WW (Weight Watchers) Chat #202: A Fresh Perspective

WW News December 2020:

Many areas of the country have returned to limited or no in person workshops as of now. East TN has Wellness Check-Ins in several locations and will remain virtual for now. Check Connect or ask your coach for more information
The Personal Assessment that you take when first updating to WW My Way+ is a ONE TIME assessment and will not be available to update at this time…so be careful (and honest) with your answers
I don’t have the exact date yet, but some time this month you will only be able to access the WW Virtual Meetings on Zoom through your WW app and not directly through Zoom. This is intended to make sure that only those with current, valid WW memberships or are Lifetime can join the meeting
There is an e-mail circulating regarding Virtual Workshops. We will talk about the more as I find out details but for now the e-mail states “Important News About Virtual Workshops…Starting December 9, 2020, you will need to be logged in with an Unlimited Workshops + Digital membership on WW.com or in our app in order to be admitted into a Virtual Workshop”. As I said I am trying to get more info but this appears to be for WW International members only (we are in a franchise location here in East TN), and will allow access to over 400 workshops at a discounted lifetime rate. The stated rate is $34.95 per month for the lifetime of your valid membership as opposed to the standard monthly rate plan of $44.95. Also according to the WW website these states are not affected and these rates are not applicable because they are “non-participating franchise locations” including: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Main, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah. I will share more info as I get it!

Last week’s Chat #201 was to help us remember why recognizing the good things (in the middle of all the weird things this year!) can make a big difference in our weight loss and overall health plan.

Your homework for this was #threegoodthings and I challenged you to find three good things that happened this week (no matter how small), write it down, and then tell us all! Let’s see how you did:

Sylvia’s three were: Her granddaughter made a sweet card for her, she put up her Christmas decorations and is feeling the holiday joy, and these Sunday chats allow her to be with her friends virtually even if she can’t be with them in person.
Loretta’s three were: she didn’t watch the news or read the paper, she took a brisk walk, and she ate at her dining table with no TV. (And BONUS – she has been doing this routine for a few days and feels rejuvenated!
Lynn’s three were: she was given a new vacuum when hers wasn’t working well, her brother-in-law loaded her car for her when she left his house to come home, and she was thankful to sleep in her own bed after her trip.

Bravo ladies, you did it!

This Week’s Topic: A Fresh Perspective

Winter. Covid. Meeting Locations Closing. New Virtual workshop details. It can be maddening! But with shorter days and less opportunities to be outside we’ve got to get a fresh perspective to keep this change in season jolly!

Try some of these fresh winter ideas to put keep your habits merry and bright!:

Get a pedicure. Ummm excuse me? It’s winter, Kelly….why would you tell me to get my toenails done when no one will see them? I don’t know about you but one of the fastest things to slow me down is adding a second pair of socks when the temps drop when my nails are just a wee bit too long. It’s uncomfortable, my feet are dry and crackly when I do peel both layers off…get ahead of that pick a fun holiday color that’s just for you!
Stock up on the staples. While everyone is still running Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Covid Wednesday specials grab some wool socks, good gloves, maybe some thermal underwear and an ear scarf or hat. Casey makes a cute crocheted twist headband and hat with a spot for your ponytail…you should check out her Etsy store
Pleasure Bundling. I know I know, it sounds weird but stick with me a minute. Whatever your idea of rest and relaxation is, try Casey’s trick. She LOVES to crochet for fun, pleasure, relaxation (and occasionally a little extra money). Rather than just sit on the couch and create away today she bundled her pleasure by adding: a friend who also likes to crochet from a safe distance, Christmas lights, a scented candle, and coffee with her favorite Skinny Syrup and creamer. Talk about relaxed…when I dropped Alyssa back off this afternoon they looked absolutely refreshed!

This Week’s Homework: #merryandbright

Think about one of my examples above, check your weekly, or pick your own way to make sure your WW goals don’t get grinched. Post them so we can be happy with you, tag me for your homework AND earn your next super cool badge!

Don’t forget to do your homework #merryandbright and tag me when you share on social media!

Instagram tag @ifyouhaveanegg
Facebook Page tag @ifyouhaveanegg
Facebook Group tag @Kelly Green Milligan
WW Connect tag @scrapnstamp2

Extra Credit: WW My Way+ Part 2

Many of you in the WW International Community (international does not mean outside the US, it simply means you are not part of a local WW Franchise) received an e-mail this week with confusing news about Zoom meetings, membership and more. I am investigating this e-mail and will talk about it as we know more.

How many of you are in an area where the in person workshops have been cancelled temporarily due to Covid? How many of you have been notified your meeting place is permanently closed? Now how many of you received the e-mail about the new restrictions on access to the virtual workshops on Zoom?

DO NOT PANIC! Life is changing…2020 and this pandemic have brought about changes (for better or worse) that leave us in a world that will literally never be the same. It will be ok. We will be oh-kay. Ok?

Now more than ever it’s important that you do not lose connection with your WW peers whether they were in person, on Zoom, or on Connect. If you need a meeting*, we are here LIVE almost every Sunday. If you need to be with some “normal” people like you, join our closed group (link). If you know someone who is on the verge of giving up, share the If You Have an Egg YouTube or Facebook link. Whatever you do STAY CONNECTED!

Part of that connection is realizing what an incredible tool you have in the palm of your hand. The new WW My Way + app has more features than I could even talk about in one evening…so much so that we are doing round 2 tonight AND WW has developed an App Academy just to make sure all your questions are answered!

A recap of last week is below and then stay tuned for Part 2!

My WW Plus started on Nov 16th to everyone who has a current WW membership with online access. Whether you are Digital Only or attend a local workshop you will get these updates FREE!
You may have to log out and back in, so now is a GREAT time to check your PASSWORD and make sure you know it!
The first thing will be an all new In Depth Personal Assessment that will be used to make sure your My WW Plus is personalized for YOU!
The new My WW Plus will have features that promote and help you use your STAR goals: Specific, Truly Doable, Active, Relevant
You will have an opportunity for a Weekly In App Wellness Check In: not just recording weight…you can add details about your week, set some goals, really “check in”
A new feature called “What’s in your fridge?” has me super pumped to find out more!
Customized Meal Planners will start to suggest recipes, menus, and more based on your lifestyle, your time constraints, even how many points you have left for the day…say what???
You will be able to filter on things that are relevant to YOU like vegan, gluten free and more
A new Personalized Recipe Carousel? Tell me more!
Fit Points will now offer personal recommendations for activity that fits how YOU want to work out!
More news on 5 Minute Coaching Sessions is coming!

Let’s Check In

When you first start using WW My Way+ you will notice a section that says “(your name), let’s check in.” This section is for those of us who are virtual only, can’t attend an in person physical work shop right now, or just really need to well…check in!

Take My Personal Assessment: we are taking MY personal assessment LIVE tonight (so watch the video) but basically this allows you to determine where you’re at right now in your weight loss journey. (update, this can only be taken ONCE so please be careful and honest in your answers!)
My Weekly Check In: Can’t make it to a Wellness Check In? Don’t worry! Just go to “My Weekly Check In” and enter your current weight, today’s date, and then you’ll answer some questions about how you’re feeling, what went well this week, and more.
Track My Sleep: A personalized sleep tracker to help you learn more about how your sleep quality affects you.
Try Our Weekly Technique: This is where you’ll find your WW Weekly on the app.
(for iPhone users) “Hey Siri, track bread”

WW My Way+ Part 2 Starts Here!

Explore All Recipes – WW offers a huge (and I mean HUGE) selection of premade recipes available to you inside the app. They’re even categorized by popular meal types (meatless meals, under the sea, etc…) so you can easily find something delicious to make!

What’s In Your Fridge? (beta feature) – Not sure what to make for dinner? Instead of throwing in the towel, simply put in the foods you have available in your fridge, choose a desired point value for your meal, make any desired exclusions, and you’ll be shown a variety of recipes that can be made with what you’ve got on hand!

My Recipes – Whether you’ve created your own recipe or saved one from within the WW app, you’ll find those saved recipes here.

Created By You – Shows you only the recipes that you’ve created

Create a Recipe – If you haven’t tried this yet, it’s a lifesaver! And we’ve got a chat for that.

Strengthen Your Body and Mind

5 Minute Coaching – Take a few minutes during the day to watch one of these 5 minute or less coaching sessions on a variety of topics that will help you stay on track
FitOn Workout Classes – Quick workouts, 1 week (4 workout) challenges, and more!
Aaptiv – If you’re new to using this feature, be sure to choose a low level and work your way up! These workouts are no joke!

Connect – Join groups (your Zoom meeting group, themed groups, special interest groups, and more) to stay connected with other people who share your interests and can help you stay connected and involved on your WW journey