December 2024

Volume 20 Issue 9

Happy Holidays



The Oliver Foundation wishes you, your family and friends Healthy and Happy Holidays by Making Healthy Choices for Life, the way we do at the Oliver Foundation. How about starting out the next quarter of a century  (2025) the healthiest ever?  


Let’s establish that plan now.  Even if you splurged over Thanksgiving week, it’s time to get on track for 2025. The popular belief is the average American gains 5-10 pound between Thanksgiving and New Years. Those same pounds will take twice or three times as long to shed. 


Enjoy your favorite holiday foods in moderation and with self-control because you are in control for the new year. Remember a few ideas and “tricks” to assist you. 

a.      Only eat when sitting down, that cuts out of lot of mindless calories.

b.      Sip on non -caloric beverages between higher calorie ones. When in doubt turn it down and check it out before you indulge.  With all the technology we have on our phones, there is no excuse for NOT knowing. 

c.      Same three steps go for food.

d.      Foods that are  high in fat, high in sugar, coated in breading and fried will generally be 4-8 times the calories of that same fresh food.   

e.      If its Fresh ( fresh fruit and vegetables) great choices. 

f.       Sliced meats and cheeses are better than those  listed in d. 

g.       Pretzels and pretzel chips are a good choice. 

h.      Ah, remember those nuts!  A handful can be upwards of 200 – 300 calories.  That’s not even sugar coated and fried.  

i.        Desserts, tis the season. Just remember a normal portion size and cut in half. 


The Event is about seeing friends and family plus having fun.  Plan to not arrive hungry and have a plan of action.  


Two other thoughts:


1.      Exercise – so you can’t do the entire workout, do a modified plan: walk the neighborhood, shoot some hoops, lift a few weights, do the squats. Just keep in the habit of doing something even if for 5-10 minutes. 

2.      The power of diminishing returns, my favorite. The first bite or sip is delicious/wonderful, the second is great, the third good…... you get the idea.  When it stops being wonderful, STOP.  


Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and safe New Years!


Deborah L. Woehler, MS, RDN, LD

Executive Director, Oliver Foundation




Oliver Foundation Healthy Choices Grant

Next Deadline April 15, 2025
Apply Now

It's Almost Rodeo Time!

Oliver Foundation 19th Annual Rodeo Contest
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 
March 4 - March 23, 2025
Apply now for a chance to win 4 Club Level Tickets and Parking Pass
Apply Now
Email sjbristow@oliverfoundation.org for more information


Oliver Foundation Teen Advisory Board Holiday Party


The Teen Advisory Board held their annual Holiday Party at Ciros's restaurant on

December 8. 2024. Everyone enjoyed the appetizers and a great Italian meal! They had a fun time playing different games and of course the highlight was the White Elephant exchange.











The Oliver Foundation Teen Advisory Board is a 15 member organization represented by students across the Houston area. Each month you'll meet a different member who will share their perspective on living a healthy life. 


Nikita Pati

Co-Community Outreach and Social Media Coordinator

Dulles High School – Sugar Land, TX

Teen Board Member 2024 – Present









Managing Stress During Midterm Season



It's finally December! Midterm exams are right around the corner, so let’s discuss something

crucial for success—stress management! Midterms are a challenging time, but managing your

stress effectively can make a big difference in how you perform and feel. Developing good

habits can help you stay calm, focused, and ready to ace those tests!


Understanding Stress and Its Impact

A little stress can actually be helpful, keeping you alert and motivated. But too much stress can

overwhelm your system, making it harder to focus, sleep, and stay positive. During midterm

season, our brains are often working overtime, processing a lot of information while dealing with

tight schedules and deadlines. Learning to manage stress effectively will help you maintain your

mental and physical health—and maximize your academic performance.

Setting Realistic Goals

Break down your study goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Instead of trying to learn

everything at once, divide topics into chunks, focusing on one at a time. This approach reduces

stress and helps you retain information better, making studying less overwhelming and more

efficient.


The Power of Deep Breathing and Mindfulness

When you feel overwhelmed, try deep breathing exercises or practice mindfulness. These

techniques help calm your nervous system, reducing stress and improving focus. Even a

five-minute break to close your eyes and breathe deeply can reset your mind and help you

approach your studies with a fresh perspective.


The Importance of Staying Active and Eating Right

Exercise is a natural stress reliever that boosts endorphins, enhancing your mood and focus.

Whether it’s a quick walk, a few stretches, or a workout session, moving your body helps release

tension and provides a break from the books. Additionally, fueling your body with nutritious

foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, keeps your energy up and your mind sharp,

helping you power through study sessions.

By incorporating these habits into your routine, you’ll build a foundation for success that goes

way beyond midterm season.


Niketa Pati

December 2024





Teen Board Recipe


Matthew Chuan

Co-Event Coordinator





Spiced Apple Crisps  


Get into the Christmas spirit with this light yet satisfying snack! These dried apple crisps are the solid version of apple cider. However, this snack is very lightweight, while maintaining the same flavor, aroma, and general mood. These crispy apple chips are great for snacking, sharing, and leaving out for Santa – they're even better than cookies! 

 

Preheat oven to 275 F 


Ingredients:  

2 Granny Smith apples (the type of apple does not affect the final product too much, though) 

Cinnamon 

 

Recipe:  

1: Core the apples and cut into thin slices  (less than a quarter inch is ideal)  

2: Dust the apple slices with cinnamon and put on a baking tray 

3: Bake for about 1 hour (could take longer, depending on how thick you sliced your apples), turning halfway through. Continue until the crisps are golden brown and dried. Store in an airtight container, and snack on it whenever you’re in the mood. 

 


Healthy Choices Nov2010
The Oliver Foundation
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Suite F, #256
Houston, TX 77007
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