TOPS MO #9319 El Dorado Springs morning group

TOPS Chapter 9319 El Dorado Springs met in the United Methodist Church, 201 E Broadway on Thursday, Aug. 22, for their weekly weigh-in, and meeting.

Leader Susan Sandel called our meeting to order and Kay and Carol led us in singing “A Healthy You.”  We remembered what our leader said last week and said our TOPS and KOPS pledges with thought and enthusiasm.

Susan led us in roll call and walking report. Twenty-Three weighed in today and the chapter had a net loss of 19.8. Best loser was Cheryl M with a loss of 3.4 lbs. Congratulations, Cheryl. We had several other great losses today, Robbie had a loss of 4.0 but had to leave before the meeting started, Melissa lost 2.4, and Jan lost 2.6. Congratulations to all.

Marble game:  Sheryl won the right to draw and had Juanita draw for her, they did not get the winning marble. The pot was at $83.50 this week.

We have one week left on the summer contest. Marilyn is bringing the tasting dish for next week.

Susan had the program today. She spoke on our expectations of weight loss when we “go on a diet” and the reality of what happens.  TOPS is a lifestyle change we can’t and should not expect a dramatic weight loss all at once. That is not how the body works. Weight loss will be unpredictable, have occasional stalls, sporadic increases and big drops. But if you hang in there and follow the TOPS lifestyle change suggestions it will happen.

She gave us 10 golden rules of weight loss.

1. Only eat when you’re hungry

2. Move, Move (park further away from the store)

3. Plan in exercise just like you would plan an appointment

4. Get organized in the kitchen, get rid of junk food, make a list and stick to it.

5. Eat less (portion control)

6. Get enough sleep

7. Your favorite foods (don’t deny yourself of your favorite food just cut the portions down and make it a once in a while treat.

8. Focus on what’s motivating you

9. Drink water often sometimes you think you are hungry but you are just thirsty

10. Embrace change

Susan left us with this thought. “If you binge when upset you not only increase your weight. You increase your problems. You still have the problem which made you upset, you now have the problem of feeling physically uncomfortable plus, you have the problem of feeling bad about binging.

Thank you, Susan, for a wonderful program

Steve and Juanita brought the tasting dish today. It featured Cinnamon as the spice. It was Amish Cinnamon Bread.

Cinnamon has many health benefits: Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants, it has anti-inflammatory properties, it may cut the risk of heart disease, lowers blood sugar levels and has a powerful anti-diabetic effect, help fight bacterial and fungal infections and may protect against cancer.

Thank you, Steve and Juanita, for bringing our tasting dish today. Thanks to Marilyn who will bring next week’s dish.

With no other business meeting was adjourned with our motto “IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME.”

TOPS #MO 9319 meets each Thursday morning in the Methodist Church at 201 E Broadway, 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 70 years.  We welcome women and men of all ages and couples are encouraged to join. We currently have two couples in our group who have found it fun and encouraging. 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 Susan Sandel at 417 351 2388, 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.

Come and join us.