week twelve

I've dropped below the 22 points per day plan to 20 points per day. That's the lowest you can go. I add points of course with exercise. I didn't realize though that there is a limit to the amount of points you can add through exercise. Last night the Weight Watchers leader said that limit was 4 points per day. I'll have to look that up in my Getting Started book. I don't recall reading that before. I have been adding 2 points per day just by walking at a moderate pace on the treadmill. My back is getting better and I will resume running this week (I race again on the 14th) and add another 1 or 2 points giving me a total of 23-24 points per day. That's sufficient for me. Even 20 is sufficient if I didn't exercise but I know that's not good.

I was really hoping to have lost 2 lbs. at weigh in last night but fell short by .2 lb. (lost 1.8). That would have earned me my 4th 5 lbs. I'll do that next week. It was that time of the month so maybe that had something to do with it.

5 Fast, No-Fuss Ways to Eat Smarter

Who says healthy eating has to be work? Here are some super-fast, incredibly easy ways to fill up on foods that are good for you.

1. Get sneaky. That is, sneak fruits and vegetables — excellent sources of disease-fighting vitamins, fiber, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals — into the foods you already eat. Top off your morning cereal or yogurt, for example, with blueberries, peaches and the like. Add finely chopped carrots, broccoli and kale to pasta sauces, meat loaf, soups and salads. (Hint: Buy them ready-cut at your supermarket.)
   While you're at it, experiment with exotic fruits, such as papaya, mango, melon and fresh pineapple. Tropical fruits are especially potent sources of antioxidants.
2. Check your iron intake. Iron helps carry oxygen to the blood and deliver it to cells. Without enough iron on board, you're apt to feel sluggish and fatigued. But consult with your physician first to evaluate your iron stores, because too much of a good thing can be just as bad for you. To up your iron intake if needed, consume a vitamin C-rich food, such as orange or tomato juice, with meals. If there's iron in any of the other foods you're eating, you'll increase your body's iron absorption two to four times.
3. Drink vegetable juice. Besides offering disease-fighting nutrients, most vegetable juices are blends, so they provide more unique combinations of vegetables that you might not otherwise eat. A varied diet maximizes your body's arsenal of health-promoting nutrients.
   Milk those calcium moments. Choose calcium-fortified juice instead of the regular version — you'll get as much calcium (300 milligrams) as you would in a glass of milk (although milk has more nutrients, particularly vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium). Make oatmeal and other hot cereals with skim milk instead of water, and switch to skinny lattes (2/3 skim milk, 1/3 strong coffee) instead of regular coffee.
4. Don't bypass beans at the salad bar. They're an underrated source of disease-fighting fiber, as well as a great source of iron, protein and folate, the last of which is especially important for women of child-bearing age. Studies show that a diet high in fiber can even help keep your weight in check.Use canned, rinsed beans in salads, and incorporate them into soups, stews and sauces.
5. Choose fish. The average American eats fish about once a week. But two to three times a week is better — so why not grill some up, or make a filet in minutes in your broiler pan? Fish, especially coldwater fish like salmon, is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid, the heart-healthy fat that helps lower LDL (or "bad") cholesterol. Eating more fish may also reduce your cancer risk and even lower your blood pressure.

Quick-Fix Lunches

Need some ideas for preparing speedy yet satisfying meals to bring to the office?

Look no further. Check out these best time-saving tips. They're quick, creative and make saying "no" to those leftover muffins and doughnuts in the boardroom a piece of cake.

Stock up. Buy precut vegetables or prepare your own and store them in the fridge (keep in plastic bags or containers, and add a touch of water to vegetables like carrots and celery to retain crispness). Then you'll have easy, last-minute additions for wraps, salads and sandwiches.
Plan for leftovers. If you're having baked chicken on Monday night, cook a few extra breasts for use in a low-fat chicken salad sandwich Wednesday and a grilled chicken salad on Wednesday night.

Shred away. Already shredded, low-fat cheese adds quick protein to bagged salad mixes and makes homemade pita pizzas a snap to prepare.

Try potluck. Dice up any leftover cooked chicken, meat or fish and cooked or fresh vegetables from dinner to whip up creative "garbage" salads and wraps for lunch during the week.

Keep basics handy. Already cooked rice or pasta stashed in the fridge can be turned into quick, delicious lunches when tossed with cheese, vegetables and your favorite light dressing.

twelfth meeting

All (4) were accounted for last night with a total weight loss of 5.6. I personally lost 1.9 boosting my total to 19.8! Missed that 4th 5 lb. mark by .2 ;~( NEXT WEEK!

I did find out that you get a special charm for your keyring when you attend your 16th meeting so I'm looking forward to that.

I WON!

Well, I ran the (5K) race this morning (thank you Dr. Allen!) and actually WON my division. I got a tshirt, a bunch of fruit, bottled water (like everyone else) AND a COOL plaque and ball cap. I couldn't believe it!

It was SO much easier than the 5K I ran last fall (my first) even though I've been down with a back injury and haven't run for a week. But when you stop and think about it, I'm 18 lbs. liter than I was then. That's like running a race holding 2 gallons of milk (and then some), but THIS time I ran WITHOUT the milk!

It was GREAT. I wouldn't say a breeze, I did have to work, but SO much easier than in the fall!

I'll run another 5K next month...

week eleven

This morning I hit a new low. I'm in the 140s now and what that means is that I not only dropped some more pounds (YEAH!), I also drop 2 points on the Flex Plan. I can eat 20 points per day now plus any activity points I earn.

Today I will earn 2 activity points for walking on the treadmill for 1 hour.

I had a back injury last week and haven't run for a week (since a week ago yesterday). I've been seeing the chiropractor and still plan to run the race on Saturday although I know it will be tough not having run in a week. OK, maybe I'll walk some of it but I WILL finish! I haven't been doing my situps or working with the weights either but we'll get back to that as soon as the back is better - promise!

eleventh meeting

Well, last night it was time to resign again. I didn't know how many of my friends would show but was surprised, thinking that there would only be 3 of us, that there will be 4 for this session. I was going to sign up for a special 17 week session that costs $9.00 per week that they have been advertising but that doesn't start for another 3 weeks so I would have to pay $12.00 per week for the next 2 weeks -- that's no savings. Plus, they wouldn't let me use a $3.00 coupon I had -- that can only be used on a 10 week sign up. So, I signed up for another 10 week session and used my $3.00 coupon! I thought the 17 week session would get me through to maintaining - you know, 11 weeks to lose the additional 13 lbs. I need to lose and then you have to maintain your "ideal" weight for 6 weeks to earn your lifetime status. So, I'll probably have to do another 10 weeks after this to reach lifetime -- that's my goal anyhow.

Now, about the meeting last night. 4 of us total lost 5 lbs. I personally lost 2.2 boosting my grand total to 18! The group total is 108.7. My friend (we'll call her Victoria) and I both reached our 10% goal. Weight Watchers awards you with a very nice keyring when you reach that goal and when you reach your ultimate goal you get a charm to go on your keyring (I think it's a star) and when you reach lifetime status you get another charm (I think it's a key). Another friend of my (Patricia) lost her second 5 lbs.

You may remember back in the very beginning (at the first meeting) we all put in $3.00 and I purchased a gift bag from Bath & Body Works for the person who lost the most in 10 weeks. Well, I won the gift bag ;~) seemed kind of weird since I went and picked it out and all - but the whole thing wasn't my idea anyway.

I've got 2 lbs. to go to reach my 4th 5 lbs. Maybe next week? Probably not. I have found that when you have a really, really good week like 2.2 lbs. it is usually followed by a slower week of losing like .6 or so. We'll see...

smoothielicious (a made up word)

1 cup of strawberries
1/2 of a peach
1/4 of a banana
3 oz. Minute Maid Light Mango Tropical
5 - 7 ice cubes

In a blender, combine strawberries, banana and peaches and blend until pureed. Add in the juice and ice and blend to desired consistency. Enjoy! Makes 1 serving with about 90 calories, 1g fat, 21 carbs, 5g fiber and 1.5g protein. only 1 POINT! Add Splenda if you like your smoothies extra sweet.

the 4 most flattering bathing suits

If you're like me, you're still wearing the same swimsuit you've worn for years. The tried and true may feel comfortable, but it's a good idea to take a fresh look at what style is most flattering for your current shape, especially if you've lost weight recently. There is no universal swimsuit style that is right for everyone. That's because everyone has different features that they want to maximize or minimize. You want to make the most of what you have so find the features you're most comfortable with, and accent them.

Here are four flattering swimsuit styles that you might want to consider:

Color blocks: Suits designed with blocks of color help draw attention toward the body part you're most proud of (and away from areas you're not). For example, a suit with a bold strip of magenta across the chest highlights the bustline, and a block of darker color around the hips diverts attention away from that area. Or, if you want to draw attention to your toned legs, choose a suit with a bright block of tangerine or cobalt on the lower part of the suit and a darker shade above.

A neckline that suits you: Your body type should determine the neckline you choose. For example, swimsuits with a V neck draw the eye upward to your face while it also lengthens the torso. If you have broad shoulders, a U neck suit softens them. If you have beautiful shoulders that you'd like to highlight, choose a halter-top swimsuit.

Bold prints: With all the gorgeous swimsuit colors available, it's a shame to hide behind basic black. True, black conceals. But if you like bold summertime florals, go ahead—as long as the flowers aren't bigger than your fist, they'll look great. A suit with gathered fabric across the waistline can create the illusion of an hourglass figure in a woman who would like to look curvier. Also, shirred fabric can hide bulges.

Two-piece suits with style: If you'd love to wear a two-piece but wouldn't feel comfortable in a bikini, try a tankini — a tank top that brushes the hips and a fitted bottom that comes up to the navel or above — or an Esther Williams-type two-piece with a high-waisted bottom and a full-coverage top.

No matter what you choose, you can tie your outfit together with a beautiful sarong. Choose a color or pattern that either matches or complements your suit. It will make you look even prettier as you relax by the pool or at the beach this summer.

5 slimming haircuts

Got the beauty blahs? Changing your hairstyle is a simple cure. When you're on your way to reaching your weight-loss goal, a new hairdo is a quick and easy way to freshen up your look—and boost your confidence. So how do you know what hairstyle will flatter you the most? Read on…

Fringe Benefit: Add layers to your hair. It softens a round or square face. Layers add movement and shape to hair. A shag shape flatters any face because it breaks up the hair. Everyone can wear this style. The key lies in where the layers are cut. If someone has glasses, for example, don’t fringe at the edge of the eye but further back at the temple. Shorter layers near the cheekbone line will highlight your natural bone structure.

Go Shorter: Think you want long tresses like Demi Moore? Think again. Shorter hair looks best on fuller faces. When it's too long, it can drag your face down and actually bring attention to the features you don't want to emphasize. How short is too short? That depends on the length of your neck. The longer the neck, the shorter you can go. Otherwise, stick to the collarbone rule. Cut hair at the collarbone, then put layers in between the nose and lips to pop it up. This style will off your lips, making you look sleeker.

Add Color: Subtle highlights brighten up any face. If you're a brunette, don't be afraid to add a touch of a lighter, but complementary, hue. Just wear the highlights further back, away from your face. Color instantly brings dimension to flat hair.

Stay Clear of Bangs: Thick bangs may be in, but even wispy bangs are hard to wear. They cut into the frame of your face. Instead, pull your hair away from your face and even add more height. It will elongate your face.

Pay Attention to that Part: Go with your natural part (where your hair falls on its own). However, depending on your face's shape, you might want to fuss with Mother Nature. A heart-shaped face should steer away from a center part. A rounder, fuller face too can wear it to the side, for a more elegant look. And if you want height? Part it on the side opposite your natural part.

7 ways to change your body without surgery

It's no secret that people are willing to go to amazing lengths in the name of looking good. Some folks spend thousands and willingly expose themselves to invasive surgery (liposuction) and botulism (Botox) just so they can be happier with the person they see in the mirror every morning. Fortunately, you don't have to run to a plastic surgeon waving your credit card just to obtain a flatter tummy, a tighter butt or a brighter smile. Here are 7 simple, inexpensive and relatively painless ways you can improve your body without going under a knife.

1. Start an abdominal routine. Take five minutes before your morning shower to crank out two or three sets of 15 abdominal crunches (knees bent). If you do them faithfully every other day, you'll noticeably tighten up your midsection and improve your overall mobility.
2. Use the stairs at your home or job (instead of taking the elevator). Taking the stairs strengthens all the major muscle groups in your lower extremity. Hamstrings, glutes, quads and calves are all going to reap that benefit and as a side bonus, you'll also burn a calorie for every 15 steps.
3. Do wall slides and lunges before bed. Both exercises will help firm your major lower-body muscle groups, such as glutes, quads and hamstrings. Start with wall slides — stand with your back against the wall and your feet 12 to 18 inches in front of you, then slide down the wall until your thighs are parallel to the ground, and come back up. Do two sets of 15. Finish with lunges — start by taking a giant step forward with one leg, then lower into lunge position until the knee on your opposite leg almost touches the ground. Make sure the knee of your standing leg does not go out beyond your toe. Push through the front heel to raise back up. Do two sets of 15 with one leg, then two sets with the opposite leg.
4. Use body-shaping undergarments. Only grandmas wear girdles — modern women wear "control-top" panties, nylons or tights. Of course they serve exactly the same purpose, and are a great, inexpensive way to instantly flatten your stomach and to smooth and shape your butt.
5. Drink plenty of water. At minimum, you should consume six 8-ounce glasses of water or water-based beverages every day. All fluids that are non-alcoholic and caffeine-free count toward water intake, as do foods such as fresh produce, yogurt and soup. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, constipation and tooth decay, and it can prevent us from burning as many calories per day as we would with adequate fluids. Being well-hydrated helps our bodies function optimally and improves our looks, including our skin.
6. Only wear flat-front pants. Pleats are a no-no for so many reasons, so put them in a box for your next Salvation Army drop-off. Besides being a hopelessly unstylish relic of the 1980's, pleats create unnecessary puffiness around your mid-section — not the best area to draw attention to if you have something to hide.
7. Splurge on a new haircut. What better way to focus attention away from your figure and toward your bright smile than with a hip new hairstyle? Talk to a stylist about cuts that complement your face. There are also online makeover sites that will let you upload your photo and try on new 'dos.

check it out!

Are you the kind of person who needs someone else to motivate you to exercise? Looking for a local pal to work out with? Check out Exercisefriends.com. Just type in your zip code and dozens of potential workout partners in your area will pop up. (actually – YOU might find dozens, I didn’t fine any in my zip code, maybe because I live in the sticks!) Anyhow, find a bowling buddy, a tennis friend, or someone to hike with. It's totally free, too, so you've got nothing to lose (except maybe a size or two). Awesome idea!

Recent studies show that your diet can improve your appearance, and what you eat affects the way you look. Good fats found in walnuts and seafood fight wrinkles. Foods packed with Vitamin A, like butternut squash, carrots & cantaloupe, help block UV radiation. Vitamins C & E, found in broccoli & citrus fruits encourage collagen formation (which keeps you younger looking). To avoid breakouts, steer clear of refined carbs. If you give your diet a makeover, your face may get one, too! 

OK, so many of you have asked for some MORE before and after pictures, here they are. Here's me before Weight Watchers... 

...and here's me now - I've always wanted to be a blond! 

week ten

One of the things I have learned from the Dr. Phil book I'm reading is that it is NOT all about how I "feel" and I've found that to be true at the Weight Watchers meetings as well.

Some weeks I will go to weigh in and I will "feel" really, really thin, but when I get on the scale, I've only lost like .6 lb. and then other weeks (like last night) I "feel" really, really fat but when I get on the scale, I've lost like almost 2 lbs.

So, IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT HOW YOU FEEL! Sometimes when you're having a FAT day and you "feel" really, really, really FAT -- DON'T GIVE UP. You're probably doing just fine. Just keep up the good work and remember...

IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT HOW YOU FEEL!

reasons to build muscle

1. Muscle blasts bulges. On your body, fat is shaped like a scoop of ice cream, while lean muscle is shaped like a carrot. Viva la veggies!
2. It boosts your metabolism. Building muscle helps you burn more calories no matter what else you're doing. Muscle burns 4 times as many calories as fat. All the time, everyday!
3. It helps your bones stay strong. Research shows that building muscle is a smart way to bone up (and build up!) your bones.
4. It gives you courage. Strong body = fearless attitude. (Ask for that raise! Wear that bathing suit!)
5. It keeps you young and smart. Studies show people who exercise regularly can live longer and have greater brain power.
6. It allows you to indulge in some of your favorite "forbidden" foods, once in a while. You'll burn off those calories. It's empowering!
7. It makes you happy. When you exercise, the brain releases "feel good" hormones called endorphins, giving you a natural "high."
8. It's cheap and easy. You can burn around 40 to 50 extra calories by just walking around the supermarket 15 minutes before you start your grocery shopping. No gym fee! Nice view.

tenth meeting

2 were unaccounted for last night. Of the 7 that attended, 6.6 lbs. were lost for a total now of 103.7 lbs. -- that's almost like a WHOLE PERSON! 1 in our group lost her second 5 lbs. and 2 (me included) lost their third 5 lbs.!

A couple of weeks ago I took my 13 year old daughter to one of the meetings (preventively medicine) and last night she actually wanted to go back -- she said it was a lot of fun!

I did it...

my third 5 pounds! for a total of 16.2 lbs. in 9 weeks! .8 lb. to make my first goal of 10%.

week nine

I've worked my way up from 22 points per day to 26 (when I include my exercise points). By the end of this week, if my running continues to increase as it should, I will be enjoying 27 points per day. However, as my weight drops, about 3 pounds from now, I will lose 2 points - that's a bag of mixed feelings - mostly all good though.

As the points system refines itself, I continue to refine my food choices, striving to make better and better choices every day. To this point I have occasionally given you sample menus, let me share with you what was "on the menu" yesterday. Although I stayed within my 26 points, I ate JUNK and didn't feel very good about it at the end of the day. But like it or not, these are the choices I made.

BREAKFAST
Yogurt - 2 points
1/2 cup Go Lean - 1.5 points
(not too bad)

SNACK
10 baby carrots - 0 points
1 York peppermint patty - 1.5 points

LUNCH (this is where things started to go bad)
grand decaf non-fat latte - 3 points
8 oz. Marble Slab sugar free, fat free, frozen yogurt - 3 points

SNACK
1 cup grapes - 1 point
1/2 Slim Bear - 1 point

DINNER (getting worse)
1 hot dog - 3 points
1 hot dog bun - 2 points
15 fat free Pringles - 1 point
mustard - 0 points
steamed veggies - 0 points

SNACK
1/2 cup fat free, sugar free pudding - 1 point
fat free Cool Whip - 1 point
8 Nilla Wafers - 3 points
1 banana - 2 points

Today is going to be a better day...

that STUPID scale!

I got on my old, trusty digital scale this morning (like I do every morning - NO, I'm not a slave to it, just curious) and it said I weighed 3 lbs. MORE that I did yesterday! I thought, "NO WAY!" There is no way I could weigh 3 lbs. more than yesterday - not even 2!

So, I got off (with disgust I might add) and decided to get back on and see what it would do.

Well, when I got back on, it said I weighed 1 lb. LESS than yesterday. Ok, I'm thinking - make up your mind. That was nice but I really did feel kind of fat this morning so I didn't think THAT was right either.

So I got off, reset it again and got back on and guess what, 2 lbs. more than yesterday. So I got back in bed ;~]

A little while later, I got up, got back on the scale and it said the same thing as yesterday.

I don't know who is more whacked out me or that scale.

ninth meeting

Well, it's spring break, what can I say, only 4 of the 9 of us were in town - unfortunately, I was one of them. I had hoped to lose my 3rd 5 lbs. this week but only lost 1.2 (I'm not complaining) and fell short of the goal by .4 lb. Well, there's always next week. .4 lb. to my 3rd 5 lbs. and 2.4 lbs. to my first 10%. Yippe!

The 4 of us that attended the meeting tonight lost 2.8 total. Not a very good week I know but I'm always happy as long I'm losing and not gaining! I've been gaining for the past 24 years and I've just figured out that I don't want to do that any more.

Jell-O Pudding Cups - Sugar Free

Jell-O Pudding Cups - Sugar Free

(60 Calories, 1.5g Fat, 13 Carbs, 0g Sugar, 1g Fiber, 2g Protein)

"Not to be confused with the regular old Fat Free Jell-O Pudding Cups. These are different. For starters, they're SUGAR free, not FAT free, but the most important difference is that each delicious little cup contains just 60 calories, instead of 100. That means you can either have one as a 60 calorie snack, or snazz it up with a small handful of crushed Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs snacks (and a little fat free whipped cream), and STILL keep your treat at about 100 calories. How awesome is that?!" Promo from Jell-O

I haven't tried them yet but they sound good and "as is" only 1 point! They are on the grocery list ;~)

banana pudding, my indulgence.

I love banana pudding!

And I've found a way to make it taste good with relatively few points. It still has 7 points though, so if banana pudding isn't "your thing" like it is mine, you probably won't want to splurge 7 points on it. However, if it is, here goes...

1/2 cup sugar free pudding made with fat free milk - 1 point
1/4 cup fat free Cool Whip - 1 point
1 banana - 2 points - that's actually good for you
8 regular 'Nilla Wafers - 3 points - I tried the reduced fat ones, you only save a point and they're NOT worth it!

That's a dessert nice enough to write home about (or a post on a blog).

The Ultimate Weight Solution

Well, I bought the book from a fellow Ebayer, $8.94 including shipping - not bad. Let's see what it has to say.

Fat Free Pringles 

did you know?

The potato chip was invented in 1853 and has been America's number one snack food for more than 50 years.

"Fat Free Pringles contain half the calories of regular potato chips, and they taste great too! They come in both Original and Sour Cream & Onion flavors. With zero fat and fewer calories, you'll never miss what's missing." ~ That's the promo from their website.

I have had these and eat them whenever I really get a hankering for potato chips (which is not too often but sometimes with lunch) and they really are good. I don't think I would be able to tell them from the original full fat version. I try not to eat them too often though (I don't make it a daily event - maybe once a week) because of the high sodium content.

By the way, 15 chips = 1 point. Pretty good!

week eight

Many of my cohorts are fearing this week because, as we all know, it is SPRING BREAK week! "There's no need to fear, Underdog is here!" No, not Underdog, Blogger Friend. I'm going to try to be an encouragement to them and to myself and make this week a GREAT WEEK. If I could only get back down to Perry's and do a little walking on the beach...

I hope to lose at least 1.6 lbs. this week. That will put me up to my 3rd 5 lbs.! AND, if I can lose up to 2 lbs. the next week, then I will have lost my 1st 10%! That would be a real treat! We'll see.

buffet strategies

Q: What is the best way to tackle a restaurant buffet?
A: Stop, look and listen to your stomach!

In other words, don't take a morsel until you've looked over all of your options and determined which foods really appeal to you. This way, you're less likely to fill up your plate halfway through the buffet only to realize that a few of your favorite foods are at the other end of the table. Once you've eyed all of the goods, try the following tactics:

• Make sure not to arrive on a totally empty stomach. A little food in your belly should help squash uncontrollable temptations.
• Fill up your plate with a respectable amount of healthy foods: fresh vegetable sticks, lightly dressed salads, shrimp cocktail, freshly carved turkey breast, fruit. Then round out your plate with a few foods that you cannot, or would not, make for yourself but that you enjoy. For instance, would you like to have an ordinary baked potato and eat the whole thing, or would you rather splurge on a few spoonfuls of praline-topped mashed sweet potatoes?
• Sit and digest for 10 minutes before you go back for round two. It takes a while for your body to know it's full.
• Scratch the I-must-eat-my-money's-worth attitude. Yes, it's an all-you-can-eat buffet, but if you go overboard, the physical (and for some, the emotional) cost of going off your plan can be costlier than the value of any uneaten food.
• Consider ordering à la carte. Although your meal may end up costing as much as — or even more than — the buffet, you're paying a premium for built-in portion control.
• If sweets are your weakness, plan for them in advance with smart planning and by engaging in extra physical activity. Pick out your favorite dessert or two but make sure to cut each item in half at the buffet table, or ask the server to slice it smaller for you — mega pieces of cake often lurk at buffet tables.

Angel Lush with Pineapple

Angel Lush with Pineapple

Made this for Easter - GREAT! 1/8 = 4 points; 1/10=3 points

Recipe Rating: Prep Time: 15 min Total Time: 1 hr 15 min Makes: 10 servings

1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1 can (20 oz.) DOLE Crushed Pineapple in Juice, undrained
1 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
1 pkg. (10 oz.) round angel food cake
10 small fresh strawberries
MIX dry pudding mix and pineapple with juice in medium bowl. Gently stir in whipped topping.
CUT cake horizontally into 3 layers. Place bottom cake layer, cut side up, on serving plate; top with 1-1/3 cups of the pudding mixture. Cover with middle cake layer and additional 1 cup of the remaining pudding mixture. Top with remaining cake layer; spread top with the remaining pudding mixture.
REFRIGERATE at least 1 hour. Top with strawberries just before serving. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.

Tips:
Great Substitute Prepare as directed, using JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Reduced Calorie Pudding & Pie Filling and COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping.
How To Cut the Angel Food Cake Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motion to easily cut the angel food cake.

Nutrition (per serving)
Calories 160
Total fat 1.5g
Saturated fat 1g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 360mg
Carbohydrate 37g
Dietary fiber 1g
Sugars 33g
Protein 2g
Vitamin A 0%DV
Vitamin C 20%DV
Calcium 4%DV
Iron 2%DV

magazine article

I was reading a magazine article called, "Diet Secrets From Around the World" and found the overriding theme to be fresh fruits and vegetables. Here are some parts of the article I found interesting:

France - "The French eat everything, but in small portions...Deprivation is the mother of failure. They slow down, savor each bite, eating less...They drink a lot of bottled water (oh, I must be French) The don't snack."

Okinawa - These islanders stay trim and fit...thanks to a diet of low-cal vegetables and high-protein soy. They have small meals...at six regular intervals throughout the day. They don't stuff themselved...eating until they're 80% full.

Tropics - Spices like cumin, nutmed and ginger, as well as tropical fruits such as mango, papaya and key lime keep a sensible diet interesting.

Greece - They fill up on lots of fruits and vegetables, save meat for special occasions, use healthy oils and walk a lot (maybe I'm Greek). The emphasis is on fresh whole foods. They use olive oil. They get lots of fiber.

eighth meeting

Last night the group lost 11.2 lbs. total, with four unaccounted for (two were out of town), for a grand total of 94.3, and I personally lost 1.4 lbs. which was GREAT I thought for the time of the month it is ;~[

pop 'till you drop...

Jolly Time Healthy Pop, 94% Fat-Free Caramel Apple - 5 cups (34g): 110 calories, 2g fat, 23 carbs, 6g fiber, 4g protein
Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop Butter Mini Bags - 1 Bag (35g): 110 calories, 2g fat, 24 carbs, 4g fiber, 3g protein
Jolly Time Minis Healthy Pop Kettle Corn - 1 Bag (34g): 90 calories, 2g fat, 23 carbs, 8g fiber, 3g protein
Jolly Time Minis Healthy Pop Butter Flavor - 1 Bag (34g): 90 calories, 2g fat, 23 carbs, 9g fiber, 3g protein
Healthy Choice Butter Flavor Popcorn - 6 cups (37g) - 120 calories, 3g fat, 25 carbs, 5g fiber, 4g protein