Senior Center News, Dec. 16, 2016

North Central Senior Center, Dec. 19-23

Monday — Transportation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday — Transportation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; bingo at 1:15 p.m.

Wednesday — Transportation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; TOPS at 8 a.m.; cards at 1 p.m.

Thursday — Transportation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; pinochle at 1 p.m.

Friday — Medical transportation from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. only if 24 hour notice is given

Pinochle — First place, Elva Van Dessel; second place, Diane Andrews; third place, Giles Majerus; Pinochle: Giles Majerus and Harold Anderson

Menu by Earlene DeWinter

Monday — Salad, tacotot casserole, corn muffin, fruit

Tuesday — Salad, ham O’Brien scallop potato, peas, rolls pineapple upside down cake

Wednesday — Sweet and sour chicken, rice, egg rolls, Oh Henry bars

Thursday — Salisbury steak, hash browns, cauliflower, cheese cake and cherries

Friday — Soup, salad bar, chef’s choice, dessert, milk

It’s the United Way of Hill County 2017 Campaign once again, and we have been selected as one of the agencies to be recipients of their communitywide program. The funding we receive is used for the home-delivered meal program and our volunteer program. You have been strong supporters of our Senior Program and the United Way. We would appreciate your continued support for the 2017 Year. For further information on donations, contact the Senior Center or a United Way representative of your choice. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. If we all give just a little, I know we will be successful. You can pick up a copy of the pledge form at the Senior Center.

When you support the United Way, you also support the Senior Center.

Healthy holiday foods and fun

Remember to make smart choices as you celebrate the season.

Mashed potatoes and gravy, grandma’s apple pie and other holiday favorites can be a joyous part of your celebration, but to feel your best, you know you need to eat in moderation and stay active. As the holidays approach, it’s important to think ahead and make a plan. Consider making healthy goals for the holiday season. Start by adopting a flexible mindset. Many people have the attitude that it’s all or nothing. This mindset can lead to negative self-talk and being hard on yourself for even small indulgences. You do not have to throw your plan out the window when you feel you have slipped. Celebrations don’t have to derail your lifestyle. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to make healthy choices and feel good about what you eat. Small choices can make big changes. Try to eat what you love in moderation. Consider choosing items that are unique to the season instead of eating food you can have anytime of the year.

When you feel the urge to splurge, try drinking a glass of water, have a piece of fruit or you might even try walking around the block, such diversions might be enough to help you resist unhealthy temptations. Also slow down to really taste and enjoy your food. This gives your body time to signal your brain you are full and you might not have to have that second helping after all.

Another good thing to remember is to identify and avoid your “trigger foods” this too can help you avoid overeating.

While food is a big part of the holidays, don’t make if the only thing. Remember to add physical activity and try to get the whole family involved. Emotions during winter celebrations come into the picture, too. If you are an emotional eater try being with special friends or just getting outside. Sometimes being with people who make you feel happy is a wonderful way to help get through this time without overeating. Remember to support your family and friends, instead of focusing on food, try to spend more time with them.