Well, this post may be a bit late for some-- however, I think that a lot of it applies to the other upcoming holidays (we certainly aren't in the clear yet...). As I'm typing I'm waiting for Trick-or-Treaters at home, hoping that we get a good number, since we certainly have plenty of candy! We didn't live at our house last year, so we never know...
Here are my tips for handling Halloween:
1) Take time to enjoy the season- the flavors, the traditions, etc.- this doesn't necessarily mean over indulging in the treats- but it does mean not depriving yourself. I have a "Trick-or-Treat" scented candle burning in my kitchen right now, which somehow just makes it feel like a holiday!
2) In regards to the treats, have some- have your favorites, and enjoy them! Be sure that your are intentional and conscious of your choice, and I'll bet that you'll enjoy them just that much more.
3) That said, pick your POINTs- don't waste POINTS on the stuff that you don't really love. For me, candy corns are just "meh" when compared with some of the other options. So, I'm picking other ways to use my POINTs. Now a Heath on the other hand... yep, I'll pick those POINTs!
4) Know what you are getting yourself into... This goes back to the basic tool of preparing yourself. Consider in advance the types of things that will be available at your parties, know the POINTs of common candy (as a side, here are a few that are relatively low: Twizzlers, York Peppermint Patties, 3 Musketeers, and some of the basic 'sugar' candies- i.e. Runts, Laffy Taffy, etc.), and plan for your success.
5) Enjoy the holiday and celebrate your accomplishments along with the holiday itself! What did you do differently this year? How have you changed your behaviors since last year's Halloween? What did you choose to do well? How did that feel? Don't be scared to celebrate the small accomplishments--- remember that it is the culmination of many small changes that ultimately bring us the overall success.
Allright, it is now 6:17pm, and no Trick-or-Treaters yet. I'm adding one more tip:
6) Have a plan of how to dispose of your leftover candy! Whatever works for you- but don't let it sit around and haunt you past the holiday.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Center is Closed due to snow
Hi all,
Just a quick post for any meeting members out there-- the Westminster, CO Center is closed this evening (Thursday 10/29), as it was last night, due to the snow. Stay warm, dry, and committed to your plan this week! If you must go out, drive safely.
I'll see everyone next week. In the meantime, I'm off to enjoy some low POINT soup to keep me warm as I start a movie-marathon. This is my kind of snow day!
~Braelin
Just a quick post for any meeting members out there-- the Westminster, CO Center is closed this evening (Thursday 10/29), as it was last night, due to the snow. Stay warm, dry, and committed to your plan this week! If you must go out, drive safely.
I'll see everyone next week. In the meantime, I'm off to enjoy some low POINT soup to keep me warm as I start a movie-marathon. This is my kind of snow day!
~Braelin
Monday, October 19, 2009
An A+ Apple
Apples don't typically top my list of favorite fruits. I think that in many instances, apples are sort of overdone (along with oranges). My exception to this used to be a crisp Macintosh that I picked off the tree while visiting an orchard in New England. I grew up in New England, and a great Mac. was a true seasonal treat. Since moving to Colorado however, I've had just a few too many mealy macs. to even consider reaching for an apple. I don't dislike apples-- just don't tend to choose them when other fruits are readily available. However, this fall I've seen lots of people blogging and tweeting about apples... and not just any apple mind you, the Honeycrisp apple.
So, I figured I'd give it a try to see what all the buzz was about this year. Let me tell you--- apples have rocketed to the top of my fall fruit list! I got a bag (think that it was 5 lbs) of relatively small organic Honeycrisps on Saturday. Today is Monday. I am going to the store on my lunch break to pick up another 5 lbs. Seriously! I ate 5 (small) Honeycrisps from Saturday night to this morning. I think that Mike beat me- and so another bag is needed. Wow- that's a lot of apples! What I am enjoying most about the Honeycrisp, is well... exactly what the name implies. They are super sweet, but super crisp. Crispyness is my most important factor when it comes to apple consumption, and the Honeycrisp certainly lives up to the name.
When I first got into cooking a lot, I'd ask Mike to "grade" the food that I was cooking-- so I could get some feedback from him about if the meal was worth repeating (otherwise I got a lot of "this is good"-- hard to discern good from good). I earned lots of As, Bs, and a few Cs, but the A+ was reserved for truly stellar food-- not a grade that was given loosly. These organic Honeycrisps deserve that rating: A+ apples!
So, I figured I'd give it a try to see what all the buzz was about this year. Let me tell you--- apples have rocketed to the top of my fall fruit list! I got a bag (think that it was 5 lbs) of relatively small organic Honeycrisps on Saturday. Today is Monday. I am going to the store on my lunch break to pick up another 5 lbs. Seriously! I ate 5 (small) Honeycrisps from Saturday night to this morning. I think that Mike beat me- and so another bag is needed. Wow- that's a lot of apples! What I am enjoying most about the Honeycrisp, is well... exactly what the name implies. They are super sweet, but super crisp. Crispyness is my most important factor when it comes to apple consumption, and the Honeycrisp certainly lives up to the name.
When I first got into cooking a lot, I'd ask Mike to "grade" the food that I was cooking-- so I could get some feedback from him about if the meal was worth repeating (otherwise I got a lot of "this is good"-- hard to discern good from good). I earned lots of As, Bs, and a few Cs, but the A+ was reserved for truly stellar food-- not a grade that was given loosly. These organic Honeycrisps deserve that rating: A+ apples!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
3 months out
Tomorrow is October 1. That's 3 months out from January 1. Many members make new year's resolutions. Consider however for a moment how it might feel to look both forward into 2010 and backwards at 2009 on 1/1. What will you feel like 3 months from now if you are following the program during October, November and December?
Consider setting some early nearly new year goals for yourself over the next few months. How about picking up a 3-month journal and recommitting to tracking daily? If you do this, you'll certainly have reason to celebrate come 1/1. What about a commitment to moving more? Reframing an old habit and replacing with a healthier alternative? Even a commitment to attending weekly meetings- and staying for the meeting- will help you preempt your new year's resolutions.
Weight Watchers is about making the plan work for you. Find fitting things now that you can (and will) do over the next 3 months to ensure that you wake up with a sense of satisfaction and forward momentum on January 1, 2010.
Consider setting some early nearly new year goals for yourself over the next few months. How about picking up a 3-month journal and recommitting to tracking daily? If you do this, you'll certainly have reason to celebrate come 1/1. What about a commitment to moving more? Reframing an old habit and replacing with a healthier alternative? Even a commitment to attending weekly meetings- and staying for the meeting- will help you preempt your new year's resolutions.
Weight Watchers is about making the plan work for you. Find fitting things now that you can (and will) do over the next 3 months to ensure that you wake up with a sense of satisfaction and forward momentum on January 1, 2010.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Shifting with the Season
Yesterday was certainly a fall-feeling day. Although I typically love the fall season best of all, yesterday's dreary day wasn't exactly the kind of fall day that I enjoy. That said, it did get me thinking about the shifts that I make when the season changes. Everything from the linens on my bed, to bringing sweaters out of storage, and yes, to the food that I eat and the way in which I exercise too. Here are a few of my fall favorites:
I posted about soup earlier, and soup definitely tops my list of important seasonal shifts. In fact, I'm up early now preparing a new black bean soup to pack for lunch today!
In addition to soup, hot tea (usually herbal) is another fall favorite. A few of my favorite flavors include Celestial Seasonings Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride (available only during the December holidays, so I stock up), and this year the Republic of Tea's Pumpkin Ginger Spice. I also like Tazo's Passion tea and Stash's Licorice Spice ('gotta be a licorice fan, but if you are...wow!). A cuppa' tea (or three...) in the evening is just a cozy and tasty sign of fall for me.
So the pumpkin spice tea is tasty, but this time of the year I also love incorporating pumpkin in my cooking in creative other ways. This high fiber squash makes a tasty substitution for oil in baking, and adds a hearty texture to savory dishes too (pumpkin soup anyone?).
On a beautiful crisp fall day, a brisk walk outside is a perfect way to get in my activity. I'm not necessarily a huge fan of walking just for the sake of exercise, but add a nip to the air and perhaps the faint aroma of wood fireplaces starting up for the year and I am practically prancing!
Lastly, as I make the classic closet switch from my spring/summer to fall/winter clothing, I have the chance to evaluate my weight from a non-scale perspective. How did those stiff jeans fit last spring when they went into storage? What do they feel like now? This is a good chance to gain perspective and enjoy the things that I haven't worn in several months. Even just having the "new" clothes out is inspiration for me to stay on track.
Here's to a fabulous fall for all this year!
I posted about soup earlier, and soup definitely tops my list of important seasonal shifts. In fact, I'm up early now preparing a new black bean soup to pack for lunch today!
In addition to soup, hot tea (usually herbal) is another fall favorite. A few of my favorite flavors include Celestial Seasonings Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride (available only during the December holidays, so I stock up), and this year the Republic of Tea's Pumpkin Ginger Spice. I also like Tazo's Passion tea and Stash's Licorice Spice ('gotta be a licorice fan, but if you are...wow!). A cuppa' tea (or three...) in the evening is just a cozy and tasty sign of fall for me.
So the pumpkin spice tea is tasty, but this time of the year I also love incorporating pumpkin in my cooking in creative other ways. This high fiber squash makes a tasty substitution for oil in baking, and adds a hearty texture to savory dishes too (pumpkin soup anyone?).
On a beautiful crisp fall day, a brisk walk outside is a perfect way to get in my activity. I'm not necessarily a huge fan of walking just for the sake of exercise, but add a nip to the air and perhaps the faint aroma of wood fireplaces starting up for the year and I am practically prancing!
Lastly, as I make the classic closet switch from my spring/summer to fall/winter clothing, I have the chance to evaluate my weight from a non-scale perspective. How did those stiff jeans fit last spring when they went into storage? What do they feel like now? This is a good chance to gain perspective and enjoy the things that I haven't worn in several months. Even just having the "new" clothes out is inspiration for me to stay on track.
Here's to a fabulous fall for all this year!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Soup-er Season!
I'm sure that this will be the first of several posts this season about soup- as I'm a big fan of the stuff. Soup may very well be my favorite food- in a general sense, and it has really been an important part of my weight-maintenance too.
Think about it- soups are almost always made with filling foods- veggies, lean proteins and grains are typically the basis of a soup- along with broth and spices (0 POINTs).
Soups are also convenient in the sense that once made, they "age" well. In the fall and winter I typically made at least one soup on the weekend, and then use this as my leftover go-to meal for lunches throughout the week. I'll pre-portion the servings into Tupperware early in the week and then just grab and go with my lunch bag. This week's soup is cutely titled, "One Wild Chick" soup- and is made with wild rice and chick peas. Delicious!
Lastly, as the weather cools, soups are comforting. I love a crisp fall day with a bowl of soup, paired with a piece of crusty bread. Nothing says comfort to me in the fall more than this pairing. Gone are my comfort food days of mac-and-cheese or mashed potatoes. Instead, I opt for a comforting and low POINT bowl of soup and stick to my POINTs target!
This week's meeting topic is all about "red light foods". Anyone have one in mind that fits the definition of comfort food? I'm guessing that there are a few out there.... I'll see you this week to discuss strategies and substitutions!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Blink: Reaching Goal- Anything is Possible
When I was a kid my dad, like many parents, would tell me that I could be anything that I wanted when I grew up- an astronaut, a ballerina, President of the United States-- whatever I wanted. As I grew older and supposedly "wiser", I learned to doubt his optimism- and naturally I am neither an astronaut, ballerina, nor President of the country (and thank goodness about that last one)! However, what if my dad was right? What if I really had kept that childhood belief and want alive everyday of my life? Who knows where I'd be now. On the moon? Dancing in Lincoln Center? In the White House? Perhaps unlikely, however I'll never know- I lost sight of "anything is possible" in most facets of my life at about the age of seven.
I'm reading Malcom Gladwell's book Blink right now, which essentially is starting out to be about the power of our subconscious, our impressions, and how they shape our actions. When I first joined WW, in retrospect I realize that I knew that I could do it-- (deep down) and this in turn is what was a likely significant variable in my success. Although I had never tried a formalized weight loss program before, I had tried to "diet"-- without any success. However, when I walked into the Weight Watchers Center on Colorado Boulevard, I just knew that something was different. The significant "something" that was different was my mindset. I was going to do it. I was motivated to succeed by my leader and I had the information that I needed to actualize my beliefs. I was going to get to my goal. I allowed the "anything is possible" belief to come into my conscious- after many years of being shut out. About a year later and plenty of hard work, ups and downs, and emotions along the way, I reached my goal. Seven years later, I'm still here.
It is worth reiterating the power of our positive thinking in regards to WW success. If we truly believe that we can do this- reach our goals- and stay there, we CAN do it. Such an obvious point, but one that I think is worth consciously considering from time to time. Next step? Bringing those beliefs to the forefront and using them to help propel us forward to action.
Do I now think that I can do this for the rest of my life? Absolutely. I feel this with certainty and am so assured in my thoughts now that it is hard to describe. I finally (7 years later) feel confident and comfortable in my lifestyle and choices, and consequently, in my own body. It feels nice- relaxed and in-control.
So, point being: believe in yourself. Really. As cliched as that may sound, I firmly believe that it is at the root of success on this program. Sure- you'll have moments of self-doubt along the way; however, make a point of thinking about overcoming those moments and truly- sincerely- believing that you WILL reach your goal. I believe that every person- who believes in themselves- and is willing to work to get there, can reach their weight loss goals (and stay there too!) following the Weight Watchers program.
I'm reading Malcom Gladwell's book Blink right now, which essentially is starting out to be about the power of our subconscious, our impressions, and how they shape our actions. When I first joined WW, in retrospect I realize that I knew that I could do it-- (deep down) and this in turn is what was a likely significant variable in my success. Although I had never tried a formalized weight loss program before, I had tried to "diet"-- without any success. However, when I walked into the Weight Watchers Center on Colorado Boulevard, I just knew that something was different. The significant "something" that was different was my mindset. I was going to do it. I was motivated to succeed by my leader and I had the information that I needed to actualize my beliefs. I was going to get to my goal. I allowed the "anything is possible" belief to come into my conscious- after many years of being shut out. About a year later and plenty of hard work, ups and downs, and emotions along the way, I reached my goal. Seven years later, I'm still here.
It is worth reiterating the power of our positive thinking in regards to WW success. If we truly believe that we can do this- reach our goals- and stay there, we CAN do it. Such an obvious point, but one that I think is worth consciously considering from time to time. Next step? Bringing those beliefs to the forefront and using them to help propel us forward to action.
Do I now think that I can do this for the rest of my life? Absolutely. I feel this with certainty and am so assured in my thoughts now that it is hard to describe. I finally (7 years later) feel confident and comfortable in my lifestyle and choices, and consequently, in my own body. It feels nice- relaxed and in-control.
So, point being: believe in yourself. Really. As cliched as that may sound, I firmly believe that it is at the root of success on this program. Sure- you'll have moments of self-doubt along the way; however, make a point of thinking about overcoming those moments and truly- sincerely- believing that you WILL reach your goal. I believe that every person- who believes in themselves- and is willing to work to get there, can reach their weight loss goals (and stay there too!) following the Weight Watchers program.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
