Divide Evenly, Then Suck it Up!

Every so often, I catch myself complaining about how hard it is to lose weight. And then I remember it is 2010, and not 1972. Then I bite my tongue.

You see, those ladies back in the Retro WW days had it pretty rough. There were no shortcuts, no ready-made substitutions, no 100-calorie packs, and definitely no excuses. They ate their weekly liver and they didn't question it.

Take, for instance, portion control. Yes, weighing and measuring are extremely important parts of the modern day WW program. But back in 1972, it was hardcore, baby.

Here is an excerpt from the 1972 Revised WW Program Cookbook on the topic of portion control:

Because of the importance of measuring and weighing on our Program, always follow these rules for recipes for more than one serving: Mix ingredients well, and divide the mixture evenly so every portion has an equal amount of each ingredient. Also, in recipes where the liquid as well as the solid part has to be divided evenly, as in soups:
1) drain the liquid and set aside
2) divide solid ingredients evenly, and
3) add equal amounts of the liquid to each portion.

Seriously? Did they really think this barbaric level of scrutiny was necessary? If so, I think I would just skip the soup.

And if you think you were going to get any sympathy from Jean Nidetch. Think again.

Here's another excerpt from that same chapter:

Recipe directions may sometimes look as if they're taking the long way around, but remember, they're all shortcuts to your goal weight! Never try to "get away with" using one pan when we call for two (you may have one less pot to wash, but you'll still have the pot around your middle). Think of the little extra care as "indulging yourself"...to a new slim figure and a happier life.

Oh Jean! You know I love you, but what kind of shenanigans are you trying to pull with that little statement? Let's be honest here. We follow your rules. But we don't have to like it!