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Along with the heat, sunshine and trips to the beach, we've got one more thing to look forward to this summer... The 2004 Olympic Games! And while it may be too hot for that jog you had in mind, you're probably not too cool to let yourself fanaticize about having the strength and endurance (not to mention the ripped bods) of those athletes you've been watching from your la-z-boy recliner.
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Whether you were the captain of the high school football team or more of a fixture at the science fair, exercise and nutrition (or lack thereof) has played a role in your life over the years. Peeling through 50 meters at record-breaking speed may no longer be an option, but going for a challenging workout never hurts. (OK, maybe just a little...but read on.) That's why it's important to continue with a regular fitness routine and a healthy diet down to the very last event!
So what does it take to make a champion out of any ol' chump? One thing's for sure: garbage in, garbage out. On the other hand, fuel your body right and it'll perform like a well-greased machine. For now, let's just forget about low-carbs or anything else that your latest dieting guru may have told you. Instead, we're talking protein for powerful muscles and carbs for sustainable energy. And don't forget, for all that vitamin and nutrient absorption, monounsaturated fats from foods like California Ripe Olives, nuts and avocados will give you an extra boost. So who needs a medal to prove anything? Just relay through your kitchen with the right foods and let the games begin! You'll be fit for it all!
Want to dive into more info on California Ripe Olives and eating for fitness? Check out what nutritionists are reading. TOP
Fueling for Endurance
O.K. Dr. Atkins may disagree ...But, CARBS ARE GOOD FOR YOU! We haven't been eating them for thousands of years just because it was trendy. By chomping down on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, our bodies have the energy to keep our muscles moving and our brains functioning.
So with our muscles rockin' and our brains in tune, it'll be easy to make the right choices when it comes to carbs. Limit simple sugars in favor of whole grains, in other words, trade the bagel for bran flakes and white bread for brown. Also, I know they make you feel like a marathoner, but those energy bars, goos and beverages are nowhere near as good for you as a healthy diet of real foods. Besides, have you really tasted those things? Yikes.
Forget the "super foods" and get back to the basics. White rice and pasta are fine once in a while, but there are tons of whole grains available these days that are even better. From millet to quinoa to bulgar, it's not just a white bread world anymore. Run with it! This Gold Metal Quinoa recipe will get you started. Quick and easy, with your favorite flavors of California Ripe Olives, corn and green onions mixed right in. Less time in the kitchen could mean one more lap around the block...or just a few more minutes to cheer for the stars and stripes on the tube.
Want to eat like an Olympian? Try eating like you're at the Olympics. With any of our latest Mediterranean recipes including Spicy Olive and Seafood Spaghetti, Olive and Leek Prassopitta, Saganaki Salad, Roasted Red Pepper and Olive Scacciata, Turkish Sea Bass, Provencial Olive and Tomato Tart, Golden Tuscan Chicken and Olympic Souvlaki Sandwich, you'll be instantly transported to the center of the scene without ever having to leave the comfort of your dining room. TOP
Muscle Maintenance
So, if carbs are so great, I bet you're wondering why we need the other stuff. Well, even if you aren't, here's the deal. Protein is our source for muscle maintenance, building and repair. And monounsaturated fats, the kind you get from California Ripe Olives among other things, aid with vitamin absorption. So besides adding variety and flavor to an otherwise boring diet, proteins and fats earn their right to be at an Olympiad's table.
Of course, as with carbs, the types of proteins and fats you choose is key. Lean meats and poultry are the best. Stick with those and you'll avoid lots of saturated fats. Instead, favor monounsaturated fats. Oh, and if you only have it in you to do one small thing, (with apathy like that, I might add, you're probably not Olympic material.) avoid trans fats from processed foods like chips, crackers and other packaged snack foods.
Well there you have it, a diet that will lead you to victory in your very own home. Now, here's a little something you can serve up hot or cold at your next summer BBQ. A combo of lean meat and the right kind of fats, this full-flavored feast will make you champion of the grill for at least one night. TOP
Kids On the Go
Nothing says summer like the slam of that screen door. School's out and before you know it, the youngsters are out of the house as well. From day camp to the pool to the tennis courts, summertime is the perfect time for the kids to be out and running! Your job is to keep them fueled up for all this activity so they don't end up living on snack bar food and ice cream truck offerings for the next three months.
For one thing, make sure you sit down with your kids for at least two of their three meals a day. We all know burgers and fries will find their way into their systems, it's your job to make sure the vitamins and nutrients get there too. Competing with the snack bar may not be easy, but if you amp up the fun-factor of your summer fare, you'll be the hero of your 'hood.
- Use California Ripe Olives to make smiley faces on pizzas and open-faced quesadillas. And why stop there? Eggs, cheese melts, potato pancakes and a variety of other kids friendly foods become even more appealing with a few circles in all the right spots.
- Get everyone into the cookin' at your next BBQ with a "make your own kebab" party. Cut up chunks of your kids favorite veggies, including whole, pitted California Ripe Olives of course, and meats. Everyone can skewer them (with adult supervision) themselves and hand 'em over to mom or dad to hit the flames.
- Have a "Stuff 'em Silly" dinner. Give your kids a whole bunch of jumbo California Ripe Olives and a variety of foods to stuff inside. Your little gourmets will have fun making up different combos from chicken salad stuffed olives to hummus stuffed olives to guacamole stuffed olives. Let them dig in and they'll be powered up for the next busy day.
Looking for more tasty treats? Check out our searchable recipe database. TOP
