Fit Snack | Fit Guide 4 2023

by | Apr 26, 2023 | Fit Life Guide

Hello, Fit Snacker, and Welcome to your Fit Snack Guide.

Inside you’ll find:

Fitness Challenge

Meditation & Mindfulness

Vinyasa Yoga – All Levels

Healthy Recipes

What’s in this month’s Box?

Here are some health tips and tricks for the month of April:

  1. Spring clean your pantry: Use April as an opportunity to go through your pantry, get rid of any unhealthy snacks, and replace them with nutritious options like nuts, seeds, whole-grain crackers, and dried fruit.
  2. Avoid processed foods and opt for whole foods instead. Processed snacks are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
  3. Make sure you’re staying hydrated throughout the day. Drinking plenty of water can help keep your body functioning properly and prevent dehydration.
  4. Choose healthy snacks that are high in protein and fiber to help keep you full and satisfied. Some good options include nuts, seeds, fruit, and vegetables.
  5. Try to incorporate some form of physical activity into your daily routine, whether it’s going for a walk, practicing yoga, or doing a workout at home.
  6. Get enough sleep each night. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep to help support your overall health and well-being.
  7. Practice mindfulness and stress-reducing activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling.
  8. Reduce your intake of sugary beverages and instead opt for water, herbal tea, or low-sugar alternatives.
  9. Choose healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, and seeds instead of unhealthy fats such as fried foods and processed snacks.
  10. Don’t forget to take breaks and practice self-care throughout the day. This can include taking a few deep breaths, going for a short walk, or taking a break from your computer screen.

Fitness Challenge Vol 4 2023

Your Personal Trainer created a workout perfect for all levels. Enjoy your workout with Kelsi, one of our favorite Fit Snack Trainers, this month!

Fitness Challenge Levels:

Beginners – Perform it 1x through at your own pace. The video takes you through each exercise. Enjoy stretching at the end.

Moderate to High Intensity: Build the intensity by working up to 5 Rounds where you will repeat round 2 and 3 in between the warm-up and cool down! Challenge yourself with pace and form.

Motivation What are your goals? What steps are you taking each day to reach your goals? IG @fitsnack #FueledByFitSnack #FitSnackChallenge

Meditation

Meditation and Mindfulness Tips:

Kindness meditation is a form of meditation that involves cultivating feelings of kindness, compassion, and goodwill towards oneself and others. It can be a powerful tool for developing a more positive and compassionate mindset.

To practice kindness meditation, find a quiet and comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to help you relax.

Begin by bringing to mind someone you care about, perhaps a family member or friend. Visualize this person in your mind’s eye and repeat the following phrases silently to yourself:

“May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you be safe. May you live with ease.”

Repeat these phrases several times, allowing yourself to really feel the intention behind them. You may find that as you repeat the phrases, you begin to feel a sense of warmth and compassion towards the person in your mind’s eye.

Next, turn your attention to yourself and repeat the same phrases, substituting “I” for “you.” Allow yourself to really feel the kindness and compassion you are extending towards yourself.

Finally, extend these same feelings of kindness and compassion to all beings, repeating the phrases silently to yourself:

“May all beings be happy. May all beings be healthy. May all beings be safe. May all beings live with ease.”

Allow yourself to sit with these feelings of kindness and compassion for as long as you like. When you’re ready, slowly open your eyes and take a few deep breaths before returning to your day.

By practicing kindness meditation regularly, you can cultivate a greater sense of compassion and kindness towards yourself and others, which can lead to greater happiness and well-being.

Yoga With Kimmy

French Inspired Hummus Dip (Yield: 12 servings)

If you like Tahini you are welcome to add it to your recipe. I prefer making my hummus
without Tahini. I never liked hummus so I made this one and added my own twist to it. Now it’s my go to.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can garbanzo beans
  • 2 tbsp. water
  • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1/2 Tbsp garlic clove minced
  • 1 tsp French Inspired Blend (From Mola Foods)
  • 1/2 tsp. salt

Instructions:

Using a food processor, add garbanzo, water, french inspired blend, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Mix until you get a smooth creamy texture. You may need to add a little bit more water to thin it out more; also you may need to add salt to your liking. Refrigerate in a tight lid container. Serve with crackers or your favorite vegetables. Garnish with chives if you like. Serve with Plantain Chips

Enjoy!

Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Asparagus Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

  • Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
  • Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  • While the chicken is cooking, prepare the asparagus salad. In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
  • Serve the grilled chicken with the asparagus salad on the side.

Spring Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 yellow squash, diced
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Directions:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
  • While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the roasted vegetables. In a large bowl, toss the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
  • Once the quinoa and vegetables are cooked, combine them in a large bowl. Add the chopped parsley, basil, mint, and feta cheese (if using), and toss to combine.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss to coat.
  • Serve the salad warm or chilled.

Chewy Gooey Apple Pie Cookies

Ingredients:

Filling:

  1. 2 Apples peeled and chopped small
  2. 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch
  3. 1/2 C. water
  4. 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
  5. 2 Tbsp butter
  6. 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
  7. 1 Tsp. cinnamon

Cookie Dough

  1. 1/2 C. melted butter
  2. 1/2 C. brown sugar
  3. 1 Egg
  4. 1 Tsp. vanilla
  5. 3/4 C. Oat flour (2 Earnest Eats Pumpkin Spice Cups)
  6. 3/4 C. All purpose flour
  7. 1 Tsp. cinnamon
  8. 1/2 Tsp. baking powder
  9. 1/4 Tsp. salt

Crumble Topping:

1 Earnest Eats Apple Ginger Bar crumbled up

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  2. To make the filling, combine your filling ingredients in a saucepan and cook on low to medium heat until your apples are nice and tender. add a couple tablespoons of water if necessary.
  3. Lets move onto the cookie dough next.
  4. Combine all of your wet ingredients in a large bowl and mix on low.
  5. Next, add your dry ingredients and mix until cookie dough is well combined. For the oat flour, we used two Earnest Eats Superfood Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cups and blended them for 20 seconds to make 1 1/2 cups of oat flour for this recipe!
  6. Once dough is combined, allow it to rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  7. Take your chilled dough and form 10-12 small ball shapes and roll them into a sugar and cinnamon mixture.
  8. Place each cookie ball onto your cookie sheet evenly spaced apart. Press the center down of each with the edge of a tablespoon.
  9. Scoop your apple pie filling into the center of each cookie. Add your crumble topping on top. Place your cookie sheet in the oven for 14-16 minutes and watch the baking magic unfold!
  10. Pull them out of the oven and let them cool before you enjoy! These cookies are a true gooey tribute to your grammy’s apple pie.

What’s in Your Box?

Share tag us @fitsnack on Social Media

Mola Foods | Plantain Chips

Plantain Chips are a healthy snack and are delicious! A go-to snack for children all around the African continent! Oh and if you have ever been to India, then you know plantain chips are popular there as well. Enjoy!

To purchase, visit www.MolaFoods.com and use fitsnack20 for 20% off.

SIMPLE | SIMPLE Chocolate Sea Salt

These bars are simple, gluten-free, and low sugar. The perfect snack for diabetes, Hashimoto, or simply a guilt-free snack!

To purchase, visit SimpleBars.com and use coupon code fitsnack10 for 10% off.

SIMPLE | SIMPLE Almond Matcha & Chia

These bars are simple, gluten-free, and low sugar. The perfect snack for diabetes, Hashimoto, or simply a guilt-free snack!

To purchase, visit SimpleBars.com and use coupon code fitsnack10 for 10% off.

Ernest Eats |Baked Apple Ginger Bar

Chew, soft almond butter bar with organic apples, walnuts and warm spices for a healthy, tasty snack.

To purchase, visit www.EarnestEats.com

Bakery on Main | Unsweetened Oatmeal

A perfect multigrain base of certified gluten-free oats, flax, chia seeds, and the ancient grains, quinoa and amaranth to create your own unique combination of any flavors your taste buds desire!

To purchase, visit BakeryOnMain.com

Green Mustache | Mustache Munchies, Spicyish

Inspired by a childhood classic, Mustache Munchies are plant-based “cheese” crackers that are also organic, gluten-free, dairy-free and guilt-free.

To purchase, visit www.GetGreenMustache.com and use fitsnack20 for 20% off.

Kaze | Kaze Gouda Cheese Bites

Healthy and delicious keto friendly crunchy cheese snack made with 100% real cheese, perfect for on-the-go and pantry stock-up!

To purchase, visit www.KazeCheese.com and use coupon code fitsnack20 for 20% off.

SIETE | Guego Grain Free Tortilla Chips

Hot potato, hot potato, who’s got the hot potato? If you’ve got the fuego papitas, then you do! Our Kettle Cooked Fuego Potato Chips deliver that can’t-get-enough old-school crunch with bold fuego flavor.

To purchase, visit www.SieteFoods.com.com

Fit Snack’s Earth Month Recipe Challenge

by | Apr 19, 2023 | Uncategorized

Promoting Sustainable Food Choices and Supporting Local Agriculture

In honor of Earth Month, Fit Snack is hosting a recipe challenge to promote sustainable food choices and support local agriculture. We want to encourage our followers to create a recipe using only ingredients that are in season and grown locally. This not only promotes sustainable food choices but also supports local agriculture and reduces the environmental impact of transportation.

Why Eating Seasonal and Locally-Sourced Ingredients is Important

Eating seasonally and locally-sourced ingredients is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and support local farmers. When you choose to eat foods that are in season and grown locally, you reduce the amount of energy required to transport and store the food. This means fewer greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller environmental impact.

Additionally, buying from local farmers supports your local economy and helps ensure that small-scale farmers can continue to thrive. It also promotes biodiversity, as farmers are more likely to grow a variety of crops when they have a local market for them.

How to Participate in Fit Snack’s Recipe Challenge

To participate in our recipe challenge, create a recipe using only ingredients that are in season and grown locally. This can include fruits, vegetables, grains, and other whole foods. Be creative and experiment with different flavor combinations!

Once you’ve created your recipe, share a photo and the recipe instructions on social media using the hashtag #FitSnackEarthMonth. Make sure to tag us (@fitsnack) in your post so we can see your submission.

We’ll be accepting recipe submissions throughout the month of April, and the winner will be announced in early May. The winning recipe will receive a free 3-month Fit Snack subscription, which includes a monthly box of healthy snacks and supplements.

Let’s Make a Positive Impact on the Environment

By participating in Fit Snack’s Earth Month recipe challenge, you can make a positive impact on the environment and support local agriculture. Eating seasonally and locally-sourced ingredients is a simple but powerful way to reduce your carbon footprint and support your local community.

We can’t wait to see what delicious and creative recipes our followers come up with!

Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie

Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie

by | Apr 18, 2023 | Food for thought, Recipes

Blend your way to a delicious and nutritious snack or meal with this smoothie that checks all the right boxes. Creamy almond milk, protein-packed Greek yogurt, and fiber-rich oats and bananas come together in a symphony of goodness, while spinach and cinnamon bring in a boost of vitamins, minerals, and blood sugar regulation. Don’t let the healthy ingredients fool you – almond butter adds a dollop of healthy fats and honey brings in natural sweetness. Sip on this smoothie and enjoy improved gut health all while feeling full and satisfied.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 tbsp almond butter
  • ice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine the banana, oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, almond butter, spinach, cinnamon, and honey.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Add ice if desired and blend again.
  4. Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy!

This smoothie is packed with nutrients from a variety of sources and can provide a healthy and tasty start to your day!

The Alarming Facts About Stress and How to Manage It

The Alarming Facts About Stress and How to Manage It

by | Apr 14, 2023 | Healthy Lifestyle

April is Stress Awareness Month, and it’s a time to focus on a common issue that affects millions of people globally. Stress can have significant negative impacts on both mental and physical health, which is why it’s crucial to identify its signs and adopt healthy coping mechanisms.

One of the lesser-known stress facts is that it can impact our immune system. According to a study by Carnegie Mellon University, chronic stress can make us more susceptible to infections by reducing the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens.

Stress is a natural response to a challenging situation, and while it can be beneficial in some cases, prolonged exposure to stress can lead to several health problems. For instance, research has linked chronic stress to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and depression.

The statistics on stress are concerning. According to the American Institute of Stress, around 77% of Americans experience physical symptoms caused by stress, while 73% report experiencing psychological symptoms. Moreover, work-related stress costs U.S. businesses an estimated $300 billion annually.

Stress can manifest in various ways, including physical and emotional symptoms. However, adopting healthy habits can significantly help manage stress and improve overall well-being.

One effective way to manage stress is through regular exercise. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress hormones like cortisol and increase endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Additionally, regular exercise can improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted by stress.

Another way to manage stress is through meditation and mindfulness practices. Research has shown that mindfulness-based interventions can reduce stress and improve psychological well-being. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment and accepting it without judgment, while deep breathing exercises can help slow down our heart rate and lower our blood pressure.

Diet also plays a significant role in managing stress. Consuming foods high in magnesium, such as spinach, almonds, and avocados, has been shown to reduce stress levels. Magnesium is essential for regulating the nervous system and has a calming effect on the body.

Stress is a prevalent issue that can significantly impact our mental and physical health. By adopting healthy habits such as regular exercise, meditation, and consuming foods high in magnesium, we can manage stress and improve our overall well-being. It’s time to take stress seriously and prioritize our well-being.

The Top 10 Things the Most Successful People Do on the Weekends

The Top 10 Things the Most Successful People Do on the Weekends

by | Apr 14, 2023 | Healthy Lifestyle

Weekends are not just for lounging around, but a time to refuel, recharge, and seize the opportunity to enhance productivity, creativity, and well-being. You can’t afford to let this time slip away! Here are the top 10 things that the most successful people do on the weekends that you can also incorporate into your routine:

  1. Prioritize rest and relaxation: As much as it might seem counterintuitive, downtime is essential to help reduce stress, increase productivity and improve memory, mood, and cognitive function.
  2. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise not only reduces the risk of chronic diseases but also enhances productivity and work performance. So, why not use the weekends to engage in physical activities that you love?
  3. Spend quality time with family and friends: The support and connections you have with your loved ones play a significant role in your overall well-being and happiness. Therefore, it’s important to allocate time for bonding with family and friends, which can reduce stress and provide emotional support.
  4. Pursue your passions: When you engage in activities that fulfill and satisfy you outside of work, it can significantly reduce stress and enhance creativity. It’s a chance to explore new interests, learn new skills, and add more meaning to your life.
  5. Disconnect from work: Constant connectivity to work can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and fatigue. By unplugging from work on the weekends, you can recharge your batteries and come back to work with renewed energy.
  6. Practice self-care: Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation, massage, or a relaxing bath, can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Take the time to care for yourself to recharge your mental and emotional batteries.
  7. Plan for the upcoming week: Planning for the week ahead can help reduce stress and enhance productivity by providing structure and direction. It’s an excellent way to avoid feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list and ensures that you stay on track.
  8. Learn new things: Learning new skills and knowledge can boost creativity and enhance cognitive functioning. So, why not use the weekends to read, take a course, or attend a workshop?
  9. Volunteer: Giving back to your community can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet new people, make a difference, and improve your well-being.
  10. Prioritize your health: Your health is critical for optimal performance and well-being. Use the weekends to prioritize your health by eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep.

The weekends are not just a time to unwind and relax, but also an opportunity to improve your overall well-being and success. By incorporating these top 10 habits into your weekend routine, you too can take your weekends to the next level and set yourself up for success in all areas of your life. So go ahead, make the most of your weekend, and strive for greatness! Remember, success is not just about what you do during the workweek, but also how you recharge and improve yourself during your time off.