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Tips for a Healthy Restart in 2021 As we turn the page on 2020 and look forward with optimism to all that a new year brings, now is a perfect time to RESTART your wellness journey. Below are the YMCA's three simple steps you can take with your family to grow healthier and have a great start to your RENEW year!
1. STAY ACTIVE
SECRET BETTER MostTO of us have had to adjust or let go of our routines over the past ERALL HEALTH year due to all of the changes we’ve experienced, including our wellness
greens, grains and nuts. routines. The safety and convenience of staying home, working from : Hummushome and Veggies and taking school classes from home can contribute to becoming
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are, youDowntown can take aOrlando positive step today. How? By literally taking a step. YMCA ndermere Rd. YMCA And then another step. And another. Set aside a few minutes per day Garden, FL 34787 433 N. Mills Ave. to get up and move, whether that’s inside your home or somewhere 6.6430 Orlando, FL 32803 safe outdoors. Find a place you like and take a few positive steps each 407.896.6901 SDAY | AUGUST day. 9You’ll feel better and can start to increase your pace and distance AM – 11:00 AM over time. Changing small factors like the time of day you’re active or
lle YMCA the place you exercise can add more variety and help you stay healthy arrison St. and feeling well. e, FL 32780 7.8924
If you want to revamp or create your wellness plan and need help, consider working with a virtual personal trainer. That way, you’re able to talk with a certified expert who can evaluate your current routine YOU ASKING and make necessary adjustments to help you reach your goals. If you’re UR SNACK THE looking for something more casual, consider getting an accountability HT QUESTIONS? partner at the place you normally exercise. Either way you go, the hunger strikes be ready to strike back. benefits of your sharing yourtoprogress what questions to ask snacks make with someone else include: • Avoiding burnout and being inspired to try something new ey have your best interests at heart. • Avoiding overexerting yourself and ensuring you’re getting AY | AUGUST 14 enough WEDNESDAY rest | AUGUST 16 M – 6:30 PM 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM • Celebrating your achievements and milestones with a friend
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Oviedo YMCA Red Bugin Lakevirtual Rd. With the7900 increase learning, it’s critically important that ngwoodFL 32765 children Oviedo, still remain active by taking screen breaks. Consider registering ary Rd. 407.359.3606 your child for a youth enrichment or sports program that follows ary, FL 32746 1.8944 CDC guidance. These activities will help kids improve their technical FRIDAY | AUGUST 18 10:00 AM – 11:00healthy AM skills while promoting life lessons like leadership, team work, AY | AUGUST 15 Golden Triangle YMCA and creativity. An example is the YMCA sportsmanship M – 12:00 communication, PM 1465 David Walker Rd.
Youth Sports and Camps programs, which nurture friendships in a safe
a County YMCA Tavares, FL 32778 atmosphere. You can also turn family activities into a chance . Mabbetteand St. fun 352.343.1144 mee, FL 34741 to stay healthy. Children can accompany you on walks in the park and 7.7413
exercise right along with you.
2. EAT HEALTHY While it might seem impossible, maintaining a healthy weight and enjoying foods we like at the same time can happen! Changes in our habits take time, so be kind to yourself and trust the process. Remember, eating healthy is not a punishment — in fact, it’s a reward for your body. In exchange, your body will care for you and keep you healthy. Eating healthy also doesn’t mean we need to have a lack of flavorful foods. Adding in fresh and dried herbs and spices will enhance flavor and may even increase metabolism, fat burning and feelings of fullness. So, how can we begin a journey that leads us to better overall health? Here are a few tips: • Start slowly • Eat breakfast every day • Eat more nuts and seeds • Taste your food • Add more color to your diet Chef Gary Appelsies, the YMCA of Central Florida Director of Healthy Eating, says, “Ideally, the food you eat should delight your senses. Go slow, learn to enjoy your food and try something new once a week. Eat well and stay healthy… Cheers to a happy and healthy new year!” You can find Chef Gary’s healthy eating recipes on the Y’s website at ymcacf.org.
3. STAY CONNECTED Another way to stay healthy is to stay connected with loved ones, friends and community groups, starting with your family. Conversations around a family meal are a great time to gather together and stay close. Here are a few questions you can ask to help get a conversation started: • What was your favorite part of the day? • What is your favorite thing to do with the family? • What is the funniest thing that happened to you or made you smile today? It’s just as important to take the time to grow important relationships as part of your emotional and mental well-being as it is to stay well physically. Look for little ways to show you care each day. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself and take a few minutes to slow down and unwind.
One final step you can take today to grow healthier in 2021 is to sign up for the Y’s free neighborhood membership. You’ll receive free healthy tips and recipes, plus activities and virtual events throughout the year. Simply go to ymcacf.org/membership to get started. Let’s stay healthy together this RENEW year! 14 PLAYGROUND Feb / Mar 2021
