Curing Winter Blues & Keeping Resolutions: Interview with Weight Watchers Own Dr. Gary Foster

Did you know that Monday, January 24th is the most depressing day of the year? It is the first ever Blue Monday. Due to weather, debt level, after holiday timing, and the fizzle of  New Years Resolutions - we hit that lull right around last Monday. Did you feel it? I can definitely see how this can be a depressing time of year :( Well if you did, you are not alone! We are in this together. I had the absolute pleasure of "interviewing" Dr. Gary Foster who is a Chief Scientific Officer at Weight Watchers! Please check out my personalized interview video below:

About Dr. Gary Foster, Chief Scientific Officer at Weight Watchers
Dr. Foster is a psychologist, obesity investigator and behavior change expert with more than 160 scientific publications and three books on the etiology and treatment of obesity to his name. Dr. Foster's research interests include the prevention, behavioral determinants, treatments, and effects of obesity in adults and children. He was previously the Director of the Center of Obesity Research and Education at Temple University in Philadelphia and served as a faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. In his role as Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Foster oversees Weight Watchers science-based program, all clinical research initiatives, and continued program advances

The questions that I submitted to Dr. Foster are: 

1. How did you get started in the obesity investigation field/ what drew you to this line of work.
2. What tips can you offer my readers about staying active and on track with their healthy living goals/ lifestyles during the cold winter months? 
3. Please explain Blue Monday and how it came to be to my readers.
4. Why do you think we are drawn to comfort food to make us feel better and what can we do to combat it?
5. What specific obstacles to healthy living have you noticed that relate directly to winter/ cooler months that we should all be aware of? 

Watch the video above to hear the Dr.'s responses. 

Exercising and eating healthy can be hard in the winter so we all need some extra motivation and inspiration. I hope that Dr. Fosters responses helped you get back on track. Cold weather workouts and holiday munchies EVERYWHERE can be tough, so let's do this together! Make goals, find support, get informed, and arm yourself with healthy foods & workouts you love! Keep it simple - do what you love, eat healthy foods you love & have fun succeeding at healthy living.

For More Information, Visit:

Weight Watchers online 

Weight Watchers on Facebook

Weight Watchers on Twitter

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Please see my disclosures page for details. Do not copy, in whole, or in part any portion of any postings on my blog. Do not repost my content on any other site without my explicit consent. All of my postings belong solely to lindsey8.blogspot.com.

Weight Watchers: 7-Day Tone & Burn DVD Review

Weight Watchers: 7-Day Tone & Burn

Lisa Wheeler, 2014

This DVD has two 30 minute workouts. Lisa leads with 2 background exercisers, one showing a beginner options, the other an advanced and Lisa working out at an intermediate level. You will need dumbbells for the Tone workout. 

30 Minute Tone: this strength w/ cardio bursts routine contains two 4 exercise circuits. After your warmup, exercises include: plank series, pushup modifications, a lunge series with a weighted pass through, hinge & row, lat row, fast feet & skater, squat & military press, diagonal reach & push, deadlift & dip bridge & ribcage pullover, plank lat raise to low squat, and a cool down.

30 Minute Burn: These exercises include cardio exercises, 15 second cardio blasts, and recovery. Exercises include hop up & back, shuffle & scissors, bursts, burpee knee hops, curtsy & pulse squat hops, walk out to plank jacks then up to jacks, lunge & kick to jumprope, crab drops & V holds, cooldown & stretch. 

I rate these low intermediate routines, as the exercisers start at a lower level & progress to a higher. Lisa and crew use light dumbbells but you can easily heavy up for a more advanced workout. I am always looking for good cardio workouts and the Burn workout fits that bill, it will definitely be getting used. Lisa is a good instructor with a great demeanor. The modifier options make this a great DVD to grow with. I received this DVD to review. 

For More Information, Visit:

Weight Watchers online

The Anchor Bay Website 

Anchor Bay on Twitter 

Anchor Bay on Facebook

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Please see my disclosures page for details. Do not copy, in whole, or in part any portion of any postings on my blog. Do not repost my content on any other site without my explicit consent. All of my postings belong solely to lindsey8.blogspot.com.

Weight Watchers: 10-Minute Belly & Butt & Thigh Tone Ups DVD Review

Weight Watchers: 10-Minute Belly & Butt & Thighs

Lisa  Wheeler, 2014

This DVD contains six 10 minute routines that you can mix & match. All but the thigh routine utilize dumbbells. Lisa works out with 2 backgrounders, each showing a different intensity. They all start at the beginner level and then Lisa & the advanced mod move into intermediate or advanced versions of the exercises. 

Belly: After a short floor warmup you move into table top oblique routine, plank series, weighted sit ups, reverse crunch toe taps, bicycle, modified side plank knee pull, low back work, and a stretch.

Butt: After a quick warmup you move into KB swings, curtsy & deadlifts, squat hops, plie hops, superman leg raises, and a stretch.

Thighs:   After a quick warmup, exercises include dip lunge squat combo, skater knee ups, lying inner & outer leg work, and a stretch.

Core: A quick warmup is followed by standing side bends, kneeling chops, modified side plank with leg swings, boat, bridge & ribcage pull over, low back work and a stretch.

Upper Body: After a quick warmup, exercises include row, bi variations, upper cuts, modified pushups, lying back work, tri press ups, alternating overhead press series, and a stretch. Lisa keeps your feet moving in this routine.

Lower Body: After a quick warmup, exercises include side & front lunge, squat pulses, squat & twist, knee sweep & twisting lunge, single leg  bridge & leg drops, and a stretch.

I rate this an intermediate routine. The DVD has a ton of variety & I love that you can mix & match. This is my first time working out with Lisa and I really like her instruction style, very encouraging & provides great tips. Most of the routines include a few cardio bursts along with standing & floor strength work. I received this DVD to review.  

For More Information, Visit:

Weight Watchers online

The Anchor Bay Website 

Anchor Bay on Twitter 

Anchor Bay on Facebook

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Please see my disclosures page for details. Do not copy, in whole, or in part any portion of any postings on my blog. Do not repost my content on any other site without my explicit consent. All of my postings belong solely to lindsey8.blogspot.com.

Weight Watchers Cereals: High on Taste, Low on Calories & Points!

Help stay on track this New Year by starting your day with Weight Watchers cereals! Quick & easy breakfasts are a must for my busy life and thanks to Weight Watchers new ready-to-eat cereal line, I can grab a quick, healthy, satisfying breakfast and stick to my healthy eating lifestyle. If you are trying to make better food choices this New Year, look no further than Weight Watchers new cereals. Healthy eating has never been easier! I keep a box at work and enjoy all week long. Add your favorite milk (dairy, almond, soy, rice, coconut) and you have a satisfying breakfast that will taste great, and keep your healthy lifestyle goals in sight. Keep reading to learn all about the new line! Obviously perfect for those following the Weight Watchers plan, and great for everyone looking to stay fit this New Year (and all year!)

The new cereals comes in five yummy flavors in a variety of PointsPlus® values for every body! Those of us looking to trim a few pounds now have a delicious new breakfast choice in the cereal aisle. The new Weight Watchers cereal is a great, easy way to help us all meet our weight management goals while enjoying sensible, yet super delicious cereals.

 

Weight Watchers Oat Clusters With Cherries and Almonds starts with sweetened flakes of corn and wheat with added whole grain oat granola clusters, sliced almonds and real cherries. It provides eight essential vitamins and minerals and has 120 calories per serving. PointsPlus^® value of 3 per serving.

Weight Watchers Oat Clusters With Almonds: sweetened corn & wheat flakes, granola clusters made with steel cut oats and sliced almonds. This is a yum  yummy crispy, crunchy variety that contains only  120 calories and includes 8g of whole grains per serving. PointsPlus^® value of 3 per serving.

Weight Watchers Whole Grain Honey Nut Toasted Oats cereal is sweetened with real honey and contains 13 essential vitamins and minerals. It is low in fat and just 120 calories per serving, it provides 18g of whole grains. PointsPlus^® value of 3 per serving.


Weight Watchers Frosted Shredded Wheat With Protein features 12 crispy layers of sweetened whole grain wheat, is a good source of protein and fiber, and it contains 6g of protein, 5g of fiber, 40g of whole grains all at only 210 calories per satisfying serving. PointsPlus^® value of 5 per serving.

Weight Watchers Chocolate Frosted Shredded Wheat features 12-layer biscuits that contain a whopping 38g of whole grains and provide 5 grams of fiber. It is made with real chocolate morsels and the 210-calorie cereal also delivers on flavor, providing a taste any chocolate lover will crave. PointsPlus^® value of 5 per serving.

These fab cereals are currently available at select retailers, with additional distribution coming by January 2015.  Weight Watchers cereals are now available at Kroger, Safeway, Meijer and several other retailers across the country. 

For More Information, Visit:

Weight Watchers online 

Weight Watchers on Facebook

Weight Watchers on Twitter

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Please see my disclosures page for details. Do not copy, in whole, or in part any portion of any postings on my blog. Do not repost my content on any other site without my explicit consent. All of my postings belong solely to lindsey8.blogspot.com.

DVD Review: Weight Watchers Ultimate Belly Series

Weight Watchers: Ultimate Belly Series

Jennifer Cohen, 2013

This dvd contains 3 core workouts, 10, 20 & 30 minutes each. Jennifer works out with 2 backgrounders, each performing varying intensity levels. You will need dumbbells for this workout. Each workout contains a 2 minute warmup.

10 Minute Ab Toner: Exercises include: V arm drop, V twists, crunch w/ legs extended and side plank hip drops.

20 Min Ab Express: Exercises include: knee drops, crunches, the hundred, leg bicycles, & double crunch variations.

Standing Ab Toner: Exercises include: windmill, weighted side bends, V row, V hold, V knee drops, crunch variations, oblique crunches, leg drop circles, and plank hold.

These workouts are high beginner level following Jennifer. She starts with level one, moves to level 2, and the advanced modifier then continues to level three. She encourages you to work at your own level and between the modifiers levels to truly customize this workout. Jennifer is encouraging & cheerful. I received this dvd to review. 

For More Information, Visit:

Weight Watchers online

Weight Watchers: Ultimate Belly Series on Amazon

The Anchor Bay Website 

Anchor Bay on Twitter 

Anchor Bay on Facebook

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Please see my disclosures page for details.

DVD REVIEW: Weight Watchers 15- Minute Boot Camp Series

Weight Watchers: 15-Minute Boot Camp Series
Jennifer Cohen, 2013

This dvd contains four 15 min workouts. Jennifer leads this workout with 2 background exercisers, all performing varying modifications. You will need dumbbells for this workout. Jennifer starts most exercises at beginner and then progresses to intermediate, then the advanced exerciser shows a more challenging version.

Upper Body: after a very quick warmup exercises include: downdog - stand - plank, side plank dumbbell raise, wide row, plank knee pulls, bi curl & toe tap, trie extension & pliet, military press & squat, knee plank row, and a quick stretch.

Core: after a very quick warmup exercises include: toroso twist, lunge & chop, walk out plank, hip shift cross chops, and hip shift weighted circle.

Lower Body: after a very quick warmup, exercises include: curtsy side lunge, squat & single arm overhead, weighted scissor jacks, & crouched glute raise.

Cardio: after a very quick warmup, exercises include: skater, squat taps, squat dumbbell reach, lunge dip toe tap, squat & pull down, rocking horse, pliet calft raise and a cooldown.

I rate these low intermediate workouts following Jennifer, the pace is slow enough that you can easily heavy up if you want to up the challenge. Each exercise is performed for a set amount of time, then you move on to the next exercise, which is why I think its labeled "bootcamp." Jennifer is a motivating & cheerful instructor. I received this dvd to review.

For More Information, Visit:

Weight Watchers online

Weight Watchers: 15-Minute Boot Camp Series on Amazon

The Anchor Bay Website 

Anchor Bay on Twitter 

Anchor Bay on Facebook

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Please see my disclosures page for details.

Review: Weight Watchers Belly, Butt & Thighs Kit

New from Weight Watchers are three fun kits available in stores near you this month! I am so excited about these because they are the perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas list, or for yourself, because lets face it- we all deserve something nice, and these are gifts for our health. Stay tuned for reviews of all three: Review: Weight Watchers Belly, Butt & Thighs Kit and Weight Watchers Punch both featuring Stephanie Huckabee and Weight Watchers Yoga Starter Kit featuring Sara Ivanhoe. 

Review: Weight Watchers - Work Your Belly, Butt & Thighs Stability Workout
Stephanie Huckabee, 2012

This kit comes with a dvd, a stability ball, blow up support ring, a pump, and a 10 week exerciser tracker book. The dvd contains three complete 30-45 min workouts: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. You will dumbbells and Stephanie leads with 2 backgrounders, one provides beginner modifications.

All three full body workouts use the ball or ring in fun & effective ways. Stephanie includes lots of multi-muscle exercises and each workout builds in intensity. Exercises include: hover squats, pliets & side lunges, bridges, glute raises, standing oblique work, seated bi curls & delt raises, side planks, front & side raises, hammer curls, inner thigh ball squeeze, dips, lunges, & curtsy dips.

As always Stephanie is a fabulous lead with superb cuing, great energy, and great form reminders. Stephanie  does a great job of incorporating the ball into tried & true exercises for a unique twist. The workouts range from beginner to intermediate. This is a great kit for anyone new to ball workouts as it includes everything you need to work out on the ball. Would make an excellent Christmas gift!

For More Information, Visit:

Weight Watchers online

Weight Watchers Belly, Butt & Thighs Kit  on Amazon

The Anchor Bay Website 

Anchor Bay on Twitter 

Anchor Bay on Facebook

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  Please see my disclosures page for details

Conair's NEW Weight Watchers Scale!

Introducing your new friend- the scale! What, the scale is not your friend? Well it will be now! Meet the new Weight Watchers^® by Conair™ Digital Scale Model WW58S

If you need motivation and inspiration, this scale is for you! This digital weight scale comes with 15 reusable stickers (in black and color) that have inspirational messages such as “Every day is a new day”, “Live, laugh, Love” and “Whatever you believe you can achieve”. Also included are some decorative butterfly stickers and a blank label which allows you to write your own inspirational message such as “I will fit into my wedding dress on June 16^th.” The butterflies are super cute and I like the idea of writing down your goal weight or any weekly goals on the blank label! Here is my favorite cling "smile" 

The static cling stickers can adhere anywhere on the glass, and you can peel them off easily and reattach whenever you’d like.  Use one or more stickers as a great way to personalize your scale and make it your personal coach or a motivational friend, not your enemy. Which we can all use more self-love and less negative self talk. The scale CAN be our friend :) This would be the perfect gift for someone just starting Weight Watchers or any other healthy living plan or a new workout regimen. Encouragement & Accountability are our friends- and this fab scale provides just that. 

The sleek, slim silver glass scale has an easy-to-read 1.5” digital display. The scale is 12.4” X 12.4” and has a 400-lb. capacity. The scale runs on one long-life AAA lithium battery (included) and has a 10-year warranty. It is really very thin and sleek looking- looks great in our bathroom. And if you dont want to use the motivational clings here is the sleek scale as is:

The Weight Watchers by Conair Digital Scale Model WW58S is available nationwide at stores such as Kmart as well as at Conair's website for an average retail price of $29.99. The scale though compact and sleek has a 400 lb./180 kg weight capacity and displays weight in .01 lb./50 g increments-very fine tuned! And here is a shot with some fun butterflies:

For more information:

Visit the Conair website
Follow Conair on Facebook

Check out the Conair YouTube Channel

Ie received a sample of this product to review. I was  in no other way compensated for my honest review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.