If you are like me, you love the holiday season – time with family and friends, holiday shopping, seasonal decorations, and eating. The holiday season provides an abundance of opportunities for overindulgence.
Research suggests the average American gains at least one pound over the holiday season. Unfortunately, researchers at the National Institutes of Health report most people never lose that extra pound of weight, so it accumulates year after year. Later in life, the extra weight may be a major contributor to obesity and the diseases associated with it.
Join me and UT Extension as we embark on a healthy holiday journey, the Maintain, Don’t Gain Healthy Holiday Challenge. This is a free program that lasts seven weeks. It begins November 24, 2024 and ends January 11th, 2025. The challenge offers tips about how you can prevent weight gain and stay fit during the busy holiday season. Each week during the seven-week challenge, you will receive one email message that will help you to survive and thrive in spite of all the temptations to overeat and be inactive. At the end of the seven-weeks, you will be asked to complete a short survey. You don’t reveal your weight, just whether you maintained – gained or lost.
The holiday season is a minefield of overeating opportunities. Add the hectic festivities to your calendar, and exercise takes a backseat. Don’t let this combination allow you to gain weight. This challenge is for anyone wanting encouragement and accountability through the season….but still enjoy the food and fellowship.
Participants also get free opportunities at local fitness families during the challenge just for signing up. Smith County Fitness Center is a local sponsor. The free opportunities conclude at the end of the program.
Register for the Maintain, Don’t Gain Healthy Holiday Challenge now at https://Tiny.utk.edu/MDG24.
For more information on free fitness opportunities associated with the Maintain, Don’t Gain Healthy Holiday Challenge, contact Mary Draper, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension agent for UT Extension in Smith County. Mary may be reached at mparke33@utk.edu or 615-735-2900.
Little Cheddar Meat Loaves
1 egg
¾ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup oats
½ cup chopped onions
1 teaspoon salt
1 lb ground beef
Topping:
2/3 cup ketchup
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon prepared mustard
In bowl, beat the egg and milk. Stir in cheese, oats, onion, and salt. Add beef and mix well. Shape into 8 small loaves. Place in a greased 9 x 13 pan/baking dish.
Topping:
Combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Mix well and spoon over loaves. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until done.
Submitted by: Deborah Roberts, Carthage FCE Club
