December 2022                         Volume 18 Issue 9

Good things do come in small packages, especially calories. We just finished eating our Thanksgiving meal and now we are on the way to the next feast.

By all means enjoy your holiday meal, but remember the reason for the season is not to gain weight. Most of us will put on a couple of pounds from Halloween to New Year's Day - but it's not a given.

• Serve your holiday meal on small plates. Keep the high calorie choices off the table.  If you have to get up to get another serving, you may skip it altogether.  
• Make a commitment to exercise for at least 15 minutes every day during the holiday season - walk, dance, jog or yoga - just move. Once you get started you may find yourself working out much longer.
• Remember the reason for the season. Plan dates with your family and friends that aren't focused on eating. Spend an afternoon shopping, wrapping gifts or volunteering. Start a new family tradition. If weather permits, go outside and play a game of touch football, take the family dog for a walk, the important part is to bring physical activity into your day. 

Teen Advisory Board Holiday Party

The Teen Advisory Board held their annual Holiday Party December 4, 2022 at Lakeside Country Club. A fun time Ugly Hat Contest, White Elephant gift exchange, and great food.

Oliver Foundation Healthy Choices Grant

Next Deadline April 15, 2023

Apply Now

Oliver Foundation 18th Annual Rodeo Contest

2023 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo 

      February 28 – March 19, 2023         

It's Rodeo time again in Houston, so get out your hats and put on your boots! We want to 

know what types of Healthy Activities are occurring on your campus. Send us your healthy activity and win a chance for 4 tickets, Club Level and parking pass. All entries must be received by February 10, 2023, 4:00m PM.

Apply Now!

Texas Action for Healthy Kids Summit 

Oliver Foundation Teen Advisory Board members, Katherine Zhang and Jenna Chuan participated in a youth panel discussion at the Texas Action for Healthy Kids Annual Summit, November 15, 2022.

Katherine Zhang, President

The Kinkaid School - Houston, Texas 

Teen Board Member 2019 - Present

Katherine is a senior at The Kinkaid School. She is a member of the Policy Debate Team, Cross Country Team, Track Team, Wellness Committee and the Academic and Citizenship Honor Roll. Katherine volunteers at the Houston Food Bank, Rescued Pets Movement, and Brookwood Community.

Staying Active During the Winter Holidays

With the holidays upcoming and blissfully cooler months, it’s easy to put nutrition and fitness on the backburner. When you’re feasting on your favorite winter foods with mugs of hot chocolate in hand, it might seem tempting to stay inside all day curled up on the couch with a good book and a fluffy blanket. So, here are a few reminders of why it’s so important to spend some time outdoors, even in the chilliest months!

1. Going outside, especially in nature, can improve mental health for a variety of reasons. Getting out of the house has been scientifically correlated to reducing stress. Studies indicate that appreciating nature, even just for 20 minutes, can decrease levels of cortisol, the stress hormone associated with anxiety. Nature’s calming effect can also help with anger management. There won’t be any fighting over gifts these holidays!
2. Nature can help improve self-image. Recent studies have shown that those who spend more time in nature appreciate their bodies more and have greater self-confidence. Perhaps this is attributed to time spent outside, away from ideals of social media and the internet. Enjoying nature during the winter months can be a great way to reconnect with the environment and take a break from the overwhelming online world.
3. Getting some fresh air can also be a great opportunity to exercise! Even in the winter months, it’s key to stay active, especially when all those tempting holiday treats are so readily available. A simple, brisk walk around the neighborhood can help clear your mind and release endorphin hormones to quickly improve your mood.
4. There are other physical benefits! Nature can help reduce muscle tension and heart rates, both of which are contributing factors to cardiovascular disease. Going outside can also help lower blood pressure.
5. Nature is beautiful and fun! There’s so much to explore beyond computer screens and digital streaming services these next few months. Quality family time and connections can be made just as easily over outdoor fire pits and mountain hiking. 

So, the next time you’re bundled up in bed on Sunday morning and your dog is sitting at the foot of your bed, give them a walk! From the Oliver Foundation Teen Advisory Board, stay warm and healthy this winter!

Katherine Zhang

December 2022

Teen Board Recipe

Natalie Lopez

Co-Event Coordinator

Apple Nachos

Ingredients:

-       2 apples

-       1/4 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)

-       1 tbsp chopped nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, peanuts, almonds, etc.)

-       A sprinkle of cinnamon 

Directions:

1. Wash the apples. Cut them into quarters and remove the core. Then slice them into thin slices. Layer the slices on a plate.
2. Microwave the peanut butter for 10-15 seconds (to make it easier to drizzle on the apples).
3. Drizzle the peanut butter on top of the apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and chopped nuts. Enjoy!