Best Race Fuel, Runner Food and Sports Nutrition Products from TRE18

Truth be told, I hardly noticed the razzle-dazzle of all the fancy new running shoes and gear being promoted at the The Running Event Expo (TRE18). When I rolled into the Austin Convention Center at 10am this past Thursday, I was on a razor-sharp focused, food-seeking mission. How could I turn samples of the latest running fuels, bars and drinks into a legitimate morning meal to refuel my earlier run? And, how could I boost my energy later in the day so I could endure to the show floor finish line without bonking? I really, really did not want a DNF this event featuring over 250 amazing brands catering to specifically the running retail industry. 

Of course, this “quest for the best” runner food and race fuels was not an entirely selfish ploy to satiate my own hunger. It was also for YOU that I stalked, sampled, slurped and stuffed myself silly with countless “tastes” of the latest sports nutrition available today . . . along with new stuff rolling out in 2019.  Read on to discover (my opinion) on The Best Race Fuel, Runner Food and Sports Nutrition Products from TRE18. Continue reading

Fruit & Veggies are Super Foods with Powerful Juice + Juicer Giveaway

This post and giveaway sponsored by Hamilton Beach. However, all opinions, ideas, recipes and enthusiasm remain my own.

So, it was National Drink Fresh Squeezed Juice Day yesterday and I missed it. But, really ANY day is a great day to add a small glass or shooter of fresh fruit or veggie juice to your diet. Especially this time of year, flu and cold season, when the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in certain juices, alone or in drink recipes, can help boost your immunity and overall well-being. And, oh YAY, I have a juicer giveaway for you.Jars of Fresh Juice -- Hamilton Beach Juice Extractor Giveaway

Read on to get recipes (including Hot Grapefruit Ginger Green Tea) and learn about the Premium Big Mouth®  2-speed Juice Extractor from Hamilton Beach. I’m hosting a GIVEAWAY for one of these bad boys.  Continue reading

Juicing Ginger Root and How to Use it in Recipes

Let me get right to the root (errr, rhizome) of the matter -you need to be juicing ginger. Just a small amount of ginger can create a big flavor and nutrient boost in any food or drink recipe and it also can be used as a natural “medicine” to help optimize wellness. It’s said to clear sinuses, improves digestion, quells nausea is a natural analgesic is ant-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Ginger juice

I’ve written about the benefits of ginger in the past and shared ginger recipes using it in ground, dried “spice” form and also minced or grated. But juicing ginger is my favorite way to use this pungent little powerhouse. Read on to learn about ginger juicing, why you should drink ginger juice and suggestions on how to use it. Continue reading

Getting Sick AFTER Stress & How to Lessen “Let Down Effect”

Thank you Florastor® Daily Probiotics for sponsoring this post. Visit your local retailer to pick up your bottle of Florastor®Daily Probiotics to complement your active lifestyle

!Have you ever become all-out sick, or at a minimum felt like crap on a crumby cracker, a few days after finishing a physically or mentally intense event like a marathon or Ironman, huge work deadline or even hosting a mother-in-law (not mine, of course)?  Falling under the weather after the black cloud of stress has lifted isn’t a coincidence; it’s an all-to-real occurrence that is referred to as the “Let Down Effect.” Physically and mentally stressful events may lessen immunity AFTER they happen.

Various studies have correlated the dissipation or “let down” of real or perceived stress with an increase in common colds, illnesses, flare-ups of chronic conditions like asthma, migraines, tummy trouble and other medical ailments.  By now, you’ve heard that chronic stress can make you sick and eventually even kill you, but many are surprised to learn that getting sick after a high-stress event (and while perhaps feeling quite relaxed about life) is all too common. This “Let Down Effect’ happens, in simple terms, due to the weakened state our bodies are left in left in after “things get better” – we use a lot of energy and resources to function in high alert mode without a break

When stressed, physically or mentally, increased levels of cortisol, adrenaline and other hormones put your body in fight-or-flight mode and mask the perception of pain. We are cleverly designed like this to safely and quickly extract ourselves during the threat of danger, so it’s not necessarily a bad thing. However, the immune system can be compromised, especially after prolonged periods of stress, and latent or chronic conditions can flare up.

In addition to these tolls of physical stress, the let down from emotional stress can cause many of the same problems. For example, dopamine (the pleasure and reward hormone) levels can drop, initiating possibly addictive behaviors like over eating, drinking and substance abuse as a person tries to subconsciously find relief.  

So, how do you prevent or at least lessen your chances of falling victim to the “Let Down Effect”?

Sleep Well:  Sleep deprivation compromises the immune system, so don’t pull all-nighters thinking you’ll come out ahead. Instead, do the best you can to get 7 to 8 hours a night by staying away from large late evening meals (including alcohol and caffeine), avoiding the blue light emitted from screens several hours before bed, taking a warm bath and using a diffuser to mist essential oils like lavender and chamomile.

Exercise Regularly: Moderate-intensity exercise done on a regular basis can keep your body from downshifting too quickly after a high stress event. If you don’t have time for an official jog or workout, try to include at least some extra walking or other movements in your day.

Decompress Frequently: If life is throwing too much your way, schedule non-negotiable “breaks” to relax whether it’s a 10 minute morning meditation, an entire hour devoted to yoga or even just 1 of minute of positive visualization every couple hours.

Nourish Your Immune System: Try vitamin C rich foods like oranges and grapefruit, vitamin E rich foods like sunflower seeds or spinach, zinc rich foods like beef and egg yolks. Probiotics can also help strengthen your digestive balance and support a healthy immune system. Floristor is a probiotic supplement that helps support a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

So, speaking of nourishing the body to help allay stress and prevent illness, I’m sharing a couple things I’ve been doing lately to stay as well as I can. You may have read my post last month about a Sleep and Stress test I took recently – it revealed that my cortisol and cortisone levels are highly elevated throughout the entire day without ever falling to normal as they should. This is likely a result of everyday work/family stress magnified by my running and obstacle course training, and chronic lack of sleep — I’m working hard to resolve it.

Floristor Probiotic SupplementSo, one of the things I started doing was taking Florastor® Daily Probiotics in the morning and evening with my meals – it’s the best-selling probiotic worldwide and backed by 60 years of use and research.  So far, I’ve been really happy with how this easy-to-take capsule is bringing my digestion into balance and helping me better maintain my immune function.  Florastor® is the only probiotic brand with Saccharomyces boulardii lyo CNCM I-745 which helps restore your natural flora. Florastor® helps my body break down carbs and fiber and naturally absorb water and nutrients from the foods I eat, these are good things for me as I fluctuate from being bloated to dehydrate when under stress. I also appreciate that this product is vegetarian, gluten-free, contains non-GMO ingredients and can be stored at room temperature. While, thankfully, I rarely have taken antibiotics, Florastor® Daily Probiotics can help those that need to be on this medication maintain a healthy flora balance.

60 Second Beef & Veggie Mug Omlete makes getting a healthy breakfast one less thing to worry about!

I also wanted to share this quick and easy breakfast recipe that is high in zinc – 60 Second 2-Egg & Beef Omelet. Yay, beef and whole eggs are both great sources of zinc, an essential mineral that keeps the immune system strong, helps heal wounds, and supports normal growth. My recipe is also high in protein, and you know I’m a stickler for getting approximately 25g of protein at breakfast – the eggs and beef are very satisfying for only 220 calories and keep me from tanking mid-morning. Plus, this microwave mug recipe takes less than 1 minute to prepare and around 60 seconds to cook, so there’s absolutely no stress in making breakfast on even the most frantic mornings!

 

Have you ever become sick after a period of physical or emotional stress? What do you do to boost your immunity or bounce back from a “tough time” healthy? Please share your comments and tips below – XOXO, Jennifer

 I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

60-Second 2-Egg & Beef Mug Omelet
Prep Time
1 hr
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
2 hrs
 
Got a minute? Then you've got a healthy, balanced breakfast packed with protein thanks to this super speedy egg recipe that cooks up in 60 seconds.
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • dash salt and pepper
  • 2 ounces pre-cooked ground beef, shredded beef or bite-sized steak pieces
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach (or other veggies you like)
  • 1 tablespoon sliced green onions (optiona
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
  1. Generously spray large coffee mug with cooking spray.
  2. Add eggs, water and salt/pepper and whisk together with fork. Stir in beef and vegetables.
  3. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, remove and stir to “scramble”
  4. Return to microwave and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until cooked through.
  5. Top with green onions and grated cheese, if desired.

Comforting Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe – Really Helps You Feel Better!

Comforting Chicken and Rice SoupThis is a bad news, good news post. Unfortunately, it’s that time of year when the sneezes, sniffles and the stuffy-head crud comes on. But the upside is that a comforting bowl full of chicken soup (your grandmother’s remedy) actually has some merit to making you feel better — plus, it tastes great too!

Best Ever Chicken and Rice Soup

fort davis boysI whipped up a huge batch of my  Best-Ever Chicken and Rice Soup when the kids came back from our recent trip to the mountains feeling under the weather. I had them licking their colds . . . and the bottom of their bowls in record time.

Dozens upon dozens of scientific studies have investigated the basis for this centuries-old remedy — from how the hot temperature unblocks stuffy airways to how the zinc found in certain ingredients might just shorten the length of a cold. Science aside, it’s pretty much agreed on that slurping up soup helps keep you hydrated, chases away chills associated with fever and reduce certain annoying symptoms of being sick. Plus, the addition of turmeric, a golden spice related to ginger, helps to provide the antioxident power you need to start feeling better.

Immunity Boosting Turmeric Chicken Soup takes away the chills and provides nutrients you need to start feeling betterIf you’re not feeling up to par, please see a doctor to make sure it’s nothing serious. But, I’d also highly recommend a batch of my Best Ever Chicken and Rice Soup.

<——- PIN THIS

This easy soup recipe is also ideal for light dinner and lunch leftovers to keep your wellness in check every day of the year.  Plan ahead and double the recipe – freeze in single serve portions for busy or sick day convenience.

Best Ever Chicken and Rice Soup with Instantly Fresh Herbs

instantly fresh herbsI’ve used Instantly Fresh Italian Herb Blend as a recipe shortcut to lighten and brighten the broth – it’s a medley of basil, oregano, garlic, red onions, red pepper, marjoram, rosemary and sage conveniently bottled together. I love these freeze-dried Instantly Fresh Herbs by Litehouse Foods — they have a huge assortment (I also love the Mint). Find them in the produce section or herb aisle of your grocery store. Head over to my Instagram profile (@thefitfork) now through this Monday (1/4) at midnight for a flash giveaway for three free product coupons. Look for my Chicken Soup photo and follow the post instructions to enter.

Do you have a home remedy for times when you’re feeling under the weather? What is your favorite soup? Please share in the comments below, XOXO — Jennifer  

I

Best Ever Chicken & Rice Soup
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
 
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 large bowls
Ingredients
  • 1 cup (dry) white or brown rice (plus water to cook rice)
  • 8 cups additional water
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 8 cubes chicken bullion
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • 2 long celery ribs, finely chopped
  • 2 large carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons Instantly Fresh Italian Herb Blend
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Prepare rice according to package instructions. Set aside. In large stock pot, boil chicken breasts in water for 15 to 20 minutes or until no longer pink inside and internal temperature reaches a minimum of 165 F degrees.
  2. Remove chicken breasts from pot, but do not discard water. Skim off any residue not desired in soup. When chicken is cool enough to handle, pull apart with fingers or fork into large shreds. Add back to pot with water. Add bouillon cubes. Turn heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally.
  3. Meanwhile, add olive oil to large skilled and bring to medium high heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are softening. Add garlic and continue to cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Add vegetables to stock pot with chicken. Return skillet to stove top. Add Instantly Fresh Herb Blend to pot with chicken and vegetables, keep simmering and stirring occasionally.
  5. To make thickening roux, melt butter in skillet over medium heat. When butter is beginning to bubble, whisk in flour and stir constantly and quickly for several minutes, or until it has turned a light golden brown. Remove skillet from heat and allow roux to cool a bit.
  6. Once roux is no longer hot (can be warm), scrape into stock pot and stir well to combine. Stir in prepared rice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to simmer soup for 15 more minutes, or until everything heated through.