Best Yoga, Sports and Running Bras: Handful Bra Review from Customer of 10 Years

Posted on April 23, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

You may have heard rumors about the perfect running bra or even dreamt of a sports bra so magical that would make you look like a goddess and feel amazing and super-powered at the same time. Well, I’ve been wearing bras from Handful Activewear forever-ahhhh and have kinda been keeping it my little secret to being so fabulous – – but now I just need to share (I also have a Handful coupon code at the end of this post)!

So, welcome to my long-overdue Handful Bra review – hopefully it will help give you insights about the best bra for runners (and yogis, and gym, and ! I first met Jennifer, the founder of Handful Activewear, at a national running-niche retailer convention close to 10 years ago. We had a lot in common, besides sharing the same first name – both mothers, both entrepreneurially-spirited, both with a love of running, yoga and all things fitness. She hooked me up with the Handful Adjustable Sports Bra, my favorite to date and arguably the brand’s flagship, based on the years they’ve had it, it’s versatility, and all the core and limited-edition.

I remember the handoff vividly, Jennifer asked me what size I was and grabbed a Handful Adjustable Sports Bra off her sample rack and said, “it’s yours, enjoy!” The handful bra was purple (so fun!), soft and had some nice, natural-looking padding that looked like might help compensate for my lack of curves. I ran to the convention center restroom to try on my new flattering running bra – and WOW, instant love.

*You never forget your first handful bra (10 years ago).*

I wore that purple running bra for every workout – no chaffing, super soft fabric, bands and straps that didn’t pinch, and it was moisture wicking. Three-way adjustable straps so that I could wear with multiple style tops – regular tank or tee, racer back tank and halter tops. I ordered more bras and they became my number one bra not just for workouts but for everyday dressing too (I currently own 19 handful bras, lol). Yes, I do actually get out of fitness apparel and into “real” clothes occasionally and Handful bras are flattering sports bras, super comfy and flatter (not flatten) boobs like typical, tight sports bras.

As an AA-cup kinda gal, I was very appreciative of the natural-looking, subtle curves created by the bra’s removable pads. In fact, I started ordering extra Lights Out™ Bra Pads to add to bras I already owned, they were that magical! This is also how I discovered that Handful Activewear supports breast cancer survivors with a program that offers these and gives 12.5% of revenue from their Battle Cry Pink bras year round to YSC® (Young Survival Coalition) in recognition of the 1 in 8 women (12.5%) who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

*My “go-to” sports bra, the Handful Adjustable!*

Handful Adjustable Sports Bra, as I mentioned, works really well for my not-so-curvy figure and is ideal for A, B and small Cs*.In my opinion, it’s the best sports bra made. In addition, being able to move the straps in three configurations (regular, x-back, halter), the actual straps also adjust in length which helps make the various styles fit better. Plus, I’m the person that always has to adjust the straps upward, I guess I have a small torso or something. The fabric is super soft, I have never chaffed, and the gathering in the front helps hold the bra closer to your chest as not to flash the world more than you want when bending for a toe touch or deadlift.

Handful Bra, save 10% code THEFITFORK10 — The Handful Y-Back Bra in action.

Handful Y-Back Bra is described by Runner’s World as “the right bra for C to D* cups who need a little extra support.” It offers secure support for running and other high impact activities. I also like the Y-Back a lot (despite not being anywhere near a C or D) because it’s very flattering and the slightly higher neckline doesn’t look prudish, but provides a little extra cleavage and chest coverage. I feel like the Handful Y-back bra also makes my very small front look the most filled out, in a natural way. It’s soft, no chaffing either and my only issue has been that it’s not adjustable and the Y-back could be just a teensier “shorter” – but that’s just me, I have a weird body.

Save 10% at handful.com with code THEFITFORK10 — *Handful Double Down Bra (and YES, they make leggings too)!*

Handful Double Down Bra is a newer full coverage sports bra I recently tried and I love the stylish straps and ample coverage on the sides and back that is billed to “help eliminate side boob, spillage, pinching, and other unpleasantries.” It’s true, there is no side boob with the extra wider band and fabric area under the arm and around the rib cage. I know people are thinking “Jennifer, you have NO side boob,” which is technically true. But my back is wide (and specifically my lats are big) which spills over the back of bras often – I call it “lat splat”! The Handful Double Down Bra support and comfort are both A+ and the strap design will get you lots of “ooh where did you get workout top?” compliments. It comes with the “thin” Lights Out™ Bra Pads which probably works well for most of y’all – minimal padding that compliments your natural gifts and also to keep any nipple action from causing a distraction. BUUUUT, with my boy-ish figure, I swapped the pads out for the thicker ones – again, so happy they sell these bra pads a la carte!

Other Handful Bras for your consideration (but I’ve not tried, so can’t properly review):

Handful The Closure Bra: Offers a front zip closure for easy-on/off convenience no struggling post-workout pulling a sweaty bra over your head. Front mesh panel for extra coverage, yet cooler. Made in XS – XL, but looks like it would work for bigger-chested ladies. Read reviews of women who are D and DD who swear by it. Again, the care and comfort of big boobs is outside my personal knowledge base, but this bra sounds like an excellent solution.

Handful FaV Bra: I want to try this new running bra style ASAP! Flattering and functional, the FaV Bra has a deep V in front and cute keyhole design in the back to give you a playful look without sacrificing coverage. With that deeper neckline, I think probably works best for A, B and maybe C cups.

Use my Handful discount code THEFITFORK10 to save on your next purchase at Handful.com

*You will notice that Handful sells their bras by XS – XL sizing, not cup size – so refer to the sizing charts for the best fit. Also, some of the photos here may be of past-season colors. Handful has a core collection of colors, but is always changing up others to fit your style fresh and fun!

Note: This post contains affiliate links – I earn a small commission on each sale and proceeds help to offset expenses for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

In the Pink: How Color Pink Impacts Fitness & Workout Mood

Posted on April 13, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

Color psychology researches and helps to explain the influence of various colors over our moods, feelings, and even behaviors – including exercise and fitness! Even the idiom, “in the pink,” means “looking healthy”! So, what do you THINK, how do you FEEL, and how do you PERFORM wearing or being surrounded by the color pink?

How Pink Affects Your Fitness and Workout Mood - Jennifer of The Fit Fork

Most likely wearing pink fitness gear or being in a pink workout will make you feel peaceful, calm and that you are sending out (and attracting) a jovial, gentle positive energy. These pink vibes make total sense considering the color’s more saturated sibling (Red) is often interpreted as aggressive, excitable and even sexually forward. It’s pretty common knowledge (although I personally would not know!) that the holding cells at city jails are painted pink to keep the vibe subliminally laidback and peaceful. Literally and figuratively, pink is red toned down and on a chill pill!

Pink is also considered “playful” and a color that elicits joy, happiness and even euphoria. I think we can agree that joy, happiness and euphoria are all moods that make exercising a much better experience – who doesn’t love the endorphin-rush high after a great run or productive workout? The playfulness of pink (probably conjured up from childhood days) is also ideal for setting the tone for a fun sweat session. I personally consider my workouts “play time “ and live by the hashtag #KeepingFitFun – that’s my not-so-secret tip for a successful and long-lasting fitness journey. A pink workout definitely has place in my rainbow week!

*A calming trail run in nature would make an ideal pink workout.*

Great workouts for pink would include gentle yoga flows, peaceful trail runs in nature, and even upbeat (but not over-the-top) group fitness classes. Before you start just slip into a pink top, pink shorts or pink sneakers – and don’t forget about pink yoga mats, pink hats, and a pink hoodie. As an ambassador for adidas.com, I’ve discovered so much functional, fun pink fitness wear to outfit daily workouts and casual living.

*A stretch sesh or yoga flow makes another feel-good pink workout!*

Pro-pink feelings can vary in degree from person to person, based in great deal on past experiences, personal taste, and even cultural norms. For example, pink is symbolic to trust in Korea and architecture in Latin America. In Western culture, pink is often labeled a feminine or “girly” color for clothing, toys, and textiles. However, it’s interesting to note, that up until the 1940s, pink was a color marketed to and worn equally by male and female youngsters in the United States. In recent years, pink has been trending as a unisex color – I love this pink energy vibe for the guys!

So, can you wear too much pink. I say, there is no such thing as an overly pink mood. But, some say it’s overkill and may bring on “too much” calm and relaxation– and, as a consequence, be demotivating! But I believe you should exercise wearing what makes YOU feel good – because feeling good is the ultimate reward of exercise! GO PINK!

Procrastinator’s Guide to an A+ Graduation Party — Fast & Cheap

Posted on April 13, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

What a school year it has been! Whether college, high school or even just kindergarten, celebrate your special 2021 graduate with a hearty congratulations, keepsake mementoes and a really fun graduation party – whether virtual or in-person!

Don’t let the fact that graduation 2021 is sneaking up on us limit your party planning. Check out my Procrastinator’s Guide to an A+ Graduation Party and get going!

Procrastinator’s Guide to an A+ Graduation Party – Fast & Cheap

Get Quick Customized Gradation Announcements & Party Invitations: Let the world know that you are celebrating the accomplishments of your scholar with a custom graduation invite – not those generic, cookie-cutter ones through school ordering. I always head over to BasicInvite.com where, I can better show off my personal style while quickly creating high-quality but inexpensive cards using their trendy to traditional templates. Simply tweak the text, color and layout as needed, and upload cherished photographs of your own. The whole process takes minutes, no more than 7 days to ship, and nothing puts a personalized touch to a 2021 graduation announcement more than a photo of your own graduating Senior smiling ear-to-ear.

As a perfectionist regarding quality and content (yet also someone prone to typos), I really appreciate how Basic Invite allows me to order a printed sample of my actual invitation before placing the final order – I can ensure everything is spot-on perfect before ordering the hundreds I need to share with my world.

Promo Alert: BasicInvite.com is offering 15% off graduation invitations (really popular right now is the nurse graduation announcement – go future nurses!), party invitations, thank you cards and most all products with coupon code 15FF51

Give Yourself Permission to Use Non-Professional Photos: This is a huge graduation party hack that will save you so much time, money and stress. Instead of forking over a small fortune in sitting fees and then still having to order the photos and digital rights, just simply snap your own! With the camera quality of the latest cell phones these days, you don’t even need a fancy DSRL camera and studio set up. Plus you have senior photo access instantly when making cheap graduation announcements and other keepsake memorabilia.

Serve Food Graduates Really Want: The great news is that most graduating seniors and their young adult and teenage guests don’t want fussy, gourmet food. They just want good eats, like the meals they enjoy on the weekends with their friends when socializing. For graduation party food themes, think pizza, sub sandwiches, tacos or a burger bar that can provide additional options that satisfy a variety of diet types (like plant-based or gluten-free). All of these simple graduation food ideas can be pulled together quickly by ordering out or even pulling it all yourself with simple hacks like you can find in my past post on Burger Bar Tips & Tricks. Also, I think it’s fun to serve non-alcoholic mocktails, the kids feel grown up and I know everyone is safe. Since my son is heading to Texas Tech University this fall, I created this virgin Michelada – aka, Red Raiderade!

Do-It-Yourself DJ: No need for a live band DJ . . . or boring parent “elevator music.” Put your graduate to the task of putting together his or her own playlist for the graduation party Your son or daughter likely already has a huge collection of music enjoyed by their peer group – just ask for them to use the “clean” lyric versions to be friendly for all age-groups and temperaments. Blast it from the home entertainment center, a portable pull-around speaker by the pool or in your Zoom session, whever you are!

Zoom Everyone Together: For those who can’t make it to the party due living far away or the need to still remain social distanced, can still attend the party via Zoom, Google Hangouts or other virtual meeting services. Use the chatroom functions to break out in to smaller conversations, or play big party games! You can even use a far-away guest to make a special speech via one of these meeting services, and play it on the big screen.

Sentimental Slide Show: Search through your digital photos and pull photos from your graduate’s life, from birth to current day – choose a selection of snapshots that are sentimental, milestone-marking, silly and maybe even a little embarrassing. Use Windows Movie Maker or even a phone app to upload photos, make transitions, add text and music. This is always the most popular graduation party entertainment around – grandparents “ooh and ahh,” parents tear up, and the teenage guests always get a good chuckle with the “vintage” photos. Success Tip: include as many photos as you can with your graduate and guests you know are coming to the party.

In-A-Flash Party Favors: Graduation party favors are a thoughtful way to let guests know you appreciate their stopping by to share in the graduate’s big day and accomplishments. There is no need to spend hours or big bucks on these takeaway trinkets, I prefer to make it a little treat they can immediately enjoy. In the past, I’ve done tiny mortar boards made out of a mini peanut butter cup with a cardstock square and tassel on top or “Commence-Mints” (above) made with mints and a simple printout made at home.

Thank You Cards: To many teens, the “thank you” requirement for a graduation gift or money might must mean saying, “Dude, thanks,” or sending out sentiments of appreciation via text or email. Take your son or daughter’s etiquette to the next level by ordering custom thank you card for them to personally write out and hand or snail-mail deliver their appreciation to the gift-giver. They may even want to drop a note of thanks to special teachers, mentors, coaches or individuals who wrote letters of recommendation for their college applications. Again, I order mine from Basic Invite because they are quick, high-quality and customizable. (Don’t forget to use their 15% off Promo Code: 15FF51)

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by BasicInvite.com, however all opinions, comments, and enthusiasm remain my own.

Pan-seared Lingcod with Creamy Burst Tomato Sauce

Posted on April 11, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

Jump to Recipe

Winner, winner easy fish dinner! Pan-seared Lingcod with Creamy Burst Tomato Sauce is brilliantly delicious, so easy to make, low-carb on its own, but a family favorite with that creamy sauce sliding over into rice, potatoes or noodles. I’ve noticed that even the non-fish fans in my family are licking the plate!

Pan seared lingcod with creamy burst tomato sauce recipe

This easy fish recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make and is perfect for quick, weeknight meals – but also snazzy enough to serve on a special occasion.

Ingredients for Lingcod with creamy burst tomato sauce

I used mild, white lingcod from Sitka Salmon Shares for this skillet fish recipe (it reminds me a lot of halibut). This fisherman’s co-op reels in the BEST wild Alaskan seafood (salmon, cod, sablefish, king crab, and more) and ships it straight to your door, it’s been my go-to fish source now for two years. Visit them at sitkasalmonshares.com and use my code FITFORK to save $25 on a premium share!

Other firm white fish will work too like halibut, cod, pollock, haddock, and such. It’s really up to your preference. Pan sauté skinless filets that have been seasoned simply with salt and pepper. After just cooked through, remove from skillet temporarily while making the sauce.

The sauce is fresh and simple. In the same unwashed skillet that the fish was cooked in, add whole grapes and sauté until they start to pop. Then finish bursting tomatoes with a fork – piercing the skin to let the juices out and then mashing down before, pouring in a little veggie stock to deglaze the pan. Season this sauce for the lingcod fish recipe with garlic, Italian seasoning and a little paprika – then stir in some heavy cream to give this sauce that rich and luxurious mouthfeel.

Gently add back in the cooked fish, spoon sauce over top of filets to coat and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.

Also, check out another healthy lingcod recipe of mine using wild Alaskan fish from Sitka Salmon Shares: Paleo Coconut Fish Sticks with Spicy Peach Dipping Sauce.

Paleo Coconut Fish Sticks with Spicy Peach Sauce – Paleo, Gluten-free

Sitka Salmon Shares: Save $25 on most shares with code: FitFork

This post contains affiliate links, I earn a commission from sales generated. Earnings help offset operating expenses for The Fit Fork – thank you!

5 from 6 votes

Pan-seared Lingcod with Creamy Burst Tomato Sauce

Prep Time

8 mins

Cook Time

12 mins

Total Time

20 mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 307 kcal

Ingredients

16 ounces skinless lingcod filet or other firm white fish like halibut, cod, etc.
1 tsp. salt divided
1 tsp. black pepper divided
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
½ cup vegetable stock
6 oz. heavy cream
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. ground paprika
2 tbsp. shredded fresh basil

Instructions

Cut fish into 4 portions, season with ½ tsp each salt/pepper.
Add oil to skillet over med-high and sear fish for 3 to 4 min each side; remove to plate.
In same skillet at grape tomatoes, heat in pan over med-hi for several minutes until softened. Then use fork to pierce tomatoes and them mash lightly.
Add vegetable stock and simmer for 2 min longer.
Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika and remaining salt/pepper along with cream. Stir until combined and heated, a couple minutes.
Gently place fish into sauce, garnish with basil. Serve with noodles, zoodles or rice.

Recipe Notes

How Cellular Nutrition Helps Redefine Aging for Older Athletes

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is sponsored by Celltrient™, however all opinions, anecdotes, and enthusiasm are my own.

Running and fitness events are more than a “hobby” to me. Competing now for almost 35 years, my competition days are like “pay days” to reward me for all my training, focus and hard work. Obviously, I am hoping to do my very best and I’m definitely not ready to stop at almost 54 years young.

After age 40, your cells stop working and replicating as efficiently -- making you less resilient, have less energy and weakened immunity. However, cellular nutrition that targets the mitochondria, like Celltrient Strength formula, can help provides cellular nutrition to help you redefine aging- -helps to optimize resiliency, immunity and energy. Use code JENNIFER for savings at celltrient.com #ad

But over the last 10 years or so, I’ve noticed it’s become increasingly difficult to keep up the literal and figurative pace of my younger self. For example, even with similar training, I can only run a single mile at the same pace I could run 26.2 miles years ago. And, after workouts, my soreness is typically more noticeable and the recovery time longer. That can put a damper on my plans. Many times, I feel just plain tired. I’ve accepted and adapted to some of the slowing down, and stopped competing with my past accomplishments. I think you must to some degree to stay mentally healthy as an aging athlete.

However, accepting some of the changes doesn’t mean NOT trying to preserve and improve what I have left! When researching how to optimize my performance as an older athlete, I learned that much of my body’s increasing inefficiencies can be linked to Age-Associated Cellular Decline. Beginning around age 40, and increasing through the remainder of life, all of our cells start slacking off in their respective jobs. The cells just don’t renew and replicate themselves well and this time-related deterioration can start to have a noticeable effect on strength, energy and resilience beginning in middle age and beyond.

Slacking off (intentionally or unintentionally) is something I’m not ready to do. And, I’m also not ready to take up knitting, scrapbooking, rocking on the front porch or some other inactive pastime anytime soon. I knew I had to find some way to be more proactive about my cellular health and that’s how I found, Celltrient™, a cellular health supplement that targets the power plants of our cells (the mitochondria) to transform how cells perform with age. As time passes, mitochondria start to fizzle out and this negatively impacts cell energy production and can contribute to a build-up of free radicals and oxidative stress within cells. None of this is desirable to me as a competitive master athlete! Check out these informative articles HERE and HERE that explain more comprehensively why and how we age at the cellular level.

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Based on my lifestyle as an older athlete, I began using Celltrient’ s Strength formula* in November 2020, and am thrilled with how the cellular nutrition supplement is making me feel overall, and specifically in keeping up with my intense training routine. I feel like I have more stamina to get through my workouts and competitions at the top of my ability and also am recovering well afterward.

One of the important active ingredients in the Strength formula is Urolithin A. Urolithin A (UA) is a cellular nutrient that can help to address a decline in your cells’ ability to renew their pool of mitochondria (remember, these microscopic guys are the like the batteries that fire up cells). Since I follow a clean and nutrient-dense diet, I figured I was getting everything I needed to take care of my cell heath from food. But, I learned that UA is not commonly or easily sourced from food. While it is a metabolite formed by gut bacteria after eating foods that contain a compound called ellagitannins (found in things like pomegranates, berries, nuts), only about 33-percent of people have the proper gut bacteria needed to efficiently transform these compounds into UA. Those aren’t the best odds and that’s why I am using a cellular nutrition supplement like Celltrient to help me redefine the way I age!

If you have any questions about Celltrient and cellular nutrition (or just being a 50+ year old elite athlete), drop a comment here or find me on Instagram @thefitfork Also, if interested, my Celltrient Discount Code JENNIFER overs a savings on product purchases (excluding bundles and subscriptions) at Celltrient.com

*Celltrient also offers other targeted cellular health products including Protect formula and Energy formula. Products available in capsule or drink mix format for convenience! To learn more about Age-related Cellular Decline you can read my past post Three Ways to Age Less and Do More and also visit Celltrient to find the cellular nutrition product best suited for you: Product Recommender