Hello Everyone!
What a great day today is. I have to admit, I really liked last week too. I love the rain! I hope you all have a safe and great Memorial Day!
Have you ever wondered how you can have a relaxing vacation without relaxing your weigh-loss efforts? Come this week to meeting and learn some great tools for clarifying your goals and finding ways to keep on track throughout our leisurely summer!
Have a great holiday and see you in the meeting! I leave you with this great anonymous quote:
"A diamond is a lump of coal that stuck with it."
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Mar-a-Lago Turkey Burger
Lynne Christy saw this recipe on Oprah and said it is DIVINE! Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
1 T canola oil
4 pounds ground turkey breast, extra lean
2 Tbsp. salt
1 Tbsp. black pepper
2 tsp. chipotle Tabasco™
1 lemon, juice and grated zest
1/2 bunch parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup Major Grey's Chutney, pureed
Sauté the scallions, celery and apples in the canola oil until tender. Let cool. Place the ground turkey in a large mixing bowl. Add sautéed items and the remaining ingredients. Shape into eight 8-ounce burgers. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Season the turkey burgers with salt and pepper. Place on a preheated, lightly oiled grill. Grill each side for 7 minutes until meat is thoroughly cooked. Let sit for 5 minutes. Serve with a side of Major Grey Chutney and your favorite toasted bread, pita or hamburger roll.
Makes 16 burgers, 3 POINTS per burger.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
1 T canola oil
4 pounds ground turkey breast, extra lean
2 Tbsp. salt
1 Tbsp. black pepper
2 tsp. chipotle Tabasco™
1 lemon, juice and grated zest
1/2 bunch parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup Major Grey's Chutney, pureed
Sauté the scallions, celery and apples in the canola oil until tender. Let cool. Place the ground turkey in a large mixing bowl. Add sautéed items and the remaining ingredients. Shape into eight 8-ounce burgers. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Season the turkey burgers with salt and pepper. Place on a preheated, lightly oiled grill. Grill each side for 7 minutes until meat is thoroughly cooked. Let sit for 5 minutes. Serve with a side of Major Grey Chutney and your favorite toasted bread, pita or hamburger roll.
Makes 16 burgers, 3 POINTS per burger.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Summer Grilling Ideas
Here is a great page from WeightWatchers.com that has many links to many great articles for grilling this summer! Please bring your favorites to the meetings to share! Enjoy!
http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=3&art_id=53211
http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=3&art_id=53211
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Families, Friends and Holiday Eating
Alright- now, I know I whined all winter about the cold temps- so now here comes the praise! Yippee and woo-hoo! The sun is out and I am one happy camper! I even mowed the lawns (ours and the neighbors) yesterday just out be outside! Yeah yeah- you think it's gonna stay?
Any-who, this week we are hitting right into the crux of many of our weight-loss trauma- the family parties! Ba na! We love to get together with our friends and families all summer long and just munch and crunch and whittle these beautiful days away! Now just because we are getting together, we don't have to toss all of our newly formed (and forming) Helpful Habits. {subliminal message coming... take the Habit Profile in your week three materials :} Our food related get togethers are fun and an important part of our lives. Come to meeting this week to really focus on some things we can do TODAY to help us manage these little bumps on our journey to a healthier self!!!
Oh, and don't forget- all of your leaders (especially me :), want to hear about your most creative ways to get in that little bit of "moving more" this week!
Remember the following quote when you don't think that your insight and comments in meetings make a difference! You never know when the things you share may be the answer to another members problems!!
"If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito."
~ author unknown
See you soon!!!!
Any-who, this week we are hitting right into the crux of many of our weight-loss trauma- the family parties! Ba na! We love to get together with our friends and families all summer long and just munch and crunch and whittle these beautiful days away! Now just because we are getting together, we don't have to toss all of our newly formed (and forming) Helpful Habits. {subliminal message coming... take the Habit Profile in your week three materials :} Our food related get togethers are fun and an important part of our lives. Come to meeting this week to really focus on some things we can do TODAY to help us manage these little bumps on our journey to a healthier self!!!
Oh, and don't forget- all of your leaders (especially me :), want to hear about your most creative ways to get in that little bit of "moving more" this week!
Remember the following quote when you don't think that your insight and comments in meetings make a difference! You never know when the things you share may be the answer to another members problems!!
"If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito."
~ author unknown
See you soon!!!!
Mandarin Asian Salad
Grilled Chicken, sliced and cooled (3 POINTS per BS breast or thigh)
romaine lettuce, ripped or cut bite size
Mandarin oranges, unsweetened and drained (1 C is 1 POINT)
1 can sliced water chestnuts
1 T sesame seeds
green onions, chopped
red bell peppers, sliced
sugar snap peas or snow peas (3/4 C- 0 POINTS)
Dressing:
1 C fresh mango peach salsa (2.5 POINTS)
2-4 T balsamic vinegar
1/2 t sesame seed oil (.5 POINTS)
2 t soy sauce
Blend in blender to mix. (I used this much dressing to serve 8 adults - 0 POINTS )Pour over salad ingredients, feel free to swap ingredients. The point value will change depending on how much chicken and mandarin oranges you use. This can be very low points and SUPER yum! My teenagers rated it as a 8 or 9 on a scale of 10. We ate it ALL!!!
romaine lettuce, ripped or cut bite size
Mandarin oranges, unsweetened and drained (1 C is 1 POINT)
1 can sliced water chestnuts
1 T sesame seeds
green onions, chopped
red bell peppers, sliced
sugar snap peas or snow peas (3/4 C- 0 POINTS)
Dressing:
1 C fresh mango peach salsa (2.5 POINTS)
2-4 T balsamic vinegar
1/2 t sesame seed oil (.5 POINTS)
2 t soy sauce
Blend in blender to mix. (I used this much dressing to serve 8 adults - 0 POINTS )Pour over salad ingredients, feel free to swap ingredients. The point value will change depending on how much chicken and mandarin oranges you use. This can be very low points and SUPER yum! My teenagers rated it as a 8 or 9 on a scale of 10. We ate it ALL!!!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
I just love this poem!
Mother Teresa hung a copy of this poem on a wall of the orphanage she founded in Calcutta. Its source is unknown.
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be Kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It is never between you and them anyway.
At my sister-in-law's mothers funeral last fall, David Bednar quoted Neil A Maxwell's lesson he had learned from fighting cancer, he stated. "It is more important to not shrink, than it is to survive."
Many times in our lives we will only do things if we are assured that the outcome will be exactly what we want it to be. If something seems hard or there is a possibility that we won't succeed, we wont even try. Our character is not based on our successes, but on our valiant attempts! Our character is based on our integrity and the choices we make each day.
I realize that this is a blog for weight loss and motivation- I realize that your weight loss journey, like mine, is probably different than you might have planned. But here is the deal, by continuing to plug along, making the best choices you can each day (and of course attending your meetings :) you will make progress. Your life will improve in quality EVERY DAY!
We can't always see the outcome of our daily choices, but we can rest assured that every good choice we make is a success in and of itself. Every day we work toward a positive goal is a day well spent.
Hang in there and have a GREAT day!!
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be Kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It is never between you and them anyway.
At my sister-in-law's mothers funeral last fall, David Bednar quoted Neil A Maxwell's lesson he had learned from fighting cancer, he stated. "It is more important to not shrink, than it is to survive."
Many times in our lives we will only do things if we are assured that the outcome will be exactly what we want it to be. If something seems hard or there is a possibility that we won't succeed, we wont even try. Our character is not based on our successes, but on our valiant attempts! Our character is based on our integrity and the choices we make each day.
I realize that this is a blog for weight loss and motivation- I realize that your weight loss journey, like mine, is probably different than you might have planned. But here is the deal, by continuing to plug along, making the best choices you can each day (and of course attending your meetings :) you will make progress. Your life will improve in quality EVERY DAY!
We can't always see the outcome of our daily choices, but we can rest assured that every good choice we make is a success in and of itself. Every day we work toward a positive goal is a day well spent.
Hang in there and have a GREAT day!!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Actunities
Hello!
I am so excited to be back to an "almost" normal week with almost normal weather!
And what a great meeting we have going this week. I hate to give the topic away... so I won't ;) But be sure to come this week and see how you can increase your activity levels in little ways all throughout you day!
Be sure to check out the blog for recipes. I have been posting them straight to the blog to save a little time :) There are some great substitution ideas for your favorite recipes.
Have a great week! I am off to celebrate my Hubbies 40th birthday!! See you in the meeting!!!
I am so excited to be back to an "almost" normal week with almost normal weather!
And what a great meeting we have going this week. I hate to give the topic away... so I won't ;) But be sure to come this week and see how you can increase your activity levels in little ways all throughout you day!
Be sure to check out the blog for recipes. I have been posting them straight to the blog to save a little time :) There are some great substitution ideas for your favorite recipes.
Have a great week! I am off to celebrate my Hubbies 40th birthday!! See you in the meeting!!!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Ingredient Swap
Here are a few ingredients that you can swap for a lower POINT value one. There is virtually no difference when using the light versions of these favorites. The Fat Free versions are nigh undetectable in many recipes. A little experimentation is really useful. You will find that some ingredients are not worth changing, while others don't make the least bit of a difference.
Sour Cream:
Regular 14 POINTS per cup
Light 7.5 POINTS per cup
Fat free 3.5 POINTS per cup
Cream of "Whatever" Soup:
Regular 8 POINTS per can
98% Fat Free 3.5 POINTS per can
Cream Cheese:
Regular 22.5 POINTS per 8 oz pkg
Light 12.5 POINTS per 8 oz pkg
Fat Free 4.5 POINTS per 8 oz pkg
Cheddar Cheese:
1 Cup 12 POINTS
1 C low fat 8 POINTS
1 C fat free 3.5 POINTS
Mayonnaise (Best Food's or Hellman's):
Regular 42 POINTS per cup
Light 19 POINTS per cup
Reduced Fat 9 POINTS per cup
Fat free 3.5 POINTS per cup
Funeral Potatoes
Regular 9 POINTS per serving
Using the light substitutions 5 POINTS per serving
Using the fat free substitutions 4 POINTS per serving
Sour Cream:
Regular 14 POINTS per cup
Light 7.5 POINTS per cup
Fat free 3.5 POINTS per cup
Cream of "Whatever" Soup:
Regular 8 POINTS per can
98% Fat Free 3.5 POINTS per can
Cream Cheese:
Regular 22.5 POINTS per 8 oz pkg
Light 12.5 POINTS per 8 oz pkg
Fat Free 4.5 POINTS per 8 oz pkg
Cheddar Cheese:
1 Cup 12 POINTS
1 C low fat 8 POINTS
1 C fat free 3.5 POINTS
Mayonnaise (Best Food's or Hellman's):
Regular 42 POINTS per cup
Light 19 POINTS per cup
Reduced Fat 9 POINTS per cup
Fat free 3.5 POINTS per cup
Funeral Potatoes
Regular 9 POINTS per serving
Using the light substitutions 5 POINTS per serving
Using the fat free substitutions 4 POINTS per serving
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Thank You Thank You Thank You
I just had to say thank you, to all of those who have expressed their sympathies to me and my family this past month. With the passing of my Grandmother and my dear friend, Tammy, in the past few weeks, your love and concern has really buoyed me up.
You know, with each tough situation we face in our lives, we are able to see many of our strengths and some of our weaknesses. These times of trials can be great blessings and opportunities to grow.
Thank you again, so much for your love and concern!
Here is my new favorite quote by Thomas Alva Edison:
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
You know, with each tough situation we face in our lives, we are able to see many of our strengths and some of our weaknesses. These times of trials can be great blessings and opportunities to grow.
Thank you again, so much for your love and concern!
Here is my new favorite quote by Thomas Alva Edison:
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Baked Apple Oatmeal
1/2 cup of your favorite hot cereal (oatmeal, 6 grain, etc) 2 POINTS
1 fresh apple, cored and diced (peeling is optional) 1 POINT
amount of water your cereal calls for
a pinch of salt
---Microwave for 2-4 min (depending on how mushy you like it :) Put a little plain or brown sugar splenda on it and ENJOY! (2.5 teaspoons of Splenda Brown Sugar is 1 POINT) This is a very filling and yummy breakfast. I love it!
1 fresh apple, cored and diced (peeling is optional) 1 POINT
amount of water your cereal calls for
a pinch of salt
---Microwave for 2-4 min (depending on how mushy you like it :) Put a little plain or brown sugar splenda on it and ENJOY! (2.5 teaspoons of Splenda Brown Sugar is 1 POINT) This is a very filling and yummy breakfast. I love it!
Weight Management: What a Bargain!
I hope ya'll are having a great weekend!
I have a few moments, so I thought I'd send you a note on time (well, a little early) this week.
Sometimes we think that it is too costly to pay our membership fees and buy the healthy foods we need, but hey- what is the real cost of healthy living? The real costs come from UN-healthy living. Come to meeting this week and join in our discussion of the many great ways that living healthfully saves us money now, and in the future!
See you soon! Remember that each opportunity we have to choose healthy living is there for the taking. Make one more good choice today- make another tomorrow, and before you know it, your life will be strewn with healthy habits you didn't even know you had :)
"Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation leans on the doorbell."
~anonymous
I have a few moments, so I thought I'd send you a note on time (well, a little early) this week.
Sometimes we think that it is too costly to pay our membership fees and buy the healthy foods we need, but hey- what is the real cost of healthy living? The real costs come from UN-healthy living. Come to meeting this week and join in our discussion of the many great ways that living healthfully saves us money now, and in the future!
See you soon! Remember that each opportunity we have to choose healthy living is there for the taking. Make one more good choice today- make another tomorrow, and before you know it, your life will be strewn with healthy habits you didn't even know you had :)
"Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation leans on the doorbell."
~anonymous
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Better Late Than NEVER :)
Hi friends!
I am so sorry my email is late this week :(. Life has been a little "fuller" than normal and I am just catching my breath :) I hope all is well with all of you!
This weeks meeting topic is HOT!! How many times do we head out for dinner or order in take-out because the clock just hit 6:30 and everyone is going to STARVE??? This weeks we will be discussing strategies for overcoming the "what's for dinner?- and I mean NOW!" syndrome. With a few tricks up your sleeve, and a little planning, this "problem area" can see some major improvements- PDQ.
Now- last week I told you about a devil of a fantastic cake that was 8 POINTS per slice. I worked it down to about 3 POINTS per slice! Yes- bravo to me! It is posted on my blog, along with the black bean brownies. There is also a new link to all of the recipes that have been posted to the blog on the top right.
Have a fantastic week and see you in the meetings!!!
I am so sorry my email is late this week :(. Life has been a little "fuller" than normal and I am just catching my breath :) I hope all is well with all of you!
This weeks meeting topic is HOT!! How many times do we head out for dinner or order in take-out because the clock just hit 6:30 and everyone is going to STARVE??? This weeks we will be discussing strategies for overcoming the "what's for dinner?- and I mean NOW!" syndrome. With a few tricks up your sleeve, and a little planning, this "problem area" can see some major improvements- PDQ.
Now- last week I told you about a devil of a fantastic cake that was 8 POINTS per slice. I worked it down to about 3 POINTS per slice! Yes- bravo to me! It is posted on my blog, along with the black bean brownies. There is also a new link to all of the recipes that have been posted to the blog on the top right.
Have a fantastic week and see you in the meetings!!!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Back by Popular Demand!
Black Bean Brownies Kayleen Howard
1 box- family size brownies (9x13 size)
2 egg whites
¼ C water
1- 15 oz can black beans
2 t baking soda
In the blender, puree the black beans (DO NOT DRAIN) and ¼ C water. In a mixing bowl add brownie mix and 2 t baking powder, mix well. Then add the pureed beans and water and the eggs. Mix with a wooden spoon until just mixed. DO NOT OVER MIX. Bake in a greased, 9x13 glass baking dish at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Do not under bake. When the brownies are done they will pull away from the sides of the pan. Let cool for about 10 min and them cover tightly with plastic wrap and let finish cooling. Cut them 4x5 to make 20,- 2 point brownies. YUMMY!!!
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)
1 box- family size brownies (9x13 size)
2 egg whites
¼ C water
1- 15 oz can black beans
2 t baking soda
In the blender, puree the black beans (DO NOT DRAIN) and ¼ C water. In a mixing bowl add brownie mix and 2 t baking powder, mix well. Then add the pureed beans and water and the eggs. Mix with a wooden spoon until just mixed. DO NOT OVER MIX. Bake in a greased, 9x13 glass baking dish at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Do not under bake. When the brownies are done they will pull away from the sides of the pan. Let cool for about 10 min and them cover tightly with plastic wrap and let finish cooling. Cut them 4x5 to make 20,- 2 point brownies. YUMMY!!!
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)
Monday, April 21, 2008
German Chocolate Upsidedown Cake
Ingredients
1 package German chocolate pudding-type cake dry mix
3 items egg white(s)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
8 oz fat-free cream cheese
1 cup Splenda
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup powdered sugar
Place parchment paper in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with the coconut and pecans. Mix the German Chocolate cake mix with the applesauce, 3 egg whites, and water from the box instructions. Beat well and pour over the coconut and pecans. In a mixer, mix, cream cheese, sour cream, splenda and powdered sugar. Beat really well. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the entire cake, 1 Tablespoon at a time. Bake at 350 for about 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely. Cover and let set overnight on the counter. It tastes a TON better the next day :) Cut and serve- turning over the cake, so the bottom is on top. 24 servings, 3 Points each. (The original is by Sharla Webb and DROP DEAD DIVINE at 8 POINTS per slice :) *note from the chef- "lower the oven to 320 and bake for 20 min, then raise to 335 to finish, it takes a little longer, but the cream cheese mixture has time to sink to the bottom. Otherwise, it sometimes doesn’t go all the way through (depending on the oven)."
1 package German chocolate pudding-type cake dry mix
3 items egg white(s)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
8 oz fat-free cream cheese
1 cup Splenda
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup powdered sugar
Place parchment paper in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with the coconut and pecans. Mix the German Chocolate cake mix with the applesauce, 3 egg whites, and water from the box instructions. Beat well and pour over the coconut and pecans. In a mixer, mix, cream cheese, sour cream, splenda and powdered sugar. Beat really well. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the entire cake, 1 Tablespoon at a time. Bake at 350 for about 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely. Cover and let set overnight on the counter. It tastes a TON better the next day :) Cut and serve- turning over the cake, so the bottom is on top. 24 servings, 3 Points each. (The original is by Sharla Webb and DROP DEAD DIVINE at 8 POINTS per slice :) *note from the chef- "lower the oven to 320 and bake for 20 min, then raise to 335 to finish, it takes a little longer, but the cream cheese mixture has time to sink to the bottom. Otherwise, it sometimes doesn’t go all the way through (depending on the oven)."
Mango Peach Vinaigrette
1/2 C Mango Peach Salsa of choice (from Costco)
1-2 T balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
0 POINTS
This is so great over any green salad. Add some grilled chicken (3 POINTS) to make it a meal :)
1-2 T balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
0 POINTS
This is so great over any green salad. Add some grilled chicken (3 POINTS) to make it a meal :)
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Would you like fruit with that?
Hi Everybody!
The bulbs are blooming, the grass is greening, and the air is WARMING!! Yeah! Spring is finally here! (right?)
Now with all of the beautiful weather, we are all getting ready for the fruits of summer! What a perfect time to look at ways to help those around us, help us, to keep on track with our healthier life styles. This weeks meeting topic is all about how to covertly or maybe not-so-covertly get those around us on board. Lets face it, if we are going to make changes to our lives, those with whom we share our lives, really need to be a support to us. These shifts in our relationships can be a little rocky, but with some tools and helpful habits, we can make some huge strides in getting our co-workers and loved ones, extending the support we need.
Now, I do have a recipe for you, Upside-Down German Chocolate Cake, but it is the "DEVIL" right now- about a million points per slice. My sister-in-laws, sister-in-law, made it for us over the weekend in Denver and I am going to fiddle with it to come up with a "lower-POINT" version. I apologize for the teaser- but hey... when it is ready, it's gonna knock your socks OFF!
As for last week's meeting topic, how are those excuses to avoid activity going? Did you blast any of them out of the water, per my meeting challenge last week? I sure hope so. Remember- what and how much you eat is EVERYTHING- but activity is the magic that keeps it all together. Plain and simple.
Mike Huckabee said: "When people ask, "How do you find time to exercise?" I respond, "I don't find the time, I make the time! If you wait until you find time, you will never--hear me--never find it. You must make time for taking care of your body just as you would make time to go to work, to shower, to eat, or to take in a movie."
The bulbs are blooming, the grass is greening, and the air is WARMING!! Yeah! Spring is finally here! (right?)
Now with all of the beautiful weather, we are all getting ready for the fruits of summer! What a perfect time to look at ways to help those around us, help us, to keep on track with our healthier life styles. This weeks meeting topic is all about how to covertly or maybe not-so-covertly get those around us on board. Lets face it, if we are going to make changes to our lives, those with whom we share our lives, really need to be a support to us. These shifts in our relationships can be a little rocky, but with some tools and helpful habits, we can make some huge strides in getting our co-workers and loved ones, extending the support we need.
Now, I do have a recipe for you, Upside-Down German Chocolate Cake, but it is the "DEVIL" right now- about a million points per slice. My sister-in-laws, sister-in-law, made it for us over the weekend in Denver and I am going to fiddle with it to come up with a "lower-POINT" version. I apologize for the teaser- but hey... when it is ready, it's gonna knock your socks OFF!
As for last week's meeting topic, how are those excuses to avoid activity going? Did you blast any of them out of the water, per my meeting challenge last week? I sure hope so. Remember- what and how much you eat is EVERYTHING- but activity is the magic that keeps it all together. Plain and simple.
Mike Huckabee said: "When people ask, "How do you find time to exercise?" I respond, "I don't find the time, I make the time! If you wait until you find time, you will never--hear me--never find it. You must make time for taking care of your body just as you would make time to go to work, to shower, to eat, or to take in a movie."
Monday, April 14, 2008
Spring Break has arrived and I just realized- I'd better send ya'll a note real quick before I disappear into the beautiful sunshine!!
This weeks meeting topic is so timely- it is nice and beautiful outside, and time to get going. We have all made every excuse to skip the exercise, but is that really going to do anything for us? Please come to the meeting this week where we will dissolve some of our standard excuses and reasons for not moving more. We'll look at ways to regain some motivation to move more and reap the benefits!
Have a great spring break and I'll see you OUTSIDE!!!- Don't forget to take the new poll and any old ones you may have missed!
Here is my new favorite quote- it just plain made me laugh!
"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it."
~Robin Williams
This weeks meeting topic is so timely- it is nice and beautiful outside, and time to get going. We have all made every excuse to skip the exercise, but is that really going to do anything for us? Please come to the meeting this week where we will dissolve some of our standard excuses and reasons for not moving more. We'll look at ways to regain some motivation to move more and reap the benefits!
Have a great spring break and I'll see you OUTSIDE!!!- Don't forget to take the new poll and any old ones you may have missed!
Here is my new favorite quote- it just plain made me laugh!
"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it."
~Robin Williams
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Muffins!
by: Michelle Bingham
Spice Muffins
1 C. canned Pumpkin
1 box Spice cake mix
1 C. no sugar added applesauce
Preheat oven to 400'. Mix pumpkin, dry cake mix and applesauce. Put in paper lined cupcake pans. Bake for 20 minutes. Makes 21 muffins, 7 servings, 3 muffins=1 point
Chocolate Banana Muffins
1 box Choc cake mix
1 can chocolate Slim Fast
3 Bananas
1/3 C water
Mix all ingredients together. Divide into 24 muffin tins. Cook at 350' for 20 minutes. Good for Chocolate cravings. Makes 24 muffins, 1 muffin=2points.
Choco-Pumpkin Muffins
1 Chocolate Cake Mix
1 reg. can pumpkin
Mix two together well and divide into 12 muffin tins. Bake 350' for 19-22 mins. Makes 12 muffins, 1 muffin=2 points.
Cooks.com has some good looking muffin ideas:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,low_calorie_muffins,FF.html
Spice Muffins
1 C. canned Pumpkin
1 box Spice cake mix
1 C. no sugar added applesauce
Preheat oven to 400'. Mix pumpkin, dry cake mix and applesauce. Put in paper lined cupcake pans. Bake for 20 minutes. Makes 21 muffins, 7 servings, 3 muffins=1 point
Chocolate Banana Muffins
1 box Choc cake mix
1 can chocolate Slim Fast
3 Bananas
1/3 C water
Mix all ingredients together. Divide into 24 muffin tins. Cook at 350' for 20 minutes. Good for Chocolate cravings. Makes 24 muffins, 1 muffin=2points.
Choco-Pumpkin Muffins
1 Chocolate Cake Mix
1 reg. can pumpkin
Mix two together well and divide into 12 muffin tins. Bake 350' for 19-22 mins. Makes 12 muffins, 1 muffin=2 points.
Cooks.com has some good looking muffin ideas:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,low_calorie_muffins,FF.html
Lighten Up!!!
One of the my favorite things about Weight Watchers is that with a little modifications, most all of my own recipes can be tweaked to have lower POINT values. Now just so you know- there are some things that I have found ARE NOT WORTH changing. But in most instances, I have found that there are very good options that end up with a lower POINT value that we all can be happy with.
In baked goods (muffins, brownies and cakes) applesauce or pureed beans, can be swapped for all or most of the oil. The 98% fat free Cream of Mushroom and Chicken soups are nigh undetectable. In most recipes, light or fat free Sour Cream are also hard to tell from their full fat counterparts. In every instance, the Light cream cheese can be swapped for it's full fat brother, and in many recipes the fat free cream cheese works just as well. Corn tortillas are much lower in POINTS than flour tortillas.
Be sure to ask in meetings for specific substitutions you are looking for. All Weight Watcher members become quite resourceful in the kitchen to lower their favorite foods POINT values.
We are in this together- we are all looking for the most food for the lowest POINT values! Keep the ideas coming and bring them to meetings with you!
"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"
~George Eliot
In baked goods (muffins, brownies and cakes) applesauce or pureed beans, can be swapped for all or most of the oil. The 98% fat free Cream of Mushroom and Chicken soups are nigh undetectable. In most recipes, light or fat free Sour Cream are also hard to tell from their full fat counterparts. In every instance, the Light cream cheese can be swapped for it's full fat brother, and in many recipes the fat free cream cheese works just as well. Corn tortillas are much lower in POINTS than flour tortillas.
Be sure to ask in meetings for specific substitutions you are looking for. All Weight Watcher members become quite resourceful in the kitchen to lower their favorite foods POINT values.
We are in this together- we are all looking for the most food for the lowest POINT values! Keep the ideas coming and bring them to meetings with you!
"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"
~George Eliot
French Toast
2 Slices of your favorite 1 POINT bread (2 POINTS)
-OR-
2 Slices of Sara Lee Delightful (1 POINT)
1/4 C egg substitute or 3 egg whites (1 POINT)
2 T Skim or 1% milk
dash of Cinnamon (optional)
dash of nutmeg (optional)
1 t of splenda (optional)
Mix the liquid ingredients well. Dip bread. Cook in a pan sprayed with Pam. Top with yogurt, syrup or jam of choice. (The sugar free versions will have the lowest or no-est points :)
-OR-
2 Slices of Sara Lee Delightful (1 POINT)
1/4 C egg substitute or 3 egg whites (1 POINT)
2 T Skim or 1% milk
dash of Cinnamon (optional)
dash of nutmeg (optional)
1 t of splenda (optional)
Mix the liquid ingredients well. Dip bread. Cook in a pan sprayed with Pam. Top with yogurt, syrup or jam of choice. (The sugar free versions will have the lowest or no-est points :)
