Commit to Be Fit Newsletter

July 2023/ Issue No. 250

Our Summer of Fun Challenge is still going strong! Commit to Be Fit is challenging the Rapp community to be more active and have lots of fun this summer. This summer challenge is open to the entire Rappahannock community (all ages) and runs from June 1- July 31st. CLICK HERE for details, prizes, and a printable scorecard. It's not too late to join in the fun!!!

Join our FB group to share photos of your activities for bonus points and view all of the exciting summertime pics. Not on FB, email hjenkins@rappahannockschools.us for us to post on your behalf.

Check out some of the FUN photos above!

EVERY Rappahannock County Public Schools student has the opportunity to redeem a POP Bucks Market Bag, which includes local produce, protein, bread, and two five $5 tokens.

This program will run throughout the summer and fall. Sign up each week by Wednesday to be on the pick-up list for Saturday's Rappahannock County Farmers' Market.

RCPS Families- For more details and to sign-up, visit www.rappc2bf.com/pop-bucks. Sign-up and confirmation are required.

*Once the sign-up is full for the upcoming weekend, the link will close. Be sure to check back each week for availability.

July's Harvest of the Month is zucchini. Did you know that zucchini is high in fiber which helps you feel full? It's also high in essential vitamins and minerals including beta-carotene, vitamin C, folic acid, and calcium.

To learn more about zucchini and view a Parmesan Baked Zucchini recipe, CLICK HERE.

Color your plate with fruits and vegetables! By incorporating various naturally-occurring colors of food in your diet, you will eat a broader range of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are the compounds that give fruits and vegetables their natural color. Research shows that they help boost plant immunity and promote better health in people. Check out the list below to learn more about health benefits by color.*

Red fruits and veggies (strawberries, tomatoes, red peppers, red onions, cranberries, etc.) contain carotenoid lycopene and may help to prevent prostate cancer and heart and lung disease.

Orange/Yellow fruits and veggies (sweet potatoes, yellow peppers, bananas, peaches, carrots, pineapple, etc.) contain beta cryptothanxin which may protect against heart disease.

Green fruits and veggies (asparagus, artichokes, kiwi, kale, broccoli, avocado, etc.) contain sulforaphane, isothiocyanates, and indoles, which combat carcinogens linked to cancers.

Blue/Purple fruits and veggies (blueberries, figs, purple cabbage, raisins, eggplant, etc.) contain anthocyanins that may reduce blood clots and slow cellular aging rates.

White/Brown fruits and veggies (cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, etc.) contain flavonoids, which may protect against inflammation. Onions have allicin and may help to prevent tumors.

*Source: McManus, K. (2019). “Phytonutrients: Paint Your Plate With the Colors of the Rainbow.” Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/phytonutrients-paint-your-plate-with-the-colors-of-the-rainbow-2019042516501

Helpful Tip: For the next week, take a mental note of your food intake. Which fresh (or frozen) vegetables and fruits are you consuming? Are you incorporating a mix of each of the color groups? If you find that you are lacking one of the hues, try incorporating it into your diet.

Another way to ensure you are eating a variety of colors is to find recipes that check all the color boxes already. Check out the featured recipe below, which includes a rainbow of veggies and features our harvest of the month!

Looking for a yummy, easy, and veggie-filled meal? This one-skillet recipe checks all the boxes!

CLICK HERE for recipe