Newsletter, week of February 11th

Last Week

Chocolate and all your favorite treats do not have to be abandoned in order to achieve weight loss. Portion control or lower-point substitutions can help. Remember: everything in moderation.

This Week

We're going to do a little bonding this week. Be prepared to discuss your top 3 challenges, successes and tips. If we play our cards right, one person's tip or success will help another person's challenges.

Kudos

Great stuff this week, including a 15 pound award for Shawn, a 20 pound award for Andrew, a 55 pound award for Judy and a 10% award for Alanna. Keep up the good work, everybody!

WW Product of the Week

32 Ounce Insulated Mug - one of the Good Health Guidelines is to drink 48 ounces of water every day. By keeping this mug at your side, you'll be able to easily accomplish that goal. The insulation prevents sweating and condensation, and the mug includes a straw (replacement straws are also available for purchase). $5.50

Non-WW Product of the Week

We talk about activity all the time in meetings, and many of you have a great cardio plan in place. But don't forget about resistance training. It helps build muscle (or prevent muscle loss, which happens as we age) and muscle burns calories more efficiently than fat does - so it helps boost your metabolism. I have a set of Reebok dumbells that I bought at Target (they look a lot like these) so I can help tone up my arms. Don't be afraid of the sleeveless shirt!

Recipe of the Week

Fusilli with Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce

Serves 4
5 Points

2 cups fusilli
1/2 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
2 Tbsp chopped parsley

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a bowl. Combine the next 3 ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth. Add mixture to the pasta along with the nuts and parsley. Toss until the pasta is well coated. This can be served warm or as a chilled pasta salad.

-- from Pure Comfort

Tip of the Week

When you feel like you really can't do this, you need some inspiration. If you haven't discovered it yet, there's a great section of success stories on the Weight Watchers website. People tell their personal stories and offer up great tips. You'll either find a new idea to try, or just be stunned at what people have achieved. Either way, it's worth the click.

Quote of the Week

"Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire." - Reggie Leach