Movers and Shakers, Not Couch Po-taters

As usual, I'm going to ask you to reflect for me...did you watch the SuperBowl yesterday? How did you do with your food choices, drink choices, and portions? Sporting events often lead to the gathering of friends over beer, wings, nachos, etc. I can appreciate the excitement and entertainment value, but it always seems a bit strange to me that the average person sits down and eats unhealthy foods while watching others perform physical feats. I've thought this the few times I've watched a weight loss show as well - viewers shouldn't be sitting and watching others workout; get up and do something for your health too!

This might be the rare occasion that you do actually take a break from your active lifestyle, or perhaps you're on a piece of cardio equipment or stretching while the game is on. I bring this up because we're heading into the Olympics this week. I am excited to follow our Canadian athletes, and remember the pride I had when I competed for our country. I know how hard they train, the sacrifices they make, and the goals they have. I will watch their triumphs and personal bests, but I will be motivated to keep up my routine of walking, cycling, running, yoga, and weight lifting. I will prepare healthy snacks and meals to eat if I'm watching an event that coincides with our usual meal time. It may be a small adjustment in your day, but consider your habits around eating, drinking, activity, and television viewing. You may be in a 'bad' habit and not even realize it.

For interest sake, I've posted links to a few articles on my facebook page to see what Olympians eat (yes, it's real food!), what they take with them, their special indulgences, and how they value nutrition's role in their performance. You may not be training like an Olympian, but you can pay closer attention to what you're putting into your body so that you can be the best version of you!

Go Canada Go!
Check out the official Canadian Olympic Team website for more information on the games.

Steph Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com

Beautiful Bodies

I was recently shown photos of different athletes from a variety of sports (above).  The photo shoot was done by Howard Schatz and can serve as a reminder that healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes.  A number on the scale does not determine how healthy you are and it should not determine whether you're going to have a good or bad day.  We are all unique and our bodies have different strengths and capabilities.  Focus on being fit, moving your body, providing yourself with nourishing food, and being at peace with yourself. 

Since we're in the midst of the 2012 Olympics I thought this would be a great photo to share.  As you watch the athletes I'm sure you have noticed different shapes and sizes in different sports, and even in the same event.  Think of the volleyball libero versus the middle blocker for example.   

I know we're suffering with a high rate of overweight and obesity, but we've also set ourselves up to have unrealistic expectations.  People don't go to bed skinny and wake up fat, but they're also not all going to be airbrushed and appear on the cover of Vogue.  I feel that I resemble an athlete (because I was/am one) more than a model, but that gives me strength and energy to enjoy my life.

Celebrate your body and what it can do for you - celebrate by taking it for a walk or a bike ride (I do love non-food rewards!).

Steph Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com

Saskatchewan Olympic Hopefuls

The 2012 Olympic Games are underway in London.  As a proud Saskatchewan girl, I wanted to share a few links and information on our athletes that are competing.  Our province will be represented by 7 Olympic athletes and 5 Paralympic athletes. 

Olympic athletes include Brianne Theisen (heptathlon), Cory Niefer (10-metre air rifle, 50-metre rifle), Krista Phillips (basketball), Kelly Parker and Kaylyn Kyle (soccer), Reuben Ross (synchronized diving) and Rachelle Viinberg (rowing). You can find out more about our home grown talent on metro.ca and ctvolympics.ca among other websites.

The Canadian Sport Centre Saskatchewan (CSCS) has information on our Olympians and Paralympians (who begin their games August 29).  The Paralympic athletes include Robert Hudson (archery), Keira Frie (athletics), Alexandre Dupont (athletics), Earle Connor (athletics), and Logan Campbell (sailing).  CSCS has also provided a very handy guide (shown in SK time) so that you can catch the prairie athletes in action.

We will also have many athletes competing in Meadow Lake, SK from July 29 to August 4 for the Saskatchewan Summer Games.  Perhaps these your hopefuls will be on the Olympic stage one day!

Go Canada Go!

Steph Langdon (Wheler), RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com