Happy Sunday!
Once again, this was a busy week, but a good busy. This morning, I became the mommy of an 11-year-old. Morgan came into the world on May 22, 2000. So hard to believe! I had a maintain week at WW, which is not bad at all, and finally, we did the Walk-It Challenge 5K this morning with Heels and Hills in Irving. I met some wonderful ladies, and even invited one of them to walk with us. I always get so inspired listening to others’ journeys. I realized that we are all battling the same type of stuff, and we have camaraderie within the group. The Irving Walk-It race only had about 177 participants, but it was NICE to have a race that wasn’t HUGE for once. I also loved the fact that we all were there for the same reason—getting active! Go US!
One of the greatest things that Weight Watchers has given me is a new appreciation for exercise. When I joined the program in 2008 (for the FINAL time, might I add), I never thought I’d be able to enjoy exercise of any kind. I decided to have an open mind about it and just try. I began working out with Dwayne and also decided to start walking. Once the walking became easier, I tried to take up some light running and jogging, which is where I am now with my fitness regimen. Still not in LOVE with running yet, but I don’t hate it, so I will continue to try and improve my stamina and endurance. I think it would be GREAT to be able to do a 3.1 mile race but RUN the whole thing. I can do intervals pretty well, but still can’t do a whole 3 miles.
This race closes out the May races for my 2011 resolution. June’s race is the Firefly 5K in Plano. We still need to locate races for July and August and November. September will be the Heels and Hills 10K and possibly Heroes for Children, if the dates permit. October (Lord help me…) is the Chupacabra race (yes, we are entertaining doing this crazy race again!) and possibly the Arbor Day Run. December will be the Jingle Bell Run.
I am still liking the whole reminder system on the iPhone app for Weight Watchers. I have been religiously tracking once again, and have even started ‘closing my kitchen’ by 9pm to minimize any unnecessary snacking!
Now for the photographic part of the program:
Okay, below is the birthday girl. Note the coordinating cake and clothing. Like mommy, like daughter. We are both purple lovers!
Here is a shot of some of the folks who walked this morning for the Walk-It Challenge.
This week’s meeting topic dealt with getting a great start to your day by eating a good breakfast. I am a firm believer in giving your body a good healthy start to the day, whether it’s a nice breakfast smoothie or a good filling breakfast sandwich. When you get up in the morning, your body has been resting for several hours and you need fuel to start your day. A well-balanced meal that contains Power Foods can give you the lasting energy you need and may help keep you from overeating later on. I am putting a couple of my favorite breakfast quickies in the email.
I have found that a nice combination of protein, filling vegetables and a nice whole grain bread keep me nice and satisfied through the morning. I have also found that staying hydrated helps to ward off feelings of hunger was well.
If you are not a big breakfast fan, Weight Watchers offers up some other alternatives for you!
Try a grilled low-fat cheese and tomato sandwich, a turkey wrap, or a PB&J; or a baked potato topped with fat free sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and turkey-bacon bits.
If you can only stand a snack in the a.m., try a smoothie with low fat yogurt and fruit, or a piece of whole wheat toast with a slice on nonfat cheese. No matter what, aim to eat some protein, some carbs, and a little bit of fat for staying power.
On a closing note, here is a great one from Dr. Seuss. I know I had this in there from last week, but I like it so much, I am keeping it here for another issue.
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter
And those who matter don’t mind!”
~Dr. Seuss
RECIPES
Elissa’s Trusty Breakfast Sandwich
This breakfast sandwich was created to provide a great alternative to the typical fast-food breakfast items that are usually laden with fat and calories. I created this sandwich when I joined WW this last time, back in August 2008. I like to break it out from time to time. Thought this was totally a propos considering this week’s topic! Enjoy!
Yield: 1 servings
Prep Time: 5 MINUTES
Cook Time: 10 MINUTES
PointsPlus™ value: 6 per serving
Ingredients:
· 1 sandwich thins bun or bagel thins bun
· 2 oz Boar's Head 42% Lower Sodium Ham
· 1/2 cup Egg Beaters Egg Beaters (or 3 egg whites)
· 1/3 cup chopped scallions
· 1 slice Kraft 2% Milk Singles Sharp Cheddar flavor
Instructions:
Spray a small sauté pan with non-stick spray. Heat over medium heat and add scallions and egg whites. Salt and pepper to taste. Meanwhile, toast bread to desired level of doneness.
Cook eggs pancake style, until set. Put cheese on one slice of bread, add eggs and ham. Cut in half.
Veggie Quiche Cups to Go
This is one of those stand by recipes from the days when I followed the South Beach Diet. I love this recipe because it’s so versatile and you can really get a good dose of healthy filling protein and veggies in! Use what you like!
Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 5 MINUTES
Cook Time: 20 MINUTES
PointsPlus™ value: 2 per mini quiche
Ingredients:
3/4 cup liquid egg substitute
1 package frozen chopped spinach (10 oz.)
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheese
1/4 cup diced red or green peppers or mixture of both
1/4 cup diced onions
A dash of Tabasco or other hot pepper sauce, if desired, to taste.
Instructions:
- Line 12 cup muffin pan with foil baking cups and spray the cups with the cooking spray.
- Thaw and drain spinach; squeeze as much water out as possible
- Mix the spinach, egg substitute, cheese, peppers, onions, hot pepper sauce, salt in a bowl.
- Fill the prepared foil cups with the mixture.
- Bake at 350F or 20 minutes, testing so that a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Remove from cups to serve.
