H2OHHHHH YEAAAAAAA!
“EVERYONE TAKE A WATER BREAK!” This phrase will sound quite familiar to those involved in 2nd Recess. Many know that water is beneficial in keeping us hydrated on hot days and refreshed after long workouts, but practice is not the only time you should be taking a water break. In fact, According to the American Council of Exercise (2008) water is the most vital component of the human body. Water is a powerful tool in the journey to overall health and well-being. What can water do for me?
Additionally, water makes up over HALF of the human body – meaning it is impossible to survive for longer than a week without it (American Council of Education, 2008). So how much should I be drinking? In 2004, the Food and Nutrition Board released new recommendations for water intake, stating that women should consume 2.7 liters daily, while men should consume 3.7 liters. Athletes require even MORE to stay energized and hydrated (American Counsel of Education, 2008). It might seem like there are not enough hours in the day for this type of intake. Luckily this water intake can be consumed through both foods and liquids during the course of a day. But it does not taste like anything! There is a simply solution for those who like their water with a bit more flavor. Although there are plenty of products and powders available to flavor water, many add unnecessary sugars and/or preservatives. Try this instead: Try infusing your water with natural flavors. (Lemon/strawberry/cucumber/orange). The possibilities are endless. Not only are you adding natural flavors to your water, but you are also adding vitamins and antioxidants (BONUS!) For more about infused water (including recipes and FAQ visit http://www.infusedwaters.com/faq Now that you know the importance of water, along with ways in which you can make this more fun to drink, you can begin to “take a water break!” both on and off the track! References Fit Facts: Healthy Hydration. (2008). Retrieved February 25, 2016, from https://www.acefitness.org/fitfacts/pdfs/fitfacts/itemid_173.pdf
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Does it feel as though you have tried everything to get your child to eat healthy with little or no luck? With schedules becoming increasingly complex and children who are continuously ‘on the go,’ finding time to ensure that your child is receiving proper nutrition can be a daunting task. Have no fear! – Follow these five simple rules, and getting your child nutritionally READYcan be both simple and fun! Read Nutrition Facts and Serving SizeIt’s no secret that ‘moderation is key’ when attempting to keep your family healthy. However, that simple concept has become increasingly tricky. It is a common misconception that if something is “healthy” you should be able to indulge and eat as much as you want. However, this is simply not the case. Although trail mix might be a healthy after school snack, handing your child an entire bag of trail mix might not be the best option. Children often do not take the time to look at and consider to amount of servings available within their favorite treats. Try This:
Explain and Educate Have you ever encountered a child who asks “why” when presented when any given situation? Children are naturally curious creatures, as they continuously explore the world around them. If you tell a child “because I said so” after telling them to eat their veggies, you will likely be met with resistance. However, if you explain to the children that their favorite fruits and veggies have powerful vitamins and minerals that will give them the energy to play, you will likely receive a more positive response. Try This:
Add variety Your child might not like apples and he/she might not like peanut butter. However, if you put these two together, your child might find a tasty treat that both tastes good AND is good for their body. Experiment with different healthy foods and combinations. Adding a variety of food will not only expand upon the possibility of your child obtaining the most nutrients possible, but this will also enable you and your child to find new healthy “favorites” to add to the dinner table. According to Livestrong.com, when you encourage your child to eat a large variety of new foods, you are increasing your chances of a balanced, well rounded diet that will carry into adulthood (Kelley, 2014). Try This:
Days in advance Prepare, Prepare, Prepare! When you are running from work, to school, to extracurricular activities, it is inevitable that you will have various evenings that leave little time to prepare nutritious snacks and meals. This is where preparation comes into play. If you already have nutritious snacks prepared and ready to go, eating healthy can be simple and fast. One particular blog from Eartheasy.com (2014) discusses that the benefits of meal prepping range much farther than improved health. Additionally, meal prepping can save both time and money, leaving you with the resources necessary to spend less time preparing meals, and more time enjoying these with your family. Try this:
You At the end of the day, your children look to you as their role model(s). As a parent, you cannot expect your children to try a new food if you turn your nose up at the same dish. Children look at adults every day for added motivation and inspiration. Equally as important as eating healthy foods is your attitude toward health and nutrition. Try this:
Resources Kelley, J. W. (2014, January 13). The Importance of Healthy Eating in Children. Retrieved February 15, 2016, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/74307-importance-eating-children/ How to Simplify Meal Prepping. (2014). Retrieved February 16, 2016, from http://eartheasy.com/eat_simplify_meal_preparation.html
SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) - It’s never too early to start getting in shape for summer. Why not get your kids excited too?
2nd Recess is here to help for kids ages 5 and up. The after school running program introduces fun and fitness to kids through running. Each practice consists of a thorough warmup, drills, and strides, followed by two workouts and a cooldown. The practice concludes with a talk on an inspirational topic as well as a healthy snack. Do your kids already love running? Take them down to Petco Park on Sunday to participate in the San Diego Kids Race. The race is a closed-loop course inside the park. Interested in the race? Head here for tickets. 2nd Recess founders, Natasha LaBeaud Anzures & Marco Anzures, along with some runners joined News 8 Morning Extra to talk about all things running. |
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