Turkey Day * Pumpkin Pie

Those who

Stuffeth...... Puffeth

Prior Planning Prevents Pudgy People.... plan to be successful!!!!

Weight Watchers ™ Pumpkin Pie

Complete Recipe with photo:
http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeId=51184

Now POINTS® Value: 3

Servings: 8

Preparation Time: 20 min

Cooking Time: 60 min

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Pumpkin pie doesn't have to weigh you down. Our lightened-up version is the perfect ending to your Thanksgiving meal.

Ingredients
4 spray(s) cooking spray
4 sheet(s) phyllo dough
1/2 cup(s) dark brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cornstarch
1/8 tsp table salt
1 1/2 cup(s) canned pumpkin, puree
1 1/2 cup(s) fat-free evaporated milk
1/2 cup(s) fat-free egg substitute
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9-inch round pie pan with cooking spray.
Cut phyllo sheets in half. Place 1 sheet in prepared pan and lightly coat with cooking spray. Top with another sheet of phyllo, placing corners just to the right of the previous sheet's corners. Repeat with remaining sheets to form a circle. Press layered phyllo into pan and roll in edges. Bake until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

Whisk together brown sugar, spices, cornstarch and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together pumpkin, evaporated milk, egg substitute and vanilla in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Pour filling into crust. Bake until set, about 50 minutes. (Cover crust edges with foil during baking if they are becoming too brown.) Cool completely before cutting into 8 pieces.

Chef Tips
We renovated Pumpkin Pie by:
Replacing a butter-laden crust with layers of light, crispy phyllo dough.
Using fat-free egg substitute instead of whole eggs.
Using vanilla extract for sweetness.

Holiday Tips

(1)EVERYTHING IN MODERATION. Keep portions in check-smaller plates etc.

(2)Make a Decision - If you decide that NOW is the time to change your lifestyle then it doesn’t matter what time of year it is, you can do it. A healthy lifestyle is year-round anyway and it doesn’t "go away" when a holiday comes up. If that were the case then it would be very hard to maintain your weight because on average there are 2 holidays of some sort each month!

(3)Chart your Goals - If you are averaging .5-2 pounds a week as WW's suggests that is pounds gone by December 31st! No matter how many pounds you lose between now and December 31st you will be well on your way towards your goal.

(4)Drop Perfectionism - You can have some of your old favorites if you really want them on Thanksgiving and Christmas - all you need to do is change how you eat them. In other words, just have a taste of them or a small portion instead of a huge helping or two. members at goal do not eat buffet size portions but they do indulge at times. This option will only work for you though, if the foods you choose to eat on these holidays are not your trigger foods.

(5)Drop the Diet - Diets don’t work and neither do magical diet pills and powders. What does work is Weight Watchers it creates a healthy lifestyle!

(6)Maintain Your Exercise Routine - Even if on the actual holiday dates you do not stick to only whole foods you can still maintain your regular exercise routine and even get the entire family involved. Take a 30-minute walk after your meal and get some fresh air. Get outside, get that blood pumping, and get moving. Take a bottle of water with you and have fun instead of only focusing on the holiday feast.

Pita Chips with Black Bean "Caviar"

Makes 8 servings (Appetizers)
POINTS value per serving: 2

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon prepared black olive tapenade
1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large garlic clove, minced
1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 (6-inch) whole-wheat pitas, toasted, each cut into 8 wedges

1. Combine the beans, tapenade, feta, oil, garlic, and pepper in a medium bowl; gently mash with a wooden spoon to break up some of the beans. 2. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with the pita wedges.

Recipe from Weight Watchers Cookbook All Time Favorites © 2008. All rights reserved.

Lose for Good Campaign Results

In the New River Valley (Virginia), I work as a Leader at a traditional location where the Food Bank is located. Right prior to our Lose for Good Campaign, I witnessed why this initiative would be desperately needed. We were setting up all the goodies we sell during our meeting when, on this particular night, the Food Bank Administrator and a young couple walked through to gain access to a large kitchen pantry in the building. The girl was clearly with child and the young man could have been my brother, my cousin, my son. Instead of being defeated as I am sure their situation could have triggered, they were upbeat. The reason? The kitchen pantry. They were going to get groceries for the week.

In the weeks that followed I could not get what I had witnessed out of my mind. Could we as Weight Watchers Members make a difference? Needless to say as the Lose for Good Campaign was set into motion I felt I had to share what I had seen with my At-Work Members. I offered members the story then stated, “Just as what you have in your pantry can hold the key to your weightloss success, it can also hold the key to helping those who need a little extra to get by”. As a result, we worked together to gain the extra motivation to “Lose for Good” (191.8 pounds from Sept. 7 – Oct. 18) as well as collect a total of one hundred, thirty two non-perishable items for our local food bank located at New River Community Action.

We have been proud of being a part of this weightloss initiative.

Submitted by,

Lesia Linkous
Weight Watchers Leader on behalf of

Virginia Tech, Southgate Center
Virginia Tech, Outreach
Montgomery County Government

What are you hungry for???

Who's Hungry by Judy Christiansen

I eat when I'm angry.

I eat when I'm sad.

I eat when I'm tired.

I eat when I'm glad.

I eat between meals.

I eat bedtime snacks.

I eat from fine china.

Or from paper sacks.

I eat sitting down.

I eat on the run.

I eat when I read.

I eat just for fun.

I eat when I'm pressured.

I eat to relax.

I eat when it's time

To pay income tax.

I eat while I'm cooking.

I eat at mealtime.

Now this question you ask

(Interrupting my rhyme),

Do I eat when I'm hungry?

I really can't say...

I do not recall

Ever getting that way!

If hunger is not the problem, then eating is not the solution (unknown author)

Halloween Candy Points Values

Hello Folks.

Linda and I do plan to renew the very next week assuming we have at least 15 members interested in joining. START UP DATE THURSDAY OCTOBER 30TH....I look forward to seeing everyone there.

HALLOWEEN CANDY POINTS

Remember, you can find even MORE candy listed in your 2008 Complete Food Companion, p. 247-260 or look them up on e-tools. Prepare yourself for success!!

3 Musketeers, 2 fun size bars 3 1/2
1000 Grand, 2 bars 4 1/2
Abazaba, mini, Each 1
ABC Fruit Chomps, 7 pieces 3
ANDES "Creme de Menth Thin Mint", 8 pieces 5 1/2
Animal Crackers, 11 crackers 3
Almond Joy, 2 snack size bars 4
America1s Original Bubble Gum, 4 pieces 1 1/2
Atomic Fireballs, Each 1
Baby Ruth, 2 fun size bars 4
Big Hunk, mini, Each 1
Bit-O-Honey, 6 pieces 4
Blow Pops, Each 1.5
Bubble Gum, super, 2 pieces 1
Butterfinger, 2 fun size bars 4
Butternut Mini Bar, .75 oz 2
Candy Corn, 22 pieces 3
Caramello, 2 snack size bars 4
Crispy Caramel Fudge Bar, snack size, Each bar 2
Caramel & Peanut Butter Crispy Bars, snack size, Each bar 2
Chocolate Toffee Crisp Bar, snack size, Each bar, 2
Crunchy Peanut Butter Bar, snack size, Each bar, 2
Double Bubble Gum, 2 pieces 1
Heath Bar, 5 snack size bars 6
Hershey's Bar (plain), 2 snack size bars 5
Hershey's (almonds), 2 snack size bars 5
Hershey Kisses, 8 pieces 5
Hershey Kisses or Hugs, 3 pieces 2
Hershey Miniatures, 5 pieces 5
Hershey Tastations (any flavor), 3 pieces 1
Hershey Sweet Escapes 2
Hi C Juice Fillers, bag (5 candies) 2
Hot Tamales, Each snack box 1
Jolly Rancher, 3 pieces 1
Jolly Rancher Mini Stix, Each 1
Kit Kat, 3 (2 pc) snack bars 6
Kit Kat, Each 2
Lemonheads, Each box 2
Life Saver Five Flavor Candy, 4 1.5
Life Saver Gummi Savers, 2 rolls 2.5
Life Saver Pops, Each 1
M & M (plain), Each fun size pack 2
M & M (peanut), Each fun size pack 2
M & M Crispy, Each pkg 5
Mars, 2 fun size bars 4
Mary Jane Peanut Butter Kisses, 6 pieces 3.5
Maynards Wine Gums, 1 roll (44 g), 3
Mike & Ikes, Each snack pkg 1
Milk Duds, 4 fun size boxes 4
Milky Way, 2 fun size bars 4
Milky Way Lite, minis, 5 pieces 3
Milky Way Lite, regular bar 3.5
Mounds, 2 snack size bars 4
Necco Wafers, Each roll 1
Nerds, Each box 1
Nestles PB Mallow, Each 3.5
Nestles Baby Ruth, Each 4.5
Nestle Crunch Fun Size, 4 bars 5
Now & Later, 3 mini bars 3
O'Henry, 2 fun size bars 5
Peter Pan Peanut Butter Cups, 4 pieces 6
Pumpkin Pop, Each sucker 1
Raisinettes, 3 snack size boxes 4
Red Hots, Each box 2
Reese's Crunchy Cookie Cups, 2 snacks 4
Reese's Miniature Peanut Butter Cups, 5 pieces 5
Reeses Peanut Butter Bites, 3 pkgs 5.5
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, 2 snack size 4
Reesesticks, 2 snack size 4
Skittles, 3 pkgs 4
Skittles (regular), 2 packs 3
Smarties, 3 rolls 1
Smuckers Fruit Fillers, Each bag (5 candies) 2
Snackwells Nut Clusters, Each piece 1
Snickers, 2 fun size bars 4
Snickers, minis (4 pieces) or 2 fun size bars 4
Spree Candies, 8 pieces 1
Spree Twist, 2 rolls 1.5
Starburst, 3 fun size pkgs 4
Starburst Fruit Chews, 8 chews 3.5
Sugar Babies, 2 snack size pouches 4.5
Sugar Daddy Pops, 3 3.5
Sweethearts (Necco), Each (1 1/8 oz box) 2.5
Sweet Tarts, 2 rolls 1
Tootsie Hot Chocolate Pops, Each 1.5
Three Muskateers, 2 fun size 4
Tootsie Roll, 2 snack bars 2
Tootsie Roll Midgees, 6 pieces 3.5
Tootsie Roll Pop, Each pop 1
Triple Chocolate Wafer Bar, snack size, Each bar, 2
Twix, (mini size) Each 1
Twix, Each snack size bar 2
Twix, Regular Size, Each (2) pack 7
Twizzlers Pull-n-Peel Cherry Candy, 3 pieces 2.5
Twizzlers Strawberry Twists, 4 twists 2.5
Werther's Original, 3 pieces 1
Whoppers Malted Milk Balls, 2 snack size pouches 5
Wonka Nerds Gumballs, Each 1
Wonka Shock Tarts Gumball, Each 1
Wrigleys Chewing Gum, 5 pieces 1
York Peppermint Patties, 3 patties 3

Time for Pumpkin!

Pumpkin Roll

15 servings
3 points

1 Angel Food Cake Mix - the 1 Step

1 cup cold water

1 can (15oz) pumpkin

1 TB pumpkin pie spice

Filling:
1 (8oz) FF Cream cheese

1 (3 oz) SF FF Cheesecake pudding mix

1 (8 oz) FF Cool Whip Pumpkin pie spice to taste

Preheat oven to 350* Line a jelly roll pan with waxed paper. Spray lightly with Pam. Beat the cake mix and water together in a bowl for 2 or 3 minutes. Fold in pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched gently in the center. Let cool for 5 minutes. Put powdered sugar on a clean dish towel and flip the cake onto the towel. Carefully peel off the wax paper. Roll the cake and towel together on the longer side. Let cool for 5 or 6 hours. Beat cream cheese and slowly add Cool Whip in portions. This keeps the filling from getting lumpy. After this mixture is well blended, add the dry pudding mix and pumpkin pie spice. Carefully unroll the cake, spread the cream cheese mixture on the top. Gently roll the cake back up.

Butterscotch Pumpkin Pudding

I small package ff, sf butterscotch pudding mix

1 cup of pumpkin

2 cups ff milk

Pumpkin pie spice

Mix the pumpkin with the cold milk, add pudding mix and pumpkin pie spice, whisk for several minutes till thick, pour into 4 dessert dishes. Core or 1.5 points

Gingerbread Pumpkin Cream Tart

servings 8

estimated POINTS® value per serving 5

8 oz gingersnap cookies (1 1/2 cups)

3 Tbsp sugar

3 Tbsp chopped walnuts

3 Tbsp fat-free margarine

1 cup powdered sugar

8 oz fat-free cream cheese

1 cup canned pumpkin

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup Cool Whip Free

Preheat oven to 350. Prepare a 10" tart pan (or springform) with cooking spray, set aside. Crush cookies (1 1/2 cups). Combine cookies, granulated sugar, walnuts and margarine. Mix well. Reserve 3 Tbsp of mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture on bottom and up sides of pan. Bake for 12 minutes. Cool and set aside.To prepare filling, combine powdered sugar, cream cheese, pumkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over baked crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving.

Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Serves 8--1 Point per serving

1 can pumpkin (15 oz)

1 can fat free evaporated milk (12 oz)

1/2 cup egg substitute

1/2 tsp. salt

3 tsp. pumpkin spice

1 tsp. vanilla

2/3 cup Splenda

Combine all ingredients & beat until smooth. Pour into PAM sprayed 9" dish. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350 for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Pumpkin Rice Pudding

POINTS value of entire batch = 26 Servings 9 servings = 3 pts, 12 servings = 2 pts

4 cup 1% low-fat milk

15 oz canned pumpkin

3/4 cup SPLENDA

1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup Egg Beaters

3 cup cooked white rice

1/2 tsp vanilla

Combine first five ingredients in large saucepan. Bring to boil over med heat, stirring constantly. Gradually add small amount to Egg Beaters; return all to pan. Bring to gentle boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in rice and vanilla.
Pour into sprayed 13 x 9 baking dish. Bake uncovered @375 for 25-30 min until knife in center comes out clean. Serve warm or cold.

Get-up-and-dance Songs - get moving to boost weightloss

Let’s Get Loud, Jennifer Lopez
The Chicken Dance
Dancing Queen, Abba
In the Mood, Glenn Miller Orchestra
Hokey Pokey, Ray Anthony and his orchestra
I hope you Dance, Lee Ann Womack
Celebration, Kool and the Gang
No Parking (on the dance floor), Midnight Star
Boot Scoot’in Boogie, Brooks and Dunn
Dance to the Music, Sly and the Family Stone

Can you find your Leader: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRPHGTulthE

Crispy Crab Cakes

¼ c FF mayonnaise
1 egg which
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. old bay seasoning
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
¾ lb. imitation crabmeat (surimi), chopped
½ lb. medium peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped
¾ c. fresh whole-wheat bread crumbs
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 (5oz) bag mixed spring greens
4 lemon wedges


Preheat oven 350 degrees

Combine first 5 ingredients, then add crabmeat and shrimp. Mix well. Add bread crumbs until blended. With moistened hands, form the mixture into 8 (2.5 inches) patties.

Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium stovetop heat…. Cook 3-4 min. Transfer to baking sheet….. bake for 8-10 min.

Serve with greens and lemon wedge.

2 patties, 4 points.

What would your weightloss pep-talk sound like?

How to Manage Negative Thoughts:
1. Recognize you are doing it
2. Practice, Practice, Practice the positive

Check out this U-tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGrDucZxTJA

Robin H-C, a psychologist reporting in Toronto Canada, says that the first and last 30 minutes of your day are the best times to be receptive to new thought process. AND what you put in the last 30 min of the day will most likely be repeated in your head more often.

RECIPE FROM SHELLY, A WW MEMBERS (THANKS Shelly!!!!)


German Potato Salad
4 medium all-purpose potatoes, cooked and diced (I used red skinned potatoes)
1 onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
3 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup apple juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

In large bowl, combine the potatoes, onion, celery, bell pepper, and bacon; set aside.

In small saucepan, whisk the apple juice, vinegar, and flour; bring to a boil, whisking constantly.Boil, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 4 minutes; stir in salt and pepper.

Drizzle over the vegetables, toss to coat, and serve at once.

(makes 4 servings)1-1/2 cups = 3 pts.

Have a friend join * something from your fellow members

PLEASE NOTE: That we are getting ready to start a new series at Outreach (702 University City Blvd.) If you know of anyone interested in joining a series, now is a perfect time to do that. By signing up now (at either the Outreach or Southgate location), a state employee has the ability to get on a cycle to receive the state reimbursement. Current members, if a friend joins, you both receive a free tote bag! Further information about that series is available at http://www.thehappyeat.blogspot.com/.

Today, some notes from your fellow members:

Have you seen this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygWO30gdpK4&NR=1

Thanks Celia!

Exercise DVD's available:

Three DVD Collection entitled
“Keeping Fit in Your 50s” Aerobics – okay but not very intense.

Strength – very good for arms and legs (addresses “angel wings”)
Flexibility- excellent Cindy Joseph is a model that began her career at 49.

Robyn Stohr is Administrative Director of the Women’s Sports Medicine at NY’s Hospital for Special Surgery and a certified exercise physiologist with 20 years of sports medicine experience.

Thanks Pat Smith!

Comfort Zone * Tomato Spice Cake

Oh Comfort Zone, Comfort Zone where are thee?
Are you a 1, 2 or a 3?
Believing before Weight Watchers, that 5 was it
I’d eat too much, then wonder why I felt sick.
But now I stop, I know that is key
And rest that fork, I’m doing it for me.
Time to assess the situation, it is best we agree
To find a nice middle-ground so that you can Lose Weight for Good,
of that you can be guaranteed.
~Lesia Linkous, Leader



Tomato Spice Cake

1/2 c. packed brown sugar (I used splenda Brown Sugar)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 lb. plum tomatoes, cut into slices (I just used whatever came out of the garden)
1 box spice cake mix
1 10 3/4 ox condensed tomato soup
3/4 c. ff egg substitute
3/4 c. low fat buttermilk (I just pour some vinegar into some ff milk and it makes it a bit sour)

Preheat over 350 degrees. Line a 9x13 baking dish with foil and spray it with nonstick spray

Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle on foil. Top with tomato slices.

Use an electric mixer to combine all other ingredients until well blended and pour batter into pan.

Bake until cooked, about 35-40 min. cool 5 min, then place large platter over the cake and invert; remove the foil and let cook. cut into 12 squares

5 Points.

DREAMS ARE WHISPERS FROM THE SOUL & VT Rec Sports Info

Fail forward. It is your opportunity to start again more intelligently.


The most important thing about a goal is having one.


Inch by inch, life's a cinch!
Yard by yard, life is hard!

Sow a thought, & you reap an act.
Sow an act, and you reap a habit.
Sow a habit, and you reap a character.
Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.
~Charles Reader

Only as high as I reach, I can grow.
Only as far as I seek, I can go.
Only as deep as I look can I see.
Only as much as I dream can I be.
~Karen Ravn



Another message forwarded by Shari from Teresa Conti:

New fitness option for faculty and staff, incentive for all pass-holders
From: The Department of Recreational Sports

The Department of Recreational Sports is proud to announce the new War Memorial Hall Group Exercise Fitness Pass. This new one-time pilot program of War Memorial Hall group exercise classes has been created to help fill the void left by the CommonHealth cancellation of the CommonHealth Faculty/Staff Fitness Program.

For the first time ever, Virginia Tech faculty and staff, along with eligible users of War Memorial Hall, can purchase the new Fitness Pass which includes all group exercise classes offered at War Memorial Hall. Two different passes will be offered - a year-long pass for $47 and a semester-long pass for $25.

All War Memorial Hall group exercise classes will be free for patrons to try the first week of academic classes, August 25th through August 31st. Prospective pass holders can try out the group exercise classes before investing in the Fitness Pass. Due to construction on the dance floor in War Memorial Hall, the free week classes will be limited. Starting Monday, September 1st the dance floor will be in full swing and many different types of group exercise classes will be offered in War Memorial Hall such as abs, body sculpting, cardioboxing, Kukuwa's Dance Workout, step, yoga, and zumba to name a few.

Interested Virginia Tech patrons can check out the free week and full semester schedules and/or register for group exercise fitness passes online.

Motivation is one of the keys to success and being active and motivated entails following a healthy lifestyle. To help fitness participants stay motivated, Recreational Sports has again partnered with Carlson Wagonlit Travel to offer another fun incentive contest - the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Fall Fitness Challenge. The challenge is free for any full or War fitness pass holder - student, faculty, and staff - that attends a War Memorial Hall group exercise class. Participants are automatically entered into the drawing by attending any group exercise class and the more classes they attend, the more chances they have of winning the Carlson Wagonlit Travel grand prize. The grand prize travel package includes a $200 Carlson Wagonlit Travel gift card, plus a $100 Exxon gas card, and a $50 Red Lobster/Olive Garden gift card.
"There is more of a reason to work out when you can get in shape, and at the same time you can be rewarded for your efforts," said Ali Arner, assistant director of Fitness and Assessment. Carlson Wagonlit Travel is a leading travel management company headquartered in Lynchburg, VA and has been in business for 13 years. They can be reached at 1-800-869-6588 or contact Brenda O'Reilly, local travel agent and Images By B owner at 540-998-1303.

Virginia Tech Recreational Sports joins in partnership with the University to enhance the quality of life for all students, faculty, staff, their families, and the community by providing recreational and fitness opportunities throughout the year. For more information on all events and programs, visit http://www.recsports.vt.edu/ or call the Recreational Sports' main office at (540) 231-6856.

Personal Trainer

Hello!

I hope you enjoy photos of my final day in Ventura. I had a chance to take a hike on Santa Cruz Island (Channel Islands National Park). Enjoy-

Below is a Message from our fellow member Shari about the ability for staff to take advantage of a personal trainer on campus at a low cost. Thanks Shari for sharing.


“You can get a grad student personal trainer and pay only $15 an hour! Using the gym is free!

The url is: http://www.recsports.vt.edu/fitness/training/ On the left side are links for prices, bios of the students, etc.

And there are fitness classes at War Memorial gym and pool, some are free, some aren't. But there is a free trial week coming up end of August.

url: http://www.recsports.vt.edu/fitness/group/index.php

Shari”

On the road

What happens when the first meal of the day kills your daily points target? Woo Hoo, must ‘a been a great breakfast!!!! This was true for me today. I am traveling and knew it would be difficult on the road. When we returned to the hotel after breakfast I realized that a walk was calling my name. I took advantage of the glorious weather and wonderful harbor, and hit the pavement with a leisurely walk. Within an hour I had earned an extra few points. Great! That meant a salad with salad dressing had just been earned back into my day. When we returned, we decided to head off to another community for a little shopping excitement. After being there an hour, like a bad dream, walked into a See’s Candy Shop (popular in California), where the evil lady behind the counter (actually, she was a sweet little student) offered me a free truffle sample… Oh yeah, I ate the whole thing. Well, there went the activity points I had earned with my first walk. Off we went again checking out the shops, then down to the pier to enjoy the remainder of the day. Oh wait, by then I had earned a few more activity points. Happiness returned at the thought of being able to finish off the day with a cool salad. Wow, what a great Weight Watchers Day!

When life throws lemons your way, make lemonade!

Mental Rehearse * AND Green Bean Casserole

Weightloss is like golf…It is a game played on a 5-inch course. The distance between the ears.” ~Bobby Jones, Pro Golfer.--

Quote from Tiger Wood's father, Earl "When Tiger was six months old, he would sit in our garage, watching me hit balls into a net. He had been assimilating his golf swing. When he got out of the high chair, he had a golf swing."

Quote from Tom Kite, a pro-golfer, "Discipline and concentration are a matter of being interested."

And, remember the phrase “practice makes perfect”? Well, near-perfect practice is far more superior AND effective, than a “poor performance during practice”

Headed to Taco Bell? Remember to order “Fresco Style”. For 10 points you can get a fresco chicken soft taco (3 pts) and Fresco Bean Burrito (7 pts). Oley!!!!

Green Bean Casserole

Makes 4 servings, serving 1 CUP, 3 Points

4 c. frozen cut green beans
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
1 12-ounce can of reduced fat condensed cream of mushroom soup
¾ cup reduced fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup French-fried onions

Preheat oven 350, use 8 inch square baker

Cook up the green beans (steam, microwave… or just pull out canned beans and heat up. Hey, we’re in the South. The mushier, the better). Drain and set aside in a bowl

On the stovetop, cook onions and sugar for about 5 min. Transfer to the green bean bowl. Then add everything else except the French-fried onions. Stir up and pour in a baking pan.

Bake 25 min. Then sprinkle the French-fried onions. Bake 5 min longer.

AND you thought you would have to live a life without the green bean casserole!...This is worth 3 points-

Resource: Weight Watchers Greatest Hits Cookbook (2002)..Find a good WW cookbook like I did in 2002 and it will serve you well for years!.

Rise and Shine

Core Recipe: Egg Stir-Fry
Heat 1 tsp. canola oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 c. mixture of diced onion, red bell pepper and chopped broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 4 min. or until onion is softened and lightly browned. Add ½ c. fat-free egg substitute. Stir-fry 1 min. or until egg is fully scrambled. Serve with soy sauce….
… add an orange if you like!
---from “Meals 101” from the Starter kits

Flex Recipe: Southwestern Egg Wrap, Points Value 5
Heat 1 tsp. canola oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add ½ c. each thinly sliced green bell pepper and onion. Cook while stirring 8 min. or until softened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Meanwhile, in small nonstick skillet over medium heat, fry 1 large egg (without added fat) until firm. Serve egg and bell pepper-onion mixture in 1 (7-inch) whole wheat flour tortilla. Sprinkle with hot pepper sauce and fresh cilantro to taste. Roll up.
---from “Meals 101” from the Starter kits

2 Point Muffins
1 chocolate cake mix
1 15 oz can pumpkin
½ cup water
½ cup chocolate chips
-Mix all of the above together, put in a slightly greased 9x13 baking dish (use a spray oil). Bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes. Serves 18.. each muffin is 2 points.

REMEMBER:
*On his way to creating the light bulb, Edison discovered 1800 ways not to build one.

*One of Madam Curie’s failures was radium.

*Columbus was looking for India

Errors are one of life’s primary learning vehicles. That is because it reinforces the way we do things. When we fail, we learn what’s not working, and get the opportunity to try new approaches…. Creative Whack Pack…Roger von Oech, 1992

Mint Cookie Blizzard Option

The DQ small Thin Mint Blizzard is 13 points. My smoothie was only 5 and it yielded 32 oz.
Here's the recipe:
1 cup fat free milk
2 cups crushed ice
1 packet of WW Smoothie (either vanilla or chocolate)
1 WW Mint Cookie Crisp bar (cut into small pieces)
First, I blended the milk and Smoothie.
Then, I added the ice.
Lastly, I added the Mint Cookie Crip bar.
If you want to drink it like a smoothie, you're all set.
I put the blender in the freezer for 30 minutes and it was the consistancy of a DQ Blizzard.
Hope this help!

PATTERN FOR SUCCESS!!!

Discover Your Eating Pattern
Write down when you eat

Determine physical satisfaction

Make Adjustments if necessary
***

Remember, there are no right or wrong eating patterns. When you plan your eating to minimize hunger and maximize satisfaction, you’ll have an easier time of staying within the plan guidelines. I encourage you to take what you learned during the meeting about patterns and satisfying food choices, and make it work for YOU! “Success is following the pattern of life one enjoys most.” Al Cap….. Satisfaction – now that’s the pattern for success.

***
“When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge.”Tuli Kupferberg (a beat poet I had never heard of before)

***
"To get what we've never had, we must do what we've never done." From the 212 movie
***

"Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple, learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen."John Steinbeck
***

“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit." -- Conrad Hilton
***
Chocolate Éclair Dessert
From Marybeth’s Recipe Builder – e-tools
Serves 18; 2 Points per serving
Serves 16; 3 Points per serving
24 sheets of graham crackers
2 small pkgs sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
4 ½ cups fat-free milk
12 oz. fat-free cool whip
1 small pkg sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix.

Place 8 graham cracker sheets in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Mix vanilla puddings and 3 cups of milk; let set 2 minutes. Gently fold in cool whip. Pour half on graham crackers. Top with another 8 graham cracker sheets. Pour remaining pudding mixture over crackers. Top with last 8 graham cracker sheets. Mix the chocolate pudding with 1 ½ cups of milk; let stand for 2 minutes. Spread over graham crackers. Let set 6 hours or overnight in refrigerator to soften graham crackers.

Thanks Lynn from Tuesday's meeting for getting this to us!

212 Degrees, the extra degree

THE EXTRA DEGREE

At 211 degrees, water is hot
At 212 degrees, water boils
And with boiling water comes steam
And stem can power a locomotive
Adding the one extra degree can
Make all the difference…
http://www.212movie.com/

DIET COKE CHICKEN

Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
nonstick cooking spray
1 cup ketchup
1 (12 ounce) can diet cola (I hear diet orange soda works well also)

Directions
Spray your pan with cooking spray.
Place chicken breasts in pan.
Brown lightly on each side.
Mix Ketchup and Diet Cola together.
Pour over chicken.
Cook for about 45 minutes or until chicken is tender.
Very Yummy!
--http://www.recipezaar.com/

Happy Thin-dependence - Summer BBQ's

Frozen Peanut Butter Cups

8 oz. ff cool whip

1/2 cup peanut butter (i used extra crunchy)

2 tablespoons chocolate syrup


Line muffin pans with liners. with spoon, mix cool whip and peanut butter until well combined. Spoon even portions into muffin liners.

Top each with a swirl of chocolate syrup. Freeze 6-8 hours until frozen. Once solid, remove the pan and place into freezer bag or container.

You can also use mini size foil cups and make 24 at 1 pt each. They don't re-freeze real hard and the chocolate never freezes. These kind of melt in your mouth.

Suggestions for alternative Barbecue foods:

***

Food listed, Pts, Core (~)

***

3 oz hamburger patty 5

3-oz 95% lean hamburger 3 ~

Gardenburger 1 ~ 2 oz hotdog 5

fat free hotdog 1

Soy hotdog 1

Boca Italian sausage 3

grilled Portobello mushroom 0 ~

2 oz. shrimp skewer 1 ~

41/2 oz. chicken breast - bbq with skin & bones 6

3 oz. chicken breast – without skin & bones 3 ~

6 oz chicken thigh & drumstick 9

3 oz chicken thigh (without skin, with bone) 3

2 oz hamburger bun 3

2 oz hotdog bun 3

1/2 cup potato salad 7

1/2 cup baked beans 5

1/2 cup vegetarian baked beans 2 ~

1 cup tossed salad 0 ~

vinegar and 2 tsp. olive oil 2 ~

Fat free Italian dressing 0 ~

2 T. Fat free creamy dressing 1 ~

7” ear corn on the cob 1 ~

14 potato chips 4

11 baked potato chips 2

lettuce leaves 0 ~

tomato slice 0 ~

1 T. ketchup 0 ~

1/4 cup ketchup 1 ~

1 T. mustard 0 ~

1 tsp. butter 1

2 tsp light butter 1

4 T. fat free margarine 1 ~

2” slice watermelon 1 ~

1/12 - 9” strawberry shortcake (or 1 individual) 7

1 1/2 cup sliced strawberries 1 ~

1 – 12 oz beer 3

1 – 12 oz light beer 2

iced tea with sweetener 0 ~

***

Declaration poem

***

Do you declare a thinner, healthier you?

You have the right to make your dreams come true.

***

Are you ready to pledge your goals to attain?

Independence from overweight can truly remain.

***

What if starting today you take control,

Renew the commitment, and set a healthy weight goal?

***

Enjoy this freedom, every point 2 of the ‘weigh’!

Indisputably, your diligence will be rewarded one day.

***

How badly do you want what I hold in my hand? (lifetime key)

I have confidence in you, - but YOU are in command.

Strawberry Trifle & The Instant Garden of Success

Strawberry Trifle

1 angel food cake
1 24 oz. lowfat strawberry yogurt
1 box (large) ff jello cheesecake pudding mix
8 cups strawberries
cool whip 8 oz
almonds

Cut up angel food cake in pieces Mix yogurt with cheesecake pudding mix(dry) and add 1 cup of cool whip Cut the strawberries in pieces and have all things ready to layer layer cake and then strawberries and yogurt mixture in trifle or punch bowl. repeat 2 or 3 times. Depends on bowl. Top with cool whip. ..Sprinkle with almonds and strawberry to garnish

I put it through ETools and 15 servings at 2/3 cup is 3 POINTS with almonds and 2 POINTS without. ****


Instant Garden of Success

Plant five rows of Peas:
-Patience,
-Perseverance,
-Preparation,
-Planning and Positiveness.

Include three rows of Squash:
-Squash Negativity,
-Squash Dieting,
-Squash Deprivation.

Add 5 rows of Lettuce:
-Let us be positive,
-Let us take responsibility,
-Let us be in control,
-Let us reward our accomplishments,
-Let us be empowered.

No garden is complete without Turnips:
-Turn up with a positive attitude,
-Turn up with a smile,
-Turn up with new ideas,
-turn up with real determination,
-Turn up with SUCCESS.

May your garden flourish!!!
Suzy Jones, Leader

TIME TO THINK SERIES RENEWAL * June 26

AT-WORK Group – Virginia Tech, Southgate

Welcome to the Weight Watchers At-work concept. I cannot wait to renew this series. Below are some details about the renewal. If you should have questions, please do not hesitate in contacting me.

Day: THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2008, weigh-in to start at 11:50 AM, meeting shortly thereafter

Leader: Lesia (Lisa) Linkous

Receptionist: Linda Evans-Malinowski

Location: Southgate Center, Room 153

Cost: $186.00 for 17 weeks – minimum number of “paying” participants 20

Payment: Must be in advance for full series by cash, check or credit card and received by week 2.

Payment by check received at 1st or 2nd meeting may be divided into three equal payments with ALL checks dated when written. Post-dated checks cannot be accepted.
17 week:
1st Installment of $62.00 will be deposited when received
2nd Installment of $62.00 will be deposited on Week 5
3rd Installment of $62.00 will be deposited on Week 10

PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHECKS PAYABLE TO WEIGHT WATCHERS

STATE REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM:

For AW meetings, they are offered a 13-weekof 15 week (50% of $155.35) or a 15 or 17-week reimbursement (50% of $186.00).

Eligible state employees (those with health benefits) will receive a 50% reimbursement for participating in our program (must attend and/or complete participation requirements 10 out of 13 meeting or 15 out of 17 meetings). The members will be responsible for sending in a reimbursement form that they can get from their HR department. The member will bring the form to the Leader for them to sign indicating that the member actually participated in the program. The Leader is not responsible for handling or sending in this form. It is up to the member to do this.

Attending A meeting means any meeting WW has to offer throughout the week... If the AW meeting doesn't work, then attend at a different location. Just make sure the membership book logs in the attendance.

Please direct all member inquiries to their HR Benefits website at: http://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/.

Heading into the Summer Months

Perfect Egg Salad (Core compatible)
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickle
4 finely chopped hard cooked large eggs

Combine all ingredients except eggs, then stir in eggs. Makes four 1/3 cup servings. 2 POINTS per serving.(HINT: if you want deviled eggs, take the hard cooked eggs, split them in half, take out the egg yolks, and mix those with the ingredients above the eggs. Put that mixture in the “holes” in the egg whites.)

******

Peach Ice Cream

5 c. peaches (peeled & chopped)
2/3 c. sugar
1 Tbs lemon juice
2 c. 2% milk
1/2 c. egg substitute
2 Tbs honey
1/8 tsp almond extract optional mint sprigs

1. Mash 4 cups peaches in a large bowl. Add sugar and lemon juice; stir well. Let stand 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Addmilk, egg substitute, honey, and extract; beat at medium speed of a mixer until well blended. Stir in remaining 1 cup peaches.

2. Pour mixture into freezer can of an ice cream freezer; freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. Spoon ice cream into a freezer-safe container; cover and freeze 1 hour or until firm. Garnish with mint sprigs, if desired. Serving = 1/2 cupPoints per Serving = 1Servings = 20

*******

Don't Quit
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
when the road you're trudging seems all up hill.
When spirits are low and the scale seems high,
you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When life is pressing you down a bit,
rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is strange with its twists and turns,
as everyone of us sometimes learns.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
you will succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out,
the silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are,
it may be near when it seems so far.
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,
it's when things seem worst that you MUST NOT QUIT.

*****

Whatever you think about, you bring about!

To have a successful summer, plan to be successful!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:
NOT Potato Salad

4 hard cooked eggs
2 (1 lb) pkgs frozen cauliflower florets
1 (10 oz) pkg frozen peas and carrots
1 3/4 cups reduced fat mayonnaise (I would reduce this to about 1 1/2 cups)
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
1 TBSP cider vinegar
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 cup sliced celery
2/3 cup minced onion

Makes 12 servings. 2 pts per serving. I think about 1/2 cup per serving.

Chop eggs and set aside. In a large bowl, microwave cauliflower, peas & carrots according to directions. Drain in colander, rinse with cold water. Place colander in a bowl and cool in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, salt, pepper, 1/8 tsp paprika, the vinegar, and mustard; set aside. Remove veggies from refrig and drain any water from bowl. Pat veggies dry with a paper towel; chop any large cauliflower pieces into 3/4 inch chunks. Place veggies in a large bowl, add celery, onion, & eggs. Pour mayonnaise mixture over salad; stir until veggies are well coated. Sprinkle with remaining paprika. Chill before serving.

Calories per serving: 125 calories
Fat per serving: 7 grams
Fiber per serving: 3 grams
Protein per serving: 5 grams **** Thanks Linda for the recipe ****

****

A little poem for the week!

Hot Dogs, Hot Dogs,
Oh How I love my Hotdogs!
I would rather walk the plank
than give up my frank.
They are so yummy
in my tummy.
Even though I have been cheating,
I will never miss my Wednesday meeting.
And I won't bale when I get on the scale
Cause I am never short of friendly, helpful support.
I look forward to getting the latest scoop
from my Weight Watchers group.
And .... I also want to give thanks
for the FAT FREE FRANK!! ****