How often have you found yourself eating a
quick breakfast in the car, lunch at the computer, dinner in front of the TV,
or a snack right out of the bag as you scroll through your phone?
If this sounds like you, you are like most
busy Americans who multitask while eating. This is known as mindless eating,
and it can be attributed to many unhealthy habits that can lead to being
overweight or obese and result in serious to severe health problems.
The Opposite Of Mind “less”
Is Mind “ful”
Mindfulness is defined as the quality or
state of being conscious or aware of something. Applying that definition to
food can improve health by creating new practices for how we eat. These
practices eventually become habits that center around reconnecting with
internal hunger cues, instead of external cues, and making deliberate choices
against unconscious eating patterns.
So how do you put mindful eating into
practice? To be truly mindful, we need to be present in the moment and curious
about what we are feeling and what is going on around us. When it comes to
being mindful about our eating, it is helpful to ask: Why and How am I eating?
Seven Essential Questions
Before every meal or before you grab food
on the go, consider “Why?” Ask:
• Am
I truly hungry? Or, are you eating because the clock says it’s your normal time
to eat? Is it possible that you are thirsty or have another reason for wanting
to eat (such as smelling a freshly baked cookie or being invited to a new
restaurant for dinner)?
• If
I’m still eating, is it possible that I am full? It takes 20 minutes for
various hormones in your body to signal the brain that you are full. Set a
timer when you sit down to eat and slow down! Give your body time to respond to
the food and register that you’re done eating.
• Am
I eating because I am bored? Or are you lonely or sad? A lot of times we eat
because we’re not feeling hungry, but we’re feeling something else. Addressing
these emotions directly and not with food can help you avoid emotional eating.
Then consider “How” you’re eating. Ask:
• Is
my portion size appropriate? Most people will eat what’s in front of them
regardless of how hungry they are. Read labels and adjust your serving
accordingly. Choosing a smaller plate can help as well.
• Am
I eating slowly and chewing thoroughly? Chewing slowly increases pleasure and
feelings of fullness. As you’re eating, put your fork or spoon down in between
bites or use your non-dominant hand or even chopsticks to help you take the
time and appreciate the act of eating.
• Am
I eating directly from a bag or container? Eating directly from a bag or
container typically leads to overeating. Always portion out appropriate serving
sizes into smaller containers.
• Am
I distracted while I am eating? Removing all technology, work, or other
distractions can help you be present in the moment so you can focus on enjoying
your food. Before you begin to eat, take a moment and reflect on where your
food has come from and how many people have been involved in bringing it to
your table.
By asking yourself these questions, you
will start to become aware of what is truly happening when it comes to food,
eating, and nutrition. But remember: Behavior change takes time! Start with one
change (such as putting your fork down in between bites) and practice,
practice, practice. Before you know it, you will have developed a new healthy
and mindful eating habit!
To learn more about eating right and living
healthy, contact the nutrition experts at the Glendale Sports Center managed by
the YMCA!
Liz Bravman, RN, a former pediatric nurse,
is now a cycling instructor, nutrition educator and personal trainer at the
Susan M. Duncan Family YMCA in Arvada. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing
and a Master’s degree in nutrition education.
February is Heart Health Month. But it’s
such an important topic, it deserves more than 29 days of attention. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading
cause of death in the United States. And, in the U.S., someone has a heart
attack every 40 seconds! Fortunately, there are many ways you can reduce your
risk of heart disease through diet, activity, and daily lifestyle changes. The
benefits of these quick tips can quickly add up and help you focus on heart
health throughout February and year-round!
Eat healthy fats and avoid trans fats: Fat
is necessary for a healthy diet, but not all fats are created equal. It’s
important to look for healthy ones like polyunsaturated, saturated and
unsaturated fats. Trans fat is the kind that can increase levels of LDL
cholesterol in the bloodstream. LDL is considered negative cholesterol that can
build up in the bloodstream and lower positive HDL cholesterol levels. To
incorporate healthy fats in your meals, opt for “loin” cuts of meats; bake,
broil, lightly sauté, stir-fry, or roast foods in olive oil or nut oils; and
experiment with adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, and nuts to salads and snacks.
Opt for reduced sodium. Having too much
sodium makes the body hold on to excess fluid, which increases blood pressure
and adds extra pressure on the heart. Based on this, the simple act of choosing
reduced sodium versions of packaged foods can go a long way to improving heart
health. Select low or no-sodium soups, canned goods, and other prepared foods.
Cook with spices rather than salt to reduce sodium in homemade cooking. And,
check nutrition labels and opt for foods with lower sodium counts. Keep in mind
the American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams of
sodium per today!
Focus on omega-3 fatty acids. These
powerful nutrients are found in many common foods, and they deliver health
benefits across the board, from fighting depression and anxiety, to improving
eye health, to reducing symptoms of ADHD in children. For heart health, they
perhaps produce the biggest bang by:
• Reducing
triglycerides and blood pressure
• Increasing
“good” HDL cholesterol
• Preventing
blood clots
• Reducing
plaque and
• Decreasing
inflammation
To add more omega-3 fatty acids to your
diet, seek out fish like salmon, albacore tuna (with water), mackerel, trout,
and sardines, or plant-based products like walnuts, almonds, soybeans, and chia
seeds, hemp seeds, and flaxseeds.
Get your fruits and veggies. This is always
a healthy-eating go-to tip, as fruits and vegetables are good for you across
the board. In terms of heart health, both fruits and vegetables are high in
potassium and other nutrients that can lower blood pressure and prevent
cardiovascular disease. Also, eating more fruits and vegetables can “fill you
up,” making you less inclined to eat foods that are not as beneficial, such as
meat, cheeses, and sugary snacks.
Plan, plan, plan. Too often, we find
ourselves tired from a long day or pressed for time with busy schedules, and we
opt for quick, unhealthy meals or snacks on the run. To offset this, a little
planning can go a long way for heart health. Aim to spend some time on the
weekends preparing vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to either grab
as snacks or to reheat throughout the week. Stock up on pantry staples so that
you can make healthy meals quickly. Also, prepare a grocery list for the week.
Having a plan helps you stay on track and balance your meals.
Focusing on your heart health can be a
lifesaver in February and year-round. And it’s never too late to implement
these tips. Remember, every act counts! For more information, contact the
fitness and nutrition professionals at the Glendale Sports Center managed by
the YMCA. And for more support and guidance, check out the YMCA Blood Pressure
Self-Monitoring Program offered at Glendale Sports Center
Cami is a nutritionist, DTR (Dietary
Technician, Registered), and a Certified Health and Wellness Lifestyle Coach.
She is involved in many YMCA programs, including Diabetes Prevention, Healthy
Weight and Your Child, and Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring. Her passion is
showing others how healthy habits are achievable and one of the greatest ways
to feel your best.
Three Million Christmas Lights Decorate The Resort With Activities For The Entire Family
by Mark Smiley
Cozy: The fireplace inside the atrium of the Gaylord Rockies Hotel is a nice place to relax with a warm winter drink.
Many families travel during the holiday season but holiday break is longer than most travel plans allow. If you are looking for something to do with the kids that is close to home, consider Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center near Denver International Airport.
Gaylord Rockies launched its first Gaylord
Christmas in November and the festivities run until January 5, 2020. The resort
and convention center is complete with a Mistletoe Village that includes Santa
Claus, storytime and cookies with Mrs. Claus, gingerbread decorating, Build a
Bear Workshop, and ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Walk through
a winter wonderland carved from more than two million pounds of colorful ice.
Ice Bumper Cars: If you like bumper cars, experience the thrill of driving them on ice. Slide, spin, and bump your friends and family as you zoom around in Ice Bumper Cars.
The decorations throughout the resort make
for a festive atmosphere and in addition to the Mistletoe Village, there is
plenty to do outdoors as well. Weather permitting, the lazy river and hot tub
are open but as always, the indoor pool and water slides are operational.
Light: LIGHT! is a walking experience designed to immerse guests in color, patterns and light as they follow a path of illumination while exploring the resort’s western grounds.ܿ
And, more than three million Christmas
lights surround every bend of the resort. Guests can ice tube, ice skate, and
slide around in the bumper boats on ice. And, the resort offers free s’mores to
roast on the outdoor patio.
Guests can also book reservations for
Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Breakfast complete with character visits and photo
opportunities, a Naughty or Nice escape room, and a scavenger hunt. And the
usual hotel amenities are available year-round including the spa, restaurants,
and a full-service concierge.
Cirque: Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a Christmas show with aerial acts and Broadway-inspired singing and dancing. There is an array of seasonal characters while feats of showmanship are performed on stage and in the air.
Tickets are also available for Cirque
Dreams Holidaze which is an in-the-round theatrical experience including the
world’s best acts and dazzling costumes featuring aerialists along with singers
and dancers. This 75-minute Broadway musical and new cirque adventure is
performed on stage and in the air by toy soldiers, snowmen, penguins, reindeer,
gingerbread men, Santa and holiday characters imagined by Broadway director and
Cirque Dreams founder, Neil Goldberg.
Ice: Experience favorite scenes from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer brought to life in this winter wonderland carved from more than two million pounds of colorful ice as you walk through the attraction kept at 9 degrees.
The Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer theme of
2019-2020 will rotate to one of the other four Gaylord properties next year so
look for a new theme at Gaylord Rockies next season.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is located at 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard. For more information about the resort or to make a reservation, visit www.gaylordrockies.com.
The legacy of General Maurice Rose has been
forever etched into the walls of Rose Medical Center. Aside from renaming the
hospital after the WWII 3rd Armored Division commander 70 years ago, a new
museum tucked into the lobby now boasts a stone fixture to signify the
namesake’s dedication by General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Marshall Fogel, author of Major General
Maurice Rose, compared the relationship between Rose and Eisenhower to two
other notable figures in American history.
“Grant was to Lincoln what Rose was to
Eisenhower,” said Fogel of the former generals and U.S. presidents at Rose
Medical Center’s 70th anniversary celebration in November.
Fogel was invited to speak at the
commemoration and helped unveil “one of the most iconic paintings in WWII
history,” according to the author. A 1948 painting of General Rose was restored
and hung on display outside of the museum. Fogel told the Glendale Cherry Creek
Chronicle that he came to the hospital with his parents when he was
eight-years-old and saw that very same painting. His curiosity sparked, Fogel
would turn six years of work into his biography of Rose.
“I always wondered about him. I said,
‘someday I’m going to find out,’” Fogel told the Chronicle. “The longer I
researched him — which is hard because the records were difficult to find — the
more I realized you can’t make this stuff up.”
Rose was killed in combat during the war,
and at the time was the highest-ranking officer of Jewish background. The Rose
Medical Center was built to “serve every need and every creed” and was the
first hospital to hire a black doctor, Edmond Noel. Stories about Rose’s
military prowess are innumerable, and Fogel said he finds it fitting that
General Rose is side by side the hospital’s contributions to the community of
all cultures and faith.
“From my heart, to revive the legacy of
someone that important who was raised in Denver, who legitimately was a war
hero and gave his life for his country, and the richness of the legacy of why
they built this hospital to honor [Rose] has meant a lot to me,” said Fogel.
Kyle Wright, who helped Fogel construct his
book, told the Chronicle that he met Fogel while working as a server, and that
the two quickly became friends with similar interests.
“We would talk all the time, I would help
him with computer stuff. One thing led to another and [Fogel] ended up showing
me this giant portfolio he made of [General Rose’s] information. He asked me if
I wanted to help him with it, and I jumped right into it,” said Wright.
The passion that Fogel exuded for Rose and
his legacy was complimented at the ceremony by other speakers and those in
attendance.
“Our goal is to remain in the same location
and to serve this community and to uphold the values that were set forth when
the hospital started,” said President and CEO of Rose Medical Center Ryan Tobin
in an interview with the Chronicle. “I think we still live by those values
today so our goal is to continue the mission.”
Rabbi Jeffrey Kaye spoke of the commitment
to patients and families of Denver by following the examples of compassion and
excellence set forth by Rose Medical Center visionaries. In her speech, Lt.
Gov. Dianne Primavera officially declared Nov. 7 “The Power of Doing Right
Day,” a tribute to the ceremony’s theme.
The life of Rose has inspired many, and the
hospital has grown to be one of Denver’s most recognized. Rose Medical Center
has been named among the nation’s top 100 hospitals by IBM Watson for 12 years
in a row.
But the Rose Medical Center has not just
garnished a reputation as a paramount hospital, but also as a workplace that
feels like home.
One former member of the Rose Medical
Center public relations team told the Chronicle that returning to the hospital
to celebrate the 70th anniversary felt like a reunion.
“[Rose Medical Center] is really an
important part of my life,” said Beverly Petry. “People who have worked here
have always felt more like a family than just business colleagues. There’s
something in the DNA of Rose. It’s really about the focus on patients and being
collegial with doctors and that’s never changed.”
Meow Wolf, an immersive art experience,
will soon make its debut in Denver come 2021. But in the meantime, the popular
art destination wants to get the Mile-High City pumped up with the anticipation
of its arrival with its latest event, the Meow Wolf Dark Palace Dance Party.
Twists and turns through one of many rooms at the Meow Wolf: House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe, NM. Photo by Kate Russell, courtesy of Meow Wolf
Meant to engage all your senses, the Meow
Wolf Dark Palace: A Dance Obscura is a three-night dance party coming to the
National Western Complex this Nov. 22-24. The party is headlined with some
popular electronic names that are sure to set the stage for one heck of a dance
celebration. In addition to the musical line-up, there are set to be and soon
to be announced, local artists creating captivating art installations, all meant
to enhance the entire experience.
Meow Wolf got its start in 2008 in Santa
Fe, as an art collective with the original concept designed to be a unique and
immersive art experience using installations with multimedia elements. Through
these interactive experiences, audiences of all ages can explore the world of
art beyond their imagination within a fantastic realm of story and explanation.
An out-of-this-world arcade room at the Meow Wolf: House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe, NM. Photo by Kate Russell, courtesy of Meow Wolf
Its heightened popularity came in 2015 when
the art collective decided to renovate a vacant bowling alley to make a permanent
venue for visitors, which would soon become Meow Wolf: The House of Eternal
Return. With help from the city of Santa Fe and a Kickstarter campaign, plus a
few million dollars from Game of Thrones author, George R.R. Martin, they
opened the Meow Wolf Complex in 2016. Here visitors will encounter
teleportative fridges, psychedelic painted walls, fairyland villages, a
simulated underwater black-light experience, and plenty more to keep your mind
wondering for hours.
The new 90,000-square-foot location will be
at I-25 and Colfax. The new complex is set to rise 70 feet high, making it
visible from multiple vantage points. Compared to the original location in
Santa Fe the Denver complex will be three times the size of the Santa Fe
location, with plans for artists’ installations, of which further information
will remain a mystery until opening week.
While exact details of what the space will
offer and what artists will be contributing, one thing is for sure, Denver and
Santa Fe are certain to collaborate to make another outrageous and unique
experience for people to admire art, play with art, be dumbfounded, be inspired
by, or to simply step back and appreciate.
The announcement of Dark Palace follows
Meow Wolf’s latest Kaleidoscape installation at Elitch Gardens. This
“other-worldly” dark ride is based around the concept of immersing yourself in
pieces of contemporary art. The installation at Elitch Gardens and the Dark
Palace dance party are meant to give Denver a taste of what’s to come when Meow
Wolf finally opens in the Mile-High City.
With its growing popularity, the art
collective announced plans to not only expand to Denver but Las Vegas as well
(in 2020).
Tickets for Dark Palace and the grand opening of Meow Wolf are now on sale at Meow Wolf’s website at www.meowwolf.com.
Big things are happening at the Denver Art Museum (DAM).
With recent announcements regarding its phased re-openings of their latest
renovations plus the highly anticipated Claude Monet exhibit, all eyes are on the
DAM.
Claude Monet Waterlilies and Japanese Bridge: Claude Monet, Waterlilies and Japanese Bridge,1899. Oil on canvas; 35-5/8x 35-5/16 in (90.5 x 89.7cm). Princeton University Art Museum: From the Collection of William Church Osborn, Class of 1883, trustee of Princeton University (1914-1951), president of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1941-1947); given by his family, 1972-15. Photo Credit: Princeton University Art Museum/Art Resource, NY.
Opening October 21, 2019, the DAM will be the host to the
most comprehensive collection of Claude Monet paintings that the United States
has seen in more than two decades. Claude Monet: The Truth of Nature will
feature about 120 works spanning the famed artist’s entire career, focusing on
his extensive travels and intimate relationship with nature. The exhibit will
examine Monet’s interest of changing environments, the reflective qualities of
water, and the effects of light. Plus, the exhibit will explore his journeys to
various places including the Normandy coast, London, Norway, and the
Netherlands.
“Throughout his career, Monet was indefatigable in his
exploration of the different moods of nature, seeking to capture the spirit of
a certain place and translating its truth onto the canvas,” said Angelica
Daneo, Chief Curator and Curator of European Art before 1900 at the DAM.
The exhibition will fill three distinct galleries totaling
about 20,000 square feet. Featured works will include artworks from the
beginning of his career with View from Rouelles, the first painting Monet
exhibited in 1858 when he was 18 years old, up to his later work of The House
Seen through the Roses, completed just a few months before his death. Other
highlights will include Under the Poplars from a private collection and Water
Lilies and Japanese Bridge from the Princeton University Art Museum.
Ponti: The Ponti is named after the original Martin Building designer and Italian architect, Gio Ponti. The restaurant will offer a distinct space for museum visitors and the surrounding areas. Rendering of The Ponti, provided by BOSS architecture.
In coordination with Museum Barberini in Postdam, Germany,
the DAM will be the single U.S. venue for this exhibition from October 21, 2019
through February 2, 2020, moving to the Museum Barberini in the spring of 2020.
Beyond the DAM’s latest exhibit, other exciting
announcements were recently made regarding the museum’s renovations. In June
2020 the DAM will begin its phased reopening with the reveal of the three
levels of the Martin Building (formerly known as the North Building), the new
Sie Welcome Center, and the Bartlit Learning and Engagement Center. To
commemorate the building’s 50th anniversary, the completed renovation will be
revealed at the end of 2021.
New Restaurant: Café Gio, will be a fast-casual dining option open seven days a week during the museum business hours. Rendering provided by BOSS architecture.
Coinciding with the first reopening phase of the DAM’s
Martin Building will be the unveiling of two new dining establishments (located
inside the Sie Welcome Center) set to open in June 2020, The Ponti and Café
Gio. Named after the original Martin Building designer and Italian architect,
Gio Ponti, both restaurants will offer two distinct spaces for museum visitors
and the surrounding areas.
New Welcome Center: View of welcome center from 14th Avenue Parkway. The new Sie Welcome Center will be unveiled in June 2020. Rendering by Fentress Architects and Machado Silvetti.
The Ponti brings a big name to the table with Jennifer
Jasinski as the consulting chef. As a James Beard Award winner and popular
Denver chef of Euclid Hall, Bistro Vendome, and others, Jasinski will develop
menu concepts and have a strong influence in the selection of the restaurant’s
culinary staff. Combining art and dining, The Ponti will offer a seasonal menu
with locally sourced ingredients with an emphasis on vegetables, handmade
pastas, plus meat and fish. The artfully designed and well-crafted restaurant
will boast both indoor and outdoor dining, with its expansive outdoor terrace.
“Creativity at the Denver Art Museum won’t stop at the
galleries when we begin our phased reopening. We’re delighted to present artful
dining experiences to the museum visit, alongside an incredible staff with the
expertise to bring our vision into reality,” said Christoph Heinrich, Frederick
and Jan Mayer Director of the museum.
New Courtyard: Courtyard view toward Welcome Center. Rendering by Fentress Architects and Machado Silvetti.
The other restaurant set to open, Café Gio, will be a
fast-casual dining option open seven days a week during the museum business
hours. Visitors will be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating, as well,
at the café.
