Margarita Protein Mug Cake and My Visit to Optimum Nutrition HQ

This post is #sponsored by Optimum Nutrition however all opinions, comments and enthusiasm remain my own.

So, a few weeks ago, I was invited to head out to Chicago to visit the Optimum Nutrition headquarters. I was pretty excited about this because 1) I’m a fan of their products for all phases of my workout and running nutrition (including my own recipe creation) and 2) my inner food nerd can’t resist an invitation to get a behind the scenes look at how the research, development, manufacturing and marketing stages are executed for various brands.Jennifer thefitfork.com Optimum Nutrition HQ

Read on to see what I thought about the whole trip, learn about some of their new products, and also get an easy-peasy Margarita Protein Mug Cake recipe that I created in honor of the trip (and the following Mexico trip I barely got home in time to make!): Continue reading

Keto Chocolate Orange Smoothie with Extra Fiber

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LighterFeelsGood #CollectiveBias

The weather is warming up, and I’m back on my spring breakfast smoothie routine to power up for the busy days that lie ahead. My Keto Chocolate Orange Smoothie is a rich, creamy, crazy-delicious blend of goodness that almost seems like it should be called dessert – but it is sugar-free and has all the nutrients needed to support my low-carb breakfast. Keto Chocolate Orange Smoothie with FiberFind out how I used the new Metamucil Premium Blend (sweetened with stevia) in this sugar-free smoothie to up my daily fiber needs – a problem nutrition gap for many devotees of Keto, high protein or otherwise low-carb diets who avoid fruit and skimp on vegetables.  Read on to learn more and get the keto smoothie recipe: Continue reading

Tips (and Teas) for Sleep Deprived Runners

This post is sponsored by Celestial Seasonings but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for everyone, especially those in endurance sports including running, swimming, biking and obstacle course racing. It’s during sleep hours that our bodies do the bulk of recovery from our daily hard training and builds us into better athletes.  Tips ((and Tea) for Sleep Deprived Runners

A few years ago, I went through a long bout of insomnia (sleeping only 4 to 5 hours a night) and just figured I could power through it with little or no consequence. However, I became increasingly anxious, irritable, had difficulty concentrating and made rash decisions. I wasn’t seeing improvements in my runs and workouts and many days I wouldn’t have the muscle strength or endurance to get them done. My stress was out of control as evidenced by sky-high cortisol levels that would never level out during the day as they should. I knew I needed to do something about my “sleep hygiene” pronto. Creating a “calming” ritual by drinking a healthy tea in the evening, was one of my strategies. Read on to learn my tactics and tips for better sleep: Continue reading

Best Race Fuel, Runner Food and Sports Nutrition Products from TRE18

Truth be told, I hardly noticed the razzle-dazzle of all the fancy new running shoes and gear being promoted at the The Running Event Expo (TRE18). When I rolled into the Austin Convention Center at 10am this past Thursday, I was on a razor-sharp focused, food-seeking mission. How could I turn samples of the latest running fuels, bars and drinks into a legitimate morning meal to refuel my earlier run? And, how could I boost my energy later in the day so I could endure to the show floor finish line without bonking? I really, really did not want a DNF this event featuring over 250 amazing brands catering to specifically the running retail industry. 

Of course, this “quest for the best” runner food and race fuels was not an entirely selfish ploy to satiate my own hunger. It was also for YOU that I stalked, sampled, slurped and stuffed myself silly with countless “tastes” of the latest sports nutrition available today . . . along with new stuff rolling out in 2019.  Read on to discover (my opinion) on The Best Race Fuel, Runner Food and Sports Nutrition Products from TRE18. Continue reading

 7 Ways Women Can Blast Middle-Age Belly Fat

One of the biggest queries I get from my mid-life friends is how can I get and stay lean? Many of these same ladies in their 40s, 50s and beyond are telling me they eat well, they exercise, and still yet, they can’t get rid of the stubborn pounds that show up around their middles. And, I believe them because many are workout buddies and so I see the struggle firsthand. We can largely thank pre-menopause and menopause for this unwelcomed fluffiness. The changes can be so frustrating and stressful, that many (even the once dedicated) decide to throw in the proverbial towel and allow their fitness to turn into fatness . . . but that’s not healthy, mentally or physically! Ways Women Can Blast Middle Age Belly Fat

While we can’t completely beat the “the change,” there are ways to keep ahead of this stage of life and minimize unwanted symptoms – like belly fat.  Read on to learn 7 Ways Women Can Blast Middle-Age Belly Fat – you’ll feel better and you’ll #BeYourBestBeast – that’s the personal hashtag / mantra I live by! Continue reading