Tips and Gadgets

So I have been jotting down some little things that I do on a regular basis that keeps me going on the program- planning ahead. Maybe a few of these tips will help, I hope!

Ground Beef - So I am a member of BJS- go there about twice a month. I pick up my ground beef from there. They have the 93% fat free kind in 5-6 lbs. portions. 4 oz of the ground beef is 4 points. Great for burgers and all the recipes that call for ground beef. I bring the meat home and measure it in 8 oz portions (using my scale) and then put them in quart sized freezer bags labeled " 8 oz / Date" . I can get a ton of little bags out of it. I also make 4 oz burger patties from it and freeze them in the patty shape. Most recipes call for 8 oz of meet and since it's only Matt and I - it's the best size. And when the recipe calls for 1 lb- I just use two bags. This way, I always have the meat in my freezer - planning ahead!

Chicken- If you know if anyone who's child goes to a school that sells "Market Day" food as a fund-raiser - ask them to give you the information. You can check out the site as well to find a location near you. I don't believe you need to know someone to order from there. If you have the WW Complete food guide, you might have seen "Market Day" items and their points. I used to order a ton from them until I found out the points of the stuff I was buying. Now I just order the chicken ( though there are a good amount of low point items they offer too) . Chicken comes in a pack of 12 - each pcs is 3 oz and individually wrapped and frozen. Costs about 13.50-14.50 a box. I buy two at a time so I always have it on hand. Pop them in the microwave on defrost and whaallaa. You have chicken for the recipes if it calls for it. - planning ahead! http: //www.marketday.com/

Snacks for lunch/on the go. I love to stock up on the 100 calorie snacks and any other snack that comes wrapped up and is 1-2 points each. I have a huge lock & lock container that I keep on my countertop full of these items. I put them all in there when I buy them- less room cause the boxes they come in are bulky. BJs is starting to carry a ton of 1-2 point snack items ( like the curves bars (1 pt) and the Fiber One bars (2 pts) Since I throw out the boxes, I keep a chart on the fridge or on the outside of the lock & lock that lists all the items inside and their points- just in case I forget down the road. On days I know I won't be around much, I grab 2-3 items from the box and keep them in my purse so I don't get hungry when I am out and out. - planning ahead!

Line up Recipes for the Week - I like to plan on the weekends what I am going to make for the week. I get the store circulars in the mail but I take advantage of the grocery store's online tools. Giant and Acme both have features that allow you to create a "shopping" list based on the items on sale and a part to include your other odds and ends. Then they put the items in categories when it prints out - like produce, baking, dairy- etc. And sometimes I will double a recipe and freeze the rest. This helps on days I don't have much time to cook or didn't get to go food shopping. - planning ahead!

Making Lunch- I prefer to make my lunch the night before. This way, I have time to think about what I want and ensure I am prepared for the next day. On Thursdays, I am at work from 730am till 930pm. So I have to pack 3 meals, snacks and the hubby's breakfast/lunch ( we work at the same office) If I am rushing in the morning, I might make poor choices or forget to pack the essentials - fruits, fiber and veggies. I also throw in a few extra things to keep at my desk at work just in case. Like popcorn, can of veggies, low fat soup, bars, lolly-pops. - planning ahead!

I also wanted to list a few gadgets that I bought awhile my WW journey that I couldn't live without- here are some examples:

Food Scale: http://www.amazon.com/Newline-Electronic-Kitchen-Scale-White/dp/B000JIHCLS/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1212113955&sr=8-5
I love this one cause it has a bowl to measure things like pasta or liquids. It also has a "tare" button so you can place a glass on top and then hit "tare" and it will go back down to 0.00 and not caught the weight. I use it just about every time I cook. I measure my fruit as well. Apples and Bananas vary if points based on size and ozs.

Pedometer: http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HJ-720ITC-Pedometer-Advanced-Management/dp/B000MN92WM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1212114020&sr=8-2
I recommend this one cause 1- it's purple, my favorite color- and 2- it comes with software that I can track my progress. I don't wear it everyday cause some of my work pants make it look like a pager. I use it when I am working out, walking outside to track my distance or shopping to see my distance too.

WW Points calculator- Bought this when I 1st started the program. I don't leave home w/o it. I don't like to stand in the middle of the grocery store and use the slider- people give you funny looks sometimes. So having this gadget makes it look like you are just adding up the prices on a calculator. Fits in my purse or my pocket. And it doubles as a calculator too. Pick one up at your next meeting if they are available.