Jump Rope & Happy Valentines Day!

2 Student Questions

Today's student question's are listed below.  Please add your comments/questions in the "comments" section. 




1.  How much fruit should you eat every day?

That depends on the person but I would say 3 servings would be a good number to shoot for.  I recommend a variety of fresh or fresh-frozen fruits because that way you will get a broad spectrum of nutrients.  Some of my favorites include berries, apples, pineapple, and kiwi.

2.  How do you improve cardiovascular health even better?

Like I always say, if you are challenging your body there are many ways cardiovascular health can be improved.  Running, sports, strength training, swimming, biking – whatever gets your heart pumping can in fact improve cardiovascular health.  Cardiovascular health can also be improved by getting good quality sleep every night, relaxing, and eating a diet rich in whole natural foods.  Junk food does not help cardiovascular health.

 

January PE Stars

Here are the January Syracuse Star Students.  They received the most votes in their classes on the basis of WORK ETHIC, POSITIVE ATTITUDE, FOCUS, SPORTSMANSHIP, & LEADERSHIP.  Congratulations and keep up the outstanding work!


3rd Grade Stars

4th Grade Stars

5th Grade Stars

6th Grade Stars

Exercise = Improved Body Structure

Having strong muscles, bones, and joints will allow you to become more athletic.  You will have more control over your movements and be able to perform them at a higher level.  Exercise = mobility.

Soccer & Basketball

Student Questions

Here are two student questions that were submitted to the Question Box:

1.  Is gum good for you?

If chewing gum prevents a person from eating junk food or overeating, I would consider that a good thing.  However, if someone is constantly chewing sugary gum, then that is definitely not a good thing as it could lead to tooth decay.  It could also program a person to want to eat sweet sugary foods too often.



2.  What is the healthiest meat and drink ever?

For the healthiest drink, I would say WATER!  Did you know that about 60% of your body is made up of water?  As far as the healthiest meat, I would say meat from animals that are allowed to graze freely in pasture.

Feel free to ask questions or comment!

Whey Protein - Great for muscle recovery, bones, immunity & more!

Whey is a protein byproduct of cheese production.  It is the liquid remaining after the cheese coagulates.  It contains all the essential amino acids the body needs for growth and repair, along with other cofactor nutrients.  Recent research has suggested many health benefits from this food.  Below I have listed some of the promising results included in the research.

* Muscle Growth & Rejuvenation – A study out of McMaster University in Canada showed that 25 grams of whey protein after exercise could significantly improve muscle repair and rejuvenation.  In other studies, whey protein has been shown to be superior for muscle repair compared to all other types of protein including eggs and red meat.

* Immunity – A study published in the Journal of Nutrition described how whey protein stimulates your neutrophils to fight off harmful pathogens.  Whey also boosts up glutathione, which is a very important antioxidant that protects the body from inflammatory damage.

*  Bone Building – A study out of Northeast Agricultural University in China showed that whey protein stimulates the production of osteoblasts.  Osteoblasts are the cells in the body that are responsible for building new, healthy bone.

* Lower Blood Pressure – Researchers from Washington State University enrolled young adults in a controlled whey protein study with the goal of improving blood pressure.  The participants consumed 28 grams of whey protein per day.  At the end of six weeks, blood pressure was lowered by an average of 8 points and blood circulation through the arteries was improved. 

* Metabolism Boost – A study in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that whey protein could significantly boost metabolism.  This means that your body will be able to use the food you eat as energy and repair, rather than storing it as fat.

Many grocery stores and health food stores carry whey protein.  It usually comes in 1-2 lb containers in a powder form.  Simply add a scoop to the beverage of your choice and blend it up.  If you want, add blueberries, strawberries, or any other fruit for an extra kick of nutrients.  Whey protein shakes have been an important part of my nutritional routine and have benefited me greatly.  If you have any questions about whey protein, don’t hesitate to email me!   brecker@sdarockets.org