Tag Archives: breakfast recipes

Blackberry Melon Smoothie Bowl – #ILoveSilkSoy

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Blackberry Melon Hemp Smoothie Bowl - thefitfork.com

It’s fantastic there are so many alternative milk options at the market these days, there is seemingly something for everyone! However, it can sometimes become overwhelming to decide which carton to grab, but I can always count on Silk Original Soymilk to be a great option for me and my family.

original silk soymilkOne of the things I love most about Silk Original Soymilk is that no other dairy-free milk brand offers more protein ounce for ounce!  I’m a huge advocate of getting enough protein and portioning it at optimal times through the day – just read my recent post on the #proteinchallenge.  Each 8-ounce serving of Silk Original Soymilk has 8 grams of heart-healthy, plant-powered protein and a creamy, yummy taste.  And because Silk is plant-based, it’s naturally low in saturated fat and has no cholesterol and also has 50% more calcium than dairy milk.

silk ligh vanilla soymilkI also am a big fan of the Silk Light Vanilla Soymilk — so yummy in coffee, tea and smoothies. With that hint of vanilla flavor and fragrance, everything tastes like a treat splashed with a bit of this silky goodness.

Glass of Silk Soymilk

My three active teen boys can drain a carton of milk faster than I can scream “wait, save some for your cereal in the morning!”  That’s why I stock the fridge with multiple cartons and am thankful I don’t have to worry about them filling up on junk beverages like soda, corn-syrupy “juices” and even some of those surprisingly sugary sports drinks.

Ingredients for Silk Smoothie Bowl

I like to use either Silk Original Soymilk or Silk Lite Vanilla Soymilk as the starter for my smoothies – the ingredients that can blend into Silk is only limited by my imagination (and the size of the blender pitcher)!  Today, I’d like to share my take on the latest craze of smoothie served in bowls  — SMOOTHIE BOWLS!  I think you’ll love my creamy Blackberry Hemp Melon Smoothie Bowl that is perfect for a plant-powered breakfast, post-workout snack or refreshing and more mindful take on dessert.

Silk Blackberry Melon Smoothie Bowl

Blackberry Hemp Melon Smoothie Bowl Recipe

  • 1/2  cup frozen and thawed or fresh blackberries
  • 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
  • ½ frozen banana
  • 1 cup cantaloupe cubes (frozen if possible)
  • 1 cup Silk Original Soymilk or Lite Vanilla Soymilk
  • Couple drops of Stevia natural liquid sweetener
  • ½ scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
  • Ice, if needed
  • 1 tablespoon shelled hemp seeds (hemp hearts)
  1. Divide blackberries in half. Use back of fork or muddler to smash up one portion of blackberries into a “sauce.”  Set aside.
  2. Add oats to blender, pulse until ground up and powdery.
  3. Add frozen banana, cantaloupe cubes, soymilk, stevia and protein powder (optional) to blender.  Blend for a minute or so until everything well combined and smooth. Blend in ice if consistency needs to be thicker.
  4. Pour smoothie into bowl and drizzle with muddled blackberries, remaining whole blackberries and sprinkle with hemp seeds.
  5. Serves 1.
Must Make This! Blackberry Melon Smoothie Bowl @LoveMySilk #ILoveSilkSoy #Ad

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If you’d like to try Silk or fall back in love with it again, head over to Silk and nab a coupon before you head off to the store.

p>This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.

7 Protein-Packed Breakfast Recipes + #ProteinChallenge

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Have you noticed that for the last couple years PROTEIN has been the big buzzword in food and nutrition?!  Typically, I’m not one to blindly follow trends, especially when it comes to how I’m fueling my body. However, I KNOW from experience that getting enough protein is important to my health and well-being – and also performance and recovery as an athlete.

Jennifer Fisher - Beef Sirloin Steaks

This is about 100 three-ounce servings of beef!

So you may be wondering how much protein is enough and when should I eat it? Well, how much protein you take in depends on your size, age, gender and activity level. Because of my fairly intense fitness routine, I aim to eat about 100 grams of protein per day – that sounds like a lot, but really you’d be surprised at how quickly it all adds up. For example, a 3-oz (deck of cards size) serving of beef has about 25 grams of protein and 8-ounces of Greek yogurt has nearly that much protein too, topped with a sprinkling of chopped almonds or hemp hearts.

I bet many of y’all are already getting enough protein, most Americans do.  However, the timing of protein is one area where many of us fail – it’s best to spread out your protein over the day rather than skimping through breakfast and lunch and over-consuming at dinner.  Experts recommend eating 25-30 grams of protein for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with one or two protein snacks if you have additional needs.

Consuming the optimal amount of protein at the right time helps with weight loss goals by reducing mindless snacking, building muscles after a workout and protecting muscle mass. I think this infographic sums it up nicely.

To get you off to a great start in the morning, I’ve rounded up a week’s worth of protein-rich recipes for breakfast  — from omelets to smoothies, there’s sure to be something that pleases everyone. Seven Protein Packed Breakfast Recipes

 

Recipes starting top left and moving clockwise.

protein challenge2

 

 

 

I would love for you to join me in the 30 Day Protein Challenge, sponsored by The Beef Checkoff -(visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com and TXBeef.org). This informative, supportive, step-by-step 30-day plan will help you get a balanced amount of protein at each meal. You’ll learn how take control of your appetite by working your way up to eating 30 grams of protein at every meal for one month. They have lots of great recipe ideas and tools for success!

Protein spread thru day controls appetite – start with my breakfast #recipes and join #ProteinChallenge http://bit.ly/1IEk00a

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What are your favorite ways to start off the morning with protein?

Gluten Free Goodness | Chia Berry Breakfast Crisp Recipe

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This post is sponsored by Sverve and Walmart and I was provided compensation for my time. However, all opinions and recipes are my own. 

Gluten Free Chia Berry Breakfast Crisp - TheFitFork.comMy recipe for Chia Berry Breakfast Crisp with Stevia-Sweetened Vanilla Greek Yogurt puts the “able” in your morning table – especially if your diet requires you to steer clear of the gluten found in many traditional breakfast foods like bagels, pancakes, cereal and the like.  Even some granolas can be off limits if the oats are not certified organic, but eating Nature’s Path Gluten Free Granola or using it in a recipe will put your mind and body at ease because knowing that all the ingredients are free of gluten.walmart gf natures path berry breakfast crisp

So, you guessed it – I made this healthy fruit breakfast recipe with Nature’s Path Gluten Free Granola for some wholesome crunch with no worries of those little gluten buggars ruining my day. Eating a “crisp” or “crumble” might sound a bit unusual or induldgent for breakfast – but it shouldn’t. Served with a stevia-sweetened vanilla 0% Greek yogurt instead of high-fat and sugar laden ice cream, this morning meal solution also provides a hearty serving of protein for long-lasting energy.   Chia Berry Breakfast Crisp with Stevia-Sweetened Greek Yogurt is so simple to make, let me show you how:

walmart gluten free natures path berry breakfast cobbler mixing berries

Mix together berries, stevia and chia seeds. It’s okay if berries are still frozen.

Top berries with granola. Then mix together yogurt, vanilla and stevia.

Top berries with granola. Then mix together yogurt, vanilla and stevia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chia Berry Breakfast Crisp with Greek Yogurt - TheFitFork.com

Chia Berry Breakfast Crisp with Stevia-Sweetened Greek Yogurt Recipe

  1. Heat oven to 375°F. In an ungreased 1 quart baking dish, mix frozen berries, chia seeds and 1 ½ teaspoons of the stevia together until fruit is coated.
  2. Sprinkle top of fruit with granola and lightly pat down.
  3. Bake approximately 20 minutes or until top light golden brown and fruit bubbling.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare yogurt by stirring together yogurt, vanilla extract and remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of stevia. Store in refrigerator until serving.
  5. Remove crisp from oven and let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt mixture per serving. Serves 4.Chia Berry Breafast Crisp - Guten Free - TheFitFork.com

There is so much to love about Nature’s Path Organic Summer Berries Granola. First of all, and most importantly for many with gluten and wheat allergies and intoleances, it’s totally gluten-free without scrimping on taste. It’s also certified organic, non-GMO verified and free of synthetic preservatives and additives.  But, another big selling point of Nature’s Path Granola is that it’s easy to find and affordable – I picked up my bags at Walmart.

Nature's Path Gluten Free Granola at WalmartIn fact, Walmart has a surprisingly large selection of Gluten-Free products for less including Udi’s, Glutino, Van’s, Nature’s Path and more! As a frugal mom and healthy food blogger, it’s my job to create and prepare recipes that speak to the dietary needs of those on the other side of the fork and for all budgets. With huge increase in those living a gluten-free lifestyle, I take my responsibility to suggest ingredient swaps,  recommend balanced pre-packaged foods, and offer meal planning ideas, all free of gluten, very seriously.

I’ve found that Walmart has really stepped up to the plate when it comes to addressing the needs of their gluten free customers.  If you don’t see what you need on the shelves, swing by customer service to fill out a product request form. And, if you DO see the gluten-free products that you need, but they are cheaper elsewhere – bring in the other store’s advertisement for Walmart price matching! Later this month, Walmart will be holding a Gluten Free Event at participating locations – check out the event information, find the participating store nearest to you, and discover other useful information for your gluten free journey on the Walmart Gluten Free for Less website.

Gluten Free Goodness –> Chia Berry Breakfast Crisp #Recipe #GFwalmart #sponsored

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What are your favorite brands for gluten free living? Let me know in the comments below. Also, please feel free to share your own gluten-free recipes on social media with #gfwalmart – enjoy!

Apple Protein Pancakes with Sugar-Free Cider Syrup

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Apple Protein Pancakes with Sugar Free Apple Cider Syrup - TheFitFork.comThe kids have the whole week off school for Thanksgiving and they want pancakes for breakfast  . . . every day! My recipe for Apple Protein Pancakes with Sugar-Free Cider Syrup wins for convenience and taste. It relies on boxed pancake mix (you can use whole wheat) and jarred applesauce.  I originally developed this recipe for Litehouse Foods (they have the best apple cider), but later tweaked it for my own use by using a couple scoops of vanilla protein powder.  I just find that after eating pancakes, I get the “hangries” unless I’ve balanced it with a little more protein.  Oh, and the syrup doesn’t have any added sugar, a huge bonus considering the way my kids pour it on without discretion.  If you’d rather do the no protein powder version, get the recipe here.

Sugar Free Apple Cider Syrup for Pancakes - thefitfork.com

Apple Protein Pancakes with Sugar-Free Cider Syrup

For Pancakes:

  • 2 cups “complete” pancake mix (the “just add water” type)
  • 2 scoops (about 2/3 cup) vanilla or unflavored protein powder
  • 1cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup apple cider

For Syrup:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon liquid Stevia (or any sugar  substitute to achieve a ½ cup sugar equivalency) I used NuNaturals
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups  apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons butter

1. Heat electric griddle to 375 F degrees or skillet over medium high.

2. In bowl, combine pancake mix and protein powder with a whisk until blended. Stir in applesauce and apple cider until slightly smooth. If batter is too thick, stir in a scant amount of water or more apple cider to thin.

3. Pour batter onto hot griddle using 1/3 cup measure. Cook for approximately 1 to 1 ½ minutes before flipping. Pancake is ready to flip when edges are pulling away and bubbles on top have slowed down.

4. Flip pancakes with spatula and cook for approximately 45 seconds to 1 minute longer. Repeat for remaining pancake batter.

5. Meanwhile, prepare syrup by mixing cornstarch, sugar substitute and cinnamon together in a saucepan with heat off.

6. Gradually whisk in the cider and lemon juice and cook over medium heat stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until thickened

7. Remove syrup from heat and stir in butter. Serve warm over pancakes and store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Serves 6 (2 pancakes each)

Apple Protein Pancakes with #SugarFree Apple Cider Syrup #recipe

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 More pancake recipes for hungry people:

Pancakes made with Core Power - TheFitfork.com

Pancakes made with Core Power – TheFitfork.com

 My little secret trick — just swap out Core Power for the milk or water in your pancake recipe.

Bit of Pumpkin Pecan Oat Pancake theftfork.comPumpkin Oat Pancake – Yum, these pancakes are pure fall goodness from the griddle — I like to use Love Grown Foods Super Oats to add a little extra nutrition with quinoa flakes, amaranth flakes and chia.

Pre Race Paleo Pancake - The Fit ForkPre-Race Paleo Pancakes – This is my go-to super healthy pancake recipe from a CrossFit superstar friend, Stephanie from Missouri.

 

 

 

 

If you need to stock up:

Heart-Healthy Beef Meatballs & Oatmeal for Breakfast Steal the Show!

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Yup, I’m making meatballs for breakfast! I see no reason that lean ground beef should just be a spaghetti-taco-burger dinner kind of thing, especially taking into account that eating a higher protein breakfast fills you up and keeps you from binging out on unhealthy snack foods later. Today, in support of the National Heart Month and the upcoming American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women “Wear Red Day” (Feb 7th), I got to share some of my favorite lean beef breakfast recipes on the Great Day San Antonio show.

Meatballs and oatmeal for breakfast

Unusual sounding but utterly, mouth-wateringly delicious (and nutritious), my recipe for Beef Meatballs & Oatmeal with “Go Red” Raspberry Chipotle Sauce was a hit. This morning meal is made with 96% lean ground beef, a quality protein source that has been certified with the American Heart Association’s Heart Check Mark, meaning it’s a great addition to a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.  And, oatmeal is an AHA Heart Check certified whole grain – this heart healthy breakfast is win-win and sure to win over any cardiologist in town!

Lean Beef Meatballs & Oatmeal with ‘Go Red’ Raspberry Chipotle Sauce Recipe

Ingredients for meatballs:

  • 1 lb. ground beef (96% lean)
  • ½ teaspoon rubbed sage
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

 Ingredients for oatmeal:

  • ¼ cup raw walnuts, chopped
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup skim milk
  • 1 Tbs canola oil
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ cup golden raisins
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  •  Fischer Wiesser Raspberry Chipotle Sauce (or maple syrup, honey or whatever you like)

Combine ground beef, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and crushed red pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Form mixture in 16 one-ounce mini meatballs. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add mini meatballs; cook 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and internal temperature 160F degrees.

For the oatmeal, in a medium pot over medium-high, add walnuts and lightly toast; remove to a plate. Add water, milk, oil, sea salt, golden raisins, oats and bring to simmer—but do not boil. Cook oats, for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender.

Serve oatmeal in shallow bowls, topped with four mini meatballs. Drizzle with Raspberry Chipotle sauce and sprinkle with toasted walnuts. Serves 4.

breakfast egg and beef casserole

Another healthy beef breakfast recipe I recently shared (and also demo’d during the cooking segment) is my Lean Beef & Egg ‘Barn-Raiser’ Breakfast Bake – a real winner for weekend guests or to make ahead and freeze single servings for those crazy, busy mornings. I know that it’s been a hit at the Texas Beef Council.

Check out the how-to video instructions for both recipes below!