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Jesse Stillwell
11 years-old, Smith Station Intermediate School
I decided I wanted to join a gym to get more activity and exercise to lose even more weight than my previous activities. My fitness routine consists of cardio 3 days a week (35 minutes each day) and weight lifting/strength training 3 days a week (with a little more cardio time while I wait for my mom to finish). In just 2 months, I have lost 15 pounds and 13 inches since starting my new routine. What keeps me motivated are my goals to lose more weight, increase my stamina and to build more muscle. I also want to sign up for wrestling next year in junior high school.
Jesse’s goal is simple – to lose weight! In February 2009, he and his mom, Carol, joined a local gym. According to Carol, Jesse is the one that encourages her to come to the gym almost every day during the week and on weekends.
Jesse is also a hero in the community!
He has raised money for the local fire departments around Salem and even won a community service appreciation award recently.
Jesse isn’t only committed to fitness—he also makes straight A’s and he is in the Beta Club.
1. Peel a banana and dip it in yogurt. Roll it in crushed cereal, granola, or nuts and freeze on wax paper.
2. To make “ants on a log” spread peanut butter or low fat cream cheese on a celery stick and top with raisins or dried berries and nuts.
3. Make your own snack mix with 1 cup whole grain cereal, ¼ cup nuts, and ¼ cup dried fruit.
4. Fruit kabobs are the perfect summer treat. Place apples and pineapple chunks, grapes and banana slices on a wooden skewer. Pour 1 cup on low fat yogurt on a plate then pour ½ cup dried coconut on a separate plate. Roll the skewers in the yogurt then in the coconut.
5. Toast a whole grain waffle and spread with peanut butter or low fat yogurt and fruit.
6. Mix together low fat vanilla yogurt, fruit and nuts.
7. Put low fat milk, frozen berries, and a banana in the blender for 30 seconds.
8. Spread peanut butter on apples.
9. Cut an English muffin in half. Spread with pizza sauce and sprinkle with your favorite veggies and mozzarella. Bake at 350 F for 10-12 minutes.
10.Dip raw veggies in hummus.
Noelle Stewart is a Registered Dietitian at HealthPlus Fitness in Auburn. Noelle has a BS in Nutrition from Auburn University and a certified wellcoach. She interned at UAB and has worked as a consultant dietitian in Oregon, Washington, and Georgia. In her 12 years as a Dietitian, Noelle has specialized in weight management, diabetes education, cardiac rehabilitation education, and renal diet education. Noelle also has extensive experience with adolescent weight management and eating disorders.
I like spring because of the flowers,
And I like spring because of the bees,
I like spring because it’s hot,
And I like spring because of the trees.
I like spring because it is fun,
And I like spring because it blooms,
I like spring because of the rain,
And I like spring because it smells like perfumes.
I like spring because it’s so pretty,
And I like spring because it is new,
I like spring because of the flowers,
So I like spring, Oh yes I do.