Fitness Newsletter | March 2015 | VBgov.com/Parks
April 1 is National Walking Day

Shoes Get up from your chair or couch, and take a walk in honor of National Walking Day and your health. This national day, organized by the American Heart Association, highlights the importance of regular physical activity. Did you know that physical inactivity doubles the risk of heart disease?

Take 30 minutes out of your day to get up and walk for your health. Show us how you are taking part by sharing photos of you on the move at a rec center or park. Include the hashtag #VBParksRec in your posts and we'll post them in an album on our Facebook page. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Learn to Decode Food Label Buzzwords


In honor of National Nutrition Month, let's take a look at the confusing world of food labels. While we often spend time sifting through nutrition information on the back of our foods, we give less thought to the labels on the front that draw us to the item. So, what do these marketing buzzwords actually mean?


Whole Grain - Refers to fully intact seeds that have protein, fiber, and vitamins/minerals. Unless the label specifically states "100% whole grain," the whole grains may make up anywhere from 1%-49% of the food, meaning the rest comes from refined grains, which are stripped of much of their protein & nutrients. Check the ingredients list to be sure.

Reduced/Less Fat - Means this food contains 25% less fat than a similar reference food. Unfortunately, reducing fat can also reduce flavor and satisfaction, and in an effort to make up for this, manufacturers often add sugar and sodium instead. You may be better off eating less of the full-fat version.

Gluten-Free - Gluten refers to the proteins found in grains and is not tolerated well by some people, including those with Celiac's Disease. Most people have no problem consuming gluten. Much like the term above, the gluten-free label is often used to make the consumer assume he/she is making a healthy choice. In fact, plenty of junk foods that are highly processed, sugary, and full of preservatives and artificial flavors, just happen to be gluten free, as well.

Organic - The USDA organic seal is the highest stamp of approval and means that the product is made without synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering (as well as no antibiotics and growth hormones in meats). Again, just because a food is organic doesn't mean it's good for you. Plenty of processed junk foods are technically organic but still not healthy.

No Trans Fats - These are a dangerous type of fat that are linked to heart disease and are banned in most foods and restaurants. However, manufacturer's "zero trans fats" labels can actually refer to any food containing less than .5g per serving. To make sure you're avoiding them entirely, check ingredients lists for: partially hydrogenated oil or shortening.

Superfood - These are foods considered to be very good for your health, but this is often just a marketing tool with little scientific basis. In fact, the term has been banned in the European Union since 2007.
 
All Natural - The FDA does not have a definition for this phrase, so companies can define it however they want. As an alternative, look at the ingredients to make sure they are words you recognize and not ones manufactured in a lab.
Take Your Fitness Outdoors!

TRX at Bayville Outdoor fitness programs are back! These classes take place at various parks around the city and do not require a recreation center membership. From boot camp classes at Red Wing Park and TRX� classes at Bayville Park to Elevation Boot Camps using Mount Trashmore's natural slope (to put it mildly), we're here to help you reach your fitness goals. And, high school athletes can take advantage of our specialized Great Athletic Performance (G.A.P.) program at Mount Trashmore Park to train for the upcoming sport season!

Upcoming Boot Camps - Visit VBgov.com/parks for more details
Mount Trashmore Park
Bodyweight Boot Camp - starts April 16 
Cardio Conditioning - starts April 15
Elevation Boot Camp - starts April 14

Red Wing Park
Bodyweight Boot Camp - starts April 16 

Bayville Farms Park
Outdoor Boot Camp - starts April 7
Outdoor TRX� Boot Camp - starts April 11
10 Best Bet Foods

 

It can be a challenge reading through all the information out there about what to eat and what not to eat. To help make it easier, the Mayo Clinic has created a list of 10 best bet foods based on the following criteria (each food had to meet at least three of the criteria to make the list): 
 

- They're a good/excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients.

- They're high in phytonutrients and antioxidant compounds, such as vitamins A, E, and beta

carotene.

- They may help reduce the risk of heart disease and other health conditions.

- They're readily available.
 

How many of these foods are dietary staples and how many could you work to incorporate in your diet?


1. Almonds - High in fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, calcium, and vitamin E; and a healthy monounsaturated fat

2. Apples - High in fiber and vitamin C

3. Blueberries - High in phytonutrients, fiber, and vitamin C

4. Broccoli - High in phytonutrients and vitamins C and A

5. Red Beans - High in iron, phosphorus, potassium, protein, fiber, and phytonutrients

6. Salmon - High in heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein

7. Spinach - High in vitamins A and C, folate, magnesium, beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin

8. Sweet Potato - High in beta carotene, vitamins A, C and B6, fiber, and potassium

9. Vegetable Juice - Easy way to get most of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from vegetables

10. Wheat Germ - High in thiamin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, protein, and fiber


Check out the recipe below for a yummy dinner that boasts three of the above foods!


Cumin-Roasted Salmon and Sweet Potato Over Sauteed Spinach

Ingredients:
2 salmon fillets (4 - 5 oz each)

� tsp cumin

� tsp salt

� tsp pepper

2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed

2 cups spinach


1. Preheat oven to 425˚. Grease a baking dish with butter and season the fish with cumin, salt and pepper.

2. Place the fish (skin-side down) and cubed sweet potato in the dish and bake 20 minutes.

3. While the rest is baking, place spinach in saute pan on stove over medium heat, gently tossing until all the spinach has completely wilted and turned bright green.

4. Remove from pan and spread on plates.

5. When salmon and sweet potatoes are done cooking, plate on top of spinach and serve.

Meet the Trainer: Laura Burckett-Picker
                                                

Laura Burckett-Picker Laura has been working in the fitness industry for four years, with experience in both commercial and corporate fitness. Her focus is to help people realize their full athletic potential while maintaining a healthy and well-rounded lifestyle. She works with all ages and abilities and helps her clients feel better and stronger during their everyday lives. Laura is currently teaching TRX� and bootcamps at Williams Farm and will be instructing outdoor boot camps starting in April. In her free time, Laura enjoys being active outdoors and spending time with friends and family.    

Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures

 

Kempsville Recreation Center is closed through early 2017 for a long-term replacement project.

 

All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers and Owl Creek Tennis Center will be closed on Sunday, April 5 for Easter.


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].