MIDWEEK MINUTES January 16 2016
Midweek
Minutes
January 26,
2016
Hello,
Winners!
The last time I came back to
Weight Watchers to lose those unwanted pounds AGAIN, it was 1998. Weight
Watchers had a website. It was pretty primitive and awkward by todays’
standards, but it had a message board. I was THRILLED! In addition to
meetings, I could get online and talk to other members by posting on a message
board. Chat rooms and message boards were becoming popular. It was nothing
like Facebook or Google Hangouts today, but how FUN it was to help each other on
our journeys. Of course, it wasn’t instant messaging by any means, but I would
check the computer daily to see if my new friends had made comments, replied to
posts, or answered questions.
A group of us really hit it
off, so much so, that in the next year or so we formed our own group on a
smaller board because the Weight Watchers’ message board was really getting
huge. Many of us still post regularly. I know that the opportunity to connect
with other members online had a positive affect on my motivation and success.
The internet was a whole new way to be accountable and in touch all week long.
Connecting with members across the country helped me in my local meetings as
well because, as we all know, there’s no substitute for meetings...only
enhancements!
In 2016, not only is social
media a great way to help us succeed at the program 24/7, Weight Watchers has a
whole array of new digital tools to help us succeed. I encourage everyone to
explore all of the tools available. I am a “Baby Boomer”, and if I can do it,
you can do it!
Now, here’s the funny part...I
just spent an hour putting this email together, and it all crashed on me! So, I
get to do it again. I might not have this out until Sunday morning. That’s
technology for you. I can reconstruct the email, though. There’s always
another way. If something isn’t working for our weight loss journey, there’s
always another way. Let’s get together this week, and let’s talk about all of
the ways we can be successful. See you then! --Zig
Member
Milestones
Superior: –34.4
lbs.
Hastings: –25.2
lbs.
We're here for you wherever, whenever. At your meeting this
week, you explored how the digital tools can help you track, find foods and
activities, get recipe ideas, and connect with other Weight Watchers members.
The Weekly packs a lot of information about the app and the online
tools—here's a more in-depth look at some of them. Note: You might notice
that some of the tabs on your app and online are different from what appears in
the Weekly.That's because the Weekly went to print while we
were still busily fine-tuning the digital experience. Rest assured, all the main
functions are there for you!
Snap up the app: Along with Tracking
your food and activity (tap on the My Day calendar icon on the dashboard across
the bottom of your screen), using the search function, and seeing your
weight-loss progress, you might find yourself using the Connect feature the
most! It's a wonderful space for members to cheer on weight-loss triumphs, share
meal ideas, brag a little, and get inspiration (or a kick in the pants) when
they need it. Post your status (with a photo!), your before/after images—or
chime in on someone else's. Share your thoughts on the meeting topic (it's at
the top of the Connect screen with a #hashtag). There's a huge, vibrant
community of people sharing, caring, and daring to succeed!
Go online: You've probably already
explored My Day, which is your home
base. From here you can quickly track your SmartPoints
values. Research has shown that monitoring
what you eat and drink is the single most important thing you can do to reach
your weight-loss goals. And we’ve made it simple, clear, and even fun! Not sure
where to begin? Check out our easy Starter Meals, and start tracking! You can track recipes right from their how-to
page, as well, including this week's recipe from the Weekly, Ginger Shrimp.
You can also track your activity from your home page. If you
have a Fitbit® or other activity monitor, you can connect it to sync your FitPointsTM
automatically. Or you can track
manually. Earn FitPoints for everything from ab crunches to Zumba®—with plenty
of everyday activities in between, like vacuuming, carrying groceries, doing
home improvement…. Get ideas for other
activities to try as well: Hula hooping,
anyone?
Our online Community is vibrant and robust,
with Challenges galore, from Weight Watchers and from members, for food, activity,
and more. Wander through our blog lineup, and add your own thoughts. Post your triumphs on our Victory Wall.
More cool tools: Whether you're just
ramping up your activity, or want to squeeze in more, our free FitBreak by Weight WatchersTM
app helps you turn downtime (waiting in
line, watching TV, and such) into "up" time; you choose from one-minute
exercises depending on your location, how hard you want to work, and what area
of your body you want to target.
And for actual, physical tools, we've got those, too. Weight
Watchers offers a range of snacks, smoothies, kitchen utensils, workout gear,
Fitbits, and lots more. Take a little time to wander through our online shop.
How much activity should I do?
Your personal FitPoints goal is on your My Day dashboard. This goal is based on your current activity level and goals that will get you moving easily, even enjoyably (and you can set your own goal if you like). You can earn FitPoints for your activity — whether you’re walking, bowling, or playing with your kids — as soon as you start moving.What if I'm new to fitness?
That’s OK! Being active can be as simple as walking around the block after dinner instead of sitting on the couch, or taking the stairs and not the elevator. Our FitBreak by Weight Watchers™ app gives you great ideas for moving more throughout the day. (Go to the App Store to download.)I need some more ideas! Where can I find some inspiration?
If you want to kick your activity level up a notch, we have just thing: Hot5® by Weight Watchers. Hot5's exercises are full workouts, so it’s more about getting fit and toned rather than just maintaining activity. You're more likely to sweat and get your heart rate up with a Hot5 workout. You can mix and match to get the ideal workout for you.
Can I swap my FitPoints for food?
Consistent with our new program, Weight Watchers believes that eating more is not the only benefit of being more active; it also helps you have more energy, feel comfortable in your own skin and keep off the weight you lose. Plus it just feels good! So, we encourage you to earn FitPoints in ways that fit your life. If you prefer not to swap, go for it! If swapping works, keep doing it! (You can always try swapping or not later.) Swapping is just one of the many tools we have to keep the program flexible and livable. In a nutshell: Do what works for you.Will the plan still work if I swap?
It will. The SmartPoints and FitPoints formulas were designed to work hand-in-hand. Whether you swap or don’t swap, you’ll still lose weight.How do I swap FitPoints for food?
You’ll just need to change your Swapping setting to “Swap My FitPoints first.” Click on the profile icon in the upper right hand corner.I'm earning lots of FitPoints. Does 1 FitPoint = 1 SmartPoint?
Yes! In the process of redefining our SmartPoints formula, we also invested in fine-tuning our FitPoints formula. The good news? You can earn FitPoints for the simplest of things, like taking a walk around the block. So, keep racking up those FitPoints!
Remember: Check with your
doctor before you begin an activity routine. And most importantly, have fun!
Why aren't my Fitbit steps or activity showing up on the Weight Watchers Mobile app or on the dashboard?
There are a handful of reasons why you may be experiencing this issue. A common cause for Fitbit data not appearing is an older Fitbit device is still connected to Weight Watchers Mobile app.Here's how to troubleshoot:
1. Check that your current Fitbit device is indeed synced to your current Fitbit account by looking at Fitbit Account Settings.
2. Then, disconnect and reconnect Fitbit from the Weight Watchers Mobile app by going to More > Settings > Devices on the mobile app or Profile>Settings>Activity on the website.
If that didn't work, try these steps:
1. The first thing you should do is check if Settings in your Fitbit app (or web portal) is set to "All-Day Sync."
2. Next, log into the Fitbit Mobile app. Tap "Device" in the top row to see when the last synced time was. If you'd like to trigger a sync, scroll down that page and tap "Sync Now." View the latest activity information synced on the Fitbit app, then come back to the Weight Watchers Mobile app. Your data should appear.
3. Then, log into Weight Watchers website. Click the link "Sync your activity device" at the bottom of the activity dashboard and your data should appear.
*For iOS devices that are using operating systems older than iOS 9, there's a new feature called "Low Power Mode" which does not allow a background sync at any time. If this mode is enabled, you must open the Fitbit app and bring it to the foreground (it being the active screen on phone) to enable a sync. In addition, regardless of "Low Power Mode," for these older systems, depending on how much memory is left or currently being used on the device, iOS does not give permission for background sync to preserve optimal performance.
I've synced my activity monitor with the Weight Watchers Mobile app. Will my activity will be counted twice, making my FitPoints inaccurate?
A special de-duping formula is applied to steps and activity for members that use an activity monitor (i.e., Fitbit, etc.) and also track activities manually (i.e., dancing). To avoid doubling up, our formula reduces the number of FitPoints recorded for steps if another activity is manually entered the same day. Sometimes this can lead to a FitPoints value of zero for a significant amount of steps. But, don't worry, you'll get the right amount of FitPoints for the activity either way!
MASTER THE
PLAN
EPISODE 1: Let's do this!
Want to start
smart? You’re in the right place. In our 10-episode Master the
Plan video series, our Chief Scientific Officer and real members explain the
plan and how to work it. In this episode, watch for:
-
Plan basics, including the SmartPoints™ system
-
An overview of what you’ll get with Weight Watchers
-
Inspiration to rock this program from people who live it every day
BAD WEATHER: If there will be a meeting cancellation due to SNOW, etc., please stay tuned to NTV or KHAS-TV. I will call them to announce a meeting cancellation by 3 P.M. for Superior...and as early as I can (or the night before) for Hastings Saturday morning meetings. You can also log on to their websites where they have weather closings.
You can also call the
Weight Watchers' 800 number to find out if we are having a
meeting.
1-800-651-6000. Those of you who have signed up for the
REMIND notices on your phone, I will send you a remind message. I will also try
to post on FB.
Member
Recipes
Spaghetti Pie www.laloosh.com
4 oz whole wheat pasta,
uncooked
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup parmesan cheese,
shredded
1 cup low fat cottage
cheese
1/2 lb ground turkey,
cooked
1 1/2 cups pasta sauce
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese,
shredded
Cook the pasta according to package
directions. Drain and cool.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Lightly grease a 9 inch pie plate.
Mix together the pasta, egg and parmesan
cheese.
Press the mixture into the bottom of the
pie plate and up the sides to make the “crust”.
Spread the cottage cheese on top of the
“crust”.
Mix the turkey and pasta sauce together,
and spread over the cottage cheese.
Sprinkle the mozzarella on
top.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Serve hot.
Preparation time: 15
minute(s)
Cooking time: 25
minute(s)
Diet type:
Diet tags:
Number of servings (yield): 6 @ 8
Smart Points
Easy Chicken Lo Mein
www.laloosh.com
8 oz skinless, boneless chicken breast,
diced
8 oz lo mein egg
noodles
2 tsp olive oil
2 cups broccoli slaw (I used Trader
Joe’s)
1 cup snap peas
2 cups baby spinach
1/4 cup reduced sodium soy
sauce
2 tsp sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tbsp Sriracha sauce (more or less to
taste)
In a large pot of boiling water, cook lo
mein egg noodles according to package instructions; drain
well.
Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice
vinegar, sesame oil, ginger and Sriracha sauce and set aside.
Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large, nonstick
skillet over medium high heat. Cook chicken pieces until browned on both sides,
and no longer pink in the middle, about 4-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set
aside.
Add remaining tsp olive oil, and add in
broccoli slaw and garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 3-4
minutes. Stir in snow peas and spinach until the spinach has wilted, about 2-3
minutes.
Stir in the lo mein noodles, chicken and
soy sauce mixture, and toss gently to combine. Serve
immediately.
OLIVE GARDEN SLOW COOKER PASTA FAGIOLI
RECIPE
--1 pound lean ground beef, browned and drained
--1/2 large red onion, chopped
--1 cup carrots, chopped
--2 celery stalks, sliced--2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (and juice)
--1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
--1 can white beans, drained and rinsed--4 cups beef broth (check label for gluten!)
--1 jar (26-ounce) pasta sauce
--2 tsp oregano--1 T Tabasco sauce
--1/2 tsp salt
--1/4 tsp black pepper--1/2 cup dry pasta, to add at end of cooking time (I used TJ's brown rice fusilli)
Use a 6 quart or larger crockpot, or cut the recipe in half. This makes a lot.
Brown the meat on the stovetop, and drain well. Let it cool a bit.
Chop up the carrots, onion, and celery. Add it to the empty crockpot.
Drain and rinse the beans, and add them. Add the whole cans of tomatoes, and the pasta sauce. Add the beef broth. Add the salt, pepper, oregano, andTobasco sauce. Stir in your meat.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4. When the vegetables are tender, stir in the 1/2 cup of dry pasta.
Cover and cook for another hour on low, or until the pasta is tender. It will swell quite a bit.
Serve with a bit of parmesan cheese if you have it. Serves 10 @ 6 Smart Points
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