Author Archives: Jana

Jana

About Jana

I didn't know how much I loved dogs until I brought home my first Miniature Pinscher, Zeus, more than a decade ago. I fell in love with him the minute I laid eyes on him. Even though Zeus is now waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge, I think of him often. Currently, I have two Min Pins, Athena and Nano, who bring love, joy, and lots of energy into our home. My dogs are a big part of my life and are very special to me. I don’t think the human-dog relationship is comparable to any other. Every day is a journey as I learn from them and vice versa. Jana Comer has an M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In addition, she is an avid reader of scientific literature and is especially interested in the evolution of dogs, dog genetics, and dog behavior.

May 28, 2015, Meeting Highlights

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Call to Order

The Meeting was called to order by Jessie at 5:55 PM.

Roll Call

Roll was called by Darcy.  Present were 13 TOPS for a total of 13.  We lost 20.6 lbs and gained 11.8 lbs for a net loss of 8.8 lbs.  What a great loss.  Way to go TOPS members!

Darcy was the TOPS Best Loser and Helen was the Fresh weight Best Loser.  Great job to you both!

New Business

Tammy moved and Betty M. seconded that the chapter pay for ribbons bought at SRD.  Motion carried.

The summer potluck picnic will be next week (June 4) at Couch park.  Bring your favorite healthy snack to share.

The June 18 meeting will be a busy one.  We will have Betty K.’s official graduation, present the chapter division winners, and games if time permits.  This is definitely a meeting you don’t want to miss!

SRD 2015

I think everyone who went was inspired in their weight loss efforts at SRD, and so we had a lot of discussion about SRD 2015.  The workshops were great, and the talks and awards were inspiring.  There was the always popular Aqua Zumba on Thursday evening.  Friday we had workshops, including how to move more, and “The Price is Right” bargain fashion show.  Members sported everything from $3 outfits to a usually high priced suit for $15.  TOPS members ARE the super-shoppers!  Beverly Staniack, the TOPS coordinator for our region, gave a very inspiring update, and hearing the stories of division and seeing the reaction of other award winners was priceless.

I saved the best for last:  Patty won first place in her division at SRD!  What a great accomplishment.  Way to go Patty!  I will do an entire blog post about SRD, so stay tuned!

SRD 2016

With SRD 2015 just finished, Patty is already gearing up for next year.  SRD 2016 will be Mother’s Day weekend, and a quilt made from TOPS t-shirts will be raffled.  Members will be asked to donate a TOPS t-shirt for the quilt.

Fun Day

The next Fun Day is June 27th in Blackwell.  The theme is “Sock Hop,” a 50’s theme.  A theme for our basket of “paper products” was discussed.  Karla volunteered to get a basket from Dollar Tree.

We discussed our basket for Fun Day, and the idea of the theme “paper products” was mentioned.  Karla volunteered to get a basket from Dollar Tree.

Closing

The meeting closed with prayer at 7:00 PM.

No Gain Weigh-In!

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No Gain Weigh-In

While many of us were away at SRD getting motivated to lose, we also had inspiration from 5 of our fellow members when we returned home.  There were NO GAINS at the May 21st weigh-in!

The Details

Five members weighed in.  Those members lost 6.2 lbs and gained 0 lbs for a net loss of 6.2 lbs.  That’s more than 1 lbs per member!  Helen was the TOPS and Fresh weight Best Loser.  Way to go, Helen!

Congrats to those who lost and thanks to those who inspired the rest of us.

April 9, 2015 Meeting Highlights

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Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Jessie at 6:10.  Flag salutes, TOPS Pledge, and KOPS Pledge were recited.

Roll Call

Roll was called by Darcy.  Present were 12 TOPS and 1 KOPS for a total of 13.  We lost 9.4 lbs and gained 13.6 lbs for a net gain of 4.2.  That’s all right because we are going to recoup next week and comeback stronger for a big net loss.  I know we can do it!

Karla was the TOPS Best Loser and Wilma was the Fresh Weight Best Loser.  Great job guys!  We all just need to follow your example.

Contests

Topper is back!  Jessie was able to meet up with Kandi, and Topper will get to his new home in Enid shortly.  Kandi, we understand that life is hectic right now, but hang in there. We are looking forward to your being able to come back to the meetings, and congrats on your weight loss in the mean time.

Our 50/50 jar is doing great!  Thanks to all those who are exercising, losing, drinking their water, and attending the meetings.  It’s a lot of hard work to be eligible for those chances!

May Challenge:  We need someone to head up our challenge that begins in May.  We have some very creative people in our group, and I know that we can come up with a good one.  Or, Jessie had a ready-made idea.  Just let Jessie know if you would like to volunteer.

State Recognition Days (SRD)

There was a lot of discussion about SRD.  One reason is that registration packets were due tonight.  Also, there was discussion about the state of our SRD fund.  More fundraisers may be needed, but I know we can get there!  We are determined to support and represent our TOPS organization at the state level!

We also voted on our Chapter Angel.  For those who don’t know, the Chapter Angel is a person who has helped and encouraged other members of the chapter throughout the year.  Each chapter votes by secret ballot to elect their Angel.  This is quite an honor, since one of the main purposes of our organization is to support and encourage each other.  Those who are able to support and encourage an entire chapter deserve high praise!

Program

Betty M. gave the program.  She encouraged us to remember childhood, and brought animated toys to demonstrate!  I absolute loved the Purple People Eater, and the Gremlins were great.  Click here for a pic and story about Betty M.’s program.

Closing

The meeting closed with prayer at 7:00 PM.

Playing With Toys

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Always Time to Relax

betty m and gremlins

Betty M. reminding us to relax and have fun.

“What did you do this week that was fun? How many of you take time once per day or week to do something that you find enjoyable or fun?”  Betty M. asked us those questions, but none of us had a ready answer.  She said that all too often, we get wrapped up in our everyday lives.  Betty M. reminded us that to destress and be healthy, we needed some fun things in our lives and that TV was not enough.  In the picture above, you can see the two Gremlins she brought.  Between them and the other motion activated toys, like the Purple People Eater, we giggled our way through the program.  To emphasize her point, she gave each of us some bubbles and play doh.  Betty says “you’re never too old or busy to relax.”  Thanks Betty M.  What a fun program on an important topic!

April 2, 2015 Meeting Highlights

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Call to Order

Jessie called the meeting to order.  We had the flag salutes, TOPS pledge, and KOPS pledge.

Roll Call

Darcy called roll.  Present were 1 KOPS and 12 TOPS for a total of 13.

We lost 14.6 lbs and gained 5.8 lbs for a net loss of 8.8 lbs.

Tammy was the TOPS Best Loser.  Way to go Tammy!  Helen was the fresh weight Best Loser.  Congrats Helen!  Also congratulate Helen on her first 10 lbs lost.  She persevered and she won!

Contests

Entry tickets for the 50/50 Jar Challenged were purchased.  You become eligible to purchase tickets by attending the meeting, losing weight, exercising, and drinking water.  I have a feeling the competition is going to be steep.  The jar is getting stuffed pretty full already, and the first drawing is still four weeks away (April 30).

Announcements and Deadlines

SRD packet registration forms are due to Jessie by April 9.  Registration is $35 and T-shirts start at $12.

The First Baptist Church in Perkins was chosen as the site of our August 15th Fun Day.

New Business

A gardening themed basket was chosen as our basket project for SRD.

Program

Helen presented “Food and Your Circadian Clock:  When You Eat Can Make a Difference.”

Jessie also presented a video.

Closing

The meeting closed with prayer.

Spice It Up

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Pantry Staples

At our regular meeting Thursday, March 26 2015, Michelle Axtell talked about flavoring food with herbs and spices instead of salt.  She said that having spices on hand as pantry staples was important and listed 25 spices that we could keep in our pantry.  Old spices that have lost their aroma should be thrown out.  “Check your pantry.  If you can’t remember the last time you bought spices, they are probably no longer good.”

  • Tip:

    Check your pantry. If you can’t remember the last time you bought spices, they are probably no longer good.

Cooking with Herbs and Spices

Cooking techniques vary depending on whether you are using a fresh or dried herb or spice.  For example, dried herbs and spices are typically best when added early in the cooking process so that they rehydrate whereas fresh herbs and spices are best added at the end.

Garlic, Ginger, and Peppers

Garlic, ginger, and peppers are all good choices to add flavor to foods.  Add as much garlic to your dish as you like.  A tip for adding a small amount of flavor is to rub the garlic clove in heated oil that will be used for sauteeing

Ginger also has many uses.  Fresh ginger adds a “spicy, slightly hot taste” to your dish.  It can be used in many Asian dishes, but be creative!  Ginger adds a great zip.

Peppers can vary in amount of heat and flavor.  Michelle mentioned banana, poblano, jalapeño, serrano, and cayenne peppers.  You can increase the heat of a pepper by cooking it longer or lessen it by removing the seeds and skin.

Adding Acidity

Many people don’t think of acidity as adding flavor to their dishes, but the tart flavor of acids is one of the basic flavors.  Try adding citrus juice, vinegar, wine, and tomatoes.  Yogurt and buttermilk are also acidic ingredients.  Add acids at the end of cooking to prevent a harsh taste.

Recipe:  Caprese Chicken

Ingredients:

4 skinless chicken breasts
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
2 Tbsp roasted garlic
2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
2 shallots, finely sliced
10 large basil leaves, finely chopped
8 oz fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced in 1/2 inch thick slices
basalmic vinegar, to taste

Directions:

      1. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken breasts and set aside.
      2. In a large saute pan over medium-high heat, warm 1 Tbsp olive oil.  Add chicken, cover pan, and cook for about 10 minutes.  Flip chicken breasts and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked thoroughly (or has reached and internal temperature of 165 degrees F).
      3. While chicken is cooking, in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat, warm remaining olive oil.  Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.  Add tomatoes and continue sautéing until tomatoes’ skin starts to soften and wrinkle, about 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in basil.  Set aside.
      4. Once chicken has reached desired doneness, top the tops of each chicken breast with 2 slices of mozzarella.  Pour tomato mixture on top.  Cover pan with lid once more and let the mozzarella melt, about 1-2 minutes.
      5. Lastly, drizzle with a splash of basaltic vinegar and serve immediately.

About Michelle Axtell

Michelle Axtell, MS, RD, LD, is a registered dietician in Oklahoma.  She has been the director for Nutrition Services at Stillwater Medical Center for the last six years.

Previously, she was the Director of Nutrition at Grady Memorial Hospital for nine years and before that, she was at the Cushing Regional Hospital for one year.

Michelle received her Master’s Degree from Oklahoma State University and her undergraduate degree from Southeast Missouri State University. Michelle enjoys talking about the wonders of food and nutrition.

Note:  This presentation was originally given by Matthew Peters, Diabetes Care Services, at Stillwater Medical Center.

March 26, 2015 Meeting Highlights

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Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Jessie at 6:05 pm.

Roll Call

Roll was called by Darcy.  Present were 9 TOPS, 1 KOPS, and 1 visitor for a total of 11.

We lost 15.6 lbs and gained 6 lbs for a net loss of 9.6.  Helen was the TOPS and Fresh Weight Best Loser, Betty K. was the KOPS best loser.  Good job Betty K. and Helen!

Announcements

Area news:  Fourth quarter Fun Day report:  The newsletter was distributed.  Our chapter ID stand won 2nd place.  Great job Bert and Darcy!

The pot o’ gold money basket raised $101.

Gayle Hill received a dangle for the 3rd or 4th quarter in a row.  We’re so proud of Gayle!  We miss you!

State news:  More contestants are needed for “The Price is Right” fashion show.  Chapter resumes are “looking good.”

Old Business

Individual SRD forms were handed out.  The forms are due to Jessie by April 9th.  Also, if anyone has ideas for items to put in an SRD basket, we’re all ears!

New Business

Betty M. moved and Norma seconded that the chapter order for charms, which totalled $93.20 be approved.  Motion carried.

Bert agreed to check with the First Baptist Church of Perkins to see if the church would be available for our Fun Day on August 15.  Moving Fun Day to August 23 is another option.

Tammy moved and Betty M. seconded that we give our guest speaker, Michelle Axtell, a basket containing fruits/nuts/herbs & spices or any combination thereof.  Motion carried.

Program

Michelle Axtell, Director Nutrition Services at Stillwater Medical Center, talked about how to use herbs and spices to reduce the amount of salt in our diet.  Stay tuned for a post about this program!

Closing

The meeting closed with prayer at 7:00 pm.

March 19, 2015 Meeting Highlights

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Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Jessie.  Flags were salutes and the TOPS pledge recited.

Roll Call

Darcy called roll.  We lost 8.0 lbs and gained 18.6 lbs for a net gain of 10.6 lbs.  I know these numbers seem discouraging, but they are in the past.  I know that we will do better next week.

Tammy was the weekly TOPS Best Loser and Helen was the Fresh Weight Best Loser.

Contests

Rules for the 50/50 Jar Challenge were distributed.  They are slightly different than discussed last week.  Here are the official rules:

50/50 Jar Challenge

  1. Each ticket costs $0.50.
  2. You can buy one ticket each week.  Additional tickets can be purchased under the following circumstances:
    1. Weigh In
      1. TOPS:  Loss or turtle.
      2. KOPS:  At or below goal.
    2. Making a Healthy Choice
      1. Drinking 64 oz. water in one day–limit 7
      2. Exercise 30 min.–no limit
      3. Walk 1 mile–no limit
      4. Meal plan a day ahead–limit 7
      5. Keep a food log–limit 7
    3. Contact–no limit
      1. Write a TOPS pal (snail mail).
      2. Call a TOPS pal.
  3. The tickets and the money go into the jar.
  4. One winner is drawn at the end of the contest.
  5. 50 percent goes to the winner and the other 50 percent goes to the SRD fund.

The first drawing is the first week of May.

Announcements

Donna Dellavalle is transferring membership.  We will miss you Donna, but we understand your circumstances.  We will be thinking and praying for you.

Registration for SRD is due by April 17, 2015 for the discounted rate of $35.

Jessie announced that 5 rooms for our chapter at SRD have been reserved.  Copies of the registration packets will be available next week, and completed forms are due April 17th.  Rooms are $89 per night.

Old Business

We are still looking for a venue to host our August Fun Day.  St. John’s Church and the First Baptist Church in Perkins were discussed.  A date other than August 8 would have to be chosen to use the First Baptist Church in Perkins.

Fourth quarter 2014 Fun Day is March 21st!  Bert and Darcy came up with a great chapter ID stand, and Bert will be putting together our pot o’ gold money tree basket.

Business Awards, and Recognition

Since this was the 3rd Thursday of the month, we handed out awards and recognitions in lieu of a program.  Lelia was the monthly Best Loser.  Way to go Lelia!  She had some pretty impressive walking and food journal stats, too.  Congrats to Lelia and everyone else who earned an award.  Great job!

Closing

The meeting closed with prayer.

February 26 2015 Meeting Highlights

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Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Patty.  We saluted the flags and recited our TOPS and KOPS pledges.

Roll Call

Roll was called by Darcy.  Present were 9 TOPS, 1 KOPS, and 1 visitor for a total of 11.  We lost 4.2 lbs and gained 8.6 lbs for a net gain of 4.4 lbs.  Although this is disappointing, let’s not get discouraged.  Let’s resolve to do our personal best next week.  WE CAN DO IT!

The weekly KOPS Best Loser was Betty K., and the fresh weight Best Losers were Jana and Patty.  Be sure to congratulate our losers.  We all work hard, and pats on the back can go a long way!

Fun Day August 8th

Are you ready to Get Your Groove On?  As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, our chapter is hosting the Fun Day on August 8th, and our theme is “Get Your Groove on with TOPS.”

One item of discussion at this meeting was venue.  Since our usual venue is not available, Lelia agreed to inquire about St. John’s Church.

It will be a lot of work, but I know that our Fun Day will be a huge success!

Program

For the program, Tammy broke us into groups of 2 so that we could get to know each other better.  The premise was that only through knowing each other can we support each other.  Sharon was my partner, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to talk to her one-on-one.  I’m sure that others had similar sentiments.  At the end of the program, we agreed to contact each other during the week to extend support throughout the week.  Together, we can reach our goals!

Closing

The meeting closed with prayer.

February 19 2015 Meeting Highlights

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Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Jessie.  We saluted the flags and recited our TOPS pledge.

Roll Call

Roll was called by Darcy.  Present were 13 TOPS.  We lost 3.8 lbs and gained 11 lbs for a net gain of 7.2 lbs.  I know this is disappointing, but we can do better!  I know that we will all redouble our efforts for next week.

The weekly TOPS Best Loser was Bert and the Fresh Weight Best Loser was Norma.  Great work ladies!

Contests

Bert and Patty drew white macaroni in the macaroni lotto.

The Shamrock Challenge is in full swing.  Keep moving, supporting, eating better, and losing to earn your shamrocks!

Patty’s 10 Week Challenge is starting.  Follow the sheet keep in the game.  Small reasonable changes will lead to big success!

Recipes

Sometimes, you need to make dishes ahead of time.  Jessie handed out a great recipe for a “do ahead” salad.  The recipe looks like it will make a totally yummy dish.  If you want the recipe, contact me and I can e-mail you a scan of it, or let Jessie know.  I’m sure she would be happy to give you a copy.

If you like reuben sandwiches but are watching carbs, Patty read a great recipe for “Reuben in a Ramekin.”  I’m sure she would share if you contact her.

Fun Days

March 21st

The March 21st Fun Day will soon be upon us, and we are working to fill our “pot o’ gold.” Remember to bring your spare change to fill our vase.

August 8th

Our chapter is hosting the August 8, 2015 Fun Day.  There is a lot of work ahead of us, and the date is approaching fast.  At Thursday’s meeting, we discussed possible menus and contests.  Also be thinking of designing name tags and door prizes.  I know we’ll have a great Fun Day!

BAR Night

The third Thursday of the month, we get together for the BAR–business, awards, and recognitions, that is.  Congrats everyone for all of your hard work!

Closing

The meeting closed with prayer.