May the Fitness Be with You!
Enjoy the Outdoors
Outdoor activities can give a refreshing change from the usual indoor routine. People can enjoy simple and fun activities like playing games, having picnics, and exploring local parks. Climbing, hiking, and camping can be great options for a little more adventure. Consider water activities, such as playing with water balloons or visiting a local pool to beat the heat. Nature can be enjoyed right at home or in the local community. You can connect with nature in a playground, backyard, or garden.
Outdoor activities can improve health, help people of all ages develop a connection with nature, and engage their senses. They may also provide more opportunities for social interactions. The outdoors can often offer a wide variety of physical fitness and emotional well-being options. Some outdoor activities can also be enjoyed indoors when going outside may not be an option. New ideas and new activities for movement may just be a doorstep away!
Ideas For Outdoor Activities
Gratitude Walk
In a safe outdoor environment, walk at a comfortable pace for about 20 minutes. Notice the small wonders of nature as you enjoy your walk. Explore new routes and trails to help boost your daily activity and observe new paths along the way. Increase the pace and time spent walking as desired.
“Use the Force” …Have some Galactic Fun!
Material: Pool noodles (half a pool noodle per person), balloons, tape (optional)
DIY lightsabers assembly: Cut pool noodles in half. Use the tape to cover the noodles to make a handle (optional).
Instructions:
- Scatter 20-30 blown up balloons in an open field or other outdoor space (can also be played indoor if space allows!)
- To “Use the Force”, move as many balloons as possible into designated areas of the field or open outdoor space. Try and keep them from getting away!
Written by: Carrissa Munoz, BLT Extension Agent – Dimmit County
Sources: Adapted from May The Fitness Be With You – Action for Healthy Kids, Playing Outside: Why It’s Important for Kids – HealthyChildren.org
Photo: Texas A&M AgriLife Photo Shelter
Frutas Con Crema (Fruits With Cream)
Recipe by Aileen Sifuentes, BLT Extension Agent – Webb County
CUSTOMIZE IT!
In-season spring and summer fruits such as bananas, pineapples, cherries, mangoes, blackberries, and raspberries can be great options for this recipe. Try them fresh, frozen, or canned and drained.
Serves 8
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt
- ½ cup nonfat milk
- 1 teaspoon sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped (or fruit of choice)
Directions:
- Mix Greek yogurt, milk, and sugar-free vanilla pudding mix until smooth.
- In a cup, pour in half of the mixture and ½ cup of strawberries or fruit of choice.
- Repeat for the second serving. Serve and enjoy immediately.
Estimated Total Cost: $1.77; Cost per serving: $ .88
Nutrients Per Serving: 110 calories, 0 g total fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 170 mg sodium, 15 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 10 g total sugar, 0 g added sugar, and 11 g protein
