The Top 10 Signs You're a Trick or Treating Weight Watcher

10. You know how many door knocks it takes to earn an activity point. 

9. You're the only Power Ranger in the neighborhood with a pedometer and a Points finder. 

8. You ask each house if they mind if you step on their scale -- just to compare. 

7. You ask to trade candy corn for the real stuff.

6. When someone drops a candy bar in your bag, you yell out the # of POINTS!

5. Your costume has a handy water bottle holder so you can meet your water requirements for the day.

4. You ask to use the bathroom every 3rd house because of #5. 3. At the end of the night, you sort your candy by POINT value. 2. You ask for high fiber candy only. 

1. Your goodie bag has a half-filled-out journal taped to it.

0 Pts. Vegetable Soup

POINTS® Value: 0 Servings: 12 Preparation Time: 50 min Cooking Time: 13 min Level of Difficulty: Easy

Some say that this soup is the secret to their weight-loss success. It's a great midday snack or pre-meal hunger-buster.

Ingredients

• 2 medium garlic clove(s), minced
• 1 medium onion(s), diced
• 2 medium carrot(s), diced
• 1 medium sweet red pepper(s), diced
• 1 medium stalk celery, diced
• 2 small zucchini, diced
• 2 cup green cabbage, shredded
• 2 cup Swiss chard, chopped
• 2 cup cauliflower, small florets
• 2 cup broccoli, small florets
• 2 tsp thyme, fresh, chopped
• 6 cup vegetable broth
• 2 Tbsp parsley, or chives, fresh, chopped
• 1/2 tsp table salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, optional

Instructions

• Put garlic, vegetables, thyme and broth into a large soup pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low and simmer, partly covered, about 10 minutes.
  
  
• Stir in parsley or chives; season to taste with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Yields about 1 cup per serving.

Notes

• If you like thick soups, consider pureeing this recipe in the pot with an immersion blender.

Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Slow Cooker Recipe

POINTS® Value: 5 Servings: 6

Ingredients

	1 pound(s) cooked ground beef 5-7% fat
	1 small onion(s), chopped
	4 cup(s) green cabbage, chopped
	1 cup(s) water
	6 oz canned tomato paste, can
	14 1/2 oz canned diced tomatoes, can
	1/2 cup(s) ketchup
	2 Tbsp vinegar
	1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
	1 1/2 tsp table salt, fake salt
	1 item(s) bell pepper(s), chopped
	1/4 tsp Durkee Pepper, Black Ground
	1 tsp garlic powder
	1 cup(s) Minute Instant, whole grain brown rice, uncooked

Instructions

In a skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a slow cooker; add cabbage, green pepper and rice. In a bowl, combine the water and tomato paste. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour over beef mixture; mix well. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until rice and vegetables are tender.
Yield: 6 servings
5 pts each

Trying To Get The Feeling

The last two days I have not felt like I was doing well. In fact I couldn't bring myself to sit down and journal. Today I finally decided I needed to get a handle on things, so I sat down at the computer and journaled everything I ate for the last two days.

It certainly hasn't been my best piece of eating, but it hasn't been my worst either. When I tracked and counted all the pts. I discovered that I hadn't even used up my extra weekly points, I'd just been sloppy and used a few extra each day.

I need to get back into things and I need to do it soon....Ah, pressure. I never have done well when I have put myself under it. Why do I think I will do well this time?

I started this long dialog with myself last night and I was chastising myself like crazy for not paying attention and, well you all know the routine. I caught myself doing something that I thought I would never do again. I was being my very own wost enemy!

So I stopped that and tonight I am trying to remember to treat myself kindly. We all have good moments and bad. We just need to not lose sight of our ultimate goal.

Eating healthfully and exercising, and really being our own best friend!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Here is today's journal. It was a good day

Morning
6 oz Strawberry banana nonfat yogurt	1
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
2 cup(s) black coffee	0
2 slice(s) 100% Whole Wheat Bread	1
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
1 item(s) egg white(s)	0
Subtotal	2
Midday
3 oz Turkey burger	3
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
1 serving(s) Sandwich Thins	1
2 cup(s) black tea, without sugar	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
1 cup(s) mushroom, portabella, cooked	0
1 small salad	0
Subtotal	4
Evening
4 oz cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast	3.5
1/2 cup(s) mashed potatoes	2
2 Tbsp Jellied Cranberry Sauce	1
8 fl oz Green tea unsweetened with lemon	0
1 serving(s) red wine	2
1 Zucchini & Summer Squash Saute	0
Subtotal	8.5
Anytime
1 small apple(s)	1
1 bar(s) English Toffee Crunch Ice Cream	2
Subtotal	3
Food POINTS values total used	17.5
Food POINTS values remaining	1.5

Summer Squash and Zucchini Saute

This is one of our favorite recipes. In fact, I am making it tonight!

Summer Squash and Zucchini Saute

Ingredients

	1 second spray(s) PAM Cooking Spray
	1 Tbsp dried parsley
	1 tsp black pepper
	1 tsp table salt
	2 tsp ground basil
	1 cup(s) onion(s)
	3 small zucchini
	3 small yellow summer squash

Instructions

Spray pam to coat saute pan. Over medium heat saute onions until translucent. Add all other ingredients and cook until zucchini and squash are done, about 15 minutes over medium low heat.

Baked Apples

I am always trying to find good, nutritious ways to have a sweet dessert. I do love fruit, but I like things warm and oh so yummy, so here is what I did.

Maribeth's Baked Apples Pts: 2 Servings: 2 Ingredients 2 small apple(s) 2 Tbsp Splenda Brown Sugar Blend 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 cup(s) Maple Mountain Syrup Instructions Pre-heat oven 375. Core apples. Peel apples to bottom, but leave the skin on the very bottom of the apple. Place the two apples in a small Pyrex dish that has been sprayed with PAM. Fill center of apples with Splenda Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and then pour sugar free maple syrup over the top of the apples. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes or until apple is soft and done. Baste the apples several time during cooking with liquid in dish. Add 1/4 cup of fat free vanilla ice cream for an additional point!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Morning
1 item(s) egg white(s)	0
2 cup(s) black coffee	0
2 slice(s) 100% Whole Wheat Bread	1
1 Tbsp shredded fat-free cheddar cheese	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
6 oz Strawberry banana nonfat yogurt	1
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
Subtotal	2
Midday
1 serving(s) Easy Cheesy Lasagna	4
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
2 cup(s) black tea, without sugar	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
1 small salad	0
Subtotal	4
Evening
1 fillet(s) cooked haddock fillet(s)	4
1 cup(s) cooked asparagus	0
1 large potato(es), baked	3
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
1/4 cup(s) fat-free tartar sauce	1
Subtotal	8
Anytime
1 bar(s) English Toffee Crunch Ice Cream	2
Subtotal	2
Food POINTS values total used	16
Food POINTS values remaining	3

Pumpkin!

Here are some great pumpkin recipes sent to us by our leader, Pam! Thanks Pam. I love Pumpkin and can hardly wait to try these. ********** PUMPKIN FLUFF -

1 large can pumpkin 1 package sugar free instant butterscotch pudding mix 1 package sugar free instant vanilla pudding mix 3 cups skim milk pumpkin pie spice to taste Mix milk and pudding mixes with hand blender. Add pumpkin and spice; mix well. Chill 1 hour 6 Servings, 3 Points each *********** NO-COOK PUMPKIN MOUSSE - 1 can of pumpkin (15 ounce) 12 ounce carton of FF whipped topping 1 large package of sugar free instant pudding and pie mix (6 serving size)...vanilla or butterscotch 3 cups of skim milk 1tsp. ppie spice or to taste Prepare the pudding with skim milk - whip in the pumpkin and Cool Whip and you're done! Servings 12 @2pts ********** PUMPKIN MUFFINS 1 WHITE CAKE MIX OR Spice Cake Mix 1 REG SIZE CAN OF PUMPKIN 1/2 CUP WATER 1 TBS OF PUMPKIN PIE SPICE 2 TSP OF VANILLA MIX AND BAKE; 24 MUFFINS AT 2 PTS EACH. TRY WITH A LITTLE FAT FREE COOL WHIP YUMMY....use bake instructions on cake box ********** ANOTHER PUMPKIN FLUFF- 1 Cup = 1 Point 1 pkg sugar-free vanilla pudding 1 can pumpkin 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp vanilla dash nutmeg 1 pkg sweetener or 1 tsp Splenda 1 8 oz tub fat-free Cool Whip Mix together vanilla pudding, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, nutmeg & sweetener. Fold Cool Whip into pumpkin mixture - CHILL. ********** YET ANOTHER CRUSTLESS PUMPKIN PIE 15 oz canned pumpkin 12 oz fat-free evaporated milk 3/4 cup regular egg substitute 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1/2 cup Splenda Whisk all ingredients together and pour into sprayed 9 inch pie plate. Bake 15 min at 400, reduce heat to 325 and bake for additional 30-45 min 8 servings, 2 Points per serving. ********** CARROT CAKE MUFFINS - 3 Points, 14 Servings Yummy 1 box Angel Food cake mix 2 t. cinnamon 1 pkg. (1 oz.) Jello SF instant butterscotch pudding mix 1 c. shredded carrots 1 can (15 oz.) crushed pineapple in juice, un-drained 1 can (15 oz.) pure pumpkin 1/2 c. raisins Preheat oven to 350. Spray muffin tin with Pam. Mix cake mix, cinnamon, pudding mix, carrots, pineapple, and pumpkin. Fold in raisins if using. Spoon 1/2 cup batter into each muffin well. Fill any unused wells with water. Bake 50-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. ********** CRUSTLESS PUMPKIN PIE 1 - 15 oz. can solid pack pumpkin 1 - 12 oz. can fat free evaporated milk 2 egg whites egg substitute equivalent to 2 eggs 3/4 cup Splenda (or other sugar substitute) 1 tsp. Cinnamon 1/4 tsp. All Spice 1/4 tsp. Ginger 1/8 tsp. Salt 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs In mixing bowl combine the pumpkin, milk, egg substitute, egg whites and Splenda; beat until smooth. Add the spices and salt; beat until well mixed. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs. Pour into a sprayed 9" pie plate. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 - 55 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean; cool. Makes 8 servings/2 Points each

Thoughts On A Cloudy Day

This was my horoscope today:

1. Scorpio (10/23-11/21)

   Why are you in such a hurry right now? The goal you're working toward isn't going anywhere, and reaching it early isn't going to earn you any extra brownie points. Have you ever considered the fact that you have more to learn from the process of reaching your goal than from actually reaching it? You'll have to find another place to channel all of your high energy today. Hit the gym. Go dancing. Run around the block. Physical exercise will help you slow your roll.

And you know, it's right. The last week I have been rushing around thinking that if I just hurry up and work hard, I will somehow get to my goal by, say next week and my life will be perfect!

There is no perfect, is there? I wonder sometimes, why I lose sight of that. I've been going to meetings at WW now for almost two years. My first big goal was to be at my goal weight by the time I turned 50 last year. It didn't happen. I was one pound from goal. I think my body was trying to tell me to 'slow down' and 'be patient'. You would have thought I would have learned then that it isn't the actual number on the scale, but how you are working the program. After all, I'm in this for life, right?

Then I regained some weight while on Maintenance. After I got over the initial shock I sort of floundered. How do I get back on track? I knew how to get to goal, but Maintenance is hard!

It's all about choices. Choosing the right foods, the right portion size and moving my body! And for me, it's all about not putting myself under so much pressure. I didn't gain all this weight in a week and I certainly won't take it off in one week!

So, the journey continues. Day after day. Sometimes it's just meal after meal and during the real tough times, it's hour after hour. As long as you don't give up, there is still hope, still joy at the end of the day.

Cranberry Relish

Here is a recipe I got from a good friend. I love Orange/Cranberry relish during the holidays, and here is a way to have it without guilt!

Cranberry Relish

Condiment

POINTS® Value: 0 Servings: 12 (at least)

Ingredients

	12 oz cranberries
	1 medium orange(s)
	3/4 cup(s) McNeil Nutritionals SPLENDA No Calorie Sweetener
	1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Place half the cranberries and half the orange slices in food processor. Process until mixture is evenly chopped. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with remaining cranberries and orange slices. Stir in Splenda Store in refrig. or freezer.

Friday, October 16, 2009

I climbed on that stationary bike again today. Unfortunately I forgot what happens the day after you ride a bike for the first time in a while. Yes, I had sore fanny! Oh I could hardly sit on the bike! So after 10 minutes I got off and decided that I would try again tomorrow. At least I got on the bike for 10 minutes though!

Since my Hubby isn't into as many meals of fish and chicken as I would like to eat, I cooked him a steak tonight and I ate a nice chicken breast. It worked out very well.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Morning
1 muffin(s) 100 calorie English muffin	1
1 item(s) egg white(s)	0
2 cup(s) black coffee	0
1 Tbsp shredded fat-free cheddar cheese	0
6 oz Raspberry nonfat yogurt	1
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
Subtotal	2
Midday
3 oz Turkey burger	3
1 Tbsp shredded fat-free cheddar cheese	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 cup(s) black tea, without sugar	0
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
1 cup(s) tomato(es)	0
1 cup(s) unsweetened applesauce	2
1 Baked Eggplant	0
Subtotal	5
Evening
4 oz cooked chicken fillet	3.5
1 cup(s) cooked green beans	0
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
6 oz potato(es), baked	2.5
2 Tbsp canned cranberry sauce	1
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 cup(s) black tea, without sugar	0
Subtotal	7
Anytime
1 serving(s) Ritz Crackerfuls	2
1 bar(s) English Toffee Crunch Ice Cream	2
Subtotal	4
Food POINTS values total used	18
Food POINTS values remaining	1
Activity
10 min stationary bike, moderate	1
Activity POINTS values earned	1
Check off these important items daily:

Thursday, October 15, 2009

You will not believe this!

As I have admitted to many of you over time, I am just not into exercise. In fact, my standing joke has always been, "Exercise is a four letter word"!

Today however, I got up off my chair and went down stairs and climbed onto my stationary bike and for 20 minutes I biked my heart out! I came up stairs after, I felt sweaty, hot, and thirsty. I drank a large glass of liquid and sat quietly for a moment until I recovered.

Now I am just happy that I actually did it!

Morning
1 muffin(s) 100 calorie English muffin	1
1 item(s) egg white(s)	0
2 cup(s) black coffee	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
6 oz Raspberry nonfat yogurt	1
1 Tbsp shredded fat-free cheddar cheese	0
Subtotal	2
Midday
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
2 cup(s) black tea, without sugar	0
3 oz Turkey burger	3
1 serving(s) Sandwich Thins	1
1 small salad	0
Subtotal	4
Evening
6 oz cooked sweet potato	2.5
1 cup(s) cooked brussels sprouts	0
1/4 cup(s) fat-free tartar sauce	1
3 oz cooked wild atlantic salmon fillet(s)	3.5
1 large apple(s)	2
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
2 cup(s) black tea, without sugar	0
1 Baked Eggplant	0
Subtotal	9
Anytime
1 serving(s) Ritz Crackerfuls	2
Subtotal	2
Food Pts. used	17
Food Pts. remaining	2
Activity
20 min stationary bike, moderate	1
Activity Pts. earned	1

Wednesday Weigh In

I made the recipe below for Clam Chowder. It is delicious! I also took an apple, used a little bit of sugar free maple syrup and Splenda brown sugar and cinnamon and baked a nice Cortland Apple!

I'm going to try to eat only one or two beef meals this week and eat more fish and chicken. As I like fish and chicken a lot it won't be too hard.

I also want to include more fruit. I love vegetables, but I don't always get my fruit in, so I need to pay attention to that.

Here's my journal.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Morning
1 serving(s) Fiber One Raisin Bread	2
1 Tbsp reduced-fat peanut butter	2
1 tsp jelly	0.5
2 cup(s) black coffee	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
Subtotal	4.5
Midday
2 Tbsp fat-free Italian salad dressing	0
1 serving(s) Sandwich Thins	1
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
2 cup(s) black tea, without sugar	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
6 large olive(s)	1
3 oz Turkey burger	3
1 small salad	0
Subtotal	5
Evening
2 Tbsp fat-free Italian salad dressing	0
2 cup(s) black tea, without sugar	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
1 Recipe Renovation: New England Clam Chowder	5
1 small salad	0
Subtotal	5
Anytime
1 small apple(s)	1
1 bar(s) English Toffee Crunch Ice Cream	2
Subtotal	3
Food Pts used	17.5
Food Pts remaining	1.5

New England Clam Chowder

This is what's for dinner tonight

Ingredients

	1 tsp vegetable oil
	2 slice(s) Louis Rich Turkey Bacon, diced
	1 small onion(s), finely diced
	3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
	1 cup(s) fat-free skim milk
	3 1/2 cup(s) canned clam juice
	2 medium potato(es), peeled and diced
	10 1/2 oz canned clams, and juice
	1 tsp thyme, chopped
	2 tsp parsley, chopped
	1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
	1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

• Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Sauté bacon and onion until onion is very soft. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Very gradually whisk in milk and clam juice. Bring to a simmer, add potatoes. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender.
  
  
• Stir in clams, their juice, thyme and parsley. Bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper; serve. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per person = 5 pts.

Busy Day

Today was a hectic day and I didn't come close to sing up all my points. I know, bad me. I'll do better tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Morning
1 muffin(s) 100 calorie English muffin	1
1 item(s) egg white(s)	0
2 cup(s) black coffee	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
Subtotal	1
Midday
1/4 cup(s) water-packed tuna fish, drained	1.5
6 large olive(s)	1
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
2 cup(s) black tea, without sugar	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 Tbsp fat-free Italian salad dressing	0
1 small salad	0
Subtotal	2.5
Evening
3 oz cooked scallops	2
4 oz boiled potato(es), with salt	1.5
1 cup(s) cooked carrots	1
1/4 cup(s) fat-free tartar sauce	1
Subtotal	5.5
Anytime
1 bar(s) English Toffee Crunch Ice Cream	2
1 serving(s) Ritz Crackerfuls	2
Subtotal	4
Food Pts used	13
Food Pts remaining	6

Getting Psyched

I have been trying to imagine myself in a skimpy bikini on my trip and so far that horrific picture has kept me on track. (giggles!)

Today was a good day. I kept busy, ate nourishing foods and only twice did I think about blowing it. I was able to stop myself, but I have to tell you, that cheese sitting in my fridge right now is a real temptation!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Morning
1 muffin(s) 100 calorie English muffin	1
1 item(s) egg white(s)	0
2 cup(s) black coffee	0
6 oz Raspberry nonfat yogurt	1
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
Subtotal	2
Midday
1/2 cup(s) water-packed tuna fish, drained	3
2 cup(s) black tea, without sugar	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
1 small salad	0
1 Sweet Potato Fries	2
Subtotal	5
Evening
3 oz cooked lean pork	3.5
1/2 cup(s) mashed potatoes	2
1/2 cup(s) unsweetened applesauce	1
1/2 cup(s) canned green peas	0.5
2/3 cup(s) Small Whole Pearl Onions, Frozen	0
2 cup(s) black tea, without sugar	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
1/2 cup(s) cooked cubed butternut squash	1
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
Subtotal	8
Anytime
1 bar(s) English Toffee Crunch Ice Cream	2
Subtotal	2
Food Pts used	17
Food Pts. remaining	2

Back on 'Track'

I was back on track today, both with my eating and with my journaling. It felt good to be "thinking" again, in a calm and rational manner about the foods I was eating.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Morning
2 cup(s) black coffee	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
1 item(s) egg white(s)	0
1 muffin(s) 100 calorie English muffin	1
6 oz Raspberry nonfat yogurt	1
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
1/8 large cantaloupe	0.5
Subtotal	2.5
Midday
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
2 cup(s) black tea, without sugar	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
1 oz cooked trimmed beef round steak or roast	1.5
1 Tbsp fat-free blue cheese dressing	0.5
1 oz fat-free blue cheese dressing	0.5
6 large olive(s)	1
1 small salad	0
Subtotal	3.5
Evening
1/4 cup(s) fat-free tartar sauce	1
1 serving(s) Cranberry Juice Sugar Free	0
2 cup(s) black tea, without sugar	0
6 packet(s) Fiber	0
2 serving(s) Land O Lakes Creamer	0
1 fillet(s) cooked haddock fillet(s)	4
4 oz boiled potato(es), with salt	1.5
1/2 cup(s) canned green peas	0.5
1/2 cup(s) cooked cubed butternut squash	1
1 small salad	0
Subtotal	8
Anytime
1 serving(s) Ritz Crackerfuls	2
1 bar(s) English Toffee Crunch Ice Cream	2
Subtotal	4
Food Pts used	18
Food Ptsremaining	1

Good Morning

Hi Everyone,

I am so sorry that I have not been around for the last week. Friends from Australia came for leaf season, and I suddenly found myself doing all the touristy things that people from all over the world do, when they visit the Lakes Region of our state in October.

To catch you up, I have not done particularly well during their visit, but...my wonderful husband surprised me with a cruise for my "birthday, Christmas and whatever" present.

What does this mean? It means that if I dare to show my body in a bathing suit, I must get my eating plan together and I have 65 days to lose 7 pounds!

Think I can do it?

Well, stay tuned and I will post my journal again, as well as a few recipes.

Pumpkin Pie

	Ingredients: For Crust 2 cups Fiber One bran cereal (original) 1/4 cup light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like Brummel & Brown); melted & mixed with 1 oz. water 3 tbsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, granulated 1 tsp. cinnamon For Filling One 15-oz. can pure pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling) One 12-oz. can evaporated fat-free milk 3/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, granulated 1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters) 1/4 cup sugar-free maple syrup 1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. salt Optional Topping: Fat Free Reddi-wip Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a blender or food processor, grind Fiber One to a breadcrumb-like consistency. Combine crumbs with all other crust ingredients. Stir until mixed well. In an oven-safe 9-inch pie dish sprayed lightly with nonstick spray, evenly distribute mixture, using your hands or a flat utensil to firmly press and form the crust. Press it into the edges and up along the sides of the dish. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients for the filling. Mix well. Pour mixture into pie crust. (Filling may be taller than the crust -- trust us, this is okay!) Bake pie in the oven for 45 minutes, and then remove it and allow to cool. Chill in the fridge for several hours (for best results, chill overnight). Cut into 8 slices, and if you like, top with Reddi-wip before serving! MAKES 8 SERVINGS
	Serving Size: 1 slice Calories: 133 Fat: 3g Sodium: 236mg Carbs: 28g Fiber: 9g Sugars: 8g Protein: 6g POINTS® value 2*