1. How have food and fitness combined to bring success to your life?  

I really believe being "healthy" is about eating a balanced diet, getting active (whatever that means to you), and giving back to the community in some way, which is why I started "Operation Beautiful."  Eating right and being active has allowed me to experience life in a whole new way - I've done things I never believed possible!  But giving back to other people through Operation Beautiful or volunteering is what really makes me feel whole and complete.

2. What ingredients do you think make a recipe nutritious and healthy?

I fill my plates with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and vegetarian-based proteins.  Fiber is a really important part of my diet, as it helps me feel fuller, longer. I try to eat a protein and carbohydrate snack after long workouts, like a peanut butter sandwich or a protein smoothie with raw spinach mixed in (it tastes great, trust me!).

3. Is a vegetarian or non-vegetarian diet best for an active athlete like you? Which do you prefer and why?  

I am a no-meat athlete and very proud of that fact. I think a lot of people have a misconception that vegetarians cannot be endurance athletes, but it's entirely possible! Being a vegetarian works for me, but I don't feel qualified to say that it would work for everyone in all circumstances. However, I'm never hungry, my grocery bills are lower, and I feel like I'm doing the right thing for animals and the environmental by being vegetarian.

4. Do you always keep your recipes healthy and nutritious? How do you do it?  

I think the key to keeping your diet healthy is not buying junky food in the first place. I have a lot of trouble saying no to cookies or chips, so my husband and I just don't buy them and keep them in the house. When we want a special treat, like ice cream, we go out and buy it.  At the grocery store, we buy a wide variety of items, including whole grains (brown rice, cous cous, quinoa), vegetables and fruits (whatever is in season), vegetarian proteins (beans and tofu), and dairy (like Greek yogurt). We simply combine those items all through the week to come up with a variety of healthy recipes.
 
5. What is your advice to young athletes who want to combine food and fitness to achieve higher performance levels?  

My advice would be to pay a lot of attention to how certain foods impact your performance. You might find you can run longer and faster if you have a hefty snack before your workout.  Or, you may notice that you recover faster if you drink a protein shake instead of eating cereal after your run. If you track this information in a blog or diary, you can look back and begin to identify patterns. Everyone's nutritional needs are different; it's a matter of finding out what works for you.

6. What is "Operation Beautiful?" How effective do you think it has been?

"Operation Beautiful" is my second blog. The mission of "Operation Beautiful" is to post anonymous notes in public places for other women (or men) to find.  The messages aim to increase self-esteem and end negative self-talk. Thousands of "Operation Beautiful" notes have been posted all over the world, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. "Operation Beautiful" is being turned into a book that will be published in August 2010.