Tag Archives: chocolate

Muscle-Making Mudslide Smoothie & Saturday #ShoutOuts

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Oh yeah, it rained in Austin yesterday and goodness knows we can use it. For the last couple years, our beloved lake has been in jeopardy of drying completely up and blowing away. In honor of this precipitous precipitation, I’m sharing one of my favorite chocolate smoothies – a Muscle-Making Mudslide Smoothie. healthy protein mudslide smoothie Muscle-Making Mudslide Smoothie Recipe

  • 10 ounces of almond milk*
  • 1 scoop (1/3 cup) favorite protein powder*
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 4 ounces strong coffee, chilled
  • 1 large frozen banana, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon cacao nibs
  • Ices, as needed
  • Chocolate syrup (optional)

Blend first 7 ingredients together until smooth. If desired, drizzle sides of glass with chocolate syrup before pouring in smoothie.  *An 11.5 ounce bottle of Chocolate Core Power may be substituted for the almond milk and protein powder.

I also have lots of favorite new products to share that have been sent to me complimentary for my opinion.  I tell it like it is, so don’t worry about getting some polished sales pitch. If you have any questions, please ask me in the comments.

procakes packageProCakes High Protein Pancake Mix:  I’m back in town and finally had a chance to whip up a batch of these yummy pancakes. The founder of ProCakes is a fellow FitFluential ambassador and came up with the idea for this protein pancake mix while training for her first fitness competition – she wanted to show people how easy and tasty it can be to eat in a way that does the body good. This product has lots of protein, no added sugar, no gluten — meaning no guilty conscience about enjoying a stack of these light and tender hotcakes in the morning. That is, no guilt unless you soak ‘em up in a sugar bomb of syrup – how about some fresh fruit and dollop of Greek yogurt instead?

ProCakes wit greek yogurt and blueberriesProCakes Protein Pancakes with Greek Yogurt & Blueberries Recipe

  • 1 packet (45g) ProCakes pancake mix
  • 1 large egg or egg white equivalent
  • 1/3 cup 2% milk
  • 1/4 cup 0% plain Greek yogurt
  • 10 drops liquid vanilla Stevia
  • 1/4 cup fresh blueberries

Mix pancake mix, egg and milk together in bowl. Heat lightly oiled skillet to medium-low heat. Pour batter onto heated skilled into three pancakes. Cook until pancake bubbling on top, then flip over until golden brown. Mix yogurt and stevia together in small bowl. Top pancakes with dollop of sweetened yogurt and blueberries. Makes 1 serving (3 pancakes)

 

love grown granola

Love Grown Foods – I’m still on the breakfast bandwagon here and am a new-ish fan of Love Grown Foods, an awesome company that offers all sorts of nutritious products to start the day including Power O’s (great for kids), Oat Clusters (this granola-lover’s favorite), and Hot Oats which I haven’t tried yet. With no genetically modified ingredients, high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils, I feel confident feeding my family Love Grown Foods. I love how the Power O’s are made with a bean blend to add protein, fiber, and additional health benefits. Yes, that’s right BEANS FOR BREAKFAST. Although, you’d never know they were in there! How lucky am I that when I stopped in the gym yesterday, I bumped into one of my favorite bloggers, Ms. Cotter Crunch and the company founder, Maddy – they loaded me up with a big haul of LOOT and LOVE.

Lindsay from CotterCrunch.com and Maddy of Love Grown Foods

Lindsay from CotterCrunch.com and Maddy of Love Grown Foods

altra zero drop The Ones SquaredAltra’s The One2 –  I am totally digging my new running shoes from Altra Zero Drop – in fact, they may be my favorite yet. Lighter and less clunky that some of the past models, these streamlined babies weigh in at only 5.4 ounces yet have loads of wiggle room for toes (yay, no black nails) and some real, honest-to-goodness cushioning that you don’t get in a lot of other zero-drop shoes.  Goodness knows I love me a minimal shoe, but sometimes my feet have had enough impact– Altra calls the cushioning “light” and I call it great compromise for my road weary feet. The One2 running shoe is perfect for speed work and shorter road racing. I’d even be comfortable wearing them through a marathon, but I know many of you like a running shoe with more cushioning – Altra has those, too!

the fit fork altra running shoes

Altra’s The Ones Squared are light & speedy, plus lots of wiggle room for toes. #EmbraceTheSpace

body fat scaleSurpahs Body Fat Scale BFS-835 – Okay, I have always avoided body fat scales because I felt like I didn’t need one more thing to obsess over. But, when Surpahs offered to send me one, my curiosity got the better of me – and now that I’m used to it, I think it’s a great way to check in every week or two for a benchmark. Some people say, “oh these body fat scales have a huge margin of error” – who knows, because I know I’m fit, I am not so concerned with my body fat being 100 percent correct – I am just looking for discernable changes in my weight and body fat from week to week.  Not only does this body fat scale measure body fat, water, muscle mass and bone mass, it can be pre-programmed for up to eight people making it convenient for large families or fitness / nutritional coaches. The scale is super sleek and looks great with my bathroom décor. Get a good deal at Amazon.com:

  • So, what products are you loving right now?
  • Have you ever used a body fat scale?
  • What are you eating for breakfast?
  • Have you ever tried Altra Zero-Drop running shoes?

Watermelon & Chocolate Recipes – Day 5 #LivingOnTheWedge

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Living on the wedge watermelon chocolate

Watermelon and chocolate are two of my favorite sweet things to eat in this world. Summery sweetness meets indulgent richness – the unusual but oh-so perfect pairing was inevitable and why I didn’t think of it sooner is beyond me! So, without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to my Whirled Watermelon Chocolate Pie – one bite and I’m sure you will also become best friends forever with this duo of deliciousness. What a lip smacking way to end a summery meal, perhaps even after a grill-up of my recipe for Grilled Watermelon Shrimp Kebabs with Sweet Spicy Glaze

frozen watermelon chocolate pie dessert

Whirled Watermelon Chocolate Pie Recipe

For Watermelon Filling:

  • 5 cups seedless watermelon cubes
  • ½ teaspoon liquid stevia
  • 2 packets unflavored gelatin
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • 1 cup cold heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon liquid stevia

For Chocolate Filling:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (divided)
  • 2 pre-made chocolate pie shells (8 – 9 inch diameter)

Directions:

  1. Add seeded watermelon to blender; use wooden spoon to mash it up and get juices releasing. Puree watermelon until as smooth as possible.
  2. Measure out 2 ¾ cups of watermelon puree; any remaining can be used for another purpose. Stir ½ teaspoon liquid stevia into watermelon puree.
  3. Pour ¼ cup of the juice in a large bowl and sprinkle with gelatin powder; let dissolve for 2 minutes.
  4. Add ½ cup of watermelon puree that has been heated in microwave for about 45 seconds (near boiling); whisk into bowl with gelatin.
  5. Mix in lime juice and the remaining 2 cups watermelon juice into the bowl; place in refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes.
  6. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites in a medium size bowl until stiff peaks form; set aside; clean and dry beaters.
  7. Beat the heavy cream in mixer until it holds soft peaks; add liquid stevia and beat for a few more seconds; refrigerate.
  8. When the watermelon mixture starts to firm up, add about one-quarter of the whipped cream and beat with electric mixer until smooth.
  9. Gently fold in beaten egg whites and remaining whipped cream with a large rubber spatula, breaking up any globs of whites or whipped cream.
  10. Transfer watermelon mixture to another bowl and return to refrigerator. Thoroughly wash and dry mixer bowl and whisk attachment to make chocolate filling.
  11. In microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and ½ cup of heavy cream by heating and stirring in 15 second intervals until smooth. Let cool for 10 minutes or until near room temperature.
  12. Add chocolate mixture and remaining 1 cup of heavy cream to mixing bowl and beat for approximately 2 minutes, until smooth.
  13. Ready the 2 chocolate pie shells. Spoon in ¼ of watermelon mixture into bottom of each. Next, spoon in “blobs” of the chocolate mixture. Repeat the watermelon and chocolate layers until pie is filled (should just be about 1 more set of layers).
  14. Use the tip of knife to create a swirled pattern. Loosely cover pies and freeze for at least 2 hours, or overnight. To serve, let partially thaw for 10 minutes and slice each pie into 8 pieces. Makes 2 pies (serves 16)!

slice of watermelon chocolate pie

By the way, please notice that this recipe makes TWO pies – if, for some unheard of reason, you are opposed to making TWO pies, just cut the amount of each ingredient in half. I also found that any leftover fillings make really good Frozen Watermelon Chocolate Pops – just pour into a frozen treat mold or paper cups.

watermelon chocolate pops

Watermelon.org also has great dessert recipes that feature watermelon and chocolate. Check out these two family favorites:

watermelon chocolate fondueWatermelon and Spicy Mayan Dark Chocolate Fondue –  I’m just looking out for your health, people! While it might look decadent, this hot fondue is rich with polyphenols found in cocoa powder – and dark chocolate is also great source for iron and magnesium. Plus, you’ll add extra potassium, lycopene and vitamins A and C to your diet with each dunk of watermelon!

 

 

 

watermelon smores dessert Watermelon S’mores — need I say more?

 

 

 

 

 

 

watermelon pinterest boardIf you have a watermelon recipe to share, please post it in the comments. Or, better yet, join #LivingOnTheWedge Pinterest board.

win wantermelon prizesAlso, check out my other posts on watermelon featured all week and don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a great Watermelon Prize Pack.

 

 

The National Watermelon Promotion Board is providing me with compensation to share my love of watermelon. However, the opinions and content (unless otherwise noted) shared are my own and NWPB did not tell me what to say or how to say it.

Nutritious Apricot + Almond Snack Ideas!

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Frozen apricot almond milk smoothie

Smoothie-making season is in full swing at my house now that the weather is warm (pushing the 90s) and here to stay! My family thinks I’m crazy, but I love the hot weather and the way the sun feels on my skin – I just have to remember to wear my sunscreen and hydrate!

One of my favorite smoothies for May (when fresh apricots start coming into season), is my Apricot Almond Smoothie. While it’s made with fresh slices of apricot that have been flash frozen, dried apricots can be substituted. For best results, soak the dried apricots in water for about 30 minutes before blending to make them plumper and easier to incorporate. Almond Apricot Smoothie

Apricot Almond Smoothie Recipe 

Blend 1 cup almond milk. 2 tablespoons ground almonds, and ½ cup frozen apricot slices (about 3 – 4 whole apricots). Add ice as needed to achieve desired consistency. If fresh apricots are not available, substitute 8 dried apricot halves that have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes.

While fresh apricot season is really short, it’s easy to enjoy dried apricot year-round. Due to their dehydrated nature, dried apricots are concentrated in vitamins, minerals and other healthy nutrients – especially iron, vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber.  Stick a zip-top bag of dried apricots in your purse or gym bag to stave off candy bar cravings – toss in some almonds and dark chocolate chips and you can whip up one of these sensible snacks! By the way, one of these apricot, almond and chocolate chip “bites” has just 20 calories! healthy apricot chocolate snacks

Check out CookingLight.com, they’ve got some great ideas on how to enjoy fresh apricots for the few short, glorious weeks they are in season.  I especially like the idea of grilling apricots to intensify the sweet-tart flavor and totally give a thumbs up to putting these caramelized, grate-marked apricots on a salad or alongside beef, shellfish or poultry.

I love this Cooking Light idea for grilled apricots on my salad!

I love this Cooking Light idea for grilled apricots on my salad!

Talking about healthy snacks — don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a month’s supply of Harvest Snaps  —- just click through to enter NOW!

harvest snaps border

 

Strawberry Greek Yogurt Tart w/ Gluten-Free Crust

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Is there anything that a strawberry dessert doesn’t make better? Not only do these beautiful berries make both sweet and savory dishes sing with the flavors of the season, just the smell of them lifts my mood for the better. Plus, it has only 202 calories per slices (with 12g fat, 16g net carbs, and 7g protein).

Chocolate Yogurt Tart with Strawberries - TheFitFork.com

This recipe for Strawberry Chocolate Greek Yogurt Tart (with Gluten-Free Coconut-Almond Crust) is made in honor of my mom on a past Mother’s Day. Read on to get the recipe and find out why I picked strawberries over other berries — you’ll be surprised.   Continue reading →

Healthy Chocolate Recipe Round-Up!

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healthy chocolate recipes small

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!

jennifer fisher core power chocolate peppermint sorbet

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.

jennifer fisher - thefitfork.com - salted pistachio chocolate cookies

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.

jennifer fisher - thefitfork.com - chocolate strawberry protein donut holes

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!

baked chocolate protein donuts

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!

jennifer fisher thefitfork.com choco cherry protein granola

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.

jennifer fisher - thefitfork.com - paleo pumpkin bread chocolate chip cranberry

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!

jennifer fisher thefitfork corepower chocolate chai

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!