TOPS (Take Off P ounds Sensibly)

TOPS Chapter 319 El Dorado Springs (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) met in the Church of Christ Sanctuary on Thursday, April 20.

Robbie opened the meeting and Kay led us in singing “Eat a Carrot”.

We said our TOPS and KOPS pledges.

Robbie led us in roll call.  Twenty-seven weighed in today and the chapter had a net loss of 7.8 lbs.  Our week’s best loser was Felicia with a loss of 3.6 lbs.  Congratulations Felicia.

Robbie had the program today.  She took the first part from our TOPS Magazine November 2016 issue.

“The TOPS Word of Royal Wisdom” These are tips given by 2015 State winners,

1 Think about the reasons you want to lose weight and compare them to the reasons you’d want to stay the same

2 Take one day at a time and focus only on losing for the current week.  Choose the best, and leave the rest.

3 Always come to meeting and listen to your fellow TOPS members’ advice on how to eat the right foods.

4 Surround yourself with positive people and read uplifting articles, don’t give up.

5 Hang in there.  You’re worth it

6 Find out what exercise works best for you and keep at it stay active

7 Many people who struggle are also in denial.  Be real with yourself so you can move on and create a game plan

8 Try to break things down into many smaller goals that are more manageable to accomplish.

9 Baby steps.  It’s not something that you try to do in a week.  It takes months or even years-but you can do it.

10    Never quit! As long as you keep trying you are a success.

Second part of her program was an article about smart shopping for veggies and fruits.  This was found in the June 2013 TOPS Magazine.

1 Celebrate the season. Buy produce in season.  It will be fresher and cheaper.

2 Why pay full price.  Check around for the best deal

3 Stick to your list.  Make a grocery list and stick to it.

4 Try canned or frozen.  Sometimes frozen is better for you than fresh.

5 Buy small amounts frequently.  Large amounts will go bad before you can use them

6 Buy in bulk when items are on sale.  If you can buy in bulk and are able to can or freeze you will save money.

7 Store brands= savings.

8 Keep it simple.  Buy fruits and vegetables in their simplest form.  Pre cut and pre washed is often more expensive.

9 Plant your own.  If you can plant a small garden.  You also get exercise.

10 Plan and cook smart.  Plan ahead and maybe cook several meals at once and freeze for later use.

Thank you Robbie for a great program.

Sheryl won the right to draw for the marble and had Juanita draw for her but she did not get the white one.

Warren reported on the contest.  Juanita is in the lead, followed by Carol in 2nd and Marilyn in 3rd and Jan in 4th.

Jean reported on SRD.  Those leaving tomorrow to attend are Sue C, Susan S, Sheryl, Marie, Carol, Felicia, Warren, Linda, Marilyn and Jean.

We will report back next week all that we learned.

With no other business we closed with our motto “If It Is To Be IT IS Up To Me.”

We welcome anyone who is interested in learning about a healthy lifestyle.  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.  Membership and dues are very inexpensive.

For more information, call Robbie Chase at 417-876-0233, Juda at 876-4888, TOPS toll free number 1 800-932-8677 or you can find us on the web at www.tops.org.

Come and join us.