Commit to Be Fit Newsletter

21 November 2023/ Issue No. 265

Commit to Be Fit Family,

It's that time of year where we gather over tasty foods and remember all the things that we are thankful for in life. C2BF would live to give thanks to each of you! We couldn't continue to promote a culture of wellness without your incredible support. So, while this holiday edition newsletter is a little cheeky, we would like to take a moment to sincerely thank you and let you know how grateful we are to each of you. Together, we are creating a wellness-focused lifestyle for our children and community.

We wish you all a happy and healthy Thanksgiving filled with joy, laughs, and gratitude.

Sincerely,

C2BF

During Monday's afterschool Kids Club, the students played a fun game with a reaction ball. Standing in a circle, the kids took turn bouncing the ball, which randomly bounced to others in the group. Whomever caught it had to say one thing they were thankful for being bouncing it again. Each time they caught the ball, they had to share a different thing they were thankful for this holiday. Most of the students said they were thankful for specific family members, while we also heard sports, unicorns, and more! The kiddos had a blast with the random ball while taking a moment to share gratitude.

Complete any distance, anywhere, and any time! Walk, trot, or run! Best yet, it's FREE!

Each registered participant (adults and kids) will be entered into our prize drawing. One lucky participant will win an ANNUAL PASS TO SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK. Plus- Email us a pic from your virtual turkey trot and each of your registered participants will receive an extra entry in the prize drawing. Email pic by Nov. 27th to c2bf@rappahannockschools.us.

CLICK HERE to register today!

Our last meal prep workshop of 2023 will be Tuesday, December 5th. What better way to end the year than making a yummy Crockpot Sausage & Potato Soup?

If you would like to reserve your spot for this workshop, please visit the following link by Friday, December 1st. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLdkCcxoW_WCHmcEXATcP6ZswpQoradR13kmuA9wduPvYIrg/viewform?pli=1

This workshop is first come, first serve and will close at 10 participants. Once closed, an ingredient list will be emailed to participants to sign up.

Recipe: Crockpot Sausage & Potato Soup with Kale or Spinach

Date: Tuesday, December 5th

Time: 3:45-4:15 pm

Location: Elementary School ABL Lab (Rm 1)

LAST DAY to Register: Friday, December 1st

We hope you can join us!

Happy Thanksgiving, Commit to Be Fit Family!

I have been going back and forth about whether I should write a fitness tip or a nutrition-focused tip for Thanksgiving. Being a holiday edition, we like to have a little extra fun and bend our own rules. Therefore, I have decided to include TWO tips. I wish you all a TERRIFIC Thanksgiving filled with an abundance of love, happiness, and gratitude!

Naturally, my first tip this week is to grab your family members and head outdoors for our virtual Turkey Trot!! One lucky registered participant will win an annual pass to Shenandoah National Park! However, if you are looking for a different type of workout, try C2BF’s Burn Before the Bird Workout. This activity (shown below) was originally published in 2018 and does not require any special equipment.

To complete, perform each of the 8 exercises below for 30-60 seconds with a short break in between each one. Aim to complete the entire circuit 2-3x. Be mindful to include a warm-up and cool down/stretch as well. Please note, this workout may not be appropriate for everyone. Modify as needed.

The holidays are here! This time of year is filled with joyful celebrations and lots of social gatherings over tasty treats and large feasts. If you are being more mindful of your food intake this holiday season, here are a few tips to reduce portion sizes without giving up all the goodies.

1. Use a smaller plate. Less space on a plate will automatically reduce portion sizes and encourage you to pick the foods you really want to enjoy and not consume the ones that you would normally take just because they are available.

2. Eat slowly. This is a time to savor your food and share moments with family and friends. Take a bite and put your fork down as you chew. Take a sip of water before picking up your fork again. Allow your body plenty of time to naturally signal when you are full. Think “set it down, savor, and sip.”

3. Drink plenty of water before the meal. Drinking water beforehand will increase your hydration levels and make you feel a little less hungry when it’s time to sit down at the table.

I wish you and your family a very special Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy!

Being thankful on Thanksgiving is a beautiful tradition that encourages reflection on the positive aspects of our lives and fosters a sense of gratitude. Here are some ways you can express gratitude on Thanksgiving:

• Reflect on Blessings: Take some time to think about the positive aspects of your life. Consider the people, experiences, and opportunities that have brought joy and fulfillment.

• Express Gratitude: Share your feelings of gratitude with others. Let friends, family, and loved ones know how much you appreciate them. You can do this through spoken words, handwritten notes, or small gestures.

• Give Back: Thanksgiving is a great time to give back to your community. Consider volunteering at a local charity, food bank, or shelter. Helping those in need can deepen your sense of gratitude.

• Count Your Blessings: Create a list of things you are thankful for. This can be a simple exercise where you jot down the aspects of your life that bring you happiness and fulfillment.

• Focus on the Present: Take a break from worries about the past or concerns about the future. Focus on the present moment and appreciate the company of those around you.

• Create Thanksgiving Traditions: Establishing traditions can enhance the meaning of Thanksgiving. Whether it's a special meal, a gratitude circle, or a family activity, traditions can create lasting memories and reinforce the spirit of thankfulness.

• Share a Meal: Sharing a meal with others is a significant aspect of Thanksgiving. Whether it's a large family gathering or a small get-together with friends, the communal part of sharing food fosters a sense of togetherness and gratitude.

I hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday filled with joy, warmth, memorable moments, and delicious food!

If you have any leftover turkey from Thanksgiving dinner, try this fantastic recipe from Taste of Home. To view, click HERE.