March is a month for revival and fresh beginnings. It’s the month that brings us springtime—the warming weather and extra daylight brighten moods and sets anticipation for more good things to come. With all this brightness and capacity for growth, it’s also the perfect time to celebrate International Women’s Month and National Nutrition Month. While support for both is massively important throughout the year, we’re excited to use this month to give a special shoutout to the women who inspire and empower our AquaVie community and the good nutritional practices that fuel and energize us daily.
Strong Women, Strong Community
At AquaVie, we’re inspired by the women who consistently lead the way in the fitness and sports community. One athlete who leads by example is Simone Biles, the world-renowned gymnast who has won multiple Olympic medals and is widely considered to be one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. She has also been an advocate for mental health and has spoken out about her own struggles with anxiety.
We’re also inspired by Chloe Ting, a fitness influencer who has built a massive following on YouTube with her at-home workout videos. Her workouts are accessible and effective, and she has inspired many people to get moving and take charge of their health.
We also want to recognize Alex Morgan, the soccer player who has won multiple World Cup championships and Olympic gold medals. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports and has used her platform to empower girls and women around the world.
And let’s not forget about Lita Lewis, the fitness entrepreneur who has built a brand around her “Thick Thighs Save Lives” philosophy. She is passionate about helping women of all shapes and sizes feel confident and strong in their bodies.
But we also don’t have to look far for leaders who are shining a light in the fitness world. Our own team is led by several incredibly strong and empowering women. Like Karina, whose love of intentional breath and movement was passed down to her from her mother. And Angelina, whose experience as a professional athlete gives her keen insight into guiding her classes through impactful stretching routines. Look to Elyssa in her yoga classes as she guides movement from a science and soul perspective. Or get a confidence boost from Katherine as she uses Pilates moves to increase your strength and mobility. And Allie, who strives to strengthen mind and body. Or Sharon, who is committed to delivering high energy and positive experiences on the daily. And Nia, who shares the health and healing properties of yoga, meditation, and breathwork—as well as the art of a good playlist—with all her classes. And finally, Jess, who encourages her clients to push through fear to read their fitness and nutritional goals.
Recipes for Success: Celebrating Food that Fuels
Giving your body the fuel it needs to perform is an important part of a successful fitness routine. This March, celebrate National Nutrition Month with energy-giving pre- and post-workout recipes from our AquaVie Master Trainer, Jess!
Pre-workout: Energy Bites
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/3 cup honey, 1/2 cup ground flaxseed, 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
Directions: In a mixing bowl, add rolled oats, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. Add the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl and mix all ingredients together until well combined. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. Place the energy bites onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 15-20 minutes or until firm. Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer until ready to enjoy as a pre-workout snack.
Note from Jess: These energy bites are high in fiber and protein from the oats, peanut butter, and flaxseed, while the mini chocolate chips provide a little bit of sweetness and a small energy boost for your workout. They are also easy to grab on the go and can be made in advance for busy days.
Post-workout: Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Bowl
Ingredients: 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa, 1 cup chicken broth or water, 1/2 avocado, sliced, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced, 1/4 cup red onion, sliced, 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and Salt and pepper to taste.
Directions: Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and place it in a medium saucepan. Add the chicken broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
In a serving bowl, add the cooked quinoa, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Top with the grilled chicken breast and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the top of the bowl and serve immediately or seal in an air-tight container.
Note from Jess: This grilled chicken and quinoa bowl is packed with protein from the chicken breast, quinoa, and feta cheese. The healthy fats from the avocado, along with the fiber and nutrients from the vegetables, make it a balanced and satisfying post-workout meal.
