Points Plus Free Fruit

So many of you may have already heard that news that on the new weight watchers points plus plan fruit is zero points plus values. I know this was really exiciting for me because I love FRUIT! Here is the thing you really have to keep in mind....
1. Nothing in life is free... so you cannot have 12 bananas and expect to have a weight loss.
2. Enjoy it as a great snacks

3. Bulk up your meals with it

Some of my favorite ways to enjoy fruit...

Banana cut up with Rice Cakes and Peanut butter

Apples cut up with Cinnamon and FF Cool Whip (heat before putting cool whip on)

Strawberries with FF Cool Whip

Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries in Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat

Pears, Oranges, Grapes as snacks with Cottage Cheese

Apples and Grapes are also great to bulk up a salad

Greek Yogurt is great with all furit and a great way to get in some protein

What are your favorite ways to enjoy fruit?

Did you survive?

Thanksgiving can be a difficult holiday when it comes to weight loss or weight management. I think I survived well. I cooked for the first time ever. I made a no crust pumpkin pie, turkey breast, cranberry casserole, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, ham and stuffing. I didn't eat any of the mashed potatoes those were for my boyfriend. I cooked a litte but enough that I had everything I love. No rolls because 1) I forgot them 2) I knew I would overeat them so I forgot on purpose. I think it turned out well. I also ran a 10K the day of so I would already have excerise in and feel great before even eating the meal. So far I appear to be down in weight. How did you get the results you expected? Next post will discuss many of the changes to the weight watchers program and my thoughts about it.

Survive Thanksgiving

Ok I promise to get better at posting. I am back and hopefully just in time. Thanksgiving is a difficult holiday. Especially if we are trying to watch what we eat. Desserts, Stuffing, Turkey, Casseroles, and many more dishes we only have at this time of year. Here is an easy cheat sheet to help keep you in check. I hope everyone survives the holiday without too much trouble. Enjoy time with your families. I often miss the time spent with my family now that I am unable to have Thanksgiving with them more than the food. Enjoy yourself. I will be back after the holiday to talk all about the new weight watchers program.








Item Points Value


Ham, 2 oz. 3
Dinner Roll, 2 oz 3
Apple Pie, 1/8 two crust 8
Dip, many types, 2TB 2
Sweet Potato 1 Large 3
Brown gravy, 1/4 cup 2
Collard Greens 0

Cranberry sauce, 1/4 cup 2

Macaroni and cheese, 1 cup 9

Mashed potatos, 1/2 cup 2

Pecan pie, 1/8 of 9 inch pie 12

Pumpkin Pie, 1/8 of 9 inch pie 9

Stuffing, 1/2 cup 4

Turkey breast, 1 slice (2 oz) 2

Wine, 4 oz 2

Beer Lite 1 Bottle 2

In a Hurry for Breakfast... Try these

Here are two great breakfast ideas that can be ready in a really big hurry....

The first is Cheerios and Low fat yogurt. I prefer  weight watchers yogurt because it has some fiber in it but if you like others any will work. Just dump 1 cup of cheerios in a bowl and add yogurt instead of milk. YUM! You basically have flavored cherrios. The second is also with the low fat yogurt again I prefer weight watchers yogurt and you can combine this with 1/2 Cup of Quick Oats or plain flavored Oatmeal. This takes even less effort. Just pour the oats into the yogurt. Great way to get some fiber and milk into your diet really quickly. These also make quick go to snacks.

Laughing Cow Cheese

So I have shared many times my affection for laughing cow cheese. They have a few new flavors including Sun Dried Tomato Basil and Queso Fresco & Chipotle. I have tried the Tomato flavor and it is really great. Tonight I had it with a Morningstar Farms California Turkey Burger. Its a great flavor and also taste great on a bagel thin with egg whites or egg beaters. If you are a fan of Laughing Cow this new flavor is really good.

McDonalds Fruit Smoothies

At the request of a few faithful bloggers here is the low down on the new fruit smoothies from Mcdonalds.

They have two options Strawberry Banana  and Wild Berry....

The Strawberry Banana small size 220 Calories .5g Fat and 2g Fiber 44g Sugar (4 Points*)

The Wild Berry Small Size 220 Calories .5g Fat and 3g Fiber 44 g Sugar  (4points*)

Althought I am not a huge Smoothie Drinker they are great during the "dog days" of summer. I must say they are much for point and Calories friendly than I anticipated. I haven't tried one yet nor do I think I am willing to fork over 4 weight watchers points for one unless I really feel the craving. I suggest the homemade kind.

1 Tbsp Whey Protein

1/2cu Fat Free Milk

Ice

All the Fruit you love... YUM!

If you do try one of these Mcdonalds Smoothies let me know if you thought it was worth forking over the points I would love to hear from some of my faithful bloggers on this new menu item.

Not so "snack" sized

So many people are pushing the smaller sized portions but are they really created equal? The most recent that caught my interest was the McDonalds Snack Size Mcflurry. They have two options

1. M&M which is 450 Calories 16g Fat and 2g Fiber (10 Points*)

2. Oreo which is 340 Calories 12g Fat and 2g Fiber (7 Points*)

Although if you ask me the best option at McDonalds for a treat is still the Small Reduced fat Vanilla Cone at 150 Calories 3.5g Fat and 0g Fiber (3 Points*) Satisfies my taste for something sweet and not overwhelming in the Calories department.

Although I have not tried the new snack size I am betting it isn't that big and even though I would have chose the Oreo I still would have use 7 Points. So just think better options aren't always in smaller packages.

Moringstar Farms and Boca Products

We all know I love these. They both have  a new product that I am loving so I thought I would share.

The first is the Morningstar Farms Grillers Chicken. Only one point on weight watchers and very tasty. A quick way to make a grilled like chicken sandwich. I would reccomend trying it on an arnold thin with, laughing cow these and some veggies. The nutrition facts are 80 calories 3g fat and 5g fiber. So check out this new one from morningstar farms.

The second product is the Boca Bruschetta veggie Pattie. It is 90 calories 1.5g of fat and 5g of fiber. For only 1 weight watcher point I would defintley reccommend these. I also eeat these on an arnold thin with a few teaspoons of marinara sauce and some laughing cow cheese.

Both of these products are great for whatever plan you may be following so I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Watch your chicken sandwich

As weight watchers or for those of us trying to watch our weight tend to have a harder time when eating out because the food is less controlled. We can't measure, weight or know exactly how something is prepared.

Here is a great example:

This is the California Chicken Sandwich from Red Robin. When scanning the menu you may thing chicken and avacado on a sandwich would be a great choice because chicken and avacado are so good for you. With further inspection the cheese and the bacon we find 946 Calories 57g fat and 2002 mg of sodium.

You could sub the Natural burger which only has 560 Calories 24g fat and 989mg of sodium.

My best advice is always to check out as much information as you can if eating out.

Estimating Food

Normally I don't talk too much on my blog about the stuff they talk about at weight watchers but this week was particularly interesting. We were talking about how people estimate calories. Especially if you eat out and you have no clue how many calories are in something? There are some tricks like your fist is a cup and the palm of your hand is 3oz of meat that is about as thick as a deck of cards. So here is a picture of a salad... Ponder for a minute how many calories you think it is... Then scroll down...

This salad is the T.G.I. Friday’s Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad it has 1,360 calories... WOW right? Well this can be shocking. I know we all know the warnings signs for many high calorie foods like fried or breaded. Just remember just because it has the word salad doesn't mean that it is good for you. Don't be afraid to order what you really want especially when you are out to eat. They are there to make you happy right? Check back soon for more shocking calorie shockers and tips!

So what have you been up to?

I have been so super busy ever since I ran Indy. I have also been lazy and the laptop was also out of comission for awhile. Now its summer and I am busy working in my yard and still running... I found this Itlian Ice and for 2 points* it is a great summer treat. You should try some.

I am still running and competed in a crazy mud race on Memorial Day. I must say it was one of the most fun and most dirty things I have ever done in my life. Since losing weight one thing that I feel I wanted to commit to was not being afraid to do anything. So I ran and got dirty. See photo below. Just remember to stay commited and don't get scared. I think that is something really important I learned over my entire process.

Half Marathon

So most people who probably read my blog know that I have been training since February for the One American 500 half marathon in Indianapolis. Today I received an email from my territory manager at weight watchers wanting to know my thoughts post race. There was no greater feeling than when I crossed that finish line. Losing weight was a great accomplishment but there is just no greater feeling than crossing that finish line and everyone is cheering. I don't know where that feeling inside me comes from but it is true pride. I am so thankful for my amazing mother and my sister Jenna who came and supported me. I am also so thankful that my friends Michelle and Evan came and froze their butts off just to see me. The race was an amazing exprience. There were kids all over and all they wanted was for someone to high five them as they went by. I wanted to make sure I hit as many as I could because their support was amazing. Every mile that went by I just kept think you are doing this. You are really going to run 13.1 miles... I did. I finished in 2 hours and 33 seconds. I am posting a few pictures but I will leave you with this... what will you do to make you proud of you?

First Place

Well I have been preparing for the Indianapolis half marthon since February. On Saturday I ran a 5K and I got first place in my division. I haven't been this proud of myself in a very long time. It was a great feeling to lose weight, it was a great feeling to become a lifetime member of weight watchers, but there was nothing like seeing that #1 next to my name. Some people don't understand runners. Some people even think I am crazy for running but for me there is no greater feeling than crossing that finish line. One of my runners partners Mike always says he would rather cross the finish line than be someone who is at home on their couch. I think is a very true way of thinking. It is such an amazing feeling. What will you do to make you proud of you?

I love trying new stuff....

So I am always willing to try something once... there have been a few things along the way I must admit I did not like. Well here is one of my latest finds. I had a coupon so I figured I would try the fiber one cottage cheese.So I give the cottage cheese 4 out of 5 stars and the mandarin oranges 3 out of 5. The best part about this is that even though there is a small amount of fat it taste great for only 80 calories per 1/2cup. I love pairing my cottage cheese with fruit as a dessert so I found a can of mandarin oranges which I paired it with tonight. Although I know a one of my fellow bloggers aka my bff Amanda cannot enjoy the cottage cheese with the oranges this time of year it would be great to pair the cottage cheese with strawberries. Although they were tasty and only 45 calories for 1/2 a cup. These are pretty tasty and not too sweet.

Holy 10 Miles

Well I completed by first ever ten mile race last Saturday. It was the Tal Tree 10 miler in Valparaiso, Indiana. I finished in 1 hour 31 minutes and 14 seconds. I was really proud that I pushed all the way through. Sometimes it is harder than we think. I ended up finishing 184 out of 345. I also finished 10 out of 15 in my age group. I am almost ready for the Indy half marathon which is quickly approaching... I must say I get chills every time thinking I will actually get to run around the 2.5 mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway track... May 8th will be here before I know it. I am defiantly starting to feel really proud of myself and all of the hard work I have put into this. What makes you proud of yourself? I feel like we have to do something everyday that is personal and taking a really good run makes me feel amazing!

Skinny Cow Ice Cream Cups Review

Do you have a sweet tooth? I know I sure do. So when I read that Skinny Cow Ice Cream was going to sell ice cream cups I knew I wanted to try them. Well Meijer had them on sale this week 4/$5.00... So I figured I would try a couple. I tried the Carmel Cone and Strawberry Shortcake. I must say I was pretty impressed with the Strawberry Shortcake for sure. The Carmel Cone was pretty good but not as awesome as I was hoping for. The also sell them in Cookies N Cream, Chocolate Brownie Fudge and Dulce de Leche. I am really interested in the cookies and cream but I am not a huge chocolate eater so I wasn't down for the Chocolate brownie fudge but now I am curious. So I would give these little guys about a 3 out of 5 stars. Not a horrible price but not the best. I am going to check around on the price. Also it was a pretty decent about of ice cream for only 2 weight watchers points*. So if you try any of the other flavor be sure to let me know how they are.

WOW! I am out of shape

So my friend Willie (my friend Sherry's boyfriend) asked me to join his softball team this spring/summer. I was super pumped thinking this is the best shape I have been in my entire life I am going to be awesome. So Jason my awesome boyfriend said you know you should probably hit the batting cages. A special thanks to him because I really needed it. However what I didn't realize is that even with all the running I do I don't use these muscles that are required for batting, fielding oh yea and doing anything other than just running behind the people in front of me... So even though I spent much of Sunday and Monday in pain from those silly batting cages it just makes me realize we all have things in our life that we could always work a little harder at no matter what. I also really loved what youth being back out on that softball field made me feel... Even know our team got out butts totally whipped... I still had fun and felt like a kid again. So is there something you have always wanted to get back to doing well you know what go do it... Life is too short not to try at least... even if your back and abs are so sore you can barely move...

Burger King/Hungry Girl Recipe

So if you follow weight watchers at all then you know who hungry girl is. Well I recently saw the recipe for the A1 Steakhouse burger swap and I was defintly interested in trying it especially since it sounded so easy. Well I must admit it was pretty darn good. Here is the recipe....

Ingredients:
1/4 cup thinly sliced onion
1 tbsp. fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
1/4 cup Fiber One bran cereal (original)
1/4 tsp. onion powder, or more to taste
Dash each salt and black pepper, or more to taste
1 Arnold Sandwich Thin
1 Boca Original Vegan Meatless Burger
1 slice fat-free American cheese
1/2 tbsp. A.1. Thick & Hearty Steak Sauce
2 slices tomato
2 small lettuce leaves
Optional: fat-free mayonnaise

Directions:
Place onion "strings" in a bowl and cover with egg substitute. Toss to coat and set aside.

Using a blender or food processor, grind cereal to a breadcrumb-like consistency. Transfer crumbs to a plastic container with an airtight lid or a sealable plastic bag. Add seasonings (use extra, if you like) and mix well.

Remove onion strings from the egg substitute, shake gently to remove excess liquid, and transfer to the container/bag with the seasoned crumbs. Cover or seal and shake until onion strings are completely coated in crumbs.

Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat on the stove. Evenly disperse crumb-coated onion strings in the skillet. (Discard excess crumbs -- you'll only use about half.) Flipping occasionally with a spatula, cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly browned and softened.

Prepare Boca patty according to package instructions.
Split roll in half and, if you like, lightly toast. Place patty over the bottom half of the roll, and top with cheese.
Spread A.1. sauce over the cheese. Top with crispy onion strings, tomato, and lettuce. If you like, spread the inside of the roll's top half with mayo. Finish off your burger with the top half of the roll. Now CHEW!

MAKES 1 SERVING
Serving Size: 1 burger (entire recipe)
POINTS® value 4*

My review is that it is pretty darn good. I did not have the fiber one cereal so I simply used flour. I do not recommend this. It was ok tasting but I bet it would have been even better with the fiber one cereal. I also didn't have any tomato slices. I did opt to put fat free miracle whip on just for added flavor. I also didn't have the onion powder so I used the Cajun seasonings you see in the picture below. Also if you are totally against the Boca Burger then try using an extra lean ground beef or ground turkey and just add on a new points/calories. So go ahead and enjoy this....

Getting Moving...

So this weeks meeting topic at weight watchers is all about get moving. This past weekend I ran my 2nd 10K and for my amazing family for came to support me I appreciate it. Just remember that getting moving can be one step at a time.... Quiet literally... just put one foot in front of the other. I remember one of things that forced me to go to weight watchers was the fact that I was tired from carrying laundry from my basement to my bedroom. Exercise doesn't have to be running it just have to be moving. Just remember we all start somewhere. If you are looking to try to run a 5K you can Google Couch to 5K to find the program that will work for you. Just start moving.

What makes you feel proud?

Sometimes we do things in life that don't seem to have any meaning or understanding to others but for ourselves we feel so proud. Today I finished my first ever 10K in 54:13 and 4th in my age group. There are many times in my life this seemed totally impossible but today I just knew it was. Even after my crap at mile 4 and even after the wind picked up I trucked on. I have never felt more proud of myself than I do today. What makes you proud of yourself because in my opinion it is the belief in ourselves that keeps us going. Here is a good quote I read recently that I will leave you with "You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own and you know what you know, YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go." ~Dr. Seuss

Bored with Food?

Do you ever think these Veggies would taste great with some dip but don't want to spend points on them? Try this great combo which for my weight watchers followers results in a zero point dip...


1 cup of weight watchers plain fat free yogurt

1 packet of hidden valley dip.

Mix in a bowl.

I used the spicy mix and it definitely has a good kick to it... Try it on anything not just with raw veggies... try it on baked potato or maybe even on a piece of grilled chicken. Let me know how you like it.

Sherry's YUMMY Soup

So when your really awesome friend invites you over for dinner you never know what to expect. I truly believe that the reason weight loss is sucessful is when you have the support of others. My girl Sherry is always making something that she knows isn't going to make me gain 10lbs. I love her for that... So in honor of her amazing support here is Sherry's Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe...

1 Pound cooked shredded chicken
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
1 medium onion
1 (4 ounce) can green chilies
2 cloves garlic pressed or minced
2 cups water
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder I use ancho chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 bay leaf
1 10 ounce package of frozen corn
1 can of black bean (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot except chicken, let simmer for several hours. Add chicken and simmer 30-45 more min before serving. Serve with tortilla chips, Monterey Jack/cheddar shredded cheese and avocados (optional)

Makes 8 servings at about 4 points each. So go enjoy Sherry's yummy soup!

Need a Meal Idea?

This is a great meal idea especially if you need something quick and easy. Just take a bake potato and make it as you normally would. Then take one of the Green Giant Just for One Broccoli and Cheese trays and make it as instructed on the package. Cut the potato in half and pour the Broccoli and Cheese tray on top. A quick and really tasty meal. I hope you enjoy!

Breakfast of Champions

Ok so maybe champions is an exaggeration but this is offically my new favorite breakfast and I hope that you enjoy it. These new bagel thins are inspired by the arnold thins and are only 110 calories, 1 gram of fat and 4 grams of fiber (1*point) then add some laughing cow cheese (1 Wedge is 1*point) and finally 1/2cup egg beaters for 1*point. Toast the bagel add the cheese and egg and ENJOY! You can also use 3 egg whites if you don't use egg beaters or one full egg for an extra point. Also a few strips of turkey bacon would really make it yummy also. SO ENJOY!

Get your gear

I think one of things that has really helped me is having fitness gear that has really helped me. Most recently my awesome Mom got me the nike shoes and nike sport band for Christmas and this is a great tool for tracking mileage. It can track walking and running mileages. Today nike said since January 11th of this year I have run over 113 miles. I think there are many great tools out there that can help you achieve your goals but I must say I truly LOVE my nike band and how it helps me keep track. Another thing that many trainers and professionals say is that you really need to make sure you are wearing a good shoe. There are many places out there that will even measure your foot so you know exactly what kind of shoe you need. I am really thinking of looking into this myself. Just make sure whatever you are using works for you... but tell me this what products do you love?

What do you eat round 2...

So someone who follows my blog said that she thought I should post more often... So here is round two of what I love to eat regularly...



Spaghetti Squash-I love this stuff. My awesome Nanny taught me that you microwave it and just add some marinara sauce and how quick and tasty of a dinner it can be.
Green Giant Veggies-this particular one is very yummy... carrots, cauliflower and cranberries. These are great if you are in a hurry or eating for 1.
No Sugar Del Monte Canned Fruit-I try to eat fresh as much as possible but let's face it that isn't always convenient. These are great and as low as 1.5 points for the peaches and pears... 2points for the fruit cocktail. What a yummy snack
Yogurt/Granola-I have this almost every day. Find the yogurt you can enjoy and add only a few teaspoons and granola and what a yummy morning snack.
Bread: I LOVE that so many companies are making this 35 calorie per slice bread which comes out to only 1 point for 2 slices. Look for the different ones in your local store.
Peanut Butter: The two featured in the picture are the ones I love the most. The Naturally More is 3 points for 2 tablespoons and I found it at Wal-mart for $2.82. The second is Better N Peanut Butter it is 2 points for 2tablespoons but harder to find and more expensive.

I truly hope these ideas help anyone who is out there reading. I watched the Julie and Julia movie over the weekend this got me thinking you just never know who could be reading so I hope anyone reading is inspired by my thoughts and ideas.

What do you eat?

People are often asking me what do you eat? Well this week I am featuring some of my favorite products and over the next couple weeks I will show you things that help me be so successful on weight watchers...
This picture features:
Salsa: I eat salsa on almost everything... I especially love it on my egg beaters.
Gardenburger: There are lots of versions of these but since I am not that great of a cook these are quick and easy... and very low point
Popcorn: 94% fat free is only 1 point on weight watchers for the WHOLE BAG. What a great way to satisfy those salty cravings.
Sauerkraut: I eat it plain and on hot dogs. I love it.
Jell-O: Sugar Free Jell-O with Fat free cool whip is basically the greatest desert ever!
Orange/Apple: I always have fresh fruit on hand... buy in season and save.
Arnold Sandwich Thins: I use these instead of buns for everything! They are only 1 point and amazing.
Turkey Bacon: Very low point and a great way to get in some protein
Hot Dogs: I always buy 98% Fat Free... they are low point and when I want a "skyline" cheese coney these certainly make them much lower in points
Tortillas: These shown are 0points for 1 and are great... I love egg beaters with salsa on them
Egg Beaters: Let’s just say I buy them in bulk at Sam’s Club. I love them and they are super low in points just add salsa, tortilla and turkey bacon.


The next 2 products can be changed up...
Oatmeal: Make it however you like but it is great for you
Coffee: I don't drink any other caffeine during the day so I must have my coffee.

I hope these little tidbits help you throughout your journey and come back next week for more fun filled products I love.

What would you give up?

So tomorrow is Ash Wednesday or the beginning of Lent for those who follow my blog that are Cathloic...I was reading a fellow weight watchers blog about how she is giving up soda. I know how hard this will be for her because I also gave it up not so long ago. This also got me thinking though if someone asked you to just give up one thing that you knew was no good for your diet could you? Do you have the willpower? Weather you are Cathloic, Christian or don't believe at all can you do something for 40 day that is just well plain good for your health? Do you hit the salt shaker hard and know you need to give it a few less shakes or maybe you drink a lot of soda like my fellow weight watcher. I got to thinking to myself don't we owe to ourselves to make at least an attempt to make some good healthly choices even if isn't faith related. However like some people whom I know read this blog don't we need to have a little faith and not only in God but in ourselves? So what are you going to do to make better choices for the next 40 days that could impact the rest of your life?