MIDWEEK MINUTES September 21, 2013


I tried to edit this, but the pictures would not load, so I posted it anyway.







Hello, Winners!
Well, it's almost officially FALL by the calendar, but we've hit week TWO in the WW 4-week autumn "Lose for Good" Campaign (see below). The main thing is that we are contributing to alieviating hunger for many people. Also, we are determined to lose our weight once and for all. We are making a great start! The weight is "falling" off!
BRAVOS to you all!
Autumn means a new television season with the Emmy Awards show on Sunday (which is on at the same time as Breaking Bad, so I'm NOT missing that!). There aren't a whole lot of shows on that I like, but I am loyal to my favs and like to tape them. I gave away my treadmill several years ago because I just don't have room for it, but I know several members watch tapes of their favorite shows while walking. I think that's a great idea. Dancing With the Stars is a favorite of mine, and I like Scandal, Revenge, The Walking Dead, and more.
By the way, when is the first episode of this season's "The Biggest Loser"? I like to watch because I like to see people become confident and embrace a healthier lifestyle. But we all know that the losses on the program are unrealistic.
Those folks on the "Biggest Loser" train mighty hard. Most people I know don't do want to do that ever! But eating wisely and moving more are two key components of a healthy lifestyle. However, there are still people out there who think there is a magic pill or a diet that will offer quick results without changing their lifestyle at all. Not true.
That is why Weight Watchers is my choice. I know that I have a life based on real, healthy food and do-able exercise. It's a lifesyle that a person CAN live day in and day out for the rest of one's life. It's a sensible weight loss program which has taught me a new way of thinking. Also, if it weren't for the meetings, I know that I couldn't get through the week. I hope you feel that way too. If you do, why not invite a friend to come along to the next meeting?
I'm sharing the following letter from a WW member to fellow WW Leader Maureen and her reply. I think it's neat.


I received this note from Linda S., a Lifetime Member, yesterday. She has given me permission to print it here, along with my reply.
Maureen,
I want to share something with you. I'm involved in a financial counseling ministry in our local church to single women. Since most all of them have been involved in some type of diet or weight loss program, I relate becoming debt free to the process of losing weight. I've come up with this list of similarities:

1. Both involve discipline and self-denial
2. Both involve setting short-term and long-term goals
3. Both involve a lifestyle change -- a new mindset
4. Both involve taking one step at a time.
5. Both involve saying "no" to impulsive desires
6. Both involve accountability to others
7. Both involve writing down the progress made toward the goals
8. Both involve monitoring and assessment along the way
9. Both involve discouragement and temptation that will come along
10. Both involve rewarding yourself as the goals are reached
11. Both involve the need for praise and encouragement from others
12. Both involve staying focused on the goals and not giving up

When we discuss this list, it helps these women to identify with what they need to do because they understand what's involved. The concepts that you've taught me in Weight Watchers are now being used to help these women learn how to be free from financial bondage.
Thank you!
Linda A. Stortz

Dear Linda,
You are "right on!" I, too, have discovered so many "rules of life" that we learn in Weight Watchers that apply to other areas. I truly believe that our meetings, where we explore why we do things and how to do things better, is what makes Weight Watchers a LIFESTYLE, and not a diet. I might add that both involve discipline, as you noted, but rather than self denial, self control, and looking out for one's future. They both are successful when accompanied by a positive outlook, a "can do" approach.

Maureen
Great, huh? So, this weekend, keep in mind that you are in control of your choices. Make good ones, and we'll see you in the meeting room! Bring a FRIEND! --Zig



The weight is just FALLing off our Members!


Superior: -21.6 lbs
Hastings Saturday AM: -16.6 lbs.

25 lb. star
Judy H. (S)

30 lb. star
Paula R. (S)

45 lb. star
Mary Ann L. (S)

BIGGEST LOSER
Joan P. (S)
Dianne P. (H)





Bring a Friend, September 1 – October 19
If a Monthly Pass subscriber brings a friend who joins and purchases a Monthly Pass
subscription, the current Monthly Pass member will receive a free month added to her Monthly Pass subscription. 
The joining Monthly Pass subscriber will receive a complimentary one-year subscription (6 issues) to Weight Watchers magazine.
If a Pay As You Go or 17-Week Pass member brings a friend who joins and purchases a Monthly Pass subscription, both the current member AND the joining Monthly Pass subscriber will receive a
complimentary one-year subscription (6 issues) to Weight Watchers magazine



Secrets to Successful Weekends

With a little planning and a few tips and tricks, you can overcome weekend weight-loss challenges.
What are you doing this weekend? Perhaps your schedule includes a ballgame with the kids, maybe a trip to the mall, or a party. How can you stay on Plan with so much going on? Having a "time-off" mentality about weekends can wreck havoc on tracking, exercising and making smart choices. But you don't need a complete overhaul to deal with weekend waywardness. Changing just one thing can make a huge difference — and help lead to other positive behaviors.

Plan your leisure time
If you know that the weekend will include a lunch with your buddies and you're not looking to indulge in an extreme meal, offer to make the reservations or pick the eatery. Choose a place that you know specializes in fruit platters and juices or big salads and grilled seafood. Hitting a happy hour or cocktail party this weekend? Pre-track your PointsPlus® values. Decide on how many drinks you'll have, and once you've had them, stick to seltzer with a squeeze of lime.

View the couch as a "no-sit" zone
Give yourself an immediate health boost by being active. Ride your bike or go for a run and explore your town. Take a weekend class and learn a new language or skill. Volunteer. Garden. Take your kids to the museum. Do something that counts and keeps you from having a sedentary weekend. Make a list of all the things you can do — and would like to do — on the weekends and hang it beside your calendar. Each weekend, choose a couple of things from the list and do them.


LOSE FOR GOOD!
COME TO YOUR MEETING, STAY, AND WIN A CHANCE FOR A PRIZE!





Before you eat out . . .Decide: Real treat, or regular meal

Celebrating a birthday, anniversary or promotion is one thing. A hurried weeknight meal out is quite another. So, before you choose your order, ask yourself: How special is this meal out to you? Either you’re saving up for a treat, or planning on having a nutritious, minimally damaging meal.


ACTION PLAN: If it's a treat worth saving up for...

Use your calendar to plan low-PointsPlus® value meals and schedule more activity in the days leading up to the night out. This way, you can save up some (or all) of your weekly PointsPlus Allowance, and even bolster your budget with some activity PointsPlus values.

Plan your meals for one or two days after your special meal out, just in case you use more PointsPlus values than you intended. It's easier to get back on track if you know you have some low PointsPlus value meals planned.


If it's "just another meal out"...

Decide to spend your usual number of PointsPlus values and plan ahead accordingly. If it's a business dinner, or simply a "there's nothing in the fridge" dinner, don't let it escalate into an over-the-top feast. Because eating out is so often associated with celebrations, it's all too easy to turn a simple meal out into a "special" (meaning PointsPlus budget-busting) night out.





 


. . .just track




WEIGHT WATCHERS for services and

PointsPlus are the registered trademarks of Weight Watchers International, Inc.

© 2013 Weight Watchers International, Inc. All rights reserved.



getting started

Tracking is a key to success on the Weight Watchers®
program. Track everything in this journal—from the food
you eat, to your hunger, to your activity—so you can see
what works for you and what doesn’t.




product highlights

• Track your daily and weekly progress
• Monitor your activity

PointsPlus® values

• Enjoy great tips and recipes




At a place that serves giant portions?

INSTANT FIX
Instant fix: Ask a table mate to share an entrée; order an appetizer as your main; or ask the waiter to pack up half of your meal before it even leaves the kitchen.
You won't be tempted by the extra food on your plate, and you'll have a meal for later.

Community Talks: Recovering from Wild Weekends

Want to stay on track without sacrificing a good time? These tips from Community members should help.

Try A Weekend Workaround
"I decided to pick Sundays as my Weight Watchers meeting days, that way I’m forced to be good all weekend knowing I have to weigh in on Sunday afternoon." —YO-YO-YOLIE

"I save my 49 weekly PointsPlus® values for Friday, Saturday and Sunday." —KRALLFAN

"On the weekends we take the time to plan. I speak with my hubby about where we're going to eat and go online to look up their menu and do some math. It is amazing how much help it is to walk into a restaurant and not need to look at the menu! You've done the work, you've made the decision and if you don't open the menu, you can't change your mind, and you stay on track!" —MICAHJAYE

Keep It Simple
"I track. Even if I overeat. Tracking gives me sanity and will rein me in." —CHRISGONSALVES
"If I'm facing a challenging dinner where I have no idea what is being served, I eat a smaller breakfast and lunch and save my PointsPlus values for that special event." —MAXINEMARIEM

Plan Ahead
"If I am out and about on a weekend that includes shopping, I actually pack a cooler with stuff that I can nibble on, so I am not tempted to hit the fast food places." —MAMABALLER
"I find that if I exercise early in the day, it cements my resolve for the day. I never want to blow a good workout with reckless eating later in the day." —TKDCHIX

"At any event I attend now, I bring along a veggie tray, and I sit close to that." —MILFORDSCRAPPER

Party Smart
"Having a phone with Internet access is very helpful. I can easily escape to a bathroom and look up PointsPlus values if there is a surprise eating outing." —REENA711
"It's become a tradition at family gatherings to play all kinds of games, and it really helps me stay away from the food. I always bring board games that are pretty hands-on: It's hard to eat and play Uno!" —JULIELEANNE
















At a party with nothing but unhealthy food?

INSTANT FIX

Choose the dishes that are least doctored - not covered in heavy sauces or battered. If you see a vegetable, snag it.

No matter what you end up eating, track it honestly, then plan for your next meal to be a healthy one.



















Member Recipes






Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup
Servings: 8
Serving Size: 1.25 cups
Weight Watchers® PointsPlus®: 6 *

1 lb. chicken breast
1/2 tsp. cumin

1 ts. chili powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

1 red pepper diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

10 oz. can tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)

1 14 oz. can red enchilada sauce

6 cups chicken broth

1 tbsp. tomato paste

2 14 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup masa harina (or corn meal)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings: chopped tortilla strips, chips, cilantro, onions, avocado, chopped jalapenos, cheese, Greek yogurt, light sour cream, etc.


Add the chicken breast, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, garlic cloves, salt, onion, peppers, tomatoes with green chiles, enchilada sauce, chicken broth, and tomato paste to the slow cooker.

Cook on low for four hours. Remove the chicken and shred with 2 forks. Return to soup and add the beans.

Mix the masa harina (corn meal) with 1/4-1/2 cup of water (more if needed) until smooth. Add to the soup and let cook for 30 more minutes. Top with 2 tbsp. cheese. You can also stir it in depending on your preference.







Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

Author:

Serves: 8


1 lb pizza dough

4 tablespoons ranch yogurt dressing

1½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese

½ cup shredded mozzarella

6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

2 chicken breast, grilled and chopped

1 medium avocado, chopped

1 plum tomato, chopped



Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Stretch pizza dough to form a 12 inch pizza crust.

Spread dressing on crust then sprinkle evenly the cheese, bacon, and chicken.

Bake for 25 minutes or until dough is cooked and cheese is melted.

Sprinkle avocado and tomato on top then slice into 8 pieces and serve hot.



Notes

Make Ahead Instructions
The pizza dough can be bought prepared or made ahead of time and stored in the freezer or refrigerator.

Chicken and bacon can be made ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.


Nutrition Information

Serving size: 1 slice Calories: 335 Fat: 17 Carbohydrates: 30 Fiber: 3 Protein: 15






Oven Omelette with Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Author:

Recipe type: Breakfast

Serves: 12


Cooking spray

6 fresh breakfast sausage links, casings removed

½ medium yellow onion, chopped

½ green pepper, seeded and chopped

½ cup chopped white mushrooms

12 eggs

½ cup 1% milk

1 cup of shredded cheddar

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper




Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a large pan, lightly coated with cooking spray, cook sausage, breaking into smaller pieces, until no longer pink. Remove from pan, put in a medium bowl, and set aside.

Wipe out pan, coat again with cooking spray, and cook mushrooms until soft. Place in the bowl with sausage.

In the same pan cook onions and peppers until softened. Add to the mushroom and sausage mixture.

In a large mixing bowl whisk together eggs and milk until yokes and milk are combined.

Stir in the sausage and vegetable mixture, cheese, and salt and pepper. Pour into 7 x 11 baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.

Bake for 50 minutes or until the center is set.



Notes

Make Ahead and Freezer Instructions If you are making this for a holiday breakfast then I recommend making the filling ingredients (sausage, onions, peppers, and mushrooms)

ahead of time and storing in the refrigerator.

The morning you make the omelette whip up the eggs and milk add the fillings then continue with cooking in the oven,

If you want to make this to have ready for a quick on the go breakfast then make it completely, let it cool, cut into portions, wraps in plastic wrap, and freeze.

Take out night before and let thaw in refrigerator. Remove plastic wrap and warm in the microwave 1 – 1½ minutes on high.

Serving size: 1 Calories: 156 Fat: 10 Carbohydrates: 3 Fiber: 0 Protein: 13




Scrambled Egg Salad

8 PP


2 tsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 onion, minced
1/2 red pepper, diced
2 florets broccoli, chopped small
1 cup mushrooms
1 cup fresh spinach
4 eggs
1/4 cup egg beaters
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
salt
pepper
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded


Combine the eggs, egg beaters, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until creamy. Set aside.

Heat the olive oil in your favorite large skillet. Saute the garlic and onions until the onions get soft.

Add the red pepper and broccoli, mix well, cover, and cook for 2–3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cover again for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the spinach and continue stirring. When the spinach wilts, give the eggs one more quick whisk and pour them in.

Stir gently. As the eggs start to solidify, add the cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted, and serve.

I toasted a thin piece of 3-seed bread with a pat of butter, which brought the points up to 10. I think the 2 points are worth it. You gotta have toast with your eggs, right?






Zucchini Bread

Servings: 24 slices

Serving size: 1 slice

Approximate nutritional information:

Calories: 118 * Carbs: 20 * Fat: 3 * Protein: 3 * Fiber: 0


3 cups all-purpose flour ( I use King Arthur flour)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup egg substitute

1/3 cup canola oil

1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 cups shredded zucchini

cooking spray


Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Step 1. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl and set aside.

Step 2. Using a large spoon combine the egg substitute, canola oil, lemon rind, vanilla, and egg in a medium to large bowl.

Step 3. Add in sugar to the egg mixture until it is combined and smooth.

Step 4. Slowly add flour 1/2 cup at a time to wet mixture until it is combined.

Step 5. Stir in zucchini until combined.

Step 6: Divide batter into two 9 1/2 x 5 1/2 bread pans sprayed with cooking spray.

**Special note: the original recipe calls for 8 x 4 bread pans but I did not have them so I used what I had.

Step 7: Put both pans in the oven and bake at 350 for 1 hour (recipe recommended time).

The bread is done when you can put a wooden toothpick in the center and it comes out clean of batter. When done cool completely on wire rack.

**Special note: I like my bread a little “doughy” so I typically take it out earlier than the recommended time which is the reason why the second picture looks like it could have cooked a bit longer.











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