This morning, as I was browsing through my closet figuring out what to wear, I glanced up at the shelf that held my jeans in a nice, neat pile. All of my normal jeans that I usually wear were dirty—ugh. Only three pairs remained: my skinny jeans, which have not fit in a long time (not sure if they ever DID fit when I bought them), an old pair of tattered and holey jeans that aren’t quite work-appropriate, and one more pair…a soft, comfy pair that I use to wear all the time.

“All the time” meaning last summer, that is. I have not worn these jeans in SO long, because around Halloween last year they started to feel a little snug. So, they got shoved to the bottom of the jean stack and have not seen the light of day since…

Until TODAY! Yes, that’s right. As I pulled the jeans off the shelf and unfolded them, I was afraid to try them on: what if they still didn’t fit, even after all of this hard work? But I pulled one leg up, then the other, hopped up and down once or twice (we women all know that move), and voila! The jeans FIT! I could barely believe it. I knew I had been working hard, eating healthier and trimming down, but for some reason in my mind I was afraid that it just hadn’t been enough.

But it was enough, and now I am sitting here in my office chair with my trusty old jeans on (and they aren’t even too tight sitting down, woohoo), sharing the moment with you, feeling silly for not trying these suckers on sooner. I’m sure they’re glad to be back out in the world.

With this triumph, I realize I have less than 10 pounds to go to reach my goal weight, and only 2 more weeks of the Jockey® Weight Loss Challenge. I finally lost a little more weight again this past week, so I am even more motivated to keep pushing those pounds off, even if I don’t do it by the time the Challenge is officially “over.” Because let’s be real—even when the corporate Challenge is over, the challenge of everyday life will still be here to try to derail me.

P.S. I face the trials of vacation again this weekend—let’s hope that after a weekend with family, lots of dad’s homemade vino, wedding cake and my mom’s delicious cooking, that these jeans still fit on Monday. :)

Fat Stats:
Starting weight: 166 pounds
Last week: 154.5 pounds
This week: 153 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds

Cheers!
Amanda
@jockey_amanda

A few weeks ago, we had a consumer respond to a blog post asking for some help:

“I’m looking for something to help my wife, who is style-challenged, put together that “fun in the sun” look that your models display when we are on the beach.  Ideas?” - Eric S.

 Eric, we’re so happy you asked!  Here are three great Jockey® “fun in the sun” options.

 1.    Comfy and casual “fun in the sun” look:
Start with our Jockey® favorite tank.  This tank offers a flattering scoop neck and a high back  with thicker straps (stylish and modest).  Plus, 100% cotton provides light and breathable feel—perfect for hot days.

Next, pair it up with our Ultimates® Cotton Spandex Bikini.    Enjoy comfy cotton stretch for a breathable, move-with-you fit.  You’ll love the contrast stitch and feminine bow detail.  Plus, new summer prints just arrived!

 Finish of your look with a pair casual shorts or active capris.  Great styles that will keep you on-the-go!

 In the look you’ll be comfy, casual and chic all day long!

2.    Flirty “fun in the sun” look:
Jockey® minis is a fun, youthful looking collection.  Start with the low rise boy short  in a bright summer color, like salmon pink!  Our minis boy short provides a “cheeky” fit with the comfort of cotton stretch (plus, they’re 5 for $25!).  Four different silhouettes allow you to choose your coverage.

For an all around sassy look, pair the low rise boyshort with our minis cami.  Again, you will get the comfort of cotton spandex in a tailored fit.  This cami has a built-in shelf bra, flattering scoop neck, and adjustable straps.

Complete your look with a flowy summer skirt and a crop jacket.  And, don’t forget a great pair of wedge shoes!

3.    Seamless “fun in the sun” look:
Seamless fun in the sun is a cinch with our No Panty Line Promise® Tactel® fiber blend collection.  On the bottom, wear the flattering fit of our hi cut panties (try it in new confetti bouquet print).  The silky, gentle stretch creates a beautifully smooth look underneath.  Hello summer dresses!

Summer dresses not your thing? Pull off your seamless look with our No Panty Line Promise® Tactel®  fiber blend camisole.  Dual adjustable straps allow for a customized fit.  Plus, the lay-flat seams create a smooth look underneath your top.  Great for layering under a cardigan, light sweater or your favorite embellished tee.

No matter which style you choose, spend your summer days care-free, panty line free…and looking fabulous.

-Stay sunny!

p.s.

Even the warmest summer days can bring cool nights.  Don’t forget to check out our hoodies and jackets for the perfect day-to-night look!

 Eric, we hope this helps you (and your wife) out!  If anyone else has a summer style suggestion, we’d love to hear it!

When I am on a diet, I have a hard time going “outside the box,” or I guess pantry, when it comes to meals. I have my stand-by, trusty low-fat and low-calorie meals that I can whip up quickly. They’re usually enough for two portions, so I have leftovers for lunch the next day. But after the same cycle of meals for 9 weeks, I have to say: my palette is BORED. My taste buds are craving something new and delicious, but I still want it to be healthy and stick to my diet plan.

Not to mention that going out to eat is something I try not to do anymore, save once or twice a week, and I am really starting to salivate just thinking about my favorite meals at my favorite restaurants…

So, I decided: It’s time to bust outta that proverbial pantry and into the vast world of culinary delights. Okay, sounds pretty dorky, but that was the challenge I gave myself this week. And, I am happy to report that I came up with some tasty alternatives to add to my regime of yummy, healthy creations. Here are two of my favorite meals.

Chicken & Goat Cheese Salad
I sauté a chicken breast, chopped red bell peppers, mushrooms and garlic, and at the last minute add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Then I toss this in a bowl with 1oz. goat cheese (not the healthiest cheese for you, but you need to have some fat in your diet, I figure!). Then I lay this on top of a big pile of chopped romaine lettuce and drizzle with a little balsamic vinaigrette. Voila. Sooo tasty for a salad!
Mix it up: Use a whole grain wrap and this works great as a sandwich. Or, try using just shrimp, goat cheese and pears on the salad instead. Throw in some cherry tomatoes and use spinach instead of romaine (see picture). The possibilities just go on.

Fajita Quesadillas
Start out by sautéing a chicken breast (or lean steak if you want), red and green bell peppers, and onions in a pan until the onions and peppers are a little caramelized. On a baking pan, lay out a whole grain tortilla (Flat Out whole grain wraps are my pick—only 100 calories and 8 grams of fiber!). Spread chicken & veggie mixture on ½ the tortilla and top with ½ cup low-fat shredded cheese. Fold the other end of the tortilla over and then pop into the oven on 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes (until cheese is melted). Remove, cut into thirds, top with a dollop of low-fat sour cream and salsa, and enjoy! This is a knock-off of one of my favorite Mexican meals from a near-by restaurant. I don’t know the number of calories or fat that I am saving, but I know it must be a LOT! (Not to mention the $10 I save, too!)

The best thing is, both of these meals are healthy and SUPER tasty, and nobody would ever know it. I even get my boyfriend to eat them, with rave reviews (I guess the cat is out of the bag about how healthy they are now, though!).

Do you have any stand-by or favorite recipes? Please comment & share, I am still looking for new things to try to bust out of my food rut! It has become more and more clear that if I really want to make healthier eating a part of my life, I can’t just stick to my standard ten meal cycle—how will that ever last over the many years to come?! (Especially breakfast—oatmeal every morning is sure getting old!)

Again, this week I take inspiration from some of my Jockey® co-workers who have made a healthy lifestyle change and are sticking to it. I hope they inspire you, too!

Challenge: Sticking to a workout plan
“My challenge was making the time for and adhering to a workout schedule. I overcame it by mustering mental discipline and making sure I made no excuses. The resulting motivation has been the level of fitness I have been able to achieve which has also translated to an enhanced mental outlook on life itself. I aspire to achieve that next level.”
Greg, Jockey Technical Analyst

Challenge: Avoiding distractions
“My kids are my motivation. I want them to live a long healthy life. I want them to see me active so they stay active. I religiously work out at lunch to insure I fit the exercise in. On weekends, I get up when everyone else is sleeping to go for a run or bike. I work out much better in the mornings. If I delay the workout, I get involved in my chores or my kids’ lives and the motivation is no longer there. I also sign up for races or events that challenge me so that I stay motivated to train. I pick a new challenge every year: Last year was the marathon, this year is the century.”
Diane, Systems Analyst

Now for some numbers…

Fat Stats:
Starting weight: 166 pounds
Last week: 154.5 pounds
This week: 154.5 pounds (Hello, plateau.)
Goal weight: 145 pounds

Happy eating,
Amanda
@jockey_amanda

Does the summer heat and humidity have your wardrobe looking a little…wilted? Now is the perfect time to liven it up! We’re getting ready to launch our July 2010 catalog filled with brand new styles, summer prints, online exclusives and your Jockey® favorites.

Here’s your sneak preview of what’s coming your way!
And, if you’re not on our mailing list, you can request a catalog right now. (Honestly, you don’t want to miss out on this one!)

For the ladies, we’re launching a brand new No Panty Line Promise® collection, Luxe.  It’s our most luxurious fabric yet.  Then, get ready for colorful workouts with bright sportswear and new mesh active styles.  Plus, you’re going to fall in love with our fabulous prints and summer hues in your favorite collections.

For the guys, we’re helping you make a statement with BOLD new prints from our men’s Elance® collection.  Plus, keep your cool during the steamy days of summer with our sport performance and euro sport styles.  And, be sure check out the newest colors, prints and multi-packs of your everyday Jockey® must-haves.

Not only do we have great new product on the way, our July catalog features an amazing athlete sportin’ Jockey® styles.  Introducing…International Rugby Superstar, Dan Carter!  Get to know Dan, his superstar stats and watch him in action.

This is only the beginning!  We can’t spoil all the juicy details.  (What fun would that be?!) Stay tuned for your special July 2010 catalog coming right to your mailbox.

Like we mentioned before, you don’t want to miss this exclusive look at our newest styles.  Be sure to get on our mailing list today. Request a catalog>>