Eggs-celent! Cotija Corn and Avocado Egg Salad

Southwester flavors add tons of fiesta flavor to this untraditional egg salad from thefitfork.com.

Traditional egg salad can be a bit boring, but I’ve added a fiesta of flavor to one of my new recipes for the Lighthouse Foods blog. It’s Cotija, Corn and Avocado Egg Salad – and yes, it’s amazing as it sounds! Mexican crumbling cheese, corn, tomatoes, diced avocado and other fresh and healthy ingredients are added to coarsely chopped eggs. Instead of old-school mayo, the recipe is lightly dressed with Creamy Cotija Cilantro Dressing – it’s one of my favorites and also insanely good on fish tacos.

Fresh ingredients for Cojita, Corn and Avocado Egg Salad.

This nutritious egg recipe is perfect served solo, atop a salad or between a couple slices of your favorite bread.

A southwestern inspired egg salad recipe is perfect for you next picnic. - TheFitFork.com

Salad with Guacamole Stuffed TomatoesIt’s also so good in tomatoes, oh you know how I like to scoop out vine-ripe tomatoes and fill them with yummy things – Guacamole and Bacon Stuffed Campari Tomatoes are coming to mind!

 

 

protein challenge graphicQuick and easy egg recipe is one way I’ve been sticking the 30-day Protein Challenge at BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com  — the goal is to aim for 30 grams of protein optimally timed between three meals. You can look forward to less hunger and mindless snacking to help you get that leaner body!  It’s not too late to sign up for free and get all the tools you need to succeed, plus daily tips to keep you on track. Come back next week and I’ll share my upcoming beef kebob recipe with you!

 

Taking the shells off eggs can be a frustrating and tedious job. Here’s an egg-peeling tip you don’t want to miss:

 

TheFitFork.com refueling after the Capitol 10k race.

Refueling with beef and eggs after the Capitol 10k Race — I came in 1st Age Group and 3rd Masters.

How much protein are you eating per day? What are your favorite sources? Please share in the comments below:

 

 

7 Protein-Packed Breakfast Recipes + #ProteinChallenge

Have you noticed that for the last couple years PROTEIN has been the big buzzword in food and nutrition?!  Typically, I’m not one to blindly follow trends, especially when it comes to how I’m fueling my body. However, I KNOW from experience that getting enough protein is important to my health and well-being – and also performance and recovery as an athlete.

Jennifer Fisher - Beef Sirloin Steaks

This is about 100 three-ounce servings of beef!

So you may be wondering how much protein is enough and when should I eat it? Well, how much protein you take in depends on your size, age, gender and activity level. Because of my fairly intense fitness routine, I aim to eat about 100 grams of protein per day – that sounds like a lot, but really you’d be surprised at how quickly it all adds up. For example, a 3-oz (deck of cards size) serving of beef has about 25 grams of protein and 8-ounces of Greek yogurt has nearly that much protein too, topped with a sprinkling of chopped almonds or hemp hearts.

I bet many of y’all are already getting enough protein, most Americans do.  However, the timing of protein is one area where many of us fail – it’s best to spread out your protein over the day rather than skimping through breakfast and lunch and over-consuming at dinner.  Experts recommend eating 25-30 grams of protein for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with one or two protein snacks if you have additional needs.

Consuming the optimal amount of protein at the right time helps with weight loss goals by reducing mindless snacking, building muscles after a workout and protecting muscle mass. I think this infographic sums it up nicely.

To get you off to a great start in the morning, I’ve rounded up a week’s worth of protein-rich recipes for breakfast  — from omelets to smoothies, there’s sure to be something that pleases everyone. Seven Protein Packed Breakfast Recipes

 

Recipes starting top left and moving clockwise.

protein challenge2

 

 

 

I would love for you to join me in the 30 Day Protein Challenge, sponsored by The Beef Checkoff -(visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com and TXBeef.org). This informative, supportive, step-by-step 30-day plan will help you get a balanced amount of protein at each meal. You’ll learn how take control of your appetite by working your way up to eating 30 grams of protein at every meal for one month. They have lots of great recipe ideas and tools for success!

What are your favorite ways to start off the morning with protein?

Chocolate Cheesecake Pancakes with Berry Burst Topping #MealtimeSolutions

Chocolate Cheesecake Pancakes - Horizon Products

June 2103 Jon and Davis LakehouseIn the morning, my three teen boys are as hungry bears coming out of hibernation. You don’t want to mess with them until they’ve gotten their paws on some food. I always try to offer a breakfast that will power them from early morning straight through to lunch. Pancakes are a favorite, and over the years I’ve found different ways to add a little more substance to these typically carb-laden morning meal.  For example, I’ve done protein powder in pancakes,Paleo pancakes and alternatives to sugary syrup.

Products from Horizon help me make yummy goodness for my children – I can rely on the taste and quality of the ingredients time and time again, which just takes more worry out of my day!  One meal solution I came up with for breakfast is an easy recipe for Chocolate Cheesecake Pancakes (with Creamy Berry Burst Topping). 

Chocolate Cheesecake Pancakes - TheFitFork.com

horizon super sqeezeThis quick recipe uses a new Horizon product the whole family is loving these days – Super Squeeze Mixed Berry Burst. While these little squeeze packets are perfect for lunch boxes and gym bags, the also make a fabulous swap for syrup on pancakes and waffles. Made with wholesome ingredients like organic skim milk, organic berry puree and organic can sugar, each pouch provides 5 grams of protein and is a good source of calcium. The other cool thing about these single-serve packets is that you can just pop off the lid and squirt as much or as little as desired. Even little toddler hands can be in charge of this fun job!

Chocolate PAncakes with Cottage Cheese  and Horizon Berry BurtsIn addition to the 5 grams of protein coming from the Super Squeeze, I’ve also pumped up the pancakes with protein from Horizon Low-Fat Cottage Cheese.  Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and while many kids can’t stand the texture, I’ve run it through the blender to be super smooth and creamy. Blended with cocoa powder and a bit of stevia sweetener, it actually tastes like a decedant cheesecake!  I’ve used a traditional convenience pancake mix as my base, but if you are following a gluten-free diet, just swap in a gluten-free baking blend with a teaspoon of baking powder. Bite of Chocolate Cheesecake Pancake - TheFitFork.com

Find out more about Horizon’s New Super Squeeze Mixed Berry Burst and their other delicious, family friendly products by following them on Twitter, Facebook , or the Mealtime Solutions Board on Pinterest.

What is your favorite topping for pancakes?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Horizon Organics. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Chocolate Cheesecake Pancakes with Berry Burst Topping
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
4 mins
Total Time
9 mins
 
This breakfast recipe is a easy mealtime solution that uses low-fat cottage cheese in pancakes and milk-based berry burst packets from Horizon as a topping.
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (2%, almond, coconut, etc)
  • 2/3 cup Low-Fat Cottage Cheese I used Horizon Organic
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon liquid stevia can substitute 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 1/2 cup complete pancake mix type that only requires water to make
  • 1 box Horizon Super Squeeze Mixed Berry Burst 4 squeeze packs
  • 1 cup fresh berries raspberries, blackberries, sliced strawberries, etc.
Instructions
  1. Add milk, cottage cheese, cocoa powder and stevia into blender. Blend for approximately 30 seconds until ingredients are combined and smooth.
  2. Pulse in pancake batter until combined, taking care not to over blend. Heat skillet to medium, add approximately ¼ cup batter in center of skillet and cook for 2 – 3 minutes or until bubbles appear on top and edges have set. Use spatula to flip pancake over and cook for an additional minute or until cooked through. Repeat for remaining pancakes (makes approximately 16 pancakes).
  3. To serve, stack 4 pancakes on a plate and squeeze one packet of Horizon Super Squeeze Mixed Berry Burst on top. Top each stack with ¼ fresh berries.

Healthy Snack Stadium + Football Finger Foods for the Win

How To Build a Healthy Fotball Snack Stadium - TheFitFork.com

Pop Warner Football - TheFitFork.comThe BIG GAME will be here in a little over a week and my guys have been uncharacteristically fussing about the football-watching party preparations. I have some football players, past and present in my house! What television should we watch  – in the game room or downstairs closer to the kitchen?  Should we play games like ‘squares’ or have a bean bag toss? And, most importantly, what will everyone eat?!

It’s not JUST going to be (root) beer, Buffalo wings and burgers.  It’s impossible to be a healthy food and fitness blogger and not bring a little sumptin’ sensible to the shindig.  But I’m not talking about a sad little tray of carrot and celery sticks, instead imagine a nutritious array of nibbles that is as exciting and epic as the BIG GAME itself – a HEALTHY SNACK STADIUM! 

I created this masterpiece of munch-worthy goodness for Litehouse Foods – they challenged me to put a healthy spin on the increasingly popular and pin-worthy food displays made for football-watching gatherings. The stands are packed with fruit and veggies and the field is covered in healthy salsas and dips made from Greek yogurt.  Guests even get an all-access pass to refuel at a sandwich-making station and dig into sidelines loaded up with whole-grain chips and football-decorated eggs!

Healthy Snack Stadium for Football Party - TheFitFork.comGo over and visit Living Litehouse for additional photos and details on how to make this Healthy Snack Stadium (including how to assemble the framework and making pretzel rod goal posts) that will have your guests eating like champions.

While the Patriots and Seahawks rumble on the Super Bowl gridiron, I’ll be serving up even more healthy appetizers alongside my Snackadium. Here are a few ideas for healthy snacks that will make you an MVP on game day, any day and every day!

avocado guacamoleCilantro Lime Guacamole – Simple, smooth and just so darn good that I have been known to eat the whole bowl at one sitting! A perfect dip for chips or healthier options like carrot, jicama, or zucchini sticks and to use as a spread on your sandwich.  If you have leftover guacamole (yeah, right!) or just want to make extra in advance, check out my blog post on How to Freeze Guacamole.

 

Nut and Cereal party mix made in crock pot

Nutty Slow Cooker Snack Mix – Snack mix is a perennial party favorite, my recipe uses a slow cooker (really!) to make the process stress-free and super tasty. I like to add lots of nuts to my snack mix for healthy fats and extra protein.  A sure bet!

 

 

 

 

Football Deviled Eggs - TheFitFork.com

Football Deviled Eggs – Are these the cutest eggs ever? And, the good news is you will not go to hell for incorporating them into a healthy diet – eggs are a great source of protein and essential vitamins.  I’ve used Greek yogurt instead of the traditional mayo for a slimming swap-a-roo!

Football Deviled Eggs
Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 
Put your healthy stack stadium over the top with these fun and tasty football deviled eggs -- a fun finger food for the Big Game! Touchdown!
Course: Appetizer
Servings: 12 people (2 each)
Ingredients
  • 12 large eggs boiled
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Sriracha sauce or more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • bunch chives
Instructions
  1. Peel eggs lengthwise and scoop out yolks; set whites aside.
  2. In small bowl, mix together yolks, yogurt, mustard, sriracha sauce, salt and pepper.
  3. Spoon mixture into empty cavity of eggs.
  4. Snip and cut chives with knife into approximate ½ pieces; each egg half will need four pieces (96 pieces). Place 3 chive slices crosswise along egg filling and cross with one piece lengthwise.

Greek Yogurt Sundae Bedtime Snack + Dallas Marathon Recap

Eating a bed time snack is NOT evil, nor will it make you fat. All my life, I’ve heard misguided food rules like “don’t eat after 8 pm” or “eating fat makes you fat.” Sure, you can’t pig out on a whole pizza or pint of gelato and expect to stay at a racing weight, but a healthy snack packed with 10 to 20 grams of protein is a smart choice for nocturnal noshing. This amount of protein helps to satiate hunger as it goes to work repairing muscle damage from workouts earlier in the day. My blood sugar remains stable through the wee hours and the result of this protein snack is that I don’t wake up in the middle of the night hungry or in the morning drained of energy.Greek Yogurt Sundae with Raspberries & Chocolate Chips - TheFitFork.com One of my favorite snacks to eat before bed is a bowl of Greek yogurt with raspberries and mini chocolate chips. Chobani is a favorite brand, the texture is so smooth and creamy and the company only uses natural non-GMO ingredients. There are so many delicious flavors like coconut and key lime — but I usually get the plain and mix in a flavored Stevia (like NuNaturals Vanilla or Chocolate Syrup) along with raspberries and a teaspoon or two of mini chocolate chips. It’s my version of a fudge sundae! I get 15 grams of quality protein thanks to this sensible sweet treat and all the ingredients I just listed have barely over 120 calories combined! An added bonus is that Greek yogurt has lots of calcium, and I could always use more of that bone-building mineral!Dallas Marathon - Jennifer Fisher So, on to the Dallas Marathon — I basically blew up at mile 18.Although I was super hydrated (I thought) and reasonably well-rested, I couldn’t hang at my planned pace in the high humidity conditions. At mile 15, I felt leg cramps coming on. Thank goodness my mom showed up with my favorite Nuun Hydration tabs (Kona Cola) super concentrated in a bottle of water — I drank full bottles during my TWO porta potty stops (ugh — there went 5 minutes).

mom giving me nuun at dallas marathon I had to start run-walking at mile 18 and was literally just making it 100 yards at a time near the end. This was my second worst marathon finish ever by a minute at 3:32 , 22 minutes off my plan and 42 minutes off an ancient PR, yet I notice that people roll their eyes when I mention the 2nd place age group finish — that was a surprise considering my condition. The highlight of the race was not when I fell into the door of the port-a-potty and scraped up my arm, but instead the highlight was proving to myself I had the grit not to quit. Ryan Hall was at the finish line and put the medal around my neck – that was awesome! So I am left with a dilemma. Ever since getting back to running in my 40s, nabbing a marathon time that correlates training and effort-wise to my other race distances (in everything from the 1 mile to 1/2 marathon) eludes me. In some ways, I’m ready to break up with the marathon . . . . but I can’t let my  final experience be this last one. But, that means I have to run another . . .

Have any of you runners ever had these feelings? What’s the longest you’ve ever “broken up” with running?