February WW thread

[JackieO]

Ok, our January thread disappeared from the first page.

Anyone want to talk in February?

My WW at Work program ended this week, so I went back to the monthly pass with e-tools, and I'm very happy with the new e-tools software. (I have been off-line from WW for more than a year.) The recipe builder is so much easier to use, and I find the electronic points tracker a lot easier than the paper things.

I weigh-in tomorrow, but my e-tools points tracker week starts on Tuesdays. This might give me a psychological push to not allow myself that "free day" I tend to give myself after a WI. I have two different weekly milestones to meet -- points AND WI -- on different days. (I'm sure there's some way to re-set the weekly on-line tracker, but I'm not sure it would be in my benefit to do it!)

Anyone else?

[CookinginMO/KS]

Hey JackieO. Hopefully we can get a group going here. I started WW in Jan 08, then started a WW at Work group which ends in 5 weeks. Sadly, out of 400 employees, it was like pulling teeth to get 15 to join and then only 8 have continue with the 12 week program. That said, in 5 weeks I'm washing my hands of the at work program and sticking with e-tools since I feel like I have a good handle of the plan.

I know there is a way to change your WI day, and I think its under your profile, but I can't remember how to accomplish that. I'd suggest posting a ? on the board. I've always had good luck with so many helpful responses.

Good luck with the WI!!!

[suebear37]

Trying something radically new this week... tracking my points. I confess, I've been terrible about doing it. At the meeting this week, the leader asked how many people were tracking... my friend & I lowered our heads & tried to hide behind the people sitting in front of us. :o

I'm trying to use the tracker on e-tools & it seems to help. I hate the new trackers. I understand that it's nice to be able to fit it into the new folder, but it's a royal pain to write in such a small space, much less read it!!!

I've really got to get on the stick here... I've lost 28 lbs. so far & have another 25 to go. My older son is getting married in October which means that I've got to order a dress by late April/early May. I figure that if I can get half of that remaining weight off I'll feel pretty good about going dress hunting.

Jackie, good luck hopping on the scale today!

CookinginMO/KS, it's a shame that your at work group didn't work out...

[sararosalie]

I'm so glad to find this thread. I've been going to meetings for about a year. I'm 12 pounds down--which means that things are going much more slowly than I'd like. But at least it is a downward trend. I'm refocusing on tracking and hoping to speed things up a bit!

[suebear37]

I'm with ya, Sara! It's taken me 13 months to get as far as 28 lbs!

Hang in there!!! :)

[sararosalie]

Trying something radically new this week... tracking my points. I confess, I've been terrible about doing it. At the meeting this week, the leader asked how many people were tracking... my friend & I lowered our heads & tried to hide behind the people sitting in front of us. :o

I'm trying to use the tracker on e-tools & it seems to help. I hate the new trackers. I understand that it's nice to be able to fit it into the new folder, but it's a royal pain to write in such a small space, much less read it!!!



Suebear, I purchased a 3 month journal at my meeting a few months ago and I like it a lot. It is about $6. Maybe that would be an alternative to the new trackers?

[CookinginMO/KS]

Hi all! Ditto on the tracker. I have etools and use the tracker to get me back on track if I start seeing a gain, but I'm not near as as faithful as I should be. I'll go like gang busters after WI (which was today...down 2.6...yeah) and by the weekend I completely blow it off. Anyone try any new recipes? At our WW at Work meeting we got a recipe for a strawberry cake (3 pts) that I'll bake tomorrow and take to my staff on Wed for V-day. I'll let you know how it turns out!

[JackieO]

I know there is a way to change your WI day, and I think its under your profile, but I can't remember how to accomplish that. I'd suggest posting a ? on the board. I've always had good luck with so many helpful responses.

Good luck with the WI!!!
Yes -- the tracker re-sets itself when you record your weight from a WI. So that's not a problem. I have, however, forgotten to notice that there's a "save" button now (don't remember that one from previous points trackers), which has screwed me up a bit this week.

Thanks for the good wishes -- I had a great week: down 1.6 lbs. Some sense of discipline has returned, and I really do think that the e-tools tracker is going to keep me focused. I ended January where I began, and I know the pain of the paper tracker contributed. Psycho, yes. I know. :rolleyes:

Recipes -- our leader was promoted to a trainer and only has one group now. Ours. (We're special! :D) It's a GREAT group -- a lot of friendly interaction. (I have been in many WW groups where it's all about a bunch of slumps who can't get with the program because they don't want to give up their sugary soda, or they don't want to work out, etc. Lots of negativity. THIS group is very much focused on the positive, and much of that is due to the leader's personality.) I digress -- As a trainer now, she is allowed to hand out a recipe during our meetings. (I have a few thoughts I'll share about WW corporate policies in a different post!) She gave us a Tuscan Vegetable Chowder recipe the first week that was great, although it called for textured vegetable protein that I think really caused a flare-up in my winter-related excema (sp!!!) on my FACE :eek:. (I've read the soy can exacerbate that condition, so between the soy milk I recently started drinking and the TVP---nasty!) The soup was good and filling, however, and if you don't have soy issues, it's probably a keeper.

She handed out a "cream of broccoli" soup with fat-free half&half that I made last Friday. Blick.

I tried the Shrimp Arrabiatta (sp!!!) from the Momentum cookbook last night and it was great.

I also made Bobby Flay's light, comfort-food meatloaf from the current issue of TV Network's magazine. YUM. It's 4-5 points per thick slice (loaded with veggies and made with ground turkey and a balsamic glaze).

So...the foodie WW checks in. Let's keep this thread alive in February, ok???

[sararosalie]

Jackie--I'm very curious about the Tuscan Vegetable Chowder, if you don't mind passing that along.

I WI on Thursday and am working towards/hoping for a loss.

I'm so glad to have found this thread!

[suebear37]

Very good to read this, thanks for this post. Really very nice

Reported as spam...

[JackieO]

Jackie--I'm very curious about the Tuscan Vegetable Chowder, if you don't mind passing that along.



Hearty Tuscan Vegetable Chowder
6 servings/3 pts

2 tsp olive oil
1 cup(s) onion(s), diced
3/4 cup(s) carrot(s), diced
1/2 cup(s) celery, diced
4 cup(s) vegetable broth
28 oz canned tomatoes, diced, in juice, undrained
15 oz canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
3 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 cup(s) kale, frozen, chopped *
1 cup(s) frozen cut green beans
1/2 tsp table salt
1 cup(s) dry textured vegetable protein, granules (TVP)
1 tsp fennel seed
1/2 tsp black pepper
Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add onion, carrots and celery. Saute 5 minutes until onion is translucent. Add broth, tomatoes and juice, beans, TVP, garlic, fennel and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes.
Stir in kale, green beans, salt and pepper. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes or until vegetables and TVP are tender. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving. (Note: Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for future consumption.)

*I used fresh kale

[suebear37]

Suebear, I purchased a 3 month journal at my meeting a few months ago and I like it a lot. It is about $6. Maybe that would be an alternative to the new trackers?

Sara, I've been using the tracker on e-tools this week. For me it seems to be a lot easier than writing everything down because I tend to eat pretty much the same thing for breakfast & lunch every day so all I have to do is drag & drop.

And I like being able to look up points values on line!

[JackieO]

Sara, I've been using the tracker on e-tools this week. For me it seems to be a lot easier than writing everything down because I tend to eat pretty much the same thing for breakfast & lunch every day so all I have to do is drag & drop.

And I like being able to look up points values on line!

Exactly. For instance, today I ran to the grocery store on my lunch hour and picked up a few things, including a cup of chicken noodle soup from the salad bar to accompany my sandwich for lunch. Two points that I was able to easily look up on line and include in my points tracker. I also love the activity tracker on line. It's so much easier to see what I have accomplished on line than it is to follow my chicken scratching on the paper trackers.

The on-line version doesn't have all the eight healthy living guidelines, though. Like the vitamin, the whole grains, etc.

But it was great to go to the Web site today and find the vegetable chowder recipe to post here. Love e-tools, slow server issues at times, but it's sooooo much better than the paper tracker for me!

I weigh in on Thursday, and my journal is completely up to date tonight. First time in a long time! :eek::D

PS -- I still have six points from my weekly allotment and I have earned 12 activity points. That wouldn't be nearly as apparent to me on the paper tracker, but it is on e-tools!

[sararosalie]

Sara, I've been using the tracker on e-tools this week. For me it seems to be a lot easier than writing everything down because I tend to eat pretty much the same thing for breakfast & lunch every day so all I have to do is drag & drop.

And I like being able to look up points values on line!


I love looking points value on line--I'm hoping to get a smart phone in the near future so that I can look up points while I'm out and about.

I was using e-tools to track my food, but find that i need to write it down the second I eat it...so I carry my 3 month journal.

Anything that helps us stay on track, you know? :D

[sararosalie]

Hearty Tuscan Vegetable Chowder
6 servings/3 pts

2 tsp olive oil
1 cup(s) onion(s), diced
3/4 cup(s) carrot(s), diced
1/2 cup(s) celery, diced
4 cup(s) vegetable broth
28 oz canned tomatoes, diced, in juice, undrained
15 oz canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
3 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 cup(s) kale, frozen, chopped *
1 cup(s) frozen cut green beans
1/2 tsp table salt
1 cup(s) dry textured vegetable protein, granules (TVP)
1 tsp fennel seed
1/2 tsp black pepper
Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add onion, carrots and celery. Saute 5 minutes until onion is translucent. Add broth, tomatoes and juice, beans, TVP, garlic, fennel and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes.
Stir in kale, green beans, salt and pepper. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes or until vegetables and TVP are tender. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving. (Note: Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for future consumption.)

*I used fresh kale

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[sararosalie]

Exactly. For instance, today I ran to the grocery store on my lunch hour and picked up a few things, including a cup of chicken noodle soup from the salad bar to accompany my sandwich for lunch. Two points that I was able to easily look up on line and include in my points tracker. I also love the activity tracker on line. It's so much easier to see what I have accomplished on line than it is to follow my chicken scratching on the paper trackers.

The on-line version doesn't have all the eight healthy living guidelines, though. Like the vitamin, the whole grains, etc.

But it was great to go to the Web site today and find the vegetable chowder recipe to post here. Love e-tools, slow server issues at times, but it's sooooo much better than the paper tracker for me!

I weigh in on Thursday, and my journal is completely up to date tonight. First time in a long time! :eek::D

PS -- I still have six points from my weekly allotment and I have earned 12 activity points. That wouldn't be nearly as apparent to me on the paper tracker, but it is on e-tools!
JackieO--I hope your WI tomorrow is satisfying--you have worked hard for it!
I hope everybody is having a great--on target week.

[suebear37]

I finally hit the 30 pound mark at the meeting last night... 3.2 lost for a total of 31.2!!!

I've got 1 more chance to have a good week before I go on vacation a week from Saturday. Hopefully that'll give me the inspiration to not gain too much weight while I'm gone.

[sararosalie]

Wohoo Sue! Congratulations on your big loss! :D

[JackieO]

Great job, Sue! Congrats on the big loss!

My WI today, unfortunately, sucked. Gained back everything I lost last week. (Although, to be fair, I "forgot" to take off my cardigan, and when I got undressed tonight and threw it in the laundry basket, I realized it was pretty bulky! My friend who was in line behind me asked later, "Why didn't you take your sweater off?" Duh.)

But we had a good meeting, and our leader explained that "set point" concept to help people overcome their fear about eating out. (I still don't understand why a 6-oz salmon filet is 9 points if cooked at home but only 5 if eating in a restaurant. Didn't want to put the leader on the spot in the meeting, but I'll get around to asking the question eventually!) :cool:

But, I went to the Y and worked out tonight (cardio & strength & flexibiilty) and came home and worked on a menu plan for the next week.

All is not lost.

Good luck to all of us!

[CookinginMO/KS]

Way to go, Sue! That's awesome. Hang in there Jackie. I have spent the last 6 weeks gaining and losing the same 2 pounds. I think I'm down 8 since Thanksgiving so I know how frustrating it can be. Since my WI is Monday and its a holiday at work, no WW at Work meeting next week, which means I have two weeks to do what I need to do to make sure I have two recorded losses in a row. I'm a woman on a mission!!!

[krhm]

Hi everyone! Mind if I join?

Brief background: I gain weight very easily but I've lost weight using WW on several occasions. Any big life change, and bam...I'm back up 20 pounds. I joined WW Online three weeks ago today, not so much to lose weight (although my ideal is to lose 20-25 pounds), but to know that I'm eating well and within my guidelines.

So far, it's been very slow weightloss, but I've only had two episodes of unplanned eating during the last three weeks (and I had the points to spend, but I didn't measure the foods). Maybe it's my age (35 this time around!) or my metabolism is messed up from going back and forth for so long.

My new favorite find: Arnold's Sandwich Thins! These are thin, whole wheat or multigrain sandwich thins that are high fiber, low fat, and 100 calories (so 1 point) with no HFCS. I eat one per day and they are so filling! I also love the Cocoa Almonds 100 calorie snack packs...decadent little treat that is surprisingly filling. That Tuscan Veggie Chowder looks good too!

I do have a question for you all...what do you do when you know you have an event or meal for which you really cannot estimate the points? We are going to our favorite restaurant for V-Day tomorrow. It's an event, almost a three hour meal, and it's a special occasion. I looked at the menu (YUM!) but squash blossoms, artichoke pasta, and white truffle cream sauce are not in the Points Finder!

Kari

[sararosalie]

I decided not to weigh in yesterday at the meeting--My home scale showed a .5 lb gain. I did attend the meeting and it was a good one. My (new) leader is growing on me.

I'm frustrated becuase I was careful this past week. But as Jackie said--all is not lost. I had a great workout this morning and am going to continue this life-style change.

Happy Friday & good luck!

[suebear37]

Hi everyone! Mind if I join?

I do have a question for you all...what do you do when you know you have an event or meal for which you really cannot estimate the points? We are going to our favorite restaurant for V-Day tomorrow. It's an event, almost a three hour meal, and it's a special occasion. I looked at the menu (YUM!) but squash blossoms, artichoke pasta, and white truffle cream sauce are not in the Points Finder!

Kari

Kari, welcome to the group!!! I know exactly how you feel... I refer to myself as a "serial dieter". I've had so many "weight loss journeys" over the past 25 years, I swear I've gained & lost at least an entire person. Hang in there!!!

As for tomorrow night, I looked on e-tools... there's nothing listed for any of the foods you mentioned. So what I'd do is be extra good all day tomorrow, try not to eat everything on the plate, & count the evening as your extra 35 points for the week & stick strictly to the program until your next weigh-in. And drink lots of water!!! :)

[CookinginMO/KS]

Hey, Kari, of course you can join...the more the merrier. In regards to your question, when I anticipate a big night out like that, I stockpile all by weekly & activity points, then just wipe them out to zero after the big dinner and stay within my daily points until WI. The most important thing is to enjoy and start all over the next morning.

[JackieO]

I do have a question for you all...what do you do when you know you have an event or meal for which you really cannot estimate the points? We are going to our favorite restaurant for V-Day tomorrow. It's an event, almost a three hour meal, and it's a special occasion. I looked at the menu (YUM!) but squash blossoms, artichoke pasta, and white truffle cream sauce are not in the Points Finder!

Kari

Welcome, Kari! I'm hoping we can attract more folks to this thread. It seems as if it has been hard to keep a WW thread going on this board, and I really, truly, prefer the folks here than on the WW community!

As for the restaurant meals -- this was the primary focus of our meeting last week. Our leader, who is now a statewide trainer, seems to have a lot more insider knowledge about what's going on with WW adn the changes to the Momentum plan. She told us that a lot of feedback from members was that they are intimidated by eating out because it's so hard to calculate points (mostly because you don't know the preparation techniques -- people understand portion size, but if your entree has been steeped in butter, the portion doesn't really matter!) Anyway, that's where this concept of set points comes in. TPTB figured out an average for restaurant meal portions in three categories:
fruits/veggies
lean protein
starch/dairy/grains

I may not have those categories characterized accurately (the info is in the Week 5 booklet), but essentially, if you are eating out, there is a points value in paranthesis after the original points value, and you just add it up. I believe fruits/veg is 2; lean protein is 5, and starch is 6. So, if you order a meal and eat the portions TO YOUR COMFORT LEVEL, you count each group accordingly and move on. Our leader cautioned, tho, that it only applies to filling foods. You have to count dessert separately and accurately. :D

This is in direct reference to my earlier comment about why does a 6-oz salmon fillet count 9 points, but if you order salmon in a restaurant and judge it by your set point, it's only 5? I'm hoping that's a typo in the pocket guide. (Guess I should go pull out some of my old materials and see what a salmon fillet was under the previous program!)

Bottom line: Enjoy Valentine's Day. And even if you torpedo your plan for the week, don't give up. It's a journey, not a race. It gets easier the longer you stay with it.

As for me today, I ZUMBAed! I sampled a Zumba class at the Y last Friday and really enjoyed it. Always loved doing aerobics (hated step class, tho) and Zumba seems like a real cross between high-impact aerobics and Jazzercise. I don't have a sense of rhythm, and this class if very forgiving in that department. Fun! Five activity points for 50 minutes, too.

Next?

[krhm]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone!

And thanks for the advice on tonight. I've stepped up my activity and my water, and I've eaten filling but low-point meals today. I'll probably have an apple or something before we go, just so I'm not ravenous. I'm a little worried about facing a week without any extra points; I get 24 points a day and I usually eat 26 and feel very good. But you're right, JackieO, one week won't kill me, and it isn't as if I'm never going to eat out again.

Although I've only been on WW for three weeks, the only times we've gone out have been to chain restaurants were I could look up the menu in advance. Blech! Fortunately, eating out is a luxury and not a part of our regular routine, so I can use the guidelines you posted, JackieO, and feel okay.

I have to tell you all about my favorite new sandwich: saute half of a bell pepper, half of a small onion, and a few chopped portobello mushrooms in 1 tsp of canola oil (1 pt) until soft. Toast a thin bun (1 pt) and spread with spicy mustard. Add two ounces of lean chopped deli roast beef (2 points for Boar's Head low sodium), and then melt a slice of RF Sargento's provolone. It's incredibly filling, does not taste diet at all, and not only gets in veggies but a healthy oil and dairy!

[muriel3002]

May I join, too?

I've been doing WW since November, but with the holidays, weight loss remained pretty even. I'm still waiting to hit my first 10 pound loss - maybe tonight? (My WI are on Mondays.)

I haven't really been trying the WW recipes. What we do is pretty much meats and lots of fresh veggies, especially 0 pt veggies. DH does much of the cooking and teaching him that corn and peas are not 0 point veggies has been a bit of a challenge, but it is sinking in.

I am using Double Fiber bread (forget which brand it is) which is 1 pt per slice. I love it, and it's moist and filling.

Also, Progresso soups are generally 2 pts per serving. I'll add other veggies to it like shredded zucchini or yellow squash, or leftover cooked broccoli (depending on the type of soup).

I've been stepping up my workouts, too. After Christmas I bought a fluid trainer for my bike, so I've brought my bike indoors and have been doing "spinnervals" 3x week.

And has anyone discovered those Free On Demand Exercise TV workouts?!?! They are great! I did Jackie Warner's arms workout and the results are good... well, I think so. I got through the workout okay - well, except for the push up segment. But that night in bed I kept waking up whenever I would roll over because my arms were so darn sore! I'm definitely doing that workout again - maybe tonight.

I'm looking forward to joining you all on this journey!

[suebear37]

Welcome, Muriel!!!

Sounds like you're doing all the right things... I bet you have a good week on the scale tonight!
Let us know who makes the double fiber bread, please... sounds delicious!
I'm going to go check out the On Demand workouts... haven't seen them before.

Good luck at the WI tonight!!! :)

[muriel3002]

Welcome, Muriel!!!

Sounds like you're doing all the right things... I bet you have a good week on the scale tonight!
Let us know who makes the double fiber bread, please... sounds delicious!
I'm going to go check out the On Demand workouts... haven't seen them before.

Good luck at the WI tonight!!! :)

I found it at WalMart (the bread) if that helps. I will check when I get home.

If your On Demand has "folders" check under Free On Demand, then and under Exercise TV.

[muriel3002]

The double fiber bread I get is here: http://arnold.gwbakeries.com/product.cfm/upc/7341002590

When I looked online, there are some other double fiber breads available.

Good weigh in last night - I finally lost my first 10 pounds!

[suebear37]

Good weigh in last night - I finally lost my first 10 pounds!

Yay!!! :D:D:D:D:D

Thanks for the bread info... I'll have to look at the grocery store. I've been eating Pepperidge Farm 7-Grain lately but I'd like to try something different.

[krhm]

Congratulations, Muriel! :D

I know what you mean about it taking longer. Normally within my first month, I would have lost at least 12 pounds, but I'm holding steady at 7. Ah well, my poor body is sending me a message, I guess, so I need to be kinder to it!

We enjoyed our super-celebration for Valentine's Day, but I did not account for how much my appetite would have changed. After the appetizers, I could have easily been done eating. When my entree arrived, I felt like I had to eat some of it, and then felt way too full, almost sick. I totally skipped dessert and didn't even mind (well, a part of me minded very much!).

JackieO, my women's gym does Zumba and I've thought about giving it a try. They offer it at 7 at night, though, and if I work out that late, I have a very hard time sleeping. Is it really intense? It sounds like a blast!

[suebear37]

Had the weekly WI last night & lost 1.8 for a total of 33.1! :) Still making the supreme effort to track points... I'm kicking myself for not using the tracker on e-tools before. It's so much easier than trying to jam all that info into the paper tracker!

All bets are off starting tonight, though... we're leaving for a cruise tomorrow & tonight is our traditional "night before departure" burger dinner at a local restaurant. I'm going to try to at least get up every morning & walk on deck while I'm on the ship. And not eat seconds & not drink too much. The good thing is that it's only DH & I this year... none of our friends were able to go this time so I think that might cut down on the alcohol consumption a bit. ;)

Everybody have a great week!!!

[JackieO]

Congratulations, Muriel! :D

JackieO, my women's gym does Zumba and I've thought about giving it a try. They offer it at 7 at night, though, and if I work out that late, I have a very hard time sleeping. Is it really intense? It sounds like a blast!

Congrats, Muriel!

Kim -- Zumba can be as intense as you want it to be. I might be repeating myself here, but the steps seem to be very similar to what used to be called high-impact aerobics, altho Zumba seems to be free-flowing, like Jazzercize. To me, aerobics is pretty highly choreographed and Jazzercize is more individual and free-form. You can shimmy and twist and move as fast as you want, or just sort of float with the music. Either way, you are moving, stretching and exercising your muscles in ways no machine or piece of cardio equipment will be able to do for you. And after listening to that music for 50-60 minutes, you can't help but smile. :)

Our Y offers a 4:30 afternoonclass on Friday, which seems to be very well attended, and a 7:30 pm class on Tuesday. No way could I work out at that intensity that late in the evening. I'm sleep-deprived the way it is! :o

As for the WW front, I was down -- drumroll please -- 3.6 pounds for the week! :eek: Which just confirms my suspicion that last week's WI was bogus -- the heavy sweater being a significant contributor. Also, we learned today that the WW team switches scales each week (there are two and they trade off which ones each WI person uses.) Methinks there might be a calibration issue at play here -- my own scale, while not accurate, is at least consistent. My results last week on the WW scale were in no way reflective of what my home scale showed. So, there.

I tried the WW Manhattan Clam Chowder recipe from the Momentum cookbook this week. Not great (but then, I used minced clams instead of chopped, and the texture change might make it more appealing -- and I also added some Penzey's salt-free seasoning to it), but it's only 3 pts for 1.5 cups and I'll have to agree that it is filling.

Finally, we talked about healthy habits in our meeting today. One woman said that when she is challenged by being in a social situation (cocktail party, sports-watching party, whatever) with open exposure to a LOT of tempting food, instead of scooping up the dip, high-fat items, etc., she first eats a little something before leaving home so she's not starving (we all know this, right?), but when she's at the party, she fills a plate with good choices, then sits back and watches others as they eat! "Let them consume all the fat and the points...ask them how it tastes, what they like about it, and if it sounds good after that, take a bite. Then move on." How smart is that?? :cool:

[suebear37]

Jackie, congrats on your weight loss this week!!! :)

That's interesting about the scales being switched every week... our meeting has 2 scales & we tend to think that the assistant's scale weighs heavier than the leader's. Maybe not, if they're switching, too.

The weird thing is that the scale at the meeting is approximately 2 lbs. lighter than my scale at home. My scale is digital, so it's not like the old style ones where you can shift your weight & make the needle move! :p But it always makes me feel good to see that number at the meeting.

Well, I'm off for vacation... I'll check in when I get back in about a week & a half. Good luck & good weigh-ins, everybody! :)

[suebear37]

Jackie, I read over in Loren's thread on the "other stuff" board that you got back to your goal weight this week!

Congratulations!!!! That's fantastic!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D

[muriel3002]

Jackie - congrats on your WI!

I know at our WW that one scale is calibrated differently than the other. They are fixed and stationary so they don't switch out. However, because we line up every week and await our turn, it's a gamble which scale you get. I kind of hope it all evens out.

I have the old "analog" scale at home. I usually weigh myself 3 x and take the average... I've thought about getting a digital, but I'm so used my scale - and it agrees with the scale at my DRs, but not at the weight watchers office. Funny how that is. . .

[muriel3002]

Monday's Weigh In

Down another pound!

I'm struggling with my water intake this week. It's so cold here in Michigan that I just don't want to drink cold water, or even room temp water. :( I'm ready for spring and begging DH for a weekend getaway somewhere, I don't care if it's warm or not... just want to get out of the house for the weekend!

[scout1222]

Muriel, are you a tea drinker? Remember, that counts, too.

[muriel3002]

Yeah, I drink tea, but I don't have any non-caffeinated kind at work. I need to get organized.

However, we're supposed to hit 41 tomorrow! Woo Hoo!

[scout1222]

The rules on liquids changed with Momentum.

Now, even if your liquid has caffeine, it can still count. Our scientific advisory panel came to the conclusion that caffeine doesn't dehydrate us as much as we initially thought - particularly if you consume it regularly. Your body gets used to the caffeine - so if you've always had 2 cups of tea a day, your body adjusts to that caffeine, and you don't really feel the dehydrating effects. You'd probably only see it if you switch it up and start drinking 10 cups a day.

http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=4&art_id=66701&sc=808

[krhm]

Hi everyone!

Scout 1222, thanks so much for that link! I'm now going to count my two morning cups of half-decaf coffee. I always feel a little guilty when I can't check off all of my boxes, but when I "cram" my water intake at night (usually because my day is so busy that I can't got to the bathroom every 45 minutes!) I'm up all night.

And thanks for the zumba info, JackieO. Unless my gym starts offering it during the day, I think I'll wait. But I am thinking about belly dancing...it looks like fun and they do those classes at 10.

As for me, Week 5 ends tomorrow. I don't expect to lose any weigh this week since I've had a bit of a rough time. We had some unexpected expenses and so tried to cook from the pantry and freezer this week to cut back, but it made it harder to stay within my points range. I'm only over by about 5 points total, but we'll see.

I also lost some inspiration last week, but I think that's probably pretty typical around this time. The first few weeks can be tough, but somewhat exciting.

SueBear, have a great vacation! Jackie and Muriel, congrats on the losses!

Kari