Saturday, June 27, 2009

IT'S BBQ TIME

Hi Everyone,

July 4th is coming up fast. The time of year when we do lots of BBQ's. Summertime sends the message out to relax and treat ourselves.

Grilling is one way to treat ourselves. Grilling can be great weight watchers meals, but what is it that we are grilling? What we have to do, as always, is choose wisely. Grilled chicken, pineapple,onion, and pepper on a skewer can have everyone come running. Vegetables roasted on the grill taste great!!!

Planning is the key. When we plan our meals for the day and the week we can relax. We know we are in control of the food, the food does not control us. We can use our 35 points for the week to make sure we fit in our favorites and are satisfied with our menu.

Here's a smoothie that can satisfy that frozen drink craving.

STRAWBERRY COLADA COOLER
makes 1 serving - 4 points

1/2 cup halved strawberries
1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1/2 cup fat free milk
1/2 cup vanilla low fat yogurt
1/4 cup light coconut milk
6 ice cubes

1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into a tall glass.

See you at the meeting,
Lorraine

Friday, June 19, 2009

PLAN FOR SUCCESS

Hi Everyone,

Being organized and planning are the key to weight-loss success.

Last week we talked about breakfast - how eating it everyday can help your weight loss. We also talked about the fact that variety makes a difference in your weight loss. So I hope you put a little variety into breakfast this week.

In order to put that variety into breakfast I'm sure you had to do a little planning. Did you find that having a plan for breakfast each morning helped to make the program easier to follow?

Just like having a plan for breakfast can save time in the morning, having a plan for the week, can help you save time all week long. Taking the time to plan out meals for the week will allow you to shop less often. Shopping once a week (or twice) can save money and help the week run smoothly. Knowing what's for dinner can help you plan breakfast and lunch.

Saving your weekly tracker allows you to use a weekly plan over again. We want the variety of not eating the same foods every week, but we can certainly pull a trackers from weeks ago and do it again - thus not planning that week. The 3 month Journal can really help with this because it keeps all those weeks together.

Bring your planning tips to the meeting this week. See you at the meeting

Lorraine

MACARONI SALAD
Makes 12 servings (1/2 cup)
points value per serving 2

4 1/2 cups cooked macaroni, kept warm
3/4 cup fat free mayonnaise
1/4 cup fat free sour cream
3 Tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 medium sweet red pepper, diced
1 medium green pepper, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
1/4 cup red onion, minced
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste

l. While macaroni is still warm, place in a large bowl. Add mayonnaise, sour cream and relish; toss to coat. Add peppers, carrot and onion; toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. Serve warm or chilled.

Friday, June 5, 2009

GET FIT FOR FREE ( OR CHEAPER)

Hi Everyone,

Let's talk about activity. If we all had Oprah's bank account we could have Bob Greene come to our house every day and engage us in a fun, energizing and effective workout. But alas, that is not the case (at least for me). We can, however, find ways of making activity fit into our lives and our budgets .

The truth is activity is free. You just have to know how to tap into it. In this economy we can all appreciate the idea of getting what we need for less.

Walking is one of the best ways to get fit for free. It's low impact, and you can do it almost anywhere. The Momentum Walk it Challenge is a fun way to get started. If you haven't already checked it out go to www.teamweightwatchers.com.

How about a Weight Watchers Walking DVD. There are several to chose from and at a low cost you can choose from many different workouts. A trainer whenever you want one on your TV. You will be amazed at the workout you get when the instructor knows how to use different muscle groups by doing different steps.

Just a couple of suggestions - Come bring your suggestions to the meeting!!!! See you there.

This recipe takes me back to my girl scout days - how about you???

TUSCAN POTATO AND PEPPER PACKETS
Makes 4 servings (1 packet)
Points value per serving: 3

1 pound uncooked red potatoes, scrubbed and thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
1 medium yellow pepper, cut into thin strips (about 2 cups)
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp rosemary, fresh, chopped, or less to taste
1/2 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

1. Heat outdoor grill to medium high. Tear off four 12 inch long pieces of aluminum foil.
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until mixed and coated. Spread about 1 1/2 cups of vegetable mixture in a fairly even layer near 1 end of each piece of foil. Fold foil over to form packets; fold edges in to form a tight seal.
3. Grill packets, turning a few times, until potatoes are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.