TOPS hears how to avoid overeating

Jean had the program today. She spoke on a program from TOPS on how to handle not over eating at family get-togethers. We need to plan in advance, do more socializing rather than eating, offer to help clean up, wash dishes, instead of going back for seconds. Remember that food is only one part of holiday gatherings. Make the meal a secondary aspect of the celebration. Spending quality time with family and friends is more important and rewarding.

She then gave us some tips from top doctors for daily living.

1 Take a daily 30-minute walk

2 Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night

3 Spend time each day with a friend or loved one

4 Reduce your consumption of junk food, such as cookies and chips.

5 Cut back on refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, white rice.

TOPS Chapter 319 El Dorado Springs met in the Church Of Christ Sanctuary on Thursday, Dec. 22.

Kay led us in singing “Rocking Around The Salad Bar Line”.

Robbie led us in roll call. We welcomed new member, Steve, Juanita’s husband, who we are so glad decided to join us. Twenty Two weighed in today. Angie was the best loser of the week with a 2.2 loss.

Our chapter presented representatives of the Church Of Christ Food Pantry and the El Dorado Springs Senior Center with donations today. Our chapter lost a total of 758 pounds from Jan. 1, 2016, to Dec. 15, 2016. We donated $1 per pound with half going to each organization. The Church Of Christ Food Pantry received $379 and the Senior Center received $379. Our chapter is able to do this due to the hard work of the members putting on the Baked Potato Luncheon each March and September and the support from the community in attending these events.

Carolyn won the right to draw for the marble and did draw the red one but she only got a green one on the second draw. The marble game started fresh this week, as we had a winner last week.

We sang Happy Birthday to Carol. She is our Christmas Carol as she was born on Christmas day.

Robbie then read a newsletter from our area coordinator, Sylvia Eldridge.

In closing, Robbie asked each of us how we planned to spend Christmas.

We welcome anyone who is interested in learning about a healthy lifestyle. We welcome women and men of all ages. We encourage healthy eating and offer support through our chapter and the National Chapter of TOPS. We have a lot of fun in our weight loss journey and make lifelong friendships. First visit is free with no obligation. Membership and dues are very inexpensive.

For more information, call Robbie Chase at 417-876-0233 or Juda at 876-4888. Or TOPS toll free number 1 800-932-8677 or you can find us on the web at www.tops.org. Come and join us.