Midweek Minutes
June 24, 2017
Hello, Winners!
I am trying to move my contacts to Gmail. I will still send the newsletter out from my home email for a few more weeks. Then, I hope I will be able to do just Gmail. If you don’t get the newsletter in the Gmail version, let me know. I still have my home email at hasi@gtmc.net, so you can email me there. If you have a new email, want to be removed from the newsletters, or just have a question, please let me know. I know that I have members on here with old emails, incorrect emails; or I have forgotten to add emails.
I also want to save my newsletters in a Google folder that members can access, but that’s down the road. Although I should have worked outside on this beautiful day, I decided to do the computer things.
Yesterday was my birthday. I walked into Weight Watchers for the first time in 1972 after having been overweight most of my youth. I reached LIFETIME after losing 40 pounds and walked away. I returned to Weight Watchers 20 years later to lose even MORE (51 pounds) and did! But, as most of you already know, it didn't take! When it came to my weight management, I still had NOT learned that for me, weight management is something I must decide to do for the rest of my life.
So, in 1998, I came back to Weight Watchers for the THIRD TIME. This month marks my 19 year anniversary when I walked back into Weight Watchers to try to return to my LIFETIME goal weight. I was skeptical that I could reach that goal of my college years, so I set my goal 10 pounds higher. However, I reached that personal goal of so many years ago. Then, as life took its course over with my two total hip replacements and various other issues, I bounced up and down with those 10 pounds. Right now, I am trying again, and I would like to get back down to my " college fighting weight" this summer. If I do, great...but if not, I know that I am at a healthy weight and at my goal.
Weight Watchers has helped me keep off 40 pounds (sometimes 50) for the past 19 years. Gravity and aging are inevitable, but all in all, I know that I believe in what Weight Watchers can do to improve the quality of our health and fitness because I am doing it. I probably don't have as much time left in my life as I have already lived so, what am I waiting for? There's no time to waste.
I'm grateful for what I have learned about health and fitness, and I hope that I am passing it along to you so that you can avoid waiting one moment longer. Why keep doing the same dumb stuff we have been doing when it comes to our health and fitness? Will you join me in this journey? Will you encourage others to join as well?
Come to the meeting on Monday and join us in our monthly potluck! See you then! --Zig
Member Milestones
Total Loss: -27 lbs.
Nature lifts your spirits . Activity boosts your mood. Why not do both and get a double hit of feel-good vibes? And when you spend time in surroundings that trigger a sense of awe, it's even better: Greater feelings of happiness, well being, and even generosity!
That plays into your weight loss, too, since happy people tend to make healthier choices!
While we think of huge mountains, a vast star-spangled night sky, or soaring skyscrapers as awe-inspiring sights, a close-up view of an intricate flower or an ant hoisting a leaf 20 times bigger than itself can do the trick, too. If the ideas in your Weekly intrigued you, here are a few other ways to connect to the wider world as you move your body and lift your spirits.
Illustration by Deborah DeLue
Tend to your garden. The digging, planting, weeding, and so on are good for your body; and creating a beautiful or fruitful space is good for the mind and spirit. Look closely at the bumblebee hovering over your rose bushes and admire all of their hard work.
Go camping. June is Great Outdoors Month, so take advantage of warm summer nights by spending a weekend in the woods. Sleep under the stars and take in all of nature’s sights and sounds to truly feel at one with the earth.
Visit a museum. If you need to beat the heat, head indoors—museums can be storehouses of marvels: inspiring artworks, mind-boggling inventions, explorations of the natural world. You'll get some extra steps in as you absorb new knowledge about science, art, history, and such.
Hit the beach. Don a wide-brimmed hat and go for a stroll along the water’s edge. Sand walking is a great leg toner, and in any season there’s something about the ocean waves that raises your spirits. Pack a Frisbee® or a paddleball set to add FitPoints® to the fun. Watch the waves as they roll up and down the shore and truly take the time to appreciate nature.
Think outside the gym. There are lots of ways to take your workout outside. Go on a bike ride, hike to a local lake, paddle a canoe. Take in your surroundings with all your senses: Feel the warmth of the sun, inhale the fragrance of flowers and grass, listen to birds chirping, take in the colors and shapes of trees and bushes....
*Watch the sun rise—or set. Pair that with a walk and you get a double benefit of engaging with nature and moving more.
Evolution of a Woman's Weight
A new survey has revealed that a woman's weight may be influenced by the current state of her relationship.
Over 3000 married females recently took part in the poll conducted by Weight Watchers® which revealed the different stages a woman's figure goes through over the course of her life.
Almost two thirds of women said their weight fluctuates depending on how happy they are in their life at a specific time. And a whopping 84% said their relationship was the biggest factor of their well being.
Stage 1: The Honeymoon Period (Will lose an average of 8.5lb)
You've met the man of your dreams and everything is new and exciting. You're so keen to impress that you even order salad when you go for a romantic meal.
The average British woman in this stage will lose 8.5lb to impress their new beau.
Stage 2: The Comfy Zone (Will put on 11.3lb)
You're a few years into the relationship and things are going well. You're so comfortable with your new man after cosy nights in with a take-away and a DVD that you've steadily piled on the pounds.
The poll revealed that in this period of a female's life she is likely to put on put on 11lb or so.
Stage 3: The Big Day (Will lose 9.2lb)
At last, he has popped the question and you're planning for the most important day of your life. There is nothing like a wedding to spur a girl on to look her best. A serious health kick is in order.
Healthy eating, exercise and plenty of beauty treatments are the norm for any bride-to-be. Most women preparing to walk up the aisle will lose an average of 9lb, but one in 20 of the women surveyed went the extra mile and lost a staggering 2st for their Big Day.
Stage 4: Baby Boom (Will put on 16lb)
And baby makes three. New mums have enough on their plate to be worrying about dieting. In fact the last thing they can think of is their own weight when their chasing after a toddler. In the years after having children women can expect to put on 1st and 2lb.
Stage 5: The Reinvention (Will lose 16lb)
The kids are older and at last you and your husband have more time on your hands. You feel it's time for a mid-life makeover to bring back the old spark.
You're determined to get back in to shape and regain your figure of yester year. During the reinvention stage the average women will lose the weight she put on post-kids and on average will shake off just over a stone.
A spokesman for Weight Watchers said: ''A lot of women won't be surprised by these findings. Our emotions and relationships in particular have an enormous effect on our health and above all our weight. It's only natural when we have a period of unhappiness that we comfort eat and when we have an event like a wedding we will work hard to look our best.''
And a whopping 88% said they would be extremely bothered if they put on a stone or more.
Almost two thirds of females were in agreement that their weight was affected if they went through a rough patch with the man in their life.
But three quarters of women said they are less apprehensive about their image the more content they are in their relationship.
What’s Your Summer Vision?
Members who attend throughout the summer, and collect 11 of 13 stickers will receive their Summer Vision Award.
Creating a Summer Vision, how will this help you? Attend a meeting to begin a Summer full of success and fun.
Better Together!
Who would like to receive $20+ from the WW online store? Invite your friends to join WW by clicking here: https://www.weightwatchers.
Is the Grilled Chicken at McDonald’s Healthy?
I have looked at a bunch of food at McDonald’s and today I will determine if the grilled chicken sandwich at McDonald’s is healthy.
Why do I do it? I don’t know if you have noticed, but there is one in almost every town. I could tell you not to eat there but instead I think it is wise to admit that many of us DO eat there. How do you determine the best choices?
I have written - Is McDonald’s Oatmeal Healthy? and done a McDonald’s salad review. Both posts are pretty popular.
Today we look a the grilled chicken sandwich. Here is the box:
The definition of “artisan” - (of food or drink) made in a traditional or non-mechanized way using high-quality ingredients.
Umm, isn’t the whole point of McDonald’s is that it is fast food and therefore must be mechanized? I thought that was how McDonald's became so big - they created an assembly line for food. Not sure this word, artisan, is going to truly represent this sandwich.
What about the ingredients? There is a fluffy bun, a patty of chicken breast, tomato, lettuce, and a vinaigrette (no mayo!).
It is one piece of chicken breast meat – not like some of their other products (nuggets) and it is not DEEP FRIED. This, of course, makes it one of their lighter offerings.
This is the nutrition info for the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich:
380 calories, 7 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 44 g carbohydrates, 11 g sugar, 37 g protein, 3 g fiber, 1110 mg sodium, 10 SmartPts
1110 mg of sodium! That is 46% of your daily value (if you are under 55 years old) in one sandwich. Whoa!!
I am not going to reprint all of the ingredients here – you can see them on McDonald’s website but there seems to be more sugar and salt than you need in a chicken sandwich.
There is sugar on the chicken (why?), in the roll, and in the dressing. I’m not sure what is going on there.
I paid $6 for this sandwich and I wish I had enjoyed it.
The taste was simply off. The bun was sweet, the chicken was salty and had a strange texture, and the vinaigrette was poured all over the place.
I actually exchanged the first sandwich that I received because the lettuce was so wilted that it was slimy (yuck) and they gave me a new one.
I’m not sure McDonald’s should attempt a sandwich like this because it isn’t a place that makes “hand made” food. You have to have time to evaluate the lettuce for freshness and not pour the sauce so that it drowns the chicken.
I don’t think this sandwich is healthy because of the ridiculous amount of sodium and the two teaspoons of sugar. It is much lower in fat than all the burgers and has fewer calorie than most of the menu BUT it simply misses the healthy mark by a mile.
Stick with the salad if you are trying to grab a healthier lunch or dinner (and put on your own dressing!). www.snackgirl.com
June 20 – July 10 Save Over 20%
Enrolling members Save Over 20% on 1- and 3-month Subscription Plans purchased in the meeting room. https://www.weightwatchers.
1-month meetings MP: $45.00 3-month meetings MP: $119.85
Member Recipes
Turkey and Cheddar Wrap
5 SmartPoints® value
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
1 1⁄2 T light mayonnaise
2 tsp. mustard, coarse-grain
2 medium whole wheat tortillas, warmed according to package directions
4 oz. cooked turkey breast without skin, chopped
1 pinch table salt
1 pinch black pepper, freshly ground
1⁄2 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
2 T chopped uncooked red onion, diced
1 cup fresh watercress
3 T low fat shredded cheddar cheese, sharp-variety
Directions:
In a small cup, combine mayonnaise and mustard. Lay tortillas on a cutting board; spread with mustard mixture.
Place 2 oz. turkey in center of each tortilla; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top each with half of tomatoes, onion, watercress and cheese.
Tuck in sides of tortilla and then roll it up tightly; cut in half on a diagonal.
Serving size: 2 halves www.snackgirl.com
Anytime Tomato Salad
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon canola oil
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup red onion, thinly sliced
3 medium tomatoes (about 1 pound)
1 small cucumber
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, oil and salt. Add the onions and let stand for 10 minutes.
2. Cut the tomatoes into wedges, and the cucumber into thin slices (I leave on the peel), and add them to the onion mixture. Gently stir to combine. Serve with fresh ground pepper to taste.
Smart Points: 1
KFC Coleslaw Clone
Makes 8 Servings
1 cup fat-free Miracle Whip
1/4 cup Splenda
8 cups cabbage, finely minced
2 tbsp carrot, shredded then minced
2 tbsp minced onion
Combine the Miracle Whip with the sugar in a large bowl. Mix well until the
sugar is dissolved. Add the cabbage, carrot, and onion, and toss well. Be sure
the cabbage is chopped into very small pieces, about the size of rice.
Cover and chill for several hours.
SERVING SIZE: Approximately 3/4 cup
Smart Points = 3
Strawberry rhubarb brown sugar muffins
Author: Drizzle Serves: 12 3SP
- Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 2 Tbsp egg whites
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened apple sauce
- ⅓ cup 1% milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1⅓ cup flour + 1Tbsp for coating berries/rhubarb
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
- ½ cup fresh diced rhubarb
- FOR BROWN SUGAR TOPPING
- 1.5 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp flour
- ½ Tbsp cold margarine
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F, spray a 12 hole regular muffin tin with cooking spray (do not use liners)
- In a bowl whisk together your egg, egg whites and brown sugar.
- Stir in your applesauce, milk and vanilla.
- Mix in your flour, baking powder and soda.
- Dice your strawberries and rhubarb up into small pieces, in a bowl mix them with 1 Tbsp flour, this will help with them not all sinking to the bottom of the muffins. Fold into your batter and divide over your 12 muffin cups.
- In a small bowl combine your 1.5 Tbsp brown sugar and 1 Tbsp flour, add your cold margarine and blend with a fork, it will form a crumble like topping, sprinkle over your 12 muffins.
- Bake in oven for 25 minutes.
- Muffins best stored in fridge, makes 12 muffins at 3 smart points each (2 points plus) you can leave the brown sugar topping off if you'd prefer, the points will stay the same though.
Chicken Caesar Bubble Up
Author: Drizzle
Serves: 6 6SP per serving
Ingredients
- 7.5oz pack home style biscuit dough, I use Great Value bought at Walmart in the U.S, they come in a 4 value pack and have 10 small biscuits in each roll, if you can not find the right weight then buy the bigger pack and weigh out 7.5oz, I suggest you cut the bigger biscuits in half across then each piece in 8-10 pieces, so that one biscuit will yield you 16-20 pieces.
- 8oz cooked shredded chicken, about 2 cups.
- ¼ cup diced green pepper
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup fat free caesar dressing
- ½ cup reduced fat shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 3 Tbsp bacon crumble (real bacon bits in the package)
- ¼ cup croutons, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F, spray a 9x13 casserole dish with some cooking spray.
- Cut your 10 small biscuits into 6 pieces each and spread evenly on bottom of your dish.
- In a bowl mix your shredded chicken, peppers/onion, caesar dressing, mozzarella cheese, 3 Tbsp of parmesan cheese (leave 1 Tbsp aside for topping) and 2 Tbsp bacon bits (leave 1 Tbsp aside)
- Mix well and drop by spoon evenly over your biscuits covering all areas.
- Top with your last 1 Tbsp of parmesan cheese and 1 Tbsp of bacon bits, finish with your crushed croutons.
- Bake in oven for approx 40 minutes.
- Cut into 6 servings, each serving weighs approx 6 oz.
- Nutritional info per serving.. Calories 225..Fat 5.4g...Sat fat 2.3g...Carbs 25.4g... Fiber 0.6g...Sugars 2g...Protein 18.2g
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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I also try to post the newsletter on our private FB page "Zig's Winners" and the Google Blog called Midweek
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