See why 1199ers are joining WeightWatchers!

There’s a reason why over 4,800 1199ers have signed up—because WeightWatchers® has a proven track record of helping members reach their goals. This science-backed program provides meal planning, an award-winning app and more than 12,000 nutritious and tasty recipes. Now, there are even 1199ers-only workshops and our own social network, the 1199ers Group, to help our community support one another and exchange information. And the best part is when you join through the Benefit Fund, you can take advantage of our discounted—or no-cost—premium membership!

1199ers Success Stories

Mount Sinai’s Tykar Williams and Long Island Community Hospital buddies Joanne Rosso and Salvatore Oliveri discussed why they joined WeightWatchers® in the previous edition of For Your Benefit. Their stories helped inspire thousands of 1199ers to take advantage of the discounted WW membership rates off ered through the Benefit Fund. Let’s see where they are now on their journeys…

Tykar Williams

When we last spoke with Physical Therapy Technician Tykar Williams, he’d signed up with WW to keep off the weight he’d recently lost. Fast-forward: His WW membership, along with his dedication to juicing his own healthy drinks, allowed him to do that—and he’s lost another 15 pounds! Now he has the energy he needs to advance his career by taking part in the Funds’ Radiological Technology Service Payback Education Program. Way to go, Tykar!

Joanne Rosso and Salvatore Oliveri

Have they continued to follow the WW program? Has it worked for them? YES and YES! Joanne lost another 17 pounds since we first featured her journey, taking off a total of 30 pounds since joining WW. A lot of people have noticed her weight loss lately, including her doctors. And her cardiologist couldn’t be happier. Her blood pressure and cholesterol levels are now normal—both were elevated before she joined WW and lost weight. And Sal? He’s lost 51 pounds since joining, and he isn’t done yet. He wants to lose another 30 pounds and is thankful for the help he’s receiving on the way to his goal. Joanne couldn’t be prouder of her buddy.

Sal took charge and stayed focused. He lost so much weight. WeightWatchers obviously is a big part of that, but I like to think the support his 1199SEIU family members (like me) had a little something to do with it, too! Joanna

Already a WW member? Join the 1199ers Group!

Tykar, Joanne and Sal also joined the 1199ers Group in the Connect section of the WeightWatchers app. If you’re a WW member, it’s easy to become a part of this fun, supportive, judgment-free zone and start chatting with other 1199ers. When you join, you can share your story, get tips and inspiration, and exchange advice with other members who may be on a journey similar to yours. Get connected—you never know who might show up! Help spread the word by downloading the flyer.

WeightWatchers’ Potato and Pepper Frittata

Serves 4

4 points per serving

This frittata is the ultimate easy-on-the-cook egg dish for breakfast or brunch. It’s impressive-looking enough to serve a crowd, but simple enough to put together for a quick breakfast. Also, the recipe is extremely versatile. You can substitute other vegetables, such as zucchini, chopped broccoli or tomatoes, and other cheeses, such as feta or Monterey Jack, instead of what the recipe calls for here.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of canola oil

2 cups of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes

8 medium scallions, chopped

1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

A pinch of salt

¼ cup of fresh, flat-leaf parsley, chopped

2 cups of liquid egg substitute

½ cup of shredded fat-free cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon of shredded Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon of coarsely ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the hash browns, scallions, bell pepper and salt; cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the parsley.

2. Meanwhile, spray a large non-stick skillet with non-stick spray and set over medium heat. Add the egg substitute and cook until set, 7 to 8 minutes, lifting the edges often with a spatula to let the uncooked egg substitute flow underneath.

3. Spoon the potato mixture over the frittata, then sprinkle with the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese and ground pepper. Cover the skillet and cook until the cheese melts, about 3 minutes.

WHY are you taking your health journey?

Whether you are just starting out or you have been at it for a while, ask yourself, WHY am I on this journey? Your WHY is the reason you’ve been courageous enough to begin your health journey—and it’s the thing that motivates you to achieve your goals.