Seared Scallops on Baked Rice Stick in Ginger Beer Broth

Seared Scallops on Baked Rice Stick in Ginger Beer BrothSwoon, Seared Scallops on Baked Rice Stick in Ginger Beer Broth! This Asian-inspired recipe might make your guests think they’re dining in a fancy restaurant, but it’s surprisingly fast and easy. I love to use Sea Scallops in my recipes, they are elegant in a “small plate” sort of way, yet satisfyingly meaty as a full meal. Plus, they are extremely speedy to prepare and are a great source of lean protein with just 112 calories, 1 gram of fat, 23 grams of protein and Omega 3s for 100 grams of scallop (about 4 fairly large ones).

Seared Scallops on Baked Rice Stick in Ginger Beer Broth is an elegant yet easy meal that can be done in 30 minutes!

You can find scallops in your market’s seafood department, but I prefer the Sea Scallops from Sizzlefish.com. They source scallops from the North Atlantic and pick only the best — they are off the hook, crazy good and convenient dry-packed, flash frozen in individual portions, and shipped straight to my door. No water or chemicals are added, I just get the rich flavor of unadulterated scallops that I can enjoy so many creative ways.

ellyndale coconut infusionsI was inspired by the deep-fried rice stick that you so often get in Thai food joints – I wondered if there was a healthier way to prepare it. So, I brushed the dry noodle bundles with Coconut Oil Infusions -Garlic from Ellyndale (a gourmet food line from Now Foods that includs cooking and finishing oils) and baked at 350F degrees for 20 minutes – it worked! They were a tiny bit toothy, but once simmered back into the ginger beer reduction, the result was divine!

If you’re looking for another easy scallop recipe, I made these Cumin-dusted Seared Sea Scallops last year!

Cumin Dusted Sea Scallops with Sriracha from TheFitFork.comHope you enjoy the recipe – it’s the real deal and a 30-minute meal! Check out Sizzlefish.com.for some great seafood packages designed to support an active, healthy lifestyle.

Are you a scallops fan? What is your favorite type of seafood? Are you going to the beach this summer, where? Please share in the comments below, XOXO -Jennifer

Seared Scallops on Baked Rice Stick in Ginger Beer Broth
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 
This fancy seeming Asian-fusion recipe is actually quite easy to make with sea scallops. The rice stick brushed with coconut oil and baked, rather than fried, to keep it fit!
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
  • 4 bundles bundles rice stick (about 4 ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil preferably Coconut Infusions - Garlic (by Ellyndale - Now Foods)
  • 4-5 shallots, sliced very thin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 ounce bottle non-alcohol ginger beer
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 pound sea scallops 8 large sea scallops (I used 2 4-piece packages from SizzleFish.com)
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions, including tops
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 350 F degrees. Brush tops and bottoms of uncooked rice stick (noodle) bundles with coconut oil. Place on baking sheet and back for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside on paper towel to absorb any remaining oil.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet and saute shallots over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until caramelized. This will take 3 to 4 minutes, add garlic in last remaining minute. Remove a few caramelized shallots from skillet and set aside for garnish.
  3. Add ginger beer, soy sauce and red onion flakes to skillet with cooked shallots. Cook over medium until boiling, add baked rice stick nests and then reduce heat to low and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping rice nests over halfway through. Cook scallops while this is finishing.
  4. To cook scallops, add remaining 1 tablespoon coconut oil to a small skillet and bring to medium-high heat. Add scallops to skillet and sear on one side for approximately 3 minutes or until browning and releasing to flip. Flip scallop over and cook an additional 1 ½ minute. Season with coarse sea salt, if desired.
  5. To serve, add half of ginger beer broth to shallow bowl, add two rice stick nests and four scallops. Garnish with green onions. Repeat for remaining serving.

6 Easy Strawberry + Protein Snack Recipes

Easy Protein and Strawberry Snack Ideasjennifer spartan training up and over cg arenaSchool’s out, sun’s out and guns are out and the skies the limit on all the fun and fit stuff that’s coming up in the next few months!

Not much could be sweeter about summer, except maybe a top-crop snack of strawberries. Strawberries balanced with a bit of protein are the perfect healthy snack to fuel the body for one warm-weather activity to the next.

On their own, strawberries are quite the super food, providing a quality source of simple carbohydrates that the body can turn into quick energy for runs, workouts and even power-thinking! The high fiber and water content found in this fruit creates a feeling of welcomed fullness, while keeping the calorie count low – a single medium strawberry only has 4 calories! Plus, a powerful wallop of vitamin C is packed in strawberries, an antioxidant that can help keep muscles, skin and tissues in tip-top shape – just eight strawberries match the vitamin C in a medium orange.

But often, especially for athletes and those with an active lifestyle, merely munching on a handful of berries alone won’t suffice. Pair up strawberries up with a lean protein source for added nutrients and a few extra calories to feel fuller and more fueled for the most vigorous daily routine. Also, eating a snack of carbohydrates with protein (in a 4:1 to 3:1 ratio) 30 minutes after an intense exercise session will help tired and sore muscles recover more quickly.

Check out these Six Strawberry Protein Snacks that can be made in a snap and will fuel you up for running, workouts, climbing and reaching for the sky!

 

Strawberry Banana Mug Muffin with Core PowerClick here for first recipe Strawberry Banana Protein Mug Muffin (20g protein)

Kiwi, Apricot and Feta Salad with Hemp Honey Dressing #NOWwellness

 

This post is sponsored by Now Foods via Mamavation.Gold Kiwi Apricot & Feta Salad with Honey Hemp Dressing is an easy, elegant and amazingly nutritious addition to your dinner party.

One of the best things about summer is the abundance of amazing fruit at every turn. Watermelons, berries, stone fruits, and exotic discoveries like golden kiwis! While everyday green kiwis are pretty darn good, the golden kiwi is especially exceptional. It’s a bit bigger and bursting with supersized flavor – so sweet!  My recipe for Gold Kiwi, Apricot & Feta Salad with Honey Hemp Dressing takes advantage of the season’s best offerings – and a yummy salty-sweet taste!

Golden Kiwi, Apricot and Feta Salad with Honey Hemp Dressing

NOW Foods Organic Toasted Hemp Seeds perfect for snack or recipes.

If you’re not familiar with hemp seeds, let me introduce you! Hemp seeds have so many nutritional benefits – this superfood is an excellent source of heart-healthy fats, is a complete protein providing all eight amino acids, and is rich in numerous vitamins and other essential nutrients. A tablespoon or so a day is the perfect nutrition boost for everyone, but an especially great option for those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.  I’ve used NOW Real Food® Organic Toasted Hemp Seeds in my fresh and fit recipe – this seeds are lightly toasted and sprinkled with sea salt to enhance their nutty flavor.

Gold Kiwi, Apricot & Feta Salad with Honey Hemp Dressing Recipe

  1. Peel kiwi and chop into small bits. Peel and seed apricot and chop into small bits.
  2. To small bowl, add chopped kiwi, chopped apricot, feta cheese crumbles and 2 tablespoons of the hemp seeds. Gently stir until combined
  3. Divide mixture and press mixture into two 6 ounce ramekins. Place small plate on top of ramekin and invert quickly; gently tap to remove fruit.
  4. In small bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lime juice, honey and cumin until combined. Drizzle over top of salads and garnish with fresh herbs. Serves 2.

Here are some other wholesome ingredients from NOW Foods that I have been enjoying this summer in my healthy recipes:

LivingNOW Tri Color QuinoaTri Color Quinoa – I’m a big fan of quinoa, especially on those nights when I’m making a meat-free meal.  This product in the wholesome LivingNOW line features a pleasing blend of white, red and black quinoa and is certified organic and made in a dedicated gluten-free, allergy-friendly facility. Quinoa is a great source of protein and iron, making it a hearty and healthy meal when mixed with seasonal fresh produce.  One of the easy salad dishes I like to make in the summer is my recipe for Triple Berry Quinoa Salad – it would be perfect for the 4th of July!

 NOW Gluten Free Flour perfect for baking all your goodies up tender and light!All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour – Have gluten allergies? You can get out your mixing bowl and start baking again. This gluten-free baking flour uses ingredients that are free of gluten and eight of the most common food allergens.  The texture is surprisingly light and fluffy, making it perfect for cookies, coffee cakes, bread and more!

Garlic Coconut Oil -- perfect for stirfry, sauteeing and even drizzled on popcorn!

Ellyndale Organics™ Coconut Oil Infusions – Enjoy the rich taste of coconut oil (along with the health benefits) AND a punch of garlic with this oh-so-yummy oil. It’s great for sauteeing thanks to a high smoke point, but it’s also good on salads and . . . wait for it . . .POPCORN made in the microwave with a brown paper bag

 

 

Avocado Oil has a high smoking point, making it perfect for stirfrys, sautes, and even drizzled on salads.Ellyndale Naturals™ Premium Avocado Oil  Did you know Prevention Magazine named this versatile oil to their list of “100 Healthiest Packaged Foods”  — it’s all the healthy monounsaturated fats and Vitamin E! Perfect for sautéing and stir-frying thanks to the high smoke point of approximately 520°F! Avocado Oil is ideal for high-heat cooking such as sautéing and stir-frying – or just drizzle on your salads and other raw dishes for butter-rich deliciousness.

 

 

Stock up on these Pantry Staples:

What is your favorite fruit of summer? Have you ever tried hemp seed, how did you use it? Please share in the comments below! XOXO -Jennifer 

4 Trail Energy Recipes with Protein Powder

This post is sponsored by NOW Foods via Mamavation.

These four easy, packable recipes use protein powder for added nutrition -- making them perfect to take on a hike or trail run.I’m not going to hide the fact that I’m a meat-eater. I do all the proteins – beef, chicken, fish, and so on.  But often, I’m in such a rush for breakfast in the mornings or after a workout, that I’m not able to cook up a big juicy steak. Nor do I always want to. Using protein powder is a go-to on these days when I have a light appetite, but realize my body needs adequate protein for muscle repair and maintenance.  I ask my body to do a lot at my age and, in return, I try to feed it what it needs!

I’m sharing some of my favorite recipes using protein powder that are perfect for taking on a trail run or stowing away in your gym bag. I’m also reviewing two great options from NOW Sports that each work well in the recipes.  I’ve tried dozens of different protein powders and these two rank pretty high in my book – they are affordable, made with quality ingredients and offer the right ratio of protein to carbs and fat that I prefer.

These four easy, packable  recipes use protein powder for added nutrition -- making them perfect to take on a hike or trail run. 

 

1) Pumpkin Protein Granola

2) Nut Butter Protein Nuggets with Cacao Nibs

3) Apricot Chocolate Almond Protein Bars

4) Chocolate Cherry Protein Trail Cups

 

 

Now Foods Plant Protein

Incorporating protein powder into your diet, it’s all about balance!

Plant Protein Complex (Creamy Vanilla) – Great for vegetarians and vegans (and even meat-eaters who want a change of pace), the NOW Sports Plant Protein Complex is a versatile choice made with a pea, brown rice, hemp and quinoa protein blend. Each scoop provides 22 grams of proteins and 3,900 mg of branched chain amino acids and 1,800 of L-Arginine. Less than 1 gram of sugar and sweeted with Xylitol and Stevia.

Sprouted Brown Rice Protein (Natural Vanilla) – Everyone needs protein to thrive and survive, however those with certain food allergies (such as whey, egg, soy, etc) are often left with few choices when it comes to protein powder. NOW® Sprouted Brown is a great solution and can be used with the confidence that only natural and pure ingredients are being used – no soy or dairy and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

 

Additionally, I recently tried these two other NOW Foods products – thumbs up to both, especially for convenience. When doing healthy things is convenient, I’m more likely to participate!

NOW Foods Slender Sticks - Acai LemonadeLemonade Slender Sticks – These single-serve drink mix packets are so convenient for summer travel or to stash in a gym bag. What I like about them, other than the sweet-tart taste, is peace of mind knowing I’m using a product with made natural sweeteners and non-GMO ingredients, no artificial flavors or preservatives, and contains 50% of nine daily vitamins. Oh, and only 15 calories per serving!

NOW Probiotic 10 + Inulin has 10 billion live organisms per packet to support gut health.Probiotic-10 + Inulin: More single-serve packets, so you can get probiotics anytime, anywhere! This convenient supplement helps to maintain a healthy microbial balance in the gut – thanks to 10 probiotic strains and 10 billion organisms per little packet!  Suitable for vegans, vegetarians and those on dairy-free and gluten-free diets, this easy-to-use powder simply mixes into water for drinking.

 

What is your favorite way to use protein powder? Have you ever used a Probiotic supplement?  Please share in the comments below — XOXO, Jennifer 

5 Yoga Poses for Better Skin + Beauty Products I’m Loving NOW

This post is sponsored by NOW Foods via Mamavation.

5 Yoga Poses for Better Skin

Not only does practicing yoga have great benefits for your body and mind, but yoga also can help improve skin health by lessening stress and flushing toxins from the body. Some poses are better than others at helping you attain that magical glow – incorporate these five yoga poses into your workout routine and then reflect on your new healthy complexion!

Five Yoga Poses for Better Skin

Breathing Exercise: In seated position with legs crossed and arms at sides or gently resting on knees, practice deep rhythmic breathing slowly inhaling in and out ten times. Drawing in oxygen through the body will help release toxins and keep your motor running smoothly.

Legs Up The Wall: To perform this simple inversion, lay on back with rear touching wall and legs extended straight upward. This pose gets blood pumping to all parts of the body and has long been touted as an anti-wrinkle pose.

Seated Twist:  Sit with one leg bent and the knee behind you and the other bent and tucked in at the crotch. Place opposing arm on forward knee and other arm behind for support, twisting torso, neck and head as far as possible .This pose focuses on the digestive system which is vital for moving toxins out of the organs; remember to breathe deeply.

Headstand: Using a forearm or tripod position, extend legs over heart into headstand. Balance against a wall if needed. This position circulates the blood, especially to the face in a rejuvenating manner. While it is good to practice headstands every day, use caution to stay upside down for too long – this could be counterproductive to skin health by causing broken capillaries.

Plow: Lay prone on back with arms at sides. Extend legs upward and over face, optimally reaching the ground behind your head with your toes.  To modify, extend legs as far as possible and use hands to support back. This pose sends blood flow to the face and stimulates the hormone and metabolic system.

Some other ways I’ve been helping my skin, hair and teeth out are with natural products from NOW® Solutions.  You may be familiar with the vitamins, supplements and healthy food that NOW Foods makes to help people achieve optimal nutrition – but they also have a really great line of organic personal care products like moisturizers, shampoos, essential oils, home fragrances and more. All of the lotions and potions are made with a commitment to quality and  tested for potency, purity and safety — and never test on animals. There are no synthetic ingredients or yucky chemicals because NOW Solutions believes that nature provides almost everything we need to maintain the health and vitality of our hair, skin and nails — and so do I.

Here are some of the NOW® Solutions I’ve been loving lately (along with a few of their other personal care items):

Now Solutions Herbal Revival Shampoo and Conditioner

NOW® Solutions Herbal Revival Shampoo and NOW® Solutions Herbal Revival Conditioner: This invigorating shampoo and conditioner combines Horsetail Extract, Tea Tree Oil and Sea Kelp to help soothe and nourish the scalp.  L-Arginine and L-Cystine strengthen damaged follicles, giving hair a healthy shine and smooth feel – it’s perfect for my colored hair that tends to get damaged from styling tools! I also love how NOW avoids harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients – who wants to put that yuck (like SLS or Parabens) on your hair?

Now Solutions Almond Oil -- great for skin, hair and even lessening dark circles under eyes!

NOW® Solutions Sweet Almond Oil – Vitamins A, B, and E, certain phytonutrients, essential fatty acids, and a variety of minerals make almond oil an effective natural moisturizer and skin protector.  Among its many varied used, almond oil softens and smoothes skin, removes makeup naturally with little greasy residue and helps add shine and moisture to undernourished hair. Perhaps the benefit I’m most interested in (and am testing out now), is the suggestion that almond oil can help reduce dark circles under the eyes and on the lid – simply apply lightly before bed and allow to work overnight for a few weeks.

Now Solutions Toothpaste, Biotin and Vitamin D cream

Now Solutions Toothpaste, Biotin and Vitamin D cream

NOW® Solutions XyliWhite™ Neem & Tea Tree Toothpaste – I feel good about brushing my teeth with this cool, minty gel toothpaste made with quality ingredients including 25% Xylitol – a natural ingredient that creates a healthy ph balance in your mouth and helps fight the bacteria which cause cavities (more about it here). . . . . Too much fluoride in your system can be a bad thing causing everything from brown spots on your teeth (dental flourousis) to allergies – there are even claims that over-flourinating can cause lower IQs, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

Biotin: Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for normal growth and body function.  Biotin is a key regulatory element in gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and in the metabolism of some amino acids.  Alongside its role in energy production,  Biotin enhances the synthesis of certain proteins.  In addition, Biotin promotes normal immunity and plays a critical role in skin health – I notice a difference in my hair and nails!

NOW® Solutions Vitamin D3 Cream –  This lotion provides intense and renewing moisture to skin that is dry, damaged, cracked or just crying out for help.  Just 1 gram (about ¼ teaspoon) will help get your skin on the fast-tract to recovery with a balanced ratio of vitamin D (1000 IU), vitamin A (500 IU) and Vitamin E (50 IU). I’ve been using this with good results to keep my heels from cracking and to massage into rough patches of new skin where scabs (from obstacle racing) have fallen off.

What is your skin care routine and do you have major concerns — acne, wrinkles, etc? Please share in the comments!