TASTY TUESDAY: 

I know, it’s a day late, but tasty Wednesday doesn't sound as good! L

SKINNY BANG BANG SHRIMP           

from Pinterest @ Recipe Diaries

My husband and I went to Houlihan’s for our Anniversary last week and ordered their Fire Cracker Shrimp.  It was sooo good we ordered a second serving!  Now I know I can make it for less points myself!

Servings: 4

Points Plus Values:  3

Ingredients:

·        1 lb. shrimp (about 50) cooked or uncooked.  Shelled or deveined.

·        10 skewer sticks (optional)

·        3 T Chobani plain Greek Yogurt

·        3 T chopped green onion, plus more for garnish

·        11/2 T Sweet Chili Sauce

·        ½ - ¾ T Sriracha Suace

Instructions:

1.      If you are grilling on a grill be sure to soak the wooden skewers in water to avoid burning.

2.    Combine yogurt, onion, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl and stir well.  Set aside.  If you want it thicker use 2 T yogurt and 1 T light mayo

3.     Place 5 shrimp on each skewer

4.    If shrimp are raw:  Grill on each side for 5-8 minutes until opaque & cooked through

5.     If shrimp are cooked:  Place on a backing sheet and bake at 350 for 5-10 minutes

6.     Brush each hot skewer liberally with the sauce on both sides

7.     Serve immediately – I like to serve mine over shredded lettuce! Like Houlihan’s & Bonefish Grill do!

NUTRITION INFORMATION:

Serving Size: ¼ of the BANG BANG

Points Plus Values:  3

Calories: 122  Fat: 5.6   Carbs:  2.7    Sodium:  435mg    Fiber:  0    Protein:  14

MY STORY… BEYOND THE SCALE & REAL LIFE TOO

Where has all the Quicksand gone?

courtesy of borysSNORC.com

Remember old cartoons, T.V shows & movies always had scenes that included quicksand?  Where the hero is running to catch the villain only to be stopped when getting stuck in a random area of quicksand.  Dynasty, Batman, Get Smart, Princess Bride, Fantasy Island, Gilligan’s Island, Adventures of Black Beauty and heck even the Simpsons had an episode involving this plot.  As huge of a plot this was in the 60’s-90’s it seems to have disappeared from modern cinema.  Maybe audiences got smart & realized quicksand couldn’t be smack dab in the middle of Gotham City …. Oh well. It doesn’t really matter because I’m afraid it is still very much alive in the world of Weight Watchers.

Quicksand Cinema

We are like the Hero running toward our goals, in the “zone” so to speak and all of a sudden we realize we stepped in quicksand!  The Quicksand of Instant Gratification!  Picture this, we are driving down Randall Rd and begin to crave one of the many delicious choices we see.  We don’t realize were in up to our ankles.  The struggle of yes or no – good or bad bounces around our heads until we are in up to our waists!   We need FRIES right away!  We pull through the nearest fast food drive thru & meet that craving.  The fries taste great but Gee Wiz now I feel like such a failure.  Since my mindset is so in the dumps of course the next time I “NEED” anything I just give in; since I had the fries and already “blew” it.  I THINK there is no longer hope for today ~ And swoosh - we sink! 

Why do we fall for this head game?  In, Find Your Fingerprint the author, Elizabeth Josefsberg, suggests it’s because when we work hard we don’t instantly see the benefits.  “You make that difficult decision now (you say no to the donuts) and perhaps a few days or weeks down the line you see the benefit of that choice (your pants are less tight).  That is long after you have forgotten about that good choice.” 

Can you relate to that?  You track every bite that enters your mouth and workout 4 times a week yet the scale only drops a few tenths of a pound.  Or in reverse too.  If I give in to that instant gratification temptation a few times in a week I MAY not see that on the scale for a week or so either.  Thus reinforcing it is more FUN to be BAD!  What would happen if when I ate the donut it INSTANTLY showed up on my right butt cheek for the whole world to see?  Hehe! Let’s just say I may be out of a job. J  But, since it doesn’t, we need to use other tools to avoid caving in the middle of an instant gratification moment!  Saying no isn’t easy in a world that hands us food at every turn.  I agree, but it can be done!  We just need to remember that it doesn’t make sense for quicksand to be in the middle of Randall Road, then get the heck out of my journey too!  I’ve got goals for goodness sake!

What tips have helped you in these moments of temptation?  Please share these non scale victories here, on FB or in your meetings.  The power of the group and the knowledge we share together is what keeps us going!  I may not think quick enough in the moment of sinking to come up with a way out but if you have had success in the past with that same situation it may just be the random vine dangling over my pit that I can use to pull myself back out before sinking any deeper! 

Find Your Fingerprint Page 129

Here's a few tips listed in the Fingerprint Book; let's look at these deeper at the Struggling Member Workshop in August but for now try a few of her suggested tips:

1.     Make a Promise – You can have this food later.  Just not this second.

2.     Put it on Delay – If later just won’t do it for you then what if you allow yourself that treat in 10 minutes.  If you still want it then – have it.

3.     Distract Yourself - what are ways to do that?

4.     Pick up the phone- It’s always with us now days anyway.  Call your friend and catch up.  Bet you will forget about that ice cream!

JULY Theme:  FIND YOUR FOCUS!

We are well on our way to happy!  This month’s theme is designed to help us take control of our journeys to healthier, happier living with practical solutions.  By the end of the month we will feel empowered though our actions and positive choices! 

 

Last Week:     ”GRATITUDE ADJUSTMENT”

Expressing gratitude is not only polite, it has health benefits too!  We talked in our meetings about what we are grateful for.  Taking a short amount of time to get into that gratitude groove will help you see the little things that make your life sweeter, easier and more joyful!  Which by the way helps us Get Happy!

This Week:  “WHAT”S YOUR PLEASURE?”

We all came to W.W. because we wanted to lose weight, but our weight doesn’t define us.  This week we uncover how taking care of ourselves holistically – including doing things just because we enjoy them – can in fact be key to lasting success.  What are nonfood pleasures for you? How do you fit in “me” time? What is it you do during that time that leaves you rejuvenated?  Join us this week and get ideas for yourself or come share and be another members inspiration! 

What’s Happening This Week!

ON SALE THIS WEEK: 

Water Enhancers:       $3.95

Smoothies:   $4.95

Mini Bars:  $4.95

Oatmeal:  $4.95

 

STRUGGLING MEMBER WORKSHOPS:

Do you feel unmotivated?  Struggling with staying on plan? You're not alone!  This month we focus on how our thoughts get in our way!  Join us as we correct the negative thoughts. 

·         Aug 5,  9-10am ~ Geneva Store

Let’s Clap the Big Hands!

Celebrate the Scale & those Non Scale Victories too!

This week I wish I had a picture of all the Saturday members that went to meetings on Friday!  I was in Geneva where one meeting only had 4 Friday members!  The rest were all from Saturday!  And Aurora’s Friday meeting had 90 people in attendance with Laura!  WOO – HOOO!  You guys Rock!  Not giving in to the temptation of your meeting being closed and taking a week off is a huge success!  The hands are being clapped!  Can you hear them

(if you’d like to share your success, post under comments or let me know you’d like to be added in the blog)

Quote of the Week:

by Liz Josefsberg

“Fun and amazing moments in life do not get any better with food.  Beware of thinking that more food means more fun”

This newsletter is and the views shared are not affiliated with weight watchers international, inc.  It is meant to be a motivational tool.

MY STORY… BEYOND THE SCALE & REAL LIFE TOO

If you Give a Moose a Muffin…..

Big Gramma & Big Papa celebrating 65 yrs!

This weekend was busy, crazy, fun and nostalgic all at once and now I’m feeling super tired!  Saturday after the meetings my family came over to celebrate the 8 summer birthdays we have.  Way too much food, (my mom brought 3 desserts!) and although plenty of what we served was healthy and lower in points that doesn’t help if you continue to eat it!  Then my son gets his front adult tooth chipped off while screwing around and well, being a boy.  Frustrating none the less.   Sunday was my grandparent’s 65^th wedding anniversary where there was more food.  Then when I think my weekend couldn’t get any fuller; on Monday my kids made up a new game – a very unsafe game that resulted in our 5 year old breaking his leg!  

All the while I continued to remind myself that “All the food in the world will not change the reality of my life right now”  I had to remember that although I was unhappy about the situation.  My eating wasn’t going to change the fact that we would need to have dental work done soon.  My eating did not add to the celebration of all the cousin’s birthdays & wedding anniversary.  And consuming a giant sundae from Culver's would not heal my son’s leg. And don’t even get me started with our little league schedule every night this week at 3 different fields, all at the same time.

My point of telling you this?  Not to have you all join me in a pity party but to ask myself how I want these “Life” situations to affect my weight loss this week.  Can my attitude affect my happiness?  YES!  I can be grateful that my son didn’t break his wrists too, which could have easily happened the way he fell.  My son with the chipped tooth was told if he had chipped off any more of the tooth we would have had to have had a root canal, a crown and future surgeries as he got older!  I can be thankful and grateful about that! 

Which got me thinking...Have you ever read the story of the Moose that asked for a muffin only to get distracted, color some pictures, make a mess, spill some milk and then realize he never had the muffin?  Which of course starts the cycle of silliness all over again.  This week I will not be the Moose!  

*If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Numeroff

Although eating can make events seem more fun sometimes I need to fess up and decide if I am just eating out of emotion.  I’ll admit that those moments can lead to a temporary pay off – but the reality is that it usually costs me more in the long run.  This is how it works when we are like the silly moose: Something good or bad happens, I eat to distract myself from that heightened emotion; I feel better for a few moments; then I feel bad about myself for eating; I decide I am a W.W. failure which leads to me eating something else to escape that thought, then I feel bad and eat again and so on and so on. Can you relate? 

I often hear members in meetings argue food or activity to be the controlling factor in weight loss success.  I argue that the most essential player in my success, is MY MIND.  

Sometimes, My mind has to change before My weight can!

JUNE Theme:  GET HAPPY!

We're wrapping up June this week.  How are you more mindful of your happiness?  What changes have you seen in your overall quality of life?  We’re here to help you not only lose weight but this month but to – GET HAPPY!

 

Last Week:     ”KEEP YOUR WHY CLOSE BY”

Whatever it is that we want to achieve, keeping our eyes on the goal can help us get there.  Thinking about our “why” can help us focus on the “how” since our motivations change over time.  Did you make a Vision Board this week or choose an anchor to keep that Why Close By?  If so, where did you put it so that it made a difference for you?  Remember having a visual cue reminds us what we are working towards!

This Week:  “GRATITUDE ADJUSTMENT”

Believe it or not, the simple act of acknowledging gratitude has benefits far beyond the moment you recognize it in your life.  It can shift your mindset and even your biology!  It’s another building block to understanding happiness and how you can cultivate it in your life! 

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK:

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! 

~ be safe and enjoy your weekend!  Don’t forget we will be closed this Saturday in observance of the 4^th of July holiday!  Don’t let this mean you have a “week off,” Find a meeting to visit earlier in the week & come back to us on the 11^th! 

 

ON SALE THIS WEEK: 

Smoothies:   $4.95

Success Handbook!  (My Favorite Product) :  $4.95

WALKING CLUB STARTING SOON: 

Erin is organizing a 5K walk this September and looking for members to start walking clubs in their areas – or after their meetings!  If you are interested in helping with this let me know!

STRUGGLING MEMBER WORKSHOPS:

Do you feel unmotivated?  Struggling with staying on plan? You're not alone!  Find a workshop that fits your schedule!

·         July 1, 9-10am ~ Geneva Store

Quote of the Week:

“Every Single Day you make a Choice” 

which will you make?

This newsletter is and the views shared are not affiliated with weight watchers international, inc.  It is meant to be a motivational tool.

MY STORY… BEYOND THE SCALE & REAL LIFE TOO

Is Your WHY close By?

Can you believe that June is almost over? Me neither!  I have let a few of my goals for this month slip by me as well.  I had a birthday this week and really wanted to be able to run an entire 5k by then, wanted to feel confident in my swimsuit by then, and when my workout class with my sister ended I was sure that I would have kept up with some of the strength training the instructor had taught us.  None have happened.  And instead of listing my excuses/reasons let’s just say that I’m a little disappointed in myself for not adjusting to the kids being home as well as I thought I would.  So

I’m coming clean to all of you! 

My “Ah Ha” moment came at Friday’s meeting in Geneva when Michael shared the quote “Don’t give up what you want most for what you want in the moment!”  Then again Saturday at a Struggling Member Workshop in Aurora where I asked the group to remind themselves “Why” losing weight was important to them NOW.  This was sooo good to be reminded of!  Yet, I caught myself this weekend falling into the trap of letting my WHY get away and letting the Moment seem more important.  By the time Sunday rolled around I was up for indulging for Father’s Day.  How can I lose it so quickly? 

Indulging meant a little ice cream with those delicious heath bar candies on top! oh em gee!  Love those stinking things.  Can you read the smile on my face?  Those little crunchies make me Happy!  (Stand back while I am struck by lightning from the WW gods! – and NO you do NOT have permission to eat a heath bar today!)  I really only wanted a bowl of those and no ice cream but wasn’t sure if I had the guts to order that J  Sorry let me Focus! 

4 stinkin points plus values!

My frustration comes not because I indulged on treats but when I indulge at those times that are just “moments”  - Moments of laziness or delusion.  Like picking at our kids plates with leftover food I don’t even like?  Grabbing a handful of goldfish because the bag is open.  Not hungry – just convenient.  Do you know that you can have 55 goldfish pieces for 4 ppv?  But guess what?  I don’t like goldfish!  You can have a glass of wine, or 2 spoonful’s of heath bits…. I also cannot stand the mac & cheese my kids like.  You know the one where the cheese in the foil pouch ready to be squeezed onto the noodles after sitting for months on the warm shelf at the grocery store. Gack!   But I have to admit that I have eaten those last few bites.  Why?  Because I really don’t want to get out a container to save them for later? Or heaven forbid. Throw it in the trash?!  What is wrong with me?  What is wrong with us?  (See I am throwing you under the bus with me because I don’t want to be alone)

I am hoping that as we continue focusing on what it takes to Get Happy, and this weeks “Keep the Why Close By” that I will be able to reinforce those ideas to myself on a daily basis.  At each meal for goodness sake!  If I forget the Why it is very easy to slip down into that pit of “I don’t care” But the fact is, I do!  So instead of looking at what I didn’t accomplish this month I have just adjusted it & pushed my deadline.  I will focus on getting in the pool & having fun no matter what I look like or think I look like and I will work on the 5k.  By July 4^th. My last “goal” for the day is to change my WW app prompt.  I don’t want it asking me if I tracked.  I am going to personalize it to ask me; “Where is your Why?”  I think that will get me thinking & being mindful and gosh darn it, isn’t that the point? 

JUNE Theme:  GET HAPPY!

Remember if you attend 10 of 12 weeks this summer you will earn your Get Happy Charm!

 

Last Week:     ”THE POWER OF MINDFULNESS”

Did you find time to sit quietly for 2 minutes to breathe and relax?  Practicing mindfulness leads to making calm, rational decisions – especially in the moments of high stress (or temptation!) Like everything else, being mindful takes practice.  When can you make time to be mindful this week?

This Week:  “KEEP YOUR WHY CLOSE BY”

Post your boards on FB!

What is your “Why”?  It is a simple enough question, have you ever thought about the answer?  Why was it important to you to lose weight?  Is your answer different from when you first walked in the door of W.W?  Remembering the Why can help us focus on the How.  How can I tackle that obstacle? How was I successful in the past? How can I get to goal?  Since your Why is your initial motivator, realize it may change over time.  And if it does it means that your How may too!  All the more reason to keep that WHY close by!

What’s Happening This Week!

ON SALE THIS WEEK: 

Candies:       $1.50

Smoothies:   $4.95

Success Handbook!  (My Favorite Product) :  $4.95

 

STRUGGLING MEMBER WORKSHOPS:

Do you feel unmotivated?  Struggling with staying on plan? You're not alone!  Find a workshop that fits your schedule!

·         June 25,  6:30-7:30pm ~ Geneva Store

·         July 1, 9-10am ~ Geneva Store

APP WORKSHOP:

Need help using your WW app or digital tools on your tablets?  Bring your smart phones or tablets with the app downloaded and be ready to learn some great tricks and tips!

·         June 27, 10:30am North Aurora

Let’s Clap the Big Hands!

Celebrate the Scale & those Non Scale Victories too!

Tamara

Tamara was in Hawaii this past week where her goal was to be able to climb to the top of an extinct volcano!  The hike begins in the crater then up to the top that overlooks Waikiki Beach.  The hike took 2 hours including 74 steps to the actual top!  Getting to the top of Diamond Head was one of the many goals on her summer bucket list that she can successfully cross off! Check – Done – She’s Awesome! 

(if you’d like to share your success, post under comments or let me know you’d like to be added in the blog)

View of  Diamond Head from her hotel

Quote of the Week:

by Zig Zigler

”People say motivation doesn’t last.  Well, neither does bathing.  That’s why we recommend it daily.”

This newsletter is and the views shared are not affiliated with weight watchers international, inc.  It is meant to be a motivational tool.

TASTY TUESDAY:

Happy Birthday June Babies!

Try this low point Birthday Cake!

BETTER THAN SEX CAKE – WEIGHT WATCHERS STYLE

Not my name!  Promise!  I came across this recipe when craving the toffee pieces J  But I suppose you could exchange the candy topping for your favorite as well!  This sinful cake has been lightened for maximum deliciousness!

Servings: 24

Yield: 1 9x13 cake

Points Plus Values:  4

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes

Ingredients:
1 12 ounce can of Diet Coke
1 18 ounce box of devil’s food cake mix

1 egg white

6 ounces fat free caramel topping

7 ounces fat free condensed milk

1 English toffee candy bar

8 ounces fat free whipped topping

Instructions:

 Pre-heat the oven to 375

1. Mix the cake mix, egg white, and diet soda.  Bake for 35 minutes in a greased 9x13 pan.
2. During the last few minutes of baking put the caramel and condensed mild in a saucepan on low heat until smooth.
3. After baking, remove cake from oven and pour saucepan mixture over the top.  Sprinkle half the heath bar on top.
4. Cool Completely.  Cover with whipped topping and remaining toffee bits.

  

Serving Size: 1 of 24 pieces of cake  = 4 PPV