Happy Thanksgiving

 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!  Enjoy Your Day!!

PROTEIN!

 As I mentioned before, Macros are coming to Weight Watchers.  Macros, apparently, will be "choose to use" which means if you aren't interested in them, you need not use them.  What that also means is that if you are interested, WW won't be telling you what your macros numbers are.

What do you do if you want to use Macros?  There are many websites out there to calculate that.  There are also people online who will do it for you for a cost.  Jenn Clayton did mine over a year ago.  I've never really used them because I just couldn't get my head in the right place for weight loss; but I still have them.  Jenn suggests paying attention mostly to the protein and calorie levels.  (FYI:  WW will not be giving you calories).

The level for protein can be a lot.  I've watched many influencers to see how they are getting their protein in.  I become very overwhelmed; especially when they suggest processed snacks to help.  

I've nothing against a processed snack; but I don't want to rely on just that to reach my protein goal.  Plus I've tried a few that get rave reviews....but I just don't care for the taste.

HOWEVER, protein shake are a little different.  Though, yeah, they probably are considered processed to an extent.  I've found you can do a lot with a protein shake.

Here's 2 brands I recommend and are low in WW points:

Pure Protein's will come in at 1 point.  Premier Protein will run 2-4 points depending on the flavor.  Both pack in 30g of Protein.

You can drink them straight if you want.  I like to throw one into the blender and add raw spinach (you'll never taste it), a fruit, fat free (or low fat) cottage cheese or a nonfat greek yogurt, ice and a little bit of xanthan gum to just thicken it up.  Taste like a milkshake and I get a vegetable serving and a fruit serving all packed into one drink.

If you're new to protein drinks, they are available in both liquid (as above) or powder form.  With the powder  you'll have to add a liquid (milk, almond milk, soy milk, water, etc..), I just prefer the liquid form.

Vanilla flavored protein drinks are the most versatile.  You can use cocoa powder, sugar free syrups, powdered peanut butter, etc... to change the flavoring.  So if you're a newbie, start with that flavor.  There are people who use it in place of milk on their cereal or even as creamer for their coffee.

Protein shakes can also be made into a protein pudding.  Just blend a full carton with 2 tablespoons of sugar free instant pudding (make sure the box says INSTANT), then put in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.  It will thicken into a pudding.  

Protein shakes are a great way to get protein in!

Word On The Street

 Word on the street is that there are some enhancements coming to the Weight Watchers program.  Those enhancements are:  more zero foods (to include potatoes and lean meats such as beef and pork) and a place to track macros if you want.

Don't panic though - Points are still around as well as the weight loss meds (if you choose to use them).

HOWEVER, no one knows when this is happening.  There is a select group that have the macros now (and WW did announce that on Connect) and someone on FB said that today they got an email from WW stating that more zero foods are coming.  Word is that it will happen mid-December.

If this happens, I will continue my WW membership past its end date in January; though I'll resign up as an online only member since they ditched my meeting.

I like the idea of more zero foods plus a place to track at least my proteins & carbs is enticing.  Protein is a good way to keep yourself full and macros is all the rave right now.

So we will know within the next few weeks.

Jean-Luc and Nick are doing another Kick Start beginning January 13, 2024.  Go here:  KICKSTART to learn more and sign-up!  It's FREE!  I know in the last post I said that I only made it through half of the Fall Kickstart; but I did enjoy it and want to give it another go!  Come Join Us!