Team Bikini bloggers - Week 1
Friday 15 May 2009
Last week we introduced you to the four fabulous ladies who agreed to share their experience of slimming for summer with you. So how did our brave bloggers fare during their first week on the Team Bikini challenge?
Despite the bank holiday weekend, which can be a bit of a slippery slope for dieters, the girls have managed to lose quite a few pounds despite the odd indulgence here and there... but read for yourself!
Sally Mitchenall 
Starting weight: 10st 4lb
Current weight: 10st
Weight lost so far: 4lb
I'm really pleased with my progress this week, although I'm annoyed that I haven't made any of the recipes I was hoping to make.....
I started the week well on the bank holiday with an early rise and my poached egg on toast - have decided that this is my favourite breakfast by far, with a nice glass of orange juice.... I've never really been a breakfast person but I do feel slightly more alive on the way out the door in the morning!
And, it's helping me to get into work on time, rather than the usual 10 minutes late through the door - got to be that bit more organised with my time to squeeze in a breakfast!
As I said I haven't succeeded in making any recipes this week though I have MADE the time this weekend to get to the supermarket and stock up on all I need. I have generally been having salads at lunch time due to ease more than anything else as have been very busy and I know I am safe having these.
I'm snacking on fruit a lot of the time, but also using one of my favs - hummus.... I have to say it has been very hard only to have 2 tbspns as I could quite easily eat most of a pot usually, but I have been filling up on the raw veg instead.
I have always loved brocolli and cauliflower raw so this is not a prob at all. Where the weight has been steadily dropping off - I am really noticing it in my clothes! - the lack of my usual tasty foods such as my beloved cheese is really not concerning me that much. It's not banned altogether, so I had a lovely mozarella salad on Wednesday, but no more dolcelatte and brie for now......feta's on the list for the weekend!
I haven't been able to get any exercise at all this week which is rather annoying, but I had visitors staying for two nights which didn't help. I'm very proud of myself though as I made my guests burgers, buttery mash (really buttery and lovely looking), with mixed vegetables, fried onions and gravy and just made myself a haloumi salad with a little balsamic.
Again, I have to say I was actually surprised that it didn't bother me.... I did fancy the burgers, but the salad was delicious and it gave me a great boost knowing I didn't succumb.
I can't wait (excuse the pun) to weigh myself on Sunday as I am sure I will have lost a few more pounds! Plus, with my extra enthusiasm and time planned for meal prep etc. I think next week will go even better!
Only downside.... I do think my boobs are getting smaller? :(
I'm feeling lots more confident in myself as my clothes are fitting that bit better - I just need to lose a bit more from the middle - think I need to try and get some stomach exercising going on next week!
Click here to read more about Sally and the Team Bikini bloggers
Nadia Mierkalns 
Starting weight: 14st 8lb
Current weight: 14st 4lb
Weight lost so far: 4lb
Last week I lost three pounds which made me feel great and pushed me to do more to get ready for the holiday in June.
I've been to the gym every day and really pushed myself to train as hard as I could.
But having the bank holiday weekend meant I was off work for 5 days, and I have to admit I went out and indulged. I went out for a few drinks on Saturday and a meal with the boyfriend on Sunday and I really enjoyed myself.
I didn't beat myself up if I put on weight, I just carried on training hard and eating well and before I knew it I was back on track losing another pound and a half this week!
I have bought my first bikini in as long as I can remember this week and that is what's keeping me going - knowing that in two months I want to look as toned as I can.
I haven't really struggled with what I've eaten but I am lacking a bit of variety so this weekend I'm going to get the cookery books out and cook something nice!
Click here to read more about Nadia and the Team Bikini bloggers
Jennifer Trak 
Starting weight: 9st
Current weight: 9st
Weight lost so far: maintained weight
I've had the sneaking suspicion for the past few weeks that I am slowly expanding, but thankfully most of my clothing still fits.
I have come to realise that eating out and restaurants are a huge part of my social life and it is very difficult for
me to say no or to resist ordering what I want as opposed to what I should eat.
Last Friday I knew I would be going to a dinner with some old university friends, so I tried to keep the lunch on the light side.
However, when my co-workers suggested a trip to Gourmet Burger Kitchen I agreed to join them within the blink of an eye!
I ordered a cheeseburger (bad) but only ate the meat and cheese (good?). I only had three chips and of course the ubiquitous Diet Coke.
If weekends are notoriously bad for any kind of diet, then bank holiday weekends are even worse. I decided to allow myself a splurge day and then eat well the other two days.
On Saturday I went out for Vietnamese food in East London and had chicken with lemongrass and some rice noodles. Unfortunately I could not say no to the fried squid... I kick myself now for not resisting!
I continued my path to obesity by having dinner with a friend at Ping Pong. I never noticed how often I ate out before doing this blog and am a bit alarmed at the calories, fat content and money I spend on a weekly basis.
My plans to reign myself in on the dumplings went slightly awry when I actually start ordering. At least my intentions were good?
I am pleased to report that the rest of my week went slightly better - a lot of salads, protein, limited bread and pasta and hardly any fried foods (except for my bacon binge on Sunday morning - but never mind). I don't think I've lost any weight but at least I haven't gained any.
Next week my goal is to incorporate running in the park at least 2-3 times a week. Not only does it help tone my stomach but it makes me think twice when reaching for that plate of fried squid!
Click here to read more about Jennifer and the Team Bikini bloggers
Debra Moss 
Starting weight: 14st 2lb
Current weight: 14st
Weight lost so far: 2lb
Well. Week one of the Team Bikini challenge and what have I lost?
I've lost two pounds this week and I feel absolutely fantastic! The bloated feeling I have got used to has gone, I'm not as tired... so I might try a bit of exercise this week! Ha Ha!!!
The thing I like about this diet is the freedom to choose and the variety of the food you can have. I am a recovering chocoholic and I'm not ashamed to say it!
If God had not meant for us lovely ladies to eat chocolate he wouldn't have given us a menstrual cycle or awkward men!
So I'm hoping that I can keep up the good work next week. I've got friends coming over and all week I've been chanting 'I must have gin and slim-line tonic' over and over - you see, my other addiction is the Vino - every dieter's worst nightmare...
'Just av a glass!', I hear you all scream at your computer screen, but, to put a cork back in a bottle of Pinot Grigio...even one glass is a sin!!! I love wine so much my son's name is an anagram of 'Grigio' (Giorgi)!
I am a person who likes to live life to the full - no half measures in anything- which is why I've morphed into this person I don't recognise. That's why I joined the Closerdiets.com Team Bikini challenge.
I have had a little bit more chocolate than I should have - 2 packets of mini Maltesers in one go after a little interlude with my 4-year-old son - but on the whole I feel I've done well.
But I must be careful next week until I get weighed again Saturday - however, like I always say, if I get knocked off my little pedestal... I just need to climb back on board and start again.
And that's my advice for the week... follow the plan as strictly as you can and you will see fantastic results - and if you have a bad day then that's just what it is.... a bad DAY.
It took me 2 years to get to my size now which is a very voluptuous size 16... it ain't gonna come off over night.
I dream of being a size 12 again and, fingers crossed, I will get there no matter how long it takes!!!
So I'm signing off for now - keep the faith and hopefully there'll be a little less of me (or us) next week!!!
Click here to read more about Debra and the Team Bikini bloggers
If you want to join our quest to 'flaunt it' in a sexy bikini this summer, go to www.closerdiets.com now and join Team Bikini!