Lake Murray, SC August 2021

AU G U S T 2 02 1

Special Olympics Finding Joy, Confidence & Fulfillment TR AV E L SPA RES O R T S AS AN ES SEN T IAL LU X U RY LI F E + C U LTU R E FO C US O N MI N D, B O DY & SPI RI T F O O D + B E V E R AG E H E ALT H Y ALT ERNAT IVES

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Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2021 PUBLISHER

David Hayth | david.hayth@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Amazing Work!

Shannon Barghols shannon.barghols@lifestylepubs.com STAFF WRITER

Hannah Gills

THIS ISSUE FEATURES ONE OF MY FAVORITE ORGANIZATIONS: SPECIAL

AD DESIGNER

OLYMPICS SOUTH CAROLINA. With 30,000 athletes, 26,000 volunteers and more

Rachel Chrisman

than 500 annual competitions, it’s easy to see why the South Carolina chapter ranks

L AYO UT DESIGNER

6th in the nation for this organization. I hope you’ll be inspired to get involved.

Emily Lisenbee

As August begins, we all know that school is just around the corner. Finding healthy lunch alternatives that kids will enjoy is always a challenge. We have a few ideas that might help.

And to make sure that you stay motivated to maintain your own health, Hannah is back with some encouraging tidbits.

With wellness on our minds, we’ve turned to Ava Roxanne Stritt to gather some ideas for spa travel experiences – near and far.

We’re pleased to bring back our calendar page. Social distancing is still encouraged, but get out and enjoy some of the great events our community has to offer!

Finally, please help me welcome Shannon Barghols to our Lake Murray Lifestyle family. Shannon is originally from Charleston, and a graduate of Clemson University.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

She will be in charge of our overall editorial content, so if you have a great story –

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

send it her way!

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Don’t forget to follow us on CityLifestyle.com, “Your Destination for Local Living” as

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

well as on Instagram @lakemurraylifestyle.

David Hayth, Publisher

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

PS Special Thanks to Mark Collins and Soda City Aerials for last months amazing pictures of Lake Murray.

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Special Olympics South Carolina, Ashley Workman, Lexington, SC

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SC SPECIAL OLYMPICS 6

Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

Proverbs 3:5-6 Lake Murray Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Lake Murray areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Lake Murray Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

SLEEP WELL. SLEEP WELL. LIVE WELL. LIVE WELL.

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Corner of Sparkleberry & Two Notch Rd. Corner2020 of St. Andrews & PineyNorth Grove Rd. Across Lizard’s Thicket Across the RR tracks from Kroger Across from Bi-Lo at traffic light next to Firehouse Subs

Copyright 2020 Tempur-Pedic North America, LLC. All rights reserved.

INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2021

FEATURES 16 MIND BODY - SPIRIT Three truths to inspire and motivate you

20 Special Olympics South Carolina Creating a better world for children and adults with intellectual disabilities

20 28

28 The Essential Luxury: Local Spa Travel Gal Ava Roxanne Stritt on Wellness Travel

36

16 DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

10

Good Times

12

Around Town

16

Faith Reflections

36 Healthy Lifestyle 42 Lifestyle Calendar

- THE MAINSTAY ON L AKE MURRAY SINCE 2007 -

WE GET YOU WHERE YOU WANT TO BE

On the Water WE SET THE BAR FOR INNOVATION, QUALITY, AND MEETING CUSTOMER NEEDS

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L I G H T H O U S E M A R I N A | ( 8 0 3 ) 7 4 9 - 1 5 5 4 | W W W. M A R I N E 3 6 0 S C .C O M

GOOD TIMES

LEXPO 2021 The Greater Lexington Chamber was the host for LexPo 2021. We all got to see the latest products and services from businesses and restaurants in and around one of South Carolina/s fastest-growing counties. The trade show is designed to helo small to medium size businesses throughout the Midlands connect with one another. Lake Murray Lifestyle partnered with TAP SNAP to create this photo display. For more go to Greater Lexington Chamber, lexingtonsc.org

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Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

AROUND TOWN

C A P I TA L K I T C H E N & B AT H

Relax and Enjoy!

VESTA: A NEW VISION FOR DIVORCE EXPANDS TO SOUTH CAROLINA RESPONDS TO THE GROWING DEMAND FOR DIVORCE SUPPORT SERVICES. Stephanie Vokral, owner of The Financial Knot, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® practitioner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, has launched a South Carolina hub with Vesta Divorce. Vesta Divorce is an alliance of divorce professionals to include family law attorneys, mediators, therapists, financial professionals, and real estate agents. Through Vesta, Stephanie along with other local vetted professionals will be able to provide educational resources and guidance to people going through a divorce.

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DOCK BLOCKS DOCK OF CHOICE AT DRIFT JAM Dock Blocks Dock of Choice at Largest Floating Music Festival Columbia, S.C. - Dock Blocks, the leading manufacturer of floating modular docks, was the dock of choice at this year’s Drift Jam Flotilla Music Festival on Lake Murray, S.C. Based out of Charleston, Dock Blocks offers easily configurable blocks and is no stranger to providing docks for events, including diving competitions, boat shows, and more. The modular design allows safe and stable extended time on the water combined with extreme lifting capacity that makes floating concerts and other special events possible.

“We were honored to provide the Drift Jam team a no-hassle docking system for their festival,” Matt West, CEO of Dock Blocks said. “Getting to be a

Stephanie Y. Vokral Certified Financial Planner™ Practitioner Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®

HOW WILL DIVORCE IMPACT THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

part of a floating music festival was very special, especially one that helps support the brave men and women who fought for our freedom.”

Drift Jam is a free, veteran charity fundraiser benefiting the nonprofit Operation Homefront. In addition to being the largest floating music festival,

The Financial Knot offers divorcing clients an understanding of how the decisions they make in their divorce will affect their future. It is not the role of a client’s attorney or CPA to tell them how their martial settlement will possibly disrupt their financial future. We can work directly with a client’s attorney. Complex financials require professional financial advice!

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(803) 403.1308 | TheFinancialKnot.com | @knotfinancial svokral@thefinknot.com | 111 Stonemark Lane, Ste. 104 Investment advice offered though The Financial Knot, a registered investment advisor.

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Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

SUMMER SMILE SPECIAL FREE

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15

FAITH REFLECTIONS

M I N D - B O DY-

SPIRIT

YOU CANNOT FAIL TIPS FROM HANNAH TRAINS – MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT I would like to share 3 unpopular truths with you today.

1. Monday is a great day to start…but the only difference between it and Tuesday or Thursday is the part before the – day. Ask yourself: Why can’t I start now? Right here, with what I know, I can begin doing something this very hour. That is how it starts. Not putting off until Monday what you could begin NOW. 2. You are allowed to – and should – love your current self WHILE working on your future self. Life is not always better when you “lose the weight.” What if you got all the way to your goal “jeans” but found out you are still unhappy with your skin, or your height, or the shape of your hips? Wouldn’t that feel like a MASSIVE waste of your time? And talk about disappointment! Look in the mirror and find something to appreciate about what you see. Hint: this is easier to see when there’s not a phone in front of our face.

ARTICLE HANNAH GILLS

16

Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

3. You cannot actually fail. Think about it…what’s the point in NOT believing in yourself? You only get one LIFE, one shot and one body and mind to inhabit. You cannot fail because if you failed…you’d be dead. As long as you are still here, you are still in the game. Next time you hit a speed bump, try to evaluate what went wrong. Before you jump to the conclusion of: Oh it’s me, I’m the failure. I can’t do this. It’s too hard, or too much change, or I’m too far gone…consider what went wrong. Pick one area you could work on and know that if you can fix that one area, while you may be going slower, that’s THE POINT of speed bumps.

They’re meant to force you to slow down. Remember who won the race after all. It was the tortoise, not the hare.

Which one of these three made you sit up a little straighter just now? Send me why @Hannah_trains on Instagram

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

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Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

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ARTICLE SHANNON BARGHOLS

Special Olympics South Carolina 20

Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSION REMAINS AS VITAL TODAY AS IT DID WHEN THE MOVEMENT WAS FOUNDED IN 1968.

ON A TYPICAL SATURDAY MORNING, SCORES OF LAKE

The mission of Special Olympics South Carolina is to provide year-

MURRAY RESIDENTS CAN BE FOUND PLAYING TENNIS. The

round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-

same can be said of Nettie Howerin and her group of athletes. For

type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Any

more than 11 years, Nettie and company have gathered to play tennis

person with an intellectual disability is eligible to participate in the var-

at the Richland County Tennis Center each Saturday at 9 a.m. The

ious programs offered by Special Olympics South Carolina. Children

key distinction is that Nettie is a volunteer coach and her athletes

can start as early as age 2 in the Young Athletes program. At the age of

play tennis through Special Olympics South Carolina.

8, children are able to participate in team or individual sports seasons.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

21

SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOUTH CAROLINA (CONTINUED)

EVERYONE DESERVES A CHANCE AT A HAPPY AND PURPOSEFUL LIFE.

22

Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

S

BY

ER

NUM E B TH

After training for a minimum of eight weeks, athletes can qualify to participate in local and state competitions. Special Olympics South Carolina hosts more than 500 competitions each year.

Most

athletes

in

Nettie’s

group have been playing tennis for years. However, tennis is not their only sport. Take our cover girl, Ashley Workman, for example. She loves tennis, but swimming is also one of her favorite

Athletes – Special Olympics South Carolina annually serves over 30,000 people, ages 2 to 80, with intellectual disabilities.

activities. With Special Olympic South Carolina, athletes have the opportunity to participate in 27 different sports, including alpine skiing, aquatics, badminton, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, disc golf, equestrian, flag football, golf, gymnastics, kayaking, paddleboarding, powerlifting, soccer, sailing, snowboarding, softball, track and field, table tennis, and volleyball.

Competitions – South Carolina hosts more than 500 events annually, featuring 27 different sports.

With 27 sports serving more than 30,700 athletes, it’s easy to see why South Carolina boasts the 6th largest Special Olympics program in the nation. Led by President & CEO Barry S. Coats, the Special Olympics South Carolina staff coordinates programs in sixteen (16) distinct areas throughout the state. Coats explains, “The Special Olympics mission remains as vital today as it did when the movement was founded in 1968. Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people.”

Volunteers are vital to delivering the Special Olympics’ mission. Nettie Howerin is just one of more

Volunteers – From coaches to those helping with competitions and special events, more than 26,000 people representing 16 distinct areas of South Carolina volunteer each year.

than 2000 coaches in South Carolina working with athletes. She is quick to note, “Being a coach can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime – both for you and your athletes.” Special Olympics South Carolina provides extensive training to sure that each coach is prepared for success.

Prior coaching experience is not necessary. However, coaches must be at least 18 years of age. For those between the ages of 14-17, Special Olympics offers training for the role of Junior Coach.

In addition to individual sports, Special Olympics South Carolina also offers a Unified Sports Program Team sports are about having fun, promoting physical health, and bringing people together. Special CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

23

SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOUTH CAROLINA (CONTINUED)

24

Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

Olympics Unified Sports teams do all of that – and shatter stereotypes about intellectual disability in the process. This program combines equal numbers of Special Olympics athletes with athletes without intellectual disabilities (also known as Unified Partners) on sports teams for training and competition. This program has proven successful on and off of the field. It brings inclusion to Special Olympics athletes and expanded friendships far beyond sports. In South Carolina, the Unified Sports program includes badminton, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, disc golf, flag football, golf, gymnastics, kayaking, sailing, soccer, swimming, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. To become a Unified Partner, simply register as a Class A volunteer with your area Special Olympics program office.

Everyone deserves a chance at a happy and purposeful life. Yet people with intellectual disabilities face doubt, barriers, and low expectations. For many, Special Olympics is the only place where they find an opportunity to participate in their communities, develop belief in themselves, and feel like champions. Truly, through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills, and success. Ultimately, these athletes find joy, confidence, and fulfillment—on the playing field and in life.

Since 1968, Special Olympics South Carolina has been a true inspiration to our community. To register an athlete, volunteer for an event, become a coach or donate to this worthy cause, please call 803.772.1555 or find details on their website at SO-SC.org.

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Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice

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27

ARTICLE SHANNON EDWARDS

THE ESSENTIAL LUXURY: LOCAL SPA TRAVEL GAL 28

Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

AVA ROXANNE STRITT ON WELLNESS TRAVEL

EVERYONE LOVES A SPA DAY. But perhaps it’s time to start turning those spa days into extended wellness adventures. Hearing about some of this travel influencer’s unique experiences will surely convince you: from immersing herself in the serenity of an active monastery during a wellness retreat in Old Quebec, Canada, to lounging in an outdoor Gondola sauna in St Moritz, Switzerland, she certainly is the Spa Travel Gal. Ava Roxanne Stritt is recognized for being one of the most influential figures for luxury spa and wellness travel in the United States. Her knowledge and experience, however, deems her worthy of the title of global expert. A strong believer in the long-term benefits a spa trip can have on one’s overall sense of wellness, Ava lives by the motto: “spa travel and skincare experiences are not just a luxury, but essential to a healthy body, mind and spirit.”

Ava Roxanne Stritt, aka Spa Travel Gal, has been working as an international travel writer, luxury travel influencer, and brand ambassador for the past 12 years. Having visited numerous spas around the globe, she knows exactly what sets exceptional spas apart from others. Ava’s 72K followers are afforded an insider CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

29

THE ESSENTIAL LUXURY (CONTINUED)

view into her enviable exploration of the world’s most luxurious spas via her beautifully-captured content on social media, and powerful, transportive travel writing on her website.

BACKGROUND HISTORY Ava has always been passionate about wellness, particularly high-level skincare. With the launch of Twitter in 2009 – its small print enquiring “what’s on your mind?” – Ava realized all she could ever really think about was going to the spa. In 2010, Ava created her Instagram account, and the Spa Travel Gal brand became a reality. After 6 years of balancing her full-time role as a financial analyst with her newfound career rooted in her love for spa and wellness travel, Ava quit her job and devoted herself fully to the latter.

While peers advised her to start small, visiting all the spas in her own region and building from there, Ava had her sights set high, and dreamed of exploring international spas. Ava was lucky to attain such a dream, with her first press trip being out of the country. She has since skyrocketed on her social media accounts. Now featured as one of the Top Travel Influencers of 2021, Ava is often asked what makes a good influencer, and her answer remains the same: “Don’t do what everyone else is doing, do what works for you. Decide what it is you love and be authentic.”

Tethered closely to her motto – that spa travel experiences are essential to maintaining a healthy body, mind and spirit – Ava’s passion is for bringing home moments and memories rather than tangible artifacts. A travel memory remains a part of its host forever. This, especially, is the case when it comes to spa getaways, which have the power to enrich one’s life and sense of well-being long after arriving home – if done right. To Ava, spa getaways are a way to “truly take a moment to relax, to do something good for yourself,” which includes eating well-balanced meals, exercising and engaging in meditative practices alongside traditional pampering.

Ava is careful to choose spa destinations that she is sure will further her along in her own wellness journey.

So, what criteria do spas need to meet to be on her radar? First and foremost, Ava loves luxury. Additionally, if a spa provides her with knowledge of the brand of products used, that’s an added plus. Finally, Ava is always searching for her next never seen before – a one-of-a-kind spa travel experience with a treatment that is completely unique to them.

30

Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

AVA’ S FAVOR I T E HE A LT H R E SORT S 01

02

03

CANYON RANCH IN

BADRUTT’S PALACE IN ST

GOLDEN DOOR IN SAN

TUCSON, ARIZONA

MORITZ, SWITZERLAND

DIEGO, CALIFORNIA A spa retreat favored by some

One of the most authentic

Similar to most European

and truest wellness retreats

spa getaways, this retreat is

of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

in the United States.

about much more than simply

Notorious for being one of the most iconic spas in the world,

Perfectly combining luxury

receiving a massage and a

with health and wellness, the

facial. Offerings emphasize

Ava notes that approximately

resort offers life-changing

hydrotherapy sessions and

80% of Golden Door’s guests

pathway programs

sauna treatments delivered in

are a “somebody.”

converted outdoor Gondolas.

As someone who has been to a host of spas and wellness retreats,

undertook the lifestyle reset program, which is customized based on

Ava has come up with a way to distinguish the mediocre from the

what each particular guest is hoping to get out of it. In this program,

extraordinary. As an alternative to the cliché nature of the “Bucket List”

one has the chance to get more active or even meet with a medical

– which morbidly suggests its maker can “kick the bucket” once they’ve

professional such as a dietician to completely transform their eating

ticked off their final must-see or must-do – Ava has devised a phrase of

habits. If you’re wanting a spa retreat among some of Hollywood’s

her own invention. The “Goblet List” outlines unique luxury experiences

biggest stars, California’s Golden Door is the place for you. Notorious

that, even once completed, remain deeply ingrained in one’s memory,

for being one of the most iconic spas in the world, Ava notes that

urging them to do it all over again. The few spas that have managed to

approximately 80% of Golden Door’s guests are a “somebody.”

snag a spot on Ava’s Goblet List should be regarded as true pinnacles

The true crème de la crème, however, is none other than Badrutt’s

of luxury. As Ava says herself: “You know if I go back on my own, or if I

Palace. Similar to most European spa getaways, Badrutt’s Palace

buy it on my own, you need to be buying it and going to it.”

is about much more than simply receiving a massage and a facial;

Three health resorts are pinned at the top of Ava’s goblet list: Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, Badrutt’s Palace in St Moritz, Switzerland,

it emphasizes hydrotherapy sessions and sauna treatments in its converted outdoor Gondolas.

and Golden Door in San Diego, California. Ava regards Canyon

Yet, funnily enough, the moment that Ava knew it was the most

Ranch as one of the most authentic and truest wellness retreats in the

extravagant spa she had entered, was when she cast her eyes upon

United States. Perfectly combining luxury with health and wellness,

the leather-encrusted Nespresso coffee machines – all of which had

the resort offers life-changing pathway programs. During her stay, Ava

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

31

THE ESSENTIAL LUXURY (CONTINUED)

been custom-designed for the hotel. This, combined with the sight of European guests holding poodles draped in cashmere sweaters, and indulging in the finest food and drink, made her realize that she had reached the ultimate echelons of luxury.

Ava loves providing others with her top spa travel tips and recommendations. Being asked “Where should I go”?, and, “What should I do?”, however, isn’t enough for her to deliver a valuable response.

Even if you’re not clued up on the intricacies of spa culture, all she needs to know is first, what your interests are; secondly what you’re looking to get out of the experience; and lastly, what your budget is. When the time comes for your spa getaway to begin, Ava’s best advice is to ask questions, and trust that you are in good hands.

Apart from being a passionate spa and wellness expert, Ava also has a deep love and appreciation for the natural world and all of its creatures. When asked where she hopes to visit next, Ava spoke at length about the wonders of Mashpi Lodge, a luxurious eco-lodge situated in the heart of the Ecuadorian cloud forest. The lodge’s spa, complete with a large glass window, has a stunning view of the Mashpi forest below, allowing guests an immersive indoor- outdoor experience while they are receiving their treatment. Ava dreams of receiving a massage in this very spot, accompanied by the sound of waterfalls and the sight of hummingbirds dashing from one treetop to the next.

After an unpredictable year characterized by deep uncertainty and stress, travelers are increasingly seeking out meaningful, balancing travel experiences centered on long-term healing. Ava is confident that the luxury spa and wellness sector is set to benefit from this. The Spa Travel Gal is sure to play an influential role in encouraging such healing, as she continues to share her favorite unique experiences and top spa travel tips with the world.

Thank you Beau Monde Traveler, The Vanguard of Luxury Travel www.BeauMondeTraveler.com For more on Travel Ideas call Cindy at Travel Leaders, Lexington, 803.358.2220

32

Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

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Call Cat Thornton for information on how to match your home to her waiting list of interested buyers!

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Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

ARTICLE JENNIFER ANDERSON MSPH RDN

TE AC H I N G YO U R K I D S TO E AT H E A LTH Y

HEALTHY LUNCHES & SNACKS FOR KIDS AS PARENTS, ONE OF OUR BIGGEST PRIORITIES IS ENSURING THAT OUR KIDS ARE GETTING THE NUTRIENTS THEY NEED. But getting them to eat their fruits and vegetables isn’t always easy, especially if your kids are picky eaters like many seem to be.

Let’s talk about the benefits of introducing healthy food to your kids at an early age. Read on to find helpful information about feeding picky eaters, plus a healthy lunch and snack recipe for kids.

With over 1.3mm Instagram followers and over 250,000 visitors each month, Kids Eat in Color is a VIBRANT, educational, and inspiring national resource for parents to learn the ease and creativity of “what to feed kids” who “love to have fun.”

About the Author

Known for her beautiful and colors-of-the-rainbow photos of flavorful meals, Jennifer Anderson is a registered dietician who has a FUN and playful approach to guiding parents to reduce mealtime stress.

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Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

4 B E N E F I T S O F H E A LT H Y LU N C H E S A N D S N A C K S F O R K I D S TO E AT NUTRITION IS ESSENTIAL TO KIDS’ DEVELOPMENT My first child fell off the growth chart, and I learned how much effort can go into feeding a child. Kids develop quickly in the first few years of life, so incorporating a variety of nutritious foods is essential to their growth and development.

BALANCED NUTRITION LEADS TO HEALTHY KIDS Feeding your child a variety of foods is the key to getting them many different types of nutrients. Each food and group of food helps your child’s body in a different way. For example, foods high in fat such as avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds, fatty fish, and more support your child’s brain development.

Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help your child fight off illnesses. If your child is struggling to eat veggies, don’t worry about feeding them more fruit while they are learning to eat more veggies. For those kids who won’t eat fruits and veggies, keep having them available at meals so that they can learn to like them.

White and brown foods such as cauliflower and whole grains have plant compounds as well. All the colors count!

HEALTHY EATING AS CHILDREN EQUALS HEALTHY EATING AS ADULTS When little kids learn to eat fruits and vegetables at an early age, they are more likely to continue eating healthy foods as adults. So many of our tastes and eating patterns begin in childhood.

COLORFUL FOOD PROVIDES ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS Different plant compounds have colors that give food their colors. For example, beta carotene is a plant compound that makes carrots orange.

Each plant compound does something different in your body, which is why eating lots of different colors helps keep our bodies healthy.

Sometimes people think of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple as the only “colorful” foods. White and brown foods such as cauliflower and whole grains have plant compounds as well. All the colors count!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

37

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED)

3 T I P S F O R G E T T I N G YO U R K I D S TO E AT H E A LT H Y F O O D S MAKE SNACKS AND MEALTIME FUN We all know that kids like to play and have fun, so why not make food fun? Whether you’re turning broccoli into a microphone at dinner, or playing tic-tac-toe with edible carrot sticks, kids get into it.

They also love trying new utensils, helping prepare food, and using new kitchen tools. The more fun they have, the more they are willing to try new things and eat more foods.

Kids, especially kids who may be picky or selective, often like a little bit of novelty. There are lots of ways to add a little bit of novelty without spending a lot of time.

My top recommendation is toothpicks. I call it “toothpick magic.”

Whenever your child is ready to use toothpicks, try it with any food that they are hesitant to eat and see what happens. It’s hard for kids and adults to resist eating food off a toothpick.

We also love silicone muffin cups, mini cookie cutters, food picks and fun silverware.

I also love our stainless steel lunch boxes. If you’re trying to decide which one is best for you, I wrote a surprisingly honest review of the 16 most popular stainless steel lunch boxes on the Kids Eat in Color blog.

DON’T GIVE UP Parents often assume that if a child doesn’t eat a food the first or second time it’s served, the child doesn’t like the food. Teaching kids to eat a variety of foods is a long game. Many children may need to see or taste a food 10 or 20 times before they are willing to eat it.

Especially selective kids may need hundreds of exposures before they learn to like a new food. What’s important is that as parents, we don’t give up. A child will never learn to eat a food that isn’t on the table.

If you’re struggling with a picky eater, I highly recommend the Kids Eat in Color® free picky eater guide (at KidsEatInColor.com) that walks parents through how to help a picky child eat more foods.

FORCING HEALTHY FOODS ON KIDS OFTEN BACKFIRES Another assumption is that we have to make kids eat healthy foods.

Often, making a child eat food or eat a certain amount of food backfires.

It may backfire in the short run by making a child more selective and less likely to eat the foods you want them to eat. It can also backfire in the long run and make it hard for a child to tell when they are hungry or full.

If you’ve ever felt a compulsion to finish your plate even after you feel full, that may come from your previous experiences of having to finish your plate.

38

Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

Kids, especially kids who may be picky or selective, often like a little bit of novelty.

MIDNIGHT MEDITERRANEAN P A S TA Affordable Flavors

Meal Plan

Yield: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30-40 minutes INGREDIENTS

+ 8 ounces whole wheat (or regular) linguine + 3 tablespoons oil + 4 cloves garlic, chopped + 1 cup canned tomato, chopped + 1 (15 ounce) can of chickpeas, drained + 1 teaspoon dried oregano

LU N C H A N D S N A C K R E C I P E S F R O M

+ Salt to taste + ½ teaspoon black pepper

K I D S E AT I N C O LO R M E A L P L A N S

+ ½ teaspoon garlic powder + ½ teaspoon paprika + 3-½ cups fresh spinach METHOD

1. In medium-sized pot, bring water to boil. Cook whole wheat linguine according to instructions.

2. In large pan, heat up oil. Once heated, add chopped garlic. Cook until lightly browned.

3. Add tomato, chickpeas, oregano, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Bring to simmer.

S TA R T H E A LT H Y H A B I T S E A R LY

4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

5. Strain linguine and add to pan; stir well to incorporate.

The key takeaway here is to introduce healthy

6. Remove from heat and enjoy!

foods to your child at an early age. Be patient with your pickiest of eaters, and re-introduce a food several times. Stick with it; their long-term health habits depend on it!

G R E E K YO G U R T RANCH DIP This goes great with raw veggies like celery, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, cauliflower, or any veggie your kids might like raw. It also goes

Real Easy

Weekdays Meal Plan

Children tend to mimic adults, so try to be a good example and eat the foods you want them to eat. Your health will benefit too! Try to make snacks and mealtime fun for your kids so they will want to participate and develop a healthy relationship with food.

great with whole-grain crackers and pita chips!

INGREDIENTS + ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt + ½ to 1 Tablespoon of Trader Joe’s Onion Salt (alternatives include Ranch dressing mix, onion salt, or a combination of onion powder and garlic powder) METHOD 1. Mix Greek yogurt with seasoning. Serve.

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

39

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41

AUGUST

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

EVERY FRIDAY

6

20

PARK JAMS AT THE HOUSE

BREW AT THE ZOO

FRIDAY NIGHT LASER LIGHTS

Bring a chair or picnic blanket and

The perfect date night. Stroll through

Cosmically cool fun! Enjoy special

grab lunch from your favorite restau-

the zo and sample a variety of specialty

shows featuring lasers and CGI

rant. Then join us for a free lunch-

imported, domestic and micro brews

visuals choreographed to the music

time mini-concert under the canopy

while enjoying live entertainment.

of Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd inside

Newberry Opera House

SC State Museum

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

of The Opera House. Each week from

the planetarium’s 55ft digital dome.

local talent.

7

EVERY DAY

PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS: THE VELOCITY TOUR

THE IRONIC CURTAIN: ART FROM THE SOVIET UNION

PBR's fastest-growing tour is com-

Noon until 1 p.m. features a different

Colonial Life Arena

21 FOR THE LOVE OF HOPS CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL Icehouse Amphitheater

ing to our area. This event features

Sample of over 50 different craft

Columbia Museum of Art

the excitement and top-levels of

beers from North and South Carolina,

This exhibit features artists who

cowboy and bovine talent that fans

Live music from Kenny George Band.

worked under political repression in

have come to expect. Fun for the

the decades just before the fall of the

entire family.

27

Soviet Union, making “official” art by day and their own experimental art in secret. The results are wild and darkly witty, with symbols of the Soviet government used to parody its power rather than to celebrate it.

Now through September 12.

7

THE MODERN GENTLEMEN Newberry Opera House

LIVE IN THE LOBBY: KOGER CENTER JAZZ

The highly energetic and entertaining four-part harmony quartet bring their modern take and play on popular hits

Koger Center for the Arts

Featuring

Scotty

Barnhart

and

6

Wycliffe Gordon Together at Last,

PADDLE & PINT

Join us to experience this one-of-a-

of Pop, Rock, and Jazz to the stage.

this concert will be held in the dynamic, open expanse of the lobby.

Saluda Shoals Park

kind concert designed for audiences

Paddle the lower Saluda surrounded

seeking premier jazz and specialty

by beautiful scenery and wildlife.

experiences in exceptional settings.

After a one-hour paddle, sample delicious craft beers from Columbia Craft at the river overlook. Take home a

complimentary

Saluda

Shoals

Park glass to commemorate the evening.

Light refreshments will

be served. Boats and all necessary equipment are provided.

14 2021 JAILBREAK ESCAPE URBAN CHALLENGE RUN Gibson Road Sports Complex

Brought to you by The Lexington County Sheriff's Foundation, this 3.1 mile run with obstacles and CrossFit-

Would you like to get in touch with

style exercises is designed to chal-

us? We would love to hear from you!

lenge participants of all ages and

Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

fitness levels.

LakeMurray using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

42

Lake Murray Lifestyle | August 2021

We’ve got you covered.

Sometimes you need medical attention right away, but don’t need the level of care of an emergency room.

At times like these, Lexington Medical Center Urgent Care is here for you.

We treat minor illnesses and injuries when you can’t get in to see your doctor or when you need care after hours. Our on-site imaging services allow our providers to diagnose illness and injury faster.

No appointment is needed, and we have four convenient locations to serve you.

Now Offering Urgent Care Telemedicine Visits with the Lexington Medical Center MyChart app | LexMed.com

Lexington Medical Center Chapin 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday 557 Columbia Avenue Chapin, SC 29036 (803) 932-0655 ——————————————— Lexington Medical Center Irmo 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Daily 7035 St. Andrews Road Columbia, SC 29212 (803) 749-0924 ——————————————— Lexington Medical Center Lexington 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Daily 811 West Main Street Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 358-6100 ——————————————— Lexington Medical Center Saluda Pointe 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., Daily 154 Saluda Pointe Court Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 785-3590