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Spring Fava Bean & Mint Pesto Recipe

fava bean recipe

Will it ever feel like Spring again? This cold weather has me still eating all the winter root vegetables.

However, it is technically spring, which means there are some fresh new foods growing and ready to start eating! Some of these vegetables are less common and harder to find in the grocery store, but you will likely find local farmers growing them. It’s time to begin spring cleaning, starting with cleaning up your diet!

What’s in season in Massachusetts at this time of year? Here’s a short list:

  • Mint
  • Morels
  • Mushrooms
  • Nettles
  • Asparagus
  • Dandelion greens
  • Fava beans
  • Fennel
  • Kale
  • Lemons
  • Rhubarb

I have no idea how to use morels or nettles, so if you have any ideas, let me know! I’m going to focus today’s blog on a spring recipe that involves the nutrient-dense veggie: fava beans!

Spring Fava Bean & Mint Pesto Recipe adapted from Saveur

Ingredients:

  • 2 lb. fresh fava beans in their pods
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp. Marcona almonds, roughly chopped
  • 2 anchovy fillets in oil, roughly chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
  • 6 tbsp. Agrumato lemon oil
  • 1⁄4 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1⁄4 cup loosely packed mint leaves, thinly sliced
  • Finely grated zest of 1 lemon, plus 2 Tbsp. juice

Steps:

  1. Shuck the fava beans from their pods and then peel off and discard their shells. You should have about 2 cups cleaned fava beans.
  2. In a medium saucepan of boiling, salted water, cook the fava beans until bright green, 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl of ice water and let sit until chilled, 1 minute. Drain and roughly chop the fava beans.
  3. In a mortar, pound the almonds, anchovies, and garlic until evenly combined, then add 2 tablespoons of the lemon oil to loosen the mixture.
  4. Add the reserved fava beans and mash into a coarse purée. Stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons lemon oil, the parmesan, mint, and lemon zest and juice.
  5. Season with salt and serve.

If you’re serving this at your spring gathering, let me know! This pesto looks too good to pass up!

Blog post written by Trainer, Sarah Oliver

VIM is now offering nutrition services with Trainer & Nutrition Coach, Christine Galvin!

Click below to find out how you can benefit from 1 on 1 Nutrition Coaching!

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Marathon Fuel

marathon fuel

It’s finally April in Boston, which means the Boston Marathon is right around the corner!

If you’re one of the brave souls toeing the line on Monday, you don’t want nutrition to undo your hard months of training! Be smart in the days leading up to the race, and make sure you follow these simple ‘Marathon Fuel’ tips the day-of to ensure smooth running!

  1. Top Off the Tank.
    Midrun fueling will help maintain your energy levels over the course of 26.2 miles, but your pre-run meals are crucial. For the two to three meals before your race, choose high-carb, moderate-protein, and low-fat and fiber options.
  2. Don’t eat anything new.
    You know your body best, so in the days leading up to the marathon stick to foods you’ve eaten before and that you know your stomach can easily digest. For some runners that could mean avoiding high-fiber foods, high-fat foods, or dairy. Eating high-carb foods, such as pasta, rice, and potatoes, will ensure your glycogen stores are stocked for race day, but don’t consume a new food just because it’s high in carbohydrates.
  3. Stay hydrated during the race.
    A good general guideline is to drink 3 to 6 ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes. This averages out to grabbing a cup every other mile. Since the first water stop in a race is often very crowded, skip it and get a drink at the second stop.
  4. Take heat into consideration.
    The ideal marathon racing temperature is in the mid-50s, but if the temperature soars into the 70s or 80s on race day as it has in the past, you must drink more. Increase your fluid intake by sipping sports drinks, not just water. The carbs in sports drinks help restock spent energy stores. Most sports drinks will also replace the electrolytes you lose in sweat, helping you avoid hyponatremia (low blood-sodium level caused by excessive water intake).
  5. Develop a race-day nutrition and hydration plan.
    When you’re tired and miles from the finish, you can’t always make the best decisions about refueling. Develop a plan ahead of time so you know what and when you’ll eat and drink. Be sure that plan includes drinking and consuming calories within 45 minutes to an hour after the start. If you wait too long, you might become dehydrated or run out of steam early in the race.
  6. Know Your Mid-Race Fuel
    Trust me, you will need fuel. But make sure you stick with whatever gel, chew, or energy food you have been using in training runs. Whether you use gels or chews, make sure you chase them with a few sips of water. Try taking gels when you’re approaching a water stop. It may also be helpful to consume a gel slowly, over the course of a few minutes. Another way to fuel-up without GI distress, try splitting packs of six chews into two fueling stops. If you decide to have a sports drink at the water stop, try alternating water and sports drink at each fluid stop to avoid consuming too much sugar.
  7. Start your recovery early.
    Refueling after the marathon is essential to help your body recover quickly. Eat or drink about 200 or 300 calories of carbohydrates and some protein within an hour of finishing the marathon. The carbs refuel your muscles with glycogen, and the protein will help repair your muscles. Eat a full meal as soon as you are able to continue the recovery process. And remember to slowly drink fluids to rehydrate after you cross the finish line.

marathon fuel

Blog post written by Trainer, Sarah Oliver

VIM is now offering nutrition services with Trainer & Nutrition Coach, Christine Galvin!

Click below to find out how you can benefit from 1 on 1 Nutrition Coaching!

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Free Weights Functional Movement Series: Barbell Deadlifts

BARBELL DEADLIFTS

Need some assistance with FREE WEIGHTS and FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT?

Watch these how-to videos if you are just starting out, OR if you are an experienced weightlifter hoping to correct or check your form!

Check out VIM’s Free Weights & Functional Movement Series – Each week we’ll post a video demonstrating a new move. Next up, BARBELL DEADLIFTS!

Read more

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Adaptogens: What they are, and why you should eat them.

adaptogens

It seems like every time you open Facebook or a magazine there is a new health craze. Whether it’s green juice, wheatgrass shots, or the latest superfood, there is always something new to try.

This time, it’s adaptogens.

What is an adaptogen?

Adaptogens are herbs that are non-toxic to the body, have widespread benefits, and help bring the body back into equilibrium. Some adaptogens stimulate the body or enhance mental performance and physical stamina. Others help calm the body and increase immunity. Some herbs may have anti-inflammatory effects, but they’re not necessarily true adaptogens.

 

Adaptogens work by supporting the adrenal glands – the glands that deal with stress and fatigue. They bring the body back to homeostasis, which is often hard to do in our stress-filled society. The harmful effects of stress greatly exceed feelings of anxiety; stress harms your sleep cycle, which in turn leads to unhealthy food and exercise choices. Stress also messes up your hormones, causes inflammation throughout the body, leads to weight gain, harms your heart, decreases immune function, and disrupts digestive and mental health.

 

What makes adaptogens such potent stress-fighters?

They tailor their functions to your body’s exact needs. Regardless of how your body exhibits stress, whether that’s from lack of sleep, work or family stress, travel, or illness, adaptogens are able to target the imbalances in your body and help correct them.

 

Adaptogens are available in powders, capsules, tinctures and even teas. But before purchasing, be sure to check that the manufacturing company is a reputable source, since these are not regulated by the FDA. (No supplements are!) Talk to your doctor about which ones are best for your needs, and how often you should be taking them. Adaptogens do not treat one illness; instead, they promote overall well-being. If you’re feeling “off” in any way, adaptogens may be a healthy addition – along with a nutritious diet and active lifestyle.

 

adaptogens

 

Here’s a quick list of the most common adaptogens:

  1. Ashwagandha
  2. Eleuthero
  3. Holy Basil (Tulsi)
  4. Maca
  5. Panax Ginseng
  6. Rhodiola Rosea
  7. Schisandra
  8. Astragalus
  9. Licorice
  10. Moringa
  11. Gotu kola
Remember, adaptogens are not meant to cure or treat disease, and they can never replace a holistically healthy lifestyle. If you’re stressed and tired, don’t expect these herbs to allow you to keep pushing – listen to your body, slow down, and use adaptogens to return the body to a balanced internal state. There is no one-size-fits-all for adaptogens, so talk to your doctor to figure out what is best for you!

Blog post written by Trainer, Sarah Oliver

VIM is now offering nutrition services with Trainer & Nutrition Coach, Christine Galvin!

Click below to find out how you can benefit from 1 on 1 Nutrition Coaching!

[button link=”https://vimfitness.com/nutrition/” text=”LEARN MORE” color=”green” size=”large” fullwidth=”true”]

 

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Free Weights Functional Movement Series: Barbell Squats

BARBELL SQUATS

Need some assistance with FREE WEIGHTS and FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT?

Watch these how-to videos if you are just starting out, OR if you are an experienced weightlifter hoping to correct or check your form!

Check out VIM’s Free Weights & Functional Movement Series – Each week we’ll post a video demonstrating a new move. Next up, BARBELL SQUATS!

Read more

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GREEN St. Patrick’s Day Recipes

green recipes mint chip cheesecake

Hosting a Saint Patrick’s day party but don’t know what to make?

Forget the green store-bought cookies, with all these options, you can’t go wrong with a homemade feast! These recipes are all vegan and/or gluten free, and of course they’re GREEN.

Each recipe comes from a food blog worth checking out, so don’t be afraid to explore a bit!

 

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Matcha Green Tea & Pistachio Muffins


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Cashew Pesto Dip


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Frosty Coconut Mint Green Tea Mocktail


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Mini Mint Chocolate Brownies


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Green Cauliflower Wings with Spicy Orange Glaze


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McDonald’s Shamrock Shake


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Healthy St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookies


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Sweet and Spicy Pea Hummus with Mint


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Raw Mint Chip Cheesecake Bars


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Matcha Pistachio Ice Lollies


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What’s your favorite way to “eat green” on Saint Patrick’s day? Comment below!

Blog post written by Trainer, Sarah Oliver

VIM is now offering nutrition services with Trainer & Nutrition Coach, Christine Galvin!

Click below to find out how you can benefit from 1 on 1 Nutrition Coaching!

[button link=”https://vimfitness.com/nutrition/” text=”LEARN MORE” color=”green” size=”large” fullwidth=”true”]

 

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Free Weights Functional Movement Series: Barbell Military Press

BARBELL MILITARY PRESS

Need some assistance with FREE WEIGHTS and FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT?

Watch these how-to videos if you are just starting out, OR if you are an experienced weightlifter hoping to correct or check your form!

Check out VIM’s Free Weights & Functional Movement Series – Each week we’ll post a video demonstrating a new move. Next up, BARBELL MILITARY PRESS!

Read more

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What Are Omega-3s?

omega-3s

You have probably heard that omega-3s are the newest, healthiest fat around. But what are they really?

Scientifically speaking, omega-3 fatty acids are a types monounsaturated fats that have a double bond at the third carbon on their fatty acid chain. Is this important to know? Not really.

What you should remember is all the health benefits of a diet rich in omega-3s, and where you can find these foods!

Benefits of Omega-3s:

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Fights anxiety and depression
Improve eye health
Promote brain health during pregnancy and early life
Lower risk of heart disease
Reduce ADHD symptoms in children
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Reduce symptoms of metabolic syndrome
Fight Inflammation
Right autoimmune disease
Improve Mental disorders
Prevent mental decline
Help prevent cancer
Reduce asthma in children
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Reduce fat in liver
Improve bone and joint health
Alleviate menstrual pain
Improve sleep
Good for your skin
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Woah! Now that is a list! Can you say superfood, anyone?

So now that you’re craving some good old healthy fat, where can you get it? I’m sure you’ve heard of salmon, but that’s not the only source! Check out these omega-3 packed foods, and a recipe to try them out!

Food Sources:

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Firm tofu
Spinach
Fontina Cheese
Navy beans
Grass fed beef

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Anchovies
Mustard seed
Walnuts
Winter squash
Omega-3 Eggs

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Purslane
Flaxseed oil
Wild Rice
Chia seeds
Red lentils

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Recipes:

omega-3d spinach saladSuper Food Spinach Salad with Pomegranate Glazed Walnuts

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • One 5-ounce container baby spinach
  • 4 ounces white button mushrooms, trimmed and thinly sliced, about 1 cup
  • 3/4 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon good quality extra virgin olive oil

Directions

  1. Combine 1/4 cup juice with the sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small nonstick skillet.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces slightly, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the walnuts and continue to cook, stirring, until the nuts are coated and dark and the liquid evaporates in the skillet, about another 5 minutes.
  4. Transfer to a baking sheet to cool. When cool, break apart with your hands.
  5. Meanwhile, soak the red onion in ice water for about 10 minutes; drain and pat dry.
  6. Place the baby spinach in a serving bowl and top with the onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and walnuts.
  7. In a bowl whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons juice with the vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper, and then whisk in the oil.
  8. Drizzle over the salad and toss just before serving.

omega-3s oatmeal flax chocolate chip cookiesOatmeal Flax Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1/4 cup flaxseed, finely ground in a spice grinder, or pre-ground flaxseed
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk the flour, oats, flaxseed, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a bowl.
  3. Beat the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low; add the flour mixture and beat until just combined, scraping down the bowl as needed. Stir in the chocolate chips.
  4. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool 3 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to racks to cool completely.

Blog post written by Trainer, Sarah Oliver

VIM is now offering nutrition services with Trainer & Nutrition Coach, Christine Galvin!

Click below to find out how you can benefit from 1 on 1 Nutrition Coaching!

[button link=”https://vimfitness.com/nutrition/” text=”LEARN MORE” color=”green” size=”large” fullwidth=”true”]

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February Promo: Initiation Fee Waived!

february promo

Just because we all need a little something to brighten our day during these long winter months…

We want to share with your our late February Promo:

Join VIM and have your INITIATION FEE WAIVED! 

Valid February 21st – 28th….SO HURRY!

WANT IN? CONTACT LEO:

[contactform email=”[email protected]”]

 

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NEW CLASS! Kick It By Eliza™

KICK IT BY ELIZA

Want to mix up your workout routine?

Try our NEW CLASS:

Kick It By Eliza™
with Laura now at VIM Fitness Central Square

Kick It By Eliza™ is a 13-round fitness method that is music-driven, sweat inducing, and kickboxing inspired.

Join the Kick It Crew!
Mondays & Fridays at 5PM Starting February 26th

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