quick decision-making is key.
2. Increase Sprint Speed: Consider drinking a cup of coffee before your next speed workout: Australian scientists gave fit athletes a 300-milligram dose of caffeine one hour before running five sets of 6 x 20-meter sprints. They found that runners who have caffeine sprint faster than those who don’t have caffeine. Researchers think the stimulant enhances reaction time and running speed.
3. Recover More Quickly: Runners know they need carbs postrun to rebuild their glycogen stores, but a recent study suggests caffeine may also enhance recovery. Cyclists rode hard for two consecutive days to drain their glycogen stores. They then drank a carb beverage with or without caffeine. Researchers found that having a drink with caffeine rebuilds glycogen stores 66 percent more than a carb-only drink.
4. Hydrate Smart: Many people have heard caffeine causes dehydration. Most studies, though, show you can have up to 550 milligrams of caffeine (or about five cups of coffee) without affecting hydration levels. That means you can have quite a few caff einated sports drinks and gels while running without risking dehydration; more than 550 milligrams will have a diuretic effect.
5. Keep Bones Healthy: A few studies have shown a link between bone-mineral loss and caffeine—but a close look at the data reveals that caffeine itself doesn’t cause the mineral loss. Many coffee lovers may drink it in place of beverages rich in calcium (such as milk), and as a result, decrease their intake of this bone-strengthening mineral.