Category Archives: Fitness

Post Workout Snacking #OnAQuest + $25 Visa Giveaway

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More than 90 percent of adults snack between meals and that’s a good thing, if done right! Most dieticians recommend eating a couple healthy snacks per day, given overall good food choices are being made. Selecting protein rich snacks can help improve satiety and promote weight loss or maintenance. But for athletes, protein-rich snacks also have an effect on workout recovery and future performance -protein is the fuel that supports muscle repair and growth and provides long-lasting energy throughout the day.20170314_103115-01_resized

Because of protein’s role in these areas, it’s the only macro this number avoiding girl counts. Time and time again you’ve heard me say I aim for 25 to 30 grams at every meal and also the same amount within 30 minutes of an intense workout or long run. However, for snacks after a light workout, in the middle of a regular day, or just because “I’m hungry,” I take the protein consumption down a bit at snack time – 12 to 14 grams per snack is perfect for me. My new favorite protein snack is the Quest Beyond Cereal Bars that I got at Vitamin Shoppe.  Read on to find out more about high-protein snacks and these yummy new bars from Quest. Continue reading →

5 Tips to Improve Double Unders  + Giveaway Courtesey XShadyside Pittsburgh Gym

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Jumping rope sounds like child’s play, but it’s a fierce workout that requires cardio-vascular endurance, coordination and razor focus. But, if turning the rope in a single rotation isn’t challenging enough, give your game new “ups” with double unders.5 Tips to Improve Double Unders - ideas to help your jump rope skills take off for Crossfit and other workouts.

Read on to find tips that will help you up your Double Under game . . . and also enter my giveaway (sponsored by a Pittsburgh Gym I’ve partnered with) for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods to get new gear (like maybe a fancy jump rope). Continue reading →

Lemony Turmeric Cauliflower-Quinoa + Quickie Crossfit 17.1 Recap

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Quinoa is just such a handy grain . . . er, seed, to have around. It easily cooks up on the stove top in about 15 minutes (with less mess than rice, in my opinion) and is packed with a head-spinning assortment of nutrients including lots of iron, an abundance of fiber and plenty of protein. In fact, quinoa is considered a complete protein because it boasts all 9 of the essential amino acids — a rarity in plant foods.Lemony Turmeric Cauliflower-Quinoa

A fluffy pot of quinoa turns into pure bliss when you pair beautiful golden turmeric, a “superspice” with mild taste and beacoup de health benefits, along with a bit of lemon. Oh, and cauliflower’s in there too — dang my recipe for Lemony Turmeric Cauliflower-Quinoa is healthy!  Continue reading →

Paleo Kung “Power” Chicken with Medjool Dates

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Training for spring season obstacle course racing and the 5-week long Crossfit Games Open competition makes me hungry. Really, really hungry. After 25+ years as a competitive athlete, I’ve learned (and sometimes the hard way), what does and doesn’t work for me when it comes to fueling my fitness. Lots of junk food and candy, not so good. Salty, over-sugared or fat-laden drive-thru and take-out meals, also not optimal. Restrictive dieting or skipping meals, even worse. Paleo Kung "Power" Chicken with Medjool Dates

But, you know what’s good? Healthy, homemade recipes like my Paleo Kung “Power” Chicken, an easy-to-make meal that gives me the energy I need to accomplish my daily fitness goals, make workout gains and recover optimally for the next sweat sesh! There is lots of lean protein for muscle-making, this take-out inspired dinner also features a surprise ingredient that is great for athletes – MEDJOOL DATES! Read on to find out all the deliciously savory-sweet-sticky details and get the recipe! Continue reading →

Wondering What Type of Race You Should Run?

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It might take a couple months, a year or even half a lifetime, but eventually most folks who start running on a regular basis decide to take it one step further by signing up for a full-fledged race. Even for those who don’t consider themselves “competitive,” running in an organized race is a great way stay motivated, test current fitness levels, breaking a sweat and bask in personal post-race glory alongside hundreds, if not thousands, other runners on a like-minded mission.

what type of race should I run

But, if you’ve never touched toe to the start line of a race, the sheer variety of endurance events and unfamiliarity of the “scene” can make it overwhelming and even intimidating to click the “register me” button. The best advice is to seek suggestions from seasoned veterans, poke around to find out what local races friends and family have found to be newbie-friendly. Even then, the “type of race,” should suit your own unique personality and running preferences. Read on to get the high-level low down on some popular “types” of races: Continue reading →