Commit to Be Fit Newsletter

20 January 2023/ Issue No. 232

Welcome new subscribers! We wanted to take an opportunity to introduce the Commit to Be Fit (C2BF) program. We are funded by the generosity of the PATH Foundation to promote wellness in three key areas: cafeteria, classroom, and community. A few of our key initiatives includes offering the Action Based Learning (ABL) Lab at the elementary school; overseeing the Neuronasium (alternative seating classroom) at the high school; conducting taste testing opportunities for students; creating healthier, student-driven meal options in the cafeteria; offering free fitness and wellness classes and workshops for staff and community; hosting wellness challenges and events for adults; promoting movement and mindfulness in the classrooms; teaching a high school wellness elective; offering kids' cooking classes; collaborating with local businesses for wellness promotion; presenting data and best practices at local, national, and international conferences; and contributing to the growing research about the link between movement and academics. We are thankful to serve our students, staff, and all of the community! CLICK HERE to learn more and view our annual reports on our homepage.

The C2BF Team (pictured left to right): Jermey Gates (Wellness Integration Specialist), Dr. Shannon Grimsley (RCPS Superintendent/ Grant PI), Kayla Midkiff (Wellness Integration Specialist), Jackie Tederick (Wellness Integration Coordinator/ RCPS Food Service Supervisor), and Holly Jenkins (Wellness Integration & Promotion Specialist/ RCPS Public Relations & Digital Communications Officer). CLICK HERE to learn more about the team.

Ms. Liz Beling, Regional Farm to School Liaison, and Commit to Be Fit teamed up to share fun facts about the Harvest of the Month, Sweet Potatoes. RCES students had an opportunity to sample roasted sweet potatoes and cast their vote for one of three options: "liked it," "liked it a little bit," or did not like it. According to poll, of those students who tried the sweet potatoes, 60% said they liked it.

The Commit to Be Fit team was excited to host a "TryDay FriDay" at RCHS. Students and staff were able to enjoy a Sweet Potato Bar with their choice of honey, marshmallows, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter to top it off!

This month’s Meal Prep Workshop featured Salad in a Jar. The participants made up to 3 salads each to enjoy throughout the week. Yum!

The JANUARY CALENDAR is now available. CLICK HERE to view.

As a friendly reminder, classes will not be held on early release days or when school is not in session for students. Be sure to join our Facebook GROUP (search Commit to Be Fit) or sign-up for our newsletters at the bottom of our website homepage (www.rappc2bf.com) to receive class updates and/or cancellations.

Location information is available on our website www.rappc2bf.com/activities

Have additional questions? Email Holly at hjenkins@rappahannockschools.us

This semester, C2BF invited all staff members to participate in a weekly free salad drawing. This week's winners are Sarah Beth Curry (high school) and Lori-Anne Moss (elementary). C2BF will be delivering your free salad coupons shortly. Enjoy, Sarah Beth and Lori-Anne!

Registration for the 2023 Fodderstack 10K Classic is now open. CLICK HERE to register. Due to a generous donation from the Rappahannock County Park Foundation (RCPF) and others, registration for the first 50 YOUTH (17 and under), registering by 2/28/23 will be FREE!!

Strength training is not just for the avid gym-goer or bodybuilder; it is for everybody. As we age, we begin to lose muscle mass, which in turn slows down our metabolism. Additionally, bone density decreases as we grow older. Luckily, strength training, also known as resistance training, can help us maintain or increase each of these and counteract the aging process! The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that healthy adults engage in strength training, incorporating all major muscle groups, at least two times a week. If you are new to resistance training and are not quite sure where to start, join us on Monday, January 23rd, for our Intro to Strength Training Workshop. Participants will learn basic exercises that you can do at home. Plus, you just may win a prize!

New year, new habits? Have you abandoned your new year's resolution? If so, you are not alone, as many others give up before February arrives. Some common reasons for failure to fulfill a resolution are - needing more time, setting an unrealistic goal, or making too many changes at once. Keep in mind developing new habits require repetition, time, and patience. Don't overwhelm yourself by making significant changes all at once to avoid frustration. Set yourself up for success with a game plan, including a specific goal to measure progress. As you move toward your end goal, having milestones or mini-goals along the way is essential. Popular New Year resolutions are to lose weight and exercise more. For example, one might plan to spend an hour on a cardio machine seven days a week while eliminating a food group to meet this goal. Don't set yourself up for failure with lofty expectations. Start with creating mini goals by committing to exercising three days a week for 20 - 30 minutes while adding more fruit and vegetables to your diet. This approach is realistic, manageable, and less daunting. So when you meet your mini goal, you will feel more accomplished and motivated to continue with a new habit to push forward to achieving the long-term goal. Small wins produce a big change, giving YOU the power of autonomy.

There's nothing better than enjoying a warm soup for dinner after a cold January day. Check out this recipe from Wanderlust & Wellness.

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE