Soul DC

If you follow my Instagram (@MacKenzieAGreen), you may have noticed I have a bit of an obsession...Soul Cycle!

I took my first class over 2 years ago.  My parents and I had just gotten our apartment in NYC, and on a walk around the neighborhood I discovered a Soulcycle near by at E83rd.  I figured anything good enough for Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper was a must try.

I would like to say I enjoyed my first class, but I didn't enjoy it...I became obsessed.  I was sweating like someone was pouring water over my head, and crying like a baby.  There were disco balls, black lights, and lots of positive affirmations.  I took as many classes as I could that week.  And when I went to LA 2 weeks later for my UCLA Riordan Fellows interview (I even roped my lovely Miss AZ Brittney Bell in to going with me), I took a Soulcycle class to get my confidence up and nerves out.

Well you can imagine my elation when I heard Soul was coming to DC a year ago.  Ever since my beloved studio came to town I've been the happiest girl in the world.

My doctor's office was near the studio, so I used to stalk the construction site whenever I went to the endocrinologist

 

I have been in heaven since my first Soul DC.  It's as exhausting, wonderful, emotional, and cathartic for me as I remember.  If you know someone who's done Soul, they probably sound like a cult member.  For someone as Type A as me, it's refreshing to know that I have a place where I can go, and let myself be free.  I don't get caught up in how I'm doing compared to anyone, I dedicate my ride to myself, and just LET IT GO!

The finished product...my sanctuary

Garrett is my Soul spirit animal, and anyone that plays a Britney/Iggy mashup deserves a shoutout

What's not to love about Kathleen, she's killer and aspirational!

I've had a particularly hard past few months professionally, and at times I felt like I was just getting kicked in the teeth.  But there was a moment on the bike in Kathleen's class, where I just let it all out.  I cried like I hadn't in a while.  And because the room was dark no one had to know I was sweaty and weepy.

I could go on for hours about how wonderful Soulcycle is, but you should try it yourself.  And don't say I didn't warn you when class is over and you want to sign up right away, and buy every bit of merchandise they have.

https://www.soul-cycle.com/

Classes are expensive, but believe me when I say, I'm a cheapskate, and I think it's worth every penny.

Maybe if you tap it back in a Rooster class, or Soul Survivor on Saturday, we'll be on a bike next to each other.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

I want what I want, and I want it now

Some days no matter how great my willpower is, my appetite gets the best of me.  And when my cravings hit, be they from a tough workout or just a tough day, they are pretty hard to silence.  So I have learned how to give in to that voice in a controlled way.
I'm constantly tweaking and reworking my favorite recipes in a way that feel indulgent, but are not calorie bombs.
So start the trumpet fan fare, because I am proud to present my Shiritaki Noodle Popeye Approved Fettuccine...
If you've never tried shiritaki noodles and are watching your carbs, forgoing gluten, or whatever dietary restrictions you have imposed, these babies will be your new best friend.
According to the House Foods Tofu Shirataki (my personal favorite brand):
Tofu Shirataki is a great pasta alternative made from blending the root of the Konnyaku - a member of the yam family and tofu. 
It is a healthy, uniquely textured noodle - that pleases people of all ages!
They have 4 different varieties, but for this recipe I like the fettuccine, obviously.

(I'll aadmit I'm no food stylist...but that does look delicious)

2 wedges Laughing Cow Light

1 package of House Foods Tofu Shirataki

2 cups of raw spinach

1 Tbsp Fage 0%

2 tsp pesto (optional)

1 Tbs low fat Parmesan (optional)

• rinse the shirataki noodles to get all the liquid off that it floats around in the bag with
• heat up a pan to high (no cooking spray needed)
• once your pan is hot add in the noodles
• once noodles are in the pan turn down the heat to medium, and add the 2 cups of spinach
• let everything cook in the pan until the water is all the way gone
• throw noodles and spinach in a bowl, add remaining ingredients

It's a super simple recipe.  And once you get comfortable making it, you can switch out the plain Laughing Cow for the garlic kind, or replace the spinach with another green of choice.  My personal vegan fav is to use Daiya cheese instead of Laughing Cow.  The possibilities are endless.

If you try out the recipe I would love to see your version, and to know what you think.

XOXO,

MacKenzie

Keep On Spinning

If you follow my twitter (@MacKenzieAGreen) or my facebook page you know that I'm a spin instructor.

Eventually I will explain how, among the exhaustive amount of plates I'm already juggling, WHY I decided to add spin instructing to the mix.

But for now I will keep this post simple...mainly because I'm slipping on my New Year's intention of posting bi-weekly to my blog.  So I thought I would share a playlist.  I approach my classes the way I would want them taught if I were taking a class, as a (sweaty) party on a bike.

I want to share a short little 30 minute playlist that's fun for spinning on your own, a HIIT workout, or maybe just to keep you moving when the gym or your workout starts to feel old...

Warm-up: No Church in the Wild - Kanye West & Jay-Z
Scream - Usher
Cockiness (Love It) - Rihanna
Let's Go - Travis Barker
Paris (Ooh La La) - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Hold It Against Me - Britney Spears
Gangnam Style - PSY
Runaway Baby - Bruno Mars

...you can go with whatever you want to cool down, I like a little Hal and Oates to bring my heart rate down :-)

If you're in the DC area or visiting on vacation come down to Off Road Indoor Cycling and drop in to one of my classes, cause I'd love to party with you.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Martha would be proud a.k.a. I'm clearly no food stylist a.k.a. I'm soooo not a photographer

It has been a while since I posted anything on my blog.

In an attempt to get back on my blogging, and to take the easy way out, I figured I'd post a few photos of some wonderful meals I've cooked and enjoyed.
 The nom-ilicious banana bread quinoa from Rabbit Food for My Bunny Teeth.  If you know me you now about my ever growing love of breakfast, quinoa, and bananas! So when I ran across this website yesterday and this recipe...it was love at first sight.  If you've never had quinoa you are missing out and I feel sorry for you.  Come on try something new!

Also you may notice the giant starbucks in the photo.  I love to start my mornings (at least during the summer) with a venti unsweetened coffee.  And if you like your coffee a little sweet, do like I do and add some stevia...leave that artificial sweetener crap alone.

This picture is further proof of my lack of food styling ability...but its absolutely delicious so that makes up for what the photograph lacks.

This lovely meal comes courtesy of the ladies at Tone It Up.  It's a quick and simple recipe that utilizes frozen veggies.  I'm not going to post the recipe, because I want to create my own spin on it...and that's the recipe I want to post down the road.

 Last but not least a delicious Glowing Green Smoothie.  Another recipe that I want to tailor differently so that y'all who read this can have an original MacKenzie Spin on a delicious classic.  I think my favorite thing about blended greens in a smoothie is the pulp, it makes the smoothies taste so filling and satisfying.

Hopefully y'all enjoy this post, and maybe it'll inspire you to take some risks in the kitchen and try something new, delicious, and good for you :-)

XOXO,
MacKenzie

The Gym Is My Sanctuary

I live at the gym regardless of whether I'm doing a pageant or not.  I swam at a national level for years, and horseback rode in competitions around the country.  Every fiber of my being is that of an athlete.  Nothing settles my mind or makes me feel more empowered than a good workout.  And when I saw workout I mean full on, Gatorade ad, pouring sweat, feeling like you'll pass out kind of workout.

So today is dedicated to my sanctuary...

I loved these Nike ads, and they are forever my mantra and dedication to my own body...I'm proud of every inch of muscle...there's nothing to hide

 I urge you today to take pride in your own body, to be proud enough to stand tall with your strong powerful shoulders, or to take pride in the gift of the one body you have and take care of it.  Push yourself and don't be afraid to go past your limits.

XOXO,

MacKenzie

Leggo my Eggo...a.k.a. my not so decadent recipe to make you feel you're being bad

I have always been a picky eater so it may come as a shock to people that I learned about the magic of pancakes in high school and the joy of waffles in college.

(This beautiful shining temple was where I had my first waffle...obviously not this exact one though)

So obviously when you are preparing for a pageant, just trying to stay healthy, or want to look good come swimsuit season, I've got a great recipe that you will love, or maybe you won't...if that's the case you should probably just turn away now.

I introduce the incomparable, filling, and deceptively delicious *trumpet blare* PROTEIN PANCAKES!!!! (imagine me doing awesome Kermit the Frog waving celebration arms)

1 egg white
1 Tbsp psyllium husk or ground flax-seeds (it doesn't matter which, but I personally love psyllium husk)
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (or use chocolate, it doesn't matter...I use Promasil's vanilla whey)
1/3 cup of water

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and wisk together like regular pancake batter.
Spray a pan with PAM, or any other type of cooking spray.
Keep your pan at medium heat.
And get to making your pancakes.
Oh and then chow down on the delicious protein meal that makes you feel like you're being so bad.

(This is not a picture of my own pancakes, its courtesy of Blogilates, because my food styling is awful)
NUTRITIONAL INFO:
Calories 125
Total Fat 1.1g
Saturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 10mg
Total Carbs 4.2g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 0.2g
Protein 24

I promise you this is a total diet rut buster, it can be made gluten free, it's low carb, it's high protein, high fiber, low sugar...it's basically perfect.

Feel free to add fresh berries to the top if you want, maple syrup if you want to be indulgent and use the calories there, or maybe you want to go with a sugar free option.  Top with greek yogurt with a little truvia, or even add 2 tablespoons of sweet potato puree to the batter...whatever floats your boat.  Just have fun with your food, it's not that serious.

And let me leave you with one final thought if you are wondering if you want to eat this recipe...

LOOK AT THOSE ABS!!! HOLY SIX PACK BATMAN!!!
If the only thing standing between me and killer abs are cutting out my favorite recipes and replacing them with some smarter alternatives, I'm all for it.

If you try the recipe leave a post and tell me how it goes, or send a picture of your creation.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Major Noms

So I promised myself (and the people I presume read my blog) that I would be more consistent with my blogging...
Now that I've gotten that out of the way, on to today's post...

(I used a ton of ellipses in just the two first lines, this is clearly going to be one heck of a post)
I am absolutely in love with the blog pure2raw. It's written by two women, twins, health gurus, general all around amazing women with an inspiring blog.  They recently did a post dedicated to their "diet," and what they're personal philosophy on food is. And I was super inspired by that particular post and thought I would do my own version:

People often want to know what a beauty queen, marathon runner, triathlete, gym rat, and just busy person eats to stay healthy and fit, or maybe people don't want to know and I'm just addressing my own personal musings, but who really knows.

First and foremost, I am in no way a nutritional guru like the P2R girls, but I do know what I'm doing.  Like Malcolm Gladwell  says you need 10,000 hours to be an expert at something, and after years of swim coaches, athletic trainers, nutritionists, sports nutritionists, and research of my own, I know a lot.

About a year and a half ago, or maybe two years, when I was the reigning Miss DC USA I was a vegan.  Being a vegan was fantastic and I learned so much about nutrition and farm to table eating.  Then around the time I was preparing for my 2nd marathon (which was after my reign and my college graduation), I noticed I was craving eggs.  It was at that moment I realized what the ideal diet was for me.

I LISTEN TO WHAT MY BODY WANTS.

So I don't know whether I'm a vegan, pesceterian, vegetarian, locally grown eater, or whatever.  All I know is that I listen to the signals my body gives me on what it's craving.
Now does that mean that I chow down on a large deep dish pizza because my soul tells me that's the nurturing it needs... ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Are you insane, of course part of me wants that, but I know better.  Besides diabetes runs in my family, and I am battling PCOS, so something like that can shoot my blood sugar through the roof, instantly turn to fat, and have my stomach in knots.
What I mean by listening to my body is that I just go with it.  There are days I wake up and all I want are raw vegan foods, there are moments where my day naturally pans out to be more plant based.  Then there are other days where all I want are green smoothies, or salmon as every meal.
As I prepare for Miss DC I will be sharing recipes, typical eating days, and everything else related to my preparation (never fear a style post will come soon), but I wanted to get this post out of the way so you will know where I stand nutritionally.

So I urge you dear reader (I use the singular because I just assume I'm the only person that reads this, for my own narcissistic cathartic experience [I felt instantly smarter typing that sentence, I mean look at all those SAT words]), that you find your own ideal eating.  Go with what's right for your body, lifestyle, goals, whatever.  You do not have to follow one particular plan or another.  Your body is unique, and the fuel it needs is going to be very specific to your needs.

Hopefully I offered some help like the Pure2Raw girls did for me...if not, bear with me, there's a lot more in store on this blog.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Let your Soul Glow!

The pageant is slowly approaching. I apologize for not updating the blog, my wireless connection hasn't been my best friend this week so I can only access the internet from my blackberry.




Here are a few places that you may want to look in to for waxing, airbrush tans, or any other body treatments...
-Blue Mercury in Georgetown does great waxing, and they use a fairly painless green wax

-Skin Beauty Lounge is another great place. Meka Mathis is a good friend of mine and she knows to take care of any Miss DC 2011 ladies...and treat them like princesses



-Glow Tanning Salon on Wisconsin Ave in Gorgetown (across from Aveda). Its a small place but really great for the price. Ask for Linda Hardiman...1334 Wisconsin Ave., NW 202-338-4569



-I went to Erwin Gomez for my services, but I would not recommend it if you are on a budget.


-If you are a do it yourself girl try Sevin Nyne Self tanning lotion as a base and follow w/ the spray...the website will instruct you on how to use it. You can find it at Sephora.


...remember exfoliation is key before any spray tan, or else you will have zebra stripes. Get a good exfoliator, and also try dry brushing before you get in the shower.



Also for those of you cringing at the thought of waxing...get over it! Its part of the process to look your best. And if it makes you feel better I had my entire body waxed before states and every time after I won (tmi I know, but we're all in this process together).


Also if you don't get professional teeth whitening go to the nearest drug store and get Crest White strips...you will be talking a lot, smiling, and speaking with the judges...a bright smile is an important accessory.


Also when you are doing manicures and pedicures, keep it simple. Essie and OPI have great neutral palettes, and if you don't know what color to go with, a very sheer pink will work. Leave the long acrylics/tips for another time. And a french manicure or pedicure aren't personally my recommendation...you don't want anything to distract from YOU and your natural beauty.
 
XOXO,
MacKenzie

Gettin' My Martha Stewart on veg style

Hey ya'll,

So I've been slacking off on posting some of my fav vegan recipes.  The recipes I post are approved by vegans and non-vegan (my parents).  And 9 times out of 10 the recipes get rave reviews (my parents don't care what I marinate it in...they will never like tofu).

This one is one of my all time favorites.  Its Sicilian Greens.  Its a great recipe for me because left to my own devices I would only eat bean and grain dishes...thankfully this allows me to get in dark leafy greens.  As anyone knows dark leafy greens are an important part of any nutrition plan because they are packed with vitamins.  Also the taste of this dish is out of this world.  The raisins and the collard greens have such opposite flavors that it works perfectly.  And the pine nuts make the dish feel hardier than it is.  I've never been a fan of collard greens but this dish made me a convert.  I've been known to sit down and eat just this for a meal (I rarely have left overs).

So here it is...

(A picture of the Sicilian Greens made by your truly)

Sicilian Collard Greens with Pine Nuts and Raisins

1 bunch of collard greens (I shop at Whole Foods a lot and they have a great pre-washed greens container, sometimes I'll cook 1-2 of those containers at once...I'm a single girl I don't want to slave away in my kitchen haha)

2 Tablespoons of pine nuts (I toast mine)

3 cloves of garlic (I'm a garlic fiend so I've been known to use 6 cloves)

2 Tablespoons of olive oil

3 Tablespoons of raisins

2 Tablespoons of Organic Shoyu (you can find shoyu in the asian food section, or if you want a sweeter dish use balsamic vinegar)

Directions
Use a sharp knife to cut out the central rib and stem from each collard leaf. Rinse the leaves in a sink of cool water, lifting them into a colander to drain a bit (you want some water to remain on the leaves).


Toast the pine nuts over medium heat in a dry skillet for about 5 minutes or until golden. Shake the pan often to keep the pine nuts from burning. Transfer to a plate, and set aside.


Place the garlic and oil in a large skillet, and sauté over medium heat for 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant. Add the damp collards and stir, then cover the pan and cook for 2 minutes longer. Add the raisins and pine nuts, and stir. Cover and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, cover, and continue to cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer.


Note
The stems of the collard greens are full of minerals, so if you want to use them, chop them into 1" pieces and cook for a couple of minutes before adding the collard greens.


Its meals like this that make me love being vegan.  There are so many nutrients packed in this one delicious dish.  And the recipe yields 2-3 servings...but I really don't feel guilty chowing down on collard greens.  Its a great dish when you're in that noshing mood.

Hope you all enjoy making and eating this as much as I do.
XOXO,
MacKenzie Green

You Spin Me Right Round Baby Right Round

Yet another article about my pole dancing workouts...I will eventually post my comment about the workouts, but for now I'll let you guys enjoy the latest (haha).

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Miss D.C.'s New Talent: Pole-Dancing

Miss D.C. Tweeting About her Pole-Dancing Classes

By TENEILLE GIBSON

Updated 9:31 AM EDT, Wed, Jun 9, 2010

BUZZ UP!

retweet

If it’s starting to get too hot in the District, blame it on Miss D.C. 2010, otherwise known as MacKenzie Green.

The Washington Examiner reports that the D.C. native is taking up pole- and lap-dancing classes. And it's no secret -- Green has apparently beentweeting about her lessons:

I was interviewed en route to class lat night about my new pole dancing workouts lol... ppl peally do fear a confident and smart woman smh.

Oh, we’re not scared! But Yeas & Nays does point out how Miss USA 2010Rima Fakih received heat for her pole pictures that were released last month.

Green explained to the column that since she's a grown woman, pole lessons should not hurt her role model status. "I have promoted... respecting body," Green told Yeas & Nays. "I would rather be dancing in a room on a pole to myself than feeling desperate to have to do it for some man to get attention."

'Pole-ing' is not easy. Green joked in her tweet, "3 hours on deck @PoleFitnessMiam... someone have the icy/hot ready at the other end of class lol."
 

First Published: Jun 9, 2010 7:31 AM ED

Meet My Meat Free Mondays Open Letter

I know the post title wasn't one of my best but it will have to do (haha).

Early in my reign I was able to write an open letter in support of Meat Free Mondays in the District.  The DC City Council passed the initiative.  So I wanted to post the letter I submitted (that was presented by Amber McDonald).

Its great to see so much change happening in my city...particularly healthy changes.  Hopefully what we do here in DC has a ripple affect that can make for a healthier nation.  And with it being 4th of July the best way to honor America's birthday is to make sure we're at our healthiest and most vibrant...so we can enjoy many more :-)

XOXO,
MacKenzie

In the process of preparing for Miss DC USA I did a lot of exercise and tried to diet like a madman.

I saw fast results at first eating tiny morsels of food, but that didn't work out well for me. With a hypoactive thyroid and insulin resistance my body rebelled against my drastic measures.  In a mass revolt, unlike any seen since the America rose up against the British.

So there I was a month and a half out from the pageant, killing myself in the gym and in tears because I was hungry, irritable, and not seeing results. It was at a time when I hit a low point in fighting my body that I know I had to make a change...a lifestyle change.

I had toyed with the idea of becoming a vegan for quite some time. But I was convinced there was no way I could do it, and that I wouldn't have anything to eat. Thankfully like an answer from above, on a trip to the bookstore perusing the aisles I came across Alicia Silverstone's new book The Kind Diet

So I dove head first in to the vegan pool, intending to flirt with a truly healthy lifestyle...and that's saying a lot from a woman who loves cheese, bison steaks, and salmon. But honestly I'm glad I became a vegan, because now I‘m in love with my healthy life.

Even in the month out from the pageant I found myself feeling much better, not painfully bloated after I ate, not ready to rip off the head of the nearest person (my parents like that one), and I just felt all around better. Even though when I hit the Miss DC USA stage I wasn't where I wanted to be for the first time in a long time I felt comfortable and beautiful in my own skin.

I also made the change largely due to my uncle's cancer diagnosis. I have a grandmother in the early stages of dementia, my grandfather lost both legs to diabetes and eventually died of heart complications, and health issues run through my family. So with my decision to go vegan, aside from losing weight, I wanted to end the health issues with preventive issues now in the choices I make. I also felt that if I did become Miss DC USA I didn't want to be a hypocritical role model. I knew I couldn't stand in front of kids, talking to them about making healthy choices, and I myself was making destructive eating decisions that was throwing my already damaged metabolism out of whack. I would have felt awful telling them right from wrong when I could barely take care of myself.

I'm not a perfect vegan...but I'm still doing better than I thought and I'm loving every day as a vegan thus far.

I’m an advocate of Meat Free Mondays in the District because the personal journey I took.  In only a few meals of mindful eating, and truly feeding my body I got more in tune with myself and more thoughtful about what goes on my plate.

I think if others had the opportunity to spend a day making informed eating decisions, paying attention to the food choices they make, and eating nourishing almost guiltless meals.  The impact on the person and the planet in just one meat free day would be exponential.

I would be proud to see such an initiative happen in my hometown.  Washington DC is the city that the rest of the nation looks to as a catalyst for change and action.  To have such a health initiative happen in the city that I love the most would mean so much to me…it would further solidify why I’m a proud Washingtonian.

I spur others to support Meat Free Mondays, and I am a proud supporter of the initiative.

Love and Loyally,

MacKenzie Green

Miss District of Columbia USA 2010

Welcome to Miami!

I wanted to share with you all the NBC Miami article that was done about me.  I got to talk about school, breaking through the glass ceiling, and veganism...just to name a few topics we touched on :-)  I even threw up "the U" in public on a website that people saw (don't tell my friends of any University of Miami student athletes haha)!

...and if you want to go to the site, click here.

Hope you like it.

XOXO,

MacKenzie

Miami Senior Trying to Put the "U" in Miss USA

World peace? Sure, but there's one Miss USA hopeful who cares about Randy Shannon's contract extension.

By JANIE CAMPBELL

Updated 4:24 PM EDT, Sun, May 16, 2010

BUZZ UP!

23retweet

Technically, she's Miss District of Columbia USA and left the state of Florida to an Orlando Magic dancer.

But University of Miami student MacKenzie Green is still a 305'er these days, so we're totally claiming her as she competes in the Miss USA pageant tonight on -- oh, look at us! -- NBC.

The 21-year-old beauty has to be one of the most accomplished Hurricanes around. She's earned a double major in sports administration and broadcast journalism, all while holding down Miss DC USA and UM Alumni Ambassador duties, running UMTV,  working as the station's sports anchor, and a whole glut of volunteer work.

Kinda tops our beer pong title and "D means diploma" mantra.

Even in Las Vegas, it's all about The U for...

Donald Trump On Racy Miss USA Photos: "They're Artsy"

We caught up with Green between rehearsals in Las Vegas, and might just be the only media outlet willing to forego that whole world peace question to get a pageant contestant's thoughts on Randy Shannon. 

We're in Vegas, which isn't all that bad. How's the Miss USA experience been for you so far?
It's been pretty incredible. This is basically my second pageant ever; my first was when I won my state title. It's an incredible feeling to see and watch things that I used to watch as a little girl and dream about.

You're an aspiring sports reporter from The U. So even while busy at Miss USA, you've no doubt heard the news about Randy Shannon's contract extension. All in favor?
I'm for Coach Shannon coming back. I think he adds a level of discipline and maturity to the team that was kind of lacking for a little bit. With such a young team, you need a father figure, because so many of those players don't have a father figure or don't have a strong male around. He's somebody who can really encourage them and that I hope that they look up to, that they're willing to respect and keep moving forward.

There's a history of barrier-breaking in your family. Your father is one of the Little Rock Nine, and you're the first African-American and first woman to become station manager in UMTV's 29-year history. What barrier would you like to see go down next?
I'd like to see the glass ceiling finally break;. I want a woman in the White House! I love President Obama and I'm so proud, as a minority, to see another black person standing in that place.

But I'd love to see a woman there, in particular I'd love to see a black woman there one day. It's such a hard thing in America being a woman; when you look at the class system throughout American history it was men first, then women, then minority men, then minority women. To see a black woman, a Hispanic woman, an Asian woman -- just to see any woman up there -- would be amazing.

You're a strict vegan, so let's talk food. Miami's known for its cuisine, but it must be a bit harder for you. Do you have any secret spots?
I love, love, love, love, love, love Lifefood Gourmet. It is an amazing place. It's all raw vegan, and it's right off of Calle Ocho. I love the raw vegan pizza. You never feel bad when all you're eating is nuts, grains, avocado and diced tomatoes.

It's my primo go-to place.

Miami's obviously pretty different from D.C. What do you appreciate about it after having lived here four years?
Miami has the same feeling as D.C., it feels like a small big city. It's not L.A., where you feel like you're driving 80 miles to get anywhere, it's not New York where you feel like you're crammed with people and it's loud. It's clean, and it's nice, and it's got its own flavor. It's this multicultural mix where you feel like you're in a different universe that not everybody can come in to.

I just love the Latin rhythm and the flavor. You know, I'm all D.C., but I got a little of that Miami rhythm in me.

What was the hardest thing about juggling your double major, your senior year, and your duties as Miss D.C. USA?
A lot of my teachers didn't really seem to understand what I was doing and how big of a deal it is. It wasn't until recently that it hit one of my professors that 12.5 million people watch the show, that I hadn't left to become Miss Corn Cob County -- that I was actually leaving to compete in a really huge beauty pageant. The hardest thing was just getting everybody to respect that each job was important: being a student, being a pageant girl, being a reporter. Each deserves its own time and focus.

The Miss USA Pageant will get underway live from Las Vegas tonight at 7 on NBC. You can check out the rest of the contestants at MissUSA.com.

First Published: May 16, 2010 4:18 AM EDT