Look Back and Learn

Dear Wonderful Weight Watchers Friends!

This was another fantastic week. We were able to, once again, discuss the weight-loss journey and share what works, laugh about what doesn't, and get one step closer to our goals.

Some highlights of this week's meeting.

This week, we talked about learning from the past--both the positive things that we've done that have worked well, and the negative things that we need to change (or avoid). When asked the question, "By show of hands, who here has ever been successful losing weight before?" every hand in the group was raised. Because we know ourselves better than anyone else, we likely know what works and what doesn't, when it comes to our losing weight.

• We know, for example, what motivates us (and what doesn't). During our discussion, a member shared that it's not helpful to her when seemingly helpful friends and family members monitor her "food intake" too closely (couldn't agree more). I look forward to our future discussions on learning to be assertive.


• We know what's the best way (for us) to add physical activity. I very much appreciated the comment about increasing activity by parking farther away in parking lots, taking stairs instead of elevators, and just simply MOVING MORE!


• We know what foods are winners for weight loss. A big "thank you" to those who shared some great "fabulous finds" (WW friendly foods) and discussed the benefits of eating low-POINT veggies, low-POINT ice cream, etc.


• We know what snacks we can enjoy (and what snacks we should avoid).

Almost everyone, at one time or another, has had a weight-loss setback. When we stop to reflect about the setback(s) and realize what HELPS and what HINDERS our weight loss, then we can ultimately turn every experience into a success! So, rather than criticize yourself for not being perfect, become curious about setbacks and decide how to manage similar situations more successfully next time.

We each have many experiences--some from months or years ago, and some as recent as a few hours, days or weeks ago--that can truly help us be successful, if we will just learn from those experiences. Everything that has happened before can be helpful to us now. Remember: FEEDBACK, NOT FAILURE.

So, take a look in your rearview mirror and learn from your past experiences. And remember, in a car's rearview mirror, "objects are often closer than they appear." Your goals are also closer than they sometimes appear. Learn what you can from the setbacks you have, and move forward. You WILL reach your goal.

Next week's meeting topic--"Soup's On"

We will continue our discussion about "learning more about ourselves." We'll be discussing, specifically, how soup can become our personal secret weapon for weight loss. If you have a great WW friendly soup recipe, PLEASE bring a copy of the recipe with you. I will be more than happy to post the recipes on our blog.

Speaking of recipes, I know many of you already have this recipe (it's a WW favorite), but for those of you who don't, I think you're going to really like it! It's one of MY favorites.

1 POINT Chocolate Muffins (makes 24 - 1 POINT each)

3 cups All Bran (or Fiber One) cereal

2 1/2 cups water

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. vanilla

1 pkg. Krusteaz fat-free brownie mix (other fat-free muffin mixes work well, too)

Soak cereal in water for 10 minutes (it'll swell and become mushy). Add baking powder, vanilla and muffin mix. Mix well. Spray muffin cups before filling.

Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Upcoming Events:

Next Saturday, October 11, is the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk/run at Liberty Park. Registration begins at 8:00 am, the walk begins at 9:00 am. For those of you who ordered t-shirts, I hope to have them by Tuesday (they are being shipped to my house and I haven't received them yet), but if they don't show up by then, I will definitely have them for you at Liberty Park next Saturday morning. WW will have a booth and you'll be able to find me there! Our team is "Weight Walkers" and, if you're able to make a donation, please do so. It's for SUCH a great cause. You can find our team at the following location (just copy and paste this link).

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCBlueprint?px=8155896&pg=personal&fr_id=11683

And congratulations, Amy (our team's co-captain), for raising $215 (so far) in donations. You're an inspiration.

Awards
Sincere congratulations to each of you for your success this week (whether or not the results showed up on the scale). Many of you earned additional 5-lb. stars and we had two major milestone awards, as follows:

• Lisa earned her 10% award, and has also now lost 25 lbs.


• Karen has lost 50 lbs. WOW.

Thank you for letting us celebrate with you--and thank you for being such fantastic role models to all of us. You're definitely STARS!

I'll leave you with this thought, which, by the way, ties in nicely with this week's discussion:

"There are two ways of meeting difficulties: you alter the difficulties, or you alter yourself to meet them." Phyllis Bottome

Have a wonderful weekend. I hope to see you again next Tuesday!

Warmest regards,

Debra