Fitness Newsletter | August 2013 | VBgov.com/Parks

Does Mood Determine Food Choice?

 

EatingHave you given any thought to why you eat? Seems like a simple enough question. Yes, we need food to stay alive, but most of us take in plenty of excess and it's not always the healthiest kind. So why do we eat the other stuff? Well, here's some food for thought. 

 

Researchers are finding some interesting links between what types of foods we eat and how we feel when we make those choices. In Dr. Michael Roizen's book (co-authored with Dr. Oz), YOU: On A Diet: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management, Dr. Roizen highlights a list of common food types that studies have found to be mood indicators. Here's his list:

 

Tough foods, or foods that are crunchy or hard = Angry
Sugars = Depressed
Soft and sweet foods like ice cream = Anxious
Salty foods = Stressed
Bulky foods like crackers or pasta = Lonely
Anything and everything = Jealous 

 

The next time you find yourself going for a meal or snack, take a little mental note of the mood you're in. See if you fit the list. The question of why you're eating might be as important and interesting as what you're eating.

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Upcoming Events
  
9/7-8 | Artisans in the Park | Great Neck Park
  
9/28 | Treasures at Trashmore | Mount Trashmore Park
  
10/19 | Sk8r Bash | Williams Farm Skate Park
New Program Spotlight: Workout Warriors 


Workout WarriorThere's no room for slacking off in this program! We will challenge you with a new workout each week at a different city park or recreation center. Work hard to increase strength, endurance, balance and coordination. Workouts are designed for multiple fitness levels.


We will meet each Saturday in September at the following locations from 8:30 to 10 am. 

 

September 7: Mount Trashmore Park
September 14: Bayville Farms Park
September 21: Great Neck Recreation Center

September 28: Princess Anne Park 

 

This program is open to ages 14 & up. Ready to be a Workout Warrior? Reserve your spot now! Program cost is $34.

Fitness Tip Video Clip: Getting Started with TRX� 

 

TRX Video TipAs you've probably noticed, TRX� suspension training has significantly grown in popularity and shows no signs of slowing down. The reason for this can be found in its philosophy. TRX� is designed to train movements instead of muscles. To effectively train movements, the entire body is called into action during each exercise. Every person, from the elite athlete to the average Joe can benefit from this type of training. This is truly functional, full-body training.


Because of its benefits and versatility, our personal trainers often use it with their clients. We have added TRX� to some of our group fitness classes and we have created entire workouts that are available through registration

 

Also, at many of our recreation centers we have installed a TRX� system in the fitness room for use by our members. The system can be a little intimidating at first and proper technique is always important. To help get you started, we have included two basic, but effective exercises in this month's video clip. To get the full TRX� experience, check out one of our classes or request to work with one of our TRX� qualified personal trainers. 

Back to School Snacks for Families on the Go


Fruit KebobsLabor Day is just around the corner, signaling the end of the summer break and the beginning of a new school year for teachers, kids and parents. Whether this makes you happy or sad, your days are about to get busier. Before you reach for the chips and cookies, here are a few quick and easy snack ideas that are perfect for families on the go.

 

1. Fruit Kabobs - Creativity can peak kids interest. Skewers lined with a variety of melons, orange slices, grapes and strawberries are colorful, tasty and fun to eat. Put together fruit kabobs the night before that can be grabbed the next day. 

 

2. Apples with Almond Butter - Fresh fruit is always a great option, but sometimes you need a little protein to satisfy hunger and cravings. Apple slices with a small serving of almond butter work well. A little lemon juice sprinkled on the apples will keep them from turning brown. 

 

3. Berries with Greek Yogurt - Another option would be berries with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. To save a couple bucks, use frozen berries. Putting them in the yogurt the night before or early in the morning will leave you with a smooth, tasty treat later in the day. 

 

4. Ants on a Log - This tried and true snack is perfect for any age. Simply take half a celery stalk, line it with a thin layer of peanut butter and top with raisins. 

 

Here's one last tip. If you have youngsters, it's a good idea to get them involved in the process. Letting them pick their fruit at the market, line their skewers, or put the raisins on their logs will help them build healthy habits early in life.

Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures

Bow Creek Recreation Center is closed for a long-term modernization project

  

All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers, Owl Creek Tennis Center and administrative offices will be closed on Monday, September 2 for Labor Day. Parks will be open.

  

Bayside Recreation Center will be closed on Monday, September 9 through Sunday, September 15. The pool will remain closed through Sunday, September 22.

  

Williams Farm Recreation Center will be closed on Monday, September 23 through Sunday, September 29. The pool will remain closed through Sunday, October 6.

 

Don't forget that your membership is good at all Virginia Beach Recreation Centers! If your usual center is closed for maintenance, take the opportunity to visit another center. Use this locator to help you find one!

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If you or your child requires additional support, we can help. Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services.
We welcome your comments and questions. Feel free to email us at [email protected].
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the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.