It's not the minutes spent at the table that put on weight, ....

... It's the SECONDS!

I often hear from members that they eat well, work out, drink less alcohol and yet the scale doesn't move.  Many of us have experienced that, right?  What is it?  Clearly something is wrong, and we would swear up and down that it's our metabolism, medication, sodium intake, hydration or dehydration levels, but NOT a chance that it's what we are eating, because, after all, we are eating well, working out and drinking less alcohol!

Here is the bad news:  It's the calories we take in vs the calories we use that determine the scale result.  In other words, it's most often the quantity of food, even "good" food that is the culprit.

The easiest PLACE to limit portions and assist your weight loss effort is at home and when you pack meals to go.  Here are some tips that come from the Weight Watchers UK website:  (In the UK, "ProPoints" are PointsPlus)

Practicing portions at home

• Use smaller plates or bowls to downsize your portions.
• Only cook the amount you need at mealtimes. If you do have leftovers, freeze or refrigerate them immediately to discourage you from eating seconds you haven't planned for.
• Avoid eating straight from the packet - you may eat more than you realise - use a plate or bowl and make sure you track it.
• Buy pre-portioned foods or 'bag up' your favourite munchies into single serving bags or containers. You’re less likely to eat ten individual servings but it’s easy to get through a large bag.
• Fill your plate with Filling & Healthy foods, such as zero ProPoints value fresh fruit and vegetables or salad, so there's less room for ProPoints value loaded items and you're still getting a filling serving.

There is no question that when we do "overeat" it's NOT something we are doing "on purpose".  In other words, this is NOT an accusation, it's an observation of natural & normal human behavior.  Successful members report to me that their top 4 behaviors for success are:

(a)  Consistant Tracking

(b)  Active portion control

(c)  Planning meals and shopping well

(d)  Consciously moving more.

I've highlighted the Weight Watchers portion controlled "Easy Measure Serving Set".  These, in my opinion, are a must have.  Principally because they make measuring the portions we eat simple and easy.  They're a $19.95 investment, and, in the words of the Ford motor-car advertisements - "ask someone you know who has them..."  I've never had a single member whose purchased them tell me they regret their purchase!  With the holidays in sight, get them now and be ready.

I want to finish by saying:  Be sure to really ENJOY what you eat; please don't diet, but do so modestly and with awareness of how much.  That WILL make a difference on the scale!

Items on sale at the moment:

Mini Bars     Usually $7.50       ON SALE FOR $4.95

• Mint Cookie Crisp
• Chocolate Caramel
• Chocolate Pretzel Blasts
• Lemon Mousse Pie
• Toasted Coconut Dream
• Praline Nut Cluster
• *NEW* Toffee Peanut Perfection
• *NEW* Caramel Cinnamon Bun

Smoothies     Usually $7.50       ON SALE FOR $4.95

• Creamy Chocolate
• French Vanilla
• *NEW* Salted Caramel
• and, where available Creamy Coconut 

Oatmeal     Usually $5.95       ON SALE FOR $4.95

• Harvest Berries and Cream
• Maple Brown Sugar

MEMBER KITS     

• DELUXE Kit    50% off     

Usually $44.95

ON SALE FOR $22.45

• ESSENTIAL Kit    50% off     

Usually $24.95

ON SALE FOR $12.45

To end this week's blog:

Giving thought to the 4 top strategies that successful members use, it occurs to me that there are at least 4 or 5 others that members speak about often:

~  Attending meetings, Weight Watchers research shows that members that come to meetings undoubtedly lose more weight (and keep it off) that members who try going it alone.

~  Read and use the Weight Watchers collateral: the Weight Watchers Weekly Magazine, the online offerings; articles, recipes and success stories.

~  Refresh your efforts by staying after the meeting to hear the "PowerStart" Session.

~  Ask questions, share your success and frustrations and bond with members in your meeting room.  Don't ever leave the meeting without satisfying YOUR needs during that time.

~  Reward yourself for your successes - without food!

Please comment on this blog if there are any other strategies you employ to aid your success.  Thank YOU for being a part of my community; together we're Weight Watchers buddies.

AND FINALLY:

L'Shanah Tovah! ❤