By Amy Dunaway
Like those of us in the middle of the country, if you’re in the United States right now, chances are you’ve experienced some blistering temperatures, too. Some of us are air conditioning advocates and others choose to tough it out by simply finding a shady place outside. Missouri is lucky to have many state and municipal parks where folks can walk, hike, bike, fish, go off-road on an ATV, or just kick back and relax. If the heat weren’t enough reason to seek out some shade or the local pool, July is National Parks and Recreation Month and is a good reminder to go outside (don’t forget the sunscreen!).
While my local park has some vending machines and a concession stand, I’ve noticed that many folks prefer to pack their own food. Some of this observation is my own musings as a mom watching the local t-ball games. Others are due to the HCRC’s work with the Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition (MOCAN) that is looking at food options in the state and local parks.
Regardless of whether you pack it in or buy it there, we’ve heard from many Missourians who want more choices and healthier choices. Some ask for more fresh fruit, such as apples and oranges, others have asked for more grilled or fresh sandwich options. True, not all people are asking for a fruit cup. But by and large, they are looking for more than just a burger and fries.
This change is good news for sure. It seems like we don’t go a day without hearing about America’s obesity epidemic and our growing sedentary lifestyle (and admittedly, being in health communication, we’ve done our fair share of reminding people about these issues, too). All too often, our choices are limited by where we live or how quickly the drive-thru line is moving, and many of those choices aren’t the healthiest. Lots of salt, lots of fat, lots of sugar and lots of extra calories. I get it. As an individual, I have a choice to get in that line and buy that less-than healthy choice. And I confess, having walked recently to my local park in 98 degree heat, I was pretty happy to shell out a few bucks for a super blue raspberry slush.
But that is one half of the conversation, isn’t it? If I have more choices open to me, I’m just as likely (and in some cases more) to buy the better, healthier choice. Hindsight, of course, tells me I should have packed my own drink. Minutes before I bought that blue raspberry slush, I was hot, tired and looking at the concession stand for relief. I saw the picture of a blue slush on the wall and a click and a whirr later it was in my hands! I didn’t even bother to ask if they sold water (they did) or look to see if the water fountain was working (it was). I just forked over the money and drank about half a meal’s worth of calories in a mere three minutes.
Of course, it was hot. I made some excuses and promised to work out longer.
At some point.
When the weather got cooler.
What about you? Have you been looking for some fresh food or healthy options in your park? Share your thoughts with us.
Until the weather does get better, I’m visiting the park in the evening and working to remember to pack my own drink. Especially now, when I know that any slush, blue or otherwise, will only last so long when it’s 90+ degrees outside.