Chipotle Pumpkin Cheddar Grits & Black Bean Bowl

This post is sponsored by Cabot Creamery, in conjunction with Healthy Aperture, as part of a blogger cooking contest. All content, opinions and enthusiasm remain my own!

I’m starting to get those fall-time feels! Cooler weather, cozy meals, seasonal flavors, and this year more family time around the dinner table. Not only are we staying home more and eating out less, we’ve also got a couple college kids who are able to extend their visits thanks to this new online learning situation. Quick, easy and affordable! This budget-friendly family favorite makes a great fall-inspired dinner on busy nights. White cheddar and pumpkin make stone ground grits so creamy, and chipotle chile powder adds just a touch of smoky heat. Add my suggested toppings to make it a balanced meat with under 400 calories and 20g protein per serving. Gluten free, lower carb and meal prep / freezer friendly. Get more quick and easy meal recipes and clean eating ideas at thefitfork.com

That being said, I’ve had to flex my creative cooking muscle to come up with budget-friendly ideas that will keep my three hungry guys filled up without breaking the bank (and interfering with my running shoe budge, lol). Cheesy, hearty meals are ALWAYS a winner with them, so I’ve relied on flavorful Cabot cheese, along with staples from my pantry) to create a Chipotle Pumpkin Cheddar Grits & Black Bean Bowl. Continue reading

Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter Quinoa Oat Bake | Gluten-free, Lower Carb

‘Tis pumpkin season my friends, fal-la-la-la, it’s almost FALL! Starbucks may take credit for the insanely popular pumpkin spice craze, but I say it all happened back in Mrs. Jenkin’s 5th grade (circa early 70s) class when we made pumpkin muffins for a Thanksgiving feast. I fell instantly in love with the taste of pumpkin paired with the cinnamon, clove and nutmeg spice trifecta – and started making pumpkin spice “everything” henceforth! Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter Quinoa Oat Bake is a healthy, hearty breakfast that can be made ahead for busy mornings or entertaining. Great for meal prep. Lots of fiber protein and gluten free. Freezes well for quick breakfasts.

Today, I have incorporated the pumpkin spice mania into another of my passions – breakfast meal prepping! Check out this amazing and nourishing recipe for Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter Quinoa Oat Bake which makes a big batch that can be put up in the freezer in single-servings. Continue reading

Cinnamon Vanilla Dalgona Whipped Coffee (Sugar Free)

I did it! I made the latest craze in coffee and didn’t mess it up! I figured with the frothy whipped topping, it would be a complicated not-at-all easy drink to make — but it was so simple! Find out more about this Sugar Free Cinnamon Vanilla Dalgona Whipped Coffee. ** It looks super indulgent, but only has 38 calories! **Cinnamon Vanilla Whipped Dalgona Coffee

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Virtual Watermelon Woggle Walk-Jog-Run & Concentrated Electrolyte Ice Cubes for Runners

This post is sponsored by WatermelonBoard.org, however all content, opinions and enthusiasm remain my own. Thank you for supporting watermelon farmers!

The last six months have been different, to say the least, when it comes to running and working out. For many of us, including myself, we’ve had to dig deep to get off the couch, we’ve had to look for ways to lock in that accountability, find creative ways to keep making fitness fun, and get used to getting high-fives, positive vibes, and goals accomplished virtually. Virtual Watermelon Watermelon Walk Jog Run

I’ve been entering virtual runs and workout competitions, attending online fitness boot camps, and exercising at home with whatever “equipment” I can round up (check out my Full-body Watermelon Home Workout). This past weekend, the time of year I usually start ramping up marathon or half marathon training but not a “real” one on my calendar as of yet). So, I thought it would be good for my spirits to step out the door for a run with no worries about time, or distance or even competing – just having fun and challenging friends virtually to do the same! I’m calling it the Virtual Watermelon Woggle “Walk-Jog-Run Any Distance” 2020 – are you in?!  Keep reading to find out more and also nab my recipe for Concentrated Watermelon Electrolyte Ice Cubes – – a must-have for fall-season running when the weather is still screaming summer. Continue reading

Hatch Green Chile Pulled Pork Sirloin in Slow Cooker

The aroma of my recipe for Hatch Green Chile Pulled Pork Sirloin for Slow Cooker simmering all day will have your taste buds falling apart in anticipation! Hatch Green Chile Pulled Pork in Slow cooker -- easy and versatile! Great for tacos, enchiladas, soups and to meal prep and stock pile in the freezer.

After a low and slow cook, this simple, slow cooker pork recipe is rendered fork-tender and can be easily shredded up for tacos, salads, enchiladas, sandwiches and more. The recipes is low-carb, keto-friendly freezer-friendly and one of my favorites for meal prep.

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