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Author Archives for Shape Your Future

Lifting the Lid: How To Talk to Your Kids About Poop
September 25, 2023 4:02 pm Comments Off on Lifting the Lid: How To Talk to Your Kids About PoopWhen it comes to poop, most kids will disclose the down and dirty details to anyone and anywhere. This can…

Top 5 Fall Favorites
September 4, 2023 12:00 am Comments Off on Top 5 Fall FavoritesThe changing leaves, a crisp breeze and the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through the air can only mean one…

Transform Your Living Room Into Your Home Gym: A Step-by-Step Workout for Older Adults
August 29, 2023 3:39 pm Comments Off on Transform Your Living Room Into Your Home Gym: A Step-by-Step Workout for Older Adults
Get Fit While You Sit: A Fully-Seated Workout for Older Adults
August 29, 2023 3:39 pm Comments Off on Get Fit While You Sit: A Fully-Seated Workout for Older AdultsThere are plenty of free workouts available online, but often they aren’t geared toward older adults and/or anyone with mobility…

15 Healthy (and Realistic!) Breakfasts & Lunches for Teachers
June 30, 2023 1:17 am Comments Off on 15 Healthy (and Realistic!) Breakfasts & Lunches for TeachersAs an educator, there’s a lot more on your plate than just breakfast or lunch — but if you skip…

4 Ways To Refresh Your School-Year Routines
June 30, 2023 1:02 am Comments Off on 4 Ways To Refresh Your School-Year RoutinesNo matter how long you’ve been teaching, summer break always feels too short — hopefully, you’ve had a chance to…

12 Parks With Workout Equipment in Oklahoma
June 26, 2023 2:34 pm Comments Off on 12 Parks With Workout Equipment in OklahomaLooking for a fun way to get active while soaking up some vitamin D? Try working out at the park!…

10 Children’s Books About Healthy Habits
June 23, 2023 3:12 pm Comments Off on 10 Children’s Books About Healthy HabitsTeaching your kids healthy habits is an essential part of their growth and development. One fun and engaging way to…

5 Healthy Brunch Recipes You Can Make at Home
June 14, 2023 5:41 pm Comments Off on 5 Healthy Brunch Recipes You Can Make at HomeWhat do you get when you combine two of our favorite meals in the middle of the morning? Brunch! For…

Starting From Scraps: 4 Veggies You Can Re-Grow
June 2, 2023 7:44 pm Comments Off on Starting From Scraps: 4 Veggies You Can Re-GrowNothing takes your favorite recipes to the next level quite like fresh produce. However, gardening is intimidating for many beginners…

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide To Cooking
May 16, 2023 9:28 pm Comments Off on The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide To CookingCooking at home is a great way to save money and eat better, but if you don’t have much experience…

9 Kids’ Show Episodes That Reinforce Healthy Eating
May 5, 2023 5:01 pm Comments Off on 9 Kids’ Show Episodes That Reinforce Healthy EatingGetting kids to try new foods or understand the concept of nutrition can be a near-nightly challenge. For help, turn…

Self-Care for Busy Moms
April 27, 2023 4:38 pm Comments Off on Self-Care for Busy MomsTime is valuable for any busy mom. Your days are filled with tasks, errands, housework and kid’s activities. You may…

Top 5 Summer Favorites
April 25, 2023 5:36 pm Comments Off on Top 5 Summer FavoritesThe kids are home, the days are long and the weather is blazing HOT — it must be summertime in…

Oklahoma’s 5-Year Plan To Reduce Obesity
April 20, 2023 6:54 pm Comments Off on Oklahoma’s 5-Year Plan To Reduce ObesityObesity affects people of all ages. Oklahoma, along with many other states, has seen a steady increase in obesity rates…

5 Healthy Tips To Help Take the Stress Out of State Tests
March 8, 2023 5:34 pm Comments Off on 5 Healthy Tips To Help Take the Stress Out of State TestsAs the ice melts and the days grow longer, the end of the school year is quickly approaching. There’s only…

How To Get Your Kids Interested in Playing Sports
March 6, 2023 8:24 pm Comments Off on How To Get Your Kids Interested in Playing SportsSports are a great way for kids to get active, learn leadership skills and make new friends. However, some kids…

10 FREE Ways To Stay Active With Your Kids This Spring
February 27, 2023 10:55 pm Comments Off on 10 FREE Ways To Stay Active With Your Kids This Spring10 FREE Ways To Stay Active With Your Kids This Spring The days are longer, the weather is humid and…

Getting Active as You Age
February 27, 2023 5:50 pm Comments Off on Getting Active as You AgeGetting Active as You Age Exercise is important at any age, but the benefits increase with age. Whether it’s a…

Your Nutrition Guide for a Healthy Baby
January 24, 2023 4:21 pm Comments Off on Your Nutrition Guide for a Healthy BabyYour Nutrition Guide for a Healthy Baby Pregnancy is a wonderful time, but it can also be very stressful. You’re…

A Healthy Spin on Game Day Party Classics
January 17, 2023 11:24 pm Comments Off on A Healthy Spin on Game Day Party ClassicsA Healthy Spin on Game Day Party Classics As football season comes to an end with the biggest Sunday night…

7 Active Date Ideas
January 17, 2023 10:22 pm Comments Off on 7 Active Date Ideas7 Active Date Ideas Tired of the same old same old when it comes to date night? There’s SO much…

7 Days. 7 Healthy New Habits.
January 10, 2023 10:49 pm Comments Off on 7 Days. 7 Healthy New Habits.Healthy living can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re starting at square one. Take the stress out of forming healthy habits…

Improve Your Health With Bullet Journaling
December 28, 2022 7:33 pm Comments Off on Improve Your Health With Bullet JournalingAre you ready to take your health, wellness and organization to the next level? Bullet journaling is the perfect tool…

5 Days of Workouts? 5 Days of Fun!
December 21, 2022 4:34 pm Comments Off on 5 Days of Workouts? 5 Days of Fun!5 Days of Workouts? 5 Days of Fun! Between work, kids and maintaining a home, making it to the gym…

8 Oklahoma Holiday Light Displays to See This Winter
October 31, 2022 5:08 pm Comments Off on 8 Oklahoma Holiday Light Displays to See This WinterFrom finding the perfect presents to making plans for the New Year, the holiday season can be hectic — but…

Slow Cooker Ground Turkey 3 Ways
October 12, 2022 7:16 pm Comments Off on Slow Cooker Ground Turkey 3 WaysSlow Cooker Ground Turkey 3 Ways The secret to cooking healthy dinners on busy weeknights? Simplicity! Between work, school and…

10 Ways to Be Active During Indoor Recess
October 3, 2022 6:23 pm Comments Off on 10 Ways to Be Active During Indoor Recess10 Ways to Be Active During Indoor Recess Are rain clouds keeping you inside? We get it. Oklahoma weather has…

The Benefits of Being Outdoors
September 26, 2022 9:37 pm Comments Off on The Benefits of Being OutdoorsAh, nature. There’s nothing quite like breathing in fresh air and taking in outdoor beauty. It’s impossible to replicate the…

5 Physical Activities for Kids Other Than Sports
September 26, 2022 9:28 pm Comments Off on 5 Physical Activities for Kids Other Than SportsAre you searching for ways to spike your kid’s heart rate that don’t involve signing up for sports every season?…

10+ Healthy Snacks That Are Sure to Win This Football Season
September 8, 2022 2:53 pm Comments Off on 10+ Healthy Snacks That Are Sure to Win This Football SeasonOne way to win this football season? Filling your table with healthy snacks! Whether you love grabbing finger foods on…

Stay Ahead of School Stress
September 5, 2022 9:27 pm Comments Off on Stay Ahead of School StressStress doesn’t develop with age. It just changes — and kids have stressors of their own. Everything from assignments, tests,…

Back To School: How To Make Mornings Less Stressful
August 15, 2022 7:53 pm Comments Off on Back To School: How To Make Mornings Less StressfulHeading back to school can be a big adjustment for many families. Summer schedules are often more relaxed. When school…

New Healthy Habit: A Daily Walk
July 27, 2022 4:26 pm Comments Off on New Healthy Habit: A Daily WalkNothing beats the rush you get after a good workout or activity. Sometimes though, life can get in the way…

3 Healthy Lunch and Snack Ideas from Real Oklahoma Teachers
July 19, 2022 4:49 pm Comments Off on 3 Healthy Lunch and Snack Ideas from Real Oklahoma TeachersA new school year is just around the corner, and with it comes a whole lot of stress. Between decorating…

8 Easy Ways to Meal Prep
June 30, 2022 5:38 pm Comments Off on 8 Easy Ways to Meal PrepMeal prepping is a great way to save time and money, plus prevent food waste. If you’re worried eating the…

6 Tips to Win the Screen Time Battle
June 30, 2022 5:36 pm Comments Off on 6 Tips to Win the Screen Time BattleKids spend a lot of time in front of screens. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry,…

4 Healthy Ways to Make This School Year One to Remember!
June 30, 2022 5:31 pm Comments Off on 4 Healthy Ways to Make This School Year One to Remember!The school year is just around the corner, so it’s time to think about your new (school) year resolutions. Make…

How to Eat Intentionally
June 24, 2022 6:26 pm Comments Off on How to Eat IntentionallyWhen it comes to health, it’s not always about what you eat, but how you eat. Are you someone who waits until you’re starving…

Tips for Thriving While Distance Learning
June 22, 2022 10:44 pm Comments Off on Tips for Thriving While Distance LearningIf you have school-age kids, then you’ve probably heard of distance learning. Distance learning is an alternative to school where…

6 Quick, Healthy and Delicious Breakfast Ideas
June 17, 2022 7:05 pm Comments Off on 6 Quick, Healthy and Delicious Breakfast IdeasMornings can be hectic, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the most important meal of the day. We have…

The Flavors of the Rainbow: What Colors Can You Add to Your Plate?
June 17, 2022 7:03 pm Comments Off on The Flavors of the Rainbow: What Colors Can You Add to Your Plate?A balanced diet gives our body the nutrients it needs to function at its best! Whether you have picky eaters…

Countdown to School – Back to Bedtime
June 14, 2022 5:18 pm Comments Off on Countdown to School – Back to BedtimeA great day at school doesn’t start in the morning, it starts the night before. Sleep plays an important role…

After-School Snack Hacks
June 14, 2022 4:30 pm Comments Off on After-School Snack HacksAfter a busy day at school, most kids come home hungry and tired. Plus, errands, extracurricular activities and homework can…

4 Healthy Tips for a Boomin’ 4th of July
June 10, 2022 5:30 pm Comments Off on 4 Healthy Tips for a Boomin’ 4th of JulySummer is finally here, which means the Fourth of July is right around the corner — a day full of…

12 Easy, Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Busy Teachers
June 6, 2022 6:36 pm Comments Off on 12 Easy, Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Busy TeachersBetween setting up classroom activities, playing referee in the hallway, juggling extra duties and unjamming the copy machine again (sigh),…

The Best Peach Picking in Oklahoma
June 1, 2022 9:15 pm Comments Off on The Best Peach Picking in OklahomaNothing beats a fresh, juicy peach picked right off the tree. Whether you’re planning a fun family outing or just…

Berry Picking Your Way Across Oklahoma
May 27, 2022 5:00 pm Comments Off on Berry Picking Your Way Across OklahomaSpring and summer are the perfect time to introduce new fruits and veggies to your kids. Luckily, it just so…

Five Easy Ways to Eat Better & Spend Less
May 12, 2022 5:58 pm Comments Off on Five Easy Ways to Eat Better & Spend LessIf it feels like your grocery bill is higher than usual, you’re not alone. Food prices are on the rise.…

What Produce Is In Season?
May 5, 2022 10:22 pm Comments Off on What Produce Is In Season?Whether you’re trying your hand at a backyard garden or writing out your grocery list, it’s important to know which…

5 Healthy, On-the-Go Snacks for Your Kids’ Summer Adventures
April 19, 2022 4:57 pm Comments Off on 5 Healthy, On-the-Go Snacks for Your Kids’ Summer AdventuresSummer is here! It’s time for day trips, play dates at the park, afternoons at the splash pad, backyard camping…

15+ Quick Lunch Ideas for Busy Teachers
April 11, 2022 7:11 pm Comments Off on 15+ Quick Lunch Ideas for Busy TeachersBetween managing your classroom, communicating with parents and handling extra duties, there’s very little time left for lunch. Yet skipping…

5 Ways to Make Family Mealtime Fun
April 6, 2022 8:28 pm Comments Off on 5 Ways to Make Family Mealtime FunWhen life gets hectic, it can be tempting to eat on the go — or in front of the TV.…

When to Plant Garden Veggies in Oklahoma: A Cheat Sheet
March 23, 2022 10:29 pm Comments Off on When to Plant Garden Veggies in Oklahoma: A Cheat SheetPlanting your own garden is a rewarding, affordable way to eat healthy. Plus, homegrown produce is as fresh as it…

5 Ways to Create a Healthy Classroom Routine This Spring
March 16, 2022 9:46 pm Comments Off on 5 Ways to Create a Healthy Classroom Routine This SpringWhat’s one thing nearly every teacher can agree on? The 3rd quarter of the school year is tough. Although the…

Practice What You Teach: 4 Easy Ways to Model Healthy Habits for Your Class
March 16, 2022 6:03 pm Comments Off on Practice What You Teach: 4 Easy Ways to Model Healthy Habits for Your ClassAs a teacher, your influence is powerful, but your plate is also full. Yet our kids need as many healthy…

A Teacher’s Guide to Applying for School Grants
March 15, 2022 5:11 pm Comments Off on A Teacher’s Guide to Applying for School GrantsHey, Oklahoma teachers! Do you have a big idea that keeps you up at night? Is a lack of funding…

4 Dietitian-Approved Ways to Raise Healthy Eaters
February 14, 2022 10:21 pm Comments Off on 4 Dietitian-Approved Ways to Raise Healthy EatersI am a dietitian and health scientist, but I’m also a parent. I know how stressful it can be to…

4 Ways to Improve Your Mood with Mindfulness
February 8, 2022 6:51 pm Comments Off on 4 Ways to Improve Your Mood with MindfulnessLife is unpredictable. Although we can’t control its curveballs, we can choose how we respond. Millions of people have used…

4 Reasons Frozen Veggies Are the Coolest
February 8, 2022 6:50 pm Comments Off on 4 Reasons Frozen Veggies Are the CoolestFirst off, we mean no disrespect to fresh fruits and veggies. They’re delicious! They make great dipping tools. They also…

7 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
January 26, 2022 7:32 pm Comments Off on 7 Tips for a Healthy PregnancyPregnancy is an exciting, exhausting journey. Whether it’s your first — or you just want to make some healthy changes…

Dine with Your Valentine at Home
January 20, 2022 3:07 pm Comments Off on Dine with Your Valentine at HomeWhether you celebrate with your sweetheart, family or friends, save money and be healthy with this deliciously simple menu. Raise…

6 Oklahoma Parents Share Their Realistic New Year’s Goals
December 17, 2021 6:41 pm Comments Off on 6 Oklahoma Parents Share Their Realistic New Year’s GoalsA new year is a great time to set healthy new goals. Yet all too often, our resolutions are big.…

7 Healthy Ways to Address Stress
November 15, 2021 6:55 pm Comments Off on 7 Healthy Ways to Address StressLosing a job … or starting one. Getting married … or divorced. Managing personal health issues… or caring for a…

5 Holiday Spices & 30 Fresh Ways to Use Them.
October 22, 2021 5:10 pm Comments Off on 5 Holiday Spices & 30 Fresh Ways to Use Them.‘Tis the season for healthy new ways to use classic holiday seasonings — fresh or dried. Some dishes are sweet,…

4 Ways to Feed a Crowd on a Tight Budget (and Schedule)
October 19, 2021 9:54 pm Comments Off on 4 Ways to Feed a Crowd on a Tight Budget (and Schedule)Anyone who’s ever hosted a large group knows one thing: It takes a village to (affordably) feed a village —…

Skip the Sugary Latte. Snack on 6 Healthy Pumpkin Spice Treats Instead!
October 11, 2021 9:48 pm Comments Off on Skip the Sugary Latte. Snack on 6 Healthy Pumpkin Spice Treats Instead!Fall is here! It’s the time of year for carving pumpkins … and craving pumpkin spice. The only issue? Pumpkin…

9 Ways to Stretch Your SNAP Dollars
October 1, 2021 8:06 pm Comments Off on 9 Ways to Stretch Your SNAP DollarsIt’s no secret: Feeding a family costs a lot — and even though SNAP benefits can be a lifesaver, they…

7 Foods That Are Shockingly High in Sugar
September 24, 2021 8:36 pm Comments Off on 7 Foods That Are Shockingly High in SugarWe won’t sugarcoat it: Eating too many sweets can wreak havoc on our health. While it’s OK to treat yourself…

5 Healthy Ways to Feed the Entire Family for Under $12
August 25, 2021 6:42 pm Comments Off on 5 Healthy Ways to Feed the Entire Family for Under $12Lunch, dinner, weeknight or weekend, cooking on a budget is a challenge — especially when you want something healthy. These…

4 Ways to Use Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
August 25, 2021 6:38 pm Comments Off on 4 Ways to Use Slow Cooker Salsa ChickenWhen it comes to cooking, we love simplicity — especially on those busy weeknights when life is at its most…

How to Set Your Family in Motion
August 25, 2021 6:31 pm Comments Off on How to Set Your Family in MotionWhen it comes to health, parents are their kids’ biggest role models — with eating patterns and exercise. Leading your…

Easy Ways to Drink Less Soda
August 25, 2021 6:08 pm Comments Off on Easy Ways to Drink Less SodaMany common beverages like soda, energy drinks, sports drinks and juice boxes are hiding a big secret — they’re full…

5 Ways to Role Model Healthy Living for Your Kids [Plus, 20 Resources to Make Starting Simple]
August 24, 2021 7:39 pm Comments Off on 5 Ways to Role Model Healthy Living for Your Kids [Plus, 20 Resources to Make Starting Simple]Kids seemingly jump from 0 to 17 in the blink of an eye. That is why it’s so important to…

3 Cheap Seasonings Every Kitchen Needs
July 7, 2021 11:45 pm Comments Off on 3 Cheap Seasonings Every Kitchen NeedsWhat’s one trick for sticking to healthy eating? Flavor. Stock your pantry with these three basic spices, and you’ll rarely…

5 Easy Tips to Make Veggies the Star of the Show
July 7, 2021 11:42 pm Comments Off on 5 Easy Tips to Make Veggies the Star of the ShowEating more veggies packs a lot of perks. They’re high in fiber and other nutrients, which can lower your blood…

3 Reasons to Make a Healthy Change NOW
July 7, 2021 11:39 pm Comments Off on 3 Reasons to Make a Healthy Change NOWWhen life gets hectic, we can lose sight of our health … and gain weight without realizing it. Sound familiar?…

Talkin’ About Tobacco
July 6, 2021 8:43 pm Comments Off on Talkin’ About Tobacco
9 Healthy Items to Grab from the Convenience Store
June 29, 2021 10:54 pm Comments Off on 9 Healthy Items to Grab from the Convenience StoreNo supermarket in sight? No problem! Here are 9 healthy meals and snacks you can grab from most gas stations…

How to Form Healthy Habits that Stick
June 29, 2021 10:50 pm Comments Off on How to Form Healthy Habits that StickStarting new habits is a lot like slinging spaghetti noodles. You may think you have them under control, but they…

How to Apply for WIC in Oklahoma in 5 Super-Easy Steps
June 29, 2021 10:38 pm Comments Off on How to Apply for WIC in Oklahoma in 5 Super-Easy StepsBecoming a mother is a big deal — with big life changes and a long list of new expenses ……

Back to School Hacks
June 29, 2021 8:06 pm Comments Off on Back to School HacksFact: kids LOVE the freedom of summer. As the fall semester approaches, you can make the back-to-school transition easier on…

7 Activities to Celebrate the Summer Games
June 28, 2021 8:57 pm Comments Off on 7 Activities to Celebrate the Summer GamesFor fans of competition — and camaraderie — the Olympics are must-see TV from start to finish. Rooting for your…

Veggie Grilling Guide
June 21, 2021 10:30 pm Comments Off on Veggie Grilling GuideGrill Vegetables — And Fruit There are so many benefits to grilling vegetables. High in fiber, vitamins and minerals, veggies…

Fun Summer Activities for the Whole Family
April 26, 2021 5:54 pm Comments Off on Fun Summer Activities for the Whole FamilyLong days and sunny afternoons are here! Here are some of our favorite ways to keep the family active and…

5 Ways to Reduce Stress
April 13, 2021 9:42 pm Comments Off on 5 Ways to Reduce StressEveryone experiences stress in one form or another. But, as you can probably guess, not all forms of dealing with…

Home Gardening: How to Get the Freshest Produce
March 25, 2021 3:17 pm Comments Off on Home Gardening: How to Get the Freshest ProduceNothing beats fresh produce. It makes recipes healthier and so much tastier. Here in Oklahoma, there are two ways to…

How to Get Your Kids to Eat More Fruits and Veggies
March 11, 2021 11:42 pm Comments Off on How to Get Your Kids to Eat More Fruits and VeggiesFruits and veggies are essential to giving your kids the nutrients to grow up strong and healthy. However, as every…

Nutrition 101 for Teens in Oklahoma
March 1, 2021 11:04 pm Comments Off on Nutrition 101 for Teens in Oklahoma
Winter Meal Makeovers
January 20, 2021 6:09 pm Comments Off on Winter Meal MakeoversGuest Blog By: Chef Valarie Carter, MPH – OU/TU Culinary Medicine Although January can be cold and gray and the…

Unlock Your Best Sleep Yet
January 14, 2021 11:03 pm Comments Off on Unlock Your Best Sleep YetGood sleep is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. It helps us be productive and energetic while regulating our mood…

THIS Will Have You Drinking More Water
January 13, 2021 5:12 pm Comments Off on THIS Will Have You Drinking More WaterThe science on sugar-sweetened beverages is in. They are a leading cause of weight gain, obesity, type-2 diabetes, heart disease…

Discover the Power of One Healthy Habit
August 12, 2020 9:45 pm Comments Off on Discover the Power of One Healthy HabitMaybe it was sparked by an inspiring story you read. A workplace challenge. The realization that you couldn’t keep up…

Shape Your Future Healthy Kitchen is Here
July 24, 2020 2:15 pm Comments Off on Shape Your Future Healthy Kitchen is Here
Shape Your Future Partners With Oklahoma Tourism To Help Oklahomans Move More This Summer
July 9, 2020 1:32 pm Comments Off on Shape Your Future Partners With Oklahoma Tourism To Help Oklahomans Move More This SummerCelebrate Parks and Rec and Picnic Month this July with outdoor physical activities OKLAHOMA CITY, July 09, 2020 – As…

Make Summer Sensational with Easy, Healthy Tips
July 6, 2020 5:31 pm Comments Off on Make Summer Sensational with Easy, Healthy TipsShape Your Future Connects Oklahomans to FREE, Helpful Resources for Healthy Living OKLAHOMA CITY, JULY 6. 2020 – With summer…

10 Refreshing Recipes for Summer
June 30, 2020 5:57 pm Comments Off on 10 Refreshing Recipes for SummerSummer is the perfect season to start eating a little healthier. As the temps rise, so do our cravings for…

7 Meals to Make in 20 Minutes or Less
November 12, 2019 9:44 pm Comments Off on 7 Meals to Make in 20 Minutes or LessBusy weeknights usually call for quick, easy dinners. But too often, convenience gets put before nutrition. Sure, frozen pizza, hot…

No Sunlight? No Problem. Here’s How to Be Active Anyway.
November 12, 2019 8:49 pm Comments Off on No Sunlight? No Problem. Here’s How to Be Active Anyway.In the winter months, the days grow shorter, and the nights grow longer. And your options for staying physically active…
