Category Archives: Nutrition Tips

Refuel & Recover – Easy Protein Snacks for Athletes

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Yup, I’m a serious snacker. But, I try my best to stay away from the sugary, salty, highly-processed stuff. Instead, I recover from my workouts, give myself an afternoon energy boost, and treat my late-night sweet tooth with small, protein-rich meals. Compared to carb-only snacks, higher protein options offer longer-lasting energy, regulate blood sugar and moderate hunger. Protein snacks are also super important for athletes; a 4:1 to 3:1 ratio carbohydrate-to-protein snack is what most experts recommend consuming within a 30 minute window of intense exercise. That’s because the amino acids in protein help to rebuild damaged muscle tissue while encouraging the hormone activity needed to stimulate muscle growth. Aim for about 20 grams of protein at a time (or a little more depending on your size); anymore at one sitting and your body can’t really process it all.Jennifer Fisher thefitfork AFMI explain all this in more detail and share five portable protein-packed snacks in the March 2014 Issue of Austin Fit Magazine — pick it up on stands here in Austin or read it online.  As a preview, I’ll share one of these pumped-up protein snack that your mouth and your muscles will love.

greek yogurt with hemp and raspberries

Hemp Heart & Berry Greek Yogurt

This is a go-to snack for me, there is absolutely no cooking – just a little stirring! Take a 6-ounce cup of plain nonfat Greek yogurt and stir in ¼ up of your favorite berries like blueberries, strawberries or raspberries. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of raw shelled hemp seeds on top for a nutty, crunch protein bonus. If you’ve never munched on hemp seeds, you should start now. Hemp seeds lend a nutty flavor and robust texture to foods and provide a plant-based, complete chain of amino acids. Each single serving of this yummy yogurt snack has 184 calories and 23 grams of protein.

Check out my other healthy snack recipes at AustinFitMagazine.com

  • Garlicky Chili Chickpeas
  • Chocolate Almond Java Truffles
  • Blueberry Flax Microwave Mug Muffin
  • Lucky Lime Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

So, seriously, I need a lot of protein to pull off stunts like this at my age. Every Thursday, my friends and I think of a new challenge for our weekly “fit, fearless and forty-something” photo.

yoga pyramid

What protein snacks have you munched on this week? What have you done this week to get outside your comfort zone (and yet still have fun) this week?

Pig Out (Healthfully) on Baked Pistachio Honey Donuts!

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Baked Donuts with Pistachios and honey

Okay, if I didn’t get you to do a double take at this drool-icious photo of Baked Pistachio-Honey Doughnuts, then Ms. Piggy will certainly grab your attention as she shows us how to “do it like a diva” when it comes to eating these yummy green tree nuts. What a fun commercial from Wonderful Pistachios, I love it!

Some people assume that eating nuts is a no-no, but that is so wrong! Nuts, including pistachios, can be part of a healthy lifestyle that embraces exercise along with a balanced diet. In general, nuts are packed with protein, fiber and heart-healthy fats not to mention a host of other vitamins and minerals.  From the almond to the walnut, each variety of nut offers its own unique mix of nutritional perks – some nuts are healthier for you than others. It happens to be National Pistachio Day (2/26) and I want to give a huge shout out to this small little nut that packs a big nutritional punch.

heart healthy pistachio

A one ounce serving of shelled pistachios has 49 kernels, 160 calories and a variety of different vitamins, minerals and beneficial phytonutrients.  For example, pistachios are rich in copper and manganese, and a good source of thiamin and phosphorus. Per serving, pistachios also offer 20% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin B6 and 12% of the DV for fiber. Goodness knows, we could all use a little more fiber! In terms of fat content, pistachios have a bit less fat than most other nuts, although they are still about 75% fat (that’s why you should stop at a handful). The good news is the fats in pistachios are the “good” kind of fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, and have been linked to supporting healthy cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.

purse snacks

Another thing I love about pistachios is that they are portable and ready for an outdoor adventure (like me) and versatile enough to be enjoyed plain or dressed up (like me). Yeah, the shell might be a protective layer, but once you get down to the meat of a nut, then you’ll be glad you went to all the trouble!  I always have a small pack in my purse or gym bag to snack on!

In honor of National Pistachio Day on February 26th, I’ve whipped up a healthy recipe with a bunch of these little green guys. So, crack open a can of pistachios and get cooking, this addictive recipe for Baked Pistachio Honey Donuts is both delicious and nutritious. Plus, the baked donut recipe is gluten-free, so you can enjoy all you want without worry.

baked protein pistachio donuts thefitfork

Baked Pistachio Honey Doughnuts Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Paleo-friendly cooking spray (I used Kelapo Coconut oil spray) or simply rub down tins with a bit of coconut or walnut oil.
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup almond meal
  • 1/4 cup ground unsalted, roasted pistachios
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup +1 Tbs almond milk
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup ground unsalted, roasted pistachios
  • ¼ cup honey
  • Sea salt grinder

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F and lightly spray mini donut pan with baking spray.

Combine the coconut flour, almond meal, ¼ cup ground pistachios, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl; mix well. In another bowl, whisk the egg* and then whisk in almond milk*, honey, applesauce, oil, and vanilla extract. *It is best to start with the egg and milk at room temperature so that the coconut oil doesn’t congeal back up.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Spoon the batter into the doughnut molds.  Bake for approximately 15 minutes until lightly golden brown around the edges.  Allow to fully cool before topping.

To make the topping, if necessary, chop the pistachios. Microwave ¼ cup honey in microwave-safe bowl for approximately 20 seconds until hot.  Generously spoon over the tops of the doughnuts and then sprinkle with ground pistachios and a light dusting of sea salt.

Yield: 12

jennifer fisher - thefitfork.com - salted pistachio chocolate cookies

Another popular pistachio treat that I’ve gone back to time and time again is my recipe for Paleo Pistachio Chocolate Cookies.  Chocolate + pistachios = pure happiness!

Cherry Crisp Smoothie Recipe & Achieved a Goal!

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jennifer thefitfork cherry crisp smoothie

I cannot tell a lie, I just love cherries in every form and fashion, including straight-from-the-tree fresh to nestled collectively under a layer of pie lattice and vanilla ice cream. Cherries are a super fruit and studies are suggesting that tart cherries have anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce pain from chronic conditions and even help ease muscle and joint aches after exercise. Tart cherries rank 14 in the top 50 foods for highest antioxidant content per serving size – this is more than other popular powerhouses such as red wine and chocolate. Check out Choose Cherries for lots of great information about the health benefits of cherries

A busy-morning breakfast is anything but the pits when you’ve got the ingredients to make my Cherry Crisp Smoothie. I like to buy a big bag of frozen cherries at Costco so I’ll always have my beloved berries ready – throw in some ground oats and a vanilla protein drink (check out Core Power) and this protein smoothie will be ready in a minute or less.

cherry crisp smoothie thefitfork sq small

Cherry Crisp Smoothie Recipe

  • 2 tablespoons rolled oats
  • 10 ounces vanilla protein shake (like Core Power)
  • 2 ounces cherry juice
  • 15 pitted, frozen cherries
  • 1 drop vanilla liquid Stevia
  • Ice, as needed

Place oats in a blender and pulse until ground into a powder. Add protein shake, cherry juice, frozen cherries, Stevia and a few ice cubes. Blend until smooth, adding more ice until desired consistency is achieved. Serves 1.

oh-cherry-almond-crisp-lThis smoothie is very satisfying and packed with protein, but if you are looking for the real deal dessert, Cooking Light has a delicious recipe for Cherry Almond Crisp. What I love about making “crisps” is that you don’t have to worry about a fussy, fat-laden pie crust – just a sprinkling of grains and ground nuts on top of fruit works wonders! Plus, a little dollop of ice cream or Greek yogurt adds the perfect balance.

 

So, all this talk about cherries has me thinking about “the cherry on top” of my workout week. And, that would be making some documented progress on my Muscle Up skill in CrossFit. For at least a year and a half (off and on), I’ve been working on this most-elusive move and finally, finally made it up to the top of the bar (3x). What I lack in grace, I make up for in grit; I was NOT going home until I hustled my way up there. Still lots of practice needed though!

Do you have a fitness-related goal that has been a long time in the making – like a goal 5k time or getting a pull up? You can do it, just keep after it – and let me know what that goal is in the comments below so I can be your cheerleader!

Heart-Healthy Beef Meatballs & Oatmeal for Breakfast Steal the Show!

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Yup, I’m making meatballs for breakfast! I see no reason that lean ground beef should just be a spaghetti-taco-burger dinner kind of thing, especially taking into account that eating a higher protein breakfast fills you up and keeps you from binging out on unhealthy snack foods later. Today, in support of the National Heart Month and the upcoming American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women “Wear Red Day” (Feb 7th), I got to share some of my favorite lean beef breakfast recipes on the Great Day San Antonio show.

Meatballs and oatmeal for breakfast

Unusual sounding but utterly, mouth-wateringly delicious (and nutritious), my recipe for Beef Meatballs & Oatmeal with “Go Red” Raspberry Chipotle Sauce was a hit. This morning meal is made with 96% lean ground beef, a quality protein source that has been certified with the American Heart Association’s Heart Check Mark, meaning it’s a great addition to a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.  And, oatmeal is an AHA Heart Check certified whole grain – this heart healthy breakfast is win-win and sure to win over any cardiologist in town!

Lean Beef Meatballs & Oatmeal with ‘Go Red’ Raspberry Chipotle Sauce Recipe

Ingredients for meatballs:

  • 1 lb. ground beef (96% lean)
  • ½ teaspoon rubbed sage
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

 Ingredients for oatmeal:

  • ¼ cup raw walnuts, chopped
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup skim milk
  • 1 Tbs canola oil
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ cup golden raisins
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  •  Fischer Wiesser Raspberry Chipotle Sauce (or maple syrup, honey or whatever you like)

Combine ground beef, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and crushed red pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Form mixture in 16 one-ounce mini meatballs. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add mini meatballs; cook 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and internal temperature 160F degrees.

For the oatmeal, in a medium pot over medium-high, add walnuts and lightly toast; remove to a plate. Add water, milk, oil, sea salt, golden raisins, oats and bring to simmer—but do not boil. Cook oats, for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender.

Serve oatmeal in shallow bowls, topped with four mini meatballs. Drizzle with Raspberry Chipotle sauce and sprinkle with toasted walnuts. Serves 4.

breakfast egg and beef casserole

Another healthy beef breakfast recipe I recently shared (and also demo’d during the cooking segment) is my Lean Beef & Egg ‘Barn-Raiser’ Breakfast Bake – a real winner for weekend guests or to make ahead and freeze single servings for those crazy, busy mornings. I know that it’s been a hit at the Texas Beef Council.

Check out the how-to video instructions for both recipes below! 

Love at First Bite! Nut Butter Crispies with Cacao Nibs Recipe

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Valentines Day Healthy Treat Nut Butter Crispies

Who doesn’t love a crispy rice treat? I do, but not those prepackaged ones made with corn syrup, white puffed rice and a ton of other ingredients and preservatives I can’t pronounce.  Plus, there’s only a scant trace of protein in one of those gooey squares; that means I’ll be crashing lickity-split from my carbohydrate high. What’s a girl got to do to satisfy her sweet tooth and get a little snap, crackle and pop going on? Mix up her own healthier version of this favorite treat from childhood, that’s what! I have a hunch you are going to fall in love with this healthy snack recipe – package them up and give them to your favorite sweetie for Valentine’s Day!

Healthy Gym Snack Protein Nut Butter Bites

My version of crispy rice treats, Protein Nut Butter Crispies, features puffed brown rice, a 100% whole grain, that hasn’t been enriched or fortified with any weird stuff. A couple scoops of protein powder (you can use any brand or flavor) adds long-lasting energy that is perfect before a workout or to help build back up damaged muscle tissue afterward. Almond butter and honey helps hold everything together with delicious taste while cacao nibs lend an extra dose of crunchiness to this fun-to-eat treat.

cocoa_nibsYou may be wondering, “Just what are cacao nibs and why should I be eating them?” Cacao nibs are little pieces of cacao beans that been have roasted, hulled and prepped for the chocolate-making process. While I like to think of them as “nature’s chocolate chips,” cacao nibs don’t really add any sweetness to a recipe. In fact, they are a tad bitter (in a good way) and have a slightly nutty flavor with chocolate undertones. Here are some other good things to know about cacao nibs:

  • Cacao nibs are abundant with magnesium, a mineral needed for in excess of 300 biochemical reactions in the human body including muscle and nerve function and maintaining a steady heart rhythm.
  • Unlike chocolate bars, cacao nibs pack in a lot of fiber in a small serving – one ounce of cacao nibs has nine grams of fiber.
  • Cacao nibs are rich in iron, a necessity for the production of red blood cells  — and a good thing for women, runners and other athletes who need more iron (up to 30% more) than the average Joe.  One ounce of raw cacao nibs provides six percent of the daily recommended value.
  • Cacao nibs provide more antioxidant benefits than eating the darkest chocolate bar around. You’ve probably heard that the darker the chocolate, the better – experts suggest picking a bar with as much as 70% cacao (it can take a while to get used to the less sweet taste). Since cacao nibs are the basis for chocolate candy (after being ground into a paste and mixed with sugar and milk solids), you’re skipping all the unhealthy stuff and going straight to the unsullied source of nutrients..
  • Get creative with cacao nibs! You can eat cacao nibs straight out of the bag, mix them into oatmeal or sprinkle on Greek yogurt – or mix in cacao nibs into any of your recipes for baked goods.

healthy snack nut butter crispies

Protein Nut Butter Crispies with Cacao Nibs Recipe

  • 2 cups puffed whole grain brown rice cereal
  • 2/3 cup (2 standard scoops) chocolate protein powder
  • ¼ cocoa nibs
  • 1/4 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup honey (I like Wholesome Sweetener’s Fairtrade Organic Honey )
  • Optional:  2 Tbsp. chocolate candy-covered sunflower seeds

Place puffed rice, protein powder and cocoa nibs in a medium-sized bowl and toss together until combined.

Warm almond butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds so it’s more malleable. Spray spatula with baking spray and scoop out warmed nut butter on top of dry mixture. Drizzle honey on top of this and stir everything until combined. Mixture may be a bit crumbly, that’s okay.

Using hands, form mixture into approximate 1 ¼” diameter balls, packing tightly. Repeat process with remaining mixture.

If desired, lightly press tops of nuggets into candy-coated chocolate sunflower seeds or another topping of choice.

Makes 18.