Saturday, May 30, 2009

May Update: Goals 2009

May is essentially over, so here's another look at how I'm doing on the path to achieving my goals for the year.

1. Get back down to 130.

May starting weight: 138.6
May ending weight: 137.8
Net Loss: 0.8 pounds

Man, I love this part of the goals update entry. For June, I am going to revise this goal. Eight or so pounds may not seem like a lot, but I think I need to look at this in smaller steps. My goal for the end of June is to weigh in at 136.

To do this, I'm going to have to keep an eye on the evenings and weekends, which are the times I'm likely to fall off my eating plan. In particular I have trouble with weekend breakfasts, since it falls outside of my weekday routine, which I have down pat. I will have to come up with a breakfast plan for Saturdays and Sundays. And for weeknights, will have to use all the WW tips and tricks I've collected over the years to make sure I don't snack after dinner, when I have no Points left.

2. Lay off the diet soda.

I did a pretty poor job in May of noticing how much soda I drank. I did some traveling, and had some family in from out of town, so I spent many more mealtimes in restaurants in May (hey, maybe that had an impact on goal #1 too...) so I know I had more soda than I might otherwise. But I'm still drinking less diet soda than I once was. While I'd like to return to a more mindful space, I can still say I've done well with this one.

So. How are YOU doing with YOUR goals? If you're struggling with some of them, take heart - so am I! But together we can do it, so be sure to show up for some weekly group support. We'll get you back on track, for sure.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Newsletter, week of May 31st

Last Week

Motivation comes and goes, but having it is key to success. Remind yourself of what you'd like to achieve, or where you'd like to be. Then, picture it vividly. That ought to help keep you on course.

This Week

This economy totally sucks. And even if you've managed to hang on to your job, it seems like expenses always rise faster than our wages, right? This week we'll talk about ways to save money AND calories. Eating healthy and doing right by our bodies doesn't have to be expensive!

Kudos

Because of the holiday, all these celebrations are from our Wednesday group only. What a great day it was! Liz lost her first 5 pounds. Karen has now lost over 50 pounds, and is just a few pounds away from her weight goal. And speaking of goals, Kim reached hers and started maintenance! Not a bad way to kick off summer.

WW Product of the Week

Portion creep got you down? What, you don't know? Maybe that's because you've not been checking them out. Pick up a set of our Easy Measure Spoons, or even our Electronic Food Scale. There will be no doubt if that cup of pasta is really the right size.

Weekly Potpourri

Once we get into the topic this week, you'll find that we discuss some shopping strategies. You might find it economical (and environmental) to bring your own bags to the grocery store. Consider a tiny totebag that you can throw in your purse or your car to hold those few items you grab on the way home. If you hit up the bulk bins, I cannot recommend strongly enough these nylon bags. I've ordered two sets from this woman and the bags are awesome! I carry them with me when I go to Henry's.

What's Hot at WW.com?

First, if you Monthly Pass folks haven't logged on to eTools lately, you absolutely must. The site has been redesigned to make accessing your various tracking tools easier.

For the rest of you, I am often asked when the best time is to get in a workout. My response is always "it depends." Take this quiz to see what time of day is best for you to work out. Not surprisingly, my result was the Early Bird Special. That must be why you can find me at LA Fitness at 5:45am during the week!

Quote of the Week

The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me. - Ayn Rand

Weekly Recipe: Fancy-Schmancy Oatmeal

Fancy-Schmancy Oatmeal
Serves 1
3 Points value

1/2 cup regular oats (not instant)
3 Tbsp canned pure pumpkin
1 Tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 no-calorie sweetener packet
Dash of salt

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small pot (use less water for thicker oatmeal, and more water for thinner oatmeal). Add oats and reduce heat to medium. Stirring occasionally, cook for 5 minutes.

Add pumpkin, maple syrup, cinnamon, sweetener, and salt to the pot and stir. Spoon into a bowl and enjoy.

Per serving (entire recipe): 183 calories, 2.5g fat, 5.5g fiber, 187mg sodium

Recipe courtesy of Hungry Girl

Note: if you don't have time to cook in the morning, take my advice. Make up 5 servings of this at once. Store the cooked oatmeal in your fridge in single serving sizes (think Gladware containers). It will reheat just fine, but might be thick. I like my oatmeal super thick, so that's cool, but you can always add a little water before you reheat it to thin it out.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Newsletter, week of May 24th

Last Week

Memorial Day kicks off the summer festivities. Know that you can survive the holidays, and all the food they have to offer.

This Week

What motivated you on day 1 of your WW membership might not be so motivating now. We'll help you find out what's going to work NOW to keep you moving forward.

NOTE: Monday we are closed for the holiday. Don't stay away too long - make sure you're back the next week!

Kudos

Lisa passed along the fact that Jody reached her 16 weeks (and that we still owe her that clapping hands charm!) and that Heidi celebrated 96 pounds lost. That is awesome. Congratulations also go out to those of you who did the Bridge Walk - don't forget to log onto the Team Weight Watchers site and get your free magazines!

WW Product of the Week

Three Month Journal - we've talked recently about why tracking can be beneficial. Well, if you keep forgetting to grab a journal at the scale, here's your solution. 3 months' worth of pages all bound in one so you don't have to keep thinking about it. Plus, with all that history in one place, you can refresh your memory on what worked (or didn't).

Weekly Potpourri

Me giving you a link to a chocolate store? Well, a little bird who looks a lot like my husband told me about this shop. He was out with his parents sightseeing, and they stumbled across The Elegant Truffle. Now, there's not a lot of information on the website, but the little video does mention the angel food cake, and that's where you want to spend your time. According to my husband and his parents, the proprietor knows the Points value of these items, and can help you choose something that will fit into your day. Since I have not been there myself (yet) I can't vouch for them, but if you're in the neighborhood, it might be worth checking out. Just don't fall for the Oh My God cake!

What's Hot at WW.com?

This headline caught my eye right away. The Top 6 Weight-Loss Lies! Are you telling yourself any?

Quote of the Week

Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you. - Denis Waitley

Weekly Recipe: Strawberry Bavarian

This is a recipe that uses our Weight Watchers vanilla smoothie. This could be a nice cool dessert for those warm summer days.

Strawberry Bavarian
Serves 4
2 Points value

1 0.3 ounce package sugar-free strawberry gelatin
1/2 cup boiling water
3 large ice cubes
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1 packet Weight Watchers French Vanilla Smoothie Mix
3/4 cup thawed frozen nondairy light whipped topping

In a medium bowl, sprinkle gelatin over boiling water; stir until completely dissolved. Add ice cubes; stir until ice is melted.

In blender, combine milk and smoothie mix; cover and process for 1 minute. Add dissolved gelatin; cover and process 1 minute longer.

Transfer mixture to a small bowl; fold in whipped topping just until combined. Divide mixture into 4 individual dessert dishes; chill until set.

Per serving: 78 calories, 1.9g fat, 1g fiber

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Newsletter, week of May 17th

Last Week

Revving up your metabolism can rev up your weight loss. Don't look at your metabolism as the enemy, you really can impact how it works!

This Week

Memorial Day is almost here, and that officially kicks off the summer. We'll help you stay on track for BBQs and any other food-centric event this season.

Kudos

Nelli received her first 5 pound star, Connie reached 15 pounds lost, Steve got his 20 pound star, and Myra has now lost 35 pounds. Candy reached 55 pounds lost, and Dan and Steve (a different one!) both have now lost over 65 pounds. We also awarded several 16 week Stay and Succeed Charms: Irma, Myra, Rocio and Annita. Congratulations to all.

WW Product of the Week

Check out our newest cookbook Hit the Spot. It specializes in chewy, crunchy, spicy stuff, which might just be the ticket for your holiday weekend feasting. In some of our locations we still have copies of Sizzle It! which will help you become a grillmaster. It's the cookbook I used for this week's recipe, too.

Weekly Potpourri

Team Outsmart The Fat members probably already know about this website, but if you're looking to boost your metabolism, consider entering a run/walk event. RacePlace is a website (and magazine) that consolidates the information so you can flip through and pick your event. There are plenty to choose from all over the county!

What's Hot at WW.com?

I mentioned our Science Center in both meetings this week, in reference to the Starvation Myth. Let me make it real easy for you. Here it is!

Quote of the Week

Continuous effort -- not strength or intelligence -- is the key to unlocking our potential. - Liane Cardes

Weekly Recipe: Hoisin Pork Burgers with Asian-Style Salad

Hoisin Pork Burgers with Asian-Style Salad
Serves 4
6 Points value

1 lb ground lean pork
1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce
2 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp honey
1/4 tsp Asian (dark) sesame oil
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 small head Boston lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4 radishes, thinly sliced

Preheat the grill to medium-high or prepare a medium-high fire. Tear off 1 (18x20-inch) sheet of heavy-duty foil and spray the center with nonstick spray.

Combine the pork, bread crumbs, scallions, 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce, and the soy sauce in a medium bowl, mixing just until well combined. With damp hands, shape the mixture into 4 equal patties. Place the patties in the center of the foil sheet.

To close the packet, bring the two opposite long sides of the foil up to meet in the center; fold the edges over twice, making 1/2-inch-wide folds, to seal tightly. Double-fold the open sides, making 1/2-inch-wide folds, to seal tightly.

Place the packet on the grill rack and grill, covered, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the side of a burger registers 160 degrees, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the lime juice, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and the remaining 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce in a small bowl. Combine the remaining ingredients in a serving bowl. Drizzle the dressing over and toss to coat evenly.

With a wide spatula, transfer the packet to a cutting board; carefully open, standing back to avoid the steam. Transfer a burger to each of 4 plates. Serve with the salad.

Per serving: 309 cal, 11g fat (3g sat fat), 3g fiber, 692mg sodium

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Newsletter, week of May 10th

Last Week

What you think impacts what you do. So stay positive!

This Week

Do you think your metabolism is holding you back? We'll talk about what metabolism is, and what you actually CAN control about it.

Kudos

Linda, Karen and Marie all got their first five pound stars. Candy was the big winner (or is it big loser?) this week having reached over 50 pounds lost!

WW Product of the Week

Weight Watchers Pedometer - if you're participating in the Momentum Walk-It Challenge, you're probably taking a bunch of steps right now. And if you're not, maybe you're still curious about how far you walk in a day? Grab our pedometer and you'll know. Plus, right now we have $5 off coupons in the meeting room. So you can get yours for only $19!

Weekly Potpourri

Apparently I am all about the blogs right now. Here's another guy, one who has lost 200 pounds, and if that's tough enough, he works as a restaurant manager. Hello, that's around food all day! He used Weight Watchers, so he knows what we're going through.

What's Hot at WW.com?

This weekend is Mothers' Day, so for all you moms out there (or really, for those of you who might be cooking for mom), here are some recipes for a nice meal this Sunday.

Quote of the Week

Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not. - Thomas Huxley

Weekly Recipe: Honeydew-Strawberry Soup

Honeydew-Strawberry Soup
Serves 4
1 Points value

8 cups cubed honeydew
1 tsp grated lime zest
2 Tbsp lime juice
2 tsp sugar
1 cup sliced strawberries
2 Tbsp sliced fresh mint

Puree the honeydew, in batches, in a blender or food processor. Pour the puree into a large bowl. Stir in the lime zest and juice and sugar.

Refrigerate the soup until well chilled, at least 3 hours or up to overnight.

Ladle the soup evenly into each of 4 chilled bowls. Top evenly with the strawberries and sprinkle with the mint.

Per serving: 92 cal, 0g fat, 2g fiber, 11mg sodium

From our Momentum cookbook

Saturday, May 02, 2009

April Update: Goals 2009

Another month down, this year is really flying by! So it's time for another look at my progress on my goals for 2009.

1. Get back down to 130

April starting weight: 137.0
April ending weight: 138.6
Net Gain: 1.6 pounds


Okay, not amused, but not homicidal. Despite being under the weather and not working out much, I feel like the last week has been pretty good on the food front. Those of you who remember my previous monthly updates know that I've been extremely stressed by my work situation. Well, that changed in April, since yesterday was my last day at my full-time job, and Monday I will start a new one. So in April I was in a much better headspace, and didn't have to deal with emotional eating as much.

So today's weigh-in was just one of those unexplainable weigh-ins. I was totally sure yesterday that I'd see a good loss this week, because I was feeling pretty good in my clothing. WELCOME TO MY WORLD, RIGHT? Yeah, I have those weeks at the scale, too. So I'm going to keep it in perspective and not worry about it. Besides, I've got a shiny new job to focus on now!

2. Lay off the diet soda

I honestly stopped keeping close track of my soda drinking this month. I'm still for the most part doing without it unless we eat away from home, so I'm still satisfied with this. It almost seems like a non-issue now. Good thing, because I'm still stymied by goal #1!

Friday, May 01, 2009

Welcome to May

Need a little motivation? Check out this calendar with daily tips and quotes.

May 2009 Calendar

So, what are you going to achieve this month?