November 2022                         Volume 18 Issue 8

Happy Thanksgiving

November 24, 2022

The 7-10 Pound Season

Most Americans tend to gain that much weight between Thanksgiving and New Year's, but that does not need to be the case with planning. Now is the time to plan- not December 23rd. Did you know that the average American consumes more than 4500 calories and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving Day?

So rather than being part of the 7-10 pound club let's do some planning and look at the foods and beverages you may consume. 

1. Remember to stay with your normal portions. No sense in being miserably full.

2.  Holiday food is heavy in hidden fats like butter, oils and cream, which are a concentrated source of calories. Look at what is added to the stuffing, creamed vegetables, cream soups, mashed and sweet potatoes and lighten it up. This will save hundreds of calories.

3.  It's also a time of increased sugars in food, desserts and drinks. Moderation is the key.

4.  Have a plan for the entire day of what you plan to eat and drink. You will be successful. 

5. Plan exercise into your day and Thanksgiving weekend.

Oliver Foundation Healthy Choices Grant

Next Deadline April 15, 2023

Apply Now

Congratulations

Oliver Foundation Healthy Choices Grant

October 15, 2022  Recipients

Bonham Elementary, Harlingen CISD

Turner Elementary, Pasadena ISD

Texas Action for Healthy Kids Summit 

November 15-16, 2022

To register, e-mail sjbristow@oliverfoundation.org

Make plans to join us on November 15-16 for learning sessions, networking and connecting with schools and districts across the state. We will have a youth panel, an update on plans for the upcoming legislative session as well as sessions on mental health in schools, School Health Advisory Councils (SHACs), challenges of teen vaping and more! Details coming in mid October! This will be a FREE Event!

Reaching for Excellence (RFE) in Texas

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) invites public and charter schools to apply for the Reaching for (RFE) in Texas School Health Grant, two $10,000 grants will be awarded for the 2023-2024 school year. The goal of the RFE grants is to fund projects that inspire students to live healthier lives. Projects must focus on at least one key component of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model.

Attend one of three informational webinars in September to learn more about the application process. The application will open on September 1, 2022, and close November 14, 2022. Click on the link below for more information and to apply.

https://dshs.texas.gov/schoolhealth/awards/

Join the TX SHAC Network

School districts and campuses must consider the health of children as we move forward after the pandemic. SHACs are the best way to make sure parents and community members have a voice in how health issues are addressed. If you are concerned about child health, you need to be involved with your School District’s SHAC. Find out more by joining the Texas SHAC Network

Check out our newly TX SHAC Network website, where you can find information on the laws that govern SHAC, resources for wellness policies and more!

Lauryn Tu, Co-Community Outreach and Social Media Coordinator

The Awty International School - Houston, Texas 

Teen Board Member 2019 - Present

Lauryn is a senior at The Awty International School. She is a Student Ambassador and Varsity tennis player for her high school. Outside of school, she is Court Lead for ACEing Autism where she enjoys teaching kids with autism how to play tennis! Lauryn is also a member of the Welcome Team at Houston Welcomes Refugees for new families arriving in the U.S. This past summer, she started her own tennis program in partnership with Second Serve and the YMCA of Greater Houston for underprivileged and refugee children. Lauryn enjoys many sports, reading, and spending time with friends and family!

Maintaining Balance in Your Life

High School, College, Academia, it can be a brutal place. Many times, we get caught up in the mountainous load of schoolwork that we forget to take time to BREATHE. At least that was certainly the case in my life, especially throughout my junior year of high school (and still now). However, going through all that stress without a healthy mindset and balanced lifestyle is just as bad, if not worse, as constantly filling your body with unhealthy foods. So here are some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned throughout thus far regarding a balanced life:

Motivation is Overrated: 

Do you ever have those moments when you’ve been studying non-stop for days, weeks, or even months that you just don’t want to study anymore? Maybe all your motivation is gone. This may lead to hours of procrastination, which I am one of the greatest victims. Despite how amazing motivation can be to get the work done, it’s probably the least reliable thing in your life. Appreciate motivation while it’s there but turn to discipline to push you to success. Relying on discipline means understanding that even though you’re tired and don’t want to do the work, you must do the work anyways because you care about your success in school and the opportunities doing well may bring.  

Commitment is Greater that Quantity:

It’s good to be well-rounded, but don’t fall in the trap of trying to build up your extracurriculars by doing 10,000 things. I certainly did and let me be the first to tell you that it is draining! Find a few activities that you really enjoy and commit to it. Maybe that’s a sport, volunteering experience, school club, academic competition, etc. It would certainly be nice if the extracurriculars you chose had a connection to each other, such as they’re all science-related endeavors, or connected to your sport. Your life will be a whole lot easier and more enjoyable if you commit your time to activities that you deeply have an interest. 

Self-Check In:

Make sure to check in on yourself. Only you know yourself well enough to know your limits. Therefore, only you would know whether you’re simply unmotivated to do something or too mentally drained to produce high-quality studying or assignments. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned was to not wait to “fix” how you’re feeling. The moment you feel like this, it’s ok to put everything aside and do what you need to do to stabilize yourself. This may be deciding to go to tennis practice after all and having fun with friends or going to the gym for an hour or two, maybe even watching an episode of your favorite TV show. Ultimately, taking time for yourself may speed up studying in the long run as opposed to intermittent procrastination. Throughout it all, make sure to eat well and drink tons of water. When you feel good on the inside (mentally and physically), you’ll have the energy to push through any struggle. 

Lauryn Tu 

November 2022

Teen Board Recipe

Jenna Chaun

Co-Event Coordinator

Roasted Chickpeas

Ingredients:

-       1 15oz can - or 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas

-       ½ tablespoon extra- virgin olive oil

-       ½ teaspoon paprika

-       ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

-       Sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven at 340F (170 C).
2. Drain the chickpeas and rinse them under cold running water. Then dry them using a towel. Remove any loose skin that comes off during this process.
3. Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Season with olive oil, salt, and spices, and toss well, but gently, to avoid removing more skin.
4. Place the baking sheet in the middle rack of the oven, and let the chickpeas roast for around 30 minutes. Then open the oven and, using a spoon, stir them well to make sure they bake evenly. Bake for another 20 minutes.
5. Turn off the oven, open the door slightly and let the chickpeas cool in the oven before removing them. This will ensure that the crispiness will last for at least 3 days!
6. Eat as a healthy snack or use as toppings for salad, toasts, wraps, etc.