As Long as it Takes

Hello, Weight Watchers! Did you use this week as an opportunity to practice your Asserting skills? Did you like having the opportunity in last week’s meeting to Talk About What Works and Laugh About What Doesn’t? If we learn how to ask for the help we need, we will discover that making long-lasting, realistic changes to our weight can be positively influenced by the support of our family, friends, and coworkers. With the added support from Meetings, members can celebrate weight-loss success for good.

LAST CHANCE!

If you purchase one box of Just Two POINTS snack bars, Cheddar Twists, or Pretzel Thins, you will receive one dollar off a second box. Feel free to mix and match! This sale ends August 25. Please e-mail me ahead of time if you want more than two of any of the Just Two POINTS bars or one of the pretzels or Cheddar Twists so you can take full advantage of this sale.

YOUR PASSPORT TO SUCCESS

Enter for a chance to win a dream vacation to any destination in the world! Starting this week, I will be distributing Passports to Success and game cards at all Traditional and At-Work meetings. Each week until November 10, members can pick up a new game card each week. When you have six game card stickers on your passport, turn it back in to me and I will forward them to New York to compete for the grand prize. Game cards also may contain instant prizes or discounts. Game cards may be obtained from me or at any participating Weight Watchers meeting location. Good luck!

FREE REGISTRATION!

New members will enjoy the benefits of free registration starting August 19. Tell your family and friends!

9 WAYS TO BEAT FOOD-JOURNAL BOREDOM

A food journal is an effective weight-loss tool, but it can take the fun out of eating. Try one of these tips to keep things interesting!

1) Try the 3-month journal with a motivational saying on each page.

2) Go high-tech and keep an on-line food diary with Weight Watchers eTools.

3) Download a program for your PDA or cell phone (If you are an eTools subscriber, did you know that WW offers a Palm version?)

4) Buy colorful pens or markers; use a fancy blank notebook.

5) Try a "reverse journal" -- map out your menu ahead of time and try to stick to it.

6) Swap journals with a friend.

7) Post your journal on "What I Ate Today," a WeightWatchers.com community message board.

8) Buy gold star stickers and award one for each day you write down EVERYTHING.

9) Plan a (non-food) reward for a successful week of tracking.

You may not love writing things down, but you will love the results!

ARTICLES OF NOTE

• Milestones, the Key to Weight-Loss Success
• Katharine the Great…Loser!
• Linda Loses 13.7 Pounds, Slow and Steady
• Measure Your Success
• The Starvation Myth

We can sometimes be discouraged by the amount of time it takes for us to achieve our Winning Outcomes. This week, we will discuss ways to recognize the patience and persistence we already have, and tap into these internal resources any time we’re frustrated with our weight-loss progress. The When You Have a Lot to Lose leaflet will also be available. The tips in this leaflet are helpful for all, no matter where you are in your weight loss journey.

Have a great week, everyone!

Cyndi

Never consider the possibility of failure; as long as you persist, you will be successful.

~Brian Tracy

Shrimp Picadillo

From Sept/Oct 2007 Weight Watchers Magazine

Serves 4

POINTS value 4

½ pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

¼ t salt

¼ t fresh ground pepper

2 t olive oil

1 zucchini, diced

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 (14 ½ oz) cans Mexican-style stewed tomatoes

¼ c water

8 pitted green olives, halved

1 (8 ½ oz) package Santa Fe-style cooked whole-grain rice medley

2 T fresh cilantro, chopped

Sprinkle the shrimp with the salt and pepper. Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and set over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring frequently, just until opaque in the center (about 3 min). Transfer to a plate.

Heat the oil in the skillet over medium-high heat/ Add the zucchini, onion, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until veggies are tender (6-8 min). Stir in the tomatoes, water, and olives, and bring to a boil. Stir in the shrimp and rice medley. Reduce the heat and simmer until heater through (about 2 min). Stir in the cilantro and serve at once.