Get Active Outdoors in Austin #FromHereForHere

Posted on July 4, 2016 by Jennifer FIsher

This post was sponsored by Ozarka Water, however all opinions, recipes, and enthusiasm are my own.I love living in Austin, Texas and, with the exception of a few boomerang moves, I have called this little place (well, now a BIG place) home my entire life – not many folks can say the same! Sure, the live music scene and hipster vibe has made this town trendy and it’s also the place to be for high tech, politics, and a good food truck fix. However, the opportunities for being active are what I appreciate most about being right here in the ATX. The weather is wonderfully warm and the sun seems to never stop shining on the abundance of parks, lakes and local events where I stay active. And, there are so many local businesses that make products #FromHereForHere (like Ozarka Water) that keep me hydrated and fueled up for my healthy fitness journey.

Sometimes I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. My neighborhood has over 20 miles of hike and bike trails to run and explore . . .

My house is sublimely sandwiched between two bodies of water. Three miles one way is Lake Travis, the largest reservoir of the Colorado River and home to swimming, boating, scuba diving, and even legal nude bathing in the Hippie Hollow park area (we all want to #KeepAustinWeird). Another three miles down the road the other way is the return of the Colorado River at Mansfield Damn before it turns into downtown’s Lake Austin (more recently renamed Ladybird Lake).

I like to paddle board toward downtown for miles or until my arms tire out . . .

Some days I get my motor started by taking the jet ski out . . .

Or, sometimes I just relax and sit in a chair while my son enjoys after-dinner fishing while our dog standing on guard . . .

And, if the water sports in Austin weren’t enough, there is every type of endurance sporting event imaginable – my favorites are probably the Spartan Race in nearby Burnett at Reveille Ranch and the Fit Foodie Race.

Of course, being so active in Austin requires the proper hydration and snacks! And that’s where I can count on Texas to treat me right again! There are so many beverages and foods #FromHereForHere that make it heaven for the adventurous, healthy foodie like myself.

With the heat and amount of physical activity I do in the summer, I always concerned about getting enough water. At the top of my cooler you’ll find Ozarka ® Brand Natural Spring Water, sourced from three nearby springs, this water has a uniquely Texan fresh taste! It’s so easy to stay hydrated with this clean-tasting, crisp water that’s available in convenient single-serve bottles and for Ozarka® water delivery at home.

Gotta have that Ozarka ® Brand Natural Spring Water! I try to drink an ounce per pound of my body weight, even more if I’ve run far or worked out hard!

All these outdoor workouts in in Austin makes a girl hungry So, I came up with a super easy nut recipe using a few local ingredients #FromHereForHere . It’s perfect to pack up in a snack baggie for on-the-go munching at the lake or post run! My Habanero BBQ Almonds use Yellowbird Sauce (a peppery condiment that puts the whoowhee hot yum on EVERYTHING, Sweet & Spicy Mustard Seeds from Taste Elevated that add in interesting mustard sweet-heat flavor and BBQ Sauce from Snow’s BBQ Sauce (named best in the state by Texas Monthly staff).

To make, heat skillet to medium- high over stovetop. add 1 cup raw, unsalted almonds. Toast, stirring constantly for 4 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, 2 teaspoons habanero sauce, 1 tablespoon moist, jarred mustard seeds (with sauce) and 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt. Cook over medium-low for an additional 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Makes 1 cup.

I also found some new local ingredients for my grilling creations — I can’t wait to try them! The Black Garlic Rosemary BBQ Sauce from Jelly Queens is an umami bomb of flavor! I first learned about black garlic about a year ago as an ingredient, but have never seen it used in a prepared artisan product – this stuff will send your taste buds out of bounds! They also make a fab-looking Steak Rub that will be so on fleek crusting up my flat iron!

When I’m packing a picnic lunch for the lake, my recipe for Mom’s Best Black Bean, Avocado & Corn Salad is ALWAYS a winner – in fact, the California Avocado Association even named it the winner in the July 4^th All-American Recipe Contest in 2014! But add some local love to this salad, I take along Queso con Salsa Escabeche from CookWell & Company (built around a blend of blue and cheddar cheeses!) and Paqui’s Tortilla Chips (“better for you” tortilla chips named after the Aztec word for “to be happy”). The family and I are snacking happy until the sun sets!

Active in Austin & Habanero BBQ Almonds #FromHereForHere @OzarkaSpringWtr #sp

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What do you love most about your hometown? Do you have any must-try local food products? Do you drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer

Sweat Drenching Days & #SummerHydration Drinks

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Jennifer FIsher

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #SummerHydration #CollectiveBias

Central Texas summers are brutal and I know it’s just as hot (if not more so) in other parts of the country — so I’m not complaining. But, keeping me and my family hydrated sometimes seems like a full-time job, given the active, on-the-go lifestyle we lead. From traipsing off to an all-day lacrosse tournament then logging a long run on the trails to killing a CrossFit workout in a gym without air-conditioning followed by “playtime” at the pool, it’s easy to see why I’m constantly running the risk for dehydration.

Heck, it’s easy to go into sweat overload just running errands to get ready for our annual backyard BBQ this weekend. I am so thankful for all the CVS stores on my route that are open and ready to top off my tank with a cool, refreshing drink – and with so many hydration options, it’s easy to find something that suits my lifestyle (and I always bring home something for the kids)! Discover the hydration option you might like best by answering a few questions in my 20-second #SummerHydration Helper.

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In a normal 24-hour period (not even hot, sweaty, fitness-filled days), the average person loses 8 cups of water – and, again, this doesn’t even include exercise or sitting out in the sun. If this water isn’t replaced, the heart has to work harder and other organ functions begin to deteriorate as well. Symptoms of being dehydrated include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle cramping, nausea and vomiting. Dry mouth, chills and flushed skin are other clues. I also tend to get quite cranky leading up to dehydration and, oddly enough, the skin on my inner forearm gets wrinkly.

I have two quick little self-checks for dehydration. First, I check the color of my tinkle – if it’s dark or even moderately yellow, I know I need to drink more fluid – if it’s pale or clear, I’m good! Also, I pinch the skin on the back of my hand and pull it upwards. Once released, the skin should snap back rapidly – if not, I know I may be dehydrated. Quick — I pull off the road and run into CVS to cool off and top off my “tank” with a hydration beverage!

I like ALL THE BEVERAGES for #SummerHydration

Some experts say drink 8 to 10 8-ounce glasses of water per day, others say drink an ounce per pound of body weight – that’s probably a good goal in the summer months.

These are just benchmarks, you may need more or less liquid – however, the main point is to listen to your body and look for any clue that you may be dehydrating. Better yet, be proactive and stay hydrated in the first place.

CVS Health and The Coca-Cola Company have teamed to help us all attain our quest for wellness with an important campaign called “Life Quenching.” Check out “Life Quenching” to learn more about the dangers of dehydration and the benefits of hydration.

Lots of hydration options at CVS from The Coca Cola Company.

And remember, with a CVS on nearly every city street corner (it seems!), it’s easy to make a quick stop to grab the hydration option that best fits your needs and personality.Just head in the front door and make a beeline past the cash registers to the big refrigerated section along the wall bearing a huge sign “BEVERAGES” overhead — you can’t miss it!

Find your hydration option at CVS in the refrigerated beverage section!

Remember, sometimes waiting until you get home to rehydrate is too long! Be proactive, beat the heat, stay hydrated! Also, don’t miss the great deal right now going on at CVS – Spend $5 on these products, get $2 in ExtraBucks rewards in-store with your CVS ExtraCare Rewards Card. It’s a fantastic hydration deal, I totally loaded up at my last stop!

So, what do you do to stay hydrated? What is your #SummerHydration beverage of choice? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer

Eating, Exercising, Enjoying #RewardingLife – Fit Foodie Race

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Jennifer FIsher

This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links.

It was so fun to spend Saturday at my favorite 5k – the Fit Foodie Race Weekend. This amazing event is where food meets fitness meets reconnecting with old friends (and making new friends) interested in living a healthy lifestyle. I haven’t missed a single race day since this event debuted in Austin, Texas a few years back and this year’s John Hancock Hosts the Cooking Light & Health Fit Foodie Race Weekend was definitely the best yet – thank you John Hancock! Someday I hope to get to one of the other venues in Fairfax, San Diego and Tampa.

Of course the race was so much fun before, during and after the running. I was goofing off too much with Ryan Hall and Bill Rodgers (John Hancock elite athletes and marathon legends) at the start and didn’t hear the air horn blast! When I finally had my feet moving in the right direction,

I blazed (in my mind at least!) through the brutal humidity straight to the finish line – oh except that part where I ran off the well-marked course about 200 yards (seriously, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done this in races)! In the end, I found the finish line (it was obvious) and was able to defend my Master’s title for another year! Pretty sure I was running so fast to get to the food quicker, haha!

There were so many informative culinary demonstrations and delicious food and beverage samples in the John Hancock Vitality Village – the Strawberry Watermelon Punch was probably my favorite (it’s currently in the July 2016 issue of Cooking Light magazine). That’s because (and y’all know it) I’m a huge watermelon fan and love to get on my soapbox (preferably in a handstand) about how watermelon is a great way to hydrate, fuel up with healthy carbs and possibly gain more endurance and recover more quickly thanks to specific nutrients (like l-citrulline).

I really appreciate how John Hancock Hosts the Cooking Light & Health Fit Foodie Race Weekend shows that healthy eating and staying active not only helps with maintaining steady progress toward a healthier lifestyle – but can also be fun, flavorful and a reason for celebration! My mom just walk-ran her first 5k and started making green protein smoothies for breakfast recently. I think she’s hooked on her new health and fitness journey and knows that small steps can turn into big changes! That’s worth celebrating!

Some people seem to focus on diet and forget about fitness or vice-versa. I’m more the “vice-versa” type and often have to remind myself that “You can’t out run a bad diet.”

Both daily activity combined with mindful, whole-food nutrition is the key to optimizing your health for life. That’s why John Hancock has introduced Vitality, a life insurance program that rewards people for the healthy choice they make – such as exercising, visiting the doctor and now even purchasing healthy foods at the grocery store! Participants in the HealthyFood program earn points that lead to significant savings on their life insurance premiums and can also be rewarded with up to $600 in real time discounts and/or cash back on nutritious food purchases. Visit JHRewardsLife.com for more information!

What small steps are you taking to improve your health? I’d love to chat, please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer

I received compensation in exchange for writing this review. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own

Blue Cheese Stuffed Strawberries & Fit Foodie 5k

Posted on May 8, 2016 by Jennifer FIsher

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there! If you’re looking to surprise your mom with a gourmet treat my Blue Cheese & Walnut Stuffed Strawberries are a bold choice! I always see chocolate-dipped berries at the store, but this sweet-savory fruit option makes the perfect prelude to dinner, especially when paired with a glass of wine or sparkling water.

This fruit and cheese recipe is also a spectacular appetizer to bring to either a fancy cocktail party or casual backyard get-together. It can just be our little secret that this healthy recipe only takes 15 minutes or less to prepare, and no cooking! And, I’m partial to Artisan Reserve Blue Cheese Crumbles from Litehouse Foods, look for it in the gourmet cheese section of your market. Recipe at the bottom of the post!

And, speaking of healthy, yummy food, I want to announce that the Fit Foodie Race Weekend will be in Austin June 24 – 26, 2016. You DO NOT want to miss the epic event for the health-minded epicurean! I have been an ambassador for the race all three years it’s come to Austin, and it is absolutely my favorite 5k! Hosted by Cooking Light and Health Magazine, this is a food and fitness lover’s weekend dream come true – running, workouts and really good food! There are pre-race parties and post-race parties and yoga, workouts, cooking demos and an over-the-top expo area – as they say, calories burned, calories earned! The Fit Foodie Race Weekend really is amazing! Plus, this year, marathon superstars Bill Rodgers and Ryan Hall will be making appearance – I’m bringing my selfie stick! Early registration is only $35 for the 5k and entrance into the John Hancock Vitality Village. Plus, use my discount code FITFORK for an additional 10% off! Register HERE!

Blue Cheese Stuffed Strawberries + @FitFoodieRun #RunEatDrink – Hull Yeah!

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Do you have a favorite fruit appetizer? Have you ever run the Fit Foodie 5k (in addition to Austin, the race is also in San Diego, Fairfax and Tampa)? Or, tell me one of your top fun 5ks! Please share in the comments below – xoxo, Jennifer

Blue Cheese & Walnut Stuffed Strawberries

Prep Time

15 mins

Total Time

15 mins

Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: 24 appetizers

Ingredients

12 large strawberries (approx. ½ lb)
2 ounces whipped cream cheese
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

Slice strawberries in half lengthwise, leaving some of the green top on each half.
With the back of a spoon, scoop out a very small amount of the inner flesh if the berry doesn’t naturally have a significant hollowed center.
In small bowl, mix together cream cheese, blue cheese and walnuts with a small spatula until well combined.
Place about a 1 teaspoon dollop of cheese mixture in the center of each berry half, slightly pressing down to “set” in place.
Drizzle strawberries with honey and sprinkle on a bit more blue cheese, if desired.

How to Lessen Seasonal Allergies for a Sneeze-free Trail Run

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Jennifer FIsher

This post was sponsored by MinuteClinic, however all opinions and enthusiasm are my own.

Even though I’m smiling, my seasonal allergies were in overdrive at my first trail race of the spring season. Really, it’s quite ironic. After persevering through the fickle winter weather in Texas, rescheduling and rerouting many runs while wishing for green trees and wildflower-lined trails to return, all I wanted to do during this trail run was run inside on a treadmill. Comfort for my watering eyes and sneezing was trumping the beauty of nature. My eyes were watering so bad, I was having trouble seeing the nooks, crannies and tree roots on the trail – that’s dangerous!

If you don’t know what seasonal allergies are, lucky you – you must not be suffering. Or, you’re sneezing, coughing and rubbing itchy eyes, but blaming it all on the common cold. However, a common cold should only last 3 – 14 days, while seasonal allergies go on as long as there is contact with the offending substance, typically February through September. Find out more on colds vs. allergies here. Ugh. So, what are these offending substances that torture us so? Well, seasonal allergies are caused by airborne proteins, molds and fungi that come from the onset of plant grow.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

Itchy eyes and nose
More tears than normal
Post nasal drip
Runny nose
Scratchy throat
Sneezing
Stuffy nose

If you want to get outside and enjoy a trail run or walk through the park, there just seems no way to avoid these nasty little allergy creators that float around in the air – but there are some ways to lessen your reaction to them and make exercise more pleasant. Here are some things to consider:

Is it a bad day? Check the pollen and mold counts before you plan your run, or decided to skip. You can get this info from the local weather forecast or go to a website like the National Allergy Bureau and type in your zip code. You may want to take your runs indoors on the days with super-high counts.

Is it a bad hour? Consider running later in the day when pollen counts are lower and molds have had a chance to dry up a bit. Also, a nice rain tends to wash away allergens temporarily – so, running in a light rain or after a gully washer is always optimal.

What about OTC medication? Sometimes, there is no leeway to “plan” a run – especially if it’s at a race (typically at the highest-count time of day) or you have a busy work and family schedule. Over-the-counter medications are a viable option when used according to direction. However, traditional antihistamine products like Benadryl can leave you feeling dried out and sleepy – groggy and dehydrated is no way to start a run! An article at Runner’s World says that the second generation of over-the-counter antihistamines such as Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec are better for runners because they are non-sedating and non-drying. You can be assured, I’ve stockpiled for the season at my neighborhood CVS Pharmacy.

Is it time to visit a medical professional? If seasonal allergies are really interfering with quality of life, stop suffering. Head over to MinuteClinic (found inside your neighborhood CVS) and get checked out. You don’t need an appointment, and on-site nurse practitioners and physicians assistants are ready to recommend the right over-the-counter medications and write prescriptions when medically appropriate.

Are you cleaning up post-run? Remember that trail running and being outdoors this time of year leaves everything on you exposed to allergens – your shoes, your clothes, your hair and skin. That’s why you should leave your running shoes in the garage and head to the bathroom to remove clothing and take a post-run shower ASAP – otherwise the allergens will be nagging at you all day. You might even want to consider bringing wipees if you are driving to and from your running location. Also, it’s a good idea to wash your sheets at least once a week during peak count times to get rid of any lingering pollen, mold and such that you may have picked up just walking back outside to check the mail.

Find out more on how to #BeatSpringAllergies at @MinuteClinic and on their Facebook and Twitter feeds too. Check out their Clinic Locator to find the location nearest you! Happy (sneeze-free) running!

Get out for a Trail Run and #BeatSpringAllergies with these tips @MinuteClinic #Ad

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Are you bothered by seasonal allergies? Does it keep you from exercising outdoors? Do you trail run or hike? Please share in the comments below — XOXO, Jennifer

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The Fit Fork

Category Archives: Running

Get Active Outdoors in Austin #FromHereForHere

Eating, Exercising, Enjoying #RewardingLife – Fit Foodie Race

Blue Cheese Stuffed Strawberries & Fit Foodie 5k

How to Lessen Seasonal Allergies for a Sneeze-free Trail Run