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. 29, for their weekly weigh-in and meeting.

Leader Susan Sandel called our meeting to order, we said our TOPS and KOPS Pledges.

Kay led us in singing “Eating Fewer Calories.”

Melissa reported on the contest, this is the last week of the contest. She will announce the official team winner next week. Margie reported we received a card from our sister chapter in Ellington.

Susan led us in roll call & walking report. Twenty-One weighed in today and the chapter had a 9 lb. gain and a 9 lb. loss which resulted in a 0-net gain/loss. Best loser was Sheryl Ann with a loss of 2.8 lbs. Congratulations, Sheryl Ann. We had several other great losses today, Judy D 2.2, Laura 1.6 and Susan 1.6.  Congratulations to all.

Marble game:  Laura won the right to draw but did not get the winning marble. The pot was at $88.50 this week.

Susan will be gone on vacation for the next three weeks.

Fall Rally discussed: Today is the last day to pay to attend Fall Rally. You can still attend but the cost will be more at the door. Each member should bring one item for the raffle basket. Keep in mind we must put these things in one basket. Please bring a new or unused party themed item. Jean has three different baskets she can use depending on the amount and size of items.

Marilyn brought the tasting dish today, it was Black Bean, Corn and tomato salad.   This salad contained cilantro as the spice. Cilantro is very low in calories, no cholesterol, has disease prevention qualities, contains antioxidants, essential oils, dietary fiber, may lower LDL. Contains Folic acid, Vitamins A, C beta carotenes, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and rich in vitamin K.

This was a delicious salad and very low in calories. Thank you, Marilyn.

Laura had the program today.  She spoke on her weight loss journey. She told us how she sets goals for herself.  She keeps a chart of body measurements, and keeps a detailed food chart. She keeps a goal chart and suggests if you have a lot of weight to lose that you keep a goal chart in five or 10 lb. increments. She also keeps a photo journal. She said to find ways to keep busy. She crochets to keep her hands busy, reads books and exercises. She ordered TOPS book “The Way to Weight Loss “and said this book has helped her a lot. Laura joined our group just 4 months ago and has lost over 40 pounds to date.

She told us she has been in several weight loss groups over the years including TOPS. Each time she was successful in losing the weight. Each time for various reasons had to leave the weight loss group and as soon as she did, she regained the weight. Now that she is retired, she hopes to be able to stay with TOPS.  She showed us the many charms and awards she received over the years. Some interesting ones was a TOPS group in Germany that she was in while in the service.

Her experience shows us how important it is to be in a support group for your weight loss and to keeping it off after reaching your goal.

She has a “Goal Dress” she brought to show. It is the size she is trying for and she keeps it where she can see it as an incentive.

Thank you, Laura, for a wonderful program and we hope you are with us far beyond reaching your goal.

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.