tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81273664689861049052010-01-07T16:54:50.430-06:00Weight Watchers and diet tidbits ... hints, tips, recipes, food finds, and more.NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.comBlogger661125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-62577628421125029182010-01-07T06:27:00.002-06:002010-01-07T06:27:00.161-06:00

On Christmas Day, my tiny tip was to eat an apple before Christmas dinner to blunt your appetite. A pretty good tip, I think, but even better now that I know the math behind it.A study from Penn State University at State College found that people who ate an apple before a meal consumed 15 percent fewer calories overall than those who didn't. It was deduced that they feel full on fewer calories

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-61141157949730749362010-01-06T06:36:00.003-06:002010-01-06T10:08:18.385-06:00

I ended yesterday's post with the sentence, "Dieting doesn't mean misery," and I truly believe that. That's not to say that I haven't had miserable days on a diet! I've had my share of them. But I've had far more fun days (discovering and preparing a new food or recipe), exciting days (a bigger loss than anticipated), and proud days (having an enjoyable, on-program dinner at a restaurant with

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-38694527390070039232010-01-05T06:37:00.003-06:002010-01-05T06:37:00.514-06:00

If you hate lettuce, forget green salads and try tomato or grain based salads. Or give up salads altogether and eat extra vegetable side dishes. If you hate green beans, pass them up and choose spinach or broccoli instead. Does chicken make you gag? No problem, you never have to eat it again; lean pork tenderloin can be substituted for chicken in just about any recipe.Make a list of the foods you

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-5539998437190826362010-01-04T06:11:00.000-06:002010-01-04T06:11:00.385-06:00

This is one that I was going to post for the holidays, but it slipped through the cracks. I haven't tried it but it sounds good. Caution: the points/calories are relatively low, but at 20 servings, the servings sizes are rather small, too, so plan accordingly.Low Fat No Bake Cheesecake PuddingLow Fat Graham Crackers8 oz. Neufchatel (1/3 Less Fat) cream cheese (softened)1 cup cold skim milk2

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-24058856298167328892010-01-03T06:29:00.000-06:002010-01-03T06:29:00.387-06:00

If there's a certain kind of cheese you love snack on but that can only be purchased as a block, take it to the deli department and ask them to slice it into thin slices. You won't be faced with a hunk of temptation every time you want a bite of cheese.

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-74359453729224289932010-01-02T06:35:00.033-06:002010-01-02T08:49:53.574-06:00

This is the time of year for Weight Watchers' traditional "Join For Free" offer. It may vary geographically, but my mailing says the offer is good until Mach 13 and is a savings of $20. Keep in mind, you'll still have to pay meeting fees, which also vary geographically. (In my area it's $12 a meeting.)WW may or may not work for you. It has worked for me in the past. I'm not crazy about the

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-62035243645649369572010-01-01T06:57:00.003-06:002010-01-01T06:57:00.269-06:00

Today resolve not to make losing weight a resolution. The word "resolution" has become a synonym for "good intentions that invariably fail."Instead, sit down, pull out a calendar, and formulate some reasonable goals. You know you want to lose weight. You have some idea (which may change as time goes on) how much you want to lose in total. So build some landmarks for yourself. Eight pounds by

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-43532825353259048552009-12-31T06:24:00.006-06:002009-12-31T06:24:00.455-06:00

Try not to look at tonight as your last (pre-back to the old diet grind) gasp. You don't really want to go into the New Year feeling bloated, unmotivated, and disgusted with yourself, do you? And, remember, alcohol clouds good judgement, and that's speaking from experience -- one glass of wine too many and I'll eat anything. Also keep in mind that liquid calories are sneaky; they creep up on you

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-31636022924835152932009-12-30T06:13:00.004-06:002009-12-30T06:13:00.177-06:00

Big Enough For 2 2-point Margarita1 can diet Sprite or Sierra Mist1 oz (2 TBS) lime juice1 ½ oz (1 jigger) Tequila2 tsp Crystal Light Lemonade Mix1 cup iceMix and shake. (If there's going to be a bar at your party, take along some Crystal Light Mix, slip it to the bartender, and ask him to make the drink for you.)1 serving: 100 calories; 2 points.2 servings: 50 calories; 1 point.

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-47763298796743077642009-12-29T06:06:00.004-06:002009-12-29T06:06:00.686-06:00

It seems that I write a lot about food, some about exercise, and very little about actual hunger. And, yes, although I'm sure I eat too much and exercise too little, I think the hunger part is where my biggest problem lies. To be more specific, I too often eat when I'm not hungry and keep eating when I'm already full.Which brings up the phrase "mindful eating." It's a bit of a vague expression,

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-73223645639457904772009-12-28T06:03:00.003-06:002009-12-28T06:03:00.762-06:00

0-point soup is a lifesaver but the WW version gets old after awhile (cabbage, anyone?). Try this for a super easy, no-brainer, 0-point soup that tastes really good. A couple of bowls of this, and you've got your veggies for the day. --2 bags of mixed 0-point frozen veggies (or use 1 bag of mixed and 1 bag of your favorite 0-point vegetable)--3 cans of low sodium chicken broth--1 can on tomato

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-63792701207585139392009-12-27T06:00:00.002-06:002009-12-27T06:00:01.097-06:00

I've written about this before but want to address it again for my new readers. I know that the word "diet" is a no-no in some circles (including the Weight Watchers circle), and you may be wondering why I use it so much.The fact is, I've always used the word "diet" as a tool. Whenever I start a serious plan to lose weight, I find my self saying the words "I'm on a diet" with relish. I know that,

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-54129227299576909782009-12-26T06:31:00.003-06:002009-12-26T06:31:00.152-06:00

If you've eaten more than you know you should have over the holidays (either by choice or by misstep), today you're probably trying to decide if it's time to get back on your diet or wait until the first of the year. January 1st, after all, is the day that most diets are started.Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:--January 1st may be the day that most diets are started

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-51862434433138658332009-12-25T06:22:00.003-06:002009-12-25T06:22:00.268-06:00

Remember, although food can be a big part of the season, it doesn’t have to be the focus. Holidays are a time to reunite with good friends and family, to share laughter and cheer, to celebrate the good things in our lives. Focus on people, not food.Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it! Wishing you the happiest and healthiest of holidays ...

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-85959196690613507252009-12-24T06:38:00.001-06:002009-12-24T06:38:00.316-06:00

Thirty minutes before your Christmas dinner eat an apple. The fiber in the apple will dull your appetite and you’ll naturally eat less.

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-5313672593257024922009-12-23T06:04:00.000-06:002009-12-23T06:04:00.677-06:00

I've run across plenty of suggestions for how to respond to people who try to push unwanted food on us, which is a always a problem, but even a bigger one during the holiday season. Through trial and error, I've finally figured out the perfect answer, which seems to work almost every time.First, you say, "No thank you, I'm on a diet."Gasp! Isn't that exactly what you're not supposed to say? It

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-7441219731269693592009-12-22T06:09:00.004-06:002009-12-22T07:22:57.792-06:00

Make this partially ahead the night before Christmas and have a warm savory breakfast casserole Christmas morning. Serve with lite english muffins and fruit and you'll have a filling breakfast for about 5 points, 250 calories.Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole1 cup broccoli, chopped (frozen)15 ounces frozen fat free potatoes O'Brien (hash browns with onions and peppers)12 eggs, beaten1/2 cup

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-63428616719315656422009-12-21T06:02:00.005-06:002009-12-21T06:02:00.704-06:00

Instead of helping in the kitchen this year at the family dinner, volunteer to keep an eye on the little ones while others cook. The kids are apt to be doing something active that you can join in with, and their holiday excitement and energy will distract you from food.

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-84517243666589298862009-12-20T06:42:00.002-06:002009-12-20T06:42:00.188-06:00

These are from last year and so gooey and yummy (and a real sweet tooth satisfier) that I had to rerun them. They would be great Christmas Eve treat -- be sure to make an extra one to leave for Santa! Cranberry S'mores 1/2 cup marshmallow creme1/2 cup dried cranberries1/4 cup semisweet chocolate morsels12 graham cracker squares (2-1/2 inches each)In a small bowl, combine marshmallow creme,

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-6980615198080395762009-12-19T06:27:00.003-06:002009-12-19T06:27:00.376-06:00

While it's good to plan ahead for holiday eating, skipping meals entirely is a bad strategy. Study after study has shown that people who eat at regular intervals think more clearly and have fewer mood swings than those who don't eat regularly. Ironically, meal skippers are more prone to weight problems because when they finally do eat, they eat the wrong foods and too much of it.Meal skippers

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-3301168995395398222009-12-18T06:34:00.004-06:002009-12-18T06:34:00.807-06:00

Cranberry Sauce with Splenda1 12-oz bag cranberries1 cup apple juice3/4 cup Splenda brand sweetenerMix all ingredients in 2-qt sauce pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower heat to medium and simmer until berries are tender, about 10 minutes. Serve warm or chill for later use. Serves 12, 1/3 cup per serving51 calories, .5 points per serving (because of fiber).

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-84854731056379163572009-12-17T06:17:00.004-06:002009-12-17T07:36:06.163-06:00

Sometimes, most of the time, we think of losing weight as subtracting food from our daily intake. But a successful diet also requires adding foods to your normal menu, including during the holiday season. More water, more fruits and vegetables, more fiber rich foods -- all of them will help you stay in control when temptation arises. They fill you up with healthy nutrients; if you eat an extra

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-31411442409105867252009-12-16T06:54:00.003-06:002009-12-16T07:12:49.946-06:00

Buy some plastic containers at the dollar store, decorate them with holiday stickers and ribbons, and give them as favors at your next family holiday party. Yes, they'll raise their eyebrows and think you've gone crazy ... until you fill the containers with party leftovers to send home with them. More for them, less for you. Who's scale is going to move down this week??

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-76087974225163808262009-12-15T06:41:00.000-06:002009-12-15T06:41:00.868-06:00

If you don't like fat-free sour cream as a substitute for regular sour cream on baked potatoes or for a base for dips, try using plain fat-free yogurt instead. Straining the yogurt in cheese cloth or a paper towel for at least 30 minutes will eliminate some of the water, giving it a rich, creamy texture closer to that of sour cream. For an even creamier texture, start with fat-free Greek

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8127366468986104905.post-4056580866282574492009-12-14T06:03:00.011-06:002009-12-14T09:24:32.451-06:00

This is a recipe from the Libby's Pumpking website (photo, too), and is a longer recipe than I usually post, but nice for the holidays. These are single serving (muffin-sized) crustless pumpkin pies that don't contain any artificial sweeteners (which can be a problem for some). Single-Serve Pumpkin Pies16 (2 1/2-inch) foil baking cupsNonstick cooking spray3/4 cup granulated sugar1 tablespoon

NinaVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15164455798248513693noreply@blogger.com0