The Longer They Run…
The Better They Get!
Beyond the Finish Line
Dogs racing in the Iditarod seem to undergo an amazing transformation as they race toward Nome and actually get stronger as they adapt to the demands of the trail.
Dr. Michael Davis, an associate professor of veterinary physiology at Oklahoma State University, has studied Iditarod sled dogs for over a decade and believes they somehow change their metabolism during a race. It is estimated the dogs burn up to 12,000 calories a day, which would be equivalent of 24 Big Macs!
Someday their secret may be harnessed, but until then, there are some strategies that can help mere humans stay energized for shorter work-outs. Eating complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain breads, cereals, whole fruits, vegetables and nuts, in smaller meals throughout the day keeps energy levels stable. Drinking water is essential, as well as limiting caffeine to prevent fatigue. Sports drinks, energy bars and gels provide little benefit for periods of physical activity that last less than an hour.
MyPyramid.gov provides a wealth of information to take steps to a healthier you. Dogs will have to look down the trail for their inspiration…
Healthy Eating Resources
- Eating Healthy During Lean Times
- Curb Cravings with Smart Snacking
- Fall Flavor: Healthy Recipes
- Breakfast Tips
- Success Story: Tami Bell
- School Lunches
- Trail Snacks
- Body Mass Index Calculator
- Heart Healthy Alaska Seafood: Alaska Dietitians' Recipes
Heart Healthy Alaska Seafood: Alaska Dietitians' Recipes are especially for people seeking recipes that are low in saturated and trans fats, and low to moderate in sodium. These recipes were assembled in a cookbook distributed at the 2006 American Dietetic Association "Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo." -
MyPyramid Steps to a Healthier You
MyPyramid offers personalized eating plans, interactive tools to help you plan and assess your food choices, and advice to help you make healthy food choices. -
Nutrition for Everyone
These days, a wealth of nutrition information is at your finger tips. From diet books to newspaper articles, everyone seems to have an opinion about what you should be eating. It's no secret that good nutrition plays an essential role in maintaining health. -
Stand Up (more) and Eat (better)
The Stand Up (more) & Eat (better) web site is an educational and participatory site to help people balance the calories they eat with the calories they burn each day. You can learn to:- Stand up more (i.e., sit less)
- Find simple ways be physically active in different places
- Add more moderate and vigorous exercise into your daily life
- Make the most of your daily calories by choosing nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods
- Eat proper portions
- Reduce excess fat and sugar in your diet
- Live in settings that foster active living and healthy eating habits
- Use proven tools and programs that will help you adopt healthier habits