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Tips for a Healthy Restart in 2021
SUMMER FOOD FUN TOUR
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Summer is the season for eating watermelon, barbecuing on the pool deck and spending time with family. It’s also a great time to think about trying some new recipes with all the fresh fruits and vegetables available here in Florida. Chef Gary recommends getting the entire family involved to combat weight gain and ensure that kids learn lifelong skills required to choose and prepare healthy meals. Join Chef Gary this summer
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
Most of us have had to adjust or let go of our routines over the past year due to all of the changes we’ve experienced, including our wellness THE SECRET TO BETTER OVERALL HEALTH routines. The safety and convenience of staying home, working from Beans, greens, grains and nuts. home and taking school classes from home can contribute to becoming Recipe: Hummus and Veggies more sedentary. This can lead to excessive weight gain and other MONDAY | AUGUST 7 SATURDAY | AUGUST 12 unhealthy side effects—but the good news is that no matter where you 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM Roper YMCA are, you can take a positive step today. How? By literally taking a step. Downtown Orlando And then another step. And another. Set aside a few minutes per day 100 Windermere Rd. YMCA to get up and move, whether that’s inside your home or somewhere Winter Garden, FL 34787 407.656.6430 433 N. Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 safe outdoors. Find a place you like and take a few positive steps each 407.896.6901 day. You’ll feel better and can start to increase your pace and distance WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 9 over time. Changing small factors like the time of day you’re active or 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Titusville YMCA the place you exercise can add more variety and help you stay healthy and feeling well. 2400 Harrison St. Titusville, FL 32780 321.267.8924 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 ARE YOU ASKING and make necessary adjustments to help you reach your goals. If you’re looking for something more casual, consider getting an accountability partner at the place you normally exercise. Either way you go, the YOUR SNACK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS? benefits of sharing your progress with someone else include:When hunger strikes be ready to strike back. Learn what questions to ask your snacks to make • Avoiding burnout and being inspired to try something newsure they have your best interests at heart. • Avoiding overexerting yourself and ensuring you’re getting MONDAY | AUGUST 14 enough restWEDNESDAY | AUGUST 16 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM • Celebrating your achievements and milestones with a friend 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM J. Douglas Williams Oviedo YMCA With the increase in virtual learning, it’s critically important that 7900 Red Bug Lake Rd. 665 LongwoodLake Mary Rd. children still remain active by taking screen breaks. Consider registering Oviedo, FL 32765 407.359.3606 your child for a youth enrichment or sports program that follows Lake Mary, FL 32746 407.321.8944 CDC guidance. These activities will help kids improve their technical FRIDAY | AUGUST 18 skills while promoting healthy life lessons like leadership, team work, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM communication, sportsmanship and creativity. An example is the YMCA Youth Sports and Camps programs, which nurture friendships in a safe TUESDAY | AUGUST 15 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Osceola County YMCA Golden Triangle YMCA 1465 David Walker Rd. Tavares, FL 32778 and fun atmosphere. You can also turn family activities into a chance 2117 W. Mabbette St. 352.343.1144 to stay healthy. Children can accompany you on walks in the park and Kissimmee, FL 34741 407.847.7413 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.
