“Me Time” with Pure Leaf Tea & Raspberry Chocolate Apple Rounds Recipe

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Jennifer FIsher

I love my family, but sometimes a little “ME” time is necessary mandatory. After go-go-going to support my family in every imaginable way including cooking, chauffeuring, homework helping, hugging, and bring home the bacon bits, I need a little escape from my reality. Whether it’s a few minutes stolen from laundry time to read a book (although sometimes have trouble getting through a magazine) or an entire hour “appointment” scheduled into my calendar for the gym or running through the trails, these “just-for-mom” moments help me to decompress so that I can power up to be a better person and parent – and that’s good thing!

Another good thing is nourishing myself with a healthy snack during my “ME” time. With three teenage boys in the house who inhale food faster than my Dyson collects the crumbs, I sometimes have to resort to labeling and nearly locking down my healthy snacks (yes, they’ll even devour the nutritious stuff). When I brought home a bottle of Pure Leaf Iced Tea to review, I knew the Raspberry flavor would be popular and I had to insist threaten “hands-off” until the photos were taken and “I” got the first taste!

Can you believe it? I did get the first taste as I poured a cool, crisp glass full as a rehydrating beverage after a run around the neighborhood while they were in school. The Raspberry Pure Leaf Tea sure got the attention of my taste buds with fresh-brewed tea leaves picked at their peak and all natural raspberry flavor. I’ve never been able to make iced tea the way my mom did when I was growing up in Arizona, but this tea gives her secret family recipe a serious run for the title of Best Iced Tea Ever – actually I think Pure Leaf wins (sorry mom). It’s sweet without being too sugary and the raspberry flavor mingles nicely in the blend without overpowering like some sort of berry bully – meaning, the tea still tastes like tea, just better! By the way Pure Leaf also has other fruit flavors (such as Peach and Lemon) as well as an unsweetened version.

I might joke around about “the stress” of juggling the duties of a job, parenting kids and being a wife, and keeping up an athlete’s training schedule, but the straight up truth is that I have an amazingly blessed life. When I do take some time to sit back and put things in this perspective, Pure Leaf adds just a little extra “goodness” to the day. Of course, I can only sip so much tea before I work up an appetite; my recipe for Raspberry Chocolate Apple Rounds makes the perfect accompaniment.

Raspberry Chocolate Apple Rounds Recipe

1 medium apple
3 tablespoons chocolate-flavored nut butter
2 teaspoons almond slivers
Handful raspberries

Directions: Cut apple crosswise in approximate ¼” slices; carefully remove circle of seeds and core in center with paring knife. Spread chocolate nut butter over the top of each apple slice. Garnish with raspberries and almond slivers. Serves 2.

From the Brand: Pure Leaf is real brewed iced tea, which means it’s brewed from REAL tea leaves picked at their freshest, never from powder or concentrate. The result is a refreshing iced tea with perfectly balanced aroma, body, and flavor.

Learn more at http://www.facebook.com/pureleaf.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Pepsico via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Pepsico.

Zooma-ing into Spring & Tommie Copper Performance Apparel #Giveaway

Posted on March 29, 2014 by Jennifer FIsher

Finally a warm and sunny day, I am so glad that Austin has finally decided to embrace spring. The bluebonnets have appeared out of nowhere this week and I’m looking forward to running a race on one of the most challenging (and gorgeous) courses in Central Texas area in a couple weeks – the Zooma Texas Women’s Race Series. I’m running the half marathon (actually defending my overall win from last year), but the race has a little something for everyone including a 5k, new 10k and pool area for those who would rather get straight to the rest and relaxation part of this destination race weekend! I have been a race ambassador for three years and am not at all biased, but (ahem) this run is my top pick in girl-powered spirit and support. Did I mention that Zooma has massages and wine at the finish line? An every runner gets an overflowing swag bag that includes goodies such as a pair of Feetures brand running socks and cute tech tee just for registering and a necklace-style medal for finishing? It’s not too late to register and you can save 10% on any race distance by using by ambassador discount code at the checkout– TXAMB3 (code expires 4/9).

This is my favorite race photo ever – Zooma Half Marathon 2013!

In addition to running through wildflower speckled, Texas hill country roads and partying afterward with wine, massages and friends, spring weather makes me want to celebrate being active in the great outdoors – play basketball with the kids, take my paddle board for a spin or just jump like a fool on the trampoline!

My new Tommie Copper Pink Compression Capris taking me higher!

I recently became acquainted with a great brand for all my active endeavors – Tommie Copper. The brand was founded in 2010 as a natural solution for reaching peak performance by speeding along muscle and joint recovery through compression. The unique hook of Tommie Cooper is that their compression and active fit (not so tight) lines of performance apparel are fashioned from fabric infused with high density activated copper. Not only does the proprietary copper fabric serve as an anti-bacterial agent, it also releases ions which may help reduce harmful oxidants in the body. While many of their garments are pretty straight-forward and functional (and would totally appeal to my husband), others are just as functional yet super fun and colorful – such as my sassy Pink Compression Capri Pants and comfy Active Fit Pacific Blue Tank Top.

I’ve worn both these items to the gym, to row, to ride my bike and to lift weights – no chaffing, good wicking and not so omg-compression tight that I want to rip ‘em right off. In fact, I’ve had the pants on now for going on 12 hours – uh, eventually I will get my shower (and thank goodness for those anti-bacterial properties) . One of you lucky readers will win your choice of the two Tommie Copper items I’ve been describing – either the Pink Compression Capri Pants or the Active Fit Pacific Blue Tank Top.

Enter through the Rafflecopter App below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cauliflower and CrossFit

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Jennifer FIsher

Okay, doing this whole 2014 CrossFit Games Open has been a real challenge for this runner who likes to cherry pick her WODs. I’m the one who won’t do the heavy squats because “I’m saving my legs for a race” or substitutes pull-ups for muscle-ups because “they are more fun and I can actually do them.” I’m made it through four of the open workouts with just one left this weekend, and let me tell you every weakness has been exposed –but my spirit hasn’t been broken. For every double-under I tripped over and weighted lift I buckled under, I made up for with pretty-darn good abilities on the bar and lots of endurance. Really the failures (although I really can’t call them that) only put a burr in my britches to become proficient in the skill. Check back next week for a full report on the whole experience.

Now onto the food! If you’ve been on Pinterest or crossed paths with a Paleo food fanatic, you’ll well aware that the once neglected cauliflower has been elevated to king of the cruciferous vegetables. This big white vegetable is no longer looked upon as your grandma’s cauliflower, boiled and bland. Today you’ll find smashed cauliflower, riced cauliflower, cauliflower in muffins, soups and curries – and even cauliflower pizza crust.

My kids think cauliflower looks like a human brain and I tell them that’s because it’s a really smart food to put on their plates. High in dietary fiber and low in calories, this versatile veggie is packed with beneficial vitamins (including vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese) that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

While you can get crazy with cauliflower, sometimes simple healthy recipes are the best. My recipe for “Oh Yes” Oven-Roasted Cauliflower will be gobbled up by everyone in the family, even the pickiest kids! Creamy and slightly sweet when roasted, my husband took a bite and exclaimed about it’s deceiving decadence — “it tastes like butter!”

“Oh Yes” Oven-Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

1 large head cauliflower
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic salt
¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 425 F degrees.
Remove outer leaves from head and thoroughly wash cauliflower. Use a knife and/or hands to break up cauliflower into approximate 1-inch pieces.
Add florets into bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with chili powder and garlic salt; toss to distribute evenly.
Place cauliflower on large rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 425 F degrees for 20 – 25 minutes, stirring once or twice, until beginning to turn light brown.
Sprinkle with cheese and return to oven for 2 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle with parsley.

Serves 4.

Cooking Light always does a great job on making my favorite vegetables even more delicious. Check out this recipe gallery that is blooming with 21 of their inspiring cauliflower recipes – you won’t know where to start!

Sunday Dinners | New Tradition with Salads & Skewers

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Jennifer FIsher

Do you have any recollections of traditional Sunday dinners with grandparents, parents, siblings and other relatives all gathered around the table? When Foodie.com asked me to share a post on the topic, I knew it would be easy because I have lots of great memories.

When I was a young working adult and newly-married wife, my grandmother and aunt would host a Sunday dinner in the middle of the afternoon complete with huge roast, ham or turkey and smorgasbord of sides – plus there was always a super yummy dessert. This spread was cooked with so much care and attention, the frequent non-family guests would always think we were celebrating some sort of special occasion – and we were! The special occasion was the company of each other and reminiscing about our collective past and sharing dreams for the future – in addition, there were always plenty of funny jokes and good-natured ribbing to go around. An extra perk for me was to see the making of secret family recipes firsthand and to learn great food tips from these two fabulous home chefs in the family.

Classic #throwback scene from a Sunday dinner at grandparent’s house.

My grandmother is long gone and I live in a different city from my aunt today. But, I am blessed to have parents now living nearby and three children of my own; that’s why we try to get together as often as possible to share meals – and happy news, hopeful plans and lots of hugs. Often these meals don’t happen on Sunday and they are usually not as elaborate as the traditional meals prepared by the earlier mentioned matriarchs – but we are still together breaking bread and making memories. Sometimes we do pizza as a treat for the kids, but often I try to keep it healthy by putting quick and nutritious salads and grilled kebabs on the menu

In addition to making kebabs outdoors on the grill, whipping up a big entrée salad is one of my favorite Sunday dinner ideas – especially on those busy weekends that are packed full of sports, church and volunteer activities. A big salad, like my recipe for Speedy Salad Nicoise, come together in just a few minutes, especially if you have already pre-grilled or roasted your lean protein. That’s one of my favorite tips for a busy week – I’ll crockpot a big chuck roast or grill a huge tray of chicken breasts or salmon to eat throughout the week. Add a rustic loaf of bread, some flavorful compound butter . . . . and uncork a bottle of wine (plus apple cider for the kids) and you have all the makings for a special meal that brings together those who are near and dear.

Speedy Salad Nicoise Recipe
Serves: 4

3/4 lb. trimmed green beans
4 small red potatoes
1 head of Bibb, Boston or artisanal Romaine lettuce
½ pint halved red and yellow cherry tomatoes
½ cup drained Nicoise olives
2 (4-oz) pouches drained premium albacore tuna steaks
2 Tbsp. drained capers
1 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
1 Tbsp. fresh chopped chives
4 oz. Red Wine Olive Oil Vinaigrette

Add eggs to large pot of water and bring to a boil; allow to gently boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and cover for 10 minutes. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water. Drain, remove shells and let eggs cool. Slice or quarter eggs lengthwise; set aside.
Add the green beans to pot of water and par-boil for 2 minutes. Lift out with tongs and rinse in colander with cold water.
Return the water in pot to a boil, adding more water if needed. Add the potatoes and boil for 15 minutes or tender. Drain and transfer to a bowl to cool. Peel potatoes and quarter or cut in large chunks.
On a large platter, arrange the lettuce, sliced eggs, green beans, potatoes, halved tomatoes, and olives. Drain tuna steaks from their packing liquid and place in center of salad; sprinkle with capers. Dust entire salad with parsley and chives. Drizzle with vinaigrette. Serves 4.

Bottle up your leftovers in a jar for Monday lunch!

And, if you have leftovers you can bottle them up for lunch on Monday. Just pile everything in a Mason jar with the sturdiest ingredients on the bottom (including the dressing) and the most delicate on top. When hunger strikes, turn the jar upside down, give a few shakes and pour on a plate (or eat straight from the jar)!

I’d love to hear your favorite Sunday dinner memory or recipe, please share in the comments!

This post was sponsored by Foodie.com.

Medicine Ball Mash Up & Saturday Shoutouts

Posted on March 22, 2014 by Jennifer FIsher

Well, I’m on my way to the “Big D” to run in the Rock & Roll Dallas Half Marathon Sunday morning. I heard that Deena Kastor is in the field, so I’m really going to have to step up my game (insert hysterical laughing here). The past bronze-medal winning Olympian and American record holder in the marathon (London 2006 in 2:19:36) and half-marathon (Berlin 2006 in 1:07:34) is proof that getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop competing. Even though these records were set eight years back, this weekend the 41-year runner will be trying to make half-marathon history again by breaking as many as three or four American Masters Records, according to Competitor Magazine. If Kastor can run between a 5:25 and 5:30 pace per mile (as opposed to my exact 1 minute per mile slower 6:25 – 6:30 pace), she just may capture records at the splits in four distances — 15K (9.3 miles), 10 Miles, 20K (12.4 miles), and the full half marathon. She estimates her finish time to be 1:11 to 1:12. Why isn’t she trying break a record in the 5k too? Just kidding; I learned that lesson the hard way – years ago I PR’d at the 10k inside of a marathon; finishing the remaining 20 miles was brutal. Run Deena, run, I’ll be chasing you from 13 minutes behind!

If you’re not running this weekend, I have a fun little workout you can do. All you need is a medicine ball and some space with a hard-surfaced floor. It’s amazing how much you can get worm out with just one piece of gym equipment – a tame-looking medicine ball. By the way, I whipped up this Medicine Ball Mash Up workout for CorePower. The company makes a great high protein shake to nourish taxed muscles after a hard WOD or run. Pick up a case for the most delicious workout recovery ever — Chocolate Light is my favorite flavor with 150 calories and 20 grams of protein.

I was also recently sent a sampler pack of Ratio Protein Bars through a campaign for Fitfluential.com (By the way, if you haven’t joined Fitfluential, you really should. It’s free and a great community of instant fitness friends, plus there are lots of perks. Tell them Jennifer Fisher at TheFitFork.com sent you in the referral line). Anyway, back to the Ratio Bars — I am a total nutrition bar addict and am very particular about which ones I eat. As you can tell from the picture, I don’t like to give a review without actually trying the product – every one of these Ratio Bars was gobbled up by yours truly. What I like about the bars is the high protein content; I always choose a bar with at least 20 grams of protein (these all have 24 grams) and under 250 calories. Plus, these bars advertise no gluten, no soy products, no hormones, no artificial ingredients and no GMOs. Hard to say which of the six yummy flavors I liked best, but I think Cookie Crunch and Cake Batter were the front runners.

As part of my ambassadorship with the Zooma Women’s Race Series and their relationship with Ultimate Direction, I was sent some useful running gear to try out. This company has been around since 1985 and is the initial mastermind behind the hydration pack; in fact, they invented the first waist pack designed to carry water bottles – today they have introduced even more options to make hydration easier, from handhelds to vests and more. I’m excited to try out a couple of products from the Jenny Collection including the “Meow” waist belt and “Handy 10” water bottle. At first I thought maybe they named this cute, comfortable gear after ME, but found out that the designed-for-women-by-women product line is actually named after the athlete-designer, Jenny Jurek (wife of renowned ultra runner, Scott Jurek). Cool, check them out and stay hydrated this spring!

thefitfork.com

The Fit Fork

“Me Time” with Pure Leaf Tea & Raspberry Chocolate Apple Rounds Recipe

Zooma-ing into Spring & Tommie Copper Performance Apparel #Giveaway

Cauliflower and CrossFit

Sunday Dinners | New Tradition with Salads & Skewers

Medicine Ball Mash Up & Saturday Shoutouts