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September 18, 2011
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 Healthy Thoughts/Healthy Actions Weight Watchers Newsletter #99
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Hi Everyone!
Its already fall, and although I bemoan the end of summer, I have to say I love this time of year. I love
the color... the fall leaves, the deep blue skies, the sunflowers. I love the produce...so much squash, tomatoes, eggplant and of course apples.
And I love the meeting room this time of year. Summer is over and people are rejoining big time. This is typical for this time of year, but it seems especially hopping of late. I know recently there was a special on the monthly pass, which brought members in, or free registration, but let's face it, WW is like Macys...there is always a sale going on somehow, so I do not look at that as being a major factor. But for some reason more people than ever are joining.
There is a buzz about the program these days that is pervasive. In years past I would say I worked for Weight Watchers and someone who really had no clue what that was would make a comment on the frozen foods in the grocery store, or some such thing. These days I rarely meet someone who does not know what the program is. Mostly they not only are well aware of WW but they have friends or family who are doing great on it.
Thank you Dr Oz. Thank you Jennifer Hudson. Thank you US News and World Report. But more than anything... thanks to all of you! Your success, your enthusiasm, your glowing skin and hair, newly trimmed figures and bouncy step are what brings people into the meeting room, as much if not more than celebrities and good press.
Some of you who are reading this are not in the meeting rooms anymore. You are fighting the discouragement and frustration with stalled weight loss and lack of motivation. Here's my suggestion...come be with us again. Come find that place you once found, and meanwhile find good ideas, wise words and communal understanding for what it takes to tackle this demon.
Being a part of WW these days is like being in a really cool club. Motivation can come from within, but oftentimes it comes from others. Let others be your inspiration and come be a part of what everyone is talking about!
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MEETING TOPICS:
WEEKS OF
September 18, 2011 & September 25, 2011 
SEPTEMBER 18 - SEPTEMBER 24 2011 MAXIMIZE THE MINUTES
How do we make being busy an excuse? Let's explore ways in which members utilize their time to the fullest to make this work in their lives.
SEPTEMBER 25- OCTOBER 1, 2011
WHY AM I DOING THIS?
In the course of being on this journey we sometimes lose our initial motivation. Let's explore why we walked through the door and what is motivating to us now.
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RECIPES FOR THIS ISSUE
I pulled the crockpot out the other day and threw a bunch of ingredients in it, in about 5 minutes as I was late, intending to make a pork tenderloin chili. It came out okay, but next time I am following a recipe, and the one below from Weight Watchers sounds great...
It is also beginning to be time for soups again, and my friend Karen sent me a bunch of soup recipes so see how this one sounds.
Click for more recipes on my website recipe page.
CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE RECIPE PAGE
(including favorites like: Oatmeal Pancakes, Crab and Shrimp Cioppino, Chocolate Pudding Cake, Butternut Squash Risotto and Black Bean Brownies...)
PORK TENDERLOIN SLOW COOK 3 BEAN CHILI
Ingredients
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup carrots, chopped
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1 Tbsp chili powder, medium-hot
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1 tsp dried oregano, crushed
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1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped or 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
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1/2 tsp table salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
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2 pounds lean pork tenderloin, trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch chunks
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15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
| | | 15 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed | | |
15 oz canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
| | | 1 cup canned tomato puree | | |
29 oz canned diced tomatoes, with green pepper, celery and onion, undrained
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6 oz canned tomato paste
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Directions
- Combine onion, garlic, carrots, chili powder, oregano, chilies, salt and pepper in a 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Stir. Add remaining ingredients. Stir again.
- Cover and cook at HIGH setting for 6 to 8 hours. Yields about 1 cup per serving. (Note: Start the chili at a HIGH setting so the ingredients quickly reach a safe temperature. You can reduce the heat to LOW after 3 to 4 hours, if you prefer.)
Serves 10 6 POINTS PLUS VALUES per serving
WHITE BEAN SOUP WITH KALE
Ingredients:
- 1 T olive oil
- 8 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 medium onion,chopped
- 4 cups chopped raw kale
- 4 cups fat free chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 15-oz cans white beans, such as navy or cannelli
- 4 plum tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped parsley
Directions:
- In a large pot heat olive oil and saute garlic and onion until soft.
- Add kale and saute until wilted. Add 3 cups of broth, 2 cups of beans, tomatoes, seasonings. Simmer 5 minutes.
- In a blender or food processor blend remaining beans and broth and stir into soup to thicken.
- Simmer 15 minutes. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley.
- Yield: 8 servings. 4 POINTS PLUS VALUES per serving
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Product Recommendation
I have to promote Trader Joes again, as they consistently have products which are not only healthy, but truly yummy.
For a quick grab and go lunch or snack I love their Just Chicken in Teriyaki or Caesar flavors. These are just chunks of pre-cooked chicken which are sold in cellophane covered packages in the deli section (near the hummus and pre-made salads, etc). They are all breast meat, very lean, but very tasty and the flavoring is quite subtle. And the point value is remarkably low.
TRADER JOES JUST CHICKEN TERIYAKI OR CAESAR
For lots of other product ideas go to the Product Page of my website: http://www.healthythoughtshealthyactions.com/productpage.html |
WHAT'S THAT REALLY MADE OF?? 
Thelma from Petaluma sent this very eye-opening piece on what those "blueberries" in our cereal and muffin mixes really are. We all know processed foods are just that...if this does not inspire you to get the real thing I am not sure what will! click here |
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MAGIC AND DECEPTION WITH IPODS
My friend and fellow life-coach Tony Barton, whom I have mentioned many times here has sent another great newsletter to me, with this intriguing video.
CLICK HERE
If you have an interest in receiving Tony's newsletters, which generally address motivation, exercise, arts, etc., and since he is in the UK have a distinctly British tilt, let me know and I will forward your email to him.
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LIFE COACHING WORKSHOP 
Many of you know I am a certified Life Coach, specializing in weight management. Twice a year I give a workshop to educate people on how Life Coaching works, and how it might be a powerful tool in getting to your goals. I will be doing another workshop in late October and will announce the date in the next newsletter. If you have an interest in taking the workshop please let me know, or if you would like to do a free 1/2 hour sample session to get a sense of whether coaching might be of help to you, please contact me. jciel@sbcglobal.net |
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