Thursday, November 27, 2008

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

Sunday, November 23, 2008

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.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

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

Thursday, November 6, 2008

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.