Saturday update
 

Heather, so sorry about your grandmother. At least it sounds as if she wasn't in a great deal of prolonged pain. Do not apologize for making an "off topic" post to us. We have all become friends (and I am so glad!) and that is what friends are for.
Michelle, also sorry to hear about your husband's collar bone. What a shame. I hope you get to go out a bit and do see a movie!
So, as for me, I've been a "bad" girl again. I just HAD to go on a bit of a break, or I would just lose it and stop ww altogether. Hope that makes sense. My deprival of what I truly want to eat sometimes get overwhelming for me and I need to take a "time out".
I just had to take a day or two off. Actually, I did that last weekend when my company was here and I still had a loss for the week. Maybe I'll be lucky this week and that will happen again?
So, yesterday I just indulged myself for lunch and got a tuna sub from a local sub shop, it had real mayonnaise in it and I really felt like it was necessary for me.
We had to go out early this morning, heading north to my parents (who are very old and can't take care of the place, so WE do it for them now) summer cottage. We opened the place up for the season for them, and that involved leaving early. We ate out this morning and ate out again for lunch. I wasn't careful about what I had to eat and won't be again tonight, when we go out to dinner to celebrate "mother's day" (though I haven't gone crazy, either).
But, tomorrow, it will be back on track and journaling again - good as gold.
I don't know if what I am doing makes sense to anyone else but me, but I just had to have some other foods for a day or two. I was really on the verge of giving up.
But, on a positive note, my husband looked at me this morning and called me "skinny", and actually noticed that I look better!!!! So, there is enough motivation to keep going for me!
Linda in NH

before i begin to fill you all in i would like to say how very sorry i am Heather for your loss, you and your family will be in our prayers.

Michelle i am sorry for you husbands accident and i hope he will heal quickly. also in regards to my first post , after reading your vehement response, i went back and re-read mine. and had found where i should of used a different wording. instead of using "are" i should of used "seem". i am very sorry for that as well. my post was written with nothing but the best intentions. sometimes my fingers fly across this keyboard when i feel my heart is in the right place.i tend to forget that with this medium tone and inflection cant be felt or heard, and i will take greater care from here on out to be mindful of that fact. to the second half about taking over a thread, again that was not my intention. as i stated in my first post i was having major problems following that one after awhile. now knowing how you feel, if this one grows to that proportion i will send you a PM if i am having troubles again. i am new to 3fc and posting and if i broke a protocol or unwritten rule i am sorry for that too. it wont happen again, i assure you.

with that said and if know one minds i will do a quick fill in on where i´ve been.

ack........arrrrrrrrg........... spitter spatter sputter......... sassy´s back!!! the closer it gets ladies the more flurrious it is. quick rundown of what is running after me...... this weekend friends of ya vadesh luncheon, where i am to make three cakes ( okies i am good at this....I Cook There For I AMMMMMMM ~grinz n winks ) and a half hour in the kitchen tag teaming the dishes for a 100 guests.......now if you all were really really close to me, you would of double blinked and busted out laughing at the very thought of sassy doing dishes. normally Sassy Dont Do Dishes, would rather toss em then wash em ~laughing~ even at family functions my mom would get the........ i love ya but look/ speech / aint happening. my part of the dishwashing was to keep you so entertained while You were doing them that you are finished before you realize i hadnt dipped a dainty hand yet...... worse comes to worse i would be flippin a kitchen towel at you screaming Back....Back you crazed induced woman ~laughing~ extreme maybe, but i would rather wash a thousand potties ........ we all have our quirks and that is number 153 on sassy´s quirk list. ~never innocent..just not doing the blinkin blankin dishes look~ the enigma is how much i love to cook and how much i despise doing dishes. but god loves me so much that he gave man the idea and technology for teflon ( pert near washes itself) and silcon (nothing sticks to that, expensive but worth it) and cooking stones ( hot water and a scrapey thingie) and my beloved dish washer!!! then comes Mothers Day, nuff said there. following weekend my birthday. and not just any birthday like happy a biggie, one of those RRRRRRRRRRRound numbers. i had the cutest lil poems for all my getting up there numbers but am so stuck right now....... 38 and still looks great.......... 39 and mighty fine....... all i gots for ~nodnodnodnodm swallows hard~ for THAT number is....cheese and rice thats 20 twice!! a lil help here ladies...... the weekend after my birthday 3 of my states side guests will be here, and that friday the state ceremony and some sight seeing for them. the Next weekend is the big shin dig wedding ~pant pant pant, i am exhausted typing this~ and 5 england guests. in my house from the 26th of may till the 10th, 11th, 12th of june will be 6 plus the dog. between the goings on, goings outs, groceries, gabbing, and the giggles and the grinz........ is it to late to cancel this?? ~laughing~

my scale was stuck on stupid as you all know, kept dancing with 200 and 202. well i am happy to report that after kicking it beneath the bathroom sink (with all the scarey stuffs that gathers there) in appreciation of being pulled back out into the neon glow........ i am in ONE-DERLAND!! ~long low deep bows.....because i can!!~ barely mind you but there...... at 197 and thats at pms time. so i am calling it 5lbs and may allow the beast a respite. highly doubtful seems the worser i am to it the better it is to me.......... and i like it that way ~laughing~

i have an hour lieft before i have to leave so look for part two of "sassy where are you" coming to a puter screen near you soon ~ winks n grinz~

sincerely,
a scattered sassy who has learned her lesson

Hello everyone, and Happy Mommy's Day!

Challenge check in:

1. Weighed this morning, and am down to 231. Down 1.5 from last week, and down 7 from beginning of challenge. Only 8 more to go to meet my goal of 15 before hubby is home. Still retaining water, but hey, I usually batter pms/tom for two weeks.

2. Water, no problem.

3. Exercise, no problem.

4. Checking in, only missed one day, yesterday.

5. Leaving one point each day, I was two days last week I was not able to do this. Must try harder starting today.

How is everyone else doing? Hopefully right on track.

Great job, Michelle and Sassy for you losses. You guys are doing wonderfully! I love those low numbers and am much jealous!

Sassy: You crack me up! I would say try to keep your sanity as the wedding approaches, but then again, who would keep me laughing as hard? Congrats on OneDerland. Excellent!

Michelle: How is hubby doing today? Pain pills can be so hard! All I want to do is sleep, or call everyone and tell them how much they mean to me. Yep, I am a loopy one and very sentimental when I am on pills or drinking!

Hi Dotti!

Skinny Linda: Isn't it wonderful when your husband notices? I can't wait for mine to come home and see I have cheekbones! Yes, cheekbones! See what works for you with the program, just don't stray too far away.

Okay, bad day eating yesterday. If I had to point it out, it would have been around the 50 point range. Oh well, it shall too pass. Still down this morning, and can only imagine what those numbers would have been if I would have been a good girl!

Talk to you all later!

Chach

Sunday check in
 

Well, I'm doing better today than I did yesterday and the day before, but am still "off track" a bit.
I weighed in at 155 this morning, a pound up from where I was two days ago, but I have been "bad", so what do I expect?
Congrats on "onederland" Sassy, good for you!
Chach, really sounds like you are doing a great job. I hope your hubby really notices!
I have not felt successful in the last few days as far as our challenge is concerned, but I have exercised every day this week, except one.
I've had my water.
I went overboard on points both Friday and yesterday, but I could count it as ALL my flexpoints being gone, I suppose. When you eat out, it's very difficult to count points if you don't go to a "chain" where the food is in the ww guides.
But, it's mother's day and I was feeling sorry for myself over the last few days. But, that is not excuse.
Linda, who will give more updated info on weight after my ww meeting on Tuesday am.

Monday
 

Hi Everyone,

Down 1/2 lb even with Mother's Day yesterday and also a bbq on Saturday.

Chach you are so with it. I am happy for you. Good Job!

Sassy isn't being in "onederland" fantastic. I remember that well.

Linda, how nice hubby can see a difference. That is a great feeling.

Michelle hope hubby is feeling better and dropping .5 every 5 days is fantastic.

Heather you are still in my thoughts.

Have a good one everyone.

hey y'all,
Well it's a dreary, rainy Monday morning...argh!! I was up a little this morning, but I spend the whole day outside yesterday doing strenuous yard work and planting lots of pretty flowers...for almost 6 hrs...so I'm always up a little after a big workout....never fear, Monday's here!
The hubby is in a permanant Painkiller coma...wink, wink.....he's been a hoot to be around let me tell you....all I have to say is I know why it's us that give birth....if it was up to the men, the species would die off!!!! Big babies!! I'm doing my best to be a good accomodating wife and trying not to roll my eyes too often...lol!
Sassy.....all is good.....water under the bridge....congrats on One-derland...hoping to join you within this month!!!
Chachee....way to stick to the challenge!!! You go girl!!!
Linda...congrats on the noticable difference....it's always nice to hear!!
Dotti....hi ya!
Heather....still thinking of ya...you were in my prayers yesterday.

ok....I'm still losing, but have to say I've really been contemplating counting pts again.....almost as a refocus type thing...I don't know...technically I've been losing more my way....just had pts withdrawl....I know y'all will give me some feedback on that..hehe.
Well that laundry won't do itself...so better get to it!
Michelle

Monday, end of day report
 

Well, here I am at the end of the day. I ate a stupid cookie this afternoon, lost control..... don't know what it is with me lately - can't seem to keep focused. But, I am journalling, drinking water and exercising, so the scale is back down the one extra pound I gained back.
But, tomorrow is my ww meeting and I will know for sure how well I'm doing! Michelle, can't hurt to get back into journalling. I'm wondering if I might consider taking the weekends off journalling here and there. I am not proud of myself for thinking that way.
But, a few weeks into ww and I am feeling "confined".
OK, guys, does anyone know any one or two point sweet treats that will satisfy my urges and keep me on track? Chocolate preferred!
Linda

Hello ladies!

Linda: Hey, we all struggle! The important thing is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and realize we all have those times when it's not going to be easy. We'll get past them with each other's support and look back and wonder why we thought it was so hard! Keep the consistency up and you will be a success.

Dotti: How is that new treadmill? Congrats on your loss also! Slowly chipping away at that 20 pounds is the right way to do it!

Michelle: Hey, if the laundry does end up doing itself, let me know! I'd like it to talk to my laundry and learn a few things about being independent!! :lol: As far as the points go, do what feels right for you. You know where I stand for myself--if I don't ABC it (All Bites Count) then I will be so far off track I won't know what hit me. The days I don't point and journal are the days I don't do very well at all. Just me, personally, but I need to do it for myself. If nothing else, to keep a record and look back on what I did on the weeks I was really good with losses! Hope hubby is out of LaLaLand soon!

What happened to Julie??

Hello Heather. Hope things are okay at your house. You continue to be in my prayers.

Hey Sassy! Still stressed out??? Silly Sassy!

I'm struggling a bit, because of my plateau. I know it will pass, but this is always where I give up. Not this time, because I will be a success. I just wanted to let you all know so you can get on me in case I start not doing so well!

Okay, gotta scoot!

Have a great Monday!

Chach

Linda, we crossed posts!

Some snacks that I really love are:

Special K breakfast bars: the icing is really sweet and it's pretty filling
Mini 3 Musketeers bars: just enough to calm down that craving and still be satisfied
Sugar Free Creme Savers: 5 are only 1 point, and very sweet. I like the strawberry!
Graham Crackers with Lite Cool Whip on them: very low points and you can have a lot! I usually have 2 whole cracker sheets and just dip them in the cool whip. I give myself about 3 points for that. Sometimes 4 depending on how high I can stack the cool whip!

Hope it helps!

Chach

Tuesday morning
 

Hi guys!
Well, I'm going to my ww meeting soon - I'm going to come in with a loss! I know this, but who knows (as my scale and theirs don't agree anyway) how much? I'm glad.
Also, TA DA!!!! I am wearing skinnier jeans today. These are NOT the jeans that are my ultimate goal to get into, with no elastic, etc, but they are jeans that I've not been able to wear comfortably in several months. That makes me feel so good!
Chach asked about Julie.... she's not posted in awhile. I wonder if we lost her and a few others. Seems like a we may have a few drop outs? Or is it that they are just having way too much fun to stop by here? Hope it's the latter!
When I hit a nasty plateau with my weight loss in the past, I was always told to step up my activity level. One thing I have noticed in this past week, if I run on the treadmill instead of walk (can only do this for 1.5 minutes, but at least I am doing that!) I seem to lose extra weight. I was told that picking up the pace increases your metabolism for the rest of the day. So, maybe trying to pick up the pace is what you need, Chach? If you are really and truly following program, and doing everything else right, maybe that is it?
You might also want a ww leader to look over your journal and make "corrections". One time I was having lost of instant chicken broth as it was 0 points and would make me feel fuller, etc. A leader pointed out to me, when I was on a plateau, that all the sodium in that broth was probably making me retain fluid.
I love some of your ideas for low point snacks, keep em comin!
Will post again after the we meeting.
Linda

Just checking in.....today is going pretty well....I'm working on wedding cakes today, so of course craving cake!!! Only 28 more to bake and then they'll be out of my house for good!! Darn sister-in- law anyway!!
Going to tan and then do some more gardening tonight, it's been giving my back a workout, but looks so pretty in the long run.
Hope everyone is doing good....yak at ya again soon!!

follow up after ww meeting
 

Well, I did it! I'm down again!
Today's weight 157.6, lost this week 1.4 pounds
last week: 159, lost 1.6 pounds
starting weight 162.4, total lost since the beginning of this challenge: 4.8 pounds!
I'm motivated!
Came home from my ww meeting and raked leaves for 40 minutes, earning me 2 points.
I'm on program for today, have had lots of water, still have 13 points left and a 7 point dinner planned! So, I can have popcorn this afternoon and frozen yogurt tonight as well! I'm psyched!
Hope you all are doing well. Posts are pretty sparse from the others..... I'm really worrying that some have lost their way. Please let us know how you are doing, even if you are not doing well. We can maybe help you get back on track?
That's all folks!
Linda in So. NH, where it's supposed to get up to 87 degrees today!

Hello all!

Did my monthly measurements this am. I lost another 5.25 inches last month, bringing my total loss to 33.25 since mid-February. Almost 6 inches off my waist and hips each! I guess even though the scales not moving as quickly as I would like it, the exercise is really helping tone me up and lose a lot of inches! Great little pick-me-up.

I have a Pampered Chef party tonight. Am leaving a bunch of points so I can sample the great food. I also made a bunch of other WW healthy snacks, so I will be good! I had 11 points left over yesterday. Remember earlier when I was eating everything not nailed down? I couldn't GET hungry yesterday. I ate because I knew I should, but was not just hungry at all....Dear Lord, please let that feeling come along more often. I know I should not have left that many points over, but I just didn't want to eat for the sake of eating last night. Wow, what a long way I have come!

Linda: Excellent!! Great job on your loss again. I'm so happy for you! Aren't those skinny jeans so much nicer? I love getting into my closet and pulling out the other smaller clothes! As far as the exercise, I am adding weights in next month, but I am going to keep the cardio the same for now. It's something I can do and maintain. I don't want to go overboard, because when Winter comes, I don't want to totally change my exercises. Thanks for the good ideas, though, about the journal. I might have her take a look at mine.


Michelle: I am also a baker, just like you. I love to do it, but wish the cleaning fairies would visit my kitchen once I am done! I bet your yard will look very nice. They came through and did the final grade on my yard yesterday. Topsoil this week and seeding next, I believe! Don't ya just love new construction? Brand new house, no yard yet!

Okay, weigh in for me tomorrow. I just want one! One to get to 20!!

Have a great day!

Chach

Wednesday morning
 

Still not many posts from you guys. Sassy? Heather? Julie? Where are you guys!!!!! Heather, actually, is dealing with a death in the family, so I know she is busy with family and we'll probably hear from her soon. I hope so.

Michelle, I love to cook and bake too. I love preparing "goodies" that are treats for my family and have to find ways to treat them and let then know I love them that are NOT food related. What's that saying about the way to a man's heart to through his stomach? Well, I am the queen of that for my entire family. I can still make them things, but need to learn resistance. I also need to lighten up for their sake as well. I don't want my kids growing up obese (they aren't right now, but my 13 year old daughter is heading that way).

I have gardening to do as well today, and I look forward to it, as I earn points that way!

Chach, I am proud of you! Those measurements sure are promising. I wish I'd taken my measurements at the beginning of all of this, so I would have those numbers (which I know are good!) to report. Maybe I'll do that later on, anyway, to have something for later on when I lose MORE!
Wish I lived near you, Chach, as I'd come to your Pampered Chef party! Escpecially if you made a bunch of low point snacks! I was thinking of hosting one of those parties as well, as a way to introducing some friends to each other and getting to know my new neighbors, as I moved here in December.

Speaking of friends, who was it (Chach? Michelle?) that had the out of control friend who had to go out and buy more snacks as the soda cake and other things weren't "enough". I'd love to hear an update on how she is doing, I can relate to her situation and was wondering about her.
Yes, my "skinny" jeans are so much nicer. I can't wait to wear the REALLY skinny jeans that I own. I have two pairs, one blue and the other summer white. If I can get into those (size 8), I know I am "there". One day.....
But, all my "current wardrobe" jeans are feeling so much more comfortable on me! Maybe I won't split the seams on the inside of my thighs on my pants anymore? Maybe a few pairs of summer shorts that haven't fit in a few years might even fit me now?
So, before I go, I was on program all day yesterday. I exercised in the form of yard work (which I will do again today) and had all my water, etc. I feel good and I know I can do this!
Linda in NH

Well it's a lovely Wed morning today....sun is a shining and all it good....I'm baking more cakes today....16 down and 24 to go......can you believe it...she wants 40 cakes....for all the tables to have their own.....*rolling my eyes*, but the what the bride wants, the bride gets!
Decided officially Monday I'm back with the masses and counting pts!! That should make y'all happy....jk! Can anyone tell me what the pts for the McDonald's Fiesta salad are???
Michelle

Hello, all.

The funeral was yesterday; I was one of the pallbearers, which was an honor. It's been a rough week. Tomorrow will be tough, as well, because it would have been her 85th birthday. It's hard to believe she's gone. I honestly was OK until we took her out of the church and to the cemetary . . . then it just was too real.

Amazingly enough, I have maintained my current weight. I haven't been following program (i.e., have been eating junk), but haven't been eating much, so I guess the AMOUNT of junk was low enough to not result in a gain. Still am waiting for DH's first disability check, which is *supposed* to be here today. Once it's hear, I'm going back to WW. So, hopefully I'll be at a meeting either tomorrow night or Saturday morning.

Time to get back OP. Today should be an ok day for that-- breakfast was light; lunch is a picnic lunch at work, and most of the stuff is fairly healthy. And supper . . . well, I determine that, so I can make it healthier, too.

Anyway, just wanted to let y'all know I'm still here. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers-- they mean a lot.

hi Heather.
the mcdonald fiesta salad is a total of 10pts and if you have no sour cream it is 9 pts. i have taken time out to read all your post and want to once again congradulate you all on the big losses you guys are having...i wish i had similiar results. i am 190 and dont seem to go anywhere. but yet againg i have poloysistic ovaries which makes it even harder for me to loss any weight. i started journaling my pts and i am going to begin walking in the morning 1 mile and in the evening another mile. i just hope all my sacrafice pays off. i entered the may challenge wanting to loose 10lbs...you think its possible?

Hello Ladies!

Linda: It was me who had the friend that was sabotaging/out of control eating. She was actually at my PChef party last night. I put out all the healthy stuff and then also purchased some caramel dip and some green apples. Well, she did not wait for the spoon to get in the caramel before she was dunking the apples in it. I sent her home with the cookies I made for those not on diets, and for the kids. She also took the chips mix. She keep commenting on “give me back my cute jeans” or “those jeans are really cute”, never “wow, you look good” or “You’ve lost a lot of weight”. So, when she said I needed to “give her back her cute jeans” (which are my new smaller ones, by the way) I just told her, “Hey, you can have them soon because they are slipping off me”. I wasn’t being mean, but I think she got the point. She was a little quiet for awhile. I’m approaching it with a different attitude now. I take it as she is jealous of me and unhappy with her current weight/life situation and that’s what it is. I don’t think she’s trying to be mean, but sometimes it comes across like that. I just keep plugging away and try to not let it bother me. Our other friend was there last night, the one who goes to WW with me, and she said I handled the situation very nicely. My sabo friend found out about a week ago I was attending the meetings. She finally asked if I had been losing weight (DUH) and how I was doing it. I told her I had lost around 20 pounds and it was through WW. All she said was “How much does it cost”—nothing else. So, long story short, she knows, continues to sabotage me, but I am handling the entire thing much better now!!

Michelle: You crack me up! To count points or to not count points…that is the question! Have you thought about one of the Points bracelets? Just wondering if that is something that would work easier for you. How are the cakes coming along today? How is hubby feeling?

Heather: Big hugs and more prayers your way from me. Now it’s real, huh? That’s the hard part for me at funerals, it’s the final goodbye. You are doing so well considering all that you have gone through this last month. How is your hubby doing? Are the fluid leaving his body yet?

PR Goddess: Welcome to the thread. I think it’s really possible to lose 10 pounds. Keep on track, do your exercise, and watch what you are eating. I do my Gazelle for 20-30 minutes in the am, walk 2 miles on my breaks at work, and then usually something at night with my son. The scale hasn’t moved much, but the inches have!

Okay, weigh in tonight. I shall succeed in hitting the 20 pound mark…..I WILL SUCCEED! (Or someone/something is going to get hurt! Heehee. I’ll try to check in tonight and let you all know how it went.

Chach

Hi Everyone.

Weigh in was good. Down 3.6 this week, to hit not only 20 pounds, but 22.6 to be exact. Big smile for Chachee! Way to go! Only 2.6 more to my first 10% goal. I'm very happy with myself. I can only imagine how big the number would have been had I not eaten so badly this weekend!

Chach

Thursday
 

Hi all. Just a quick check in have been busy this week. Things are going ok. Staying on points, loving the treadmill and pushing down the water. Actually decaf ice tea sweetened with splenda. Hate water.

Chach. WOW. So good. You must be over the moon. Keep it up.

Welcome Puerto Rico Goddess.

Linda, Michelle, Heather it sounds like things are going good for you guys also.

Well got to run. Have a full day with hubby. He has some health tests to take today and I have to get in the traffic to get there by 9 am. See you.

hello everyone........WTG CACHEE!! knew ya could and would!! ~smiling brightly~

dont have anytime either just wanted to check in and say hi. leaving a couple of recipes, one for the choco-holic only 2 pts per brownie. and some salad dressing recipes.... i seem to remeber someone missing ranch oh soooo much. these arent ranch but darned tastey for the lips and no guilt for the hips.


NO PUDGE BROWNIES AT HOME

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups sugar
2/3 c fat free vanilla yogurt (or use plain yogurt and 1 tsp vanilla extract)

Mix all ingredients together until well mixed and glossy. Bake in an 8x8" pan sprayed with Pam. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes. Top with FF Cool Whip.

Individual brownies: 2 Tbsp cocoa mix and 1 Tbsp Fat Free vanilla yogurt. Stir together until glossy. Microwave 1 minute on high.

16 servings, 2 POINTS each
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blue cheese dressing

1/2 cup fat free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons 1% milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled blue cheese
Salad greens

In a small bowl, combine the first six ingredients; blend until smooth. Add the blue cheese; mix well. Serve over greens. Cover and refrigerate any extra dressing. Yield: 14 tablespoons.

2 T. = 1 point
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------.

creamy italian dressing

make a Creamy Italian by blending 1 cup FF Cottage Cheese with 1/3 to 1/2 cup of milk (or buttermilk) and then adding a package of dry Italian Seasoning. That is about 1 point per 1/4 quarter cup and is very tasty.
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catalina dressing

1/2 cup ketchup, plus 1 tablespoon ketchup
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup splenda or other sugar substitute
1/3 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp olive oil
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon coarsely-ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon onion powder (I used about 1/2 tsp minced onion flakes)
1 pinch thyme

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, whisking often, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Cover the dressing until cool, then refrigerate it until well chilled.

It makes a little more than a cup of dressing, and the entire cup comes out to about 5 points. So it is about a quarer of a point or half a point (0.25 or 0.5 points or less) per serving...depending on how much you use!

I thought it was really good...give it a try if you want something zesty and a bit different! Let me know if you all like it!Instead, I found a bottle of BBQ sauce (Jack Daniel's Smokehouse BBQ) and I used that instead of the ketchup. It's AWESOME: the barbque sauce has less calories then the ketchup so its less points.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ceasar close to

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons corn syrup
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons romano cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice

1. Mix all ingredients in a blender until well mixed. If this is a little to tart for your own personal tastes add a little extra sugar.

Calories: 132.8
Fat grams: 13.8
Fiber grams: 0.1

W/W Points: 4

IF YOU USE FAT-FREE MAYO AND OLIMINATE THE OIL THE FOLLOWING NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED:

Calories: 41.2
Fat grams: 0.9
Fiber grams: 0.1

W/W Points: 1

IF YOU USE FAT-FREE MAYO AND USE THE OIL THE FOLLOWING NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED:

Calories: 46.2
Fat grams: 1.4
Fiber grams: 0.1

W/W Points: 1


sincerely,
sassy

Hi All!

Sassy: Thanks for the recipes. They sound good. We don't get the No Pudge up here, so I am still looking for a good substitute.

Dotti: Glad things are going well with you and your new treadmill.

Hi everyone else. Allergies are still acting up, but am trying to deal with them with my prescription.

Tonight I am going to get my son, go home and put on our pj's and watch movies. Going to try to get a good dent made on a baby blanket I am knitting. Going to bed early and only working half a day on Friday. I believe I will take my son to Chuck E Cheese.

Hubby is due to be home a week early, but I am going to keep the end date to the challenge on June 11th. (Or whatever day that week you weigh in on.)

Was down again this morning on my scales. Yep, back to weighing once a day. Oh well, it's better than 4 or 5 times a day. It's a necessary vice for me right now. I've done good and met all the other goals I have set out for myself, so this is okay.

Have a great day!

Chach

bursts out laughing~ Cachee my dear friend, i adore you!! if you mix the cocoa and flour and all the other ingredients...........You will have No Pudge brownies you silly goose! thats the from scratch no box needed recipe, i have made them dozens of times they are fabulous!

My Crusade Gets Harder, but I'm not giving up!
 

Heather, so sorry for what you've been through this week. Now that this is behind you try to stay healthy and on track, so easy to "slip" after some stressful family times. Try to do something positive and "for the living". One time when dear friend was killed in an accident, I went out and bought a plant. I literally named that plant after this guy and felt it was my own private memorial plant. It helped.

Chach, I had thought it might be you with the friend that is out of control. Can you give us her first name, or a nickname, for her so we can ask or know how she is? Sounds like she is really still not ready to start any crusades of her own, that's for sure, after what you said. Keep us informed on her, we care. I wonder, by her asking "how much does it cost" to go to ww, if that means she's starting to do some thinking? It would be so nice if you could guide her down the right path, but it's a path she must want to take on her own, as we know. I kind of chuckle when people ask how much ww costs, in a way, as the extra money they spend on food (when they are out of control like this gal) would certainly cover their ww fees! Just think of ww as three bags of Doritos!
Speaking of the price of three bags of Doritos, gosh, I could buy a chicken and stuff to make salad and a whole box of rice (that would give several meals vs. snacks) for the same amount of money! I would find that meal so much more satisfying than the junk nowadays.
I marvel at the check out lines in grocery stores when I take note of all the "heavy" people in lines with bags of junk food in their carts. For the same amount of money, they could eat MORE and healthier and lose weight! But, I don't have to tell you guys all of that - it's like "preaching to the choir!"

Chach, congrats on hitting that over 20 pound mark! You've worked so hard! So happy for you!!!!! Also, nice to hear your husband is coming home early. How much weight loss have you had during his absence? Do you know HE will notice?

PR Goddess, welcome from me too! Glad you are here and glad you are posting! Keep us informed of your progress.

Dotti, good to hear from you. Glad you are enjoying your new treadmill! Sounds like you are staying on program nicely!

Sassy, I copied your recipes, Thanks! Can't wait to try those brownies! I need things like that!

As for me, guys, I need you all so very much right now. The scale went UP three pounds since yesterday..... I totally blew it yesterday, no need to harp on what I did, but I lost control. I used up 10 flex points in one day and I hang my head in shame today.....
But, I had a 4 point breakfast this morning, will be working out and will not give up.
Can't believe the scale went up that much in ONE day..... maybe it's fluid and not all what I ate? Have to regain control today and stay focused.
HELP!!!!!
Linda in foggy NH where it's going to be 90 degrees tomorrow!

In those recipes that sassy posted-- I bet one could substitute Splenda for the sugar. Splenda bakes just like sugar, and has no calories whatsoever. Best yet-- it has *no aftertaste*. You can literally dip your finger into it and lick it, and it tastes like sugar. So, if you cut out a cup and a half of sugar from the no-pudge brownie recipe . . . . heck, you'd probably end up with a one-point brownie. :-)

I'm going to WW tomorrow morning! :-) Yay for me! DH's disability check finally came, and today was my payday, so I wrote out all of our bills and we're financially back "on track" (with a bit of "extra" money, which we used to get our gas grill ready for the summer-- new tank, new grilling surface, etc.). We have DH's kids this weekend, and the local horse track is having "family day" on Sunday, complete with pony rides, petting zoo, and horse races-- all for free-- so we're going to do that this weekend, which will be interesting. I've never watched a horse race.

I've managed, by my scale, to lose 2 lbs. over the past week. Of course, that is still over my previous weigh-in (way back in Feb.) by about 3 lbs; but I am aware of that, and all that really counts is from this day on. Can't do much about the past except learn from it.

Have a good weekend, everyone.

Hi All!

This will be quick as my friend has gone into labor and will have her baby within 24 hours. I'm going to finish stuff up around here and scoot on over to the hospital at 1:00 pm. She's high risk, so her and her hubby both want me there to help them out. I've got another friend coming over to watch my son tonight, so I can be there with them, clean their house if needed, run any types of errands, sterilize bottles, etc. I'm so excited!

Sassy: Duh, Chach. READ THE WHOLE LIST! I'm kinda scatterbrained lately. Thanks for the recipe. I shall try it one of these days!

Linda: Don't fret about the scales. Our bodies fluctuate, or at least mine does, 5 pounds a day. It's crazy! My friend shall be called Lindsay. I doubt she's ready to take any type of action, but I will be there when she does! I know my hubby will notice, as I will smack him upside the head if he doesn't notice I've lost! I'm down almost 10 pounds since he left, and hope to be down 5 more before he returns. :) And we all have days when we need those flex points! Mine was last Saturday when I ate half that frozen pizza. That's what they are there for. You will still lose, just not as quickly if you use the flex points. Get back on track today and ye shall succeed!

Heather: I'm so happy the checks finally started coming! Yay for you guys! And to only be up 3 pounds since the last time you went is not a big deal. You are doing so good considering all you have gone through. Have fun this weekend. I like horse races. They are such amazing animals, it just is so neat to watch them run!

Okay, I am outta here and going to get some work done before I leave. I will try to check in before Sunday, as that is challenge weigh in day, but I can't promise considering my friend's situation. I can't wait to see what this baby looks like! Her hubby is Nigerian, and she is a true Yankee from New York! I wonder what the coloring will look like! I am guessing he's going to be gorgeous! They are both so beautiful anyway! (Aren't all babies such a gift and gorgeous??)

Have a great weekend!!

Chach

Saturday morning update
 

An interesting surprise arrived late yesterday afternoon for me. I got a period. Here I am in menopause and have just gone off the HRT medications (for health reasons) and now this. I wonder if this is the last one I'll ever get or will the start up again? Pretty weird. But, no wonder the scale went up, in addition to a few other reasons such as using up lots of flex points! I kind of understand WHY I needed to go wild eating the day before and lost control, though, now.
You never know.
I haven't weighed myself today, and will later on, but I doubt I will see much change.
I had a pretty good day yesterday, pretty much, and stayed on program. I'm hoping to do that again today, who knows, though, as we're eating out tonight. I plan to order broiled fish, rice and veggies, though, thinking ahead helps!
I will also work out and do all I can throughout the day so I can order a nice meal.
I bought ingredients yesterday to make the ww garden vegetable soup (the one with the cabbage and veggies) when I shopped yesterday. I like that soup and it's filling, so will make up a big batch of that and freeze it in portion sized servings. I find that soup helpful, along with popcorn to make me feel full.
I kind of climbed the walls yesterday as I felt like I was starving, but resisted going wild. I also bought all the stuff to make Sassy's no pudge brownies, but given my frame of mind resisted making those yesterday as I'd have eater then whole batch! I think I may cut them up and freeze them so I can microwave one when I need the chocolate. If they are all sitting out, I'd probably grab them in a moment of weekness!
Hope you all are doing well.
Linda in NH where it's going to get HOT today, they expect a record breaking 91 degrees!

Well, I went back to WW meetings this AM-- had only gained 2.8 since my last meeting in February, which isn't "bad", but it's not "good", either. If I continued at that rate for a whole year, that'd be an extra 12 lbs on my body per year! ACK!

Tomorrow morning (or afternoon), I'm going to the gym for an hour. Time to get back into a workout routine.

I really can't spend a lot of time typing-- DH is out at my SD's dance performance (a 3-hour affair, since she's in advanced composition, of modern dance-- have fun, DH!!!), and I'm at home with my SS, who is currently playing X-box and showing me all the cool tricks he can play on Madden football. ;-)

Sunday weigh in
 

Hi girls,

Have been busy and not on here much. Weighed myself this morning and I am the same. No change. I know to expect this since I only have the regained weight to lose but it can be annoying. But will hang in there. Using the treadmill everyday and want to try and get on it twice a day to increase the overall distance. Will work on that next week.

Chach you are doing so good. Your husband will think he is in another house when he gets home. How is your friend and the baby. I hope everything went well.

Sassy thank you for the no pudge recipe. I love chocolate. Boy do I love chocolate.

Linda I can sympathize with you about this time in a woman's life. I remember wearing a pad to work everyday, whether I needed to or not, so I wouldn't be surprised like that. I figured better safe than embarrased. I think I will make that veggie soup today. I usually have it in the freezer as I like it for lunch and for those evenings when I go on a food frenzy.

Heather happy you can get back to weight watchers and the gym. And what you gained really isn't that much since February. We all know we could do a lot more damage than that. That is usually my 1 day gain from a binge. Why does it seem it goes on faster than coming off. Ugh!

Have a good day everyone.

Hi Ladies,

The baby came Friday night at 11:43 pm after 2 hours of solid pushing and the use of foreceps, D'Metri came out and weighed 9 pounds, 3 ounces, 21 3/4 inches long! He was a very big baby and Nichole tore pretty badly. You guys have to understand I do not do well with blood and bodily fluids, and I was there holding her legs when she was pushing and held her hand when they were stitching her back up. I almost fainted once, when the placenta was pushed out and all the blood came, but I sat down, regained my composure and worked through it. The baby is gorgeous, but is 4 weeks early. Can you imagine how big he would have been had she gone full term? Probably a 12 pound baby. Ugh, I am so glad I had a C-section. Don't know how you ladies do it the "normal" way!

I came home, got a few hours of sleep, went over to their house and cleaned it and am in the middle of my 8th and 9th loads of laundry. I have three more to go and everything in the house will be done.

I've ended up with a horrible cold because I really haven't been taking care of myself this weekend. Not eating enough, not really sleeping all that well. Oh well, I know to take better care of myself, so I understand.

Onto results:

It's Sunday, so where are my challenge buddies? I saw Dotti's post.

Here are my results:

1. Checked in all but one day, but I was busy with a new baby, so I'm giving myself a break.
2. Shaved at least one point a day, and some days had way too many points left over. I'm not as hungry as I used to be, and I am not going to eat just for the sake of eating. I am going to try and have a little more food today, thought.
3. Exercise: Did all the housecleaning yesterday, so I am counting that. Today I am taking it easy because I don't feel well.
4. Water: never a problem.
5. Weigh in: Okay, so I said at the beginning of this challenge I wanted to lose 15 pounds by the time my hubby got home on the 11th. I heard from him yesterday and he will actually be home on the 5th of June--one week early. I weighed this morning and am down to 227 on my home scale--a loss so far of 11.5. I have 3.5 more to go in the next three weeks. I know I can do this! Heck, why not go for 20? :)

Heather: I am glad you got back to the meetings. You only gained that much after 3 months with all you are going though, big congrats! I'm glad the money is coming through for you guys!

Linda: I love that WW soup, and have made it for years on my own recipe. Had no idea it was so good for someone. Think I might make it today also.

Well, I am off to get something to eat and watch tv. I'm going to be a slug today and take care of myself and my son.

Good luck all.

Chach

Sunday update
 

Heather, glad you can be back at meetings and the gym, you'll do ok and I don't think you gained all that much, either.
Dotti, thanx for the sympathies! I am amazed that I have a period just like I used to get years ago, heavy and very "normal" feeling. I feel so weird, but "good" in a way as I feel a bit younger, somehow - if that makes any sense! I actually wouldn't mind if they came back and stayed back for a few more years..... but who knows?
Chach, glad you were there to support your friend with the delivery. Sorry about your cold! Your results sound great!
As for me....
I weighed in this morning at 157, I'm up from where I was earlier in the week and not happy about it. But, I have this period and I binged a few times. So, what can I say?
I did exercise every day
I had my water
I'm on program for today, at least, and we'll see what happens by Tuesday when I weigh in at my ww meeting.
I'm hoping that losing a bit of water weight and continuing to be a "good girl" will at least get me to the point where I won't have a gain when I weigh in, I'd be happy, after this week, with the same or even a .2 loss!
Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Linda

I'm writing this now, while I'm still probably hyped up on endorphins. ;-)

I'll be the first to admit that exercise sucks. I hate it. I hate waking up early in the morning to get to the gym (the only time I really can exercise); I think only of leaving once I'm there. 3/4 of the time, I feel like a clutz on the machines, and I can't even walk on the TREADMILL without letting go of the sides (if I don't hold on, I'd trip over my own feet and fall over-- no joke, it's happened before). The staff are too cheery; the other gym-goers are too fit.

BUT . . . once I leave, I feel AMAZING. I'm a bit tight, but I feel stronger. I'm standing up taller. I have a bit of a spring in my step. I'm smiling more. Exercise makes you feel good once it's done.

For me, it's sort of like cleaning your bathroom, I'd guess. A necessary evil that you hate doing, but once it's done, it feels SO gratifying.

Have a good day!

Monday
 

Wow Chach that is some big baby. I don't know how you did what you did. I don't want to be around any birthing. I didn't even want to be there when I delivered by son. What a friend you are what with the birth and the cleaning and laundry. You are terrific. Take care of that cold. Hope you feel better very soon. Your husband is going to find a different woman at home when he gets back. What a thrill. I am so happy for you.

Linda I am sure that gain is from the dreaded period. Don't let it get you down. You are doing good.

Heather, I know what you are saying about exercise. I hate exercise. The only thing I will do is walk. Even though I love walking outside when I can and now the treadmill, I do want to stop 1/2 way through but continue and feel the better for it when I finish. But each day it is the same I want to STOP before I'm done. I don't think that will ever change. I think now when I reach the 1/2 way point I will think of you passing me and then I will try my damnest to pass you :D

Got my treadmill work done this morning. Had a 3 point breakfast and already have 1/2 of my water count in. Made the veggie soup yesterday so that will be my lunch. Planning on pork chops for dinner. I watched a new Food Network show last week called Calorie Commando and he is a chef that has lost 70 lbs by cutting calories and fat. He made what he called air fried pork chops. It is a lean chop that he spread mustard on both sides and then coated it with a bread crumb mix with seasonings and broiled. I will try that tonight and fix a salad and maybe spinach with lemon.

Have a good one everybody.

Hiya ladies....okay it's Monday and I'm back from being MIA this weekend. Had a bridal shower and bachelorette party on Sat. day and night, and spend yesterday recovering from those and doing yard work when I felt up to it. I'm back to counting pts....I'm going to give it a two week time trial and see, if there's any difference from when I DON'T count...we'll see. For whoever asked, yes I've tried the bracelets...in fact a friend and I had made them before WW even had them....darn it, should have patented them...hehe. Gone all morning on only two pts...and lord am I starvin! Dinner is in the oven. Had a grown up Happy Meal from Mickey D's on Friday....love the pedometer....want one in every color now..lol. Took all the lil one's for a walk around the neighborhood this morning before the rain comes, and we did almost a mile....between our walk and all my cleaning this morning, I already have in 3 miles!! Woo HOo!!
Heather, I'm with you on the exercise....and the bathroom!! I've actually gotten where I crave it though....and if I don't get it, I'm cranky......I think it's just because it's my "alone" time!! I put the headphones on and go. Can't wait for this wedding to be over.....so the hour after work that it takes me to drive and tan on certain days, I can get back to my inline skating and biking, in addition to my doggie's nightly walks!!
Well better check the meatloaf.....made it with ground turkey....chops the pts almost in half!!!!!

Monday night, night before weigh in!
 

Heather, keep up the good work at the gym. Hang in there. I know exactly what you mean. Some days I just DRAG myself in to my bedroom to do my workouts. I reluctantly get on my workout "outfit" and sneakers and plug in my tape on the VCR. I keep thinking of all the things I could be doing with my time that I would enjoy so much more. I keep thinking of how busy I am and how I need to get this and that done, but I keep at it. I finish the half hour tape (body sculpting type of thing with painful abdominal, leg lifts, weights, push ups, etc.) and then move to my treadmill for at least 20 minutes. Yesterday, I skipped the work out tape and just did 40 minutes on the treadmill instead. At least I moved a tv next to the treadmill so I can watch something and not be so bored.
I dislike exercise, part of the reason (I guess) that I am overweight. I've never enjoyed any kind of sport other than swimming and am not near a place to swim all the time.
However, like you, I have a spring in my step and am not getting winded when I used to. I am seeing the results in the mirror and how my clothing fits. So, it is worthwhile.
Dotti, thanks for your kind words. I am sure part of my gain is the period, and the PMS stuff beforehand that I didn't even know I had! I lost a bit of what I had gained as of this morning and I am "holding my breath" in terms of how I'll do when I get weighed tomorrow. If I lose as much as .2, I will be at my first 5 pound loss. That will feel good, but there are no guarantees. We all know that there are times when we have a + vs. a - weigh in with ww. Life goes on and so does this crusade! I'm in it for the long run!
I don't want us to stop this come Memorial Day, we have a goal in mind for that, but I think we should all keep on posting and working as a team. We're truly helping one another.

I'm a bit down this evening as just heard this afternoon that a dear friend of my husband and I had a pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the heart) on a flight back from Paris, he was barely alive when they took him off the plane and brought him by ambulance to Mass. General in Boston. I am thinking positive thoughts and praying for him.

Just want to share that my friend has been an avid Atkins dieter for the last couple of years. He's lost weight and swears by it, but I have wondered if all that high fat and no carb stuff is really that good for a person, even if they do lose weight. Now, I am really worried that he's done himself some major harm. I've tried to chat with him about this in the past, to no avail. He does what he thinks is best. He swears this is "best", but now I wonder if he's thinking that?
I know two other people who've been on Atkins that have also have gall bladder attacks and had to have their gall bladders out on an emergency basis. I've been wondering about them as well.....

I tried Atkins for awhile and it just didn't strike me as the right thing to do, especially when they warn you to take tons of vitamins all the time. Sure, ww recommends a multi vitamin, but not several a day and with such healthy eating, one probably could get by without the vitimims quite nicely, though I have always taken them anway.

So many people are on these low carb diets. It's scares me, in a way.
I don't have many of the "empty" carbs, with sugar and refined flours, I try to eat high fiber when I can and lean and low fat, I think it's the best way to go! Do any of you have friends with serious health issues who've been on low carb? Just curious. Have any of you tried it yourselves, probabaly, as we all have "been there, done that" with diets, haven't we? I sure have.

Michelle, I'm glad you started counting points and will be comparing what happens when you weren't. You'll then know what is right for you.
Gosh, seems like forever waiting for that wedding to take place. It must be next weekend? Good luck and have fun with it!
Linda

okay....where is everyone...it's weird that I'm the first to post today!!!

Well day two of counting pts...and so far, so good. Today for breakfast I had 1 cup of obrien hashbrowns (1pt), 3 egg whites (1pt), and 1pc of D'Italiano toast, dry, which technically computes to (free), and I'm feeling very full!!!! Love those hashbrowns! They were always a staple of mine when doing WW. Also went last night and stocked up on my fruits.....always like to have apples, bananas, and melon on hand.....and any bread where you can have two pcs. for only one pt is great too!!!
Well better get a few things done, will check back in later, and see if anyone decided to post today!! jk
Michelle

Hi Ladies,

Really busy around my house, so I only have a few minutes. Gotta meet some contractors at the house in about an hour to replace a bunch of stuff that is under warranty!

Linda: Good luck with weigh in. I'm sure you will do just fine! I used to do Atkins for about three months. Lost a ton of weight, but it came back on once I started eating "normal" food. Just not the right plan for me. I can't do something where so much is restricted. It works for some people, just not me. I do think there are health problems with it down the road, if people don't do it sensibly.

Dotti: Thanks for your nice words. I'm just trying to be a good friend to them and understand how things are when you come home with a new baby! It's chaotic! If you find new recipes, please share them. Always looking for new ones!

Michelle: How is counting points going? I was going to ask you about the hashbrowns. Just frozen ones, or are they a certain kind? I'm always looking for good low point changes in my diet.

Heather: I am finally at the point I enjoy my exercise. Granted, some mornings are harder to get up and do it than others, but I do enjoy it!

I have been wearing my new pedometer. I love it! I read somewhere to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you should walk 5000 strides a day. I've been averaging 9000 since I've been wearing it. No wonder why I'm doing better with the WW and exercise!

I'll try to check in later!

Chach

Chach...
These are Mr Odell's...but check the back of the package....the key is the obrien potatoes...that way you have the peppers and onions adding the extra fiber....thus making them one pt!!

Tuesday
 

It sure is hot and humid here today. Went food shopping in the morning and walked on the treadmill when I got back but didn't do as much as I usually do. My thighs ached. I guess walking up and down the aisles tired me out. (or is it old age :?:

Had a 3 point breakfast and a the veggie soup I made the other day for lunch. I count that as 1 point instead of 0 because I add about a tablespoon of small pasta or rice to it.

Michelle I am going to look for those potatoes. Can't believe 1 cup is only 1 point. How do you do the egg whites, scrambled or omelet? I have never made just an all egg white omelet. I know people who have but I just never did. I bet I am missing something.

Chach I use a pedometer also. In with mine a sheet stated that 10,000 steps a day is what one should shoot for. Most days I get there. But days like today I won't. I put it on when I get dressed in the morning and don't take it off until I go to bed. If I have to change clothes during the day, I still take it with me.

Linda I am sorry to hear about your friend. I hope things work out. I also think of all those no and low carb diets and wonder just how much bad people are doing to themselves with the increase of fats. Yes, we have done the same to ourselves that is why we are weight watchers, but we don't follow a plan that advocates fat. Weight watchers to me is still by far the healthiest plan to follow forever.

Here are a few recipes that I make often:

Lemon Mousse Squares
9 servings – 3 points each

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons reduced fat margarine, melted
sweetener to equal 2 teaspoons sugar
1/3 cup cold water
1 packet unflavored gelatin
2 eggs, well beaten
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
2 cups thawed frozen fat free nondairy whipped topping
1 container (8 oz) lemon flavored nonfat yogurt
Spray 9 inch square baking pan with nonstick spray. Stir together graham cracker crumbs, margaine and sugar substitute in small bowl. Press into bottom of pan, set aside.

Combine cold water and gelatin in small microwavable bowl; let stand 2 minutes then micro on high for 40 seconds to dissolve gelatin, set aside.

Combine eggs, lemon juice, sugar and lemon peel in top of a double boiler. Cook stirring constantly over boiling water until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in gelatin.

Refrigerate about 25 minutes to thoroughly cool and begins to set.

Gently combine lemon juice and gelatin mixtures with whipped topping and yogurt. Pour into prepared crust. Refrigerate 1 hour until firm.

Spinach Pie
8 servings – 3 points each

1 container (16 oz) 2% cottage cheese
1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
4 eggs, beaten
1 jar (7 oz) roasted red peppers, well drained and chopped
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Mix all ingredients. Pour into 9 inch pie plate that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until center is set.

Creamy Corn Salsa Soup
makes 8 cups – 1 cup serving is 3 points

1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons reduced fat tablespread
1 tablespoon flour
1 package (16 oz.) frozen sweet corn, thawed
2 cups salsa (16 oz. jar - mild, medium hot your choice)
1 can (14 oz) low sodium chicken broth
1 package (8 oz) fat free cream cheese, softened

Break cream cheese into small pieces in large bowl. Set aside.

Cook onions in tablespread in large saucepan until tender. Stir in flour and mix. Add chicken broth and bring to boil.

Take off heat and add about 1/2 cup of broth to cream cheese and whisk until smooth adding a little more both if needed.

Return broth to a boil and add corn and salsa. Add cream cheese and blend until everything is mixed and heated. Do not boil at this point.


Low Fat Lemon Souffle Cheesecake
8 servings – 2 points each

1 graham cracker, crushed
2/3 cup boiling water
1 package (4 serving size) lemon flavor sugar free jello
1 cup 2% cottage cheese
1 package (8 oz) fat free cream cheese
2 cups thawed fat free whipped topping

Spray a 9 inch pie pan. Sprinkle 1/2 of the crushed crumbs onto the side of the pan.

Stir boiling water into gelatin in a large bowl to dissolve for at least 2 minutes. Put into blender. Add cheeses, cover and blend until smooth.

Pour into large bowl. Gently stir in whipped topping. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining crumbs around outside edge.

Refrigerate 4 hours or until set.


Veggie Bean Burgers
makes 4 burgers – 2 points each

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 cup diced vegetables (I dice small amounts of carrots, celery, red pepper, green pepper, onion to make 1 cup)
2/3 cups drained canned white kidney (cannellini) beans
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup bread crumbs
Seasonings: Whatever you like. I use salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, a little red pepper flakes.

Heat 1/2 of the oil and saute vegetables. When softened put in bowl in refrigerator to cool.

While cooling, mash beans with a fork. Add seasonings, and bread crumbs and beaten egg. Add cooled vegetables and mix. Shape into 4 burgers.

Heat the rest of the oil and fry burgers.

NOTE: I usually saute the vegetables in chicken stock. This gives added flavor and moisture. Then use the oil to fry the burgers.



My Pizza
1 serving – 2 points

1 fat free 6 inch tortilla
1 fat free or reduced fat string cheese
1 tablespoon jar or your own tomato sauce

Spread tomato sauce on tortilla and cut the string cheese into dime size pieces. Put cheese on top of sauce. Bake in oven at 350 until cheese is melted.


Ladies, keep up the good work. Talk at you later.

Weigh in day report, etc.
 

Michelle, tell me more about those hash browns for one point! That name brand does not sound familiar, do you think they compare to anything here in the Northeast???? I need more info.....I'm a carb person and a volume person - gotta have them!!!!
Just got word on our friend in the hospital. He's doing "ok" and out of immediate danger. They are trying to regulate blood thinning medication and get him in control. He might be home by the weekend, but no promises. I am thankful he'll be ok, at least for now.

Well, weigh in was today. As expected, I didn't lose all that much, but it was still a loss of .4, better than nothing. BUT, I got my 5 pound ribbon! Yeah! It's on my refrigerator to keep me motivated.

So, here are my statistics:

Crusade starting weight: 162.4
Today's weight: 157.2
Total loss in 4 weeks, 5.2 pounds!
I don't know if I'll make my goal of 10 pounds by Memorial Day, but even if I get to 7, I'll be pretty happy! I'm on program for today, and was yesterday, so I hope to stay motivated!
Dotti, thanks for the recipes, I'll copy them and give them a shot!
I celebrated the fact that I actually had a loss and got one of those adult happy meals at MacDonald's after my meeting. It was good and I felt like a kid with a happy meal, considering that I got one of those pedometers as well!
The literature with the pedometer says the 2000 steps equal approximately one mile. I'm wearing my pedometer just for fun now, but put it on in the early afternoon after having done my exercise and treadmill beforehand.
I am so proud of myself having a 5 pound ribbon again. Don't know if I told you, but I threw away all my old ribbons in disgust awhile ago as I knew I didn't deserve them anymore, having gained all my weight back - and then some.
Linda in So. NH, feeling good even if the loss wasn't huge this week