There’s a famous saying - you’re only as good as the plan you follow - or something along those lines. I wholeheartedly agree. Do you have a plan going into each week for what you’ll eat? Do you include any meal prep? Don’t think you have the time? Guess what? You probably do and it takes less time then you think. Before I dive into a couple tips on how to meal plan/prep, let’s talk about why you should even bother.
Read MoreOn Monday (which consequently was also National Pumpkin Day) I posted some of my favorite pumpkin recipes to social media and asked which you’d most like me to share the recipe for. And here it is! These pumpkin muffins have been a go-to recipe for me so far this fall and make a great pre-workout snack or addition to my breakfast. To me they taste like fall. I hope you enjoy!
Read MoreIt is darn right steamy in Chicagoland today (and by the looks of things for a while to come). I don’t know about you, but when the temps creep up, the last thing I want to do is spend a ton of time cooking or eat a steaming hot bowl of pasta. But we still need to eat! Here’s a quick dinner or lunch solution that’s packed with high quality protein, carbs and flavor.
Read MoreDuring these unprecedented times, you may find yourself craving comfort foods. And while you may not always feel like eating them, you also need to consume nutrient rich foods (like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats) to help support your immune system so that it can operate at its best – especially if it is called upon to defend against a common cold, the flu, seasonal allergies or even the coronavirus.
Read MoreIf you’ve been following me over on Instagram, then you know that I was fortunate enough to receive some Verlasso salmon in the mail this week*. I love salmon and was curious about how theirs would compare in taste and flavor to what I am used to. And I was intrigued by their sustainability story. But my husband is not much of a salmon fan. So this was going to be a true test of our relationship – because let’s face it - no one wants to be the ‘coworker cooking fish in the office kitchen’ which, given the current work-from-home situation, our kitchen has become. Well, let me tell you, it did not disappoint and there were no complaints filed with HR. So, without further ado, here are 3 reasons I am loving this salmon right now and a simple recipe for a poke bowl you can make with a couple key ingredients from your fridge and pantry.
Read MoreWe’ve made it to the final post in my series on stocking your kitchen during the quarantine. Today’s post is all about the dairy and meat departments and includes a link to download my master grocery list. Last, but certainly not least, is recipe idea #4 - a sweet treat because couldn’t we all use more cookies in our life right now? Let’s dive in!
Read MoreI don’t know about you, but I’m coming up on two weeks of being stuck at home and starting to run out of ideas for meals. And like me, you might also be running out of fresh options and starting to tap into your frozen foods. So for today’s blog post, I thought I’d share some of my favorite tips for making the most out of both your fresh and frozen finds. Last but certainly not least, I’ve included a recipe inspired by one of my favorite cookbooks, Run Fast, Eat Slow. I used both fresh, frozen and pantry staples in this recipe and it kept for at least 3-4 servings as a main dish salad or 5-6 servings as a side dish. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Read MoreAlright here it is! My pantry list for runners! These are things we have all the time in our pantry. They make meal prep, batch cooking and recipe making that much easier. Some of the items have specific benefits for runners which I’ve tried to include, whereas other items are just good old-fashioned staple foods to always make sure you have in stock in the event of something like the current state of affairs happens.
Read MoreSo if you follow me over on social media, you may have noticed I’ve been a bit quiet these past few days. That’s because as an extroverted introvert (someone who thrives on human interaction but also needs an ample amount of solo time to recharge), I thought I'd handle being stuck at home better than I have. That ends today with some pantry meal ideas aimed at inspiring you to get creative and make a nourishing, balanced meal with what you already have on hand!
Read MoreA couple of weeks ago I asked on Instagram which recipe would be more appealing for me to share: Chicken Tortilla Soup or Gumbo. The verdict? Chicken Tortilla Soup. So here’s a healthier take on a classic soup that’s simple to make (thanks to the crock-pot) and is filled with protein and fiber and is topped with crispy tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Read MoreLet’s face it: salads can be downright boring. And difficult to adequately fuel hungry endurance athletes. But they don’t have to be. A salad can be an easy way to get in a ton of nutrients from colorful veggies and lean protein. Follow these 5 tips to build a better salad that not only provides tons of nutrition but satisfies!
Read MoreThese pancakes are delicious treat that are easy to whip up and ready in no time. They also contain protein and carbohydrates great for post-workout recovery nutrition. Top with additional sliced banana and some walnuts for crunch and a healthy dose of good-for-you fat and you’ve got a stack that’ll stick with you and satisfy.
Read MoreLately I’ve been getting a lot of requests for an easy breakfast that can be meal-prepped in advance so you can grab and go and get out the door in no time. One of my favorites: overnight oats. Why? There are so many options and ways you can modify this recipe to your own taste preferences. It also meets my suggested criteria for a healthy, satisfying and delicious start to your day.
Read MoreLast week I introduced you to the 3 Rs of post-workout nutrition to help optimize recovery so you can get the most out of the work you put it. We focused on repairing and rebuilding muscle with protein - probably one of my favorite topics to write or talk about. This week we focus on the other macro-nutrient essential to recovering after a workout - carbohydrates.
Read MoreDo you struggle with your appetite following a hard workout? Or do you know you have to eat but even the thought of it makes you nauseous? I've been there. And trust me. You'll feel better once you do. These cookies are just the thing to munch on when you don’t have much of an appetite or need some quick fuel post workout. Enjoy!
Read MoreCitrus fruits are at their peak right now — so what better time to find new and unique ways to use them. My all time favorite? Juicy, red grapefruits from Texas. I literally can not get enough of these when they are in season. I eat them like an orange and devour them in a matter of minutes. Rich in vitamins A and C, I love their sweet, tart flavor. Unfamiliar with farro? Similar to brown rice but a bit heartier and chewier (although not gluten free), farro is a good source of protein, fiber, many of the B vitamins, zinc and iron - nutrients most endurance athletes need more of in their lives.
Read MoreBeing from Rochester, NY–which is just under an hour west of Buffalo–and having lived in and traveled there most of my life to visit family–this chili brings back memories and flavors of home. It also satisfies while saving on clean-up (no need for hand wipes). Top with crumbly blue cheese. Chicken wings in a bowl. Enjoy!
Read MoreA delish salad to add to your holiday table featuring all the colors of the season.
Read MoreThis recipe is a great way to sneak in some fruits/veggies while lightening up your typical breakfast sausage. In addition, the apples and onions help keep the patties moist. I love making a big batch of these and then freezing individual patties so I can just cook when I’m ready to eat them.
Read MoreI love this simple soup as a holiday starter. And starting with a broth based soup can help fill you up so you indulge less in the calorie dense foods served next. This soup has a nice added kick from the chipotle powder. If you find it too spicy you can back off or omit that ingredient entirely. Enjoy!
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