Commit to Be Fit Newsletter
April 18th, 2022
29 March 2024/ Issue No. 281
Battle of the Blenders
Commit to Be Fit and Chef Volmrich kicked off a March Madness-themed smoothie competition, Battle of the Blenders, on March 25th. Approximately half of the students in the elementary school sampled the first two competitors, Lemony Lemur (lemon and apple) and Busy Blueberry (blueberry, banana, orange), and voted for their favorite flavor. While it was a close race in the first few lunch shifts, the Busy Blueberry won with 68% of the vote and will move on to the final round. The students enjoyed tasting the refreshing, nutritious drinks, with many asking for seconds.
On Thursday, March 28th, the rest of the elementary school sampled two new flavors, Green Gorilla (pears and spinach) and Fla-Mango (strawberries and mango). Ultimately, the Fla-Mango won, securing 78% of the vote.
The Fla-Mango will go head-to-head against the Busy Blueberry in the championship round, where every student will vote for the winning smoothie. We can't wait to see which fruit smoothie will win the Battle of the Blenders!
Want to try the winning smoothies at home? Check out the Busy Blueberry & Fla-Mango recipes below in our Featured Recipe section.
Just Chill Challenge
In our busy lives, it is important for our mental well-being to take time for ourselves to relax or participate in our favorite relaxing hobby. For this challenge, complete 450 minutes of relaxation during the month of April. This is only 15 minutes a day. Anything that relaxes you and you enjoy counts. Register today; the challenge kicks off on Monday, April 1st. For more details, to download your tracker (shown above), and to register for the challenge, CLICK HERE.
PRIZE DRAWING- If you achieve 450 minutes of relaxation during the month, you can enter our prize drawing. Two lucky winners will each receive a camping hammock.
Walking Group
Upcoming Cancellations-- Walking Group will NOT be meeting on April 1st (Spring Break) or April 8th (solar eclipse event).
Lace up your shoes and join us for Walking Group on Mondays! This group meets at 3:45 pm at the RCES flag pole. Whether you are competing in one of our physical activity challenges or you would like to get a few extra steps in, we would love for you to come out and walk with us! This group is open to the entire community. Tell your friends or bring them with you!
Just Chill
Last week, Jermey's tip was on the importance of taking a break or a vacation. I would like to further expound on Jermey's fantastic advice and talk about the importance of taking time for yourself each day. We are thrilled to announce our newest challenge, Just Chill! While many of our previous challenges have been focused on fitness, whether it has been achieving 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, hiking, strength training, etc., this challenge is designed to establish relaxation and destressing habits for improved mental and physical well-being. Research shows that regular relaxation practice can help to reduce stress, boost your mood, promote heart health, improve digestion, relieve muscle tension, and improve your immune system.
Don't have time to relax? Here are a few tips to help you carve out time for yourself.
- For two days, take a detailed inventory of what you do throughout the day. Identify some timewasters (excessive tv, social media, etc.) and strive to fill this time with something to help you unwind and destress instead.
- Rather than finding a 15 minute block, try taking a few 5 minute breaks throughout the day for deep breathing, stretching, or just toning out distractions.
- Create a relaxation zone in your home that you want to spend time in. This may be a crafting table if you enjoy creativity projects, a tranquil space on an outdoor patio, a comfy chair with good lighting for reading, etc. If you have a special space for yourself, you will be more likely to want to make time for you.
- Unplug. Create a no device timeframe where you turn off your phone and free yourself from distractions.
- Identify leisure activities and hobbies that bring you joy. Set aside time for these each week.
Ultimately, slow down and do something you enjoy. It's not selfish, it's essential to your well-being. I wish you all a fantastic spring break.
All About Smoothies
Dust off your blender and fuel your day with nature's goodness! Smoothies can be a convenient and delicious way to incorporate nutrients into your diet. The following are the benefits of including smoothies in your diet:
-Smoothies can be packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, especially if you include fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. This can help ensure you get a wide range of nutrients in one convenient drink.
-Blending ingredients in a smoothie can make them easier to digest than eating them whole. This can benefit people with digestive issues or difficulty chewing certain foods.
-Smoothies are typically made with liquid bases like water, milk, or yogurt, which can contribute to your daily hydration needs. Adding hydrating fruits like watermelon or cucumber can also boost hydration.
-Smoothies can be a filling and satisfying snack or meal replacement option depending on the ingredients used. They can help you manage your calorie intake while still providing essential nutrients.
-Smoothies are quick and easy to prepare, making them convenient for busy mornings or as a post-workout snack. You can also prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge for later consumption.
-Including fiber-rich ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and seeds in your smoothies can help support digestive health, promote satiety, and regulate blood sugar levels.
-You can customize smoothies to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Endless combinations exist whether you prefer sweet, savory, or spicy flavors.
Incorporating smoothies into your diet can be a delicious way to boost your nutrient intake, support overall health, and enjoy a convenient and refreshing beverage. See this week’s featured kid-friendly smoothie recipes to try at home!
Busy Bluebird Smoothie
Yields: 2
Ingredients
1/2 cup yogurt
2 cups blueberries, frozen
1 banana
1/2 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
- Serve and enjoy!
Fla-Mango Smoothie
The second student choice smoothie is a tasty blend of mango, strawberries, and strawberry yogurt.
Yields: 2
Ingredients
1 cup strawberry yogurt
1 cup strawberries, frozen
1 cup mango, frozen
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until thoroughly mixed and smooth. Pour and serve.
- Note- If you prefer a thinner smoothie, add a splash of milk or water.
The winners of this week's FREE salad bar coupon goes to Kathy Zehr Rhodes (RCES) and Greg Czekaj (RCHS).
Superintendent's Physical Activity Award Challenge
All Supt's Challenge Finishers- Join us on Friday, April 5th at 3:45 for a LIVE prize drawing event. Come on out so we can celebrate you and your awesome achievement! If you haven't received the personal invite yet, you will be receiving it shortly.
Teacher Resources
RCPS Teachers-- As a friendly reminder, we have a massive database of brain breaks (PreK-12) and movement games/activities with SOL and content integration ideas (PK-5). CLICK HERE to view the Teacher Resource page. If you prefer, the C2BF team would be happy to come to your classroom and lead a brain break, activity, or even a mindful minute. Email c2bf@rappahannockschools.us to schedule a push-in.
Commit to Be Fit is a school sponsored, grant funded program in Rappahannock County, Virginia. Through the generosity of the PATH Foundation, Commit to Be Fit was created to promote a culture of wellness in Rappahannock County Public Schools and the Rappahannock community.