Topic of the Week: "Small Change, Big Payoff!"

This week in meetings, we'll discover how small-but-powerful actions can spur progress that’s far-reaching and long-lasting! #TheRippleEffect

Congrats!! 100+

Congrats to Leader Adrienne Everakes & her members! These 4 Rockstars in Northridge have each lost 100+lbs! BRAVO!

ETools Reminder!

Reminder -- the Valencia center is hosting a FREE eTools demo today, led by Weight Watchers Leader and Ambassador, Bree Mills! 

Saturday July 26, 2014

11:45am

24305 Magic Mtn. Pkwy

Valencia, CA 91355

A little #FitnessFriday motivation! 

This week in meetings: "Hang Out without Dining Out!"    YES, you CAN have fun without food! When you keep the focus on the people, not the plate, you can find ways to socialize that don't involved fries, pies, or PointsPlus values.

Looking for a low-point treat for your summer party? 

"Chocolate-Espresso Mousse Shots"

Espresso-spiked chocolate pudding is layered with crushed chocolate wafers in this so simple dessert recipe.

PointsPlus Value per serving = 1

Ingredients
2 tsp instant espresso   
1 Tbsp hot water   
1 package(s) fat-free sugar-free instant chocolate pudding and pie filling mix, (1.4 oz)   
1 1/2 cup(s) fat free skim milk   
1 1/2 cup(s) fat free whipped topping, divided   
16 item(s) chocolate wafer(s), lightly broken   

Instructions
In a small bowl, combine espresso and water until dissolved; let cool to room temperature.
In another bowl, whisk together pudding mix and skim milk until well-combined; whisk in espresso mixture and then fold in 1/2 cup whipped topping. 
Line up 16 shot glasses and spoon 1 tablespoon pudding in each one; top each with 1 1/2 teaspoons cookie pieces, 1 1/2 tablespoons pudding and 1 more teaspoon cookie pieces.
Garnish each with 1 tablespoon whipped topping before serving. Yields 1 shot glass per serving.

Notes
If desired, only use 1 cup skim milk and add half a cup Irish Crème liquor when you add in the espresso mixture. Garnish with chocolate-covered coffee beans (any changes to recipe could affect its Points Plus value).

The serving size for this recipe is 1 shot. Two of them have a PointsPlus value of 3.

#ThrowbackThursday 
When was the last time you had difficulty deciding how to track something? Was it that restaurant lasagna? Your aunt's famous dessert? That chip dip at a party? 

In correspondence with this week's meeting topic,"Breaking the Code," we would like to introduce you to a series on eTools called "The Untrackables." Members from our Central team go out to eat and break down the process of figuring out those PointsPlus values! This one is for Mexican food! Monthly pass and online members can go to the official site to find more.

Video: The Untrackables Go Out for… Mexican http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?art_id=227300

It's time for our weekend featured recipe!

Grilled, Stuffed Jalapenos = 1ppv per serving

The delicious cream cheese filling calms the heat from the peppers in this fun appetizer. Or serve as a side to any grilled entrée.

Ingredients:
2 spray(s) cooking spray   
12 large jalapeño pepper(s)   
1/2 cup(s) 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened   
6 Tbsp low fat shredded cheddar cheese, or Cheddar jack, divided 2 Tbsp uncooked scallion(s), sliced   
2 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped   
1/4 tsp table salt   
1/4 tsp minced garlic   
1/4 tsp paprika, smoked variety (plus extra for garnish)   

Instructions:
Before heating, coat grill rack with cooking spray; preheat grill to medium-high. Cut off a thin slice from one side of each pepper, leaving stems intact; scoop out seeds with a grapefruit spoon or a small spoon (be careful not to touch seeds with bare hands).In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, 3 tablespoons shredded cheese, scallions, cilantro, salt, garlic and paprika until blended. Fill each pepper with about 2 teaspoons cheese mixture; sprinkle remaining 3 tablespoons shredded cheese evenly over peppers and sprinkle with more paprika, if desired.
Reduce heat to medium; grill, covered, until bottoms of peppers are lightly charred, peppers are tender and cheese is melted, about 7 to 8 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Yields 1 pepper per serving.

Notes:
The peppers can be prepped up to 1 day ahead and grilled just before serving. If your peppers won’t sit flat, cut a small slice off the bottoms to prevent them from falling over.

This week in meetings (7/13-7/19/2014): 
"PointsPlus® Values: Breaking the Code"

Menu math can be perplexing, but part of what makes the PointsPlus plan so versatile is the fact that you control your food choices. Whether you’re a newbie or veteran, though, you’re bound to encounter some curveballs with PointsPlus values, especially with takeout foods that don't have nutritional info listed, or restaurant meals, or your mom's famous spinach pie.
Attend your meeting this week to find out how to best tackle these PPV challenges!

It's "Fitness Friday!"

Summer heat putting a dent in your activity routines?
Keep your fitness forecast bright with these workouts that get you moving no matter what it’s like outside! 

"The Weather-Or-Not Workout"
http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=4&art_id=166571&sc=3040&ExplicitNav=fitness&ExplicitSubNav=Location&ExplicitSubThirdNav=Outdoors

"A Fruit or Veggie with Every Meal or Snack" -- 
it's the ROUTINE OF THE MONTH! 
Thinking back on the beginning of your weight loss journey, what  produce items do you NOW include that you didn't before? List below! You might just inspire another member to try something new! #ThrowbackThursday

"The Power of Produce!"
This week in meetings, find out how eating an array of colorful fruits and veggies can boost your health, satisfaction and weight loss!

We hope everyone is having a wonderful Fourth of July! 

If you missed your meeting today, you still have one more chance this week! Come in tomorrow, July 5th when we re-open to weigh in and catch this week's incredible topic, "Bounce Back!"