MIDWEEK MINUTES June 18, 2016

 
 
Midweek Minutes
June 18, 2016
 
Hello, Winners!
 
It’s my birthday week as well as Father’s Day.  My birthday is June 23, and my father’s birthday was June 24...and yes, Father’s Day always began the celebration week...yes, WEEK...for our family!  Throw in the Summer Solstice ( June 21-longest day of the year) celebration when there might also be a gathering among my parents’ friends, and it was nothing but EAT ALL WEEK!!!
 
In "the old country, Latvia" where my father was born, the summer solstice is a big deal. When I was a kid, I remember going out to a lake with some other families to celebrate the longest day of the year. Consequently, food used to be a big part of our celebrations. That's how my dad and I bonded...over food.
 
Both my parents were very conscious about cleaning our plates since they survived through the starvation of World War II Germany. My mother always liked to show love with food, and that's what I learned to do.  My mother was an excellent cook, yet I noticed it was only my dad and I who actually did all the overeating!  My mom worked part time as an RN on the 3-11 shift, so I learned to cook for my dad on the nights my mom worked.  He and I ate together...in front of the television, and I used to bask in the praise he gave me for my mashed potatoes and gravy which we had with our grilled steak (basted in butter)! "Back in the day" in Lincoln, my dad and I also discovered the original RUNZA drive in, and that was our favorite food next to steak!
 
Although my dad and I ate a lot (or maybe it was just me), other than an occasional Runza, we didn't eat fast food much. I did overdo the "fattening food", though. I always loved pleasing my dad, and I seemed to do that with my cooking.  I still do love good food!  That hasn't changed. I don't blame my dad for my overweight state, but perhaps I do, in part, blame the genetic predisposition to being overweight I got from his side of the family.  My aunt and my female cousins on my dad's side of the family all are obese, and so I have learned I must work harder and be more committed because of it .
 
So,  what birthday words of wisdom about life, food, and weight management can I impart? I reached Lifetime the first time on Weight Watchers in 1972...44 YEARS AGO!!! It was really the first food plan that worked for me.  That, along with riding my bicycle to UNL, got me to goal that first time.
 
I wish I had learned all my weight management lessons back then, but it was not until 1998 (June 19, 1998 to be exact), that I walked BACK into Weight Watchers for the third time), and I finally learned that maybe I need to do this program for the rest of my life! It wasn't easy to dig into some of the underlying reasons I was overweight, which we all know have to do with more than food, but it is definitely important to figure things out, make good choices, and move forward.
 
In your weight loss journey, remember my mantra: "You can't change your weight until you change your mind." It's a choice...whether or not you want to commit to changing your life. Weight loss is not a sprint, it's a marathon. It takes time to do it the healthy way. It takes time to learn new habits.
 
Weight management is not only about how you look and being a smaller size (although that's pretty darn fun!), but it's about how you feel...your health and fitness...inside and out. It's about making good choices in a society that is growing bigger by the minute with bad choices. I really like feeling good, not feeling old, and having the energy to do the things I want to do. And I am STILL learning every day.  I admit, there are still days where exercise and eating properly are the farthest thing from my mind!
 
So, if I can impart any wisdom to you, it would be this...what are you waiting for? Commit and get serious about making the program work for you. Decide now that you want to do everything in your power to make this your year. Don't skip the meetings in the summer either!
 
In reflection, you know, the things I remember most about this special time of the year surprise me. Funny, I don't really think back on just the food we had on our blow-out birthdays, but yes, that was a big part of the celebrations when I was growing up. Mostly, I remember not liking my size much, hating to be in a photograph, and not knowing what to do about it.  I remember my parents who raised the best way they knew.  I remember the laughter, the lightning bugs, and the lake of this special week of summer.  I remember June as the month I walked into Weight Watchers. This time of year is special to me for many reasons. Let's make it special for YOU TOO!  (If you haven't been to the meeting room for several weeks, you might not get any more newsletters :-(  because I will have to discontinue you...so...
 
Happy Fathers Day, and I hope to see you in the meeting room! --Zig
 
 
 
Member Milestones
 
Superior: –20.4 lbs.
Hastings: –9 lbs.
 
10 lb. star
Donna M. ( S )
 
30 lb. star
Don W. ( S )
Kathryn W. ( S )
 
 
 
Slumped shoulders. Crossed arms. Bowed head.
Squared shoulders. Relaxed arms. Head up.
Body language is aptly named—that first scenario signals lack of confidence, pessimism, even hopelessness. The second? Confidence, self-assurance, optimism. And not just to others: Body language sends those messages to yourself, too.
In your meeting this week, the focus was on changing your internal stance—coming to appreciate and accept your body even (especially!) when you can’t help but compare yourself to someone else, like toned treadmill runners at the gym. The exercise in your Weekly walks you through simple steps from trash-talking to feeling good about your body. Yeah, if you’ve spent years putting yourself down, it’ll take some practice to be friends with your body. But it’s so worth it once you open yourself up to the possibilities! Just ask these members!
Now let’s focus on the external. Here’s a simple switch that can make a huge difference in how you feel about your body: changing your posture. Standing tall—with your head, spine, knees, and ankles aligned vertically—helps you feel more powerful and confident and (bonus!) it can make you look slimmer, too.

The power of posture
Not convinced your body position affects your spirit? Try this:
  • Sit in a chair with your chin down and a frown on your face, your rib cage crunched and your shoulders slumped. Think about happy things. Can you connect with those pleasant feelings?
  • Now, smile, lift your rib cage, center your weight, and sit tall. What happens when you call up those happy thoughts again?
 
Changing how you carry yourself can go a long way toward boosting your body image. After some practice—check your posture from time to time in the mirror—you’ll be in tune with how standing straight and tall makes a difference in the way you feel. And that in turn will help you feel more comfortable in your own skin as you lose weight.
The power of your own self-image can be enough to positively affect every aspect of your life, including your weight loss. For more ways to love yourself as you are, check out our “I Am Beautiful” section. There’s so much here to inspire, inform, move, and delight you (guys, too!).
 
 
ONLY GOOD THROUGH MONDAY


BUT. . . starting TUESDAY for a week . . .

 
We’re here for you!!!
 
Join us ALL SUMMER in the meeting room

 and earn some BLING!

 
When you have a MONTHLY PASS, you can find articles like these on eTools.  At www.weightwatchers.com; SO MUCH to check out online and on your MOBILE devices!
 
 
 
We are needing RECEPTIONISTS and LEADERS in Hastings and surrounding communities...what about you???
 
 
 
“Weight Watchers helped me improve my life, and now I get to help others do the same.”–Leader
Have you reached your weight-loss goals, and maintained them? Now is your chance to join thousands of others who have turned their passion for Weight Watchers into a rewarding career that makes a positive impact on people’s lives. Join our Meeting Room team in one of two roles:
  • Meetings Leader: You’ll help others achieve what you’ve achieved by offering your expert knowledge of the Weight Watchers plan and support
  • Receptionist: You’ll help members feel motivated to succeed by welcoming each member, conducting weigh-ins, collecting fees, managing product sales and sharing program knowledge and materials

“It’s gratifying to see the success of our members and know that I’m making a difference on a daily basis.”–Receptionist

By being a part of our Meeting Room team, you’ll receive excellent training, ongoing support in your own weight maintenance as well as discounts on products and access to free meetings. And depending on how many meetings you work each week, you may qualify for healthcare benefits and paid vacation time. 

Note: Eligibility for a meeting room position includes achieving and maintaining (or continued loss) for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks
• 10% weight loss or healthy BMI weight with minimum five pound loss (if joined outside the healthy BMI range); or,
• five pound loss (if joined within healthy BMI range) on Weight Watchers program.
 
 
 
July-August WW Magazine - ON SALE NOW!  $3.95
 

AND . . .









 
 
 
 
 

Member Recipes



Quick Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: ⅓ cup of cooked rice and 1 heaping cup of prepared stir-fry

2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 (14-ounce) bags frozen broccoli stir-fry mix
1 (8-ounce) container baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, sliced
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (I like Pacific® Organic)
2 tablespoons less-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2½ tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 pound medium shrimp (about 40), peeled and deveined
1 (8.8-ounce) pouch Uncle Ben’s® Ready Rice® brown rice
½ teaspoon sesame seeds
3 green onions, thinly sliced

In a wok or large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli stir-fry mix and mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables for 5 minutes, until the vegetables have started to soften.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, oyster sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and cornstarch.
Add the shrimp to the vegetables and mix. Pour the sauce over the shrimp mixture to evenly cover, and stir frequently for until the sauce has thickened and the shrimp are pinked and cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes.
Microwave the rice according to package directions.
To serve, place ⅓ cup cooked rice in the bottom of a bowl, top with a heaping 1 cup of the stir-fry mixture, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Per Serving: (⅓ cup of cooked rice and 1 heaping cup of prepared stir-fry)
SmartPoints: 3
www.skinnymom.com






Skinny Buffalo Chicken Wings
Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 6 pieces

3½ to 4 pounds chicken wings, cut in half at the joint (This will end up being 12 whole chicken wings, making 24 pieces. Cut the drumette and the wingette, or “flat,” apart.)
½ cup Frank’s RedHot® Original Sauce
1 tablespoon white vinegar
¼ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

If the wings are whole, you need to split them at the joint to separate the drumette from the wing (or the “flat”) to make 12 pieces. Cut the piece that looks like a mini drumstick away from the middle part, cutting through the joint.

Preheat the oven broiler. If there are low and high settings, choose low. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a cooling rack on top of that. Generously spray the cooling rack with nonstick cooking spray to help with cleanup.

Place the wings in a large pot and cover them by 2 inches with water. Bring to a boil, cook for 10 minutes, and then drain in a colander.

Run cold water over the wings to cool them down quickly. Then using your hands, gently peel the skin off of the wings, being careful not to pull the meat off of the bones. Use a paper towel to get a better grip.

In a medium mixing bowl, mix all of the sauce ingredients together, reserving half of it. Toss the boiled wings in half of the sauce. Place the sauced wings on the prepared baking sheet and broil for 4-5 minutes on each side, until cooked through.

Carefully toss the wings again in the remaining sauce and then place back under the broiler for an additional minute to heat the sauce and crisp the wings.

Per Serving: (6 pieces)
SmartPoints: 3
www.skinnymom.com







Slow-Cooker Fall-Off-The-Bone-Ribs
Yield: 8 servings
Serving size: 2 ribs

Dry rub:
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon brown sugar

Ribs:
2½ pounds pork baby back ribs (about 16)
⅔ cup reduced-sugar BBQ sauce

Remove the outer membrane on the bone side of the ribs, if not already removed. Do this by flipping the ribs over so they’re bone-side up and pat them dry with paper towels.
Starting at the end of the rack, slide the tip of a paring knife between the membrane and the bone, then lift and cut through the membrane. Hold the end of the membrane with a paper towel, pull it toward the other end of the rack and completely remove it and discard.

Place the ribs on a baking sheet and cut the rack in half so it fits in the slow cooker. Pat dry the ribs dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.

Mix all of the dry rub ingredients together and pat on both sides of the ribs.

Spray a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and stand the ribs around the sides of it.

Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off easily.

Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker with tongs. Transfer to a clean baking sheet and brush with BBQ sauce. Optional: Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce.

SmartPoints: 9
www.skinnymom.com






Cranberry and Feta Turkey Burgers
Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 1 patty

Ingredients
1½ lbs extra lean ground turkey
¼ cup ground flaxseed
¼ cup egg whites
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup reduced-fat crumbled feta cheese
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed + squeezed dry
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cinnamon

Instructions
Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until completely combined.
Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before forming into patties.
With clean hands, divide meat into 4 equal portions (about 6 oz each). Form burgers into ¾-inch thick patties. Place patties on a hot grill coated with cooking spray or in a large skillet covered with cooking spray. Cook turkey burgers for about 3-4 minutes per side until burgers are fully cooked.
Top with your favorite fixings and enjoy!

Per Serving (1 patty):
WWP+: 6 points
www.skinnymom.com







Watermelon Sorbet
Yield: 3 servings
Serving size: About 1 cup

3 cups cubed seedless watermelon
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon lime juice
zest from 1 lime

Place the watermelon in 1 or 2 gallon-sized freezer bags and freeze for 2-4 hours, until frozen.
Meanwhile, make a simple syrup by heating the water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the water looks clear again.
Remove from the heat, pour the simple syrup into a glass or liquid measuring cup to chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
When the watermelon is frozen, blend the watermelon, lime juice, lime zest, and the set-aside simple syrup in a high speed blender or food processor, scraping down the sides occasionally.
Transfer the sorbet into a freezer-safe container that it will be served out of and refreeze it for an additional 2 hours, or until frozen.
Scoop and serve.

Per Serving: (About 1 cup)
SmartPoints: 3
www.skinnymom.com
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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