Parties, Protein Bites, Smoothies, Easy Snacks & Gifts!
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Tag Archives: entertaining
A Dozen Zero-ABV Drinks & Sippers for Summer
When the thermometer breaks 90, it’s official – a round or two of refreshing, chilled beverages are in order. Not only will an icy-cold concoction help lower your core temperature and replace essential fluids and nutrients lost through sweat, it can be as flavorful and festive as the occasion calls for. 
Except for a birthday margarita or New Year’s toast, I prefer to pass over alcoholic beverages – they just don’t make me feel my best! Food & Wine reports that Zero-ABV (zero alcohol by volume) drinks are rising in popularity 2017 and that’s a trend I can toast to! I’ve rounded up 12 of my favorite “virgin” drinks to share . . . along with another one of my favorite treats (POPSUGAR Must Have Box). Read on to find more! Continue reading
Burger Tips, Hints & Hacks for Summer Grill Outs
When blessed with warm weather and three-day weekends, we grill burgers . . .I only wish there were more of the latter! So, it’s no surprise that this Memorial Day, I will be rounding the family and some dear friends to partake in the worship of sunshine and flame-kissed, juicy burgers with all of the fixings.
In honor of National Hamburger Month which occurs every May, I put together a tutorial on How to Make a Better Burger Bar for Beef Loving Texans (please check it out)! I touch on the meat of that post here and add some new burger hacks and helpful hints here to take your burgerlicious summer cookout to the next level.
3 Vibrant Greek Yogurt Dips – Beet, Turmic & Matcha
Brighten up any winter snack situation with these Vibrant Greek Yogurt Dips colorized with some of Mother Nature’s most vivid ingredients including beet powder, turmeric powder and matcha tea. No need to go all fake and freaky to create edible rainbow colors for your holiday appetizers and other fun recipes throughout the year. These natural ingredients are superfoods (typically found on the health food, spice and tea aisles) and not only pump up the pigment, but boost nutrition as well!
While there are lots of additional benefits, beet root powder boosts nitric oxide in your blood (helping circulation, blood pressure and stamina), ground turmeric is a spice that can help to reduce inflammation and lessen the perception of pain, and matcha tea is known to boost the metabolism, calm the mind and help protect against certain cancers.
The other beauty of these three Vibrant Greek Yogurt Dips is how easy they are to make – I originally created the recipes for Litehouse Foods using first their Homestyle Ranch Dip, then later the OPAdipity Greek Yogurt Dips and finally with Greek yogurt from scratch. Using prepared dips (found in the refrigerated section of your produce department) is an “almost homemade” shortcut perfect when you need to pull together a party ASAP or at the 11th hour realize you didn’t bring a dish for the office shindig. I feel more than comfortable using the Litehouse Foods brand because they are VERY mindful to keep their products as fresh and preservative as possible.
But, knowing these dips aren’t easy for some of you to find (and that many prefer scratch recipes), I’ve written out the full preparation of the recipes (and then noted how to swap in the prepared dressings if that’s the route you choose). The base recipe is the same for all three dips, simply mix in 2 tablespoons of the chosen “superfood” ingredient and add extra garnish on top as desired!
These dips also take sandwiches, wraps, side dishes and steamed veggies to the next level with just a drizzle or dollop! Enjoy and Happy Holidays to Hue!
If you need a visual on the beet powder, ground turmeric and matcha — here are the products I used:
Beet, Turmeric & Matcha Greek Yogurt dips
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
The base recipe is the same for all three dips, simply mix in 2 tablespoons of the chosen "superfood" ingredient and add extra garnish on top as desired!
Course:
Appetizer, Condiment
Cuisine:
American
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (fat-content, your preference)
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsely
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauces
- 2 tablespoons Pick ONE: beet powder, ground turmeric, matcha tea
- optional garnish: for Beet use Sriracha, for turmeric use black sesame seeds for matcha use pepitas
Instructions
-
Add Greek yogurt to small bowl. Stir in all ingredients except for optional garnish. Let sit in fridge for an hour to overnight to let flavors mingle. Add garnish before serving.
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Serve with chips, crackers or veggies. Can also be used as a sauce or spread for sandwiches, wraps, side dishes, fish, chicken and more.
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To make with Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dip or OPAdipity Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip, simply use 8 ounces in lieu of the Greek yogurt and spices.
10 Holiday Gift Ideas For Fit Foodies
Okay, this may seem like a random collection of Christmas and holiday gifts, but trust me the fitness-minded foodie on your list is sure to love one or all. I mean, is there anything else to life more than working out, running, eating, sleeping, and repeating?! Seriously, though! 
Spartan Race Gear – Head to the Spartan Race Shop for some great holiday deals. Since my husband recently completed his first Trifecta, I nabbed him some Trifecta Tribe gear for Christmas – not only did I get the daily deal sale they had going on, but also got free shipping with the code FREESHIP – YAY!
Spartan Fit Book – An new book by Spartan Race founder, Joe De Sena, is a must-read for the obstacle course racer in your life. This essential training book includes a 30 fitness and diet plan to get you in shape for a Spartan Sprint or just a healthier, more fit life. No gym needed! Order HERE
The Original Worm– Looking for another holiday gift that will worm it’s way into the heart of the recipient? How about The Original Worm?! This “ahhhhhh” body roller is like a little foam roller, therapy ball hybrid.
The four neoprene encased balls target and attack stiffness, pain and stress in all those over used muscles and joints. It’s also super portable, unlike a big foam roller, so you can stick in gym bag or even carry on bag for travel – I actually keep one in the care. Save 25% on your web order with discount code FITFORK25 at TheOriginalWorm.com
ECLIPSE ROLLER from ACUmobility will soon become your new best friend. This bad boy features all the benefits of the traditional foam roller but also has trigger point release mechanisms that target multiple muscle groups at the same time. Hey, since I really don’t like to slow down to stretch, roll and work on my mobility, I’m all about efficiency! Hit up their holiday sales and save 20% more on your order at Acumobility.com with my discount code ACUMOBFITFORK
Zayze – This company makes the cutest compression shorts and leggings – not only are there a zillion different cute styles, but they are super flattering.
This new pair of naked “muscle” leggings is crazy, and sure to turn heads at your next workout. The wide waistband is slimming and gives support running and lifting weights and I swear (my opinion only haha) that my but looks better wearing Zayze! Lots of holiday sales going on right now, use my discount code THEFITFORK at Zayze.com for an additional 10% off.
Must Have Box from POPSUGAR – The November box couldn’t have been more perfectly timed for a whirlwind of entertaining this holiday season – not only did I put on Thanksgiving for my family this year (we usually travel), but I also hosted a 50th anniversary party for my wonderful parents. Seriously, everything in the Must Have Box was used this weekend from the lovely table runner, festive star party picks and wire basket (I used these to hold my “Still Nuts for Each Other” party favors) to the treats for me personally, like the eyeshadow kit (yes, I wore eye shadow) and the gorgeous Kendra Scott bracelet.
If you are looking for a Christmas, holiday or hostess give that keeps on giving all year long, you need to check out the #MustHaveBox – it’s a specially curated assortment of fabulous full-sized, “elevated” brand products touching on categories like home décor, fashion, beauty, jewelry, gourmet edibles, wellness and more. Every month, when my subscription Must Have Box arrives, it’s like finding a treasure trove of gifts that 1) either I always wanted but didn’t want to splurge on OR 2) never knew I needed until it showed up and I fell in love. Seriously, how does the Must Have Box from POPSUGAR always know what I’m going to like?! Use the special coupon code SHOP5 to get $5 off your FIRST Must Have Box.
GripSling Raw Training Straps – These functional workout strap that promotes creativity through simplicity are really cool– you don’t need a ton of workout equipment to get the job done. Check out these videos of workout demonstrations on their site and then nse code thefitfork20 to save 20% on your order at GripSling.com.
Spiralizer Attachment for Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer – I received one for Chrismas last year, and simply put, it was life changing. Peel, core and slice fruit, veggies and other produce to make easy salads, zoodles, veggie noodles, healthy desserts and more – since it attaches to the stand mixer, all you do is flip the “on” button – super easy clean up too! I actually leave this spiral attachment on my machine nearly all the time, because I use it so much more than the actual mixer.
The Original Airfryer from Phillips Fry healthy food with 75% less fat. I was very skeptical to believe that it uses only 1 tablespoon to make delicious, crispy, crunch foods — but it works, it’s amazing, I’m declaring this counter top appliance a mini-miracle. There are three sizes available to suit your family-size needs, price range $100 – $300. But. So. Worth. It. 
Citrus Knife / Zester by Kuhn Rikon – The pair up of pairing knife and zester make this tool for tackling lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines and other citrus fruit practically child’s play. 
The blade and zester fold into the cute sleeve for safe storage – perfect for the fit foodie who makes a lot of salads, dressings, baked goods, fish and other recipes featuring citrus (which is sooo in season right now, btw)
Isopure Coffee Protein with Colombian Coffee – Perfect way for your coffee-loving protein fiend to perk up a workout. With 50g pure whey protein and a kick of real coffee, this is the perfect way to start the day when you’re in a rush. 
The huge 3lb tub means that your giftee will be thinking of you and thanking you profusely for several months to come! If you order from Vitamin Shoppe, get 20% off this (and anything else sitewide) with code CM2016CM
And, here are a couple bonus gift ideas I couldn’t resist! CrossFit Dice? Now this is a game I want to play – haha! And, the Yog2Go container, I use mine almost every day – it’s the BEST!
What’s at the top of your holiday wish list?! What do YOU wish for? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer
Please note, I received products in exchange for my consideration and review of some products in the post, however all opinions, comments and enthusiasm are my own. Post also contains affiliate advertising links.