Last Week
Summer can bring travel and vacation. But that doesn't mean your weight loss has to slow down. Find a way to fit the program into your summer plans, and you'll achieve that Postcard Goal!
This Week
Refuse to accept anything less than success. Come this week to see how to turn failure into feedback.
Kudos
Peggy, Jamie, Bonnie and Trish all received their first 5 pound award and are off to a great start. Jackie and Patricia reached their 10 pound award, and the big loser this week is Wilma, who has now lost 21.2 pounds. Great job everyone!
WW Product of the Week
Three Month Journal - if you keep forgetting to grab a journal when you're at the scale each week, this is the thing for you. This spiral bound book has 12 weeks of journal pages so you can continuously keep track. Keeping all that information in one place is also great for referring back to what worked (and what didn't). $4.00
Non-WW Product of the Week
I guess it's still technically a Weight Watchers product, but did you know there's a new flavor of snack cake getting ready to hit the stores? In addition to the 1 Point chocolate, lemon and carrot cakes we know and love, you'll now be able to buy a caramel flavored cake! I haven't had one yet, but caramel and I have a deep and fond relationship, so when I see them, I'll definitely give them a shot.
Recipe of the Week
I do love a good bowl of soup, and here's one that is great for summer. This is a recipe from a fabulous soup bar I visited when I was in Paris. According to the recipe builder, this soup works out to only 2 points if you divide it into the recommended 8 servings.
Gazpacho
4 green onions
2 garlic cloves
1 green or yellow pepper
1 cucumber
3 pounds ripe tomatoes, or canned peeled plum tomatoes
1/2 tsp sugar
3 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
7 ounces water
Tabasco to taste
salt and peper to taste
Peel the onions and garlic, and chop finely. Deseed the pepper and cut into thin slices. Cut the cucumber into small dice but do not peel. Cut the tomatoes in half and remove the core and seeds before coarsely chopping the flesh.
Put all the vegetables in a large bowl. Add the sugar, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and mix well.
Briefly blend the soup with an immersion blender, adding water as necessary to thin slightly; the mixture should not be smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, also adding more vinegar or Tabasco according to taste. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
Tip of the Week
Hey Monthly Pass members - are you getting the most out of your eTools? It's not just for food tracking anymore! Did you know that you can see exercise demos? Click on the "Fitness and Health" link at the Weight Watchers website and you'll find demonstrations of all sorts of weight moves, stretches and yoga/pilates positions.
Quote of the Week
"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." - Jim Ryun
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Can You? Will You?
One of the benefits of working for Weight Watchers is the motivation I get out of hearing about your goals and plans. That means that I'm simply full of material after having collected all of your Summer Goal Postcards. Just reading these gives me the warm and fuzzies.
Are you interested in what your colleagues are striving for? Here's a random sampling of what people want to achieve by Labor Day:
"I will be doing situps regularly."
"Focus on my goal and forgive myself when I go off track."
"To hit my 10% target."
"To fit into a single digit size."
"Count points truthfully on alcohol."
"I would like to be down 2 pants sizes."
"I want to eat fish with no tartar sauce."
Whatever your goals are, know that you can do this! Oh, and what's on MY postcard? Rumor has it I'll be mailing the following to myself come September:
"Practice yoga twice a week."
"Get back down to my personal goal of 130."
And now you know....
Are you interested in what your colleagues are striving for? Here's a random sampling of what people want to achieve by Labor Day:
"I will be doing situps regularly."
"Focus on my goal and forgive myself when I go off track."
"To hit my 10% target."
"To fit into a single digit size."
"Count points truthfully on alcohol."
"I would like to be down 2 pants sizes."
"I want to eat fish with no tartar sauce."
Whatever your goals are, know that you can do this! Oh, and what's on MY postcard? Rumor has it I'll be mailing the following to myself come September:
"Practice yoga twice a week."
"Get back down to my personal goal of 130."
And now you know....
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Newsletter, week of May 20th
Last Week
Remember that urges and cravings are a normal part of life. Step back, calm down, and figure out whether the food is worth it or not. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't.
This Week
Have TurnAround Will Travel - let's discuss vacation and travel strategies!
Kudos
This week was a great one for the Wednesday morning team. In a room of 15 members, we awarded 3 35 pound stars (Shawn, Leah and Alanna), 1 20 pound star and a 10% keychain to Nikki. Great job everyone!
WW Product of the Week
POINTS Pedometer - when you hit the road on vacation, often times you're more active than you are at home. What better way to see for sure than to wear a pedometer? Check how far you've walked, and figure out how many activity points you've earned. Once you've measured your stride, using it is easy!
Non-WW Product of the Week
Summertime means baseball and barbecues, so you'd better have some hot dogs on hand! Hebrew National's 97% Fat Free Beef Franks are lean and mean clocking in at just 45 calories a frank. Pair that with a Wonder Light hot dog bun, and you just might need to have two!
Recipe of the Week
You can spend your points on beverages too, you know!
Low-Cal Cherry Vodkatini
(Entire recipe: 105 calories, 0g fat, 0g fiber = 2 Points)
1.5 oz. vodka; chilled
1 serving (for 8 oz. prepared) sugar-free, artificially sweetened cherry powdered drink mix (such as Sugar Free Kool-Aid) OR unsweetened cherry powdered drink mix (such as Kool-Aid unsweetened drink mix)
1 packet SPLENDA (only needed if using unsweetened drink mix)
1 oz. diet cherry lemon-lime soda (such as Diet Cherry 7UP)
Begin by dissolving the drink mix into just 6 oz. of cold water (even though the serving size is for 8 oz.). If using unsweetened drink mix, add the Splenda. Combine just 1/3rd (2 oz.) of this mixture (save the rest for future Vodkatinis!) with the vodka and stir. Pour into a martini glass, top with soda and enjoy! Serves 1.
If you prefer a lighter (and larger!) beverage, just add some extra soda or cherry drink.
Tip of the Week
As we lose our weight our health most definitely improves. Cholesterol usually goes down, as does blood pressure. But before you assume you're a picture of health, check out your family history. Genetics is also a factor in your health - ask around to see if you should be monitoring other things than your weight. Live long and prosper!
Quote of the Week
"Never lose sight of your goal. Prepare yourself in every way you can...so that you can make the most of opportunity when it occurs." - Mario Andretti
Remember that urges and cravings are a normal part of life. Step back, calm down, and figure out whether the food is worth it or not. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't.
This Week
Have TurnAround Will Travel - let's discuss vacation and travel strategies!
Kudos
This week was a great one for the Wednesday morning team. In a room of 15 members, we awarded 3 35 pound stars (Shawn, Leah and Alanna), 1 20 pound star and a 10% keychain to Nikki. Great job everyone!
WW Product of the Week
POINTS Pedometer - when you hit the road on vacation, often times you're more active than you are at home. What better way to see for sure than to wear a pedometer? Check how far you've walked, and figure out how many activity points you've earned. Once you've measured your stride, using it is easy!
Non-WW Product of the Week
Summertime means baseball and barbecues, so you'd better have some hot dogs on hand! Hebrew National's 97% Fat Free Beef Franks are lean and mean clocking in at just 45 calories a frank. Pair that with a Wonder Light hot dog bun, and you just might need to have two!
Recipe of the Week
You can spend your points on beverages too, you know!
Low-Cal Cherry Vodkatini
(Entire recipe: 105 calories, 0g fat, 0g fiber = 2 Points)
1.5 oz. vodka; chilled
1 serving (for 8 oz. prepared) sugar-free, artificially sweetened cherry powdered drink mix (such as Sugar Free Kool-Aid) OR unsweetened cherry powdered drink mix (such as Kool-Aid unsweetened drink mix)
1 packet SPLENDA (only needed if using unsweetened drink mix)
1 oz. diet cherry lemon-lime soda (such as Diet Cherry 7UP)
Begin by dissolving the drink mix into just 6 oz. of cold water (even though the serving size is for 8 oz.). If using unsweetened drink mix, add the Splenda. Combine just 1/3rd (2 oz.) of this mixture (save the rest for future Vodkatinis!) with the vodka and stir. Pour into a martini glass, top with soda and enjoy! Serves 1.
If you prefer a lighter (and larger!) beverage, just add some extra soda or cherry drink.
Tip of the Week
As we lose our weight our health most definitely improves. Cholesterol usually goes down, as does blood pressure. But before you assume you're a picture of health, check out your family history. Genetics is also a factor in your health - ask around to see if you should be monitoring other things than your weight. Live long and prosper!
Quote of the Week
"Never lose sight of your goal. Prepare yourself in every way you can...so that you can make the most of opportunity when it occurs." - Mario Andretti
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Newsletter, week of May 13th
Last Week
Making use of all four facets of the Weight Watchers program is ideal. And once you get a few of them down, the whole plan comes in to focus. Eat wisely, move more, think first and attend weekly meetings - you'll be unstoppable!
This Week
Craving something? Have the urge to splurge? We'll talk about them, and brainstorm how to prevent and manage them.
Kudos
It was another fantastic week for weight loss awards! We celebrated 2 5 pound awards, a 10 pound award, 2 15 pound awards and 2 16 week charms. Then we got to give Mike his 20 pound star, Kristen her 30 pound star, Marianne her 35 pound star, Laketa her 45 pound star, and last but not least Annita and Andy their 60 pound stars. Phew!
WW Product of the Week
Mini-Bars - since the topic of the week is cravings and urges, it's only right to suggest that when one surfaces, the mini bars are a good way to get it taken care of with minimal Points damage. Chocolate caramel and dark chocolate raspberry mini bars can take care of your sweet tooth for only 1 Point. $7.50 per box
Non-WW Product of the Week
Wednesday morning's group had a little discussion about some new, yet elusive flatbreads. Flatout Flatbreads (click on the "flash site" link on the upper right to enter the flash site with all the product information) are low-calorie high-fiber flatbreads that can be used for wraps, pizzas and who knows what else! According to their website the company is based in Michigan, so many of the stores that carry them aren't ones we have access to here. The potential sources around here are Albertsons, Bristol Farms and Vons. I'll be heading out sometime soon to see if I can find them and try them for myself! If you get truly desperate, they do have an online store.
Recipe of the Week
Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Wraps
Serves 4
5 Points each
4 large whole wheat tortillas
2 tsp low-cal mayonnaise
12 slices ready-to-serve bacon
2 tomatoes, sliced
shredded lettuce
Spread each of the tortillas with mayonnaise. Microwave the bacon according to package directions until crisp. Place 3 slices of the bacon on each tortilla, and top with shredded lettuce and 3 thick slices of tomato. Roll each tortilla burrito style. Cut in half (two halves equal one serving).
Tip of the Week
Use your Complete Food Companion as your shopping list. Highlight the items that give you more bang for your buck in terms of Points values, and make sure you add them to your grocery list. When you've already figured out what products or brands are best for your eating plan, your time in the store will be quick and efficient.
Quote of the Week
"The pain of passing up food is temporary. The rewards of weight loss are forever."
Making use of all four facets of the Weight Watchers program is ideal. And once you get a few of them down, the whole plan comes in to focus. Eat wisely, move more, think first and attend weekly meetings - you'll be unstoppable!
This Week
Craving something? Have the urge to splurge? We'll talk about them, and brainstorm how to prevent and manage them.
Kudos
It was another fantastic week for weight loss awards! We celebrated 2 5 pound awards, a 10 pound award, 2 15 pound awards and 2 16 week charms. Then we got to give Mike his 20 pound star, Kristen her 30 pound star, Marianne her 35 pound star, Laketa her 45 pound star, and last but not least Annita and Andy their 60 pound stars. Phew!
WW Product of the Week
Mini-Bars - since the topic of the week is cravings and urges, it's only right to suggest that when one surfaces, the mini bars are a good way to get it taken care of with minimal Points damage. Chocolate caramel and dark chocolate raspberry mini bars can take care of your sweet tooth for only 1 Point. $7.50 per box
Non-WW Product of the Week
Wednesday morning's group had a little discussion about some new, yet elusive flatbreads. Flatout Flatbreads (click on the "flash site" link on the upper right to enter the flash site with all the product information) are low-calorie high-fiber flatbreads that can be used for wraps, pizzas and who knows what else! According to their website the company is based in Michigan, so many of the stores that carry them aren't ones we have access to here. The potential sources around here are Albertsons, Bristol Farms and Vons. I'll be heading out sometime soon to see if I can find them and try them for myself! If you get truly desperate, they do have an online store.
Recipe of the Week
Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Wraps
Serves 4
5 Points each
4 large whole wheat tortillas
2 tsp low-cal mayonnaise
12 slices ready-to-serve bacon
2 tomatoes, sliced
shredded lettuce
Spread each of the tortillas with mayonnaise. Microwave the bacon according to package directions until crisp. Place 3 slices of the bacon on each tortilla, and top with shredded lettuce and 3 thick slices of tomato. Roll each tortilla burrito style. Cut in half (two halves equal one serving).
Tip of the Week
Use your Complete Food Companion as your shopping list. Highlight the items that give you more bang for your buck in terms of Points values, and make sure you add them to your grocery list. When you've already figured out what products or brands are best for your eating plan, your time in the store will be quick and efficient.
Quote of the Week
"The pain of passing up food is temporary. The rewards of weight loss are forever."
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Newsletter, week of May 6th
I'm back! The first week I was gone, I was in London:
The second week I was gone, I was in Paris:
In addition to pictures, I am also pleased to report that I brought back only 1.4 extra pounds. And that was while eating whatever I pleased. Which I quite enjoyed. But now, back to business....
Last Week
Do you have old negative messages rattling around in your head? Try to find new endings to those old beginnings, and you'll find your path is clearer.
This Week
What four things do you need to stay focused and be successful? Come to the meeting this week to find out!
Kudos
Congratulations go out this week to our 10 pound losers Debbie, Emily and Stacy. At 15 pounds Wilma and Michael are happy! Charmaine reached her 20 pound award and feels in control. Doni received her 40 pound award. Great job, everyone!
WW Product of the Week
Don't have a gym membership? No problem. Our Get Moving Mix allows you to craft all sorts of workouts for whatever time you have available. Workouts include abs, yoga/pilates and cardio dance. Check it out, and you'll have no excuses.
Non-WW Product of the Week
I've been digging the heck out of Campbell's Select Gold Label soup. These are the soups that come in rectangular boxes, usually found just below the cans of soup. In particular I like the Golden Butternut Squash. Check out the nutrition information at the link, and you'll see it's a great Points value. A quick lunch is just a few minutes away.
Recipe of the Week
African Spiced Chicken Stew
Serves 4
5 Points and Core
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 lb chicken tenders cut into 1" pieces
3/4 cup chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp cinnamon
14.5 oz fat-free low sodium chicken broth
12 oz frozen squash puree, thawed
1 cup frozen corn kernels
3/4 tsp salt
Heat oil over high heat and cook the chicken until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, garlic and spices. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add broth, squash, corn and salt, and cook until vegetables are tender, about 6 minutes.
--from the new From Pantry to Plate cookbook
Tip of the Week
Want to make sure you don't put more dinner on your plate than you think you ought to? Avoid serving family style at the table. Dish up proper portions in the kitchen, and leave the pot of leftovers behind. Having to get up and walk to the stove to get your second serving might be the split second you need to say "do I really want that?"
Quote of the Week
"Only one thing has to change for us to know happiness in our lives: where we focus our attention." - Greg Anderson
The second week I was gone, I was in Paris:
In addition to pictures, I am also pleased to report that I brought back only 1.4 extra pounds. And that was while eating whatever I pleased. Which I quite enjoyed. But now, back to business....
Last Week
Do you have old negative messages rattling around in your head? Try to find new endings to those old beginnings, and you'll find your path is clearer.
This Week
What four things do you need to stay focused and be successful? Come to the meeting this week to find out!
Kudos
Congratulations go out this week to our 10 pound losers Debbie, Emily and Stacy. At 15 pounds Wilma and Michael are happy! Charmaine reached her 20 pound award and feels in control. Doni received her 40 pound award. Great job, everyone!
WW Product of the Week
Don't have a gym membership? No problem. Our Get Moving Mix allows you to craft all sorts of workouts for whatever time you have available. Workouts include abs, yoga/pilates and cardio dance. Check it out, and you'll have no excuses.
Non-WW Product of the Week
I've been digging the heck out of Campbell's Select Gold Label soup. These are the soups that come in rectangular boxes, usually found just below the cans of soup. In particular I like the Golden Butternut Squash. Check out the nutrition information at the link, and you'll see it's a great Points value. A quick lunch is just a few minutes away.
Recipe of the Week
African Spiced Chicken Stew
Serves 4
5 Points and Core
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 lb chicken tenders cut into 1" pieces
3/4 cup chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp cinnamon
14.5 oz fat-free low sodium chicken broth
12 oz frozen squash puree, thawed
1 cup frozen corn kernels
3/4 tsp salt
Heat oil over high heat and cook the chicken until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, garlic and spices. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add broth, squash, corn and salt, and cook until vegetables are tender, about 6 minutes.
--from the new From Pantry to Plate cookbook
Tip of the Week
Want to make sure you don't put more dinner on your plate than you think you ought to? Avoid serving family style at the table. Dish up proper portions in the kitchen, and leave the pot of leftovers behind. Having to get up and walk to the stove to get your second serving might be the split second you need to say "do I really want that?"
Quote of the Week
"Only one thing has to change for us to know happiness in our lives: where we focus our attention." - Greg Anderson
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
