#sunday link-up

[acampos515]

Roasted Broccoli & Sweet Potatoes in Coconut Oil

This week I am making the kid's favorite veggie side dish: Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes in Coconut Oil. It is very simple to make, but quite tasty! The coconut oil enhances the sweetness of the potatoes and roasting the broccoli gives it a nutty flavor. This can be paired with just about anything or could be a Vegetarian main course. Veggies for breakfast?  I also enjoy eating the left overs with scrambled eggs in the morning.  Here is what you need: -Rimmed Baking Sheet -2 Medium sized Sweet Potatoes, peeled -2 to 3 Broccoli Crowns, cut into florets -2 Tbsp Coconut Oli -Kosher Sea Salt (to taste) 1. Place oven rack in upper 1/3 of oven and Preheat oven to 450 degrees 2. Spray Baking Sheet lightly with Cooking Spray (I like to use Olive Oil or Coconut Oil Spray) 3. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into cubes, then cut broccoli crowns into florets and spread on the baking sheet

4. Place 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil on top of the vegetables. If you are not familiar with Coconut Oil it comes as a solid, but will melt when placed in the oven

5. Place in upper 1/3 of the Oven and roast for 5 minutes 6. After approximately 5 minutes, the Coconut Oil should be melted, so take out of the oven and toss vegetables to coat with the oil, then sprinkle with Sea Salt. 7. Place back in the oven and roast for additional 15 to 20 minutes. Remove when broccoli and sweet potatoes are lightly crisped.

What is your favorite way to eat sweet potatoes or broccoli?  Let me know if you try this dish and what you think! 

We hope you enjoy the Sunday Fitness and Food Link-up! Please link-up with any food or fitness posts you would like to share and pass along the link to other bloggers. We just ask that you link back to the hosts, myself and my co-host Ilka and check out the other posts in the link! Also, feel free to add the badge below to your post by copying and pasting the code in the box under our badge. Have a great week and thank you for joining us!

Grab the Badge Below!

http://www.marathonsandmotivation.com/">

An InLinkz Link-up

Are you a Fitness Blogger? Check out this other great link-up, the "Weekly Wrap" with Hoho & Tricia live on Sundays at 5pm.

[acampos515]

5 Tips for Triathlon Training in the Heat

Welcome to the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up! This week I am sharing five tips for triathlon training in the heat. I am a Northern Girl, born and raised in Pennsylvania and currently residing in Maine, which I love! My favorite time to run is in the Fall and Winter. I absolutely love running in the snow! With this being said, ALL of the triathlons I participate in, are in the Summer, so I have learned various ways to help cope when things heat up. 

Here are my top 5 tips for Training in the Heat: 1. SLOW Down: No one likes to hear this, but when it is really hot, take it a bit slower.  If you use a Heart Rate monitor, keep it within range for the distance you are running. In other words, ignore your pace and follow your heart! :-)

  2. HYDRATE: If you are doing a long run, make sure to hydrate well, not only with Water, but also an electrolyte replacement (I use Skratch Exercise Hydration Mix).  One of the big dangers of training (particularly running) in the heat is Hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is a condition that occurs when the level of sodium in your blood is abnormally low. In endurance sports, it is most often caused by drinking too much water without replacing sodium.  Some Symptoms of this life threatening condition are: Nausea & Vomiting, Headache, Confusion, Muscle Weakness, Spasms & Cramps. I like to alternate drinking between water and Skratch on hot days. I also use salt tabs for very long workouts where I am biking and running.

   3. COOL Yourself Down: Create an Ice Slurry if you are going on a long run or bike. You can do this by using a blender and adding ice to water or your favorite sports drink. Blend it to a consistency that is slushy. Put this an insulated bottle to carry with you on the bike. For running, you can do the same and carry it. Alternate it between hands to help cool you down while taking small sips of it. I wear a Nathan Fuel Belt when I run, so I put the slurry in one of the 10 ounce bottles and take a sip of the cold mix at the end of each mile as a reward.  

  4. GET WET: Another great way to keep cool on a hot day is to carry some water to douse over your head as you heat up. I like to take one of the bottles from my fuel belt, fill it with water and place it in the freezer for an hour or two before I head out the door.  It will be slightly frozen, but melt slowly while I am running. I take this water to squirt on my head or splash on my face as I run. Of course, just make sure it is the water that you pour over your head and not your sports drink!  I label my bottles with "W" for water & "S" for Skratch, as I have made this mistake more than once!

  5. ARM COOLERS: Consider wearing Arm Coolers. Arm coolers help to reflect the sun and also aid with evaporative cooling by converting your sweat into a "refrigerant" to help cool the body. An example of these would be the Smashfest Queen Arm Coolers shown above. These are Five of my favorite ways to Beat the Heat!  What is one of your favorite things to keep yourself cool? Is there anything from my list that you might try? We hope you enjoy the Sunday Fitness and Food Link-up! Please link-up with any food or fitness posts you would like to share and pass along the link to other bloggers. We just ask that you link back to the hosts, myself and my co-host Ilka and check out the other posts in the link! Also, feel free to add the badge below to your post by copying and pasting the code in the box under our badge. Have a great week and thank you for joining us!

Grab the Badge Below!

http://www.marathonsandmotivation.com/">

An InLinkz Link-up

Are you a Fitness Blogger? Check out this other great link-up, the "Weekly Wrap" with Hoho & Tricia live on Sundays at 5pm.

[acampos515]

Rainier Cherry Crumble

Welcome to the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up! This week I am sharing a simple, but delicious seasonal dessert recipe: Rainier Cherry Crumble. Rainier cherries are large sweet cherries from the Pacific Northwest. These cherries have a distinctive color and are sweeter than Bing cherries. They have a very short season from June through mid July, so if you see them in the store, grab a pound to try! They are wonderful in any dessert dish, but are also perfect to snack on. One thing to note is that they are a bit more expensive than regular cherries, but definitely worth it!

Here is what you will need:

-3 lbs Rainier Cherries, pitted***++

-2 Tbsp Cornstarch

-2 Tbsp Lemon Juice

-1 Cup of Flour

-1 Cup of Brown Sugar, packed

-1 Tbsp of Pecans, chopped

-1/4 tsp Cinnamon

-1/8 tsp Salt

-8 Tbsp Butter, cut into small pieces

***You may substitute with other cherries, such as Bing, but add 1/2 cup of sugar to cherries.

++Tip: Invest in a sturdy cherry pitter, this is the most time consuming part of the prep and will go quicker with a cherry pitter. I have an OXO one, which works great!

To Make:

1. Preheat oven to 400 Degrees.

2. Place pitted cherries in a large bowl and add Cornstarch & Lemon Juice. Toss cherries to coat in mixture.

3. Pour cherry mixture into 9 inch pie plate or 9 inch cast iron skillet.

4. Combine Flour, Brown Sugar, Pecans, Cinnamon, & Salt in a medium bowl.

5. Cut butter pieces into flour mixture with a Pastry Blender or 2 butter knives. Do this until it looks like coarse meal.

6. Sprinkle Flour mixture over cherries.

7. Place in oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until top begins to brown and cherry mixture thickens.

8. Let stand for approximately 15 minutes before serving.

9. Serve warm by itself of a la mode!

(This recipe was adapted from the Rainier Cherry Crumble recipe in Cooking Light Magazine).

We hope you enjoy the Sunday Fitness and Food Link-up! Please link-up with any food or fitness posts you would like to share (old or new) and pass along the link to other bloggers. We just ask that you limit the links to 3. Also, Please link back to the hosts, myself and my co-host Ilka and check out the other posts in the link & comment on each of the hosts & others that catch your eye! Also, feel free to add the badge below to your post by copying and pasting the code in the box under our badge. Have a great week and thank you for joining us!

Grab the Badge Below!

http://www.marathonsandmotivation.com/">

An InLinkz Link-up

Are you a Fitness Blogger? Check out this other great link-up, the "Weekly Wrap" with Hoho & Tricia live on Sundays at 5pm.

 This recipe is being shared at: Confessions of a Mother Runner , A Whisk and Two Wands ,Running on Happy, The Fit Foodie Mama, Tasty Tuesdays, #Recipe of the week,   Gluten Free Friday, Healthy Vegan Fridays, &  What's for Dinner Link-Up

[acampos515]

Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up: Smoothie Recipes

Welcome to the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up! The snow has finally melted and the tulips are blooming, which means Summer is not too far away. One of my favorite things to make every day during the warmer season is Smoothies. I love packing lots of healthy ingredients into the blender and then drinking it as I head to work or recover after a long training day. The other thing I love about Smoothies is that you can add Protein to them to turn them into a nutritional powerhouse! I used the Amazing Grass Protein Superfood in all the recipes below.  If you would like to try this I have a Discount Code for 30% off on line: SWEATPINKAngela16 (Valid until 5/31/2016).

Here are 3 of my Favorite Recipes:

1. Brilliant Blueberry:

- 1 Cup of Frozen Blueberries

-1 Cup of Vanilla Almond Milk

-1/2 Banana

-1 tsp. Vanilla

-3 or 4 Ice Cubes

-1 Scoop of Protein Superfood- Pure Vanilla 

  2. Island Palm:

-1/2 Cup of Frozen Mango Chunks

-1/2 Cup of Frozen Pineapple Chunks

-1/2 Avocado

-1  Cup of Organic Baby Spinach Leaves

-1 Cup of Almond Coconut Milk

-1 Scoop of Protein Superfood- Original Flavor

-3 or 4 Ice Cubes

  3. Peanut Butter & Jelly:

-1 Cup Chocolate Almond Milk

-1 Cup of Frozen Strawberries

-1/2 Banana

-1 Tbsp of Peanut Butter

-1 Scoop of Protein Superfood- Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor 

-3 or 4 Ice Cubes 

 Are you a Smoothie fan?  Do you enjoy adding protein to your smoothies? Let me know if you give any of the above recipes a try!

We hope you enjoy the Sunday Fitness and Food Link-up! Please link-up with any food or fitness posts you would like to share (old or new) and pass along the link to other bloggers. We just ask that you limit the links to 3. Also, Please link back to the hosts, myself and my co-host Ilka and check out the other posts in the link & comment on each of the hosts & others that catch your eye! Also, feel free to add the badge below to your post by copying and pasting the code in the box under our badge. Have a great week and thank you for joining us!

Grab the Badge Below!

http://www.marathonsandmotivation.com/">

An InLinkz Link-up

This recipe is being shared at:  Tasty Tuesdays, #Recipe of the week,   Gluten Free Friday, Healthy Vegan Fridays, What's for Dinner Link-Up & The Fitness, Health, & Happiness Community

[acampos515]

Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up: Smoothie Recipes

Welcome to the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up! The snow has finally melted and the tulips are blooming, which means Summer is not too far away. One of my favorite things to make every day during the warmer season is Smoothies. I love packing lots of healthy ingredients into the blender and then drinking it as I head to work or recover after a long training day. The other thing I love about Smoothies is that you can add Protein to them to turn them into a nutritional powerhouse! I used the Amazing Grass Protein Superfood in all the recipes below.  If you would like to try this I have a Discount Code for 30% off on line: SWEATPINKAngela16 (Valid until 5/31/2016).

Here are 3 of my Favorite Recipes:

1. Brilliant Blueberry:

- 1 Cup of Frozen Blueberries

-1 Cup of Vanilla Almond Milk

-1/2 Banana

-1 tsp. Vanilla

-3 or 4 Ice Cubes

-1 Scoop of Protein Superfood- Pure Vanilla 

  2. Island Palm:

-1/2 Cup of Frozen Mango Chunks

-1/2 Cup of Frozen Pineapple Chunks

-1/2 Avocado

-1  Cup of Organic Baby Spinach Leaves

-1 Cup of Almond Coconut Milk

-1 Scoop of Protein Superfood- Original Flavor

-3 or 4 Ice Cubes

  3. Peanut Butter & Jelly:

-1 Cup Chocolate Almond Milk

-1 Cup of Frozen Strawberries

-1/2 Banana

-1 Tbsp of Peanut Butter

-1 Scoop of Protein Superfood- Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor 

-3 or 4 Ice Cubes 

 Are you a Smoothie fan?  Do you enjoy adding protein to your smoothies? Let me know if you give any of the above recipes a try!

We hope you enjoy the Sunday Fitness and Food Link-up! Please link-up with any food or fitness posts you would like to share (old or new) and pass along the link to other bloggers. We just ask that you limit the links to 3. Also, Please link back to the hosts, myself and my co-host Ilka and check out the other posts in the link & comment on each of the hosts & others that catch your eye! Also, feel free to add the badge below to your post by copying and pasting the code in the box under our badge. Have a great week and thank you for joining us!

Grab the Badge Below!

http://www.marathonsandmotivation.com/">

An InLinkz Link-up

This recipe is being shared at:  Tasty Tuesdays, #Recipe of the week,   Gluten Free Friday, Healthy Vegan Fridays, What's for Dinner Link-Up & 

[acampos515]

Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up: Smoothie Recipes

Welcome to the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up! The snow has finally melted and the tulips are blooming, which means Summer is not too far away. One of my favorite things to make every day during the warmer season is Smoothies. I love packing lots of healthy ingredients into the blender and then drinking it as I head to work or recover after a long training day. The other thing I love about Smoothies is that you can add Protein to them to turn them into a nutritional powerhouse! I used the Amazing Grass Protein Superfood in all the recipes below.  If you would like to try this I have a Discount Code for 30% off on line: SWEATPINKAngela16 (Valid until 5/31/2016).

Here are 3 of my Favorite Recipes:

1. Brilliant Blueberry:

- 1 Cup of Frozen Blueberries

-1 Cup of Vanilla Almond Milk

-1/2 Banana

-1 tsp. Vanilla

-3 or 4 Ice Cubes

-1 Scoop of Protein Superfood- Pure Vanilla 

  2. Island Palm:

-1/2 Cup of Frozen Mango Chunks

-1/2 Cup of Frozen Pineapple Chunks

-1/2 Avocado

-1  Cup of Organic Baby Spinach Leaves

-1 Cup of Almond Coconut Milk

-1 Scoop of Protein Superfood- Original Flavor

-3 or 4 Ice Cubes

  3. Peanut Butter & Jelly:

-1 Cup Chocolate Almond Milk

-1 Cup of Frozen Strawberries

-1/2 Banana

-1 Tbsp of Peanut Butter

-1 Scoop of Protein Superfood- Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor 

-3 or 4 Ice Cubes 

 Are you a Smoothie fan?  Do you enjoy adding protein to your smoothies? Let me know if you give any of the above recipes a try!

We hope you enjoy the Sunday Fitness and Food Link-up! Please link-up with any food or fitness posts you would like to share (old or new) and pass along the link to other bloggers. We just ask that you limit the links to 3. Also, Please link back to the hosts, myself and my co-host Ilka and check out the other posts in the link & comment on each of the hosts & others that catch your eye! Also, feel free to add the badge below to your post by copying and pasting the code in the box under our badge. Have a great week and thank you for joining us!

Grab the Badge Below!

http://www.marathonsandmotivation.com/">

An InLinkz Link-up

[acampos515]

Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up: GF Veggie Pizza with Cauliflower Crust

Welcome to the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up! This week I am sharing a Gluten-Free Veggie Pizza with Cauliflower Crust. This recipe is quick & easy and, in my opinion, just as delicious as regular pizza, but much easier on the tummy & waistline! 

On Friday nights we have a family pizza night where the kids make their own pizza, toppings and all. It is something we all look forward to after a busy week. In an effort to eat healthy, one of the pizzas we typically whip up is a veggie version with a cauliflower crust, alongside the one's that the kids make.

Here is what you will need:

-1 Head of Cauliflower or a 16 oz bag of Cauliflower Crumbles

-1/2 Cup of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

-1/4 Cup of Shredded Parmesan Cheese

-1/4 tsp of Basil

-1/4 tsp of Oregano

-1 tsp of Minced Garlic

-2 Eggs

-3 Tbsp of Brown Rice Flour

-Your Choice of toppings: We added Pizza Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Goat Cheese Crumbles, Shallots, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Onion, & Artichoke Hearts

1. Preheat Oven to 450 degrees

2. Chop Cauliflower and add to food processor, pulse it until it has a rice like consistency. OR, use Cauliflower Crumbles. I was so excited when I saw this in the produce section of the grocery store, as it will be a real time saver in the kitchen for me.

3. Place "riced"cauliflower in bowl and add 2 Tbsp of water. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and microwave for about 8 minutes.

4. Let the cauliflower cool & be careful when removing plastic wrap as the steam will seep out.

5. Drain cauliflower after it has cooled and place on double layer of paper towels. Then take an additional double layer of paper towels and place on top. Press the moisture out of the cauliflower.

6. Place back in bowl and mix in cheese, basil, oregano, & garlic.

7. Whisk 2 eggs in bowl, then mix eggs into cauliflower concoction.

8. Next, add 3 Tbsp of Brown Rice Flour (you can use regular flour if you are not making gluten free), and blend until well mixed and "dough" is sticky.

9. Spread mixture onto pan coated with olive oil and shape into circle.

10. Add your toppings! I made a veggie pizza, but you can add whatever you like. This pizza has 3/4 Cup of Pizza Sauce, 3/4 cup of Mozzarella Cheese,  3 Tbsp of Goat Cheese Crumbles, 1 sliced shallot, 1/2 Cup of chopped Bell Peppers, 1/4 Cup of Chopped Onions, & 1/4 Cup of Artichoke Hearts.

11. Bake at 450 degrees on center rack of oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges brown slightly and cheese has melted.

12. Let cool and slice! You may need to eat the pizza with a fork when it is hot, but it does have all the wonderful flavors of a standard pizza. (TIP: The longer you let the Pizza cool, the easier it will be to eat like a slice of Pizza, rather than with a fork).

We hope you enjoy the Sunday Fitness and Food Link-up! Please link-up with any food or fitness posts you would like to share (old or new) and pass along the link to other bloggers. We just ask that you limit the links to 3. Also, Please link back to the hosts, myself and my co-host Ilka and check out the other posts in the link & comment on each of the hosts & others that catch your eye! Also, feel free to add the badge below to your post by copying and pasting the code in the box under our badge. Have a great week and thank you for joining us!

Grab the Badge Below!

http://www.marathonsandmotivation.com/">

An InLinkz Link-up