Healthy Chocolate Recipe Round-Up!

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Jennifer FIsher

Have yourself a merry little Christmas and let all your treats be light. Dig into my favorite healthy chocolate recipes and your troubles will be out of sight. Troubles out of sight? Okay, there are still a few holiday headaches going on at my house (nothing major), but at least sabotaging all my hard work on the track and in the gym isn’t one of them. Now, if you’re looking for splurge chocolate recipes, check out my Best-Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies or Chocolate Mint Crinkle Kiss Cookies.

When friends and family gather near over the holidays, many of my delicious chocolate recipes are made as special requests – some I even package up in pretty wrappings to give as Christmas gifts. How can you not love holiday treats that are as healthy as they are heavenly tasting – it’s a win-win when your willpower is waning!

I don’t even need to rationalize making all my healthy chocolate recipes; research does it for me. Studies have shown that the flavanols (compounds found in cocoa) have antioxidant properties that help repair damage done by free radicals. The flavinols can also help reduce the risk for heart disease by relaxing artery walls and preventing blood platelets from getting clogged up.

The more cocoa in the chocolate the better it is for your health; this means darker chocolates are healthier than milk chocolates. Eating raw cocoa can be a bitter shock at first; ideally you should try to eat chocolate that is made from 70% cocoa – even this takes some getting used to. But, I think we’re all willing to hang in there when it comes to eating chocolate, right?! So, let’s get to the recipes!

It’s still pretty warm here in Austin, so we’ve been enjoying this frosty and festive Chocolate Peppermint Sorbet I created for the Core Power blog. Made with the Chocolate Light flavor of Core Power High Protein Shakes, it’s the perfect treat for recovery after a long run or hard workout.

If you have company coming and they are living the caveman lifestyle, you might what to whip up a batch of these Salted Pistachio Chocolate Cookies. The cookies are dairy-free, gluten-free with a sweet-salt addictive quality!

jennifer fisher - thefitfork.com - chocolate date candy bars

Craving a candy bar, but aren’t willing to give in? My recipe for Chocolate Date “Candy Bar” Bites makes a healthy and heavenly substitution. Also Paleo-friendly, these chocolate treats make a thoughtful gift packaged up inside a sparkly gift tin – that is, if you don’t eat the whole batch up front.

Power up a holiday breakfast with a handful of Chocolate Strawberry Protein “Donut” Holes. Protein powder giveS my baked doughnut holes a little extra oomph and will satisfy your hunger until lunch! I’ll let you in on a secret; I like to sneak a few as a bed time snack!

If you want the whole donut, then I’ve got you covered with these Baked-and-Better Chocolate Protein Donuts – ahh, the chocolate glaze is delish!

Another chocolate breakfast yum-yum (and fantastic healthy snack) is my Choco-Cherry Protein Granola. Eat by the handful right out of the container or sprinkle over Greek yogurt – this doesn’t last long at my house.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is great anytime of the year; have a piece with your salad, as a snack or a sensible addition to your morning cuppa Joe. Oh, and this one is paleo-friendly and gluten-free too!

And finally, check back next week and I’ll share my blog post for steamy, silky Chocolate Chai made with Core Power protein drink (and other healthful stuff) – they sell something similar at Starbucks, but this is way better for you!

Splurge-worthy! Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookie #Recipe

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Jennifer FIsher

Disclaimer: Butter and sugar were used in the making of these cookies, it’s not your typical recipe at The Fit Fork! But, when friends and family who are dear to me, gather near to me during the holidays, I loosen up the reigns a little. Trust me, these cookies taste as insanely delicious as they look – actually even better! The ~~mischief-makers~~ merry-makers at my house have voted them the best darn chocolate chip cookies EVER! You’ll need to to log some extra miles to earn a couple of these indulgent cookies . . . .or, just relax and enjoy some well-earned splurges of the season.

While I try to eat healthfully most of the time, I can’t say no to a treat every now and then – and especially around Christmas. I tried to give up chocolate once, but I’m no quitter! Last year, my no-holds-barred chocolate goodie was Mint Chocolate Crinkle Kiss Cookies, a bona fide hit with the kids, hubby and ole St. Nick. This year, Santa requested his old-school favorite cookie be waiting by the chimney – chocolate chip! Better than the cookies from Toll House or even grandma’s house, these Best-Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies will rock your candy cane socks off!

Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

2 sticks butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 12-ounce bag dark chocolate chips

Pre-heat oven to 350 F degrees.

Place softened butter in bowl of mixer. Add sugars and beat for several minutes until creamed. Add eggs, one at a time until incorporated.

Add vanilla, salt and baking soda and mix until incorporated. Add flour 1 cup at a time, beating until mixture is cohesive. Add chocolate chips and mix in with spatula.

Shape into 1 ¼” balls and place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake in 350 F degree oven for 12 – 13 minutes or until turning light golden brown.

Remove from oven and place cookies on cooling rack.

Makes approximately 6 dozen cookies.

Christmas Cravings | Choco-Cherry Protein Granola #Recipe

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Jennifer FIsher

Deck the halls with bowls of granola, fa-la-la fa-fa-la, la-la-la! Okay, I’ve been getting a little bit crazy with the protein granola over here. But, my family is gobbling it up almost faster than I can make it. In October, I made Smashing Pumpkin Protein Granola and in November I whipped up Gingerbread Cranberry Protein Granola and for December my special mix is Choco-Cherry Protein Granola given extra crunch with almonds and coconut. Of course, we’ll be enjoying the healthy goodness of these three seasonal flavors all year long and I hope you will too!

Choco-Cherry Protein Granola is a delicious treat for the morning; serve with milk or sprinkle on top of Greek yogurt. Think beyond breakfast and enjoy this satiating protein-boost any time of the day or night. I’ve even scarfed this fit granola straight out of the container to conquer my chocolate cravings!

Here’s a great healthy foodie gift for the holidays – scoop granola into a mason jar or cellophane bag and tie up with a festive ribbon. Sure to be welcomed by friends and family; who wouldn’t literally be fulfilled by this tasteful gesture?!

Choco-Cherry Protein Granola Recipe

8 ounces black cherry juice (or pomegranate juice as substitute)
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2/3 cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon liquid stevia concentrate
1 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 1/2 cup raw almond slivers
5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (GF if needed)
1 cup dried cherries

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or Silpat.
In large pot, over medium-low heat, add juice, coconut oil, cocoa powder, protein powder, salt and Stevia liquid. Whisk together until incorporated and smooth and mixture is beginning to bubble (but do not boil).
Remove pot from heat and stir in coconut and almonds. Next add oats, stirring mixture until everything is evenly coated. Note: do NOT add dried cherries; they are mixed in later when granola is done baking.
Spread granola onto prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake, stirring every 10 – 15 minutes, until granola is no longer sticky, approximate 35 – 40 minutes. Remove from oven and mix in dried cherries.
Granola will stay fresh, stored in an airtight container, for up to 4 weeks.

Three Running Gifts Under Tree #Giveaway & Santa 6-Pack WOD

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is being sponsored, in part, by Fitfluential LLC on behalf of Koss. Products from Bondi and Pocket Fuel were provided to me for review; however, all opinions are my own.

No need to panic, but there are just 14 days left for Christmas shopping! If you have a runner or fitness enthusiast on your list, I have three inspired ideas to wrap up and hide under the tree. And, because I’m feeling quite elfish (and, girl can only have so much stuff), I’m super-excited to be giving away the whole kit and caboodle. If you win, these three gifts are for YOU; no promises that they will arrive in time to stuff in stockings. So, if you’re interested in gifting one more to your favorite runner, please visit the various websites ASAP – or hit Walmart, Walgreens or Best Buy for the headphones.

Koss Fit Series Headphones: Are you ready to rock around the Christmas tree and all through your wintery runs with a festive playlist of holiday songs? Ho-ho-ho, Koss Fit Series headphones are the way to go! I’ve been running with Koss Fit Series headphones for the last 6 months and they are fantastic! Both the fit clips (which wrap around your ear) and the standard style fit buds are scaled down in size (33% smaller) to better fit the female ear. They don’t hurt, they don’t sweat and fall out, and they let you crank up the carols with crisp, clean sound. Oh, and did I mention that the Koss Fit Series headphones come in five vibrant colors? They are designed for women by women (natch) including the incredibly inspiring Olympic gold medalist, Dara Torres. You can order online now through Dec. 15th in time for Christmas delivery and save 20% with discount code DEC20. If you need a pair NOW, you can find a pair at Walmart, Best Buy and Walgreens – keep your eyes open because I’ve seen them on sale for $19.99. Or, maybe you’ll get lucky and win the pair of coral-colored fit buds in my giveaway!

BondiBand Compression Socks: I’ve tried a lot of compression socks in the last few years and I have to say, the trendy patterns offered by this company definitely put the FUN in functional. If you’re a runner, you probably know all the benefits of compression like increased circulation, decreased recovery time, and less general swelling, cramping, aching and fatigue of the lower legs. Plus, when it’s cold outside, knee-high socks add a little welcomed warmth. I’m giving away this super-cute pair of pastel purple, blue and pink argyle compression socks from BondiBand. The size is medium which fits a women’s shoe size 7.5 to 9.5 and 14” to 17.5 calf measurement.

PocketFuel: I recently met the super-nice folks from this Hood River, Oregon-based company and fell for their products. How could you not love a portable fuel that is made completely from whole foods and tastes incredibly yummy at the same time?! All of their product blends are made from ingredients found in nuts, seeds and fruits. Slow burning and easy to digest, PocketFuel provides a natural and sustained energy boost that will help you perform your best at whatever sport you pursue . . .uh, like running! Available in individual-sized “squish and squeeze” packets or in larger sizes that can be diluted down in a reusable sports bottle in lieu of “goo.” In this giveaway, you could win two really tasty flavors. The first is Chocolate Haze, a mash of hazelnuts, almonds and rich chocolate blended together into a silky smooth sweet delight. The second is Pineapple Coconut, a tropical blend of crushed pineapple, shredded coconut and almond butter. Both flavors, along with their other blends, are packed with vital nutrients including potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium that will help replenish your body and ward off fatigue.

To enter the giveaway, just head to the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of this post. But, before you do, I think you’ll appreciate this seasonal Santa Six Pack Workout out I whipped up for the CorePower blog. Also want to mention to CorePower High Protein Shake fans; it’s time to stock up because their having a flash 48-hour sale at Amazon.com where you can get $5 off a case. The sale starts December 12th, 2013 at Midnight PST and ends December 14th, 2013 at 11:59 pm PST.

Enter the “Three Running Gifts Under the Tree” Giveaway here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

When Life Gives Lemons Make Citrus & Feta Salad #Recipe

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Jennifer FIsher

This month, I’ve been learning about all the food-life metaphors firsthand . . . especially as it relates to my running. A few weeks ago, I was having a stressful day and thought I’d never get to squeeze in a run; in fact, I really didn’t even want to run, but I knew I would be rejuvenated. So, even though it was late, I laced up my shoes and headed out. Everything fell into place; I kept a brisk tempo from the start, felt awesome and my worries began to melt away under the stars – that is, until I tripped and broke the fall with my face. More seeing stars (but not the good kind) and a trip to the emergency room for stitches. Ahh, “Life is like a bowl of cherries, sometimes it’s sweet and sometimes it’s full of pits . . . . or, maybe “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get!”

At least I have another chance to visit Maggie at Christmas.

After healing and finishing up a few more weeks of training, I was really looking forward to racing the Dallas Marathon this past weekend and sneaking in some extra fun. I had a Pi Phi reunion on the schedule along with good girl-bonding time with my Aunt and Mom. But, none of it was to be – the marathon was cancelled as the city of Dallas iced over. I can’t say I didn’t mourn for all of Saturday. All the long runs, the speed work, the strength training, and diet changes –I guess my 10 day fat-loading/ 3 day carb loading nutrition plan was for naught! But, as they say, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”

Looking ahead to the next marathon.

So, instead of running 26.2, I spent the day sleeping in – I logged 10 hours which I don’t think has happened in the last 17 years! I consumed carbohydrates in excess (another rarity) and enjoyed every bite! I went on a short, easy run and thought about what my next race might be. That’s right, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”

All this talk of lemons reminds me of a beautiful salad I made last week for the Living Litehouse blog– Zesty Citrus & Feta Salad. Taking advantage of the cooler weather abundance of fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruit, limes and tangerines and pomelos, this salad is seriously simple to make yet is a total showstopper. The saltiness from the feta cheese crumbles creates a nice balance with the tart-sweet fruits. Plus, you have to love the health benefits. Citrus is high in vitamin C and can help keep a runner from getting run down. Lemons and other citrus fruits have a scent that has calming effect and can help reduce anxiety, perfect for those days when your marathon gets cancelled.

Don’t miss the full recipe and mouthwatering photos at Living Litehouse.

Citrus and Feta Salad with Pomegranate Blueberry Vinaigrette

Serves: 8

1 large pomelo
1 Ruby Red grapefruit
2 medium-sized oranges
4 mandarin oranges or tangerines
2 large limes
¼ cup pomegranate arils
2 ounces Feta Crumbles
2 Tbsp chopped mint
2 ounces Pomegranate Blueberry Vinaigrette (I used Litehouse brand)

Directions

1. Slice pomelo, grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, and limes into approximate ¼-inch thin slices. With paring knife, cut away peel and bitter white pith. Remove any seeds.

2. Arrange fruit on a serving platter, and sprinkle with pomegranate arils, feta cheese crumbles and mint.

3. Drizzle with vinaigrette.

Note: Salad may be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator until serving time.