It's All Good - UK Day 1

Mom and I would like to thank you for all the kind words and thoughts for my Grandfather.

He's doing really well.

He did have internally bleeding and it happened to be a polyp (sp) in his colon. Non-cancerous - thank god!!! This is another good reason to always follow through with your colonoscopy screening appointments!

His blood levels are great and he got the all clear on Thursday afternoon.

So, Friday morning Mom and I were finally excited for the trip.

Please check back for future posts. We'll include photos and fun details.

Mom and I arrived in London in the afternoon and could have sworn we saw Mr. Hungry. We've heard he's been sighted here, but we don't know when he's going to pop up next.

We're staying at a lovely boutique hotel right across the street from Hyde Park. Mom and Dad have visited several times, but this is my first time and I was blown away by the Albert Monument. The park alone was wonderful, it had a flower trail and even parrots just hanging out.

More soon

Heather and Paula

No Blog This Week

Dear Member Readers,

This is Heather, Paula's Daughter.

Mom and I have been spending most of our time at the hospital this weekend with my Grandfather, Bill.

He's not been feeling well for about a week. (Come to find out he hasn't been feeling well for about a month and a half......men, men, men)

My mom got on the case, you know how she is, so the doctors are getting the bottom of it.

We got a call from the doctors on Friday evening telling us to take him to the emergency room right away. His red bloods cell count was extremely low.

He's in hospital now being given blood, but he's bleeding somewhere internally. We don't know where or why.

The upside is - he's not bleeding from any major vital organs. They've narrowed their search and we are having, what we think is the final test today.

His vitals are wonderful, but he is bleeding somewhere and we want to find and solve the issue ASAP!!! Obviously.

We do not currently foresee any issue with Mom keeping this week's meeting schedule or.....our trip to the UK...

Please keep my Mom and Gpa in your thoughts,

Best wishes to you...

Heather

Food Find - Skinny Cow French Vanilla Truffle Bars

These are two points per bar and oh so delicious on a warm Summer day. A great treat for cooling down. Jessica also suggested on a previous post a fruit bar option. Check it out!

Week 22 Preview - 10 Ways To Cut Costs While Cutting Calories

We are living in a tough economic time. People are looking how they can spend every penny these days. Money spent on healthy food, is an investment on a healthier, longer life.

We will discuss tips on how to achieve the best healthy choices for your money. Eating healthy does not need to cost a fortune.

It's the end of the Spring Fever Challenge!!! Thank you to all who participated. Please provide me with your sheets this Monday and Tuesday. The prize drawings will be the following Monday and Tuesday!!!

See you this week!

Week 21 Roundup- Motivating Strategy

Remember to fill out the Motivating Strategy Activity Sheet and choose something from the "I want to" list.

Use the Motivating Strategy to imagine that you have already achieved this goal.

Visualize what you want and do this several times a week to help solidify your motivation.

It really does work!

Fitness Links

Dear Members,

Please check out the links to the right side of the blog.

I've added 1 new one link - The Yoga Workshop. Holley Bennett, instructor. She is new to Bellingham, but not new to yoga. She will be opening a location soon, but in the meantime check out her website for class locations.

I'm currently taking Yoga 1A with her. It's an 6 week course and it takes you from the basic postures and meditation - focusing on stretching and care for your body. The following sessions will increase with more movement, postures and knowledge about yoga.

We have a new option for exercise in Bellingham - Fitness Fanatics. I ran into them while walking Boulevard Park a couple weekends ago, but didn't know it was open to the public. They are a group of -fitness fanatics - and it's FREE to join. They meet in the outdoors and "...focus is always on proper form and fundamental techniques behind proven exercise philosophy". They do not currently have a website so for more info you may contact the manager Tess Whitten - Marsh at tesswm@woodstone.net and Jesse Johns at spartancampfitness@hotmail.com


I found a little article on them in the Bellingham Herald - check out www.thebellinghamherald.com look up Fitness Fanatics

Food Finds - Costco - Chicken Burgers and Chicken Sausages

Amylu Pork Free Chicken Sausages

These are an awesome sausage for barbecue

1 link is 100 calories, 4 grams of fat, 1 gram of fiber, 11 grams of protein. We grilled ours with lots of vegetables. This is a great Filling Foods Meal for the holiday weekend. 2 points per sausage!!!

Recipes on the back of the package suggest appetizers, taco salads, Mexican stir fry, or a grilled shrimp and sausage kabob.

Janet and Greta's Gourmet Chicken Burgers with Fire Roasted Vegetables

They are 200 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 0 fiber. They are a fantastic, quick, dinner idea. You can put them in the oven, on the grill or in the microwave. They come pre-cooked. Serve them in your favorite bun. We used multi-grain English muffins and lot's of vegetables.

SFC Week 8 - Final Trivia Question!!!

Name one of the healthful habits that you could use for Memorial Day and other food related events that we discussed in Week 7.

The answer will be one the white board -TUESDAY NIGHT....remember we are closed this Monday for Memorial Day.

Enjoy!!! And congratulations you have reached the final stage of the Spring Fever Challenge.

Remember those of you that have participated need to provide me with your completed challenge forms THIS TUESDAY! :) Prizes will be distributed June 7th and June 8th!!! Yah! Way To Go!!

Any feedback regarding this challenge is much appreciated. I want these to be FUN as well as challenging and motivating for YOU.

Week 21 Preview - Motivating Strategies

When members begin losing weight, their motivators and commitments are usually strong, because they have a strong sense of how they no longer want to be.

As time goes on however, many drop out of Weight Watchers before they reach their goal weight. Others regain their weight after becoming Lifetime Members.

When asked why? They often say, "I lost my motivation."

When referring to "motivation", members are speaking of whatever inspires them to do the things necessary to reach their weight goal and stay there.

While "Last Straw Incidents" are important to get started or sustaining motivation, you need to focus on the good feelings you'll get when you achieve what you do want, which inspires you to take the necessary steps to achieve it.

This the "Motivating Strategy" in Tools For Living.

This week I'll show you that your motivators and commitment level can change over time.

I'll help you discover what will motivate you now and how to use the motivating strategy tool to keep you moving towards what you want.

Week 20 - Round Up - Memorial Day Food And Fun

The habits we learn now, not only help us with the upcoming weekend, but will stay with us and become our lifestyle with just a little bit of practice.

Check out Week 4 booklet and see what habits you really need to work on. Take the quiz. Work on one habit at time. YOU CAN DO IT!