Happy Friday, and Happy Early New Year to all of you.
I am happy to report that I lost 2.2 pounds over the Christmas break. I think this is actually restoring my momentum (no pun intended) with regard to the new program. In fact, the subject of this meeting had to do with getting back that ‘honeymoon’ feeling about the new PointsPlus™ program. In 2011, give some thought to:
- What are you looking forward to in 2011
- What do you wish to leave behind from 2010
For me, I am looking forward to the next chapter of my journey in 2011 and I am leaving behind the toxicity from 2010. I ended relationships that were not healthy, and I am focusing on doing what I can to move along on my journey toward my goal and toward Lifetime.
One way to do this is by utilizing the Winning Outcome Tool for Living. When you think of what goal you’d like to achieve, be sure it meets the following criteria:
- Positive
- Specific
- Within your control
- A good fit with your life.
For me, the biggest goals I intend to set for myself are to do at least 1 5K or 10K race in each month of 2011, and on top of that, I have committed myself to running an entire 5K race this coming up year as well. I am sort of freaked out by my ambition, but hey…I figure, that I’ve come this far, and I most certainly CAN do this. After all, there are 50 less pounds and 46-ish less inches of me. It can’t be THAT bad.
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I would like to take this time to thank each and every one of you guys who have been there for me each week and supported me along my journey in 2010. I can’t believe that I have been putting out this weekly newsletter for about 2 ½ years. You all have been with me that long. You all have played a cruicial role throughout my weight loss journey over the last couple of years, and having this forum to vent, share successes, failures, and progress has been very important to me. During this time, my readership has increased exponentially, and I have friends, leaders, and coworkers enjoying my ramblings. Thanks so much for helping me along, and I hope that you all have found some takeaways from what I write each week.
As the subject of my newsletter says…it’s a new dawn, it’s a new day…it’s a new life…AND I’M FEELIN’ GOOD. Fell in love with this song by Nina Simone a few years ago, and I am making this song my mantra for 2011. I want this year to be the year that I reach my goal and I want this to be the year of me really getting into running. Please think good thoughts for me….as I may need them when I wake up and realize how crazy I’m being!
I hope that all of you have a very Happy New Year this weekend, and that 2011 brings to each of you much happiness. I’ll be back with you all next week!
A cute poem read to us by our leader in our meeting this week to close out 2010:
"10 Little Weight Watchers"
10 little Weight Watchers joining in a line,
one hated vegetables, then there were nine…
9 little Weight Watchers say, "This is great."
One said "I don't have time to exercise,"
then there were eight…
8 little Weight Watchers say, "This is heaven."
One had a birthday, then there were seven…
7 little Weight Watchers, getting thin for kicks.
One said, "Programs and fun just don't mix,"
then there were six…
6 little Weight Watchers, see how they thrive.
One said, "Just once won't hurt,"
then there were five…
5 little Weight Watchers beating at a door.
One weighed and left each week,
then there were four…
4 little Weight Watchers from fat getting free.
One heard, "Dear you're getting too thin,"
then there were three…
3 little Weight Watchers see how they do.
One went on vacation, then there were two…
2 little Weight Watchers, life has just begun.
One got off the program, then there was one…
1 little weight watcher standing all alone,
her body's gotten little, how her pride has grown…
1 little Weight Watcher,
at goal she looks divine…
We, each one of us, can be that one
and not the other nine!!!
RECIPES
Broccoli and Sausage Casserole
This would be a great recipe to make for New Year’s Day, or in general, a great go-to brunch recipe. Try varying the flavor with different types of sausage.
Yield: 8 servings at a PointsPlus™ Value of 6 per serving
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 60 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
12 oz Italian bread, do not use slices; use in loaf form
2 clove(s) garlic clove(s), peeled and smashed (or to taste) (medium)
1 large red onion(s), cut into thin wedges
4 cup(s) broccoli, florets
1 tsp olive oil
12 oz raw turkey sausage, sweet Italian-variety
1/2 cup(s) canned chicken broth
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 spray(s) cooking spray
3/4 cup(s) low-fat shredded cheddar cheese, sharp-variety
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400ºF.
Slice bread in half length-wise; rub insides with garlic clove. Place bread, open-face, on one side of a baking sheet; spread onion on other side. Place broccoli on another baking sheet. Coat vegetables and bread with cooking spray. Bake until broccoli is tender, flipping bread over and stirring vegetables halfway through, about 15 to 20 minutes total. Remove pans from oven and cut bread into 1/2-inch cubes; reduce oven temperature to 350ºF.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove sausage from casing; cook sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in broccoli and onion, bread cubes, broth, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. (Make sure to scrape up any browned bits of food on sides of skillet and stir into mixture.)
Coat a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon 3 cups broccoli mixture into prepared dish; sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Top with remaining broccoli mixture; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through, about 30 minutes. Slice into 8 pieces and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving
