Relax, Recuperate, Refocus

Hello, Weight Watchers! If you were able to attend a meeting last week, did the Healthy Habits quiz give you some insight? Part of the Weight Watchers program is to work on our habits so that we can maintain the weight we’ve worked so hard to lose, and the new materials will help you to do just that. 2008 is a fresh, clean QuikTrak journal – how will you fill it?

WEIGHT WATCHERS WANTS YOU!

Are you interested in employment that involves helping others, a discount on Weight Watchers products, and motivation and support to maintain your loss? If so, Weight Watchers may be the place for you! Open Information sessions are open to any current member, whether you are currently at goal or not. This is a great opportunity to find out what we’re all about in a no-stress, no-obligation environment. To RSVP, please call (317) 826-8082.

• January 15, First Baptist Church (1950 E SR 54, Linton), 5pm
• January 16, Indy Southside WW Center (2370 E Stop 11, Indianapolis), 11am
• January 16, Indy Eastside WW Center (9433 E Washington, Indianapolis), 2:30pm
• January 20, Indy Castleton WW Center (8510 Center Run Dr, Indianapolis), 2pm
• January 20, Indy Southside WW Center (2370 E Stop 11, Indianapolis), 4:30pm
• January 22, Grace United Methodist (2836 Indiana Ave, Connersville), 5:30pm
• January 26, Bloomington WW Center (309 Winslow Rd, Bloomington), 10:30am

WHY WEIGH?

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard, “I knew I gained this week, so I skipped the meeting,” well, I certainly wouldn’t be working for Weight Watchers any more! I know that it can be hard to face the music, and I certainly encourage you to use your No Weigh-In pass if seeing a certain number would prevent you from attending the meeting, but I really prefer to know what’s going on than imagine the worst. You weigh what you weigh whether you use the tool of the scale to tell you the number or not. I know that number holds a lot of meaning, but the scale doesn’t know what challenges you had this week. That number does not define whether you are a good person or even necessarily whether you made good or bad choices. Check out this article for some ideas for non-scale ways to measure your progress.

NEW PRODUCTS COMING SOON!

Make sure to hit a meeting the second and fourth weeks of January. We will be offering samples of our two newest products – Peanut Butter Bliss Mini Bars and Sourdough Pretzel Thins. I’ve tried the Peanut Butter Bliss bars and they are YUMMY! Only one Point and perfect for that peanut butter cup craving. I’ll try the pretzels soon and review them for you.

ARTICLES OF NOTE

• Me First
• How to be Your Own Best Friend
• Jenifer’s Newfound Joy

For many of us, the preceding months have been hectic – filled with obligations, celebrations, travel, errands, and parties. This week, we’re going to Relax, Recuperate, and Refocus and discuss what we can do in the coming weeks, including the Taking Care of Yourself Healthy Habit.

Have a great week, everyone!

Cyndi

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

--James Ryun

Apricot Bellinis

Serves 6 | POINTS values 2

From WeightWatchers.com

• 3/4 cup apricot nectar, or passion fruit nectar, chilled
• 750 ml Champagne, or Prosecco, chilled (about 25 fl oz or 3 cups)
• 1/4 cups raspberries
• 6 piece mint leaves

To make each drink, pour 1/8 cup (2 tablespoons) of nectar into a Champagne flute or other glass; top each with 1/2 cup of Prosecco.

To garnish, drop a few raspberries and a mint sprig into each glass; serve immediately. Yields about 5 fluid ounces per serving.

Layered Mexican Bean Dip

Serves 16 | POINTS values 2, also Core

• 16 oz fat-free canned refried beans
• 3 medium avocado, Hass, finely mashed
• 1/4 tsp table salt
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup fat-free sour cream
• 2 Tbsp Old El Paso Fajita Seasoning Mix, or other brand
• 1/2 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
• 1 small tomato(es), chopped
• 2 medium scallion(s), sliced
• 10 medium olive(s), black, sliced or chopped
• 2 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped

Spread beans evenly over bottom of a 9 X 13-inch glass baking dish or a medium-size glass bowl.

Combine avocado, salt and lemon juice in a small bowl. Spread avocado mixture over beans; top with sour cream.

Sprinkle fajita seasoning over sour cream layer. Next, layer remaining ingredients on top in order listed.

Serve immediately with jicama slices and other fresh vegetables for dipping, or chill until ready to use. Yields about 1/4 cup per serving.

What Did Your 2007 Do for You?

Did thinking about your anchors help you get through any holiday festivities? Even if you feel like you “messed up” this holiday season, remember that you don’t earn Activity Points by beating yourself up over it. Right now is the perfect time to get back on the program.

FREE REGISTRATION!

If you have any friends or family who are interested in the Weight Watchers program, or are a member who has been gone awhile, now is a great time to come to Weight Watchers! Starting December 23, new Traditional meetings members will not pay a registration fee, and returning members on the Pay-As-You-Go or Prepay Coupon plans pay no missed meeting fees! This week, we’re introducing our new Eight Healthy Habits, so come back now to get the most current plan information! (At-Work members: An At-Work meeting is a “closed meeting,” meaning that all members must be registered at that meeting. However, new members may join at any time. I can prorate their fees down based on the number of weeks remaining in the series. Payroll deduction and split check payments are only available to members who join at the beginning of the series, however.)

REACHING YOUR GOALS

I’ve had several questions about setting weight goals in the past week, so I thought I’d include a little blurb about that here. When you join Weight Watchers, a 10% goal is set for you. It is written inside your Membership book, directly below your starting weight. This goal is simply 10% of your starting weight.

When you reach that goal (and there is no time limit to reach it – you will get there when it’s right for you), I will have a short weight conference with you. At that time, we will discuss your healthy weight range, and whether you would like to go ahead and set your ultimate weight goal or set an intermediate goal and re-evaluate your ultimate weight goal when you are closer to your range. Your healthy weight range is based on your height and can be found in the Welcome to Your Meeting book you should have received in your first week.

If you do not feel that the healthy weight range is appropriate for you, please have a discussion with your doctor regarding what is a more appropriate goal weight for you. I can set your goal outside of the healthy weight range, but need a note from your doctor stating that a specific goal outside that range is safe and healthy for you. The only difference is that if you would like to join the staff of Weight Watchers, you must be within the healthy weight range; doctor’s notes are not accepted. However, members with doctor’s goals may achieve Lifetime membership.

I would advise you to set your goal very close to where you would actually like it to be. Members who set their goals very high and lose much more weight can really lose out in practicing the Maintenance part of the Weight Watchers plan during their six Maintenance weeks. Members who set their goals very low may struggle to maintain it and become frustrated. Remember that Weight Watchers gives you a two-pound variance for Lifetime weigh-ins and that you can change your goal if you find that it is no longer appropriate for you. It’s a bit of a balancing act, and a lot of trial and error, but you’ll know when it’s right. Please let me know if any of this was unclear or you have any additional questions!

WHAT A DEAL! – FINAL WEEK!

From Nov 4 – Dec 29, all Weight Watchers cookbooks (with the exception of Mix it Match it, new for 2008 at $20) will be on sale for just $7! This great deal is a great way to expand your food repertoire and make eating in more fun!

ARTICLES OF NOTE

• Surviving the Post-Season Blues
• Fifth Time was the Charm
• 7 Small Steps to a Healthy You
• Holiday Weight Gain and the Benefit of a New Year’s Resolution
• Cocktail Cheat Sheet

As we manage our way through the holidays and look forward to getting back on track for the new year, it’s important to look back over the year and acknowledge the “feedback, not failure” principle and learn from our experiences. By recognizing what works and what hasn’t, we will be ready to use the brand new Habit Profile in the Think First book to zero in on our own helpful habits, which will make us more successful in 2008. Come join me this week and discuss What did Your 2007 Do for You? (If your group is not meeting this week, I will cover this material a bit next week, as well. This material is all-new for 2008 and I think it’s very important.)

Have a great week, everyone!

Cyndi

Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.

--Oprah Winfrey

Moroccan Carrot Dip with Pita Triangles

Serves 6 | POINTS values 2

Core if served with fresh veggies instead of pita wedges

From My TurnAround Program Cookbook

1 pound carrots, cut into 1” pieces

1 T extra-virgin olive oil

1 small garlic clove

1 ½ t fresh lemon juice

½ t ground cumin

½ t salt

¼ + 1/8 t cinnamon

¼ t ground coriander

1/8 t cayenne

1 t paprika (optional)

3 6” whole-wheat pitas, cut into 8 wedges each

• Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook until tender (~20 min); drain. Let cool 5 min.
• Place all other ingredients except paprika and pita wedges into a food processor and process until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with paprika if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature with pita wedges.

Shrimp with Key Lime Cocktail Sauce

Serves 4 | POINTS values 3

Also Core

From WeightWatchers.com

1 pound shrimp, medium, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup ketchup

2 Tbsp fresh lime juice, or Key lime juice

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce

• Rinse the shrimp under cold water and place them in a saucepan with enough cold water to cover them; heat just until the water begins to simmer. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside 1 minute, or until the shrimp are opaque in the center. Drain the shrimp, then plunge them into a bowl of ice water. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange on a serving platter.
• To make the cocktail sauce, combine the ketchup, key lime juice, Worcestershire sauce and pepper sauce in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more hot pepper sauce or Worcestershire sauce as desired. Serve the shrimp with the cocktail sauce.

Lucky Charms

Hello Weight Watchers! Did last week’s meeting help you re-energize and KickStart Your Success? No matter whether you are a new member, switching food plans, or just needing a kick in the pants, the new 2008 products and KickStart guide can help you get on the path to success!

WHAT A DEAL!

From Nov 4 – Dec 29, all Weight Watchers cookbooks (with the exception of Mix it Match it, new for 2008 at $20) will be on sale for just $7! This great deal is a great way to expand your food repertoire and make eating in more fun! Don’t forget that you can e-mail advance product orders to me at this address. Cookbooks can make a great holiday gift for the Weight Watchers in your life!

THE HOLIDAYS WILL BE A BREEZE!

When you tell yourself that the holiday season will be hard, it will be. Your self-talk becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you expect to give in to the temptation of all those homemade baked goods, you will. If you're sure it's not an option to turn down your mother's offer of seconds, it won't be. But if you want to start the New Year without feeling like you're starting over, you can. The first thing you need is a positive attitude. You can if you think you can!

Read more of this great article at WeightWatchers.com – then click on the link at the end of the article for the game plan that applies to your holiday goal: I aim to LOSE, I'm happy to MAINTAIN, or I'm putting weight loss ON HOLD.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CHANGES

Please remember that our group will not be meeting again until Monday, January 14. If you would like to attend a meeting in your area, simply go to www.weightwatchers.com and put the ZIP code of where you’ll be in the box on the left-hand side of the page. Take your Membership book with you to the meeting. You will not have to pay a registration fee, but will have to pay the weekly fee ($13 for Current members, $11 for Seniors/Students). Members who regularly attend have greater success – don’t let the holidays get in the way of your weight-loss Winning Outcomes!

ARTICLES OF NOTE

· Changing from the Inside Out

· The Skill of Flexible Restraint

· Why the Scale Lies

Anchoring is a common practice that helps people keep their resources and good feelings close at hand. Many of us already use these Lucky Charms – objects, images, words, gestures, or pictures – all the time; we just do not know them as anchors. Bring your Week Two Starcatcher bookmark with you to this week’s meeting and any object or image that is helping you with your weight loss.

Have a great week, everyone!

Cyndi

One-half of life is luck; the other half is discipline - and that’s the important half, for without discipline you wouldn’t know what to do with luck.

--Carl Zuckmeyer

Maple-Frosted Carrot Cake

Serves 12 | POINTS 4

From Mix It Match It

1 ½ c cake flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

¾ c granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 egg white

2 Tbs canola oil

1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained. ¼ c liquid reserved

2 carrots, shredded

¼ c raisins

4 oz light cream cheese

¼ c confectioner’s sugar

1 Tbs maple syrup

• Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray an 8” square baking pan with nonstick spray.
• Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt into a med. bowl.
• Combine the granulated sugar, egg, egg white, and oil in a large bowl and stir until blended. Add the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Stir in the pineapple and reserved liquid, carrots, and raisins. Scrape the batter into the pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (25-30 min). Remove the cake from the pan and cool completely on a rack.
• Beat the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, ad maple syrup in a med. bowl just until blended and smooth. Spread on top of cooled cake.

Spiced Roast Pork

Serves 6 | POINTS 4 and Core

From My TurnAround Program Cookbook

1 (1 ½ lb) boneless center-cut pork loin, trimmed

¼ c chopped fresh parsley

2 Tbs apple cider vinegar

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp paprika

2 tsp grated lime zest

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp salt

½ tsp freshly ground pepper

• Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Combine the parsley, vinegar, garlic, paprika, lime zest, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the pork and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate 8-24 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 325 F. Place a rack in a roasting pan and spray both with nonstick spray.
• Place the pork on the rack and roast until 160 F internal temp (about 1 hr and 10 min). Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let stand for about 5 min. Carve and serve.

Kick-Start Your Sucess

Do you feel any calmer about holiday, work, and family stress after last week’s time-management tips? Did any of you practice “The Lion” or any deep-breathing this week? Remember, it may not make your problems go away, but getting some oxygen to your body and clearing your mind makes you more prepared to take on any challenge that life brings! Here Comes the Rest of the Holidays!

KEEP GOOD FOODS IN SIGHT TO EAT RIGHT

With all those tempting holiday treats popping out at you from every direction, this is a good time to think about redoing your pantry and fridge so that healthy snacks and treats are the ones you'll see first. Move the cookies, chips, and other goodies to the top shelf or waaaay in the back. Put the whole-grain crackers, dried fruits, cut up veggies and fruits front and center. Put candy in an opaque covered dish – out of sight, out of mind! Or better yet, try 2 small clementines for 1 POINT. They are a sweet treat and look pretty when piled in a bowl on the counter or coffee table.

Remember: Foods within easy reach are the ones most likely to be eaten!

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CHANGES

Currently, our group will be meeting on Wednesday, December 26 (I am awaiting final confirmation from the building supervisors). If you will be out of town, but would like to attend a meeting in your area, simply go to www.weightwatchers.com and put the ZIP code of where you’ll be in the box on the left-hand side of the page. Members who regularly attend have greater success – don’t let the holidays get in the way of your weight-loss Winning Outcomes!

THEY’RE HERE!

It’s a great time to be a Weight Watchers member! The new 2008 materials are out and better than ever! The new and improved Complete Food Companion has entries for over 18,000 foods, including more Core foods than ever before. The Quick Fixes section in the back has been expanded and includes tons of great, simple, and quick recipes for meal and snack ideas. The Dining Out Companion includes over 130 restaurants and now includes an entirely new section of dining out tips, common questions, and dos and don’ts.

To better serve your needs, Weight Watchers is offering two versions of the Member Kit this year. The Basic Member Kit ($25) includes the 2008 Complete Food and Dining Out Companions, Three-Month Journal, Meal Survival Guide, $10 coupon booklet, and handy storage tote. The Deluxe Member Kit ($38) include all items in the Basic Member Kit plus Shot in the Arm book of inspirational stories, Start Getting Healthy DVD with useful cooking and activity tips, and deluxe canvas organizer. (I’m hoping that they will also decide to sell the organizer separately – keep your fingers crossed!)

The new program cookbook for 2008 is Mix it Match it ($20). It is a flip book of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and desserts. This cookbook makes is easy and fun to choose different combinations and plan your daily meals. Mix it Match it was designed with the 8 Good Health Guidelines in mind and includes more than 1,000 healthy and practical recipes.

I have attached an updated product price list to this e-mail. Please let me know if you are interested in anything you see there – it can be ordered if you haven’t seen it at your meeting!

As always, please feel free to leaf through any of the new 2008 materials and ask questions. Every Weight Watchers staff member (including the President of the North America company!) is a member first and is living the program, just like you!

ARTICLES OF NOTE

• Kathleen starts her new life with a new look!
• Hot Dish: Shopping List Must-Haves
• The Secret to Skinny Snacking

This week’s meeting introduces the 2008 program changes and the new Kickstart Your Success program enhancement booklet. All members, current and new, should make sure to attend this week to receive these valuable program tools. Together, we will discover how these can be used to kick start our weight-loss efforts, whether you are just getting started, need a “kick” back to following the program, are on a plateau, or want and easy way to stay on track during the busy holiday season.

Have a great week, everyone!

Cyndi

Develop the winning edge; small differences in your performance can lead to large differences in your results.

--Brian Tracy, author

Mozzarella Panini

POINTS 5 | Serves 1

From the 2008 Complete Food Companion Quick Fixes section

2 tsp light Italian dressing

2 (1/2” thick) slices semolina or Italian bread (to total 2 oz)

1 oz part-skim mozzarella, thinly sliced

2 slices tomato

4 fresh basil leaves

Olive oil cooking spray

Brush dressing on one sides of each of the bread slices. Top one slice with cheese, tomato, and basil, and close to form a sandwich. Heat a grill pan or grill on high. Spray with cooking spray. Place sandwich on grill and press the sandwich down with a weight (a foil-wrapped brick works well – Cyndi) or spatula. Cook one to two minutes per side, until bread toasts or cheese melts.

Lentil Soup (Core!)

POINTS 2 | Serves 12

From the 2008 Complete Food Companion Quick Fixes section

1 lb lentils, rinsed (about 2 cups)

1 c sliced or shredded carrots

2 1/3 c chopped onions, or one 10 oz package frozen onions, thawed

2 c celery, diced

8 c vegetable broth

2 tsp salt

½ tsp ground pepper

1 tsp dried thyme or 1 fresh thyme sprig

1 bay leaf

Place all ingredients in a slow cooker. Stir, cover, and cook on low for sever to eight hours. Freezes well!

Here Come the Rest of the Holidays

Hello, Weight Watchers! For the past few weeks, we’ve been talking about holiday challenges and strategies. Did last week’s meeting help in Keeping the Holidays in Perspective? We really can think of any excuse to celebrate with food. J By keeping in mind that holidays are just another day in our weight-loss journey, we can avoid some of the pitfalls of holiday eating.

IT’S COMING!

Make sure to attend your meeting the week of December 9! New program materials, giveaways, and a whole new year with Weight Watchers is coming your way. Get your kickstart before the January rush and be ahead of the game for 2008!

COLD? KEEP MOVING!

Keep warm and don't let the cold weather put a stop to your activity -- check out some workout videos from you library or sign up with a health club now before the January rush. Rake the last leaves (or shovel snow) or add extra stretches and squats while putting up decorations. Squeeze in some extra steps by parking farther away when you're shopping. Bundle up and listen to your favorite holiday music when you take a brisk walk outdoors. I pick at least one night to walk around my neighborhood in the evening to admire the lights while listening to some carols with my headphones. Then I thaw out by enjoying a 1pt cup of hot chocolate!

BAD WEATHER HOTLINE

If the weather outside is frightful, call toll-free (800)374-9191 (for Traditional or Center meetings) or get in touch with your Client Contact (for At-Work meetings) to find out if your meeting has been closed. We try to make that decision at least 2 hours prior to the meeting time. Please note that neither the 800# automated service nor the website will have this information, so please talk with a real customer service representative to get the scoop!

WHAT A DEAL!

From Nov 4 – Dec 29, all Weight Watchers cookbooks (with the exception of Mix it Match it, coming soon) will be on sale for just $7! This great deal is a great way to expand your food repertoire and make eating in more fun! Don’t forget that you can e-mail advance product orders to me at this address. Cookbooks can make a great holiday gift for the Weight Watchers in your life!

ARTICLES OF NOTE

• Putting You First
• 5 Steps to Stopping Stress
• Modest Goals, Major Changes

This week begins what (for many members) is the busiest time of year. Too much to do and lack of time can create the kind of stress that negatively affects our weight-loss progress. This week, we’ll share tips and tricks for effective time-management and Storyboard our way to the Winning Outcomes we set last week. Join me this week for Here Comes the Rest of the Holidays!

Have a great week, everyone! Indiana Eligibility Modernization Weight Watchers lost 3.0 pounds last week – congratulations!

Cyndi

If you want to make good use of your time, you've got to know what's most important and then give it all you've got.

--Lee Iacocca

Cook Once, Eat All Week: Soups, Chilis, and Stews

Taco Chili
1 pound ground protein of choice
1 can black beans (or soak dry beans in broth)
1 can pinto beans (or soak dry beans in broth)
2 cans diced tomatoes (I use Red Gold Mexican Fiesta tomatoes with peppers)
1 can corn
1 can hominy
8 oz tomato sauce
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet ranch salad dressing mix
1 T chili powder

Brown meat or thaw soy crumbles. Combine all ingredients (do not drain cans), in a crock pot and cook on low all day.

Makes approx 20 one-cup servings. Approx. 2.5 points per cup.