5 Health & Wellness Brands to Upgrade Fitness Self-Care Routine

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx

Running, obstacle course racing plus all the gym, boot camp and other fitness stuff I do, can really take a toll on my body! But, even though I’m in my 50s, I’m not about to give any of it up soon. That’s why I place a premium on eating well to refuel my body, taking proper care of minor injuries that come, and general workout recovery and some self-pampering.

I’m always on the lookout for new-to-me products to help me stay at the top of my game as an athlete and enthusiast of adventurous living. Today, I’m sharing five wellness and fitness finds that are perfect additions to my self-care routine.

Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar Prebiotic Shots (Ginger Turmeric): Gut health is so important for athletes and apple cider vinegar is one well-known way to cleanse and rebalance the body. Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar (raw and unfiltered) is such a well-loved product and has been providing wellness benefits to consumers for more than a century. One of their convenient and very nutritionally functional products is Apple Cider Vinegar Prebiotic Shot which also features turmeric and ginger (and a bit of honey) to help reduce inflammation – which is something I personally manage as an older athlete. Check out the Bragg’s product line up at Bragg.com and save 20% on your order with code BRAGG20

Intensive Foot Repair and Multi-Purpose Nail Repair from Kerasal: If I’m not in running shoes, I’m in flip flops – and sometimes that can be embarrassing due to all my runner foot problems including calluses, dry, cracked heels and toe-nail fungus -ugh. Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair makes my heels (and rough big toe) much more presentable with visible results in just ONE day! It’s an exfoliating moisturizer and callus remover with Salicylic acid that hydrates and moisturizes dry while exfoliating away dead skin. I like to apply it and wear overnight with cotton socks, for best results!

I’ve also been using Kerasal Multi-Purpose Nail Repair to help lessen the “shock and horror” reactions people have when they see my feet and the nail fungus damage. Many of my toenails have been damaged from running, creating a hospitable environment for fungus, which in turn has also made my nails thick and discolored. The patented formula penetrates through the nail’s surface to help restore a healthy appearance – it can also be used on fingernails! It’s the #1 doctor recommended brand, and initial results can start to be seen in a week (although, expect to treat for 3 to 6 months for best results). Try it out and SAVE with this Kerasal coupon.

ll-In-One and Sensitive Skin Liquid Bandage from New Skin®: If you’ve ever run an obstacle course race or are considering it, TRUST ME, you want to have any minor cuts, scrapes, calluses, blisters, and dry cracked skin you have at the start line protected with the liquid bandages from this brand (because SERIOUSLY, who knows WHAT is in that mud)! Unlike traditional bandages that fall off easily when wet, dislodged from vigorous athletic activities, or just won’t work in an awkward and hard-to-cover areas (like between fingers, knees, or long scrapes). These bandages kill 99.9% of germs by providing a flexible seal that keeps out water, dirt, mud, and harmful bacteria. The Sensitive New Skin® Liquid Bandage are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, plus the application and removal is pain-free. These are available at Amazon and Walmart

Sugar Face Scrubs from Tree Hut make me feel pampered in my skin care routine – especially after a hard, sweaty workout or race through mud, dirt and rough terrain! Tree Hut uses 100% natural exfoliants to help me buff away all the grime, dead cells and impurities from my skin and pores, and brighten my complexion in the process. Plus, the glycerin-based formula also helps my skin rehydrate and feel fabulous. Tree Hut’s Sugar Face Scrub line is paraben and cruelty free, vegan. They do not contain formaldehyde donors and are made in the USA. The line contains four different scents/formulas (being the watermelon-lover I am, I chose the Watermelon & Cactus Water Sugar Face Scrub first)!

o Hydrating Watermelon & Cactus Water Sugar Scrub

o Brightening Pineapple & Papaya Face Scrub

o Purifying Blueberry & Turmeric Face Scrub

o Nourishing Banana & Oat Face Scrub

Chomps is not actually a new meat stick brand to me, but one I have loved in the past and was so happy to have again — I’m all about getting enough protein for workout recovery and their 1.15 oz sugar free meat sticks have 9 to 10g protein each! The products, including Original Beef, Jalapeno Beef, and Original Turkey, are made from the highest-quality, sustainably sourced proteins with no hidden, harmful ingredients. Protein sources are never given hormones or antibiotics and humanely raised. You don’t have to be worried about eating something you don’t want, as Chomps free of added sugar, soy, dairy, and artificial stuff like preservatives, colors, nitrates, binders. Beef is grass-fed and grass-finished and turkey is free-range. If you are Paleo, Keto, have gluten and dairy allergies, or just expect the best – then these meat snacks are for you! I like to keep them stashed in my bag when hitting the gym, a road trip, or just a day of errands so I don’t get hangry and end up eating something lesser to this high-quality brand. Save with code BABBLE20 on chomps.com

Paleo Blackberry Almond Tart (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Lower Carb)

Posted on April 27, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

Jump to Recipe

Fresh blackberries, yum! Nothing says toes-in-grass summer dessert more than a berry tart and that’s what I did with a recent windfall of plump, juicy blackberries!

My Paleo Blackberry Almond Tart is also gluten-free, vegan-friendly, made lower carb with some sweetener swaps. It’s a healthy berry dessert recipe that fits with so many dietary eating patterns!

Blackberries are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and a variety of other health promoting nutrients. If this, plus their sweet taste, isn’t enough motivation to eat them, check out the blackberry macros: just 6.1g of carbs 0.7g of fat, and 61.9 calories (plus, surprise – 2g protein)!

This is a super simple recipe, and starts with super-fine ground almond flour and coconut flour crust made without dairy, egg, or high calorie sweeteners (instead I used granulated Monk Fruit sweetener to moderate the carbohydrates and make it a (not LOW) but lower carb blackberry tart).

After baking the crust in an 11” Tart Pan, the fresh berries are simple tossed with a little more sugar substitute along with lemon juice and lemon zest. It’s popped back into the oven for 30 minutes until the berries are nearly bursting with juices.

Or, check out the Pinterest Story on how-to make this paleo blackberry tart with video demonstration.

Best served warm, as is – or with the creamy topping of your choice. I used a non-dairy yogurt mixed with lemon curd.

Each serving of this Paleo Blackberry Tart has 309 calories, 22g fat, 24g net carb (39 total with 15g fiber), and about 7g protein.

Do you have a favorite healthy berry dessert or Paleo blackberry recipe?! Please share – in need inspo for the rest of my fresh blackberries (which, BTW, were about $0.80 per pound where I picked them up!!!! A super deal!)

Also, another perfect blackberry recipe for summer entertaining: Skinny Blackberry Nectarine Margaritas!

Skinny Blackberry Nectarine Margarita and Virgin Smoothie Option

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission on any sales, however price to you remains the same. Proceeds help to offset operating expenses for The Fit Fork — thank you!

5 from 8 votes

BLACKBERRY ALMOND TART (PALEO, GLUTEN-FREE, VEGAN, LOWER CARB)

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

40 mins

Total Time

50 mins

This delicious berry recipe is simple and perfect for summer entertaining!

Course: Dessert

Keyword: blackberry, blueberry, gluten free, paleo, tart

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 309 kcal

Ingredients

1 ½ cup super fine almond flour
½ cup coconut flour
1/3 cup cup-for-cup sugar substitute like Monk fruit or stevia
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1/3 cup coconut oil melted
½ tsp vanilla extract
4 to 5 cups fresh blackberries
¼ cup cup-for-cup sugar substitute like Monk fruit or Stevia
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 ounces toasted almond slivers

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
Mix together dry ingredients: almond flour, coconut flour, sugar substitute, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon. Mix in coconut oil and vanilla. Mixture will be crumbly, use hands to shape into ball.
Set ball into middle of non-stick tart pan (11”) and press down and around with fingers until flattened and going up sides of tart pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until turning golden on top.
While crust baking, in bowl toss together blackberries, sugar substitute, lemon juice and lemon zest.
Remove crust from oven and pour fresh berry mixture over rust. Return to oven and bake for 30 to 35 additional minutes, or until fruit starts to bubble.
Remove at top with toasted almond slivers. Serve warm.

Recipe Notes

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.