Impress them with Baked Alaska on NY Eve!

Baked Alaska

It takes a little organization to make this fabulous dessert, but it is so worth it and they'll definitely ask you "Have you stopped doing Weight Watchers?"


THIS RECIPE can be 
6 servings for 6PPV per serving or 
8 servings for 4 PPV per serving.

The idea of this dessert is that you are basically building it upside down and then turning it right side up to serve it - it takes a little bit of work right at the end and if you are not comfortable eating raw eggs or including alcohol in your meal, this is not the recipe for you.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups frozen raspberries
1 fl oz brandy
1 TBSP Sugar

16 oz Stonyfield Farm Organic Non-Fat Frozen Yogurt - After Dark Chocolate
5 oz (2 good slices) Angel Food Cake
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS
To begin - take a medium sized bowl and tip in the frozen raspberries and sprinkle the brandy into the dish along with 1 TBSP sugar and set it aside.

Now take a 24 oz size (use a 32 oz if that's all you have) pyrex "pudding dish" and line it with one sheet of plastic wrap that coats the entire inside of the dish - this is going to be your round bottom mold.

Take the frozen yogurt and using a large metal spoon in a mixing bowl soften the yogurt so it's still hold its shape, but is spoonable; it should not be runny - now fold in the fruit (with its juices) mix to incorporate and spoon all of the mixture into your mold.  Finally place the thickly sliced cake on the top in an even layer - this is going to be the base of your cake when it is un-moulded.  Cover the whole thing with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for at least 3 or 4 hours (as far back in the freezer as you can get it so that it becomes frozen solid).

Just before serving you are going to remove the cake from the mold by gently pulling on the plastic to loosen it - place it on a heat proof plate or dish for serving and set it in the refrigerator while you make the meringue.

Preheat the oven to 450 deg.

Once you start working with the egg white - don't stop for anything - if the phone rings let the machine pick it up!

Using the electric mixer, beat the egg whites is a large mixing bowl until they're  frothy; add the cream of tartar and beat for another minute until you can see that the egg whites are forming peaks. Now gradually add the sugar and you'll see the mixture begin to shine - don't over whip it at this stage, however, your peaks should be stiff.  Immediately add the vanilla and give it one more whizz with the beaters.  Remove the cake from the fridge and begin by spooning the meringue over the cake to coat the sides and top.  It does not have to be neat, but try to be as even as possible and the whole thing needs to be coated.  Make some swirling motions with the spoon in the meringue for decoration.

Place it in the HOT oven for 3 to 5 minutes until it's golden; NO MORE.  If you have a cooking blow torch you can touch up the color as necessary.  Bring it to the table and serve it from there.

Now...  I know some of you want to flame it - here is what you do.  Take another fl oz of brandy (at room temperature) and pour it into the base of your serving dish - as long as your serving dish has sides so that the fluid doesn't run off.  Please use a lighter with a long stem when you light it and make sure there are no overhead hazards such as chandeliers or hair.  Turn out the lights to see the blue flame, it will dissipate within about 20 seconds.

If you're nervous about building a cake, make individual desserts in ramekins, but build them the right way up by placing the cake at the bottom, then the ice-cream mixture; freeze it hard (1 hour minimum) then add the meringue on top and bake for 1 1/2 minutes and then quickly switch the oven to broil and place them under the broiler for another 30 seconds or so.


You're going to be cheered by all for your brilliance!
Enjoy.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!


See you on the other side - come back to the BLOG on Sunday for some sanity :)

Never Give Up - You're Closer Than You Think!

50 TIPS:
These words of wisdom come from the meeting room - from bona fide members. They were posted by a leader friend; Grace who asked her members to contribute their one success strategy:

~ Don't just rely on the scale for results; look at your shopping cart, your clothing size or your tape measure!

~ Precook oatmeal for the week - 6 cups of water and 3 cups of oatmeal take 15 minutes to cook.  Refrigerate in individual bowls and reheat in the microwave for 1.5 minutes for a quick and filling breakfast every day for the next 6 days.  Even quicker than measuring and pouring cereal and measuring and pouring milk!

~ Smart Ones and other prepared foods work well when I don't have time to cook, but I don't rely on them often because of the salt content.

~ When you've had a hard week and the scale, never-the-less, shows you a loss, don't get cocky.  On the other hand, if you've worked hard and the scale doesn't show the loss you were expecting, have confidence that it'll show up next time so long as you continue to do the "right thing".

~ My motivation is talking about my weight loss. Putting my goals, success and even failures out there for the world to see and hear, on Facebook or on my blog. People are often kinder, more supportive and sympathetic then you would imagine.

~ Meetings, meetings, meetings! ....the research doesn’t lie, they really work!

~ Eat a good breakfast and then you won’t be hungry later in the morning, before it’s time for lunch. You’ll be less likely to binge if you’ve had breakfast.

~ Measure out the portions and put the rest away---out of sight!

~ When it comes to family or close friends, it’s okay to say “no thanks” when they continue to say “oh, just take it, it’s okay”. Put YOU first! 

~ Add a little peanut butter (to taste) to lite or sugar free cool whip and use for a fruit dip.

~ Be sure to carve out time for yourself. 

~ If I get really hungry between meals, I eat an apple because it fills me more than other fruit. 

~ If wanting a drink for the holidays, use diet soda, club soda or Sugar free tonic water. Especially good with wine (spritzer) and nurse it so it looks like you are “party-ing”. They will never know!

~ Make a big veggie and fruit tray in “Christmas colors” for each holiday event. This is like a “safety net” to make sure there is something for you to fill up on.

~ Think about why you started in the first place. I want to be here for my, (kids as long as I can), and when I remember that, I do better on the program. 

~ I always substitute light butter, wheat flour, Splenda and egg whites in all my baking recipes. It cuts down on points+ values.

~ Instead of dessert, try a sugar free latte or flavored coffee! Helps that sweet craving after dinner. Remember skim milk or light whipped cream. 

~ Nothing tastes as good as thin feels. 

~ Revamp your own recipes on Weight Watcher online to reduce the points + of your favorites.

~ Take a picture of your meal (on your phone) so you don’t forget what you ate. 

~ Keep gum handy in your purse of work drawer. 

~ Tips for nibbling while your cook: brush your teeth before cooking, chew gum while cooking, keep a notebook in the kitchen and write down every bite you eat while cooking, track all your points while tasting, purchase an inexpensive sports, mouth guard to wear when you cook...(my favorite)!

~ I have to have food for the grandchildren that are “no-no’s” for me. So I’ve marked the points+ right on the packages and if I decide to join them in eating, that particular snack, I know exactly how many points I’d have to use.

~ I do not allow myself to have my morning snack at work until 10:00 am. I take small bites of my apple and it lasts an hour.

~ Do Weight Watchers or exercise with family and/ or friends. 

~ Have a “game plan” before you get to the table.

~ Dance like no one is watching, eat like someone is!

~ I have come to realize the importance of tracking---if not.... I might not eat enough. 

~ When out shopping and the urge to grab a snack... drive to the grocery store and grab a banana... (And pay for it, ha ha)....no washing required and zero points!

~ Never give up! Just when you think you’re not doing well, you might get a nice surprise. Sometimes you are doing better than you think.

~ My success is having the family support me, coming to meetings and watching those carbs! 

~The WW Smoothies are my secret weapon. I am a fan of ice cream, but the 1⁄2 cup serving never fills me up. I now make the smoothie in a blender. I add fruit and ice or pumpkin and spices. It is sweet, huge, delicious and satisfying for two points+.

~ If you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you’ve always got.

~ Don’t go to the grocery store hungry and don’t forget to take your calculator. 

~ Stick with it! The program works! I have been a Lifetime member since fall of 2009 and still come to meetings every week. I feel good about me and won’t go back to where I was. 

~ I love dipping celery sticks in salsa for a snack. 

~ When going out remember to take half home. Two meals for one price.

~ Eat something for breakfast, even if it is only a banana, apple, or yogurt. Get your internal engine started with fuel.

~ At a buffet walk around and look at your options then make a smart choice.

~ When putting food on the plate, remember you should be able to see the plate! (Space between the food, think islands not continents.)

~ You must learn how to eat in any situation.

~ Never eat anything right out of the bag or box. 

~ Keep yourself focused and busy to avoid mindless eating.

~ Before going out to eat, think about the choices on the menu that will be right for you.

~ Choose to be healthy. 

~ Don't assume anything - read the nutrition label for yourself.

~ Watch your portions.

~ Don't act as if it's your only chance to eat. With every food that crosses your path, remind yourself that you'll have plenty of chances later to eat.

~ Keep your eye on the prize. Before you take a bite or hit snooze (instead of hitting the gym), remember your goals.

~ Think positively about your weight loss pursuit and believe in yourself that you can do it. Forget about your past failures. Look ahead and never give up.

-----------------------------------------

Weight Watchers suggests that a healthy rate of weight loss is between 1/2 and 2 LBS per week.  Knowing that, does that change your thoughts about your own weight loss journey?  

Furthermore, think about this ... is it time to set a first goal for yourself for 2012? What about a goal by Feb 14 - Valentine's Day?  Come to your meeting this week (or another one if you can't make it to yours), lets review 2011 and look forward to 2012.

------------------------

AND finally

"Tell me what you eat, I'll tell you who you are." 

~Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Come back to the blog on Wednesday for a wonderful recipe to cook yourself into the NEW YEAR!

Happy Holidays Everyone 

Cocktails and Mocktails

Prosecco Raspberry Cocktail

Fruity and festive. An easy go-to-cocktail for celebrations both big and small.

1 cup chilled raspberry flavor fruit juice

1 3/4 cups chilled prosecco or other sparkling wine

1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (approximately 12)

Mix the juice and wine together in a large jug and divide among 4 champagne or cocktail glasses.  Drop 3 raspberries into each glass and serve immediately.

Yields about 2/3 cup per serving at 4 PPV each.

Apricot Bellinis

Ring in 2012 with these festive bellinis. Or make your own signature drink by giving other sparkling wines and nectars a try.*

3/4 cup chilled apricot or passion fruit nectar

3 cups chilled prosecco or champagne or sparkling wine

1/4 cup (6) fresh or frozen raspberries

6 sprigs of mint

Take 6 tall champagne flutes and pour about 1/8 cup (2 TBSP) of nectar into each glass, top each with about 1/2 cup of chilled wine and garnish by dropping a raspberry into each and floating a mint sprig on the top.

Yields about 5 fluid oz per serving for 4 PPV each.

*  Try mango or some other exotic nectars to change up the flavors.

Baby Bellinis

A delicious and non-alcoholic version of a bellini for your celebration.

3/4 cup chilled peach or other fruit nectar

3 cups chilled Martinelli's sparkling apple cider

4 slices of thinly sliced limes for garnish

Make the 6 bellinis in tumblers in exactly the same way as the apricot version above, this time garnish with a lime slice which you have cut from the skin to the center of the lime and placed on the rim of the glass.

Yields about 5 fluid ounces per serving for 3 PPV each.

Shirley Temple Cocktail

There are several recipes around - this one is the easy, fun and the least PointsPlus Value.

12 oz diet Sprite or 7-Up

12 oz diet ginger ale

4 TBSP Grenadine

4 maraschino cherries for garnish

Pour the soda and ginger ale into a Tom Collins glass filled with ice.  Carefully measure and pour the grenadine into the glass and add a swizzle stick and maraschino cherry.

Yields 4 drinks at a PPV of 1 each!

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Don't look for a blog posting on Sunday --- come back on Monday for the next one!

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Its all about our belief system:  If I believe I can stick with this through the next 2 weeks... guess what?  I can!  Wasn't it Henry Ford who said "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you are right"?

So lets talk strategy - here are 2 of them:


Weight Watchers Empowering Beliefs Tool For Living
Step 1, Rate Your Empowering Belief:
if 1 is "No Way" and 10 is "Absolutely", rate your beliefs

My Goals are worth it   ----  1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8     9     10
I deserve to meet my goals ----  1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8     9     10
I can meet my goals ----  1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8     9     10 

Step 2, Complete This Belief Builder Exercise:
Write what your life would be like if you didn't achieve your outcome by the end of the next 2 weeks:
___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Write what your life would be like if you did achieve your short term goals:
___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

List 2 or 3 past successes, in any area of your life, that make you feel like you've accomplished something of which you're proud:
___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Step 3, NOW Rate Your Beliefs Again:
My Goals are worth it   ----  1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8     9     10
I deserve to meet my goals ----  1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8     9     10
I can meet my goals ----  1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8     9     10 


Weight Watchers Mental Rehearsing Tool For Living:
Set the stage for success, becoming the "star" of your own mental movie can help you rehearse your way to new-found success.  Here are the steps to help you:

Step 1, Imagine the Challenge:
Think of an overeating trigger situation that you usually find hard to manage. (e.g.  appetizers at the family event) - write it down:
___________________________________________________________

Step 2, Imagine How That Situation "SHOULD BE":
How would you like to feel (e.g. not so hungry I'm out of control):
___________________________________________________________
How would you like to think (e.g. I would love to manage to eat only 3 pieces):
___________________________________________________________
What would you prefer to do (e.g. sip a glass of seltzer or offer to set the table instead):
___________________________________________________________


Step 3, Make your Movie:
Create a "movie" of yourself doing what you just imagined - of you handling the situation exactly right -  and "watch" it over and over again in your head.


Step 4, Cast The Role:
Step into your movie and really imagine yourself behaving in your new, healthy way until it feels easy and natural.


Step 5, Re-Runs ARE GREAT:
Practice being in this particular movie every time the situation comes up.
Don't wait to take the NEXT EXIT - take this one --- success comes sooner!

GOOD LUCK!

NEWS FROM WEIGHT WATCHERS

BARCODE SCANNER AP

Ready, Set, Scan!

The barcode scanner, now available for both iPhone and Android, provides accurate PointsPlus® values for thousands of products which can be tracked directly from scanning a product’s barcode — no manual data entry into the Tracker is needed! Scan any food you like, even if it’s one we don’t have in our database — you can easily add the food to your Favorites list or directly into a mealtime in your Food Tracker. 

Additionally, the new barcode scanner app can compare multiple scanned products — a really useful feature when it comes to meal planning and creating shopping lists.  

To download this beauty, look for Weight Watchers Barcode Scanner in the App Store or the Android Market. This product is free for all iOS and Android smartphone users who have a Weight Watchers Online or eTools account with us.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the grocery store and start scanning all of your holiday food items before you purchase to make sure they are PointsPlus values-friendly.

A few housekeeping items:

1)       It’s best if your Weight Watchers Mobile app is the latest version (iOS v1.7, Android v1.1), it’ll play nicely with the barcode scanner

2)       All items will be tracked as "user-created foods" and will display with the blue flag next to them in your PointsPlus Food Tracker.

3)       The barcode scanner has a separate food database from the Plan Manager and Tracker apps, so only the foods you track or add to favorites from the Barcode Scanner app will be available in the PointsPlus Food Tracker.

4)       All Favorites created in the barcode app will be added to the Plan Manager and Tracker app favorites, BUT you will not see Plan Manager or Tracker app favorites in the barcode scanner app.  Also, deleting favorites from the barcode scanner app will not delete it from your Plan Manger or Tracker app.

NEW PRODUCTS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN THE MEETING ROOM

10-Minute Time Crunch Training Fitness Kit  $24.95

10-Minute Time Crunch Training is designed to fit into your busy schedule. We put together five effective 10-minute exercise segments that when taken together, work your total body. You can do one workout at a time, or mix and match them to fit your goals for the day. Each routine features beginner and advanced options to modify the movements—making it perfect for any level of fitness.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• Mix and match your workouts with 10-minute segments:

– Upper Body 

– Lower Body 

– Total Body 

– Core

– Interval Training 

• Perfect for any level of fitness!

NEW 2012 Ultimate 3 Month Tracker   $5.95

Tracking is a key to success on the Weight Watchers program. Track everything in this journal—from the food you eat, to your hunger, to your activity—so you can see what works for you and what doesn't.

2 NEW flavors to add to the already popular like of favorites - both are 2 PointsPlus Values per item.

Praline Nut Cluster Mini Bars:
A luscious praline confection with peanuts, caramel and a yogurt drizzle — could you ask for anything more?  The peanut flavor definitely shines through.  This is the bar for anyone who doesn't love chocolate, but wants something sweet and crunchy.


12 Bars per Box $7.50.

Popped Zesty Cheese Crisps:

A crunch chip made with whole grains that balances all natural seasonings and a zesty flavor combo of cheddar and feta.  I don't know another chip on the market that delivers a cheesy taste as pronounced as this one without the high calorie price to go with it!

5 Bags per Box $4.95.

Finally:

Apart from Christmas Eve Afternoon, Christmas Day and New Years Eve Afternoon - Weight Watchers is open though-out the Holiday Season --- including NEW YEARS DAY!

Don't make me have to be there alone  :)

Next Posting on this blog is WED - come back and check out the recipe.

Wishing you a Wonderful, Happy and On Program Holiday Season.

Chocolate Marshmallow Bark

This is a FAVORITE - It makes a wonderful sweet treat to bring to holiday events and no-one will believe it's a Weight Watcher's Recipe!  Not only that ~~ it only takes 10 minutes to make!  

INGREDIENTS:
8 oz bittersweet chocolate -- buy the very best you can find
2 tsp regular butter
3 cups mini marshmallows

INSTRUCTIONS:
Line a 9 x 9-inch pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil

Make a double boiler ~ use a saucepan and a pyrex dish that is large enough to accommodate all the marshmallows and chocolate ~ place about an inch of water in the base of the pan and set on the stove.  Melt the chocolate and butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly combined; remove from the heat and stir in the marshmallows.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan with a silicon spatula; smooth it into an even-ish layer.  Place it in the refrigerator to set (about an hour) & store in the fridge until ready to eat.  Cut into 12 squares and serve.

Yields 1 piece per serving.

Serves: 12
PointsPlus Value: 4 per serving

Come back to the blog on Sunday for the next installment.

Boot Camp or Spa?

Hard Bed or Soft Bed?
67 on the Thermostat or 72?
Fleece Sweatshirt or Silk Underwear?
Plastic, Paper or Re-Usable Shopping Bag?

We make choices every day and don't give it a second thought.  Do you make decisions about your eating with the same ease?

The updated PointsPlus 2012 Weight Watchers program hands the ability to make significant choices right back to you, the member, by offering flexibility with regard to tightening or loosening your daily eating budget.  The new flexible daily PointsPlus Target delivers the control directly into your hands; it allows you to assess your current circumstances and make decisions about how strict or liberal you plan to be in the short term.

Did you make a change over the course of this last week?  If you came to the meeting and were motivated to make a change - drop me a line and let me know what happened and then come to your meeting this week and share your story with your meeting community.

Want to know more?
If you did not make it to a meeting this week - take a look at your schedule right now and make a date (and a commitment to yourself) to get to your meeting this week.

Oh and by the way, on a personal note... I decided to do eating bootcamp this week, I have eaten PPV each day as follows:
Sunday 33
Monday 27
Tuesday 27
Wednesday 27
Thursday 27
Friday 27
RESULT at my weigh in on Sat AM - down 3.4 LBS!

Next Question:
Do you sometimes have a hard time counting your PPV?
Would it be helpful to stay on track with the program without having to count?
This week in the meeting room "A Powerful Option"  we're going to brainstorm how to take a day or two off from tracking.  See you in your meeting.

ON SALE FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER

• 2012 DELUXE MEMBER KIT $10 OFF Usually $44.95 Currently $34.95
• 2012 ESSENTIAL MEMBER KIT $5 OFF Usually $24.95 Currently $19.95
• WEIGHT WATCHERS FOOD SCALE $5 OFF Usually $39.95 Currently $34.95
• WEIGHT WATCHERS PEDOMETER $5 OFF Usually $23.95 Currently $18.95

Weight Watchers Power Foods Cookbook

NEW FOR 2012

MAKES A WONDERFUL 

(ECONOMICAL) 

HOLIDAY GIFT  $14.95

From Weight Watchers... OOPS!
Wine and Beer: Let’s Be Clear
Avocado is Appealing

Thanks to all who noticed the PointsPlus® value discrepancies for wine this past week! Here’s the clarifying information: 

With Regard to Wine 
Rounding rules determine the following: As you know, we don't count 1/2 PointsPlus values; we round up or down to whole numbers. That means that a 4-fluid ounce glass of white wine, which is slightly below 3.5 PointsPlus values, is rounded down to 3 PointsPlus values, whereas a 4-fluid ounce glass of red wine, which is slightly above 3.5 PointsPlus values, is rounded up to 4 PointsPlus values. Though red and white wine are very similar, the rounding process creates a 1 PointsPlus value difference. Ultimately, both an 8-ounce glass of red or white wine counts as 7 PointsPlus value.

On eTools, due to a database error, the PointsPlus value for 4 fluid ounces of red wine is incorrectly listed as 3; it's listed correctly at 4 for if you select a portion of a half cup (which is equal to 4 fluid ounces). The IT folks are working on correcting this in the database.

.Besides too many glasses of 
.any drinkie can have you 
.falling face first into your plate

With Regard to Beer  
The PointsPlus values, by brand listed, on eTools are correct.  
The rule of thumb for estimating PointsPlus values for products with alcohol (not sugar alcohol) is as follows: enter the alcohol grams as fat in the calculator. And if there is fat in the food, add the alcohol to the fat and put in the fat box. Why does this work? Alcohol has a similar calorie content per gram as fat.

Keep in mind that our eTools database is updated regularly to account for changing nutritional information. In the event that you have any questions regarding PointsPlus values, please defer to the information on eTools.

With Regard to Avocado  
~ Avocado (1 medium): was 3 now 3 PointsPlus values ~~~ eeek!  I wish that was correct :(     It should read Avocado (1/4 of 1 medium).
Refer to the "Insider Trading" Tab above for other PPV Changes to last year's Pocket Guide.

HERE'S A CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK...
Since we're going to talk about NOT COUNTING POINTS this week in the meeting room, how about keeping track of the FOODS you SAY "NO" to for the week - how amazing would that be to fill up pages of foods you were able to resist?


Come back to the blog on Wednesday for a sweet treat recipe!


Have a wonderful week :)

Spaghetti Pie

Photo courtesy of Sargento.com

Do you sometimes feel like cooking a different pasta dish as an alternative to the same old spaghetti and sauce?

Do you want a really eye-catching, but easy, dish to bring to the holiday pot-luck?

Here it is - not only does it look impressive, it tastes like it too.  Your guests, your colleagues, your family and your kids (large and small) will love this!

Change it up by adding a layer of spinach or other green vegetable under the layer of ricotta or serve with a side steamed broccoli or green beans.

Meatless Spaghetti Pie

Ingredients:

6 oz whole wheat (or fiber-enriched white) spaghetti (3 C Cooked)

2 large eggs

1 1/2 TBSP olive oil

salt to taste

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 C part-skim ricotta cheese

12 or 15 leaves of fresh basil - shredded (roll up like a cigar and slice into strips)

1 C pasta sauce (any type, bottled or home-made)

1 C 2% milk-fat mozzarella cheese

1/3 C shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the pack, drain and rinse in cold water to cool.  Dry with paper towels.  Preheat the oven to 350 deg.

Beat the eggs, olive oil, salt and cayenne pepper and toss in the spaghetti.  Pour into a 10" greased (sprayed with Pam) pie plate and press around the sides to form an even crust.

Spoon the ricotta cheese a little at a time and smooth down, top with the shredded basil, the sauce and cheeses and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.  Cool for 10 or 12 minutes to "set" before cutting.

Serves 6

PPV per serving 8

Notes:

If you make it the day before, go ahead and put the pie together, but leave off the cheese until you are ready to cook it.  If you don't have time to bring it to room temp before cooking, start it at 325 deg for 15 minutes, then turn it up to 350 deg for 20 minutes.

It doesn't make any difference to the PPV, but you could reduce the fat content (and therefore overall calories) by switching out the 2% milk-fat mozzarella with fat free.  Spray with a quick spritz of Pam or olive oil spray to aid melting.

This one is from my oven!

Come back to the blog on Sunday for my next post!

3-2-1 GO!

Are you ready?
~ Ready to renew your commitment to you health?
~ Ready to lose some weight?
~ Ready to slide gracefully into 2012?

Some of you may know this because of E-tools or information at your meeting.  Weight Watchers has tweaked the program.  It is still called PointsPlus, (for the most part, PointsPlus Values havent changed a list of foods that have changed are on the "Insider Trading" tab above), but there are some changes for the 2012 season that will make this program more flexible.  Come learn all about it.

The December 4–10 issue of Weight Watchers Weekly (your meeting room weekly mini magazine) provides a wealth of information about the new features of PointsPlus 2012.  

Here is a bit of a preview:

The adjustability of the daily PointsPlus Target (DPT)

The Weight-Loss Plot in the Weight Record

The new Simply Filling by day option

The new week activity PointsPlus goal

PowerStart!  3 sessions at the end will really give you the tools to succeed.

There's no doubt about it - this absolutely the latest and the greatest upgrade to the latest and greatest, state of the art, unbelievable weight management program!
As each of you most likely know... I really live this program... and I like my wine.  Here's the scoop . . . . . 4 oz of wine was 4 is now 3 PointsPlus!

There are some other changes to Points Plus Values (PPV) from those published in the original PointsPlus Program Materials - go to the "Insider Trading" tab at the top of the blog page for a full list.

Some other things to look out for --
Weight Watchers has updated and upgraded the PointsPlus Calculator to a newer and more robust model.  For this month only it's being sold at $5.95 (normal price is $14.95) so be sure to pick yours up while we have plenty available.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• Calculates PointsPlus values easily and quickly 

• Personalize by calculating your daily PointsPlus Target 

• Track both your daily & weekly PointsPlus values 

• New, bigger buttons!

New (Updated for 2012) Complete Food Companions and Dining Out Companions are available as well as an attractive new 3 Month Journal, beautiful new Deluxe Member Kits and a brand NEW beautifully photographed and glossy Cookbook called Power Foods Cookbook $14.95.

Some other NEW products are on the way - keep on the lookout!

New and easy to navigate updated Weight Watchers Website and updates to your e-Tools account.

Say Cheese
Article By: Leslie Fink, MS RD
What's the skinny on the difference between regular, low-fat and fat-free cheese?  Here's the real deal.

Salty feta. Sharp Cheddar. Smooth and creamy goat cheese. As if the endless number of varieties weren't enough to choose from, in the 90's the fat content of cheese was tinkered with and boy, oh boy, did it further confuse the issue.

Cheese snobs were alarmed, but weight-loss hopefuls were thrilled. Now they, too, could relish in the rich, creamy taste and texture of this highly craved food without expanding their waistlines (by watching their portions, of course.) Coveted soul-soothing foods like macaroni and cheese, pizza and lasagna could all be enjoyed — guilt-free.

Looks Aren't Everything
But not all cheeses are created equal. Many of those blocks of cheese on your grocer's shelves look the same, but their taste and cooking properties can differ drastically. Some curdle when they melt and others taste plastic-y. Still others are such authentic knock-offs, you might never know they're imitations.

So what's a cheese lover to do? First, check out our cheese label chart for a refresher course in what it all means.

Regular cheese: Full fat.
Reduced-fat: At least 25% less fat than the regular fat cheese of the same variety.
Light: 1/3 fewer calories or 50% less fat per serving.
Low-fat: 3 grams of fat or less per serving.
Fat-free: Less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving.

The Real Deal
So how do you know which cheese to use when cooking? Jodie Shield, M Ed, RD, recipe developer and nutrition consultant to The Chicago Tribune, gives us the scoop. Which cheese you choose, she says, depends on what you're making.

Cheer for Fat-Free
"Fat-free cheeses don't always melt well, so put them in something forgiving," comments Shield. Try them on baked potatoes seasoned well with oregano and basil and complemented by a robust tomato sauce. Or sprinkle some shredded fat-free cheese into a taco. Just make sure to dress it up with a dash of cumin or cayenne.

Run for Reduced-Fat
Reduced-fat cheeses get a better rap. Shield recommends experimenting with them in casseroles, omelets, heated sandwiches and pasta dishes — try our Roasted Vegetable Lasagna for starters. And in some cases, she says, they're even more desirable than their full-fat relatives. The emulsifiers (stabilizers) in reduced-fat cheeses often results in a smoother sauce than those made with regular varieties. Now who wouldn't enjoy rigatoni in a lightened-up cheesy tomato sauce?

Find Occasion for Full-Fat
As for full-fat cheeses (a.k.a., The Real Thing), Shield suggests splurging on them when flavor really counts, like in an uncooked dish or when having cheese and crackers for a snack. "Save real cheese for a sandwich, but in a casserole when you won't miss it, go for a reduced-fat variety."

Some other tips for cooking with regular cheese: Use it shredded so you need to use less and choose varieties that pack the greatest flavor punch. Try a touch of gorgonzola, feta or extra sharp cheddar for a robust flavor. As Shield says, "A little bit goes a long way."

And, finally...
This is from a lifetime member, successfully at goal for 5 years:
"What you’re willing to give up will determine what you’re going to lose!"

Log back onto the blog on Wednesday for another VERY easy December recipe...  See you in your meeting this week :)

Slow Cooker Lentil and Beef Stew

December, being a busy month, calls for EASY to prepare, tasty and wholesome meals - this one is from Weight Watchers and is very hearty.  Serve it as a soup or as a stew with rice or penne pasta, (for added PPV).


PointsPlus® Value:    5
Servings:  6
Preparation Time:  25 min
Cooking Time:  420 min

Ingredients
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 large zucchini
1 LB of lean beef round, cut into 1" chunks
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 (14.5oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 TBSP canned tomato paste
3/4 cup dry lentils
32 oz beef broth
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil - slivered

Instructions
Place all the ingredients, except the basil, in a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.  Stir well and set on a LOW setting for 6-7 hours.  Remove the cover, stir in the basil.  Cover and cook for further 5 minutes.  Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.

Have you heard ... there are exciting tweaks coming to the program?  Be sure to come to your meeting next week to hear more :)  I know - what a tease!!