No-Bake Beet Protein Cheesecakes with Sugar-Free Chocolate

This easy, no-bake dessert delivers pretty-in-pink style and lots of smiles because it’s so delicious – and No-Bake Beet Protein Cheesecakes are still nutritious featuring lots of protein (39g) and the benefits of beetroot powder.

No added sugar in this beet cheesecake recipe and, depending on the type of sugar-free cookies used for the “crust,” it can also be gluten-free.  

First, let’s jump into the benefits of beetroot powder. The vibrantly-hued supplement contains micronutrients and phytonutrients that studies show may benefit heart, gut, and brain health. Specific benefits link to beet root power include lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and increased stamina in athletic performance.

Ding, ding, ding – did that athlete part get your attention?  I’m always looking for a way to naturally optimize my athletic performance.  I learned that upon eating or drinking beets or beetroot powder, your saliva converts the nitric oxide is activated, which relaxes and expands blood vessels. In turn, this increases blood flow and allows more oxygen to be delivered to your muscles to help get the job done – and it could help you perform better for longer. Increased blood flow also helps you recover faster!

Of course, you can get the benefits from fresh beets, too – but that’s not often convenient (or you may not care for the earthy taste). Plenty of pills and tonics available that capitalize on beet benefits, but I personally just prefer to do a scoop of beetroot powder in water, a smoothie or even my oatmeal about an hour or two before I hit the ground running. I use Force Factor’s Total Beets Organic Powder. It provides all the functional superfood benefits of fresh beets, but much more conveniently — and it has a very lightly sweet taste with no added sugar, or anything artificial.

TIPS FOR MAKING NO-BAKE BEET PROTEIN CHEESECAKES

Beetroot Powder: I recommend Force Factor Total Beets Organic Beet Root powder – no added sugar, nothing artificial or yucky, and a good price point. My main suggestion if you are using another powder is just to read the label to avoid added sugar or flavorings. I just love the pink hue, you can get so creative with beetroot powder recipes!

Protein Powder: Use the vanilla protein powder of your choice, that you like and fits your dietary eating patterns. I like the plant-based Clean Lean Protein from Nuzest. Save 15% with code FITFORK.

Cottage Cheese Type & Blending: Using 2% cottage cheese helps keep the fat down a bit. But, if you like a richer taste, this no-bake cheesecake is made very luxurious with full-fat cottage cheese. To get the smooth taste of a cheesecake, the cottage cheese must be blended. For the 1 ¾ cups that this recipe calls for, I use a personal-sized blender. Scoop out the cottage cheese into the blender, including any liquids (eg: the whey) –don’t drain it off, you need that bit of liquid to encourage a smooth consistency. Be patient blending, it will seem very thick and require several iterations of stopping to scrape sides with a spatula.

Containers: I prefer 8-ounce glass canning jars, because the lids make it easy to store for later. However, small bowls will work too, but if the opening is too wide – there may not be enough chocolate topping to cover the area.

Cookie Crust: I use the term “crust” loosely, as cookies are just crumbled and piled in the bottom of the jar. This keeps the recipe no-bake. It’s a simple, no-bake crust but just NOT a crust that will slice up and serve in cheesecake slices without falling apart.  Use the cookies of your liking – I used the wafers from sugar-free chocolate sandwich cookies.

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These No-Bake Beet Protein Cheesecakes are not only pretty in pink and very delicious, but also include the functional benefits of eating beets and lots of protein thanks to blended cottage cheese and protein powder! A healthy dessert or post workout snack.
No-Bake Beet Protein Cheesecakes
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 

This quick and easy dessert offers lots of muscle-making protein and the functional benefits of beets. No added sugar and can be made gluten-free, depending on the type of cookie chosen for the crust. Balanced enough to eat for breakfast or a post-workout snack!

Course: Dessert, Snack
Keyword: beet, beet powder, cheesecake, cottage cheese, protein powder
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 354 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 ounce sugar-free cookies, crushed any flavor – chocolate, graham, vanilla wafer, etc
  • 1 ¾ cup 2% cottage cheese, blended smooth
  • 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder of choice type of protein source your choice
  • 2 tablespoons beetroot powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar-free dark chocolate chips
  • ½ teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
  1. Crush up cookies and divide among the bottom of two 8-oz jars or bowls. Set aside.
  2. Blend cottage cheese until smooth, mix in protein powder and beet root powder.
  3. Divide cheesecake mixture evenly between cookie crust in jars.
  4. In small bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in microwave for 20-25 seconds. Remove to stir. If not totally melted yet, microwave for 10 more seconds until stirs up glossy and smooth.
  5. Immediately pour chocolate topping over cheesecake mixture, spreading gently around with spoon to cover, if needed.
  6. Set in fridge for 10 minutes for chocolate to set up and become hard.
Recipe Notes

354 calories, 24g carb (11g dietary fiber), 13g fat, 39g protein

Five Fruit and Quinoa Salads to Put on Repeat

We were all so quinoa crazy a few years about and I’m bringing back the love! Check out these beautiful, nutritious and amazingly nutritious fruit and quinoa salads. Most have enough protein to make a balanced and satisfying meal, but you can also add your favorite protein — like shrimp, salmon, or beef – to the toss!

A collection of quinoa salads featuring fruit that will add beauty and nutrition to your plate!

Actually, I’ve never given up my love for this ancient grain (which is actually a seed) that boosts your diet with  nutrients like B-vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, vitamin E, and fiber. Additionally, quinoa is also one of only a few plant foods considered a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.

Transform plain quinoa into something to celebrate for the holiday season! Pomegranate, orange segments and pistachios bejewel this quick, easy and nourishing vegetarian salad that is equally beautiful for a dinner party or quick lunch!

Pomegranate Orange Quinoa Salad: This festive quinoa salad featuring pomegranate and orange is lovely for seasonal celebrations but can be made year-round for weeknight dinners thanks to those little tubs of pomegranate arils. The simple creamy dressing has a vinaigrette vibe but with Greek yogurt and date syrup for even more flavor.

Hydrate and invigorate with this juicy fresh salad featuring watermelon, raspberries and quinoa! The zingy ginger mint dressing is amazing. It’s a stunningly colorful side dish or add shrimp or salmon for a main dish.

Watermelon Raspberry Quinoa Salad with Ginger Mint Dressing: This fully-loaded watermelon quinoa salad is made hearty enough for a full meal with quinoa, sunflower seeds, feta cheese, loads of greens, juicy watermelon and raspberries. The Ginger Mint Dressing is so aromatic and invigorating, and easy to make in a personal blender.

Clementine Quinoa Kale Salad with Minty Poppy seed Dressing

Clementine Quinoa Kale Salad with Minty Poppy Seed Dressing: Clementines or any other type of “easy-peeler” tangerines (like Halos, Cuties, etc.) are fun to eat – even in a fruit quinoa salad! Get your boost of vitamin C (from the citrus + kale) in this fiber-loaded salad.

Maple Pecan Raisin Malasses Crusted Steak and Butternut Squash Quinoa

Maple, Pecan, Raisin Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad:  While this quinoa salad might be screaming fall, it’s a taste sensation to make year-round. If you can’t source butternut squash, you can usually find a bag of cubed quash in the freezer aisle. If you’re not a fan of raisins (but trust me, that add so much YUM to this recipe), they can be left out.

Super Clean Strawberry Apple Spinach Salad is perfect for your next party, picnic or potluck . .it's also great for meal-prepping for healthy lunches. Walnuts and spinach add extra texture, heart-healthy fats and protein.

Super Clean Strawberry Spinach Quinoa Salad with Zingy Vinaigrette: This strawberry quinoa salad is crave-worthy with baby spinach tossed into nutty quinoa and walnuts. It’s all balanced with a subtle sweet-tart flavor thanks to juicy berries and crispy Granny Smith apples and zingy vinaigrette

Super Clean Strawberry Apple Spinach Salad is perfect for your next party, picnic or potluck . .it's also great for meal-prepping for healthy lunches. Walnuts and spinach add extra texture, heart-healthy fats and protein.

I Used CBD Every Day to Improve Workout Recovery and Here’s What Happened

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably had some level of curiosity about how CBD helps running and workout recovery. I personally grappled with “should I” or “shouldn’t I” take CBD for quite some time Of course, I had heard of CBD, people had been knocking on my metaphorical door for quite some time. Truthfully, it sounded like the latest, greatest alleged “cure all,” so, of course, I was skeptical and had my concerns.

I used a variety of CBD products, from CBD gummies, CBD balm, and CBD oil capsules to help improve my overall wellness and recovery as an athlete over 50 years old. I found that I was recovering better, sleeping better, experiencing less inflammation, was able to eliminate use of potentially harmful NAISDs pain relievers, and even have less pre-race anxiety.

Eventually, I decided to try CBD for myself after taking the time to look at the research, to understand more in depth what CBD could do for me (and what it wouldn’t do to me), and how this all would benefit my lifelong fitness journey as an athlete over 50.

I used a variety of CBD products, from CBD gummies, CBD balm, and CBD oil capsules to help improve my overall wellness and recovery as an athlete over 50 years old. I found that I was recovering better, sleeping better, experiencing less inflammation, was able to eliminate use of potentially harmful NAISDs pain relievers, and even have less pre-race anxiety.

But First, Is CBD Safe?

I was compelled to learn more about CBD for runners an athletes– was it safe to incorporate into my endurance routine and would there be unwanted outcomes?  I mean, although CBD is naturally occurring chemical plant compound with potential therapeutic effects, one of my main concerns was I going to feel weird, high or not in control of my body and thoughts – and would I fail a drug test?! I’m super conservative and mindful about what I put into my body, so I did my due diligence. I learned that CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the well-known cannabinoid that provides psychoactive effects, have NOTHING to do with each other except that they hail from the same plant. So, NO feeling high with CBD – whether that’s a good or bad thing for you, ha-ha!   Plus, it is important that you use a high-quality, trusted brand, – I’m using Venga CBD made specifically for endurance athletes.

Pre-CBD Self-Assessment: Before starting my CBD regimen, I was experiencing some pretty common issues among athletes, especially us older ones. Things like muscle and joint soreness from trying to keep up with daily training plus a little arthritis pain here and there. Poor sleep, chalked up to slow workout recovery, the joys of menopause and busy mid-life responsibilities, and a brain that doesn’t want to fire down at night. A little pre-race and general life anxiety. Nothing too serious, and I hate to complain as someone who is healthy and fit and blessed in a million ways. But yet these body and mind stresses were nagging enough that it was making it harder and harder for me to stay in the game as a competitive athlete.

I used a variety of CBD products, from CBD gummies, CBD balm, and CBD oil capsules to help improve my overall wellness and recovery as an athlete over 50 years old. I found that I was recovering better, sleeping better, experiencing less inflammation, was able to eliminate use of potentially harmful NAISDs pain relievers, and even have less pre-race anxiety.

 My CBD Routine: I started using various products in the Venga CBD portfolio (see below). I chose this brand for many reasons, including their wealth of online resources explaining how CBD can help improve performance. When I say, “improve performance,” please understand that CBD is not a performance enhancer in the moment, but rather it benefits other areas of your life as an athlete such as recovery, pain management, sleep, anxiety, and more. Venga also is designed specifically for the athlete lifestyle and also uses a proprietary method in drastically improve (up to 5x more) the bioavailability of CBD in the body as compared to other brands.

  • Ultra Gels (boosted with curcumin): I take 1 or 2 of these cbd oil capsules based on my training load and perceived load. 
  • Aid Station Gummies: These are the best CBD gummies and are easy to take along during training or a race for an energy boost — and they taste great too.
  • Super Sleep (with Melatonin and CBN): Good sleep is where we recover and make gains and I use these, not every night, but on an as-needed basis.
  • Recovery Balm: This CBD balm for athletes smells great and helps my aching hands, fussy hips and sometimes knees. I apply it before and after workouts, as needed.
I used a variety of CBD products, from CBD gummies, CBD balm, and CBD oil capsules to help improve my overall wellness and recovery as an athlete over 50 years old. I found that I was recovering better, sleeping better, experiencing less inflammation, was able to eliminate use of potentially harmful NAISDs pain relievers, and even have less pre-race anxiety.

Post-CBD Self-Assessment:  After taking my CBD regime for 60 days, I was feeling pretty great. I needed to increase my running mileage training for an upcoming event, and I was able to do that easier on this CBD routine that I was able to in the last 5+ years.  

As I said earlier, when it comes to CBD for athletic performance, you CAN’T look at as a performance enhancer (per se) that you pop and it makes you run faster or lift heavier in the moment. It’s NOT that. But CBD can help you recover better and quicker, so you can train harder and longer – and that’s where the gains are! I’ve also noticed, that I’m sleeping a better without anxiety. Funny thing is that I’d consider myself an easy-going person, but at night is where my anxiety that has piled up through the day comes flooding out! Now my brain feels calmer and more relaxed until I drift off. 

I’m so happy that I started taking CBD in my 50s, not just because I’m still out there pursing my passions full speed ahead – but because it has helped me mostly eliminate use of NSAIDS (like Ibuprofen(Advil), Naproxen (Aleve), Aspirin) which studies have shown carry risk of cardiovascular issues, kidney damage, high blood pressure and even may slow muscle and tissue repair.

Final Thoughts: As an older endurance enthusiast, I would give the thumbs up to incorporating a CBD for athletes in your training. I encourage you to do your own research and make an educated decision. You will want to use a brand that is trust-worthy, effective in terms of bioavailability, and free of all TCH.  As mentioned, I use Venga CBD – and if you should so choose to try it out, feel free to use my discount code JENNIFER20 to save 20%

Save 20% on Venga CBD for Athletes with code JENNIFER20  VengaEndurance.com

Disclaimer: These are my personal opinions and experiences. You should always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD or any other supplement into your regimen.

No-Bake Jam Oat Cups – Lower Carb Snack Idea

No-Bake Jam Oat Cups are a smart way to satisfy your sweet tooth! Customizable to your mood of the moment, by using any flavor sugar-free jam, jelly, preserves or even smashed fresh fruit like berries or banana.

We all have those times when we need something sweet, and these jam-filled oat cups are easy-to-make, require no baking — it’s really just a few simple steps.

Go ahead ad cave to the craving for something without guilt. Just a little natural sugar from banana, and the rest of this no-bake dessert recipe is put together with smart swaps.

Here are some of the better-for-me ingredients I like to use in this healthy snack recipes and lower carb treats:

.Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate Chips (if you need dairy-free, make that swap, too!) https://amzn.to/48kozhq

Sugar-Free Jam (or you can even just use mashed fresh berries)

Eat Garnish Oat & Seed Butter is a great seed-allergy option, but ANY nut or seed butter will work. Use code FITFORK975 to save 10%.

Plant-Based Protein Powder in the crust mixture gives these treats a little more oomph. Clean Lean Protein from Nuzest is my go-to. Save 15% with code FITFORK.

TIPS TO MAKE OAT JAM CUPS

Banana Guidance: “Half of a medium banana” called for in this recipe can be subjective, but it’s about 60g of banana without peel. Or, if you’re eyeballing it, about 3 1/2 to 4-inches in length. However, if you think the mixture looks too sticky (like you used too much banana), just add a few more oats to the mixture, you really can’t mess this up.

Filling Ideas: Sugar-free jam with chia seeds mixed in is what my recipe calls for, but you can test around with other fillings — like smashed banana, smashed berries, tangerine slices, a dollop of nut or seed butter — really whatever floats your boat.

What to Make In: I really recommend silicone muffin cups, this makes them easy to pop out when frozen. Also, bonus, they are reusable. I wouldn’t use paper liners, they get soggy and/or stuck to the treat. You can skip liners all together and freeze in the actual muffin tins, just let soften for a few minutes on counter before trying to remove.

Freezing Step: Don’t skip it! These oat jam cuts need to set up in the freezer for about 30 minutes, otherwise it will just be a big sticky mess. Afterward you can store in the fridge OR freezer, depending on your preference on how to heat them (softer vs harder).

Note: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission for any sales generated through the link. This helps me offset overhead for The Fit Fork, thank you!

5 from 5 votes
No-Bake Jam Oat Cups – Lower Sugar and Gluten-Free
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

Enjoy a sweet treat with none of the guilt – or baking! For the filling, use the sugar-free jam of your choice or even smashed fruit!

Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 180 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1/2 medium banana, sliced about 60g, after peeling
  • 30 g vanilla protein powder or can substitute a flour
  • ¼ cup nut butter
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • ¼ cup sugar free jam
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/3 cup sugar-free chocolate chips
  • 1 ½ tbs coconut oil
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, mash together banana, protein powder and rolled oats Press into 6 cavities of a regular sized muffin pan lined with silicone liners. Pushing oat mixture up the sides a bit to form an indention for the jam.
  2. Stir together the jam and chia seeds. Place a skosh under 1 tablespoon of jam mixture into indention of oat cup.
  3. Melt chocolate and coconut oil in 30 sec increments in the microwave, stirring between until all chocolate is melted. Pour on the cups, dividing equally. Freeze 25 minutes to set.
  4. Enjoy your treats! Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes

Nutrition per serving: 180 calories, 12g fat, 11g carb (2g fiber, 2g sugar), 7g protein

Pretty in Pink Breakfast Club – Protein-Packed Recipes to Fuel Mornings

As you can see, I’m feeling rosy and all about PINK breakfast today — I must be in the mood for Valentine’s Day! Check out these 10 protein-packed breakfast recipes, you’ll fall in love with the pink food, great nutrition and amazing taste!

Raspberry Beet Overnight Oats

Raspberry Beet Overnight Oats help you lessen stress on busy mornings. Whip up this pretty in pink recipe loaded with nutritious ingredients before you go to bed and wake up to an amazing breakfast. 287 cal, 40g carb (9g fiber), 9g fat, 13g protein

Raspberry Protein Pancakes with Cheesecake Topping makes a tasty breakfast that feels indulgent, but is actually “no worries” at just 243 calories and 19g protein per serving* Lower carb and gluten-free too.

Raspberry Protein Pancakes with Cheesecake Topping make a tasty breakfast that feels indulgent, but is actually “no worries” at just 243 calories and 19g protein per serving* Lower carb and gluten-free too. Super cute in a mini waffle maker!

Raspberry Cheesecake Protein Spread comes together with just a few simple ingredients and can be kept in the fridge for the week, to spread on toast, bagels or dollop into your oatmeal. Each 2 tablespoon serving has 84 calories and 8g protein.

A pretty in pink dessert that is low carb and packed with protein – and it tastes fabulous too! Recipe is super versatile to accommodate the protein powder of your choice, flavor profile, and a variety of sprinkles on top – You do You! 125 cal each, 8g protein, 5g net carb and 6g fat! A no guilt treat for your gal-pal gathering – or an anytime protein snack.

Sugar-free Strawberry Protein Cupcakes (aka “breakfast cakelettes”) seem like dessert but are balanced enough for a sweet breakfast mosh.  Make in muffin cups or a silicone flower mold. Each serving has125 calories, 8g protein, 6g fat and 5g net carb.  

You don't need a bumper crop of fresh berries to enjoy these easy strawberry cottage cheese protein waffles that are also pumped up with cottage cheese and protein powder. Idea for protein-packed mornings and meal-prep!

Strawberry Cottage Cheese Protein Waffles are a quick and easy breakfast that featuring my  basic cottage cheese protein waffle recipe, but made “berry” extra with  strawberry protein powder and freeze-dried strawberry slices ground up together and blended in the batter. Each generous-sized serving (3 waffles) has 213 calories, 5g fat, 21g protein and 20g carb

Strawberry Protein “Puppy Chow” is a human treat featuring strawberry protein powder and crushed dehydrated strawberries (plus some other good things) combined with everyone’s favorite gluten-free rice cereal. A fun snack and breakfast on the go. Each serving: 152 calories per serving with 5g protein, 15g net carb.

Strawberry Cheesecake Quinoa-Oat Breakfast Bake

Strawberry Cheesecake Quinoa-Oat Bake, it’s healthy, hearty and makes enough for a crowd – or to freeze for meal prep. Prepared with the dynamic duo of of steel cut oats and quinoa, this easy breakfast recipe provides lots of whole grains to fuel the day. Each serving has less than 200 calories, 8 grams of protein and just 7 grams of fat. 

Protein Pink Drink is my take a popular coffee-house drink. The “pink” comes from tea – try hibiscus tea or pomegranate tea. Just 60 calories per serving and only 1.4 net carb – but 7g protein to help you meet your goals.

Watermelon Beet Smoothie for Workout Recovery

Watermelon Raspberry Beet Post-Workout Smoothie is really smart and refreshing way refuel your morning workout.  Per serving: 283 calories, 6g fat, 40g carb, and 17g protein

Hot Spiced Watermelon Lemonade with collagen

Hot Spiced Watermelon Lemonade with Collagen:  In cooler weather, I can be chilled to the bone – especially once I stop running. This hot drink is a watermelon workout recovery treat that warms me up, provides all the benefits of watermelon but also with some collagen for joint and muscle management (and protein boost), plus turmeric for anti-inflammatory relief.

Put pink power into your breakfast or post-workout refuel with these amazing delicious, nutritious and easy protein recipes that feature "pink" ingredients like strawberries, raspberries watermelon , hibiscus-- even beets!
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Also, to keep you in a PINK mood, learn How the Color Pink Impacts Your Workout and Fitness Mood.