January 2025

Volume 21 Issue 1

Oliver Foundation Healthy Choices Grant

Next Deadline April 15, 2025

Apply Now

Raina Sheth

Co-Community Outreach and Social Media Coordinator

Elkins High School – Sugar Land, TX

Teen Board Member 2024 – Present

New Year, New Habits

 

The start of a new year is the perfect time to set some goals for yourself. It’s a great opportunity to make healthier choices! Instead of making unrealistic New Years Resolutions that are hard to achieve, try focusing on small, simple changes that you can keep up with throughout the year. Whether it's eating better, being more active, or getting more sleep, setting realistic goals can help you stay on track and feel healthier in 2025! 

A simple resolution that you can keep up with is adding more nutritional foods to your meals. Aim to eat one extra serving of fruits or veggies with each meal. If you're not used to eating them, start small. You could swap out your usual unhealthy snack for a handful of baby carrots or try a new fruit each week. And don’t forget about drinking water! Making the switch from sugary drinks to water can really make a difference in how you feel every day.  

Here is a list of some tasty and healthy foods you could start eating more often: 

1. Berries                           
2. Eggs 
3. Quinoa 
4. Avocado 
5. Oatmeal 
6. Yogurt Parfaits 
7. Acai Bowls 
8. Tofu 
9. Carrots and Hummus 
10. Vegetable Bowls 

Another important goal to set is being more active. Moving your body doesn’t have to mean going to the gym—it can be something as simple as walking 10,000 steps a day or trying a fun sport with your friends. If you enjoy dancing, playing basketball, or just going for a walk outside, make it a goal to do something active every day. The key is to find activities that make you feel good and that you’ll want to do often! 

Lastly, let’s not forget about sleep. Getting enough sleep is super important for feeling energized, focused, and staying healthy. Set a goal to aim for 8 hours of sleep each night. Try to wind down at least an hour before bed by reading a book. Avoiding screen time right before bed to help you sleep better and feel more rested when you wake up. 

Whether you're heading off to college, starting high school, or simply moving forward in life, it's never too late to begin making healthier choices. Big life changes can feel overwhelming, but no matter where you are, taking small steps toward better habits lead to long-lasting benefits. The new year is a great reminder that every step you take towards a healthier lifestyle, no matter your stage in life, is worth it. 

Raina Sheth 

January 2025

Teen Board Recipe

Matthew Chuan

Co-Event Coordinator

Homemade Hot Chocolate:  

On a cold, windy day, nothings better than coming inside and having a nice cup of cocoa near the fireplace. However, what’s better than homemade cocoa! With this simple recipe, you can ensure that your cold winter days are just as warm and cozy, while also staying healthy. Enjoy this recipe for homemade cocoa – it's healthy, simple, and satisfying! 

Ingredients:  

4 cups milk (any type will do) 

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 

¼ sugar 

¼ chocolate chips (a chopped chocolate bar would work as well) 

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 

Optional: Pinch of salt, cinnamon, anything to spice up your drink 

Recipe:  

1: Pour the milk, cocoa powder, and sugar into your saucepan. 

2: Heat over medium heat while constantly mixing until warm but not yet boiling 

3: Add cocolate chocolate chips or chocolate bar and keep mixing until they melt are distributed evenly in the milk mixture 

4: Stir in the vanilla extract, and add any extra spices you might want. 

5: Pour carefully into your favorite mug and enjoy by the fire with your blanket!