2-months in...

I've hit my 2-month milestone on the Weight Watchers POINTS system. While I was skeptical at first, it truly seems to be working. I still splurge on one "free" meal a week. You're allowed 35 bonus points a week - and with a Quarter Pounder with Cheese equaling 12 points...that "free" meal can be just about anything. I'm down 23 pounds to date - oddly enough, that's too quickly according to WW. I keep getting nasty-grams saying I'm losing too quickly. Heh, I've always been an over-achiever. Here are just a few observations I've made with the POINTS system:

• I do miss my nightly ice cream, but my hips and tummy do not. Pierre's Fat-Free Fudge Bars hit the spot when I'm craving frozen dairy - and they "cost" just 1 point.
• I don't miss potato chips - Reduced Fat Wheat Thins are just as tasty. Snack-size Pop Secret Homestyle popcorn is only 1 point as well.
• McDonald's can still be my friend - with a large coffee & a yogurt parfait serving as my weekday breakfast...and any fast-food fix is met with a Grilled Chicken Bacon Ranch salad rather than a Big Mac.
• Oranges aren't annoying as a snack if you cut off the peel with a knife and chunk the fruit.
• I've grown accustomed to water, kicking my 44oz+ daily soda habit- thanks to Aquafina Flavor Splash and Fruit 2O. My skin has never looked better.
• Steamed broccoli is the bomb - it beats french fries as a side dish anytime. It's also excellent as a warm salad topper.
• Smart Balance tastes better than butter or margarine. It's great for cooking as well.
• Grilling then chopping the Romaine heart adds a twist to make the lettuce more appealing.
• My sweet tooth is just as satisfied with a Starbucks Non-Fat Caramel Macchiato as with the full-fat version.
• Fresh pineapple is fairly easy to cut up and enjoy. Using a serrated knife works like a charm. AND - it's beyond awesome when it's grilled.
• Baked/Mashed Yukon Gold potatoes barely need toppings to get that smooth and creamy consistency.
• Extra-Lean Ground Turkey is excellent in spaghetti sauce and chili.
• Portabello mushrooms, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts (in water), capers, a splash of white or marsala wine, freshly chopped sweet basil, and a dab of Smart Balance makes for great sauce over angel hair.
• Spending the extra $.79/lb for the 92% Lean Ground Beef doesn't break the bank. Heck, I sometimes splurge and buy Bison rather of beef to save on the fat.
• Fresh chopped herbs add great flavors to salad - and are fat-free, unlike the loads of dressing I used to require on salads.

Do you have any slimming secrets? Leave a comment !!