Newsletter, week of February 18th

Last Week

Everyone has their share of challenges. But figuring out what can be done to conquer them (and then making the commitment to do so) can lead to success. The tips that are shared in each and every meeting can give you the solution you need to become successful!

This Week

Are you an all or nothing thinker? Do you expect perfection from yourself only to give up when you realize it's not possible? If so, make sure you're in the meeting room this week - we'll talk about why that's destructive and how to get around it.

Kudos

Minna received her 15 pound star this week, Marianne reached 25 pounds lost, and Antoinette not only got her 20 pound star, but she reached her 10% target, too. Great job, ladies. You have a lot to be proud of.

WW Product of the Week

Weight Watchers Mix-Ins - do you have trouble drinking the required 6 glasses of water? Does plain water seem boring to you at times? Our raspberry and lemonade powdered mixes will give you something a little more interesting. They're also individually packed so they can be used on the go. $3.50 per box

Non-WW Product of the Week

I love doing my "research" for this job! Last weekend I was invited by a friend to try Dinner Studio, one of those meal prep places that helps you prepare meals ahead of time. If you have trouble finding time during the week to cook dinners, this just might be a good solution for you. You spend a couple of hours assembling meals, which you take home and store in the freezer. On any given day, thaw the dish out, follow their baking instructions, and boom, dinner is ready. Best of all, they prepare all the ingredients for you, and clean up after you because you do it in their kitchen! I baked enough to last me several weeks of dinners for 2 (we don't sit down to eat together every night), and so far it's been quite convenient and quite tasty.

Recipe of the Week

Today's recipe is courtesy of Judy. Thanks for sharing this with us!

Vegetarian Bean Soup
Serves 6

2 (14 oz) cans fat-free vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 pound bag frozen mixed vegetables
14.5 oz can stewed tomatoes
1/3 cup angel-hair pasta, broken into 1-2" lengths
15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Pour broth and water into Dutch oven or soup pot, and place over high heat. While liquid heats, add frozen vegetables, stewed tomatoes and uncooked pasta. Cover and bring to a boil.

When the soup comes to a boil, uncover and stir well (pasta may stick to the bottom). Add the beans, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Reduce heat to medium-high, maintaining a moderate boil. Stir frequently and cook until pasta is tender, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add parmesan. Stir occasionally and simmer for 5 minutes.

Per serving: 227 calories, 1.25g fat, 14g fiber

Tip of the Week

A study by Yale University found that those who focus too much on negative words and images about weight (their "before" photos, for example) were more likely to overeat. Think instead about your "after" and notice the changes that are happening to you. Like the ads say, no one ever said they lived hapily ever before!

Quote of the Week

"Don't let perfectionist thinking hold you back from what you want most. The maxim 'Nothing avails but perfection' may be spelled 'Paralysis'." -- Winston Churchill