Author Archives for Shape Your Future

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…

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…

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…

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.When Daylight Savings Time ends, the days grow shorter, and the nights grow longer. And your options for staying physically…

How to Be Healthy at Work During the Holidays
November 12, 2019 8:49 pm Comments Off on How to Be Healthy at Work During the Holidays
Free Local Activities in Oklahoma
November 11, 2019 9:51 pm Comments Off on Free Local Activities in OklahomaOklahoma offers tons of free activities that help get you and your family moving. From hiking trails to biking trails…

How to Shop Healthy at the Dollar Store: 10 Things to Buy
November 11, 2019 9:48 pm Comments Off on How to Shop Healthy at the Dollar Store: 10 Things to BuyWhile dollar stores are great for products like paper plates and party supplies, surprisingly, you can find healthy food products…

25 Healthy Hacks for Busy Parents
October 17, 2019 9:22 pm Comments Off on 25 Healthy Hacks for Busy ParentsParents are busy. It’s the understatement of the century. To help make your lives a little easier and your kids’…

Shape Your Future Helps Oklahoma Kids Reduce Their Risk of Obesity
October 14, 2019 9:56 pm Comments Off on Shape Your Future Helps Oklahoma Kids Reduce Their Risk of ObesitySHAPE YOUR FUTURE HELPS OKLAHOMA KIDS REDUCE THEIR RISK OF OBESITY September Is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Shape Your…

Stay Hydrated at OSU & OU Games with Free Shape Your Future Water Bottles
September 27, 2019 5:02 pm Comments Off on Stay Hydrated at OSU & OU Games with Free Shape Your Future Water BottlesShape Your Future, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), has joined Oklahoma State University (OSU) Athletics and…

5 Tips for Tackling Stress The Healthy Way
April 24, 2019 1:12 am Comments Off on 5 Tips for Tackling Stress The Healthy WayFood is the fuel that powers our lives. Full of energy and nourishment, it’s the building block of a healthy…

The Benefits of Physical Activity
April 24, 2019 12:55 am Comments Off on The Benefits of Physical ActivityWhen you were growing up, getting physical activity was easier. Recess was your favorite part of the school day. You…

Grow Your Own Food This Spring and Summer
April 23, 2019 8:56 pm Comments Off on Grow Your Own Food This Spring and SummerHere at From Seed to Spoon, we are excited to share how easy it is to start growing your own…

Understanding Calories
February 11, 2019 5:28 pm Comments Off on Understanding CaloriesCalories measure how much energy foods and drinks provide. Our bodies store and “burn” calories as fuel, which we use…

10 Easy Ways to Eat More Fruits and Veggies
January 26, 2019 1:00 am Comments Off on 10 Easy Ways to Eat More Fruits and VeggiesWe all know fruits and vegetables should be key staples of our daily diet – but sometimes filling half your…

Set Simple Goals and Make Healthy Swaps in 2019
January 17, 2019 7:39 pm Comments Off on Set Simple Goals and Make Healthy Swaps in 2019For more information contact: Whitney Dinger, Public Information and Outreach Specialist whitneyd@tset.ok.gov (405) 521-4959 (office) (405) 227-0488 (cell) Set Simple…

6 Tips To Beat The Winter Blues
January 3, 2019 8:15 pm Comments Off on 6 Tips To Beat The Winter BluesWinter is here, and it often means staying indoors and being less active. Freezing temperatures don’t have to put the…

4 Easy Ways to Start Living Healthier
December 5, 2018 6:28 pm Comments Off on 4 Easy Ways to Start Living HealthierA healthy life involves more than just a salad for lunch every once in a while. In addition to eating…

5 Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes
December 5, 2018 5:17 pm Comments Off on 5 Tips to Reduce Your Risk of DiabetesRates of type 2 diabetes, the most common type, have been on the rise in recent years. In Oklahoma, the…

How Screen Time Affects Kids’ Health
December 5, 2018 4:43 pm Comments Off on How Screen Time Affects Kids’ HealthAccording to a report by Common Sense Media, in 2013, kids 8 and under spent about 15 minutes per day…

10 WAYS TO MAKE THANKSGIVING DINNER HEALTHY
November 5, 2018 5:03 pm Comments Off on 10 WAYS TO MAKE THANKSGIVING DINNER HEALTHYThanksgiving can be a hard time to make healthy choices, but here are some easy ways to make your holiday…

5 Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Oklahoma
September 20, 2018 6:04 pm Comments Off on 5 Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in OklahomaSeptember kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month, and Oklahoma has tons of healthy ways to celebrate! You can get your 30…

5 Maneras Para Celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana en Oklahoma
September 20, 2018 6:03 pm Comments Off on 5 Maneras Para Celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana en OklahomaEl mes de septiembre empieza el Mes de la Herencia Hispana y Oklahoma tiene muchas maneras saludables para celebrar. Tu…

10 Meaningful Ways to Address Childhood Obesity
September 12, 2018 2:59 pm Comments Off on 10 Meaningful Ways to Address Childhood ObesitySeptember is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and our goal is two-fold: to raise awareness of the growing childhood obesity…

Oklahoma State Department of Health Launches New State of the State’s Health Report and Interactive Website
July 24, 2018 2:09 pm Comments Off on Oklahoma State Department of Health Launches New State of the State’s Health Report and Interactive WebsiteThe Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has unveiled a new website for the updated State of the State’s Health…

10 Easy Hacks to Create a Healthy Workspace
April 9, 2018 4:53 pm Comments Off on 10 Easy Hacks to Create a Healthy WorkspaceIt may feel like there aren’t enough hours in your extremely busy day to eat healthy and be physically active.…

8 Great Ways To Keep Kids Active On Break
March 8, 2018 8:53 pm Comments Off on 8 Great Ways To Keep Kids Active On BreakThis spring break promises to be unique. However, the pandemic doesn’t have to keep all the fun on lock down. Below, we have eight great ways…

Fall in Love with These Free, Healthy Valentine’s Day Ideas.
January 23, 2018 5:59 pm Comments Off on Fall in Love with These Free, Healthy Valentine’s Day Ideas.Roses are red. Violets are blue. Teachers will love these healthy Valentine’s Day ideas… and parents will too! Help your…

Family-Friendly Activities
January 16, 2018 5:24 pm Comments Off on Family-Friendly ActivitiesAdults need 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Kids need 60. Now, how can you and your family get…

Choose Small Changes Over Big Resolutions
January 8, 2018 4:50 pm Comments Off on Choose Small Changes Over Big ResolutionsIt can be tempting to set big, bold resolutions at the beginning of each new year. You feel motivated to…

Tomato Sauce Uses: One Recipe. Endless Sauce-abilities.
December 7, 2017 7:51 pm Comments Off on Tomato Sauce Uses: One Recipe. Endless Sauce-abilities.Tomato sauce, tom-ahhh-to sauce. No matter what you call it, it’s healthy, tasty… and totally easy to make! With this…

How to Keep Your Kids Healthy (and Happy) on Halloween
October 27, 2017 9:58 pm Comments Off on How to Keep Your Kids Healthy (and Happy) on HalloweenHalloween is a kid favorite for a reason. There are spooky decorations, festive costumes and fun activities. But there’s also…

10 Ways to Make Your Family Walk Fun
September 20, 2017 3:14 pm Comments Off on 10 Ways to Make Your Family Walk FunA walk around the block is one of the easiest ways for families to get active. It requires no equipment.…

How to Work Out with A Busy Schedule
September 5, 2017 9:26 pm Comments Off on How to Work Out with A Busy Schedule
How to Start Working Out
June 8, 2017 1:55 pm Comments Off on How to Start Working OutNo matter how busy your day is, how cozy your couch is or how enjoyable your TV shows are, physical…

Feel Like a New Man During Men’s Health Month.
April 17, 2017 3:26 pm Comments Off on Feel Like a New Man During Men’s Health Month.Try these 9 activities this June. Men, it’s time to get active. No matter your age, shape or size, the…

5 Steps to Creating a Community Garden
March 31, 2017 9:17 pm Comments Off on 5 Steps to Creating a Community GardenApril 22, 2017 marks the 47th annual Earth Day celebration. This Earth Day, make a world of difference with members…

6 Fun Ways to Help Your Kids Stay Healthy
March 28, 2017 2:50 pm Comments Off on 6 Fun Ways to Help Your Kids Stay HealthyEvery kid should be healthy every week… especially during Every Kid Healthy Week this April!

The Benefits of School and Community Gardens
March 27, 2017 9:11 pm Comments Off on The Benefits of School and Community GardensFor the kids at Cleveland Elementary School in Oklahoma City, life is a garden… and they dig it. A few…

10 Back-to-School Swaps
December 28, 2016 7:34 pm Comments Off on 10 Back-to-School SwapsWith kids in school, life can get super hectic. The good news? Health and convenience can go hand-in-hand! Take a…

7 Free Winter Family Activities in Oklahoma
November 28, 2016 10:18 pm Comments Off on 7 Free Winter Family Activities in OklahomaStaying active throughout 2020 has already required some creativity. The shorter days and colder weather just add another layer. However, daily…

HUNGRY FOR HEALTHY? CHECK THIS OUT.
November 23, 2016 7:49 pm Comments Off on HUNGRY FOR HEALTHY? CHECK THIS OUT.Need help eating healthy on a budget? Shape Your Future has tons of tasty recipes to help you and your…

10 TIPS AND RECIPES FOR HEALTHY HOLIDAY EATING
November 22, 2016 5:17 pm Comments Off on 10 TIPS AND RECIPES FOR HEALTHY HOLIDAY EATINGEverybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season bright, but you can make it even brighter…

10 Creative Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
November 16, 2016 7:19 pm Comments Off on 10 Creative Thanksgiving Leftover RecipesThanksgiving dinner means three things… Lots of food. Lots of laughs. And lots of leftovers. While all Thanksgiving food is…