'Tis the season for family, festivity, and food – lots of food. Temptations are everywhere, and our usual routines are disrupted. What's more, it all goes on for weeks. So, how do you stick to your meal plan when everyone around you seems to be splurging? Enjoy holiday treats in smaller portions, make healthy substitutions where you can, and plan ahead. Take advantage of available resources, like the ones below, to support your personal plan for this holiday season that allows you to enjoy the holidays without ditching your health goals.
COMPLIMENTARY HEALTH COACHING
A health coach can provide evidence-based nutrition strategies, work with you to develop a personalized holiday eating plan, and help keep you accountable along the way.
Full-time, benefits eligible faculty and staff have access to unlimited health coaching and nutrition counseling with Be Well Solutions. To schedule a health coaching session, login to the and click on the link for virtual or telephonic health coaching under "My Appointments."
All KSU employees, as well as eligible household and family members, can receive nutrition counseling through IMPACT Solutions. To request an appointment, call IMPACT at 1-800-227-6007 or login to with member username "Kent" and click on the red "Help" tile to fill out an online service request form.
HEALTHY RECIPES FROM OUR WELLNESS PARTNERS
If you are seeking healthy meal ideas for the holidays, consider tapping into resources provided by Kent State's wellness partners. Our employee assistance program, IMPACT Solutions, provides a comprehensive work/life website. Visit and log in with username "Kent". Once logged in, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the red "Recipes" tile to find over 200 dietitian-reviewed, easy and delicious recipes. If you are a full time, benefits eligible employee, you can also search for recipes on your Be Well Solutions . Log in and click on "Web Based Tools" under "My Resources." Then, under "Nutrition Help," click on "Healthy Cooking" to explore numerous websites geared towards helping you prepare healthy meals.
JOIN WEIGHT WATCHERS AND RECEIVE A FREE STARTER KIT
This holiday season, WW is highlighting the holistic support WW provides to help achieve weight-loss success without sacrificing seasonal food favorites. From November 1 through December 12, Kent State employees who join WW can get a FREE Starter Kit packed with tools to help you reach your goals. To obtain a kit, joining members will need to redeem via an online form at by December 26, 2020. Click here to learn more about WW, including how to join at a discounted rate with Kent State's employer ID.
If you have questions about these resources or other wellness offerings for faculty and staff, you may contact the Employee Wellness team at wellness@kent.edu or 330-672-0392.