Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink Coffee Alone + FlexBrew #Giveaway

This post and giveaway are sponsored by Hamilton Beach. However, all opinions are completely my own.

Friends don't let friends drink coffee alone! - TheFitFork.com

Friends don’t let friends drink coffee alone. I’m supportive like that. If I see a friend drinking her daily cuppa Joe by herself, you bet your slow-roasted fancy beans that I’m taking time out to join that java break and catch up on all our news, plans and gossip. And after a reconnection with each other and recharge with coffee, my friend and I just have to cut loose with all the newfound energy.

Drink Coffee Do Stupid Things Faster and With More Energy!The do say that coffee makes you do stupid things (in our case, just silly) stuff faster and with more energy!

We might have had some coffee before these hula-hooping presses – just sayin’!

 

2-Way FlexBrew® Coffee Maker Speaking of doing stuff faster and better, getting better coffee faster is good.  The 2-Way FlexBrew® Coffee Maker from Hamilton Beach is just double the awesome. This countertop companion (aka, your new best friend) makes sure you get your coffee ASAP in the morning – you don’t even have to open your eyes and drive to the Starbucks. That little outing just takes too much time and energy if you haven’t already been perked up by coffee.

If in a rush and don’t want a whole pot to go to waste, no worries. The 2-Way FlexBrew® Coffee Maker offers options – use the single-serve side to make coffee right into a 14-ounce travel mug (use your favorite ground beans or for even more convenience, a single-serve K-Cup® pack)!  On the weekends, when you know you could kill the whole carafe, this versatile coffee maker brews up a full 12-cup pot.

2-Way FlexBrew® Coffee Maker  Giveaway - TheFitFork.com

Other stuff to love about the The 2-Way FlexBrew® Coffee Maker – you can choose regular or “bold brew” strength, there is a pause button that lets you stop the brewing to nab a cub before the cycle is through, and a programmable timer with 2-hour automatic shut off. Everything is detailed in stainless steel, so it’s going to look really snazzy sitting on your kitchen countertop! Available at Walmart and other home goods retailers.

So, I’m giving one away, hurray!Just enter through the Rafflecopter App below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eggs-celent! Cotija Corn and Avocado Egg Salad

Southwester flavors add tons of fiesta flavor to this untraditional egg salad from thefitfork.com.

Traditional egg salad can be a bit boring, but I’ve added a fiesta of flavor to one of my new recipes for the Lighthouse Foods blog. It’s Cotija, Corn and Avocado Egg Salad – and yes, it’s amazing as it sounds! Mexican crumbling cheese, corn, tomatoes, diced avocado and other fresh and healthy ingredients are added to coarsely chopped eggs. Instead of old-school mayo, the recipe is lightly dressed with Creamy Cotija Cilantro Dressing – it’s one of my favorites and also insanely good on fish tacos.

Fresh ingredients for Cojita, Corn and Avocado Egg Salad.

This nutritious egg recipe is perfect served solo, atop a salad or between a couple slices of your favorite bread.

A southwestern inspired egg salad recipe is perfect for you next picnic. - TheFitFork.com

Salad with Guacamole Stuffed TomatoesIt’s also so good in tomatoes, oh you know how I like to scoop out vine-ripe tomatoes and fill them with yummy things – Guacamole and Bacon Stuffed Campari Tomatoes are coming to mind!

 

 

protein challenge graphicQuick and easy egg recipe is one way I’ve been sticking the 30-day Protein Challenge at BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com  — the goal is to aim for 30 grams of protein optimally timed between three meals. You can look forward to less hunger and mindless snacking to help you get that leaner body!  It’s not too late to sign up for free and get all the tools you need to succeed, plus daily tips to keep you on track. Come back next week and I’ll share my upcoming beef kebob recipe with you!

 

Taking the shells off eggs can be a frustrating and tedious job. Here’s an egg-peeling tip you don’t want to miss:

 

TheFitFork.com refueling after the Capitol 10k race.

Refueling with beef and eggs after the Capitol 10k Race — I came in 1st Age Group and 3rd Masters.

How much protein are you eating per day? What are your favorite sources? Please share in the comments below:

 

 

Bold and Sweet Almonds + Trail Run Tabata

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!

 

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

Immunity Boosting Yoga Poses and Vitamins #AirborneHealth

This post is sponsored by Airborne®. I have been compensated with free product but the opinions are mine.

You may already be familiar with Airborne®, it’s the brain child of an inventive teacher who was looking for a way to support her immune system.  She worked in collaboration with nutrition experts and herbalists to develop  an immune system supplement that has become very popular with all types of people in all types of situations.

Airborne Everyday Gummy Vitamins - thefitfork.com

 

Well, I was super excited to find out that Airborne recently launched a new product called Airborne® Everyday Immune Support Plus Multivitamin , a new product that is designed to provide immune support 365 days a year. This Multi Vitamin gives you everything you’d expect in a quality, comprehensive multi-vitamin plus the perks of our Airborne proprietary blend of immune support. These vitamin supplements come in three forms – chewable, easy-to-swallow pills and delicious gummies.  I’m a fan of the assorted fruit-flavored gummies – who doesn’t want to take a tasty gummy in the name of health?!  I’m giving away three bottles of the gummy variety – just enter at the bottom of the post.

airborne everyday

As an athlete and busy mom, I’m always looking for a way to support my immune system.  A poor diet, lack of sleep, stress and even over-training are just some of the strains on your immune system.  Training too little isn’t great for performance nor is training too much – I always found the latter ironic! But it’s a good reason to slow down and take care of yourself!  One way I take care of myself is by taking Airborne® Everyday Immune Support Plus Multivitamins – I get all the daily vitamins I need to supplement my diet along with a little immune system support.

I also think yoga is a great way to relieve stress and thus boost immunity – many of the poses open up the heart and stimulate other organs in a way that can benefit your immune system.  Here is a routine of 6 yoga poses you can do to relax and improve your immunity and overall health in the process. Now, I’m not an expert yogi by any means, just a runner and busy mom who likes to use yoga as a resource in her tool kit for healthy living – so if you see a tight-looking hamstrings or a stiff back, I’m still a work in progress!  And, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor or a fitness professional before starting a new workout routine.

Six Yoga Poses to Boost Immunity - TheFitFork.com

Half Wheel Pose – Push hips up as far as possible.
Headstand –Both tripod or forearm balance works. Hold for no more than 10 breaths.
Headstand  Modification – Try this variation if you are still learning the headstand.
Camel – Use yoga blocks if too difficult to reach hands to floor or heels.
Plow – Roll back as far as possible. If toes won’t touch floor, rest them on block or chair.
Child – Relax!  I like to turn head to each side for several breaths.

To enter giveaway for three bottles of Airborne® Everyday Immune Support Plus Multivitamins, please use the rafflecopter app below:

How do you relieve stress and stay well during your busiest days of the week?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Zest Up Your Fiesta – Guacamole & Drinks for Spring Parties

This post is sponsored by ConAgra RO*TEL.

Spring is the perfect time for a Rotel Rockin' Guac and Bud Light Lime-A-Rita fiesta!

It’s spring and my family has a lot of things to celebrate in the next couple months. Two of the landmark events we’ll be hosting shindigs for are my Dad’s 70th birthday and my oldest son graduating from high school!  And, of course, there’s Cinco de Mayo sandwiched right between and we like to do that up big in Texas.

Brisket tacos are perfectly paired with RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac and a Bud Light Lime-A-Rita!

I need RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac and a Bud Light Lime-A-Rita to go with this taco!

I’m pretty low-key when it comes to entertaining, it’s a safe bet that I’ll be serving up burgers, brisket or tacos in my backyard.  I have three super-hungry, carnivorous teen boys, for goodness sake! These casual meals always please crowds, are easy to scale up for a super-sized party, and can be mostly pre-prepped so I’m not stuck in the kitchen cooking while all the guests are having a good time. Nothing pairs better with any of these dishes than a creamy bowl of avocado goodness  — hurray for guacamole!

 RO*TEL's Rockin' Guac -- this avocado guacamole is easy to make and delicious!

I found this delicious recipe for RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac that will turn up the volume on your taste buds! The blend of tomatoes and green chilies in RO*TEL add a zesty (but not too spicy) twang to the dip that is to die for. It’s so simple to make you can delegate the job to your kids — you may want to chop the onion first, but they’ll love smashing the avocado. Serve this guacamole as a condiment or topping for the entrée or, better yet, as an appetizer – set out a big basket of tortilla chips and a bowl of RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac for a pleasing prelude to dinner.

Get the party started with RO*TEL's Rockin Guac and Bud Light Lime-A-Ritas!

Try mini bowls of RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac so guests can walk around and mingle – this way people won’t have to elbow their way in for a chip dunk or (eek) double dip into the community bowl!  For easy clean up, you can even use those little plastic condiment cups.  In addition to tortilla chips, I like to set out crunchy, fresh vegetables to dip into guacamole.  I can’t help it, I’m a vegetable nerd.

Serve RO*TEL's Rockin' Guac in individual cups with fresh vegetables for a healthy option.

Bud Light's Lime-A-Rita is so refreshing and convenient in a can!Now, you can’t have guacamole without some sort of cool refreshing drink.  I’ll serve up my watermelon ginger limeade or virgin mojito mint tea for the kids and the over 21-year-old grown-ups get Bud Light Lime-A-Ritas all the way around! I love these refreshing adult beverages, they totally remind me of a margarita yet aren’t quite as potent, which is a good thing for lightweight little me. Bud Light Lime-A-Ritas come conveniently in a can, meaning no breakable barware outside when things start to get wild– just throw these citrusy sippers into a tub full of ice as they await their ultimate fate.  I’m ready to pop the top on one right now and get the party started!

rotel rockin guac

Zest up your fiesta with RO*TEL’s Rockin Guac and Bud Light’s Lime-A-Rita.

Bud Light Lime-A-Rita® is a registered trademark of Anheuser-Busch.

ConAgra Foods, Inc. All Rights Reserved