Faux Weight "WATCHERS" Support Group meets here :)

[sugarmamma]

PER SERVING (1/6th of recipe, 2 filled wontons): 93 calories, 3g fat, 435mg sodium, 12g carbs, 1g fiber, 2g sugars, 3.5g protein -- PointsPlus® value 2*
Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
6 slices center-cut bacon or turkey bacon 12 small square wonton wrappers (stocked with tofu in the refrigerated section of the market) 1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise 3 tbsp. Hellmann's/Best Foods Dijonnaise (or another mild creamy Dijon mustard) Dash each garlic powder, salt, and black pepper 3 large plum tomatoes, chopped 2 cups finely chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat on the stove. Add bacon and cook until crispy, about 4 minutes per side. Set aside to drain and cool on paper towels.
Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray. Place each wonton wrapper into a cup of the muffin pan, and press it into the bottom and sides. Lightly spray the wrappers with nonstick spray.
Bake in the oven until light golden brown, about 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, combine mayo, Dijonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add chopped tomatoes and lettuce. Finely chop bacon and add about 3/4ths to the bowl; reserve the rest for topping. Gently stir until uniform. Set aside.
Transfer the cooled wonton shells to a plate. Evenly distribute the mixture among the shells, about 3 tbsp. per shell. Evenly top with remaining bacon. Serve immediately!
MAKES 6 SERVINGS

[chachi]

Im in Im not overweught Im only 113 lbs but I have a belly still. I need to do ab exercises mainly but Im going to jog too

[McheleM]

Lisa,

Watch that sodium!!! You can exercise all day long and eat zero calories but if you're consuming sodium (and most "healthy" foods have lots if it) you will not notice a weight loss like you want.

When I started tracking my food, I was eating the right amount of calories to maintain, but I was consuming 4500mg of sodium a day! Just in food, that didn't include what I added with table salt. I cut that back to 1500 mg a day and was able to lose 30 pounds in 3 months. I also did cardio 3 x a week and tracked all my foods. I quit eating fast food, cut out sodas and started eating fresh, home cooked and really experimented with seasonings. (lemon on a salad makes a great alternative to dressing).

I read every package of everything I bought. I get corn tortillas that have 10mg of sodium and like 40 calories, and we made all sorts of foods with those. I bought all natural corn chips from the health store that actually had no added sodium, and they didn't taste bad at all (they were blue) and I found after not having the sodium, it tasted horrible if I tried to eat it.

Good luck!! I wish I could diet and work out with y'all. My big 4-0 is coming in January and I'd like to be another 30 pounds down. (although if a certain person gets voted in as president, I wont be celebrating my birthday in January, since I would have to share it with him and I refuse to celebrate him taking office, birthday or not!!)

[jadabug]

Originally Posted by GeorgiesMomma

I am 5'7 and 155 is the top end of my BMI but I know for me personally I would happy at 155 and would be able to maintain it.

We are almost identical in height and weight!! I was over 200lbs for almost 20 years The year I was going to turn 40 I was determined to be skinny and worked out like a mad woman, cut out all fast food and snacks and cut down on portions. I got down to 150 and was in a size 6. My work out routine was brutal, I did Taebo at least 4 times a week and I walked at minimum 5 miles a day, 7 days a week. I would go to the high school and walk the track and every lap I would run the bleacher steps. I did weight training 3 days a week and rode my bike about 7-10 miles 3 or 4 days a week. I also did a step aerobics class twice a week and would work out in the community center weight room for an hour before the 45 minute aerobic class. If I could do 1/4 of that I would be in decent shape again.
Over the last 7 years I have let 30lbs sneak back on. I will be happy to get down to 155 at this point.

[sugarmamma]

Originally Posted by jadabug

We are almost identical in height and weight!! I was over 200lbs for almost 20 years The year I was going to turn 40 I was determined to be skinny and worked out like a mad woman, cut out all fast food and snacks and cut down on portions. I got down to 150 and was in a size 6. My work out routine was brutal, I did Taebo at least 4 times a week and I walked at minimum 5 miles a day, 7 days a week. I would go to the high school and walk the track and every lap I would run the bleacher steps. I did weight training 3 days a week and rode my bike about 7-10 miles 3 or 4 days a week. I also did a step aerobics class twice a week and would work out in the community center weight room for an hour before the 45 minute aerobic class. If I could do 1/4 of that I would be in decent shape again.
Over the last 7 years I have let 30lbs sneak back on. I will be happy to get down to 155 at this point.

I don't think I have worked out that much in my entire life all combined!!!!

I do walk and swim and do the mini trampoline. I need to add more weight training in.

I was 143.4 this morning......but my scale really isn't all that reliable on my floors even though it is only a year old. I have a WW scale. I think I really need one of those big "stand- on -move- the -weights" Dr's scales

[GeorgiesMomma]

Originally Posted by jadabug

We are almost identical in height and weight!! I was over 200lbs for almost 20 years The year I was going to turn 40 I was determined to be skinny and worked out like a mad woman, cut out all fast food and snacks and cut down on portions. I got down to 150 and was in a size 6. My work out routine was brutal, I did Taebo at least 4 times a week and I walked at minimum 5 miles a day, 7 days a week. I would go to the high school and walk the track and every lap I would run the bleacher steps. I did weight training 3 days a week and rode my bike about 7-10 miles 3 or 4 days a week. I also did a step aerobics class twice a week and would work out in the community center weight room for an hour before the 45 minute aerobic class. If I could do 1/4 of that I would be in decent shape again.
Over the last 7 years I have let 30lbs sneak back on. I will be happy to get down to 155 at this point.

That's great you worked so hard! You know you can do it I keep saying its the weight from having my son but he's almost 5 so I need to let that go lol. I am going to 45 minutes of cardio, light weights and abs. I am actually considering doing the P90X program again it's hard but so worth it!

[jadabug]

Originally Posted by sugarmamma

I don't think I have worked out that much in my entire life all combined!!!!

I do walk and swim and do the mini trampoline. I need to add more weight training in.

I was 143.4 this morning......but my scale really isn't all that reliable on my floors even though it is only a year old. I have a WW scale. I think I really need one of those big "stand- on -move- the -weights" Dr's scales

I over did it like that for over 3 years.....I have horrible joint pain now I think I wore out all my joints in my lower body. I was obsessed to say the least I think I am OCD I tend to go overboard on anything I undertake (once I get my mind made up to do it)

[sugarmamma]

Originally Posted by GeorgiesMomma

That's great you worked so hard! You know you can do it I keep saying its the weight from having my son but he's almost 5 so I need to let that go lol. I am going to 45 minutes of cardio, light weights and abs. I am actually considering doing the P90X program again it's hard but so worth it!

My DS does P90x ~ it's grueling He gave me one of the DVD's that he never used.....last Christmas......It's still in my suitcase

Originally Posted by jadabug

I over did it like that for over 3 years.....I have horrible joint pain now I think I wore out all my joints in my lower body. I was obsessed to say the least I think I am OCD I tend to go overboard on anything I undertake (once I get my mind made up to do it)

It amazes me when I hear stories like this that one day, after working so hard for so many years, people just STOP. Doesn't give me much hope for MY future

[sugarmamma]

Originally Posted by McheleM

Lisa,

Watch that sodium!!! You can exercise all day long and eat zero calories but if you're consuming sodium (and most "healthy" foods have lots if it) you will not notice a weight loss like you want.

When I started tracking my food, I was eating the right amount of calories to maintain, but I was consuming 4500mg of sodium a day! Just in food, that didn't include what I added with table salt. I cut that back to 1500 mg a day and was able to lose 30 pounds in 3 months. I also did cardio 3 x a week and tracked all my foods. I quit eating fast food, cut out sodas and started eating fresh, home cooked and really experimented with seasonings. (lemon on a salad makes a great alternative to dressing).

I read every package of everything I bought. I get corn tortillas that have 10mg of sodium and like 40 calories, and we made all sorts of foods with those. I bought all natural corn chips from the health store that actually had no added sodium, and they didn't taste bad at all (they were blue) and I found after not having the sodium, it tasted horrible if I tried to eat it.

Good luck!! I wish I could diet and work out with y'all. My big 4-0 is coming in January and I'd like to be another 30 pounds down. (although if a certain person gets voted in as president, I wont be celebrating my birthday in January, since I would have to share it with him and I refuse to celebrate him taking office, birthday or not!!)

Sodium is a big downfall of mine. I. LOVE. SALT.

I can cut back using lemon (and actually do that quite often) but I just love the way fresh grains of salt feel on my tongue

I do mostly freshly prepared meals with a few frozen WW or Kashi meals (My favorite!!) thrown in (usually have those for breakfast )

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by jadabug

I over did it like that for over 3 years.....I have horrible joint pain now I think I wore out all my joints in my lower body. I was obsessed to say the least I think I am OCD I tend to go overboard on anything I undertake (once I get my mind made up to do it)

Thought I'd best join in - it's so rude not to!

I agree - I'm sure that doing 100 sit-ups every day (years ago) didn't help my 'degenerative disc disorder' - it took it's toll

Oh, and I'm 5'6" and weigh 154 - I guess it's just the one sausage from now on.... x

[sugarmamma]

Originally Posted by chachi

Im in Im not overweught Im only 113 lbs but I have a belly still. I need to do ab exercises mainly but Im going to jog too

Even when I had 2 small children and weighed 90 pounds, I still had a belly and butt and thighs that were disproportionate to my frame!

Originally Posted by Harrysmum

Thought I'd best join in - it's so rude not to!

I agree - I'm sure that doing 100 sit-ups every day (years ago) didn't help my 'degenerative disc disorder' - it took it's toll

Oh, and I'm 5'6" and weigh 154 - I guess it's just the one sausage from now on.... x

Only the one sausage ...or the 1 sausage, 2 rashers of bacon, fried bread and fried egg????

[sugarmamma]

PUMPKIN ~ It's not just for Yorkies any more


HG Salutes: Canned Pumpkin!



PUMPKIN. So beautiful, so orange... so delicious! Today we're giving props to our favorite form of the large squash. You know it, you love it, so throw your hands in the air for... CANNED PUMPKIN!!!



What Is It?

Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin
PER SERVING (1/2 cup): 40 calories, 0.5g fat, 5mg sodium, 9g carbs, 5g fiber, 4g sugars, 2g protein -- PointsPlus® value 0*

"LIBBY'S uses a special variety of pumpkin called 'Dickinson.' Through careful cultivation and research, [they've] ensured that all of [their] pumpkin has a delicious taste, creamy texture and pleasing orange color. Just check the label: no salt, no sugar, no flavorings or preservatives. It's just 100% Pure Pumpkin."

That's according to the Libby's folks themselves. (Well put, pumpkin people!) Sure, we COULD roast a pumpkin, scoop out the good stuff, and purée it ourselves. But we probably won't... at least not nearly as often as we like to consume it. The canned kind from Libby's is the easiest way to get pumpkin into your life, people!







Why Do We Love It?

Full of fiber - If you've been following the ongoing series of HG Salutes emails, you may have noticed that we often salute foods that are high in fiber. This is not a coincidence. High-fiber foods help to keep us feeling full and satisfied (which is kinda the whole point). The fact that today's honoree features naturally occurring, plant-style fiber is an extra-special bonus.

Loaded with nutrients - In addition to fiber, there are many other nutrients packed into this gourd. Carotenoids like beta-carotene are plentiful, as is vitamin A (each 1/2-cup serving has 300% the daily value!). Muscle-fueling potassium? Yup, got that too. Yay, pumpkin!

Delicious yet neutral - The stuff is naturally yummy with a fantastic creamy texture, but it's not that sweet on its own. Its mild taste makes it an excellent base for all sorts of flavors: cheesy, spicy, maple-y... even chocolatey! This means you can use it in SO many different recipes.



BFFs

Cake mix! Pumpkin and cake mix are almost inseparable at the HG HQ. Whether you're combining the orange stuff with spice cake for a classically seasoned pumpkin dessert or keeping it low-key with devil's food cake (no one will even know the pumpkin is there), this is a match made in HG's oven!

Pudding! Don't feel like prepping a schmancy dessert, but jonesing for something that tastes somewhat homemade? No problem -- pumpkin is very flexible (and the canned kind is already cooked). Mix some up with a sugar-free vanilla pudding snack, add some pumpkin pie spice, and dig in! (Pudding and pumpkin also join forces in our Pumpkin-licious Nog.) Not a pudding fanatic? Go for fat-free cottage cheese or fat-free yogurt with some no-calorie sweetener and vanilla extract thrown in -- an easy sweet treat with seasonal flair!

Sauce! Pumpkin works AMAZINGLY well in more than just dessert dishes. We like to add it to savory sauces to add thickness, awesome texture, and extra fiber. Whether it's a silent partner (like in this spaghetti pie recipe) or a featured artist (like in this colorful fettuccine dish), pumpkin is a GREAT add-in for sauces of all sorts!

Nemesis: Pumpkin Pie Mix! They may look similar, but these canned cuties couldn't be more different. The pie mix has more than twice the calories and over three times as much sugar as the pure stuff! People often confuse the two (thus the rivalry) -- make sure the can you grab is labeled 100% Pure Pumpkin.







Pump' It Up! Recipe Roundup

Grab a can... in fact, grab several. Pumpkin-fied recipes are comin' atcha...

The Whole Enchilada Chicken Soup - Pumpkin adds amazing texture to this swap for a soup served at Chili's. Love it!

Mr. Puffy Pumpkinhead Freezy-Cool Whoopie Pie - With all the Halloween stuff already on shelves, we got to thinking about this cutie...

Savory Pumpkin Grilled Cheese - Pumpkin in a grilled cheese sandwich. It's a thing now, people. At least in our world!

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Parfait - A dessert-inspired breakfast that we'd eat happily any time of day? This is it!

Creamy Pumpkin Faux-sotto - Just the kind of dish you'll crave when the temperature starts to drop... Is it dropping yet?

Pumpkin Pie Sundae - Like pumpkin pie a la mode... but without any actual pie. Don't worry; the flavor's ALL THERE!

Surprise, It's Pumpkin! Enchiladas - One of the best recipes to ever come out of a kitchen emergency. Pumpkin stands in for refried beans, and it ROCKS!

Old Time Rocky Road Fudge - The mashed squash works serious magic in this incredible swap. Yum, yum, and YUM!

Nicely Iced Pumpkin-Bread Muffins - Pumpkin-y baked treats with icing that won't make YOU pumpkin-shaped. HOORAY!

[Harrysmum]

+ mushrooms.....

Goodness me Lisa, of course still the rest - but a girl's got to start somewhere.... x

[sophias mommy]

OK OK It's not fair for everyone else to post their weight but not me! I'm 5'7 (and a half ) and I was 172.8 yesterday... and 171.2 today . All water weight though... but I'll take it!!! Ideally I would like to be 145, but I've only been that weight once for like a month, and I just can't maintain it. I'd be happy with 150/155

[sugarmamma]

Okay I'm off to do the mini rebounder then possibly swim laps ~ wish me luck