BeefFit, BeefFast + Soleus Mini GPS #Giveaway

A couple of beefy happenings going on in my life this week – let me share! First up, a guest blog post I wrote for Beef Loving Texans, go check it out. Basically, I talk about my philosophy of NOT dieting in a restrictive way, but instead focusing on filling my plate with wholesome and real foods. You’ll also find some other good tips on portion control and serving sizes along with a crazy-easy breakfast recipe for a super thin frittata that cooks up on a baking sheet.

Eat Real Food - TheFitFork.com

I have another guest post today on Core Power about how beef is a super food for SUPER ATHLETES! The folks at Core Power totally understand the benefits of beef for an active lifestyle – it was like preaching to the choir. Some days I time to grill up a steak, other days I rely on their high protein shakes for convenient refueling after a workout.  Whether beef or a shake, getting enough protein is crucial to muscle recovery after exercise. Protein helps build back damaged muscle tissue, reduces cortisol levels and, when eaten in tandem with carbohydrates, helps the body to efficiently replenish glycogen stores.

Beef - Superfood for Super Athletes - TheFitFork.com

Soleus Mini GPS - Jennifer Fisher - TheFitFork.comNow, I’m excited to tell you about my new Soleus GPS Mini watch. Now, when I say “mini,” I definitely don’t mean that this watch skimps on functionality, not at all! Instead it has a welcomed petite and streamlined silhouette that is NOTHING like that old dinosaur GPS I had been wearing for years. Soleus Running is totally right when they say “big things come in little packages,” — they are referring to the size of watch, but it also applies to the possible end result of wearing this watch – a PR.  IF you are a runner or triathlete of any ability, you know exactly how BIG of a deal that even a super small 1 or 2 second PR can be and this GPS watch can help you get there.  Big things DO come in little packages!

Anyway, onto the awesomeness of this cute GPS watch. It does everything I need it to. It keeps tables on my speed, distance and pace. It has a 100-lap memory, automatic lap slips, a calorie counter, simple 4-button interface, weighs less than 2 ounces, costs only around $100, comes in a variety of colors and more – check out all the other features here. Plus, awesome Olympic runner mama Kara Groucher wears one AND on the back plate the watch says “Sweat can be sexy,” so ‘nuff said.

Pink Soleus Mini GPS - TheFitFork.com

So, whoohoo . . . I get to give a Soleus Mini GPS Watch away to help one of my readers look great while achieving new levels of badassery.

soleus running logo

 

 

This giveaway is sponsored by Soleus, however all review opinions are my own. Enter through the Rafflecopter app below!

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

It’s All About the Plate! Portion Control Tips + #CookingLightDiet

Nothing consumed in December has calories – okay, yes it does – but I still give myself permission to enjoy this peak season for goodies without guilt. Plus, I’m usually in marathon training, so I can usually pull off an extra serving of cheesy casseroles, homemade snack mixes , gooey brownies and pies. But with the New Year knocking on my door, it’s time to examine my excesses and make adjustments as necessary.

jen pizza

If you’ve read my blog on a regular basis, you know I strive to follow a clean-eating, lower-carb routine. But, you’ve probably heard me insist that it’s not human to forever swear off foods like pizza, pasta and chocolate. When I reward myself with just a bit of those indulgences I crave, I’m less likely to feel deprived. And, when I’m not feeling deprived, I won’t wake up in the middle of the night to finish of the leftover pizza!

I don’t count calories, but I do pay attention to portion control and serving size. By the way, there are about 45 M&Ms in a suggested serving of my beloved candy, yet I can be reasonably happy with half that amount! Also, contrary to the amount most people eat at once, a serving of cooked meat (like my favorite tenderloin) is only 3 ounces – and that provides about 25 grams of protein, the optimal amount for a single eating experience.

Portion Control Tips - TheFitFork.com

cooking light portion controlI love the 10 Secrets of Portion Control that Cooking Light.com shares. My biggest rule for portion control is at the top of their list – Dividing the Plate. Before I pile on my dinner, I mentally make a note to fill one-half my plate with leafy greens or vegetables, one-quarter with a lean protein and the other quarter a quality carbohydrate like sweet potato, whole grain bread or piece of fruit. I also make sure I’m not using a serving platter for a plate! I personally use a standard size dinner plate, but if you are trying to lose weight, another tip is to use smaller plate to help to “visually” fill you up. Research also suggests that using a contrasting color plate that doesn’t blend in with the food eating will help you load up with less – particpants in a study served themselves 22% more food when using plates that matched their food. So, chocolate cake served on a brown plate is a no-no, chocolate cake served on a white plate is better — wink, wink!

This photo shows how people serve themselves more (about 22% more) when the color of their food and plate match. Tip: Eat less by using a contrasting plate to make your food stand out.

This photo shows how people serve themselves more (about 22% more) when the color of their food and plate matches. Tip: Eat less by using a contrasting plate to make your food stand out.

While I’ve never been one to jump on any sort of fad diet bandwagon, I am excited to tell you about the Cooking Light Diet. That’s because it’s not a deprivation diet that forces you to eat strange things you normally wouldn’t or purchase special packaged diet meals. Instead, it’s a “diet” that offers a balanced menu plan that focus so much on flavor that you won’t even notice that the calories in many recipes have been cut by 30 to 50 percent.  Simply take the quick online quiz about your needs and preferences and receive custom-selected recipes for delicious, easy-to-make meals delivered straight to your inbox – everything is tailored to your likes, dislikes and specific calorie intake goals.

Here is one of their delicious dinner recipes for Fresh Tomato, Sausage and Pecorino Pasta:

cooking light diet sample recipe

 

cooking light dietCheck out CookingLightDiet.com for more information, to view a sample menu, and to get started. It’s really affordable ($3/week) and well worth the small price just for the delicious recipes – plus, you also get additional portion-control advice, practical fitness tips and cooking tricks and tips to save you time in the kitchen. Use discount code DIETSAVE20 for an additional savings.

This post is sponsored by Cooking Light; however I was not told what to say or how to say it. All opinions are my own.

So, do you have any portion control tips? Please share!