Saturday, May 30, 2009

Cut Costs Cut Calories!!

HOLA!!!!
Summer is here and I am loving the heat . I hope y'all and enjoying this GORGEOUS weekend!
I was able to visit the West Jordan Center today and got some GREAT ideas from the leaders there. We are going to have some fun new contest in my meetings that you don't want to miss out on. The first one will run from June through August for that extra incentive ;) Come on in this week and join in on all of the summer fun!!!
Now I know that each of us are looking for great ways to save money while losing weight. We are going to be going over the top ten ways to cut costs while cutting calories!!!
Congratulations to our winners in our Hungry contest. That little guy is SO darn cute... but such a villain! Being hungry can be such a down fall for many of us. Be sure you are getting PLENTY of the Filling Foods in to make sure and keep Hungry at bay! See below for some fun summer Filling Food recipes :) They are easier than you might think!


Chilled Tomato-Dill Soup

soups


POINTS® Value: 1
Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 25 min
Cooking Time: 25 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Naturally low-in-fat buttermilk gives this soup its creamy texture. Serve it as a refreshing side to a tuna sandwich or wrap.

Ingredients



6 medium tomato(es), cut into chunks (about 8 cups)

4 cup(s) fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth

3 large onion(s), cut into chunks (about 3 cups)

1/4 cup(s) canned tomato paste

3 large garlic clove(s), peeled

1 1/2 tsp table salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 1/2 cup(s) buttermilk

1/3 cup(s) dill, fresh, leaves, chopped (stems removed)

Instructions

  • In a large pot, bring tomatoes, broth, onions, tomato paste, garlic, salt and pepper to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer until onions are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat; cool slightly.

  • Puree soup in pot using an immersion blender. Or transfer soup to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. (You'll need to do this in a few batches; be careful not to splatter hot liquid.)

  • Pour pureed ingredients into a large bowl along with any liquid left in pot; stir in buttermilk and dill. Refrigerate until chilled (can be refrigerated for up to 5 days). Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.

  • This Mix and Match recipe is part of our Make Ahead series, in which we give you a week's worth of recipes intended to save you time in the kitchen. We show you how to swap dishes to create quick and easy meals throughout the week. This week, we highlight dishes that feature fresh summer produce. Pair the cold Tomato-Dill Soup with the Tuscan Tuna Wraps or the Santa-Fe Salad, use the Grilled Summer Vegetables in both the wrap and with the Cuban Chicken Skewers, and top virtually anything with the Tropical Fruit Salsa. The options are endless!


Greek Rice Salad

side dishes


POINTS® Value: 4
Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 18 min
Cooking Time: 25 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Works with Simply Filling
This rice salad makes a wonderful picnic or barbecue side dish. Or turn it into a main course by adding some cooked chicken or shrimp.*

Ingredients



2 cup(s) water

1 cup(s) uncooked white rice, long grain-variety

1 tsp lemon zest, grated

1/4 cup(s) fresh lemon juice

2 tbsp water

1/4 cup(s) mint leaves, fresh, chopped

3 tbsp olive oil, extra-virgin

1/2 tsp minced garlic

1/2 tsp table salt

1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

1 large tomato(es), diced

1 cup(s) cucumber(s), diced

1/3 cup(s) red onion(s), diced

10 medium olive(s), Kalamata, sliced

1/2 cup(s) crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  • Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan; stir in rice and return to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove pan from heat, uncover and let cool, tossing occasionally.

  • In a large serving bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining 2 tablespoons of water, mint, oil, garlic, salt and pepper until blended.

  • Add cooled rice, tomato, cucumber, onion and olives to bowl; toss to mix and coat. Add feta cheese; toss. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 1 day. Yields about 3/4 cup per serving.

Notes

  • *Could affect POINTS values.

    You can also use brown, jasmine or basmati rice for this recipe.

    Not a feta fan? Try diced mozzarella cheese instead (could affect POINTS values).

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer!!!

I know this is a bit early, but you know what they say about the early bird :)
Weight Watchers is again a sponsor for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Event October 10th :) Be sure to mark the date on your calendar! I would love to have ALL of you on my team. Our team name this year is the Red Hot Pink Chicks! Now men are of course invited and welcome :) And why wouldn't the guys want to be with ALL of these gorgeous ladies :) Below is an email with a link to my personal page where you can either make a donation or join my team or BOTH!!! :)



Dear Friends,
This year I have signed up to walk in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and I'm hoping you'll support me. I know that there are a lot of breast cancer events out there, but Making Strides speaks to me because funds raised enable the American Cancer Society to help people stay well and get well from breast cancer, find cures, and empower people to fight back today. With your help, we can save lives.
They say that every donation makes a difference, and it really is true. I know that times are tighter than normal for many of us, but if you can spare even $5, it truly will make a difference. If everyone walking in Making Strides this year were able to raise just $5 more, we would raise an additional $3 million to fight breast cancer. Imagine what an incredible difference we could make together!
To support me in my efforts, please visit my personal page. If you're going to be in town, I'd love for you to join my team and walk with me. If not, please support my efforts with a donation of whatever amount you can spare.
As a little extra inspiration, I thought you might like to know a few of the ways your donation will help the American Cancer Society save lives every day:

  • More people in our community will have the information and tools they need to help prevent breast cancer or find it early.
  • More people with breast cancer will have a place to turn around the clock to help them through every step of their cancer journey whether it's a free ride to treatment, a place to stay, or just talking to someone who has "been there."
  • More progress will be made toward finding breast cancer's causes and cures. The American Cancer Society has played a role in nearly every major breast cancer breakthrough of the last century, which have led to the discovery of lifesaving breast cancer treatments like Tamoxifen and Herceptin. You will help us find more.
  • More women like our own mothers, daughters, sisters, and grandmothers will have access to lifesaving mammograms and treatment they need.
Each of us has our own reasons for caring about the fight against breast cancer … whatever your reasons, I hope you'll choose to make a difference by signing up to walk with me or making a donation online to support my effort. I'm so grateful to have great people like you in my life who care about breast cancer! Together we will make a difference, make history, and make strides.
Sincerely,


Marion McClellan


Did You Know:

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women (excluding skin cancer). Learn how to stay well by taking steps to prevent cancer or detect it at its earliest, most treatable stage, at 2007 MSABC Icon (15pxl)cancer.org/breastcancer.



View the American Cancer Society Privacy Policy and State Fundraising Notices.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Hungry is on the block!

Yes- this week in my Tuesday night meeting in Provo, Wednesday night meeting in Payson and Thursday at the Bureau of Rec, Hungry is going DOWN!!! For those of you who have been turning in your trackers, we will be drawing for 2 Hungry magnets in each meeting. If you haven't turned any in yet, please bring in your completed May trackers to enter yourself for the drawing. If you are using e-tools, just print off one page from on line and bring it in :) If you are using a 3 month journal, just bring in a piece of paper with your name on it for each week you have tracked. Now, if you are looking for GREAT odds, Tuesday night in Provo only has ONE entry so far! Remember, you must be present to win. Come on in for a GREAT time :) See you soon!
Oh and for my Lifetime members, don't forget to get in for your monthly weigh-in if you haven't been in yet this month. You have until the 31st, Sunday, but you'd have to go to the Salt Lake center to weigh, as it is the only one open Sunday. Also, if by chance, it has been a while since you have been in, as a Lifetime Member you only need to pay for ONE missed week/month, $9 to get yourself current. Come on in. We miss you!!!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

VICTORY!!! Yummy Lowfat Homemade Ice Cream!!!

Just a quick reminder that all Weight Watchers meetings will be closed May 25th, for Memorial Day. Please take a moment to find another time to come and hit a meeting this week. It will be well worth your while :)
Now- for those of you who hit any of my meetings last week, you know I am a homemade ice cream junky. I LOVE IT!!! Today, I made a delicious batch of LOW FAT, LOW POINTS Strawberry Banana ice cream :) It is so good. I just finished my entire 1 cup for only a points value of 3. A 1/2 C serving has only 1 point :) I am one happy girl!!! Now, I do have a 6 quart ice cream maker, so you will need to modify this for a 4 or 2 quart ice cream freezer. Here it is... drum roll please...
Homemade Ice Cream- Strawberry Banana
POINTS® Value: 3
Servings: 24

Ingredients

2 large banana(s), mashed
6 cup(s) strawberries, pureed
6 large egg(s)
1 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1 cup(s) fat-free sweetened condensed milk
2 cup(s) SPLENDA No Calorie Sweetener
12 cup(s) 1% Low fat Milk

Instructions

1 C serving has 3 points
1/2 C serving is 1 point
In a heavy pan, mix well, 6-8 cups of milk, I cup flour and six eggs. Heat over medium flame until the mixture becomes thick. REmove from heat and add 1/4 C vanilla, sweetened condensed milk and splenda. Let cool until it is cold in the refrigerator or freezer. Blend the strawberries and bananas with just enough milk to blend well (It took 3 blender fulls to get it all blended). Combine everything in 1 and 1/2 gallon ice cream maker. Add remaining milk to fill line. Freeze according to your freezers instructions. Please email with any questions.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

We've been missing you!

Happy Memorial Day weekend to you all. I hope you are spending time doing the things you love this long weekend. I sure hope you made it into a meeting this week to learn some GREAT ways to Prepare Yourself for this fun weekend .
I have been noticing that our meetings are getting a bit smaller lately . I know this time of year can be really busy with graduations, ball games and lots of other fun stuff. I sure hope that you will find a way to get yourself into a meeting this week. Meeting attendance was CRUCIAL for my weight loss success and it is ESSENTIAL to yours. People who attend their meetings lose 3 times as much weight as people who go it alone. I know you have heard this before, but I am proof it is true. Come on in and remind yourself how much these meetings can do for you... and besides I MISS YOU!!!

Now this weeks meeting was made for ME . Yep- it's on MOTIVATION- how to get it and how to keep it! As many of you know, I am training for my first marathon next month. It has been REALLY hard, and really rewarding, and REALLY stressful! When I get stressed, like many of us, I EAT! When I worry, I eat. When I am tired, I eat. The marathon has caused me to really have to focus on what I want, REALLY want, when I am feeling tired, sore and like crawling into my bed with a bag of Oreo's and ice cream. We all have times when our motivation wanes and lags, it's a natural part of change and the weigh loss and maintenance cycle. This week in meeting we are going work on the fabulous Tool for Living, Motivation Strategy. This is a "must have" skill, and one that needs some fine tuning at times. Please, please, please come in and see me .

To DIE For Cherry Brownies
2 pkg, Hershey's Kisses Brownie Mix (2 - 1 lbs 4 oz mixes) Costco has a 6 pack

1 - 15 oz can black beans w/ liquid, pureed in the blender

4 egg whites

¼ C water

12 oz frozen cherries, cut in half (about 2 ½ C)

Puree beans in the blender with their juice, and the ¼ C water. Once pureed, add the egg whites and blend to incorporate. Pour blender contents into a bowl with the brownie mix. Mix until just moistened. Fold in Cherries. Do not over mix. Bake in a large 9x13 (10¼ x 15¼), greased baking dish, for 40 min, 375 degrees, and 10 min with the oven off. Cut into 32 squares (4x8). 3 POINTS per brownie ( vs. 5 POINTS w/o modifications)



Buttermilk Tomatillo Dip

1 pkg Hidden Valley "The Original Ranch Buttermilk Recipe Salad Dressing Mix (Be sure to get the BUTTERMILK recipe) JUST THE POWDER

1 jalapenos

2 tomatillos, de-husked and quartered

1 bunch cilantro

juice of one lime

2 cloves of garlic
2 Cups fat free mayonnaise
Starting with the tomatillos, blend in the blender. This is the most amazing dip ever. 1/4 Cups of the dip is ZERO POINTS :) 1/2 a cup is 1 POINT. 1 C is 2 POINTS. It's 7 POINTS if you eat ALL of it :) If you are leary of jalapenos, add a 1/2 to start with and then taste. Add more as needed. I have added the whole thing and find it very mild.
It makes nearly 4 Cups.
***You could try 2 C of fat free sour cream for the same POINTS value***

Friday, May 22, 2009

1/2 Marathon #3


May 16th, 2009
The Ogden 1/2 Marathon
This was a BEAUTIFUL run from Pine View Reservoir down into Downtown Ogden. It was the PERFECT weather and so well organized. I went with some running friends of mine. We had the best time. We met at Union Station for dinner. Yummy, salmon, new potatoes and steamed veggies. The race was more of a training run for me as I am running 20 miles on Memorial day with the speedy beauties, Anna Lisa, Maurine and Luz. I would have loved to "race" Ogden, but it was prudent to take it as a training run with a hint of speed. I loved it and will do it again!!!
I really can't believe that I LOVE running 1/2 marathons :) WHAT A SWITCH!!!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Memorial Day Already???

Am I the only person who thinks that Memorial Day has snuck up and stolen a week right from under my nose? I am really happy that the days are getting longer and WARMER!!! WOW :) I am sorry this email is so late, but my internet has been down and we just got it all fixed up ;)
Speaking of Memorial Day, we sure have a lot going on this weekend and throughout the summer. The parties are just starting and they keep on coming. It is really important to all of our successes, that we find ways to navigate these summer festivities. This week in the meetings, we are going to be discussing many ways to give ourselves a leg up on these challenging situations. There are GREAT Helpful Habits that can make a huge difference for us. Be sure to come on in and take advantage of these FANTASTIC meetings :)

Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. Check it out.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

A Happy Thought for the Day :)

A lecturer when explaining stress management to an audience,
Raised a glass of water and asked 'How heavy is this glass of water?'
Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.
The lecturer replied, 'The absolute weight doesn't matter.
It depends on how long you try to hold it.
If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.

If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.
If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.
In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.'
He continued,
'And that's the way it is with stress management.
If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later,
As the burden becomes increasingly heavy,

We won't be able to carry on. '
'As with the glass of water,
You have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.
When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.'
'So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down.
Don't carry it home.
You can pick it up tomorrow.

Whatever burdens you're carrying now,
Let them down for a moment if you can.'
So, my friend, Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now.
Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while.

Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:


* Accept that some days you're the pigeon,
And some days you're the statue.


* Always keep your words soft and sweet,
Just in case you have to eat them.

** Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be
"Recalled" by their maker.

* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again,
It was probably worth it.

* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to be kind to others.

* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time,
Because then you won't have a leg to stand on.


*
Nobody cares if you can't dance well.
Just get up and dance.

* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

* The second mouse gets the cheese.

* When everything's coming your way,
You're in the wrong lane.

* Birthdays are good for you.
The more you have, the longer you live.


* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Metabolism???

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!
Yes, I have been a slacker for the past few weeks
. I had a birthday and really partied it up for a bit
I hope y'all are well and speaking more kindly to yourselves, per last weeks meeting. The one thing about us humans, is that we believe what we hear, whether we say it or someone else does. It is really important that the kinds of things we say to ourselves are just as kind as the things we say to others. We'd never tell a friend that they will never get to their goal weight, so why would we say it to ourselves? It does take some time and practice to learn Positive Self Talk, but it is worth the effort because, "whether you think you can or can't, you're right!!!" -Henry Ford. If it has been a while since you have seen the Disney movie "Polly Anna," now is time to check it out. We all need some practice playing the Glad Game :)
On a NEW and exciting note, this week we are going to spend some time discussing how our metabolism works and what we can do to make it work the very best for us. No matter what you may think or feel, there is always something we can do to get a bit more out of our very own metabolism. Don't miss this weeks meeting to see what you can do to get the most out of yours!
I have had avocados on the brain, so here are two yummy looking recipes :) Also, my new favorite way to eat them comes from one of my running buddies. Take equal parts diced avocado and finely diced celery, some lime juice, finely chopped cilantro and salt to taste. The points will vary depending on how much avocado you use. I have been making this will 1 small avocado for a POINTS value of 4. It makes a super yummy lunch :)


Corn, Tomato and Avocado Salad

Image of  Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad

POINTS® Value: 5
Servings: 4

Ingredients


2 spray(s) cooking spray

2 medium corn on the cob, kernels removed with a knife (about 1 cup)

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp water

2 tbsp fresh lime juice

1/4 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp table salt

1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

1/3 cup(s) cilantro, fresh, chopped

1 head(s) Boston lettuce

2 medium tomato(es), ripe, cut into 8 wedges each

1 medium avocado, Hass, cut into 16 slices

1/2 cup(s) onion(s), sweet variety, thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Coat a medium nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add corn and cook over high heat until crisp-tender and golden in spots, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes; remove from heat.

  • To make dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together oil, water, lime juice, cumin, salt and pepper until blended; stir in cilantro.

  • Divide lettuce leaves among 4 plates. Top each with 4 tomato wedges, 4 avocado slices, 1/4 of onion and 1/4 cup of corn; drizzle each salad with 2 tablespoons of dressing. Yields 1 salad per serving.

Notes

  • This salad features pan-roasted fresh corn but to save time, feel free to substitute canned corn and omit the cooking. Or you can grill the corn while barbecuing another time.

    A nice garnish would be a sprinkling of toasted pumpkin seeds and a few crumbled baked tortilla chips (could affect POINTS values).


Avocado-Seafood Spring Rolls


POINTS® Value: 2
Servings: 8

Ingredients


1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp lime zest

1/2 tsp sugar

1 cup(s) cooked brown rice, chilled

1 item(s) avocado, cut into chunks

3 tbsp fat-free mayonnaise

2 tsp fresh lime juice

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp table salt

8 piece(s) lettuce, large romaine leaves, split in half lengthwise and center ribs removed

1 small yellow pepper(s), cut into very thin strips

6 oz lump crab meat

1 1/2 cup(s) cilantro, about 16 fresh leaves

Instructions

  • Stir vinegar, lime zest and sugar into chilled rice.

  • Place avocado, mayonnaise, lime juice, cayenne pepper and salt in a food processor; blend until smooth.

  • Spread equal amounts of avocado mixture onto lettuce leaves; spoon about 1 tablespoon rice mixture over each leaf and spread it to 1 inch from end. Place 3 or 4 pepper strips down center of each leaf; roll up and secure with a toothpick. Top each with 1 small piece of crab meat and a cilantro leaf. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Yields 2 spring rolls per serving.




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