Monday, December 30, 2013
2014 New Year, New You Challenge: Week 1
Welcome to 2014! Here's to a new year and a fresh resolve to set yourself up for long-term success. Hint: It's easier than you think.
Article By: Elly Trickett McNerney
Its a New Day Challenge Week 1
With its cold weather and post-holiday anticlimax (not to mention uncomfortably snug pants), January is not the kindest month. Why, then, do so many of us also spend the first few weeks beating ourselves up about what we ate and drank in December? Right here and now, we are officially declaring the holidays Behind Us, and are ready to help you focus on your goals for 2014. Whether you’re new to Weight Watchers, or simply looking for help you recommitting or sticking to the Plan, we’ll help you succeed.
Your goal might be a sizeable one, or it might be just a few pounds away. Whichever camp you fall into, contemplating a whole year stretched ahead of you can feel overwhelming. Instead of worrying about the next 12 months, take our Challenge to get a far more manageable set of activities, ideas and motivation. Read the articles over the next four weeks, and head to the Community to participate in the Challenge with others looking to start the year off right.
Week 1
You have two tasks this week: Something you can do right away, and something that will help you in the long term. For both of these, we encourage you to embrace the opportunity to believe in yourself and feel confident that you can change the way you think about yourself and your goals.
To that end, the long-term task is to think outside the scale. Set a goal for yourself that will see you through the 4 weeks of this Challenge and beyond, that has nothing to do with the numbers on the scale or on your clothing labels. Write it down and put it somewhere you’ll see each morning. What is it that you want to feel at the end of the 4 weeks? And how do you want to build on this momentum as we go into spring and beyond?
Only you can answer these questions, but here are some prompts for you. Think about what your decision to be healthier will do for you: Being a great role model for your kids? Wearing clothes with confidence? Accepting social invitations you might have turned down before, knowing you’ll show up feeling great?
Chew something new
As for the simple task you can do right away: Try a brand-new food this week, one you’ve never tried before. Try to choose a whole food rather than a packaged one — a fruit, vegetable, protein or grain. To get ideas, check out our list of pantry staples that are a cut above the usual. For more shopping tips, subscribers can check out our shopping Spaces tool.
That's it for week 1. Come back next week to get your next task in the 2014 New Year, New You Challenge. Good luck!
Welcome to 2014! Here's to a new year and a fresh resolve to set yourself up for long-term success. Hint: It's easier than you think.
Article By: Elly Trickett McNerney
Its a New Day Challenge Week 1
With its cold weather and post-holiday anticlimax (not to mention uncomfortably snug pants), January is not the kindest month. Why, then, do so many of us also spend the first few weeks beating ourselves up about what we ate and drank in December? Right here and now, we are officially declaring the holidays Behind Us, and are ready to help you focus on your goals for 2014. Whether you’re new to Weight Watchers, or simply looking for help you recommitting or sticking to the Plan, we’ll help you succeed.
Your goal might be a sizeable one, or it might be just a few pounds away. Whichever camp you fall into, contemplating a whole year stretched ahead of you can feel overwhelming. Instead of worrying about the next 12 months, take our Challenge to get a far more manageable set of activities, ideas and motivation. Read the articles over the next four weeks, and head to the Community to participate in the Challenge with others looking to start the year off right.
Week 1
You have two tasks this week: Something you can do right away, and something that will help you in the long term. For both of these, we encourage you to embrace the opportunity to believe in yourself and feel confident that you can change the way you think about yourself and your goals.
To that end, the long-term task is to think outside the scale. Set a goal for yourself that will see you through the 4 weeks of this Challenge and beyond, that has nothing to do with the numbers on the scale or on your clothing labels. Write it down and put it somewhere you’ll see each morning. What is it that you want to feel at the end of the 4 weeks? And how do you want to build on this momentum as we go into spring and beyond?
Only you can answer these questions, but here are some prompts for you. Think about what your decision to be healthier will do for you: Being a great role model for your kids? Wearing clothes with confidence? Accepting social invitations you might have turned down before, knowing you’ll show up feeling great?
Chew something new
As for the simple task you can do right away: Try a brand-new food this week, one you’ve never tried before. Try to choose a whole food rather than a packaged one — a fruit, vegetable, protein or grain. To get ideas, check out our list of pantry staples that are a cut above the usual. For more shopping tips, subscribers can check out our shopping Spaces tool.
That's it for week 1. Come back next week to get your next task in the 2014 New Year, New You Challenge. Good luck!
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
Roll up your sleeves and dig into some of the best recipes of the season. Inspired by top-notch ingredients and practical techniques, we've put together menus and serving ideas for the food you want to cook right now.
Cocktail parties are an excellent way to invite plenty of guests into your home to celebrate and socialize, without worrying about having enough chairs. With the right recipes and a good game plan (read: don't leave prep to the last minute!) you can toast the holidays and ring in the new year in style. We've broken down our favorite eats into three categories, to make your planning easier. Now it's your turn to roll up your sleeves and dig in.
Hot Bites
You don't have to eat these hot, cut they do need to take a spin in the oven.
Shrimp and Avocado Appetizers
Image of Shrimp & Avocado Appetizers
Larger Image
Weight Watchers Recipe
4.5 Stars
1PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 20 min
Serves: 12
These are amazing! So easy, so elegant. The wasabi mayo gives a bit of heat and the avocado lends delicious, buttery texture.
Recipe
Ingredients
1/4 cup(s) reduced-calorie mayonnaise
1 tsp prepared wasabi paste
1/2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 large cucumber(s), seedless, cut into twenty-four 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/2 item(s) (medium) avocado, quartered and then cut into 24 slices
8 oz cooked shrimp, about 24 small, peeled and deveined
2 large fresh radish(es), finely chopped
1/4 cup(s) mint leaves, left whole (for garnish)
Instructions
To make wasabi mayonnaise, in a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, wasabi paste and soy sauce until smooth.
To assemble appetizers, place cucumber slices on a serving platter and spread each with 1/2 teaspoon of wasabi mayonnaise. Place a slice of avocado on top and then top each with a shrimp; sprinkle with radish and top with a mint leaf. Yields 2 appetizers per serving.
Notes
We prefer the flavor of the wasabi mayo when made with wasabi paste, but if you can't find it, wasabi powder works, too.
Cocktail parties are an excellent way to invite plenty of guests into your home to celebrate and socialize, without worrying about having enough chairs. With the right recipes and a good game plan (read: don't leave prep to the last minute!) you can toast the holidays and ring in the new year in style. We've broken down our favorite eats into three categories, to make your planning easier. Now it's your turn to roll up your sleeves and dig in.
Hot Bites
You don't have to eat these hot, cut they do need to take a spin in the oven.
Shrimp and Avocado Appetizers
Image of Shrimp & Avocado Appetizers
Larger Image
Weight Watchers Recipe
4.5 Stars
1PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 20 min
Serves: 12
These are amazing! So easy, so elegant. The wasabi mayo gives a bit of heat and the avocado lends delicious, buttery texture.
Recipe
Ingredients
1/4 cup(s) reduced-calorie mayonnaise
1 tsp prepared wasabi paste
1/2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 large cucumber(s), seedless, cut into twenty-four 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/2 item(s) (medium) avocado, quartered and then cut into 24 slices
8 oz cooked shrimp, about 24 small, peeled and deveined
2 large fresh radish(es), finely chopped
1/4 cup(s) mint leaves, left whole (for garnish)
Instructions
To make wasabi mayonnaise, in a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, wasabi paste and soy sauce until smooth.
To assemble appetizers, place cucumber slices on a serving platter and spread each with 1/2 teaspoon of wasabi mayonnaise. Place a slice of avocado on top and then top each with a shrimp; sprinkle with radish and top with a mint leaf. Yields 2 appetizers per serving.
Notes
We prefer the flavor of the wasabi mayo when made with wasabi paste, but if you can't find it, wasabi powder works, too.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Weather-Proof Your Walking Routine
Weather-Proof Your Walking Routine
Too cold to take to the streets? Bring your walk indoors and stay fit all season long.
Article By: Maggie Spilner
Treadmill Walking
It's the easiest excuse in the "can't exercise" handbook: It's too cold to go for an outdoor workout. If you're a walker who normally enjoys some gym-free laps around town, winter can really wreck your motivation. But it doesn't have to! Try one of these indoor alternatives this season, and you won't even have to break stride in your fitness efforts.
1. Head to the mall
Many shopping malls open their doors early to walkers. You'll keep company with people from all, umm, walks of life — from new moms with strollers to the senior set. "Mall walking is for anyone committed to walking despite the weather," says Sara Donovan, creator of the Mall of America walking program. But for guaranteed camaraderie, why not bring a friend?
Aside from the obvious weather protection, an indoor shopping mall offers the following perks:
It's a safe environment. Malls are impervious to daylight savings time changes, plus you can wear headphones without worrying about thugs, dogs, cars or tripping over sidewalks or curbs.
You have access to ammenities. Think bathrooms, water fountains and parking. You can even use the building's architecture to enhance your workout, says Donovan. "Run up the stairs or escalator to bump up your heart rate, and race walk on the smoothest surface you'll ever find."
There's built-in motivation. There are other walkers, and some malls even have incentive programs, notes Donovan.
You can window shop. Mall window displays provide interest and distraction. (Some might even consider this a form of multi-tasking!)
2. Find an Indoor Track
Think like a student: During inclement weather, gym class moved indoors, right? Check to see if your local YMCA, high school or college gym has an indoor track you can use. There are a number of reasons this option might work for you:
You'll give your body a break. If the track is rubberized or has a more forgiving surface than the mall or your typical sidewalk route, it may be easier on your feet and back.
Exercising with others will motivate you. Sometimes the tracks are balconies that encircle exercise areas, squash or basketball courts, so you have a bird's-eye view of people working out. Plus, you'll be close to other fitness opportunities.
You can take advantage of fitness-club style perks. You may be able to store belongings in a locker and shower afterwards.
3. Go Public
If you don't live near a local mall or indoor track, get creative! Find out if you can get access to a large public building, like a high school, where you can walk the halls and stairwells after hours. You might have to go to a school board meeting with a group of interested friends and neighbors to see if the school will allow this activity. While it may be the most complicated venue to secure, this option comes with its own unique benefit: If you have access to a building with several stories, try going up one flight of stairs, walking around that floor, then the next flight of stairs, etc. Alternating stair climbing with walking will be a great interval workout.
Too cold to take to the streets? Bring your walk indoors and stay fit all season long.
Article By: Maggie Spilner
Treadmill Walking
It's the easiest excuse in the "can't exercise" handbook: It's too cold to go for an outdoor workout. If you're a walker who normally enjoys some gym-free laps around town, winter can really wreck your motivation. But it doesn't have to! Try one of these indoor alternatives this season, and you won't even have to break stride in your fitness efforts.
1. Head to the mall
Many shopping malls open their doors early to walkers. You'll keep company with people from all, umm, walks of life — from new moms with strollers to the senior set. "Mall walking is for anyone committed to walking despite the weather," says Sara Donovan, creator of the Mall of America walking program. But for guaranteed camaraderie, why not bring a friend?
Aside from the obvious weather protection, an indoor shopping mall offers the following perks:
It's a safe environment. Malls are impervious to daylight savings time changes, plus you can wear headphones without worrying about thugs, dogs, cars or tripping over sidewalks or curbs.
You have access to ammenities. Think bathrooms, water fountains and parking. You can even use the building's architecture to enhance your workout, says Donovan. "Run up the stairs or escalator to bump up your heart rate, and race walk on the smoothest surface you'll ever find."
There's built-in motivation. There are other walkers, and some malls even have incentive programs, notes Donovan.
You can window shop. Mall window displays provide interest and distraction. (Some might even consider this a form of multi-tasking!)
2. Find an Indoor Track
Think like a student: During inclement weather, gym class moved indoors, right? Check to see if your local YMCA, high school or college gym has an indoor track you can use. There are a number of reasons this option might work for you:
You'll give your body a break. If the track is rubberized or has a more forgiving surface than the mall or your typical sidewalk route, it may be easier on your feet and back.
Exercising with others will motivate you. Sometimes the tracks are balconies that encircle exercise areas, squash or basketball courts, so you have a bird's-eye view of people working out. Plus, you'll be close to other fitness opportunities.
You can take advantage of fitness-club style perks. You may be able to store belongings in a locker and shower afterwards.
3. Go Public
If you don't live near a local mall or indoor track, get creative! Find out if you can get access to a large public building, like a high school, where you can walk the halls and stairwells after hours. You might have to go to a school board meeting with a group of interested friends and neighbors to see if the school will allow this activity. While it may be the most complicated venue to secure, this option comes with its own unique benefit: If you have access to a building with several stories, try going up one flight of stairs, walking around that floor, then the next flight of stairs, etc. Alternating stair climbing with walking will be a great interval workout.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Simple Start Webcasts
Go to weightwatchers.com to register
Simple Start Webcasts
New Simple Start Webcasts give you more support to help you get the most out of the Simple Start 2-week starter plan.
Mobile phone with Simple Start app
Episode #1
Getting Started on Simple Start
This 2-week plan is so easy to follow, all you need to do is pick from our long list of foods and start eating!
January 7th, 1:00pm EST Register Today
January 9th, 1:00pm EST Register Today
January 14th, 1:00pm EST Register Today
January 21st, 1:00pm EST Register Today
Episode #2
What You'll Eat on Simple Start
Our Weight Watchers Power Foods are good for you – and they taste great, too. Get the skinny on our easy-to-prepare meals, snacks – and the most popular indulgences you can enjoy every day.
January 8th, 1:00pm EST Register Today
Episode #3
Eating out on Simple Start
Life goes on, even when you're losing weight. Here's how to keep eating smart even when you're not the cook.
January 15th, 1:00pm EST Register Today
Episode #4
What's Next: The Freedom of the PointsPlus Program
The Simple Start plan gives you a taste of the PointsPlus Program – literally – by giving you 7 PointsPlus values to spend on daily indulgences. In this webcast we'll deliver the inside scoop on Tracking tips and tools.
January 16th, 1:00pm EST Register Today
Episode #5
Weight Watchers Mobile Apps and Gadgets
Get the insider's tour of all the apps, gadgets and online tools we offer that will help set you up for weight-loss success.
January 22nd: 1:00pm EST Register Today
Episode #6
Cooking for the Family
The Simple Start meals are made for one, but with these tasty tweaks and easy additions, the whole household can enjoy the same easy meal.
Simple Start Webcasts
New Simple Start Webcasts give you more support to help you get the most out of the Simple Start 2-week starter plan.
Mobile phone with Simple Start app
Episode #1
Getting Started on Simple Start
This 2-week plan is so easy to follow, all you need to do is pick from our long list of foods and start eating!
January 7th, 1:00pm EST Register Today
January 9th, 1:00pm EST Register Today
January 14th, 1:00pm EST Register Today
January 21st, 1:00pm EST Register Today
Episode #2
What You'll Eat on Simple Start
Our Weight Watchers Power Foods are good for you – and they taste great, too. Get the skinny on our easy-to-prepare meals, snacks – and the most popular indulgences you can enjoy every day.
January 8th, 1:00pm EST Register Today
Episode #3
Eating out on Simple Start
Life goes on, even when you're losing weight. Here's how to keep eating smart even when you're not the cook.
January 15th, 1:00pm EST Register Today
Episode #4
What's Next: The Freedom of the PointsPlus Program
The Simple Start plan gives you a taste of the PointsPlus Program – literally – by giving you 7 PointsPlus values to spend on daily indulgences. In this webcast we'll deliver the inside scoop on Tracking tips and tools.
January 16th, 1:00pm EST Register Today
Episode #5
Weight Watchers Mobile Apps and Gadgets
Get the insider's tour of all the apps, gadgets and online tools we offer that will help set you up for weight-loss success.
January 22nd: 1:00pm EST Register Today
Episode #6
Cooking for the Family
The Simple Start meals are made for one, but with these tasty tweaks and easy additions, the whole household can enjoy the same easy meal.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
Smart Tips to Try
Get a head start. A brunch date isn’t an excuse to skip breakfast. Eat some fresh fruit when you wake up in the morning, so that you aren’t famished (and primed to overeat) by the time you get to the restaurant.
Think beyond brunch. Before you leave the house, think about what you're likely to have for dinner that night. This way, you can have an idea of how many PointsPlus values you'd like to stick to at this midday meal.
Survey the scene. The buffet's not going anywhere, so there's no need to rush to fill your plate. Take a stroll down the length of the entire buffet to see all of the items that are available. If you start filling your plate with home fries only to see that grits (your favorite!) are available down the line, you're likely to eat a serving of both.
Drink smart. Drinking cocktails is a quick way for your PointsPlus values to pile up. Steer clear of "unlimited brunch cocktail" situations, where you might not be able to keep up with the refills. Have a glass of water or seltzer between each beverage.
Brush up on portion sizes. Know what a half cup looks like before you leave the house. What you think is a 1/2 cup of yogurt might actually be closer to a cup.
Don't discount condiments. Maple syrup, powdered sugar, ketchup, hollandaise sauce, and gravy can all add up. Make sure to factor these into your meal.
Veg out. If the buffet happens to have a salad bar, load your plate with 0 PointsPlus value veggies and low-fat dressing. You can fill up and save your Allowance for the items you really love.
Beware of grease! Because most buffet items are made in advance, there's little opportunity to ask for modifications like "light oil" or "no butter." Avoid these fatty pools when serving yourself home fries, grits, bacon, or sausage out of a chafing dish. Don't be scared to ask your server how something was prepared.
Plan a workout. If you plan on drinking a cocktail or two at brunch, go for an early morning walk or jog around the neighborhood. Otherwise, schedule an afternoon trip to the gym to gain some Activity PointsPlus values.
If all else fails... Don't forget you can always dip into your Weekly PointsPlus Allowance – that's what it's there for.
Get a head start. A brunch date isn’t an excuse to skip breakfast. Eat some fresh fruit when you wake up in the morning, so that you aren’t famished (and primed to overeat) by the time you get to the restaurant.
Think beyond brunch. Before you leave the house, think about what you're likely to have for dinner that night. This way, you can have an idea of how many PointsPlus values you'd like to stick to at this midday meal.
Survey the scene. The buffet's not going anywhere, so there's no need to rush to fill your plate. Take a stroll down the length of the entire buffet to see all of the items that are available. If you start filling your plate with home fries only to see that grits (your favorite!) are available down the line, you're likely to eat a serving of both.
Drink smart. Drinking cocktails is a quick way for your PointsPlus values to pile up. Steer clear of "unlimited brunch cocktail" situations, where you might not be able to keep up with the refills. Have a glass of water or seltzer between each beverage.
Brush up on portion sizes. Know what a half cup looks like before you leave the house. What you think is a 1/2 cup of yogurt might actually be closer to a cup.
Don't discount condiments. Maple syrup, powdered sugar, ketchup, hollandaise sauce, and gravy can all add up. Make sure to factor these into your meal.
Veg out. If the buffet happens to have a salad bar, load your plate with 0 PointsPlus value veggies and low-fat dressing. You can fill up and save your Allowance for the items you really love.
Beware of grease! Because most buffet items are made in advance, there's little opportunity to ask for modifications like "light oil" or "no butter." Avoid these fatty pools when serving yourself home fries, grits, bacon, or sausage out of a chafing dish. Don't be scared to ask your server how something was prepared.
Plan a workout. If you plan on drinking a cocktail or two at brunch, go for an early morning walk or jog around the neighborhood. Otherwise, schedule an afternoon trip to the gym to gain some Activity PointsPlus values.
If all else fails... Don't forget you can always dip into your Weekly PointsPlus Allowance – that's what it's there for.
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