Tips for staying active in winter

Staying Active in Winter BY » Bek Mitchell-Kidd

Ways to keep your mind, body and spirit engaged in the colder months

It’s easy to want to hibernate in the winter, with the temperatures growing colder and the sun going down so early in the evening. Never fear though, because here in the Lake Norman area there are still plenty of ways to bust boredom, keep your muscles moving and your mind strong. This abundance of activities is just one of the many things about the area that attracts residents who move here from other parts of the country. Venture into the virtual

Many people have used the downtime created during the pandemic to learn some new skills. Nonprofits and other area organizations have also been intentional in creating online learning experiences residents can take advantage of. Mooresville Public Library will be offering a virtual “Make It and Take It” craft project for teens and adults at the beginning of January that you can pick up make at home. The Charlotte-

Mecklenburg Library, with branches in Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson, also offer regular virtual book clubs and classes and conversational groups for foreign languages. Check their website for the most up-to-date offerings.

Have you considered signing up for a SkillPop class? The platform features live classes on wreathmaking and watercolors, stock market investing and Instagram 101. You’ll impress yourself and the grandkids with your new skills in no time. Many of the class instructors are from Charlotte or Lake Norman locals, and offer a world of knowledge you can learn from in your living room. Checkout the current line-up of one-off classes at: www.skillpop.com/classes. Dive in and breathe deep

Ready to rinse away 2020? We are, too. We’re not suggesting you do a lap across the lake in these temps, but consider diving into a water aerobics class or maybe finally take those swim lesson indoors. Lowimpact exercise is a great way to lower stress and find yourself in the deep-end of feeling great in any weather.

Places to try: Huntersville Family Fitness and Aquatics, Lake Norman YMCA and Lowe’s YMCA.

Take a deep breath and find time for you in a yoga studio. No matter if you’re new to the poses or a downward dog master, yoga is a great way to warm up in winter. Try Gotta Yoga, which often has classes specializing in age 55+ needs. Plus, many gyms and studios are offering virtual classes if you prefer working out from home (and without the pressure of an audience).

Pure Barre Lake Norman

is a great low-impact option for any age with virtual and in-studio classes. Get cooking Whether you’re the one yelling at Gordon Ramsay or if you have trouble boiling water, refining your culinary skills is a great way to connect and stay motivated in chillier seasons. Check out the Birkdale location of Williams Sonoma. At the time of publication all classes are still virtual but include instruction from the Beverage Academy and Baking School. Or check out a new cookbook from the library or one of the independently-owned bookstores in town and do a little experimenting in the kitchen. You’d be surprised at what you’ll be able to add to your everyday lineup of meals and treats! Join a club

While your Daisy Scout days may be behind you— there are plenty of clubs around Lake Norman with opportunities to connect with people of all ages. The Golden Boys and Girls Club is specifically focused on ages 55+ and offers everything from a simple breakfast with new friends to groups that go fishing and hunting, photography, wine tasting and walking. Do an internet search for The Golden Boys and Girls Club of Lake Norman to find the contacts for the chapter closest to you.

Volunteer your time

One of the greatest things you can give is your time. And, having someone count on you to show-up can feel very empowering. Education, kids, sailing, art—what’s your passion? Chances are there’s an organization that needs your time and experience.

Love animals? Try Cornelius Animal Shelter, Piedmont Animal Rescue, Lake Norman Humane, or Carolina Raptor Center. Consider also looking into donating your time to Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen and Lydia’s Loft who focus on clothing, feeding and caring for all members of the Lake Norman community.

History, art, or kids more your thing? Reach out to Huntersville Historic Society, Van Every Smith Galleries, Mooresville Arts, or Discovery Place Kids to learn more about their volunteer programs.

Cuisine During COVID-19

Dining out or dining in safely on a road trip

BY » Martin Rose

Meals provide a safely and preparing your New Hampshire, staying in an A/C system or air with health and safety own meals for a road trip. a private vintage cabin. anyone and ate plenty of challenge for Huntersville registered “My son is active so we restaurant take-out on park those traveling by dietitian nutritionist needed a place that could benches and picnic tables.” car these days. Melissa Herrmann Dierks keep him busy. Our cabin Eating inside of restaurants This second of a is a seasoned road-tripper. was on a little private beach is deemed high-risk by two-part series offers tips for This summer she traveled in a cove,” Herrmann recalls. health officials during enjoying restaurant food with her 12-year-old son to “We did not want to share COVID since you have to

When traveling, opt to sample the local cuisine via takeout.

take your mask off while eating, and the heating and cooling system circulates air from all of the other diners. Ordering takeout and eating in the car or a safe outdoor location allows travelers to enjoy regional cuisine while staying safe.

“There are so many delicious, regional foods that you may not want to miss out on,” Herrmann says. “Local BBQ, seafood, lobster rolls, ethnic foods and more can’t be missed when traveling. It is possible to order take-away food safely by following the advice of health officials like wearing masks, observing social distancing and paying with credit card.

“High end or low end, restaurants are surviving on take out, so they don’t look at you funny when you walk into a high-end place asking for food to go,” she adds.

Snack, drink and meal options that you bring from home or buy at your destination will vary based

Don’t forget paper plates, bowls, napkins and flatware for eating both your packed items and restaurant takeout.

long items need to stay cold in your cooler.

Many grocery stores offer online ordering and curbside pickup, providing a safe option for buying groceries at your destination. Don’t forget paper plates, bowls, napkins and flatware for eating both your packed items and restaurant takeout.

It’s always good to have some healthy options available when you travel, so that if you come in from a long day hungry you have better options than fast food or a vending machine. Herrmann suggests that you travel with the book 2020 Calorie King Calorie, Fat and Carbohydrate Counter to make healthy fast food and restaurant food choices.

Melissa Herrmann Dierks RDN, LDN, CDCES is a Huntersville Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 30 years of experience and owner of Eat Smart Nutrition Co. For more tips, you can contact Melissa at 704.779.2100.

We take Customer Satisfaction to the Highest Degree.

Control your Comfort and Energy Consumption ... all at once.