I was at the Active Texas Summit in January this year and had the opportunity to talk with Jen Ohlson, the author of “Every Town Needs A Trail.”  Jen’s book is all about the history and beauty of Lady Bird Lake Trail (formerly the Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail) told through stories of those who love the Trail.  She interviewed celebrities like Shawn Colvin, Lance Armstrong, Willie Nelson, and Matthew McConaughey, getting each of their unique perspectives on the Trail.  Jen also interviewed Austinites who you may not recognize unless you frequent the Trail, like Bassett and Marge Maguire whose touching tale of walking the Trail dates back to 1965.

The art and photography in this book are awesome!  Personally, I was most taken back by the before and after pictures of the Trail during the renovation in the 1960’s.  The inside cover is a copy of the original 1964 Town Lake Trail Master Plan designed with the great influence of the late Lady Bird Johnson.  The brilliant photos really capture the beauty of this Austin gem.

Pick up a copy at your local independent bookstore or online at Amazon.

Like to cook healthy but in a hurry during the week?  Check out CookingLight’s Weeknight cookbook.  The recipes in this book are fairly simple, require little time to prepare and cook, and best of all are LIGHT!  The book is broken down into six chapters: Essential Weeknight (like Bell Pepper Chicken with Feta Orzo), Make Ahead (like Black Bean Burrito Bake), Fish & Shellfish (like Baja Fish Tacos), Meats (like Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Gravy), Poultry (like Lemon Chicken and Rice with Artichokes), and Pizza & Sandwiches (like Super Sloppy Joe Sandwiches).  Buy it at Amazon. Let me know what you think.  Healthy eating!

Do you tend to eat on the go a lot? Do you find yourself at the drive-through more than in front of the stove? If so pick up or order a copy of Eat This, Not That by Men’s Health editor David Zinczenko. David compares choices between fast-food restaurants and helps you make better decisions for your health, potentially saving you from hundreds of empty, unnecessary calories. There are also chapters that help you decode menus at popular sit-down restaurants and make better prepared food choices at the grocery store. The book is small enough to keep in your car for reference and will easily fit in your purse, bag or backpack. Go by the book store or order it on Amazon. Let me know what you think. Healthy eating!