Although Weight Watchers officially kicks off their 2020 Campaign tomorrow, we received all the materials and details in our meeting today. I am a dork and can totally admit that I love this time of year just to have a chance to hit reset on my WW Program and try something new (or not this year).

Here is the lowdown on what you can expect this year.

Fast Facts and how I see the new plans:

• There are 3 plans (Green, Blue & Purple) can choose from but one of them let’s you keep doing exactly what you have been doing so if change isn’t your thing, don’t fret. More on all 3 plans below.
• All 3 plans give you the same number of Weekly points, but, daily points will very. The formula to determine your daily points is not changing.
• You can still carry over up to 4 unused daily points per day to your weekly bank.
• The Smartpoints calculation does not change. The Fitpoints formula also does not change.
• The Zero Points list changes depending on which program your using.
• Everyone’s phone app updates  tonight at midnight eastern time and you’ll have the chance to pick which program you want to do.
• It’s recommended you give it 2 weeks before changing plans but you can switch as often as you like under settings on your app.
• Online members are encouraged to attend this week as they will get all the materials plus the program explained (I’ve heard it’s free for one meeting).

The 2020 Weight Watchers printed materials have really been updated which I love even if they are encouraging everyone to embrace the materials online to get the most out of the program.

Here are the handouts they provide and the highlights:It’s important to know that your daily Smartpoints target is calculated just the same as it was before and the food Smartpoints formula is the same.The 3 plans are color coded and very similar to the best features of past programs…..ready for it??I really like that the basis of all 3 plans is Zero Point power house foods, and that WW recognizes while zero, they need to be eaten in moderation.THE GREEN PLAN:

For those who loved Points+ this program is for you!

You will have the highest daily Smartpoints value on this program with the lowest available Zero Point foods. You mainly get fruits and veggies for free but everything else has a Smartpoints value.THE BLUE PLAN:

For those who love WW Freestyle and do not want to change a thing, then, this is the program for you.

This is the same program Weight Watchers has had in place the past 2 years so keep on keeping on if your happy with your results to date.THE PURPLE PLAN:

If you were/are a fan of Core or Simply Filling then this is the program for you! Not sure what that program was back in the day then – check out my Simply Filling Technique on this post.

You will have the smallest daily Smartpoints target but so many zero point foods you can use to build your daily.

Hello Zero Point brown rice, while wheat pastas, oatmeal, potatoes and sweet potatoes….my heart literally beats a bit faster just saying that Depending on the plan your on, you will have a different Smartpoints value for all foods / recipes.The WW App is “supposed” to know this and will recalculate all recipes including the ones you’ve added depending on your plan color. The Barcode Scanner is being updated as well to reflect the points per plan.

Your MyWW Book contains some cool features to help you get started out on each plan successfully.

Bleh to cauliflower (you are not my hero!) But, Helllooo Build A Meal.

BTW, I’ve made this Shrimp Recipe and it’s so good!Flavor Boosters for people like me who ‘need’ fun stuff in their salads to umm, well, eat a salad.I love the fact that they give you 5 day menu plans for each color to follow. This can be helpful to newbies or those who need a reset for a week to challenge yourself.The book contains several Zero Point Heros to give you ideas on how to use them.

Yes, Sweet Potatoes are totally my hero! There are also several ideas (that are new!) for all meals like this apple sandwich that I’m totally trying soon.I think the questions section is a bit helpful but based on all the questions in my meeting, it will not be enough.There is still a focus on moving more with strategies to help you do just that.The bigger focus though has to do with thinking.

What’s your ‘Why’?

What are your goals?

Let’s think about how you can retrain your brain/mindset.And, of course, there is a big plug on Connect which is also part of the 2020 Bingo Countdown Challenge.I love whoever said there are 2 kinds of people….but I might want my margarita with my pizza! Your new weigh in book is huge…as in do not even think you’ll be able to fit it in your purse.I love the ‘STAR’ goal idea….a nice change from ‘SMART’ goals.But, honestly, this is just for one weeks weigh in. It’s so much paper and I’m not sure I will fill this in all the time or ever.

A nice idea but…..I’d much rather tell you all about this fantastic new cookbook they came out with. Ok, yes, it’s true, there are not many cookbooks I can actually pass up but this one is definitely worth the $.The book is built with all 3 plans in mind so you know the points for each program.It also covers all dietary needs which is awesome.There are several helpful tips on eating better, prepping, cooking and making the program work for you.Not to mention, the photography is amazing. It literally makes me want to try out so many recipes.I honestly feel very excited about Weight Watchers new plans for 2020. I like the idea of being able to switch things up when you need something different, to challenge yourself or based on what’s going on in your life.I’d love to hear all your thoughts.

What do you think of the WW Program changes and the 3 new plans?

Night all!

I am pretty lucky that my hiking buddy loves food as much as I do as built we built our day around some delicious eats.

Americano’s from Ritual Coffee – so good!Potato & Egg breakfast tacos on freshly made corn tortillas from C’Casa.After breakfast, we took the short drive over to Alston Park for our hike. I actually really liked the trail and the fact that you can go in so many directions to see different things.You start out walking along the vineyards which were so beautiful with grapes hanging on the vines.There are a few smallish hills you can choose to hike up or take the trail that goes around them.If you choose to go to the top, the view of the Napa Valley is so worth it. There are benches you can sit on to take it all in if you choose.You continue on towards the shaded trees.Climbing down the other side of the hill.When you get to the bottom of the hill, you can stop to look at the creek.All in all, we hiked for about 4 miles and could’ve kept going. However, we had plans for pedicures and Thai in Napa…..only, we didn’t plan that part so well as the Thai place we wanted was closed and the pedicure spot was too pact.

We gave in and headed over a couple of towns to the next best thing.

These nail polishes from Del Sol that my friend brought are so fun – they change colors in the sun! I love how my toes look and it’s so fun watching the colors change.We had a late lunch at Buddha Bistro. We did our best but did not finish with leftovers sent home with my friend.

We started by splitting iced lychee tea and filling the rest of our glass with water. Perfect on our 100+ degree day.My favorite starter – Fresh Avocado Spring Rolls with peanut & sweet chili sauces.Pumpkin Curry with Shrimp, Chicken & Brown Rice.Drunken Man Noodles with Shrimp.The rest of the afternoon evening was spent getting coffee and shopping.

I finished my day without dinner (still not hungry), but relaxing with this delicious Cabernet Sauvignon.HERE IS WHAT IS ON THE MENU THIS WEEK:

• Summer Squash & Sausage Skillet
• Fresh Shrimp, Avocado, Tomato Salad
• WW BBQ Korean Lettuce Cups
• BBQ Pork Ribs, Corn, Salad
• CL Shrimp, Sausage & Corn Salad

What is on your menu this week?

Now to watch Serengeti – it’s so good and I love all the animals.

Night all!

I hope you all have a fantastic week and if I am feeling it, I will pop in to say Hi!

For now, I am off to make these 3 Point Nectarine Muffins and leave you-all with what I plan on cooking up this week.

HERE IS WHAT IS IN THE MENU THIS WEEK:

• Lazy Chicken Enchiladas, Salad
• 15 Minute Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad
• WW Teriyaki Burgers, Parmesan Squash
• WW Shrimp & Butter Bean Salad
• BLTA or Tacos

What is on your menu this week?

Night all!

This weekend, I did some chores, but, really focused on having fun. I had a great date with The Husband going to see the movie Hobbs & Shaw on Saturday. I also had a fantastic ‘me’ day today with a tasty breakfast at the Boon Fly Cafe before heading to the ocean to do a bit of hiking in Pacifica.

It actually started out a big foggy but turned sunny by the time I left. Lunch was at my favorite new place in Pacifica called Breakers. It is located right on the beach and I had a table with a full view of the ocean.I made us a fast and easy dinner after I got home – BLTAs on San Francisco sourdough bread plus Trader Joe’s Mac & Cheese Bites (The Husband picked these out). I love that they are only 2 WWFreestyle Smartpoints each.

Daily Snap Recap:B: 2 eggs over medium, 2 pieces bacon, 1 slice sourdough dry (5 sp)

L: Teriyaki Chicken Salad (4 sp)

S: 2 Tbsp mixed nuts (3 sp)

D: BLTA (1 slice sourdough, 2 pieces real deal bacon, lettuce, tomato, 1/8 mashed avocado) – 6 sp, extra tomato on the side, 3 Trader Joe’s Mac & Cheese Bites (6 sp)

24 Daily WWFreestyle Smartpoints, 15K steps

HERE IS WHAT IS ON THE MENU THIS WEEK:

• Instant Pot Sloppy Joe’s, Salad
• WW Shrimp & Butter Bean Salad
• Instant Pot Taco Bowls
• Skillet Gnocchi with Chard & Beans
• BFD

What is on your menu this week?

Night all!

My grab and go breakfast – 2 figs and this cottage cheese with peaches (which was actually delicious) – 4 sp.I had my tall iced nonfat latte (2 sp) on my drive in and 2 hours later 2 Tbsp mixed nuts (3 sp).On tough days, walking really helps to clear my mind. I walked an hour at lunch and traded in my Sesame Peanut Noodles for this Thai Chicken salad I was craving (4 sp). I did have a bit of dutch crunch bread with it (3 sp).On my drive home, I decided I needed to give in to what I wanted and things that make me happy.

I gave myself a pedicure then headed out to Habit Burger! Salad was not on the agenda.Yep, you are seeing the correct picture!! I needed to feed my emotions and my taste buds not caring about the points at all!

Can I just say I enjoyed every single bite of this original charburger (no mayo) – 10 sp

And every salty, crispy french fry?! (14 sp)

Definitely worth every extra weekly point it cost me.

Sometimes happiness = delicious food!As I type my post listening to spa music, I am sipping this Alexander Valley Cabernet….and feeling much better. (4 sp)40 Daily WWFreestyle Smartpoints eaten without regret and I can count 16K steps to help offset it a bit.

Tomorrow is a new day and I know it’s going to be much better.

Night all!

• 5 minute walking warm up
• Jog 1 minute walk 1 minute (I accidentally did this twice)
• Jog 2 minutes, walk 2 minutes
• Jog 4 minutes, walk 3 minutes X’s 2
• Jog 5 minutes, walk 1 minute
• 5 minute walking cool down

I need to remember how great I felt AFTER the next time I think I should just skip it.

I was starving when I was done so snacked on a fresh fig before showering.

The Husband made us this big breakfast as I mentioned how I am having a hungry day.

2 scrambled eggs, 1 Aidell’s Bacon, Mushroom & Swiss Chicken Sausage (6 sp).I grabbed a tall iced nonfat latte with caramel on the top for my drive in (2 sp).

Then, 2 hours after breakfast, I snacked on some mixed nuts (6 sp).I headed out at lunchtime for an hour walk to clear my head then came back to have 1 serving of this Cold Sesame Peanut Salad.

I more or less followed the recipe.

For protein staying power,I added an entire package of Trader Joe’s Ready to Eat Edamame. (I love this!)For extra crunch, I added some snap peas to the mix and I used some of these Yaki Soba Noodles.I did not have any ginger on hand but this would have been a great addition. I used Agave Nectar for sweetness, the zest & juice of one lime, a dash of white pepper and topped with 1/4 cup chopped cashews.I divided everything into 6 heaping 1 cup servings that are 6 WWFreestyle Smartpoints each.

The verdict: I really love this salad. It has a great crunch, doughy noodles (that require zero cooking) and a tangy, sweet, nutty sauce. The cilantro and lime really brighten the flavor.I forgot to take a picture of my lunch but imagine the above with 4 Aidell’s chicken teriyaki meatballs (6 sp).

Continiuing with my hungry trend, I snacked on a plum and light string cheese on my drive home (2 sp).

My mom surprised us by stopping by to say hi and having dinner. We all put together this healthy dinner.

1 oz tri tip (1 sp), tossed salad (2 sp), corn on the cob, parmesan zucchini (1 sp).32 Daily WWFreestyle Smartpoints and I am still hungry! Ironically I don’t want any zero point foods even though I have them or more water so I might just go to bed early lol. Hopefully my 16K steps offsets this a bit.

Night all!

I truly believe that swimming totally helped take away my Monday blahs turning my day around as I felt so amazing and energetic after. Not to mention, it cooled me off on a hot day.

The Husband made us breakfast – 2 egg scramble and nectarine.I grabbed an iced nonfat latte with caramel on top on my way in (2 sp). Then, I made sure I fit in a 40 minute walking meeting (originally this was going to be my only activity).

For lunch, my coworker and I decided to get our sushi fix at Mikunis today.

I devoured most of this zero point Edamame.Then, had 2 pieces BBQ ahi. I count this as zero but imagine you could count 1 point if you ate all the sauce.I had 3 Tuna 2 Sliders – I love these. Ahi wrapped around crab topped with grilled avocado, a fried baby scallop, teriyaki sauce & sesame seeds (5 sp).We shared these two rolls and I counted my half as 10 sp.

Annie Roll – Spicy tuna, panko breaded shrimp, avocado, yellow tail, seared tuna, masago and onion (on top)

The Incredible –  Spicy tuna, panko shrimp, tuna, white tuna, avocado, sauce, torched, masago and onion (on the bottom)We walked for coffee at Temple after and I had a zero point short Americano to get me through the afternoon.

My post swimming snack that satisfied me while cooking were 2 of these figs off my coworkers tree.? Delicious!The Husband requested these Instant Pot BBQ Ribs after I picked up a rack of Baby Back Pork Ribs at our local grocery store for only $7.

They are so easy to make and it allowed me enough time to make up that Cold Sesame Noodle Salad I keep mentioning for lunches while the ribs pressure cooked. More on my salad modifications in tomorrow’s post.Fall off the bone baby back ribs in 40 minutes – yes please! My plate….I kid!I had 3 ribs for 7 Smartpoints, zero point corn on the cob and salad tossed with olive oil & balsamic (2 sp).25 Daily WWFreestyle Smartpoints, 14K steps

Night all!

Today we walked the Alameda Antique Fair and I took The Husband to the Chinese food place I love. This time, I left the chow mein behind but devoured all the Kung Pao Chicken. When I get hungry, I’ll keep dinner light but as of now, I am not there yet.

Daily Snap Recap:B: 1/2 bacon, egg & salsa breakfast burrito (4 sp)

S: Tall iced nonfat latte with caramel on the top (2 sp)

L: Starter Salad (1 sp), Egg Flower Soup (2 sp), cream cheese won ton (2 sp), VeggieEggroll (4 sp), Kung Pao Chicken (8 sp), a few chow mein bites (2 sp), fortune cookie (1 sp)

D: Watermelon….I think as I am not hungry but will most likely have zero point fruit

26 Daily WWFreestyle Smartpoints, 14K steps

HERE IS WHAT IS ON THE MENU THIS WEEK:

• Instant Pot BBQ Ribs, Lemony Coleslaw
• Grilled Tri Tip with garlic mushrooms, corn on the cob and salad
• WW Shrimp & Butter Bean Salad
• Southern Tomato Pie, Salad
• Crunchy Tacos or Nachos

What is on your menu this week?

Night all!

It’s been awhile since I created a new recipe for you all and I think it’s time I stepped up my game with this Super Bowl Pizza recipe (pun intended! lol).  Deep Dish Deliciousness is probably what I should’ve titled this recipe for my Deep Dish Pizza Supreme. This pizza begins with one amazing pizza crust that is topped with cheese, then, layers of sausage, turkey pepperoni, onions, peppers, mushrooms and more cheese that bakes up all golden and bubbly. Would you believe me if I told you it’s a healthy Deep Dish Pizza that is totally Weight Watchers SmartPoints friendly after a statement like that?

It’s OK, I am sure your guests won’t believe you either.  The Husband doesn’t give me 5 out of 5 stars too often, but, this recipe is on the top of his list for any pizza recipe I’ve ever made him.  I couldn’t agree more~ this might be my all time favorite Supreme Pizza.

The secret that takes this pizza to the next level really is making your own crust (it’s so easy ~ check out my notes below in my step-by-step).  If you do not have time to make your own crust, just pick up some premade dough (hello my friend at Trader Joe’s – you can find 3 types in their fridge section next to the cheese).

DEEP DISH PIZZA SUPREME (Print It!)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/3 Ultimate Pizza Dough Recipe or 1 store bought fresh pizza dough
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• 2 cups cremini mushrooms, roughly chopped
• 25 turkey pepperoni slices, quartered
• 2 Jennie-O Lean Hot Italian Turkey Sausages, casings removed
• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Pizza Sauce
• Dashes of crushed red pepper flakes & oregano
• 6 oz part skim mozzarella, shredded
• 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp chopped cherry tomatoes and green onion, optional

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the dough according to the directions.  Spray a 7 x 11 or 9 x 9 baking dish with nonstick spray and add rolled out dough pressing it up the sides.  Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella and set aside.
2. Spray a large nonstick pan with nonstick spray and heat over medium heat.  Add the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, pepperoni and sausage.  Cook for 5-7 minutes or until sausage is cooked through.  Drain any excess liquid and return mixture to the pan.
3. Sprinkle the sausage mix with oregano and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir in 1/2 cup of sauce and pour over the pizza dough.  Top with remaining mozzarella, parmesan and sprinkle with green onions/tomatoes if using.
4. Bake at 400 for 25 minutes or until the cheese it slightly golden on top.  Remove and let stand for 10 minutes before slicing into 6 squares.

Makes 6 slices, 6 SmartPoints Each (excluding the vegetables)

Nutrition facts per slice (including all vegetables):

STEP – BY – STEP:

I’l be the first to tell you all I am not a bread maker at all.  I usually just spend my time drooling over the amazing pizza creations at My Bizzy Kitchen and at Just A Taste.

I finally decided to brave making my own pizza dough and I have to say, why didn’t I try this sooner ~ dare I say it was easy?

I followed this Ultimate Pizza Recipe almost exactly, except I mixed in 2 tsp olive oil and used my kitchen aid to “knead” my dough for 2 minutes or until the dough mixed through clearing the flour off the bowl.

The end result was this dough ball.

After spending an hour in my oven (I set it to warm, then, turned it off before placing it in there), my dough ball was huge.  I knocked it down and divided it into 2 small baseballs on my cookie sheet.

I placed a damp towel on top and put it back in the oven for another hour.  I had not idea my dough balls would get so huge but there was definitely something so satisfying seeing that happen!

I froze one, placed on in a covered bowl in the fridge for later and used one for this recipe.

I pressed it into my small 7 x 11 baking dish and sprinkled with 1/3 of my mozzarella.  Then I set it aside hoping it didn’t puff up all over again while I cooked the rest lol.

While the pan heated, I chopped my veggies and pepperoni.

I dumped everything in the pan along with the sausage bits and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Drain your mixture.  If you do not do this step your pizza will be soggy.  Return it to the same pan.

Sprinkle with oregano, crushed red pepper flakes and 1/2 cup pizza sauce.

Spread your sausage mix over the cheesy pizza dough.

Top with remaining cheese (mozzarella & parmesan).  I added a little green onion and sweet cherry tomato to make my pizza “supreme”.

Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until the cheese is all golden on top.

This crust is seriously amazing – it stays crisp, yet, doughy and the toppers are awesome.  Gooey layers of cheese, spicy sausage and pepperoni, earthy mushrooms, sweet onions, peppers and tangy roasted tomatoes in every bite.

Serve this deep dish decadence with a simple side salad tossed with balsamic and olive oil for one satisfying meal that only costs you 7 SmartPoints.

How do you all use your pizza dough?  I definitely need ideas on what to do with my extra two delicious dough balls.

Night all!

• My office mate: Oh, we are getting new window clings today! Yep (with a big grin!)
• You hung up a rainbow – yep, I didn’t realize that but I like rainbows.
• Why be awesome just today? What about tomorrow?! I told him to come back tomorrow and be awesome then too.

Honestly though, I love the fact that it makes me smile every time I look out my window and it reminds me that today is going to be a good day.This morning I was up early to get in my Start To Run Week 4, Day 2 workout that went like this:

5 minute walking warm up

Jog 2 minutes, walk 2 minutes

Jog 2 minutes, jog 1 X’s 7

5 minute walking cool down

It was tough but totally manageable and it definitely set the tone for the day as I felt great all day. I was spoiled a bit by The Husband today who cooked both breakfast and dinner. I did make this delicious lunch that was so easy and healthy.

Daily Snap Recap:B: 2 egg scramble, watermelon

S: Tall iced nonfat latte with caramel on top (2 sp)

L: Cucumber, tomato, avocado salad ( 1 cucumber, 2 tomatoes, 1/2 California Haas avocado, 1 tsp olive oil, 2 tsp apple cider vinegar, salt & pepper) – 5 sp, hard boiled egg, lite string cheese (2 sp)

S: I walked to Starbucks for extra steps and to get this Tall iced Strawberry Acai (4 sp)

S2: an hour later I was still hungry so I had a banana plus 10 almonds (2 sp)

D: 3 oz BBQ pork ribs (4 sp), corn on the cob, 1 slice kalamata olive bread (3 sp)

22 Daily WWFreestyle Smartpoints, 14K steps

I have to confess I am eyeng his BBQ chips and I am not sure they will make it thru the night.

Off to watch the big fish ?!

Night all!