Bike your way to Bethesda on the Capital Crescent Trail. This 11-mile urban trail is a favorite among area walkers, joggers, and bikers.

With views of the Potomac River, the trail follows the path of an unused section of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. It’s paved from Georgetown to Bethesda, crushed stone on to Lyttonsville, and then on-road into Silver Spring. When you first head to the trail you might think its flat, but it actually has a slight, steady incline out of D.C. – so plan your route accordingly. Visitors note that the most crowded sections are near the Bethesda entrance, especially on the weekends.

The Capital Crescent Trail also connects with other D.C. area trails including the C & O Canal Towpath and the Rock Creek Trail.

Capital Crescent Trail
Washington, DC
(202) 234-4874
www.cctrail.org
www.yelp.com/biz/capital-crescent-trail-washington

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/jasonsager

The foods that you eat before your workout help to increase your energy level, but it’s the food that you eat afterward that’s really important. What you eat after exercising helps to repair muscle tissue and to replenish glycogen, which is an important aspect of building the lean, toned body that you strive for. Here are some of the best foods to refuel with after a workout.

1. Bananas. Bananas are high-glycemic carbohydrates, which provide you with an instant boost to replenish your energy quickly. Try slicing one up and eating it with peanut butter on top of a rice cake.
2. Greek yogurt with berries. Greek yogurt is packed with protein, which is very important in building muscle. Your muscles are depleted of their usual amino acids after lifting weights or performing an intense cardio workout, and this healthy snack helps to build them back up.
3. Tuna sandwich. The combination of healthy carbs and proteins is one of the very best things to eat after working out. Spread some tuna on whole wheat bread to refuel after that gym class.
4. Water. Replenishing your body’s fluids is just as important as replenishing its food supply. Be sure to drink plenty of water after working out to avoid becoming dehydrated.

6 Smart Snacks to Eat After Your Workout [Fitness Magazine]
What to Eat After You Work Out [Spark People]
Food as Fuel – Before, During and After Workouts [American Heart Association]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/josiahmackenzie

This small storefront place, located on a quaint residential street in Columbia Heights, has some of the tastiest, most authentic Mexican cuisine around. But be careful, it’s easy to miss so keep your eyes open. You’ll be glad that you did when you come inside to order. The menu is above the counter and easy to ready, but you’ll have a hard time deciding on the taco selection alone.

Whatever you get will be made with the freshest ingredients, to order. The seating is more pizzeria than Mexican restaurant, but you are there for the food! If the weather cooperates, get a table outside and people-watch as you enjoy your meal. Visit Taqueria Distrito Federal's website to find out more about this Washington restaurant.

Taqueria Distrito Federal
3463 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 276-7331
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taqueria-distrito-federal-washington

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Karen