Weight Watchers Chat #323: Enlist Your Civilian Team!

News and Reviews

Instant Brands, the makers of Instant Pot, Corelle, Corningware, and a host of other products filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy about 2 weeks ago. Before you panic and think your favorite multi purpose cooking tool is on the brink of extinction, Chapter 11 is used when companies need a chance to “reorganize” sometimes after slow sales, or probably in this case a pandemic, global supply chain nightmare, and the trickle down effects that has on a business. They plan to keep going so stay brave!
In other news…I finally ordered an Instant Pot this week 🙂
If you happen to be a Knoxville Weight Watcher I need to remind you there are NO Tuesday meetings on July 4th at any location. Also, this coming Tuesday (June 27th) there will be no evening meetings at the Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian location due to Vacation Bible School. You can attend either the morning meeting at that location or the Monday evening meeting at Central Baptist Fountain City

Last week in Chat #322 Eat Out, Stay On Track, I asked if you look at your family and say “hey, let’s eat out tonight” what comes to mind?

The act of eating out or dining out simply means eating away from home. Which is a routine disruptor for those of us trying to keep our weight loss sanity. Dining anywhere besides our “safe space” is removing us physically from possibly the one place we have control of our food. Or does it?

At Work or School

If eating away from home means dining at your place of work try these tips:

It seems so rudimentary but pack a lunch. Having your meal ready and on hand whether you work at a desk or driving a vehicle significantly increases your odds of staying on track
Keep it out of the community fridge. I’m not kidding. The kitchen shared by everyone can be a dangerous place for a couple of reasons:
- Someone steals your lunch, then where does that leave you?
- You can’t see it, making it easier to “forget” you packed it
- Do you have to pass an evil table of snacks, free food, vendor presents if you head in?

Invest in something that will keep your food and your head cool like an insulated lunch box or even one of these super cute mini fridges that even plug in your car cigarette lighter!

Know Before You Go

Whether you are going out, going to a friend’s, or just going to your desk – know before you go. Check a menu, scan some ingredients with your WW app, find out who is coming and if you have any fellow eaters paying attention (could be WW, might be someone with dietary restrictions, maybe a vegetarian at a bbq) and see if you can buddy up to bring something you can both enjoy!

Rear View Rescue

This summer isn’t your first rodeo. You have experienced surprise meals, lost lunches, offers you can’t refuse. Look in your rearview mirror and think back on those past experiences and decide NOW how you will handle the situation next time NOW!

Your homework was #RearViewRescue. Find one of those moments from your rear view mirror and jot down how it can save you the next time your routine is disrupted! Then type it, snap it, share it however you like, and then tag me for your next cool badge!

Chris at our in person workshop nailed it when she gathered her work posse and explained how hard it was for her when they all wanted to go out to eat every day. They made a plan and have chosen some WW friendly options when they go out, and Chris made lunch to share with one of the friends at work!
Deanna (who almost always does her homework *cough*) had a plan when she thought she just had one little coming over to swim but her routine got disrupted when her son showed up too. They ended up getting pizza and Deanna is using this experience and getting right back on track with some amazing meal prep!
Margaret reminded us this week that we are all a work in progress and shouldn’t give up because “if cauliflower can become pizza we can do anything!”

Bravo, you did it!

This Week’s Topic: “Enlist Your Civilian Team!”

The term “civilian” is usually used as a descriptor for a person who is not currently enlisted or actively serving in a military, law enforcement, naval, or emergency services capacity. Today, I am using it in terms of anyone who is not currently enlisted or actively participating in the Weight Watchers program 🙂

Civilians…you are surrounded by them. Family, co-workers, the server at a restaurant, even strangers at a campsite. If someone is eating with, near, or around you and they are not following the Weight Watchers Program they are civilians.

If you are a civilian in a situation with a firefighter trying to get a family to safety, you would never ever do anything to hinder their success or get in the way. The firefighter doesn’t have to tell you not to run into the burning building, not to turn off their water, and not to drive away in the ladder truck no matter how tempting it may be.

Along those same lines, your family, coworkers and even complete strangers would likely not get in your way to reaching your health and weight goals. But they may inadvertently be running into your “burning building” with you hot on their heels unless you tell them how to help.

Civilians Don’t Like Surprises

As much as they want to help, no one likes that kind of surprise. Do yourself a favor and don’t get to the Mexican restaurant with your co-workers and proceed to pout because there is nothing there you can eat.

Gather your posse and get their input on how you can choose a place to eat BEFORE anyone gets in their car or the door dash app is open
Make a fun map before traveling to show where rest stops are with picnic tables (also a good time to stretch your legs and maybe toss a ball or frisbee!)
Give your Civilian a written list of foods to choose from if they are prone to stopping and getting something or surprising you. You would be shocked how many people would love to know instead of the classic shoulder shrug when they ask what you want

YOU Don’t Like Surprises

As much as I love a good surprise gift, I certainly don’t appreciate thinking one thing was happening for dinner and finding out that’s not at all what’s happening. If that happens to you try one of these!

Quickly scan the app for a similar restaurant or food and pre-track as best as you can
During a cool and calm time LATER, have a little chat with your Civilian to explain why that threw you off your plan and ask for help for NEXT time
Decide NOW to get right back on plan with your next meal or at least the next day

Enlist Your Civilian Through Food

You heard me. As much time as we spend talking about not using food for anything other than fuel, I want you to use it to enlist your civilian!

For a cookout why not bring some fresh corn on the cob, peaches or watermelon to throw on the grill? Civilians are often shocked to learn how delicious they are and you can gnosh on some zero point delights
Offer to make a giant salad or low point soup to share with coworkers. I haven’t made and shared anything yet that didn’t get a round of “I need the recipe!”
Plan a picnic. It’s June. It’s picnic season. You can turn almost any situation into a picnic: eating on the tailgate or hatchback, sitting in your driveway, heading outside at work, bringing a cooler or basket to the zoo/aquarium/hiking trail

This Week’s Homework: #PlanAPicnic

Your homework for this week is #PlanAPicnic. Find a reason to have a picnic with your civilian in any of the ways I mentioned above or come up with your own (bonus bravo if you include a picture of your civilians enjoying it!) Then type it, snap it, share it however you like, and then tag me for your next cool badge!

Tag @ifyouhaveanegg on Instagram
Tag @ifyouhaveanegg on our Facebook Page
Tag @Kelly Green Milligan in our Facebook Group
Tag @ifyouhaveanegg on WW Connect

Extra Credit: Fun with Zero Point Popcorn!

Raise your hand if salty is your thang. How about sweet? Where are my “has to have some crunch” people?

I love me some popcorn and I was exceptionally excited when it became a zero point food on Weight Watchers. What I don’t love are bulky air poppers that take up more space on my counter and in my kitchen. Honestly, I got rid of one because I kept forgetting we even had it.

Enter the collapsible silicone microwave popper! I purchased the Saldree brand popper off of Amazon, and it is so easy to use! You put in your ¼ cup of kernels and that’s it! No water, no oil, NOTHING! It is dishwasher safe, but I recommend only using it in the microwave. One note, the lid is meant to slide down into the bowl. It is not going to sit on top, it will nestle down into the first ridge of the bowl.

Now, this popcorn is zero points and absolutely delicious! But maybe you want to step up your popcorn game a little bit. I tried out the Kernel Season’s Popcorn Seasoning Mini Jars Variety Pack which has EIGHT DIFFERENT FLAVORS! I did a full review that will be a separate Egg Lady Labs post, but all of these flavors are perfect for whatever snack mood you’re in!

To see the full review: Egg Lady Labs – Zero Point Popcorn!