Zones

Dear Weight Watchers friends,

What a wonderful meeting we had this week. Thank you all for your support, your comments, and your attentive listening. It is so nice to see how respectful you are of each other. I appreciate how you listen to comments, seldom (if at all) have "side" conversations that disrupt others, and ... well ... you're just fantastic. I feel so fortunate to be assigned to such a wonderful group! I've grown to love you already.

Some of the highlights from this week's meeting:

• The meeting topic this week was "Zones." We talked about all kinds of "zones," including the Twilight Zone, Auto Zone, "O"zone (loved that one), zoned out, "in the zone" (Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps), no-eating zone, activity zone, free-for-all zone, parking zone, end zone (where the GOAL posts are) and, of course, where we want to be! One of the best ways to get there is to pay close attention to your "Comfort Zone."
• Have you spent time this week paying attention to your Comfort Zone? I hope so. Eat when you're hungry, stop when you're satisfied (not overly full or stuffed). Avoid being at "0" or "5" and stay closer to the middle!
• We spoke about the wonderful benefits that come to us (whether we're following the Flex Plan or the Core Plan) when we eat low energy dense foods (also known as "Core Foods").
• During our celebrations, we had the privilege of recognizing and honoring two of our wonderful members: Art, who earned his 10%, and Diana, who is a brand new "LIFETIME MEMBER" (wow--two new lifetime members in as many weeks). They both shared wonderful insights with us and they definitely both serve as amazing role models. Thank you, Art and Diana.
• We welcomed several new members to our group! We're glad you've joined us on Tuesdays. We look forward to getting to know you better in the coming weeks/months.

Next week's meeting:

• The topic for the meeting the week of August 31-Sept. 6 is "Lose for Good." We don't want to just lose weight--we want to keep it off! I don't know anyone who won't benefit from this topic. Lifetime members, please attend the meeting and share your insights with us (thank you, in advance).

Upcoming Events:

• This is a reminder of the October 11, 2008 "Making Strides for Breast Cancer" walk/run at Liberty Park. I really love the name Megan suggested for our team: "Weight Walkers." What do you think? I think it's a fantastic name! Any other suggestions/ideas? Let me know soon. I'll start taking orders for shirts next week (the cost is $6 each, they'll be light blue, with our team name printed on the back). I will need to know how many shirts you want, and what size(s). You're welcome to invite friends, family, etc., to join us and you're welcome to order as many shirts as you want. We want to see a "sea of blue" at Liberty Park on October 11th!
• Weight Watchers is joining in the fight against hunger. From September 7th to October 18th, for each and every pound YOU (our wonderful members) lose, Weight Watchers will donate an equivalent weight in food to two great organizations: "Action Against Hunger" (an International organization) as well as "Share Our Strength, No Kid Hungry" (a National Organization). Our wonderful Weight Watchers organization hopes to be able to donate ONE MILLION DOLLARS' worth of food to these organizations. If you're interested in participating, you'll receive a booklet that will provide a detailed explanation about the campaign, as well as a Pound Tracking Card that you'll need to turn in to Weight Watchers after October 18th. There will be more information to follow, as well as details about the possibility of being able to DOUBLE the fun. Attend the meeting next week to learn more!

Recipes:

The following recipes were contributed to our group by Linda, one of our wonderful Tuesday night members. She has tested (and enjoyed) them, so they come highly recommended.

GLAZED PORK CHOPS AND APPLES

POINTS: 5 (serving size--1 pork chop with 1/2 cup apples)

Prep/total time: 30 Minutes (Serves 4)
4 boneless pork loin chops (4 ounces each)

3/4 teaspoon rubbed sage

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

2 medium tart apples, thinly sliced

4 teaspoons brown sugar

Sprinkle pork chops with sage and salt. Lin a large skillet, brown chops in oil on both sides. Transfer to an 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dish coated with non-stick cooking spray.

Stir flour into the pan drippings until blended. Gradually stir in broth and vinegar. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat.

Arrange apples over chops; sprinkle with brown sugar. Drizzle with broth mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 350 deg. for 20-25 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160 deg.

MAKEOVER FAVORITE CORN BAKE (Serves 12)

POINTS: 4 (per serving)
1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup cornmeal

3 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 egg

1 cup (8 oz.) reduced-fat sour cream

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 cup (15 1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, undrained

1 can (14 3/4 ounces) cream-style corn

1. In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the egg, sour cream, applesauce and butter. Stir in corn. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Transfer to a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray.

2. Bake at 350 deg. for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers.

Motivational Thought:

I loved this quote that Leah (one of our fabulous receptionists) shared with us: "The KEY to control is to minimize hunger and maximize satisfaction." Perfect message for helping to summarize the discussion this week.

Have a safe, happy, and enjoyable Labor Day. I'll see you Tuesday night (I'm looking forward to it already)!

Debra

P.S. Thank you for being such great role models to me--and each other. You're the best!