Celebrate your accomplishments this month!

Why celebrating success is important

For many goals that we set, the outcome of our hard work alone is the reward for success. But in many instances, we’ve pursued goals, and in the process made difficult trade offs and sacrifices that deserve recognition.

For example, chocolate lovers aiming to reach their goal weight may be intent on significantly reducing their intake of chocolate in the name of overall health and the vision of achieving their goal weight. While you or I may not have a spiritual connection with the cocoa bean, this sacrifice may be significant to the chocolate lover!

Whatever goal we may pursue and however we achieve that accomplishment deserves celebration because in most instances, we’ve made sacrifices, donated time and energy, and produced a result that contributes to our overall happiness.

How should we celebrate?
We each have our own ways of celebrating success or if we lack in ability to relish in success, we’ve seen it in the movies! Here are some concrete ways we can make a lifestyle change to celebrate and recognize accomplishments:

*Reward ourselves: take a day off work, buy a new outfit or book, book a spa treatment, or pop the cork on some champagne
*Scrapbook or journal about the journey: it’s difficult to remember where we’ve been if we haven’t memorialized it. Journal the progress as you work to reach your goal or explore your creative side with a scrapbook page (or five) archiving the incredible achievement
*Share your success: tell a friend, family member or coworker. Sometimes with goals like weight loss or quitting smoking, it can be difficult to reveal intentions to change and the dedication to reach a goal for fear that if we slip up, we appear to fail. For these goals and accomplishements, as well as many others, it can make your heart soar and release a huge burden by publicizing your achievement. Hey, write about it in your blog!



14 Things to Do With... Greek Yogurt




Don't relegate this creamy treat to the breakfast table. Here's a bevy of uses for this delicious and versatile ingredient.



Sure, it’s good as a breakfast food. But Greek yogurt, with more protein and richness than other yogurt varieties, is great for way more than just making a parfait.





1.Add chopped cucumbers, dill and a pinch of salt for a quick Greek tsatziki.


2.Instead of milk or sweetened yogurts, toss some in your smoothie for a thicker texture.


3.Try it as an alternative to heavy cream when making alfredo sauce for pasta.


4.Mix with chocolate syrup for an easy fruit dip for a party platter.


5.Add a pinch of salt for a rich substitute for sour cream.


6.Stir in to a puréed vegetable soup to add thickness and protein.


7.For a simple frozen yogurt, add chopped fruit and sweetener and put it in the freezer.


8.Use it instead of mayo in chicken, tuna and egg salad to drastically cut down on PointsPlus™ values.


9.For a quick dessert, stir in light jam, raspberries, raisins, cinnamon or shredded coconut.


10.Use it as a frosting for cake or cupcakes. Just add vanilla or almond extract and a bit of sweetener.


11.Add spices and a bit of milk for a quick, guilt-free, creamy salad dressing.


12.Try as a pre-grill marinade for chicken or lamb: a bit of yogurt, za’atar, lemon zest, pepper flakes and a pinch of salt.


13.Add horseradish to make a fish or shrimp dip.


14.Mix it with skim milk and use instead of buttermilk for pancakes.

Include yourself on your holiday gift list.

Make yourself a priority. This is ever so important.

Many women have a difficult time making themselves a priority in their own lives. But when it comes to losing weight, making yourself a top priority is a must. Taking off the pounds -- and keeping them off -- requires time and attention we are accustomed to giving to our loved ones.
Have you felt guilty about making yourself a priority? If, so how do you cope with that feeling? What changes have you made to your life or your family's schedule for weight loss? Share your advice for other women who are having trouble putting their weight-loss journey at the top of their lists.

well I use the 5-minute technique
I know exercise can be a hurdle to start but I use this technique to get me going. This technique can be called the five-minute technique. Here’s what you do. Instead of thinking about exercising for 30 minutes or even 10 minutes tell yourself that you are only going to exercise for 5 minutes. For example, let me get on this treadmill for 5 minutes, or let me go for a quick 5-minute jog around the block. By reducing the perceived capacity of your exercise this will convince your mind to believe it is really easy, after all…its only five minutes. By the time that 5 minutes is up your body will actually get in the zone. When this happens your mind will begin to say let’s go to the next block or let me run this treadmill for just another 5 minutes. By the time you get off that treadmill or finish that jog.

Blueberry and Cranberry Pumpkin Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pure pumpkin, canned
- 1 ½ cup whole wheat, all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup reduced fat buttermilk
- 1 ¼ cup uncooked old fashioned oats
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp light butter, room temp
- ¼ cup liquid egg substitute
- 1 large egg white
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp table salt

Directions:
Heat oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter flavored non stick cooking spray, then dust lightly with a bit of flour. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter with an electric mixer; beat in egg, egg white, pumpkin, vanilla and buttermilk. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Stir into pumpkin mixture just until moistened, then add blueberries and cranberries and gently mix. Pour batter in pan, spread evenly and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until center springs back when gently pressed. Cool and cut into 16 bars.

Entire recipe makes 16 servings
Serving size is 1 bar
Each serving = 3 Point Total

This is it...are you ready?

Have you got everything ready for the holiday?........ your groceries, your cleaning done, your to do list.....most important~your mindset? I have. You can too. My regular class is on Saturday. Well, this week I knew I might need a little extra encouragement from a class atmosphere. So my leader, Julie has a class in another town tonight. So, I am going to that class. This should be fun!!

Get your mind made up today!!!! Tomorrow is just another day! If things go great! Great...If not....IT'S JUST ANOTHER DAY! Pick up ,brush yourself off....go! Don't lay around feeling sorry for yourself! Lets do it together!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Thank~you for your support!!!! El

Weight Watchers Apple Streusel Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 medium apples
- 1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cups uncooked old fashioned oats
- 3 tbsp reduced-calorie margarine

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Stir together apples, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice; pour into a 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
Cut flour, oatmeal, remaining brown sugar and margarine together with a pastry blender or fork in a medium bowl; sprinkle over apple mixture.
Bake until apples are tender and top is browned, about 45 minutes.

Serving size = 1/2 cup
Each serving = 3 Weight Watchers Points

Remember it's the Holiday ~ not the holi"week"

Don't just think since we have a " Eating" holiday coming up that you can just write off the whole week. YOU WILL BE SORRY!!! Work off that pumpkin pie now!

The winter holidays mean family, friends, and sometimes unnecessary weight gain. With a little eggnog there and a missed workout here, beloved winter holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas can wreak havoc on your diet and weight loss plan.


Be Prepared to Stay on Your Diet over the Holidays
Delicious delicacies like iced sugar cookies and zesty cheese logs are lurking around every corner waiting to sabotage your diet and ruin your hard earned weight loss. Be prepared to combat these diet saboteurs.

I'm tempted to go off track — just throw up my hands thinking the damage is done. This particularly happens during the holidays: if I pig out at one meal, why not just overeat at the next meal too? Or, after skipping workouts on vacation, it's difficult to motivate myself again.

But remember: just because you give in to temptation once doesn't mean you should give up entirely. In fact, it's even more reason to reset your healthy goals. If you end up eating a Snickers bar for breakfast in a weak moment, don't beat yourself up over it. Just make your next choice a healthy one and go from there. How do you deal with weak moments?

Deviled Eggs recipe - 2 points recipe
Makes 1 serving

Ingredients
1 medium hard boiled egg
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon lime juice
a little lite mayonnaise
salt and pepper, to taste
finely chopped chives, to garnish
1 pinch of sweet curry powder, to garnish

Preparation
1. Bring the eggs to a boil, simmer for about 10 minutes, then cool under cold water.
2. Peel the eggs and cut them in half, scooping out the yolks.
3. Mix with the lime juice.
4. Add the egg yolks and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Stuff the eggs with the mixture.
7. Garnish with a pinch of curry powder and finely chopped chives.
8. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

WW POINTS per serving: 2
Nutritional information per serving: 68 calories, 4.7g fat, 0g fiber

Plan NOW!!!

On Thanksgiving..........

I am telling myself to plan what I will & wont eat. If you're like me, if I don't start snacking....or piecing on something, I am fine. I will be making part of the dinner, and it is at my house, so this will be easier for me. It also could be easy for you if you are going somewhere to just take a covered dish or two.You will be so glad you did! Believe me, our food isn't nasty tasting, & your friends & family might find a "lite" option ...refreshing!

Also I plan to get plenty of exercise in this week just to give me a little cushion,just in case!

Baked Garlic-Herb Wonton Crisps







POINTS® Value: 2
Servings: 4
Level of Difficulty: Easy


Tired of plain, baked chips? Our fresh herb-and-garlic wonton crisps will easily satisfy your need to crunch.


Details Read all reviews (8) Ingredients

20 item(s) wonton wrapper(s)
2 spray(s) cooking spray
1 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp thyme, fresh, chopped
1 Tbsp rosemary, fresh, chopped

Instructions
Preheat oven to 425ºF.


Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and place wonton wrappers on sheet in a single layer. Bake for 2 minutes; remove from oven.


Flip wrappers; sprinkle with garlic and herbs. Lightly coat wrappers with cooking spray and bake for 2 minutes more. Remove from oven and place wrappers on a wire rack to cool. Yields 5 “crisps” per serving.
Notes
You can use any combination of freshly chopped herbs in this recipe such as thyme, parsley, rosemary and/or basil.

Motivation & attending meetings..........

Sustain your motivation by devising a holiday game plan that includes tracking & attending your meeting.
Just make up your mind now! I will track! I will attend my meeting the week of thanksgiving & the following week. You will less likely stray.

Make healthy snacks in advance. Throughout the holidays, make a pact with yourself to keep healthy snacks always available. Keep your fruit bowls filled with your favorite fresh fruits, from crispy Granny Smith apples to juicy pears. Lightly steam a variety of fresh vegetables, cool, and refrigerate in see-through containers. Keep them in the front of your fridge, so that they're the first in line of attack!

Exercise!!!!
"Oh, but I don't have time to exercise," I used to explain during the holidays. "I've got shopping for the relatives, cookies to bake for the cookie exchange and presents to wrap for
the office staff. Plus I have to decorate the house, and try some new recipes for the holiday dinner party, and..."

You can probably come up with your own list of excuses for skipping the exercise routine this year. But aren't you worth your investment of time? Don't you matter as much as -- and more than -- a batch of saturated fat cookies filled with sugar and calories and carbs? And do you really need to try out all those recipes? Look through your list of excuses, and put yourself on your to-do list at the very top. You deserve it.

Bottom line is to Track....so you CAN have something if you want it.You have extra points each week. In this case, use them, if you don't usually!
Always go to your meeting, especially when you are feeling a little.......strayable...:)
Apple-Cinnamon Wontons a la Mode






POINTS® Value: 4
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 15 min
Level of Difficulty: Moderate


2 serving(s) butter-flavor cooking spray, divided
2 medium apple(s), McIntosh, peeled, cored and minced
1 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
24 item(s) wonton wrapper(s), half of a 12 oz package
1 1/2 Tbsp powdered sugar
3 cup(s) light vanilla ice cream

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.


In a medium bowl, combine apples, brown sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon; toss to coat apples.


Place wonton wrappers on a flat surface. Drop apple mixture by teaspoonfuls onto center of each wrapper. Moisten edges of wrapper with wet fingers, fold over one corner to make a triangle and press sides together to seal. Transfer filled wrappers to prepared baking sheet and coat surfaces with cooking spray.


Bake until wontons are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Place wontons on individual plates and sift powdered sugar on top. Serve with ice cream on the side. Yields 4 wontons, 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar and 1/2 cup of ice cream per serving.

Be Thankful~~~

I am so thankful for the "good" in people. Some of my friends are GREAT ROLE MODELS. You may not know it ~but you are. I admire the way these women keep pushing every week to get to there goal. Some weeks are not that great for any of us, & it would be ever so easy to throw in the towel, but they don't. Great job ladies. If you know it or not, someone is out there watching you, you are making a difference to someone! I have found some great life long friends I am sure at Weight Watchers! Thank-you ladies for being YOU!

It is so easy to look at someone & talk bad about them , but I have found the good in people is so nice to find..... a nice change. If good things are going on for you, it is much easier to be positive & look for the good in ...EVERYTHING!!!!!

Weight Watchers Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

3 POINTS per serving

Ingredients

•3 oz. reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers, about 5 1/2 sheets
•1 Tbsp. packed light brown sugar
•2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
•2 large egg whites
•1 large egg
•1/2 cup dark brown sugar
•1/4 tsp. table salt
•2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, or less to taste
•1 cup canned pumpkin
•1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk
•4 Tbsp. light whipped topping Instructions

1.Position rack in middle of oven.
2.Preheat oven to 350 F.
3.Place graham crackers and light brown sugar in a food processor and process into crumbs (or smash into crumbs in a sealed plastic food bag with a rolling pin).
4.Spoon crumbs into a small bowl; add melted butter and combine with fingers into a coarse meal. Distribute crumbs evenly on bottom and up sides of an ungreased 9-inch pie plate.
5.Chill for 30 minutes before baking. Bake until crust starts to turn golden, about 8 to 10 minutes; remove from oven and let cool.
6.Meanwhile, in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, whip egg whites until frothy; fold in egg, dark brown sugar, salt, pumpkin pie spice and evaporated milk. Beat pumpkin custard until smooth and pour into pie shell.
7.Bake until a knife inserted in center comes out clean, about 45 to 55 minutes.
8.Slice into eight pieces, top each piece with 1/2 tablespoon of whipped topping and serve warm or at room temperature. Yields one slice per serving.

It's the 15th add 15 more minutes to your exercise today!

Try it, you will be surprised how you really can feel it. Your body knows what you've been doing, now switch it up a bit. But you also know how much better you feel after you get in a good workout. Even the busiest of schedules can surely afford you the time to give yourself 15 minutes of exercise every day. But is 15 minutes of exercise really beneficial? It is if you choose the right exercise.

15 minute exercise routines can be beneficial if the exercise you choose gets your heart rate up quickly, and you maintain that level for at least 15 minutes per workout. Exercises such as aerobics, power lifting, weight training, cardio-workouts, stair climbers, treadmills, and running are all good exercise choices to get your heart rate up quickly, and to a level that benefits your fitness and health.

Finding the time in your schedule for daily exercise, even just 15 minutes of exercising, should be as important to you as the other things you do to keep yourself healthy. Just as important as eating balanced, nutritious meals, taking vitamins, seeing your doctor for annual health check-ups, reducing the stress in your life, developing an optimistic outlook on life, and getting enough of the rest your body needs to repair and maintain itself, all contribute to your overall health.






I am trying to add in the Holiday recipes to help ya'all out next week...hopefully! :)
Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce Recipe – 1 Point Value

Ingredients:
- 1 12 oz bag of whole cranberries
- 2/3 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
- 1 cup of water
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 dash cinnamon
- 1 dash nutmeg

Directions:
In a medium sized pot, combine water, sugar, and Splenda over high heat until sugar and Splenda have dissolved. Then add bag of cranberries and dash of cinnamon and bring to a boil. When cranberries start to “pop”, stir gently and remove from heat. Transfer cranberry sauce into serving dish and place in fridge to chill.

Each serving = 1/2 cup
1 Serving = 1 Weight Watchers Point

set a high but attainable goal

This next 12 days, (yep we have 12 days til thanksgiving!)set yourself a goal.
Work toward this goal with persistence & determination! Any goal, exercise, better at your journal, food habits, planning your Thanksgiving meal....you tell me. What do you want to work on? Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to reflect on your gratitude for what you have & can do. This goal will get you in the "you can do it attitude"...hopefully :) This will help you have a COMPLETELY successful Holiday! I KNOW IT WILL!!!

Be Specific: ~Do you know exactly what you want to accomplish with all the details?
Relevant: ~Is your goal relevant towards your purpose in life?
Attainable: ~Is your goal within your reach given your current situation? YES IT IS!!!!!!!!
Lets do this together!
Be specific~~~
*Good example~~I wish to journal at least one week solid! :)
*Bad example~ I want to lose 5 lbs this week. :(
* The journal....done correctly will get you the 5 pound loss......yipee!




Low Calorie Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 slices light bread (I used Weight Watchers bread)
- 1 1/2 cups fat-free chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 1/2 cup chopped celery
- ¼ cup granny smith apples (finely chopped with skin on)
- 1/3 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh sage
- 2 tbsp. light butter (I used Brummel & Brown)
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Start by drying out your bread. You can either do this by toasting in the oven, or by leaving the bread sit out at room temperature overnight.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a medium pot, combine chicken broth, onions, celery, apples, butter, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme and sage. Cook for about 15 minutes over medium heat. Mean while, break up your bread into small ½” pieces by chopping or just breaking apart with your hands. Put bread into a large oven safe dish.

When broth mixture is ready, slowly pour onto bread, making sure to cover all the pieces. Next, mix in the egg substitute and make sure to cover all pieces. If bread cubes do not seem wet enough (they should be moist, but not saturated), add a tbsp or two of warm water until appropriate texture is reached. Season with more salt and pepper if desired.

Cover dish with foil and transfer to over. Cook for about 25 minutes. Then, take out stuffing, mix it around and fluff it a bit and put back in the oven, uncovered for about another 15 minutes. Enjoy!

Entire Recipe is 4 servings
Serving size is 1 1/2 cup
Each serving = 2 Point Value

Food & your mood......

Any diet that encourages you to skimp on parts of the pyramid will leave you short on nutrients - and can leave you in a bad mood. A balanced diet with moderate portions from all food groups is a better way to go for long-term weight loss and for your mood.

Depression......
A great food to help out with depression and that is extremely healthy for you is salmon. With the added addition of those Omega 3 fatty acids. The same can be said for sardines and tuna, however some feel that there may be too much heavy metals that may be in these foods. In this case you should check into nuts, like walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flax seed, and leafy green veggies.

Spinach is another great choice, since one of the main causes of depression is too low of a level of the vitamin B. If you don't like cooked spinach try it in the leaf style it's a very good tasty alternative to lettuce. You can also find the vitamin B folate in peas, orange juice, wheat germ, How about a meal that is great to combat depression fix yourself some Oatmeal with soy milk and two scrambled eggs. This meal has tryptophan in fact 500 milligrams of it, this helps the brain in the transmission of serotonin.

Or if you like broccoli increase that in your diet too, it contains high fiber and will help with your blood sugar levels. But the best thing is that it will help to combat that depression your suffering from. Another great treat would be blueberries, which not only will help with your depression but are also thought to help out with your memory. That's a great extra benefit for a very delicious food. The addition of more zinc and vitamin E will help out you can find these in seeds and nuts. Plus you must drink water to help your mood out too, plus water helps you to stay healthy. Remember the old saying drink at least 8 cups of water a day, now that you know it will help with your mood, drink even more!

You can see that even if your a picky eater there should be some sort of food that will help to fight your depression. In fact you can have other things like pasts, whole wheat bread and brown rice these will all

Aim for balance: The most effective diets pull foods from all parts of the pyramid - lean protein, whole grain carbohydrates, low-fat dairy, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.


Concentrate on portion control: Diets that allow you to enjoy your favorite foods in moderate portions make it less likely that you will feel deprived.

Think of your diet as a lifestyle change: If your goal is to lose weight and keep it off, the diet you choose must be one that you can live with after the weight is gone. A diet with a very restrictive food plan, like a low-carb diet, really isn't practical for the long term.



Weight Watchers Broccoli Cheese Soup -

2 Pts Per Cup
Ingredients:Servings:
10 ~10-12 Servings Size
~~~~~

3 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth
2 (1 lb) bags frozen broccoli
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can rotel brand tomatoes and green chilies
10 ounces Velveeta reduced fat cheese product

Directions:Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 45 mins

1 Mix chicken broth, frozen broccoli and tomatoes and chilies together.

2 Simmer for 25 minutes or until veggies are tender.

3 Cube Velveeta and put into soup pot.

4 Simmer just until cheese is melted.

5 This recipe freezes and refrigerates well.

unconscious calories.....aka~ B.L.T.s

Bites Licks Tastes....unconscious calories...all the same. Are you paying attention to everything you put into your mouth? I know I still catch myself wanting to lick the spoon...hell the peanut butter knife, as dangerous as that sounds.....I used to "test" all my food...now I just chance it.....hope it tastes good cause Mama isn't tryin it anymore! :) Some people think all veg's are free foods....most are very low in caloric intake , but there are still calories, & enough of them yes, does count. Do you count your coffee latte' thingies....hot cocoa.....creamer.....parmesan cheese..:) just to name a few.

During unconscious eating, your mind is typically blank and you don't know for sure how many minutes went by, never mind how many calories were consumed. Your ability to make conscious decisions about what or how much you eat is clouded and you become "numb" to fullness cues." Your mind must never be put on "auto pilot" during eating. Know what you are doing at all times. Never clean your child's plate, or "clean up" after supper. These are what got you in trouble! Break this vicious habit!....NOW

Bottom line SELF AWARENESS. Never mind what you were taught as a child. Clean your plate...starving children in some other country.(I'm not mean just want to be healthy)

"The more we're aware of our thoughts, feelings and actions during the day, the more in control of unconscious forces we'll be"

My best advise.......JOURNAL...HONESTLY!!!!










Weight Watchers Cuban Sandwich
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients
4 (3-ounce) hoagie rolls, cut in half lengthwise
8 slices of smoked turkey
8 (3/4-ounce) slices low-fat Swiss cheese
8 sandwich-length pickle slices
cooking spray

For the garlic Dijon butter
1 whole head garlic
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons butter, softened

Preparation
1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
2. To prepare the butter: remove the white papery skin from garlic head (do not peel or separate the cloves); drizzle with oil.
3. Wrap the garlic head in foil. Bake at 350° F for about 1 hour; let cool for 10 minutes.
4. Separate the garlic cloves; squeeze to extract the garlic pulp. Discard the skins.
5. In a small bowl, combine the garlic pulp, butter and Dijon mustard; set aside.
6. To prepare the sandwiches: scoop out the inside of the roll halves, leaving a 1/2-inch shell.
7. Spread about 2 teaspoons garlic butter over the cut sides of the top and bottom halves of each roll.
8. Arrange the turkey, pickles and cheese evenly on the bottom halves of the rolls; top with the top halves.
9. Heat a nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat the pan with cooking spray.
10. Add 2 sandwiches to the pan. Place a cast-iron or heavy skillet on top of the sandwiches, pressing gently to flatten.
11. Grill for about 4 minutes on each side (or until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted).
12. Repeat the procedure with the remaining 2 sandwiches.
13. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally, and serve immediately.

One serving is 1/2 sandwich.
WW POINTS per serving: 4
Nutritional information per serving: 187 calories, 10.5g fat, 0.7g fiber

Give the gift of time

Treat yourself to a little time...time to reflect, time to enjoy , time to plan your weight loss journey.
Your journey toward weight loss success is filled with excitement and benefits you will enjoy for
years. On the road to success, you will always be faced with challenges and obstacles, but it is by overcoming these difficulties that you will ultimately achieve success.

There is nothing like the feeling of putting on a favorite pair of jeans for them to just fall off of you on the floor!!~OMG I love that feeling. Or buttoning...actually being able to button a pretty blouse.

On your journey, BTW something I still do, is take monthly measurements. You will not believe it. I still see a difference from time to time. And it keeps me"in check".

Something I did enjoy, was taking my old larger clothes to a thrift store! A weight was lifted when those go. I must admit.....I thought....maybe I will need those again!

B.S. NO I WONT!!!

The best thing to enjoy....the compliments! Oh yeah!








Corn Salsa with Lime
Servings: 6 • Serving Size: about 1 cup • Calories: 104 •

Points: 1.25 ww pts

4 cups (20 oz) cooked sweet yellow corn, cut
2 vine ripe tomatoes, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 scallion, diced
1-2 jalapeños, diced (remove seeds unless you like it really spicy)
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 1/2 limes, juice of
chipotle chili powder, to taste
salt and fresh pepper to taste
Combine all the ingredients and refrigerate for about an hour. Makes about 6 cups.

The new Weight Watcher plan........

Are you as excited as I am? I bet you are. My question today is how is knowing that the new plan is coming out...just around the corner~~ is it going to inspire you to stay on track during the holidays? I think it will be tricky at first, but change is good. We that have been members for a while, could use a ......new idea or two!! I have been on numerous plans of weight watchers over the years. I must say every new plan they come out with is the "best" because science has moved on....It WILL take a little bit to get used to . Soon though, you & I will be fine. I must say I'm nervous. I have invested a lot in myself to see it go out the window....BREATHE Ellen...... BREATHE....Ahhh. We can do this....

Anyway, I think it will be all new & fun so we WILL be on track for the holidays. Tell yourself a little pep talk!

Weight Watchers is a tried and true veteran of the weight loss industry. With a variety of methods to choose from for both men and women, you're almost certain to find the right path for your weight loss journey. Weight Watchers provides guidance from every aspect of weight loss. Food is one of the primary concerns of any dieter and Weight Watchers goes above and beyond most other weight loss programs with thousands of recipes that anyone, dieting or not, will find tempting and delicious. If their style appeals to you, go for it.


Chicken Enchiladas

Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1 enchilada • Points: 3 pts
Calories: 159.5 • Fat: 5.9 g • Protein: 16.2 g • Carb: 17.8 g • Fiber: 8.3 g

For the sauce:

2 garlic cloves, minced
1-2 tbsp chilis

1-1/2 cups tomato sauce
1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
3/4 cup fat free chicken broth
kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste
For the chicken:

1 tsp vegetable oil
8.5 oz (2 breast halves) cooked shredded chicken breast
1 cup diced onion
2 large clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup cilantro
kosher salt
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp chipotle chili powder
1/3 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup tomato sauce
8 (6-inch) reduced carb whole wheat flour tortillas
1 cup shredded low fat Mexican cheese
Nonstick cooking spray
In a medium saucepan, spray oil and sauté garlic. Add chiles, chili powder, cumin, chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Set aside until ready to use.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and garlic on low until soft, about 2 minutes. Add chicken, salt, cilantro, cumin, oregano, chili powder, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and cook 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Spray a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray. Put 1/3 cup chicken mixture into each tortilla and roll it. Place on baking dish seam side down. Top with sauce and cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes. Top with low fat sour cream or scallions if you wish. (Extra points) Makes 8 enchiladas.

I've come a long way.........

but, I have not arrived.
I feel that this is a daily learning experience. I am not sure I will "arrive" .....ever. I hope not. I always hope to be learning & growing everyday! I have learned so much from people who read my blog ~& send me messages,questions, etc. , & my Weight Watcher friends. You all amaze me....I learn so much in class! You are what keeps me going on this journey, this path I call~"defining myself." Thank~you to you for this.

The best thing you can do to keep yourself healthy is to eat a healthy diet…all the time, not just when you want to lose weight. Eating healthy is a long-term lifestyle choice, something you are going to do for your entire lifetime.


I always tell people that Weight Watchers is not easy but it’s simple. It’s your mind that makes it hard. It’s a simple formula. It’s not food that’s the enemy. It’s your emotional issues, physical issues, and mental issues that you have to overcome.

When you're frustrated, focus on how far you've come rather than on how far you have to go.
((hugs))
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These chocolate chip meringue cookies are a wonderful alternative to standard chocolate chip cookies. They are chocolaty, light and airy and melt in your mouth. A great chocolate fix! If you make them the night before, they are chewy the next day, and even chewier the next, which is how I like them. These are also great if you are gluten free diet. I bought liquid egg whites from Trader Joe's which made this easier to make. My 16 year old daughter, who is my guest baker for all things sweet made these, so if she can do it, so can you.

Chocolate Chip Clouds
This recipe was adapted from Hershey's Kitchens
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 30 • Serving Size: 1 cookie • Calories: 46 • Points: 1

9 tbsp egg whites
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons Cocoa
1 cup Chocolate Chips
Heat oven to 300°F. Cover cookie sheet with silpat or nonstick silicone pad.

Using a mixer, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together in large bowl at high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar a little at a time, then vanilla, beating well after each addition until you get stiff peaks, the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is glossy.

Sift cocoa onto egg white mixture; gently fold until combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Drop mixture by tablespoons onto cookie sheet. Makes 30 cookies.

Bake 35 to 45 minutes or just until dry. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely on wire rack. Store covered, at room temperature

Drink more water.

This time of year it gets harder & harder for me to get in my water. I love water but I am cold all the time, so I think water makes me colder~~~hmm...so I try to drink warmer water. That may sound gross to you, but it works for me. Ok also, I will share this....I keep a glass in the bathroom. I have measured this glass so I know how much I am getting every time. When I uh....get rid of shall we say some "water" I just get the glass & fill it up & drink it as I wash my hands. Believe me it works AMAZINGLY!!!! You will get your water in!! :)

1. Drinking water enhances fat loss
Water is an essential nutrient. If you’re trying to lose weight, this can’t be ignored. You won’t be able to lose weight without water to flush out the by-products of fat breakdown.
In many cases, fatigue, headaches and back pain may be caused by dehydration

2. If you suffer from an afternoon nod off, try drinking more water at lunch. If you or your children complain of frequent headaches, the amount of water you’re drinking could be responsible. And, muscle spasms are also caused by not being adequately hydrated

3.Try drinking water before your regular meals and see if it helps you cut down on the amount of food you eat. It really works as an effective appetite suppressant.

4. Look younger - drinking water hydrates your skin
When the skin is properly hydrated, it looks plump and more radiant. Water will keep the toxins flushed out and help you to cool off through perspiration. Muscles need to have enough water to make them look full too. Deprive yourself of water and you’ll see the difference in the mirror.




Skinny Nachos with Turkey, Beans and Cheese
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 4 • Serving Size: about 14 chips • Points: 7 ww pts
Calories: 347 • Fat: 9.4 g • Protein: 27.1 g • Carb: 40.6 g • Fiber: 7.1 g


4 oz baked tortilla chips (I used Baked Tostitos Scoops)
8 oz 99% lean turkey breast
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper
1 cup fat free spicy black bean dip
1 1/3 cup reduced fat Mexican cheese like Weight Watchers
2 cups pico de gallo salsa
1/2 cup light sour cream
2/3 cup fresh cilantro
Preheat oven to 425°. Place 1 oz (about 14) chips on four oven-proof dishes or one large baking sheet.


Heat a large nonstick sauté pan over high heat. Add turkey. Season with cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper and sauté until cooked through, breaking up meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon. When cooked, add bean dip and mix well.

Spoon the turkey mixture over the chips and sprinkle the cheese on top. Bake until cheese melts, about 6 minutes.

Remove the nachos from the oven, top with pico de gallo, sour cream, cilantro and jalepeños. Serve immediately

Go to a meeting this week

Weight Watchers meetings are an essential tool in the process of losing weight and keeping it off. The support from fellow members and the instruction of the Weight Watchers leader will help you to stay on track and lose weight consistently. Attending meetings weekly is a crucial part of staying dedicated in your weight-loss journey.

Most important is your leader, if they aren't good....well, need I say more....been there (sigh)....... I am soooo lucky to have a GREAT leader Julie....she is Terrific. Come give her a try !

Do some of you just go to class but don't stay for the meeting...or don't go at all.....its ok....just you're the one missing out. You really do not get your moneys worth ~ not staying. We learn so very much at the meeting. Besides that, it's almost more fun "chattin'" before class. Sharing recipes...etc. :) I learn so much from other members. THEY INSPIRE ME! Usually if you are having a bad week. A little pick me up will happen at class!

Find a location near or in your home town. You can find a local meeting by checking the Weight Watchers website.


Chewy Shreddies Cereal Bars

3/4 cup light corn syrup

3/4 Smooth light peanut butter

3 cups Shreddies

1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut

1/4 cup dried cranberries

Spray 8-inch squre pan with cooking spray; set aside. Microwave corn syrup & peanut butter in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1 1/2 minutes or until peanut butter is almost melted; stir until well blended.

Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Press into prepared pan.

Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Makes 20.

CAL 130, FAT 4 g, Fibre 2 g

WW Points = 3 (very, very low 3) for 1 bar,

but, I cut mine a bit smaller to make more & I’m counting them as 2!

Satisfies your sweet tooth!

Try eating slowly today....

.......let your body register that satisfied feeling.
Believe it or not but mom was right. It’s actually better and healthier to eat slowly and chew all your food thoroughly. Recent research has actually shown that when people eat too fast, they consume more calories.



The trick the researchers say is a 20 minute rule. Let your food rest 20 min. before you eat something else!


Sit down to eat and focus on the food in front of you. Your goal is to savor each mouthful, aiming to ‘extract' the maximum flavor and satisfaction.
Put the fork and knife down between each bite. Have a pause halfway through the meal and ask yourself: "How full am I now or do I need to eat more?".
Take small bites and chew well. Aim to chew each mouthful at least 5 times before you swallow.
While you're retraining yourself, don't eat in front of TV or while you read. It becomes ‘mindless eating' and you don't remember what you've eaten.
Don't eat while you walk or shop.
If you have to eat at your desk at work, clear aside a small spot and have your food there, keeping a distance from your computer or paperwork.

If you are trying to loose those extra pounds, it may be beneficial for you to take your time when eating breakfast, lunch or dinner, or any snack in between. While it may take more time out of your day, the overall health benefits of eating more slowly will actually pay off. Guess mom knew what she was talking about!


Here’s a version of the classic macaroni and cheese recipe that’s only 4 points per serving. It’s a delicious comfort food that your whole family will love!

Weight Watchers Macaroni and Cheese

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients
1 cup dry elbow macaroni
4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (1 C)
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup thin white sauce
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
1 pinch paprika

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Boil macaroni until tender.
3. Make a white sauce (or use jar kind) and add dry mustard and paprika. Thoroughly blend.
4. Add 4 oz. cheddar cheese to the white sauce and stir until melted.
5. Add Worcestershire sauce and blend.
6. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
7. Layer noodles and sauce alternately for two layers.
8. Sprinkle with 1/4 C cheddar cheese and paprika.
9. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until lightly browned.

WW POINTS per serving: 4
Nutritional information per serving: 166 calories, 9.4g fat, 0.5g fiber

How did it go?

Remember we made goals for October~~~ oh yeah~~~ I forgot? B.S.

Well if you didn't great for you! I am proud. The rest of you!! Please make yourself a priority! FOR YOU!! No one else. YOU! move on if you didn't, we have too much to think about this next few months to be "weighed" down by guilt!


This journey will mean so much more to you if you think of you! I was working on exercise this last month. Adding in different, not necessary longer, just different. It does make a difference. I lost weight & inches.....3" by the way!!! Don't give up!

My facebook status today was "being powerful is like being a lady, if you have to tell people you are....you're not! " Same as a weight watcher, people are watching us all the time .Be proud to be healthy! Be proud to eat right. POWER IS PRICELESS!!!!!


Hot damn & hallelujah we've got~
Southern Style Oven Fried Chicken Recipe


- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- Pam Butter Flavored Non-Fat, Nonstick Cooking Spray
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp granulated onion powder
- 3 oz buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornflake crumbs, crushed finely
- 1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, four 4-oz pieces*

* You can use chicken wings and drumsticks with this recipe as well, just make sure to remove the skin

Directions:
Preheat oven to 365ºF. Lightly coat an 8 X 8 X 2-inch baking dish with the butter flavored nonstick, non-fat cooking spray; set aside.
Combine flour, salt, pepper, onion powder and cayenne pepper together in a medium-size bowl. Place buttermilk and corn flakes crumbs in 2 separate shallow bowls.
Roll chicken breast halves in flour mixture and evenly coat each side. Next dip chicken into buttermilk and then corn flakes crumbs.
Place coated chicken breasts in prepared baking dish. Spray chicken with a light coating of the Butter Flavored non-fat cooking spray. Bake until chicken is tender and no longer pink, about 25 to 30 minutes (there is no need to flip the chicken during baking). Makes 4 servings.

Serving size is 1 chicken breast
Each serving = 4 Weight Watchers Points