MIDWEEK MINUTES February 20, 2016

 
 
 

 
 
Midweek Minutes
February 20, 2016
 
 
 
Hello, Winners!
 
I’m getting things ready for the baby shower I’m giving tomorrow for my daughter and my newest heart throb, Baby Lincoln, so this might be a short newsletter.  The shower has an ARMY theme.  I’ll take pictures because, if I do say so myself, it’s going to be FABULOUS!  Besides THE CAKE (I showed a picture of it in this morning’s meeting (it’s red velvet and about 15 Smart Points for a small slice), I am making WW-friendly snacks...well, some of them will be!  LOL!  However, I have saved some Smart Points, and so it’s going to be great!  I love Weight Watchers because I CAN plan for special occasions and NOT feel guilty!
 
How about you?  We have had great attendance, and I am SO PROUD of the way you have all embraced Beyond the Scale, Smart Points, and a healthier lifestyle.  As we were saying this morning, taking a tiny step gives us the motivation to take another!  Since we’re talking “baby”, my grandson is almost 4 weeks old already!  My daughter asked me yesterday if I have noticed any change in the baby because I don’t see him every day, and she does...so she says she can’t tell.  I said, “Oh yes!”
 
We might not be able to see daily or weekly changes, but they are happening!  Think of how a baby learns to roll over, scoot, pull himself up, crawl, and eventually walk.  (Speaking in Gramma’s terms, I look forward to that, but I don’t want the time to go so quickly, either!)
 
The year is about 7 weeks old.  How do you feel your progress has gone?  Have you seen some small changes turn into big rewards?  Are you feeling better?  I bet you have and you are!  This is why I encourage you to think about your weight-loss journey in 4-week increments.  The time really does fly by, and when we feel as though we don’t see much going on, it’s great to look back each month and revel in our progress.
 
Speaking of time flying by, the time will go by anyway, so if you haven’t been to a meeting for awhile or have let your membership lapse, please join us.  Trish and Pat will be doing the meeting on Monday as I have the “dreaded” parent/teacher conferences.  I will miss you, and I want to hear all about the meeting...I will be thinking of you while I am at school!
 
Saturday morning members...it was a HOOT today...remember our motto for the week: “ Give that donut the finger!”  Haha!   --Zig
 
 
 
Member Milestones
 
Superior: –18 lbs.
Hastings: –29 lbs.
 
5 lb. star
Justine K. ( H )
Tamera ( H )
 
10 lb. star
Roy R. ( S )
Donald ( S )
 
75 lb. star
Vicki S. ( H )
 
 

What makes you feel better: compliments or criticism? OK, the answer is obvious. So why do we seem to have no problem berating ourselves? We’d never talk like that to a friend. Maybe we think going negative can spur us to achieve our goals, but the opposite is true: self-compassion can help you stick to healthy actions that pay off at the scale.
So how do you learn to like yourself more? The same way you make friends with anyone else: Take the time to get acquainted; be supportive and non-judgmental. Above all, look for the good. A good way to jump in is with the fun fill-in exercise in the Weekly.Still stumped? Try the seven suggestions below.
  1. Make a list of your positive qualities. Read your list often. It could include anything from being a good guitar player to being a loving dad. List every attribute that makes you a worthwhile, likable individual.
  2. Pay yourself a compliment every day. Focus on a different attribute—quick hands, good fashion sense, killer poker skills—and say out loud: "I love my ___." It may sound silly at first, but it can be a useful counter to self-doubt.
  3. Do things you know will help you feel better about yourself. This could be anything from getting a new hairstyle to rearranging your fridge for healthy eating. Tackle the easiest first, to build confidence in future efforts.
  4. Give yourself regular non-food treats. Buy yourself a cool new app, take a spontaneous day trip. You'd do these things to make loved ones feel good, so why not yourself?
  5. Spend time with those who care about you. You’ll soon share their good opinion of you! If there aren't as many supportive people in your social circle as you'd like, consider ways of expanding it to increase your chances of positive feedback. Ask yourself: "Who will help me feel good about myself?" (Like, say, your fellow members in Meetings or on Connect on the mobile app. ) 
  6. Avoid situations that keep you in a state of self-doubt. Even long-term relationships might call for a clear-eyed reappraisal, if they leave you feeling bad. Perhaps there's a critical relative or colleague who always seems to undermine you. Are you forever seeking someone's approval but never getting it? Rather than simply taking the criticism, you could:
          Retreat from the relationship a bit.
          Stop hoping for approval.
          Respond more assertively to harsh remarks
  7. Try a little kindness. Instead of beating yourself up whenever you slip, give yourself the benefit of the doubt, same as you would anyone else. Focus on your achievements, not faults. Chances are, once you start looking, you'll be surprised at just how many there are.
 

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So what you’re seeing out your window isn’t exactly an enticing winter wonderland any more. Snow storms, wind chill, and just plain dreary weather can make you want to crawl under the blankets and binge on TV. But when that gets old (and believe us, it will), what’s a better way to channel your pent-up energy than climbing the walls? Here are five entertaining pastimes that’ll keep you and your inner artist occupied and happy when you’re stuck indoors.

1. Grab an adult coloring book and let those pigments fly!
If you’d like to get the benefits of meditation but hate the idea of sitting totally still, then consider coloring. Yes, we’re talking about your kindergartener’s favorite pastime, but this new trend is targeted to grownups. People are going crazy for the intricate, beautiful designs found in “adult coloring books.” Small wonder – research shows that this simple but mindful activity soothes frayed nerves and provides stress relief. Not sold? Read one former doubter’s experience in The Atlantic. And if it’s just the colored pencils, you’re not into, no prob: Try paint-by-numbers instead. Look at you, Monet!

 2. Try knitting. (Yes, really!)
If you’ve been noticing tons of people (young and old, even guys!) knitting lately, you’re not seeing things. This insightful New York Times article on the crafty trend reports that knitting produces meditative benefits similar to those of yoga and (it gets better!) can reduce levels of stress hormones. (And yes, crocheters, hooking is just as good!) Pick out your yarn and start crafting.

 3. Start an indoor garden.   
You probably already know that plants are great for naturally purifying your air and reducing your stress levels. So pick up some succulents or philodendron plants (or whatever you fancy!) and plan an any-time-of-year garden near a window. Investigate all the options for planters, and give your inner designer free rein. Will you make a hanging globe terrarium? Or are you more into geometric shapes? You’re already having fun!

 4. Print and display your Instagram photos.
Your shared social media pics deserve a place to live besides just on your phone! Print them out using a site like Social Print Studio or Foxprint™ and fill your home or work space with happy memories. Put them in frames, hang them on a string, or just use patterned washi tape to give them the artful display they deserve. The possibilities are endless!

 5. Vision Boarding   
What do you want? There’s no better time than now to start envisioning your goals and laying the images out beautifully. When you’re creating your board, include details (trinkets, photos, and charms) that represent what makes you happy. Then add pictures of the things that you want physically, emotionally, and even materialistically. You may surprise yourself with how much clarity creating this project gives you—and how motivating the constant, inspiring reminder can be. 
 
 
S-A-L-E
12/6 until further notice: Buy two companions for $20 (Grocery Guru and Menu Master).
 
 
 
1/31–2/27: Beverage Enhancer Sale: All Water Enhancers and Café Creations will be on sale for $3.95.
 
 2/28–3/5: Fitbit Sale: Fitbit Charge HR on sale for $139.95, Fitbit Flex and Fitbit One on sale for $89.95, and Fitbit Zip on sale for $54.95.
 
Get ready for two new, awesome products and a whole new category coming to the consumable line-up in March!!! We are constantly working on producing new and exciting products that are not only delicious but that also fit within the SmartPoints program and Beyond the Scale. The goal is to always be developing convenient, perfectly portioned items that will aid in the success of our Members. That being said, here's the scoop on what's coming in the March shipments to a meeting room near you!!

Peanut Butter Trail Mix Snack Bar
Peanut Butter Trail Mix Snack Bar is the PERFECT combination of nutty and fruit flavors in a delicious four SmartPoints bar. Every bite is packed with a blend of cranberries, blueberries, peanuts, almonds and pretzel pieces topped with peanut butter chips. At only 120 calories and 4 SmartPoints, it's the perfect snack for any peanut butter lover!
 
 
Triple Berry Yogurt SUPER Smoothie
For the first time in the Smoothie category, there will be a high-protein SUPER Smoothie offering made with 15g of protein per slim pack! At 3 SmartPoints, Triple Berry Yogurt Super Smoothie is made with low-fat yogurt and combines a very, berry blend of blueberry, raspberry and strawberry flavors. But that's not all: This Smoothie is souped-up with more vitamins and minerals than our traditional Chocolate and Vanilla flavors including Vitamins A, B12, C, D as well as Iron and Calcium. As a result of the nutritional boost in these Smoothies, each slim pack includes more powder than our other Smoothies, therefore, you may notice we could only fit 5 super slim packs per box. But oh, did we mention it's delicious?? Try for yourself! During the month of the launch, all locations will be providing samples of this new and exciting super Smoothie. This is the first time ever that Smoothies have been given to our Members as samples and we are SUPER excited!

INTRODUCING TASTY BITES!!!
The meeting rooms will soon be spicing up with Tasty Bite meal pouches. This new category is the perfect solution for our busy Members. Tasty Bite single serve meal pouches are quick & easy, ready to heat and eat, with bold flavors to spice up any kitchen! The following three SKUs shown on this promo flyer will be launching in March:
  • Vegetable Tikka Masala, 5 SmartPoints
  • Madras Lentils, 6 SmartPoints
  • Brown Rice & Lentils, 6 SmartPoints

Tasty Bites come in packages of three meal pouches for ONLY $9.95 and the best part about it—they are single serve! This item was piloted at select locations last year with positive feedback. We know your members can get in a rut looking for different types of low SmartPoints value options, and these provide a perfect solution! The piloted product included two servings per pouch—and we've now changed it to single servings based on the pilot feedback. We worked with the company to manufacturer a single serve pouch exclusively for Weight Watchers! The outer carton even includes recipes and the SmartPoints values.
 
 
Member Recipes
 

Spicy Garlic Shrimp
Yields: 4 servings | Serving Size: 6 shrimp |  SmartPoints: 4
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more if you like it really spicy)
  • 2 dozen raw shrimp, peeled, tails on, deveined (tails off optional)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth, fat-free
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
  • Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the shrimp. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until pink in color. Remove shrimp and set aside. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for one minute. Remove the skillet, add the white wine to deglaze the pan. Place the skillet back on the burner, add broth and cook until the desired thickness has been reached. Add parsley, return shrimp to skillet and toss to coat. Remove from heat and serve. Serve over quinoa, rice, or your favorite whole grain.  www.skinnyms.com
 
 
 
Mushroom and Canadian Bacon Frittatas
3 SmartPoints each
 
This frittata is baked in an easy hash brown crust and packed with the delicious flavors of crispy
bacon, tangy goat cheese and sautéed mushrooms.
Ingredients
3 spray cooking spray
2 oz uncooked Canadian bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
16 oz frozen hash brown potatoes, shredded, defrosted
1⁄2 small uncooked onion, thinly sliced
6 oz button mushrooms, or mixed mushrooms, sliced
2 medium uncooked scallions, finely chopped
1⁄2 tsp ground coriander
3⁄4 tsp dried thyme
4 large egg(s)
3 large egg white(s)
1⁄2 cups fat free skim milk
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, flat-leaf variety
1⁄2 tsp table salt
1⁄4 tsp black pepper
2 oz hard-type goat cheese, such as Feta, crumbled (1/4 c)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Place rack in lower third of oven. Coat a 12-hole standard muffin tin
with cooking spray; set aside.
2. In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until just brown, about 2 minutes;
remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Off heat, coat skillet with cooking spray; set over medium-high heat. Add hash browns and
onion to skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, until hash browns are heated through and start to
brown, about 7 to 9 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Off heat, recoat skillet with cooking spray; set over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and
scallions to skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in
coriander and thyme; remove from heat and set aside.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, milk, parsley, salt and pepper; stir in
mushroom mixture and cooked bacon.
6. Evenly divide hash brown mixture among prepared muffin holes; press down on mixture so it
forms an even bottom and covers some of the sides. Spoon about ¼ c egg mixture over potato
layer; crumble 1 tsp cheese over each.
7. Bake frittatas until egg is cooked through, about 25-30 minutes. Let cool slightly and remove
from pan with a knife. Serve warm.
8. Serving size: 1 frittata.
Notes
These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated. They can also be frozen
and reheated.
 
 
 
 
Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples & Cranberries
Leftover rotisserie chicken, apples, celery, and dried cranberries in a light and creamy dressing,
this easy healthy chicken salad with apples and cranberries is a lunchtime favorite.
Author: Martha Serves:
 
2½ cups chopped cooked chicken
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup chopped apple (about 1 large; I used a Pink Lady and kept the peel because it was organic)
¼ cup dried cranberries
½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons Hellman's light mayonnaise
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
 
Instructions 1. Place the chicken, celery, apple and cranberries in a bowl and stir to combine.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise and lemon juice.
3. Add to the chicken mixture and stir to mix well.
4. Stir in the parsley if desired.
5. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cook's Notes Nutritional Estimates Per Serving (about 1 cup): 4 SmartPoints
This would be delicious served on whole grain crackers or in a pita or wrap too.
 
 
 
Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped shallot
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5 ounces each)
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
¾ cup Marsala wine (Note: The recipe didn't specify whether to use dry or sweet marsala. Betty Crocker suggests sweet marsala, but I inadvertently used dry. Several commenters have complained that the flavor of the wine was overpowering for them. If in doubt, I would use ½ cup chicken broth and ¼ cup marsala instead.)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons chopped parsley, for garnish, optional

1.    Ideal Slow Cooker Size: 4-Quart
2.    Coat slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray. Combine the olive oil, shallot and garlic in bottom of slow cooker.
3.    In a shallow dish stir together the flour, salt and black pepper. Pound the chicken to an even thickness and coat it with the flour mixture and add to the slow cooker. Scatter mushrooms over chicken and add the Marsala.
4.    Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or until the chicken is tender. To thicken the sauce, turn the slow cooker up to HIGH. Combine the cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water and stir it into the chicken mixture. Cover and cook until the sauce has thickened 10 to 25 minutes. Stir in parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
COOK'S NOTES
Nutrition Estimates Per Serving (1 chicken breast and ¼ cup mushroom sauce): 235 calories, 5 g fat, 9 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 29 g protein and 5 Weight Watchers Points Plus, 4 SmartPoints
 

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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