The Blog

Moments That Matter: How Access to Health Fuels Thriving Lives 

At Healthier Texas, we believe that health is the foundation for thriving individuals, families, and communities. Access to wellness resources empowers people to share meaningful moments—celebrations, milestones, and everyday joys—with those they love. 

Through programs like free virtual health coaching in English and Spanish and free virtual fitness and nutrition classes offered six days a week in a variety of formats, we provide tools to help Texans take control of their health. Additionally, our free 8-week statewide health competition, the Community Challenge, encourages participants to log daily healthy habits, such as water consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity, fostering a sense of community and shared success. 

This Giving Tuesday, we’re inviting you to support moments that matter by helping us continue our mission to ensure all Texans have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Make a donation of any size today to support a Healthier Texas!

Recipes for Connection 

One way we celebrate moments that matter is through the joy of food. Meals nourish our bodies, bring people together, and create memories that last a lifetime. To inspire connection and wellness, we’re sharing a few recipes inspired by our community.
These dishes are simple and perfect for bringing loved ones to the table.
 

Fatima’s Curry Delight 

A hearty vegetarian curry packed with flavor and perfect for cozy gatherings. 

Ingredients 

• 2 cans chickpeas (rinsed and drained) 

• 1 package of fresh spinach 

• 1 onion, finely chopped 

• 2 cloves garlic, minced 

• 1 tomato, chopped 

• 1 tablespoon curry paste 

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 

• 1 can coconut milk 

• Salt and black pepper to taste 

• Coconut oil for sautéing 

Instructions 

1. Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.  
2. Stir in curry paste, turmeric, coriander, and cumin until well combined.  
3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and break down.
4. Mix in chickpeas, ensuring they’re coated in the spices.  
5. Pour in coconut milk, bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes.  
6. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.  
7. Serve over rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal. 

 Shiyun’s Congee 

A comforting rice porridge with tender chicken—a hug in a bowl. 

Ingredients 

• 8 oz chicken breast, thinly sliced 

• 3 tsp Shaoxing wine 

• 1/2 tsp salt 

• 1 tsp cornstarch 

• 4 cups chicken broth 

• 1 piece of ginger, sliced 

• 2 green onions, finely chopped 

• 1/2 cup rice 

• 1/4 tsp chicken bouillon 

• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil 

Instructions 

1. Cook Rice: In a large pot, combine rice, chicken broth, 2 slices of ginger, 1 tsp Shaoxing wine, and 4 cups water. Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.  
2. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken slices, 2 tsp Shaoxing wine, salt, and cornstarch. Set aside.  
3. Cook Chicken: When the congee has reached your desired texture, add the marinated chicken, green onions, and chicken bouillon. Cook until the chicken is white and fully cooked.  
4. Drizzle with sesame oil and mix well. Adjust salt to taste. 

Bubbie’s Matzo Ball Soup 

A classic dish that’s as warm and comforting as grandma’s hugs. 

Ingredients 

• 4–5 lbs whole chicken, cut into 8 parts 

• 2 yellow onions, quartered 

• 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally 

• 3 celery stalks, chopped 

• 2 parsnips, chopped 

• 4 carrots, diagonally sliced 

• 10 sprigs of parsley 

• 1 tbsp kosher salt 

• 1 tsp peppercorns 

• 14 cups water 

• 1 cup matzo meal 

• 5 large eggs 

• 1/4 cup melted chicken schmaltz or 4 tbsp unsalted butter 

• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped 

Instructions 

1. Prepare Stock: In an 8-quart pot, combine chicken, onions, garlic, celery, parsnips, carrots, parsley, salt, and peppercorns. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour.  
2. Make Matzo Balls: In a bowl, mix matzo meal, eggs, schmaltz (or butter), and dill. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.  
3. Form and Cook Balls: Shape matzo mixture into balls and cook in boiling salted water for 20 minutes.  
4. Add matzo balls to the soup and serve warm. 

Nathan’s Chili 

A crowd-pleasing favorite for game days and cozy nights. 

Ingredients 

• 1–1.5 lbs ground beef 

• 1 can tomato paste 

• 1 can tomato sauce 

• 1 can diced tomatoes 

• 2 cans black or red beans 

• 1 medium onion, diced 

• 1 can green chilies or 2 diced jalapeños 

• 1 beer (lager-style, optional) 

• 2 tbsp chili seasoning 

Instructions:

1. Brown Beef: Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté Veggies and Seasoning: Add onion, green chilies or jalapeños, and chili seasoning to the pot. Cook until onions soften.  
3. Add Tomato Products and Beer: Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beer (if using).   
4. Simmer with Beans: Add beans, reduce heat to low, and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For richer flavor, simmer for up to 4 hours.

Why Your Support Matters 

When you donate to Healthier Texas, you’re helping to reduce the risk of preventable diseases and increase health access for all Texans. Your generosity supports programs that: 

• Provide free fitness and nutrition classes for individuals and families. 

• Offer virtual telehealth coaching in English and Spanish. 

• Educate communities on how to make healthier choices. 

Every dollar you give fuels our mission and ensures that more Texans can celebrate moments that matter with their loved ones.  

Give Today to Create Tomorrow’s Moments 

This Giving Tuesday, let’s make health accessible for all Texans. Together, we can build a Healthier Texas—one moment, one meal, and one act of generosity at a time. 

Donate Now 

What moments matter most to you? Share your story with us on social media using #MomentsThatMatter and inspire others to join the movement. 

Generosity doesn’t just change lives—it builds a happier, healthier community. Thank you for supporting Healthier Texas and ensuring that every Texan has the resources they need to thrive.