16 Summer Smoothies to Get Your Motor Running

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Jennifer FIsher

Ready, get set, blend! I have 16 special smoothies to keep you cool as a cucumber (or frozen banana) through this warm weather season. Whether you’re slurping one up for breakfast, as pool side refreshment or refueling post-workout or run, these healthy frozen beverages will keep you hydrated and help you beat the heat. Plus, smoothies are an easy way to help you meet your daily fruit and vegetable intake goals, so start pureeing your produce, my friends!

Simple Green Smoothie – Avocado gives this straight-up spinach and almond milk smoothie a creamy, dreamy richness.

Mint Melon Smoothie – The fresh mint in this cantaloupe smoothie will give your health and mood a lift!

Cherry Crisp Smoothie – Nature’s sweetest cherries and oats will have you reminiscing about Grandma’s famous desserts a la mode!

Sweet Beet Smoothie – Beet juice, red berries and cherries make this smoothie perfect for improving athletic performance and recovering afterward.

Pineapple Express Smoothie – The caffeinated tea in this tropical smoothie gives your morning jump start, mon!

Tomato Strawberry Smoothie A tomato is a super nutritious fruit, after all! It’s about time it found its way in a smoothie.

Layer Spring Smoothie – Three layers of yumminess make this smoothie three times the fun – banana, spinach and strawberry!

Blackberry Lemon Smoothie – The blackberry is the trendiest fruit for 2014 and gives this smoothie a hip vibe.

Apple Cider Cinnamon Smoothie – Even in the heat of summer, this sweet and healthy smoothie will have you dreaming of a fall harvest. It’s a bushel of all the best, whirled up in a glass.

Peaches ‘n Cream Smoothie – Sometimes simple things are the best and this straightforward smoothie makes the summer’s best peaches shine bright!

Skinny Elvis Smoothie – Don’t leave the room without this awesome banana, chocolate peanut butter smoothie! Recipe in the photo.

Chocolate Orange Smoothie – Citrus and dark chocolate come together beautifully; this smoothie might remind you of those chocolate oranges popular at Christmas!

Caramel Pumpkin Pie Smoothie – Instead of a slice, take a slurp of this holiday-inspired smoothie that is worth celebrating year round!

South of the Border Chocolate Smoothie – A hint of cinnamon and cayenne pepper make this rich but healthy chocolate smoothie practically shout out “Ole!” Recipe in the photo.

Apricot Almond Smoothie – Use fresh apricots or dried ones that have been soaked overnight – a super smoothie that is surprisingly rich in iron.

Creamy Watermelon Protein Smoothie – So refreshing, so hydrating! This sweet smoothie is the perfect post-workout reward. Recipe in the photo.

If these aren’t enough smoothie ideas for you, then check out the extravaganza of healthy smoothie recipes from Cooking Light – there are 26 different varieties!

Creamy Jalapeno Beef Fajita Omelet for Father’s Day Breakfast

Posted on June 10, 2014 by Jennifer FIsher

Me with my dad — he’s always there to support and cheer me on at a race!

Father’s Day is almost here and I’m plan to let my pops know he’s tops with a hearty, healthy breakfast. Although the gesture can’t compare with the endless years of love and support, I’ve received from my father, it does speak to one of our favorite shared hobbies – eating Mexican food!

I like to keep my recipes as heart-healthy as possible — we have a family history issue going on. My recipe for Creamy Jalapeno Beef Fajita Omelet is pumped up with protein from lean beef, eggs and black beans and lower in fat – no cheese was needed thanks to a flavorful assortment of nourishing veggies. I know what you’re thinking though – beef for breakfast?! Actually, lean beef is a much healthier option than bacon, pork sausage and many other breakfast meats. For example, 2 ounces of beef skirt steak has about 124 calories and 6.5 grams of fat compared to 306 calories and 23.5 grams of fat for an equal portion of bacon! I made this recipe on behalf of Litehouse Foods, and used their delicious Creamy Ranch Dressing – just a little dab will do you on this Father’s Day breakfast or brunch recipe.

Creamy Jalapeno Beef Fajita Omelet Recipe

Cooking spray
1/4 cup canned black beans that are rinsed and drained
1/4 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
4 grape tomatoes halved lengthwise
1/4 red bell pepper seeded and cut into ¼” thick rings
1/4 small sweet onion cut into ¼” thick slices and rings separated
½ fresh jalapeno pepper cut into ¼” rings
2 ounces precooked and seasoned beef fajita strips
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large egg whites (or ½ cup of egg whites from carton)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped fresh red onion
1/4 cup Litehouse Food Jalapeno Ranch dressing

1. Spray medium skillet with cooking spray and add black beans, corn, grape tomatoes, red bell pepper, sweet onion, jalapeno pepper, and beef fajita strips. Sauté over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until ingredients are heated through and vegetables have soft-crisp texture. Remove from heat for use later.

2. Combine salt, egg whites and egg in medium bowl, breaking yolk and combining with a whisk.

3. Coat omelet-sized nonstick skillet with cooking spray and bring to medium heat. Pour egg mixture into skilled let egg mixture set slightly.

4. Tilt pan and carefully lift edges of omelet with a spatula, permitting uncooked egg to flow underneath. Sprinkle cilantro and red onion on top.

5. Cook approximately 3 minutes; carefully flip omelet and cook for another minute. Spoon vegetable, beef and bean mixture onto one side of omelet, reserving a red pepper ring and jalapeno for garnish. Carefully loosen omelet with a spatula; fold in half over filling. Slide omelet onto a plate with reserved veggies.

If you’re feeding a crowd (or a really hungry father) my Healthy Beef & Egg ‘Barn Raiser’ Bake will fuel up dad for whatever adventures the morning brings.

By the way, if you are in Austin, come to one of my “Live Well, Grill Well” classes that will be held at Whole Foods on June 22 & June 28. I will be teaching everyone, including Alex, Booker & Sara from MIX 94.7, how to make their summer meals sizzle . . . not fizzle!

What do you plan to do with your dad on Father’s day? Does he have a favorite breakfast?

The Hipster Berry | Blackberry Lemon Smoothie Recipe

Posted on June 6, 2014 by Jennifer FIsher

Did you know that professional “flavorists” have named the blackberry as a flavor that will be trending over the next year? That makes me pretty happy because I love sweet, juicy black berries and I’ve noticed my local grocery store doesn’t yet seem to know just how hip and happening these little brambling beauties have become. Despite the crescendoing cool factor, blackberries are often the cheapest berry in the produce section — shhhh!

You may be most familiar with blackberries in jam, syrup or baked up in a country cobbler or atop a pretty little dessert like my Lemon Chia Seed Tea Cakes with Blackberries. But blackberries also pair pleasingly well with unusual flavors such as pepper, ginger or balsamic vinegar. Of late, I’m seeing blackberries used as a feature ingredient with chefs and bartenders crafting delicious drinks, dinners and desserts everywhere from food trucks to fancy-schmancy venues, aren’t you?! It’s time to get creative making both sweet and savory dishes featuring blackberries – here’s a delicious and nutritious smoothie recipe to get you started:

Place ¼ cup lemon juice, 1/3 cup fresh or frozen blackberries, 8 ounces almond milk and ½ cup cottage cheese in a blender. Pulse on and off for about 1 minute, or until smooth and creamy. Serves 1.

Blackberries aren’t just the cool kids in the fruit basket, they are also super healthy — but you probably already knew that! The seeds of blackberries are rich in Omega-3s and the plump flesh is packed with vitamins and other nutrients including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese.Serve them with other berries for a bonanza of healthy benefits — a side perk, the pairing will make strawberries, blueberries and other (ahem) less fashionable fruits seem suddenly much more interesting.

Blackberries make a sweet and simple snack during the summer — remember to hydrate too!

CookingLight.com has a Guide to Blackberries that will help you select the best basket (or bushel) at the market. While you’re there, check out the mouthwatering gallery for Blackberry Recipes for summer entertaining inspiration.

Don’t want to miss the Grilled Pork with Blackberry Sage Sauce:

Wash it down with a Blackberry Margarita! Yee-haw!

Why I Run & Running Day Giveaway ( Compression Socks )

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Jennifer FIsher

It’s National Running Day today! Whether you plan to hit the trail or the treadmill, you can feel super awesome and inspired to know that you’ll be doing good things for your health – that’s why I celebrate running as often as I can! As an adult, I’ve been running for more than 25 years and hope to be running at least that many or more years in the future! By the way, enter to win a free running day (everyone’s a winner, so just do it)! But, seriously, I do have a cute pair of compression socks to treat one of y’all to.

Healthy Reasons I Run:

Running makes me happy and wards off anxiety and depression.
Running keeps me at a fit weight, which has a host of other health benefits.
Running keeps my bones and heart strong, plus I get a daily dose of vitamin D from the sun.
Running will keep me looking younger than my age, or so scientists say! I hope it is true!
Running adds years to my life and life to my years.

Running also challenges me to push my limits and, because I usually run alone, running has taught me to dig deep within myself to find that persevering motivation that usually serves me well at races.

But, running isn’t just all “eye of the tiger,” running can be meditative and calming – a great way for me to reduce stress. And, when I get to run with friends, running becomes social and silly and something to look forward to.

Here are a few running workouts that will have your feet flying today!

Ladies, if you love to keep up on the latest in running, check out this great subscription offer from Women’s Running magazine – if you subscribe or renew today, the rate is only $1 per issue. I enjoy this monthly magazine, it features everything from running plans and recipe ideas to the latest in running fashion – plus lots more!

And, that’s not all! I also have a pair of Swiftwick Compression socks to give away, the Vision “Pink Stripe” Twelve. These knee-high compression socks are going to give your legs and feet a great big hug on that next long run — or wear them afterward for recovery. Just think of the fun tan lines you’ll get! Actually, I still wear compression socks in the summer; however, my runs are much earlier in the morning out of heat-beating necessity — so the tan line thing isn’t really a problem! Find out more about why I love compression socks here and then enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter app below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kebabs at the Lake & Obstacle Course WOD

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Jennifer FIsher

Ready to make 200+ Beef Kebabs!

Wow, I had a busy weekend – how about you?! Friday and Saturday were spent shopping, prepping and putting on a cooking demonstration for a fundraiser ultimately benefiting the Flatwater Foundation, an important organization providing families with access to mental health support while dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

The final event takes place on June 9th, when a group of stand-up paddlers will complete a 21-mile course during an all-day event called “Tyler’s Dam that Cancer” – every SUP-er raises funds as part of their participation, so I was so happy to help friends with this event so close to their hearts. I’m hoping next year I can join them out on the lake!

Thankful for my hunky hubby who did all the hard work!

The friend who hosted this party had such an awesome backyard on the lake, it was a little hard to keep my mind on the “lean beef is good for you” message I was giving on behalf of the Texas Beef Council with all the boats and beverages floating around! Usually, I just do the “show and tell,” while a grill-master experienced in feeding a crowd does the heavy cooking – however this time, everyone was booked and it was just me! Wow, putting together over 200 kebabs is a lot harder than I thought and thank goodness I recruited my husband to do all the grilling while I entertained the crowd with my fit foodie antics.

The recipe chosen for this evening is one of my favorites for the grill – Mojo Beef Kebabs. Check it out, I even have a video.

Sunday was busy getting the kids ready for a week of end-of-school events – concerts, finals, SATs, field trips and more. Amazingly I did find a bit of time to experiment on another grilling recipe I’ve developed for Hamilton Beach and their really cool Searing Grill. I can’t divulge the recipe now, but stay tuned. The post will run in mid-June and I will also be giving away one of the grills – whoohooo!

All this running around makes me feel like I’m navigating a never-ending obstacle course, I’m sure you’ve felt like this too?! So, to stay in shape for all of life’s crazy ups and downs and detours, try this Obstacle Course Workout I created for Core Power.

You know I love my Core Power – it is such a convenient way to take in quality protein after a hard workout at the gym. You don’t want to waste that 30 minute window to refuel with protein and carbs to help muscles recover. Check out the Summer Sale – when you take advantage of Subscribe & Save for home delivery, you’ll get $5 off your favorite @CorePower shakes http://bit.ly/CPSaleAmazon.

Answer me this – What did you do this weekend? What is your favorite meat to eat on a stick? Have you ever done an obstacle race and if so, would you do another?

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