Newsletter, week of September 9th

Last Week

If you dream it, you can achieve it. Hopefully now you all have specific goals that you're striving for. When you reach them, let's celebrate!

This Week

Puzzled by activity? This week we'll discuss the benefits of moving more and make sure you're all clear on the Activity Points system.

Kudos

Monday folks - make sure you bring those postcards in this week! We'll celebrate those of you who achieved the goals you set for the summer.

WW Product of the Week

POINTS Pedometer - find out how far you walk each day. This pedometer not only measures your distance, but can track activity points earned! What a great way to motivate yourself to move more.

Non-WW Product of the Week

Ever wonder why you eat so much? Check out Brian Wansink's book Mindless Eating. Now, I haven't picked this book up yet, but now that it's out in paperback, it's on my wish list. It looks like an interesting read about the psychology of food.

Recipe of the Week

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes
Serves 24
4 Points each

Frosting:
1/2 cup light cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup reduced-fat creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Cupcakes:
1 cup cake flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
1/3 cup canola oil
1 large egg
1 egg white
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 oz semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, chopped

Preheat the oven to 350. Spray a 24 cup mini-muffin pan with nonstick spray.

To make the frosting, with an electric mixer on low speed, beat the frosting ingredients in a small bowl until smooth, about 2 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap; set aside.

To make the cupcakes, whisk together the cake flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk together the buttermilk, oil, egg, egg white, and vanilla in a large bowl. Whisk in the melted chocolate. Add the flour mixture, stirring until just blended.

Fill each muffin cup two-thirds full with the batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Let cool in the pan on a rack 10 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the pan and let cool completely on the rack.

Fit a small pastry bag with a plain medium tip and fill with the jam. Carefully insert the pastry tip into the top of a cupcake. Pipe in about 1 teaspoon of jam. Repeat with the remaining cupcakes and jam. With a small metal spatula, spread the frosting over the tops of the cupcakes. Sprinkle with the peanuts.

-- from Best-Ever Desserts

Tip of the Week

Trying to work out in the mornings? Set out your workout clothes and gear the night before. Then you don't have to think about it at the crack of dawn. Hey, every minute counts, so you may have just bought yourself a few more winks of sleep!

Quote of the Week

A journal of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Newsletter, week of September 2nd

Last Week

Thanks for indulging me on the Twenty Questions. I hope you realize that you all have lots of resources to turn to when you've got questions or issues. Beyond the weekly meetings, you probably have lots of those resources right at your fingertips in the form of your weekly meeting materials. Don't forget to read them!

This Week

For many of you it's Back To School Time. Well, for us it's going to be Back To Goal Time. This week we're going to talk about goal setting and making sure you've always got something to strive for.

Kudos

This past week we gave Kathy her 15 pound award, awarded Dennis his 25 pound star, celebrated 75 pounds lost with Rosemary, and gave Kym her goal charm. Keep it up!

Product of the Week

Weight Watchers Flavored Snack Bars - check out our new flavor! We've just received shipments of our new Blueberry Crumb Cake bar, which will be replacing our Cinnamon Swirl bar. Give it a try, it's great! Also, this is a great time to stock up on the Cinnamon Swirl if it's your favorite. Get it while supplies last. $4.50 per box.

Non-WW Product of the Week

Okay, it's been a pretty mild summer, but this past week, it has been awfully hot. I finally cracked and needed a frozen snack. So this week I'm going to be enjoying Sugar-Free Fudgsicles. Just 40 calories? Darn right!

Recipe of the Week

10-Minute Tiramisu
Serves 6
4 Points

3/4 cup boiling water
2 tsp instant espresso powder
1 Tbsp dark rum or 1/2 tsp rum extract
1 Tbsp sugar
1 5 oz package sponge dessert shells
1-1/2 14 oz packages fat-free vanilla pudding cups
3/4 cup thawed frozen fat-free whipped topping
2 Tbsp grated semisweet chocolate
Unsweetened cocoa powder

Combine the boiling water, espresso powder, rum, and sugar in a small bowl; stir until the sugar and espresso powder are dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly.

Put a dessert shell on each of 6 dessert plates. Brush with the espresso mixture until saturated; set aside.

Put the pudding in a medium bowl. With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the whipped topping. Spread in each dessert shell, dividing evenly. Sprinkle with the grated chocolate and dust lightly with cocoa powder. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

-- from our new Best-Ever Desserts cookbook

Tip of the Week

Once you've created a goal, don't forget about it! Write it down and post it somewhere obvious - on a mirror, on the refrigerator, anywhere you'll regularly see it.

Quote of the Week

DREAM

Discover yourself!
Reach for the stars!
Expect great things!
Aim higher with a Winning Outcome and
Make it come true!

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!

Newsletter, week of July 29th

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

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

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

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."

Newsletter, week of July 1st

Last Week

Summer eating doesn't mean you get to abandon healthy eating! But lucky for us we've figured out how to eat BBQ and ice cream and still keep our nutrition on track. Don't forget those Good Health Guidelines!

This Week

If you've ever blamed your family tree or your genes for your weight issues, this is the week for you. We'll talk about how we can trim the family tree of unhealthy eating and exercise related habits. Just because you've inherited it, doesn't mean you need to keep it, right?

Kudos

This week we celebrate the efforts of Rosa (6 pounds), Suzanne (11.2 pounds) and Patti (15.2 pounds). Ladies, you're off to a great start!

WW Product of the Week

Weight Watchers Snack Bars - if you haven't tried any of our 1 or 2 Point bars, you're really missing out! If you need a quick snack, and want it to taste good, select from our flavors that include Cinnamon Sugar, Lemon Dream, Chocolate Mint, or my favorite, Chocolate Caramel. Boxes of 2 Point bars are $4.50, boxes of the 1 Point bars are $7.50.

Non-WW Product of the Week

If you have sore muscles after your workout is done, try The Stick. You run this over sore muscles (say your calves or thighs) and it massages your muscles for better recovery. The website even has sketches and techniques on how to use it for relief of neck, back, leg and arm pain. Standard disclaimer - if you're in a lot of pain, or it doesn't go away after a few days, you may want to check with your doctor!

Recipe of the Week

German-Style Potato Salad
Serves 8
2 Points per serving

1 hard boiled egg
1/2 tsp celery seed
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 oz Canadian bacon
1 onion
2 Tbsp parsley
2 tsp arrowroot powder
1 Tbsp Splenda
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp dry mustard
2/3 cup water
1 1/2 pounds uncooked red potatoes

Place potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover potatoes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain potatoes and allow to cool. Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices; set aside.

Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until slightly brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Add oil to pan and cook the onion until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in arrowroot, Splenda, salt, celery seed, dry mustard and pepper; cook about 1 minute. Add water and vinegar; stir and cook until thick and bubbly, about 1 minute. Stir in potatoes and bacon; toss to mix. Cook, stirring gently, until mixture is heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with egg and parsley.

Tip of the Week

If you're trying to start an activity routine, remember that everything counts, and that "anything is better than nothing." And if you're already exercising, but find there are times when you're too busy, remember that common household chores can add up: a 150 pound woman can earn 1 Point by scrubbing the floor for 30 minutes or 2 Points by washing windows for 60 minutes.

Quote of the Week

"You are today where the thoughts of yesterday have brought you and you will be tomorrow where the thoughts of today take you." - Blaise Pascal

Newsletter, week of June 24th

Last Week

The cure for everything is sweat, tears and the sea. You all did a great job at translating that into the cure for weight loss!

This Week

Summer gives some great opportunities to eat healthy. We'll brainstorm ways to make our summer eating tasty and good for us.

Kudos

Colleen got her first five pound award, Rachelle celebrated 15, Alanna reached 40 pounds of weight loss, and Andy is now up to 73 pounds lost!

WW Product of the Week

Cookbooks! For recipes that already have Points figured out for you, our cookbooks are a great resource. Coinciding with our summer eating theme, pick up From Pantry to Plate, which is bundled with a supplement called "Savoring Summer." Prices range from $10-$14.

Non-WW Product of the Week

If you'd like to find produce that is fresher, cheaper, or more local than what's in your local grocery store, a farmers' market just might be the answer. Check out this list to find the one nearest you!

Recipe of the Week

Roasted Red Pepper and Olive Tapas
Serves 4
4 Points

1/2 cup artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and quartered
1/2 cup garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, finely chopped
1 Tbsp shallot or red onion, minced
2 tsp capers
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp blak pepper
1 12-ounce jar thoroughly drained plain roasted red peppers
4 slices Weight Watchers Multi-Grain bread
1 large clove garlic, cut in half

Preheat oven to 350. Combine artichoke hearts, garbanzo beans, olives, shallot, capers, vinegar, oil, oregano and pepper in a food processor. Pulse on medium speed until very smooth, 10-15 seconds. Transfer mixture to a bowl and set aside.

Cut the red peppers into 2-inch long pieces. Slice each piece of bread into 2 triangles. Place all the triangles directly on an oven rack and toast until crisp, 5-7 minutes. Remove from the oven and arrange on a platter. Rub the raw garlic clove, cut side down, a few times across each toast point and spread the olive mixture evenly on the bread. Place 1-2 pieces of red pepper atop each toast point before serving.

Tip of the Week

Eat the low-cal items on your plate first, then graduate. Start with salads, veggies, and broth soups, and eat meats and starches last. By the time you get to them, you'll be full enough to be content with smaller portions of the high-calorie choices.

Quote of the Week

"Nothing is more interesting than that something that you eat" - Gertrude Stein

Newsletter, week of June 17th

Last Week

The Tools for Living are 10 ways to keep you focused and on track to meet your goals. Remember, weight loss is not just about food and exercise, it's about the right state of mind.

This Week

I've got a cure for weight loss. Want to know what it is? Show up and find out!

Kudos

Shawn reached her 40 pound milestone this week and Courtney got her first five pound star. Great job, ladies! And for those of you who celebrated on Monday night, I'm sorry to report that I can't find my sheet of celebrations. You'll just have to bask in the memory of last week's applause. :(

WW Product of the Week

Points Calculator - rumor has it that our Clairemont center has a bunch of these in stock! About the size of a powder compact, this little guy will calculate Points just like your PointsFinder. $10.00 and they go fast, so get 'em while they're here!

Non-WW Product of the Week

As the weather heats up, maybe you're looking for a cool frothy beverage. The folks at Starbucks have created a brand new Frappuccino for those of you who love orange creamsicles. Their Orange Creme Frappuccino Light clocks in at only 110 calories (without the whipped cream, of course). Customize your drink to see the nutritional information on their website here.

Recipe of the Week

Brown Rice and Edamame with Ginger-Lime Dressing
Serves 4
3 Points and Core

1/2 cup quick-cooking brown rice
1 1/2 cups frozen shelled edamame
1 tsp grated lime zest
3 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger
1/4 tsp salt
1 carrot, shredded
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 small red onion, diced

Cook the rice according to package directions, omitting any butter or oil. Transfer the rice to a plate to cool. Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add edamame and cook 5 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water, and drain again. Set aside.

Whisk together the zest, lime juice, soy sauce, oil, ginger, and salt in a large bowl. Add the rice, edamame, carrot, bell pepper, and onion and toss to combine.

-- page 194, From Pantry to Plate

Tip of the Week

Are you a late night snacker? Find other ways of comforting or distracting yourself, including heading to bed early. Also evaluate your eating throughout the day. Are you snacking because you've eaten little throughout the day? If you must eat, plan ahead and keep some healthy snacks on hand.

Quote of the Week

"The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears or the sea." - Isak Dinesen

Newsletter, week of June 10th

Last Week

If you're not losing weight as quickly as you'd like, remember to consider all the ways you can monitor yourself. Are you eating as little as you think? Are you exercising as much as you think? (Special aside: the battery is now in my scale - I will be using it later today to measure out ingredients for a recipe!)

This Week

Weight Watchers Tools for Living is a toolkit of 10 things that will help you adopt healthier habits and get what you want. We'll discuss this "inside" part of weight management.

Kudos

This was another busy week for celebrations! Seven members received 5 pound stars for weight loss of up to 15 pounds this week. Kristen reached 35 pounds lost, Annita and Andy hit their 65 pound milestone, and Leah not only got her 40 pound star, but reached her goal! I'm so proud of each of you - you're a real inspiration.

WW Product of the Week

It's time for a reminder about getting in that dairy, and an easy low-Point way to do that is to whip up one of our Smoothies. Mixing with water gives you one dairy serving that costs you just 1 Point, and mixing with a cup of nonfat milk will give you two dairy servings that cost only 3 Points. Available in chocolate and vanilla, and a seasonal rotating flavor that right now is strawberry banana. $7.50 for 7 packets.

Non-WW Product of the Wek

Shawn recommends Kellogg's All-Bran Crackers for a good crunchy snack. 18 crackers is just 2 Points! Available in multi-grain or garlic herb, which is the flavor Shawn says is tasty.

Recipe of the Week

Garlicky Haricots Verts
Serves 4
1 Point

1 pound haricots verts, trimmed
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 Tbsp grated pecorino Romano cheese
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Put the haricots verts in a steamer basket; set in a saucepan over 1 inch of boiling water. Cover tightly and steam until crisp-tender, 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add oil and garlic; mix well. Sprinkle with cheese and pepper, and serve at once.

-- My TurnAround Program cookbook

Tip of the Week

If you're inspired by last week's topic to begin diligent journalling again, and you're STILL unhappy with your progress, bring your completed journal to a meeting for me to review. I'll spend some time looking at it to see if I can think of ideas or spots to work on. eTools users: if you're using the Plan Manager beta, there's a little print icon on the upper right hand side, next to the "Save This Day" button that will print out your completed journal. If you're using the original eTools tracker, the link is a little more obvious, and is just above the listing of what you've tracked that day.

Quote of the Week

"We were born with two ends - one to sit on and one to think with. Success depends on which one you use; heads you win, tails you lose."

Newsletter, week of June 3rd

Last Week

When you stumble, don't let it get you down. Learn from it. Be ready for next time!

This Week

If you're not thrilled with the rate of your weight loss, this is the week for you. We'll discuss the many ways we can keep accurate tabs on ourselves.

WW Product of the Week

Electronic Food Scale with POINTS values database - one way to make sure you're eating the right amount is to weigh your food and your ingredients when you cook. This isn't just any old kitchen scale, though. It has a database of POINTS values, so that when you weigh your chicken or your pasta, you can find out its POINTS value without any calculation or consultation with the food list. This is one kitchen gadget that could make the diference!

Non-WW Product of the Week

Whenever we discuss the Good Health Guidelines, I hear a lot of grumbling about dairy. Two servings a day (or 3 for some of you) is tough to accomplish. Here's an idea: Fage Greek Style Yogurt. This yogurt is super rich and creamy, but there's a nonfat variety! I found some last night at Henry's, and Trader Joe's carries it as well. It's great plain, but drizzle in some honey and you'd swear you can see the Acropolis off in the distance. Dare I say...OPA?!?

Recipe of the Week

Mexican Polenta Pie
Serves 6
5 Points

15.5 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
10 oz box frozen corn kernels
1 zucchini, cut into 3/4 inch chunks
1 cup frozen shelled edamame
1 cup jarred chunky salsa
2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
16 oz tube prepared polenta, cut into 12 slices
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend

Preheat oven to 400, and spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.

Combine the first 8 ingredients (through the cumin) in a Dutch oven. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 10 minutes. Transfer mix to the baking dish and spread evenly. Place the polenta slices on top, overlapping the slices if needed.

Bake until bubbly at the edges, about 25 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and bake until the cheese melts, about 3 more minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving

--from our new From Pantry to Plate cookbook

Tip of the Week

Snacking will not make you fat. Only too many calories overall will do that. In fact, a 100 to 200 calorie snack eaten two to three hours before a meal can take the edge off your hunger and keep you from overeating. So view snacks as mini-meals. Have them fill in the voids left by what you didn't eat, or won't be eating, at mealtime. Think "snacks to fill the cracks."

Quote of the Week

"You can't get much done by starting tomorrow."

Newsletter, week of May 27th

Last Week

Summer can bring travel and vacation. But that doesn't mean your weight loss has to slow down. Find a way to fit the program into your summer plans, and you'll achieve that Postcard Goal!

This Week

Refuse to accept anything less than success. Come this week to see how to turn failure into feedback.

Kudos

Peggy, Jamie, Bonnie and Trish all received their first 5 pound award and are off to a great start. Jackie and Patricia reached their 10 pound award, and the big loser this week is Wilma, who has now lost 21.2 pounds. Great job everyone!

WW Product of the Week

Three Month Journal - if you keep forgetting to grab a journal when you're at the scale each week, this is the thing for you. This spiral bound book has 12 weeks of journal pages so you can continuously keep track. Keeping all that information in one place is also great for referring back to what worked (and what didn't). $4.00

Non-WW Product of the Week

I guess it's still technically a Weight Watchers product, but did you know there's a new flavor of snack cake getting ready to hit the stores? In addition to the 1 Point chocolate, lemon and carrot cakes we know and love, you'll now be able to buy a caramel flavored cake! I haven't had one yet, but caramel and I have a deep and fond relationship, so when I see them, I'll definitely give them a shot.

Recipe of the Week

I do love a good bowl of soup, and here's one that is great for summer. This is a recipe from a fabulous soup bar I visited when I was in Paris. According to the recipe builder, this soup works out to only 2 points if you divide it into the recommended 8 servings.

Gazpacho

4 green onions
2 garlic cloves
1 green or yellow pepper
1 cucumber
3 pounds ripe tomatoes, or canned peeled plum tomatoes
1/2 tsp sugar
3 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
7 ounces water
Tabasco to taste
salt and peper to taste

Peel the onions and garlic, and chop finely. Deseed the pepper and cut into thin slices. Cut the cucumber into small dice but do not peel. Cut the tomatoes in half and remove the core and seeds before coarsely chopping the flesh.

Put all the vegetables in a large bowl. Add the sugar, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and mix well.

Briefly blend the soup with an immersion blender, adding water as necessary to thin slightly; the mixture should not be smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, also adding more vinegar or Tabasco according to taste. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Tip of the Week

Hey Monthly Pass members - are you getting the most out of your eTools? It's not just for food tracking anymore! Did you know that you can see exercise demos? Click on the "Fitness and Health" link at the Weight Watchers website and you'll find demonstrations of all sorts of weight moves, stretches and yoga/pilates positions.

Quote of the Week

"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." - Jim Ryun

Can You? Will You?

One of the benefits of working for Weight Watchers is the motivation I get out of hearing about your goals and plans. That means that I'm simply full of material after having collected all of your Summer Goal Postcards. Just reading these gives me the warm and fuzzies.

Are you interested in what your colleagues are striving for? Here's a random sampling of what people want to achieve by Labor Day:

"I will be doing situps regularly."

"Focus on my goal and forgive myself when I go off track."

"To hit my 10% target."

"To fit into a single digit size."

"Count points truthfully on alcohol."

"I would like to be down 2 pants sizes."

"I want to eat fish with no tartar sauce."


Whatever your goals are, know that you can do this! Oh, and what's on MY postcard? Rumor has it I'll be mailing the following to myself come September:

"Practice yoga twice a week."

"Get back down to my personal goal of 130."


And now you know....

Newsletter, week of May 20th

Last Week

Remember that urges and cravings are a normal part of life. Step back, calm down, and figure out whether the food is worth it or not. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't.

This Week

Have TurnAround Will Travel - let's discuss vacation and travel strategies!

Kudos

This week was a great one for the Wednesday morning team. In a room of 15 members, we awarded 3 35 pound stars (Shawn, Leah and Alanna), 1 20 pound star and a 10% keychain to Nikki. Great job everyone!

WW Product of the Week

POINTS Pedometer - when you hit the road on vacation, often times you're more active than you are at home. What better way to see for sure than to wear a pedometer? Check how far you've walked, and figure out how many activity points you've earned. Once you've measured your stride, using it is easy!

Non-WW Product of the Week

Summertime means baseball and barbecues, so you'd better have some hot dogs on hand! Hebrew National's 97% Fat Free Beef Franks are lean and mean clocking in at just 45 calories a frank. Pair that with a Wonder Light hot dog bun, and you just might need to have two!

Recipe of the Week

You can spend your points on beverages too, you know!

Low-Cal Cherry Vodkatini

(Entire recipe: 105 calories, 0g fat, 0g fiber = 2 Points)

1.5 oz. vodka; chilled
1 serving (for 8 oz. prepared) sugar-free, artificially sweetened cherry powdered drink mix (such as Sugar Free Kool-Aid) OR unsweetened cherry powdered drink mix (such as Kool-Aid unsweetened drink mix)
1 packet SPLENDA (only needed if using unsweetened drink mix)
1 oz. diet cherry lemon-lime soda (such as Diet Cherry 7UP)

Begin by dissolving the drink mix into just 6 oz. of cold water (even though the serving size is for 8 oz.). If using unsweetened drink mix, add the Splenda. Combine just 1/3rd (2 oz.) of this mixture (save the rest for future Vodkatinis!) with the vodka and stir. Pour into a martini glass, top with soda and enjoy! Serves 1.

If you prefer a lighter (and larger!) beverage, just add some extra soda or cherry drink.

Tip of the Week

As we lose our weight our health most definitely improves. Cholesterol usually goes down, as does blood pressure. But before you assume you're a picture of health, check out your family history. Genetics is also a factor in your health - ask around to see if you should be monitoring other things than your weight. Live long and prosper!

Quote of the Week

"Never lose sight of your goal. Prepare yourself in every way you can...so that you can make the most of opportunity when it occurs." - Mario Andretti

Newsletter, week of May 13th

Last Week

Making use of all four facets of the Weight Watchers program is ideal. And once you get a few of them down, the whole plan comes in to focus. Eat wisely, move more, think first and attend weekly meetings - you'll be unstoppable!

This Week

Craving something? Have the urge to splurge? We'll talk about them, and brainstorm how to prevent and manage them.

Kudos

It was another fantastic week for weight loss awards! We celebrated 2 5 pound awards, a 10 pound award, 2 15 pound awards and 2 16 week charms. Then we got to give Mike his 20 pound star, Kristen her 30 pound star, Marianne her 35 pound star, Laketa her 45 pound star, and last but not least Annita and Andy their 60 pound stars. Phew!

WW Product of the Week

Mini-Bars - since the topic of the week is cravings and urges, it's only right to suggest that when one surfaces, the mini bars are a good way to get it taken care of with minimal Points damage. Chocolate caramel and dark chocolate raspberry mini bars can take care of your sweet tooth for only 1 Point. $7.50 per box

Non-WW Product of the Week

Wednesday morning's group had a little discussion about some new, yet elusive flatbreads. Flatout Flatbreads (click on the "flash site" link on the upper right to enter the flash site with all the product information) are low-calorie high-fiber flatbreads that can be used for wraps, pizzas and who knows what else! According to their website the company is based in Michigan, so many of the stores that carry them aren't ones we have access to here. The potential sources around here are Albertsons, Bristol Farms and Vons. I'll be heading out sometime soon to see if I can find them and try them for myself! If you get truly desperate, they do have an online store.

Recipe of the Week

Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Wraps
Serves 4
5 Points each

4 large whole wheat tortillas
2 tsp low-cal mayonnaise
12 slices ready-to-serve bacon
2 tomatoes, sliced
shredded lettuce

Spread each of the tortillas with mayonnaise. Microwave the bacon according to package directions until crisp. Place 3 slices of the bacon on each tortilla, and top with shredded lettuce and 3 thick slices of tomato. Roll each tortilla burrito style. Cut in half (two halves equal one serving).

Tip of the Week

Use your Complete Food Companion as your shopping list. Highlight the items that give you more bang for your buck in terms of Points values, and make sure you add them to your grocery list. When you've already figured out what products or brands are best for your eating plan, your time in the store will be quick and efficient.

Quote of the Week

"The pain of passing up food is temporary. The rewards of weight loss are forever."

Newsletter, week of May 6th

I'm back! The first week I was gone, I was in London:



The second week I was gone, I was in Paris:



In addition to pictures, I am also pleased to report that I brought back only 1.4 extra pounds. And that was while eating whatever I pleased. Which I quite enjoyed. But now, back to business....

Last Week

Do you have old negative messages rattling around in your head? Try to find new endings to those old beginnings, and you'll find your path is clearer.

This Week

What four things do you need to stay focused and be successful? Come to the meeting this week to find out!

Kudos

Congratulations go out this week to our 10 pound losers Debbie, Emily and Stacy. At 15 pounds Wilma and Michael are happy! Charmaine reached her 20 pound award and feels in control. Doni received her 40 pound award. Great job, everyone!

WW Product of the Week

Don't have a gym membership? No problem. Our Get Moving Mix allows you to craft all sorts of workouts for whatever time you have available. Workouts include abs, yoga/pilates and cardio dance. Check it out, and you'll have no excuses.

Non-WW Product of the Week

I've been digging the heck out of Campbell's Select Gold Label soup. These are the soups that come in rectangular boxes, usually found just below the cans of soup. In particular I like the Golden Butternut Squash. Check out the nutrition information at the link, and you'll see it's a great Points value. A quick lunch is just a few minutes away.

Recipe of the Week

African Spiced Chicken Stew
Serves 4
5 Points and Core

1 Tbsp canola oil
1 lb chicken tenders cut into 1" pieces
3/4 cup chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp cinnamon
14.5 oz fat-free low sodium chicken broth
12 oz frozen squash puree, thawed
1 cup frozen corn kernels
3/4 tsp salt

Heat oil over high heat and cook the chicken until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, garlic and spices. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add broth, squash, corn and salt, and cook until vegetables are tender, about 6 minutes.

--from the new From Pantry to Plate cookbook

Tip of the Week

Want to make sure you don't put more dinner on your plate than you think you ought to? Avoid serving family style at the table. Dish up proper portions in the kitchen, and leave the pot of leftovers behind. Having to get up and walk to the stove to get your second serving might be the split second you need to say "do I really want that?"

Quote of the Week

"Only one thing has to change for us to know happiness in our lives: where we focus our attention." - Greg Anderson

Postcards from the Edge

Remember the last week of January? You filled out a postcard with a goal you wanted to achieve by the end of April. Well, those postcards are going out in the mail today, so you'll be receiving them soon. I know it's not the end of April yet, but it might be the kick in the rump you need to get there by the end of the month.

Also, since the cat has been let out of the bag as of Monday night, I'll confess that the real reason they were dropped in the mail today is because I will be leaving on vacation this Saturday, and will be gone for two weeks. However, just because I won't be there, doesn't mean you shouldn't be there. Come on, I know how you love shooting the breeze with each other before the meeting starts, right?

As a teaser, here's what we'll be discussing these next two meetings:

Week of April 15th: Learn how snacking can benefit your weight-loss efforts, and discuss how to incorporate satisfying sensible snacks into your food plan.

Week of April 22nd: Discuss long-term weight maintenance and how it can be done.

Sounds good, right? Make sure you're there ready to talk about it!

And lastly, so no one misses out on any hard earned glory this week, here are some of the celebrations we had in the past few days:

Shawn and Rebecca have lost 30 pounds
Leah and Kristen have lost 25 pounds
Charlette has lost 15 pounds
Nora and Michael have lost 10 pounds
Kathleen has lost 5 pounds

Great job, everybody! And when I get back, we'll celebrate those postcard goals.

Newsletter, week of April 8th

Last Week

Special occasions don't have to ruin your weight loss. Plan ahead and learn how to incorporate special times into your life. They won't go away, right?

This Week

Have you ever said "oh, I don't want to waste it" or "I'd hate to hurt her feelings" before popping food into your mouth? We'll challenge that logic this week.

Kudos

This week we celebrated 7 pounds of weight loss for Debbie, 20.6 pounds for Marta, and 50 pounds for Annita. Keep it going!

WW Product of the Week

Fruities - need a little something to keep your hands and mouth distracted? Try a Fruitie! These little candies have the consistency of a jujube, and one sleeve is only one Point. Try them in strawberry, blackberry, or my favorite...cherry. $2.50 for a pack of 3 sleeves

Non-WW Product of the Week

If you've started walking, biking or rollerblading, you may be curious how far you're traveling. Well, thanks to Google, there are a couple of ways you can map out your routes online. Try Gmaps Pedometer or Map My Run and you'll get an exact mileage!

Recipe of the Week

Egg Salad
Serves 4
3 Points

4 large eggs
2 large egg whites, you’ll have to boil these as whole eggs and discard the yolks
2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
2 Tbsp reduced-calorie mayonnaise
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Put eggs in a pan and pour in enough water to cover them; bring to a boil over high heat. Boil 10 minutes, pour out the water, and place eggs in a bowl of ice water.

When eggs are cool, remove shells. Discard two of the yolks. Cut eggs and whites into 1/2-inch pieces. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until blended.

Tip of the Week

Trying to figure out where your comfort zone lies? Slow down. Take the time to chew your food. Put your fork down between bites. This gives your body time to send your brain the "I'm full" message. That way you won't accidentally bypass satisfaction and end up too full.

Quote of the Week

"Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure" - Don Wilder

Newsletter, week of April 1st

Last Week

Remember who your weight loss role models are. Learn from them! Also know that as you follow the program, you're likely inspiring others.

This Week

Winter isn't the only season with special occasions. Whether it's Thanksgiving, Passover or the 4th of July, learning how to deal with those kinds of eating challenges is critical to weight loss success. Come hear about how to do it!

Kudos

We had three members reach their 10% targets this week: Annita, Marta and Shawn. One goal down, so what's the next one ladies?!?

Also celebrating this week were Julie (10 pounds), Leah (20 pounds), Marianne (30 pounds) and Andrew (45 pounds). Combined you folks have lost over 100 pounds!

WW Product of the Week

Check out our cookbooks! If you're looking for a healthy recipe to add to your special occasion, these books are great resources. You'll find recipes that fit both the Flex and Core plans, great dishes from around the world, fast and easy meals, and special dishes for the advanced chef. Prices and selection varies by location.

Non-WW Product of the Week

A friend of mine mentioned she'd started exercising again, using the Yourself! Fitness program. If you thought video games were the downfall of humanity, this ought to change your mind. If there's a Playstation or Xbox in your house, you can turn it into a virtual personal trainer who will guide you through all sorts of different workouts. Working out at home without having to shell out big bucks for personal training? Cool deal!

Recipe of the Week

Shrimp and Pineapple Saute
Serves 4
3 Points and Core

1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp canola oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp grated peeled fresh ginger
2 cups diced pineapple
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
3 scallions, cut into 1" pieces
2 tsp fresh lime juice

Sprinkle shrimp with half the salt and pepper. Saute over medium-high heat in 1 tsp of the oil until the shrimp is just opaque. Set the shrimp aside on a plate.

Heat the rest of the oil, add the garlic and ginger, and stir constantly for about 30 seconds. Add pineapple and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add bell pepper, and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.

-- Pure Comfort cookbook

Tip of the Week

Want to make sure you stay in control at a special event? Wear something fitted! Overeating can be uncomfortable anyway, but knowing you don't have much room in your waistband can help keep you from eating too much. Don't wear your "big meal" clothes - you know, that elastic waistband!

Quote of the Week

"Never eat more than you can lift." - Miss Piggy

A Muffin By Any Other Name...

In the continuing saga of "I Cook So You Don't Have To" I present to you something you might actually care to make yourself.

Let me tell you a little secret. There's a staff message board for us at the Weight Watchers website. Mostly we post about employment policies, meeting room ideas, and our own weight loss, but every once in a while someone will try to track down an old recipe. That, incidentally, is where the Coconut Cream Pie recipe came from, and what started this series of posts.

Imagine my surprise when I logged on to find a fellow leader trying to track down a recipe for "poop muffins." One thing you may not know about me is that I have an extremely juvenile sense of humor, so instantly I knew I had to make these. It is unclear where the name comes from...is it a reference to what the finished product looks like? Is it a reference to the fact that it's a high fiber food? I shall leave the answer as an exercise for the reader, but rest assured I did reach my own conclusions on the matter.

Poop Muffins

Makes 24 muffins
2 Points per muffin

3 cups Kellogg's Original All-Bran
2 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 box low-fat brownie mix

Preheat oven to 350. Spray muffin tins with nonstick spray.

Soak cereal in water for 10 minutes. Add the baking powder and brownie mix, stirring until everything is mixed well.

Bake for approximately 20 minutes.




What do we have here - a cooking success? The muffins are dense, yet still kind of moist. And they taste chocolately. I mean come on, it's based on a box of brownie mix! Which brings me to my final thought. Although these are muffins, I'm not sure they qualify as a breakfast item. Think about it - would you think it's a good idea to have a brownie for breakfast?

Newsletter, week of March 25th

Last Week

Make sure you're not suffering from portion distortion. Healthy foods are great, but quantity counts, too. No matter which food plan you follow, take a tip from the Core Plan - eat only until you're satisfied. Which of course means you'll need that doggie bag!

This Week

There's probably someone whose weight loss success has inspired you. We'll talk about those people, and also the fact that you might be inspiring someone at this very moment.

Kudos

Oh my goodness, what a week! We had two people reach their 10% targets: Candi and Leah. And plenty of weight milestones as well: Shawn (25), Andrew (40), Kristen (20) and Joann (21). You're all doing such a great job!

WW Product of the Week

Weight Watchers Magazine - you can read about successful members, find great recipes and meal plans, learn what's hot in the field of weight loss, and pick up some great new tips. What's not to love? $4 an issue

Non-WW Product of the Week

Wednesday morning we heard about Lipton Green Tea To Go. If you're looking for another flavor to add into the rotation along with our Mix-Ins (because of course you've tried those, right?) these are some great options. In particular we saw the Mandarin and Mango flavor. Just pour the powder in your water bottle and go.

Recipe of the Week

Sweet Potato and Squash Bake
Serves 6
2 Points

2 pounds acorn squash
1/2 pound sweet potatoes
2 tsp canola oil
1 Tbsp unpacked brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a baking pan with cooking spray. Place sweet potatoes and squash (both cut into chunks) in pan. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg; toss to coat mixture well. Bake covered for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.

--Recipe courtesy of the eTools recipe search

Tip of the Week

Looking to move more but stuck at work? Here are a few tips to help you out: Eat your lunch at a park a few blocks away, and walk there instead of driving. Walk to a coworker's desk rather than e-mailing or calling. Move your trashcan far away from your desk so you'll have to get up to throw away garbage.

Quote of the Week

"Winners have a way - losers have a reason" - Author Unknown

Newsletter, week of March 18th

Last Week

Feeding our emotions fills a need but stands in the way of our goals. Finding another way to fill the need can be a huge breakthrough.

This Week

The world seems to be suffering from portion distortion! We'll talk about the upside to downsizing our servings.

Kudos

Guess who hit 25 pounds of weight loss? Rosie sure did! She joins Lynn in the celebrations this week, who has hit her 30 pound milestone. These two ladies, and Mary Ellen who reached her 16th week are great role models for us. They are determined, and they are succeeding.

WW Product of the Week

Three Month Journal - if you like to have your Points tracked right as you eat them, and keep forgetting to grab a new journal each week at the scale, try this little guy. Three months of spiral bound pages help you track and reflect on what's worked in the past and what hasn't. $6.00

Non-WW Product of the Week

If you have trouble getting your daily dairy servings, remember that soymilk is now one of the products you can use! I've recently discovered 8th Continent Light Vanilla soymilk. It's got just 60 calories, so it's just one Point! I've never been a fan of the taste of milk, so this is a great alternative for me.

Recipe of the Week

Sauteed Spinach with Almonds and Grapes
Serves 4
3 Points

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 Tbsp blanched sliced almonds
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 10-oz bags spinach leaves
1 Tbsp water
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup seedless red grapes, halved

Heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook onions and almonds, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and almonds are golden. Add garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds.

Adjust heat to high, and add spinach, water, salt and pepper, stirring just until the spinach wilts. Add grapes and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.

To make it core, remove the almonds.

-- My Turnaround Program Cookbook p. 260

Tip of the Week

Disarm your cravings with the 5 D's: Delay at least 10 minutes before you eat so that your action is conscious, not impulsive. Distract yourself by engaging in an activity that requires concentration. Distance yourself from the food. Determine how important it really is for you to eat the craved food and how much you really want it. Decide what amount is reasonable and appropriate, eat it slowly and enjoy!

Quote of the Week

"Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing 'til it gets there." - Joseph Billings

Newsletter, week of March 11th

Last Week

No matter where you are on the ladder of achievement, believing that you can will help you move to the highest rung.

This Week

If you've ever turned to food in response to an emotion, you'll want to be at this week's meeting. We'll explore why we do it and what we can do instead.

Kudos

Larry has lost 5 pounds, and Emily has lost 6.4 pounds. You both are off to a fantastic start, so keep up the good work!

WW Product of the Week

Walking Kit - if you'd like to get started on a walking routine, or are looking for something new to earn activity points, check this out. It's got a Walk at Home DVD, a CD with workouts you can take with you, and a walking guide with all the tips and ideas you'll need to make it happen.

Non-WW Product of the Week

If you love Mexican food, but hate to spend a lot of points on tortillas, check out La Tortilla Factory's low-carb low-fat tortillas. They've got several flavors and sizes to suit your recipes. One note of caution - these are NOT zero point tortillas, despite what your points calculator will tell you. If it's not a vegetable, it's not a zero point food. The original tortilla has 50 calories, so please count a Point when you eat one.

Recipe of the Week

Corned Beef and Cabbage with Red Potatoes
Serves 4
8 Points

1 pound lean beef round
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp yellow mustard seed
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp coriander seed
1/2 tsp ground cloves
2 bay leaves
8 small uncooked red potatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces
16 baby carrots
1 medium head green cabbage, coarsely shredded

Coat beef with salt and pepper and place in a large stockpot; cover with water. Add seasonings and bay leaves, and set over high heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 40 minutes.

Add potatoes, carrots and cabbage and return to a boil. Increase heat to medium, partially cover pot and boil, until everything is fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of liquid; discard bay leaves.

Slice meat crosswise into thin slices and serve with vegetables. Pour some reserved cooking liquid over each serving.

Tip of the Week

Cooking tip: Rely upon fresh herbs, pungent spices, citrus juices, spicy relishes and/or hot peppers and chiles to boost flavor when cutting back on fat in recipes (fat carries a lot of flavor so you need to replace it with strongly-flavored ingredients).

Quote of the Week

"ANY food can be a red-light food when I'm having red-light feelings" - Ellen Dietschy

More from the "I Cook So You Don't Have To" files

I love finding great tasting foods with low Point values, as I'm sure most of you do. Over the years, this has meant trying all sorts of low-fat, fat-free, low-sugar, sugar-free, low-carb, carb-free (and on and on) type products. Some taste great, others are okay in a pinch, and some I wish I'd never bothered to try.

One of my "red light" foods is peanut butter. Once I have a little bit of it, I can't seem to stop. As a result, there hasn't been a jar in my house in a long time. Sure, I've tried the reduced fat variety, but honestly, the nutritional profile isn't that much better than your standard P.B., so why bother?

Which is why when I caught wind of PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter, I was intrigued. According to the nutrition information on the website, the stuff has 54 calories for two tablespoons. And yet...powdered peanut butter that mixes with water? This could either be the best thing ever or the most horrifying thing I've ever put in my mouth.

In the interest of science, I decided to give it a try. With the 4-jar minimum and shipping and handling, I had to shell out twenty bucks. I figured if it ended up being tasty, great, and if not, well, I'm sure it would produce some comedy at least.

The package arrived a few days ago. Here is what the stuff looks like when reconstituted:



And here's a close-up of the faux peanut butter:



I am pleased to report that this stuff TASTES GOOD. It really tastes like peanut butter! I spread it on some toast and wow, was it awesome. My next thought was "hmm, I wonder if it works well in baking or cooking...." Clearly I need a hobby.

Anyway, I decided to make some peanut butter oat bran cookies using a recipe from my box of oat bran hot cereal. Here's the recipe, and no I don't know the nutritional value. Run it through the eTools recipe builder if you plan on making them for yourself:

Peanut Butter Oat Bran Cookies

1/2 c butter, melted
1/2 c white sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
1 egg or 2 egg whites
1/2 c peanut butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 c unbleached white flour
1 1/2 c Hodgson Mill oat bran cereal
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix melted butter with sugars. Add egg (or whites); mix well. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla; beat until smooth. Add remaining dry ingredients; mix well. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Criss-cross on each cookie with the tines of a fork. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 36 cookies.



The verdict? PB2 cooks well! These cookies tasted good, although they were slightly dry. I expect that's more a function of the oat bran, though. The peanut butter taste was right on.

I can't believe this product actually is worthy! I'm very excited, because this opens up a whole new realm of Thai recipes for me. There are tons of peanut sauce recipes I've always skipped because I haven't wanted to keep a jar of peanut butter in the house. But having this lighter option (that can be made one serving at a time) is much easier to control. Now Bell Plantations just needs to make it available in grocery stores....

Newsletter, week of March 4th

Last Week

Once again, we demonstrated that Weight Watchers love to talk about food! Thanks to everyone who shared their best food finds with us.

This Week

During your weight loss process, you might notice some mental shifts. Examining your beliefs - thinking first - can help you identify the thoughts that are hindering or helping your progress toward your goals.

Kudos

This week our Wednesday group shined! We celebrated Marta's 15 pound milestone, Shawn's 20 pound weight loss, Alanna's 25 pound award, and the fact that Lynn is now back at goal. What a day!

WW Product of the Week

Points Calculator - Do you think carrying around our big square PointsFinder is a nuisance? Does it get crushed in your pocket or your handbag? Our electronic calculator will give you Points values in a small, sturdy case. This is great for calculating points on the go, whether it's in the grocery store, or in a restaurant. $10.00

Non-WW Product of the Week

The product that was shared this past week that seemed to get everyone the most excited was the Hostess 100 Calorie Cupcake Pack. Little mini cupcakes in chocolate (1 Point), golden (2 Points) and carrot (2 Points)? Oh yes. Important note: like all snack and dessert items, these should be occasional indulgences. Because of their nutritional profile, one package of the chocolate cupcakes is only one point (100 calories, 3 g of fat, and 5 g of fiber). If you eat two packages in one sitting (thus eating 200 calories, 6 g of fat, and 10 g of fiber) you will be consuming 4 Points of cupcakes because of the 4 gram fiber cap.

Recipe of the Week

Marta raves about this recipe, and says she makes it all the time for breakfast, so here it is:

Tuscan Beans with Sage and Pancetta
Serves 6
5 Points

1 tsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 oz thinly sliced pancetta, cut into strips
2 (15 oz) cans cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained but not rinsed
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
Ground pepper, to taste

Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add pancetta and cook about 3 minutes, until crisp.

Add the beans and sage; cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are blended, about 10 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper.

--Turnaround Program Cookbook, page 250

Tip of the Week

If you find yourself doing unplanned snacking, do some research. In addition to journaling what you eat and its Points value, log the time of day and your mood when food is eaten. You may discover certain triggers - a time of day, an emotion - that drive you to eat. Once you know what the trigger is, you can take the next step to dealing with it or preparing for it.

Quote of the Week

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind." - William James

Newsletter, week of February 25th

Last Week

Don't fall victim to all-or-nothing thinking. Persistence is far more important than perfection. And unlike perfection, persistence is achievable!

This Week

Food finds! Be ready to share what goes into your cart at the grocery store. I bet we'll all leave the meeting with at least one cool new idea.

Kudos

Julie and Jackie got off to a great start this week by getting their first five pound weight loss award. You can do it, ladies!

WW Product of the Week

Oatmeal 4-Packs: available in apple cinnamon and maple brown sugar, these individual serving cups make eating healthy on the run an easy thing to do. Cook and eat your breakfast all in one container. $6.00

Non-WW Product of the Week

This month's WW magazine features an ad for O'Coco's Organic Baked Chocolate Crisps. They are thin wafer cookies that are prepackaged into bags with just 90 calories. Has anyone tried these yet? This could be another one to add to our armory of 2 point snack bags!

Recipe of the Week

Apple-Cheddar Pancakes
Serves 6
5 Points

5 tsp unsalted butter
1 Golden Delicious apple, peeled and finely chopped
2 tsp sugar
1 cup fat-free sour cream
3/4 cup fat-free milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1/4 tsp dried)

Melt 2 tsp of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add apple and sugar, stirring occasionally, until apple is lightly browned (about 5 min). Transfer to a small bowl and cool for 5 minutes.

Microwave the remaining butter on high until melted. In a large bowl combine melted butter, 1/2 cup sour cream, milk, and egg. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Add flour mix to the other mix, stirring until just blended. Add in the apples, cheese, chives and thyme.

Wipe skillet and spray with nonstick spray. Over medium heat, drop 1/4 cupfuls of batter in the skillet. Cook until bubbles begin to appear at the edges of the pancakes (3 min). Flip and cook until golden. Repeat with the rest of the batter, making 12 pancakes. Serve at once with the remaining sour cream.

Tip of the Week

Going to a party at someone's house? Before you dive into the food, ask some questions. If you're trying to limit your Points, you'll need to know what's in stuff to be able to count it. Try something like "Those look great, what are they filled with?" That kind of information will be helpful to assess whether the item fits into your program or not.

Quote of the Week

A frog has a wonderful advantage in life; he can eat everything that bugs him! - Author Unknown

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

Newsletter, week of February 11th

Last Week

Chocolate and all your favorite treats do not have to be abandoned in order to achieve weight loss. Portion control or lower-point substitutions can help. Remember: everything in moderation.

This Week

We're going to do a little bonding this week. Be prepared to discuss your top 3 challenges, successes and tips. If we play our cards right, one person's tip or success will help another person's challenges.

Kudos

Great stuff this week, including a 15 pound award for Shawn, a 20 pound award for Andrew, a 55 pound award for Judy and a 10% award for Alanna. Keep up the good work, everybody!

WW Product of the Week

32 Ounce Insulated Mug - one of the Good Health Guidelines is to drink 48 ounces of water every day. By keeping this mug at your side, you'll be able to easily accomplish that goal. The insulation prevents sweating and condensation, and the mug includes a straw (replacement straws are also available for purchase). $5.50

Non-WW Product of the Week

We talk about activity all the time in meetings, and many of you have a great cardio plan in place. But don't forget about resistance training. It helps build muscle (or prevent muscle loss, which happens as we age) and muscle burns calories more efficiently than fat does - so it helps boost your metabolism. I have a set of Reebok dumbells that I bought at Target (they look a lot like these) so I can help tone up my arms. Don't be afraid of the sleeveless shirt!

Recipe of the Week

Fusilli with Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce

Serves 4
5 Points

2 cups fusilli
1/2 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
2 Tbsp chopped parsley

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a bowl. Combine the next 3 ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth. Add mixture to the pasta along with the nuts and parsley. Toss until the pasta is well coated. This can be served warm or as a chilled pasta salad.

-- from Pure Comfort

Tip of the Week

When you feel like you really can't do this, you need some inspiration. If you haven't discovered it yet, there's a great section of success stories on the Weight Watchers website. People tell their personal stories and offer up great tips. You'll either find a new idea to try, or just be stunned at what people have achieved. Either way, it's worth the click.

Quote of the Week

"Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire." - Reggie Leach

Newsletter, week of February 4th

Last Week

Whether it's a comfort food for the season, or a food that reminds you of your youth, you CAN incorporate it into your new eating plan. Remember the ideas we talked about last week, and you'll be able to eat the foods you love and still lose weight.

This Week

Chocolate is good for your heart! Wine is a fruit! Hey, you don't have to make up an excuse to indulge in a treat, but don't let it get out of hand. This week we'll talk about why treats are good and how to control them so we don't go overboard.

WW Product of the Week

One Point Mini Bars - Got a taste for a Milky Way but don't want to spend the Points? Our chocolate caramel mini bar is the perfect alternative. Craving s'mores but you know bringing chocolate bars, marshmallows and graham crackers into the house is a fool's errand? Our s'mores mini bar is a safer way to go. Do you miss grandma's oatmeal raisin cookies? Try our oatmeal raisin mini bar. $7.50 per box

Non-WW Product of the Week

My food needs flavor. Hey, I don't get to eat a lot of it, so I'm not going to waste my time eating things that taste bland. So I like to use lots of herbs and spices when I cook. Spice blends are great, because you don't need to have twenty million bottles in your cabinet, and they are pretty versatile. I recommend products like Mrs. Dash Seasoning Blends, Cavender's Greek Spice Blend or Spike.

Recipe of the Week

Tex-Mex Meatloaf
Serves 6
4 Points and Core

1-1/2 pounds ground lean beef (5% fat or less)
1/2 cup prepared chunky fat-free salsa
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano
3/4 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350, and spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray.

Combine meat, half the salsa, the egg white and all the seasonings in a large bowl, mixing until blended. Transfer half of the mixture to the pan. Top with the cheese, leaving a border along the edge. Put the rest of the meat mixture on top, and spread the remaining salsa over it.

Bake until the temperature in the center of the loaf reads 160,about 60-70 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing.

Tip of the Week

If you regularly journal your food intake, hang on to that information. Had a great weight loss? You can look back and see all the things you did to make it happen. Feel like you're hitting a plateau? Time to analyze what you're eating and see if changes are needed. (And if you need help with that one, I will be happy to review your journal and give you some suggestions.)

Quote of the Week

"The greatest tragedies were written by the Greeks and by Shakespeare. Neither knew chocolate. The Swiss are known for nonviolence. They are also known for superb chocolate." - Sandra Boynton