Procrastinator’s Guide to an A+ Graduation Party — Fast & Cheap

Posted on April 13, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

What a school year it has been! Whether college, high school or even just kindergarten, celebrate your special 2021 graduate with a hearty congratulations, keepsake mementoes and a really fun graduation party – whether virtual or in-person!

Don’t let the fact that graduation 2021 is sneaking up on us limit your party planning. Check out my Procrastinator’s Guide to an A+ Graduation Party and get going!

Procrastinator’s Guide to an A+ Graduation Party – Fast & Cheap

Get Quick Customized Gradation Announcements & Party Invitations: Let the world know that you are celebrating the accomplishments of your scholar with a custom graduation invite – not those generic, cookie-cutter ones through school ordering. I always head over to BasicInvite.com where, I can better show off my personal style while quickly creating high-quality but inexpensive cards using their trendy to traditional templates. Simply tweak the text, color and layout as needed, and upload cherished photographs of your own. The whole process takes minutes, no more than 7 days to ship, and nothing puts a personalized touch to a 2021 graduation announcement more than a photo of your own graduating Senior smiling ear-to-ear.

As a perfectionist regarding quality and content (yet also someone prone to typos), I really appreciate how Basic Invite allows me to order a printed sample of my actual invitation before placing the final order – I can ensure everything is spot-on perfect before ordering the hundreds I need to share with my world.

Promo Alert: BasicInvite.com is offering 15% off graduation invitations (really popular right now is the nurse graduation announcement – go future nurses!), party invitations, thank you cards and most all products with coupon code 15FF51

Give Yourself Permission to Use Non-Professional Photos: This is a huge graduation party hack that will save you so much time, money and stress. Instead of forking over a small fortune in sitting fees and then still having to order the photos and digital rights, just simply snap your own! With the camera quality of the latest cell phones these days, you don’t even need a fancy DSRL camera and studio set up. Plus you have senior photo access instantly when making cheap graduation announcements and other keepsake memorabilia.

Serve Food Graduates Really Want: The great news is that most graduating seniors and their young adult and teenage guests don’t want fussy, gourmet food. They just want good eats, like the meals they enjoy on the weekends with their friends when socializing. For graduation party food themes, think pizza, sub sandwiches, tacos or a burger bar that can provide additional options that satisfy a variety of diet types (like plant-based or gluten-free). All of these simple graduation food ideas can be pulled together quickly by ordering out or even pulling it all yourself with simple hacks like you can find in my past post on Burger Bar Tips & Tricks. Also, I think it’s fun to serve non-alcoholic mocktails, the kids feel grown up and I know everyone is safe. Since my son is heading to Texas Tech University this fall, I created this virgin Michelada – aka, Red Raiderade!

Do-It-Yourself DJ: No need for a live band DJ . . . or boring parent “elevator music.” Put your graduate to the task of putting together his or her own playlist for the graduation party Your son or daughter likely already has a huge collection of music enjoyed by their peer group – just ask for them to use the “clean” lyric versions to be friendly for all age-groups and temperaments. Blast it from the home entertainment center, a portable pull-around speaker by the pool or in your Zoom session, whever you are!

Zoom Everyone Together: For those who can’t make it to the party due living far away or the need to still remain social distanced, can still attend the party via Zoom, Google Hangouts or other virtual meeting services. Use the chatroom functions to break out in to smaller conversations, or play big party games! You can even use a far-away guest to make a special speech via one of these meeting services, and play it on the big screen.

Sentimental Slide Show: Search through your digital photos and pull photos from your graduate’s life, from birth to current day – choose a selection of snapshots that are sentimental, milestone-marking, silly and maybe even a little embarrassing. Use Windows Movie Maker or even a phone app to upload photos, make transitions, add text and music. This is always the most popular graduation party entertainment around – grandparents “ooh and ahh,” parents tear up, and the teenage guests always get a good chuckle with the “vintage” photos. Success Tip: include as many photos as you can with your graduate and guests you know are coming to the party.

In-A-Flash Party Favors: Graduation party favors are a thoughtful way to let guests know you appreciate their stopping by to share in the graduate’s big day and accomplishments. There is no need to spend hours or big bucks on these takeaway trinkets, I prefer to make it a little treat they can immediately enjoy. In the past, I’ve done tiny mortar boards made out of a mini peanut butter cup with a cardstock square and tassel on top or “Commence-Mints” (above) made with mints and a simple printout made at home.

Thank You Cards: To many teens, the “thank you” requirement for a graduation gift or money might must mean saying, “Dude, thanks,” or sending out sentiments of appreciation via text or email. Take your son or daughter’s etiquette to the next level by ordering custom thank you card for them to personally write out and hand or snail-mail deliver their appreciation to the gift-giver. They may even want to drop a note of thanks to special teachers, mentors, coaches or individuals who wrote letters of recommendation for their college applications. Again, I order mine from Basic Invite because they are quick, high-quality and customizable. (Don’t forget to use their 15% off Promo Code: 15FF51)

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by BasicInvite.com, however all opinions, comments, and enthusiasm remain my own.

Pan-seared Lingcod with Creamy Burst Tomato Sauce

Posted on April 11, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

Jump to Recipe

Winner, winner easy fish dinner! Pan-seared Lingcod with Creamy Burst Tomato Sauce is brilliantly delicious, so easy to make, low-carb on its own, but a family favorite with that creamy sauce sliding over into rice, potatoes or noodles. I’ve noticed that even the non-fish fans in my family are licking the plate!

Pan seared lingcod with creamy burst tomato sauce recipe

This easy fish recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make and is perfect for quick, weeknight meals – but also snazzy enough to serve on a special occasion.

Ingredients for Lingcod with creamy burst tomato sauce

I used mild, white lingcod from Sitka Salmon Shares for this skillet fish recipe (it reminds me a lot of halibut). This fisherman’s co-op reels in the BEST wild Alaskan seafood (salmon, cod, sablefish, king crab, and more) and ships it straight to your door, it’s been my go-to fish source now for two years. Visit them at sitkasalmonshares.com and use my code FITFORK to save $25 on a premium share!

Other firm white fish will work too like halibut, cod, pollock, haddock, and such. It’s really up to your preference. Pan sauté skinless filets that have been seasoned simply with salt and pepper. After just cooked through, remove from skillet temporarily while making the sauce.

The sauce is fresh and simple. In the same unwashed skillet that the fish was cooked in, add whole grapes and sauté until they start to pop. Then finish bursting tomatoes with a fork – piercing the skin to let the juices out and then mashing down before, pouring in a little veggie stock to deglaze the pan. Season this sauce for the lingcod fish recipe with garlic, Italian seasoning and a little paprika – then stir in some heavy cream to give this sauce that rich and luxurious mouthfeel.

Gently add back in the cooked fish, spoon sauce over top of filets to coat and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.

Also, check out another healthy lingcod recipe of mine using wild Alaskan fish from Sitka Salmon Shares: Paleo Coconut Fish Sticks with Spicy Peach Dipping Sauce.

Paleo Coconut Fish Sticks with Spicy Peach Sauce – Paleo, Gluten-free

Sitka Salmon Shares: Save $25 on most shares with code: FitFork

This post contains affiliate links, I earn a commission from sales generated. Earnings help offset operating expenses for The Fit Fork – thank you!

5 from 6 votes

Pan-seared Lingcod with Creamy Burst Tomato Sauce

Prep Time

8 mins

Cook Time

12 mins

Total Time

20 mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 307 kcal

Ingredients

16 ounces skinless lingcod filet or other firm white fish like halibut, cod, etc.
1 tsp. salt divided
1 tsp. black pepper divided
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
½ cup vegetable stock
6 oz. heavy cream
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. ground paprika
2 tbsp. shredded fresh basil

Instructions

Cut fish into 4 portions, season with ½ tsp each salt/pepper.
Add oil to skillet over med-high and sear fish for 3 to 4 min each side; remove to plate.
In same skillet at grape tomatoes, heat in pan over med-hi for several minutes until softened. Then use fork to pierce tomatoes and them mash lightly.
Add vegetable stock and simmer for 2 min longer.
Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika and remaining salt/pepper along with cream. Stir until combined and heated, a couple minutes.
Gently place fish into sauce, garnish with basil. Serve with noodles, zoodles or rice.

Recipe Notes

How Cellular Nutrition Helps Redefine Aging for Older Athletes

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is sponsored by Celltrient™, however all opinions, anecdotes, and enthusiasm are my own.

Running and fitness events are more than a “hobby” to me. Competing now for almost 35 years, my competition days are like “pay days” to reward me for all my training, focus and hard work. Obviously, I am hoping to do my very best and I’m definitely not ready to stop at almost 54 years young.

After age 40, your cells stop working and replicating as efficiently -- making you less resilient, have less energy and weakened immunity. However, cellular nutrition that targets the mitochondria, like Celltrient Strength formula, can help provides cellular nutrition to help you redefine aging- -helps to optimize resiliency, immunity and energy. Use code JENNIFER for savings at celltrient.com #ad

But over the last 10 years or so, I’ve noticed it’s become increasingly difficult to keep up the literal and figurative pace of my younger self. For example, even with similar training, I can only run a single mile at the same pace I could run 26.2 miles years ago. And, after workouts, my soreness is typically more noticeable and the recovery time longer. That can put a damper on my plans. Many times, I feel just plain tired. I’ve accepted and adapted to some of the slowing down, and stopped competing with my past accomplishments. I think you must to some degree to stay mentally healthy as an aging athlete.

However, accepting some of the changes doesn’t mean NOT trying to preserve and improve what I have left! When researching how to optimize my performance as an older athlete, I learned that much of my body’s increasing inefficiencies can be linked to Age-Associated Cellular Decline. Beginning around age 40, and increasing through the remainder of life, all of our cells start slacking off in their respective jobs. The cells just don’t renew and replicate themselves well and this time-related deterioration can start to have a noticeable effect on strength, energy and resilience beginning in middle age and beyond.

Slacking off (intentionally or unintentionally) is something I’m not ready to do. And, I’m also not ready to take up knitting, scrapbooking, rocking on the front porch or some other inactive pastime anytime soon. I knew I had to find some way to be more proactive about my cellular health and that’s how I found, Celltrient™, a cellular health supplement that targets the power plants of our cells (the mitochondria) to transform how cells perform with age. As time passes, mitochondria start to fizzle out and this negatively impacts cell energy production and can contribute to a build-up of free radicals and oxidative stress within cells. None of this is desirable to me as a competitive master athlete! Check out these informative articles HERE and HERE that explain more comprehensively why and how we age at the cellular level.

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Based on my lifestyle as an older athlete, I began using Celltrient’ s Strength formula* in November 2020, and am thrilled with how the cellular nutrition supplement is making me feel overall, and specifically in keeping up with my intense training routine. I feel like I have more stamina to get through my workouts and competitions at the top of my ability and also am recovering well afterward.

One of the important active ingredients in the Strength formula is Urolithin A. Urolithin A (UA) is a cellular nutrient that can help to address a decline in your cells’ ability to renew their pool of mitochondria (remember, these microscopic guys are the like the batteries that fire up cells). Since I follow a clean and nutrient-dense diet, I figured I was getting everything I needed to take care of my cell heath from food. But, I learned that UA is not commonly or easily sourced from food. While it is a metabolite formed by gut bacteria after eating foods that contain a compound called ellagitannins (found in things like pomegranates, berries, nuts), only about 33-percent of people have the proper gut bacteria needed to efficiently transform these compounds into UA. Those aren’t the best odds and that’s why I am using a cellular nutrition supplement like Celltrient to help me redefine the way I age!

If you have any questions about Celltrient and cellular nutrition (or just being a 50+ year old elite athlete), drop a comment here or find me on Instagram @thefitfork Also, if interested, my Celltrient Discount Code JENNIFER overs a savings on product purchases (excluding bundles and subscriptions) at Celltrient.com

*Celltrient also offers other targeted cellular health products including Protect formula and Energy formula. Products available in capsule or drink mix format for convenience! To learn more about Age-related Cellular Decline you can read my past post Three Ways to Age Less and Do More and also visit Celltrient to find the cellular nutrition product best suited for you: Product Recommender

Watermelon Benefits for Athletes + Easy Pre- and Post-Workout Recipes

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is sponsored by Watermelon.org. However, all opinions, content, comments and extreme watermelon enthusiasm remain my own.

Watermelon is a wonderful food for runners, athletes and every BODY with an active lifestyle, plain and simple! Over the years, I’ve shared so many healthy benefits of watermelon and creative ways to use watermelon in recipes AND workouts!

As we burst into spring and soon enough into summer, and fill our hours with more outdoor activities and recreation, I just wanted to touch on the fitness-focused nutritional benefits of watermelon. These include 1) hydration, 2) natural energy, 3) workout recovery, 4) important vitamins and antioxidants

HYDRATION: Watermelon is a fruit you can eat and DRINK! You can actually drink watermelon by making watermelon juice, but eating it is a drink in itself – watermelon is 92% water. For example, 16 ounces of watermelon hydrates your body with about 14 ¾ ounces of water! I think that’s why it tastes extra refreshing after a summer run or day working in the yard. There are many other ways to “drink” your watermelon, these are some of my favorites:

Watermelon Electrolyte Ice Cubes: Watermelon juice and lime juice mixed with Himalayan sea salt, baking soda and maple syrup, frozen and meant to be melted straight in the mouth or dissolved in water. A great way to prevent cramping in high sweat-output athletes.

Watermelon Coconut Cream Soda: Cure your cravings for bubbly without drinking sugary, chemical-laden soda with this easy-to-make fountain-style drink made with watermelon juice, coconut cream, sparkling water and stevia.

NATURAL ENERGY: Watermelon is also a source of natural sugars to fuel your adventures. Most runners go further and farther fueled with carbohydrates! Some mistakenly avoid watermelon thinking it is too high in sugar, but really, it’s quite reasonable and most everyone can eat it as part of a balanced diet. To understand this more, you need to realize that the watermelon Glycemic Load (GL) is actually low at 2 for 100grams of watermelon . . . even though the Glycemic Index (GI) which everyone seems to get stuck on is considered higher at 72 on a 100 scale (BTW, GI isn’t everything, calories vitamins and other nutrients are important too – not JUST the GI number and that’s why you need to consider the GL number too). In fact, many nutritionists feel Glycemic Load (GL) gives a more realistic value of how different foods affect blood sugar than GI because it also takes into consideration the amount of carbohydrate in the food, not just how quickly it turns to glycogen. For reference, foods with a low GI level (under 10 considered low, over 20 considered high), are less likely to raise your blood sugar levels.

WORKOUT RECOVERY: Not only does watermelon replenish your body’s glycogen stores after running and rehydrates with fluids, but it also contains L-Citrulline. Exciting new areas of study suggest that L-citrulline (286- 1266 mg per 2 cup serving) in watermelon may help to support vascular health and help maintain healthy blood flow. With respect to athletic benefits, the optimized blood flow created by l-citrulline may help performance and accelerate recovery. Here are a few post workout watermelon beverages I like to enjoy after a run or workout.

Watermelon Beet Workout Recovery Smoothie: A satiating treat after a hard workout – a protein boost for muscles from cottage cheese and the l-citrulline helps lessen next-day soreness.

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, plus turmeric for anti-inflammatory relief.

jennifer fisher thefitfork watermelon lake austin

LYCOPENE & OTHER IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS: Lycopene is a carotenoid in watermelon that makes the hue so beautifully red. In fact, watermelon is the “lycopene leader,” containing higher levels of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable (12.7 mg per 2-cup serving) – even tomatoes that get a lot of attention. Researchers linking lycopene to benefits in positive cardiovascular health. Also, great news for outdoor lovers! While not a substitution for sunscreen, lycopene in watermelon is an antioxidant that is being studied for its role in sun protection when eaten. A 2-cup serving of watermelon is also a good source of vitamin C (21% RDI) and Vitamin A (18% RDI) and also some b-vitamins, magnesium and potassium.

Here are a couple of my favorite watermelon and tomato recipes, for a double-dose of lycopene and so many vitamins!

Watermelon Veggie Reviver Drink: watermelon, tomato juice, cucumber and a bit of lime and cayenne pepper blended smooth into a tonic that does the body GOOD!

Watermelon, Tomato & Jicama Salad with Tajin Dressing: enjoy the double-punch of lycopene in tomatoes and watermelon (and crunchy jicama) paired with a spicy-sweet dressing.

HOW TO EAT WATERMELON: The easiest way to eat watermelon is to slice it up and enjoy cold! A good watermelon is even delicious room temperature, and some science shows that it could maintain more nutrients that way. One thing to know about watermelon temperature though is that if you buy it cold, it should stay cold. But if it is room temperature, it can last about three weeks from harvesting (so I would say 1 week at home, before cut open, just to be safe).

I also think watermelon is amazing with simple seasonings (check out these 4 Ways to Season Watermelon that will Blow Your Mind) or even grilled. Also, another way I add watermelon to my day is just to use as an ingredient in salads (like this quinoa watermelon salad) or no-recipes “throw everything together” watermelon salads (see above) with whatever I have on hand! Today it was watermelon, oranges, avocado, spinach, kale, Marcona almonds, coconut, and dandelion flowers (yes, they are edible)!

How are you incorporating watermelon into your active lifestyle?

Take this fun Quiz!

Low Carb Lemon Coconut Bites with Collagen- Keto, Gluten-Free

Posted on April 3, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

save 15% on Great Lakes Wellness with THEFITFORK15OFF

Oooh la-la-la, lemon! Low-carb Lemon Coconut Bites are a quick, no-bake treat to make that taste just like little morsels of creamy cheesecake.

Low Carb Lemon Coconut Bites are no-bake, delicious and suitable for keto and gluten-free diets. Also uses collagen powder for added protein and wellness benefits!

Sublimely sweet-tart, low-carb and suitable for keto and gluten-free diets, these two-bite dessert bites are easier to manage portion size than slicing a wedge from the whole lemon cheesecake. Only 108 calories, 9g fat, 2.2g net carb, 5g protein per lemon coconut ball.

https://bit.ly/GreatLakesWellnessI incorporated lemon-lime collagen powder from Great Lakes Gelatin as a way to add protein, keep the carb count low and “dough” firm enough for shaping into balls. Plus, I get a boost from al the health benefits of collagen. As an older athlete, I use it for joint support and workout recovery, but also appreciate all the extra benefits it brings to hair, skin, nails . . . and even sleep.

If interested, use my affiliate code THEFITFORK15OFF to save 15% off most any products at Great Lakes Gelatin.

Keep Low-carb Lemon Coconut Bites are as easy as mixing up a few easy ingredients, rolling into balls, and storing in the fridge to snack on whenever the urge for something sweet comes on (they are sugar free)! Just a tiny bit of turmeric is the secret ingredient that gives a natural yellow color!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links (don’t forget to use my Great Lakes Gelatin Discount Code). I may make a small commission from generated sales, but price to you remains the same. Thank you!

5 from 4 votes

Low Carb Lemon Coconut Bites with Collagen

Prep Time

5 mins

chill

25 mins

A two-bite treat that is friendly for keto and gluten-free diets — creamy, citrusy and easy-peasy to make! Incorporates collagen powder for extra protein and wellness benefits.

Course: Dessert, Snack, workout

Keyword: coconut, collagen, lemon

Servings: 10 bites

Calories: 108 kcal

Ingredients

4 oz. full fat cream cheese softened
1 tbsp. full fat sour cream
½ cup super-fine almond flour
2 tbsp. coconut flour
¼ cup Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Lemon-Lime Flavor*
¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut divided

Instructions

Mix together cream cheese and sour cream until blended. Next stir in almond flour, coconut flour, collagen powder, and 2 tbsp. shredded coconut (sprinkle remainder of coconut on a plate. Now, place “dough” in fridge to firm up for 25 minutes. Remove and make approximate 1 tbsp. balls by rolling between clean hands. Then roll in coconut to stick on top, repeat with remaining dough. Makes 10. Store leftovers in air-tight container in fridge for up to 1 week.

Recipe Notes

*You can substitute plain unflavored collagen and add 10 -20 drops liquid stevia and ¼ tsp. lemon extract to the recipe instead.

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Author Archives: Jennifer FIsher

Procrastinator’s Guide to an A+ Graduation Party — Fast & Cheap

Procrastinator’s Guide to an A+ Graduation Party – Fast & Cheap

Pan-seared Lingcod with Creamy Burst Tomato Sauce

How Cellular Nutrition Helps Redefine Aging for Older Athletes

Watermelon Benefits for Athletes + Easy Pre- and Post-Workout Recipes

Take this fun Quiz!

Low Carb Lemon Coconut Bites with Collagen- Keto, Gluten-Free