TOPS Chapter 9319 morning class

TOPS Chapter 9319 El Dorado Springs met in the Church of Christ Sanctuary on Thursday, Nov. 16.

Leader, Sheryl Walker opened the meeting and Kay S. led us in singing “Take Off Pounds”.

Twenty-Six weighed in today.

Warren was the week’s best loser with a loss of 6.4 lbs.

Marilyn led us in some chair exercises and walking.

Jean had the program today. She took her program from TOPS Real Life Book and spoke on “Think Yourself Thin.” We need to develop new ways of behaving and thinking because we tend to fall back on what is familiar and what we know to do.

Two processes that can help are countering and counter thinking. Countering helps substitute healthy behaviors for problem behaviors and counter thinking helps you substitute healthy thoughts for negative or irrational ones. For instance, you might think “I must have everyone like me.” The rational response to this is “I am OK when someone doesn’t like me. There are plenty of people who do.”

Other ways to think yourself thin is to create a diversion. If you are having a food craving distract your brain, take a walk, or some other form of exercise. Exercise helps you feel less anxious and depressed and improves body image.

Another helpful suggestion, examine your environment. Do not leave tempting snacks out where you can see them. Have healthy snacks close and available and visible.

The first step in changing is to know yourself and where you are in the process.

You need a solid support system. Many of us have found this in our TOPS Chapter.

We sang “Happy Birthday” to Juda. It was noted Sharon will celebrate a wedding anniversary and Dorothy will celebrate a three-year KOPS anniversary.

Marie won the right to draw for the marble but did not get the winning one.

Warren reported on the contest.

The KOPS division winner is: Steve with Juanita a close 2nd. Steve won $5.25 for his efforts.

In the TOPS division, Sheryl won first place she had 190 points and won $11.

Congratulations to all who entered the contests.

Jean read a thank you note for the other TOPS Chapter, 1325, thanking us for sending funds to help them get started.

Reminders:

We will meet next week on Tuesday and Sylvia will be here to go over the exchange system.

TOPS #MO 9319 meets each Thursday Morning in the Church of Christ meeting room at 302 E Hospital Road, El Dorado Springs. Weigh-in starts at 7:45 a.m., the meeting begins at 8:45 a.m. and is over by 10 a.m.

Are you ready to stop dieting and start making real changes? TOPS can help you reach your weight-loss goals by providing you with the tools, information, support and accountability you need to be successful. After all, this has been a winning formula for TOPS members just like you for nearly 70 years. We welcome women and men of all ages. We encourage healthy eating and offer support through our chapter and the National Chapter of TOPS. We have a lot of fun in our weight loss journey and make lifelong friendships. First visit is free with no obligation.

For more information, call Sheryl Walker at 417/876 5699, Linda Hall at 417/876 6467, TOPS toll free number 1 800/932-8677 or you can find us on the web at www.tops.org.