I want to say a BIG thank you to all the members I saw this week in meetings! This was a GREAT week for Weight Watchers. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to see your growth and change occurring. This was a week where we discussed why we attend meetings and the energy was apparent. Honestly, I was worried how this week would fly, and I was happily surprised. THANK YOU! And thank you to all who said I had something to do with why you attend meetings. That is very humbling. You keep me going at this too!
Our many discussions led us to why we attend meetings, when we haven't felt supported, and what we need in the future. We also realized that like a flock of geese, we go through this journey together and need the uplift of the other members. So, honk honk! Thank you to all my members in the Saturday meeting at Keystone Christian Church for honking! I don't know about you guys, but I think we will be honking at each other for many meetings to come! It was fun!
We attend meetings for many reasons. Support, accountability, food ideas, new products, our "therapy" sessions, laughter, inspiration, perspiration ideas, tips on eating healthier, how to get in the 8 Good Health Guidelines, ways to stay on track, ways to get back on track, how to stay motivated, and ultimately because we need the meetings to do this and be successful. Studies show that those who attend meetings lose three times more weight than those that go it alone.
We discussed those painful and upsetting moments when we haven't felt supported at a Weight Watchers meeting. I am empathetic to all those who have been through this experience. Our weight is a deep part of us and we are making ourselves vulnerable by stepping on that scale, only to have another person tell us what we weigh. Egads! I applaud every one of you for stepping on that scale each and every week. Please know that if you ever need anything or have an unpleasant experience, I am here. Find me at your meeting or email me. quirkysoul@sbcglobal.net. My pledge to you in 2008 is to give you as good an experience as you deserve and I can! Luckily, I didn't hear many complaints!
We discussed what we want in the upcoming meetings. I will do my best to implement those ideas and requests. For food ideas, feel free to bring in your finds and be prepared to talk about them. This is your meeting, so use it to your advantage! I will be posting my food finds here more often. Okay, my new find is PB2! This is a powdered peanut butter made by Bell Plantation. http://www.bellplantation.com/ You make it with water and use as you would peanut butter. Ordered online, it is about $4 a bottle. I know, a bit costly. The one drawback of losing weight, the food does cost more. I guess this is the price we pay for health, beauty, and a smaller waistline! At only 54 calories for 2 Tablespoons, it is a great buy WW wise (1 pt). Many of you know that peanut butter (creamy in the jar) is my #1 red light food. Well, luckily this has yet to be an issue with this great product. I have to make it up, which only takes a few seconds, but it does help me to rethink that second serving. Hallelujah!
Speaking of Peanut Butter, I hope you attended your meeting this last week and received a free sample of the new 1 point Mini Bar by Weight Watchers, Peanut Butter Bliss. They truly do live up to their name, as they are blissful. No need to have the saying ignorence is bliss in your life any more. You can have your peanut butter and lose weight. Consider yourself educated!The following is a great Weight Watchers recipe that dates back to the Winning Points Plan. I had this for dinner last night and will be adding it to my food repertoire. Yum! We ate this with a bit of parmesan cheese on top, add the points for what you consume.
Pasta with Greens and Beans
Makes 4 servings, 5 POINTS per serving
6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
4 cups coarsely chopped broccoli rabe (escarole or spinach may be substituted)
1 1/2 cups drained canned cannellini beans, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
6 oz uncooked pasta, cooked according to package directions until al dente
1. Lightly spray large nonstick saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Add garlic; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add broccoli rabe and beans, cook 2-3 minutes. Add broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 3 minutes. Add cooked pasta; cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Serving suggestion: serve sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese (add POINTS as necessary).
Nutrition information per serving: 293 calories, 1.6 g fat, 6 g fiber
Diane's suggestions (a Weight Watchers leader): Use one bag of fresh spinach instead of broccoli rabe. Add one package pre-sliced mushrooms along with greens and beans. Use less chicken broth (~ 1 cup seemed like plenty to me). Save POINTS by cutting back on the pasta if desired. Add chopped chicken breast (add POINTS as necessary).
I will be posting a few great recipes in a bit, so check back for more!

Have a great week and be great in '08!



Leader Meg