Category Archives: Snack

Kickstart Morning with Coconut Chai Smoothie Bowl

Posted on by
13

This post is sponsored by Almond Breeze Almondmilk.

Coconut Chai Smoothie Bowl makes a healthy breakfast or dessert dressed up with cacao nibs, hemp seeds and strawberries.

Slurping your smoothie from a straw is so last year. The tastiest trend in town is to “eat” your smoothie in a bowl with a spoon! Not only do chains like Jamba Juice offer these frozen, fruity and fiberous concoctions but smoothie bowls are blowing up social media – just search the hashtag #smoothiebowl and you’ll get over 85K results.

One of the benefits of smoothie bowls (other than getting a ton of nutrition in one easy-to-make meal) is the artistic license. I don’t know about you, but I really enjoy make my food pretty – Mother Nature has given us so many colorful and amazingly delicious ingredients to work with. Instead of throwing all your smoothie goodies into the blender, the key to a smoothie bowl is to make a thick base smoothie and then add the remainder of your fruits, whole grains, seeds and such to the top.

Almond Coconut Milk from Almond Breeze makes a healthy, creamy base for your smoothie bowls and blended beverages.

Unsweetened Almond Coconut Milk from Almond Breeze creates a creamy base for any smoothie bowl or blended beverage. Made from real almonds and coconutmilk, this alternative to diary milk contains medium chain fatty acids; is lactose, soy and gluten-free; is an excellent source of calcium; and works with vegan and kosher diets. I also love how it has no added sugar and only 45 calories per one-cup serving.  Another great thing – Unsweetened Almond Coconut Milk from Almond Breeze is available in a shelf-stable version which means that I can keep my pantry stocked for last-minute meal making.

I appreciate how I can keep shelf-stable Almond Breeze in the pantry, on hand for when cravings strike!

I appreciate how I can keep shelf-stable Almond Breeze in the pantry, on hand for when cravings strike!

If you love the exotic spices of cha (like cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, cloves and more), but need something more than just of a cup of tea in the morning, by Coconut Chai Smoothie Bowl is the perfect way to get your crave on while kick-starting the day with a little caffeine. I topped my bowl with hemp seeds, cacao nibs and strawberries, but feel free to beautify your bowl any way you see fit.

Coconut Chia Smoothie Bowl makes a quick, easy and healthy breakfast or post-workout snack.

In addition to breakfast, I’ve been digging into Coconut Chai Smoothie Bowls for a post-workout snack and healthy dessert after dinner – use decaff tea instead. Don’t forget to look for Unsweetened Almond Coconut Milk, it’s one of my favorites from all the yummy Almond Breeze products — the shelf-stable versions are usually on the cereal aisle.

 

 

 

Grab a spoon —> Almond Coconut Chai #SmoothieBowl @AlmondBreeze #Ad

Click To Tweet

What is your must-have ingredient in a smoothie or smoothie bowl? Let me know in the comments!

Coconut Chai Smoothie Bowl makes a healthy breakfast or dessert dressed up with cacao nibs, hemp seeds and strawberries.
Print
Coconut Chai Smoothie Bowl
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 
Coconut Chia Smoothie Bowl is a tasty way to get your crave on while kick-starting the day with a little caffeine, fruit, protein and fiber. Go breakfast!
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Smoothies, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Coconut Milk divided
  • 1 tea bag chai tea
  • 1/2 large banana frozen
  • 2 packets stevia if desired
  • 1 cup ice more or less, depending on consistency
  • 1 tablespoon raw shelled hemp seed
  • 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened flaked coconut
  • 1 large strawberry sliced
Instructions
  1. Heat half milk (3/4) cup in microwave safe mug for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes, until very hot. Add tea bag and steep for 5 minutes.
  2. Remove and discard tea bag and add remaining milk to help cool off tea. Put in freezer for 15 minutes to cool down further, if needed.
  3. Add cooled tea-milk mixture to blender. Add frozen banana, stevia and ice and blend until smooth. Add more ice or banana to make thicker, if needed. Pour into bowl.
  4. Top with hemp seed, coconut, cacao nibs and strawberries. Eat immediately.

Bold and Sweet Almonds + Trail Run Tabata

Posted on by
15

This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond

A handful of almonds (about 23) makes a hunger-curbing, healthy snack.

Almonds are little powerhouses of nutrition and one of my favorite snacks on the go. I love to use them in recipes (like for granola) too! A handful of these crunchable, munchable nuts are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and heart healthy fats.  Almonds are one of the most abundant sources of protein, fiber, calcium, niacin and vitamin E when it comes to tree nuts.  So, you’re nuts if you don’t eat this nut!

Blue Diamond Almonds - sweet and savory!

If you’re wondering what a handful serving is, it’s an ounce or about 23 nuts. This ounce of almonds has 163 calories, 6 grams of protein and 14 grams of fat – but, don’t worry about the fat.  The fat found in almonds is monounsaturated fat, the kind that is beneficial for your body – like olive oil.  This kind of fat has been linked to reductions in cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and a myriad of other problems.

Almonds are ideal for entertaining!

A recent study from Spain suggests that eating almonds and other nuts can keep you from gaining weight. After 28 months of a diet with or without nuts, the test group who ate nuts at least two times per week was 31 percent less likely to put on pounds than the group who never or rarely ate nuts. One reason may be that the fats and protein in almonds and other nuts curb hunger longer that other food choices, leading to less mindless snacking throughout the day.

Honey Dijon and Honey Cinnamon Almonds from Blue DiamondWhile I never tire of almonds, sometimes it’s always fun to add a little extra flavor. But sweet or savory flavor, that’s hard to decide!  Blue Diamond Almonds has so many varieties of roasted almonds dusted with flavor – Honey Dijon and Honey Cinnamon are two of my newest favorites. One flavor is bold and the other is sweet as honey – sorta like me!

The six-ounce cans are perfect for popping open when friends drop by – or for dropping in your purse for nearly a week’s worth of snacking.  That’s one thing I love about almonds is that you can keep them on-hand for refueling in a gym bag, purse, desk drawer or glove box without worry of spoilage. Take almonds on vacation!  Another place I like to carry along my Blue Diamond Almonds is on a hike or trail run – perfect for nipping “hangries” in the bud!

Speaking of trail running, I have a fun/tough workout that combines running with a series of Tabatas.  Have fun and don’t forget to eat your almonds!

Try adding a series of Tabata exercises on your next trail run for a full-body workout!

 

Trail Run, Tabata and Refuel Post Workout with @BlueDiamond Almonds #Ad

Click To Tweet

Tell me your thoughts about almonds, trail running and Tabata training in the comments below.  

Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Chia Pudding with Unsweetened Almond Milk

Posted on by
18

This post is sponsored by Almond Breeze Almondmilk.

Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Chia Pudding - TheFitFork.comI’ve really grown to love almond milk as a staple in my healthy diet. I’m not lactose intolerant nor do I have any other concern about dairy milk, but I find that the addition of almond milk makes a tasty alternative in my cooking, baking and smoothie-making.  My absolute favorite “flavor” is unsweetened vanilla. With no added sugar, I am in control of how I want my milk or recipe outcome to taste and what type of ingredients I’ll use to do so. I will admit, in the winter, I do have cravings to mix in stevia-sweetened chocolate syrup – it makes a rich, creamy and low-calorie treat.  It’s hard to believe, but one cup of Unsweetened Almond Breeze Almondmilk  just has 30 calories – and, it has no saturated fat or cholesterol and is low on the Glycemic Index.

Trail Running - TheFitFork.comIn addition to mugs of hot chocolate, I can’t tell you how many smoothie creations I’ve made with unsweetened almond milk as the base.  Pear Maple Chia Smoothie, Watermelon Chia Smoothie, Creamy Cranberry Orange Smoothie and dozens upon dozens more. Making a smoothie is such an easy way to refuel after a good run – but I was looking for a new snack to have waiting and ready after an unseasonably warm trail run last week (it’s now cold again, ugh).   Pairing chia seeds with almond milk seemed like the perfect way to pump of the protein for muscle recovery . . . seeing as I did it so often in my smoothies!

Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Chia Pudding with Almond Breeze - TheFitFork.com Just like unsweetened almond milk, there’s so much love about chia seeds. These little guys are an abundant source of Omega 3 fatty acids, surprising high in protein, and rich in other vitamins and minerals like calcium. I’ll be the first to admit, the gelatinous texture of chia seeds – even just the word gelatinous – freaks me out a little. However, blend in some chocolaty cocoa and raspberries and all of a sudden the mouthfeel is marvelous. This recipe makes a stunning and super sensible dessert and is so nutrient-packed; it even gets my approval for breakfast.

Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Chia Pudding #Recipe @almondbreeze #ad

Click To Tweet

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding - TheFitFork.com

Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Chia Pudding - TheFitFork.com
Print
Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Chia Pudding
Prep Time
3 mins
Total Time
8 hrs 3 mins
 
Rich cacao powder and raspberries are perfectly paried -- add chia seeds and almond milk and you have a dessert that is creamy, dreamy and a delight for your healthy diet. Unsweeted almondmilk makes a great base that lets you choose how much sweetness to add.
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Servings: 3 1/2 cup servings
Ingredients
Chocolate Chia Pudding Layer:
  • 9 tablespoons Unsweetened Almond Breeze Almondmilk equals 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 3 packets stevia
Rasberry Chia Pudding Layer
  • 12 frozen raspberries
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Breeze Almondmilk
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened flaked coconut
  • 3 packets stevia
Instructions
  1. Set out two 1-pint microwave-safe containers with tight-fitting lids. In first container, add ingredients for chocolate pudding layer. Secure lid tightly and shake vigorously to combine.
  2. In second container, add raspberries and thaw in microwave on defrost for about 30 seconds, or until thawed and juices released. Use fork to mash up raspberries. Add remaining ingredients for raspberry pudding layer fasten lid and shake until combined.
  3. Set both containers in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. To serve, spoon puddings in alternate layers. Top with additional raspberries and coconut. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Wasabi Almond Shrimp Salad Bites + Football #GameChangingSnacks

Posted on by
12

This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. For more Game Changing Snacks, visit Blue Diamond Almonds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

An interception, a fumble, an unexpected player injury, crazy weather . . . . a (gasp) deflated ball. These are all “game changers” in football. In the blink of an eye, the tables can turn – that’s part of the excitement of being a sports spectator. If you’re having people over to your house this weekend to watch the Big Game, add to the excitement by kicking up your gridiron grub with #GameChangingSnacks !

Blue Diamond Almonds for Football Party - TheFitFork.com

The same-old football finger foods can get boring – enough with the potato chips, hot dogs and pizza. Whip up some easy (and healthier) snacks) that your friends and family will devour with the lip-smacking satisfaction of a hungry linebacker. You can’t go wrong with a can of almonds on your starting snack lineup, especially one of Blue Diamond’s yummy flavors like Wasabi & Soy or Smokehouse.

Wasabi and Soy Sauce Shrimp Salad Bites - TheFitFork.com

You can even become the MVP of football party food by adding plain or flavored almonds to a unique and healthy recipe – one that will have your guests eating like the true champions that they are. I put together this quick and healthy appetizer recipe for Wasabi & Soy Sauce Shrimp Salad Bites – between the veggies and almonds, it’s got a lot of crunch factor not to mention a blast of wasabi “whoohoo” – talk about #GameChangingSnacks ! Low-cal and low-carb, you won’t bust your training diet scarfing down the whole plate.

Wasabi & Soy Sauce Shrimp Salad Bites with Almonds - TheFitfork.com

 

 

Jennifer Fisher 3m Half Marathon Blue DiamondThis past weekend, I had my own “game day” of sorts running the 3M Half Marathon in Austin, Texas. The weather was perfect, the point-to-point course is fast and I was pretty well rested. Alas, there was no PR, I was a good 4 minutes of my best time on this fast course. But, I also didn’t also do too shabby (1:28:12) considering I haven’t be training anywhere near my max and I’m another year older. Perhaps it was those #GameChangingSnacks at the start – a banana and handful of Blue Diamond Almonds!

Healthy Snack Stadium - TheFitFork.com

 

 

Also, if you’re looking for other healthy snack ideas for your football party, check my instructions on how to build a Healthy Snack Stadium filled with fruits, veggies, healthy dips and a whole-grain sandwich station. Pop open a few cans of Blue Diamond Almonds in the end zones and you’ll score you a gazillion high-fives!

Wasabi and Soy Shrimp Salad Bites with Almonds - TheFitFork.com

Wasabi Shrimp Salad Bites w/ Almonds @BlueDiamond #GameChanginSnacks #ad

Click To Tweet

 What snacks are you making for the Big Game?

Wasabi and Soy Shrimp Salad Bites with Almonds - TheFitFork.com
Print
Wasabi & Soy Sauce Shrimp Salad Bites with Almonds
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 
Packed with big flavor from wasabi, these cucumber slices are topped with shrimp salad and a crunchy almond. Healthy finger food for your party!
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Asian
Servings: 12 2 appetizers per person
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 teaspoon wasabi powder
  • 1 cup frozen pre-cooked small salad shrimp, thawed and drained
  • 2 radishes, chopped finely
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped finely
  • 1/4 cup water chestnuts, chopped finely
  • 2 green onions, bulbs and stems slices finely
  • 1 large cucumber, cut crosswise into ¼” thick slices (24 slices)
  • 24 Wasabi & Soy Sauce” Blue Diamond Almonds (from 6-oz. can)
Instructions
  1. In medium-sized bowl, whisk together soy sauce, yogurt and wasabi powder until combined.
  2. Add thawed shrimp, radishes, bell pepper, water chestnuts an d green onions to bowl, toss gently until coated with Greek yogurt mixture.
  3. Spoon 1 tablespoon of shrimp mixture in center of cucumber round; top with almond. Repeat to finish remaining appetizers.
Recipe Notes

Healthy Snack Stadium + Football Finger Foods for the Win

Posted on by
8

How To Build a Healthy Fotball Snack Stadium - TheFitFork.com

Pop Warner Football - TheFitFork.comThe BIG GAME will be here in a little over a week and my guys have been uncharacteristically fussing about the football-watching party preparations. I have some football players, past and present in my house! What television should we watch  – in the game room or downstairs closer to the kitchen?  Should we play games like ‘squares’ or have a bean bag toss? And, most importantly, what will everyone eat?!

It’s not JUST going to be (root) beer, Buffalo wings and burgers.  It’s impossible to be a healthy food and fitness blogger and not bring a little sumptin’ sensible to the shindig.  But I’m not talking about a sad little tray of carrot and celery sticks, instead imagine a nutritious array of nibbles that is as exciting and epic as the BIG GAME itself – a HEALTHY SNACK STADIUM! 

I created this masterpiece of munch-worthy goodness for Litehouse Foods – they challenged me to put a healthy spin on the increasingly popular and pin-worthy food displays made for football-watching gatherings. The stands are packed with fruit and veggies and the field is covered in healthy salsas and dips made from Greek yogurt.  Guests even get an all-access pass to refuel at a sandwich-making station and dig into sidelines loaded up with whole-grain chips and football-decorated eggs!

Healthy Snack Stadium for Football Party - TheFitFork.comGo over and visit Living Litehouse for additional photos and details on how to make this Healthy Snack Stadium (including how to assemble the framework and making pretzel rod goal posts) that will have your guests eating like champions.

While the Patriots and Seahawks rumble on the Super Bowl gridiron, I’ll be serving up even more healthy appetizers alongside my Snackadium. Here are a few ideas for healthy snacks that will make you an MVP on game day, any day and every day!

avocado guacamoleCilantro Lime Guacamole – Simple, smooth and just so darn good that I have been known to eat the whole bowl at one sitting! A perfect dip for chips or healthier options like carrot, jicama, or zucchini sticks and to use as a spread on your sandwich.  If you have leftover guacamole (yeah, right!) or just want to make extra in advance, check out my blog post on How to Freeze Guacamole.

 

Nut and Cereal party mix made in crock pot

Nutty Slow Cooker Snack Mix – Snack mix is a perennial party favorite, my recipe uses a slow cooker (really!) to make the process stress-free and super tasty. I like to add lots of nuts to my snack mix for healthy fats and extra protein.  A sure bet!

 

 

 

 

Football Deviled Eggs - TheFitFork.com

Football Deviled Eggs – Are these the cutest eggs ever? And, the good news is you will not go to hell for incorporating them into a healthy diet – eggs are a great source of protein and essential vitamins.  I’ve used Greek yogurt instead of the traditional mayo for a slimming swap-a-roo!

Healthy Gridiron Grub #recipes + Super Snack Stadium for the win! @litehousefoods #football

Click To Tweet

Football Deviled Eggs - TheFitFork.com
Print
Football Deviled Eggs
Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 
Put your healthy stack stadium over the top with these fun and tasty football deviled eggs -- a fun finger food for the Big Game! Touchdown!
Course: Appetizer
Servings: 12 people (2 each)
Ingredients
  • 12 large eggs boiled
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Sriracha sauce or more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • bunch chives
Instructions
  1. Peel eggs lengthwise and scoop out yolks; set whites aside.
  2. In small bowl, mix together yolks, yogurt, mustard, sriracha sauce, salt and pepper.
  3. Spoon mixture into empty cavity of eggs.
  4. Snip and cut chives with knife into approximate ½ pieces; each egg half will need four pieces (96 pieces). Place 3 chive slices crosswise along egg filling and cross with one piece lengthwise.