I am a FIREWORK

I love Katy Perry's song Firework. The words say "Do you know that there is a spark in you - you just gotta ignite the light...cause baby you are a firework...show what you are worth as you shoot across the sky."

I love that song. This WW adventure has been a wonderful experience. I have realized that it IS POSSIBLE to manage my weight and maintain my sanity. I am also grateful for my wonderful family and friends. I thank you for always making me feel like a FIREWORK.  This week I challenge everyone to let your colors show- do something new- wear a new blouse, change your lipstick, get a hair cut - DO NOT THINK. ACT.  BE A FIREWORK.

Goal - Pick out a vegetable that you have never tried before - like Rhubarb or Chard. Last week I tried yellow organic carrots. They are SOOSOSO good. This week I spent an hour in the produce section. Can you believe it? I looked at everything and left with bags full of "good for you stuff." I am going to try boiling some Rhubarb this weekend. Stay tuned.

Congrats to VG and the Atlanta ladies for joining the WW family. I am proud of you. Keep texting me with updates. It takes a village.

Challenge:  Measure everything. Portion control is a must.

Tip: Keep all of your scales and measuring scoops in the same place. It will help you find things in a hurry.

I wish you a Veggie Good Weekend,
FitandSlim4ever

Monday - Go for green

At Curves we have a saying "Go for Green." That means try to keep the weight machine light on green not red. Green means that you are on track, working at the right level and intensity with the right number of repetitions. Green is Good.

This week I am going to try to stay on Green.

Challenge No 1: Green Tea - I am going to drink Green Tea at least once every day this week.
Challenge No 2: Green Vegetables - I am going to add a green vegetable to my dinner every night this week
Challenge No 3:   I am going to work very hard to keep the house GREEN by recycling and eliminating waste, cutting back on electric consumption and reducing water usage.

I hope you will go green with me this week?

Fruit of the Week:  Pineapple

Pineapple is full of good stuff, including Vitamin C. Pineapple is at its peak from March to June.  Yummie.

Have a Veggie Good Green Day,
FitandSlim4ever

Sleepy Piepy

I have always had trouble sleeping. My whole life...I never sleep but I really want to sleep. Sleep is a critical ingredient in the weight loss recipe. Your body needs the down time to rejuvenate and repair muscle.  I read today that fennel is a great sleep aid. Well, fennel it is. I will try just about anything to get a good nights rest. I have tried chamomile and sleepy-time teas. Nothing works. I am always counting sheep.

A friend suggested that I try to meditate before bed. I am going to give it a try. Stay tuned.

PS WW has a new cookbook. Every recipe has 5 ingredients. I am having a lamb chop tonight. Yummie. The recipe calls for fennel. Yeah!

Sweet dreams and have a Veggie Good Night,
FitandSlim4ever

Happy Valentines Day

What did the stamp say to the envelope? I'm stuck on you. 

Hug yourself today- and give thanks for all the blessings that you have been given.  Most importantly, have a laugh, giggle, lark - whatever.

I wish everyone a wonderful day. Treat yourself to something - a latte, a piece of cake, chocolate...the list is endless BUT practice moderation. It is okay to treat yourself - just don't go crazy and eat the whole box of chocolates.

We have to keep reminding ourselves that we are on a weight loss journey that is going to last for the rest of our lives. WW gives us the tools to track our progress and plan the path that will keep us on the road to success. I am going to use those tools to manage my lifestyle choices and balance healthy eating with fitness.

So, enjoy your day. Treat yourself special and tonight pray for peace and tolerance.

Be good to yourself and have a Veggie Good Day,
FitandSlim4ever

Day 149 - Still going strong on Weight Watchers

Hello world,

Can you believe it? I have been on WW for 149 days.

My life has changed so much since that fateful day when I walked into my first WW class. I was frustrated and upset about my high blood pressure and weight. I was a little apprehensive about the reception that I would receive at WW.  I found it to be a wonderful experience - full of friendly faces and dynamic group leaders. Miss Donna --- you rock.  My dear friend GW was the one that talked me into going with her to the meeting. Flash forward 6 months and I have only 1 skirt that fits. My clothes are all toooooo big to wear. YEAH! I am so glad GW dragged me to WW. She saved my life that day. Thanks friend. I really did not realize how off track things were until I stepped on the scale that morning in September.

Today, we have friends from around the world reading our blog and sharing my WW journey. Congratulations to those of you who have decided to join me at WW. It is so much fun.

Jennifer Hudson appeared on Oprah yesterday. She has lost 80 pounds on WW and her family has lost a combined total of more than 1000 pounds. It works. It is working for me and it will work for you.

Forward march. It is a new day and a new way of thinking.

All the best and have a Veggie Good Day,
FitandSlim4ever.

All You Can Eat?

Today, I have a meeting at a place that features an "ALL YOU CAN EAT" buffet. This poses an interesting challenge for a person that is trying to make lifestyle changes. I tried to do my "pre-op" meal preparation by going online to review the menu. Unfortunately, there was no menu - the website said "buffet featuring Italian, Southern, Cajun and traditional foods. ????????? Okay, that is very helpful. LOL.

I have gotten into the habit of reviewing menus before I go out to eat. I try not to go out to eat unless it is business or unavoidable. Yesterday, I  had lunch with some friends from a former job. Prior to my departure, I reviewed the menu at the restaurant and determined that there were very few WW friendly items. I emailed my friends and asked them to meet me at another restaurant. They were happy to oblige my request and in doing so support my WW journey. We ended up eating Asian cuisine. It was fabulous and low fat. We were surprised when the chef treated us to lunch in honor of our friend LA. L is moving to Vietnam for six months with her fiancee. (I wish you the best and safe travels). Everyone was glad we changed our plans.

My plan for today:

I had 2 slices of toast for breakfast with 1/4 tablespoon of jam. (points plus value of 5). I plan to take a banana with me in the car (drive time 3 hours round-trip). My buffet strategy is simple - try to stay away from anything fried, covered in cream/gravy, anything with icing or fruit fillings, bread and alcohol. I will probably fill my dinner plate with salad and put a little meat on a salad plate. I am going to fight the urge to a piece of fried catfish. I love it. What can I say? This will be a test for me.

So stay tuned. I will let you know how it goes. I have come to far to turn back NOW! We are in it to win it!!!!!

Have a Veggie Good Saturday,
FitandSlim4ever

Baby it is cold outside - Brrrrrrrrr

Hello blog family,

I hope everyone is warm and safe in this COLD weather. It is cold everywhere...

I made up a yummie chili recipe that will warm you up and keep you going for hours:

1 package of McCormick's Chili Seasoning/30% reduced sodium (1point per serving)
1 16 oz can of Hunts Tomato Sauce /No Salt Added (1 point per serving)
1 15 oz can Best Yet Vine Grown Small Red Beans (2 points per serving)
1 1b. Laura's Lean Ground Beef (3 points per serving)
2 tablespoons Kraft Reduced Fat Cheese
1 cup of water
1 tablespoon Onion Powder
1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon Cumin
1/4 teaspoon Chili Powder

brown ground beef and drain fat. In a separate skillet add beans, seasoning, tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add beef to the sauce. simmer and add remaining water as needed.  Simmer on low for another 5 minutes. Garnish with cheese.

Friends from outside of the United States look for brands that are low in salt/sodium. I giving this recipe an a points plus value of 8 points.

Enjoy and have a Veggie Good Day,
Fitandslim4ever