Category Archives: Recipes

Wild Blueberry Coconut Pie Smoothie

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Wild Blueberry Coconut Ginger Smoothie Wild Blueberries . . . I’m, well, just wild about them. I stir them in my oatmeal, toss in my salads, and blend up in smoothies – like this recipe for Wild Blueberry Coconut Pie Smoothie I’m sharing today. This smoothie is super yummy, and yes it tastes like a coconut cream pie and blueberry cheesecake collided! In one tall glass, you get natural energy and antioxidants from Wild Blueberries, hydration-balancing electrolytes from coconut water and satiating, muscle-making protein from low-fat cottage cheese.  I love to make this vibrant Wild Blueberry smoothie for a quick breakfast, as post-workout or long run refueling or as a healthier dessert option after dinner or before bed. Wild Blueberry Coconut Ginger Smoothie taste like a coconut cream pie and blueberry cheesecake collided, but it's actually a smart choice for breakfast, a workout snack or healthy dessert.

So, back to the berries. Did you know Wild Blueberries aren’t the same thing as regular cultivated blueberries? I was already stalking the frozen aisle to buy these special berries for their intense sweet-tart taste long before I came to learn of all the healthy attributes. For example, Wild Blueberries have double the antioxidant capacity of regular blueberries and recent research is suggesting that they may play an important role in gut and brain health and also lower the incidence of diabetes and certain cancers. Talk about small but mighty! Handful of Wild Blueberries

Wild Blueberries are primarily grown in Main and Eastern Canada and date back more than 10,000 years!  About 99% of the crops today are individually quick frozen to lock-in nutrition and taste – it also means you can cater to blueberry cravings anytime of the year just by grabbing a bag out of the freezer.  There are many “brands” of Wild Blueberries, and I don’t prefer one over the other — just look for the word “Wild” on the package to ensure you’re getting the most potent and powerful blueberries around!

MAKE THIS! Wild Blueberry Coconut Pie Smoothie #WildYourSmoothie #Sponsored

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So, have you ever eaten WILD blueberries? What is your favorite ingredient to put in a smoothie — surprise me, I’m always looking for creative new things to try. Share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by the Wild Blueberry Association of North America and I am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

Wild Blueberry Coconut Ginger Smoothie taste like a coconut cream pie and blueberry cheesecake collided, but it's actually a smart choice for breakfast, a workout snack or healthy dessert.
Print
Wild Blueberry Coconut Pie Smoothie
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 
Course: Beverage, Breakfast, Dessert, Fruit, Smoothies, Snack, Worout
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup froze Wild Blueberries
  • 8 ounces coconut water
  • 1/3 cup low fat cottage cheese
  • 2 tablespoons shredded, unsweetened coconut
  • 1 to 2 packets stevia, to taste
  • 1/2 cup ice, or more if needed
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to blender and process until smooth. Pour into tall glass, garnish with additional blueberries and coconut flakes. Enjoy immediately.

BBQ Brisket and Bean Skillet Nachos – Yee Haw, Y’all!

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Barbeque Brisket Skillet Nachos will satisfy a crowd!Today is National Tortilla Chip Day! My appetite just couldn’t wait for National Nacho Day to roll around on November 6th before sharing my recipe for hot, hearty and “yippee-yee-haw” yummy Cowboy BBQ Brisket & Bean Skillet Nachos.  Thousands have actually devoured this recipe, I developed it on behalf of Litehouse Foods to feed thousands of hungry expo carousers at the Produce Marketing Association’s “Fresh Summit” in Atlanta back in October. The line to get my grub was huge!

Cowboy Brisket Nachos with Tortilla Chips

Most “skillet” nachos I’ve tasted have been limp, lame and ready to be put out to pasture, the result of wet and dry ingredients loitering too long. However, this isn’t my first nacho rodeo and I revealed a nacho hack I’d been hiding – to keep the saddle off the horse until it’s time to ride! What I mean by this is to cook up toppings in cast-iron cookware and then slop atop tortilla chips right before serving, the result passes muster with this Sheriff of Sogginess.  Just imagine a platter with crisp, crunchy chips on the bottom and a hella ooey, gooey heaven on top! Don’t just imagine, try it!

Ingredients for BBQ Beef Brisket Skillet NAchosGrab you some barbeque brisket, roasted corn, pinto beans and seasonings – you’ll be wrangled those ingredients up stove top in a skillet at then smothering with a heaping helping of cheddar cheese and jalapenos. I love using the center cut portion of brisket for this recipe because it is actually considered a lean cut of beef (that surprises a lot of folks) and just tastes so down home delicious. When ready to feed your hungry hombres, pile chips on a plate, cover with a generous pile of brisket and bean topping, and dollop with sour cream, guacamole, salsa or whatever scoots your boot!

Cowboy BBQ Brisket Nachos

Cowboy Beef Brisket, Bean and Corn "Slop" on Sweet Potato makes a quick and healthy meal solution!These skillet nachos are perfect for a party, patio snack or last-minute meal solution with leftovers Any remaining topping from my Cowboy BBQ Brisket & Bean Skillet Nacho can be served over baked potatoes, wrapped taco style in tortillas or scrambled with eggs. And, feel free to swap out the chopped up brisket for equal proportions of lightly seasoned ground beef or shredded chuck roast — you can’t go wrong!

Skinny Garden Guacamole makes a light and nourishing lunch served on whole grain toast.If this inspired by Texas recipe isn’t your style, how about some English pea and asparagus packed Skinny Garden Guacamole?

CowboYUM! BBQ Brisket Skillet Nachos #Beef #BeefLovingTexans #LivingLitehouse

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So, how are your dipping, dunking or topping your tortilla chips today? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

Barbeque Brisket Skillet Nachos will satisfy a crowd!
Print
BBQ Brisket and Bean Skillet Nachos
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 
Believe in the legend of leftovers! My BBQ Brisket & Bean nachos are a right easy way to feed a hungry crowd and use up extra beef from last night's dinner!
Course: Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican, Southern, Southwestern
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup frozen corn kerals, thawed
  • 1 1 pound precooked, pre-sliced brisket
  • 1 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoe, with juice
  • 1/2 cup spicy BBQ sauce
  • 12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 medium jalapenos, cut into rings
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 16-ounce bag tortilla chips
  • garnishes: avacado, salsa, sour cream, etc
Instructions
  1. Add olive oil to 12-inch cast iron skillet and bring to medium high heat. Add onion, garlic and thawed corn and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, or until kernels start lightly browning.
  2. Coarsely chop brisket add to hot skillet along with beans, tomatoes and barbeque sauce. Stir until combined and heated through.
  3. Top mixture with cheddar cheese and jalapeno rings. Place lid on skillet and simmer a few minutes until cheese melts.
  4. To serve, pile tortilla chips on a plate (individual or family-style), spoon on brisket and bean topping, sprinkle with cilantro and add additional garnishes of your choice.

Raspberry Lemon Protein Mug Muffin – Single Serve

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A Raspberry Lemon Protein Mug Muffin is a quick and easy solution to breakfast in the morning - or as a healthy, single-serve dessert before bed!I know it’s not spring yet, but I’m getting the fever to make delicious yummy things that remind me of warm weather.  My recipe for Raspberry Lemon Protien Mug Muffins reminds me of the lemon pound cake that has always been a family favorite, but typically reserved for dessert on special occasions. Single serve, and super yummy, this easy-to-make mug muffin makes a delicious morning meal or satisfying swap when you need a sweet treat at night.

calcium). This could vary slightly on the protein powder you are using.

If you think you don’t have time to make a scratch breakfast in the morning, especially a “muffin,” think again! This muffin is mixed up right in the mug and “bakes” in the microwave in 2 minutes or less.  You’ll be digging into warm, moist, lemony goodness before the coffee is even done brewing – plus, the only dishes to wash are the mug and your spoon! Win-win!

When life hands you lemons, ask for something with more protein!

Another win is that you’re fueling yourself well for whatever the day holds. Between protein powder and an egg white, there is plenty of protein to keep you from getting hungry before lunch  — plus, it’s under 200 calories and gluten-free.  Here are the specifics:  182 calories, 17g protein, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugar), 4g dietary fiber, 3g fat and calcium). This could vary slightly on the protein powder you are using.Meyer Lemon Raspberry Protein Mug Muffin I used Meyer Lemons in my recipe which are less acidic and slightly more sweet than a traditional lemon (actually, they are a hybrid lemon-orange) and I love the blemish-free large ones from Frieda’s Produce! Look for these beauties packaged up in a cellophane bag in your produce department.

Easy and Amazing! Raspberry Lemon Protein Mug Muffin #inspiretastelove

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What’s your favorite quick-fix for breakfast? Have you ever had a Meyer Lemon? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

Meyer Lemon Raspberry Protein Mug Muffin
Print
Raspberry Lemon Protein Mug Muffin
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Total Time
4 mins
 
Enjoy a warm, delicious breakfast ready start to finish in 5 minutes! You'll be fueled with protein for your workout, run or busy morning. Gluten Free.
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients
  • 1 large egg white or 3 tablespoons egg white from carton
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tablespoons gluten free oat flour
  • 1/4 cup raspberries, halved
  • optional 2 packets Stevia, if protein powder unflavored
Instructions
  1. In 12 ounce mug, add egg whites, egg white, lemon juice and lemon zest. Whisk together with fork until well combined.
  2. Add in protein powder, oat flour and stevia, if needed. Stir until combined.
  3. Add raspberries and gently fold in.
  4. Place mug in center of microwave and cook on high for 60 to 120 seconds, until batter no longer raw (but it will be very moist). Actual cooking time will depend on the strength of your microwave.
  5. Stand by and watch muffin cook so that it does not overflow -- if it starts to rise too much, simply stop microwave, let it settle, and then restart.

Run or Workout? Apples Core to Training Diet + Recipes

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Why Apples are Core to a Runner's Diet - find out the health benefits and how they can improve your training.There’s truth to the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”  This popular fruit has a bushel of benefits to keep the general population and athletes healthy and well. For example, apples are low in calories yet high in fiber, certain vitamins (like C), antioxidants and phytonutrients, making them a filling and snack that helps maintain weight and optimize health.

Avoid Apple Overload -- so just what IS considered a healthy serving of apple?

But, like everything else, you can over indulge. The suggested serving for an apple is about 1/3 pound, about 3″ in diameter (think of a tennis ball). However, most apples you see today at the market are not just large, the are super JUMBO! So, whether you run, swim, CrossFit or play team sports like basketball or lacrosse, there are even more reasons to add a healthy serving of apples to your training diet. Here are a few:

Healthy Carbs: Apples contain fructose, a natural fruit sugar that buts gas in the tank for your workouts. A medium apple has about 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Recovery: The healthy carbs in apples are also important for post-workout recovery, namely to replenish glycogen and fluids stores and help synthesis protein so that the body can repair taxed muscles. That’s why I always pair my apple with a Core Power High Protein Shake!

Hydration: Apples are about 84 percent water and another way to replace potassium and other electrolytes lost through sweat during exercise.

Gut Health: Pectin is found in apples, a prebiotic that promotes friendly gut bacteria. A healthy gut helps to “move things along” so that you won’t feel bloated and weighted down for your workout.

Endurance Booster:  Some studies suggest that quercetin, a flavonoid found in apples (especially the peel), may improve athletic endurance by affecting the oxidation process to muscles and increasing V02 Max.

Perfectly Portable: An apple comes packaged in its own wrapping will stay fresh for days (if not weeks) without any special treatment, making one an ideal snack to keep stowed in your purse or gym bag.

Versatile:  In addition to crunching an apple out of hand, there are plenty of easy and healthy ways to incorporate more apples into your diet including Apple “Nachos,” applesauce and baked apples.  It’s also easy to chop up apples and add them to protein pancake batter, stir frys and salads.

SOME OF MY FAVORITE APPLE RECIPES:

Cinnamon Super Oatmeal Stuffed ApplesBaked Cinnamon “Super Oats” Apples my just be the most comforting, homey breakfast ever made with a big apple and whole grain oats “superfied” with additional seeds and nuts.

caramel granola apple dessertCaramel Crunch Apple Nachos are are unique and healthy treat for parties, celebrations, fiestas and just plain ole everyday healthy snacking!

Apple Ring Protein PancakesApple Ring Protein Pancakes are a muscle-making spin off on my Grandma’s famous fritter recipe. Healthy carbs from the apples paired with a bit of protein powder are ideal for refueling after a hard run or workout.

Healthy raspberry apple snackRaspberry Chocolate Apple Rings simply require spreading a chocolate nut-butter over sliced apple and topping with raspberries.

Apples Core To Run & Workout Diet + Handpicked Healthy Recipes #Fitfluential

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So, are YOU an apple fan? Do you eat an apple a day . . . or an apple a week? What is your favorite way to eat an apple? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

 

Almond Eaters Make Better Athletes + Almond Apricot Bar Recipe

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Eating almonds may boost athletic endurance, or so says a recent study published the Journal of International Sports Nutrition.  Professional cyclists in the study snacked on either almonds or cookies over the course of four weeks. At the conclusion, almond eaters made the most improvements on bike time trials and researchers concluded that eating almonds helped mobilize more previously reserved carbohydrates rather than breaking down fat as an energy source during intense exercise. Just hanging out with the superheroes at Hood to Coast Relay.To put it simply, almonds are a food for superheros on the course — you may not BONK or HIT THE WALL (as quickly) is you’ve noshed on some almonds leading up to and during intense exercise like long runs, Spartan races, triathlons, ultra marathons and more. Almonds are also a great source of energy-boosting manganese and copper, minerals which minimize the damage free radicals can do to the mitochondria that power our cells and also help keep electrolyte levels in check. Salty almonds, yum!

A handful of almonds (about 23) makes a hunger-curbing, healthy snack.Whether you are a hard-core athlete or not, the nutrient profile of almonds is a natural fit for fueling healthy, active lifestyles.

A 1-ounce serving of almonds (about 23 almonds, a handful or ¼ cup) has 6g protein, 4g fiber, heart-healthy fats, and lots of vitamin E and other important nutrients – and 163 calories (much less than a candy bar).

unleash-the-crunch-power-of-almonds

Another thing I appreciate about almonds? Almonds are super portable and can go anywhere – toss a handful in a little container and stick in your purse, gym bag, backpack or race belt.

I also like to toss almonds in with fresh fruits for a carb-protein balanced pre or post workout snack.Fruit and almonds make the perfect snack

Sometimes I get “fancy” with almonds and use them in a recipe, here is one of my favorites that is perfect for on-the-go snacking!

Apricot Almond Chocolate Energy Bars

Almond Apricot Energy Bars are the perfect snack for lunch boxes or fueling runs, workouts and post-exercise recovery.

Oh, FYI, I just wanted to know that I’m now sharing my recipe on as a publisher on Yummly, visit my Yummly Page! Also, use the Yum button below (in the bar of share buttons) to save my recipes to your personal recipe box on Yummly. If you’re not familiar with Yummly, you should be — it’s a huge recipe database that not only features a digital recipe box for you to save your favorites but also recipe recommendations, shopping lists, and supporting Iphone and Android apps to help you with meal ideas on the go!

Almond Eaters Make Better Athletes + Energy Bar Recipe @almonds #NationalAlmondDay

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Are you an almond eater? What is your favorite nut? Who your favorite superhero? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer