July – September 2021 Wellness Challenge

Summer is typically a time for backyard barbecues and get-togethers with friends and family, so for the 2021 third quarter Wellness Challenge, we are inviting agencies to host a potluck. The goal in mind for this challenge is that each individual contributing to the potluck brings in one of their favorite healthy dishes to share with everyone. Not only is this a good way to foster community within your agency, but you also may find a new favorite health-conscious food! Recipes and pictures from any events held can be sent to Carrie. One submitted recipe will be chosen to be featured in the next issue of Welcoming Wellness!

What is considered healthy?

When preparing food, there is sometimes a gray area of taking something that is healthy and adding unhealthy ingredients to it, such as a chicken parmesan dish. According to the CDC Website, a healthy eating plan emphasizes:

• Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk products.
• A variety of protein foods like seafood, lean meats, poultry, eggs, legumes, soy products, nuts, and seeds.
• Low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.
• Stays within your daily calorie needs.

There are times when ingredients or preparations listed in a recipe can be tweaked to make it healthier as well. A common example is baking or grilling meats instead of breading and frying.

Agency Participation

Agencies have the flexibility to hold this event however they choose. These healthy potlucks could be community events or just for agency employees. If agencies are strapped for time and unable to hold a full event, individuals could still bring a dish to share in a “grab-and-go” fashion. This potluck can be as formal or informal as needed to fit the busy schedules of transit professionals.

Individuals and agencies can share as many healthy recipes as they choose – the more the merrier! The same goes when it comes to taking pictures of the dishes or any events held. It is preferred that any recipes be emailed to Carrie at bartholomewc@unk.edu in a Microsoft Word or PDF attachment along with any pictures.

Agencies have until Friday, September 3 to submit recipes and photos.

Step Challenge Winners

Congratulations to Coletta Clouse from Ogallala Public Transit for winning the second quarter wellness step challenge with 1,584,674 steps! Also, congratulations to Ogallala Public Transit for having the most combined steps this quarter!

Download a PDF of the wellness newsletter to print and share with your employees.