A Day with the New York Red Bulls

A few weeks ago, I received an invite from the folks at Red Bull to attend a day of health professional networking at the New York Red Bulls Arena.  I have to admit, I laughed when I first opened the e-mail.  I mean, were they really trying to equate Red Bull with health/nutrition? After my initial reaction, I started thinking this might actually be worth attending!  As so many people use Red Bull and other energy drinks on a daily basis, I figured this was an opportunity for me to get more information on the product, ask any questions and be better prepared to work with my clients.  And let's not forget, I'm a pretty big sports fan...

The invitation explained that we would have an informative discussion with representatives from Red Bull, including their internal Registered Dietitian.  In addition, we would be treated to VIP skybox seats, a buffet lunch and field access prior to the game.  



VIP on-field access!

 Let me just say, Red Bull did not disappoint.  My guests and I arrived around 12pm and after picking up our tickets at Will Call, we literally walked a red carpet to enter the arena.  The skybox suite was beautiful and offered an upscale buffet lunch, including carved meats, sandwiches, salads and sushi, as well as more traditional "sports" fare and sweet treats. 



Skybox buffet

I opted for a big beautiful salad (with awesome toppings like asparagus and artichoke hearts) and a few pieces of sushi. 

And of course there was plenty of Red Bull for everyone to sample.  In addition to traditional Red Bull and Red Bull Sugar-free, we were able to try the new Red, Blue and Silver editions (cranberry, blueberry and lime-flavored, respectively).  I don't typically use energy drinks nor do I necessarily recommend them, but I appreciated the opportunity to sample these new ones.  And I have to say I enjoyed the flavored ones far more than the traditional Red Bull I've tried in the past.


Lots of Red Bull!



After eating and sampling the new flavors, the RDs gathered in one of the skybox suites for our interactive discussion with a Red Bull representative as well as their nutrition expert, Becki Holmes, RD, CD.  The RDs in our group all came from different areas of the nutrition field, which made for a very interesting discussion!  Some of us were clinically based, some in private practice or community nutrition and some in marketing/research.  I was immediately impressed by Becki's knowledge base and transparancy in terms of the product.  She gave us a history of the company and products, before opening up the floor to discussion.  A few of the other things she mentioned that I found to be interesting/relevant:

-Red Bull was created in the 1980's using four main components: carbohydrates, caffeine, taurine and B-vitamins and these are still the foundation of their recipe today.

-Red Bull sugarfree is NOT labeled as an "energy drink", as carbohydrates and calories are what provide energy and this product has zero carbs and almost no calories.

-Red Bull sponsors and endorses many athletes and entertainers, including skateboarders, skiers and motocross riders.  However, they don't claim to be a sports drink, but rather a functional beverage which may improve performance.

A lot of our discussion ended up surrounding labeling, regulations and marketing claims.  While the actual science and nutrition behind energy drinks is important, these other concerns are definitely good to be aware of when addressing consumer questions and concerns!  

In the end, what I had assumed would be a laughable discussion regarding the incorporation of energy drinks in the "nutrition world" turned out to be an interesting and valuable learning experience for me.  I appreciated that the discussion was purely informative and at no time did I feel pressured to promote or endorse Red Bull.   My professional opinion?  Red Bull (and all sugar-sweetened, caffeinated beverages) should be enjoyed in moderation and only as long as it is safe for the consumer. 

 

To top off the day, the Red Bulls beat the Houston Dynamo 2-0!  A big thanks go out to the folks at Red Bull for providing us with a day of energy drink discussion, food and football! :)

Now tell me...Do you drink Red Bull (or other energy drinks)?  Do you use caffeine and energy drinks in your training/fueling?  Have you tried the new flavors?  What do you think?

FIT FOOD FRIDAY: Sweet Potatoes!

Happy Friday, everyone!  It's time for another edition of Fit Food Friday and this week we're talking about SWEET POTATOES!  During the holiday season you likely saw your fair share of marshmallow-laced yams or sweet potato pies, but I'm here to encourage you to reap the health benefits of sweet potatoes all year round!  This sweet orange spud is definitely a food with fitness benefits and here's why:

Sweet potatoes are high in fiber.  Getting adequate fiber promotes a healthy weight,regular bowel movements, lowers cholesterol levels and helps to control blood sugar levels.  However, the fiber might not be the only reason sweet potatoes are good for maintaining steady glucose levels!  Sweet potatoes have been linked to higher levels of adiponectin, a hormone that improves insulin sensitivity. 

Sweet potatoes are chock full of nutrients, including beta carotene, vitamin C, iron!  Most people recognize that the orange flesh of sweet potatoes means they are high in Vitamin A/beta carotene, an antioxidant that plays a role in improving eyesight, controlling blood pressure, preventing heart disease and potentially treat certain cancers.  From a fitness perspective, adequate beta carotene levels have also shown to decrease symptoms of exercise-induced asthma!  Remember to add a healthy fat (such as olive oil) when cooking with sweet potatoes to maximize the uptake and benefit of beta carotene!

When it comes to athletes, probably the most important nutrients found in sweet potatoes are manganese and copper.  These two trace play vital roles in muscular function and protein synthesis, yet some runners fail to meet their daily requirements.

Since they're naturally sweet and extremely versatile, sweet potatoes can be incorporated into our diets in so many ways!  Mash, boil or slice 'em up for a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal! If you're not a fan of sweet potatoes yet, but want their nutrient boost, start by making mashed potatoes with half regular and half sweet potatoes or pureeing them to add to soups!

Make sure to tune in next Friday for a new Fit Food! :)

Race Recap: NYRR Back to Football Run

News flash: It's football season!

Okay, fine. It's still preseason until Wednesday, but it's basically football season.  

And for the first time, NYRR teamed up with the NFL for the Back to Football Run in Central Park.  The race started at 7:30pm, which was a little late for my liking...but not too bad for a 4 mile race.

I was pretty excited to combine my love for running with my love for football & the NY Giants!  And I'm always on board to plan an awesome race "outfit".  Hence:

I have to say the best part of this super fun race was getting to meet some fabulous blog/twitter friends!  I've been following Kristin's blog for awhile now, but for some reason or another we've never been able to meet!  Last night the stars aligned and it happened.  Clearly, we hit it off right away...

Hope it's okay I'm borrowing this pic, Kristin! :)

Despite her poor taste in football teams, she's awesome and I'm so glad she shares my enthusiasm for serious race costumes and sparkles.  Oh, and she brought cookies to fuel with. Amazing.

So...the race.  My quads were feeling tight and I was kind of just running for the fun of this race, so I didn't have a goal pace or finish time in mind.  Kristin was on the same page, so we just ran, talked and eavesdropped on a certain couple arguing/inspiring each other behind us.  

The course was one loop starting and ending on the 72nd street transverse, which includes a few nice rolling hills.  These are probably highlighted below in orange/red where I was slowing down.  There were some awesome spectators/volunteers cheering on all the different NFL teams represented.  As always, NYRR had plenty of water/Gatorade available and one thing I haven't seen before at a finish line: PLUMS! Yum!

My official race time was 40:16 (10:04 pace).  Sounds good to me...can't ask for more on a fun run with great people who were all celebrating the start of football season!

Other fabulous ladies I met at the NYRR Back to Football Run? Stephanie and Beth! If you don't already follow these girls, get on it.  I really do love how running brings together so many unique and amazing people.  

Overall, the NYRR Back to Football Run made for a great Thursday night!  

Thankful Thursday...Back on track!

Hey y'all! I got a lot of crap for skipping Thankful Thursday last week, so I'll try to make this one extra special! I'm in a fantastic mood today and here's why:


I'm thankful...


...for my fabulous friend who gifted me his registration for the Rugged Maniac race! Woohoo!

Such a nice surprise e-mail!

...for my sore, sore body.  I took a Body Sculpt class at the gym yesterday and I'm definitely feeling it today.  In a good way! I'll be ready for that Rugged Maniac in no time! (Also very thankful for a certain lady forcing me to go to the Body Sculpt class!)


...that it's baseball season!!!! Although it was a little bit of a rough start for my Yankees, we're back on track and ready for Opening Day at the stadium tomorrow.  Which I'll be watching at Stan's with my brother (and father..?).  Unless we finagle our way in...And yes, I just had to google if "finagle" is a real word!


...that I've been temporarily relieved of my dog-mothering duties.  He's visiting his Daddy for a few weeks.  Which means no waking up early for a walk, no drool all over my sheets and no getting attacked every time I blow dry my hair or change the garbage.  Although I miss his snoring and mush face.

Who wouldn't miss this guy?

...for a fabulous random night out with my friends last night.  We got together for a Happy Hour fundraiser for Kevin, who is doing a 100 mile bike ride to Montauk with Team in Training.  For those who don't know, TNT raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through all sorts of these endurance events.  It's a fun way to get moving for a really great cause, and I commend Kevin for doing it! You can check out his story and donate money to the fantastic cause here.  Go Kev!

...for all you people who gave me crap for skipping this last week.  No matter what, when I write these Thursday posts, I feel happy.  Because I really do have so much to be thankful for and it's therapeutic to make yourself stop to think about it! And it just makes me happy that you all care enough to read my nonsense.

Now you tell me...what are you thankful for this week?

Valentine's 5K Race Recap

I woke up this morning to a chilly, windy day.  24 degrees, feels like 13...with around 15mph wind! This is really the first race all winter that I've even had to think about the cold.  Although I was hoping it would motivate me to run faster! :)

I threw on my Under Armour cold gear essentials and headed down to Prospect Park. 

I've said it many times that I love running in Prospect Park.  Although some parts of the loop are a little hilly, I think the park itself is beautiful and really makes for a great course.  Once again, kudos to the folks at NYCRuns for putting on a fantastic race for a sweet $21 race fee. 


There was a little confusion about where the start line was because they didn't lay the mats out until 10 minutes before the race started, and there were no mile markers, but who cares for a 3.1 mile race? The course started on the West side of the park near Center Drive and followed a counter-clockwise loop of the park to the finish at the 15th street entrance.  


My legs felt a little tight from a nice yoga workout yesterday, but I felt comfortable enough to push my pace a bit.  Maybe I just wanted to finish faster because I was cold and it was windy.  I definitely got distracted because there were lots of puppies playing in the park toward the end, because before I knew it I was crossing the finish line.  With a new 5K PR!  Of course, I forgot to stop my watch right as I finished, so I think my "official time" will be a little faster, but 26:53 is still awesome for me!  In case you're wondering that's a 8:39 pace.  :)

new 5K PR

My only complaints about the race involve other runners.  First, so many runners were wearing their race shirts during the race rather than waiting until after they've "earned" it.  This drives me nutty! It definitely is a nice long-sleeve shirt but come on! Also, about half-way through I almost fell dodging a huge loogie from a girl in front of me whose Mizunos I was admiring.  Now I have NO problem with spitting and I do it quite often on runs, but I make sure to move to the side and check for fellow runners around me before doing so! That girl may have some nice shoes, but she definitely needs to bone up on her running etiquette.  
I digress....Back to the positive stuff!  At the finish line, they handed out red carnations to all women runners, which was a very cute touch.  

I'm not much of a girly girl, so my first thought was "carnations are cute and all, but where's my bagel?"  Lucky for me, there were plenty of bagels and hot chocolate back at race HQ. 

that's better.

All in all the Valentine's 5K was a great race and a fabulous start to my day!  I'll definitely be back for more races with the NYCRuns crew.  

sweet long-sleeve race shirt!

Now it's time to relax and do some internship work before Sunday "family" dinner! 
Have a great week everyone! :)

Thankful Thursday: Sparkle, Sports & Stubbornness

Things I'm thankful for this week:


Sparkly Soul headbands. I've never found a better (or more fabulous) way to keep my sweaty mess of hair off my face! Get yourself some sparkle here!

that the Giants making it to the Superbowl! We (yes, we) struggled a bit during the season, but have pulled through in the last few games.  Bring it on, Mr. Brady & co!

also thankful for this beautiful man.

that the Yankees spring training starts in less than 1 month. Which means baseball season is coming! And in case you're wondering, I am available to attend any and all games you'd like to buy me tickets to! :)

K.Hob on the warning track! :)

Beyonce. Enough said.

BEYONCE Me Myself And I by carmlo01

Chocolate milk. Seriously, who doesn't love chocolate milk? It's delicious, I feel like a little kid every time I drink it, and it makes a perfect recovery drink.  Although, let's be real...I'd drink it even if it didn't have the power punch of carbohydrate, protein, sodium & calcium!


that Microsoft Word makes a works cited for me.  I couldn't be more appreciative of this nifty little feature.  I'd definitely fail life if I had to format my references myself. 

Why, thank you, Word for inserting citations for me!

that I'm a stubborn little lady.  After New Year's, I challenged myself to stop drinking, for my health, my wallet and my weight.  I came up with this silly idea just around the time I started my half-marathon training, so it seemed like the 3 month time frame made sense.  Well, let me tell you...this is tough.  Sometimes a girl just wants a glass (or three) of red wine.  Or a beer during say, the Superbowl. But I'm stubborn and I really want to challenge myself.  So...on March 24th, someone better be meeting me at the finish line with a little brown bag of victory!






What are you thankful for this week?

Yo Teach!

Last night I took a spinning class at NYSC (I have a 1-month membership, thanks to LivingSocial).  It was the WORST group fitness class I've ever taken in my life.  And it started me thinking about motivation.  People go to group classes to get a good work out (obvi), but mostly to feed off others and be motivated by the instructor.  

So what happens when the instructor stinks?


A 45-minute class seems like a lifetime.  The energy was non-existent.  We still cycled for 45 minutes.  We still did jumps and hills and recovery.  My legs are sore today.  But this is only because I became my own inner spinning instructor.  I had to repeat inspirational mantras to myself.  I was silently keeping track of the seconds for each repeat.  I pushed myself to increase the resistance or pedal faster.  


When I really wanted to SCREAM out:


"Yo Teach! See that thing next to you with handlebars & two wheels? It's your bike: Get on it!  And when you tell me I'm "almost there", tell me how much time is left.  Tell me what the next sequence will be.  When you say we're doing something for 45 seconds, please acknowledge when that 45 seconds has ended, so we can come back down.  Stop fussing with the music, which by the way SUCKS.  Definitely stop gently patting the sweat from your nose in the mirror, because you haven't DONE anything to earn that sweat.  Certainly not compared to those of us actually ON the bike, sweating like a beasts, soaking up our 2nd towel!"


Thankfully, this instructor only teaches once a week.  I now know what night I will not be taking spinning class.  [Hint for anyone interested in Astoria: TUESDAY @ 7:30pm]

With all that being said, I'm a firm believer that no one can motivate you to do something if you don't want it for yourself.  You have to push yourself toward the things you want in life, whether they're fitness-related or not.  

Hydration Information

Proper hydration is important to athletes and non-athletes alike. The weather may not be as hot anymore, but remember to stay hydrated throughout the day and especially during physical activity! Depending on where you look, the recommendations for fluid intake vary. To specifically tailor to your needs, try to drink at least half your body weight in fluid ounces. [So a 150lb. person would need to drink 75 ounces a day, or about 2.2 Liters.]

 

 

How can you monitor your hydration?

• Urine color (it should be light-colored, similar to lemonade)
• Thirst
• Body weight/sweat loss (changes in body weight from pre- to post- exercise indicate hydration status)

 

What fluids and how much should you take in during physical activity?

• For workouts less than 60 minutes, drinking water before, during(as needed) and after is a good choice.
• For more intense activity lasting more than 60 minutes, aim to take in water and/or a sports drinks
• If you tend to be a salty sweater, be sure to replace sodium loss (through foods, soups, sports drinks, etc)

 

*For a personalized plan to determine your hydration needs, seek the help of a Registered Dietitian and/or Certified Sports Dietitian! :)