Body Boosting Fitness Shake and Bodyweight Leg Workout

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Bowflex Body.

Anytime someone says creamy, indulgent-tasting shakes are good for me, they have my rapt attention. That’s why I was ready to find out more about Bowflex Body, a line of premium nutrition products that inludes a vanilla fitness shake mix along with “boosters” (including chocolate) to mix in depending on my protein, energy, or fat-burning needs for the day.

As a meal replacement option, the Premium Vanilla Fitness Shake (with booster or not) is a convenient and safe way to ensure most of us are getting the optimal nutrition needed to power through until the next meal. I’ve swapped out a shake for a full meal at lunch or dinner a few times a week and had great results in leaning out. But, typically getting lean and dieting for weight loss is not an issue for me, often I’m trying to fill in the gaps in my day where I need extra quality calories (without the junk) – like after a workout or before bed.

Easy to keep in a gym bag and shake, shake, shake after a workout.

These easy-to-make shakes have become a staple in my post-workout nutrition plan. It’s so important to take in a protein-rich mini-meal within 30 minute of an intense workout or long run. It’s also key that that the meal or shake have a bit of carbohydrates to help the body efficiently process the protein – Bowflex Body makes it so easy! After finishing the “Murph” CrossFit WOD (1 mile run, 100 pull ups, 200 pushups 300 squats and a final 1 mile run) on Memorial Day, I knew my muscles were going to be screaming for some tasty TLC. I brought along my mixer filled with a scoop of the Premium Vanilla Fitness Shake along with the Rich Chocolate Booster AND the Peanut Butter Protein Booster. I’m greedy like that!

Start Shaking It Up, Here’s How:

Premium Vanilla Fitness Shake: Start with this powdered mix as your base and blend into water or your milk of choice. The instructions say use 8 ounces of liquid, but I’ve used 8 ounces of unsweetened almond milk and 8 ounces of water and it still tastes great (and my mind thinks I’m getting more). You can also throw a scoop into morning or post-workout smoothie if you like frozen beverages. Not only does it taste super creamy and delicious, but for just 125 calories, you get 15g high quality protein, 5 g prebiotic fiber, only 5g sugar and 16 potent antioxidants including acai, goji, pomegranate, mangosteen, spinach, kale and more. It is also lactose free, soy free, low sodium and low fat.

Rich Chocolate Booster for Fat Burning: Toss in one of these 10-calorie packets to kick up your metabolism with Garcinia cambogia, green coffee bean, African mango and cocoa exacts.

Peanut Butter Booster for Muscle Management: Add a packet of this booster to help grow, maintain and provide workout recovery benefits to your muscles. This advanced protein formula gives you an additional 10g on top of the 15g already in each serving of shake.

Mixed Berry Booster for Extra Antioxidant Benefits: This refreshing mix-in gives the already vitamin and antioxidant-loaded vanilla shake an extra one-two punch of protection with blueberry, raspberry and strawberry extracts blended to help fight free radicals.

Two BowFlex Body Energy Products worth checking out:

Berry Pomegranate Pre-Energy: This tasty mix gets you revved up for your workout without the crash of sugar-loaded coffee or energy drinks. It works great for either aerobic or anaerobic activity and has just 80 mg of caffeine with theanine, an amino acid from green tea that helps prevent caffeine jitters and “crash.”

Passion Fruit Daily Energy: Designed to take every day, if needed, this formulation helps with focus, aerobic performance and sustained energy when you need a little extra oomph! Like the Pre-Energy formula this Daily Energy has jitter- and-crash free caffeine from the amino acid theanine found in green tea – just less at 50mg.

You really need to try Bowflex Body nutrition products yourself to discover the fat-burning, health-boosting benefits I’m raving about. Use the discount code BOWFLEXSHAKE to receive 20% off your order along with free shipping and handling. A sampler pack is also available. Bowflex has a 30-day, 100% guarantee on their products, so you really don’t have anything to lose — except maybe that muffin top or a bad case of the “hangres”! Get more details on the ingredients used in these fitness products and check out the FAQ for answers to common questions. Also, visit BowFlex Body on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and connect — they also have a great blog.

Body Boosting #BowFlexBody Fitness Shake + Bodyweight Leg WOD @BowflexBody #BeFitForLife #Fitfluential #Ad

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Also, I am sharing a bodyweight “leg day” exercise that you can do anywhere, no gym required. Have fun!

Kick up leg day with this no-equipment-needed workout of bodyweight exercises.

What “Booster” benefit are you most interested in — burning fat, increasting protein, or upping antioxidants? What is your favorite bodyweight leg exercise? Please share in the comments! xoxo Jennifer

Memorial Day Cherry Vanilla Root Beer Float Smoothie

Posted on May 24, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is sponsored by Almond Breeze Almondmilk.

The sun is out for summer and my blender is back in action making smoothies nearly every day for a quick breakfast, healthy dessert or post-workout refueling. I have so made so many crazy, creative smoothies in my day along with all the tried-and-true classics, I’m sure my family sometimes wonders if I can come up with a new flavor combo. But, fear not my friends of blended beverages, I can! Today I’m serving up a Cherry Vanilla Root Beer Float Smoothie, so line up at the counter in an orderly fashion please.

I know that a Cherry Vanilla Root Beer Float Smoothie sounds sort of decadent, but this one is super healthy. It’s made with Almond Breeze Almondmilk (Hint of Honey Vanilla flavor), frozen dark cherries, ice, root beer extract and protein powder. The whole, huge serving has just 250 calories, 22 grams of protein, 87% daily value for calcium and loads of vitamins and minerals – especially vitamins D and E from the almondmilk and vitamin C from the cherries.

Use Almond Breeze Touch of Honey Almondmilk in your cereal.

Hint of Honey Vanilla Amondmilk from Almond Breeze is the perfect creamy foundation for any smoothie creation – it’s also ideal for drinking cold right in a glass or pairing up with your favorite cereal, oats or granola. Made from real almonds and sweetened with honey, this alternative to diary milk contains medium chain fatty acids; is lactose, soy and gluten-free; is an excellent source of calcium; and works with vegan and kosher diets. I also love how it has no added processed sugar and only 60 calories per one-cup serving. Another great thing – Hint of Honey Vanilla Amondmilk from Almond Breeze is available in a 32-ounce, shelf-stable version which means that I can keep my pantry stocked for impromptu smoothie making or take along for travel without worry of refridgeration. Of course, you can also get the original in the dairy section.

Slurp into Summer with Cherry Vanilla Root Beer Float Smoothie @almondbreeze #ad

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What is your favorite smoothie combo? Are you remembering someone special this Memorial Day? Please share in the comments – xoxo Jennifer

Cherry Vanilla Root Beer Float Smoothie

Prep Time

5 mins

Total Time

5 mins

Slurp right into summer with my healthy, yummy smoothie made with almond milk, cherries, protein power and root beer extract. So refreshing for Memorial Day, Fourth of July or any hot summer day!

Course: Dessert, Smoothies

Cuisine: American

Servings: 1 person

Ingredients

12 ounces Almond Milk use Almond Breeze Touch of Honey Vanilla Almondmilk
1 scoop protein powder appox. 1/3 cup favorite brand
1/2 cup frozen cherries
1/2 teaspoons root beer extract I used Zaterain's
ice as needed
fresh cherries optional garnish

Instructions

Add almondmilk, protein powder, frozen cherries, root beer extract and ice to blender, process until smooth. Pulse in ice until desired consistency is achieved. Garnish with fresh cherry if desired.

Blackberry Melon Smoothie Bowl – #ILoveSilkSoy

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

It’s fantastic there are so many alternative milk options at the market these days, there is seemingly something for everyone! However, it can sometimes become overwhelming to decide which carton to grab, but I can always count on Silk Original Soymilk to be a great option for me and my family.

One of the things I love most about Silk Original Soymilk is that no other dairy-free milk brand offers more protein ounce for ounce! I’m a huge advocate of getting enough protein and portioning it at optimal times through the day – just read my recent post on the #proteinchallenge. Each 8-ounce serving of Silk Original Soymilk has 8 grams of heart-healthy, plant-powered protein and a creamy, yummy taste. And because Silk is plant-based, it’s naturally low in saturated fat and has no cholesterol and also has 50% more calcium than dairy milk.

I also am a big fan of the Silk Light Vanilla Soymilk — so yummy in coffee, tea and smoothies. With that hint of vanilla flavor and fragrance, everything tastes like a treat splashed with a bit of this silky goodness.

My three active teen boys can drain a carton of milk faster than I can scream “wait, save some for your cereal in the morning!” That’s why I stock the fridge with multiple cartons and am thankful I don’t have to worry about them filling up on junk beverages like soda, corn-syrupy “juices” and even some of those surprisingly sugary sports drinks.

I like to use either Silk Original Soymilk or Silk Lite Vanilla Soymilk as the starter for my smoothies – the ingredients that can blend into Silk is only limited by my imagination (and the size of the blender pitcher)! Today, I’d like to share my take on the latest craze of smoothie served in bowls — SMOOTHIE BOWLS! I think you’ll love my creamy Blackberry Hemp Melon Smoothie Bowl that is perfect for a plant-powered breakfast, post-workout snack or refreshing and more mindful take on dessert.

Blackberry Hemp Melon Smoothie Bowl Recipe

1/2 cup frozen and thawed or fresh blackberries
1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
½ frozen banana
1 cup cantaloupe cubes (frozen if possible)
1 cup Silk Original Soymilk or Lite Vanilla Soymilk
Couple drops of Stevia natural liquid sweetener
½ scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
Ice, if needed
1 tablespoon shelled hemp seeds (hemp hearts)

Divide blackberries in half. Use back of fork or muddler to smash up one portion of blackberries into a “sauce.” Set aside.
Add oats to blender, pulse until ground up and powdery.
Add frozen banana, cantaloupe cubes, soymilk, stevia and protein powder (optional) to blender. Blend for a minute or so until everything well combined and smooth. Blend in ice if consistency needs to be thicker.
Pour smoothie into bowl and drizzle with muddled blackberries, remaining whole blackberries and sprinkle with hemp seeds.
Serves 1.

Must Make This! Blackberry Melon Smoothie Bowl @LoveMySilk #ILoveSilkSoy #Ad

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If you’d like to try Silk or fall back in love with it again, head over to Silk and nab a coupon before you head off to the store.

p>This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.

Baked Gingerbread Protein Donuts with Lemon Glaze {Gluten Free} #AlohaMoment

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Jennifer FIsher

This blog is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Aloha, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #myAloha and #AlohaMoment http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

With the holiday season in full swing AND my plan to carbo-load for the Dallas Marathon (which was on Sunday, that’s another story for another day), I broke out of my normal eating routine last week to indulge in some scrumptious baked goods! Even though I had Christmas cookies and a big bun with my burger, I was mindful of not eating a ton of low-quality carb crap.

Despite the marathon carbohydrate mission, I wanted to keep balance in breakfast. My days are just much more productive when I’ve started off with enough protein. One trick I rely on to up my intake is to sneak protein powder into recipes for pancakes, muffins, quick breads and such. My favorite recipe coming out of the oven this week was a batch of Baked Gingerbread Protein Donuts with Lemon Icing – and these little delights are gluten-free and paleo-friendly and actually low-carb enough for me (and hopefully you) to enjoy any day!

You will not believe the delicious homemade seasonal scent that wafts through the house as these donuts bake. Am I tempting you yet? Keep reading for the recipe!

Yup, I stirred Aloha Premium Protein Powder right into the batter (and even icing) for these delicious baked donuts. Aloha comes either in a big tub or packets – I like the pre-portioned packets for convenience and each one features 18 grams of plant-based protein along with vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. Perfect for vegetarians, vegans and everyone, this great-tasting product (which comes in chocolate and vanilla) helps ensure that you’re getting the complete chain of amino acids. Plus, there are no artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, animal products, fillers or chemicals of any kind.

I also want to mention that my donut recipe below is also gluten-free and fits in with a Paleo style diet – made with protein powder along with almond meal, stevia and other healthy ingredients, these donuts not only taste good but will keep you feeling good.

Baked Gingerbread Donuts with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Ingredients for donuts:

3/4 cup almond meal
1 cup gluten-free baking blend
2 packets Aloha vanilla protein powder (reserve 1 Tablespoon for icing)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon stevia powder (1:2 stevia to sugar ratio)
3 large eggs
1/3 cup coconut oil
3 tablespoons unsulphured blackstrap molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for glaze:

2 tablespoons coconut milk
1 tablespoon coconut butter
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Aloha vanilla protein powder
1 tablespoon stevia powder (1:2 stevia to sugar ratio)
2 tablespoons lemon zest

Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
In medium bowl, mix together almond meal, gluten-free baking blend, protein powder (2 packets minus 1 tablespoon), baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and stevia power, making sure there are no clumps.
In another bowl whisk together eggs; whisk in molasses, coconut oil and vanilla. Mix together these wet ingredients with dry ingredients until well-combined, but not over-stirred.
Spoon batter (or use piping bag) into 12-count mini donut pan, filling approximately 2/3 full. Bake in 350 F degree oven for approximately 12 minutes, or until turning golden brown.
Remove donuts to baking rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, mix together coconut milk, coconut butter, remaining 1 tablespoon protein powder, lemon juice and stevia. Drizzle over cooled donuts and sprinkle with lemon zest.
Makes 12 mini donuts.

Blend together one packet Aloha Protein Powder with 12 oz. almond milk, 1/2 cup frozen berries and ice, as needed.

Also as a clean-eating, fitness enthusiast, I enjoy a smoothie or recovery shake made with protein powder for my morning meal or recovery. But, I can be picky about texture, taste and macros when it comes to supplementation. A chocolate berry smoothie made with Aloha Premium Protein Powder is one of my go-to beverages after an intense workout during warmer weather (I aim for between 10 – 20 grams of protein within 30 minutes to assist with muscle recovery). But, it’s also smart to start off the day with protein, so I often mix Aloha into a hot morning drink, in nut butter, or in all types of batter – like with the Baked Gingerbread Protein Donut recipe above!

If you’d like to sample Aloha Premium Protein Powder (while supplies last), check out their free 14 days trial (a monthly subscription, but no-hassle to cancel if not right for you). You can also follow them on Facebook (Aloha), Twitter (@aloha), Pinterest (@alohamoment) , or Instagram (@alohamoment).

{Gluten Free} Gingerbread Protein Donut #Recipe @aloha #myAloha, #Alohamoment, #PMedia #ad

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What is your favorite way to use protein powder?

Six Fall Season Smoothie Recipes

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Jennifer FIsher

I’m starting off another post with “It’s still in the upper ninety degrees, y’all!” The official start of fall is just a few days away, yet the Texas sun is still burning us up! It’s so hot, the asphalt is sticking to the bottom of my running shoes and the neighbor’s suburban hens are laying hard boiled eggs. Hotter than a stolen tamale, a fur coat in Corpus Christi, or rubbing your eyes in a pepper patch – okay, you get the idea!

That’s why I’m still drinking my daily smoothie – not just as a way to cool off but also nourish myself with lots of healthy ingredients. I’ve pulled together some of my favorite fall season smoothies, each uses either fruit, vegetables or spices that remind me of the awesomeness of autumn. Even if the arctic air is blowing in your part of the world, just bundle up, these healthy smoothie recipes are too good to pass up – perfect as an on-the-go breakfast or healthy snack. If I am drinking one of these as a meal replacement or after an intense workout or long run, I’ll add a scoop of protein powder or substitute the milk with a vanilla high protein shake like Core Power.

Pear Maple Chia Chiller: MMM, a little maple syrup (the real stuff) give this pear smoothie the flavor of fall – throw in some chia seeds for some omega-3 goodness.

Pear Maple Chia Chiller Recipe

8 ounces almond milk
1/2 ripe peeled pear
1/2 frozen banana
2 tablespoons cottage cheese
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/8 teaspoon cardamom

Add all ingredients into a blender and process until smooth, adding ice to achieve desired consistency. Serves 1.

Carrot Ginger Date Smoothie: This smoothie will have you in whole food heaven and will remind you of a nice slice of carrot cake without all of the cream cheese frosting guilt – get the recipe in my recent post.

Apple Cider Sipper: If I had an apple tree in my backyard, I’d be making apple creations in the kitchen every day – everything from strudels to cobblers and fritters. Thankfully, I can satisfy my lust for apple desserts with this healthy non-alcoholic cider based smoothie (love the Litehouse Food brand cider).

Directions: In blender blend together 6 ounces almond milk, 2 ounces apple cider, ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, ½ frozen banana and ½ teaspoon cinnamon and pinch of nutmeg. Add ice, as needed, to achieve desired consistency. Serves 1.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie: My grandma’s pumpkin pie sure brings back memories of family get-togethers in the fall. She always used a gingersnap crust and drizzled the top of her pumpkin pie with caramel. I’ve replicated this deliciousness in a healthier way in my recipe from last year – check it out!

Autumn Greens & Avocado Smoothie: I love my lettuces and greens, but only have recently become accustomed to putting them in a smoothie – something about texture. This delicious smoothie is silky smooth and oh-so creamy thanks to a few slices of avocado. You’ll love this one!

Directions: In blender blend together 10 ounces unsweetened almond milk, ½ small avocado, a large handful of greens (like kale, chard, spinach or mixture). Add ice and bit of honey or Stevia, as needed, to achieve desired consistency and sweetness. Sprinkle with hemp seeds. Serves 1

Chai-Spiced Mango Lassi: I love the exotic flavors of chai both served hot and cold. This healthy mango lassi gives you lots of protein and calcium thanks to the milk and yogurt base – keep those bones strong!

Directions: In a blender, blend together 1 cup of milk, 1/3 cup of plain unsweetened yogurt, 1 cup cubed mango, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ginger, pinch of cardamom, pinch of nutmeg and pinch of allspice. Add honey or stevia to taste.

If you are looking for more inspiration, Cooking Light has a yummy collection of creamy, dreamy smoothies to try! You must see (and slurp)!

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Tag Archives: smoothies

Body Boosting Fitness Shake and Bodyweight Leg Workout

Memorial Day Cherry Vanilla Root Beer Float Smoothie

Blackberry Melon Smoothie Bowl – #ILoveSilkSoy

Baked Gingerbread Protein Donuts with Lemon Glaze {Gluten Free} #AlohaMoment

Six Fall Season Smoothie Recipes