Tag Archives: workouts

Chipotle Ranch Sweet ‘Tater Burrito Bowls & Frenemy Partner Workout

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thefitfork black bean sweet potato burrito bowl

I’m still riding the black bean train for a fast, flavorful and fiber-packed meal – toot, toot! All kidding aside, a big Crockpot of homemade black beans will last the better part of a week. If you don’t want to go to the time and trouble of breaking out the slow-cooker (geeze, it can be a hassle), canned black beans are a decent option and I always make sure I have the pantry stockpiled. And, sweet ‘taters, too!

Earlier this week, I shared Black Bean, Zucchini & Corn Tacos as a delicious, nutritious option for a simple yet super-yummy summer dinner.  Since I had leftover beans that I couldn’t let go to waste, I convinced my husband to NOT go to his favorite casual burrito joint for dinner – I’d make him my healthy version of a burrito bowl instead! What I love about making burrito bowls at home is I can be as creative as I want, plus I don’t bust my budget by saying “yes” to extra avocado!

Just for the record, I first created this recipe for Litehouse Food’s blog to showcase their new Chipotle Ranch a delicious Greek yogurt dip in a just-debuted line-up of healthy goodness called OPAdipity!  Just like their very popular OPA Dressings, the OPAdipity dips have significantly fewer calories and fat (plus more protein) than traditional creamy dips and ranch dressings. By the way, Litehouse likes to keep things fresh, so you will find all their products in the produce section of your market.

vegetarian burrito bowl

 Black Bean & Sweet Potato Burrito Bowls with Chipotle Cream Recipe

  • 1 medium sweet potato (about 10 – 12 ounces)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup Litehouse Food Opadipity Chipotle Greek Yogurt Dip (divided)*
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • ½ cup prepared pico de gallo
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • ½ small avocado cut in slices
  • 2 ounces crumbled queso fresco cheese
  • ½ lime sliced for garnish
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F degrees.
  2. Wash and dry sweet potato; chop into approximate ½” cubes. Place on one side of rimmed baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cilantro. Add frozen corn to the other side of pan.
  3. Roast for approximately 15 – 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are softened and beginning to crisp and corn is turning slightly brown at edges. Remove from oven.
  4. Place sweet potatoes in bowl and coat with 2 tablespoons of Chipotle Greek Yogurt Dip.*
  5. Layer spinach evenly among the bottom of two bowls. Top with dressed sweet potatoes, black beans, roasted corn, pico de gallo, red onion, and avocado. Sprinkle with crumbled cheese, add a dollop of the remaining Chipotle dip and garnish with lime wedge. Serves 2.

*If not available, mix 1 teaspoon dried chipotle powder and 1 teaspoon lime juice into ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt.`

partner workout

Even though my burrito bowl is a very healthy meal, I feel like I need to leave you with a workout so you can take advantage of it’s magical refueling powers– how about the Frenemy Heave & Haul – the partner workout you’ll love to hate. Say hello to tire flips, burpees, planks and a race to the finish – oh, and I forgot to mention the “partner carry.” I’d suggest picking a similar-sized friend because each person in the duo has a turn hauling – carry your partner however you can whether over the shoulder, cradle carry, or piggyback.  Just try not to laugh and strain something!

Eat More Fruits & Veggies | Confetti Lettuce Wraps #Recipe

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Hum along now. There’s fresh produce for shopping with vine-ripe goodness a popping, to nourish my family held dear. Yes, it’s the hap- happiest season of all, with foods so darn delicious and purposefully nutritious, for friends come over to call.  Okay, while I might not be a songwriter at heart, I certainly am a natural-born lover of warm weather and the wonderful bounty of byproducts the spring season brings – namely an abundance of fruits and vegetable, beautiful flowers and the invitation of mild mile upon mile on the running trails.

running through flowers

Today I’m so happy to share a trail running tempo run I created for CorePower.com (and awesome, high-protein recovery shake I frequently drink) and a rainbow-inspired dinner idea for Confetti Veggie, Fruit & Bean Lettuce Wraps – perfect for a  #MeatlessMonday!

Now, onto the food! I love this healthy recipe because it uses more fruits and vegetables that can be counted on two hands. Gobble up a few of these lettuce wraps for lunch or dinner and you’ll be well on your way (if not exceeding) daily consumption goals for fruits and vegetables. Did you know, according to the Center for Disease Control, only a third of American adults report eating two servings a fruit a day and less than 27 percent consumed three or more servings of veggies, the minimum recommended daily amount (RDA)?  Notice how I bolded the word minimum? That’s because the RDA sets forth only the lowest level of nutrients needed for the average, already healthy person to keep from becoming malnourished. The minimum.

fresh fruits and vegetables
Much more than the MINIMUM in this healthy salad recipe!

I truly believe we should all be eating more fruits and vegetables, as opposed to the minimum. I wrote a post for Living Litehouse about how, as Americans, we are blessed to live in a country with easy access to high-quality, fresh foods that are reasonably affordable in the scheme of things. If you don’t agree, put your Starbuck’s latte or iPhone down and think about it for a minute — I’m taking a soapbox stance here.

vintage fruit and vegetable poster
Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables!

I recently gave an affordable healthy cooking demonstration in a 300+ packed auditorium in the lower-income part of town. The participants were friendly, engaged and open to learning my healthy cooking tips. Many approached me afterward talking about the woes of chronic health conditions (created by being overweight). I got home and, at first, thought it unusual that I had about 250+ more “direct” referrals in my Google Analytics for the day – that is, until I realized that as I was on the stage, all these low-income people were hitting my blog from their smart phones.  This argument that eating healthfully is too expensive gets a reality check. Remember,  you don’t need to shop at Whole Foods (unless you have money to burn) to eat well. Put down the $6 fruit cup and buy a sale-priced 10-pound bulk bag of the grapefruit (or whatever) for half the price at the “regular” grocery store.

A recent Harvard study reports it only takes $1.50 per day to eat a “healthy” diet as opposed to the processed, packaged and convenience diet that has become a way of life for many – I’d even say it costs even less if you know how to shop sales. So, in the end – it’s a priority, do you want a data plan or to die? Okay, I know that’s a little extreme – but you know what I’m saying.

rainbow lettuce wraps

Confetti Veggie, Fruit & Bean Lettuce Wraps Recipe.

  • ½ cup seeded and diced cucumber
  • ½ cup grated carrots
  • ½ cup chopped red onion
  • ½ cup diced strawberries
  • ½ cup diced pineapple
  • ½ cup diced papaya
  • ½ cup diced mango
  • 1 15-oz. can black beans – drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tbsp. diced fresh Jalapeno
  • 2 tbsp. green onions, sliced
  • 2 head washed and dried baby romaine lettuce leaves
  • 2 oz. crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 oz. snow pea shoots
  • 4 oz. Litehouse Food’s Huckleberry Vinaigrette* (extra  for dipping)

*You can use any “sweet-ish” vinaigrette you prefer like a poppy seed, honey Dijon, balsamic, etc.  I just love the Huckleberry Vinaigrette by Litehouse Foods because it is so fresh and flavorful, not too sweet – and has actual whole huckleberries in the bottle!

  1.  In large bowl, toss together cucumber, carrots, red onion, strawberries, pineapple, papaya, mango, black beans, cilantro, jalapeno and green onions.
  2. Stir in Huckleberry Vinaigrette (or dressing of choice) and allow mixture to sit for five minutes so herbs rehydrate.
  3. Add a spoonful of fruit and vegetable mixture to the center of lettuce leaf. Repeat for remaining lettuce leaves and mixture.
  4. Sprinkle feta cheese on top of mixture and garnish with snow pea shoots.
  5. Serve with additional Huckleberry Vinaigrette for dipping
rainbow confetti salad

Also makes a great topping for fish, pork and poultry!

 

Ski Ready Workout & Warming Hot Drinks

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Things have a way of sneaking up on me and the family annual ski trip is one of them. In just about a month, we’ll load up the SUV with an insane amount of gear and groceries and head off into the mountains a mere 900 miles away. The whole family loves to ski and snowboard; however the distance is why this outing is an ANNUAL ski trip. After 15 to 17 hours in the car one way, the five of us have and plenty of (ahem) quality together time and are ready to get out and MOVE!

In order to get the most out of our limited amount of time on the slopes, I like to arrive as “ski fit” as possible. Since I have a solid year-round base full of running, hitting the gym and riding my stand-up paddleboard, adding in a few workouts with ski-specific exercises is all I need to prepare my body for skiing strong and longer. Effective pre-season ski training focuses on workouts that combine leg strength, explosive power, core stability, agility, balance and endurance through a variety of exercises. If you are a recreational skier or snowboarder, try my Ski Ready Workout before your next skip trip and you’ll reap the rewards — swishing down the slopes stronger and longer!

thefitfork ski ready workout thefitfork

I suggest doing this cardio + strength workout 2 to 3 times per week for a month. Also, since skiing is typically an all-day activity, I’d throw in an extended hike, long run or bike ride one or two times during the month to prepare you for the extended nature of a full ski day.

thefitfork treadmill 1

Run, Bike or Row: Cardiovascular endurance isn’t just for cross country skiing, it applies to downhill skiing and snowboarding too. Seriously, have you ever tried to sidestep up the mountain to retrieve a lost pole?!   Running, biking, and rowing build a strong heart and lungs while engaging the core, arms and leg muscles. Warm up for 5 minutes on your chosen gym machine (or outdoors) and then alternate a high-intensity effort for 20 seconds with a slower recovery effort of 10 seconds. Complete 8 reps of high-intensity/slow-recovery without coming to a full rest in between. Finish with 5 minutes of a cool down.

thefitfork lateral box jump

Side-to-Side Box Jumps: Executing side-to-side rather than front-to-back box jumps will tune you up for your time in the moguls. Successfully tackling a run packed with moguls requires both explosive power and agility. Box jumps are a great plyometric exercise that will keep you sharp and supple on the slopes. Standing next to a low box or platform (12”), jump up and over, landing firmly in the center of the box. Jump off the box to the opposite side; repeat. Complete 3 sets of 20 jumps.

thefitfork weighted walking lunge

Weighted Walking Lunges: This exercise focuses on single-leg strength, balance, and mobility in the hips, all important for skiing. To start, use a weighted straight bar resting on the shoulders Step forward into a lunge by bending the front knee to 90 degrees, taking care that front knee does not pass toes.  Once your knee is bent to about 90 degrees, thigh parallel to the floor, push up and back to bring your front leg back to the starting position.  Repeat with the opposite leg. Complete 3 sets of 20 lunges.

thefitfork band walk

Band Walks: Step inside an exercise band, allowing it to fall to the ankles or slightly above. Stay low with knees slightly bent outward; keep hips level and chest and eyes oriented forward. Take a single step to the side, bringing opposing foot to meet at each rep. This exercise targets the glutes medius and improves hip stability, both important focus areas for jumping, landing and even just coming to a stop when skiing.  Complete 3 sets of 20 steps (10 steps in each direction).

jennifer fisher bar squat jump

Jump Squats: Jump squats build strength-speed and explosive power, great for jumping and getting through the moguls. Plus, they also improve your cardiovascular system  – just wait and see how out of breath you are at the end of a set! To start, use a lightly-weighted bar behind your shoulders, keep feet shoulder-length apart. Sit down into a squat, keeping core engaged and eyes focused forward. Jump upward, as high as possible, landing softly. Complete 3 sets of 20 reps.’

thefitfork marching wall sit

Marching Wall Sit: “Sitting Against the Wall” is a classic ski conditioning exercise because it targets the quads, important muscles used in skiing that, among many other things, help hold the downhill tucked position. This exercise kicks the quad burn up a notch by marching legs back and forth – not as easy as it looks! Place back against a flat vertical surface and slide down until knees are bent at a 90 degree angle, keep feet shoulder-width apart. Lift each knee, alternating, for 20 total lifts; complete 3 sets.

jennifer fisher v-up square

V-Ups: Strong core muscles provide a stable base to generate strength, power and balance during skiing. One of my favorite core exercises is V-ups; they are straightforward and don’t need any special equipment. To start, lie flat on the floor and stretch out arms behind head. Simultaneously flex at the hips and curl the abs to raise the legs and torso off the floor, keeping arms straight. Pause briefly at mid-point and then lower to the starting position. Complete 3 sets of 20 reps.

Okay, enough of this dry-land exercise stuff! Did you know that downhill skiing and snowboarding burns up to 400 calories per hour (although, I don’t think the time sitting in the chair lift counts)? Warm yourself up with a well-earned treat at the ski lodge or back in the cabin — I’m talking hot chocolates, hot toddies and other scrumptious apres-ski drinks. Check out these two:

Barcelona Hot Chocolate with bittersweet chocolate and espresso!

Barcelona Hot Chocolate with bittersweet chocolate and espresso!

Apple Jack Hot Spiced Cider . . . made with brandy!

Apple Jack Hot Spiced Cider . . . made with brandy!

 

One Week Countdown: Austin Fit Magazine FitTest

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Ready or not, the final countdown (queue music) is on! The AFM FitTest is happening next weekend in Austin, Texas and I’ll be there.  This 12-test event has been my official challenge goal in a sponsored campaign I’m promoting for Under Armour #WhatsBeautiful, a movement of women coming together to redefine the female athlete. Whatever your fitness goals, the point is that you HAVE fitness goals and TODAY is the time to go out and start putting in the work to make them happen.

afmfittest_logo_final

Last year was the debut of AFM FitTest as well as my debut into any sort of competition other than running . . . or cooking. Most of these physical events were well outside my comfort zone; I’m talking standing long jump, precision throws and medicine ball throws – eek!  But, I completed every challenge and survived. Not only did I survive, I was inspired to set some new fitness goals that I never, ever imagined for myself. Looking forward to competing with the ladies of Austin next weekend, here are a few AFM FitTest veterans (including myself) that are heading back for a second shot. I think we all fit perfectly with the philosophy of the Under Armour #WhatsBeautiful campaign.Go ladies!

So, let me give you a little update on how MY training is coming on some of the tests– but not so much as to alert the competition!

2013_05 cap tex tri 1 thefitfork

Mile Run: This will probably be my best event, even though we’ll be running in the late morning sun. Just Recently competed in the CapTexTri (10k) in 90 degree heat, so I should be acclimated.

shuttle run thefitfork jennifer fisher

Shuttle Run: My husband calls these “gassers” and I can see why – I’m all out of fuel by the time I’m finished with the last interval.

jennifer fisher thefitfork weigh pullyup

Pull Ups: Even though I did “okay” last year, I excited to report a significant improvement here thanks to making them weighted in practice!

thefitfork med ball toss

Medicine Ball Toss: Even though they’re using a medicine ball that weighs 2lbs less this year, can’t seem to throw it any further.

By the way, it’s not too late to sign up for the 2013 AFM FITTEST sponsored by Trigger Point Performance. Packet pick-up is on Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. Details can be found at the AFM FITTEST website; you can register in person at packet pick-up (there is NO EVENT DAY registration) or online.