TOPS MN Rockford

01/08/2022

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT3r1mB8LAg

12/22/2021

Happy Christmas week everyone! Here is what we should NOT do.
HOLIDAY EATING TIPS
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately.. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat.. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day ?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

12/02/2021

End of the Year Madness in the Great Plains . . . Please share with all members.

Self Care . . .

We all know how important self-care is. The problem is that for most of us we talk about it more than we practice it. I have been looking at it a lot during the last couple of years. I find I spend more time caring for everyone else than myself. My job gives me an excuse to not get up and move, or not prepare a healthy meal because I am too busy to take the time.

When I am mindful and am thinking about what I should do, and what the outcome would be it is exciting and should be motivating but I find myself falling back into the same habits that I’ve been doing for several years.

Habits can be changed - the first step is making a choice, then a plan and following through with it all. Last year after my knee surgery I started thinking about changing my plan and what that would look like in the future.

I have been working with TOPS since 2005 – almost 16 years. A lot of changes have happened over the years. I started as an Area Captain, moved on to Coordinator and Retreat Director, was elected to the Board of Directors, took on the position as a Regional Director, and ultimately the new Service Program Administrator position. I have loved and embraced every one of these positions.

After much thought, I have made the choice to step down from my Service Program Administrator position and take some time for my own self-care. To do the things I have been thinking about and never have the time. I am informing you that December 31, 2021, will be my last day as your Service Program Administrator. I will, however, be staying on the Board of Directors.

I am excited for 2022 to see what the future holds for me – to implement all the ideas I have been thinking about leading up to this decision. I have loved all the work I have done with TOPS over the years, and I will still be involved in different areas, so I’m not completely walking away.

Starting January 1, 2022, my area will be divided between the following current Service Program Administrators:

Margie Fisher – ND, SD, NE, KS, and CO

Judy Pruett – AR, OK, TX, and MO

Marry Mullane – MN, IL, WI, and IA

These ladies will be sending more information as the new year approaches. For now (until the end of December) I am still your contact if you need something from me.

I want to wish you all the best holiday season and happiest new year. Remember to do self-care for yourselves. It is a very important part of each of our journeys. Thanks for spending the last few years with me.

Deanna

Service Program Administrator

Deanna Bies – 705 N Mundt Ave #1, Hartford SD 57033 – 605.390.0812 – [email protected]

11/06/2021

From the desk of the President
Dear Members,

There is truly never a good way or time to announce a membership fee increase to loyal members. Seven years ago, in November of 2014, TOPS found that we needed to take that step in order to continue to support each other in living our healthiest lives.

Starting January 1, 2022, full-price renewals will be $37.00. Half-price renewals of $18.50 will continue for preteens, teens and spouses without TOPS News and for the blind. The increase is less than ten cents a week (or giving up two specialty coffees during the year). When we think of how priceless a healthier lifestyle is, this seems like a small increase to pay.

The additional $5.00 does not cover the total costs of providing quality support and services for you as our members. To continue as the only nonprofit and least expensive weight-loss support group, TOPS seeks contributions from related stakeholders who are concerned with the health and wellbeing of their communities.

Many insurance companies and businesses know how important healthy employees are and pay for TOPS annual membership. Please, ask your health insurance company if TOPS is an approved provider, and if not, to add us as a recognized weight-loss support provider. Asking the company you work for, business organizations, and people who know how your health has improved to consider TOPS in their annual donations to nonprofits is another option that helps us keep membership fees low for everyone.

As TOPS goes forward, new full-price membership fees will be $49.00. Half-price new member rate is $24.50 for preteens, teens and spouses without TOPS News and for the blind. As part of a TOPS basic membership, each new member is mailed a copy of My Day One, Healthy and Active magazine, an International Pound Bankbook with cover and access to a new five-session virtual program to start the TOPS healthy lifestyle journey on sound footing. Additional tools may be added at a discount when joining if a new member wishes. Those tools are available to current members in the TOPS Store. New members will pay the renewal rate listed above at the end of the first year.

Membership fees, donations and mission-related sales are how TOPS funds our nonprofit organizational mission. While there are many operating expense increases that are not in our control, I am committed to keeping the membership fees affordable. I know this will be done with your help in spreading the word about what our commitment to healthier living has meant to you and bringing those in need of our help into our organization.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your Field Staff or Service Program Administrator.

I cannot imagine my life without TOPS. As a loyal member, I hope you feel the same way I do and see the value in our organization. I believe we are all worth it.
Sincerely TOPS,

Rick Danforth
TOPS Club Inc. President

10/25/2021

October/November/December Madness in the Great Plains . . .
Leaders and Designates - Please share with all members.

Being Mindful Through the Holidays . . .

Starting with Halloween, and ending with the new year, we are faced with unending events that seem to focus on food more than any other time of the year. When in reality – we have events all the time that involve food. There are birthdays, weddings, vacations, family get togethers, holidays, eating out with friends, and don’t forget breakfast, lunch, and supper every day.

If you really stop and think about it, every meal we have is a food function – an event in itself. We plan what we are having, how to prepare it, and then enjoy the meal – or do you? Do you take the time to really enjoy the planning, prepping, and eating your meal? Being mindful is all three of those things – putting in the time and effort for yourself – you deserve it and so does your body.

Why do we put so much emphasis on holidays? There is not one food item that we have during the holidays that we couldn’t have any time of the year. It is simply a choice to connect certain foods to certain holidays. I listened to a Zoom program with Dr. Nick last month, and he talked about the holidays. One thing he does during the holidays is to not focus on the items you can have all the time. Take a bit of the special items that only appear once a year and enjoy an appropriate portion. Do not feel deprived or think “I can’t have.”, but instead focus on what you “can have” and celebrate the choices that you make.

Remember the reason: Halloween isn’t about the candy; it’s about seeing all the children in their costumes and the excitement surrounding the event. If you can’t keep out of the candy, then don’t buy it. Find something else you can hand out to the children and see how good you will feel.

Thanksgiving isn’t about the turkey and all the trimmings; it’s about reminiscing on all things you are thankful for. It’s about celebrating with memories, and laughter, and stories. Celebrating does not have to revolve around food. Whether you are with a group of people or by yourself, celebrate how far you have come in your healthy journey and be thankful for all the support you receive. Remember that, and it will help you to make wise choices.

Christmas isn’t about your favorite food tradition; it’s about celebrating your faith, Santa for the children (and some adults), exchanging gifts, laughter and loving, all the hustle and bustle, and many more things. Food is only the nourishment we give our bodies so don’t put so much importance on it that you make choices you will be upset about.

Celebrating the New Year does not mean you can eat everything because tomorrow is 2022; it means we can reflect on how far our journey has taken us. We can learn from what didn’t go as planned and make a new and fresh plan to move forward. It means that no matter what we are doing now, it doesn’t have to be the same - as it is time for change.

Mindful eating helps you distinguish between emotional and physical hunger. It also increases your awareness of food-related triggers and gives you the freedom to choose your response to them.

Having your meeting through this holiday season is crucial to your journey. Weighing in and being accountable is important to maintain the support we all need at the end of the year. Don’t let a holiday be your excuse to do something you will not be happy with.

Challenge yourself to make it through this holiday making wise choices. Be proud and excited to step on the scale that first meeting in January. It WILL reflect the choices you made. Happy holidays everyone!

Deanna

Service Program Administrator



Deanna Bies – 705 N Mundt Ave #1, Hartford SD 57033 – 605.390.0812 – [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

08/05/2021

July/August/September Madness in the Great Plains . . . Please share with all members.

The Right Tool for the Right Job . . .

Everyone knows that hammers are used to pound nails, screwdrivers drive screws, and ladders help you climb. Yet we’ve all seen people trying to nail something with wrenches or stones, turning screws with butter knives, and standing on chairs.

The reasons people use the wrong tool can vary; Perhaps they didn’t have the right tool on hand. Maybe they feel like they can do a better job, or they just like the challenge and want to prove they can do it.

Regardless of the reason, the fact remains that the correct tool is out there, and it exists for a reason. It’s been designed, tested, and has evolved to perform its function as efficiently as possible. Many basic tools come in different shapes and functions.

What tools are you using to complete your job of getting or staying healthier? TOPS provides with you with many different tools to use on your journey. How many have you taken advantage of or are using to full potential?

The obvious tool is our chapter meeting – being accountable to the scale, educating ourselves through the programs, supporting others on their journeys, and being supported by them. Do you take advantage of asking for the support you need, or do you just go along with the flow and hope you can stay on your journey? Perhaps if you aren’t getting the proper support or education others aren’t either. Why not take control then, find the right tool, and present a program about something you are interested in.

The TOPS News is a great tool. It is full of education, motivation, and resources. Everything in the magazine could be shared at a chapter and discussed. The programs in each magazine are meant to be used at chapter – not just read at home and then discarded. There are countless numbers of magazines that never get opened. You might be missing the very thing needed to help you on your journey. Some members read it cover-to-cover the minute it arrives, some flip through and find specific things to look at, and others lay it down to get to it later and later never comes. Where do you fit into that scenario? Are you missing out on a wonderful tool?

More tools than you can count can be found on the TOPS website – www.tops.org. EVERYONE can benefit from one area or another with all the resources available for you there. New members can be guided for several weeks. Leaders have a whole year of programs planned out for them and every form they need. Members have menu plans, recipes, motivational videos and webinars, information from the KRAMES Health Library, programs to present, etc.

You can find cards to send, awards to hand out, contests to do, and even the TOPS online store to shop in.

How many of you use the My Day One as an ongoing tool? We give that out to new members, but it is a great tool to use, especially if you are a bit stuck in your journey. It will help you to get back to basics.

Do you know that Making Our Chapter Great is a manual for members and chapters? How many of you know where the manual is or have you even seen it? There should be at least two in every chapter and as an informed member you should look through it.

How about the Real Life Guide? That big blue book has so much information in it that you could use it for a whole year of programs. Blow the dust off, open it up, and look at the wealth of information. It is not a book just about exchanges.

The TOPS toolbox is overflowing with the right tools to help you on your journey. This is just a few that I have mentioned. Ask yourself – “Am I using the right tool for the job I am doing?”

Deanna

Service Program Administrator

Deanna Bies – 705 N Mundt Ave #1, Hartford SD 57033 – 605.390.0812 – [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

This information is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about your health, please consult your licensed healthcare professional.July/August/September Madness in the Great Plains . . . Please share with all members.

The Right Tool for the Right Job . . .

Everyone knows that hammers are used to pound nails, screwdrivers drive screws, and ladders help you climb. Yet we’ve all seen people trying to nail something with wrenches or stones, turning screws with butter knives, and standing on chairs.

The reasons people use the wrong tool can vary; Perhaps they didn’t have the right tool on hand. Maybe they feel like they can do a better job, or they just like the challenge and want to prove they can do it.

Regardless of the reason, the fact remains that the correct tool is out there, and it exists for a reason. It’s been designed, tested, and has evolved to perform its function as efficiently as possible. Many basic tools come in different shapes and functions.

What tools are you using to complete your job of getting or staying healthier? TOPS provides with you with many different tools to use on your journey. How many have you taken advantage of or are using to full potential?

The obvious tool is our chapter meeting – being accountable to the scale, educating ourselves through the programs, supporting others on their journeys, and being supported by them. Do you take advantage of asking for the support you need, or do you just go along with the flow and hope you can stay on your journey? Perhaps if you aren’t getting the proper support or education others aren’t either. Why not take control then, find the right tool, and present a program about something you are interested in.

The TOPS News is a great tool. It is full of education, motivation, and resources. Everything in the magazine could be shared at a chapter and discussed. The programs in each magazine are meant to be used at chapter – not just read at home and then discarded. There are countless numbers of magazines that never get opened. You might be missing the very thing needed to help you on your journey. Some members read it cover-to-cover the minute it arrives, some flip through and find specific things to look at, and others lay it down to get to it later and later never comes. Where do you fit into that scenario? Are you missing out on a wonderful tool?

More tools than you can count can be found on the TOPS website – www.tops.org. EVERYONE can benefit from one area or another with all the resources available for you there. New members can be guided for several weeks. Leaders have a whole year of programs planned out for them and every form they need. Members have menu plans, recipes, motivational videos and webinars, information from the KRAMES Health Library, programs to present, etc.

You can find cards to send, awards to hand out, contests to do, and even the TOPS online store to shop in.

How many of you use the My Day One as an ongoing tool? We give that out to new members, but it is a great tool to use, especially if you are a bit stuck in your journey. It will help you to get back to basics.

Do you know that Making Our Chapter Great is a manual for members and chapters? How many of you know where the manual is or have you even seen it? There should be at least two in every chapter and as an informed member you should look through it.

How about the Real Life Guide? That big blue book has so much information in it that you could use it for a whole year of programs. Blow the dust off, open it up, and look at the wealth of information. It is not a book just about exchanges.

The TOPS toolbox is overflowing with the right tools to help you on your journey. This is just a few that I have mentioned. Ask yourself – “Am I using the right tool for the job I am doing?”

Deanna

Service Program Administrator

Deanna Bies – 705 N Mundt Ave #1, Hartford SD 57033 – 605.390.0812 – [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

This information is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about your health, please consult your licensed healthcare professional.July/August/September Madness in the Great Plains . . . Please share with all members.

The Right Tool for the Right Job . . .

Everyone knows that hammers are used to pound nails, screwdrivers drive screws, and ladders help you climb. Yet we’ve all seen people trying to nail something with wrenches or stones, turning screws with butter knives, and standing on chairs.

The reasons people use the wrong tool can vary; Perhaps they didn’t have the right tool on hand. Maybe they feel like they can do a better job, or they just like the challenge and want to prove they can do it.

Regardless of the reason, the fact remains that the correct tool is out there, and it exists for a reason. It’s been designed, tested, and has evolved to perform its function as efficiently as possible. Many basic tools come in different shapes and functions.

What tools are you using to complete your job of getting or staying healthier? TOPS provides with you with many different tools to use on your journey. How many have you taken advantage of or are using to full potential?

The obvious tool is our chapter meeting – being accountable to the scale, educating ourselves through the programs, supporting others on their journeys, and being supported by them. Do you take advantage of asking for the support you need, or do you just go along with the flow and hope you can stay on your journey? Perhaps if you aren’t getting the proper support or education others aren’t either. Why not take control then, find the right tool, and present a program about something you are interested in.

The TOPS News is a great tool. It is full of education, motivation, and resources. Everything in the magazine could be shared at a chapter and discussed. The programs in each magazine are meant to be used at chapter – not just read at home and then discarded. There are countless numbers of magazines that never get opened. You might be missing the very thing needed to help you on your journey. Some members read it cover-to-cover the minute it arrives, some flip through and find specific things to look at, and others lay it down to get to it later and later never comes. Where do you fit into that scenario? Are you missing out on a wonderful tool?

More tools than you can count can be found on the TOPS website – www.tops.org. EVERYONE can benefit from one area or another with all the resources available for you there. New members can be guided for several weeks. Leaders have a whole year of programs planned out for them and every form they need. Members have menu plans, recipes, motivational videos and webinars, information from the KRAMES Health Library, programs to present, etc.

You can find cards to send, awards to hand out, contests to do, and even the TOPS online store to shop in.

How many of you use the My Day One as an ongoing tool? We give that out to new members, but it is a great tool to use, especially if you are a bit stuck in your journey. It will help you to get back to basics.

Do you know that Making Our Chapter Great is a manual for members and chapters? How many of you know where the manual is or have you even seen it? There should be at least two in every chapter and as an informed member you should look through it.

How about the Real Life Guide? That big blue book has so much information in it that you could use it for a whole year of programs. Blow the dust off, open it up, and look at the wealth of information. It is not a book just about exchanges.

The TOPS toolbox is overflowing with the right tools to help you on your journey. This is just a few that I have mentioned. Ask yourself – “Am I using the right tool for the job I am doing?”

Deanna

Service Program Administrator

Deanna Bies – 705 N Mundt Ave #1, Hartford SD 57033 – 605.390.0812 – [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

This information is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about your health, please consult your licensed healthcare professional.July/August/September Madness in the Great Plains . . . Please share with all members.

The Right Tool for the Right Job . . .

Everyone knows that hammers are used to pound nails, screwdrivers drive screws, and ladders help you climb. Yet we’ve all seen people trying to nail something with wrenches or stones, turning screws with butter knives, and standing on chairs.

The reasons people use the wrong tool can vary; Perhaps they didn’t have the right tool on hand. Maybe they feel like they can do a better job, or they just like the challenge and want to prove they can do it.

Regardless of the reason, the fact remains that the correct tool is out there, and it exists for a reason. It’s been designed, tested, and has evolved to perform its function as efficiently as possible. Many basic tools come in different shapes and functions.

What tools are you using to complete your job of getting or staying healthier? TOPS provides with you with many different tools to use on your journey. How many have you taken advantage of or are using to full potential?

The obvious tool is our chapter meeting – being accountable to the scale, educating ourselves through the programs, supporting others on their journeys, and being supported by them. Do you take advantage of asking for the support you need, or do you just go along with the flow and hope you can stay on your journey? Perhaps if you aren’t getting the proper support or education others aren’t either. Why not take control then, find the right tool, and present a program about something you are interested in.

The TOPS News is a great tool. It is full of education, motivation, and resources. Everything in the magazine could be shared at a chapter and discussed. The programs in each magazine are meant to be used at chapter – not just read at home and then discarded. There are countless numbers of magazines that never get opened. You might be missing the very thing needed to help you on your journey. Some members read it cover-to-cover the minute it arrives, some flip through and find specific things to look at, and others lay it down to get to it later and later never comes. Where do you fit into that scenario? Are you missing out on a wonderful tool?

More tools than you can count can be found on the TOPS website – www.tops.org. EVERYONE can benefit from one area or another with all the resources available for you there. New members can be guided for several weeks. Leaders have a whole year of programs planned out for them and every form they need. Members have menu plans, recipes, motivational videos and webinars, information from the KRAMES Health Library, programs to present, etc.

You can find cards to send, awards to hand out, contests to do, and even the TOPS online store to shop in.

How many of you use the My Day One as an ongoing tool? We give that out to new members, but it is a great tool to use, especially if you are a bit stuck in your journey. It will help you to get back to basics.

Do you know that Making Our Chapter Great is a manual for members and chapters? How many of you know where the manual is or have you even seen it? There should be at least two in every chapter and as an informed member you should look through it.

How about the Real Life Guide? That big blue book has so much information in it that you could use it for a whole year of programs. Blow the dust off, open it up, and look at the wealth of information. It is not a book just about exchanges.

The TOPS toolbox is overflowing with the right tools to help you on your journey. This is just a few that I have mentioned. Ask yourself – “Am I using the right tool for the job I am doing?”

Deanna

Service Program Administrator

Deanna Bies – 705 N Mundt Ave #1, Hartford SD 57033 – 605.390.0812 – [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

This information is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about your health, please consult your licensed healthcare professional.July/August/September Madness in the Great Plains . . . Please share with all members.

The Right Tool for the Right Job . . .

Everyone knows that hammers are used to pound nails, screwdrivers drive screws, and ladders help you climb. Yet we’ve all seen people trying to nail something with wrenches or stones, turning screws with butter knives, and standing on chairs.

The reasons people use the wrong tool can vary; Perhaps they didn’t have the right tool on hand. Maybe they feel like they can do a better job, or they just like the challenge and want to prove they can do it.

Regardless of the reason, the fact remains that the correct tool is out there, and it exists for a reason. It’s been designed, tested, and has evolved to perform its function as efficiently as possible. Many basic tools come in different shapes and functions.

What tools are you using to complete your job of getting or staying healthier? TOPS provides with you with many different tools to use on your journey. How many have you taken advantage of or are using to full potential?

The obvious tool is our chapter meeting – being accountable to the scale, educating ourselves through the programs, supporting others on their journeys, and being supported by them. Do you take advantage of asking for the support you need, or do you just go along with the flow and hope you can stay on your journey? Perhaps if you aren’t getting the proper support or education others aren’t either. Why not take control then, find the right tool, and present a program about something you are interested in.

The TOPS News is a great tool. It is full of education, motivation, and resources. Everything in the magazine could be shared at a chapter and discussed. The programs in each magazine are meant to be used at chapter – not just read at home and then discarded. There are countless numbers of magazines that never get opened. You might be missing the very thing needed to help you on your journey. Some members read it cover-to-cover the minute it arrives, some flip through and find specific things to look at, and others lay it down to get to it later and later never comes. Where do you fit into that scenario? Are you missing out on a wonderful tool?

More tools than you can count can be found on the TOPS website – www.tops.org. EVERYONE can benefit from one area or another with all the resources available for you there. New members can be guided for several weeks. Leaders have a whole year of programs planned out for them and every form they need. Members have menu plans, recipes, motivational videos and webinars, information from the KRAMES Health Library, programs to present, etc.

You can find cards to send, awards to hand out, contests to do, and even the TOPS online store to shop in.

How many of you use the My Day One as an ongoing tool? We give that out to new members, but it is a great tool to use, especially if you are a bit stuck in your journey. It will help you to get back to basics.

Do you know that Making Our Chapter Great is a manual for members and chapters? How many of you know where the manual is or have you even seen it? There should be at least two in every chapter and as an informed member you should look through it.

How about the Real Life Guide? That big blue book has so much information in it that you could use it for a whole year of programs. Blow the dust off, open it up, and look at the wealth of information. It is not a book just about exchanges.

The TOPS toolbox is overflowing with the right tools to help you on your journey. This is just a few that I have mentioned. Ask yourself – “Am I using the right tool for the job I am doing?”

Deanna

Service Program Administrator

Deanna Bies – 705 N Mundt Ave #1, Hartford SD 57033 – 605.390.0812 – [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

This information is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about your health, please consult your licensed healthcare professional.

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