Newsletter, week of July 27th

Last Week

Have you been standing tall? Wearing clothes that fit? I bet you look great!

This Week

There are probably situations that make you feel like you're out of control. This week we'll talk about strategies to keep your cool, even when it feels like you can't.

Kudos

Awards for the week include a 10 pound star for Maria, a 25 pound star for Trina, a 30 pound star for Loretta, and a 35 pound star for Roseana. Good going, girls!

WW Product of the Week

Preparation is a good way to keep in control. Get prepared by knowing the Points values of food you're likely to encounter. How best to do this? Our companions, of course! Whether it's at the grocery store or at a restaurant, our food companions give you the knowledge to make the smart choices.

Weekly Potpourri

Once again I point you to a favorite webcomic. This one is drawn by the wife of last week's artist. (I am secretly dying to have dinner with these two, it would probably be a hoot!)



Image courtesy of Natalie Dee

Recipe of the Week

This one is tried and true from Wednesday member Marta:

Asian-Style Lettuce Wraps
Serves 12
1 Points value

2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint
12 small, tender Bibb or iceberg lettuce leaves, rinsed, drained, and dried

Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add shredded chicken and herbs, and toss to combine. Let stand 5 minutes.

Spoon about 2 1/2 tablespoons chicken mixture in center of each lettuce leaf.

What's Hot at WW.com

Are you unhappy with the rate of your weight loss? Maybe you're in The Twilight Zone! Trust me, I've been there, too.

Quote of the Week

The dictionary defines "rehearsal" as "making proficient by repeating." So, by repeating - mentally - what you want to achieve, you make yourself proficient in ANY imaginable challenge.

Newsletter, week of July 20th

Last Week

Getting to know your eating style is important. Did you figure out anything new about what your eating habits are?

This Week

Most of us probably wouldn't mind looking thinner. No matter where you're at on your journey, we'll talk about how to look better now, and how to feel better about it.

Kudos

We had all sorts of celebrating to do this week: Stephanie got her 5 pound star, Vernay reached 20 pounds, Karen hit 25 pounds (48 total including her pre-WW loss!), Trixie hit 30 pounds. Floyd and Hethyr both got their 16 week charms, Velma got her 10% keychain, and Elise reached Lifetime!

WW Product of the Week

Mix-Ins: It's hot, so are you drinking enough water? If you don't like the taste of plain old water, or you get bored with it, try our flavor mix-ins. Wouldn't a glass of lemonade sound good right now? Our packets will flavor a 16 ounce container nicely.

Weekly Potpourri

Anyone who works in an office setting will probably get a kick out of this one. This is from one of my favorite webcomics, Toothpaste for Dinner:


toothpastefordinner.com

If you can't read the writing on the pizza box it says "Let's get fat together." It feels like that sometimes, doesn't it?

Recipe of the Week

This is a recipe I found this past week on eTools that helped me use up a bunch of fresh produce I had on hand.

Minestrone with Kale
POINTS® Value: 3
Servings: 8

2 tsp olive oil
2 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced 1/4-inch thick
10 medium baby carrots, halved widthwise if large
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cup kale, coarsely chopped
28 oz canned diced tomatoes, with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
4 cups vegetable broth
15 oz canned great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup cooked orzo
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended

Heat oil in a large pot. Add zucchini, carrots and onion; sauté over high heat until onion is transparent, about 7 minutes. Add kale; sauté until wilted, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Add diced tomatoes, broth and beans. Simmer until carrots are tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in cooked orzo, salt and pepper.

To serve, pour into bowls and sprinkle with cheese. Yields about 1 cup of soup and 1 1/2 tablespoons of cheese per serving.

What's Hot at WW.com

Do you take advantage of the messageboards at the Weight Watchers website? Whether you have eTools or not you're welcome to join the community. Here is a list of communities that you can join. There's something for just about every niche out there!

Quote of the Week

Refuse to criticize, condemn, or complain. Instead, think and talk only about the things you really want. - Brian Tracy

Newsletter, week of July 13th

Last Week

Having a visual image of what you want to achieve can help keep you motivated to do that one extra thing. Did you get inspired to kick it up a degree?

This Week

It's not just about what you eat, but about how you eat. This week we'll talk about eating patterns, and how yours works for you.

Kudos

We celebrated first five pound awards for Glenda and Kathryn, and gave Velma her 20 pound star. Vernay reached her ten percent target this week, too!

WW Product of the Week

Once again, this is a topic that fits well with all of our cookbooks - if you need to change your eating pattern, switch up the foods you're choosing, move from Flex to Core (or the other way) our cookbooks are great resources. You'll find something for every cooking ability.

Weekly Potpourri

Sometimes exercise feels like a battle, but a great song can really put pep in your step. I don't usually have newsletter posts open for comments, but I'm going to try a little interactive thing and see how it goes. I'd love to know what songs you listen to when you're working out. Are you sweatin' to the oldies? Shaking your groove thing? I may steal some of your ideas!

Here's a list of some of the songs on my workout playlist:

Pocketful of Sunshine - Natasha Bedingfield
Here Comes Your Man - Pixies
Sabotage - Beastie Boys
It's Raining Men - Weather Girls
Superstition - Stevie Wonder

Recipe of the Week

Tequila-Lime Shrimp
POINTS® Value: 3
Servings: 6

1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 Tbsp jalapeno pepper, minced (don't touch seeds with bare hands)
1/2 tsp chili powder, chipotle-variety
3/4 tsp sugar
3/4 fl oz tequila
1/4 cup cilantro, fresh, chopped, divided
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste (plus some for garnish)
1 1/2 pound shrimp, jumbo-size, shelled and deveined (or leave tails on for a nicer presentation)

In a small bowl, combine lime juice, jalapeno, chili powder, sugar, tequila and 2 tablespoon of cilantro; set aside.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and salt; cook, stirring, until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add shrimp; sauté, until shrimp turn pink, about 4 minutes. Remove shrimp to a serving plate and cover to keep warm.

Add lime juice mixture to same skillet and place over high heat. Cook until alcohol burns off, stirring and scrapping sides of pan, about 2 minutes; pour over shrimp and garnish with remaining cilantro and more sea salt, if desired.

--courtesy of eTools

What's Hot at WW.com

Do you think that having knee pain means you can't exercise? It might not! Obviously it's best to go with a doctor's recommendation of what you should or shouldn't do, but check out what one expert has to say on the subject.

Quote of the Week

This week's quote comes courtesy of Marianne - when she said it on Monday, I knew I had to jot it down. Thanks!

"An excuse is the skin of a reason stuffed with a lie."

Newsletter, week of July 6th

Last Week

Grilling can be a great way to celebrate summer holidays and keep your eating in check. Go ahead and throw another shrimp on the barbie!

This Week

Do you want to get fired up about your weight loss? Catch the spark at this week's meeting!

Kudos

Becky received her 10 pound star this Wednesday. Monday folks, I'm looking forward to getting caught up on your successes this week.

WW Product of the Week

Member Kits - take our Companions everywhere you go so you'll always know the Points values of anything. Take our spiral bound journal with you for 12 weeks of tracking. Bump up to the Deluxe kit and you'll get a DVD and a book of motivational stories.

Weekly Potpourri

The topic of alcoholic beverages came up in discussion this week, and we talked about how they can really soak up the Points. Hungry Girl is a great reference for lower Point cocktails, and you can find a couple of neat martini recipes here, and a pina colada recipe.

Recipe of the Week

Summer Squash with Fresh Mint & Feta
Serves 4
2 Points value and Core

1 Tbsp + 1 tsp red-wine vinegar
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, crushed through a press
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 large zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/2" slices
2 large summer squash, cut lengthwise into 1/2" slices
1/4 cup torn fresh mint
1/4 cup crumbled fat-free feta cheese

Preheat the grill to medium or prepare a medium fire. Meanwhile, whisk together the vinegar, oil, mustard, garlic, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper in a small bowl. Spray the zucchini and summer squash with olive oil nonstick spray; sprinkle with the remaining salt and pepper.

Place the zucchini and squash on the grill rack and grill until tender and lightly browned, 4-5 minutes on each side. Transfer to a platter. Re-whisk the dressing and drizzle over the squash; sprinkle with the mint and feta. Serve hot or at room temperature.

-- from Sizzle It! cookbook

What's Hot at WW.com

School's out for the summer, but Weight Watchers is always in session. This quiz tests how well you know your program materials. I hope you pass!

Quote of the Week

"A little more persistence, a little more effort and what seemed hopeless...may turn to glorious success." - Elbert Hubbard

Newsletter, week of June 29th

Last Week

Eating less is sometimes a battle. But with the tips and tricks we shared last week, you should be well on your way to making it happen.

This Week

Any grillmasters out there? We're going to talk about barbecuing, grilling, and how it can fit into a healthy summer eating plan.

Kudos

Rebecca survived her first week on program! Maria reached her first five pounds of weight loss, and Vernay has now lost over 15 pounds. Great job, girls!

WW Product of the Week

Sizzle It! (and all the rest of our cookbooks) can be a great way to find some super recipes for your grilling and summer menu. You'll find stuff to throw on the grill, cool salads for when it's too hot to cook, and refreshing desserts for the times you want to splurge.

Weekly Potpourri

Maybe some of you have heard that Applebee's has been sued over their Weight Watchers menu items. Before you freak out, let's consider that we haven't seen the proof or evidence at this point. But anyone who has eaten at a restaurant while on Weight Watchers knows that it's not always easy to trust what the menu says. My personal opinion is that the entrees on that section of the Applebee's menu are still healthier than what's on their regular menu. And unless we're cooking the food ourselves, we can never be 100% sure what's in what we order. And that's okay. Remember, we don't need to be perfect to lose weight! We just need to do the best we can with the information we have. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out.

Recipe of the Week

How about a nice cool dessert for your July 4th holiday? I found this one on eTools:

Frozen Chocolate Mint Dessert
POINTS® Value: 3
Servings: 6

1 oz chocolate wafers, about 5 cookies
1/4 tsp mint extract
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa
7 oz fat-free whipped topping, about 1 whole aerosol can
1/4 cup skim milk
3 piece Weight Watchers by Whitman's Mint Patties, frozen, chopped into pieces
2 Tbsp chocolate syrup
6 Tbsp whipped topping, light or fat-free, vanilla or chocolate

Line six muffin holes with foil muffin liners. In a blender, combine wafers, extract, cocoa, fat-free whipped topping and milk; blend until completely combined. Divide mixture among prepared muffin liners; freeze for 2 hours or more.

Just before serving, top each with 1/6 of mint patties, 1 teaspoon of chocolate syrup and a tablespoon of whipped topping. Yields 1 mint dessert per serving.

What's Hot at WW.com

Have you ever checked out the community forums at our website? You don't have to have eTools, it's open to everyone. Here is a discussion on slow weight loss. Can you relate?

Quote of the Week

The future depends on what we do in the present. - Mahatma Gandhi

Newsletter, week of June 22nd

Last Week

Losing weight is almost like a road trip. Make sure you have your map so you know where you're headed! And sometimes the scenic route is the way to go.

This Week

Learning to eat less is hard. No doubt about it. This week we'll share tips on how to do it without feeling deprived.

Kudos

I'm sure we had plenty to celebrate on Monday, so I apologize for leaving those folks out this week. But today is all about Kay, because she reached her 10% target on Wednesday morning!

WW Product of the Week

Check out our smoothies! They are still on sale through June 28th for $5 a box (regularly priced at $7.50). These are a great way to satisfy your dairy servings without spending too many Points. Now that great summer fruit is starting to show up, try experimenting with throwing some fruit into your blender with them.

Weekly Potpourri

I'm back! Many of you know that I was on vacation last week in New York City. I wore my pedometer in the interest of science, and check out these numbers:

Day 1: 30,838 steps
Day 2: 21,443 steps
Day 3: 20,759 steps
Day 4: 14, 174 steps

I only wore the pedometer on full days in NYC, so there are probably more steps I took on arrival and departure, but wow. To give you a sense of perspective, on a typical weekday I'm lucky to get in 5,000 steps. It's definitely a different lifestyle there! Now don't ask me about what I ate....

Recipe of the Week

Peanut Butter Blizzard
4 POINTS value

1 Chocolate or Vanilla Smoothie
1 Cup of skim milk
1 Cup of ice
1 Peanut Butter Bliss Bar cut into 4 pieces.

Add above to blender and blend.

What's Hot at WW.com

Here's an interesting article that I bet a lot of you can relate to. Why aren't you losing weight? If you've ever asked yourself that question, take a look!

Quote of the Week

That which you persist in doing becomes easier to do. Not that the nature of the thing itself has changed, but that your ability to do it has increased! - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Newsletter, week of June 8th

Last Week

I believe in you. Do YOU believe in you? Feeling capable and deserving of your goals goes a long way in keeping you on track. Believe it and achieve it!

This Week

Do you indulge yourself? Treat yourself well? We'll discuss ways to take care of ourselves and treat ourselves in non-food ways.

Kudos

Dawn received her first 5 pound star, Linda and Bill both reached 25 pounds lost, Heidi has now lost 40 pounds, and Vernay got her 16 week Stay and Succeed charm.

WW Product of the Week

Our Mini Bars! Just one Points value and you get the taste of chocolate, caramel, peanut butter and all sorts of tasty things. Talk about an indulgence!

Weekly Potpourri

Every once in awhile someone will ask about dietary recommendations: sodium intake, for example. Most of the Weight Watchers Good Health Guidelines are pretty clear, but we don't address specific things like sodium, vitamin C, etc. Our Science Center has a nice article on this (along with some links to government guidelines) topic here. Educate yourself so you can outsmart that fat!

Recipe of the Week

Everyone thinks that Southern food won't fit too well in a healthy eating program, right? Well our friends at Hungry Girl have found a way to lighten it up! Check ot some great recipes here. Sausage gravy? Oh yeah!

What's Hot at WW.com

I know that many of you are already regular exercisers, but here's a great article on learning to love exercise. And as it says, even athletes get the blues - so check it out whether you're active or not!

Quote of the Week

Take care of yourself. Good health is everyone's major source of wealth. Without it, happiness is almost impossible.

Newsletter, week of June 1st

Last Week

You can have a relaxing summer and still make progress. Use your storyboard as a roadmap and you can relax and lose!

This Week

Maybe you weren't convinced by last week's topic. We'll talk about how you can manage your thoughts in a way that you realize anything's possible. You can do this!

WW Product of the Week

Basic and Deluxe Member Kits - if you don't have our Complete Food and Dining Out Companions, you're missing out on a fabulous resource. You get both of those, plus a spiral bound journal in our basic kit, and a book of motivational stories and a DVD in our deluxe kit. Having these tools can be a great way to stay on track this summer.

Weekly Potpourri

Get ready for this week's topic by refreshing your memory on our Tool For Living Empowering Beliefs.

Recipe of the Week

Brazilian-Style Garlic Collard Greens
Serves 4
1 Point and Core

8 cup chopped collards, tough stems removed (about 2 bunches)
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp table salt
3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

Fill a large bowl with water and plunge collard greens into water. Move them around with your hand and set aside until ready to use.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet. Gently lift collard greens out of water and place in skillet; sprinkle with salt and stir. Cook collard greens for 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic and mix to thoroughly combine; cook for 2 to 3 minutes more until very tender. Yields about 1/2 cup per serving.

What's Hot at WW.com

Touching on last week's meeting, here is an article that will help you survive all those summer social events. Loosen up, but keep on losing.

Quote of the Week

What you think about...you will bring about.

Newsletter, week of May 25th

Last Week

Getting ready for the holiday celebrations requires preparation and possibly help from others. Use those Helpful Habits to your advantage and your holiday weekend will be a healthy one.

This Week

Summertime can mean relaxation, whether it's a vacation or just a Saturday at the beach. Make sure you don't relax your adherence to your food plan, though. We'll talk about how to loosen up but keep losing.

Kudos

This week we gave stars to Libby, Karen and Trina for 20 pounds, Lena and Olivia reached their 16th week, Karen and Olivia reached their 10% targets, and Dennis is AT GOAL!! What a great way to kick off your summers, everyone.

WW Product of the Week

Cookbooks - in the spirit of not relaxing our eating habits, check out our cookbooks. Our new Sizzle It has great recipes for your grill, which is perfect for summer. Our Shortcuts cookbook will help you on busy weeknights. "I didn't know what to make!" just won't cut it as an excuse anymore!

Weekly Potpourri

The buzz online and in the media this week has been all about Wii Fit. If you've already got the game console, you can transform what might be a sedentary hobby into one that will get you active! Video games - not just for kids anymore!

Recipe of the Week

Chili Dog
1 Serving

1 Hebrew National 97% Fat Free Hot Dog
2 Tbsp. Boca Meatless Chili
1 slice light wheat or white Bread (around 40 calories per slice)

Prepare the hot dog and the chili according to the package (or, in the case of the dog, however you like!). Place hot dog inside bread and wrap the bread around it to form a "roll." Top with Boca Meatless Chili, and voila, you have your AWESOME chili dog!

Calories: 106
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 3.7g

--recipe from Hungry Girl

What's Hot at WW.com

This Memorial Day Grilling Guide is the perfect thing for this weekend! You'll find techniques, gadgets and recipes that will make your weekend tasty.

Quote of the Week

"Good plans shape good decisions." - Think First booklet

Newsletter, week of May 18th

Last Week

Opportunities for activity help us to live in the Move More spirit. Have you been adding steps and other movements to your day this week?

This Week

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and that's sometimes the kickoff for summer eating events. We'll talk strategies to help keep you on track while you're out being sociable.

Kudos

Pete got his 10 pound star, Rachel reached 15 pounds lost, Trixie reached 10% and got her 20 pound star, and Patty has now lost 35 pounds!

WW Product of the Week

Measure-Rite System - one thing you can do when you're at a backyard BBQ is keep an eye on your portion sizes. Using our spoons, you'll always know that what you ate was a 1/2 cup of potato salad and 1 cup of coleslaw!

Weekly Potpourri

Okay, I will talk about my wedding JUST THIS ONE LAST TIME I PROMISE. I know that some of you (I hope) are interested to see a photo or two.

The Ceremony

The Cupcakes

Don't even ask me how many Points were in those things. In my super-secret Weight Watcher Leader handbook it says that all foods you eat on your wedding day are to be counted as zero Points and should be considered Core.

Recipe of the Week

Quick Broccoli Slaw Stir-Fry with Chicken
Serves 4
2 Points and Core

2 tsp canola or safflower oil
4 scallions, sliced
1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (1-pound) bag broccoli slaw
1 (5-ounce) package baby spinach
2 Tbsp teriyaki sauce
1 cup shredded cooked skinless chicken breast

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok; add the scallions, ginger, and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli slaw and cook until just softened, about 2 minutes.

Stir in the spinach, a handful at a time, and the teriyaki sauce; cook, stirring, until the spinach is nearly wilted, about 2 minutes more. Sprinkle with the chicken and heat thoroughly; serve at once.

What's Hot at WW.com

If you're a food critic, you spend a lot of time in restaurants. Here are some tips from the expert!

Quote of the Week

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

Newsletter, week of May 11th

Last Week

Healthy living may sometimes feel like it's costing a lot of money, but as you well know, the savings are real, both short term and long term.

This Week

I can't believe I'm actually going to type this, but this week we're going to discuss "actunities." Confused as I am? Well, it's just a silly way to describe opportunities for extra activity. Find out how to move more!

Kudos

This was a pretty busy week at Awards Central. Velma has lost 10 pounds, Trina and Olivia both reached 15 pounds (and Trina hit 10%!), Margaret celebrated 25 pounds lost, Heidi celebrated 30 pounds lost and her 16th week, Sonya and Libby are also at 16 weeks, and Kristen has reached 55 pounds lost. We finished it all up by celebrating two new Lifetime Members: Lynn and Janedra!

WW Product of the Week

WW Pedometer - when I started wearing mine, I was disgusted by how few steps I took in a day. It's a great motivater to keep on moving! It will track steps taken and distance, and will even calculate activity points earned. Think about one of these if you're dissatisfied with how much you move around.

Weekly Potpourri

Part of our discussion this week touched on buying produce that's in season (in order to save money). If you're not sure what's ripe when, here is a harvest calendar from the folks who manage San Diego's Farm Bureau.

Recipe of the Week

Orzo Salad with White Beans
Serves 6
3 Points

2/3 cup uncooked orzo
1 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup (2 oz) crumbled feta cheese
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup reduced-fat olive oil vinaigrette
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

Cook orzo according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain and rinse with cold water. Drain.

Combine pasta, cucumber and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl, tossing gently. Combine vinaigrette and next 3 ingredients, stirring with a whisk. Add vinaigrette mixture to pasta mixture, tossing gently to combine.

Want to make it Core? Why not swap out the orzo for a Core grain like quinoa or barley. Make the feta the fat-free variety (you can find that at Trader Joe's or Henry's) and instead of vinaigrette just use olive oil and balsamic vinegar mixed together. See? Now it's Core!

--recipe recommended by Marta and from 2008 Annual Recipes for Success

What's Hot at WW.com

We can probably sometimes relate to this one. Five Reasons You're Always Starving.

Quote of the Week

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

Newsletter, week of May 4th

Last Week

There are tons of ways to shortcut cooking so that you can cook healthy. Did you try anything new this week?

This Week

If you listen to the news, you hear all sorts of stories about the high cost of living. If you think that eating and living healthfully takes a lot of cash, be sure to not miss this week - we'll talk about how to keep costs down and benefits up.

WW Product of the Week

3 Month Journal - having a tracking mechanism is one of the key components to successfully following the Flex plan. Our convenient spiral bound book gives you 12 weeks of journals all in one. No more having to remember one at the scale!

Weekly Potpourri

Laughter is the best medicine. So when you're feeling down, check out Randy Glasbergen's comics on diet and exercise. I think this one is my current favorite.

Recipe of the Week

Lemony Couscous & Grilled Vegetable Salad
Serves 6
2 Points and Core

2 5oz zucchini, ends trimmed and each cut lengthwise into 6 slices
1 large red bell pepper
1 small yellow bell pepper
1 small red onion, halved through the root end
1 cup whole-wheat couscous
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 Tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Spray the grill rack with olive oil nonstick spray and preheat the grill to medium-high or prepare a medium-high fire.

Place the zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion on the grill rack and grill, turning, until the zucchini and onion are browned and beginning to soften and the peppers are blackened on all sides, about 15 minutes.

Transfer the peppers to a large zip-close plastic bag and seal the bag; let steam 10 minutes.

When cool enough to handle, peel the peppers and remove the seeds. Cut into 1/2 inch pieces and put in a large bowl. Cut the onion into 1/4 inch slices and add to the bowl; set aside.

Cook the couscous according to the package directions; add to the vegetables. Add the remaining ingredients and toss to mix well. Serve warm or at room temperature.

--From our new Sizzle It cookbook

What's Hot at WW.com

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, check out Hungry Girl's tips for Mexican food dining.

Quote of the Week

"To get rich never risk your health. For...health is the wealth of wealth." - Richard Baker

Newsletter, week of April 20th

Programming Note: there will be no update next week. I'll be busy, okay?

Last Week

If you make excuses to blow off activity, chances are you aren't burning as many calories as you'd like. Recognize those excuses and bust through them!

Special note to Monday peeps: Thank you so very much for getting a card (and a gift card!) together for me this week. Your generosity is extremely touching, and it is one of the reasons that I am lucky to share an hour each week with you. You guys are the best!

This Week

Have you ever felt bombarded by offers of unwanted food? This week we'll discuss how we can get the other folks in our lives on board with our healthy eating habits - either by converting them to our way, or at least getting them to stop with the food pushing!

Kudos

Dora and Bernadette both got their first 5 pound stars, Nicole reached 10 pounds lost, Bill & Joyce both reached 20 pounds, and Nikki got her 35 pound star. We also got to give 10% keychains to Heidi (who also reached 25 pounds lost), Joyce and Elise. And if that weren't enough, both Elise and Vicki reached goal! What a bunch of losers you are....

WW Product of the Week

WW Cookbooks! If you want to get your family or roommates on board with healthy eating, what better way to do it than to start cooking great tasting food for them? Our cookbooks have great stuff for the novice cook and the more experienced chef. I own them all, so ask me about my favorites in each!

Weekly Potpourri

If you'd like to enjoy the wonderful weather we have and maybe get some activity in (remember, we stopped making excuses!) you might think about heading to one of the county's many parks. The County's website has a listing of all the parks, as well as activities, events, sports leagues and other fun things that happen there. Who knows, you might find something neat to join.

Recipe of the Week

Tuscan Casserole
Serves 8
2 Points

15.5oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
10oz chopped frozen spinach, thawed
3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup egg substitute
1 1/2 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium garlic cloves, chopped
8oz mushrooms, sliced (I'm going to use zucchini, since I'm not a 'shroom fan)
3 slices reduced-calorie bread, torn into small pieces
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 350. Line 9x9 pan with aluminum foil. In bowl combine beans, spinach, ricotta, egg substitute, salt and pepper.

In nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, garlic and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are almost dry and begin to brown, 10 minutes. Add to bean mixture. Spoon into pan and even out top.

Sprinkle bread over mixture; top with cheese. Bake until bread is toasted and spinach is warmed through, 25 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

-- courtesy of eTools

What's Hot at WW.com

In our discussions about triggers these last few weeks, it has come up that evenings, right before dinner, is a challenging time for many of us. Here is an article with some tips. Bonus - some of these tips are from the community messageboards. Even if you don't have a Monthly Pass that comes with eTools, you can still read and post to the boards. That's a great way to get new ideas and support when it's not your regular meeting time.

Quote of the Week

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he
could only do a little. - Edmund Burke

Newsletter, week of April 13th

Last Week

Our final installment in the Trigger Series, we discussed cleaning up our environment. Get all the right stuff in, move all the wrong stuff out!

This Week

Are you making excuses for not exercising? We'll challenge those this week and see if we can't get you Moving More.

Kudos

Bernadette, Victoria and Dora survived their first week on program! Pamela got her 5 pound star; Fran, Jill and Myra received their 10 pound stars; Janedra and Sandee celebrated 15 pounds lost; Joyce reached 20 pounds and Jessica has now lost over 35 pounds!

WW Product of the Week

All of our exercise gear! Check out our pedometer, which can tell you how far you've walked and calculate activity points. We now have TWO exercise DVDs to choose from. And don't forget our walking kit! No excuses - we've got the tools for you!

Weekly Potpourri

No trip to Target is complete without some sort of impulse purchase. This morning I stumbled across Ice Breakers Restore Pomegranate Lemon-Aid Mints. Oh man are these delicious. Three mints have only five calories. I'm trying not to shove all of them in my mouth at once....

Recipe of the Week

Mexican Lasagna
Serves 6
6 Points

10oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
16oz can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
15oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
6 (5 inch) corn tortillas
Cooking spray
2 cups refrigerated fresh salsa
1 (8oz) block 50% reduced-fat cheddar cheese with jalapeno peppers, shredded

Preheat oven to 425. Combine spinach and ricotta cheese in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, combine beans.

Cut 3 corn tortillas into pieces, and arrange in a solid layer to cover bottom of an 8" square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with half each of beans, salsa, spinach mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.

Cover and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

What's Hot at WW.com

Bored with broccoli and carrots? This article on spring greens may give you a few new choices to add to the rotation.

Quote of the Week

Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it. ~Plato

Newsletter, week of April 6th

Last Week

Emotions can trigger unplanned eating. But if we figure out other ways to deal with our emotions (that don't involve food!) we don't have to let that sabotage our efforts.

This Week

This is our last trigger topic. This week we'll focus on cleaning up our environment. When the areas around us help support our weight loss efforts, it makes it much easier to stay on program.

Kudos

This week we gave first 5 pound awards to Kathleen and Willis, 10 pound awards to Val, Steve and Trina, a 20 pound award to Christina, a 25 pound award to Crystal, a 30 pound award to Virginia, and Nadia received her 16 week Stay and Succeed award.

WW Product of the Week

Points Calculator - if you don't know the Points value of your foods, how will you know if you're staying within your budget? This little calculator is a great tool to throw in your bag. Use it at the grocery store, and know the value of something BEFORE you take it home and put it in your cabinet.

Weekly Potpourri

Fiber is a good thing, right? Well, every once in a while someone will ask about those fiber powders (Benefiber is one of them) because they've read somewhere it can lower the Points value of foods. Here is Hungry Girl's take on it. My personal opinion is that if you are adding a fiber supplement to a food merely to lower its Points value, you are not practicing a healthy habit. If you feel you need fiber in your diet that's great, but nutrients are generally better received by eating them in their "natural state". And no, sprinkling Benefiber on your ice cream does NOT lower its Points value. Sorry, Charlie!

Recipe of the Week

Mediterranean Couscous and Lentil Salad
Serves 10
5 Points

1 cup dry lentils
14 oz fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cup uncooked couscous
1 cup sweet red peppers, diced
1 cup mint leaves, chopped
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1/2 cup scallions, chopped
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Place lentils in a large saucepan; cover with water 2 inches above lentils. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer 25 to 30 minutes or until tender. Drain well; cool.

Bring broth to a boil in a medium saucepan; gradually stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Combine lentils, couscous, bell pepper and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl; stir gently. Combine lemon juice and next 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Pour lemon juice mixture over couscous mixture; stir gently. Stir in cheese.

--courtesy of eTools

What's Hot at WW.com

For the men in the group, have you looked at our weight range chart and cringed? Do you wonder why we have the same chart for men and women? The folks at Weight Watchers explain it all. Having said that, remember that you can always set your own goal outside of our ranges by providing us with a doctor's note.

Quote of the Week

The EPA says to help protect the environment, "Reduce/Reuse/Recycle" - to help manage your trigger environment, "Recognize/Remove/Replace!"

Newsletter, week of March 30th

Last Week

Red light foods can trigger unexpected and excessive eating. Identify what sets you off and you can take the next step of figuring out how to deal with it.

This Week

This week is the second in our three-part trigger series. We'll discuss emotional triggers this time, and talk about how we can manage our feelings instead of feeding them.

Kudos

Congratulations to all of our weight loss award recipients this week: Courtney, Jess, Heidi, Spencer, Joyce, Chata, Sonya and Elise. Special congratulations go out to Dale who just became a Lifetime Member.

WW Product of the Week

WW Electronic Scale - are your portions creeping up? Do you really know exactly how much chicken you're eating for dinner? You will if you weigh your food! Our scale will do just that, but can also tell you the Points value! Our scale is programmed with a database of Points values. So you select the food you want, weigh it, and based on the weight you'll find a read-out of its Points value. Pretty neat.

Weekly Potpourri

Since the question came up this week, I'll take this space to blab about me (hey this is what you can do when you have your own blog, right?). Many of you know that I'm in the midst of planning a wedding, so some are curious whether I'll be gone at all. I'll be getting married on Saturday, April 26th, and will have someone fill in for me at the Monday, April 28th meeting in Lemon Grove. Otherwise, you'll see me at all the usual locations. We won't be honeymooning right after, so there's NO EXCUSE to not show up! =p

Recipe of the Week

Grilled Corn & Chickpea Salad with Fresh Basil
Serves 8
3 Points and Core

14 oz canned chickpeas
3 fresh plum tomatoes, chopped
6 ears fresh corn
2 shallots
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh oregano, finely chopped
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp Splenda

Roast shallots in aluminum foil for 30 minutes at 400 degrees; peel shallot skin and dice. Shuck corn and grill over an open flame until corn is evenly blackened. Cut corn from cob.

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Cover with saran wrap. Toss several times. Chill for at least two hours before serving.

What's Hot at WW.com

This article on food triggers is a great companion to the meeting topics we're dealing with right now. Our science center has a ton of information on weight loss, and it's backed by actual research!

Quote of the Week

"Control your emotion, or it will control you."

Short Web Note

Hi everyone!

I'm in the process of migrating this blog to a custom domain. I apologize for any downtime or confusion, as I'm fumbling my way through this process.

If things work out well, you'll read this automatically when you plop the old address into your browser, but we're going from wwsteph.blogspot.com to outsmartthefat.com - how legitimate!

Newsletter, week of March 23rd

Last Week

Monitoring yourself is a helpful habit, and frankly it's also one of the components of both our food plans. Did you keep an eye on things this week?

This Week

This week we start the first of a three week series on triggers, focusing our discussion on trigger foods this week. So come prepared to tell us what your "red light" food is - I'm sure you've got one!

Kudos

Ashley got her first five pound star; Sylvia, Rachel and Hethyr are at 10 pounds lost, Linda and Karen reached 20 pounds lost, Vicki got her 25 pound awards, and Sandra got her 16 week charm. What a great week for the ladies!

WW Product of the Week

I'm going to use this space to give you all some information on our Peanut Butter Bliss Mini Bars. I know a lot of you have tried these bars and absolutely fallen in love with them. I can't blame you, they're terrific! It's been really frustrating for all of us to have so few of them to sell.

The demand for these bars across the country has been overwhelming, and our supply just hasn't been able to keep up. While we had some in stock for last week's meetings, Clairemont sold their last box yesterday, and judging by the quantity delivered at Lemon Grove, we likely won't have any on Monday. Please bear with us, and know that we don't really have any control over this. Inventory management is shipping out bars based on "sales history" not by orders placed. So even if we order a million bars, we'll only get what they ship us.

Hopefully the supply will catch up with demand soon. In the meantime, for a peanut butter fix don't forget our Chocolate Peanut Butter 2 Points bars. And if you really need a 1 Point snack, try our Chocolate Caramel or Dark Chocolate Raspberry bars.

Weekly Potpourri

If you are just starting our food program, you may be wondering how to cut down the number of Points in your meals. A great resource for everyone can be found at the USDA MyPyramid website, including this list of "nutrient-dense" food choices that will show you how to swap something better for what you're currently eating.

Recipe of the Week

Chicken, Mango, and Black Bean Salad
Serves 4
5 Points and Core

3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp chili powder
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
1 small jicama (about 1 lb) peeled and diced
15.5oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 mango, peeled, pitted, and cut into chunks
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

Combine the lime juice, oil, salt, and chili powder in a large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.

--from Everybody Loves Chicken page 61

What's Hot at WW.com

Whenever we talk about choosing whole grains, the question comes up why brown rice is core and white rice isn't. This article addresses that issue and gives a rundown of all the different varieties of rice out there.

Quote of the Week

"What are my trigger foods? Honey, it's any food with a vowel or a consonant in it!" - Michael McCauley, Weight Watchers Leader

Newsletter, week of March 16th

Last Week

There are sure to be bumps in the road on your journey to goal. Make sure you don't use it as an excuse to turn around and go back to those old habits!

This Week

Most people underestimate how much they eat and overestimate how active they are. But savvy Weight Watchers know that self-monitoring is vital to their progress. We'll talk about what this means for folks on Flex AND Core.

Kudos

Geniece and Kathy both received their first five pound stars this week. Angela reached 10 pounds lost. Great job, ladies.

WW Product of the Week

Three Month Journal - what better way to start your self-monitoring? You'll have twelve weeks' worth of journals all bound together. Perfect for monitoring yourself, and looking back to see what works (and what doesn't).

Weekly Potpourri

Do you eat breakfast? A survey taken last year by the International Food Information Council found that only about half of us do. The American Dietetic Association published research that shows folks who eat breakfast tend to eat more nutritiously for the rest of the day. It doesn't have to be big or fancy, but think about starting your day with some sort of breakfast.

Recipe of the Week

Corned Beef and Cabbage Strudel
Serves 4
5 Points

4 cups shredded cabbage
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 cups frozen potatoes o'brien, thawed (potato, onion and red pepper)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp caraway seeds
1 bay leaf
2 Tbsp lemon zest
1/2 pound corned beef brisket, cooked and diced
4 sheets whole-wheat phyllo dough
1/2 cup mustard

Heat a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add cabbage, garlic and broth. Sauté until cabbage is limp, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes.

Stir in potatoes O’Brien, salt, pepper, thyme, caraway seed and bay leaf. Cook until potatoes are hot, about 5 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and corned beef. Remove bay leaf. Remove from heat and cool mixture while preparing phyllo dough.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place one sheet phyllo dough, long-side facing you, on paper. Spray with cooking spray. Add second sheet of dough. Spray with cooking spray. Repeat twice more.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Spoon corned beef filling across width of dough, starting 4 inches from bottom of dough. Mound filling into a 4-inch wide strip. Lift up bottom 4 inches of dough to cover filling. Using parchment paper as a guide, gently roll up phyllo dough. Place seam-side down on paper-lined cookie sheet. Ends of dough don't have to be tucked in. Spray strudel with cooking spray.

Bake until phyllo is browned, 30 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes. Cut into 4 slices and serve each with 2 tablespoons mustard.

What's Hot at WW.com

Do you eat when you're not hungry? (What a silly question, we're Weight Watchers, right?) Here is one woman's account of her slow transition from eating for any emotion to only eating for hunger. You can do this!

Quote of the Week

If you bite it, you write it!

Newsletter, week of March 9th

Last Week

The 8 Good Health Guidelines are an important part of being on program. Are you getting all those boxes checked in your journals?

This Week

When you get to a bump in the road, do you turn around and go back home? NO! You find another way to get there. This week we'll talk about things you can do to keep going in the right direction.

Kudos

Michelle, Ann and Vernay all got their first five pound stars this week! Sandee reached 10 pounds lost, Heidi, Linda and Scott are up to 15 pounds lost, and Jessica reached her 25 pound milestone AND her 10% target.

WW Product of the Week

It's snack time! All of our baked snacks (pretzels, cheddar twists) and 2 Points bars are on sale. If you buy 2 you get $1.00 off. Get your sweet or salty fix for the fewest number of Points.

Weekly Potpourri

Whenever we talk about the Good Health Guidelines, someone always asks about the oils. Why do some count and others don't? Take a look:



Notice that the fats on top mimic our list of healthy oils almost exactly. Those are the oils that have the least saturated fat and provide the most "good" fats. Now do you see why? It's kind of nice to see that our program is supported by science, isn't it?

Recipe of the Week

Here is the last of our recipe swap:

Smoothie
Serves 3
4 Points per serving

1 cup plain soymilk
1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
2 Tbsp flaxseed meal
2 scoops Jay Robb Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
1 banana
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 1/4 cup frozen raspberries or 1 cup fresh strawberries
Ice (optional)

Put all ingredients into blender and blend on high. Divide among three glasses. Best served with straws.

What's Hot at WW.com

One of the most common excuses I hear is "I don't have time!" Check out this article that's got some time saving techniques. If you operate efficiently, you might find you have time to do all the things you'd like to do!

Quote of the Week

"Discoveries are often made by not following instructions, by going off the main road, by trying the untried." - Frank Tyger