Be an Olympian in the Game of Health

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Written By Judy Doherty, MPS, PCII

The summer Olympics will be held in Athens in August 2004. Watching the Olympics can be a very motivating experience for all of us. It is fun to turn on the television every day and have the games to watch. But don’t stop there – you can also be an Olympian in your own game of health! Here are the lessons we can learn from the athletes.Choose from among dozens of sportsThe Olympic athletes excel in sports they love and are designed to do. You have just as many choices as they do: triathlon, swimming, running, cycling, basketball and much more. Spend some time experimenting with new things and find the sports that you enjoy doing the most. Be more active, and you are on the road to better health. Take a look at our list below for ideas.1It is never too lateDid you know that the oldest Olympic gold medalist was 64 years old?2 It is never too late for you to start on the road to better fitness and health.Find a coachMost athletes have a coach to help them train efficiently. Coaches are for everyone – not just Olympic athletes. Don’t be afraid to consult a dietitian3 for better eating or a personal trainer for a good workout plan. You should also choose a good friend who is on the right track and will be a mentor and encourage you.Set your goalsOlympic athletes are successful because they make fitness their main goal and stick to it. If you want to venture down the road to better health, weight control and fitness, you have to make that a priority. Surround yourself with teammates who will share the same goal and belief!Positive mindsetGold medalists think they can attain a gold medal. Positive thoughts will help you on your road to a better diet and exercise routine. Always think you can, and never give up!Sports You Can TryAquatics - swimming, water polo,diving• Archery• Athletics – running, jumping and throwing• Badminton• Baseball• Basketball• Boxing• Canoeing• Cycling• Equestrian• Fencing• Field hockey• Football• Gymnastics• Handball• Judo• Modern• Pentathlon –discus, javelin, long jump, the stadium-length race, and wrestling• Rowing• Sailing• Shooting• Softball• Table tennis• Taekwondo• Tennis• Triathlon – swim, bike, run• Volleyball• Weightlifting• WrestlingReferences and information:1. www.athens2004.com2. www.guinnessworldrecords.com3. www.eatright.org

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Judy Doherty, MPS, PCII

Judy’s passion for cooking began with helping her grandmother make raisin oatmeal for breakfast. From there, she earned her first food service job at 15, was accepted to the world-famous Culinary Institute of America at 18 (where she graduated second in her class), and went on to the Fachschule Richemont in Switzerland, where she focused on pastry arts and baking. After a decade in food service for Hyatt Hotels, Judy launched Food and Health Communications to focus on flavor and health. She graduated with Summa Cum Laude distinction from Johnson and Wales University with a BS in Culinary Arts, holds a master’s degree in Food Business from the Culinary Institute of America, two art certificates from UC Berkeley Extension, and runs a food photography & motion studio where her love is creating fun recipes and content.

Judy received The Culinary Institute of America’s Pro Chef II certification, the American Culinary Federation Bronze Medal, Gold Medal, and ACF Chef of the Year. Her enthusiasm for eating nutritiously and deliciously leads her to constantly innovate and use the latest nutritional science and Dietary Guidelines to guide her creativity, from putting new twists on fajitas to adapting Italian brownies to include ingredients like toasted nuts and cooked honey. Judy’s publishing company, Food and Health Communications, is dedicated to her vision that everyone can make food that tastes as good as it is for you.

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