How Working with a Registered Dietician Can Change Your Life!

How Working with a Registered Dietician Can Change Your Life!

Do you know you want/need to make some changes to your nutritional habits but just aren’t sure where to start? Ever wondered what it would be like to work with a registered dietician to help forge a path ahead and make some real improvements? In this ~30 minute video I chat with my pal Tarah Valenti, RDN with CustomFit, about what it’s like working with her and how a custom nutritional program can help with so many different goals including body fat loss, visceral fat, muscle preservation/growth, improved energy, health, vitality, longevity as well as managing a variety of issues from high cholesterol, blood sugar or blood pressure to perimenopause and other life transitions.

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Alcohol Alternatives: Have a Little Fun Without the Hangover

Alcohol Alternatives: Have a Little Fun Without the Hangover

This post is generally more for my "normie" pals (someone not in recovery from alcoholism). One area of health and fitness that can be a roadblock for folks is alcohol. I hear a lot from clients that they can have trouble letting go of drinking because they feel left out during social situations. There is a growing industry popping up that offers more and more fun options for mocktails. At a BBQ recently several of my friends gave this zero proof "whiskey" a taste test. It's shocking what mixologists can do these days! The consensus was that It definitely smelled and tasted like whiskey and has ZERO alcohol and only 5 calories. This company makes several zero proof products (“gin”, “tequila”, “rum” and others) so if this might be something that helps you achieve your goals while still enjoying social situations, give it a try. (Goes without saying that for folks in recovery this may or may not fit your program so please do what is best for your own situation.)

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Jim’s DIY Kimchi & Sauerkraut Recipes

Jim’s DIY Kimchi & Sauerkraut Recipes

I try to get in at least two fermented foods/day (some experts recommend as many as five!). I eat Greek yogurt, berries, basil seeds and local honey for breakfast which counts as one. And then I add a cup of sauerkraut or kimchi to my lunch or dinner. The brand Peter and I like the most is Wildbrine. Well… it was until my client Jim started giving me his homemade sauerkraut and kimchi! Understandably making your own fermented food isn’t for the weak of heart (or gut!). But for those with a DIY spirit who enjoy growing and making your own food I asked Jim to share how he makes such yummy and beautiful fermented foods at home. Here’s his recipe!

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Nutrient Stacking: Building a Meal Based on Your Health Goals

Nutrient Stacking: Building a Meal Based on Your Health Goals

One of my favorite sayings as a trainer is movement is medicine. It’s so true. But food is the original medicine and is often overlooked as the most natural way to influence our health. Here’s an example of how I’ve used recent research about food to create a super yummy and super impactful meal perfect for pre- or post-workout.

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How to Make Pizza Salad (aka Panzanella)

How to Make Pizza Salad (aka Panzanella)

So this recipe is a little different from what I usually share. This one is more about inspiration and sparking joy and experiencing life. So indulge me in a little backstory. TLDR: I made panzanella using leftover pizza from A16 and some impromptu ingredients I picked up at the farmer’s market and was thrilled with myself. I’m calling it “pizza salad”. It made me really happy. 

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Fermented Foods Challenge

Fermented Foods Challenge

If you have been within earshot of me over the past month you've no doubt heard that I'm having a lot of fun integrating Good Energy foods into my life. One of Dr. Means’ many recommendations (read the entire book, please!) is to integrate fermented foods into our daily diets. Now, I've heard this before. And resisted. Because... ew. I'm not naturally adventurous with my food choices. Until now. Fermented foods support our gut biome which plays a critical role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function and even mental health. And fermented foods are helpful because of their probiotic and postbiotic properties.

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Smoked Salmon Egg Muffins FTW

Smoked Salmon Egg Muffins FTW

Post run “brunch” for the win! I made these egg muffins for the week so grabbed two and heated them up in the microwave and tossed them on top of some low calorie toast with smoked salmon and some spring mix with a little balsamic. Five minutes to throw it together and seriously yummy with plenty of protein and healthy fat and veggies.

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Free Smoothie Workshop and Tasting (Plus Cardio Dance Class!)

Free Smoothie Workshop and Tasting (Plus Cardio Dance Class!)

Join me and my pals at the San Francisco Jewish Community Center for a free event on Saturday, April 6th from 9-10a. I’ll be leading an interactive workshop and explaining how to make the perfect smoothie including my top smoothie dos and don’ts. You’ll get my best recipes and I’ll demo live exactly what to do to get the most nutritious and delicious results. You will also get to taste my Super Green Protein Smoothie and learn how to make it at home. This special event is free to the entire community but space is limited. Register here to reserve your spot!

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Sarah's Fudgy Black Bean Brownies

Sarah's Fudgy Black Bean Brownies

When I came across this recipe for healthy fudge brownies made with nutrient-dense ingredients like black beans, avocado and dates I was like… gross. Ain’t no way those are going to taste like real brownies. But I have a secret weapon in my client Sarah. She is a fantastic cook and baker and has a keen interest in eating things that are delicious AND healthy. So she took the recipe into her kitchen and did some work on it to make it taste even better without sacrificing the good stuff. And honestly they taste like “real” brownies. Win!

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Looking to Outsource Meal Prep? Here's My Go To Delivery Service: Factor

Looking to Outsource Meal Prep? Here's My Go To Delivery Service: Factor

I'm not into cooking. "But JJ, you're a trainer! Don't you love spending hours in the kitchen meal-prepping and putting everything you eat into perfect little containers?” Sort of. I prepare (not cook!) my breakfasts, lunches and snacks for the work week in advance using many of the recipes I share in my free nutrition guide. But actually cooking? I'm just not into it. So Peter and I decided years ago to outsource our weekday dinners to a meal delivery service. After trying a few different ones we landed on Factor and have been loving it. 

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Greek Yogurt "Bagels". No Seriously, They're Good.

Greek Yogurt "Bagels". No Seriously, They're Good.

The East Coaster in me rolled my eyes when my friend Kat told me about “bagels” made from only fat free Greek yogurt and self rising flour. I was like, “gross”. But as usual, Kat was right. These little suckers from Weight Watchers were not only easy to make (and you know I don’t bake) but they are actually really tasty. This recipe makes four little bagels and they keep well in the fridge. Depending on how you top them you can serve and eat them plain or you can add some low calorie shmear, smoked salmon, etc. Enjoy!

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Healthy Holiday Treats from Allison Tibbs

Healthy Holiday Treats from Allison Tibbs

I’ve been lucky to work with the incomparable Allison Tibbs for several years. She is an amazing coach and is hands down a nutrition guru. A while back we partnered to deliver a fantastic healthy holiday happy hour to our corporate client Nixon Peabody. The menu included Allison's super yummy almond butter stuffed dates, no bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies, non-alcoholic mulled wine and my favorite entree of teriyaki soba and veggies with shrimp and salmon. Here’s a PDF with the recipes. Be sure to follow Allison on IG @allisontibbs.

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Can Oatmeal Lower Your Cholesterol?

Can Oatmeal Lower Your Cholesterol?

In January I had my cholesterol checked and it was high. Aren't genetics a blast?! I already eat pretty darn well, exercise, don't smoke or drink, avoid trans fats--all the things that are known to help. I want to avoid medicine if/however long I can and opted to talk to my doctor about nutrition as a path to lower it naturally. Literally all I've changed since January was replacing my old breakfast of Greek yogurt and fruit with homemade rolled oatmeal (not instant) and berries. Here’s what happened.

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Four Ingredient "Veri Veri" Teriyaki Shrimp and Soba

Four Ingredient "Veri Veri" Teriyaki Shrimp and Soba

This is one of my favorite meal prep treats and it's literally one of the easiest to make. My partner and I were getting tired of our old lunchtime standbys (chicken salad, meat loaf, salmon). Sometimes you just want something that tastes as good as Chinese takeout or ramen but that won't leave you feeling gross and bloated. Try this quick one that only has FOUR ingredients and can be prepped and stored for easy lunches or dinners during the week.

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Rainbow 10 Challenge: Add Some Colors to Your Day

Rainbow 10 Challenge: Add Some Colors to Your Day

This post isn’t about how to eat to lose fat or gain muscle. Those are great goals and I help people do that all the time. You can get that for free in my guide. This is about something different. This post is about looking at your routine and what you’re eating in a day and making incremental, manageable improvements. The goal is simply to do something kind for your body not so you look better, but so you feel better physically and emotionally because you know you are doing something good for your health.

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"Cooking with JJ" Episode 5: Simple Greek Salad with Seared Chicken

"Cooking with JJ" Episode 5: Simple Greek Salad with Seared Chicken

This is hands down one of my favorite salads. I'm a big fan of creamy Caesar dressings but they can be super fattening and rich. So this recipe gives the same flavor with a fraction of the calories and fat thanks to the combo of lemon juice, hummus and feta. The salad on it's own is great but if you want to make it a yummy, hot meal I'll show you how to saute chicken breast in coconut oil on your stove to top things off.

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"Cooking with JJ" Episode 4: Magic Morgan Energy Bars

"Cooking with JJ" Episode 4: Magic Morgan Energy Bars

In the NewsUpNow.org kitchen with me this week is one of my very favorite humans. Morgan McEvilly is a talented personal trainer, yoga instructor and wellness guru. I’ve learned so much from her over the years and I’m so grateful she found the time to come show us how to make her famous Magical Morgan Energy Bars. These yummy, plant-based treats are perfect pick-me-ups for quick, natural energy and make a great pre- or post-workout treat. All you need is a sturdy food processor and a selection of your favorite nuts, dried fruits and fresh dates.

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"Cooking with JJ" Episode 3: Vegetarian “Tuna Salad” Made From Chickpeas

"Cooking with JJ" Episode 3: Vegetarian “Tuna Salad” Made From Chickpeas

In the NewsUpNow.org kitchen with me this week is the beautiful and amazing Allison Tibbs who has perfected a scrumptious vegetarian "tuna salad" recipe made from chickpeas. Just in time for your Labor Day BBQ, this salad is great as a meal, snack or side and will satisfy even the most avid meat eater and tuna salad snob. It can also be modified to be vegan friendly and as we demonstrate is great for doing bicep curls in the kitchen. Proof! "Cooking" can be easy, fun and delicious.

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"Cooking with JJ" Episode 2: Veggie Egg White Muffins

"Cooking with JJ" Episode 2: Veggie Egg White Muffins

In this week’s episode of “Cooking with JJ” from NewsUpNOW, I’ll show you how to make super simple and yummy veggie and (optional) meat egg white muffins which are great for meal prepping for the week ahead. The amazing Allison Tibbs taught me how to make these years ago and they are a staple in my house! Check out the full episode and cook along with me!

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"Cooking with JJ" Episode 1: Banana Blueberry Protein Muffins

"Cooking with JJ" Episode 1: Banana Blueberry Protein Muffins

I'm super excited to share the premier episode of Cooking with JJ, a video partnership between Jonathan Jordan Fitness and the incredible producers at NewsUpNow.org. In each episode we'll share delicious and healthy meal prep hacks, recipes and techniques to fuel your life. In this episode I'll show you how to make my famous Banana Blueberry Protein Muffins.

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