Running Day and Hatch Green Chile Trout

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

Okay, there’s not real good way to marry up running day and trout in a blog post — unless I say that runners and athletes of all disciplines should be eating fish for it’s abundance of protein, heart-healthy fats and other vital nutrients. Yeah, there ya go, that’s the segue . . .

First off, happy National Running Day! I’ve been running for 25 years and it has been a real blessing in my life. Even though I was the bookworm, shy, non-sporty girl who always won the 600 yard dash in elementary PE, I didn’t start running on a regular basis a year or two out of college. This sorority girl didn’t like to sweat in the 1980s. When I first started running, the sport empowered me, gave me confidence and matured my focus from striving to be the pretty girl to actually being the fierce girl. During early parenthood years, running gave me time alone to collect my thoughts and keep my sanity; running gave me a lift on those days when I was feeling down. As the kids started to get older, I realized that they were watching me run and that I was being a role model they needed. Running has brought me so many adventures, too many to share, and made my life quite interesting now that I reflect on it. Today, running keeps me focused on a goal (if I feel like it), connects me with my friends and husband and just generally makes me happy – I can’t imagine a day when I wouldn’t and couldn’t be running.

So, here’s the delicious Southwestern Blackened Trout with Hatch Green Chile Medley fish recipe I made for dinner last night, I am a huge fan of Hatch green chile and southwestern spices and this was definitely a winner. The recipe as written is Paleo freindly (if you don’t do corn, swap out for yellow summer squash) — but if you need a little extra sumptin’-sumptin’ to get your motor running, serve the fish and veggies over brown rice. Thank you SizzleFish.com for the awesome fish.

How did you celebrate National Running Day?

Have you ever filleted a fish?

Southwestern Blackened Trout with Hatch Green Chile Medley

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

12 mins

Total Time

22 mins

Enjoy some heart-healthy fish and the flavors of the southwest with this easy-to-make, one-dish dinner. Paleo-friendly, swap out form with yellow summer squash.

Course: Main Dish, Vegetable

Cuisine: Southwestern

Servings: 2 people

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil divided
3 tablespoons Adams Jalacorno seasoning divided
1 medium medium sweet onion, coarsely chopped
1 cup peeled and seeded fire-roasted Hatch green chiles, chopped
1 cup fresh corn kernels
2 cloves garlic crushed
2 4 to 5 ounce rainbow trout filets boned, leave skin on one side
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons crumbled questo fresco

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon seasoning in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for approximately 2 minutes or until softening. Add corn, green chiles and garlic and sauté, stirring frequently, for another 4 to 5 minutes.
Remove veggie mixture from skillet to bowl. Add remaining olive oil and bring to medium-high heat. Dry tops of trout dry (skin left on bottom)and rub each thoroughly with about one tablespoon of seasoning. Place in skillet seasoned side down and sear for approximately 3 minutes. Use spatula to flip over and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Add veggies back into pan, stir around in remaining skillet bits and serve with chopped cilantro and queso fresco crumbled on top.

All Watermelon, All Summer! Crazy Pool Workout #LivingOnTheWedge

Posted on May 31, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

I am so happy that June is here, it’s officially the kickoff to my summer-long binge of watermelon. Those who know me understand and accept that I am a watermelon worshiper and those who are visiting for the first time will quickly come to realize the magnitude of my affection for this fruit. Last year, I celebrated watermelon with a week full of undivided attention and am including those links at the bottom of this post – please visit! This year, I am spreading out the watermelon love with an entire summer of #LivingOnTheWedge – twice a month, I’ll share my best creative and unique ways to make watermelon a part of a fit, flavorful and fabulous lifestyle.

As crazy as it sounds, today I have a watermelon and am ready to workout. Last year, I shared a WOD using a watermelon in lieu of a medicine ball – this year, I taking the action to the swimming pool so we can all stay cool! In terms of weird and wacky workouts, Prancersize doesn’t have anything on this! In addition to the graphic, I have a video demo further down (you’ll definitely laugh).

A couple great things about exercising in the pool (other than staying cool) are that it’s easy on your joints and offers extra resistance for easy toning and muscle-making! Watermelons come in a variety of sizes, for this workout, I’ve used a seedless watermelon that weighs 30 lbs and a personal-sized watermelon weighing in at 10 lbs — adjust to meet your fitness level. One of the perks of working out with a watermelon is that you get to EAT the equipment afterward! #EatTheEquipment

I have another idea for watermelons and large bodies of water! If you’re having a pool party, keep the kids (and grown-ups) thoroughly entertained and active with a game of Greased Watermelon Football. Just lather up a good-sized melon with petroleum jelly and toss it in the pool. When the whistle blows, everyone jumps in and the first person to emerge on dry land with the watermelon in hand is declared the winner. A greased watermelon, along with its awkward-to-grasp size and a jumble of underwater arms and legs, makes this end goal much harder than it sounds.

After the watermelon water workout and spirited game of greased watermelon football, I’m just going to kick back and relax on my new pool float. How awesome is this — a slice of heaven!

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Remember to check back all summer to take part in my great big celebration of watermelon – I’ll have posts on picnics, celebrations, special recipes, health benefits, family fun, a giveaway and (maybe the most fun of all) the first-ever running of the Watermelon Mile. I feel like a world record is going to be set! In the meantime, check out my “Living on the Wedge” Watermelon Board on Pinterest filled full with watermelon recipes, facts, health benefits and all the wacky watermelon things that catch my eye. I’d love for you to follow the board and if you have recipes, tips or anything watermelon-related, please follow the instructions to join as a pinner to the group!

#LivingOnTheWedge 2014 Posts

All Watermelon, All Summer! Jump into June w/ Watermelon Pool WOD #LivingOnTheWedge @WatermelonBoard #sponsored

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Have you ever worked out in a pool workout or used anything “alternative” for an exercise weight? Please share 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.

#ReadySetCamp – Avoid Pesky Summer Camp Problems

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

I’ve relied on MinuteClinic (at CVS Pharmacy) to give my kids the requisite check-over that is required for camp physicals. It’s just so easy to drop into one of the many CVS Pharmacy locations to secure a camp physical without the wait and ordeal of scheduling with your regular pediatrician. Without an appointment, the nurse practitioners and/or physicians assistants will review your child’s health and immunization history, perform a through physical, and complete and stamp paperwork – just remember to bring relevant health information and requisite forms required by the camp. These medical professionals can also recommend the right over-the-counter treatments and, if appropriate, write prescriptions to help treat many of the common woes of summer.

Speaking of summer woes, there are some little minor medical issues that can happen to your child while away at camp. Don’t fret, there will be trained medical personnel on hand at camp to handle these pesky summer problems – however, it’s still a good idea to educate your child before he or she heads off to camp.

Poison Ivy & Oak: Show your children how to spot this nasty rash-making plant. Poison ivy has three pointed leaves that can grow as a bush or vine and changes colors with the season – in the summer, the leaves are green! Poison Oak also grows as a bush or vine and has three leaves shaped in lobes that resemble the leaves on a traditional oak tree. Sumac is also a poisonous plant, it has seven to 12 leaves per stem and grows on a small tree in wet, wooded areas. Teach preventative measures – instruct your children to cover up with long sleeves, pants, socks and closed-toe shoes when out in overgrown, brushy areas. If contact is made with a poisonous plant, exposed skin, hands and under fingernails should be washed with soap and water or rubbing alcohol immediately. If a rash is going to happen, it will usually start in about 10 minutes.

Bug Bites and Stings: Bees, wasps, mosquitos and no-see-ums, along with a host of other flying, crawling critters are just waiting to take a little bite of your sweetie if he or she isn’t properly protected. Before leaving for camp, show your child how to safely apply insect repellent (please use organic or 50% DEET or less) by avoiding eyes, mouth, scrapes and irritated skin. When applying to the face and neck, it’s best to spray a bit into palms of hands and then carefully rub in – remembering to wash hands afterward.

Sunburn: This is always the biggest issue for my kids who hate to use sunscreen – but I insist, not only because of the painful redness and possible blistering, but also the long-term health consequences. Remind your kids before they go to camp to “grease up” before any and all outdoor activities. I’ve found that bringing them along to CVS Pharmacy and letting them help pick out the sunscreen type (like lotion or spray) while educating them in the process has been a pretty effective way to get them to follow through with application. Also, I teach them the general measure of UV exposure – a shadow longer than body means exposure low while a shadow shorter means exposure is high. Pack enough full-coverage clothing for them, along with a brimmed hat and UV-proof swim shirt to minimize exposure.

So, head on over to the walk-in MinuteClinic at your neighborhood CVS pharmacy for those last-minute camp physicals. You’ll be in and out in no time and you can pick up all those last-minute camp essentials (repellant, sunscreen, bandages, lip balm, flashlights and more). And, after camp or anytime through the summer, swing in to have those minor summer problems checked out — bug bites, sunburns, poison ivy and more.

Yeehaw! Get Kids Summer Camp Ready@MinuteClinic #ReadySetCamp #Ad

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So are where are your kids heading to camp this summer? I loved horseback riding – do you remember your favorite activity from camp? Please share in the comments! XOXO Jennifer

Body Boosting Fitness Shake and Bodyweight Leg Workout

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Bowflex Body.

Anytime someone says creamy, indulgent-tasting shakes are good for me, they have my rapt attention. That’s why I was ready to find out more about Bowflex Body, a line of premium nutrition products that inludes a vanilla fitness shake mix along with “boosters” (including chocolate) to mix in depending on my protein, energy, or fat-burning needs for the day.

As a meal replacement option, the Premium Vanilla Fitness Shake (with booster or not) is a convenient and safe way to ensure most of us are getting the optimal nutrition needed to power through until the next meal. I’ve swapped out a shake for a full meal at lunch or dinner a few times a week and had great results in leaning out. But, typically getting lean and dieting for weight loss is not an issue for me, often I’m trying to fill in the gaps in my day where I need extra quality calories (without the junk) – like after a workout or before bed.

Easy to keep in a gym bag and shake, shake, shake after a workout.

These easy-to-make shakes have become a staple in my post-workout nutrition plan. It’s so important to take in a protein-rich mini-meal within 30 minute of an intense workout or long run. It’s also key that that the meal or shake have a bit of carbohydrates to help the body efficiently process the protein – Bowflex Body makes it so easy! After finishing the “Murph” CrossFit WOD (1 mile run, 100 pull ups, 200 pushups 300 squats and a final 1 mile run) on Memorial Day, I knew my muscles were going to be screaming for some tasty TLC. I brought along my mixer filled with a scoop of the Premium Vanilla Fitness Shake along with the Rich Chocolate Booster AND the Peanut Butter Protein Booster. I’m greedy like that!

Start Shaking It Up, Here’s How:

Premium Vanilla Fitness Shake: Start with this powdered mix as your base and blend into water or your milk of choice. The instructions say use 8 ounces of liquid, but I’ve used 8 ounces of unsweetened almond milk and 8 ounces of water and it still tastes great (and my mind thinks I’m getting more). You can also throw a scoop into morning or post-workout smoothie if you like frozen beverages. Not only does it taste super creamy and delicious, but for just 125 calories, you get 15g high quality protein, 5 g prebiotic fiber, only 5g sugar and 16 potent antioxidants including acai, goji, pomegranate, mangosteen, spinach, kale and more. It is also lactose free, soy free, low sodium and low fat.

Rich Chocolate Booster for Fat Burning: Toss in one of these 10-calorie packets to kick up your metabolism with Garcinia cambogia, green coffee bean, African mango and cocoa exacts.

Peanut Butter Booster for Muscle Management: Add a packet of this booster to help grow, maintain and provide workout recovery benefits to your muscles. This advanced protein formula gives you an additional 10g on top of the 15g already in each serving of shake.

Mixed Berry Booster for Extra Antioxidant Benefits: This refreshing mix-in gives the already vitamin and antioxidant-loaded vanilla shake an extra one-two punch of protection with blueberry, raspberry and strawberry extracts blended to help fight free radicals.

Two BowFlex Body Energy Products worth checking out:

Berry Pomegranate Pre-Energy: This tasty mix gets you revved up for your workout without the crash of sugar-loaded coffee or energy drinks. It works great for either aerobic or anaerobic activity and has just 80 mg of caffeine with theanine, an amino acid from green tea that helps prevent caffeine jitters and “crash.”

Passion Fruit Daily Energy: Designed to take every day, if needed, this formulation helps with focus, aerobic performance and sustained energy when you need a little extra oomph! Like the Pre-Energy formula this Daily Energy has jitter- and-crash free caffeine from the amino acid theanine found in green tea – just less at 50mg.

You really need to try Bowflex Body nutrition products yourself to discover the fat-burning, health-boosting benefits I’m raving about. Use the discount code BOWFLEXSHAKE to receive 20% off your order along with free shipping and handling. A sampler pack is also available. Bowflex has a 30-day, 100% guarantee on their products, so you really don’t have anything to lose — except maybe that muffin top or a bad case of the “hangres”! Get more details on the ingredients used in these fitness products and check out the FAQ for answers to common questions. Also, visit BowFlex Body on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and connect — they also have a great blog.

Body Boosting #BowFlexBody Fitness Shake + Bodyweight Leg WOD @BowflexBody #BeFitForLife #Fitfluential #Ad

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Also, I am sharing a bodyweight “leg day” exercise that you can do anywhere, no gym required. Have fun!

Kick up leg day with this no-equipment-needed workout of bodyweight exercises.

What “Booster” benefit are you most interested in — burning fat, increasting protein, or upping antioxidants? What is your favorite bodyweight leg exercise? Please share in the comments! xoxo Jennifer

Persimmon Avocado Salad with Chili-dusted Shrimp

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

I picked a peck of “Sharon” persimmons from Frieda’s Produce – I’ve never had one of these curious fruits in my life! This particular “Sharon” type of persimmon is tomato-shaped with a smooth skin of pale orange to orange-red with a sweet, mild flavor and is nearly seedless. So, I put these pretty little thinks on the counter to ripen like a tomato, but no change . . . for weeks! So finally, I sliced into one and was very surprised to find out how sweet and ready to eat it as it was!

Health and Nutrition Benefits of Persimmons: This sweet and pulpy fruit is packed with a variety of health benefits. For example, the “divine fruit” provides nearly 80% of the daily value for vitamin C and is a good source of fiber. Persimmons are high in other vitamin and mineral content including vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin B6 along with manganese, copper, potassium and phosphorous. Benefits from the range of these nutrients have been linked to reduction in certain types of cancer, improved eye health, lowered blood pressure, relief from digestive issues and more. A serving of persimmon (100 grams) has 70 calories and almost no fat.

Back to my persimmon windfall . . . I wasn’t really sure how to eat persimmons, outside of slices. Though about grilling some (and still may), but then decided to pair up with the best avocados from California – because everything is awesome with avocado! Am I right?! BTW, California avocados are in season right now and so much better than the ones exported from across the border year-round.

Hope you enjoy my recipe for Persimmon Avocado Feta Salad with Chili-dusted Shrimp and Lime Vinaigrette –it tastes as yummy as it is colorful. Plus, it’s a light, healthy Paleo-friendly dish (omit the cheese if you must) providing lean protein from the shrimp, vitamin A and C from the persimmon, and heart-healthy fats thanks to creamy, dreamy avocado.

Persimmon Avocado Salad with Spicy Shrimp #LimeDressing #Fitfluential

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Have you ever tried a persimmon before?

How many avocados do you eat per week?

What are you doing to be active this week?

Please share any or all in the comments below! xoxo Jennifer

Persimmon Avocado Salad with Shrimp

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

5 mins

Total Time

20 mins

This colorful light and healthy and packed with nutrition including lean protein, heart healthy fats and vitamins A & C. Perfect for a Paleo dinner on the patio!

Course: Main Dish, Salad

Servings: 2 people

Ingredients

2/3 pound arge shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp ancho chile powder
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oli
1 Sharon persimmons cut crosswise in ¼” slices
1 avocado, peeled and cut in slices
2 tbsp crumbled Feta cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

for dressing

2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cumin
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

Pat peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with chile powder and salt, slightly rub in.
Heat olive oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring. Shrimp will be done when they have turned pink and are no longer translucent. Take care not to overcook. Transfer shrimp to plat to cool for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, slice persimmons and avocado and arrange on plate. Sprinkle with feta and cilantro and top with cooled shrimp.
To make lime vinaigrette, add all ingredients for dressing into small jar and shake until emulsified.

thefitfork.com

The Fit Fork

Running Day and Hatch Green Chile Trout

All Watermelon, All Summer! Crazy Pool Workout #LivingOnTheWedge

#ReadySetCamp – Avoid Pesky Summer Camp Problems

Body Boosting Fitness Shake and Bodyweight Leg Workout

Persimmon Avocado Salad with Chili-dusted Shrimp