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Hello Everyone!
Wow, can you believe it is almost February already? Time seems to go faster and faster these days!
I want to welcome all new people on board to the meetings and my newsletter. This is a forum for all of you to share ideas, recipes, before and after pics, whatever. Let me know what you think, topics you'd like covered, etc.
So this is the first of 3 February issues. I will put out the second one before I leave on vacation (yep...going to Costa Rica from Feb 7-17th!!!), and the 3rd will come out around the 20th. Now I have just told you that I am not here for a few weeks, but that does not give you license to skip meetings! I have found awesome subs, so come check out how other leaders present the topics and get new perspectives on how a meeting can be for you. Your commitment is what makes this work, so don't let go of that!
Some interesting news from Weight Watcher central I thought I'd share, since all of you are internet saavy. There is a woman posting on MySpace named Fainte Starlite (clearly not her real name...) about her Weight Watcher journey. Apparently it is so inspirational that Weight Watchers is actually using her postings as part of a marketing campaign! Here is the link: www.myspace.com/weightwatchers Check it out!!
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Meeting Topics / Early February
The week of January 27th - February 2nd is going to be of HUGE value to the men in our midst (well, maybe that is rather prejudiced perspective on my part), because it is about planning for parties relating to games: ala The Super Bowl! I had a member just last week tell me how he "blew it" during the playoffs. Here's a way to get great ideas on how not to de-rail yourselves while having an awesome time!
The week of Feb 3 - 9 is well.. the title says it all..."My Favorite Thing to Make for Dinner?...Reservations!". Eating out! Yipes! Can we do it and stay on plan? And if we stay on plan can we enjoy ourselves? You betcha! Come find out how!
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Recipe of the Issue
Pearl Barley Salad
 This is a dish my friend Ilene made once and I liked it so much I asked for the recipe. I was surprised at how easy it was, and that it was Core!
2 CUPS COOKED PEARL BARLEY
1 CUP EDAMAME SOYBEANS, SHELLED AND COOKED (you can buy these frozen in a bag from Trader Joes)
½ RED ONION, CHOPPED
1 CARROT, CHOPPED
3 CELERY STICKS, CHOPPED
½ CUP PITTED KALAMATA OLIVES (use the ones packed in water rather than oil)
¾ CUP FAT-FREE FETA CHEESE
RICE VINEGAR TO TASTE.
MIX ALL INGREDIENTS TOGETHER TO TASTE.
YOU CAN ADD ALL SORTS OF OTHER INGREDIENTS, SUCH AS ARTICHOKE HEARTS, ANY OTHER FRESH VEGES, LIKE JICAMA, PEAS, BROCCOLI, ETC.
THIS IS A CORE RECIPE. MAKES 4 SERVINGS. EACH SERVING: 4 PTS.
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Products of the Week
Braggs Amino Liquid
 Last issue I had a recipe which called for this wonderful product, and many people were confused about it. It is a liquid flavoring, with zero points, that is along the lines of soy sauce, but does not have an asian flavor. It is great as a soup base, a salad dressing (try it in combo with basalmic vinegar) or, one of my favorite ways to use it is when I cooked my vegetables. I spray a pan, saute my veges until they begin to brown, and then squirt on some Braggs and put in just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan, and cover. In 3-5 minutes you have some yummy veges! It is also delicious on popcorn! Look for this at Whole Foods (they even have it in bulk!), Pacific Mkts, Olivers, Sonoma Mkt.
Pickapeppa Sauce
 One member wrote me and said she did not like Braggs and wondered if I had any ideas as an alternative, and this came to mind. I found this wonderful sauce while in Jamaica many years ago and was thrilled to find it here as well (at Pacific Mkts, Whole Foods, and probably Olivers, Sonoma Mkt). It is a thick, hot/sweet sauce made from peppers and mangoes, and is absolutley delicious in soups and stews but also just to put on meat, fish, chicken, etc.
Oh, and a note on those Cocoa Via bars I had in the last issue. I did the point calculation incorrectly: They are 2 points, not 1, but are still quite large for the point value, nutritionally better than most chocolate bars, and 2 are 3 points. So there ya go...
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Lunch with Janet & Linda
After the Thursday noon meeting in Santa Rosa
 Well, I kind of blew it, as we had set up the first Thursday of the month as our lunch outing, but I will be on vacation for the 1st two Thursdays in February. So the 3rd week of February, the 21st, will be our next lunch outing. Here's how it works: You come to the Thursday noon meeting at Santa Rosa center. Amongst us we figure out who is going and where we want to eat. We went to Chevy's last time, but it sounds like the next lunch will be at someplace a bit more unique and creative. When the meeting is over at 12:30 Linda and I still have to do a Getting Started session with new people and close the center, so we can meet you at approximately 1:30. The idea is to eat lunch with your Weight Watcher leader to get ideas on how you make better choices in restaurants. Hope you'll join us!!
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Before and After Pictures!!!
 Grace Noyes has been in my Sonoma meetings since April of last year, and got to her goal this month, losing a chunky 37 lbs. Way to go Grace! Her husband David also attends meetings and the two of them, being winery owners (David Noyes Winery) have to navigate wine related functions on a frequent basis. It just goes to show if it is important to you, you will make it happen! We are so proud of you! Thanks for sharing your pics with us! Next issue...Carol Bojansky. Anyone else want to send me theirs???
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Other Information
 As many of you know I am not only a Weight Watcher leader, but also a Life Coach, and weight counselor. I offer workshops in Weight Management (the first one happens this weekend!), as well as a support group and private work. Please contact me if you have any interest in these things.
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And our closing quote for this newsletter....
We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. -Winston Churchill
Lots of love and good thoughts to all of you!
- Janet Ciel
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