We have been following Weight Watchers since the beginning of January with generally positive results.  I can tell you that if you eat too little, you will not lose weight.  At the beginning, we were loosely following the diet (not officially counting points but knowing my daughter was well under the points) and nada (or at least so close to nada that it was not worth the effort).  So three weeks ago, she began tracking her points and eating more (yes, more) and the weight began to drop.

Now, more does not mean cheesecake and potato chips (darn it anyway).  But more does mean not being hungry unless you cannot readily figure out what to eat next (generally for breakfast or lunch…dinners are planned in advance).  We are getting used to what works and does not work.  It is more eating very consciously (consciously uncoupling from our pounds?)  Sugar, for sure is a problem. Carbs have to be monitored closely.   Vegetables, fruits and lean proteins..go for it.

Her family adores pizza.  They have reinstituted a weekly pizza night after trying to cut it out completely for a couple of weeks.  Now, instead of eating an unlimited amount, each person gets two wedges and as much salad as they want. Meets the need without breaking the bank.  The Bearded One and I are not as attached to pizza for we generally eat something different those nights…like steak (my Son-in-law is from the UK and cannot tolerate any pink in his meat..imagine!).  We split a steak and have a vegetable and are perfectly happy.

Another meal we have put in the weekly rotation is tacos and burritos.  The kids love them.  Any night that the kids are  not whining about dinner is a treat!  Burrito shells are the low carb type.  Taco shells are fine as long as you are eating a few.  No Spanish Rice though.

Mashed potatoes now have a portion of mashed cauliflower in them.  No problem.  No gravy.

Some other hits:

Rachel Ray’s Southwest Turkey Burgers

Rachael Ray Southwest Turkey Burgers from Food Network

Skinny Taste Baked Parmesan Chicken

Skinny Taste Baked Parmesan Chicken

Chicken Sausage with Roasted Peppers, Onions, Potatoes and Mushrooms

Always on hand, lots of fresh fruit, a fresh fruit salad and a veggie tray with low fat Ranch dip.  We use about 3/4 of the recipe fat free plain yogurt (the Kirkland brand from Costco is very mild and easily melds into recipes without screaming YOGURT) and 1/4 low fat mayo.

So, we continue.  The challenge ahead is ten days that my daughter and I will not have the support of one another in meal planning and execution.  Her family is off to Disney at the end of next week.  The Bearded One and I will remain here to care for 6 cats and a dog.  It will be very quiet.