MIDWEEK MINUTES May 17


Midweek Minutes
May 17, 2014
Hello, Winners!
Yes, it’s here!  Only one and one half days left with kids, and that puts the 2013-2014 school year in the record books!  Hip-hooray!  Ah, I can feel the silence already as I spend the next couple of weeks finishing the yearbook.  Then it will be time to clean the classroom and prepare new summer routines!  I have to get my classroom ready for the custodial staff to tackle.    I have been making lists for all the things that need to be done and reflecting on them.
I have a list for summer projects (that does include pool time with the grandkids) and plan to stay on program all summer long and IMPROVING myself. Summer will go all too quickly as it is. As Julia Havey, a expert on diet and fitness says about the school year...

"OHMIGOSH! Can you believe that the school year is drawing to a close? I can't! My daughter got done yesterday and has exams all next week and my son finishes up next Friday.  I swear I was buying school supplies and taking 1st day of school pictures like a month ago! Where does all the time go? Looking back, it sure seems like it went by so quickly.
How does that relate to weight loss? Let me tell you:
People often times delay "getting started" on their weight loss journey because they think it is going to take forever to get their weight off and out of despair and frustration, they put it off until "tomorrow". That tomorrow NEVER comes!

However, a whole year's worth of tomorrows come and go before you even realize they happened. It is all a time warp blur and life quickly speeds by us.

Here is a quote to remember: "Time flies--whether you are having fun or not!" or in our case, "whether you are living healthfully or not!"
I spoke with a woman yesterday who wants to lose 100 pounds. She said she has put off doing anything because she is discouraged and thinks it is going to take forever. I asked if she had school age children. Yes, she said. I asked her if it felt like no time at all since school started and now the year is over. Yes, she said.

I pointed out that had she started on her weight loss journey on the first day of school and stayed consistent for the entire academic year, that she could have expected to lose around 72 pounds. Cried, she did. (ok Yoda!) Oh yeah, that's right! 72 pounds! At a safe and sound rate of 2 pounds lost a week, 8 pounds a month, over 9 months that would be 72 pounds off of her body! So, guess what? 8 months from now, when the New Year get rung in, will you have 64 pounds off, or whatever your goal less than that is?
You will if you get consistent with your choices, strive for better health in all that you do and keep a positive attitude. Sure, weight loss takes time; but time flies!”

Aren't those great thoughts? Have you been procrastinating? The best time to start is now...the time certainly DOES fly by whether or not we are doing anything toward working on weight loss or not! If not now...when? I know you all have summer plans, and the summer will be gone before we know it. One step at a time...do what you can do...the time will still go by...make a plan...write it down...pick your priorities...have some fun too...all these great pieces of advice will work for your weight loss and your life. Make it a good summer! Don't overwhelm yourself with too much going on. Get some exercise at those ballgames by walking around instead of snarfing down those hot dogs. Do some fun active things outdoors, but don't forget the sunscreen. And best of all, keep coming to the meetings. I'll be there!
It's on my list!!!

SIDE NOTE: Unfortunately, in Superior, there will NOT be a meeting on Memorial Day.  Feel free to stop in Hastings on Saturday morning!  Our new meeting time is 8 A.M. We had a nice turnout this morning for our first early meeting. 

It’s on to graduation exercises this afternoon to take photos!  That might be the only exercise for me today, but tomorrow, it’s supposed to be great weather!  Enjoy the weekend! –Zig

These Members go to the Head of the Class for their Milestones!

Superior: –9.8 lbs
Hastings: –16.2 lbs.

5 lb. star
Pam W. ( S )

35 lb. star
Amy S. ( H )

4 week Key chain
Sarah R. ( H )
Lauretta W. ( H )

Biggest Loser
Shirley F. ( S )
Vicki K. ( H )
The Good Health Guidelines and MORE!

In case you missed the meeting this week, we took the Good Health Guidelines a bit further in Superior. I managed to make a video tape of our Guest Speaker Shannon McCord from Ideal Market in Superior who talked to our members about a new, easy way to choose the healthiest foods at the grocery store with a system called Nu-Val.  The video is on my Facebook Weight Watchers page called “ZIG’S WINNERS” (ask permission to join our WW group by going to Facebook).  I showed the video in the Hastings meeting room this morning.

HY-VEE and Allen’s of Hastings use this scoring system called Nu-Val.  Also, grocery stores, such as Ideal Market who are affiliated with SHURFINE, are beginning to participate as well.  It’s a simple system found right on the product price.  As you can see on the photos below, based on a scientific algorithm, food is given a score of 1-100 so consumers can easily make the HEALTHIEST choices.

Based on a score of 1-100, the number on the left side of the price sticker shows a comparison between the products so you can easily choose the healthiest choice.  The higher the score, the better the nutrition.

 For more information, go to www.NuVal.com.

      

What are the Good Health Guidelines?

Eating in a healthy way is an important goal of the Weight Watchers plan. Our Good Health Guidelines help ensure you are getting the nutrients, vitamins and minerals you need while losing weight.

If you plan meals around the Good Health Guidelines, they'll use up a lot of the PointsPlus® values you'll need to spend to reach your daily PointsPlus Target, and will make sure you have a healthy day.

SALE . . .ONE WEEK ONLY!!!

Fruit & Salad Solutions To-Go
will be on sale from 5/18-5/24 as a bundle offer for $18(over $7 in savings)!
To redeem this promotion, members must purchase both one Fruit Solution and one Salad Solution.
This offer is not redeemable for 2 Fruit or 2 Salad Solutions.
   
Our Salad Solution To-Go is the all-in-one container you want when packing a salad. Tired of lugging your dressing, and it leaking all over your lunch bag? We
created a special 2-ounce tight-sealed container
that holds your favorite dressing to ensure perfect
portioning and that fits right inside the container!
The detachable chill ring also keeps your salad fresh and chilled so it’s perfect to stay on track when you need to pack your lunch.
The divided lid also has a convenient storage for
your favorite salad toppers like croutons, nuts,
seeds, cheese, and more—no more soggy toppings.


Our Fruit Solution To-Go is the answer you’ve been looking for. Now you can keep your fruit salad fresh and chilled with a
detachable chill ring when you’re out and about.
A special 5 ounce tight sealed container fits perfectly within
the main compartment, which is also divided so your fruit flavors don’t blend and get mushy.
The divided lid also has a convenient storage
for your favorite toppings like nuts, granola,
and more.
SALE!!!
Your Success Kit
will be $5 off from 5/18-6/7.

MORE Sales!
Oatmeal and Heat & Eat Cups– formerly $5.95, now $4.95 thru 5/24
Discounted Products
Strawberry Delight Oatmeal (SKU 50033) – formerly $5.95, now $4.95
Kettle Corn Popcorn Crisps (SKU 11466) – formerly $4.95, now $3.50
Hazelnut Latte Smoothie (SKU 21035)– formerly $7.50, now $4.95
Lemon Chicken & Couscous (SKU 50034)– formerly $5.95, now $3.95
Cheesy Scrambled Eggs (SKU 50037)– formerly $5.95, now $3.95
Countdown to Summer Challenge:  Week 3
Ready... set... swimsuit! Take part in our four-week challenge and face summer in confidence and style.
Article By: Amanda Genge
Maybe you’re doing great on Plan and are looking forward to showing off a trimmed-down figure. Or maybe your motivation has been waning lately, and the thought of baring it all on the beach makes you want to take a 3-month vacation to Antarctica. Either way, the Countdown to Summer Community Challenge is for you.
Week 3: Tackle kitchen clutterEating right starts at home, and a disorganized kitchen can make it harder to plan healthier meals and snacks. Set yourself up for success and adopt smarter eating habits by giving your cabinets, kitchen, and pantry a makeover. Try these ideas below, then check out more tips and tricks in the At Home section of the Spaces tool.
  • A healthy shopping list can be a wonderful tool, but buying the same old stuff week after week can get boring. This week, revamp your list. Ask other members what they like to buy or browse the Community for inspiration.
  • Check out what’s lurking in your cupboards and find creative ways to use ingredients, or give donate-able items to a local food pantry.
  • Are high-temptation foods kept out of sight or reach? Doing so can help you avoid plowing through an entire box or bag at once. Move all treats to higher shelves in the pantry, fridge and freezer. Or if you haven’t been good about keeping “trigger” foods out of the house entirely, commit to avoiding them completely this week.
  • Now is the best time of year for fresh produce, so start to think seasonally when you do your shopping. Go to a farmer’s market and pick out one or two things that look absolutely irresistibly delicious (and we don’t mean the homemade pies or cakes!).

NEXT WEEK’S MEETING
Spring Clean Your Fridge
This Week’s meeting offers valuable ideas for making your fridge an ally instead of an
enemy.
Member Recipes


Banana Split Dessert
3 Cups Splenda Granular
2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
1 (8 oz.) Package Fat Free Cream Cheese, softened
4 oz. Fat Free Cool Whip
1/2 Cup Unsweetened Crushed Pineapple, drained
1 (0.8 oz.) Package Sugar Free Vanilla Cook & Serve Pudding Mix
2 Cups Boiling Water
1 (0.3 oz.) Package Sugar Free Strawberry Jello
1 Medium Banana Sliced Thin
1 1/2 Cups Strawberries, sliced

In a medium saucepan, add water and pudding mix. Heat to boil. Remove from heat and immediately add the Jello, stirring until dissolved. Pour into a 9X13 pan and refrigerate until firm. Add Splenda and Cornstarch in a blender and whip until it resembles powdered sugar. In a bowl, stir cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar mixture and mix until combined. Fold in Cool Whip. Pour this over your firm Jello and top with sliced bananas, pineapple, and sliced strawberries. Return to refrigerator until completely chilled. With a large spoon, stir the mixture all together just until the Jello is mixed throughout. Don't over stir. Serve with fat free cool whip (optional).
Serves: 12 (1/2 Cup Each)
Per Serving: . WWP+: 2




Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 8 Points+: 6
Filling:
1 lb strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 lb rhubarb stalks (about 5 or 6) cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 orange, zested and juiced
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup agave nectar (honey or sugar would work)
Topping:
1 cup Quaker quick oats
1/2 cup 100% white whole wheat flour
1/2 cup light brown sugar, not packed
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, melted
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine strawberries and rhubarb in an oven safe dish.
Add agave nectar...
Then orange juice and orange zest;sprinkle with cornstarch andtoss until fruit is well coated.
Mix remaining ingredients for the topping in a medium bowl then spread over fruit.
Bake until topping is golden brown and fruit is bubbling, about 40 minutes.
Serve with a scoop of fat free frozen yogurt or a dallop of whipped cream and enjoy!!


1 bag spring mix or field greens
1 large red or green apple, cored and chopped
½ cup red grapes, sliced in half
½ cup fresh blueberries
¼ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled, reduced-fat feta cheese or Parmesan cheese, grated
¼ cup Trader Joe’s Champagne Pear Vinaigrette Dressing or Girard’s Light Champagne Vinaigrette, see shopping tip

1. In a large serving bowl, add all the ingredients except the dressing. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. When ready to serve, toss in salad dressing. Start with ¼ cup. Add more dressing, if desired.
3. This salad can easily be doubled, tripled, etc.
Makes 6 side salads or 3 main course salads
Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 3


Velveeta Stuffed Burgers
serves 4 ( PointsPlus® Value: 5**)1 lb ( 93%) lean ground beef
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
salt, pepper, garlic powder and minced onion to taste
4 oz. light ( 2%) Velveeta cheese, cubed

Mix beef with Worcestershire sauce and spices. Divide into eight equal sections.
Press one section flat, top with a cheese cube. Press another section of beef and mold over the cheese.
Pinch to seal all edges.
Grill or pan fry until desired doneness.
**Add additional points for whichever bun you choose.




Strawberry Cheesecake Dip
Recipe by Tessa of Handle the Heat
1 pint strawberries (thawed if frozen), hulled
8 ounces Neufchatel cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons – 1/4 cup sugar, depending on how sweet your strawberries are
In the bowl of a food processor or blender, pulse the hulled strawberries until pureed and smooth. Pour strawberry puree through a fine sieve, pushing the pulp through and into a clean bowl using a rubber spatula. Discard any remaining seeds or particles. Clean out the bowl of the food processor and pulse the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and sugar until smooth. Add the pureed and strained strawberries to cream cheese mixture and pulse until combined. Taste, adding more sugar if necessary. Chill dip in the fridge for an hour before serving. Serve with cinnamon sugar pita chips and fresh fruit.
3 PointsPlus® (1/6 recipe, about 1/4 cup)


Egg Salad Sandwiches
3 eggs, I like Eggland’s Best eggs or 3 cooked eggs
1 tablespoon light mayonnaise, I used Best Foods (Hellman’s) Light
2 teaspoon relish
1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard or yellow mustard
¼ teaspoon curry powder, optional
⅛ teaspoon salt
Fresh ground pepper to taste
2 Oroweat Honey Wheat Sandwich Thins, see shopping tip
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard or yellow mustard
2 large slices of tomato
¼ cup fresh spinach

Instructions
1. To cook eggs-In a small pot, add eggs and cover with water. Bring to a boil, turn down to simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Drain water and place eggs in a bowl of ice water for several minutes. When chilled, peel eggs.
2. In a small bowl, using a cheese grater, shred 1 whole egg and 2 whites. Throw away the other 2 yolks or use them in another recipe. Stir in mayonnaise, relish, mustard, curry powder, salt and pepper to taste.
3. Split open sandwich thins and spread inside of each piece with mustard. Divide the egg salad among 2 pieces. Top each with tomato, spinach and remaining sandwich thin.
4. You can heat the sandwich in the microwave before adding the tomato and spinach. It taste really good warmed.
Makes 2 sandwiches @ 4P+

This newsletter is in no way affiliated with Weight Watchers, Inc. It is simply a motivational tool that I offer to members who attend my Weight Watchers meetings and wish to receive it.

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