Watermelon Coconut Cherry Sippers + 8 Ways to Enjoy Picnic Day

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

Pack your cooler and head to the nearest park, lake or recreation area because June 18 is International Picnic Day! Yes, that’s right, folks all over the world will be lounging on blankets, grilling or eating cold-cut sandwiches and enjoying refreshing beverages. While I personally think it might be a bit cold for a June picnic in some parts of the world (uhh, like Siberia), Texas certainly has more than enough of the warm weather thing going on – that’s why I insist on making watermelon part of our picnic in every way possible.

Not only is a slice of watermelon super tasty, it’s also hydrating. Did you know that munching on 8-ounces of watermelon is like drinking almost that same amount of water – but in addition, you get natural sugars, electrolytes, vitamin A, vitamin C, and lycopene! It’s like Mother Nature’s sports drink except with no added sugars or funky stuff. You’re going to love to quench your thirst with my recipe for Watermelon Coconut Cherry Sippers at the bottom of this post.

In addition to the Watermelon Coconut Cherry Sipper recipe, I’m also sharing eight ways to enjoy watermelon at your next picnic or outdoor event!

Eat by the Slice: Uncut, this fruit is easy and mess-free to pack for a picnic – and big enough to share with a crowd. Slice up your watermelon on-site with this simple way to make watermelon spear slices for sharing.

Use as “Ice” in Cooler: Chill an uncut watermelon or two in the refridgerator overnight, get ‘em good and cold. Transfer watermelon to a cooler the next day before your picnic and pack remainder of food around and on top of the melon. If using picnic perishables within a few hours, food should remain cold and safe. However, if it’s going to be a long day in the sun, add a bit of ice.

Repurpose Rind as Vase: The bowl-like rind that remains after watermelon flesh is scooped out makes a clever vessel for displaying flowers. Use a personal-sized melon and slice off the top three-fourths of the way up. Or, for a dramatic display on a big table, slice a large oval melon in half lengthwise and arrange with blooms.

Work Up a Sweat: Don’t lounge on the picnic blanket all day, get moving! Use a watermelon to get in a workout on dry land or exercise in the pool – watermelons in sizes ranging from 10 to 40 pounds are easy to find, so there is a weight option for everyone.

Kid-friendly Cutouts: Keep younger children busy and entertained at your picnic by appointing them helpers who punch out shapes in slices of watermelon with cookie cutters. Shapes can be served on an ice pop stick for a fun handle.

Drink Up: Because watermelons are more than 90 percent water, they are very refreshing on a hot day. The high water content along with vitamins, electrolites and other nutrients will help you and your family from becoming dehydrated on a hot day. Drink the juice “as-is” or enjoy one of the numerous watermelon beverages around including the Watermelon Coconut Cherry Sipper recipe below or one of the many watermelon beverage recipes from the National Watermelon Promotion Board.

Create Unique Recipes: Watermelon is very versatile and can be incorporated into many creative recipes for your picnic. Pack the fixings for Watermelon Sandwich Wraps or, if grilling at your picnic, whip up a batch of Spicy Watermelon BBQ Sauce before you head out.

Play Games: Keep the watermelon fun going all day long by using the fruit to play fun party games. Small children will have a blast playing Hot Watermelon with a small, personal-sized watermelon. Have the kids sit in a circle and pass the watermelon around from person to person while music plays. The child who is holding the watermelon when the music stops is “out” and the game continues until one person remains. Older kids will have fun at a pool or lake picnic playing Greased Watermelon Football, a game where a watermelon rubbed with Vasaline is tossed in the water and teams jump in to retrieve it and bring to dry land – it’s a slippery, action-packed and hysterical event!

If you’re feeling crafty, why not paint up a simple picnic table to resemble the quintessential fruit of summertime?! I found this cute idea on Pinterest! That reminds me, you should follow my #LivingOnTheWedge Pinterest board to keep up to date on all things watermelon!

Watermelon Coconut Cherry Sippers Recipe:

4 cups chopped watermelon
12-ounce bottle coconut water
1 cup frozen dark cherries

Add approximately 4 cups of chopped watermelon into blender. Pulse for 30 seconds, or until juiced. Pour contents through fine strainer to remove excess pulp (it’s okay if some goes through). Add a 12-ounce bottle of coconut water to extracted watermelon juice. Stir. Pour evenly into 4 tall glasses and add 6 to 8 frozen dark cherries to each cup (to serve as tasty ice cubes). Serves 4.

Picnicking? 8 Unique Ways to Enjoy Watermelon #LivingOnTheWedge @WatermelonBoard #ad http://bit.ly/1Gtsoj3

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How would you enjoy a watermelon at your next picnic? Please post it in the comments below — XOXO, Jennifer

The post is sponsored by the National Watermelon Promotion Board. However, the opinions and content (unless otherwise noted) shared are my own and NWPB did not tell me what to say or how to say it.

4 Trail Energy Recipes with Protein Powder

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is sponsored by NOW Foods via Mamavation.

I’m not going to hide the fact that I’m a meat-eater. I do all the proteins – beef, chicken, fish, and so on. But often, I’m in such a rush for breakfast in the mornings or after a workout, that I’m not able to cook up a big juicy steak. Nor do I always want to. Using protein powder is a go-to on these days when I have a light appetite, but realize my body needs adequate protein for muscle repair and maintenance. I ask my body to do a lot at my age and, in return, I try to feed it what it needs!

I’m sharing some of my favorite recipes using protein powder that are perfect for taking on a trail run or stowing away in your gym bag. I’m also reviewing two great options from NOW Sports that each work well in the recipes. I’ve tried dozens of different protein powders and these two rank pretty high in my book – they are affordable, made with quality ingredients and offer the right ratio of protein to carbs and fat that I prefer.

1) Pumpkin Protein Granola

2) Nut Butter Protein Nuggets with Cacao Nibs

3) Apricot Chocolate Almond Protein Bars

4) Chocolate Cherry Protein Trail Cups

Incorporating protein powder into your diet, it’s all about balance!

Plant Protein Complex (Creamy Vanilla) – Great for vegetarians and vegans (and even meat-eaters who want a change of pace), the NOW Sports Plant Protein Complex is a versatile choice made with a pea, brown rice, hemp and quinoa protein blend. Each scoop provides 22 grams of proteins and 3,900 mg of branched chain amino acids and 1,800 of L-Arginine. Less than 1 gram of sugar and sweeted with Xylitol and Stevia.

Sprouted Brown Rice Protein (Natural Vanilla) – Everyone needs protein to thrive and survive, however those with certain food allergies (such as whey, egg, soy, etc) are often left with few choices when it comes to protein powder. NOW® Sprouted Brown is a great solution and can be used with the confidence that only natural and pure ingredients are being used – no soy or dairy and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Additionally, I recently tried these two other NOW Foods products – thumbs up to both, especially for convenience. When doing healthy things is convenient, I’m more likely to participate!

Lemonade Slender Sticks – These single-serve drink mix packets are so convenient for summer travel or to stash in a gym bag. What I like about them, other than the sweet-tart taste, is peace of mind knowing I’m using a product with made natural sweeteners and non-GMO ingredients, no artificial flavors or preservatives, and contains 50% of nine daily vitamins. Oh, and only 15 calories per serving!

Probiotic-10 + Inulin: More single-serve packets, so you can get probiotics anytime, anywhere! This convenient supplement helps to maintain a healthy microbial balance in the gut – thanks to 10 probiotic strains and 10 billion organisms per little packet! Suitable for vegans, vegetarians and those on dairy-free and gluten-free diets, this easy-to-use powder simply mixes into water for drinking.

Trail Energy Recipes with Protein Powder @NowFoods #NOWwellness #Ad

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What is your favorite way to use protein powder? Have you ever used a Probiotic supplement? Please share in the comments below — XOXO, Jennifer

Sriracha Eating Tonight? How About Spicy Almond Halibut

Posted on June 14, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds.

Hey there, so “Sriracha” eating for dinner today? I hope you’re hungry because I’m sharing a simple healthy snack followed with a hearty halibut recipe – both with a spicy Sriracha spin.

The Sriracha brand of Hot Chili Sauce that lit a billion taste buds on fire.

If you haven’t been part this condiment craze, Sriracha is an Asian sauce made from chili peppers, garlic, sugar, salt and vinegar. It first was produced by hand in the early 1980s and is sold in a signature squirt bottle with green cap and bearing a rooster on the front (so, I’ve always called it Rooster Sauce). In recent years, Sriracha has developed a cult-like following, but I’ve always been ahead of the curve when it comes to food and have been using it in my recipes since the early 1990s – while you can get it in your local grocery store today (even Walmart, it’s that mainstream), back then we’d have to venture down to the Asian market in Houston to score a couple bottles.

These days, Sriracha is used just about on everything, not just Thai or other Asian food — you’ll find it used on eggs, meats pizzas, pastas and other entrees as well as a bold flavor for popcorn, chips and nuts. In fact, I’ve been enjoying a couple cans of Sriracha Almonds from Blue Diamond – the flavor is intense and spicy, but not so over-the-top that your taste buds can handle the heat.

We love to enjoy Sriracha Almonds from Blue Diamond just as they are or paired with crispy roasted seaweed for a far eastern-inspired snack. Almonds make a sensible snack any time of day, the protein and heart-healthy fats found in this nut are satiating and take away the “hangries” until mealtime.

I love to make halibut for dinner – it’s such a hearty fish and great source of lean protein. However, the mild, sweet flavor of halibut needs a bit of spicing up in my opinion, so I decided to grind up some of the Sriracha Almonds to create a crunchy topping for this baked shrimp recipe. I’ve paired it with black rich (super rich in antioxidants) and edamame beans for a balanced, nutritious meal.

Sriracha Eating Tonight? How about Spicy Almond Halibut @BlueDiamond #Ad

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This is the can you’re looking for in the grocery store!

Are you a Sriracha addict, occasional user, or not so much of a fan?

What’s the craziest thing you’ve used this chili sauce on?

Please share in the comments below. XOXO — Jennifer

Sriracha Almond Halibut

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

15 mins

2 tablespoons almond meal ½ cup Blue Diamond Sriracha Almonds 2 sheets paper-thin roasted seaweed Sriracha sauce for drizzle

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Asian

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

2 6-ounce halibut steaks
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 tablespoons almond meal
1/2 cup Sriracha flavored almonds by Blue Diamond Almonds
2 small sheets roasted seaweed snack I used "gimMe" organic brand
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
Grind almonds to coarse consistency in food processor.
Pat halibut steaks dry and drizzle with olive oil. Rub tops of fish with 1 tablespoon of almond meal and then top with ground Sriracha almonds, pressing down into flesh.
Bake the fish until opaque in the center, about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness.
Garnish with Sriracha sauce and piece of paper-thin roasted seaweed.
Serve with black rice and edamame beans , if desired.

Banana Chocolate Chip Protein Donuts with Peanut Butter Frosting

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

I’m a big fan of protein, if you haven’t noticed. Eating enough protein is how I stay lean and support my active lifestyle. But, it doesn’t do your body any good to skimp on protein in the morning and through lunch and the afternoon. It’s so important to eat protein for breakfast, from the time you go to bed through morning is the longest time your body goes without fuel – you need to but quality gas back in the tank so you don’t crash and burn. But, most Americans consume 2/3s of their daily protein at dinner – that’s whacked out!

Last year I discovered About Time Protein Pancake Mix – it’s a hearty, healthy breakfast solution that offers 21 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber for about 290 calories. And, it still has that sweet, indulgent taste that so many of us crave! For me, this pancake mix offers an optimal serving size of protein – I strive to consume 20 – 30 grams during each meal (and snacks). Actually, I learned firsthand from nutrition researcher, Dr. Heather Leidy, that eating adequate protein in the morning can help curb unhealthy snacking later, even much later, in the day.

Thinking outside the box, I decided to use my Chocolate Chip Protein Pancake Mix (Cinnamon Spice also available) to make delicious baked donuts – Banana Chocolate Protein Donuts with Peanut Butter Frosting, to be exact! Super simple to make, the easy recipe is basically just mix, an egg, a mashed banana and splash of milk. I’ve also done a healthy peanut butter frosting that is optional. Make a batch of these donuts ahead of time and ration out through the week – I think they are also the perfect choice for a post-workout or bedtime snack.

Also, don’t miss the recipe for Tart Cherry & Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes I’ve featured in a past post.

Keeping fueled up with About Time at the X Games 2015.

About Time also offers a wide range of additional products to support optimal nutrition. I enjoy their protein powders and always keep a stash of About Time Whey Protein single serves in my gym bag and/or purse (along with a shaker) so that I can whip up something nourishing on the spot.

Recently, at the XGames in Austin, I was so happy to have a packet of Birthday Cake flavor secretly hidden in my backpack so that I could avoid the not-so-healthy look food truck food fare that was being offered. Things to know about this protein powder à For 100 calories you get 25 grams of cold-processed, micro-filtered 100% whey protein isolate available in seven flavors. Also, there are no artificial sweeteners, no growth hormones and the protein powder is lactose and gluten free and non-GMO.

Banana Chocolate Chip Protein Donuts + my XGames Meal @_tryabouttime #tryabouttime #ad

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TWITTER PARTY: #TryAboutTime Twitter Party on Tuesday, June: 16 at 9pm EST! Hope to chat with you there!

What is your go-to protein food for breakfast? Please share in the comments below! XOXO — Jennifer

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of About Time.

Banana Chocolate Chip Protein Donuts with Peanut Butter Frosting

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

8 mins

Total Time

18 mins

Start your morning or finish your workout with Banana Chocolate Chip Protein Donuts with Peanut Butter Frosting -- an easy breakfast recipe to make muscles!

Course: Breakfast, Snack, Worout

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 mini donuts

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups About Time Protein Pancake Mix Chocolate Chip Flavor
1 large egg
1 medium ripe banana mashed
1/4 cup milk of choice or water
1/4 cup natural peanut butter may substitute another nut butter
2 tablespoons milk of choice more if needed to achieve desired consitstency
1/4 teaspoon powdered stevia more or less to taste
3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. In large bowl, mix together pancake mix, egg, mashed banana and 1/4 cup milk. Spoon into mini donut baking pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray or oiled. Bake for 8 minutes or until set and turning lightly golden brown. Remove donuts from pan and let cool on wire rack.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, stir together peanut butter, milk and stevia until a frosting consistency has been achieved. Frost tops of donuts with mixture and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.

3 No-Cook Summer Jicama Recipes + More Yum

Posted on June 7, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

Mr. Jicama Head!

Have you ever tried jicama? It’s not the prettiest pick in the produce section (in fact, you’ve probably buzzed right by it), but it’s certainly a cool and crispy addition to no-cook summer recipes. Jicama is an edible root from Mexico that resembles a cross between a potato and turnip. Jicama has a thin brown skin that is easily removable with a vegetable peeler and the white flesh inside is crispy, crunchy and very mildly sweet – some say it reminds them slightly of pear or apple mixed with a water chestnut texture. But, unlike pears and apples, a convenient thing about this root is that it doesn’t oxidize when cut open and exposed to air – which means you can prep your dishes well in advance and not worry about the vegetable turning brown.

Another perk of jicama is that it’s pretty darn inexpensive and for just a few bucks you can get one big enough to make several recipes. Or, just cut raw jicama up into sticks and eat like celery sticks with your favorite sweet or savory dip! Some sweet dips I love to use with jicama are Opadipity By Litehouse Foods Sweet Greek Yogurt Dips — three flavors including Cheesecake, Strawberry Delight and Vanilla Almond. Lower in calorie and higher in protein that similar products you’ll find at the store – plus, everything is free of preservatives and high fructose corn syrup.

Berry & Yogurt Jicama Crust Dessert Pizza – Perfect for when you need something sweet but are being mindful of your diet. This healthy dessert recipe was first shared on the Living Litehouse Blog, check it out!

Raw Vegan Jicama Nachos – A meatless, non-dairy take on the quintessential patio happy hour food! Another bonus of this healthy appetizer recipe is that no cooking is required!

Jicama Jalapeno Confetti Fruit Salad – This delicious bowl of fruit and jicama is the definition of eating a rainbow! Kicked up with jalapeno, the jicama adds a crisp crunch to all the best fruits of the summer season.

Check out Cooking Light for more healthy recipe ideas using jicama — I think this vegetable is going to become one of your new favorites! You’ll also find great tips on how to pick out this root vegetable at the market and how to best store and prep it at home.

I’ve been working on my yoga practice – I try to do a little bit each day to improve my runner-impaired hip and hamstring mobility (some of the simplest moves are the hardest for me)! I have lots of fun trying some of the arm balances – they use so much concentration, strength and balance. I’m just waiting to break my face on some of the crash landings!

3 No-Cook, Vegetarian Summer Jicama Recipes #Fitfluential

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Are you a fan of jicama? Do you have any favorite jicama recipes?

What is a new fitness-related thing you’ve tried lately?

Berry & Yogurt Jicama Crust Dessert Pizza

Prep Time

10 mins

Total Time

10 mins

Indulge your sweet tooth with this healthy option for a light summer dessert.

Course: Appetizer, Salad, Snack, Vegetable

Cuisine: American, Southwestern

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

1 6" diameter jicama sliced into 1/3" thick rounds (there will be leftover)
1/2 pint fresh blueberries
1/2 pint fresh blackberries
1/2 pint fresh raspberries
8 strawberries
8 ounces plain Greek yogurt can substitute Litehouse Food's Opadipity Greek Yogurt Dip -Cheesecake or Vanilla
stevia to taste
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped or substitute Instantly Fresh brand mint

Instructions

Slice jicama into 1/3" rounds. Rinse berries, set aside to dry.
Mix greek yogurt with stevia to achieve desired sweetness. Spread evenly over tops of jicama rounds.
Top Greek yogurt with berries as desired and sprinkle with fresh mint.

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Category Archives: Recipes

Watermelon Coconut Cherry Sippers + 8 Ways to Enjoy Picnic Day

4 Trail Energy Recipes with Protein Powder

Sriracha Eating Tonight? How About Spicy Almond Halibut

Banana Chocolate Chip Protein Donuts with Peanut Butter Frosting

3 No-Cook Summer Jicama Recipes + More Yum