Meeting Notes and Weekly Goals

Well, it's Tuesday again, the day I go weigh in and get some information that usually motivates me. I had a bad week. I had a bad cold and could not breathe so that made exercise hard. Oh, here I go with an excuse but that's really true. I stayed the same this week. Which is okay by me! I just really want to lose some weight this week! I needed a good meeting and that's what I got.

This week was on Tracking. Our leader started off showing us her calendar for March. It is already filled in for almost everyday. She said she had to write down what she had to do or she would never remember. That's kind of like what tracking our food is for us. We track our food for several reasons or advantages.

Advantages for tracking food
1. Limits amounts of food you eat.
2. Increases awareness of both eating and activity.
3. Helps you stay accountable.
4. Gives you valuable feedback.
5. Helps explain what happens at the scale.
6. Gives you a history of success.

We then talked about the different ways to track. Weight Watchers provides us with a lot of them including the paper tracker you get at meetings, the 3 month journal, the points calculator, the new points clicker, and e-tools. All of these track in different ways. I favor tracking what I ate by writing it down. Some prefer to just use the calculator or the new clicker.
We then talked about alternatives to tracking. Personally, I never tried the CORE program, so I can't give any advice about it, but the new Simply Filling Technique is suppose to be a lot like that program.

Simply Filling Technique in 3 Simple Steps
1. Eat simply filling foods.
2. Eat portions that feel right.
3. Use your weekly points allowance.

Simply Filling:
Keeps you feeling satisfied longer between meals.
Prevents you from overeating.
Helps you lose weight.

Someone also gave the pumpkin fluff recipe. I have had this and it is really good. I like it with gingersnap cookies.

Pumpkin Fluff
15oz can pumpkin
1 pkg. fat-free sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix
1 c. skim milk
8 oz. container Cool Whip Free, thawed
2 tsp. pumpkin spice
Using a mixer, blend pumpkin with dry pudding mix and milk. Fold in Cool Whip. Chill.
Serves 6
Nutrition Information: 116 cal., 0.3 fat, 2.9 fiber

Our leader ended with these quotes: "The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.
and
"Monitor yourself....Improve.

Goals for this week
1. Stay on points
2. Exercise.........
3. Be positive.
4. Try to get out of the slump that I am in!!!!

Caramel Apple Cake

I made this the other night and it was really good!

Caramel Apple Cake
1 1/2 Cups Reduced Fat Bisquick
1/2 Cup Splenda Granular
1/2 Cup Skim Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla
2 1/2 Cups peeled and diced Apples
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
2/3 Cup Brown Sugar
3/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/3 Ounce Finely Chopped Pecans
1 Cup Boiling Water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the Bisquick, Splenda, milk and vanilla. Spray a 9x9 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray, and place the dough mixture into the pan. Spray your hand with non-stick cooking spray and pat the dough evenly into the pan. Combine the apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans in a bowl. Spread on top of the dough mixture. Pour the boiling water over the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes. A caramel sauce will form at the bottom. Let the cake cool for about 5 minutes, loosen the sides, and flip the cake upside down onto a plate. Cut into 8 pieces. This is good served warm with fat free cool whip or fat free vanilla ice cream for additional points.
Serves: 8
Per Serving: 181 Calories; 2g Fat (11.9% calories from fat); 2g Protein; 38g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; trace Cholesterol; 298mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain (Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1/2 Fruit; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 1/2 Fat; 1 Other Carbohydrates.

I feel so bad!

I don't have insurance so if I go to the doctor I must really be sick! I went today. I have a double ear infection and head congestion. I have taken a decongestion med and I still can't breathe. My nose is so sore from trying to blow! I have also had problems with my eyes again. I get what is like pink eye but they keep telling me it is allergy based conjunctivitis. It is so annoying and driving me insane and my over the counter antistimine drops just are not working. So, my nurse practitioner called her friend who is an eye doctor and he told me to come and I would not owe a penny and he would try to find me some samples or really cheap meds. So, I went! He believes that it is not allergy related but he thinks that I have dry eyes that go so long and then they produce this conjunctivitis like symptoms. He gave me samples and something that will help moisturizes my eyes. He wants me to come back on Monday and he is trying to get me some samples of Restasis. This is an expensive med and you need to have three months before it will work fully. He ask the nurse when the samples guy came and she told him Monday and that she gave all of those samples to his receptionist. She did not know I was behind him, but that made me kind of mad. But oh well they are going to try to get some more on Monday, but I doubt it. I also got a big fat shot at my regular doctor. I went searching for some eye drops that the doctor wanted me to go get, he said they were $4.00 at Wal-Mart. Well I went to my regular pharmacist because she always gives me the best price and she said those were $61. She called Wal-Mart and they said they were on the list. When I got over there, they told me they were not. I took my prescription back to my regular pharmacist and the doctor called in something else that was $11 and I had to go back to his office and get an antibiotic drop. So, it was really a tiring day and when I got home I thought I'd be able to rest but dh said he was taking my son to Cub Scouts. I put a movie on for the kids and tried to get something to eat. I just hope they get back soon.

My Breakfast

Hungry Girl's Laughing Cow Cheese Microwave Eggs

1/2 cup egg beaters

1 wedge Laughing Cow cheese wedge

Spray microwave cup with cooking spray and pour in eggs. Break cheese wedge into pieces and add to mug. I also added some pepper and Mrs. Dash table blend. Microwave for 1 minute, stir and microwave another 30-45 seconds until set.

Calories 95 Fat 2 grams fiber 0 protein 14.5

I think next time I will add onions and mushrooms!

My rings now 2 sizes smaller!

My Valentine's Gift

I am so behind on posting! Here's what DH gave me for Valentine's Day. He is so good. He got me things I would eat and not a candy box! He did give me just a few of my favorite chocolate instead of a whole bag! I was looking for my ring, but he said that he went to pick it up and they had sized the rings but not put them together.

Meeting Notes and Weekly Goals

(This picture was taken after my meeting on Tuesday.)

I tried to get on here yesterday, but my computer would not let me log in to any site. I finally found that the problem was K9, a program that helps us protect my son when he is on the computer.

This week we talked about being successful. Successful people don't quit. so, the next time you feel like quitting remember you won't be successful if you do. We reviewed the Habits of Highly Effective Members. These are found in the Weight Watchers book 3. There is a quiz in there to help you know which ones you need to work on. I took the test the first time with the Flex Plan and since being on Weight Watchers for awhile, I took it again when I got my new book 3 for the Momentum Plan. Here are some that we reviewed and how I am working on them.

Habits of Highly Successful Members

1. Ask for help-I feel like I am okay on this habit. I know what I am not doing. I try to keep myself around motivating people and that helps me too.

2. Learn from experience- Maybe I need to take some time to reflect on what was working in the past to stop the yo-yoing? I know what I was doing in the past worked, so I need to rely on that.

3. Manage your environment- With kids this is kind of hard for me. I have tried really hard though, to surround us all with healthier food choices. The whole family eats the same dinner as I eat. My kids and dh have been wanting foods that I have stayed away from like macaroni and cheese, and other things. But I think I have done pretty well in this area.

4. Manage your feelings- I know that I need to work on this one. I do sometimes eat for my feelings and I need to watch this one more.

5. Manage your thoughts- We talked a lot about this one. Trade negative thoughts for positive ones. Sometimes I say, I'll never reach my goal it seems too big. I need to look more at all of the positive stuff that I have accomplished.

6. Monitor yourself- I do pretty good with this. I love counting points and writing down what I eat. There have been a few days when I do so good and then just mess up at night and not write it all down.

7. Prepare yourself- I feel pretty good about this one. I try really hard to plan my menus and know ahead of time what I am going to eat. If I go out to eat, I like to know what I am going to get before going. I think this has been one of the key things that has helped me stay successful- PLANNING!

8. Take care of yourself- As a mother of 4, I often neglect taking care of myself. This is one I know I need to work on.

After taking the quiz this time here are the areas I need to work on:

Taking care of yourself was my highest (which was also the same as the last time I took it) Managing your feelings was second, and Managing my environment was third.

I am so frustrated right now. I see change, but I don't see it on the scale. I have been fighting to get out of the 240's since last October. Now I get to 244 only to go back to 248. I did not eat all of my points several days last week after getting a tooth out and having some problems with it. But, it just still kills me. I want to do better this week, but I have this cold and I just can't breathe! I have had times that I have gained that much only to lose like 5-7 pounds the next week, so I really do not know what is going on. I have not seen 244 since I went to the hospital with my little girl and now it starts creeping up again. I only gained 1.2 pounds this week, but somehow I am creeping back up again. The biggest thing that I can't get back in a routine with is exercise and I know that is what is preventing me from being as successful as I can so I really need to work on this. I just need to get over this nasty cold. My poor nose is so raw from wiping so much and nothing is really helping to get the congestion to go away. Yesterday, I just felt like eating all day. Why do we want to eat when we are sick? Maybe comfort? I took a picture after my last meeting though that I feel shows I am still losing, but I know in my heart that I am just not doing so well. I have had a lot going on the past two months, but I want some results. Right now I do not feel very successful so this was a good meeting for me. I just wish I felt well enough to do something about it!

Weekly Goals:

1. Take care of myself this week so I can get better.

2. Try to add exercise in this week. (I say try because right now I can't breathe)

3. If I recognize that I am eating for a feeling, I will go write about it in my journal instead of eating or if I already ate it write about what made me eat it and how I can stop doing that.

4. I want to have a good week and lose at least 2 pounds, but we shall see.

5. Read the new Weight Watchers Magazine that I bought at the meeting and write a review of at least one article that impressed me.

No-Guilt Gravy

No-Guilt Gravy

2 (10.5 oz) cans 98% fat-free Cream of Chicken Soup

2 oz. reduced fat chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon Gravy Master Seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons fat-free milk

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Mix the soup, broth, gravy seasoning, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, and pepper in a medium saucepan. Heat and simmer for 7 minutes. Mix the milk and cornstarch in a small bowl. Bring the gravy mixture to a boil and gradually stir in the milk mixture. Continue to cook, stirring consistently for 1 minute or until thickened. Be careful not to let the bottom scorch.

Makes 12 servings, 1/3 cup each

Calories 36.6 Fat 1.1g Fiber 0.5g

From: Finally Thin! by Kim Bensen

RR: I served this with Betty Crocker pouch mashed potatoes. All you do is add water and put in the microwave. 80 calories per serving. This gravy was really good on it. My whole family liked it, but next time I am going to add less poultry seasoning because I thought it was a little salty, but then I guess gravy is suppose to be salty.

Weight Watchers Meeting Notes and Weekly Goals

Part one: What's in my lunch bag?

Last night our meeting started off with our leader showing us her, "lunch bag." Weight Watchers has a really cool new insulated lunch bag that the new member supplies for the year come in. So, I guess she was trying to promote it with this demonstration, but it was a really good demonstration. She took the food out of her bag. Here's what she had:


1 Twin pack of Little Debbie's Zebra Cake 8 points!

Instead of eating that here's what else she had in her bag that equaled 8 points

1 banana

1 cup of grapes

1 orange

1 apple

2 pieces light whole wheat bread

5 cups Fat Free Microwave Popcorn

You can have all of that food for 8 points. That's a lot of food. I think I'd be pretty full. On the new Momentum Plan, that is what you try to do eat more foods for your points. Usually those foods are going to be filling foods. All of those listed above, except the zebra cake, are filling foods. Filling Foods are foods that will keep you fuller longer. And get this, you can even eat that zebra cake if you want! Weight Watchers gives you the freedom to eat some "extras" with your 35 Weekly Points Allowance. I used to be scared to use those points, but they are built in the program. I still have a good weight loss when I use them and I don't feel deprived of my favorite foods. In fact, those points let me LIVE! This weekend is Valentine's Day, so that would be a perfect opportunity to use those points. I have a birthday party that I plan to use them at. I always cringe when people say you can't use those points and still lose weight. I know a lot of people who use all their WPA and lose better than they were when they were not using the points. If you watched Biggest Loser last night, Bob was getting one of his teams to eat more. Some people have a hard time with trying to lose weight and eating more, but your body needs the points you are given for a reason. Some people who exercise a lot tend to not lose a lot. There could be many reasons for it, but one is that they are not eating enough. Sometimes you need to eat your activity points to keep up with what your body is burning. I know it sounds crazy, but it really does work. So, don't be scared to use WPA and activity points!

Part 2: Liquids

Our meeting was about liquids. A lot of people have a big concern with what Weight Watchers has done with this Healthy Guideline. On the Momentum Plan you just have to have 6 cups of liquids. Although book 1 states that, Water is best," any liquid now counts toward this healthy guideline. Some things that count now are beer, wine, (neither of which I drink), colas, juice, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and soup to name a few. The soup one kind of threw me for a loop! I think water does help in metabolism and is important for weight loss, but many dietitians will tell you that you can have weight loss without water intake. I also watched the show, The Doctors, while I was in the hospital and they said that there is a lot of new research out about water since a girl was in a water drinking contest and died because she drank too much. They said that your body will tell you how much water you need and you should listen to your body. I trust Weight Watchers and I know that they change their programs based on new research, so there has to be a reason for it. I also know that people seem to be losing more weight with the Momentum Plan than they were with the old Flex Plan so something must be right about it. I plan to still drink my water as part of my weight loss program.

Weight In Results: -1.2 pounds (After the week I had, I'm happy with that!)

Goals For this week:

1. Drink the recommended liquids for the week.

2. Exercise at least 5 days.

3. Use my meal plan as a way to stay on track this week.

Hope everyone has a great on point week! :)

A Non-Scale Victory!

Do you notice anything strange about my hand? Well, about a week ago, I quit wearing my wedding rings. They just kept falling off. When they fell in the toilet, I decided that it was time to stop wearing them until I could get them fixed. LOL! Well, after we got out of the hospital, my dh said he needed me to run into the jewelry store and get my fingers sized. My finger that I wear my ring on was a 10 and now I wear an 8! So they took my rings and I feel so naked! I think I am going going to get them back for Valentine's Day. The jeweler said he was going to put my two rings together. So, I look forward to getting them back!

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

2 cup uncooked oatmeal

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup fat-free skim milk

1/2 cup Egg Beaters

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup Splenda

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 T. cinnamon

1 cup shredded carrots

1 small can of crushed pineapple, drained

¼ cup raisins

Combine wet ingredients and add dry ingredients. Bake in sprayed 8" square pan at 350 for 35-45 min.

Serves 6

188 calories, 2.9 g. fat, 4.5 g. fiber

~

RR: I really liked this. It was really good. I love Carrot Cake and this just got me over the craving. I added a Splenda packet and some ICBINB spray. Yummy!

~

Serves 6

188 calories, 2.9 g. fat, 4.5 g. fiber

Biggest Loser Month 1 and My Menu Plan Monday

Well, as most of my readers know, I took another kid for an extended hospital stay. I did a little bit better on hospital food because I planned and brought stuff to help me stay on point. The catch was that my little girl refused to eat anything in the hospital, so I would take small bites of things to encourage her to eat and it did help a little. It just did not help me much, actually I think I gained a couple of pounds. Lack of exercise will do that to you too. So, I am hoping for a really good week this week. I want to get back into the routine and I really think that will help everyone. I rested a whole lot of the weekend and that helped a lot! Here is my weight for the biggest loser(see above), I took it before I left for the hospital because my doctor told me to prepare for possible admission. If you are not in this contest then you will not understand the toothpaste. I think that that just helps everyone stay honest. So, here is what I weighted before going to the hospital. I did not get back until late on Thursday and the weights were due by noon on Thursday. I was nowhere in the running for a prize so I really think it did not matter anyways. So, here is my weight, 243.2! I was so excited! In this contest, I weigh in in the morning, so my weight is a little different than my weekly night Weight Watchers meetings. I've been stuck for months now and getting over 245 was such a big goal of mine. Even though I did not win anything, I am proud of 5.2 pounds for one month. Especially with all of the crazy stuff going on in my life right now. I ate out way too much during my hospital stays. I stayed on plan for the most part and now that is all behind me and I am ready to get back on track! I feel so much better when I do! So I am going to start off by posting my menu! This will help me stay on track this week! I also must EXERCISE!

Dinners
Spaghetti Casserole, salad, toast, Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake
mmmmmmeatloaf, mashed potatoes, guilt free gravy, green beans
Breakfast for dinner
Creamy Potato and Ham Bake, salad, Easy Peach Cobbler
Pork with Apples and Stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, Caramel Apple Cake
Neil's Birthday Party (probably pizza)
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti, salad

Breakfast
Cinnamon French Toast, fruit, hot herbal tea
Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal, fruit, hot herbal tea
Omelet with added onions and mushrooms on light English muffin, fruit, hot herbal tea (3 days)
Low fat waffles and fruit, hot herbal tea (2 days)

Lunch
Bean Chili
Cheesy Vegetable Soup (2 days)
Salad with tuna
Boca Burger, baked chips
Leftovers(2 days)

Snacks etc.
Wendy's No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
94% Fat Free Popcorn
Jell-o pudding, sugar free
Fiber One Bars
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
~
See something you want to make but there is no recipe? As I make the recipes this week I will post them with a picture. Hope everyone has a great week.
~
Go here to see more plans.

Corn dog anyone?

Corn Dog Casserole
1 cup finely chopped minced celery (I did not add this)
1/4 cup diced sweet onion
1 (8 pack) Ballpark Fat Free Hot Dogs
14 oz Hormel Turkey Chili, no beans
1 (8.5 oz.) Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
1 egg white
1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp. black pepper
4 oz. shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray skillet with butter flavor cooking spray. Saute celery and onion for 5 minutes. Slice hot dogs into thin discs and add to skillet. Cook over med-high heat for 5-7 minutes. Add turkey chili and heat through. Spray 11 X 7 pan with cooking spray. Pour skillet contents into pan. Top with cheese. Combine muffin mix, egg white, milk, water, and pepper; pour over hot dog mixture. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
Makes 6 servings
349 Calories, 11g fat, 3g fiber

I've made this several times and my kids love it with mac and cheese. I did not eat any mac and cheese though, I served mine with salead and most of my kids ate salad too. After eating out a lot from being in the hospital, my family was ready for a comfort foods meal and this is pure comfort!

Jell-o Pudding Coupon

I love Jell-o pudding cups. They have some great flavors! My favorite is the sugar free Caramel. I also love the Banana Fudge and with some of the new lite Cool Whip in a can it makes a really low point great tasting snack. Now you can get a coupon for $0.60 off here. Also check out the snack a meter at the bottom of the page. It's pretty neat!

Quote For the Day

"If you focus on results, you'll never change. If you focus on change, you'll see results."

Back Home

I just got home. Wow, what a week. My older son went back to the doctor after we got out of the hospital his sores are on his stomach and they do not look good. She drained them and now she will have to see him tommorrow if they are not better and he will be admitted. I pray we do not have to go back. My little girl is so much better. All of her sores have healed. Now we just have to continue to keep everything sanitized so that it does not come back!!

I got some stuff to post, but I'll be back later. I'm a little busy.

Going back to the hospital

I am going back to the hospital with a different child, my little girl. All of my kids have staph infection, but her's is worse and spreading bad on her private area. The doctor says we will be there at least 3 days. I feel sure she will be fine, but prayers would be nice. We are at home right now waiting for a bed at the hospital. So, as soon as they call me we will be going. Pray for me too that I can make the right food choices while I am there.

Motivation and Habit

Motivation is what gets you started.
Habit is what keeps you going.

Jim Ryan

I really like this quote. So many people ask me, "What keeps you motivated." I guess this quote explains it all. You have to turn motivation into habit. I have changed my lifestyle and the way I eat to become more of a habit in my life and I think that people who have true weight loss do make it a habit! Weight Watchers is one of the few weight loss programs that try to make it a habit. That's why they say it is not a diet, but a lifestyle change. So, get some motivation and then turn it into a habit and that's what makes you continue in the weight loss journey. That sentence makes it sound easy, but really it is hard work!