Link Love #77 + a Super Power Bite Recipe & Giveaway

Today is going to be a really exciting Tuesday. Not only do I have my usual link love below, but I also have a delicious recipe and giveaway!

A couple weeks ago, I received a sample of Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Hearts. If you’re not familiar with hemp hearts, they are shelled hemp seeds that are considered a “superfood.” They provide 10g of plant-based protein and 10g of Omegas per 30g serving. With a slightly nutty flavor, they are great on salads, smoothies, ice cream, oatmeal, and more. I’m personally a fan of rolling some protein bites in hemp seeds for a nutty, sweet treat!

Chocolate Berry Super Power Bites

Makes 55-60 bites
Adapted from Cotter Crunch’s Gluten Free Triple Berry Chocolate Cake Bites

Ingredients
– 1/3 cup ground Strawberry Power O’s [can sub vanilla protein powder]
– 3/4 cup coconut flour
– 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
– 1 scoop Healthy Skoop SweetGreens A Game [can sub 1 tbsp protein powder or coconut flour]
– 1/4 cup granola
– 1 cup nut butter [I used Peanut Butter & Co. Dark Chocolate Dreams]
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts

Directions
Grind up the Power O’s and mix in a large bowl with the coconut flour, protein powder, Skoop, & granola.

In a smaller bowl, microwave the nut butter and honey to make mixing easier. Pour over the dry mixture, add in the vanilla extract and mix, allowing the nut butter to cool before adding in the chocolate chips. Mix everything except the hemp hearts until incorporated well.

In a small bowl, measure out the hemp hearts and using a 1/2 tbsp measuring spoon, measure out the bites and roll in the hemp hearts. Store in the freezer for quick and easy snackage!

Nutritional Information
Per 1/2 tbsp bite
45 Calories / 3g Fat / 5g Carbs / 1g Fiber / 3g Sugar / 2g Protein

Want to win your own bag of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts? Click here to enter my giveaway!

Health

Why Eating A Brownie Can Be Good For You – Love & Zest

Why Eating A Brownie Can Be Good For You – Love & Zest
The dark side of wearable fitness trackers – FitKnitChick
What to Do When You Gain Weight – Eating Bird Food
Food with Benefits – Carla Birnberg via EleVen by Venus
The Amazing Benefits of Honey – Organic Runner Mom

Fitness

“Ups” Pyramid Workout with Cardio Intervals – Pumps & Iron

“Ups” Pyramid Workout with Cardio Intervals – Pumps & Iron
Triple Threat Tabata Workout – Fitnessista
1,000 Rep Workout – Lindsay’s List
At Home Bodyweight Workout – Survive & Thrive
Weekend Warrior 3: Reach The Summit Advanced Workout – Lifting Revolution

Food

Grain-Free Chocolate Donuts with Peanut Butter Sprinkles – Yeah…immaeatthat

Grain-Free Chocolate Donuts with Peanut Butter Sprinkles – Yeah…immaeatthat
Double Chocolate Brownie Irish Car Bomb Cheesecakes – Half Baked harvest
Sesame Crusted Salmon with a Zesty Ginger-garlic Drizzle {Gluten Free} – Cara’s Healthy Cravings via Cotter Crunch
Roasted Broccoli with Curry Dipping Sauce – Delish Knowledge
Vegan Peanut Butter Shorties – Radiant Rachels

Food for Thought

Have you ever tried hemp hearts?
What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #73

I have to admit, I totally expected yesterday to feel like 2 days. And today? Oooh, it’s a doozy! But there were a few things that made the day a little easier. Before I even got out the door, I got a picture of this little cutie.

I can’t believe how big she’s getting! And look at those little curls. Gah she’s the cutest!

And finishing up my shift at my first job, a gym member came in with this guy.

Such a sweet dog. I wish they came in earlier so we could have played more! Sometimes it’s the little things that make the day better. And to make your day a little better..

Health

How Weight Training Can Help You Keep the Weight Off – The New York Times Well

How Weight Training Can Help You Keep the Weight Off – The New York Times Well
Key Nutrients for Marathon Training – Elisa Zied via Carrots ‘N’ Cake
Why You Should Think Twice About Vegetarian and Vegan Diets – Chris Kresser
How to Eat Clean: The Do’s and Don’ts of Healthy Clean Eating – Clean Eating Veggie Girl
Stop Hacking Life – Carla Birnberg

Fitness

5 Ways to POWER UP Your Push Up – Cotter Crunch

5 Ways to POWER UP Your Push Up – Cotter Crunch
Weekend Warrior 2: The Trifecta Workout – Lifting Revolution
Legs + Abs + Arms Boot Camp Workout – Peanut Butter Fingers
Barre Ab Burner {Video} – Fitessista
Build a Better Butt – Pancake Warriors

Food

Paleo Chocolate Coconut Tart – Eating Bird Food

Paleo Chocolate Coconut Tart + Healthy Valentine’s Day Desserts – Eating Bird Food
The Last Chili Recipe You’ll Ever Need – Coconuts & Kettlebells
Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
Nutella Oatmeal Cookie Shake – How Sweet It Is
Cuban Fish Tacos with Citrus Mango Slaw + Chipotle Lime Crema – Half Baked Harvest

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #58

Have you entered my Athleta giveaway yet?

I mentioned recently that I’ve been taking more impromptu rest days than before. In my head, I sometimes feel like I’m being lazy when I get home from work and sit my butt on the sofa. But when I really thought about it, part of the reason I’m resting is because my legs feel so fatigued. It’s easy to forget that standing for 6-8 hours at a time, with one or two 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute break, can really take a toll! I may not be on the treadmill or running outside, but there’s a reason standing desks are all the rage. Besides, we all know that sometimes we need to just slow down and go for a walk.

That said, I’m well aware that standing doesn’t have the same benefits as more intense aerobic activity, however, you bet your butt putting my feet up after a long day definitely helps me push it harder at the gym the next day! Wouldn’t want to put myself too hard, right? [How ’bout that transition!]

Health

Why Exercising Too Much Hurts Your Gut – The Paleo Mom

Why Exercising Too Much Hurts Your Gut – The Paleo Mom
The 7 Best Nuts for Your Health and Performance – Stack
Top Five “Clean Eating” Mistakes People Make When Trying to Lose Bodyfat – Beauty Lies in Strength
3 all-or-nothing’ healthy living mindsets debunked – FitKnitChick
Are you *emotionally* overweight? (guest post) – Five Finger Fitness via Carla Birnberg

Fitness

Fitness in 5 Minutes – Cotter Crunch

Fitness in 5 Minutes – Cotter Crunch
The Kettlebell Encyclopedia: 30 Of The Best Kettlebell Exercises {Gifs} – Lifting Revolution
The PSL Workout {aka The Pumpkin Workout} – Love Life Surf
10×10 Full Body Workout – The Almond Eater
Guest Post: 4 Yoga Poses For Tight Hips – Infinite Beings via Keep It SimpELLE

Food

White Chocolate Pumpkin Snack Cake with Maple Cream Cheese – The Nutritious Kitchen

White Chocolate Pumpkin Snack Cake with Maple Cream Cheese – The Nutritious Kitchen
Roasted Acorn Squash with Pears and Miso Dressing – Edible Perspective
Grain-free and dairy-free almond butter lava cakes – Fitnessista
Creamy Coconut Millet Porridge with Cinnamon Vanilla Poached Pears – The Soulful Spoon
Pumpkin Breakfast Quinoa with Maple Whipped Ricotta – Food Faith Fitness via Julie’s Eats & Treats

Food for Thought

Do you ever discount your daily activity when considering your workouts?
What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #51

Have you entered my AMRAP giveaway yet?

Check me out, two posts in a row! It took a few days but I think we’re getting back into the groove over here. I have to wish my oldest brother a very happy birthday. Without him, I wouldn’t have my little Jilly Bean! He’s a pretty great brother and father too though 😉

Health

This is What Dieting Does to Your Body – Better With Sprinkles

This is What Dieting Does to Your Body – Better With Sprinkles
The Importance of DHEA and an Omega-3 Packed Recipe! – Cotter Crunch
3 Reasons You’re NOT Losing Fat – Mussel FIT
Debunking Yet Another Low Carb Claim – According to Elle
How Can You Tell if You’re Overexercising? – FitKnitChick via Carla Birnberg

Fitness

Jump’N Pass Kettle Bell Workout – Lifting Revolution

Jump’N Pass Kettlebell Workout – Lifting Revolution
5 Ways to Transition Your Summer Workouts Into Fall – Trainer Paige
5 to 50 Ab Workout – Pumps & Iron
Protein Intake and Timing for Reducing Body Fat – Run to the Finish
15 minute Labor Day bodyweight home workout purely training #77 – Purely Twins

Food

Slow Cooker Japanese Pork and Ramen Soup – Country Clever

Slow Cooker Japanese Pork and Ramen Soup – Country Clever
Almond Butter Banana Bread Muffins – Fit Foodie Finds
Asian Farro Medly with Salmon – Skinnytaste
Smoky Chipotle Cheddar Burgers with Mexican Street Corn Fritters – Half Baked Harvest
Hidden Veggies Two Bite Brownies w/ Caramel Drizzle – The Healthy Maven

Food for Thought

What are some of your favorite posts recently?

Link Love #50

Home. It just feels so good. We just got in last night but were able to meet up with my parents when we got in and it was so good to see them. It’s going to be a busy week with everything we have planned, trying to see as many people as possible in such a short amount of time, but it’s just so worth the craziness. Time to soak it in..

Health

The Second Wind of Dreaming Big – Cotter Crunch

The Second Wind of Dreaming Big – Cotter Crunch
Speed Round Time: SLEEP or SWEAT? – Carla Birnberg
Define Your Healthy – JillFit
6 Easy Ways to Be Healthier Today – I Heart Vegetables
5 Reasons You Need Strength Training – Xen Strength via Yahoo! Beauty

Fitness

Fun and Effective Strength Training Workout Routine – The Lemon Bowl

Fun and Effective Strength Training Workout Routine – The Lemon Bowl
Legs 4 Days Workout: Bodyweight Workout For Your Lower Body – Lifting Revolution
Sexy Arms Dumbbell Circuit Workout with 10 Minute Cardio HIIT – Fit Foodie Finds
Target It All Workout – Fit ‘n’ Cookies
Got a Dumbbell and 30 Minutes? You Can Do This Workout – Trainer Paige

Food

Skillet Tomato Casserole with White Beans and Parmesan Croutons – The Law Student’s Wife

Skillet Tomato Casserole with White Beans and Parmesan Croutons – The Law Student’s Wife
Slow Cooker Spiced Lamb Gyros with Frites and Mint Aioli – Climbing Grier Mountain
Summer Panzanella with Watermelon, Pesto Cornbread, and Feta – Eats Well With Others
Farmers Market Sesame Miso Noodle Bowls with Garlic Chips – Half Baked Harvest
Move over fig newton cookies, hello fig newton bread – Purely Twins

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #48

Wow, where did Monday go?! Yesterday completely flew by but I’m thinking I’ll take some more of those days right about now. With each passing day, I’m getting more and more excited to head back home! There are also lots of exciting things going on over here that I’m hoping to share with you soon. Let’s just say fingers crossed! In the meantime, my birthday is coming up pretty quickly and of course dinner reservations have already been made [at NOPA] and I’m getting super psyched!

I have no smooth transition into links this week, so I’m just going to say enjoy! 😉

Health

Why We Eat Resistant Starches for Gut Health – Cotter Crunch

Why We Eat Resistant Starches for Gut Health – Cotter Crunch
The 5 stages of change (guest post) – Erica House via Carla Birnberg
Diet Review: The Clay Diet – Food & Nonsense
Hacking Your Cravings: How To Use Taste & Bulk to Your Advantage – Erika Nall via JillFit
Is your workout causing you to gain weight? – Run to the Finish

Fitness

20 Minute Leg Burner – The Almond Eater

20 Minute Leg Burner – The Almond Eater
A Do-Anywhere, Full-Body Resistance Band Workout – Greatist
What Heart Rate Tells You About Your Workout: Is Your Heart Going To Explode? – Lifting Revolution
Resistance Band Loop Leg Workout – Fitnessista
Booty Blaster Workout Finisher – Trainer Paige

Food

Easiest Bourbon Peach Dump with Buttered Popcorn – Half Baked Harvest

Easiest Bourbon Peach Dump with Buttered Popcorn – Half Baked Harvest
Chocolate Vanilla Swirl Cashew Butter – Fit Foodie Finds
Pan Seared Mahi Mahi over Sticky Coconut “Rice” with Mango Salsa – PaleOMG
Savory Bacon Granola – Honestly Yum
Caramelized Peach, Mascarpone and Dark Chocolate Grilled Cheese – How Sweet It Is

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #46

After a weekend off from workouts, I was ready to hit the gym yesterday. To be honest, my legs were still sore from Friday’s workout [say what?!] but I knew I was ready to get them moving again. It was a little rough, but damn, it felt good. The sunburn, however, is still not my friend and still looking a little too purple for my liking. Lesson. Learned. Seriously.

Well, it hasn’t been too long since my last link love, but there were some really, especially wonderful posts over the past week that I’ve been excited to share with you. Enjoy!

Health

Overcoming Negative Thoughts – Love, Life, Surf

Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Learning to Fly – Love, Life, Surf
Everyone Has a Hard – Carla Birnberg
How Often Do You Rest? – Mommy Run Faster
Do Runners (and all Athletes) Really Need a Walk Break? – Cotter Crunch
Why I No Longer Strive for Balance – Caroline Winn Photography

Fitness

WAHM Tabata Workout: 20 Minute Fat Burning Workout – MusselFIT

WAHM Tabata Workout: 20 Minute Fat Burning Workout – MusselFIT
A DIY 30 Minute Whole Body Workout – FitKnitChick
Booty Burner Workout – Reach Your Peak
You’re 5 Minutes Away From a Rock Solid Ab Workout – Lifting Revolution
She ROCKS Boot-Camp Workout – She Rocks Fitness

Food

The Ultimate Veggie Sandwich – Edible Perspective

The Ultimate Veggie Sandwich – Edible Perspective
Superfood Cookie Dough – Fitnessista
Nectarine and Fig Summer Salad with Crispy Pancetta – How Sweet It Is
No Bake Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecakes – Minimalist Baker
Caramelized Peach + Cherry, Prosciutto and Gorgonzola Salad w/Buckwheat Crêpes – Half Baked Harvest

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #44

Have you entered my Bob’s Red Mill giveaway?

It’s only Tuesday but I’m already glad we had such a low key weekend. I can tell this week is going to be crazy nuts so I’m trying to make the most of every free second I have. I’m not usually one for making lunches the night before but I’m so glad I have been this week.. helloooooo extra sleep! Even if it is only 30 minutes extra.. Take what you can get, right? Now if I had a post below about how imperative sleep is, that would be a perfect transition. But I don’t. So here ya go 😉

Health

Should You Count Calories to Lose Weight? – Trainer Paige

Should You Count Calories to Lose Weight? – Trainer Paige
Orthorexia: The Fine Line Between Eating Clean & Eating Disorder – To Live & Diet in L.A.
4 Tips for Taking Citicism Without Falling Apart – Carla Birnberg
4 Reasons to Eat Fermented Food – Mommy Run Faster
Tips for Overcoming Excuses & Getting the Best Out of Exercise – Zen and Spice

Fitness

Hydration and Race Day Tactics – Cotter Crunch

Hydration and Race Day Tactics – Cotter Crunch
The Women’s Guide To Increasing Strength Without Increasing Bulk – Lifting Revolution
Secrets to Success: Arm Strengthening – Tina Muir
High Intensity Workout in 12 Minutes – Fit2Flex
Fit Friday: Top 4 Back Exercises for Women – Monica Nelson via Eating Bird Food

Food

Roasted Vegetable Tacos with Cumin Cashew Crema – The Roasted Root via Hummusapien

Roasted Vegetable Tacos with Cumin Cashew Crema – The Roasted Root via The Hummusapien
Grilled Cherry Milkshakes – Edible Perspective
Salmon Fig Pesto Pizza {Gluten Free} – Health, Love, & Chocolate
100-Calorie Peanut Butter Swirl Buckwheat Brownies – Fit Foodie Finds
Toasted Walnut Pesto and Caramelized Nectarine Pizza w/ Spicy Balsamic Drizzle – Half Baked Harvest

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #42

This week is all about go, go, go for me. So that’s exactly what I’m giving you—some quick link lovin’! Enjoy 🙂

Health

7 Signs You Should Eat a Burger, Fries, & Even Ice Cream – Lifting Revolution

7 Signs You Should Eat a Burger, Fries, & Even Ice Cream – Lifting Revolution
Why You’ll Fail At Losing Weight – Workout Nirvana
Chronic Inflammation and Turmeric Ginger Lemonade – Cotter Crunch
A Note (Rant) on Fattism & Fat Shaming – Food & Nonsense
If Mama ain’t healthy–ain’t nobody healthy. – Carla Birnberg

Fitness

5 Ways to Truly Brace Your Core – Trainer Paige

5 Ways to Truly Brace Your Core – Trainer Paige
10 Reasons Why You’re Not Getting Results in the Gym – FitKnitChick
Partner Plank Resistance Band Pull Downs! [Workout Video] – Powercakes
5 Ways to Get a Strong Stomach – Running Rachel
HIIT + Abs Workout – Reach Your Peak

Food

Inside-Out Grain Free Oreos – Fit Foodie Finds

Inside-Out Grain Free Oreos – Fit Foodie Finds
Most Ridiculous Breakfast Sandwich Ever – Bev Cooks
Blueberry Pie Bars – Averie Cooks
Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowls – Heather Christo
Whiskey Braised Short Rib Flatbread – How Sweet It Is

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #36

Well, we’re wrapping up our anniversary trip and I’d be lying if I said I was excited to go home. Who actually wants to leave wine country? It’s been a really special few days and I’m so not ready to go back to reality, but I guess that’s just what happens. As always, I’m happy to share some of my faves from the past week. Hope you enjoy!

Health

Why the “No Pain, No Gain” Mentality is Stupid – Lifting Revolution

Why The “No Pain, No Gain” Mentality Is Stupid – Lifting Revolution
Binging Versus Hunger – The Real Life RD
The OVER FIXING Syndrome – Cotter Crunch
Why Registered Dietitians are the best source of nutrition advice – Chelsea’s Healthy Kitchen
Each choice is a step toward feeling well (guest post). – Dr. Samantha via Carla Birnberg

Fitness

The 200 Squat Leg Day – Slim Sanity

The 200 Squat Leg Day – Slim Sanity
Dirty 30 Full Body Circuit – She Rocks Fitness
AMRAP Quickies Workout – Pumps & Iron
5 Metabolic Interval Conditioning Workouts (without Even Stepping on the Treadmill!) – Trainer Paige
HIIT the Hill Workout – Fitnessista

Food

Roasted Carrots with Mint Lemon Dressing – White on Rice Couple

Roasted Carrots with Mint Lemon Dressing – White on Rice Couple
Ginger-Infused Honey Lemonade Cocktails – Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Oatmeal Bars – Running with Spoons
Shrimp Tacos – A Spicy Perspective
Raspberry-Rhubarb Bellini Smoothie w/ Blueberries – Half Baked Harvest

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?