A few weeks ago I wrote a column about New Year's Resolutions that was well received; I thought I would follow it up with some health tips for those of us who are interested in starting fitness and weight loss regimens now that we're through the holidays. A good first step is to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, which are available at our weekly Pathfinder Produce market, Thursday afternoons, from 2 to 5 p.m.
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Pathfinder Produce is affiliated with Bassett Research
Institute's “5-2-1-0 Every Day” Program; the pilot projects in Edmeston and
Delhi are aimed at creating local solutions to problems like childhood obesity,
poor eating habits, too much recreational screen time, and the insidious habit
of drinking sugary juices and sodas. For
over a year now, members of these communities have been made more aware of
fitness, nutrition and ways to embrace healthier lifestyles.
In Edmeston, we've started an annual 5K Turkey Trot,
there have been new incentives for employees to get fit at NYCM's new staff gym
facilities, and we have learned that a Weight Watchers group will be forming
soon in West Edmeston -- you can contact the group through me at lgraceATpathfindervillage.org if you are interested (insert @ for AT, I'm trying to avoid more spam). At Pathfinder Village, there have been other
programs to help people become motivated … weekly Zumba classes, employee
weight-loss initiatives, and we also host local youth soccer games during the
spring and fall seasons at Grant's Field (adjacent to the Produce Market). We plan to apply for grants in 2014 to create
a new walking trail, and to build a hoop greenhouse to lengthen our gardening
season.
Last week, our staff Wellness Committee regrouped to
discuss ways to encourage employee and resident fitness. We hope to share ideas through the Produce
Blog, and want to contribute to the community's spirit of enthusiasm about
fitness and better health. Some of the
ideas mentioned included walking work-breaks, drinking more water each day, and
journaling to keep track of what one eats.
As you've guessed by now, I love research, and the web is
a great resource for both nutritional and fitness information. And recently, my family re-subscribed to
“Prevention” magazine – it too offers a wealth of ideas, new research, and tips
on ways people may sensibly take charge of their health. The first issue recommended:
- Exercising outside during cold weather, as it helps burn brown fat cells. These cells are sensitive to cold and release heat energy, “torching calories and melting other types of fat;”
- Adding 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar to 8 ounces of water, and drinking it before eating high-carb meals to keep blood-sugar levels from spiking;
- Taking a 15-min. Power walk to fight sweet-tooth cravings;
- Practicing yoga to counteract the debilitating effects of grief;
- Using a 4-foot length of ¾ or 1 inch pvc pipe as a way to jazz up workouts (mimicking weight lifting, holding the pipe over your head while doing core-strengthening exercises, etc.)
This issue also offered some recipes for healthy finger
foods (the article was written for holiday gatherings, but the recipes would be
great for upcoming Super Bowl parties).
Even if you don't subscribe, you can cruise the website at www.prevention.com and learn a lot of
great information.
In closing, there are so many places to go for
information about health and diet – but the main thing is to get motivated and
start making small changes to be healthier.
Once you've taken the smaller steps, and stick with the program you
devise, it will be easier to make the bigger changes.
Until next time, be well!
Lori
