Newsletter, week of August 26th

Last Week

How long will you be working on this? FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIVES. Eat and do what you love now, so that you'll be able to stick with this forever. And when you know these habits will last forever, what's the rush? All in good time.

This Week

You have all the resources you need. But are you using them? We'll do a quick review of all the tools and resources you have from Weight Watchers, and focus on what areas you need a little extra help with.

Kudos

Confession: I can't find my little slips of paper showing who lost what this week. So I'd just like to commend you all for your dedication to making yourself a better, healthier person. You taking the time to read this and develop healthy habits shows that you're motivated and successful!

WW Product of the Week

Starter Kit - sure you're already a member. But do you have our food companions? Can you look up the Points value of a McDonalds hamburger or a bowl of Golden Grahams? If you can't, you need to grab a starter kit, which includes both the Complete Food Companion and the Dining Out Companion, as well as a 12 week spiral bound journal for easy tracking. When you buy these all together in the kit, you save some dough!

Non-WW Product of the Week

Many of you say that dining out is your biggest challenge. The folks at Healthy Dining have put together a book and a website that make finding the healthy choices easier. If you've heard of the book Healthy Dining in San Diego, these are the folks. Check out their website.

Recipe of the Week

Tricolor Pepper and Penne Salad
Serves 6
2 Points and Core

3 cups cooked whole-wheat penne
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
6 scallions, sliced
1/2 cup fat-free ranch salad dressing
6 green leaf lettuce leaves

Combine the penne, bell peppers and the scallions in a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, until chilled, at least one hour. Line a serving platter with the lettuce; top with the pasta salad.

Tip of the Week

Feel like you're struggling? Pretend you're new again. Take out the 10 weeks of weekly material we've given you, and read it AGAIN. You might find things you missed, or feel ready to "start again" as if it were week one.

Quote of the Week

"And I think the key thing that I need to remember, that anyone losing a major amount of weight needs to remember, is that life isn't on hold until I hit that magical number. I'm not going to be a suffering, shameful person until that date. Every day I get a little closer, a little healthier and a little happier. Every day I'm capable of more than I was before, I'm stronger than I was before, and I look better than I did before." - anonymous Weight Watcher member

Newsletter, week of August 19th

Last Week

Time spent in our meetings is a great way to laugh about our misfortunes and discuss what goes right. Take advantage of that forum and speak up! Need some help? That's what we're here for.

This Week

Chances are your weight goals won't be reached overnight. Join us for a discussion of how to stick with the process for as long as it takes. (Here's a hint: it's going to last a lifetime!)

Kudos

George, Vicky and Pam all received their first five pound stars this week. Nick and Valmere reached the 10 pound mark, while Judy got a 15 pound star AND her 10% keychain. Jerry is now up to 30 pounds lost and Wilma is the big winner this week with a total weight loss of over 35 pounds. Excellent progress, everyone!

WW Product of the Week

Weight Watchers Fruities - if you're looking for a quick little treat or something to keep you occupied, Fruities just might be what you're looking for. These little candies are similar to jujubes - firm but chewy, and they come in some great fruit flavors (cherry is my choice). For $2.50 you get three sleeves of them, and each sleeve is only 1 Point!

Non-WW Product of the Week

I know, I know. You need a new kitchen gadget like you need another hole in your head. But those of us in Wednesday's group got see how insanely cool a spiral slicer is. Turn your zucchini into angel hair pasta! You know you want one....

Recipe of the Week

Chicken Pita Pizzas
Serves 4
5 Points

2 7" pocketless pita breads
6 Tbsp scallion hummus
1 (1/2 lb) bone-in roasted chicken breast, skin and bone removed, and chicken coarsely shredded
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
6 pitted large manzanilla or Sicilian green olives, chopped

Preheat the broiler. Place pita breads on a baking sheet and broil 4-5" from heat until golden (45 seconds on each side).

Spread 3 Tbsp of the hummus onto each of the pita breads, almost to the edge. Top each with the chicken and sprinkle with cheese and olives. Broil until cheese melts, about a minute.

Tip of the Week

Who cares if you have 30, 80 or 120 pounds to lose? That can seem overwhelming! Break the process down into smaller goals, and you'll always be working on a "next step." It can be whatever feels right for you, and might include dropping a clothing size, losing 10 pounds, reaching the next "decade" (229, 199, etc.) or finally being able to sit comfortably in that pair of pants - you know the ones I mean!

Quote of the Week

"The path to success is paved with patience and persistence." - anonymous Weight Watcher

Gone Fishin'

The newsletter will be taking a 2 week vacation. (Perhaps it's celebrating the fact that August is my 10th anniversary at goal?)

Don't worry, the newsletter has a more liberal vacation policy than I do. So I'll still be in the meeting room these next two weeks!