Living a Changed Life

A Few Random Thoughts

2012-02-10T09:03:00.000-06:00

Today, I have lots of different things on my mind, so I have decided to blog about all of them!!

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{My First Ticketed Traffic Violation}

This morning, on my way to work I stopped to get our mail. In the mail was a "notice of traffic violation". I quickly opened the letter to see if it was me or Jon who had received a ticket. To my surprise it was me!! Until today, I had never received a ticket for anything. Do you know that you can even go online and see yourself commit the traffic violation? It's frustrating, but it was my own fault. I was in a hurry and not driving as carefully as I should have been. Don't worry though, I am determined to not let it ruin my morning.

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{Making Exercise a Priority During Pregnancy}

This is a picture I took while walking last week! I cannot pass up beautiful walking days like this!

Over the last 11 weeks and 3 days of my pregnancy, I have made exercise one of my top priorities. My exercise of choice is walking. I get an hour lunch break Monday through Friday at work. I have discovered that this is the perfect time for me to go walking. I try to walk anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes as many days during the work week as I can. Even on days when the weather is bad, I walk in my office building.

There have been several days when I do not feel like going for a walk. However, I understand how important it is to exercise throughout my pregnancy. I want to do what is best for me and my baby, which is why I go for a walk anyway!

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{Flashback Friday: Positive Pregnancy Tests}

I wrote a blog post about the day that Jon and I found out that I was pregnant. It is called, "Flashback Friday: Positive Pregnancy Tests" and it it posted over on my personal blog, Newsham Flight Log.

Recipe Review: Crescent Pepperoni Roll-Ups

2012-02-09T08:00:00.001-06:00

For weeks I was on a quest to find the perfect snack to make for our Sunday school Super Bowl party. I spent way too much time searching Pinterest looking for a recipe that would really wow people.

I found this recipe for Crescent Pepperoni Roll-Ups at Plain Chicken. I adapted Steph's recipe to help make this Super Bowl snack a little bit more Weight Watchers friendly.

These snack were a hit! No one even noticed that they were Weight Watchers friendly! People enjoyed them so much that they were gone before half-time.

Ingredients

First, I opened each individual package of string cheese and then I cut them in half.

Next, unroll the crescent rolls into 8 triangles.

Then, place 5 slices of turkey pepperoni on each crescent roll. Top pepperoni with string cheese half and roll up.

Then, place crescent roll-ups on baking sheet and sprinkle with garlic powder.

Bake for 12-15 minutes

or until golden brown.

Serve with a side of warm pizza sauce.

They were so good!! I look forward to making them again!!

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Crescent Pepperoni Roll-Ups
Adapted from: Plain Chicken

Ingredients
1 can refrigerated reduced fat crescent rolls
40 slices turkey pepperoni
4 pieces of Weight Watchers mozzarella string cheese, cut in half
garlic powder
pizza sauce

Instructions
Preheat oven to 375.

Unroll crescent rolls and separate into 8 triangles. Place 5 slices of turkey pepperoni on each crescent roll. Top pepperoni with string cheese half and roll up. Sprinkle crescent rolls with garlic powder. Place rolls on baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with a side of warm pizza sauce.

Servings: 1 roll-up; 4 PointsPlus+

Wordless Wednesday: It's a Lifestyle

2012-02-08T08:09:00.000-06:00

Snacking Smart

2012-02-07T08:00:00.003-06:00

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This morning, I want to give you the meeting summary from my Weight Watchers meeting on Saturday, February 4, 2012.

Learning tips on how to survive the Super Bowl can really help us year round as we make snack choices everyday!

Pregame prep
Before entering your buddies' house, give yourself a mental pep talk and then "stick with your plan.” Ask yourself why you are at the game. Is it to eat or is it to watch the game?

New game plan
You can still enjoy some football fare: a chicken wing or two, some chips and dip, a slice of pizza and a cold one. Just don't overindulge — eat and drink reasonably, keep track of what you chow down on, and save your weekly PointsPlus™ Allowance for game day.

"If you're working at getting rid of your beer belly, remember that, 'If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got,'" Fleming says. "So if you pig out at that tailgate party or during the game, you'll get that beer belly just like in the past."

Know your opponent
Forget the game for a sec. At the party, your foe is all that grub on the counter. It most likely isn’t low calorie or fat free, either. Keep in mind, a plain hot dog on a roll can pack 9 PointsPlus values. Two medium slices of thin crust pepperoni pizza have about 11 PointsPlus values. A serving of nacho chips and mystery cheese can be laden with around 9 PointsPlus values and more fat grams than points both teams will score. If you're still jonesing for football food, try minimizing the damage. Eating the dog minus the bun will save about 5 PointsPlus values. Have only 1 slice of pizza and you’ll cut 6 PointsPlus values.

Good substitutions
"Make better food choices," says Neil Anderson, a master personal trainer. To make that easier, prepare and bring healthier items such as:

• grilled chicken sandwiches
• fruit cups
• a veggie tray
• shrimp with cocktail sauce,
• baked chips
• light beer
• fat-free pretzels
• turkey brats
• bags of low-fat microwavable popcorn.
*Not all to be eaten at the same time, of course.

Walk it off
Consider parking a few blocks from the party or heading outside for a walk instead of watching for the next wardrobe malfunction at halftime (that’s what DVRs are for anyway).

Improve your bench
Try fitting in a few exercises – push-ups or Pilates – whenever possible, Anderson suggests. Drop and do 20 push-ups or a few Pilates hundreds during commercial breaks. Or put a couple of bucks in a pot for the winner of a game-long challenge with your friends. You can also make friendly competitive wagers using crunches instead of money. Every time your team scores, fans on the opposite side have to hit the deck for 20 and vice versa.

Stay in motion
During breaks in the action, get off your seat – but not to visit the food table. "Try to do anything that can make you active. The activity counts just as much as eating right," Anderson says. "If you get active during a football game, you'll eat less."

Try staying on your feet for an entire series, and switch between doing push-ups, stretches, crunches or squats during breaks. Do "secret squats" by pushing yourself out of a low-rider chair over and over. Here's a good stretch for your back and legs: sit up straight against a couch, extend your legs and hold as long as you can.

You could even practice different TD celebration dances. This, of course, is best done alone – unless you have no shame or don't embarrass easily.

If you follow these tips, your new fleet-footed celebration moves might be used to commemorate a losing season on the scale.

Baby Blogging

2012-02-06T09:19:00.000-06:00

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Thank you all so much for your sweet comments, emails, and notes that you have been sending to me, since I made my BIG announcement!!

I have been looking forward to blogging about my baby for weeks!! I've been keeping my pregnancy a secret since before Christmas. It's been so hard to blog over the last few weeks, because a lot of the things on my mind have to do with my pregnancy and the baby. However, while it was a secret I could not blog about how I was really feeling.

I am so thankful that we waited to tell people until after I went to the doctor. However, now that we have received the go ahead from the doctor I am so excited to start blogging about my pregnancy!

I know that we have family and friends who do not live close to us, that want to know how my pregnancy is going. My plan, in the coming months is to give you weekly pregnancy highlights, which is an idea that I stole from my friend Kristen. You will be able to find these pregnancy highlights on my personal blog, Newsham Flight Log. I will not be posting pregnancy highlights here on my weight loss blog, Living a Changed Life.

I plan to continue to blog about healthy living, Weight Watchers, recipes, and more!! I just might have a lot more to say about babies and pregnancy, but I hope that you will continue to stick with me during this time of transition!!

Our BIG Announcement

2012-02-03T08:04:00.001-06:00

On Saturday, December 17th, 2011, the morning of our five year anniversary, I woke up extra early so that I could take a pregnancy test before I left for my Weight Watchers meeting. The tests results came back POSITIVE! I could not believe that I was really pregnant.

I hurried into our room and got together a special gift for Jon, because I wanted to announce our first pregnancy to him in a creative way. I finished my preparations and decided to go ahead and wake Jon up at 5:30am. At first, he was not happy about being woken up so early on a Saturday morning. However, his frustration soon changed to pure joy and excitement as he opened his present and saw the positive pregnancy tests!!

We told our immediate family about our baby on Christmas Eve. However, we decided not to tell anyone else about our little until after I went to the doctor.

On Monday, January 23rd, 2011, I had my first doctor's appointment. Jon was able to get off work to come with me. We had an ultrasound and heard our baby's heartbeat!! It was amazing!!

Since my doctor's appointment we decided to tell everyone about our baby. We have told our extended family, friends, work, church, and even Facebook. The only people left to tell are my bloggy friends and followers!

Next Tuesday, I will be 11 weeks pregnant, which means that my due date is August 28, 2012!! We are so excited about this little blessing that God has given us!!

Not the Same

2012-02-02T09:12:00.000-06:00

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This morning I read a Proverbs 31 devotional about how as you come into God's presence you will be transformed. I was reminded of the fact, that as I spend time with God in His word, in prayer, in worship, and even in silence I will be changed!!

Every Wednesday night after work, I go to church for choir practice. Please do not be deceived when I say this, because I am not the world's best singer. However, I love singing praises to my God! I joined choir, because of the way God has used music and worship to change me. It isn't something I expected, but as I spend time worshiping God, I cannot help but be changed by Him!

Last night in choir, we sang one of my favorite songs called, "Unto the Lamb". Honestly, I do not know how anyone could hear this song and not be moved by the music and lyrics, because it is so powerful! My favorite line in this song is, "All praise unto the Lamb who sits on the throne, Honor and power, dominion and praise, Unto the Lamb, who was and is, and is to come!" Do you believe that those words are true!?

Choir is just one of the places where I come into God's presence on a weekly basis and experience God's transforming power in my life. Have you been spending transforming time with God? If not, I would encourage you to take time this week to come into God's presence!

This isn't my church, but if you have never heard this song, please take a moment to listen to "Unto the Lamb".

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Not the Same
January 31, 2012
Lynn Cowell

“When the people of the land come before the LORD at the appointed feasts, whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south gate; and whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which he entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate.” Ezekiel 46:9 (NIV 1984)

As soon as my eyes opened I knew it was going to be one of “those” days. I think that saying, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy” was created for days like this. I was sad, disappointed, frustrated and empty.

But I couldn’t put my finger on why I felt all of these emotions. I just knew I had to get out of the house before everyone woke up and my feelings steered our day in the wrong direction.

I put on my tennis shoes and started out the front door. Though unsure of where I was going to run, I was certain of the length: far! Far enough for me to come back with a different perspective. What I needed was to get alone with Jesus, to have Him fill me, and exchange my negative emotions with His peace, truth and life.

As I started my run, old thoughts poured into my head. You are not beautiful. You are not special. Your life doesn’t count. After years of reading, studying and even teaching the Truth, it was hard to believe I still struggled with these dark thoughts.

As lies poured in, I remember scriptures stored in my mind and heart. He sees me as beautiful. He says He is wild about me. He is more than enough for me. He is all I need.

Mulling over these precious promises from God’s Word, tears began to pour. This is what I needed.

I didn’t need more words of affirmation from my husband. I didn’t need another pat on the back from a friend. I needed a new outpouring of love from my Love. I needed to be reminded of who He says I am, to give up the old lies and replace them with His Truths.

When we come into God’s presence, He fills us. The Lord changes us so that we are not the same as we were when we came to Him. Ezekiel 46:9 represents this exchange of old for new. The people of Israel were told when they came into the temple area to worship, they were to enter through one gate and exit through the opposite gate.

So the same should be true with us; we are “not to go back as we came, but more holy, and heavenly, and spiritual” (Matthew Henry). As we enter into our special times with God, we need to come out the “opposite gate,” different than the way we went in.

After an hour of running, crying and talking to God, I was not the same when I returned home. Now, I was ready. Ready to be the wife and mom my family needed. Restored into a vessel that God could use. Being with Jesus had changed me.

Dear Lord, I need You today. Living this life sometimes drains me and leaves me empty. As I come through Your gates and into Your presence, change me. Pour Your life and heart into me so that as I leave through the “opposite gate,” I am not the same woman as when I came in. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Wordless Wednesday: Keep Going

2012-02-01T08:15:00.000-06:00

Our Secret Weapon...Power Foods

2012-01-31T09:09:00.000-06:00

I have the most amazing blog readers!! I just want to thank you all for your kind words of encouragement, while I’ve been sick. I was actually able to sleep through the night last night, which I haven’t been able to do in days. I’m still not 100 percent, but I am getting better. Please keep praying for me as you think of it!

This morning, I want to give you the meeting summary from my Weight Watchers meeting on Saturday, January 28, 2012.

"Power Foods our weapon of mass reduction!"

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In an article from the Weight Watchers website, Melissa Speri talks about ways that we can, "Pile on the Power Foods".

There's a reason Weight Watchers made all fruits and most veggies Power Foods – and 0 PointsPlus values: They're a fabulous tool for weight loss. Here's how to get them into your meal plan.

If you're like many people, you may find it hard to fit five servings of fruits and vegetables into your menu each day. It makes sense: When you're more used to extra breads, meats and cheeses than veggies and fruits, it's a big adjustment.

But it's an important part of the Plan, so do what you can to make the change. It's worth it. In addition to all fresh fruits and most vegetables having zero PointsPlus values, fruits and veggies offer the following perks:

• They make you feel fuller.
• They're rich sources of disease-fighting antioxidants.
• They reduce the risk of heart disease.
• They provide folic acid, vitamins and minerals.
• They increase energy, fight infection, improve regularity, keep skin healthy, promote normal blood clotting and build bones!

Fitting them in
There are many ways to include more fruits and vegetables into your meals. Variety is key. When you go grocery shopping, pick up a fruit you've never tried before or spice up your green beans with a fiery peanut sauce instead of the usual butter spray.

Here are some tricks to try:

• Add vegetables to frozen entrees, pasta dishes, soups or wraps.
• Use frozen veggies to save time. Add them to recipes or use them on their own.
• Snack on crudités with salsa, hummus, low-fat dip or dressing.
• Buy fresh seasonal, local or organic veggies, which are often more flavorful.
• Mix fruits into salads for a surprising new taste.

Sick and Tired

2012-01-30T11:17:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to write a short blog post, to let you know how I am doing.

Today, I'm home from work, because I am both sick. This is the second sinus infection that I've had this month! The weather is Texas has gone from cold to warm and back to cold again. All these changes have driven my sinuses crazy!

Last Thursday, Jon and I both woke up with sore throats and things have gone downhill ever since. I spent the entire weekend laying on the couch trying to rest and get better, but I'm still sick.

Please keep me in your prayers! Pray that I will start feeling better sooner than later!

New Cheerio Flavors

2012-01-27T08:57:00.000-06:00

I eat a lot of cereal. That might surprise you, but it is true. Occasionally, I enjoy having milk in my cereal, but most of the time I can get by without it. Each morning when I make my lunch, I will measure out a serving size and put my cereal in a Ziploc bag so that I can take it with me.

My favorite cereal to snack on is Cheerios!! I like all kinds of Cheerios. I enjoy the plain kind, the Honey-Nut kind, and the Cinnamon flavored Cheerios.

You can imagine my excitement when I started hearing about some new flavors of Cheerios. From the beginning, I have heard nothing but good things about the two new Cheerio flavors: Peanut Butter and Dulce de Leche.

Have you tried these yet? I have not had them yet, but I plan on buying them the next time that I go grocery shopping. I will let you know if I like them after I have a chance to try them. For now, I just wanted to make sure you knew that they are out there.

{Multi-Grain Cheerios Peanut Butter}

Serving Size: 3/4 cup
3 pointsplus+

{Dulce de Leche Cheerios}

Serving Size: 3/4 cup
3 pointsplus+

Easy Isn’t The New Good

2012-01-26T09:23:00.000-06:00

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I will be the first to admit that I wish life came with an easy button. I wish that I had a button in my purse that I could pull out anytime life got too hard for me to handle. However, when I take a moment to really think about it, I begin to realize that with an easy button I would not need God.

Over the last several weeks, I have felt myself slipping farther and farther away from God. This is not something that I want to admit to you, but I believe in being honest and genuine as I blog. Just a few months ago I felt so close to the Lord, but recently I have not been setting aside time to read my Bible or spend time in prayer.

Why have I been slipping? Lots of reasons, however I think the biggest factor has been that I have simply chosen to do what is easy. I am tired and have allowed myself to sleep through my quiet time. I have been so focused on myself and what I think about a situation that I have not taken the time to ask God what He wants me to do or say. I have taken my eyes off of my Lord and focused them on myself.

Last week in Sunday school, our teacher, Ms. Janet, taught a lesson on how easy it is to slip out of an intimate relationship with God and back into our old sinful habits. She said that it is the little choices and decisions that will cause us to grow closer to God or slip farther away. I felt like this Sunday school lesson had been written just for me. In a lot of small ways I have chosen what I want instead of choosing God. However, when you add up all of those small decisions, you end up farther away from God then you even wanted to be in the first place.

So, I am trying to fight against choosing what is easy. All week, I have been getting up early to spend time reading my Bible and in prayer. Is it easy? No, but I am doing it anyway, because I do not want to slip any farther away from God than I already have.

I don’t know where you are at with the Lord; maybe you’ve been slipping or backslidden too. What is it going to take for you to begin to make you relationship with God a priority again?

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Easy Isn’t the New Good
January 26, 2012
Lysa TerKeurst

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NIV 1984)

It’s good to invest wisely in my relationships. It’s easy to simply coast.

It’s good to go the speed limit. It’s easy to speed a little.

It’s good to make a healthy choice. It’s easy to grab junk.

It’s good to read my Bible. It’s easy to check my phone for texts and emails first.

It’s good to think about others. It’s easy to think about myself.

Several years ago I had a friend who decided to leave her husband for another man. Things were easier with this other man. The feelings were giddy. The fights were few. And they didn’t have years of issues that needed to be dealt with.

So she went with what felt easy over what was good. She divorced. She remarried. She started over with what seemed so much easier.

After all, she’d been slipping into the pattern of easy for years. When we set our heart on the pattern of choosing easy over good in the little things, we run the risk of using the same justifications with the bigger things.

I’m not saying if I don’t read my Bible today, I’m headed for divorce court tomorrow. But setting a pattern of choosing easy over good in my life is a slippery slope.

Easy isn’t the new good.

Just because the world waves a big banner that we deserve easy… do what feels easy… why stress yourself when there’s an easier way… doesn’t mean it’s good.

Eventually, my friend didn’t feel like her new man was so easy. The feelings weren’t so giddy. The fights were many. And over the years they too developed a whole host of issues.

One day she came home and her second husband was gone. He found it easy to leave.

Like the old cliché says, “Easy come, easy go.”

I think about this and I’m challenged. Where are little compromises sneaking into my life? Where am I establishing a pattern of choosing what is easy over what is good? And does it really matter?

I think it does.

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
I so desire this “good” way. To treat others fairly. To love those in my life faithfully. And to live the way God wants me to live- choosing good over easy.

Dear Lord, please help me to see today the times where I may choose the easy way over the good way. My desire is to please You in all that I do. Help me to establish healthy patterns of living according to Your purpose. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Wordless Wednesday: Scale Disclaimer

2012-01-25T08:40:00.000-06:00

The Great Labyrinth of Weight Loss

2012-01-24T09:11:00.000-06:00

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Here is the meeting summary from Saturday, January 21, 2012.

Have you ever been in a labyrinth? You work it from the outside in, making twists and turns to get to the center. Weight loss is a lot like that. We are trying to get to the center, our goal, and we too have twists and turns along the way with ups and downs. Sometimes we hit a dead end, (have a gain/eating binge) and have to have the confidence to work around them and learn from our mistakes.

For us to make it to our goal we have to be willing to make some changes.

There are four levels of change that will help you reach your goals:
1. Environment
2. Beliefs
3. Capabilities
4. Behavior

This week let’s look at just the first level, environment.

When it comes to your environment, it is important for us to identify our danger zones.

Which areas of your life pose the most temptation? Is it the break room at work, the drive home, or maybe your very own kitchen. Identify the places that you’re most likely to engage in unplanned eating.

Now that you know them what needs to happen in order for you to stay in control at these places? Maybe you can declare a certain space a “no eating” zone, or plan to have your own healthy snacks readily available, or maybe even just moving the most tempting foods out of arms reach.

Now let’s focus on specific foods. Which foods are your red light foods, the ones you just cannot stop eating once you start? Remember that you can’t eat it if you never buy it. If it is a food that can be done without then maybe your best bet is to never bring it in the house. Or, maybe you can find a healthy substitute that is lower in PointsPlus values…for example Peter Pan peanut butter replaced with PB2.

Also remember the phrase out of sight out of mind. If it is a food that must be in the house, move it to a place where it won’t be seen very often. Put it in the back of the tallest cabinet for example. If its sitting on the kitchen counter, and that is the first thing you see when you walk in, then 10-1 its going straight into your tummy.

How could power foods help in these types of situations? What can you do to make these foods more assessable? It could help to buy prepackaged bags of baby carrots, buying sliced apples for convenience, or keeping a stash of snacks at home, in the car, and at the office.

Your best bet is to always be prepared with a healthy snack for when hunger strikes!

To help create a healthy work environment getting off to a good start is imperative:
*Give yourself a healthy breakfast that includes protein and fiber to keep you full until lunch so you won’t be roaming for break room goodies.
(A good example might be scrambled eggs with toast and turkey bacon, or oatmeal with milk blueberries and almonds)

*Instead of choosing those high pp lattes, cappuccinos, and coffee with full fat cream, try herbal or green tea instead.

*Bring healthy munchies such as fruit, nuts, popcorn, or snack bars to satisfy the mid-afternoon hunger pains

*Bring your own lunch to work maybe some leftovers from last night or a great homemade sandwich.

*Keep water bottle on hand. Take it everywhere you go! If you feel hungry, have a bottle of water first. You might just be thirsty.

My Chipotle Dinner

2012-01-20T09:13:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday Everyone!!

Is it sad that I am already thinking about and planning what I am going to have for dinner? Let me explain.

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Tonight, Jon and I have plans to go out to eat at Chipotle. We are so excited! I cannot put into words how much my husband enjoys Chipotle. The hardest part is that we live in a town with NO Chipotle! Thankfully, Jon is a pilot and when he goes out of town he can eat at Chipotle. To our surprise, a town about 45 minutes away from us just opened a Chipotle before Christmas of this last year! Tonight, is going to be our first night to eat at this Chipotle that is so close to our home! Yes, I am going to bring my camera to document the occasion.

As you might have guessed, over the years, I have learned to really enjoy eating at Chipotle. Even after I joined Weight Watchers, Chipotle was still a great option for me to choose when we would eat out. Chipotle uses organic and local produce when they can. And they use milk from cows raised without the use of synthetic hormones. If you have never been to Chipotle I would highly recommend that you find one in your area and check it out.

I use the Chipotle Nutrition Calculator 2.0, to figure out the nutritional facts for my burrito bowl. I just check what I am going to add to my burrito bowl and it gives me the nutritional facts. I take those facts and put them into my PointsPlus calculator to figure out how many PointsPlus I need to budget for the evening.

Me with my Chipotle burrito bowl in August 2009.

Tonight I am going to have a burrito bowl that includes the following:

White Rice

Chicken

Fajita Vegetables

Tomato Salsa

Corn Salsa

Cheese

Lettuce

In total, my burrito bowl is going to be 12 PointsPlus, which is not bad at all. I do not know if I will eat the entire burrito bowl, but I am going to budget for it just in case. I feel confident in my ability to stay on plan today, because I have made a plan! I have added my burrito bowl to my Weight Watchers Plan Manager, so I know how many PointsPlus I have left to use throughout the day.

Are you going out to eat tonight or tomorrow? What kind of plan are you going to make to help you stay on plan?

Triggers

2012-01-19T08:43:00.000-06:00

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It is no secret that I struggle with emotional eating. As a result, this Proverbs 31 devotional really hit home with me!

When I first joined Weight Watchers in October 2008, I did not know anything about trigger foods or emotional eating. All I knew was that food made me feel better. Food made me happy and was there for me when no one else was around. I knew that most of the weight I had put on was because I was lonely and depressed. However, I was shocked to learn that I had a problem with emotional eating.

For the last three years, I have been battling my triggers. I have been trying to learn to recognize the things in my life that trigger me to eat. I also began to learn to deal with my emotions in other ways than just eating. Am I perfect? No. I still have days, even now, when I know I am emotionally eating. However, I am proud of myself for being able to recognize that I am emotional eating. This has been a huge step in the right direction!

If you struggle with emotional eating, like me, take some time to think about the triggers in your life that have you running to the pantry. I had to begin to turn my emotions over to God. He really is the only one who can handle them. Begin to pray that God would give you strength and wisdom to recognize your triggers and to resist them when they come along.

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Triggers
January 19, 2012
Lysa TerKeurst

“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:17-18 (NIV 1984)

I was elated one day when the number on my scale dipped below the plateau weight I’d been stuck at for two weeks. I did a little happy dance and thought, “Finally, I’m making some real progress in this journey. It’s going to be such a great day. I’m super motivated. Bring on the raw veggies. Nothing’s gonna stop me now!”

Too bad things didn’t stay that way. Life, like math, can be unpredictable. I’m no math whiz, but I do remember there being these things called polynomials. Polynomials are algebraic expressions that include real numbers and variables.

That’s the way my food issues are—they contain real numbers and variables. I suspect yours do as well. And while we must pay attention to the real numbers by eating less and moving more, we would do well to consider the variables in our lives as well.

Variables are those daily triggers we didn’t account for but will detour even the best of intentions. Triggers can be as large as the stab of loneliness from a broken relationship or the memory of a childhood trauma. Triggers can be as small as a discipline “chat” with a teen out past curfew or stumbling across fresh doughnuts in the office break room. They can prompt the thought, “Life will be better if I eat that.”

Triggers have nothing to do with physical hunger or the need for legitimate nourishment. They are lies that we’ve thought so routinely they’ve become well-worn paths to careless eating. Life is not made better because we overindulge in an unhealthy choice.

The best thing we can do in these triggered moments is to pause. Pause and ask ourselves, “Do I want to eat this right now because I need nourishment or because I’m feeling empty emotionally or spiritually?”

If I need nourishment, I can choose a healthy option. If I’m just feeling empty, I must realize food can fill my stomach but never my soul.

The only way to negate an emotional eating trigger is to match it with truth. The truth is this: “I’m not physically hungry right now, but I need to be filled in another way.”

The Bible tells us that we can be rooted in love, not emptiness; that we have power to choose truth; and that as we comprehend the love of Christ, we will be filled to the measure of all the fullness—not of that brownie—but of God (Ephesians 3:17-19). And here’s the great thing about truth: it contains no variables! Truth is stable, secure and a surefire way to get me through the unpredictable moments of life.

Take time to pause and use God’s truths to challenge your triggers. And, when you’re truly physically hungry, that pause will give you the moment you need to choose a healthy snack. Then you will be truly full.

Dear Lord, please help me to battle each of my triggers today with truth. Your truth. Moment by moment. I understand that food can fill my stomach but never my soul. Only You can fill my soul and I am thankful for that. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Wordless Wednesday: Stop Giving Up

2012-01-18T08:22:00.002-06:00

Planning a Key to Long-term Weight Loss

2012-01-17T08:54:00.000-06:00

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As you know, yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which meant that the university was closed and I had a day off! It was so nice to just have a day to myself.

This past week the meeting topic at my Weight Watchers meeting was about planning. I have to be honest and confess that I have not been very good at planning since November! I am so good at planning, but recently I have not made time to do the planning that I know I need to do at the beginning of each month. I am hoping that after this meeting I will be more motivated to get back on track with my planning. Not only does it help me eat healthy, but it also helps my budget!

Here is the meeting summary from Saturday, January 14, 2012.

Planning Healthy Meals
We are all busy. Whether you work full-time, attend college, care for a loved one, run a household or all of the above. You don’t always have time to make nutritious meals. Like many people who want to eat healthy on a budget, you probably rely on those handy frozen entrees to fill the gap. After all, they seem like a bargain compared to going out for lunch every day. But wait, with some planning you can make nutritious lunches and dinners and save money to boot.

Below are some benefits of planning ahead, meal wise:
1. Saves Money. Armed with a plan and a list, you only need to make one trip to the store each week, thus eliminating the opportunities for impulse purchases. You also save money by taking advantage of weekly sales to tailor your menu, avoiding duplicate purchases, and reducing the urge to order take-out.

2. Saves Time. You have to spend about 30 minutes to plan a week’s worth of meals. When you plan your meals, you can efficiently shop for groceries using your list, and you only have to shop once a week. You can spend dinner time preparing and enjoying your meal, instead of standing in front of the refrigerator waiting for a dinner idea to magically pop into your head.

3. Helps You Eat Healthier. By planning three meals a day, seven days a week, you can avoid visiting the drive-thru in the morning, abstain from lunch hour vending machine frenzy, and resist the temptation to order from a pricey take-out dinner menu.

4. Helps Reduce Your Stress. No more worries about what to have for dinner; you now have a plan. You’ll know when to pull food out of the freezer, avoid the mad rush through the grocery store at six o’clock, and most importantly, reduce the amount of money you spend.

Here are some great techniques to help you get started:

*Make a Master List of 10-20 Meals
Ask everyone in your family for a list of their favorite meals. Prioritize the list, highlighting foods that you can quickly prepare and meals that don’t require too many ingredients. Organize this list by category, including beef, chicken, crock-pot dishes, fish, vegetarian meals, side dishes, and soups.
Gather the recipes and keep everything in a handy notebook or store them on your computer for easy access. You will refer to this list often when you plan your meals.

*Write Your Meal Plan on Paper
You can use a blank calendar or even just use a piece of notebook paper. List the days of the week down the left side to log your meals, and use the right side of the paper to make your grocery list. You can then easily bring your plan with you to the grocery store.

*Plan for All Three Meals
When I don’t plan for breakfast and lunch along with dinner, I am more likely to skip meals or visit the drive-thru. You can make quick and easy breakfast foods and with some careful planning you can still head out the door on time in the morning. You can also use leftovers from the previous night’s dinner to prepare lunches. Make an extra serving or several extra servings at dinner time to pack for the next day’s brown bag lunch.

*Review Your Family Calendar
Are you working late this week? Do you have plans to visit the in-laws for Saturday night dinner? Do your kids have a soccer game or a Girl Scout meeting during the week? Take all of these scheduling issues into consideration when planning your meals. Once you know your family’s schedule, you can plan accordingly. For example, eat leftovers for those late nights at the office, take the night off from cooking when you visit your in-laws, and prepare a crock-pot meal for soccer night.

*Plan Your Menu around What You Already Have on Hand
To get started; you need to organize your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Group the food in your pantry by category, including baking ingredients, canned goods, condiments, coffee and tea, pasta and rice, sauces, and snacks. Clean your freezer and refrigerator and throw out any expired food.

*Make a Double Batch of Your Favorite Meals
One for dinner and one for the freezer. The more home-cooked, prepared food that you have stored in your freezer, the less stress you feel when planning your menu. For instance, if you plan to have grilled chicken one night, grill a few extra chicken breasts and shred them after they have cooled. The cooked chicken stores well in the freezer and you can use it for a chili recipe, quesadillas, salads, and soups.

*Plan Your Meals around Your Grocery Store’s Sales Circular
Most grocery stores run their weekly sales circular on Sundays. The Sunday paper costs around $2 and by planning menus around the sales, the paper more than pays for itself.

Once you’ve organized the food in your home, and thrown away anything that’s expired, take inventory of what you have on hand. Plan meals around the food you already have. In addition to reducing your grocery bill, this helps to eliminate duplicate purchases.

Take it week by week at first, and before you know it, you’ll never have to break out into a cold sweat again when someone in the house charges through the front door and asks, “What’s for dinner?”

Recipe Review: Microwave Popcorn in a Paper Bag

2012-01-13T08:00:00.001-06:00

I cannot believe that I did not do any recipe reviews in the month of December! That just shows how busy I was leading up to Christmas.

To kick off recipe reviews for the New Year, I decided to do something fun! This is actually a recipe that I learned about in a Weight Watchers meeting several years ago, but I forgot about it. A few months ago, I found this recipe on Pinterest and I did not want to forget it again. I pinned it to my board and was determined to try it this time.

Please take a moment to read the warning, before you attempt to make this recipe.

*Warning*

The first time I tried to make this recipe it did not go well. I burned the popcorn and filled our house with smoke. It was awful. However, I gave it another shot. I only used 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels and only cooked my popcorn for about 2 minutes. Yes, I had lots of kernels leftover, but at least my popcorn was not burnt. Like me, you might have to try making this recipe a few times, before you figure out what works for you and your microwave. Don't be discouraged just open a window and keep trying.

You will need a brown paper bag.

Add a 1/2 cup scoop of bulk popcorn kernels to your brown paper bag.

Fold the bag over twice. Don’t use staples to secure the bag — this might spark in your microwave.

Stick the popcorn bag into your microwave. I set mine for 3 minutes on high.

*Popping Tip: Stop the microwave when the popping slows to one to two pops per second. You don’t want to burn your tasty snack.

I sprayed my popcorn with butter flavored cooking spray. Next, I sprinkled Kernel Season's Popcorn Seasoning on top.

This is so much healthier than some other microwave options.

I enjoyed every bite!

. . . . . . . . . .
Microwave Popcorn in a Paper Bag
Source: Squawkfox

Ingredients
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
brown paper bag

Instructions
Step One: Get a brown paper bag

Step Two: Bag your popcorn. Add a 1/2 cup scoop of bulk popcorn kernels to your brown paper bag. Fold the bag over twice. Don’t use staples to secure the bag — this might spark in your microwave.

Step Three: Pop in microwave. Stick the popcorn bag into your microwave. I set mine for 3 minutes on high.

*Popping Tip: Stop the microwave when the popping slows to one to two pops per second. You don’t want to burn your tasty snack.
Step Four: Add gourmet topping

Try these toppings for fun:
* Mexican: Add chili powder, hot sauce, and salt.
* Kiss My Breath: Shake in onion powder and garlic powder — hold the kiss.
* Cheese Please: Mix in Parmesan cheese with a little salt.
* Sweet Tooth: A dash of cinnamon, a sprinkle of sugar, and a topper of honey. Now that’s money.
* Classic: A shake of salt with a pat of butter.

Servings: 3 cups; 3 PointsPlus (for plain popcorn, adjust PointsPlus values based on toppings)

2012 the Year to Believe

2012-01-12T08:00:00.001-06:00

Great news!! If you've joined Weight Watchers you have picked the best weight loss program out there!!

Weight Watchers tops the 2012 U.S. News and World Report in 3 rankings!!

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In addition to earning the distinctions of “Best Commercial Diets” and “Best Weight-Loss Diets” for the second year running, Weight Watchers has just snagged the No. 1 spot in a new category, “Easiest Diet to Follow”, in the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Diets rankings.

. . . . . . . . . .

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Our slogan for 2012 is to Believe! This is the year that you can reach your weight loss goals, but in order to do that we have to stop telling ourselves the LIES!
“But I am just big boned.”
“But I just don’t have time to plan or exercise.”
“But I’m going to be hungry, right?”
“But everyone is heavy in my family. I can't lose weight.”
“But I always give up the moment I don’t lose or have a gain.”
“But I always lose slower than other people.”
“But diet food is expensive.”

We all joined Weight Watchers because we know that it works as long as we follow the program. Take advantage of the wonderful tools that weight Watchers gives you to help you be even more successful!

. . . . . . . . . .

The Weight-Loss Plot in the Weight Record

The fill-in-as-you-go weight-loss graph in the Weight Record is valuable because over time it will help you see a visual representation of your weight loss. It will help for another reason, too: Because a safe and healthy rate of weight loss is shaded on the graph, so you will have—even from your start date—realistic expectations about what a safe and healthy rate of weight loss will look like for you!

Talk about keeping perspective: If you have a gain one week but are still well within the grey range, that gain may not sting as much. If you’re losing too fast, you can spot it. (The language to the left of the Plot tells you how to troubleshoot losses that are outside of the safe range.) If you’re losing more slowly than the potential rate of weight loss, you’ll know to talk to staff about it. I encourage you to plot your weight loss with each weigh-in.

. . . . . . . . . .

The Weekly Activity PointsPlus Goal

We’ve always advised members to aim for a certain amount of exercise per the guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine. Now we’re putting that recommendation at the forefront of the program by offering members who are ready to exercise a weekly activity PointsPlus goal. The starting goal is 14 activity PointsPlus values per week—that’s an average of just 2 per day.

This goal is explained on page 82 of Meet PointsPlus. You’ll also see it referenced in the paper Trackers: Where you track earned and used activity PointsPlus values, there is now a reminder for you to circle your goal. (There is also a reference to the weekly activity PointsPlus goal in the regular and PowerPlans Trackers, in My Weekly Planner.)

As always, we want to encourage members to work up gradually to 4 to 6 activity PointsPlus values per day; that’s the amount that studies have shown helps with successful weight maintenance. Of course, if members are ready for more than 14 activity PointsPlus values per week right when they start losing weight with us, they should go for it.

Members who are eTools subscribers can get a more targeted weekly activity PointsPlus goal with the Activity Assessment. They can find it by clicking on the Fitness tab. You’ll indicate your current level and most recent activities to find a goal that’s custom-fit. And if you’re not exercising regularly? You’ll find some great advice on how to get started.

. . . . . . . . . .

What we know is that tracking works!

How you track is up to you but Weight Watchers gives you flexibility by offering different means:
*paper tracker that you can pick up each week at the receptionist desk
*exclusive colored tracker you can only get by staying for the powerstart sessions- there is orange, blue, and green….make an effort to collect them all
*with our new PointsPlus 2012 calculator you can track directly from the calculator
*3 month journal, a handy spiral that holds 3 months worth of tracking and gives great tips and recipes
*pointsplus clicker, Quickly and simply track your PointsPlus values each day with the click of a button. It stores your daily PointsPlus Target so you can subtract PointsPlus values as you use them
*you can track using etools if you are a monthly pass subscriber, that means straight from your computer or using your smart phone! We offer 2 separate apps weight watchers mobile, and ww barcode scanner.
With the barcode scanner you simply scan the barcode of a food/drink and it will pop up with a picture, nutrition facts/serving size, and points plus value. It offers you the option to track that food and then it automatically gets sent over to your etools account! Pretty groovy huh?

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Meet PointsPlus 2012

Remember that the thick Meet PointsPlus 2012 book that you received with your enrollment material is meant to be a great reference guide to you. Inside that book you can find detailed information about all of the aspects of our PointsPlus program. Be sure you read through that book cover to cover for a good review or to give you guidance.

Remember it is a new year, and there are no more reasons to lie to yourself. In 2012 you can accomplish your goals, but you must believe in yourself. Stop throwing stones and dragging yourself down. If you have a slip up, pick yourself right back up and start over fresh the next day!

Wordless Wednesday: How to Weigh Yourself

2012-01-11T08:33:00.000-06:00

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Do It Our Way

2012-01-10T08:00:00.006-06:00

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Back in November 2011, advertising agency Saatchi and Saatchi teamed up with 180 Weight Watchers members - and new Britain's Got Talent judge, Alesha Dixon - for the weight-loss giant's biggest ever ad campaign.

The idea was to write a Weight Watchers feel-good anthem based on the stories told by members. Alesha Dixon was enlisted to sing the song and make a cameo appearance in the advert, but it's the lip-synching members who steal the show.

Many of the lyrics used in the song were inspired by things said by Weight Watchers members during casting, with lines including: "Feel so high, lipstick's brighter", "Now I'm prouder stepping out of my house" and "Didn't like my photo, I'm loving it now, I'm looking in the mirror, I'm checking me out".

You can find the lyrics below and this ad has 180 actual members, none of whom has ever performed before.

In total they have lost 5,908 pounds!

Do It Our Way
By, Alesha Dixon

Come on! Hey!
Yeah, yeah, yeah!
Heeey!

I used to be so boring
Staying in bed all morning
No longer I'm the one whose letting me down
Now I'm proud and stepping out of my house
So now I do a little shopping
Buying little dress I'd be wanting
Gonna buy it, gonna wear right now
Whatever makes me happy

Didn't like my photo, i'm loving it now
I'm looking in my mirror, i'm checking me out
Finally ready to get up, i'm taking control, hey!
My ladies let's play

Out all night, yelling, shouting
Wear that smile, I like what I see
Always, always
We're gonna do, do, do it our way
Feel so hot, lipstick's brighter
Who, what, where, is rocking with me
Always, always
We're gonna do, do, do it our way

My life revolves' around tv
Easy her to be someone to be me
Now I know what I want out of life
It brights colours, so my body can't hide
And now I wear a little make up
Taking centre stage here on made-up
And now i'm doing what I wanted at last
Whatever makes me happy

Didn't like my photo, i'm loving it now
I'm looking in my mirror, i'm checking me out
Finally ready to get up, i'm taking control, hey!

My ladies let's play

Out all night, yelling, shouting
Wear that smile, I like what I see
Always, always
We're gonna do, do, do it our way
Feel so hot, lipstick's brighter
Who, what, where, is rocking with me
Always, always
We're gonna do, do, do it our way

Throw out the roof
Live for today, life is a game
You just gotta play
Always, always, always
Lay your hair down
Do it always
Life is a game
Now you just gotta play
Always, always, always

Out all night, yelling, shouting
Wear that smile, I like what I see
Always, always
We're gonna do, do, do it our way
Feel so hot, lipstick's brighter
Who, what, where, is rocking with me
Always, always
We're gonna do, do, do it our way

Out all night, yelling, shouting
Wear that smile, I like what I see
Always, always
We're gonna do, do, do it our way
Feel so hot, lipstick's brighter
Who, what, where, is rocking with me
Always, always
We're gonna do, do, do it our way

Reading my Bible in a Year

2012-01-09T08:24:00.000-06:00

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Ever since I became a Christian I've always had the same New Year's Resolution, to read my Bible more. It's always been a struggle for me to decide what my quiet time with the Lord should look like. I do not believe that there is a wrong way to spend with God.

Last year, I really took this Bible reading resolution seriously and I was much more consistent in my quiet time then I have ever been before! At the beginning of last year, I was reading a few verses at a time, so that I would have more time to study and process what I was reading. Halfway through the year I felt like I needed to change it up, so I started reading the Bible until something jumped out at me. Then I would journal about what God had spoken to me.

Yesterday morning in church our new interim Pastor spoke about how God's word a.k.a. the Bible is filled with God's love letters to me. I have never read the Bible all the way through in one year. However the message that was shared at church got me thinking that maybe I could do that this year for my quiet time.

I realize that I am starting 9 days late, but that's okay. From one year from today, I hope to have read the entire Bible. I am going to follow the reading plan that is outlined in my ESV study Bible. If you want to follow the same reading plan as me, just click here to see it.

Have you ever read the Bible through in a year? How did God use it in your life?

For me, I hope that reading the Bible through in a year will teach me to be more disciplined about reading God's word. There is so much the I don't know about God and it would be exciting to see the Bible from start to finish. I hope that by doing this, I will have a greater love for God and His word.

Happy 2012

2012-01-07T15:37:00.000-06:00

I'm back!!

I am sorry for being gone and leaving you in the lurk without any notice. I really did not plan on taking such a long break from blogging. I was on Christmas vacation, then Jon and I went on a trip to celebrate our anniversary this past week, and while we were gone I got sick. I'm still fighting my cold and praying that it will be gone by Monday morning when I have to return back to work.

Thank you for your kind emails and comments that you wrote to me while I was gone. I appreciate your encouragement and your prayers!!

How are you doing? How is 2012 treating you so far? Did you make any New Years resolutions? Have you been able to keep them so far? Please let me know how you are doing. I would love to hear about how this year is starting for you.

Normally, I make a bunch a New Year's resolutions at the beginning of each New Year. I like to have goals to focus on throughout the year. In 2011, I gave up chocolate. I am happy to say that I was able to go 365 days without eating any chocolate. However, with traveling and being sick, I have not taken the time to consider what things I will focus on this year. As I figure it out, I will let you know.

I hope that you all have had a great 1st week in 2012!!

Activity PointsPlus Goal

2011-12-27T13:06:00.000-06:00

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As many of you read in your Meet PointsPlus 2012 books, one of the changes Weight Watchers has made to the new system is that they are encouraging members to work towards reaching an Activity PointsPlus Goal each week. The base goal is at 14 PointsPlus which is 2 PointsPlus of activity a day.

Almost everyone, deep down inside, wants to be more active. Sometimes getting started can prove to be challenging. One of the biggest mistakes that is made is to set your goal too high. Let’s face it. If it’s been 3 months since you’ve done any activity, but yet your goal is to get up every morning at 4:30 am and do an hour workout at the gym…the chances of you being successful is probably less than 1%! Be realistic. Like your daily PointsPlus goal, your activity goal is flexible.

Now having said that if you are already earning 14 PointsPlus in a week than instead of saying “woohoo I’m done”, challenge yourself to do more. Bodies adapt. Beginners may continue to improve their fitness level for up to 12 weeks using the same routine. However, seasoned exercisers may need to make changes as often as every four weeks. Changing routines can challenge your muscles and make further improvement more likely.

Now to help get your mind in the right place for activity here are a few exercise myths that have been busted:
Myth 1: Performing sit-ups gets rid of fat around the stomach
Spot reduction doesn't work. Exercising specific muscle groups in particular parts of the body doesn't burn fat primarily from that area. Think about it...if spot reduction worked, all chronic gum chewers would have thin faces.
Fat is lost gradually from all over the body. Although sit-ups won't melt fat specifically from your tummy, they will help strengthen and tighten the muscle under the fat, which makes it worthwhile.

Myth 2: Muscle turns to fat when you stop exercising
Muscle and fat are completely different tissues that are not interchangeable. Instead, there are two key reasons why people perceive that muscle turns to fat when they stop exercising.

· Muscle goes from firm to floppy when it's not used. It also decreases in size, hence the saying, use it or lose it.

· Many people stop exercising but don't adjust how much food they eat. The reality is, when you exercise less, you have to eat less.

Myth 3: You have to exercise for 20 minutes in order to burn fat
Wrong! Each one of us has a different point where our bodies start burning fat. This is partly determined by genetics but mostly by fitness level, time and intensity of the workout. What matters at the end of the day is that exercising allows you to burn calories and if you burn more calories than you take in you will lose weight. Any physical activity has an impact on burning calories so every time you move, it's worth it.

Myth 4: Resistance (weight) training impedes weight loss
Weight training is a great add-on to cardiovascular exercise because it helps maintain or even increase muscle mass, boost metabolism and reduce fat. After age 45, the average person loses about 10% of their muscle mass each decade. This is primarily due to people becoming more sedentary with age and therefore using their muscles less leading to loss of muscle mass.

In addition, we lose both fat and muscle during weight loss, particularly when relying solely on dieting. So relying on an eating plan without upping exercise levels will mean greater muscle loss. Weight training can help you keep the muscle while you lose the fat, particularly on the upper body, which isn't loaded much by walking, jogging or cycling. Weight training can also help you achieve your fitness goals. If gyms aren't your thing, keep in mind that as far as your muscles are concerned, lifting garden gnomes, bricks or even bags of laundry can have the same benefits as lifting weights.

Myth 5: If you exercise before breakfast you burn more fat
There is a little evidence to support this theory. According to the updated physical activity guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), healthy adults under age 65 need 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity five days a week or 20 minutes of vigorous intensity activity three days a week to stay healthy and reduce risk of chronic disease, regardless of the time of day that you exercise. From a practical perspective, mornings can be a great time because it's done first thing and your activity PointsPlus® values are in the bank.

Myth 6: Exercising after meals is better than before
There isn't a right or wrong answer here. Exercising before or after meals is OK; the main thing to consider is that you do not skip meals and that you leave enough time for digestion before your workout. For a large meal this could mean about 3-4 hours, and for a small meal about 2-3 hours. However, some people can snack right before a workout as well, so it really depends on the individual.

Myth 7: People who are very overweight should avoid exercise
Wrong! Just start out easy. First, concentrate on increasing daily activity. Rearrange your house or office environment so that it makes movement mandatory. Check out more everyday ways to get moving.

Use a pedometer to measure your average daily step count and increase from there. Record the daily steps you take for seven consecutive days then calculate the average. Use the average as a baseline and gradually increase your daily step goals of around 5 to 10 percent per week.

For example, if 3,000 steps is your current daily step average, the goal for next week will be 3,300 steps per day, and 3,630 per day the following week.

If you are a monthly pass subscriber go online to your etools account and take the activity assessment to see what weight watchers recommends for your personal weekly activity pointsplus target. Remember any activity you can do is going to help boost your weight loss. 5 minutes here, 5 minutes there can really add up. Very few of us will actually have 30 min to set aside at a time. So, do the best you can with what you’re given.

This week especially really focus on getting in some activity. Remember the average American will consumed 4000 calories on Christmas day! Any activity pointsplus you can earn will really pay off!

Joy to the World

2011-12-26T11:10:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas weekend!! This year it was just Jon and I at home for Christmas. We have never had a Christmas with just the two of us. We decided not to travel anywhere to visit family, because we had done so much traveling in the last year. It was nice to be on our own schedule.

On Christmas Eve, I had to get up early and work for Weight Watchers. Thankfully, there were about 20 people who came to my meeting so it wasn't as slow as I thought it would be. After I got home, Jon and I watched football. We also spent the day Skyping with our family and loved ones who live far away.

We Skyped with my family in Washington. This is my Mom and our nephews.

We also Skyped with Jon's family in China. This is Hannah, Josh, Bella, and Lisa.

Because it was just the two of us we could open presents whenever we wanted to! So we opened one present on Christmas Eve!

I got Jon a Lego Star Wars Christmas Ornament.

Jon got me Chip & Dale Recuse Rangers.

Christmas Eve we were up very late talking with Jon's family on Skype. As a result we almost missed church on Christmas morning! We woke up with no time to have Christmas morning breakfast, so we just rushed off to church as fast as we could.

Church was great! It was such a blessing to be able to go to church on Christmas! It was such a wonderful reminder about what Christmas is really about...Jesus.

Our Sunday school teacher, Janet, invited us to join her and her family for Christmas day. She did not want us to spend the day alone and we were so thankful to them for having us over like that. We enjoyed a mexican Christmas dinner which was so good! We had so much fun hanging out with their family. We even got to watch some of their home movies!

Eventually Jon and I made our way home, so that we could open up our Christmas presents that we had neglected earlier that morning.

Turns out Jon and I bought each other the same present!

Jon also got me DuckTales.

Father of the Bride 1 & 2! I love these movies!

Inheritance for Jon!

Jon knows how much I love these, so he bought them for me to enjoy all next year!

Jon's sister made us gifts that say, "I'm an Uncle."

This is mine, "I'm an Auntie."

After opening Christmas presents we tried taking pictures of the two of us on Christmas day! It took a while before we got some good pictures of ourselves.

I hope that you and your family had a wonderful Christmas weekend too!

Simply Filling = Simply Fabulous

2011-12-22T08:00:00.002-06:00

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I think the Simply Filling Technique is one of THE MOST underutilized tools Weight Watchers has! There are many benefits for MANY members. The new flexibility of using Simply Filling on a daily basis is AWESOME, particularly since a HUGE factor of success is accountability and tracking - which is where so many people get tripped up. So often members feel they can't be successful trackers, don't want to write it down, aren't following our Good Health Guidelines, feel it takes too much time, won't track because it isn't perfect, have trouble figuring out PointsPlus values, etc. I am really passionate about "converting" people to the joys of the Simply Filling concept - once in a while or even daily; it is a block buster strategy on vacations! What could it hurt…..

SIMPLY FILLING = SIMPLY FABULOUS

We encourage people to track, because it makes you more aware of what you’re eating, and helps you maintain control when you’re aiming to lose weight. Still, tracking isn’t for everyone — and for those who want to try a different method, we offer the Simply Filling technique.

So, what is simply filling? Following the Simply Filling technique means you eat exclusively from the Power Foods list without counting the PointsPlus values of those foods. You can find a complete list of power foods in the following places:
• Pages 40-43 Meet PointsPlus® 2012
• Pocket Guide( Green section ) page 103
• Power Start colored Trackers contain a list

You know a food is a power food if it has a green triangle beside it in the companion guides, pocket guides, or on e-tools.
Eat portions that feel right for you. Not so much that you feel too full, and not too little that you still feel hungry.

If you decide to try the Simply Filling technique, the Plan Manager on e-tools makes it easy. Go to “Settings” and select “Tracking Preference.” Follow it for a day, a week or more; whatever works for you. You might find it's a good idea if you're on vacation or have a special event. You can always switch back if you decide Simply Filling isn’t for you.

You’ll still enjoy a weekly PointsPlus Allowance with the Simply Filling technique, and have room to treat yourself with food that is not on the Power Foods list. Just remember to track those items, and stay within your weekly allowance. You can also continue to earn, and swap, activity PointsPlus values.

With the new PointsPlus 2012 system you can decide to do the simply filling technique on a day to day basis! (Used to you would have to follow the simply filling plan for an entire week at a time.)

You can also Include your 2 tsp. of healthy oil each day without counting PointsPlus values. Use your weekly PointsPlus Allowance for any additional oil. Healthy oil choices include:
• Olive oil
• Canola oil
• Safflower oil
• Sunflower oil
• Flaxseed oil

Remember, as with the regular PointsPlus plan your goal is to get in all of your good healthy guidelines each day. Those include (pages 48-53 of Meet PointsPlus 2012 book):
• 5 servings of fruits/veggies
• 1-2 servings of lean proteins
• At least 2 servings of non-fat and low fat dairy
• Choose whole grains whenever possible
• Get in at least 48 oz. of nonalcoholic liquids each day (water is your best choice)
• Get in 2 tsp. of healthy oil
• Take a multivitamin daily
• Watch your intake of sodium, added sugar, and alcohol

If you find that you are already eating a lot of power foods, then the simply filling technique may be right up your alley. Give it a try this next week and see how you like it!

Weight Watchers Barcode Scanner App

2011-12-20T06:37:00.000-06:00

Ready, Set, Scan!

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Weight Watchers thought they would make staying on plan even easier this holiday season, which is why I proudly present to you the Weight Watchers barcode scanner for both the iPhone and the Android!

The barcode scanner 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.

As 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 nice 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.

OK, OK, start scanning already

Celebrating Our Anniversary

2011-12-19T08:13:00.000-06:00

This past weekend, Jon and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary!! I cannot believe that we have already been married for 5 years!! Where did the time go!?

We have learned a lot over these last 5 years. Here are just a few things that God has taught us so far. God has shown us that we need to depend on one another when life gets hard. God has taught us that going to church is a priority, because we will not make it in this life without God. God has shown us that He will provide for our every need. God has also taught us that His timing and plans are much more perfect than ours.

To really celebrate such a big milestone in our lives we are taking a trip after the first of the year. We will be attending the Passion 2012 conference. There is no better way that we could celebrate than to attend a conference that helps to teach us more about the Lord!!

On, Saturday, our actual anniversary we spent the day resting and relaxing! We watched movies and hung out at home! This was perfect, because recently our schedules have been so hectic. Here are so pictures from our anniversary.

Jon and I ready to go out to dinner!

We went to Genghis Grill, it's one of our favorite places to eat!

Jon bowl was spicy as usual.

I tried something new and got noodles!

We went to Starbucks after dinner.

After Starbucks we headed to the bookstore, another one of our favorite places to hang out!

Click here to read more about our love story!

Weight Watchers Praline Nut Cluster

2011-12-15T08:29:00.000-06:00

Serving Size: 1 bar
2 pointsplus+

At my Weight Watchers center we finally received the new mini bar!! I bought a box of these Weight Watchers Praline Nut Cluster mini bars on Tuesday evening. They taste like a Payday and are very good!! When I am craving something sweet, like a candy bar, these mini bars are the perfect PointsPlus friendly option for me.

I hope that you will get some and try them the next time you are in the meeting room. Maybe you could even use them as stocking stuffers!!

Wordless Wednesday: My Weight Watchers Pedometer

2011-12-14T09:14:00.000-06:00

Reader Question: Excess Skin

2011-12-13T09:08:00.000-06:00

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Good Morning!! I’ve received several emails in the last few weeks from people who read and follow my blog. They are people just like you and me who are in the midst of their own weight loss journeys. These people need some advice and/or encouragement to help them along in their journey.

Normally, I just email the blog reader back and let that be it. However, I think that there are other people out there who have similar questions. So, I’ve decided to start using some of my reader questions as my inspiration for blog posts. I’ll post the reader’s question and my response to their question.

This past weekend I received an email from Sarah, who had a question about excess skin. Read below to check out Sarah’s question.

"Do you have to deal with extra skin, or has your body adjusted to the new weight? I look all over the place for weight loss blogs for inspiration, I have 92 pounds to lose. However, I recently came across a blog where a girl had to have a "lower body lift" which is basically plastic surgery to remove excess skin, and this kind of scared me. I'm a big fan of your blog, so I thought I would ask you and see if you had any issues with this after your weight loss. Thanks for your help."

Here is my response to Sarah and anyone else who is nervous about dealing with excess skin.

First, I just want to thank Sarah for having the courage to email me! I love hearing from my blog readers/followers! Talking about weight loss issues can be uncomfortable, especially when you are talking about it with a stranger.

My mother-in-law asked me this same question just a few months after I reached my goal weight. In answer to your question, I did not have to deal with extra skin. I have not had any kind of "body lift" either. To be completely honest, I did not lose all of my weight and find a six pack under the layers of fat that was hiding it. My stomach does not look like anything that you would find on the cover of a magazine. It is bigger than I like and still has a few larger rolls. However, I do not have lots of flabby skin just hanging around that I have to deal with.

Now that I’ve been too honest with you, let me tell you a few reason about why I have not had to deal with extra skin.

First, I lost my weight at a slow and healthy rate. As I lost the weight my body was able to make adjustments. People who choose to lose weight very quickly often have to deal with a lot of extra skin, because their body does not have time to adjust to the weight loss changes that are taking place. I would highly recommend that you lose your weight at a slower pace. I know that it can be challenging, but losing the weight slowly really is the healthiest way to go.

Second, half way through my weight loss journey I began to exercise. I believe that the walking and running that I was doing as I lost my weight helped to naturally tone my body. If you are not exercising regularly I would highly recommend it!

Don't let the fear of having excess skin keep you from losing weight!

PointsPlus 2012 Plan Changes

2011-12-12T08:49:00.000-06:00

{Flexible PointsPlus Target}

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Many of you were surprised to notice that with our 2012 PointsPlus plan, many of your daily pointsplus targets have changed. When we launched our original PointsPlus program in 2010 we were overly cautious, making sure that everyone’s nutrition needs would be met with our program. Since that time we have done more research and discovered that this can still be done with a lower daily pointsplus target.

For that reason we have moved the bottom of our scale to 26 pointsplus instead of the 29. (You will notice that your etools account has automatically recalculated your daily pointsplus target to reflect these new calculations based on your age, height, current weight, and gender.) The choice to change your daily pointsplus target is completely up to you.

Why might you want to lower your daily pointsplus target?
• not losing or difficulty maintaining
• reduction in overall daily activity
• age, which may lead to slower weight loss or difficulty maintaining due to a decrease in activity
• I can’t eat all that! – Struggling to get in the recommended amount of pointsplus values

If you decide to move to the lower daily pointsplus values be cautious of the following things:
• Feeling deprived/falling into that diet mentality
• Getting in your Good Health Guidelines (proper nutrition)
• Unhealthy rapid weight loss -- what IS that? .5 lb to 2 lb per week. On the back of your newly designed weight record there is a place for you to plot your weight loss and identify if you are falling within the healthy range.

Why might you want to raise your daily pointsplus target?
• feeling too deprived, not being able to stick with it
• vacations, holiday seasons, a decision to maintain for a time instead of losing, etc.
• losing too quickly
• increase in overall daily activity, leading to rapid weight loss or chronic hunger

Now you have the option to remain at the daily pointsplus target you already have. If you are happy with your food intake, and if you are losing at a healthy rate, then you may not want to change your daily pointsplus target at all. If this is the case, and you have etools, you can adjust your daily pointsplus target under the plan manager under settings.

{Free eTools}

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Congratulations to all Zero paying Lifetime members. As a reward for your hard work, you are now able to receive free etools! Each month when you weigh in no more than 2 lb above your goal, you will receive an 8 week free etools voucher! WOOOOHOOOO! You guys deserve it!!

{PowerStart}

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Probably the biggest change that Weight Watchers is announcing this year is in how we are helping you get STARTED with your weight loss. Research shows that getting off to a GREAT start is critical to long-term weight loss success, so we’ve vamped our “getting started session” into a new 3-part POWERSTART! You’ll notice that on the front of your new weight record, there are 3 boxes to record when you’ve completed each of the great new sessions. I invite you ALL to stay for these 3 looping sessions. You do not have to take them in any order.

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Don’t forget that our new 2012 enrollment products are now available with more information and with new updated pointsplus values. Pick your copies up in the meeting room!

Trusting God Anyway

2011-12-09T15:41:00.000-06:00

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Preface: Two posts in one day! I know that this rarely happens, but I have a lot on my mind.

Part One: A Big Decision

All week, I have been praying for wisdom and clarity. I have been asking the Lord to show me what He wants me to do with my life. You see I have to make several big decisions. The first decision I have to make is about whether or not I want to pursue my Master’s degree at this time. I was accepted into the Master of Psychology program and even registered for classes. Earning my Master’s degree has always been a part of “the plan”…my plan, but is it God’s will for my life? The timing seems perfect, because everything has fallen into place so neatly. Well, if it is so perfect why have I doubting whether or not this is what God really wants me to do?

Yesterday, I had a bad afternoon which came on top of a stressful week. I ended up crying a lot. It got to the point where I was not sure if I would ever stop. I did my best to pull myself together before choir even though my heart was still heavy. Later that night I asked my friend Meagan to pray for me and that I would have wisdom and clarity. I feel like I’ve been praying and praying, but not really getting anywhere this week. Last night, I didn’t feel any closer to making this decision than I did the night before. Why wouldn’t God answer me!?

Part Two: An Encouraging Blog Post

As it turns out, my prayer request inspired my friend Meagan to write a blog post titled “for when the clarity never come”. Please take a moment to read it now and then come back for part three.

Part Three: My Response

Thank you Meagan for writing that blog post because it was just what I needed to hear!

I did not have the “aha” moment that I was hoping for, but apparently I did not need it. I now understand and know the answer to my prayer. In fact I think that I have known the answer all along that I should not go to school right now. However, I do not understand why the Lord is leading me away from my very well thought out plan.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Even though I do not understand what is going on right now, I am trying my best to trust God anyway. I wanted clarity, so that I could be confident in the decision I made. If God were to give me the clarity I desired, I would not have to trust Him and walk by faith. God wants me to take a risk, step out in faith and trust Him to lead me in the right direction.

I need to be willing to trust Him even if I don’t understand what He is doing. Deep down inside I know that God’s plans are the better than mine and I have to trust that He has equipped me to make the right decision. I guess God has other plans for me that I do not know about. Until God tells me otherwise, I am going to rest in the truth that HE KNOWS.

Melanie's Success Story

2011-12-09T09:22:00.000-06:00

Today and tomorrow are really busy days for me, because I am trying to get ready for graduation. I don't have a lot of time to blog, but I wanted to share this success story with you.

I have blogged about this couple before, Tim and Melanie Howie, because they were interviewed this past Spring. Tim and Melanie are an incredible couple and I am so glad that they have been able to share their story with others! They are so inspiring!!

Tim and Melanie can fit into Tim's jacket that he wore when he first started Weight Watchers.

Tim and Melanie also participated in our Success Event. As a result, Melanie was interviewed and featured today on TV!! Please click the link below to read Melanie's success story story.

Melanie's Story: Losing weight for herself and her son

I hope that this helps inspire you to continue to stay on track! Have a great weekend!

Local Success Stories

2011-12-08T08:31:00.000-06:00

Last month, my Weight Watchers center hosted a huge Success Event. To read more about the Success Event, click here.

At the Success Event we had several Weight Watchers members share their weight loss success. The local newspaper got wind of the Success Event and recently decided to interview two of our successful Weight Watchers members, Barbara and Irene.

Irene sharing her weight loss story at last month's success event.

Barbara sharing her story at the success event.

This past Tuesday, a photographer stopped by our Tuesday evening Weight Watchers meeting to take pictures of Irene and Barbara for their newspaper article!! This morning their article was in the local newspaper!!

Irene and Barbara's weight loss article.

I know that this can be a challenging time of year. You are being tempted to eat more than any other time of year. If you are in need of some encouragement please click here to read their newspaper article.

Slow Cooking in December

2011-12-06T09:25:00.000-06:00

Last night, Jon and I made Skinny Taste’s Baked Potato Soup. The soup is currently cooking in the Crock Pot and will be ready for us to eat when we get home later tonight!

As we were cooking last night I was reminded of two things that I love! First, I love cooking with my Jon. To be honest he is a better cook than I am. Jon helped me make this soup according to the recipe. When we had almost finished it, I told him that it was now his turn to add whatever kinds of spices he felt would make it taste even better. He added salt, black pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, and more. If it was not for him all of our food would be bland and boring, at least according to Jon’s standards.

I first used this picture with my Crockpot Maple Ham recipe review.

Second, I love my Crock Pot! I am so thankful that we received our Crock Pot as a wedding present almost 5 years ago! Here in Texas, it is finally starting to feel like Fall and Winter, so now is that time of year when I pull out my Crock Pot and let it do most of my cooking for me!

My two favorite Crock Pot recipes are Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti and Crockpot Maple Ham (which I will be making for Christmas). To see my collection of Crock Pot recipes click here and scroll down to the slow cooker section.

Do you enjoy Crock Pot cooking? What are some of you favorite Crock Pot recipes?

PointsPlus 2012

2011-12-05T08:15:00.000-06:00

This week in the meeting room Weight Watchers will be launching their latest program PointsPlus 2012! You have probably already noticed some of these changes when you logged on to eTools.

This new program offers an increased amount of flexibility to help make the program work better for you. These are not huge changes, but you don’t want to miss this week’s meeting to get all of the details!

In the meeting room next week you will receive a completely redesigned pocket guide featuring some pointsplus changes to several foods. Every time the FDA reevaluates the nutritional information of foods, so do we. For that same reason we will also be selling our new 2012 editions of the Complete Food Companion and the Dining Out companion. These new editions are going to have the best and most accurate information available.

You will also be receiving the new getting started guide titled Meet Points Plus 2012.

We will be featuring our newly designed 2012 starter kits. Good news is they will still be featured at the discounted price of $34.95 for the deluxe kit and $19.95 for the essential kit. This is a great way for you to obtain the updated companion guides.

We will also be featuring a newly designed PointsPlus calculator. The new calculator has been renovated to provide larger buttons that are easier to push as well as updates to the new daily pointsplus flexibility options. The new and improved calculators will be featured for $5.95 for the first calculator just until January. After January the first calculator you purchase will be $7.50 and any additional purchase will be $14.95 a piece. $14.95 is the regular price for the updated calculator. What I like about these calculators is that we are now going to be offering skins for just $1.95 each that you can add to the top of your calculator to help accessorize it and make it more custom to your style. (No more birth control looking calculators!) Aren’t they awesome? It will be hard to choose just one!

With Points Plus 2012 we are redoing the way we do our getting started sessions for new members. It is now titled power start, and will take place in 3 (highly recommended that you attend) sessions. At each of the 3 sessions you will hear the program essentials as well as focus specifically on a much needed skill for success. The 3 power starts are titled Power Spaces, Power Choices, and Power Plans. At each of the 3 sessions you will receive a very unique colored tracker that not only includes a shopping list, food guide, and a power foods list, but it also includes an activity. At each powerstart session you will complete the activity and help incorporate that week’s skill into your personal life. The only way you can receive this exclusive fancy tracker is by attending these power start sessions. I highly recommend that all of you take these 3 refresher courses to help you start fresh and really be successful over the rest of this holiday season!

Remember that January will bring lots of new faces, so you may want to knock them out now so that you do not have to fight the crowd. You do not have to take them in any particular order. In fact we will rotate them over and over again. Every meeting all across the country will be offering the same power start session week to week.

Be on the lookout for new products in the meeting rooms as well!

I'll be blogging more about these changes so be sure to check back for the latest information on PointsPlus 2012!

Decorating for Christmas

2011-12-02T09:03:00.000-06:00

Last night Jon and I finally had time to put up our Christmas tree!! I told you that we are busy throughout the month of December and I was not lying. Last night was one of the only free nights that we had open to decorate our Christmas tree.

While I was at work my amazing husband did everything he could to help get the house ready to decorate. He vacuumed, moved furniture, washed the dishes, and he even put up the tree so it would be ready for us to decorate when we got home from work! I am so thankful to have a husband who is willing to help me with things around the house!!

After Jon and I got back from work we ate Taco Junk for dinner, which was prepared by Jon! After dinner we got to work decorating our home for Christmas. Here are some pictures that I took last night.

Jon had set up the tree while I was at work.

I wrapped my picture frames, so that they would look like presents. I got this idea from Pinterest.

Don't they look good!?

Jon was tired from work, so he decided to take a break before we even started.

These picture frames look so good!

I went a little crazy with this idea and wrapped all the picture frames in the living room and dining room.

This is our Haitian nativity. Thanks Michelle!

Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus

Our tree skirt

These are our Christmas stockings

This is the angel that sits on top of our tree.

Jon's parents gave us this ornament. Jon and I spent our first married Christmas together in 2006.

There is our Christmas tree!!

Every year Jon and I take pictures like this in front of our tree.

I love this guy!

We are all ready for Christmas!!

You Only Want What?

2011-12-01T09:49:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I went out to The Olive Garden for some lunch with my coworkers.

Normally, when I go to The Olive Garden I eat the lunch portion of the Venetian Apricot Chicken. It is delicious and always leaves me feeling extremely satisfied. However, yesterday all I wanted was soup. It's finally been getting cold here in Texas and I wanted something that would warm me up! I usually order soup when I go to The Olive Garden, but I never get to enjoy it, because I eat so much that I am way too full!

So, yesterday I did something different and decided to just order soup. It ended up being a lot harder than I thought it would be! It was so hard, because other people asked me what I was going to get for lunch. When I told them that I only wanted soup their response was not very encouraging. I told myself that I was not going to base my decisions on what other people thought about me. At the last minute I almost order an entire dish, because I felt so uncomfortable just ordering soup. However, I held my ground and stuck to my original decision.

Do you know what? No one said anything! When it was all said and done no one said anything about the fact that I only ordered soup! I was so thankful that no one made any comments about my lunch choice. There ended up being another lady who only ordered soup too, so I was not alone!

Here is an iPhone picture on my lunch yesterday, minus a breadstick.

Zuppa Toscana Soup 4 pointsplus+
Breadstick with garlic-butter spread 4 pointsplus+
Total = 8 pointsplus+

It felt great to know that I was able to stick to my plan! Ultimately, I will have to answer to myself on the scale for what I did with my pointsplus+ values each day.

If you would like a complete list of The Olive Garden's nutritional facts please click here.

Check the lessons that God is teaching me through my Christmas cards over at my other blog, Newsham Flight Log.

Wordless Wednesday: Voices

2011-11-30T09:27:00.000-06:00

Our Flat Tire Adventure

2011-11-29T08:31:00.000-06:00

At midnight last Friday night Jon and I found ourselves at Wal-Mart doing some Black Friday shopping with some friends of ours. My Jon was so excited about going Black Friday shopping, because he had never done it before.

Wal-Mart was insane! The lack of organization drove me and my friend Elise crazy! We stood in line only to be told that we were in the wrong line. So, we got out of line only to find out 15 minutes later that we had been in the correct line all along! Frustrated we got back in line and started all over again.

My Jon surprised me with an early anniversary gift!! Jon bought me a new camera!! He knows how much I love taking pictures and this was such a sweet gift! He got me the Canon Rebel T3. As you can only imagine I've been doing lots of research on how to take good pictures with my new camera.

My new camera!! Thank you Jon!!

Saturday afternoon my Jon discovered that my car had a flat tire which was frustrating, because we wanted to spend the afternoon relaxing. I really excited about this flat tire, because it meant that I could practice taking pictures with my new camera! I tried convincing Jon that we would have fun on this adventure! I hope you enjoy these pictures that I took with my new camera!

Jon and I before we left to get our new tire.

Jon tried to be in a good mood for me while I took his picture!

Our poor tire.

Thank you Firestone for being open on Black Friday!

Our new tire.

We finally got the new tire home and it was time to get to work.

Jon did all the work while I took pictures.

He is the best!

He did it!

The flat tire adventure was not what we had planned, but we tired to make the most of it!

Thanksgiving Skyping

2011-11-28T09:05:00.001-06:00

How was your Thanksgiving holiday!? Am I the only one who had a hard time getting up this morning? Monday mornings are normally hard for me, but it is especially challenging when Monday is the end of a long weekend. I just kept hitting the snooze button this morning, so that I could sleep in as late as possible.

Jon and I had such a great weekend! I've got lots of pictures and a few stories. However, I will share more about that with you later on this week after I have a chance to download my pictures onto my computer. This morning's pictures were taken with my iPhone, so the quality is not the best, but please bare with me.

On Wednesday evening of last week, Jon and I were able to spend some time Skyping with my family. My Mom, sisters, and brother were celebrated Thanksgiving last Wednesday. It has been a long time since they've all been in the same place at once, so I asked if we could Skype with them after dinner. This way we could see our nephews and talk with my family!

We Skyped with them for a long time and it was so much fun! We got to see everyone including our nephews Kenneth and Lucas! This time of year is so hard, because we do not live close to our family. However, I am so thankful that we are able to spend time with them over Skype. I am looking forward to the day when our nephews are older enough to talk with us!

Here are a few pictures of the boys that I took while we were Skyping with them last week.

My Mom, my nephew Lucas (7 months), and my sister Vivian

My nephew Kenneth (14 months)

My brother Jake and Kenneth

Vivian, Kenneth, and Lucas. The boys could not take their eyes off of Uncle Jake who is sharing his cookie with them!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T08:00:00.018-06:00

Have a very blessed Thanksgiving Day!!
We hope that you are able to give thanks with a grateful heart this holiday weekend.
Remember it's not about the food, but the family and friends that are with you during this time!

Just for fun, you should check out the Thanksgiving song by Matthew West called, "Gobble, Gobble".

Matthew West "Gobble Gobble"
Matthew West "Gobble Gobble" by K-LOVE Radio

Blessings,

Jon and Jen

R-E-S-P-E-C-T That is what He Needs from Me

2011-11-22T08:35:00.000-06:00

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For several reasons I was irritated with Jon yesterday morning! On my drive to work I shared with the Lord about all the things that Jon does that bother me. I also tried telling the Lord about what I thought Jon should be doing instead. Not once was I thankful for the husband that God has given me.

This morning, after I got to work, I noticed the title of today’s Proverbs 31 devotional, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T … That is what He Needs from Me”.

Seriously Lord!? Of all the days, this is not what I want to read about this morning. I am frustrated and I was looking for words of comfort not correction. After a while, I finally read the devotional and became extremely convicted by the Lord. God showed me that my actions/thoughts did not honor Him or Jon.

This past weekend at the Marriage Retreat Jon told me that the number one thing he needs from me is respect. Even after the retreat God tried teaching me about this in Sunday school, but was I even paying attention? Obviously not! Not even 48 hours after coming home from the Marriage Retreat and I am already choosing to focus on the negative instead of focusing on the man that God has made Jon to be.

The Lord has really gotten my attention today and my criticisms of Jon need to stop. Maybe I didn’t quite understand what God was telling me at the Marriage Retreat, but I am thankful that He has taken more time to teach me about how I can better love my husband.

Jon's not perfect, but I want to begin to focus on what he is and not what he lacks in my eyes. In addition, I need to learn to keep my mouth shut. If I don't have anything nice to say, I don't need to say anything at all.

Is there an area of your life/heart that does not honor the Lord? Will you listen to God's leading or continue to do it how you think it should be done?

. . . . . . . . . .
R-E-S-P-E-C-T … That is what He Needs from Me
November 22, 2011
Renee Swope

“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:33 (NIV 1984)

I have a confession to make: when my husband J.J. and I got married over 18 years ago, I took out the words “honor and obey” from my wedding vows. That line about submitting to my husband wasn’t in there either. Instead, I vowed to “submit my ideas and dreams” to my J.J. and trust God’s leadership in our marriage.

Yes, I had some serious issues going into marriage. As a young Christian, I was afraid of the “S” word, and wanted to make sure God and my witnesses didn’t catch me in a lie.

Like many women, I was terrified if I submitted to my husband I’d become a doormat and lose myself somewhere in the middle of letting my husband lead.

Regretfully, I remember the time J.J. told me it was easier to let me lead because it wasn’t worth the argument to him.

You’d think that’s what I wanted – to get my way – but it wasn’t because my husband became apathetic. Eventually I lost respect for my husband, and it was mostly my fault. I wanted him to lead, but when he tried I’d often criticize how he led. It was a mess!

I had been praying God would change J.J. and make him more decisive, more confident, more protective and well, just more what I wanted him to be. One day, God strongly impressed on my heart that my criticism wasn’t getting me any closer to my desired result. In fact, my frustration with J.J. only contributed to his own doubt as a man trying to follow God and lead His family.

The Holy Spirit also showed me I was fueling Satan’s flaming darts of condemnation aimed at my husband’s heart; joining efforts with the one who wanted to take out my husband as the leader of our home. Through prayer, I realized my husband needed me to be his greatest cheerleader and his biggest supporter verbally, emotionally and spiritually.

God challenged me to keep my mouth closed when J.J. did something I didn’t like or led in a way I didn’t want to follow. He encouraged me to tell my husband when I saw things I appreciated and use the power of my words to build up and not tear down my man.

I started doing what God showed me. I looked for and found things in my husband that I’d never noticed. I got intentional about noticing things I respected and letting God take care of things I didn’t. I made many choices to honor him in big and small ways. And you know what? I discovered so many things about my husband that were worthy of respect.

We’ve been through so much together over the years. I have learned to follow God as I trusted many of my husband’s decisions that scared me: job changes I didn’t want him to make; financial investments that seemed too risky; parenting issues that were hard. It hasn’t been easy, but I am thankful my husband has become the leader of our family. And I’ve become more comfortable following his leadership than I ever thought I’d be!

Dear Lord, I want to respect my husband and build him up with my words. Help me to measure my thoughts carefully and come to You with my complaints. I want to become my husband’s biggest cheerleader and watch You do Your thing in His life. I know this is possible as I depend on You to live Your life through me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Just a Few Things

2011-11-21T09:40:00.000-06:00

{Our Weekend}

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Jon and I had a busy weekend. Friday evening we drove to a nearby camp to attend our church’s Marriage Retreat. We had a great time at the retreat! It was so nice to be able to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. We were gone on Saturday as well, so I was not able to lead my weekly Saturday morning Weight Watchers meeting. There are so many good things that I will take away from the retreat, but the lesson that made the biggest impact on me was about communication. Jon and I really need to continue to work on our communication. We got some good tools from the Marriage Retreat that we could take home with us!

Please keep praying for those who attended the Marriage Retreat. Pray against Satan’s discouragement and that each couple will be able to grow closer together as a result of this event.

{Thanksgiving Plans}

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Our Thanksgiving plans have changed so many times! Originally, Jon and I were looking forward to having Thanksgiving at our home. Jon’s sister, Rachel, and her husband, Aric, were going to drive down from Colorado to visit us. I had started to plan my Thanksgiving menu and grocery list, so that we could be prepared for their visit. Unfortunately, Aric was not able to get time off for Thanksgiving, so our plans have changed. We are so disappointed that they will not be able to join us this year for Thanksgiving!

We were not sure if we would end up spending Thanksgiving alone, which seems very depressing. However, some friends of ours from church invited us to spend Thanksgiving with them again for the 4th year in a row! We are so thankful to them and their family for opening up their home to us. It’s hard being in Texas, because our immediate family is not with us. But we are so thankful that God has put people in our church to be like family to us when ours is not present.

{Our First Niece}

My sister Vivian is pregnant again with baby #2!! Last Friday, she found out that she is pregnant with a baby girl! This will be our first niece, because so far we have only have nephews. We are so excited and cannot wait for Kadence to make her debut this coming April 2012!

Holiday PointsPlus Values

2011-11-18T08:00:00.002-06:00

The last few years I have written blog post about how to create a successful Thanksgiving Game Plan. To read those previous blog posts, click here and here. A Thanksgiving game plan is so important and without I do not know how you will be able to stay on plan throughout the holidays. However, today I want to focus on the actual Thanksgiving food!

Below is a list of different holiday foods and their PointsPlus values. I don't know about you, but I am going to be using this list to help keep me from making some really bad food choices this Thanksgiving!

{Entrees}

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Turkey breast, 4 oz =4 PointsPlus

Ham, 2 oz slice = 2 PointsPlus

Prime Rib, 3 oz. = 4 PointsPlus

Salmon, 1 oz smoked = 1 PointsPlus

{Starches, Carbohydrates, Spreads}

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Sweet potato, 1/2 cup = 2 PointsPlus

Mashed potato, 1/2 cup = 3 PointsPlus

Baked potato, 10 oz. uncooked or 8 oz cooked = 5 PointsPlus

Stuffing, 1/2 cup = 5 PointsPlus

Dinner roll, 2 oz. = 4 PointsPlus

Butter, regular or whipped, 1 tsp = 1 PointsPlus

Margarine, regular, 1 tsp = 1 PointsPlus

Gravy, 1/4 cup = 3 PointsPlus

Candied Sweet Potatoes, ½ cup = 5 PointsPlus

{Vegetable Side Dishes}

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Hot Dish: string beans, cream of mushroom soup, onions, 1/2 cup = 3 PointsPlus

Tossed mixed greens salad, 1 cup =0 PointsPlus

Dressing, 1 tbsp. Full fat = 2 PointsPlus

Olive, 6 large or 10 small = 1 PointsPlus

Pickle, one medium dill = 0 PointsPlus

Cranberry Sauce, 1/4 cup = 3 PointsPlus

{Beverages}

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Fruit punch, 4 oz (1/2 cup) = 2 PointsPlus

Wine, 4 oz (1/2 cup) = 3 PointsPlus

Beer, 8 oz = 3 PointsPlus

Mineral or sparkling water, 8 oz = 0 PointsPlus

{Desserts}

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Pumpkin Pie, 1/8 of 9" one crust = 11 PointsPlus

Apple Pie, 1/8 of 9" two crust = 11 PointsPlus

Pecan Pie 1/8 of 9” once crust = 14 PointsPlus

Meringue Pie, any type, 1/8 of 9" = 10 PointsPlus

Mincemeat Pie, 1/8 of 9" two crust = 13 PointsPlus

Ice cream, regular, 1/2 cup = 8 PointsPlus

Whipped Cream, 1/4 cup full fat = 3 PointsPlus

{Snacks}

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Candy/Fudge, 1 oz = 3 PointsPlus

Bar Cookies, 1 = 3 PointsPlus

Cheese, 1" cube = 3 PointsPlus

Salami, 1slice/1oz = 3 PointsPlus

Saltines, 6 = 2 PointsPlus

Guacamole or Hummus, 1/4 cup = 4 PointsPlus

Egg Roll, 3 oz pork, shrimp, = 4 PointsPlus

Deviled Egg, 1/2 of egg, regular mayo = 4 PointsPlus

Pretzels, 7 twists, regular = 2 PointsPlus

Dip, many types, 2 tablespoons = 2 PointsPlus

Recipe Review: Weight Watchers Chicken and Cheese Casserole

2011-11-17T08:00:00.001-06:00

There was a baby boom in my Sunday school class this year. I am not kidding you! Many of the babies were due in October and November of this year. Our Sunday school class always provides meals for the family for the first few weeks after they have their baby. With all the babies being born around the same time I felt like I needed to find a new recipe to make. It is boring make the same casserole dish over and over again.

I found this recipe on Pinterest. I made it for a family in my Sunday school class, because it was healthy and I had all the ingredients at home in my pantry.

The Ingredients

Cut up chicken and line in the bottom of the pan.

I used one can of Cream of Mushroom and one can of Cream of Chicken.

Stir soups together and add milk

I added some salt and pepper and mixed everything together.

Next, I added Weight Watchers shredded cheese.

Next, cook your noodles, I used penne.

Add your noodles to your soup mixture.

Stir together.

This is the finished product!! Doesn't it look good!

. . . . . . . . . .
Weight Watchers Chicken and Cheese Casserole
Source: Food.com / Pinterest

Ingredients
2 cups cooked macaroni
2 cups chicken breasts, chopped
2 cups cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
2 cups skim milk
8 ounces low-fat cheddar cheese

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large casserole, combine all ingredients, mixing well.

Bake,covered, 35-45 minutes.

Remove cover; bake 10-15 minutes longer.

Serve immediately.

Servings 8; 6 PointsPlus

Wordless Wednesday: Garage Sale Find

2011-11-16T08:22:00.000-06:00

One of my members gave this to me so that I could see just how much Weight Watchers has changed! I am so thankful that Weight Watchers is committed to having the best weight loss program with the most up to date science. Change is good!

Taming TV Time

2011-11-14T08:33:00.000-06:00

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Here is the meeting summary from November 12, 2011.

In the meeting this week, I challenged my members to attempt to squeeze in a little bit more activity into their sacred TV time.

There has been a direct link between obesity and obsessive TV watching. The average American watches 5 hours of TV a day!

Below I have 10 sure fire ways to get your buns moving a little bit more than sinking down into that couch cushion.

10 Ways to Exercise While Watching TV

1.) Fidget while you watch your shows. Science has proven that people who fidget even while sitting down can burn up to 350 more calories per day. If your body’s in motion, it’s burning calories.

2.) Move your exercise equipment in front of the TV. If you have a treadmill stuck in the corner doubling as a clothing hanger, now is the time to dust it off and move it right in front of the TV. You can’t see around it, so you’ll be forced to get on and walk while your favorite shows are on.

3.) Set up a circuit training route in front of your TV. If your living room is large enough, you can set up “stations” that you go to in order to perform cardio routines while your shows are on. You can jump rope, walk in place, or use equipment like dumbbells, exercise balls or steps to get your heart rate up.

4.) See how many pushups you can do during a show or commercial. If you’re just starting out, then you might start with commercial pushups, but once you become more adept at exercising, see how many you can do during a half hour or hour long show! (Always within reason, of course!)

5.) Do lunges while you watch TV. You can do lunges in place or walking lunges around the room while your shows are on.

6.) Walk in place as you catch up on your favorite show. Walking in place requires no special equipment and it won’t put a strain on your body while you do it. Just march your legs up and down and rest during commercials.

7.) See how many squats you can do. Squats can be done in place or up against a wall in a sitting position. See how long you can hold it. Can you reach a certain number of squats before the next commercial?

8.) Become a commercial crunch Queen (or King)! Crunches take less effort than a full sit up, but they help tone your abs a lot better. See how many crunches you can do during commercials or if you’re brave – during the length of the show itself!

9.) Watch exercise shows on TV and move along with them. You don’t have to invest in a lot of pricey exercise videos if your budget is strapped. There are tons of free cable channels that have daily exercise shows on them for all levels – beginner through advanced.

10.) Switch up your exercise routines with your TV watching habits. You don’t watch the same TV show over and over every hour, do you? No – you switch it up between the news, a reality TV show, and maybe a sitcom or police drama. So do the same with your exercise routines, too. Switch it up so that you don’t get bored and are more likely to stick to it for the long haul.

Exercising while watching TV is something we all ought to do, if we’re going to turn on the tube – even if we’re perfectly thin and happy with our appearance. Being a couch potato is detrimental to our heart health, not just to our physical appearance.

Let’s all try to focus on getting in some activity during the next TV show that we watch!

Flashback Friday: Two Years at Lifetime

2011-11-11T08:00:00.002-06:00

This past Wednesday, November 9, 2011, I celebrated my two year anniversary at Lifetime!! I just love that my anniversary date and Lifetime date are so close together!! Remembering how far I have come keeps me motivated to keep going!!

This morning I want to talk about how important it is to have people in your life that support your weight loss efforts. Hands down, my Jon, has been my biggest supporter of my weight loss efforts. He sacrificed financially so that we would have enough money for me to join Weight Watchers. He believed in me when I did not believe in myself.

However, there are others who have supported me throughout my weight loss journey as well. This morning, I would like you to meet my my Weight Watchers leader and friend, Amanda. I've talked about Amanda before, but I don't think I have ever formally introduced you to her.

Amanda and I the night I made Lifetime, Monday, November 9, 2009.

Amanda became my Weight Watchers leader in March 2009. By the time I met her I was already halfway through my weight loss journey. She jumped right into my life and has become such a good friend.

Amanda is an incredible Weight Watchers leader! Her meetings are fun and creative, but that's not all. Amanda really cares about her Weight Watchers members and she wants to see them succeed in their weight loss journeys.

Amanda and I one year later at the Year in Review Red Carpet Debut. That was my one year anniversary at Lifetime.

After reaching Lifetime with Weight Watchers it was Amanda who encouraged me to become a Weight Watchers leader. It has been such a blessing to be able to work alongside Amanda this year. I have learned so much from her!

Amanda and I last Saturday, at the Success Stories Event, just a few days before my two year anniversary at Lifetime.

I am so thankful for the people who supported me during my weight loss journey and continue to support my new healthy lifestyle! I would never have been able to do this without them! Do you have people in your life that support you? Who are they? I would love to hear about the people that support you!

To read more about my previous Lifetime anniversaries, please click the links below.
2009 Reached Lifetime
2010 One Year at Lifetime

Visit Jen for more flashbacks.

Recipe Review: Pumpkin Cupcakes with Pumpkin Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

2011-11-10T08:00:00.003-06:00

I have wanted to try these cupcakes ever since I saw them posted on Gina's Skinny Taste blog. I made them for the Pumpkin Carving Party that we attended a few weekends ago.

I have had such a hard time getting this recipe review posted! Jon and I each have laptop computers, but one of our cords broke. Two computers and only one computer cord means that I was not able to get my pictures into Blogger until today! Thankfully, I think that you can still make these cupcakes for Thanksgiving which is quickly approaching!

Ingredients for the pumpkin cupcakes

Combine cake mix and pumpkin pie spice

I accidentally added two cups of water instead of just one. Opps!

Add pumpkin and mix ingredients together

I made both small and regular sized cupcakes.

These cupcakes really are good enough to eat them all by themselves!

Ingredients for the pumpkin spiced cream cheese frosting.

Combine all ingredients together in a mixing bowl.

Mix together until completed blended.

I transferred the frosting into a piping bag.

It's so easy!

The finished product!

I added some orange sprinkles to make it look more festive.

I think they turned out great! I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

. . . . . . . . . .
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Pumpkin Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting
Source: Skinnytaste.com

Ingredients
18.25 oz Betty Crocker Golden Vanilla Super Moist Cake Mix*
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup canned 100% pure pumpkin
1 cup water

For the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz Philadelphia 1/3 fat cream cheese (do not use fat free)
1/2 cup pureed pumpkin (canned is fine)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
5 tbsp packed brown sugar

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°. Line a cupcake tin with cupcake wrappers.

Combine cake mix and pumpkin spice in a large bowl. Add pumpkin puree and water, mix about 2 minutes.

Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake about 20 - 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

For the frosting, combine the cream cheese, pumpkin, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and brown sugar until smooth. You can use a spatula to ice the cupcakes or pipe them which may require making more frosting.

Makes 24

Pumpkin Cupcakes (no frosting)
Servings: 24 • Serving Size: 1 cupcake • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 2 pts
Calories: 84.2 • Fat: 0.8 g • Protein: 0.6 g • Carb: 18.5 g • Fiber: 0.3 g • Sugar: 9.9 g • Sodium: 140.9 mg

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Frosting
Servings: 24 • Serving Size: 1 cupcake • Old Points: 3 pts • Points+: 3 pts
Calories: 121.1 • Fat: 2.8 g • Protein: 1.4 g • Carb: 23.2 g • Fiber: 0.5 g • Sugar: 13.9 g • Sodium: 142.3 mg

*Betty Crocker has reduced their cake mixes, so read the labels on your box. Dunkin Hines still carries 18.25 oz boxes

More Food Options

2011-11-09T08:00:00.003-06:00

I really enjoy being a Weight Watchers leader. On Saturday morning I get to lead a group of the most wonderful Weight Watchers members. The truth is that most of the foods I share with you I learned about in the meeting room. My members are good about bring new foods that they find to share with the group. I might be the leader, but I am just as excited as everyone else about the new food that is being shared with the group!

Recently, I've received so many ideas that I have not been able to blog about them all. Last week tried by writing a blog post with several new food options, click here if you missed it! As it turns out there are even more foods that I wanted to share with you, but forgot! Here are a few more foods that I learned about in my weekly Weight Watchers meeting.

{Lavish Dark Chocolate Oatmeal}

Serving Size: 1 pouch
4 pointsplus+

{Yoplait Frozen Yogurt Bites}

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
6 pointsplus+

{Popcorn, Indiana Original Kettlecorn}

Serving Size: 1 snack size bag
3 pointsplus+

Scale Surprise

2011-11-08T08:00:00.002-06:00

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Here is the meeting summary from Saturday, November 5, 2011.

This week in the meeting room, we discussed how that number on the scale can be influenced by many different factors. We also talked about how important it is to focus on the positives and the other changes taking place in your personal habits and be thankful and grateful for those.

Some of the things that can affect the number on the scale
• The amount of liquid you drink prior to weigh in. Downing 16 ounces of any fluid can cause an immediate "gain" of 1 pound.

• The clothes that you weigh in in. Be cautious, a pair of blue jeans can weigh up to 2 lbs. and that is not including what else you have on. It is a good idea to find a light pair of clothing to weigh in, and then consistently weigh in the same thing. If the weather becomes a factor, you can always change in the bathroom before the meeting, and change back into other clothes after you have stepped on the scale. This prevents the mentality that your weight gain could be blamed on your clothing.

• You're backed up. Constipation can tilt the scale by as much as 2 pounds if it's been more than a couple of days since your bowels did their thing.

• If you ate the Chicken Kung Pao. Have a salty dinner and you could wake up 2 to 3 pounds heavier — your body retains water to dilute all that sodium. It is always a good idea to not eat out the day before a weigh in.

• If you are going to spend all of your daily pointsplus allowance in one sitting, it is probably better to do it earlier in the week and not the day before weigh in.

• Medication can alter your weight on the scale as well. If you have been on antibiotics or steroids lately to cure an illness it could cause a rise in the number on the scale. Also, if you have been feeling a little under the weather do not be surprised to see a big gain or even a big loss. Everyone’s body recovers differently, and a lot of times when we are not feeling our best it is harder for us to stick to the program.

• For women-Hormone fluctuations in the 3 days leading up to your cycle can make you retain up to 5 pounds of water.

• Always weighing at the same time of day is good technique. We all love what the scales say after our morning pit stop and completely naked. But, that number can change significantly by the time we weigh in at the meeting. Just remember that if you have to weigh out of your normal time, that it can make a difference in the number on the scale.

Don’t forget your current progress
Think about all the accomplishments you have made already. When you remember how far you have come, it can open your eyes to your potential and that you are capable to continue pushing and achieving your goals.

Never lose sight of the bigger picture
Most of us start a goal for a worthy reason. Remember why you started your journey. Don’t allow your weight loss goal to become strictly about fitting into a smaller pants size. Keep your focus on the improved health and energy. Remind yourself that you are making an effort to eat better and be healthier. Each day, you are choosing to take a step in the right direction. There are so many other non-scale victories to help us be thankful for our accomplishments!

Weight Watchers Success Event

2011-11-07T08:37:00.000-06:00

I hope that you all had a great weekend! It's was a good, but busy weekend for us.

A Weight Watchers center was recently opened in my town. All of our Weight Watchers meetings were moved to one location. As a result our Territory Manager decided that we should host an Open House at our new center. This Open House would give us a chance to introduce ourselves to the community.

This past Saturday after leading my weekly Weight Watchers meeting, I had to help get ready for the Open House which was from 2-4pm. After the Open House we were scheduled to have our Annual Weight Watchers Success Stories Event. Like I said, it was a busy weekend.

The Open House and Success Stories event went really well! The Success Stories event was so inspiring and motivating! I might already be at my goal, but the people who shared their stories reminded me why I love working for Weight Watchers!

Here are pictures from the Open House and Success Stories Event.

We decorated for our Open House

This is where I lead my Weight Watchers meeting.

I had the honor of being able to share my own success story. I was also the emcee of the event which was so much fun!

Jon came to support me! I am so thankful that he supports my weight loss efforts!

Everyone who attended the Success Stories Event received a goody bag.

We had PointsPlus friendly food for people to snack on as well.

Marcy and Hilary were outside greeting people as they came in.

Rose and I before the Success Stories Event began. I get to work with Rose on Tuesday nights.

Each Weight Watchers member who shared their success story received a trophy!

We also had door prizes.

Slowly, but surely our center began to fill up with people!

I went first. Like I said it was a honor to be able to have a story to share with others.

Me and my fat pants...I've changed for much!

Ms. Irene she even brought in rocks as a visual to show everyone just how much weight she had lost.

Lindsay attends my Saturday meeting and I was so happy to hear her story!

Barbara just reached Lifetime and her energy and enthusiasm is contagious!

Tim has lost 131 pounds! He is only 10 pounds away from his goal weight! He was incredible!

There goes Irene's husband with her weight in rocks. Do you see them in the wagon?

This even would not have happened without Amanda! I am so blessed to be able to work with her!

Amanda and her hubby Trent

Jon and me after the event

They even gave me a trophy! What a blessing!

Like I said, Tim has lost 131 pounds and his wife Melanie has lost about 50 pounds.

Tim used to wear that jacket when he first attended Weight Watchers...now they can both wear it!

Our 2011 Success Stories! So inspiring!!

I am so excited about next year's event!!

If you would like to see pictures from last year's success event, click here.

New Food Options

2011-11-04T13:08:00.000-05:00

Here are some new foods that I have recently tried.

I am sure that many of you have already tried these foods, but they are new to me! You see, I live in a small town in Texas. It takes a very long time for new healthy foods to show up on the shelves of my local Walmart.

Just in the last couple of weeks I have found several new food options that I have been waiting to try!

Several of these I posted on my Facebook page, but I wanted to make sure that I took the time to blog about them too!

{Flat Out Flatbread}

Serving Size: 1 flatbread
2 pointsplus+

{Laughing Cow Light Queso Fresco & Chipotle Cheese}

Serving Size: 1 wedge
1 pointsplus+

{Weight Watchers Smoked String Cheese}

Serving Size: 1 cheese stick
1 pointsplus+

Bloggy Face Lift

2011-11-04T10:07:00.000-05:00

I've told you before that I enjoy change, at least I enjoy the kind of change that I can control. I have been dying to give Living a Changed Life a face lift. I have put it off for several weeks, because I did not know what I wanted to do and how I wanted it to look when I was finished.

Yesterday while searching through other people's blogs, I finally received the inspiration that I needed. I knew that I wanted my blog to have a clean and sleek look, but also remain user friendly. I believe that I have achieved that goal! I also wanted to avoid anything seasonal, because I do not want to change my blog more frequently than I have to.

I even made the header myself! It took a while, but I think it turned out pretty good.

Have a great weekend! Don't forget to let me know what you think about the changes!

Thankful Thursday: My God and My Jon

2011-11-03T09:15:00.001-05:00

Recently, I found this on quote on Pinterest and it really got me thinking about thankfulness.

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Many of the stores here in Texas already have Christmas stuff out! It feels like retailors have decided to skip Thanksgiving all together! Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas and the month of December. I am ready to listen to Christmas music and decorate my house. However, in the past I have not taken time to reflect on all the things I have to be thankful for that year.

I have decided that this year things are going to be different! Every Thursday, throughout the month of November, I want to focus on being thankful for the things that God has given to me!

I hope that you will join me throughout the month of November and focus on really being thankful for all that you have been given! The Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

{My God}

I am so thankful to Jesus who died on the cross so that I might live! God saved me from my sins and now I have a real relationship with Him! I am thankful that God is at work in my life! If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, please click here to read about how you can begin to have a relationship right now!

{My Jon}

You do not have to follow my blog for very long, before learning about how much I adore my Jon. I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am that God brought my husband, Jon into my life. Please do not misunderstand me when I say this, because our marriage is not perfect. We have our arguments and struggles. However, Jon is a man after God’s own heart and I can trust him to lead us in the way that we should go.

What are you thankful for today?

Wordless Wednesday: Skinny vs. Healthy

2011-11-02T08:21:00.000-05:00

Tricks, Not Treats

2011-11-01T08:31:00.000-05:00

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Here is the Meeting Summary from October 29, 2011.

This week in the meeting room we talked about ways that we can stay on track over Halloween. Here are some great ideas from a Weight Watchers article I found.

Forget the haunted house; the spookiest Halloween specter is the candy. We show you how to deal.

Talk about scary: Halloween is a hard time to stay on plan. What can you do when those 5-pound bags of candy go on sale at the grocery store, or when your kids have laid out their loot on the living room floor? We've surveyed some people who have had success with Weight Watchers, and found out how they tackle the scariest Halloween candy scenarios.

Resist the sales
"My biggest Halloween challenge is not falling for the coupon in the paper," says Linda. "A 5-pound bag of Snickers on sale is still a 5-pound bag of Snickers."

By late
"The closer to Halloween you buy the candy, the better," says Maggie. "In fact," she says, "never, ever open the bag before the first trick-or-treater comes." That way, you'll have less total temptation time to cope with.

Buy candy you don't like
Dina says she heads straight for Mounds and Almond Joy when she has to pick up the Halloween candy. "Coconut is the one thing I don't like," she says.

Make up a game plan
If you decide to go for the mini Reese's that the kids will love you for, says Maggie, "Start giving out more as the night wears on, so there's less left over." If there are still remainders, get them out of the house. Give the candy away to a food charity, collect it all and offer it to the neighbors, or bring it to work (and drop it off in a different department).

Go out on a full stomach
If you have to walk your kids around to trick-or-treat, make lunch your big meal of the day, so you're not walking around hungry with bags full of candy. Carry a thermos of something hot to sip on, or, as Manhattan meetings Leader Liz Josefsberg says, chew mint gum throughout the night. It’ll help kill your urge to put candy in your mouth.

Come up with a candy strategy
When the candy's at home, work with your kids to decide what to do with it. Have them pick their 10 favorite pieces: If they're young, encourage them to leave the rest out for "The Great Pumpkin." And if they're too big to believe, encourage them to save the rest for lunches and parties.

Freeze!
Liz suggests putting left-over favorite candy in the freezer. If you get weak and find yourself digging into them, they will be rock solid and it will take time to get through even one.

Ditch the sense of occasion
Remind yourself that you can buy yourself candy any time of the year. There's no need to load up on fun-size bars on October 31 when you can enjoy them whenever your heart desires.

Keep things in perspective
Eating a little bit of candy on Halloween doesn't make a person overweight — it's constant overeating that can pile on the pounds. So don't assume you can't enjoy even a single treat, especially since deprivation is a dieting tactic that often backfires.

Slimming treats
Halloween means candy wherever you look, and it can be hard denying yourself outright. For those who like to have a candy bowl nearby, we searched the shelves for candy that was lower in PointsPlus™ value, but still gave a bang for the buck. Miniatures are a great deal in terms of portion control, while chewy candies turn out to be a big mouthful bargain and hard candies and lollipops score high for long-lasting satisfaction.

The 3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Party

2011-10-31T08:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween!

Not this past Saturday, but the Saturday before last (October 22, 2011), Jon and I attended our 3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Party! Every year our Sunday school class has a pumpkin carving party. This is the 3rd year that Jon and I have attended the party and we always have a great time! Here are so pictures from the party!

{Thing 1 and Thing 2}

Jon and I before we left for the party.

Jon as Thing 1

Me as Thing 2

{Pumpkin Carving}

Our pumpkin before we carved it.

Ben and Kimberly gutting their pumpkin.

Jon working on carving our pumpkin.

Courtney working on her pumpkin.

I'm getting ready to carve our pumpkin.

John and Elise hanging out with baby Memphis.

Jon and Miller

{The Finished Pumpkins}

Ben and Kimberly's pumpkin

Courtney's finished pumpkin!

Our pumpkin!

{The Costumes}

Shane and Courtney

John and Elise

Bob and Janet

Ben and Kimberly

Jon and me

Three Year Anniversary with Weight Watchers

2011-10-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

Today is my three year anniversary with Weight Watchers!!

Here is a before and after picture so that you can see just how much I have changed in the last three years!

{Before}

Before Weight Watchers in July 2008

{After}

After Weight Watchers in October 2011

I have changed so much in the last three years both on the inside and out!! I am not the same person I was when I started this journey. This year I have even become a Weight Watchers leader!! Who would have ever thought that I would be able to call myself a Weight Watchers leader!? It is such an honor.

Normally, in the Weight Watchers meeting that I lead, it is all about my members. I try to let my members share as much as possible. However, because today is my anniversary with Weight Watchers I am going to focus on myself for a little bit! I want to share with you the top three things that I have learned since I joined Weight Watchers.

{#3: I Am A Priority}

I would not have lost 90 pounds if I had never made myself a priority. I was so used to putting others before myself that I did not even know it was a problem! As I began to attend Weight Watchers meetings I learned that in order to be successful I would have to make time for me! I needed an hour each Tuesday evening to come to my Weight Watchers meeting and weigh-in. I needed time to prepare my healthy food. I needed time to exercise. I needed time to relax, so that I could avoid emotional eating. It's might sound selfish, but it's not.

If you do not make yourself a priority you will not achieve your weight loss goals. Here is a blog post that might help you make yourself a priority. Are You, Your #1 Priority?

{#2: It's Not A Diet. It's A Lifestyle Change.}

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When I first started my weight loss journey Weight Watchers explained to me that I was not on another diet. They told me that I was making a lifestyle change, which is very different. Weight Watchers explained that in order for the changes to last a life time, I needed to lose my "diet" mentality.

I can honestly say that Weight Watchers has taught me how to change my habits so that I could lead a healthier lifestyle. The education that I received at my Weight Watchers meetings continues to impact the food choices I make even today! I am far from perfect and there are days when I slip up, but overall I lead a much healthier lifestyle than I did three years ago.

{#1: All Things Are Possible with Christ}

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." - Philippians 4:12

I am living proof that all things are possible through Christ! I could not have reached my weight loss goal without the Lord. God has put incredible people in my life, like my husband Jon, to be there to encourage me when times got tough. God has reminded me that I am His child! God has showed me that my identity is found in Him and not in the number on the scale.

If you are just starting your weight loss journey I hope that you will invite God to be apart of your journey!

I look forward to being able to celebrate many more anniversaries with Weight Watchers!!

To read previous blog posts about my Weight Watchers anniversaries click the links below.

One Year Anniversary

Two Year Anniversary

Halloween Candy PointsPlus Values

2011-10-27T08:00:00.003-05:00

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I will be writing more about Halloween in next week's meeting summary blog post. However, I thought that this list would help you as you prepare for Halloween.

Halloween Candy PointsPlus Values

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Almond Joy, Snack Size, 2 PointsPlus value

Baby Ruth, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value

Bit-O-Honey, 1 piece, 1 PointsPlus value

Bit-O-Honey, 6 pieces, 4 PointsPlus value

Butterfinger, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value

Candy Apple, 5 ounce, 5 PointsPlus value

Candy Corn, 20 pieces (41 grams), 4 PointsPlus value

Caramel Apple, 10 PointsPlus value

Charms Blow Pop, 1 pop, 2 PointsPlus value

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Crunch, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value

Dots, Fun Size, 2 Points Plus value

Gummi Bears, 14 pieces (38 grams), 3 PointsPlus value

Heath Bar, Snack Size, 7 PointsPlus value

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar, Snack Size, 6 PointsPlus value

Hershey’s Miniatures, (any flavor) 5 pieces, 6 PointsPlus value

Kit-Kat, Snack Size Bar, (three 2-piece bars) 6 PointsPlus value

Lemonhead, Fun Size, 1 pouch (11 grams) 1 PointsPlus value

M&M’s Milk Chocolate, Fun Size, (1 package) 2 PointsPlus value

M&M’s peanut, Fun Size, (1 package) 3 PointsPlus value

Mounds, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value

Nerds, 1 box (12.6 grams), 1 PointsPlus value

Oh Henry!, Mini, 2 PointsPlus value

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PayDay, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup (2 cups) 6 PointsPlus value

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value

Reese’s Pieces (51 piece/40 gram bag) 5 PointsPlus value

Skittles, Original Fruit, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value

Snickers, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value

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Take 5, Fun Size, 6 PointsPlus value

Tootsie Roll Midgets, 6 pieces (40 grams), 4 PointsPlus value

Twix, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value

Twizzler Twists, Fun Size, 4 PointsPlus value

Whoppers, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value

York Peppermint Patty, Fun Size, 1 PointsPlus value

Click the link to read last year's Halloween blog post about Surviving Halloween.

I posted this back in October 2009, but it still applies, so check out the Top 10 Signs You're A Trick Or Treating Weight Watcher!

Wordless Wednesday: Discipline

2011-10-26T08:07:00.002-05:00

Small Changes Make a Huge Impact

2011-10-25T08:17:00.000-05:00

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Hello blogger friends! I'm sorry for not being around yesterday, but I was not feeling well and decided to take the day off from work and blogging. The meeting topic last week was about making small changes that can have a huge impact on your weight loss success!!

Here is the Meeting Summary from Saturday, October 22, 2011.

28 Small Changes That Will Make a Big Difference

Small changes can make a big difference in your weight-loss efforts. Here are some baby steps that will get you far.

Hey, slow down! Weight loss is no sprint, it's a marathon. So abruptly and drastically changing your routine is only going to leave you breathless and worn out. A more realistic approach to weight loss is to take it one step at a time, one day at a time. Little by little, it'll make a big difference.

Do sweat the small stuff.
Making small changes one at a time is a great. It's not overwhelming, and it results in a slower, steadier weight loss. Think of it this way, maybe cutting the cream out of your coffee seems like a small feat to you. But once you've got that down you can add another small feat, then another.

So, we asked people just like you—on the WeightWatchers.com Message Boards and in meetings rooms—what small steps they've taken in order to make their way toward their weight goals. Here's what they had to say:

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...About Small Eating Changes
1. Water, water, water, water. (Your skin will look great, too!)

2. Order half portions at restaurants, or share a full portion with somebody. Or ask for a "to-go" container when you order your food, and pack up half the portion before you even start eating.

3. Cut back on butter and mayo.

4. Limit fried foods to once or twice per week.

5. Use less or no sugar in your coffee or tea.

6. Replace ground beef with meatless products or ground turkey.

7. Try at least one new food every week. If you're bored with what you're eating, you're more likely to give up.

8. Eat fresh, raw veggies with sandwiches instead of chips.

9. Measure your portions until you're sure you know what a cup, a half-cup, and a tablespoon look like. This will help you practice portion control, an essential key to weight-loss success.

10. Try not to drink high-calorie beverages.

11. Dip your fork in a side of salad dressing before each bite instead of pouring it directly on your salad. You'll find that you are satisfied with much less than you usually put on.

12. Find healthy alternatives to all your favorite foods.

13. If you don't really love it, don't eat it.

14. Never eat out of a bag or box. Take out a measured/counted quantity of food and put it in a bowl. This way, you know exactly how much you're having.

15. Always eat something for breakfast.

16. Read food labels. Check serving sizes.

17. Add vegetables to everything.

18. Plan meals in advance; use that information to make out a complete shopping list.

19. Give food to guests to take home.

20. Write down everything you eat and drink, without fail.

21. Plan ahead for special occasions by accounting for higher-calorie foods before you eat them.

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...About Small Exercise Changes
1. Take the stairs every single time they're an option. No more elevators or escalators.

2. Make exercise a priority, not an inconvenience.

3. Park far from your destination so you're forced to walk. This works at the supermarket, the mall, wherever. (This also helps you waste less time looking for a parking space!)

4. View tiring chores (shoveling snow, cleaning the house, weeding the garden, taking the garbage out, grocery shopping) as a chance to get in some activity.

5. Take the grocery cart back to the store when you're done loading your bags into your car.

6. If you take public transportation, get off one stop early.

7. Work out with a buddy.

Remember even the smallest pebble can make a ripple, small at first and then look how it grows…but someone has to start it. Make the effort this next week to make a small change and to start a ripple in your weight loss journey!

All I Need

2011-10-21T09:41:00.000-05:00

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Recently, I've been struggling and discouraged by different things in my life. It would take too long to explain everything, but let's just say that I have not been the most joyful person to live with! ...sorry Jon.

I've been praying that God would speak to me and He answered my prayer this week! He used some verses in Romans and a song to speak my heart. I am going to share with you part of my journal entry from earlier this week to explain how God's been speaking to me.

I’m a “should” girl. I am always thinking about what I should be doing, always praying that God would show me what I should do. Recently, I’ve been so discouraged. I’ve been desperate to know what my purpose is in this life! I’ve prayed and thought and been so frustrated, because I feel like God has not given me any guidance or direction in this area.

The truth is that God has probably been trying to speak the truth to me for weeks, but I was too consumed with myself that I was not listening. However, today I was finally able to hear God's still and small voice in the word of God and in song.

“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” - Romans 4:20-21(NIV)

My life is going to be hard. There is no doubt about it, but I never have to question my purpose. My purpose is to bring God glory that’s it. I am supposed to worship and glorify God no matter how I feel or don’t feel about the things going on in my life. Then, like it said in the verse from Romans 4:20-21, as I give God glory, He will grow my faith! Amazing! If I don’t worship and glorify God my faith will not grow! I need and want my faith to grow.

Abba, please help me to lay aside my agenda and everything else that I think I “should” be doing and devote my energy to glorifying you!

This week God reminded me that there is only one thing I need to focus on and that is bringing Him glory!! The song below was introduced to me in choir practice this week. It's been on my mind all week and I slowly take my eyes off of myself and my circumstances and focus on my Lord.

Wordless Wednesday: Misunderstood Hunger

2011-10-19T09:08:00.000-05:00

Take Charge of Your Environment

2011-10-18T08:00:00.003-05:00

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Here is the meeting summary for Saturday 15, 2011.

This week in the meeting room we talked about taking charge of your environment.

Does this sound familiar:
Betty has had a long day. At work she faced a deadline, so she skipped lunch. Now she's home, she's starving, and it's time to make dinner. So she decides to have a snack. She checks the fridge, but it's empty. The pantry is also bare. But in the cupboard she finds an unopened bag of potato chips. She rips it open and digs in.

We have all been there! The best way to handle these types of temptations is to reevaluate your environment. We must learn how to adopt healthy habits.

Keep healthy opportunities close. It helps your efforts when you fill your spaces—your house, your office, your car—with foods that make it easier for you to stay on track.

Managing Your Environment means...
Really looking at your environment: your car, kitchen or desk and remembering the three R's:
• Recognizing the foods that will help you—and the ones that won't.
• Removing the items that you are sure will get in the way of your weight-loss efforts.
• Replacing the foods you've removed with healthy ones like fruit and vegetables.

Considering what changes you can make in your exercise environment that will help, such as tuning up your bike or simply getting out your exercise gear.

Make it easier on yourself: Manage Your Environment
"Don't agonize. Organize." -Florence Kennedy.

We all have our "trigger" foods or places—the snacks and sweets which can destroy our willpower and make us forget all about those weight-loss plans.

But some of us do what we can to minimize our exposure to triggers; managing our environments so we're not always around foods that tempt us. And that makes sense: When the spaces that surround us—our fridge, pantry or car—are crammed with tempting foods, we'll be tempted by them. When it's right there, we'll eat it.

When we stock up on healthy alternatives, though, we'll make healthier choices. And suddenly, our environment is working for us.

Managing Your Environment is a helpful habit because:
• When you take charge of the foods that fill up the spaces that surround you, they'll stop having control over you. Fewer tempting foods = less temptation.
• Looking through those spaces and being able to recognize trigger foods is a great exercise: It means facing and naming your weaknesses, which can only make you stronger.
• Filling your environment with healthy foods is like studying hard for an exam: you're laying the groundwork for your future success.

Bonnie, Baltimore, MD, lost 28.6 pounds and says, "If I don't make changes to the food that's around me, I'm still going to eat what's there—even if its unhealthy."

If you discover you need to Manage Your Environment...
Get on the Message Boards and ask other WeightWatchers.com users what changes they have made to their environments. Some may have "managed" places in ways that may be relevant to you.

Taken from “Habit Guide: Manage Your Environment” Article By: Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers Awards Meeting 2011

2011-10-17T08:53:00.000-05:00

Saturday after my morning Weight Watchers meeting, I rushed home to change into something beautiful, because I had to get ready for the annual Weight Watchers Awards Meeting.

The meeting was held at a restaurant called, Traditions. Weight Watchers employees from all over East Texas came together to celebrate our achievements! It was a time to honor those people who have gone above and beyond what is asked of them. It is always nice to get together and visit with other Weight Watchers leaders that I do not see very often.

To become a Weight Watchers employee, you have to lose weight and reach your goal with Weight Watchers. I love this about Weight Watchers! On Saturday, I was reminded of this fact. It was so special to be in a room of people who had so many different weight loss stories to tell. We might all be Weight Watchers leaders and receptionists, but we were members first. I do not ever want to forget that and lose my compassion towards the current members who walk in to my meeting every week.

Here are some pictures from Saturday.

In the car on our way to the annual Weight Watchers Awards ceremony!

Weight Watchers Awards Meeting 2011

Rose, Amanda, Sherry and I waiting for our lunch

Doesn't my lunch look yummy!

The cute table decorations

Jan, my Territory Manager, made all of the announcements!

They made all of the new leaders stand up, which was me!

Amanda got a Superstar award, because she is truly a SUPERSTAR!

I just love this girl!

This is my Weight Watchers team!! I am truly blessed to work with such wonderful women!

These are the ladies that I work with on Tuesday night...Amanda and Rose!

Healthy Hands

2011-10-14T08:09:00.000-05:00

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Here is the latest Get Fit email from Dr. Jacobs.

Tips for pain-free hands
Unnoticed and unsung, healthy hands perform countless small tasks, from pouring your morning coffee to brushing your teeth at night. But aching hands transform even a simple task into a painful ordeal. Beneath the skin, your hands are an intricate architecture of tendons, joints, ligaments, nerves, and bones. Each of these structures is vulnerable to damage from illness or injury.

Your hands may hurt for a variety of reasons, from the mechanical to the neurological. Arthritis — which affects one in five American adults — and other persistent joint problems are by far the most common cause of hand pain and disability. Another common cause of hand pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, affects an estimated 2% to 3% of Americans. Contrary to conventional wisdom, this nerve disorder rarely results from repetitive work-related tasks, as a growing body of research reveals. True work-related musculoskeletal disorders are known as repetitive stress injuries and can be quite debilitating. But there are steps you can take to prevent them.

Help for office workers’ hands
If you work in an office, it’s a good idea to have an ergonomic evaluation of your workspace to avoid habits that may put you at risk for repetitive strain injuries. If that’s not possible, the following tips may help:
• Keep your wrists in a neutral position, not flexed downward or extended upward, when using your computer. To check, place your wrist, palm facing down, on a flat, hard surface. Put a Band-Aid lengthwise over the top of your wrist, and then move to your keyboard and type. If the Band-Aid stretches or goes slack, your wrists aren’t in a neutral position.
• Get up from your desk and stretch at least once every hour. In between, take shorter breaks to rest your hands, palms up, on your lap or on a wrist rest. You can install software on your computer that reminds you to take micro-pauses or rest breaks and restricts your daily time on the computer.
• Be skeptical about new keyboard configurations (such as split keyboards) or mouse designs claiming to be ergonomic. It will take many years of study to learn whether such changes translate into fewer work-related upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders.

Customizing your workstation
Ergonomics specialists who design strategies to improve the fit between workers and their jobs suggest the following arrangement for computer workstations: • Keep documents, telephone, keyboard, mouse, and supplies within easy horizontal reach — not more than 16 to 18 inches away.
• Place the computer monitor directly in front of you, at arm’s length, with the top line of the screen at or slightly below eye level (possibly lower for someone with bifocals or trifocals).
• Set your keyboard on an adjustable tray so that your forearms are parallel to the floor, wrists are straight and in line with your forearms, and elbows are relaxed and bent at a 90-degree angle at your waist.
• Keep your mouse close to the keyboard and at the same height, possibly with a padded wrist rest.
• Use an adjustable chair, with a rounded front edge and good lower- and upper-back support, positioned so that the knees are slightly lower than the hips and the feet rest firmly on the floor (or on a footrest).

Wordless Wednesday: Make a Change

2011-10-12T08:05:00.002-05:00

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Weight Watchers eTools

2011-10-11T08:28:00.000-05:00

Here is the Meeting Summary from October 8, 2011.

This week in the meeting room we talked about all of the amazing features that e-tools has to offer. The majority of Weight Watchers members are monthly pass holders, but a lot of them are not taking advantage of e-tools.

One shocking statistic showed that,

“Members who use e-tools Lose 50% more weight than those that don’t!”

eTools comprises several online features that help meetings members track and manage weight, activity and food intake. The site boasts thousands of articles that educate and motivate members when they are outside of the meeting room. It offers more than 3,3200 PointsPlus® value-friendly recipes and a tool to help members renovate their personal recipes, and even share them with the Community. There are fitness videos and workouts, as well as Success Stories and a thriving Community full of Blogs, Groups, Challenges and Message Boards. Even more conveniently, all these tracking options, and more, are available at your fingertips on our mobile apps.

These features were specifically created with the meetings member in mind. There are Topic of the Week articles that are designed to echo the topic being discussed in meeting rooms around the country each week, to further educate and inspire members to succeed. It will also frequently link to articles and features that are discussed in your Weight Watchers Weekly magazine.

Recent research makes the strength of the eTools and meetings connection undeniable. It has been shown that people who attend Weight Watchers meetings and use eTools lose over 50 percent more weight than those who attend weekly meetings alone. eTools gives members a place for helpful weight-loss tools between meetings. Take time to explore the site and think of the time spent as an investment in your weight-loss efforts.

Here is a short list of the “power tools” at your disposal on the Weight Watchers website
P+ tracker – easily look up pointsplus values of foods and track online or from your mobile device

Cheat Sheets – Mexican, Chinese, deli, adult beverages, breakfast foods, coffee shop, pizza, pasta, grilling, etc.

Recipe Genie - You tell it what you’ve got, it comes up with recipes

Videos – exercise and food demos

Targeted Workouts - (flexibility, core, balance, head-to-toe) you can print out the workout and take it with you to the gym!

Meeting topic of the week - if you missed the meeting, you can brush up on what was discussed

Plan manager - custom to your week on the program, gives tips, recommendations for success

Helpful and Informative Articles (Destination Guide: Overcoming Exercise Obstacles, etc.)

Science Center – want to know why the plan works…get the facts behind it

Success Stories – read about other members success on the program to gain a little motivation

Health Conditions - diabetes, asthma, depression, osteoarthritis, etc

Progress Reports – keep up with your weight and earn milestones along the way- your own little trophy case

Recipe Builder - plug in an old family recipe to determine pointsplus values per serving. They even have a lighten it up section that gives you suggestions on how to make your recipe lower in pointsplus values! You can even upload your recipe to the community so that others can use it too. So, that means not only can you get access to official weight watchers recipes on e-tools, but you can also see the thousands of recipes submitted by other members!

Community - similar to Facebook, you can upload a profile picture and connect with members all across the globe that are trying to lose weight too, you can share recipes, tips, questions, and frustrations and struggles

If you are a current monthly pass holder, take some time this next week to really explore e-tools and see all that it has to offer.

Transformation Nation

2011-10-10T09:26:00.000-05:00

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Many of us would like to implement better habits -- exercise more, eat better, achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, etc. -- but it can be REALLY hard to find the motivation. Here's a REALLY good reason to give it a go... You could win a million bucks!

A few weeks ago I told you to tune into the Dr. Oz show for a really big announcement. Do you remember? Did you watch the show!? If you did not watch the show I will fill you in on what is taking place.

Dr. Oz's
Transformation Nation: Million Dollar You contest

Dr. Oz, Oprah's doctor partnered up with Weight Watchers, Sharecare, and a team of health professionals. The program identifies seven key steps to weight loss and healthy living: Tell a Friend, Official Weigh-In/Calculate Your BMI, Connect with Your Doctor, Learn Your Family's Health History, Get More Sleep, Assess Your Stress, and Start New Fitness Habits.

Join up, take the Ultimate Health Quiz, and get started! Next spring 2012, the top 200 entrants will be selected, mainly based on weight loss/BMI improvement. Once whittled down to the top 10 finalists, it's up to the people of the world to select the winner by voting online for the most inspirational transformation. WOW. This is some serious business! So if you're up for the challenge, sign up and start changing your life.

Health Fair 2011

2011-10-07T08:54:00.001-05:00

Every year the university I work at hosts a Health Fair. They use it as a way to minister to the community, because everything is FREE! I have been to the Health Fair for the last 3 years. I blogged about the health fair last year too! To read more about it click here.

I took pictures while we were at the Health Fair, because I wanted to share them with you. Please forgive the poor quality of the pictures, because I just took them with my phone and the lighting was not very good.

I hate going places by myself, so I invited Jon to come with me. His work schedule is so crazy that I never thought he would be able to come, but I was wrong! Jon stopped by my work Thursday morning so that we could go to the health fair together.

I was so excited to be at the Health Fair!!

Jon and I walked around checking out all of the different tables. Unfortunately, we did not have time to stand in line and receive a massage, but we were really tempted to do it anyway!

Jon was willing to do the fitness test with me! We did several tests and for the most part, we passed with flying colors. We even took a flexibility test which we passed!! I've never had anyone tell me that I was flexible!

The facts about obesity are heart breaking. I am so thankful that God has changed my life. The first year I went to this Health Fair I was overweight, because I had just joined Weight Watchers. The Lord has truly used my weight loss to save my life in more ways than one!

As an added bonus I got some free pens!

I cannot wait for next year's Health Fair! I hope that you all have a great weekend!