The 2012 London Olympic Games will be the greenest ever. Bring the
Olympic Spirit home by creating some healthy, eco-winning strategies for
your family.
The Olympic Games shine a spotlight on the athleticism and good
health it takes to be the best in the world. But did you also know that
this year’s games will be one of the greenest in Olympiad history? The International Olympic Committee and the Commission For A Sustainable London have worked tirelessly to make sure that this year’s games will set the sustainability standard for all future games.
Along with the thrill of worldwide competition, the Summer Olympic
Games offer a great opportunity to encourage your family to put the
spotlight on these winning attributes. That means you can bring the
Olympic spirit into your home by including exercise, healthy food
choices and sustainability as part of your daily routine.
Here are a few suggestions:
Spotlight On A Green Workout
Many athletes train and compete in outdoor venues. So what’s the easiest way to make like a pro and green your workout?
Take a walk, ride a bike, play with your kids or your pet. Do your
morning stretches on your balcony or patio. Start a garden, weed your
flower beds––whatever. Summer is the perfect time to exercise
outdoors. Plus, you’ll be lowering your carbon footprint by skipping
the car ride to the gym. But remember that hydration is key when
exercising outdoors in hot weather, so carry a reusable water bottle
containing your favorite après l'exercise beverage.
The plus? Exercising outdoors can actually improve your health. According to a University of Essex, UK,
study, as little as five minutes of outdoor exercise can improve mood
and overall health. Being outside lifts spirits and improves
self-esteem. And if you can exercise near a water source, you’ll get an
even bigger benefit.
Spotlight On Healthy Snacks
Professional athletes know the importance of eating right to fuel
peak performance, and healthy snacking can be an integral part of a
balanced diet. Even though your mom may have told you not to eat
between meals, it turns out that snacking may improve health and help
maintain a healthy weight. According to the American Dietetic Association, snacking keeps your metabolism revved up and is a great way to boost your energy.
Okay, so snacking is a good thing, but what makes a good snack?
WebMD, says the best snacks are ones that contain three important qualities:
- Enough calories to be satisfying, but not so many that the snack becomes a meal.
- Healthy fats in appropriate amounts
- Fiber, protein, and/or other nutrients that give them staying power
Some eco-friendly choices might include:
Fresh Fruit: Any fruit you like - apples, oranges, bananas – are all loaded with
vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Fruit is portable, needs no
refrigeration and is oh-so eco-friendly. And with summer in full
bloom, your local farmer’s market may have favorites like peaches,
berries, and nectarines. Take advantage of them while you can, because
they never last long!
Grab Some Nuts: Whether you prefer salted or raw, these crunchy morsels make for a
wonderful snack. They're packed with good fats, which help you stay
full. Nuts also contain fiber, and nutrients like selenium, and vitamin
E. Plus, they’re portable and really easy to measure. According to the
dietary Guidelines for Americans, one handful is about 1 oz, a perfect portion.
Take Blue Diamond Almonds, for example: one handful is about 23 nuts,
the perfect snack. To live a greener life, don’t seal them up in a
plastic bag. Just reuse an empty peppermint tin to store your almonds in
a purse or gym bag for quick energy. Spotlight On Entertaining
Gathering family and friends together to watch as America competes at
the 2012 Summer Olympic Games is yet another opportunity to incorporate
healthy, greener goals.
Take a page from the Summer Olympic program and keep the focus of
your party on sustainability by avoiding paper plates and plastic
utensils. Set up a recycling station for any cans and bottles, and
remember to compost any leftovers if possible.
Keep the focus on health by serving a variety of foods that will
satisfy every appetite. Including healthy options like fruits, veggies,
nuts and popcorn will make sure that everyone leaves your party feeling
healthy, too.
Here are a few suggestions for healthy party fare.
Nuts To You
Once again, nuts fit the bill. Look for raw, unsalted or lightly
salted varieties of your favorite nuts. Or, roast your own. Drizzle raw
nuts with a little olive oil and your favorite seasonings like
rosemary, cracked pepper or lemon pepper. Roast at 300 degrees for
10-15 minutes stirring frequently. Or try a something like this awesome
Nutty Tapenade.
Break From The Pack
Of packaged snacks, that is! Nix the traditional bowls of pretzels
or potato chips, and instead offer your guests a selection fresh fruits
and vegetables. It doesn’t just have to be the same old carrot schtick, either.
(Ha-ha, pun fully intended!) Why not use the Olympic theme and go
“around-the-world.” How about an Asian-inspired vegetable platter of
edamame, baby corn, snow peas and fresh mushrooms drizzled in a low-fat
sesame dressing. Or highlight foods from the Middle East with low-fat
pita chips, Light Lemony Hummus and olives. Get creative. You are only limited by your own imagination.
The Sweet Taste Of Victory
For a fresh take on dessert, skip the high-fat Mississippi Mud Brownies and cheesecake and opt instead for Angel food cake topped with fresh berries, or summer peaches.
And if you really want to go all out, set up your own Backyard Olympic Games and
go for the gold. You might not win a medal, but if you let the
Olympics inspire you toward greater health and sustainability, you will
most certainly feel like a hero.
