MIDWEEK MINUTES January 14, 2017

 
 
Midweek Minutes
January 14, 2017
 
Hello, Winners!
 
Don’t leave your cell phone out to ice on your deck this weekend!  You might need it to get a message from me about the Monday meeting.  If school is closed, I will text my Territory Manager to see if it’s best to close the meeting.  We shall see.  If you have REMIND, are on the ZIG’S WINNERS FB page, of see the message below,  I have already alerted you to be on the lookout for messages.  If the power goes out, and I cannot get a message out, well, that probably means that I will not be coming!  Ha ha!  I hope you will be smart about coming in icy weather whether or not you hear from me. Stay safe!
 
As for last week in our meeting, it was GLORIOUS!  We have had some new members join and some members returning!  We have some lovely new materials and products, too!  Members are also committing to what they want to accomplish in the next 4 weeks. SMART GOALS!  It’s a shame to possible miss this coming Monday, but it is winter in the Heartland, after all.  Check in with
 
 
Leader Debby posted this there, so I wanted to share.  “What you might want to know before you buy those Girl Scout Cookies! Amazing how many points in such small cookies! Some ideas if you don't want to disappoint those cute little Girl Scouts but just can't have them in your house (like me!) is to have them delivered to your local Food Pantry or take them to the Nursing Home, or as I told my husband "If you buy them, keep them at work, in your truck, anywhere but this house!". Then I threatened him with bodily harm if I find one here! LOL Any other ideas?”

Good thing we don’t have any Girl Scout cookies in the house right now, right?  I’ll keep in tough!  Stay safe! --Zig
 
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 Milestones
 
Total Loss: –19.2 lbs.
 
 
 
 
"Connecting with Oprah" is a new, members-only video channel designed to spark inspiration and connection for each step of your journey!
Videos will air every Thursday on Connect. Here's how to find them:
  • Text OPRAH to 855-299 for a direct link and reminders!
  • Or... in the Weight Watchers Mobile app, search for the username connectingwithoprah
  • Or... if you want to watch it on the subscriber site, go to the Oprah tab on Living
Every week, Oprah will be speaking to you about a topic that has shaped her life, both before and after joining Weight Watchers. She'll also introduce other members who will share their experiences, ideas, and inspiration. During each video, you’ll be able to discuss the topic in real time with other members from across the country in a live chat feed! 
Tune in to "Connecting with Oprah" at 8pm ET/5pm PT!  Text OPRAH to 855-299 for updates and reminders!  

BUNDLE UP!!!


Welcome to the SmartPoints Plan 

We want to help you reach your weight-loss goals, but we also want you to eat what you love. (Just smarter!) So, we’re going to help you build a positive, healthy relationship with that food, one that can last a lifetime. 
How can we do all that? Meet SmartPoints, our unique plan that actively nudges you towards more nutritious food choices. 

Here’s how it works
Every food and drink is assigned a SmartPoints value, one easy-to-use number that’s based on calories, saturated fat, sugar and protein. 
The reason for that is because numerous studies have confirmed the benefits of eating less added sugar and saturated fat and more protein – not just for weight loss, but for all sorts of other healthy reasons, too. 
So, by taking those three ‘things’ into account, on top of a food’s calorie content, the SmartPoints plan naturally steers you towards healthier choices and away from the not-so-healthy options.

Spending your SmartPoints
 Every food has a SmartPoints value, based on its nutrition. You get a personalized amount of SmartPoints to spend on anything you like.  

For example, let's say that your Daily SmartPoints Target is 30. You might spend it like this:


You'll quickly see that some foods are a better "value" than others, SmartPoints-wise. 
Let's break it down
Things to remember
  • You have a daily SmartPoints Target and Weekly SmartPoints, both personalized to you. Use them as you like, but to get the most bang for your buck, stick to foods that are lower in SmartPoints values.
  • Your daily SmartPoints Target doesn’t roll over; it resets each day. The same goes for Weekly SmartPoints; you start fresh each week.
  • Your Target will change as you make progress.
  • We recommend that you take a multivitamin-mineral supplement (one that delivers no more than 100% of the % Daily Value (DV).
  • Check with your doctor if you have specific dietary needs. 
But here’s the real secret to success: Be kind to yourself. Perfection is overrated. It tends to lead straight to the ‘I’ve blown it’ effect, where one bowl of chocolate ice-cream makes you feel like you might as well give up and go for seconds. 
Instead, be pretty good most of the time: Follow your budget, make healthy choices, and keep going. This is a lifestyle, not a temporary fix. 
 
 
NEW PRODUCTS FOR 2017!!!
Cinna what? Who doesn't love warm and gooey cinnamon rolls topped with vanilla frosting? Sure, we all crave them, but why use all those SmartPoints ® values? We have a deliciously crunchy solution in our NEW Cinna-licious Swirl crunchy snack! They will help fill your desire for a sweet and crunchy treat without blowing your SmartPoints Budget at just 2 SmartPoints value per serving, what's not to love?
 
 
  • 150 recipes
  • over 70 gluten-free recipes
  • includes recipes that work with Simply Filling
 


How do SmartPoints® work?
Every food is assigned a SmartPoints value – one, easy-to-use number based on four components: calories, saturated fat, sugar, and protein.
•    Calories establish the baseline of how many SmartPoints the food is worth
•    Protein lowers the amount of SmartPoints that something ‘costs’
•    Sugar and saturated fat increase the number

How are my daily SmartPoints calculated?

Once you have completed the Personal Assessment, you will be given a personalized daily SmartPoints "budget." Your daily SmartPoints number is based on your age, gender, height and weight, and it helps you determine how much you need to eat each day to lose weight safely. As you lose weight, this number may change.

What are Weekly SmartPoints?

Each week, you’ll get a set of extra SmartPoints to use as a cushion if you go over your daily number. You can use them any way you like — split them up over the week, save ‘em for the weekend, or don’t use them at all! (FYI: They don’t roll over. You’ll get a fresh set each week.)

Why is tracking important?

Simple: It helps you lose weight by making you aware of what you’re eating, so you can decide which foods are "worth it" to you. 
How does the SmartPoints plan help me eat more healthfully?
Many studies have confirmed the benefits of eating less sugar and saturated fat, and more protein. On the new plan, foods that are higher in sugar and/or saturated fat are higher in SmartPoints; foods higher in protein are lower in SmartPoints. You’re steered to healthier choices and away from the not-so healthy.

But fruit has sugar; how can it still be 0 SmartPoints?

We calculate fruit differently because it is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. We want you to eat it, so it stays as 0 SmartPoints. 
Can I eat too much fruit?
Fruits and vegetables aren’t magically calorie-free just because most of them are zero SmartPoints values. We encourage you to eat fruits and vegetables because they are nutritious, satisfying, and tasty.
If you’re eating more fruits and vegetables than you used to, but you’re using them for healthy snacks, to bulk up your meals, or as a tide-me-over when you’re down to the last few SmartPoints values for the day or week, then great! If you’re overeating bananas because they’re “free,” you might want to pull back a bit. Nutshell: Let your hunger, and your weight loss, be your guide.
Why focus on protein?
Protein is not only beneficial for health and energy, but it’s also pretty darn tasty! Along with helping you feel full, this critical nutrient helps repair tissues, maintain lean muscle, and aid hormone and enzyme function. Lean meat and poultry, fish, eggs, and legumes (dried beans and peas, soy) are great choices. Studies have also shown that independent of weight loss, proteins can help you feel more satisfied. [1]
SmartPoints first uses calories as the baseline to understand the energy that food provides. Protein requires more energy to process and because it’s so essential to good health and helps you feel more full, it’s given an advantage in the SmartPoints formula. In other words, foods higher in protein will tend to be lower in SmartPoints values. 
[1] 1Martens EAP, Westerterp-Plantenga MS. Protein diets, body weight loss and weight maintenance. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2014;17(1):75-79.

Will my daily SmartPoints number ever change?

Yep, and that’s a good thing! Because your daily target is personalised, it will be recalculated as you make progress and lose more weight.

What happened to the Good Health Guidelines?

Following the SmartPoints plan is a simpler, more streamlined way to eat more healthfully – so there’s no need for additional guidelines. However, we would never discourage you from keeping tabs on your healthy habits (like water intake); it’s just not a part of the site/app experience anymore.

Can I still eat my favorite snacks and sweets?

Yes! They can still fit into your plan and you’re free to choose which ones are worth it.

 
Member Recipes


Creamy tomato tortellini soup
Serves: 10

5SP per serving
Ingredients
2 cans condensed light tomato soup (picture below)
2 Tbsp tomato paste
3.5 cups vegetable broth
1.5 cups milk (I used 1%)
¾ cup light cream, like a half & half (I used 5%)
1 cup diced red onion
2 garlic cloves, diced
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp italian seasoning
3.5 cups cheese tortelinni (picture below)
2 Tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese

Instructions
Turn crock pot to high (you can use a large pot on stove as well if you wish, I would turn to med-high)
Add in your tomato soup and paste and stir.
Mix in your diced garlic and onion. Stir in vegetable broth, milk and cream and then your seasonings and dash of salt & pepper.
Cook on high for 30 minutes then stir in your uncooked tortellini, cook on high for 1 hour. Turn to low and stir in your parmesan cheese.
Serve warm when ready. I also made some easy low point croutons for topping, preheat oven to 375F, cut up low point bread (I used Sara Lee multigrain) mix bread with some salt, pepper and garlic salt. Place on baking sheet covered with parchment paper and spray with some butter flavored cooking spray, toss around then toast in oven for approx 10 minutes. If just adding a few to soup it won't affect points put if you add equivalent to a piece of bread then add 1 point
Soup makes 10-1 cup servings at 5 smart points each or 4 points plus..
Nutritional info per serving .. Calories 158... Fat 2.4g...Sat fat 1.3g.. Carbs 28.5g..Fiber 1.5g...Sugars 8.7g... Protein 7.5g
*Note, feel free to add in more vegetables




Apple Fritters
3 SmartPoints Values
Ingredients:
 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
 6 tsp granulated sugar
 1/8 tsp table salt
 1/2 c. regular liquid egg substi-tute
 1/4 c. fat free skim milk
 1 tsp vanilla extract
 2 large fresh apples, peeled, cored, & grated (McIntosh or Granny Smith)
 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
 1 Tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt; mix well. Whisk in egg substitute, milk, and extract; stir in apples.
2. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Drop apple mixture into pan, making 8 even fritters. Cook until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
3. Sift powdered sugar over top of fritters just before serving.

Serving size: 1 fritter



Philly steak bubble up
Serves: 6

8SP per serving
Ingredients
1- 7.5oz package pillsbury biscuits, one of the 4 value pack (if you can't find those buy the bigger packs and weigh out 7.5oz)
10 oz cooked shredded steak (I used top sirloin)
1 onion, diced (I used red onion)
1 green pepper, diced
2 Tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, diced
½ Tbsp flour
⅔ cup milk (I used 1%)
Dried oregano & parsley
⅔ cup light shredded mozzarella
2 Tbsp light ranch dressing

Instructions
1.    Preheat oven to 350F, spray a 9x13 casserole dish with non stick cooking spray.
2.    Cut each of your 10 small biscuits into 6 pieces each and layer on bottom of casserole dish. Pre-bake dough for 25 minutes.
3.    In a large frying pan cook your diced peppers and onion using a little cooking spray for 10 minutes. *Optional to add in mushrooms..
4.    In a small pan, melt your butter over medium heat, stir in diced garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add in your flour and mix well, let cook for 2 minutes. Add your milk and seasonings and stir often until sauce thickens, about 8-10 minutes..
5.    Once veggies are sauteed pour over top of your baked biscuit pieces, then layer your shredded steak.. You can cook the steak as you choose, I cooked mine in the crock pot on low in a little broth for 3-4 hours depending on size of steak, you should be able to shred it nicely, however if you want to save time you can grill the steak and cut into small pieces.
6.    Drizzle your garlic cream sauce evenly over your biscuits and steak mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, cover with foil and bake in oven for 15-20 minutes, check all biscuits are cooked.
7.    Drizzle with ranch dressing (I pipe mine from a small zip lock bag)
8.    Cut into 6 equal servings. Each serving is 8 smart points (7PP)
9.    Nutritional info (not incl veggies) per serving.. Calories 279...Fat 15g..Sat fat 6g... Carbs 18.8g...Fiber 0.6g...Sugars 3g...Protein 17.4g



TURKEY MEATBALL STROGANOFF (INSTANT POT, SLOW COOKER OR STOVE TOP)
7 Smart Points 310 calories
Delicious, turkey meatballs in a creamy mushroom sauce. A family-friendly dish that is so good over egg noodles or serve them over spiralized butternut squash noodles if you want to lower the carbs.

INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 pound 93% ground turkey
1/3 cup whole wheat seasoned breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 cup chopped parsley, divided
3 tbsp fat free milk
3/4 tsp kosher salt
black pepper, to taste
3/4 cups water
1/2 cup light sour cream
2 tbsp all purpose flour
2 teaspoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons beef Bouillon (I like Better Than Bouillon)
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
8 ounces sliced Cremini mushrooms
1 sprig fresh thyme

DIRECTIONS:
Heat a large nonstick skillet or set the Instant Pot to saute and spray with oil; saute the onions over medium heat until golden, stirring 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and divide in two.
In a large bowl, combine half of the sautéed onions with the ground turkey, bread crumbs, egg, 2 tbsp of the parsley, milk, 3/4 tsp salt and black pepper. Gently shape into 20 meatballs.
In a blender combine the water, sour cream, flour, tomato paste, boullion, Worcestershire sauce and paprika, blend until smooth.
Heat the skillet or Instant Pot back on saute, add the oil and brown half of the meatballs without disturbing (in two batches) about 2 minutes until no longer sticks, turn and brown an additional 2 minutes, set aside on a dish and repeat with remaining meatballs.
Place all the meatballs and remaining onion into the Instant pot, Slow Cooker or a large saucepan and pour the sauce over the meatballs along with the thyme and mushrooms.
For the Instant Pot: cook on high pressure 10 minutes. Let the pressure release on it’s own. When done, discard thyme, add the chopped parsley and serve over your favorite noodles.
For the stove top: add 2 tbsp water, bring to a boil then cook covered on low 20 to 25 minutes. When done, discard thyme, add the chopped parsley and serve over your favorite noodles.
For slow cooker: cook on low 6 to 8 hours. When done, discard thyme, add the chopped parsley and serve over your favorite noodles.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Yield: 4 servings, Serving Size: 5 meatballs, 1/2 cup mushroom sauce
Amount Per Serving:
Smart Points: 7
Points +: 8
Calories: 310
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 142mg
Sodium: 372mg
Carbohydrates: 14.5g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 27.5g

Read more at http://www.skinnytaste.com/turkey-meatball-stroganoff-instant-pot-slow-cooker-or-stove-top/#li9DLMaFMdKpB2oW.99



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