Author Archives: Jennifer FIsher

Run, Workout, Eat, BCAA 2x Day, Repeat! + Med Ball WOD

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Jennifer Fisher Austin Runner - Zilker RelaysRunning comes naturally to me, it always has and I am so thankful for that. Being a runner is part of who I am (been running strong for 25 years), and God-willing, I’ll be competing at some level for many more decades. But I don’t just wake up and assume my body will perform like my ego thinks it should. I’ve eaten crow too many times for that. Staying where I want fitness-wise takes a holistic, whole-body approach which includes training smart along with eating and sleeping well. While real estate tycoons capitalize on location, location, location – we athletes make our gains on recovery, recovery, recovery!

Now, as hard as it is to admit, my gains look a little different. I’m no longer that runner in my late 20s who can train hard and play hard and still pull of a 2:50 marathon. Flash forward 20 years (and it was a flash), and I’ve slowed some . . . while that’s a hard pill to take some days, I remind myself that I perform at a higher level on an age-graded scale and, overall, I’m a stronger, more well-rounded athlete. I actually workout now– not just run!  I just have to pay more attention to rest and nutrition as part of my recovery strategy.  Today, I’m recovering from a run and this Med Ball Workout.

Medicine Ball Workout

Sleep is so important for recovery and a problem area in my life, but I’ll get to that later. Nutrition is the other main component, and thankfully I can more easily control how goes down with my workout recovery! I optimize my performance for the next day by eating a colorful, wholesome diet with plenty of muscle-making protein balanced with healthy complex carbs. After an intense effort, I have a 3:1 carb-to-protein ratio snack or shake within 30 minutes (typically a whey protein isolate in the form of a shake or bar), followed up by a good meal within a couple hours. Personally, for my size, I’m eating about 100 grams of protein a day to support my active lifestyle – that’s quite a bit, but not undoable if choosing lean proteins or super-clean protein powders.

Drinking Isopure Aminos right after my workout has been really helping with muscle recovery!

Isopure AminosStill, I sometimes have trouble with achy joints, dead legs or delayed onset muscle fatigue (damn you CrossFit). I’ve started taking a great new lean amino acid protein product immediately after I exercise (in addition to my protein snack)–  Isopure®  Aminos. If you think amino acids are for hard-core bodybuilders only, look at me and think again. This forward-thinking formula supports comprehensive body and mind benefits with BCAAs combined with Tart Cherry (to reduce inflammation and thusly next-day soreness) and L-Theanine for a relaxed, calm feeling. There are studies that suggest both tart cherry and LTheanine also help to promote better sleep – yay!

Research shows that the biggest surge of muscle-making growth hormone happens while we sleep, so it’s important to get enough quality snoozing time and have adequately eaten before bed. To fuel my body through the night, I always have a slow-digesting protein snack before bed such as Greek yogurt, almonds or a protein powder shake – if I don’t, I’ll wake up before 4 am hungry! Adding a BCAA product like Isopure®  Aminos can also help with the night-time muscle recovery and building process – plus, the Tart Cherry brings on the elusive Zzzzz’s!

Isopure AminosSo, are you wondering — how do you use this stuff? Just put a full scoop of Isopure®  Aminos into 10 – 12 ounces of water – I appreciate that it dissolved really easily into my water bottle, no shaker or blender required. Isopure Aminos also tastes really good and refreshing after a sweaty workout or run and comes in yummy flavors including Cranberry Grape, Alpine Punch and Cherry Lime.

With only 10 calories per serving, there’s no worry about busting your daily allotment – it’s just a great booster to pair up with a whey protein isolate or other protein-rich food.

Isopure AminosCome back on September 29th – I’m sharing a yummy bedtime snack using Isopure Aminos. Meanwhile, check out ISOPURE to get more info on how it can help you bring your strongest fight to a workout every time!

Run, WOD, Eat, Drink @IsopureCompany, Sleep, Repeat! #BehindTheMuscle #Ispoure #Ad

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Do you take any post-workout supplements? How many hours of sleep are you logging per night? Please share in the comments below — XOXO, Jennifer

This post sponsored by ISOPURE. All opinions and experiences are my own.

Rock a Lunchbox |Caramel Banana Protein Cereal Bars

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Even though I try to eat with my health in mind, I don’t always say “no” to sweets – but I do try to clean them up a bit. For example, instead of a bowl full of cold, creamy ice cream topped with crumbled cookies, I eat plain Greek yogurt that I’ve sweetened with stevia and topped with a crunch protein-based chocolate cereal (Power Os from Love Grown Foods). I also top that with mini-chocolate chips, it’s my go-to bedtime snack – it’s still sweet, but more balanced with protein to boost my workout recovery and make muscles while I sleep!

Caramel Banana Protein Cereal Bars make a healthier lunch box treat.

I also like to implement my “protein-hacks” in my kid’s lunchbox desserts as well. A study has shown that children ages two to 18 years old get 40 percent of their daily calories from junk foods like sugary sodas and fruit drinks, cookies, donut, candy, fried foods and more – that’s unconscionable. Kids of all ages want sweets, I get it – believe me I GET IT! I would try and trade the raisins my health-nut mom would pack in my lunch for a friend’s Hostess Cupcake – she never would trade, but started bringing me an extra cupcake on the sly.

So, as a parent myself now for more than 18 years, I’ve allowed my kids to eat sweets so that they don’t feel deprived but talked about limits and the effects of eating too much “less than quality food” – but that a small amount also be fine occasionally in the context of an overall healthy lifestyle. I also like to make our cookies and cakes at home, so I know exactly what is going into the recipe and into our bodies – choosing more nutritious alternatives when possible. Like heart healthy fats, sugar swaps, no chemicals or preservatives, organic when possible – you get the drift.

Caramel Banana Mighty Cereal Bars made with Love Grown Mighty Flakes make a healthier lunch box treat.

Caramel Banana Cereal Bar Today I’m sharing a healthier version of classic crispy yet chewy cereal bars. They are perfect for lunch boxes, backpacks, after school snacks, picnics, and pot lucks and bake sales! I used less butter and marshmallows than the traditional “crispie” recipe and supplemented with a reduced-sugar caramel and dried fruit for sweetness. For long-lasting energy, I threw in some nuts and a bean-based cereal for extra protein. Enjoy!
Caramel Banana Cereal Bars using Reduced Fat Caramel from Litehouse Foods makes a healthier lunch box treat.

Rock the Lunchbox –>Banana Caramel Protein Cereal Bars @Lovegrownfoods @Litehousefoods

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What was your favorite treat to find inside your lunchbox as a kid . . . or today? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer

Caramel Banana Cereal Bar
Print
Caramel Banana Protein Cereal Bars
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 18 servings
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup banana chips or freeze-dried bananas
  • 3 ounces raw walnuts
  • 4 cups unsweetened, protein-fortified flake or “Os” cereal I used Love Grown Food's Mighty Flakes
  • 4 cups unsweetened Chex type cereal
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 6 ounces mini marshmallows
  • 2/3 cup low fat caramal dip I used Litehouse Foods brand
Instructions
  1. Add banana chips and walnuts to medium bowl and lightly break up into coarse chunks with mallet or back of spoon.
  2. Add cereals to bowl with banana walnut mixture; toss to combine. Set aside. In large microwave-safe bowl, add marshmallows, caramel dip and butter. Microwave on 50% power for one minute, stir until creamy. Return to microwave and cook at 50% power for additional 1 minute; stir until creamy. If marshmallows aren’t completely incorporated, continue and stir in 20 second blasts.
  3. Add dry cereal mixture to caramel mixture and stir with spatula until everything well coated.
  4. Line 8” x 8” baking pan with wax paper or spray with oil.
  5. Press mixture down firmly into pan. Let cool for 5 minutes and then cut into 9 bars, or size of your preference.

Fall Veggie Chick’n Curry in a Hurry! #OMGardein

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We are getting a cold front this weekend – the temps will only be reaching 89 F degrees with lows dipping into the 60s! That’s hardly sweater season, but I’ll take – especially after enduring a summer of running in an inferno. I can also tell that fall is on its way, the days are getting shorter and there’s that beautiful amber glint in the sky starting mid-afternoons. This gets me in the mood for a warm and nourishing plate of goodness (using Gardein products), something other than the no-cook entrée salads I’ve been eating for months.

Fall Veggie Curry with Gardein Chick'n Strips

Fresh fall produce, like sweet potatoes and cauliflower, come together beautifully in my Fall Vegetable Chick’n Curry. It’s a pot of soul-satisfying, exotically spiced food that will fuel any active lifestyle – just enough healthy carbs for quick energy and plenty of plant-based protein for muscle management thanks to Gardein Teriyaki Chick’n Strips. Whole grains, legumes and well-seasoned veggies round out the easy meal to add fiber and other essential nutrients, not to mention add tons of flavor and texture.

Ingredients for Fall Veggie curry

If you’re not familiar with the Gardein (garden + protein, get it?!) you need to be! It’s no secret I’m a meat-eater — I’m a grilling instructor, certified BBQ judge and elite running team member sponsored by BEEF. That being said, I’m all for variety in a healthy diet (I eat it all) and the products from Gardein are versatile, convenient and tasty way to get adequate protein when I’m preparing a vegetarian or Meatless Monday meal – which I eat at least once a week.

Fall Veggie Curry with Gardein Chick'n

Gardein makes over 20 plant-based protein products including these favorites — Gardein BBQ porkless pocket meal, Gardein The Ultimate Beefless Ground, Gardein Golden Fishless Filets, Gardein Seven Grain Crispy Tenders and Gardein Teriyaki Chick’n Strips (used in my recipe today). Found in the frozen foods  aisle of your market,  Gardein products cook from frozen making them an ideal meal starter for those crazy, busy nights when you can’t get something going all the way from scratch or are too worn out to figure out if your vegetarian or vegan meal is packing enough protein. Gardein’s award winning products are made from non-GMO soy and wheat, ancient grains and veggies and offer a similar taste and texture to traditional meat with a bit fewer calories, cholesterol and fat.

Fall Veggie Chick’n Curry Recipe

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 package Teryaki Chick’n Strips from Gardein
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/3″ cubes
  • 1/2 yellow onion coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup halved Brussels sprouts
  • 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-oz can fire-roasted tomatoes with juice
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup cashews
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • Serve with prepared rice.
  1. Heat oil 1 tablespoon of oil and cook Chick’n Strips according to package instructions, but don’t add sauce packet yet.  Remove cooked strips from skillet.
  2. Add remaining olive oil to same skilled and brown sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add onions and saute for another 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Add broth, sauce packet (that came with  Chick’n Strips), chickpeas, tomatoes and spices to skillet and let simmer for approximately 10 minutes, until everything warmed and juices reduced a bit.
  4. Add cooked Chick’n back to mixture, stir. Serve over warm rice and sprinkle with cashews and cilantro.
  5. Serves 4.

For additional information, easy dinner solutions, and chef inspired recipes, visit Gardien – you can also get a $1 off coupon until October 9th, 2015.

Fall Veggie Chick’n Curry in a Hurry! @Gardein #OMGardein #Meet Chef #ad https://ooh.li/3ef5a8a

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If you’re NOT a vegan or vegetarian, how many times a week do you go meatless? What is your favorite dish? Please share in the comments below — XOXO, Jennifer 

Health Buzz and Another Reason to Shop Target

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First of all, many planks, thanks and healthy well wishes to my friends checking out Zarbee’s Naturals this week!

Zarbee's Naturals is an easy way to add vitamins to your healthy lifestyle.

Have you ever been caught up in the buzz around a new healthy product you’ve seen on social media? Probably so, considering you’re reading a blog right now and a recent Deloitte study reports that at least 33 percent of us are influenced by the products we see promoted in our social media channels like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, blogs and others. It’s a good thing and how we all can stay happy, healthy and helping our “hives” — meaning our families and larger communities. For me personally, I trust the opinions of friends I’ve developed via these channels – many are experts in their fields and I rely on them to sniff out the latest and greatest products for optimal health!

However, one of my pet peeves is not being able to easily purchase the product – either it’s an online orders only company (I hate to wait), sold in hard-to-find or overly exclusive stores (I need convenience) or is some sort of distributer or subscription situation. However, Zarbee’s Naturals, that effective and amazingly tasty product line of delicious vitamin drink mixes l blogged about last month, is super easy to find —- it’s at Target!

Zarbee's Naturals Vitamins Mix

Zarbees Naturals at TargetWhoohooo, just when I thought I couldn’t love Target more, they keep upping their awesomeness by stocking some of my favorite things (like Zarbee’s Naturals) in their “Made to Matter – Handpicked by Target” program. It is just SO EASY to run down to my neighborhood target to pick up a few boxes of the chemical-free, safe and natural wellness solutions offered by Zarbee’s Naturals  — look for all six varieties on the Immunity Aisle.

 

Zarbees at Target

In addition to convenience, I appreciate the fact that I know Target is selling me Zarbee’s Naturals at a fair price that won’t bust my budget!  Perhaps, I’ll even have enough left to go treat myself to a new cute workout top or maybe this awesome bike. Or, #allthestarwarsthings

jennifer target bike arbees

Zarbee's Naturals vitamin mix is made with safe, natural and wholesome ingredients.

Amen to these sentiments that Zarbee’s Naturals shares – “In a community, the happier and healthier one person becomes individually, the happier and healthier everyone becomes collectively”.  I believe this is truth for your own personal hive of family members as well as your larger social media family. It’s always the perfect season for being happy and healthy and connecting with friends – so take care of yourself (and your community) with Zarbee’s Naturals.

 Reason to love @Target even more, they sell @Zarbees Vitamin drink mix #MadeToMatter #DrinkForYourself #Ad

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So, are you a Target fan?!  Do you drink you vitamins? Any races or competitions coming up? Please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer 

This post was sponsored by Zarbee’s Naturals via Sverve. However, all editorial content reflects my own honest opinion about the products.

How To Fight Off Fall Allergies with Yoga & More

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How to Fight off Fall Season AllergiesIf you like to run, workout and enjoy the outdoors, or even just want to relax inside without itchy eyes and incessant sneezing, seasonal fall allergies can be a more-than-pesky problem. Fall is the worst season for allergies sufferers; there are more allergy triggers than any other time of the year. Typically, weed pollens (like the 17 varieties of ragweed) and mold spores peak in the autumn months as do other irritants like dust mites. Ewww.

Don’t let fall allergies kick you in the butt without fighting back. Allergy relief comes in many forms, and usually a multi-faceted approach is what works best. There are many over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines that can help reduce symptoms (I head to MinuteClinic inside CVS Pharmacy to take care of this). Some even say that eating locally-sourced honey and natural remedies can help you build up your defenses.

How to Fight Fall Allergies so You can Run

Don’t let seasonal fall allergies keep you off the running trails.

Practical tips can help reduce allergies, as well. For example, don’t leave windows open during the day and avoid the use of a window fan – both will fast track unwanted pollens and mold spores into your home.  Remember to clean and change air filters every three months to reduce the amount of dirt, debris, and allergens you come into contact with daily. Shake out bedding and wash it often and don’t go to sleep after being outdoors without washing your hair (allergens get trapped in there).

Practicing yoga can also be a good way to help alleviate allergies and boost your overall immune system. Plus, spending even just 10 or 15 minutes a day practicing yoga can reduce overall stress and create a calming effect which, in turn, makes it easier to deal with seasonal fall allergies. Today, I’m sharing Four Yoga Poses to Alleviate Fall Allergies to help you start feeling less clobbered and optimize your overall health. Remember, yoga isn’t a cure-all, although it can aid in your overall allergy-fighting plan. Please seek medical attention for serious allergy symptoms, if you have a fever or think you could have the flu.

Four Yoga Poses to Alleviate Fall Allergies

Downward Facing Dog along with other more advanced inversions can help to release drained mucus trapped in nasal passages. However, experts suggest remaining upside down no longer than one minute.

Plow Pose helps to relieve the pressure of allergies by relaxing and opening up muscles at the base of the neck.

Bridge Pose helps to open the chest and lungs and improve breathing. Backbends and leaning backward over a large exercise ball are other alternatives.

Mindful Breathing helps to increase lung capacity, expel toxins and alleviate allergy-related congestion. Attention to deep, relaxed breathing also helps to relieve stress and create an overall calming effect.

minute clinicIf you’re going to include over-the-counter or prescription medications in your allergy-fighting arsenal, MinuteClinic is a convenient solution to get you feeling better quickly. This walk-in clinic located inside CVS Pharmacies has nurse practitioners and physician assistants who can give you a good look over and recommend the right over-the-counter medications and write prescriptions when medically appropriate.

Keep your family’s health in check with #healthfinder! Join @MinuteClinic & @healthfinder Wed. 9/9 at 1 PM EST & learn more! #findhealth

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RSVP here.

Do you have any allergy-fighting tips? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer

This post is sponsored by MinuteClinic, however all opinions and yoga suggestions are my own.