A little over a year........

..and 66 pounds gone ( to never be found again).

Judy Anderson is a lifetime member!!!!!

This is what hard work & determination look like.....It's a lifetime thing! She isn't done now....her journey has just begun! The best part is now she will get a new wardrobe, and feel ...younger, powerful, energetic, sexy, sassy...oh I could go on and on.........did i mention sexy???!! Look at her!! I am so proud to call her friend...and yes, I will take partial credit in her success, as she definitely is part of mine!!

Judy's husband Bob has also been a huge part of her success!!! He is a sweetie! He also, has lost a whole clothing size!! Way to go BOB! I know Judy would love to thank him for being her number one supporter!

Another person, so "bigger than life " to all of us, I KNOW Judy wants to thank~ Julie our leader~ as always Julie has been a huge supporter, role model.......face it...she "gets it". She knows us better than we know ourselves! Then that ALWAYS leads her to say just what we need to hear!Saying Thank~You just never seems enough when it comes to her !!!!

Lifetime ~what does this mean....well~~Strong emphasis on lifetime membership: Once at your goal weight, and after maintaining it for 6 weeks, you become a Weight Watchers lifetime member. To maintain the membership and not have to pay a fee, just weigh in once per month (you pay the normal meeting fee, however, if you are 2 lbs. or more over goal weight). IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOU WILL GAIN YOUR WEIGHT BACK (AND THEN SOME) !!!!TRUST
ME ON THIS!!!!!! For me though~ I HAVE to weigh every week. ACCOUNTABILITY!!!

If you are just starting, or are struggling. Look at Judy, she also struggled. She didn't give up though! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!! It will happen if you WANT it to happen. Judy's average weight loss was 1 pound per week! This is perfect, sometimes she didn't feel so much like that, but studies show, the slow weight loss wins in the end!

My little words of advise.
1. keep coming to weekly meetings
2. weigh in!!!! every time
3. journal!!!!!
4. don't forget who you were!

5. but enjoy who you now are
6. did I say journal?? :)

I am so incredibly proud of you! XXOO ellen

make the commitment

.........you know, I think I will take the summer off from my weight loss/maintaining effort.......what? Have you heard this? Have you SAID this...???

Habits must be changed, physical activity must be incorporated and a general healthier approach to living must be embraced. For many individuals, the promise of a thinner self is the inspiration to maintain a weight loss regimen.

Losing weight can have a significant effect on your health and also on your self-esteem.

Feeling good about your physical appearance benefits your self-esteem in many ways. For many people, not being proud of their body, prevents them from attaining what they want in life. It is exciting to think of the many areas in your life that will change, when you lose the weight.


Focus on two or three goals at a time. Great, effective goals are —
•Specific
•Realistic
•Forgiving (less than perfect)
For example, "Exercise More" is not a specific goal. But if you say, "I will walk 15 minutes, 3 days a week for the first week," you are setting a specific and realistic goal for the first week.

Remember, small changes every day can lead to big results in the long run. Also remember that realistic goals are achievable goals. By achieving your short-term goals day-by-day, you'll feel good about your progress and be motivated to continue. Setting unrealistic goals, such as losing 20 pounds in 2 weeks, can leave you feeling defeated and frustrated.
Being realistic also means expecting occasional setbacks. Setbacks happen when you get away from your plan for whatever reason – maybe the holidays, longer work hours, or another life change. When setbacks happen, get back on track as quickly as possible. Also take some time to think about what you would do differently if a similar situation happens, to prevent setbacks.

Keep in mind everyone is different – what works for someone else might not be right for you. Just because your neighbor lost weight by taking up running, doesn't mean running is the best option for you. Try a variety of activities – walking, swimming, tennis, or group exercise classes to see what you enjoy most and can fit into your life. These activities will be easier to stick with over the long term.

Weight loss is hard work, but the end result is well worth it! Just DON'T take the summer~OR~ anytime off from the true self you want to be!!!!!

Here is the recipe for you to try..

"FRIED CHICKEN"

1/2 sleeve whole -grain saltine crackers, pulsed in food processor to fine crumbs
2 1/2 cups Corn flakes, pulsed in a food processor to fine crumbs
2 tbsp sesame seeds
3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
2 large egg whites
1 cup non fat yogurt
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
4 skinless chicken breast, and 4 skinless bone in chicken thighs.
Preheat oven to 375 F.

Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Combine the saltines, cornflake crumbs, sesame seeds, and cayenne, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. In a large bowl combine the egg whites, yogurt,Dijon mustard and salt . Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly with yogurt mixture. Then one at a time dip the chicken pieces in the cracker mixture, packing the crumbs evenly onto chicken. Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and spray the tops of chicken with cooking spray. Bake until the juices run clear. About 45 min..
This yummy chicken has a 7 Points Plus Value..

Walk~!t

Denise, Mina,Judy,Ellen and Julie

Wow did we have a blast????

YEAH!! Thank-you to all who walked. Thanks to Julie for planning and executing the fun day! The weather cooperated...I wondered when I woke Sunday morning~ then the clouds separated...away we went....the walk was brisk...some ran some walked with strollers some walked as teams...the winner you ask????? ALL OF US!!!

Special Thanks to THE PURPLE CHERRY for the delicious treat!


Have you ever really considered the impact a simple activity like walking can have on your overall health?

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, not only does walking strengthen your heart, but it is good for your brain and your bones.

Studies show that you can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by incorporating at least 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise, like brisk walking, five or more days a week.

It's a great time to get active. The Weight Watchers Walk-It Challenge encourages people to move more and walk a 5K. Did you know that walking tones muscles, relieves stress, and boosts your mood?

To get started, make an appointment. Stick to a regular time every day and put "exercise appointments" on your paper or electronic calendar. If you are a beginner, start out with just 10 minutes, adding 5-10 minutes to your "appointment" each week with a goal of completing 30-60 minute walks by the end of the challenge.



NO MORE EXCUSES!!!!~~~JUST DO IT!!!!!