Tickers

Hey guys - you're tickers are updated!! Check them out..you guys are doing so great!! I am so proud of everyone. Zoe - I seemed to botch yours up and can't remember what the goal weightloss number was...can you post it up or email it to me paramedjenny@austin.rr.com. Sorry girl - somewhere in my copy and pasting I messed it up!! Hope everyone is having a great week. Jenn

Week 14 weigh in

Ok guys - after speaking to Belinda and Ashley on the phone again last week...I think they are ready to give it another go ahead on joining the group!! They know that today is weigh in day...so we'll see!! Hit me with your numbers ladies. Please don't forget to go back and check and make sure your tickers are showing the right amounts. I know I've slacked the last couple of weeks - you all know why - but I am ready to get back on track! I also wanted to say a quick thanks to Zoe, Cat, Laurie, and soon to be Lora for helping me out during my post op time! You guys are the best and I couldn't imagine getting along without ya'll. AAAhh shucks! Jenn

Jennifer: -3 lbs (Not sure how I pulled that one off...read my comment!)

Catherine: -2.5

Laurie:+1 (UGH!)

Zoë +1 (drat!)

Lora: -.5

Heather: -2

Ashley: 0 lbs (just starting)

Belinda: 0 lbs (just starting)

Our total group weight loss for week 14 was: 8 lbs
OUR TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS SINCE THE BEGINNING: 138.5 lbs

How did ya'll do? Did anyone earn any awards this week. Let's have a reason to CELEBRATE!!!

The award goes to: JENNIFER

AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS

The Tickers

Hey guys - when you get a chance...can everyone go in and check their tickers to make sure they are right. I had to go back over two weeks and I may have made a couple of mistakes with adding or substracting the pounds! Heather - I didn't have a post for you for Week 12 - so I assumed it just stayed the same! Also, if you hadn't noticed... I deleted Belinda and Ashley - - I really just want to keep people on board if they are committed to the program!! Hope you guys have a great weekend!! Jenn

Favorite Recipe Link Dilema

Lora - can you help me figure this out or maybe just set up another new one. I can't get the favorite recipe's link to work again... I remember that one time you posted that Zero Soup with a link to the favorites recipe and I am not sure where that went or how you did it...can you help?? Thanks a bunch!! Jenn

What Was I THINKING?!?!?

So with my new energy that has sparked I decided I needed to get to the gym. You'd think after not stepping foot in there in over 5 months I'd start out slow. Nooooooooo I look at the schedule and what class are they about to start just as I'm walking in?

HIP HOP

HELLO! YEP I lasted the entire class! Ok so I was about to pass out right before the cool down but still. I did it and I like it! I am soooooo out of shape it's not even funny but I was popp'n and lock'n! If you could have been a fly on that wall you'd of got some cheap ol entertainment. Ahhhhhhhhh I walked out all smelly and red faced but Damn It I FELT GOOD! I'm sure tomorrow I'll be paying the price~I'll keep ya posted!

Peace Out and Word To Your MA-THA!
~laurie~
a.k.a So You Think You Can Dance Winna

Cheese Enchiladas

I'm doing this off the top of my head so bear with me. If you have any questions just let me know!

Cheese Enchiladas:

Bag of Shredded 2% Mexican Style Cheese
Corn Tortillas
Can of Enchilada Sauce (I used HCF Enchilada sauce-Medium and it was a little spicy)

Preheat your oven to 375

Heat your sauce in a skillet. Take one corn tortilla at a time and dip it in the sauce. After about 5-10 second flip it to the other side. Take it out of the sauce and put it on a plate. Sprinkle cheese and roll. Do as many as you want. The tortillas will be soft but if they are tooooo soft and falling apart don't let them sit in the sauce as long. If they are breaking leave them in the sauce a little longer. Place your enchiladas on a shallow backing sheet (covered with foil) and sprinkle remaining sauce and cheese on top of them. Cover with foil BUT use enough foil so that it is not touching the enchiladas (you don't want the cheese sticking to it). The foil should look kind of like a tent.

I measure out my cheese~ I used 1/4 cup (this is a serving size) for two enchiladas then I made Thomas' with ALOT more cheese and added ground beef too.

Put them in the oven for about 10 minutes (just enough to melt the cheese).

Guacamole

Take 1 or 2 avocados and cut in half
Scoop out the avocado and discard the seed
Mash it up and add salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic to taste.
I also add diced tomatoes. When I have extra points I add 1 tablespoon of French onion dip in as well.

I serve this with 1/2 c. of Fat Free Refried beans. The beans taste better if you heat them in a skillet on the stove as well. I also counted out 6 Light Restaurant Style Tositos. These are yummy and a pretty decent size. YUMMY!!!!! Enjoy!

~laurie~

Points Value

2 Cheese Enchilada--6 points
1/2 c. refried Beans--1 point
1 avocado--1 point
6 Chips--2 points

Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells

The favorite recipes link isn't working for me, so here is the recipe for the stuffed shells some of you guys asked for that I made last month when I hosted the meeting. Sorry it has taken me so long to post this! t.= teaspoon
1 (26 oz) jar fat-free spaghetti sauce, divided (I used generic HEB veg. primavera- not fat free, but close.)
vegetable cooking spray
1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup lite ricotta cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded, divided.
1/2 t. ground pepper
1/2 t. ground nutmeg
12 jumbo pasta shells, cooked.

Spoon half of the spaghetti sauce into an 11x17x1 1/2 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Set aside.

Combine spinach, ricotta cheese, 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, pepper and nutmeg; stir well. Spoon spinach mixture evenly into past shells. Arrange shells over sauce in baking dish. Spoon remaining half of spaghetti sauce over shells.

Cover and bake at 400 degrees for 35 minutes or until bubbly.

Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese.

Yield: 4 servings- 5 points per serving.

I experimented a little and found that if you want to make a double batch and freeze half, you can. I didn't put them in the baking dish with the sauce. I just stuffed the shells, then laid them on a sheet pan and stuck them in the freezer. When they were frozen solid, I put them in a ziploc bag and put them back in the freezer. To cook, I think (it was a while ago) I let them thaw a little first, then followed the instructions outlined above.

Cat

Week 13 Weigh-In

I figured that Jenn is laid up recovering from surgery and I'd create one less thing for her to worry about by pasting our weigh-in post up for the week. I look foward to seeing those numbers. Lora

Jennifer: +2 (so much for keeping it off post op!)

Catherine: -.5. With what I did to myself during (and after!!) finals, I'll take it.

Laurie: -4 (See what those pictures did! LOL)

Zoë: -5

Lora: -2.5

Heather:

Ashley:

Belinda:

Our total group weight loss for week 13 was:________
OUR TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS SINCE THE BEGINNING: ________

How did ya'll do? Did anyone earn any awards this week. Let's have a reason to CELEBRATE!!!

The award goes to: __________

AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS

Yummy Dinner Idea!

Ok so I've been venturing out this week making some meals here at home to avoid the crash into the fast food drive thrus. I decided last night I wanted to eat Mexican (craving BIG TIME). Sooooooooo I've NEVER made enchiladas but I thought how hard can it be? Sauce, cheese, tortilla~I'll try it.

I went and bought corn tortillas, can of enchilada sauce and 2% shredded cheese. I also bought avocados to make guacomole and a can of no fat refried beans. 40 minutes later Thomas and I were sitting down to a mexican restaurant style meal. The whole meal ended up being 10 points. This was 2 cheese enchiladas, 1/2 c. refried beans, 1/4 c. guacamole and 4 Light Restaurant style tortilla chips (they are pretty big). I was stuffed and excited about my new found meal. If anyone is interested in making the enchiladas or anything else let me know and I'll post the recipe. It was VERY, VERY EASY and Thomas loved it!

~laurie~

Tortellini Salad

This is an official WW recipe from their "In One Pot" book. I also added a bunch of chopped fresh basil per their recommendation.

1 pound frozen spinach tortellini
1 (15 ½ oz) can small red beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
4 ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped
½ small head radicchio, shredded
1 med. Yellow bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
2 scallions, chopped
2/3 cup bottled Parmesan-basil Italian dressing
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt

Cook the tortellini according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold water.

Meanwhile, combine the beans, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, radicchio, bell pepper, scallions, dressing, cheese and salt in a large bowl.

Add the tortellini and toss well to coat.

Makes 8 servings
Per 1 ¼ cup serving: 6 points

Exercise DVDs

Anyone have any favorite exercise DVDs they use when they can't/won't hit the gym? I would love to incorporate something new into my routine- especially as summer is ending and so my water aerobics will be going away relatively soon. :(
Cat

Shopping Spree

Tomorrow, Friday. I will be stopping in and getting myself a new journal and other assorted goodies from Weight Watchers. Does anybody else want me to get anything for them? If you aren't sure because you don't know price and products send me your phone number and I can call you while I'm there.

Lora

Thanks for coming over!

I just wanted to thank you all for coming over yesterday. I definitely think that this has put a fresh gust of wind under my sails. It was good to see everybody and to be able to talk about this stuff.

Having Jenn take my photo in a swimsuit was definitely a reality check. I know I've really felt good about the progress I made so far and can see the difference. I think I would cry if I saw a similar photo of myself from when I started this diet. It gives me all that much more inspiration to loose the weight so that next months photo I look less like a sausage stuffed into my suit. It's also inspired me to go find a picture of me from ten years ago when I was almost down my goal weight, 27 lbs away.

I really enjoyed hosting. Having to make the time to sit down and look through my cookbooks for something to make was the best and made me discover all kinds of recipes that I would like to make that are healthy, tasty and low in points. Of course, when I host again I'll make about half the food. I'll get the recipe for the tortellini salad up shortly. If wants the other recipes let me know and I'll either type them in or send you a scanned copy.

I do have one complaint: You all left without desert!

I now have two big bars of Lindt's Intense Orange Dark Chocolate in my house calling my name. If only I had the sensibility and moderation to just eat one square a day.

Lora

5K scheduled for February

Ok guys...after our discussion yesterday (and getting Catherine on board - whoo hoo) I have looked at my potential 2nd foot surgery dates and have set up our work out to start November 7th. I know that seems like a ways off - but just think about how much more weight you will have lost by then!! We'll all be feeling great about ourselves and running will seem sooooo much easier. Anyways - if you look at the calendar I have posted the first 2 weeks of our workout schedule. Catherine - if you are interested in walking instead of running... I have a schedule for that too!! Twelve weeks of prepping for this puts us into February in which I have found a 5K in austin that we can do. It't the Mardi Gras 5K in barton springs on February 10th. It'a a big family function in which I think it would be great if our families came out and cheered us on as we crossed the finish line. I know this seems like a bit far off... but I just want you guys to know how serious I am about this ...so lets get it down in the books!! Here is the website for last years run...

http://www.mardigras5k.com/

Interesting article

It talks about a study that looked at the effects of exercise and specifically fat cells around the abdomen. The results weren't a big surprise, but the fat cells around the abdomen reacted differently than those in the hips, so I thought it was interesting.
Jenn- I was thinking more about the running program you were talking about, and I decided I'll give it a go. Will you be posting the link on the site?
Cat

Week 12 Weigh in

Jennifer: -1 lb

Catherine: +2 (hot and cold! You can tell when Mike goes to TN and I don't work out!)

Laurie: ???

Zoë: -5 lbs (now if I can just keep it up!)

Lora: -1 lb

Heather: ???

Ashley: ???

Belinda: ???

Our total group weight loss for week 12 was: 7 lbs
OUR TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS SINCE THE BEGINNING: 118.5 lbs

How did ya'll do? Did anyone earn any awards this week. Let's have a reason to CELEBRATE!!!

The award goes to: Zoë

AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS

Zoë has earned her 15lb star!! Awesome!

New Message Board started

Just wanted to let you guys know that there is a new Weight Watchers message board that started if you are looking to talk with people that want to lose the same amount of weight as you do. Seems like it might start to get interesting! Just another source of info and "bonding" if you're interested!! Jenn

http://www.choosing2lose.com/forums/

Wednesday, 11:00am

So we are definitely on for a meeting on Wednesday at my place. I can e-mail my address and directions to everybody except for Ashley and Belinda through Meetup. Jenn, I'll ask that you do the honors of passing that info along to them.

I'm going to keep it really low key. Once again, we have a busy week and I'm going to take Liam to his first Little Gym class that morning. We'll be home by 10 and all are welcome anytime after that.

As for format and activities. Jenn had the idea of doing some pictures. Kind of like the before and after idea, but we could do them from meeting to meeting. I also though it would be nice if everybody came in ready to discuss goal setting and how to keep motivated over the long haul. I'd also like everybody to bring in the name and, if possible, the packaging from one low point product they have discovered and would like to share. No need to bring in samples, unless you want to.

I'll provide lunch for everybody, although I haven't gotten a chance to think about what I'll make yet. Anything else you think we should put on the agenda?

I've moved the favorite recipes

You can now find the favorite recipes link on the right hand side column under Sample Menus. Trying to get everything a little bit more organized!! Jenn

Our own Chat room!!

Hey guys - Our weight watchers group has its own chat room now!! Yes, I got the idea from Christy... but I thought that maybe once a week or once every other week we could all sit down together and chat!! If you look on the upper right hand column, click on the link that says OUR CHAT ROOM.

Type in your name (no profile necessary) and click CHAT! You will type your responses on the blue bar on the bottom. It's as easy as 1-2-3. Look forward to seeing you guys in there!!

Any ideas as to when we should chat??

Jenn

PS - I have also added a calendar to keep us in check as well!! Any events we need to add?? Dates to remember?

Wonder what exercises to do??

I don't know about you guys, but I always find it hard to figure out what exercises I should be doing on a regular basis. I always just resort to the cardio workout because that I what I am comfortable with. I was doing a little google research and found this link, and I wanted to share it with everyone. When you first open it...it seems like a ton of information, but the part that I am really interested in is the pictures that show you how to do the appropriate exercises - and page 21 or 25 that shows you a 45 day calender on how to work out.

I think I am going to try this...espicially the upper body workout while I am on surgery leave. Take a peak at it - it looks awesome and pretty easy!! If this truely is a navy seal workout - we are going to be shedding the pounds like crazy!!

I am going to add this link to the right column of our website for a quick reference for you guys too!! Does anyone have any other good online workout programs that they would like me to add??

45 day workout program

Jennifer

Welcome Newbies!!!

Ok guys =- I would like to welcome two new editions to our Weight Watchers Board!! They are co-workers of mine from the hospital...but I figured the more the marrier, right? Anyways - there names are Ashley and Belinda!! We are all on the this journey of weight loss together ladies!!

Ashley and Belinda - when you log into the website, with the instructions that I gave you please click the blue link that says MothersIncWW and that will take you to the screen where you can post comments.

The create tab will let you type and post new topics. Make sure you publish your post after you are finished typing something so the group can see it. We weigh in on every Monday. If you will click on the blue link on this main page that says Weigh in #12 (that's the next one we will do on Monday) you will be able to go in and type how much weight you have lost. It's pretty easy once you do it a couple of times.. you just have to get the hang of it. During the middle of the week, after my shifts at the hospital, I will go in and edit your weight loss ticker (found on the right had column) to keep track of how much weight you have lost. We give out "virtual awards" for each 5lbs that you lose just as a little mental incentive!! The only requirement that we have is that you PLEASE weigh in and record you weightloss on Monday of each week. Check this website often as there are always new topics and different things to keep you motiviated.

Also, after each new message board topic there is a place to leave comments regarding that matter (this is found on the main Pink page). You are free to leave comments, suggestions, ideas, encouragement - whatever want!! Those will be visible for everyone to see!!

Please email me PARAMEDJENNY@AUSTIN.RR.COM if you have any questions or need any help. As a group we have already lost over 100lbs and look forward to many more to go. Belinda - I need to know how much weight you want to lose (not your current weight) so that I can start a ticker for you!!

Great to have you guys... let's welcome them ladies!! Jenn

Everybody's Ticker EXPOSED!!

Just wanted to do this one time so we can each see how everyone is doing!!GREAT JOB GUYS!!!

Jennifer







Catherine






Laurie







Zoe







Lora







Heather

Week 11 weigh in!!

Jennifer: -1 lb

Catherine: -3.5 In spite of Zoe's evil dip!!! :)

Zoë +3.5 lb (I'm so disgusted with myself I don't even want to talk about it :( )

Laurie: +1 lb

Lora: -2.5 lb

Heather: -2 (technically 1.8 but I had just eaten breakfast so I'm calling it 2)

Our total group weight loss for week 11 was: 9 lbs
OUR TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS SINCE THE BEGINNING: 111.5 lbs

How did ya'll do? Did anyone earn any awards this week. Let's have a reason to CELEBRATE!!!

The award goes to: Catherine

AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS

Lora has earned her 10lb star!! Awesome!




Heather has earned her 10lb star!! Way to go!!

Meeting?

I know that we all found the meeting last month at Catherine's to be inspiring. I'd like to host one at my place sometime in the coming weeks. The date I had in mind is Thursday, August 24th, but then I realized that Jen will still be in recovery mode from surgery. Perhaps the week after on the 31st would be better. What do y'all think?

Lora

Did you know...

Did you guys know:

- The average person burns about 2500 calories a day

- Every 15 - 18 lbs lost means you've drop a dress size

- For every 3500 calories burned you lose a pound

How does this apply to your daily living. Think about how many calories your putting into your body...and how many calories you are burning off. Do you see a way where you may drop you weight a little faster??

Just some things to think about!! Jenn

Those darn feet

Well, I got word at the podiatrist office yesterday... it's time for the BIG surgery on my feet. We have run out of options - nothing else to try! The surgery is scheduled for Aug 11th - next Friday! I am Ok with having the surgery - I am just a bit worried as to how I am going to function post operatively. See... the plan is 2 weeks of NON WEIGHT BARRING on one foot, then 2 weeks in a walking boot, and then slowly get back into regular shoes again. NON WEIGHT BARRING - how are you supposed to take care of an 8 month old when you are on crutches and can't put your foot on the ground. How do you cook... how do you clean... how do you do the laundery... how do you stay entertained?? Do you want to hear the really sad part about it... they can only do one foot at a time. So after I heal from my right foot - they have to go back and do my left foot with the same procedure. Ugh - i am so frustrated!! I just don't know how we are going to do this.

The thing that I think upsets me even more - - is that I am not going to be able to exercise at all... I am afraid that the weight is just going to pile right back up on me. I mean - what am I gonna do. There is no way that I am going to be able reach my goal by September 23rd. What a downer.... any ideas?? Jennifer