Clay Williams • November 25, 2020
Eating Clean While Traveling For Sustainable Energy And Fuel
By Crystal Hilsley Founder of Crystal Clear Kids
As both an active mom and Nutrition Advisor I live
through exploring and getting out in the world. I can tell you that eating healthy away from home is no easy feat. We give ourselves “permission” to indulge on a trip because well, we want to have fun right? We deserve to! It’s part of the experience to bravely try a local delicacy or even familiar favorites we know are unhealthy.
Equally, on the road for an event, activation or competition where we know our kids need calorie intake to support their energy levels, it’s easy to allow unhealthy choices. We tell ourselves “they’ll burn it off”, right?
Whether we are traveling for a purpose or and adventure with our families the change in routine and schedules in itself as it pertains to our diet is undoubtedly disruptive. We all want to have the energy needed to get the most out of the adventures and experiences or simply feel our best to accomplish the purpose of the trip. In and throughout the Family Support Program
we learn the ways to increase our energy to stay ahead of our kids regardless of changes in routines and schedules.
Even with an increase in the popularity of home away from home rental properties equipped with kitchen staples, we usually just don’t feel like cooking after a busy day. Not to exclude business trips here either as a supermarket trip to navigate unfamiliar aisles and then haul it back to a foreign kitchen can feel painful. The frugal bones in my body despise over shopping and being left with too much as well.
The mindset of, “they can eat whatever they want” and “traveling is meant to be fun and eat naughty foods” can work against you leaving everyone bloated, tired, and irritable.
There are easy peasy ways to work around healthy eating obstacles and ensure everyone is not only fed well but also enjoys themselves.
Water!
Whether you’re traveling by plane, train or automobile, it's dehydrating. You should consume half your body weight in ounces of water every day. Oftentimes when we think we are hungry, we are actually just thirsty. Pack a reusable water bottle as that in itself will remind you of the priority and importance to refill and stay hydrated. Bonus points to you for reducing environmental waste too.
Pack WAY MORE Snacks Than You Think You Should
Packing a ton
of snacks is the key to keeping a diet regular while traveling. Stocking up on non-perishable snacks supports staying ahead of hunger. Which also avoids getting “hangry” or feeling famished and overeating when you sit down at the restaurant or allow your kids to overindulge at the snack bar.
Some of my favorites include:
● Rice cakes with almond butter
● Celery and baby carrots
● Whole Fruit
● Jerky
● Protein bars
● Trail mix
The Family Support Program
includes recipes for on the go adventures and they are SO GOOD
you’ll make them with your kids at home too!
Bring Your Own Meals For The Road
Airplane food and rest stops are not famous for offering the best options. A secret travel hack is to bring oatmeal or soup cups with you. All you need is hot water which the flight attendants and gas stations will typically accommodate. You’ll not only feel better but also won’t be paying for anything extra - which always adds up!
Breakfast Is The Most Important Meal Of The Day
You’ve heard that throughout your life and it’s still true today. Bringing easy to pack breakfast items such as apples, bananas or my favorite: muffins packed with veggies like carrots or zucchini. Not only will these fill you up with whole grains and vitamins but also keep everyone full and energized for the day’s activities. In this way you’ll also avoid being reliant upon whatever the airport or rest stop options are which might not be appealing or satisfying. The Family Support Program
includes simple and easy clean recipes for on the go breakfasts!
Make An agreement With Yourself And Your Family To Eat Veggies With Every Meal
This is easier than you may think. It will balance out feeling guilty for indulging in treats and extras and allows you to enjoy the local flare. With kids, we always want to make it fun so you can share with them this is part of the adventure, exploring, including being brave is part of the experience. Further, they need the right nutrients and minerals as FUEL.
Scope Out Restaurants With Nutritious Menus Before You Leave
Thankfully, farm to table isn’t a “trend” anymore, it’s quite common. As you’re mapping out your adventures, including the trails to walk or hike, attractions to visit, also check out local eateries so you are prepared ahead of time.
Energizing Foods For The Adventures That Lie Ahead
The energy needed for a competition, or even a fun hike, the long trip, or exploring an attraction on your free time, is easily managed with high-quality lean proteins and healthy fats. Balanced meals are important, but lack of healthy fats and protein can lead to early burn out. A good dose of lean protein and healthy fats not only deliver the energy needed but keep blood sugar levels stable.
Be sure to include a few of these amazing choices:
● Egg salad
● Tofu salad
● Nuts and nut butters
● Quinoa mixed salad
● Lean meats
● Hemp and chia seeds (you can literally eat these on their own)
● Spirulina
● Avocado
● Coconut oil
● Wholegrain pasta salad with veggies and lean meat
When you need extra tips and tricks to support you and your family, we are ALWAYS excited to jump in and offer our knowledge. Reach out to our team via email at support@crystalclearkids.com
or check out our Social Channels for tons of juicy content!
SAN DIEGO, CA (May 24, 2024) –The 2024 State Games of America presented by National University, a biennial Olympic-style amateur sports competition that features medalists from State Games throughout the country announced today that National University will offer up to 250 free individual sports registrations to Active Duty military members and their dependents. The California State Games, managed by Sports San Diego, successfully bid to bring the State Games of America to San Diego for this event that happens every two years. Approximately 10,000 athletes are expected to compete in the competition across multiple venues in San Diego County from July 17-21, 2024. San Diego last hosted the State Games of America in 2011. “We are so excited to welcome thousands of athletes from all around the country to San Diego for the State Games of America,” said Sports San Diego CEO, Mark Neville. “Likewise, we are so appreciative to our longtime partner National University for underwriting the entry fees for participants representing our military community. In many ways this is going to be a very special event that is going to provide San Diego with a tremendous impact.” “National University is in and of San Diego, and we are thrilled to see the State Games of America coming to San Diego this summer,” said Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president and CEO of Veteran-founded, nonprofit National University, at which 50% of undergraduate students are military affiliated. “The dedication and hard work of these athletes parallels that of the military community and serves as inspiration to striving National University students to successfully achieve their goals. We wish all the competitors the best of luck in the Games.” The National Congress of State Games (NCSG), created in 1986 as the official association of State Games organizations nationwide, began with New York's Empire State Games in 1978 and has since grown to encompass 30 Summer State Games and 10 Winter State Games, engaging over 265,000 athletes and 50,000 volunteers annually. Active Duty military members and their dependents participating in individual sports can find the link to verify their ID on sport registration pages, where, following verification, they will be provided instructions on how to redeem their registration. All questions about the 250 complimentary entries into the 2024 State Games of America hosted in San Diego can be directed to info@stategamesofamerica.com . All California and Nevada residents can register for the State Games of America just like they would for a traditional California State Games. Athletes from any other National Congress of State Games (NCSG) Member State programs must meet qualification criteria to participate. For further information and eligibility, visit stategamesofamerica.com. # # # About California State Games California State Games (CSG) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and the largest amateur sports festival in the state. As a community-based member of the United States Olympic Committee, CSG have hosted their Olympic-style event since 1988. As of 2023, CSG is managed by Sports San Diego. About Sports San Diego Recognizing that San Diego is a premier tourist destination, the mission of Sports San Diego, a non-profit 501c3 organization, is to generate tourism, visibility, and economic impact for the San Diego region by producing the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl, Rady Children’s Invitational, California State Games and recruiting outstanding sports events and experiences to San Diego. Since 1978, the association has generated more than $1 billion in economic benefit for the San Diego region. About National University National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of nontraditional, working, and military students by providing accessible, affordable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 190+ online and on-campus programs with flexible four-week and eight-week classes and one-to-one graduate education models designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to 130,000 learners served per year—50,000 degree-seeking students and 80,000 workforce and professional development students—and 230,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. To learn more about National University’s new possibilities in education including next-generation education, value-rich education, and whole human education, visit NU.edu . # # www.sportssandiego.org # #
The California State Games is host to the 2024 State Games of America presented by National University . Based in sunny San Diego, this is a great chance for SGA athletes to compete alongside the nation’s best athletes while enjoying one of the nation’s best travel destinations. We like to think that everything is better by the beach; here are seven must-see beaches in America’s Finest City. 1. La Jolla Shores La Jolla Shores is a popular and long stretch of beach perfect for families and kids to relax, play, and build sandcastles. In the summer, you might see the famous La Jolla Leopard Sharks . 2. La Jolla Cove La Jolla Cove , rated the U.S.'s most beautiful beach in 2023 , offers breathtaking high cliffs and hidden coves. Visitors can explore tide pools and spot sea lions, capturing the essence of San Diego's coastal charm. 3. Sunset Cliffs Sunset Cliffs boasts rocky coastlines, tide pools, and stunning ocean views. Located just south of Ocean Beach, it offers a perfect sunrise view for surfers. 4. Pacific Beach Pacific Beach caters to adults with its vibrant scene of restaurants, bars, and a lively boardwalk. It offers a mix of tours and sightseeing, perfect for a fun beach day in San Diego. 5. Ocean Beach The venue for the 2024 SGA Surfing Championship , Ocean Beach is one of San Diego’s best spots to watch the surf. OB isn’t for beach loungers, but those who want to take a beach walks, enjoy the surf scene, and smell the salty air alongside the pier. 6. Del Mar Beach Del Mar Beach is a popular beach for its scenery and lounging, and it’s also a great location for athletes who will spend a lot of time in northern San Diego. Just south of Encinitas, Del Mar Beach is incredibly clean and offers a soft sandy beach, grassy areas, and facilities. 7. Windansea Beach Windansea Beach in La Jolla offers beautiful surf and stunning scenery with fewer crowds. It's great for sunbathing and exploring unique rock formations. Just remember the waves are strong here! Know before you go! When exploring new or unfamiliar beaches, stay informed by checking weather reports and learning more about your beach destination . Have you registered for the 2024 State Games of America presented by National University? Find out whether you’re eligible and register now!
Excitement is building for the 2024 State Games of America presented by National University, and a common question we've received is: Can anyone compete? In short, no. The long answer is that you must qualify. Fortunately, there are various ways to qualify, depending on whether you are a California resident or non-California resident for this biennial event. California Resident Since the 2024 State Games of America (SGA) are hosted in San Diego by the California State Games, ALL California residents can register for the SGA just like they would for a normal California State Games. Due to the NCSG Neighboring State Policy, athletes in Nevada (which does not have its own state member organization) also qualify for the 2024 State Games of America. Non-California Resident If you’re an athlete coming from one of the other 30+ National Congress of State Games (NCSG) Member State programs, qualification is more extensive. Here’s how you may have qualified depending on the year you competed in an NCSG Member State program: 2022: All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer. Any medalist from the 2022 SGA held in Ames, Iowa qualifies. 2023: All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer. 2024 (before July 1): All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer. Any medalists from the 2022 State Games of America are eligible to compete in 2024. Sport Qualification Lastly, review the offered sports as the final step to check for qualification. Even if you meet the qualification criteria as a California or non-California Resident, your sport must be offered in the 2024 State Games of America to participate. Each host state determines the sport lineup, so even if your sport was offered in 2019 or 2022 in your home state, it may not be offered in the 2024 State Games of America. This may be influenced by regional or geographic location, facilities, sport directors, and more. If you qualify to compete after reviewing the qualification, visit the registration information as soon as possible.
Funded in part by the San Diego Tourism Marketing District Corporation with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District assessment funds.