TOPS talks about having a mindset for weight-loss

TOPS Chapter 9319 El Dorado Springs met in the Bethel Free Will Baptist Church, 1300 S. Summer St., El Dorado Springs on Thursday, Oct. 14, for their weekly weigh-in and meeting.

Linda Hall, Leader, called the meeting to order.

Carol led us in singing “Zipping Those Pounds Off”

We said our TOPS and KOPS pledges.

Linda H led us in roll call and walking report. Twenty members weighed in, we had a Gain of 16.2 lbs. and a Loss of 2.4 resulting in a Net gain of 13.8 lbs. Best loser for the week was Mary L with a loss of .6 lbs.

September minutes were read and approved as read.

Sue C, treasurer gave the treasurer’s report for September; it was approved as read.

Jean gave the program today. She started with the “WHY” I joined TOPS. She gained quite a bit over the years, not eating right sitting at a desk most of the day and the stress of trying to meet quotas selling insurance. She wanted to join TOPS while still working but could not get away during business hours to do so. After retirement she saw she was unable to walk any distance and wanted to be healthy enough to play with great-grandkids. First Thursday in January 2003 she tried to go to her first TOPS Meeting only to find they do not have a meeting if schools are closed due to bad roads!  So, the next week she finally got to join the local TOPS group. She lost 45 # with TOPS to reach her goal in February of 2004. She has maintained her KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) status ever since then.

She said losing weight is a mindset.  You have to mentally prepare to do it and you have to really want to do it.

She then spoke on the harmful effects of High Fructose Corn Syrup and of all the preservatives we find in our food these days. She said to read the labels as High Fructose Corn Syrup can be found in unexpected foods. Read the labels and be careful what you put into your body.

Marilyn reported on the contest. Jean and Sharron are in the lead followed by the “Linda Team” (Linda H and Linda C). Since our chapter members struggled this week Marilyn suggested some exercise and showed some deep breathing exercise to help calm and focus.

Marble game: Judy D won the right to draw but did not get the winning one.

The recent Fall Rally was discussed. Several members said this was the best Fall Rally ever. They had the venue decorated very nicely, offered games to play so people could move around and the speakers and the skit were very entertaining. They kept things moving along well and made it a very fun day. Our thanks to the Bolivar TOPS Chapter members and our Area Advocate, Claudia Gaylord.

Linda read thank you cards from Linda W thanking us for her birthday card and from Claudia thanking us for our gift and having her visit our chapter. Linda also read a portion of Claudia’s newsletter.

New business: El Dorado Springs Christmas Parade. It will be on Saturday, Nov. 20. Theme is “A Storybook Christmas.” We have a trailer and truck if we want to do it. Marie made a motion to do a float for the parade and Robbie 2nd. Motion carried. We will get our “Artistic committee” started on this. Jean will register us for the lineup. A theme of “It’s A Wonder Life With TOPS” has been suggested but our committee is free to choose whatever they want. We can work on a float in Jean’s garage so it will be out of the weather.

Several of our members are attending the Chamber of Commerce meeting today as they will recognize Laura’s weight loss success.

With no other business we closed with Linda’s thought of the day: Follow your heart. Listen to your inner voice. Go where your spirit guides you.

And our Chapter Motto: IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME.

TOPS #MO 9319 meets each Thursday morning in the Bethel Free Will Church 1300 S. Summer, 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 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 Linda Hall at 417 876 7404, TOPS toll-free number 1 800-932-8677 or you can find us on the web at www.tops.org.

Come and join us.