Can you believe it's already December? A programming note for those Monday night folks: the evening meetings on December 24th and 31st will be closed for the holidays. The 9:30am and 12:30pm meetings will be held, and I'd be willing to show up with you and crash either one of those meetings so you don't have to go three weeks without a shot of Weight Watchers. Think about which of those two meetings you'd be able to go to, and let me know.
Last Week
Keep the holidays in perspective. They only come once a year, but they all happen every year. And no matter what the month, there will always be some special occasion. That means the time to be on program is NOW. If not now, when?
This Week
Do you feel like you have too much to do and not enough time? We'll talk about how to save time and keep doing all those healthy things we'd like to do, even when life gets hectic.
Kudos
Crystal lost her first 5 pounds, Heather has lost 11, Trish is up to 15 pounds lost, Kate and Katie got their 16 week Stay and Succeed award, and last but definitely not least, Judy is AT GOAL! Great job for the week after Thanksgiving, everyone. I'm so proud of you.
WW Product of the Week
Weight Watchers Magazine - looking for some pre-planned menus? Looking for quick food ideas? Our magazine is full of them in each and every issue. Whether you're following Flex or Core, you'll find ways to speed up meal planning. You'll also find tons of activity and healthy lifestyle information. All that for a mere four bucks!
Non-WW Product of the Week
Sure there's a lot of red and green wrapped candy out there right now. But is it all off-limits? NO WAY. Try sucking on a candy cane! 3 mini candy canes have around 70 calories, and since they are fat fee, you'll only be spending a Point! Plus you'll have the best breath in town.
Recipe of the Week
Baked Winter Squash, Raisin and Pine Nut Lasagna
Serves 8
6 Points
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2-1/2 cups fat-free evaporated milk
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
10 oz dry lasagna noodles, cooked al dente (about 12 noodles)
10 oz cooked winter squash, thawed if frozen
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
3/4 cup golden seedless raisins
2 Tbsp pine nuts, chopped
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Place flour in a small saucepan and very gradually whisk in milk and garlic. Warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until sauce simmers and is thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
Spread 1/4 cup of cheese sauce over bottom of a 9 X 13-inch glass or metal pan and cover with 3 lasagna noodles; top with 1/3 of squash and 1/2 cup of cheese sauce. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of raisins. Cover with 3 more lasagna noodles and spread with 1/3 of remaining squash and 1/2 cup of cheese sauce; sprinkle with 1/4 cup of raisins. Cover with 3 more lasagna noodles and top with remaining squash and raisins; cover with last 3 lasagna noodles, pressing sheets firmly down. Top with remaining cheese sauce; sprinkle with pine nuts and remaining mozzarella cheese
Bake until lasagna bubbles around edges and is browned on top, about 30 minutes. Slice into 8 pieces and serve.
--courtesy of eTools
What's Hot at WW.com
When things get busy, your activity program is often the first thing to suffer. Thankfully, the folks at WW.com know that and have provided you with Five Office Workout Tips to help you sneak some activity in during the workday.
Quote of the Week
"You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it." - Charles Bixton
Friday, November 30, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Newsletter, week of November 25th
Whew! Well folks, we've managed to survive Thanksgiving! No matter how well you stayed on Program this weekend, make sure you come to the meeting this week. If you've done well, there will be Bravos, and if you haven't, well, we'll get you turned around and on the right track again. Remember that No Weigh-In Pass!
Last Week
Awareness is a key factor in your success. It could be realizing that you are in (or out) of your Comfort Zone, or it could be realizing that the apple you eat every day for lunch is really a 3 Point apple! Whatever it is, being aware is a key component of our Think First philosophy.
This Week
Sometimes we need a little dose of perspective. We'll talk strategies for dealing with the challenges you'll have coming up for the rest of this year.
Kudos
Dianne received her 15 pound star, Rosemary has now lost over 80 pounds, and Suzy had the double whammie - 35 pounds lost AND she reached her goal.
WW Product of the Week
Mini Bars - instead of snacking on red, green and silver holiday candy, bite into one of our 1 Point mini bars. Chocolate caramel, oatmeal raisin or dark chocolate raspberry flavors will help take the edge off your sweet tooth without throwing a monkey wrench into your weight loss plans.
Recipe of the Week
Baked Rigatoni with Three Cheeses
Serves 6
5 Points
12 oz rigatoni
3/4 cup canned reduced-sodium tomato sauce
1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half
1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 Tbsp (1 oz) part-skim ricotta
2 Tbsp (1 oz) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain and keep warm. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Combine the tomato sauce, half-and-half, mozzarella, ricotta, and Gorgonzola in a medium bowl. Add the hot pasta and toss to coat. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake until bubbly and browned on top, about 7 minutes.
What's Hot at WW.com
If you think that no one has weight loss issues in the meeting room that match yours, the success stories online can be a great alternative form of inspiration. Read about Torry, a guy who has shed over 100 pounds with Weight Watchers. He'll tell you how he did it and offer some specific tips.
Quote of the Week
"Although no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending." - Roberta Brenick, WW Leader
Last Week
Awareness is a key factor in your success. It could be realizing that you are in (or out) of your Comfort Zone, or it could be realizing that the apple you eat every day for lunch is really a 3 Point apple! Whatever it is, being aware is a key component of our Think First philosophy.
This Week
Sometimes we need a little dose of perspective. We'll talk strategies for dealing with the challenges you'll have coming up for the rest of this year.
Kudos
Dianne received her 15 pound star, Rosemary has now lost over 80 pounds, and Suzy had the double whammie - 35 pounds lost AND she reached her goal.
WW Product of the Week
Mini Bars - instead of snacking on red, green and silver holiday candy, bite into one of our 1 Point mini bars. Chocolate caramel, oatmeal raisin or dark chocolate raspberry flavors will help take the edge off your sweet tooth without throwing a monkey wrench into your weight loss plans.
Recipe of the Week
Baked Rigatoni with Three Cheeses
Serves 6
5 Points
12 oz rigatoni
3/4 cup canned reduced-sodium tomato sauce
1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half
1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 Tbsp (1 oz) part-skim ricotta
2 Tbsp (1 oz) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain and keep warm. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Combine the tomato sauce, half-and-half, mozzarella, ricotta, and Gorgonzola in a medium bowl. Add the hot pasta and toss to coat. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake until bubbly and browned on top, about 7 minutes.
What's Hot at WW.com
If you think that no one has weight loss issues in the meeting room that match yours, the success stories online can be a great alternative form of inspiration. Read about Torry, a guy who has shed over 100 pounds with Weight Watchers. He'll tell you how he did it and offer some specific tips.
Quote of the Week
"Although no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending." - Roberta Brenick, WW Leader
Friday, November 16, 2007
Newsletter, week of November 18th
Last Week
Big food occasions can spell disaster, but if you remember IPF (Item, Portion, Frequency) you just might find that things aren't as bad as you thought.
This Week
Be good to yourself as well as others this holiday season. Awareness is a key factor in weight loss success.
Kudos
Gretchen received her 10% key chain, Patty and Christina celebrated 15 pounds lost, and Dennis is all the way up to 50 pounds shed.
WW Product of the Week
Electronic Food Scale with Points Values - the perfect tool for creating portion awareness. This scale not only weighs your food, but contains a database of Points values. Yep, the scale will tell you how many Points are in that 4 ounce chicken breast! This would be a great holiday gift for your favorite Weight Watcher.
Non-WW Product of the Week
Eggnog is one of those complete holiday fat bombs. But before you think you can never have it again, check out what the folks at Silk have done with their soy eggnog. Not too shabby, right? Don't forget to count the Points for the brandy!
Recipe of the Week
Speedy Hoppin' John Salad
Serves 4
3 Points and Core
15oz can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
2 Tbsp apple-cider vinegar
2 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Serve at once or refrigerate, covered, with plastic wrap overnight.
What's Hot at WW.com
Traveling this winter? Here are some tips on surviving the time you spend waiting in the airport.
Quote of the Week
"The greatest gift you can give another person [or yourself] is the purity of your attention." - Richard Moss
Big food occasions can spell disaster, but if you remember IPF (Item, Portion, Frequency) you just might find that things aren't as bad as you thought.
This Week
Be good to yourself as well as others this holiday season. Awareness is a key factor in weight loss success.
Kudos
Gretchen received her 10% key chain, Patty and Christina celebrated 15 pounds lost, and Dennis is all the way up to 50 pounds shed.
WW Product of the Week
Electronic Food Scale with Points Values - the perfect tool for creating portion awareness. This scale not only weighs your food, but contains a database of Points values. Yep, the scale will tell you how many Points are in that 4 ounce chicken breast! This would be a great holiday gift for your favorite Weight Watcher.
Non-WW Product of the Week
Eggnog is one of those complete holiday fat bombs. But before you think you can never have it again, check out what the folks at Silk have done with their soy eggnog. Not too shabby, right? Don't forget to count the Points for the brandy!
Recipe of the Week
Speedy Hoppin' John Salad
Serves 4
3 Points and Core
15oz can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
2 Tbsp apple-cider vinegar
2 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Serve at once or refrigerate, covered, with plastic wrap overnight.
What's Hot at WW.com
Traveling this winter? Here are some tips on surviving the time you spend waiting in the airport.
Quote of the Week
"The greatest gift you can give another person [or yourself] is the purity of your attention." - Richard Moss
Friday, November 09, 2007
Newsletter, week of November 11th
Last Week
Cooking isn't a chore - it's a chance to taste all sorts of flavors! So many of you took advantage of our cookbook sale, I hope you're enjoying lots of new recipes.
This Week
Will you be Paula Deen or Paula Lean? We'll look at some Thanksgiving Points values, and also talk about some strategies for staying on track this holiday.
Kudos
Heather got her first 5 pound star, Rick is now up to ten pounds, as is Jezreel. And I'm thrilled to add Meredith to our outstanding group of Wednesday Lifetime Members. Who's next?!?
WW Product of the Week
Our Food Companions - whether Thanksgiving has you dining at Aunt Mabel's or a local restaurant, these books can help you make sense of what you're eating. Carry them with you and you'll never be in the dark when it comes to food values.
Non-WW Product of the Week
If you think that pasta is a high Points horror, think again! There are now some new ways to get pasta without all the calories. I have a package of the Shirataki noodles in my fridge, just waiting to become an awesome meal.
Recipe of the Week
Capellini with Spicy Red Clam Sauce
Serves 4
5 Points (and Core if you use whole wheat pasta)
6 ounces capellini
2 tsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, sliced
2 6.5oz cans chopped clams, drained, liquid reserved
1 28oz can diced tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
Chopped parsley
Cook the pasta according to package directions, omitting the salt if desired; drain.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the clams with 1/2 cup of their liquid and the tomatoes, oregano, thyme and crushed red pepper; bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors blend and the sauce thickens, about 7 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Remove from heat and stir in the parsley.
--from From Pantry to Plate
What's Hot at WW.com
Losing weight is about the body AND the mind. If people tell you that you're looking great, but you just don't see it, don't worry. It's common for your brain to keep seeing the "old you." Check this article to find ways to shed that old self-image.
Quote of the Week
"It's a holiday, not a holiweek!"
Cooking isn't a chore - it's a chance to taste all sorts of flavors! So many of you took advantage of our cookbook sale, I hope you're enjoying lots of new recipes.
This Week
Will you be Paula Deen or Paula Lean? We'll look at some Thanksgiving Points values, and also talk about some strategies for staying on track this holiday.
Kudos
Heather got her first 5 pound star, Rick is now up to ten pounds, as is Jezreel. And I'm thrilled to add Meredith to our outstanding group of Wednesday Lifetime Members. Who's next?!?
WW Product of the Week
Our Food Companions - whether Thanksgiving has you dining at Aunt Mabel's or a local restaurant, these books can help you make sense of what you're eating. Carry them with you and you'll never be in the dark when it comes to food values.
Non-WW Product of the Week
If you think that pasta is a high Points horror, think again! There are now some new ways to get pasta without all the calories. I have a package of the Shirataki noodles in my fridge, just waiting to become an awesome meal.
Recipe of the Week
Capellini with Spicy Red Clam Sauce
Serves 4
5 Points (and Core if you use whole wheat pasta)
6 ounces capellini
2 tsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, sliced
2 6.5oz cans chopped clams, drained, liquid reserved
1 28oz can diced tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
Chopped parsley
Cook the pasta according to package directions, omitting the salt if desired; drain.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the clams with 1/2 cup of their liquid and the tomatoes, oregano, thyme and crushed red pepper; bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors blend and the sauce thickens, about 7 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Remove from heat and stir in the parsley.
--from From Pantry to Plate
What's Hot at WW.com
Losing weight is about the body AND the mind. If people tell you that you're looking great, but you just don't see it, don't worry. It's common for your brain to keep seeing the "old you." Check this article to find ways to shed that old self-image.
Quote of the Week
"It's a holiday, not a holiweek!"
Friday, November 02, 2007
Newsletter, week of November 4th
Last Week
The scale isn't everything. Remember all those other signs of success and you won't have to worry about getting discouraged.
This Week
You all know how easy it is to stay on program when you cook for yourself. But if you think it's a big effort, think again! We'll discuss ways to make eating in fun, tasty and not so tough.
Kudos
Patty got her ten pound star this week, and Vicki has reached the twenty pound milestone. Congratulations ladies!
WW Product of the Week
In honor of our eating in discussion, check out our cookbooks! You'll find tons of recipes for all your favorite foods, and the best thing is that Points are figured, and Core foods are identified.
Non-WW Product of the Week
If the cookbooks in our centers aren't enough, check out this soon to be released cookbook at Amazon.com Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook - which like our cookbooks have Points values! Yet another great resource for the nights you plan to eat in.
Recipe of the Week
Brown Sugar and Spice Drop Cookies
2 Points per cookie
Makes 36 cookies
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 egg white
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup fat-free sour cream
36 pecan halves
Place the oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat the oven to 350. Spray 2 large baking sheets with nonstick spray.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns nut brown, about 2 minutes. Pour the butter into a small bowl and let cool to room temperature.
Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl; set aside. Stir together the brown sugar, honey, egg white, and vanilla in a large bowl until blended. Stir in the browned butter, then the sour cream. Add the flour mixture and stir until blended.
Drop the dough by teaspoonfuls onto the baking sheets about 2 inches apart, making a total of 36 cookies. Lightly press a pecan half into each cookie. Bake until the cookies spring back when lightly pressed, 8-10 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through baking. Let cool on the baking sheets on racks about 2 minutes. With a spatula, transfer the cookies to racks and let cool completely.
What's Hot at WW.com
Guess what's around the corner? Yep, it's almost turkey day! Check out the article Are You Ready for Thanksgiving? to get some survival skills.
Quote of the Week
"A well-rounded selection of herbs and spices allows you to add a world of different flavors to everyday meals, transforming the same old chicken and potatoes into a seaside lunch in Provence or a steamy night in Cancun."
The scale isn't everything. Remember all those other signs of success and you won't have to worry about getting discouraged.
This Week
You all know how easy it is to stay on program when you cook for yourself. But if you think it's a big effort, think again! We'll discuss ways to make eating in fun, tasty and not so tough.
Kudos
Patty got her ten pound star this week, and Vicki has reached the twenty pound milestone. Congratulations ladies!
WW Product of the Week
In honor of our eating in discussion, check out our cookbooks! You'll find tons of recipes for all your favorite foods, and the best thing is that Points are figured, and Core foods are identified.
Non-WW Product of the Week
If the cookbooks in our centers aren't enough, check out this soon to be released cookbook at Amazon.com Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook - which like our cookbooks have Points values! Yet another great resource for the nights you plan to eat in.
Recipe of the Week
Brown Sugar and Spice Drop Cookies
2 Points per cookie
Makes 36 cookies
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 egg white
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup fat-free sour cream
36 pecan halves
Place the oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat the oven to 350. Spray 2 large baking sheets with nonstick spray.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns nut brown, about 2 minutes. Pour the butter into a small bowl and let cool to room temperature.
Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl; set aside. Stir together the brown sugar, honey, egg white, and vanilla in a large bowl until blended. Stir in the browned butter, then the sour cream. Add the flour mixture and stir until blended.
Drop the dough by teaspoonfuls onto the baking sheets about 2 inches apart, making a total of 36 cookies. Lightly press a pecan half into each cookie. Bake until the cookies spring back when lightly pressed, 8-10 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through baking. Let cool on the baking sheets on racks about 2 minutes. With a spatula, transfer the cookies to racks and let cool completely.
What's Hot at WW.com
Guess what's around the corner? Yep, it's almost turkey day! Check out the article Are You Ready for Thanksgiving? to get some survival skills.
Quote of the Week
"A well-rounded selection of herbs and spices allows you to add a world of different flavors to everyday meals, transforming the same old chicken and potatoes into a seaside lunch in Provence or a steamy night in Cancun."
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