tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221274812866070632024-03-13T09:04:24.476-04:00Operation Bikini 2009Welcome All! This blog was created to encourage those interested in losing weight in 2009. We chose to call it Operation Bikini so that we will meet a goal by the month of April for Spring Break time. Please post recipes, successes, questions, results, daily routines, etc. here! We will support all!Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528619271519615819noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-78833020247622695412009-04-17T18:55:00.002-04:002009-04-17T19:01:03.261-04:00Boot Camp (part 2)Well, I don't really feel sore today. Maybe the teeniest bit tight in the back of the legs and the upper arms. I'm going to have to kick it up a notch next time - if I can. More on that in a second. I did go for a 2 mile walk this afternoon, which counts towards my 10 minutes of cardio we were instructed to do 3 times a week.<br /><br />Anyway, I am having trouble with my foot. I had a stress fracture a year ago, and it has never really felt quite right since. The big workouts over spring break followed by Boot Camp are probably a little much for my poor foot to handle. I debated on calling the doctor today, but I'm going to wait and see how it feels Monday. I'm afraid if I do go to the doctor I'll end up in a different kind of Boot Camp.<br /><br />See you later!<br /><br />xoxoxJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12356569155095936936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-12381520644580812372009-04-16T19:36:00.002-04:002009-04-16T19:48:52.485-04:00Boot CampToday was the first real day of Boot Camp! We actually met on Tuesday to get weighed and measured. My body fat was 27.1%. Yikes! Must get that number lower! But that is what Boot Camp is all about. The instructors were really nice and it definitely wasn't boring. There are about 20 of us so they divided us into 2 groups after we warmed up. One group started on the circuit training where you do each station for 1 minute then switch to the next station. We did things like lunges, boxing, holding the plank pose, situps, jump rope, etc. The other group started with a power walking/lunging/arm exercises with bands. We then switched so everyone got to try everything. I did not find the circuit part or the walking/lunging challenging, but it was super duper hard to do those arm exercises! I really really need a stronger upper body. Even though I didn't feel like I was challenged, I'm staring to feel a little stiff in the legs. We'll see if I'm paralyzed tomorrow - that will really tell me if this was a good workout!<br /><br />Let me see if I have any good food stuff to share today.....well, these are old news but I just love love love Morningstar Farms veggie link sausages. You can learn more about them here: <a href="http://www.seeveggiesdifferently.com/product_detail.aspx?id=354">http://www.seeveggiesdifferently.com/product_detail.aspx?id=354</a><br />I eat them ALL the time. <br /><br />I haven't had one of these in awhile, but I put one in my work fridge in case I felt shaky before going to Boot Camp. Zoic drinks have just 110 calories but with 21 grams of protein. Read about them here: <a href="http://www.zoicbev.com/">http://www.zoicbev.com/</a> I have problems with hypoglycemia and protein really helps me out. If you try them go for the vanilla and serve VERY cold.<br /><br />That's about all I have tonight. I'll let you know how bad I hurt tomorrow.<br /><br />xoxoxJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12356569155095936936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-60194799344954636962009-04-11T16:32:00.003-04:002009-04-11T16:41:55.124-04:00RebootOkay, I'm back too. Been exercising every day over spring break (even some running!) and eating right with a small splurge here and there. Even after a few short days my clothes seem to be fitting better, but I'm not sure if it is the mind or the body that has changed. I have also committed to the boot camp - I am anticipating big things!<br /><br />I have tried several new healthy recipes lately:<br />Gnocchi with Shrimp, Asparagus, and Pesto (<a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1634729">http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1634729</a>). Pretty good, and definitely easy! I give it 4 out of 5.<br /><br />Soft Chicken Tacos (<a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1227897">http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1227897</a>). Good, though I think dark meat chicken (thighs in this case) is not the right thing for me. If I make these again I'll use breast meat. 3.5 out of 5.<br /><br />Goat Cheese and Roasted Corn Quesadillas (<a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1880002">http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1880002</a>). Yum yum yum! One of my new faves. Very easy! 5 out of 5.<br /><br />Also, have you tried Flat Out wraps? (<a href="http://www.flatoutbread.com/movie.html">http://www.flatoutbread.com/movie.html</a>) They are so good and LOW in calories - the ones I eat are 90 calories for a huge wrap. I've been spreading them with Laughing Cow Light and adding a few turkey pepperoni slices, then rolling up and zapping in the microwave for 25 seconds. Love this! And only 3 points for a very fulfuilling snack. They also make a good base for pizza.<br /><br />That's all for now. Thanks for reading!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12356569155095936936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-64839340347701197142009-04-02T23:47:00.003-04:002009-04-02T23:51:09.363-04:00taking stepsToday I commited to joining a 6 week boot camp AFTER spring break - I DO have to be realistic! This will get me back on track for working out...I'm already dreading the pain, but it will be SO worth it! The key for me in the past has been the exercise so this will allow me to get committed again...I'll check back when I return from spring break...Maybe some one else will be here when I return...If not, it's OK. It's kinda cool to have my own site just for me...Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364233234718438627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-54967434919702736792009-03-29T18:45:00.003-04:002009-03-29T18:51:31.880-04:00working in progressOK, today I feeling there is hope. Funny thing is I was cleaning out a cabinet and came cross the annual school pictures I've had made since 2000...looking at the ones from only 2 years ago made realize how far I have fallen. And these were only head shots!<br />I've decided to suck it up and make myself wear the spring/summer clothes I can get into. I'm NOT buying anything new unless I have to - that will give me motivation to get my butt in gear. My reward will be an occasional new item plus all the things I can't get into now. I'm also gping to make myself get rid of old clothes...WQhy do I hold on to them? By the time I can wear some of them, they will be out of style!! Insanity I tell you...<br />The biggie for me is going to be getting 1/2 hour of exercise a day in...it doesn't sound like much but it's going to take dedication...I know I've said it before BUT<br />I HAVE TO PUT MYSELF BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE! (Why is that so difficult!?)Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364233234718438627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-47998640036710402892009-03-28T22:04:00.002-04:002009-03-28T22:11:52.004-04:00reality check...don't know if any of you are lurking or not - but that's ok. i needed to talk.<br />i'm getting ready for spring break and for the first time i hauled out my shirts, shorts, and bathing suits...<br />can't wear any summer skirts.<br />I have 4 pr of shorts I can get into...3 of them barely fit.<br />out of 8 bathing suits accumalated over the last 4 years i can wear 2...barely<br />tried on several shirts...have 3 or 4 i can wear - problem is they don't go well w/ the shorts i can wear<br />i then gave up b/c i couldn't take anymore...need to reflect and feel sorry for myself...then i'll come up with a plan...Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364233234718438627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-47988303415765305672009-02-06T15:51:00.003-05:002009-02-06T15:59:32.833-05:00Hi again everyone!I know I haven't been on here in a while but thought I would catch yall up. First of all, I have lost 4lbs and have managed to keep it off for over two weeks now. I just wish it could be more! I do have a physical fitness test coming up so I have to start conditioning for that (even though it shouldn't take a test to work out, but hey, I hate working out). I expect to lose a couple more from that. I have still been watching what I eat, but I saw some pictures from the last month and I don't like them at all. I ordered the Jillian Michaels game for Wii and along with my WiiFit that I am expecting I should be able to start doing workouts in my room. Hope everyone is doing good!JennaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736291921755654432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-51381873945361701302009-02-03T09:23:00.002-05:002009-02-03T09:28:29.872-05:00Slacker..aka .. MarieWow I have been so busy and sincerely apologize for letting this "blog" go. I was so good. I want all to know that I have been tracking my food and trying to make the right choices. I've had a little stress (moving my mom into a new place) as it has taken up the past four days and evenings and mornings and.. :)<br /><br />I've been eating a ton of fast food lately and have found that many places really don't offer a lot of choices however if you go with a grilled chicken sandwich (no mayo) and a side salad or fruit you can't go wrong! Almost everyday I have enough points to eat one or a few york peppermint patties!<br /><br />My major confession is : lack of exercise (but hey isn't moving exercise???). I haven't been on my wii fit in almost a week!! ahhhhhhhhh! I will today for sure! I was using it three times a week. I'm also having a hard time sleeping again. I rarely drink caffeine (if any). I have started reading again before bed time, maybe it gets my brain thinking too much?<br /><br />Anyway, anyone have suggestions for a great comfort food meal that isn't high in calories or a great meatloaf (or meat alternative loaf) that is healthy. I'd love some of that with mashed potatoes and veggies and reduced fat crescent rolls! :)Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528619271519615819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-51630051597781689162009-01-26T19:48:00.003-05:002009-01-26T19:53:27.442-05:00Progress...Hey everyone! Well, I am very happy to report that my experience with the scale this morning was a positive one. I am down 9 pounds! It probably would have been more than that, but I had a few bad things this weekend...mac n cheese to name one. Anyway, I was very pleased with myself, and I remembered how bad I felt last week when it only was one pound. It's amazing how crazy bodies can be. I even had two people at work today comment that I looked like I had lost some weight. You all know what a boost to the self-esteem that is!<br /><br />I totally understand about the weighing more than once a week. We all have to do what works for us. I am soooo thankful for this blog! On my good days and on my bad days, it's nice to know it's here just waiting for me. Thanks for the support. By the way, is it just Marie, Anne, Leigh, and me blogging? Come join us if you haven't already. It is soooo liberating!<br /><br />Have a great night!Leigh2http://www.blogger.com/profile/02818004969146454202noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-9272442296387765872009-01-26T18:49:00.002-05:002009-01-26T19:19:28.481-05:00helloooooooooo.....anyone out there?<br />I'm glad to see you back Leigh. No one had posted since I made my last post until you showed up this weekend...I'm not feeling the love...If I scared people off with my rant, I AM sorry! :><br /><br />I'm glad you shared that about weighing. All I have ever heard is to only weigh once a week.<br />I, too, feel like I need to monitor my weight every couple of days so I can adjust accordingly...as you said, the key for me is to not make that # the determiner of my value for the day. My weight can literally change 5 lbs in one day...what if the one day a week I weigh myself is the day it spikes those 5 lbs?!<br /><br />I'm feeling a bit bad about my actions since last week.<br />Leigh2 and I went out for sushi and a glass of wine on Thurs. I was afraid we had totally blown it, but when I went online and checked the cals in both I found it wasn't too bad. The next day I made sure to keep my intake moderate.<br /><br />I was doing well until Sat night. I went bonkers and had all kinds of those snacky party foods, beer, wine, and rum...oh the shame of it all!! (I also felt pretty crappy the next day!) Looking back I think what happened was that I had a rather stressful week and worked hard all day Sat., then when it came time to reward myself I went out of control. I need to come up with a list of ways to reward myself that don't involve calorie intake...I'll have to think on that one...<br /><br />Then, of course, I did that crazy thinking where I say, "I've blown it, so I might as well go ahead and blow it big!" Sunday was not good. I am REALLY nervous about weighing myself tomorrow morning...I may have gained back the three pounds it took me 2 weeks to lose...sigh...<br /><br />I'll try to come back later and let you know how it went...Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364233234718438627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-67436943611622253922009-01-25T20:23:00.002-05:002009-01-25T20:40:17.259-05:00This one's a keeper!The recipe for <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1591122">Sausage and Spinach Soup</a> is a keeper! It is also fast and easy. Have I mentioned how fabulous Cooking Light is?<br /><br />The Arnold Sandwich Thins are good too. Visit the <a href="http://arnold.gwbakeries.com/subcat.cfm/subcatId/131">website</a> for official information. I put it in the toaster just like you would an English muffin. It made a great lunchtime sandwich with my Boca Burger. I think you could also make little pizzas with them in the toaster oven. Good stuff.<br /><br />Have you ever tried <a href="http://www.bocaburger.com/default.aspx">Boca products</a>? They are fantastic. When I was losing my weight on WW, I ate Boca burgers for dinner almost every night. If you try them, don't expect them to taste like meat. Just think of them as an alternative to meat. I love to eat them on a 1 point bun (like Merita Lite or Sunbeam Lite or now the new Arnold Sandwich Thins) with a slice of 2% cheese (also 1 point) and a big handful of fresh spinach. I have never been a mayo, mustard, or ketchup kind of girl, so I eat it without condiments. Many of their patties are 1 point, so you can have a great, filling, and healthy sandwich for 3 points. Sometimes I add some sliced avocado if I have it on hand, which adds a point. I probably eat the Original Vegan one the most.<br /><br />That's it for tonight! Hope everyone had a great weekend! :)Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12356569155095936936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-63545203409647128272009-01-24T12:22:00.002-05:002009-01-24T12:35:02.737-05:00Where is everyone?People must be super busy! I miss seeing your posts.<br /><br />I am pleased with my OB progress right now. After the pinky promise not to weigh for a whole week, I discovered that is not the right plan for me. I need to weigh whenever I want because that helps me gauge whether I need to be more careful or whether it's okay to splurge. There are studies supporting weighing daily and others supporting weighing weekly. I guess each person needs to figure out what is best for them. The most important thing is to not tie your feelings or self-worth to a number!<br /><br />If you are a WW SmartOnes eater they are on sale at Publix right now - 50% off, which is a huge deal. Be sure to stock up!<br /><br />I also bought some Arnold Sandwich Thins to try. They are like a cross between English muffins and hamburger buns. 100 calories, 1g of fat, and 6g of fiber for the whole wheat ones. I'm going to try it with my Boca burger (tomato basil - yum) for lunch today. I'll let you know if they are worth buying. They were on sale for $1.50 a package (Publix), and each package has 8.<br /><br />Tonight I am trying another Cooking Light recipe, <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1591122">Sausage and Spinach Soup</a>. I'll let you know on that as well. I am planning on making some homemade bread to go with it. Bread can definitely be a trigger food, but I find that if I eat high quality stuff that it is easier to savor it rather than shoving it in my mouth as fast as I can. I am really trying to practice moderation instead of restriction.<br /><br />I'll check in later. Ciao!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12356569155095936936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-43332659935814324142009-01-21T21:18:00.002-05:002009-01-21T21:41:47.620-05:00Where do I begin?I feel like I'm so far behind...<br />The weekend was FABULOUS!!!!!<br />I laughed SO hard w/ my girlfriends, managed to read a couple of magazines ( O and People) and worked on my book club book. I had not seen the condo we rented in person, only online. My God! It was amazing - the one next door was for sale at a "discounted" price of 1.4 MILLION! Yep! That's what I said :> I slept in a king size bed alone, bathed in a shower so large it had 2 separate shower heads, the wine fridge (yep, separate frdige just for wine) had settings for either red or white, surround sound throughout the condo, 52" TV (never did figure out how to work that damn thing), sat on the penthouse deck and watched the sunset, soaked in the heated pool and jaccuzi...<br />More importantly, I laughed with my girlfriends, took walks on the beach, basked in the 70 degree heat, drank WAY too much, shared hopes and dreams, ate more than I intended (but wasn't crazy), and got to see my youngest son, his girl, and met her parents (pu-leez don't get me started there!)<br />My only regret? I had to come back Monday evening, dammit!<br /><br />Managed to stick to my goal of only weighing once a week...after all I did Between Fri and Mon evenings<em> </em>I had<em> </em>only gained 3/4 of a lb. on Tues morning. Yes, it would have been nice to have maintained or lost, but what I gained in rejuvenation was worth it all! Damn I had a good time! :><br /><br />I have been back now for 2 days - back to the rushed multi-tasking where getting time for me takes planning and juggling.<strong> </strong>Whatever is thrown at me though I now feel like I can handle.<br /><br />You know I love my hubby and my boys, but it is my girlfriends who get me through.<br />We laugh in the good times, we bond thorugh the bizarre times (and these can get rather bizarre), share memories, worries, hope and dreams (and often a bottle of wine). And I know that no matter what I'm going through - no matter how unloveable I may feel I am - It's my girlfriends who are there to share it all with me.<br /><br />You OP2009ers are now my girlfriends, too. Thanks for sharing this journey with me :><br />(OK, so I was a bit emotional today. I promise future postings will be more productive!)<br />AnneAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364233234718438627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-77654018136505409042009-01-21T10:32:00.002-05:002009-01-21T10:43:09.201-05:00So I waited to Weigh..I weighed on Monday. I am down two pounds. Which is good, but not good enough!! ha ha I'm only kidding. I know it takes time.<br /><br />I wanted to be more regimented this week with my food and I'm taking ya'lls advice on warm lunches and I've been eating the Smart Ones meals. They are pretty good (not filling, but good). I have eaten the Salisbury Steak with mac n cheese (5 points and it has mac n cheeeeeeese my favorite), some pasts with brocolli (5 points) and today is turkey and mashed potatoes (4 points). I usually eat one of those with either string cheese or yogurt. By 4 pm Im hungry, and have been trying to eat an apple.<br /><br />I found a new breakfast that I LOVE ( I can't eat the same thing everyday like Leigh!!). Use 1/2 cup of skim milk, put it in the microwave for 1:30. Then I put in 2 tsp of vanilla sugar free syrup, and two of the old fashioned shredded wheat biscuits (the vanilla syrup makes it sweet without sugar!). Its so yummy and is only 3 points. I usually eat it at about 7:15 and am full until about 11am. So I think thats pretty good!<br /><br />My MIL made homemade beef stew and corn bread (and I mean cornbread, the good stuff with buttermilk and fat and yum yum) and we resisted yesterday because I had already put dinner in the crockpot. That was tough, her cornbread is like the best dessert you've ever had times a million. Its my super duper weakness and oh my gosh it is soo good and hot and crispy and yummy. Ok thats enough about how good it is. But I was tough and it was hard. I did make some yummy roasted potatoes last night. I used red potatoes cut up into chunks and tossed them with some olive oil and lipton's onion soup mix (the recipes on the back of the box, but I didn't use as much EVOO as the recipe called for). They were yummy!<br /><br />Also, Betty Crocker (I think thats who makes it) makes a Low Fat Brownie, it is 3 points per serving (the serving is small like 32 g) but they are super good and I replace the oil in the recipe with applesauce (which probably lowers the points down to 2) and you can use egg white instead of egg (which lowers it even more)..but they are super good and with a 1/2 cup of Breyer's Fat Free Vanilla Ice cream (1 point!!!) its even yummier! Try that..you can make it at home, its not full or preservatives (or like other frozen ww desserts _ which are still good) but the whole family can enjoy (and my boys eat it up!). <br /><br />I've been slacking on exercise. I felt a little "under the weather" yesterday and rested on the couch watching the biggest loser (and here i was the biggest loser for sitting on my @$$)... but I woke up with a horrible sore throat. Its a good reason to get all my water in today! hee hee!<br />Have a wonderful hump day!<br />xoxoMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528619271519615819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-39215838502178848602009-01-20T22:27:00.000-05:002009-01-20T22:31:06.933-05:00If you enjoy chili on these frosty days...You might want to try product from Boca Burgers. There are these Boca Chili Bowls. I've only been able to find them at Publix and Ingles. I took one for lunch today, at it was pretty awesome. I zapped it in the micro for 3 and a half minutes, sprinkled a small amt of grated cheese on top, and I was good to go. You could even put in a pack of 100 calorie crackers to mix in (if you're like me..I like my chili thick.)<br />It was a hot, warm satisfying lunch for only 120 calories for the entire bowl. I'm serious! Give it a try!<br />Talk soon,<br />Leigh2Leigh2http://www.blogger.com/profile/02818004969146454202noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-45712259278582897592009-01-20T21:01:00.002-05:002009-01-20T21:04:20.449-05:00Yum!I made <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1696601">Golden Winter Soup</a> for dinner last night and ate leftovers for lunch today. You must try it! I subbed fat free half-and-half for the real stuff, and didn't make the toasts to go with it. So good and healthy. Cooking Light is such a wonderful resource. :)Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12356569155095936936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-28450950265388290632009-01-20T19:56:00.002-05:002009-01-20T20:02:52.453-05:00Welcome to Leigh 2. Wow, girl! My life seems SO boring when I read about yours. I'm glad your here and can't wait to hear more about your progress.<br /><br />I also miss Ann (no E) - has she left us or have I just missed her posts?<br /><br />I am SO glad to see Marie back. Yippeee! When I read her posts, I feel like she's been in my head.<br /><br />And I admire Leah2's postings. She's an inspiration to me. She also has some great ideas.<br /><br />Talk about your ideas!? Leah is able to make ANY situation a positive. What a support for all of us - make sure to let us know how we can support you, too! :><br /><br />Miss me? :> I'll be back in a while to catch you up on my adventures this weekend - Biggest Loser's coming on!!!! :><br />AnneAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364233234718438627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-53999524782203238832009-01-19T06:59:00.002-05:002009-01-19T07:03:54.065-05:00The scale is my enemy...I hate weighing myself. Always have, always will. I waited one week to weigh myself, and I got on this morning, and it said I has lost a total of 1 pound. Yes, I said 1 pound. Unbelievable...<br /><br />Like Marie, I can recall all the "maybes." I'm sick of the maybes though. I did what I thought was right (with the exception of Wednesday when I had my Reese's cup meltdown). What is it going to take?<br /><br />I could put a positive spin on this right now, but I am too angry. Would someone please send reinforcements in to help?Leigh2http://www.blogger.com/profile/02818004969146454202noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-59329733973302133852009-01-16T14:57:00.002-05:002009-01-16T15:23:28.648-05:00Yummy yummy veggies!My first post was for two days ago, this one is for today and yesterday. I had yesterday off, and it was very eventful. Thursday night (I am 15 hours ahead of y’all, so sorry about the day confusion) I hung out with my friend Ryan at the boat shacks, and he made steak and veggies. I had half a steak and a bunch of peppers, onions, mushrooms, and asparagus that were roasted on the grill with butter, salt and pepper. It was so delicious; I made the exact same thing for myself the next night! I had a spicy sausage with no bun, six bites of steak (it was well done and I couldn’t eat it), and made the same veggies for us, but I used light butter and salt and pepper. It was sooooo good, but I also had three light beers with it… Yesterday’s breakfast was not so good; I woke up too late to get to the chow hall and the only thing I had in my room was peanut butter and jelly and hamburger buns, so I had a peanut butter and jelly hamburger…! Lunch was good; they served turkey with gravy and sage stuffing. I had small amounts of each, but then threw in a piece of banana crème pie (they hardly ever have pie, so I have to indulge!). I also had a small salad with bleu cheese dressing. Then in the afternoon I went fishing for an hour and a half, and then had softball practice for a little over an hour. So at least I wasn’t just sitting on my butt! Today's weight was the same 155 I had weighed since I got here, so at least I am not gaining! Today I had my usual oatmeal and java, and the lunch menu is not very enticing; mushroom swiss burger, broiled pork chops, and potatoes romanoff. It might be a turkey roll-up kind of day. Tonight I am going to the mobile kitchen; they set up nice tables right on the beach, free beer and wine, and they serve you dinner like you are in a real restaurant. It cost $40 but it is seafood night so it will be super delicious. They always serve more food than you can eat so I never eat the rice or whatever filler they give you. It should be delicious. Tomorrow is beach day, and hopefully I get to go wakeboarding for a little exercise. Happy weekend everyone! I will be back in a couple days.JennaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736291921755654432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-12103709082276752452009-01-16T14:41:00.001-05:002009-01-16T14:50:25.730-05:00Introducing Jenna!Sorry this took so long, but I couldn't figure out how to post! This is going to be super long, so I don’t mind if you skip it! If any of you know me, you know that I have a very interesting situation. I am Marie's sister and live in the Marshall Islands. I am going to give a little history on that before I start on my weight stuff. I live on an Army base called Kwajalein as a police officer, but work at the airport processing planes. Much like TSA, but not. We don't have cars here, which means I am always walking or riding my bike (and believe me, that bike is exercise out here with the winds!). So everywhere I go I am exercising. We don’t have restaurants either, unless you count Burger King, Subway, and a pizza place which I never eat at because BK is gross unless you have a terrible hangover and need something greasy, and Subway is questionable because the food just sits out with all the flies picking at it (also, the Marshallese workers aren’t very clean, so I rarely eat there even though I LOVE Subway). The pizza is a serious last resort, for the same reasons stated before, but also the pizza is just nasty. I eat three meals a day for free at the chow hall, which always has something to offer that is edible, but it is very hard to keep up with what I am eating since I did not make it myself.I do not think I am fat. I do, however, think that I am too thick in all places (except my big booty, I love it!). On the scale today I weighed 155lbs, and I am 5'5", which according to the BMI I am overweight. I have worn a size 10/11 jean since high school, but have gradually filled out. When I was in basic training and tech school for the Air Force, I was in the best shape of my life but still the same size. I do rollerblade to get some cardio, and I just bought a Wii. Rollerblading is fun, but hard out here because the wind blows so hard that it is more like doing sprints, and then I get so tired so fast that I can’t go more than a few miles. Once I can find a Wii Fit I will start doing that probably every day for a least a little while, until the wind dies and I can do real cardio. I would love to weigh fewer than 145, but my real goal is just to tone everything up, especially my arms and stomach. It is bikini season year-round here, and every Sunday is beach day. I think I look okay in a bathing suit, but I would like to be HOT!As for food...I live in basically a dorm, but have my own room and bathroom. We do not have kitchens, but there is one very small kitchen a couple buildings over that 700 people share... My fridge is about the size of two shoeboxes, and freezer can hold maybe one frozen dinner. So you see that there isn’t much room to store fresh food so I don’t. I am usually good at keeping what I eat at the chow hall maintained, but when there is something there that is just OMG delicious, I cant hold back (such as Mexican day, strawberry shortcake night, chocolate pie, and gyros). My breakfast is usually the same; two eggs scrambled with onions and hash browns if they got'em, or if I don’t have time to get there then I have an express oatmeal worth 200 calories. I also have a Monster Java every work day which is also 200 calories. Lunch and dinner are whatever they serve. I cut out all other caffeine, do not usually put cheese in anything except the occasional salad, and quit eating dinner rolls at all meals. I do drink quite a bit of beer once or twice a week, and I know I should cut that out but it is the only thing that keeps me sane on this island!I am hoping that this blog will give me more motivation to eat smaller portions. If any of you have any suggestions for someone who eats in a chow hall, then please do not hesitate. Thanks for stickin with me! Good luck everyone!JennaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09736291921755654432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-7179496785880458992009-01-16T10:45:00.006-05:002009-01-16T11:08:06.532-05:00Week #2Ok, so I will begin by admitting that I have been slack in blogging. I do have a reason, but it's B.S. The reason, I had a loss last week of 7.5 pounds. This week I have gained 5 of it back and there is no apparent reason to me. I have stuck to my points (I haven't even eaten my bonus points for WW). Now before you start giving me advice because I know there will be ton out there, I want to say #1 there is no day that I have gone over 1100 calories, #2 there is no day that I have eaten over my 23 points #3 I am eating my veggies and fruits and calcium, #4 NO sodas have entered my body, water or decaf tea (no sugar) only, #5 I've worked out every single day minimum of 30 minutes #6 did i mention that i hate this.<br /><br />So.. i know some advice i will get. #1 maybe i'm not eating enough (maybe not but im eating my ww points) #2 maybe im not getting enough of the good fats #3 maybe i need to up my daily exercise #4 maybe ..maybe...maybe..<br /><br />I am very frustrated. I feel awful that I am usually someone else's personal cheerleader for this. I helped start this blog what an awful way for me to get off track and pissed off by week #2.<br /><br />Well I am not giving up. I am feeling down on myself because I can't figure this out. When I did WW last time I was successful the whole time until I got to the 150's. thats where I stick. I hate it.. plateaus are b.s. so I dont want to hear that either (WW leaders will tell you that there is no such thing as a plateau). My lowest adult weight recorded at my doctor's office is 155, meaning I am right now in that range (but my average adult weight measured is 170), however last week when I dropped to the 140's I felt great success. I do not want to be stuck in the 150's. I want to be at a weight I can maintain and I know I can maintain the 150's but I want to know that I can do this. My healthy range is 106-132. I just want the 140's right now (althought the 130s would be ideal..Im not asking too much am I??).<br /><br />Im setting my short term loss to go to the 140's and stay (and Im not talking 149... thats too close to 150.. Im talking a solid 145) and then I will shoot for my 130 range. I have to know that I can get under 150 and stay there. I know I need to be proud of my 60 lbs weight loss and the fact that I have maintained my weight loss but I want more. I can have it, right?!?!<br /><br />Any other "diet" suggestions, things that work? I am comfortable and know how to do weight watchers. I know it works and I know it can be successful. Maybe I need to attend a meeting to learn new tricks? Maybe I need to not focus so much on this. I record everything I eat everyday. OOOOOh this 3 day weekend is going to be tough. Its going to be so cold, isn't it so nice to sit by the fire and eat!! hee hee!! I did get the sugar free hot chocolate = 1 ww point! top with some fat free cool whip, yummy!<br /><br />By the way, tonight at Chick Fil A, if you save your recepit, whatever you buy tonight you get for free at a later date (three weeks from now). I am going to have a grilled chicken sandwich and a fruit cup and indulge in a real sweet tea (chicken sandwich = 5pts, fruit cup = 1 pt, and the sweet tea medium = 2 pts) totaling 8 points. (as of now, my food intake, a fiber bar = 2 pts, 1 cup of grapes = 1 pt, lunch will be a smart ones = 5 points and a small banana = 1 pt. Totaling in at 9 points.. ) So with my CFA dinner I will be at 17 points. I will probably have a string cheese and have 4 points left..maybe desert. .ha ha just kidding!! I need to lose the weight thats not coming off of me!!<br /><br />Have a great weekend!<br />xoxoMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11528619271519615819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-61283819886924244092009-01-15T20:31:00.002-05:002009-01-15T20:47:54.296-05:00I'm baaaaack....in the saddle again :><br />Best day yet this week. Guess that vent last night helped! Hope I didn't run anyone off...<br /><br />I've now not weighed myself since Tues AM...Today was easier than yesterday which was crazy. I have one of those really cool doctor's beam scales. I kept walking past it and stopping. I even thought one time that I could weigh myself and no one would know. Then I could come on here and lie and no one would know...but you know what? I'd know and I have to respect you and me enough to be honest with both of us, so I didn't weigh. (yea me! :>)<br /><br />Danger! Danger! Will Robinson!<br />I'm going out of town this weekend on a girls' trip to the beach.<br />B'fast won't be a problem - fruit and a toasted english muffin w/ a slice turkey and hot tea w/ Splenda (what I eat every morning). I also went online and found a Subway that appears to be close by...that'll be my lunch treat. NO chips!<br />Dinner has me worried. I love seafood and plan to eat it. I figure I'll stick to anything not fried or floating in butter. And stay away from those dreaded breads.<br /><br />Any other suggestions? Any seafood dishes you know of that are healthier than others?<br />Hope you are all doing well with your health goals :><br />AnneAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364233234718438627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-29073419538353613202009-01-15T19:06:00.003-05:002009-01-15T19:12:39.792-05:00Don't get too cocky...Hey everyone. Well, I guess I jinxed myself yesterday by writing that I had small victories. I had a cruddy day at work, and I caved and ate 5 small Reese's cups in a row. I also didn't exercise last night like I had vowed to do. Anyway, I guess with the small victories come small bumps in the road too.<br />I had a much better day today at work and with my food intake. I am also getting ready to hop on the treadmill. I also have not weighed myself since Monday, and I am sticking to that plan. With the weekend on the horizon, I need to focus on what my plan will be. We have a dinner with some friends on Saturday night, and I'm not sure what she's making. I'll just have to be conservative during the day to be on the safe side.<br />Anyway, that's my input for the night. Hope everyone is doing great!Leigh2http://www.blogger.com/profile/02818004969146454202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-7002837989434640742009-01-14T21:16:00.005-05:002009-01-14T21:55:48.093-05:00Response to Leah's questions...I started to make this a comment on Leah's post, but I wanted to make sure each of you saw this - even you lurkers! :> - so I'm making a new post...<br />OK, you know by now I can be blunt so here goes. ..My first response to the questions Leah was asked was "That bee-atch!" Those questions almost sound catty to me - the green-eyed monster rears its head! To question you instead of congratulating you on getting support really pissed me off...Then I calmed down and thought about it...Deep breath...Count to ten...OK, I'm sane now :><br /><br />I know we talk about weight but we also talk about the insanity that goes w/ it. It feels like we are SO much more than a weight group. Weight Watchers meetings never worked for me - all that cheerleader crap for people I don't know and know nothing about! Yuk! (Picture me rolling my eyes...) Here, we talk about healthy lifestyles, exercise, food choices, recipes, and the mental games (or in my case, out right craziness) we put ourselves through.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff6666;">Most of all we support each other in ALL our endeavors (Marie, where are you? :>)</span></strong><br /><br />I want you to know that each day (except for Mon which will NOT happen again) I come on here and feel like I can pour out what's going on and show the real me. In my job, my role is one of support. I'm expected to be the support, the rock, for others. When people come to me it's for answers and help. (This is no shit! - People who don't really know me say that I seem so proper and official all the time!) No one else has my job at my workplace and I often feel isolated and alone. I often feel like I don't fit in with any particular group and like there is no one to have my back when things get tough. But then I come here...And even though you might not think like me or I may even scare the shit out of you (Shockingly, I have been told I can be scary! :>) you try to understand and support me...<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff6666;">And THAT'S what it's all about ladies</span></strong>...we are here for each other... Whether it's 5 lbs, 150 lbs or that pinch around an inch!<br /><br />A little known fact is that 25-30 years ago I programmed computers for the stock market (Thank God! I don't have THAT job anymore!) It was mostly a male environment - a "boy's club" if you will. I quit and stayed home to raise children. Then in my 2nd career, I entered education - a mostly female occupation. What I saw was women who would undermine and cut each other in their attempts to climb. They were often sneaky or false - often appearing other than what they really were. The men in my previous field never did that - if they didn't like you, you knew it. Now my normally "out there" self felt like I was ambushed on a regular basis. I learned to protect myself...A perfect example? As I've shared, I changed jobs 2 years ago. I STILL have people who will stop converations when I enter a room because I'm not "trusted" yet!<br /><br />Then Marie started Operation Bikini. I go through the craziness of each of my days. And yet, no matter what has happened that day, I can come here and receive support and encouragement from you, my fellow OP2009'ers, in my quest to be a healthier/better person! And all those people who question why I'm a part of this blog?.......OK, cover your ears if you are sensitive...<br /><br />I say, "Fuck 'em and feed 'em beans!" (My grandafather's favorite saying - maybe that's where I get it? :>) Without you I wouldn't be able to make it through this difficult journey :><br />Damn! I feel better - Thanks!<br /><br />BTW, I did NOT weigh myself today! :> (I down; 6 to go...I can do it!)Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364233234718438627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722127481286607063.post-15025533471816820912009-01-14T18:36:00.003-05:002009-01-14T18:47:55.538-05:00Tough QuestionsI was explaining Operation Bikini 2009 to someone today, and they asked<br /><br />1) why was I trying to lose weight anyway?<br />2) didn't others hate me being part of it because I was already "skinny"?<br /><br />I had an answer to the first question - I'm not trying to lose weight. If you read my first post you will see that I'm trying to work on my squishy muffin top. Maybe it doesn't look like much to others, but it bothers me, so I want to do something about it. And even though I am at my goal weight and have been for 7 years, I still struggle with making good choices in both the food and exercise department. I "only" lost 20 pounds, but I fought hard for each of those pounds. I can't eat whatever I want and not gain weight. I still measure my cereal and milk every morning, and I weigh out things like almonds when I eat them. <br /><br />As for the second question, I didn't have an answer. I think of Operation Bikini as a place where we can discuss and share our obstacles and victories on the path to a healthy body and mind, a place where we cheer for and support one another. I feel like I am a contributing member in all aspects. I may be in a different place on the path, or maybe on another path entirely, but I still think we have the same big goal - to be healthier.<br /><br />Anyway, that's my two cents. If I lived in a perfect bikini body, and kept it without trying, I wouldn't be here. I need it just as much as the next person. Weight loss isn't just about the changes you make to lose the weight, it is also about what you do to keep it off.<br /><br />Okay, I'm off to my MIL's for dinner. She just called and said she's putting the cornbread on....Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12356569155095936936noreply@blogger.com1