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The Wheat Foods Council honors you and moms across America with “Mom, the Everyday Athlete,” an education campaign empowering moms to nourish and energize their inner athlete.

Recipe of the month
Grilled Eggplant Sandwich
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Fuel Up to Get Fit

breadsWelcome to the team! The Wheat Foods Council is proud to partner with seeMOMMYrun to create a “Mom, the Everyday Athlete” nationwide run/walk on Saturday, May 19, 2007. The event enables moms at any fitness level to unite, improve their health and set a world record for the most steps taken by moms in one day.

As a multitasking mom, it can be hard to find the time and energy to exercise. It can be even more difficult to make it through a workout without feeling completely fatigued. A pre-workout snack may be what you need to get going and get the most out of your exercise session.

Just like any athlete, you need to nourish and hydrate your body to perform at the top of your game. Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy, so the majority of your snack calories should come from carbohydrates. Whole and enriched grains are a premier source of carbohydrates and contain B vitamins, which help the body convert food to energy.

If you’re fueling up for 30 or more minutes of exercise, follow these tips:
  • Drink 8 to 16 ounces of water 1 to 2 hours before activity
  • Eat a snack about 2 hours before activity to allow for digestion
  • Avoid high fat foods that require a longer digestion period
  • Snacks should consist of:
    • 100 to 150 calories
    • mostly carbohydrates, 20 to 30 grams
    • examples include:
      • 5 – 6 crackers
      • 1 mini-bagel
      • Apple, medium
      • 3 - 4 pretzels, small
      • Banana, medium
      • 1 cup grapes
      • 2 - 3 fig bars
      • 1/4 cup raisins
      • 1/4 - 1/2 cup whole grain cereal
During and/or following your workout, replenish your fluids by drinking 8 to 16 ounces of water.

If you increase the intensity and duration of your workout, you may want to opt for a post-workout snack one hour following activity. This snack can be similar to those mentioned above, but with an added source of protein, like skim milk, low-fat cheese, low-fat yogurt or peanut butter. This will help your muscles recover more quickly.

Fuel Made Fun
Do you want an excuse to get together with friends, eat delicious, healthful foods and get your body ready for the big event? Host a Pasta Party!



Fuel Up! For nutrition resources, click here.        Get Fit! For fitness resources, click here.

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