HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Hi Everyone,

I hope all of you enjoy the rest of the holiday season. The new year is coming fast and as Weight Watchers we have been planning to make it a happy and healthy one.

By popular demand I am giving you all the words to last week's intro. I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do. I will be spending the holidays in Florida, so will see you on my return after New Year's day.

IT'S THE MOST FATTENING TIME OF THE YEAR

(parody of It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - I don't know who sings it)

IT'S THE MOST FATTENING TIME OF THE YEAR
WITH THAT PUMPKIN PIE FILLING
AND EVERYONE SWILLING
DOWN EGGNOG AND BEER
IT'S THE MOST FATTENING TIME OF THE YEAR

IT'S THE LIP-SMAKINIST SEASON OF ALL
WHILE YOU'RE SHOPPING YOU'RE CHEATING
IMPULSIVELY EATING
THAT JUNK AT THE MALL
IT'S THE HEAV-HEAVIEST SEASON OF ALL

THERE'LL BE TURKEYS FOR BASTING
AND STUFFING FOR TASTING
AND GIBLETS AND GRAVY WILL FLOW
THERE'LL BE COOKIES THAT MOM BAKED
AND LEFT OVER FRUITCAKE
FROM A CHRISTMAS A LONG TIME AGO

IT'S THE SCALE FLATTENING TIME OF THE YEAR
WHILE YOUR DIET YOU'RE BLOWING
THERE'S CALORIES GOING
STRAIGHT DOWN TO YOUR REAR
IT'S THE SCALE FLATTENING TIME OF THE YEAR

THERE'LL BE AFTER MEAL DOZING
AND ARTERIES CLOSING
CHOLESTEROL LEVELS WILL GROW
IT'S TOO COLD TO GO JOGGING
TOO BRISK FOR TOBOGGANING
SO PASS ME A HOT BUTTERED ROLL

IT'S THE MOST FATTENING TIME OF THE YEAR
ALL THOSE GINGERBREAD SHINGLES
AND CHOCOLATE KRIS KRINGLES
WILL TREMBLE IN FEAR
IT'S THE MOST FATTENING TIME
IT'S THE BELT LOOSENING TIME
IT'S THE MOST FATTENING TIME OF THE YEAR

Boy am I glad we have the Weight Watchers healthy habits and tools for living in our new week three book Stay Ahead of Hunger to help us through. This book can really make a difference in our scale outcome!!

See you at the meeting!!!

Lorraine

IT'S THE MOST FATTENING TIME OF THE YEAR

Hi Everyone!

We are certainly in full holiday mode this week. It is not uncommon for the holiday season with all its challenges to interrupt our weight loss efforts from time to time. So now is the time when we have to redouble our efforts to make sure we make time in our busy schedules for ourselves.

I think the introduction of our new 2009 program can help keep us motivated and get us back on track. I hope you are having fun reading through our new week one book and checking out the pocket guide. The pocket guide is perfect for taking along with us so we always have our food lists handy and our points finder within reach.

I think the recipes in the week one book are really family friendly comfort food. Check them out and maybe try a new recipe this week. Let us know at the meeting which ones your families liked.

Take the holidays one day at a time and ask yourself - What can I do today, to help my weight loss effort? Keep track of your comfort zone each day and look at the filling foods list to add these foods whenever you can.

Inch by Inch, it's a cinch!!

See you at the meeting.

Lorraine

MOMENTUM IS HERE

Hi Everyone,

Well today is December 7th and the launch of our new 2009 Momentum plan is here!!

In our meetings this week we will go over the momentum plan and how it can help us get to our weight goals and stay there.

The momentum plan combines the best of the flex plan and the core plan. It teaches us how to chose more satisfying foods, so we can eat in a way that keeps us feeling fuller longer.

I hope you are as excited as I am about a new program with all new materials!!!

See you at the meeting this week and we will go over all the specifics.

Lorraine


Here's a Macaroni and Cheese recipe the whole family will love.

MACARONI AND CHEESE
serves 8 points value 5 each serving

1/2 pound multigrain or whole wheat elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion chopped
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 cups fat free milk
2 cups shredded fat free cheddar cheese
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes with their juice
1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs

1. Preheat the oven to 350. Spray 8 (1 cup) baking dishes with nonstick spray, place on a baking sheet.

2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions, omitting the salt if desired.

3. Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk. Increase the heat and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, 3 - 4 minutes. Whisk in the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Cook whisking occasionally until the cheeses melt. about l minute.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat; stir in the macaroni and the tomatoes with their juice. Divide the mixture among the baking dishes. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs and cook, stirring constantly until they are evenly coated, about l minute. Sprinkle over dishes and bake until bubbly and the tops are golden, about 25 minutes.

LET'S KEEP MOVING

Hi Everyone,

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving without any of those "saboteurs."

Let's talk about getting more active or staying active during the rest of the holiday season. Sometimes we get into the same old same old routine and we get bored with the exercise we are doing.

Maybe a new toy will help. When we get something new it is fun to try it out and see how it works. Remember when you were a kid getting new roller skates, or a hula hoop, or a new ball to play with. All these things made us want to run around and play.

Let's see what could we get as adults? Maybe a new CD or DVD (you can buy one, we have some great ones at Weight Watchers or you could take one out at the library). How about a pedometer to try and walk a little more each day. You may find that shopping takes a lot of steps!!!! A new pair of sneakers can make activity more comfortable.

Remember moving more can mean losing more.

Here is an interesting pie recipe that is core.

STRAWBERRY-KIWIFRUIT BANANA CREAM PIE
6 servings - 2 points per serving and core

1 oz fat free sugar free instant banana pudding and pie filling mix
2 cups fat free evaporated milk
1 cup strawberries, thinly sliced, divided
2 medium kiwifruit, peeled and sliced

1. Prepare pudding according to package directions but use fat free evaporated milk instead of regular skim milk.
2. Cover bottom of a 9 inch glass pie plate with a layer of sliced strawberries.
3. Pour pudding on top of strawberries. Smooth pudding surface with a wooden spoon and garnish with remaining strawberries and with Kiwi slices. Refrigerate pie for at least 2 hours. Slice into 6 pieces and serve immediately.

See you at the meeting.

Lorraine

FOOD PUSHERS

HI EVERYONE,

Tis the season and food pushers are lurking everywhere, they hang out on street corners, at our schools, at our local community events, at work, at home even at church. These people are our friends, relatives, colleagues, they whisper in our ear to just try a bite. I made this just for you. I know you brought your lunch, but it is buy one desert, get one free day!!! They say things like, "you're no fun anymore"!!

What do we do with these people who love us so they want to feed us.

First, we have to remember that these people want us to be successful and happy, but aren't certain how to help. We, as Weight Watcher members, need to have a clear picture of what behavior is supportive to us. Then, we have to let people know, how they can help.

Maybe we need to bring a Weight Watcher friendly dish to the party. Maybe we could check out the menu beforehand and make sure we can fit it into our plan. Maybe when going out to dinner get involved with the choice of restaurants so you know you can eat on plan.

Maybe I need to look into the mirror every day and practicing just saying "No" - practice is important because we have to look like we mean "No" and not - well maybe if you can talk me into it I will!

Most of all remembering what you really want - your goal - as opposed to what you want for a moment - food. That anchor we talked about last week can help you keep that goal in perspective. After all - Nothing tastes as good as thin feels!!!!

How about a new dip -

CHUNKY VEGETABLE DIP
makes 8 servings - l point per serving

1 pound fat free cottage cheese
1 medium celery stalk, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 medium sweet red pepper, diced
1/4 cup shallots, finely chopped
1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl; mix well. Season to taste and serve.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone,
See you at the meeting.

Lorraine

PS if you need to check out my meetings roll back on the posts and they are listed.

WILL YOU GOBBLE TIL YOU WOBBLE???

Hi Everyone,

Holidays and food go hand in hand. Sometimes we think more about the food than the people. We think Thanksgiving - pumpkin pie, stuffing, gravy, etc. instead of family, friends and fun.

Food is always important - we came to Weight Watchers to learn how to fit in the foods we love and still lose weight and keep it off. So when we come to a holiday we need to ask ourselves some questions:

What will I eat? You need to ask yourself - what is my favorite food at this celebration. What is the food that if I miss I will think it wasn't Thanksgiving. Then you have to plan your day to fit this food in. Maybe if I need the pumpkin pie, I can forgo the cheese and crackers. If it is the stuffing, than maybe I can eat mashed potatoes another day.

How much will I eat? How will I control my portions. Start by making sure to eat breakfast. Skipping meals can lead to being too hungry and overeating.
When filling your plate with food, plan to see some of your plate between each food. Eating slowly and focusing on the conversation at the table can help you to feel fuller. Stop, rest, assess. Am I hungry, or Am I just eating?

Remember we all get to eat again tomorrow!!!

Try this Pumpkin Fluff.

Pumpkin Fluff 4 servings - 2 points each

1 15oz can pumpkin
1 tsp pumpkin spice
1 box vanilla or butterscotch sugar free pudding
Mix the above ingredients with a hand mixer

Fold in 1 cup fat free Cool Whip

Divide into 4 servings

See you at the meeting!!!!!

Lorraine

SET A GOAL AND WATCH YOURSELF CHANGE

Hi Everyone,

Weight loss and Football. What could they have in common?

Well, the first thing is that when you play football you have a team, and when you come to Weight Watcher you have team. You have a meeting with all the team members each week and together we discuss how to get to goal and stay there.

You have the resources you need - a program that is the best there is along with products to help you. When was the last time you read that week one book - and the ten weeks of materials that followed. You will be amazed at what you find in those informative books that will help you in your day to day program.

One thing is different though, in football only one team wins at Weight Watchers we can all get to goal and we can all win!!!

So step one is to set your goal - make a commitment to yourself to come to your meetings each week and watch yourself change.

BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILITIES AND NEVER QUIT!!!!!!!!!

Try this stew recipe.

PROVENCAL BEEF STEW

Serves 6 - points value 4

1 pound lean beef round, cut into 1 inch cubes (London Broil)
nonstick cooking spray
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
2 large carrots, sliced
15 oz canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed, divided
1 1/2 cups canned beef broth, divided
14 1/2 oz canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 tsp dried oregano, crushed
1/4 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp thyme, or 2 whole sprigs for garnish (optional)

Place beef in a 5 quart slow cooker.

Coat a 12 inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Add onion, mushrooms and garlic; saute over medium high heat for 5 minutes. Add onion mixture to slow cooker; add carrots.

Place half of beans in slow cooker; place remaining beans in a blender. Add 1/2 cup of broth to blender and puree; spoon mixture into slow cooker. Add remaining broth, tomatoes, oregano, dried thyme, salt and pepper to slow cooker.

Cover slow cooker and cook on high setting for 6 to 7 hours. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving. Yields about 1 1/4 cup per serving.

VOTE "YES" FOR YOURSELF

Hi Everyone,

How often do you "vote for yourself," i.e., decide to make your needs a priority?

How often do you put yourself second, or third to others needs??

Remember that taking care of yourself means among other things, eating wisely, moving more, thinking first and taking time to attend your weekly meetings.

Getting the most out of life and the Weight Watchers program doesn't mean doing it at the expense of everyone else. The energy and inspiration you will get out of putting yourself first on the "ballot" will help you take better care of others. When you remember to take care of yourself you will be better able to find a sense of balance in your life and make compromises that work for everyone.

"We can't reach our goals if we are standing in our own way."
author unknown

Here is a dessert recipe to try:

Rice Krispie Pie

1 1/2 ounces of Rice krispies
6 TBL peanut butter
1 TBL honey
1 Pkg sugar free chocolate pudding made with 2 cups of skim milk

Combine rice krispies, peanut butter and honey and press into a 9" pie plate. This is your crust. Pour prepared chilled pudding over crust. Serve.

Makes 6 servings -4 points per serving

See you at the meeting!!!

Lorraine

MEXICAN LASAGNA

Hi Everyone,

I forgot to give you the servings :12 and the points 6 per serving.

Sorry, Lorraine

AM I HUNGRY OR JUST EATING

hi Everyone!

This week we are talking about making our meals more satisfying.

The first thing that came to my mind (you won't be surprised) was going out to eat.

Why do we like to do this - Well, first of all we sit and relax while we are eating. No getting up to get something we forgot or something someone else wants. We sit, we relax and we enjoy our food - after all we are paying for it! When we get up from the table we usually say - that was really good!!!

Let's think about when we eat at home. We don't always set the table nicely because after all we don't have company - it's only us. Sometimes we eat on the run - no time to sit down because I need to be somewhere. Maybe I just microwave whatever and eat it standing up. No wonder a couple of hours later I forgot I ate at all!!!!

This week I would like you to try eating like you are company. Use the good dishes, sit and relax at dinner. Think about the food and how good it is. Plan to eat some of your favorite meals. Aren't we more satisfied when we are eating foods we really like. Try a new recipe. Take the time to plan!!! You can do it!!!!

Here's a recipe to try:

MEXICAN LASAGNA

This lasagna will last up to five days in the refrigerator. It's a terrific make ahead meal from our cook once, eat all week series.

Olive oil cooking spray
2 pounds uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast
30 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained
3 cups fat free sour cream
2 cups shredded reduced-fat mexican style cheese, divided
8 oz chopped green chilies, two 4 oz cans
2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp black pepper
12 medium corn tortillas, cut into 2 inch strips
1 cup salsa, mild, medium or hot

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a lasagna pan with cooking spray.

Place chicken in medium saucepan and fill with enough cold water just to cover chicken. Set pan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes; drain. When chicken is cool enough to handle cut into 1 inch pieces.

Transfer chicken to a large bowl and add beans, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheese, chilies, cumin and pepper; mix well and set aside.

Arrange half of tortillas in bottom of prepared lasagna pan, overlapping pieces to cover the surface. Top tortillas with half of chicken mixture, layer remaining tortilla and then top with remaining chicken mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cup of cheese.

Bake until filling is bubbly and cheese is melted, about 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.

See you at the meeting!!

Lorraine

It's Not What You are Eating, It's What's Eating You

Hi Everyone,

Have you ever heard this old saying? It's funny isn't it that so many of these old sayings are so true!!! Managing our feelings is one of the eight helpful habits in losing weight and keeping it off. Check out the week three book.

Sometimes we have to look at our reaction to our situation. We might find patterns of behavior that are not getting us where we want to go. Think about the last time you found yourself eating out of control. What were you reacting to? What were you looking for?

Are we eating when we feel sad of depressed? Are we eating when we are worried or anxious? Or frustrated? Or Hurt? Or lonely?

Sometimes we need to Reframe that emotion!! What are we looking for? If we are lonely maybe we need contact with friends. If we are sad or depressed maybe we need some happiness or control.

What we have to ask ourselves is - what non-food behavior will get us that benefit.

This week in our meetings we will be talking strategy !!!!!!

Remember - "If hunger is not the problem, then eating is not the solution."
- author unknown

This is one of my favorite appetizer recipes - try it!!

Stuffed Mushrooms - eat them all for 4 points

18-20 mushrooms
1/3 cup low fat cottage cheese
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped green peppers
2 teaspoons margarine
3 Tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs

Saute in margarine, onions, green pepper and chopped mushroom stems, two to three minutes.

Add cottage cheese. When melted add breadcrumbs.

Stuff mushrooms with mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Don't be afraid of the cottage cheese you will not be able to tell it is not cheese.

See you at the meeting,

Lorraine

Makes one serving - 4 points total.

DISCOVER YOUR DREAM

Hi Everyone!!

This weeks at Weight Watchers in my thirteen meetings we lost 462 pounds!!! WOW!!!!

Remember that soup is the salad of winter.
I think eating some soup this week can help make that weight loss happen!!

Remember the article about the food diary - see if writing everything you eat down can help to keep that weight loss going.

This week we will be talking about the steps of Discovery - how to get to your goal!!

The first thing we have to do is have a goal in mind - we have to dream our winning outcome - we have to visualize ourselves at that goal - we have to seek out resources that will help us get there. Of course, you have started the process by coming to a weight watcher meeting and committing to come on a weekly basis. Our research shows that if you consistently come to a weekly meeting you will lose 3X more weight than going it alone. That is fabulous, but even better is that we have fun at our meetings and we get to connect with others who are have the same goal of losing weight.

One of the things that we all need to do is resolve to keep going in the face of obstacles and disappointments. We all have them and positive self talk can get us through them. One positive step at a time we come closer and closer to our goals!!!

I had a request this week to put the 5 can soup on my blog - so here it is:

5 CAN SOUP

1 14.5 oz can Delmonte fresh cut diced potatoes, drained
1 14.5 oz can Delmonte fresh cut carrots, drained
1 14.5 oz can Delmonte fresh cut zucchini w/Italian Style tomatoes
1 14.5 oz can Delmonte diced tomatoes with bail, garlic & oregano
1 14.5 oz can chicken or beef broth

Eat the whole pot for 3 points. It is core.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

See you at the meeting,

Lorraine

TWELVE WEEKS OF THE SEASON

Hi Everyone,

This week we started our twelve weeks of the season challenge. It seems incredible that in twelve weeks we will be at the holidays!!! But we have twelve weeks to make sure that we are happy with what we have done until then. Let's take it one week at a time. For the first week of the season we are concentrating on what has helped us lose weight and stay on track in the past. Feedback not failure. Remember one day at a time, one week at a time.

Our Lose for Good campaign in well on its way and we have been extremely successful in my thirteen meeting. The total weight loss so far is 2,017. WOW!!! Keep going you can lose weight for yourself and others.

This week we are going to talk about the changing foods of the season. As fall and winter come around we look for different kinds of foods. This is an excellent thing for our weight loss, since the more variety we eat the more we lose. Think about the foods you like this time of year - soups, stews, crock pot meals, etc. Check the Weight Watchers website for meal ideas. Take the recipes that your family loves and see if there are ways to lighten them up.

Here is a great tip I heard from one of my members:

Use the dinner plate for your salad and the salad plate for your dinner.

Since we know it takes 20 minutes for our head to tell our stomach it's full - how can a cup of soup or a salad help us to feel full at the end of the meal. Try this soup recipe - It's core or 3 points per cup.

HOME-STYLE CHICKEN SOUP - serves 4 - 3 points for 1 cup or core

2 tsp olive oil
2 leeks, trimmed to white and light green parts, cleaned and thinly sliced
1 carrot thinly sliced
1 onion finely chopped
2 (1/4 lb each) chicken thighs, skinned and trimmed of all visible fat
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 TBL chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick saucepan over medium high heat. Add the leeks, carrot and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the chicken and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.

2. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let cool slightly. Remove the chicken from the bones and chop; return the chicken to the soup. Add the parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the chicken is heated through 2-3 minutes.

Simmering chicken thighs in chicken broth accomplishes two things: It enriches the flavor of the broth and it provides juicy chicken meat to add to the soup. We use chopped fresh parsley in this recipe, but you can also try chopped fresh thyme, dill, or a combination of the three.

Have a great week!!

Lorraine

LOOK BACK AND LEARN

Hi Everyone,

Looking back over what happened along the way in our weight loss journey can give us some insight into how to handle situations which will surely come around again. We all have a personal library of experiences to build on - Feedback not Failure.

Here are a few questions to ponder - fill in the blanks:

I am most successful in my weight loss journey when I _______________.

The biggest obstacle to my weight loss success is ________________.

I really feel proud of myself when I _______________.

Learn from experience is one of the Weight Watchers Helpful habits. It is our habits that will get us to our goals and keep us there. Looking back over our weight loss experiences can really make a difference in helping us avoid pitfalls.
Get more info on the helpful habits in the Week 3 Weight Watcher handout.


Here is one of my favorite poems on the subject.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN FIVE SHORT CHAPTERS

I WALK DOWN THE STREET.
THERE IS A DEEP HOLE IN THE SIDEWALK.
I FALL IN.
I AM LOST....I AM HELPLESS.
IT ISN'T MY FAULT.
IT TAKES FOREVER TO FIND A WAY OUT.

I WALK DOWN THE SAME STREET.
THERE IS A DEEP HOLE IN THE SIDEWALK.
I PRETEND I DON'T SEE IT.
I FALL IN AGAIN.
I CAN'T BELIEVE I AM IN THE SAME PLACE.
BUT IT ISN'T MY FAULT.
IT STILL TAKES A LONG TIME TO GET OUT.

I WALK DOWN THE SAME STREET.
THERE IS A DEEP HOLE IN THE SIDEWALK.
I SEE IT IS THERE.
I STILL FALL IN...IT'S A HABIT.
MY EYES ARE OPEN.
I KNOW WHERE I AM.
IT IS MY FAULT.
I GET OUT IMMEDIATELY.

I WALK DOWN THE SAME STREET.
THERE IS A DEEP HOLE IN THE SIDEWALK.
I WALK AROUND IT.

I WALK DOWN ANOTHER STREET.

PORTIA NELSON

Have a wonderful week!! See you at the meeting.

Lorraine

YOU SHOULD BE DANCING!!!!!

Hi Everyone,

This week we are talking about dancing. Moving more. Music and life. Do you find when you have the radio on things go faster as we do our chores and sing. We know that when we put music on and we are walking we walk to the beat. This means that a little faster beat gets us moving a little faster. Music and dancing can be a fun enjoyable evening - relaxing and "exercise". One of the contestants on Dancing with the Stars said he lost 30 pounds from the beginning of the show rehearsal to the end of the show. Take a moment this week to put the music on and see what happens.

The losing for good campaign keeps going strong our total for the two weeks (from my 13 meetings) is 1066.4!!!!! Wow you guys are doing great keep up the good work!!!

Here is a recipe that sounds really great - let me know what you think.

ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH EGGPLANT - TOMATO SAUCE

1 medium raw eggplant, baby-variety, sliced into 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick rounds
1 medium sweet red pepper, cut into 8 strips
Olive oil cooking spray
3/4 tsp table salt, divided
1 medium garlic clove, minced
2 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1/4 small tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp basil,fresh,minced
2 Tbsp chives,fresh,minced
1/2 cup fat free chicken broth
8 oz uncooked angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions,drained
4 oz reduced fat feta cheese,crumbed

Preheat grill to medium.*

Place eggplant slices and pepper strips in a grill basket ( or place vegetables on a sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil with holes poked in it to allow smoke through). Off heat, coat vegetables with cooking spray, season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Place on grill and cook unit browned and tender, about 2 or 3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Cut vegetables into bite size pieces; set aside.

Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over low-medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring for l minute. Add tomatoes and cook until slightly pulpy, about 1 minute more. Stir in vegetables, remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, basil, chives and broth; increase heat to medium-high. Cook until both is slightly reduced and mixture has a sauce consistency, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add pasta and toss to coat. Stir in cheese just before serving.
Yields about l l/2 cup per serving.

Point Value 4
Servings 6

*You can roast the vegetables if you prefer. Preheat oven to 425. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Place vegetables on prepared sheet and coat with cooking spray; season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Roast, until lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature.

Let your garden dictate the vegetables for this recipe: sliced zucchini, yellow squash, or red onion can be substituted for the eggplant

Remember trying a new recipe can help with variety and satisfaction!!!!


Here is thought for the week: "Dane Like No One is Watching - Eat Like Everyone Is"
- Author Unknown

LOSE FOR GOOD - WEEK ONE

Hi Everyone!

The first week of the Lose for Good campaign was very successful in all of my meetings. The total weight lose for my 13 meeting was 551.4 lbs. WOW!!!!

Some of my meetings have decided to have a food drive of our own. They are contributing their weight loss in food - a pound for a pound - just as Weight Watchers corporation is. This food will be donated to a local food bank. Any member willing to drop off food at a local food back should let me know.


This week our meetings are going to focus on one of the most important things we can do for ourselves and that is to be positive. Remember that little engine that could - he kept repeating "I think I can, I think I can." We love that book for our children because we know that they need confidence in themselves, we forget that we need confidence in ourselves also. So many times we have that negative conversation in our heads - it's too hard, others need me to make and eat certain things, I need will power. The conversation we need to have is not why it won't work but how can I make this happen. How can I keep my eating in control. How can I stay with the food plan. When we start asking "how" we start coming up with solutions.

This week I want you to keep asking yourself - How can I make my dream come true? What needs to happen in my life for me to lose weight and keep it off.

Remember - "The difference between fat and fit is "I"
- author unknown

Here's a recipe to try:

Mustard Glazed Pork Chops

4 (6 ounce) bone in center cut port chops (about 3/4 inch thick)
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup dijon mustard

1. Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium high heat. Add pork, cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove pork from pan.

2. Add wine, honey and mustard to pan and bring to a boil. Cook 3 minutes.

3. Add pork; reduce heat and simmer for 12 minutes, turning pork chops after 6 minutes.

4 serving - 1 pork chop plus 3 TBL sauce - 7 points each

LOSING FOR GOOD

Hi Everyone!!!

I am so excited about our losing for good campaign. September is the time that a lot of our members come back after a great summer. September is for getting back on schedule and taking the time for ourselves to come back to Weight Watchers. I think this campaign will help us do just that. We can get back on track with our weight loss and help others at the same time.

In the meetings for the last couple of weeks we have been talking about our comfort zone and learning to fit our favorite foods into our program. Both of these things will help us get to our goal.

Many times when we are eating it is not because we are hungry, but because of other reasons. Have you ever been at a party standing beside the food table and just popping things in your mouth without even thinking about it. I have. How about looking at a food and having this conversation with yourself - Yes, I want it - No, I don't need it - Yes, I want it - It is a conversation I think we all have at one time or another. Thinking about the comfort zone and using a little positive self talk can really help.

How about your favorite foods - do you know what they are? Have you ever found yourself eating around the kitchen and you never quite find what you are looking for. Knowing your favorite foods can help you make better decisions about foods and choices. When you have that discussion with yourself - should I or shouldn't I - having a favorite food planned in can really make a difference. Remember that positive self talk and a plan.

To read up on positive self talk along with the rest of the Tools for Living and Helpful Habits check out the week 3 book.

As you go through the next few weeks remember-

"Goals are dreams with deadlines"
-Author Unknown

See you at the meeting.

Lorraine

I Love September

Hi Everyone,

September is here - it is my favorite time of year. I have always thought of September as the beginning of the year. It is when we start with a clean slate. A new notebook, a new outfit and maybe a new handbag - and off to school we went. The routine started and the new challenges of a new year. We were all on equal footing and who knew what wonderful things the year would bring.

At Weight Watchers a lot of our friends come back in September after the hectic days of summer are over and the kids are back to school. We are always happy to see them and are members are happy to see old friend and make new ones.

As the days go along and our schedules get busy sometimes we need to go to a different meeting so we can weigh in each week. I am going to list all the meetings that I do each week so you can find me.

Monday, Hyannis Center, 5:30pm and 7:00pm
Tuesday, Plymouth VFW 8:30am, 10:00am, 12:00noon
Tuesday, Halifax , St. David's Church 4:30pm and 6:00pm
Wednesday, Buzzards Bay K of C 9:30am
Wednesday, Hanover Center 5:30pm
Thursday, Hyannis Center 8:30am
Thursday, Sandwich VFW 5:30pm
Saturday, Beach House, Falmouth 8:00am and 9:30am

Here is one of my favorite fall recipes. I like to make a big batch and freeze it - it is great to grab when you get home and you comfort zone is at 0 and you have to make dinner.

Vegetarian Chili

8 1 cup servings - 1/2 point each serving

2 cans italian stewed tomatoes
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 can drained kidney beans
1/4 tsp each cumin and chili powder

Combine all above ingredients in a large pot.

Saute in nonstick spray: 1 onion chopped, l red pepper chopped, 1 green pepper chopped, l large zucchini chopped. Add to pot and simmer for 30 minutes.

Enjoy!!!!

I look forward to seeing you all at Weight Watchers and the kick off of our Lose for Good Campaign!!!!!

Remember - "Goals are dreams with deadlines" author unknown

Welcome - You Can Do It!!

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to Losing with Lorraine. This is my first blog and I hope to continue to stay in touch on a weekly basis with my blog.

At Weight Watchers we are starting a Losing for Good program. Weight Watchers will donate l pound of food for each pound we lose. This is an exciting way to keep us on track and motivated because we lose and others benefit. Details in the meeting.

In our meetings we are focusing more on our challenges. One of the wonderful things about our meetings is we have time to help others and ourselves by letting the group give us tips and ideas about life situations that come up. So bring your challenges to the next meeting and throw them out to the group for ideas.

Just in case you have been to Dunkin Donuts lately and were wondering about the new sandwiches - the flat bread veggie & egg white is 6 points, the flat bread turkey sausage and egg white is 5 points.

Remember - If It's to Be it's up to me!!!!

See you at the meeting!!!