Last Week
You'd never describe someone else as just a number on the scale. Remember that there's more to it than your weight, and that considering all the good stuff you're doing can help keep you positive when the number feels negative.
This Week
Change the environment! No, I'm not going to make you debate global warming, but I will ask you to think about whether or not your surroundings are helping your weight loss efforts.
Kudos
Louella received her first five pound star, David reached 10 pounds lost and Mike got his 30 pound award. Good going folks!
WW Product of the Week
Bars and baked snacks - starting Sunday, our 2 Points bars, pretzels and cheddar twists are on sale! Regular price for one box is still $4.50, but if you buy 2 boxes, you'll get them for $8. You can mix and match, and as long as you buy sets of 2, they'll cost $4 a piece. This is a great way to stock up on some low-Points snacks. Will this change your environment?
Non-WW Product of the Week
Okay, everyone loves the Garden Vegetable Soup that's zero Points (check your Eat Wisely book for the recipe!) but what if you don't want to cook? Try Progresso Light Soups for a quick alternative. These soups have been officially blessed with Weight Watchers Points values of...ZERO! Look for them in your grocery store.
Recipe of the Week
Couscous and Smoked Turkey Salad
Serves 4
7 Points
14.5 oz can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup couscous
1/3 cup dried cranberries
2 Tbsp sherry vinegar
2 tsp olive oil
2 tsp honey
1/4 tsp salt
6 oz deli smoked turkey breast, cut into 1/2 inch dice
2 ripe apricots, halved, pitted and cut into 1/4 inch dice
1 large carrot, shredded
1 celery stalk, chopped
1/3 cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts, toasted
Bring the broth to a boil in a large saucepan; stir in the couscous and cranberries. Cover and remove the pan from the heat; let stand about 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork and spread the couscous mixture on a plate; place in the freezer to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
To make the dressing, whisk together the vinegar, oil, honey, and salt in a serving bowl. Add the couscous mixture and remaining ingredients; toss to combine.
Tip of the Week
Do you miss baking? To lighten things up you can swap applesauce for up to 1/3 of the total butter or oil in a cookie or cake recipe (light-colored batters) or substitute the same amount of pureed prunes if you're making a chocolaty dessert. Pureed pumpkin and sweet potato are also good substitutes. Experiment.
Quote of the Week
"There's only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self." - Aldous Huxley
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Newsletter, week of July 22nd
Last Week
As summer heats up, you can heat up your weight loss by increasing your activity. Just make sure you're dressed right and drinking water!
This Week
You are not your weight. If you've ever felt that your weight impacts your sense of self-worth, you'll find out how to turn those negative thoughts into something more positive.
Kudos
This week we gave Wilma her 30 pound award, Josh reached 25 pounds lost, and Leah became our newest Lifetime member!
WW Product of the Week
Weight Watchers Magazine - our magazine is full of ways to live the "WW lifestyle." By that I mean that you'll find great new food ideas, tasty recipes, learn about new exercise strategies and techniques, and lots of other things that fit well with eating smart and moving more. If you're looking for some motivation, read about real-life success stories. $4 per issue (comes out every other month)
Non-WW Product of the Week
I'm sure in newsletters past I've highlighted a new 100 calorie snack pack or two. But I know that some of you are looking to eat more naturally. Or you're following the Core plan and want to save your 35 WPA for other things than snacks. Regardless, Yahoo! recently featured an article on 10 Healthy 100 Calorie Treats. Try one of them the next time you're feeling a bit peckish.
Recipe of the Week
Orzo-Chickpea Salad
Serves 6
5 Points per serving
8 oz uncooked orzo
2 small zucchini, chopped
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 cup parsley leaves, firmly packed and chopped
15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/8 tsp black pepper
Cook orzo according to package instructions; set aside.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Saute zucchini, lightly salting it as it cooks, until slightly crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Let it cool.
Put zucchini in a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients (including the orzo); toss to combine. Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Can be served cold or at room temperature.
Tip of the Week
If you're feeling a bit down, head over to the message boards at the Weight Watchers website. There you'll find a supportive community of members who will happily remind you of all the good stuff you've got to be happy about. Message boards are open to all, so you don't have to have eTools or a Monthly Pass to access them. Check it out!
Quote of the Week
"With our thoughts we make the world." - Buddha
As summer heats up, you can heat up your weight loss by increasing your activity. Just make sure you're dressed right and drinking water!
This Week
You are not your weight. If you've ever felt that your weight impacts your sense of self-worth, you'll find out how to turn those negative thoughts into something more positive.
Kudos
This week we gave Wilma her 30 pound award, Josh reached 25 pounds lost, and Leah became our newest Lifetime member!
WW Product of the Week
Weight Watchers Magazine - our magazine is full of ways to live the "WW lifestyle." By that I mean that you'll find great new food ideas, tasty recipes, learn about new exercise strategies and techniques, and lots of other things that fit well with eating smart and moving more. If you're looking for some motivation, read about real-life success stories. $4 per issue (comes out every other month)
Non-WW Product of the Week
I'm sure in newsletters past I've highlighted a new 100 calorie snack pack or two. But I know that some of you are looking to eat more naturally. Or you're following the Core plan and want to save your 35 WPA for other things than snacks. Regardless, Yahoo! recently featured an article on 10 Healthy 100 Calorie Treats. Try one of them the next time you're feeling a bit peckish.
Recipe of the Week
Orzo-Chickpea Salad
Serves 6
5 Points per serving
8 oz uncooked orzo
2 small zucchini, chopped
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 cup parsley leaves, firmly packed and chopped
15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/8 tsp black pepper
Cook orzo according to package instructions; set aside.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Saute zucchini, lightly salting it as it cooks, until slightly crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Let it cool.
Put zucchini in a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients (including the orzo); toss to combine. Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Can be served cold or at room temperature.
Tip of the Week
If you're feeling a bit down, head over to the message boards at the Weight Watchers website. There you'll find a supportive community of members who will happily remind you of all the good stuff you've got to be happy about. Message boards are open to all, so you don't have to have eTools or a Monthly Pass to access them. Check it out!
Quote of the Week
"With our thoughts we make the world." - Buddha
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Newsletter, week of July 15th
Last Week
Plateaus are a natural part of the weight loss process. But so is finding ways to push on through them. Remember those ideas and don't let a stall in your weight loss get you down.
This Week
It's summer, the sun is out, but is it too hot to exercise? We'll talk about how to get or stay active this summer, and how it will heat up your metabolism, too.
Kudos
This week we celebrated Nora's 20 pound weight loss, Christine's 25 pound milestone, Rosa's 10 pound award, and gave Lauri her 10% keychain. Rumor has it we'll have a new Lifetime member this week, and maybe we'll see your name on this list, too!
WW Product of the Week
Since the focus is on getting moving this week, all of our activity products are in the spotlight. If you're a walker you can check out our Walking Kit (it's got different length walking workouts you can do on the road or in your house) or our Pedometer (see how far you've gone and if you've earned Points for it). If you're looking for a little bit of everything, check out our Get Moving Mix: it's got yoga/pilates, aerobics, toning and abs.
Non-WW Product of the Week
Many Weight Watcher members make it a priority to start packing lunches instead of eating on the go. If you're looking for some neat ways to carry your meals, try a cute looking bento box! Inspired by the Japanese, systems like these at Laptop Lunches are a neat way to organize and tote your meal.
Recipe of the Week
Grilled Chicken with Tomato-Nectarine Salsa
Serves 4
4 Points and Core
1 Tbsp grated lemon zest
2 tsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper
4 1/4-pound skinless boneless chicken breast halves
Combine the above ingredients in a zip-close bag; squeeze out the air and seal. Turn to coat the chicken. Refrigerate, turning the bag occasionally, 2 hours.
1 cup quartered grape tomatoes
1 nectarine, pitted and diced
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1 tsp balsamic or cider vinegar
1/4 tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper
Combine all the above ingredients in a bowl and set aside - this is your salsa.
Spray a grill rack with nonstick spray and prepare the grill. Pour off and discard the marinade from the chicken. Grill the chicken over a medium fire, turning once, until cooked through and no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately with the salsa.
Tip of the Week
If this week's topic inspires you to move more, be aware of dehydration: a condition caused by losing too much water from your body. This can sometimes happen during exercise if you sweat and don't drink enough water. It is recommended that you drink at least one or two cups (8 to 16 fluid ounces) of water 15 minutes before exercise. This amount will vary depending on the length of your workout and the time of year. Keeping a water bottle with you during your workout can help, as can having a cup or two of water once you've finished.
Quote of the Week
"Some people change their ways when they see the light, others when they feel the heat." - Caroline Schoeder
Plateaus are a natural part of the weight loss process. But so is finding ways to push on through them. Remember those ideas and don't let a stall in your weight loss get you down.
This Week
It's summer, the sun is out, but is it too hot to exercise? We'll talk about how to get or stay active this summer, and how it will heat up your metabolism, too.
Kudos
This week we celebrated Nora's 20 pound weight loss, Christine's 25 pound milestone, Rosa's 10 pound award, and gave Lauri her 10% keychain. Rumor has it we'll have a new Lifetime member this week, and maybe we'll see your name on this list, too!
WW Product of the Week
Since the focus is on getting moving this week, all of our activity products are in the spotlight. If you're a walker you can check out our Walking Kit (it's got different length walking workouts you can do on the road or in your house) or our Pedometer (see how far you've gone and if you've earned Points for it). If you're looking for a little bit of everything, check out our Get Moving Mix: it's got yoga/pilates, aerobics, toning and abs.
Non-WW Product of the Week
Many Weight Watcher members make it a priority to start packing lunches instead of eating on the go. If you're looking for some neat ways to carry your meals, try a cute looking bento box! Inspired by the Japanese, systems like these at Laptop Lunches are a neat way to organize and tote your meal.
Recipe of the Week
Grilled Chicken with Tomato-Nectarine Salsa
Serves 4
4 Points and Core
1 Tbsp grated lemon zest
2 tsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper
4 1/4-pound skinless boneless chicken breast halves
Combine the above ingredients in a zip-close bag; squeeze out the air and seal. Turn to coat the chicken. Refrigerate, turning the bag occasionally, 2 hours.
1 cup quartered grape tomatoes
1 nectarine, pitted and diced
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1 tsp balsamic or cider vinegar
1/4 tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper
Combine all the above ingredients in a bowl and set aside - this is your salsa.
Spray a grill rack with nonstick spray and prepare the grill. Pour off and discard the marinade from the chicken. Grill the chicken over a medium fire, turning once, until cooked through and no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately with the salsa.
Tip of the Week
If this week's topic inspires you to move more, be aware of dehydration: a condition caused by losing too much water from your body. This can sometimes happen during exercise if you sweat and don't drink enough water. It is recommended that you drink at least one or two cups (8 to 16 fluid ounces) of water 15 minutes before exercise. This amount will vary depending on the length of your workout and the time of year. Keeping a water bottle with you during your workout can help, as can having a cup or two of water once you've finished.
Quote of the Week
"Some people change their ways when they see the light, others when they feel the heat." - Caroline Schoeder
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Newsletter, week of July 8th
Last Week
Did you identify any unhealthy family habits? What will you do to break them and set your own new family traditions?
This Week
PLATEAUS. Yep, this week we're going to talk about that dreaded topic. We'll discuss what they are, and most importantly we'll brainstorm about how to get past them and not lose our cool.
Kudos
Laketa received her 50 pound magnet this week, Judy reached 10 pounds of weight loss, and Mike earned his 10% keychain. I'm looking forward to seeing how you Wednesday folks have progressed since before the holiday.
WW Product of the Week
Three Month Journal - one of the things that I constantly hear when we talk about what works is "writing it down" or "keeping a journal", and frankly I agree. If you keep meaning to grab a journal at the scale, but just can't seem to remember, the Three Month Journal is your ExcuseBuster. This spiral bound journal gives you 12 weeks of journaling potential. And it's small enough to go with you virtually anywhere. $6.00 and worth every penny - I keep mine with me constantly!
Non-WW Product of the Week
Produce sales! Check your local Vons for sweet Rainier cherries this week - they've got them for only $2.99 a pound (with Vons Club) which is a great deal. Meanwhile, Ralph's is offering strawberries on sale (with Ralph's Club) 10 for $10. And finally, Henry's has seedless watermelons on sale 2 for $5. There's no excuse to skimp on those five servings of fruits and vegetables this week!
Recipe of the Week
Grilled Chicken with Orange-Avocado Salad
Serves 4
6 Points and Core
4 5oz skinless boneless chicken breast halves
1 navel orange
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp canola oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne
1 small firm-ripe Hass avocado, halved, pitted, peeled & cut into 1/2 inch dice
4 radishes, halved and thinly sliced
1 scallion, thinly sliced
Pound the chicken to an even thickness. To make the spice mixture, grate 1-1/2 tsp zest from the orange. Combine the zest, garlic, oil, cumin, salt and cayenne in a small bowl. Reserve 1/4 tsp of the mixture in a large bowl. Rub the remaining spice mixture over the chicken and set aside.
Spray the grill rack with nonstick spray; preheat the grill to medium or prepare a medium fire.
Meanwhile, remove the remaining peel and the white pith from the orange. Quarter the orange from stem end to blossom end, then slice. Add the orange slices to the reserved spice mixture; toss to coat.
Place the chicken on the grill rack. Grill, covered, until browned and cooked through, 4-5 min on each side. Just before serving, add the avocado, radishes and scallion to the orange mixture and toss to combine. Serve with the chicken.
From "Savoring Summer" cookbook supplement
Tip of the Week
One of the ways to break through a plateau is to double check your portion sizing. eTools members: did you know the Weight Watchers website has a "Portion Primer" tool? It has visual cues so that you can eyeball your portions. For example, a tablespoon of peanut butter is about the same size as 3 dice. Check it out!
Quote of the Week
"Successful people follow the same advice they prescribe for others."
Did you identify any unhealthy family habits? What will you do to break them and set your own new family traditions?
This Week
PLATEAUS. Yep, this week we're going to talk about that dreaded topic. We'll discuss what they are, and most importantly we'll brainstorm about how to get past them and not lose our cool.
Kudos
Laketa received her 50 pound magnet this week, Judy reached 10 pounds of weight loss, and Mike earned his 10% keychain. I'm looking forward to seeing how you Wednesday folks have progressed since before the holiday.
WW Product of the Week
Three Month Journal - one of the things that I constantly hear when we talk about what works is "writing it down" or "keeping a journal", and frankly I agree. If you keep meaning to grab a journal at the scale, but just can't seem to remember, the Three Month Journal is your ExcuseBuster. This spiral bound journal gives you 12 weeks of journaling potential. And it's small enough to go with you virtually anywhere. $6.00 and worth every penny - I keep mine with me constantly!
Non-WW Product of the Week
Produce sales! Check your local Vons for sweet Rainier cherries this week - they've got them for only $2.99 a pound (with Vons Club) which is a great deal. Meanwhile, Ralph's is offering strawberries on sale (with Ralph's Club) 10 for $10. And finally, Henry's has seedless watermelons on sale 2 for $5. There's no excuse to skimp on those five servings of fruits and vegetables this week!
Recipe of the Week
Grilled Chicken with Orange-Avocado Salad
Serves 4
6 Points and Core
4 5oz skinless boneless chicken breast halves
1 navel orange
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp canola oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne
1 small firm-ripe Hass avocado, halved, pitted, peeled & cut into 1/2 inch dice
4 radishes, halved and thinly sliced
1 scallion, thinly sliced
Pound the chicken to an even thickness. To make the spice mixture, grate 1-1/2 tsp zest from the orange. Combine the zest, garlic, oil, cumin, salt and cayenne in a small bowl. Reserve 1/4 tsp of the mixture in a large bowl. Rub the remaining spice mixture over the chicken and set aside.
Spray the grill rack with nonstick spray; preheat the grill to medium or prepare a medium fire.
Meanwhile, remove the remaining peel and the white pith from the orange. Quarter the orange from stem end to blossom end, then slice. Add the orange slices to the reserved spice mixture; toss to coat.
Place the chicken on the grill rack. Grill, covered, until browned and cooked through, 4-5 min on each side. Just before serving, add the avocado, radishes and scallion to the orange mixture and toss to combine. Serve with the chicken.
From "Savoring Summer" cookbook supplement
Tip of the Week
One of the ways to break through a plateau is to double check your portion sizing. eTools members: did you know the Weight Watchers website has a "Portion Primer" tool? It has visual cues so that you can eyeball your portions. For example, a tablespoon of peanut butter is about the same size as 3 dice. Check it out!
Quote of the Week
"Successful people follow the same advice they prescribe for others."
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