THE FARM STAND: Setting the Bar for Health & Wellness Offerings at Equestrian Events

February 06, 2018

As a distance runner, equestrian and stepmother of four, including a nationally ranked female high school athlete, wholesome nutrition is on the forefront of my mind. Most of us are challenged at both youth and adult athletic events with the quality of ingredients of available for purchase at the venues where we compete. It is counterintuitive to observe athletes purchasing food that is highly processed, deep fried and/or made with excessive amounts of refined sugar.

Jennifer Sacheck, an associate professor of nutrition at Tufts University in Boston and lead author of the paper "Optimal Nutrition for Youth Athletes: Food Sources and Fuel Timing" from the National Youth Sports Health & Safety Institute recommends that young athletes should follow the same healthy eating pattern recommended for all Americans. They should get about 45 to 60 percent of their daily calories from carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice and whole-grain cereals); 25 to 35 percent from healthy fats (liquid vegetable oils, such as olive and canola, as well as nuts, nut butters and avocados) and 10 to 30 percent from protein (lean meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, beans and nuts). (1)

When traveling to any type of competition, I make a stop at Whole Foods or a similar market for nuts, fruits and vegetables to ensure that we have healthy snacks and nutritious energy sources available throughout the day. This year’s Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) was the first equestrian event, much less sports event, that I have ever attended where I was able to omit shopping and purchase extremely healthy options for both breakfast and lunch at the venue.  

Through the vision and diligent work of Becky Gochman and her team, "The Farm Stand" is celebrating its inaugural year as a health and wellness sanctuary at the Palm Beach Equestrian Center. Located between pony island and the grand hunter ring, the cornerstone of this mini village is a carefully selected group of high quality local vendors and the experience is enhanced using a food truck ambiance. Attendees of WEF now have the ability to source a wide variety of nutritious snacks, meals and juices that satisfy multiple dietary needs. It is a solid addition to the already impressive selection of food choices available at the facility.  This is an important addition for all patrons of the event, but I am especially impressed because equestrians of all ages are athletes and proper nutrition is an important part of our lifestyle. 

FOOD:

MERAKI: Cold Pressed Juices and Plant Based Cuisine.

Menu includes Smoothies, Acai Bowls, Toasts, Grab & Go dishes for those on the go and Made to Order dishes and Warm Bowls.  Additionally, Sweets include handmade chocolate and desserts.

{IMAGE: I enjoyed lunch both days at MERAKI, and each time tried a different flavorful wraps.  Above is the delicious Avocado BBQ Wrap I ordered, made with romaine lettuce leaves, avocado, spicy walnut taco mix, red pepper, cilantro, cashew cheese, chipotle bbq sauce. } 

TESS & CO: Healthy Homestyle Food & Kombucha

{Image: Lunch is very popular at the Farm Stand. I noted that Tess & Co.'s soups were a very popular with patrons}

{IMAGE: Wholesome options for both breakfast & lunch are served at Tess & Co. }

(IMAGE: The service is friendly and knowledgeable at Tess & Co....even early in the morning when I visited for a Matcha Latte made with Almond Milk!}

PUMPHOUSE COFFEE ROASTERS: Organic Espresso, Coffee & Matcha

 

{ Image:  I stopped at the PUMPHOUSE for an afternoon pick-me-up consisting of my go to drink, an almond milk mocha. The barista specially made a shorter version at my request and it was perhaps the best I have ever had!}

ACCESORIES & GARMENTS:

THE ONE WELL: Carefully curated garments & gifts 

AMENITIES & EVENTS:

Charging Station & Afternoon Yoga

{Image: Charging station and behind are the yoga mats available for daily classes}

WELL-BEING SERVICES:

 

For more information, visit farmstand-pb.com.

{Image source: farmstead-pb.com}

 

(1) Source: https://health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/2017-01-19/7-easy-ways-to-fuel-young-athletes , By Nanci Hellmich, Contributor | Jan. 19, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.; Sourced Feb. 5, 2018.

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