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Follow the ABC's of Spiritual Wellness! Our Wellness Series continues in each issue with a focus on the 8 Dimensions of wellness; emotional, social, financial, spiritual, occupational, physical, intellectual, and environmental.
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Recipe: Black Bean Avocado Brownies
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Enjoy this healthy to spin to one of our favorite desserts, brownies! This brownie remix is flourless, dairy-free and gluten free (makes 12 servings). Read more
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Get FIT Joins Healthy Kids Day 2015!
On April 25, 2015, The Get FIT NJ Team will be out and about promoting Healthy Kids Day! Stop by and meet us at the following events:
- Trenton Area YMCA
- Gloucester County YMCA
- Wounded Warriors
- Shaping NJ 5K
Interested in joining the Get FIT Team in the Shaping NJ 5K? Contact Nicole Infante at 856-858-5900 ext. 403 and receive a free Get FIT T-shirt?
Watch these #tags to follow our live feeds on social media!
"We all can Get FIT, if given a chance"
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 Get FIT Spotlight: New Horizons In Autism
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-Edwardo Alvarado
Meet our friends at New Horizons in Autism, as they learn that the sky is the limit when you commit to a healthier lifestyle
"Everyone raise your arms to the sky, look up and stretch," these first words instructed by Get FIT trainers Norma and Leona, have had an everlasting impact on all of us at New Horizons In Autism. As an official Get FIT program site, New Horizons began receiving fitness and nutrition services from the Get FIT team in 2014. Edwardo Alvarado from New Horizons helps shine the Get FIT Spotlight on program participants by sharing their story.
Since our introduction to Get FIT, we have seen many changes within our consumers and staff. As an organization, we have all adopted the mindset of change and have set Get FIT goals to accomplish healthy lifestyle changes. Some of our goals are weight loss related, and some are related to other aspects of our lives such as gaining more confidence.
With one consumer losing 9 lbs. within the first 12-weeks of Get FIT, it has been so gratifying to see that 30 minutes of group exercise, and 30 minutes of nutrition education can go a long way. We have noticed significant changes during the nutrition education sessions as participation has evolved from answering prompted questions, to preparing meals, learning how to properly wash hands and why it is important to do so. These nutrition education sessions have also impacted the daily lunch menus at New Horizons as we now provide consumers with healthier options; instead of sandwiches being served with mayonnaise and white bread, we now serve wraps, wheat bread and mustard along with either a fruit cup, apple-sauce or baked chips.
As a direct result of Get FIT, we are currently taking steps to increase health and wellness opportunities for our consumers. New Horizons will be introducing many new opportunities within our day programs such as, additional trainers, a 5-day Get FIT fitness program, personal training sessions, and a new 5,000 square ft. state of the art fitness facility with an aquatics center.
As a wellness instructor for New Horizons In Autism, I also took the cue on that first day from the Get FIT trainers, and raised my arms to the sky, looked up and stretched. Today, I smile and gaze into the sky, into the world of open dreams and wishes, as my dreams have come true through this partnership with Get FIT. With all the changes we have made and continue to make, Get FIT has proven to us that the sky is the limit.
Get FIT thanks New Horizons In Autism and the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities for the continued support of Get FIT services in group homes and day programs.
To launch Get FIT programs in your day program or at your group homes, please email [email protected] for more information.
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Join Get FIT Texas in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston, Lubbock and San Antonio!
Register for Get FIT Texas today and receive your own Get FIT kit including a backpack, water bottle, pedometer, and booklet full of healthy nutrition and exercise tips along with an activity log.
Get FIT Texas is now also available in community based location, such as the San Antonio YMCA!
For more information please click here or call Ryan at The Epilepsy Foundation of Texas at 713-789-6295 (Houston) or
Ariel at The Epilepsy Foundation of Central & South Texas at 210-653-5353 (San-Antonio).
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Get FIT Visits Colombia with Stockton University!
-Dr. Mary Kientz
Dr. Mary Kientz, OTD, OTR, assistant professor Occupational Therapy and Andrew Scafario, Masters of Occupational Therapy student, both from Stockton University, presented Get FIT in Bogot?, Colombia.
In partnership with Universidad del Rosario, Mary and Andrew visited Bogot? with three additional faculty members and six graduate students from Stockton Univers ity's School of Health Sciences. During the 1 week visit, Mary and Andrew presented to about one hundred Colombian occupational therapy practitioners and students about the development and outcomes of Get FIT @ Stockton.
Excited to hear about such an innovative program, the information was well received with many questions about why people in the United States are becoming more obese and lead sedentary lifestyles. The issue of obesity is not as prominent in Colombia which the occupational therapists attribute to their lifestyle. People tend to walk more in Bogota, they also eat primarily home cooked meals, with the largest meal of the day being at lunchtime.
Stockton Occupational Therapy students also presented about the principles of yoga and it's therapeutic effects for people of all abilities. The positive impact and the enjoyment of yoga has been noted within many Get FIT programs.
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Get FIT Youth, NJ
Get FIT Youth programs for ages 13-21 are coming soon to 3 new locations!
Trenton Area YMCA
Gloucester County YMCA
RaeFIT- Burlington County
Our goal is to guide youth with special needs on their road to wellness in a fun and interactive setting.
Receive program updates & early registration opportunities for Get FIT Youth by emailing [email protected] |
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A free 12-week Get FIT @ Home program can help you:
- Set healthy goals
- Be active
- Build a healthy plate
- Make healthy food choices
- Learn healthy behaviors
- Live well with epilepsy
- Attain/maintain a healthy weight
....All in the comfort of your own home
Get FIT @ Home is open to people of all ages.
To register for Get FIT please call Rachel at the Epilepsy Foundation of Mississippi at
601-936-5222.
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Young Gourmet Cooking Club! 
Do you have children/young adults ages 13-21 who are looking for a fun and interactive way to learn how to create their own healthy meals? Join us this Summer for Young Gourmet Cooking Club in Toms River. This program is open to youth with and without special needs, we encourage siblings to also join.
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Recipe: Black Bean Avocado Brownies
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-Stephanie Doering
Snacking can be healthy and fun! Enjoy one of our favorite flourless, dairy-free and gluten-free desserts from Young Gourmet Cooking Club!
This recipe makes 12 servings, and has a prep time of only 5 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 - 15 oz can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 of a large extra ripe avocado
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 ? teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips of choice, plus 3 tablespoons for topping
- 1 teaspoon coconut(unrefined) or extra virgin olive oil
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 8x8 inch baking pan with olive or coconut oil.
- Place all ingredients except chocolate chips into a food processor. Process or puree until ingredients form a smooth batter. If the batter is too thick add a ? cup of water. However, the batter must be thick to be a fudgy brownie.
- Once the batter is blended, fold in a 1/3 cup of chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, sprinkle with the extra 2 tablespoons of remaining chocolate chips.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes or until knife or toothpick inserted in center comes out somewhat clean.
- Cool brownies and serve.
These brownies contain avocado and black beans. The avocado provides a healthy dose of omega 3 fatty acids and the black beans give each serving 4 grams of Protein, 5 grams of Fiber and 8 grams of sugar. Each brownie is 140 calories.
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-Megan Sherman
As a caregiver it is important to make your wellness a priority. Our wellness series continues with a focus on spiritual wellness.
Spiritual wellness is finding meaning in life events,
remembering your values, seeking your individual purpose and having the ability to be compassionate towards others. Exploring your purpose, who you are, and what your strengths are, will nurture your spirit. It is that innermost part of you that allows you to gain strength and hope even when life throws you a curve ball.
The ABC's of spiritual wellness will provide you with tips and methods to help you nurture your spirit while you care for your loved one!
Acceptance: accept what you can and cannot change & appreciate your life as it is today
Be mindful: practice mindfulness & be in the moment
Community: surround yourself with people who support you
Deep breathing: take a few moments to help center you during a hectic day
Exercise: your mind and body every day, even if you only have 15 minutes
Forgiveness: forgive others/yourself, and let go of any resentment that is weighing you down
Get involved: helping others in your local community provides a sense of purpose and belonging
Health: make your health a priority by staying up-to-date with annual wellness visits and screenings
Inspiration: find inspiration in everyday by reading or reflecting
Journaling: writing, taking photos or recording videos can help you find clarity
Kindness: be kind to others and it will bring out the best in them
Limits: recognize and set limits
Meditate: find a quiet place to just think, and be physically and mentally present in 5 minutes of peace each morning
Non-doing: find tasks to do effortlessly
Opportunity: see every day as a new opportunity to pursue your purpose
Purpose: make a true commitment to find your purpose
Quiet time: make time in the day for yourself
Religion: spend time in prayer/reflection to seek for guidance & hope
Strengths: focus on your signature strengths and celebrate them often
Time: take time to reflect upon your day
Understand: not everyone will have the same morals and beliefs as you; different is not necessarily wrong
Values: know what you value and prioritize them
Worth: know your worth
Xoxo: love yourself first, and others unconditionally
You: your spiritual journey is YOUR journey
Zen: always make time to relax
Achieve Mindfulness in a Multitasking Culture
Please click here to register today!
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