Thank you - See you Soon

Dancing 4 Cheeseburger Buddies,

I'm thrilled to have such great motivators! Please keep the comments, stories, questions, inspirations coming - it honestly is a huge motivation and one of the reasons I made this Journey so pubic is to be accountable. I felt as though I was loosing my edge, my push for health, but reading all the comments last night made me want it again. I did 40 minutes of cardio at lunch (elliptical & treadmill) and felt very satisfied with the exercise I did  for the day, but you guys re-motivated me last night, and I did Zumba for 30 minutes (at home). THANK YOU! 

I'm going on vacation Wednesday - Tuesday of next week I will not have access to my computer, therefore no blog posts for a whole week!!! I'll do a big one next Wednesday with all my trial and tribulations while on vacation. As well as weigh in and pictures. 

March 2015 - July 2015 (I see it in my face) 

I won't be gyming it during my vacation, but I will be running every day and possibly a walk! So hopefully the cardio will help balance the food I'm going to eat. 

Exercise Schedule this Week: 

Monday: Cardio @lunch  Zumba @Evening

Tuesday: ABS/Zumba @Evening

Wednesday: OFF

Thursday: Run 2km

Friday: Run 3km /ABS

Saturday: Run 3km 

Sunday: OFF 

Monday: Zumba/ABS

Tuesday: Run 3km & Zumba 

Literally Dancing my Buns off, 

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -2 lbs (Last weigh in Monday July 27)
Total Loss: -26 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -24 lbs to go*

Inches Loss:  
Bust: -5 inches
Waist: -4.5 inches
Hips: -6 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -14.5 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -12.5 inches to go*

Today is Monday

Happy Monday Cheeseburger Lovers,

I got my hair done over the week end, for my 20 lbs incentive! It's not exactly what I wanted, but everyone seems to love it. I had someone comment "I looked more Irish" (what does that even mean?) 

I'm so happy to announce, I've lost yet another 2 lbs.  2.2 lbs to be exact! For the win people! I'm really starting to feel and see the change. My face has features (not just round) and my legs have a shape again. And don't even get me going on how I now have ankles!  

The newest challenge will be my vacation, I'm going to New Brunswick for 5 days this coming week. The goal isn't to loss weight, but to just not to gain any! (this will  be the biggest challenge to date!)  

Photos of Week 1 of this Journey and This week (Week 9): (Look at my shirt in the second picture, where it now hangs; it could be a dress)

Literally Dancing my Buns off, 

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -2 lbs (Last weigh in Monday July 27)
Total Loss: -26 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -24 lbs to go*

Inches Loss:  (Didn't lose any inches this week) 
Bust: -5 inches
Waist: -4.5 inches
Hips: -6 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -14.5 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -12.5 inches to go*

November 1st?

Dancing 4 Cheeseburgers,

Gosh, I've switched up a lot of my work outs this week trying to trick my body. ha ha ha I think i'm so sneaky. I'm hoping to lose 2lbs this week. If I continue to lose 2lbs a week (with a few lesser loss weeks) i'll reach my goal by November 1st. WOW that really puts things in perspective. 

I had my blood pressure taken the other day, I was so happy with it. It was 102/68. I was doing a happy dance!

Can't wait to weigh in on Monday, Cross your fingers for me that i've lost 2lbs. I'll post pictures! Have a wonderful week end Cheeseburger lovers. 

Literally Dancing my Buns off, 

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -2.6 lbs (Last weigh in Monday July 20)
Total Loss: -24 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -26 lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -5 inches
Waist: -4.5 inches
Hips: -6 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -14.5 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -12.5 inches to go*

New Quinoa Salad & Roman Noodle Recipes

Good Morning Dancing 4 Cheeseburger Friends, 

Trying Both of these recipes this week end: 

Vegan Roman Rice Noodle Bowl

This is a super-quick and easy to make ramen. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free,                 depending on the kind of broth that you use.

INGREDIENTS

• 5 to 6 cups boiling water
• 1 tbsp. Better Than Bouillon No Chicken bouillon
• About 2 oz. dried rice noodles
• Grated fresh ginger, to taste 
• Minced fresh garlic 
Vegetables (choose one or more)
• Shredded carrots
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Shredded cabbage
• Bean sprouts
Garnish
• Thinly sliced green onions

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large saucepan, bring the water to a simmer. Stir in the bouillon to taste, stirring until dissolved
2. Add the noodles and stir a few times. Add tofu, ginger and garlic if using, broccoli or cabbage if using and let cook for two minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender. Turn off the heat and stir in spinach and bean sprouts if using.
3. Adjust seasonings to taste. Garnish with scallions and serve.

_______________________________________________________________


Tuna Quinoa Bake
They are very light. Low in calories and high in protein. They are best served with a salad, another veggie side or as an appetizer.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 4 oz. cans tuna, drained
• 3/4 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup yellow squash, grated
• 1 cup zucchini, grated
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella (I used goats cheese) 
• 1/2 tsp. lemon pepper
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. paprika
• 1 egg

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Grate squash and zucchini. Wrap in a paper towel to squeeze out excess water. Add to a large bowl
3. Mix all ingredients together in bowl with squash and zucchini.
4. Spray a muffin pan with non-stick spray, and fill muffin cups to top with mixture.
5. Bake at for 20 minutes until heated thoroughly and browned.

Literally dancing my buns off, 

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -2.6 lbs (Last weigh in Monday July 20)
Total Loss: -24 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -26 lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -5 inches
Waist: -4.5 inches
Hips: -6 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -14.5 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -12.5 inches to go*

Cucumbers & Vinegar

Hello Dancing 4 Cheeseburger Friends,

I have a new food obsession. Cucumbers in White Vinegar! It's so delicious, it tastes like salt and vinegar chips, but the health version. I know it looks gross but it tastes like a boss.

 My meals today: 

1 cup of Strawberries (7am)

Matcha/Vanilla Slushy (8am)

1 serving of Mary's Organic Vegan Crackers (9am)

3 cups of Boom Chicka Pop Popcorn (10am)

Small Green Apple (11am)

Yellow Curry with Beef Strips & Mixed Vegetables (No Rice) (1pm)

 1/3 Cucumber with White Vinegar (3pm)

Turkey Burger (No Bun) with Guacamole, Spinach, Jalapeno & Tomato (530pm)

Work out Schedule: 

Monday: Weights - Arms/Chest/Back/Abs

Tuesday: Sprints (at Lunch) Zumba (at Home) 

Wednesday: Kettle Bell (at Lunch) Ab P90X (at Home) 

Thursday: Spin Class (at Lunch) Run- 3km (at Home) 

Friday: Circuit Class

The goal is to lose 2lbs this week! Eating as Clean as I can, and working out 8 times in 5 days with the week off. (I can do this!) If anyone has a great quinoa salad recipe, i'd love to hear from you. I'm getting tired of mine! 

Literally Dancing My Buns off 4 Cheeseburgers,

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -2.6 lbs (Last weigh in Monday July 20)
Total Loss: -24 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -26 lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -5 inches
Waist: -4.5 inches
Hips: -6 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -14.5 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -12.5 inches to go*

Monday Funday & Social Media (Lots of Pictures)

Dancing 4 Cheeseburger Friends,

Good Morning Party People, I'm so happy to say I've lost 2.6 lbs this week! The happiest day! I never thought Monday Mornings would be my favorite day of the week. I've lost a total of 24 lbs and 14.5 inches! I'm almost to my halfway goal! 

Here are a few pictures, the first two are comparison pictures of week 1 and going into week 8. The following pictures are a face comparison for weeks 1, 3, 5, 8! (look at my glasses on my face in the picture, and in the last picture!) Almost half way to my GOALS!!! 

These clothes are not a good comparison, i'll try and wear the same outfit as the first week next Monday! 

My incentive program! I've booked some appointments with real dates, to keep me motivated to get there. This incentive program would give me an average loss of 1-1.5 lbs a week for each goal. I'm trying to be healthy not crazy! 

Incentive List: 
5lbs: New Sneakers
0lbs: Fun Work out top
15lbs:  LuLu Lemon Pants
20lbs: Hair done  (July 25, will post pictures) 
25lbs: Shoes (Next Monday July 27 - I only need to lose 1 lbs this week to reach this.) 
30lbs: Dress (By August 17  - going on vacation)
35lbs: All new Bras/Underwear (September 7 -Bachelorette Party) 
40lbs: Bathing Suits (By November 9 - Vacation) 
45lbs: Trip to Mexico (By December 24 - Christmas) 
50lbs: Tattoo (Booked for January 22 - A push to get there!) 
60lbs: New Wardrobe (By February 15 - Journey completed 3 weeks early!) 

I'm so excited to announce we are now connected! Let's do this together.

Find me...

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dancing4cheeseburgers
Instagram dancing_4_cheeseburgers
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hodge_karla/

Literally Dancing My Buns off 4 Cheeseburgers,

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -2.6 lbs (Last weigh in Monday July 20)
Total Loss: -24 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -26 lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -5 inches
Waist: -4.5 inches
Hips: -6 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -14.5 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -12.5 inches to go*

THAI THAI THAI

Dancing 4 Cheeseburger Readers,

Cheat meal tonight! Penelope and I are going to share  Pad Thai. I've been craving thai all week. I can't even control myself i'm so excited. THAI THAI THAI! And BONUS I thought it would be way more calories then it is. (It's 770 calories - not bad for a cheat meal) GET in my Belly!

I have noticed, my cravings for certain things are no longer there. I have no desire to drink pop, milk, or eat bread and my appetite for sweets is completely gone! The only things I find I still crave sometimes is pasta and salty things. (that's why I haven't been able to give up popcorn - I just buy Chicka Boom Pop now instead) 

I don't feel like I have lost as much weight this week. (last week I felt it in my bones - I knew I had lost 2 pounds. this week I don't have that feeling) We will find out Monday, I'll post pictures! See you then, and thanks for reading!

ps: keep the comments, love, advice, questions coming. It makes me feel like we are in it together! Please follow me on my new Instagram account: dancing_4_cheeseburgers

Literally Dancing My Buns off 4 Cheeseburgers,

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -2.2 lbs (Last weigh in Monday July 13)
Total Loss: -21.5 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -28.5lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -5 inches
Waist: -3.5 inches
Hips: -6 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -14.5 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -12.5 inches to go*

Books and Hair

Good Morning Party People,

Today is a good day, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and i'm having a good hair day! (BONUS) I bought new hair product yesterday, and I was trying to decide between two different brands - the deciding factor was: the product was Vegan! (WHAT WHO AM I) I feel as though now that i'm on this healthy journey, it's not only changing my perspectives on food but on everything! It's Crazy. After I bought it, I thought WHOA, two months ago I wouldn't have even noticed something like that little own care about it. Loving this stage of my life, loving the movement and change, loving the results. 

I ordered 3 books today from thriftbooks.com (they are used books that they sell and ship for next to nothing!) All 3 of my books including shipping cost 24$. Here are the books I just ordered, if anyone would like to borrow them when i'm done let me know. 

- What are you hungry for? by Deepak Chopra

- A year to live by Stephen Levine

- The monk who sold his ferrari by Robin Sharma

I'll do a little review of each book once I finish them! Can't wait till they get here! 

Literally Dancing My Buns off 4 Cheeseburgers,

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -2.2 lbs (Last weigh in Monday July 13)
Total Loss: -21.5 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -28.5lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -4 inches
Waist: -3 inches
Hips: -6 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -13 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -14 inches to go*

So Gosh Darn Delicious

Hello Dancing 4 Cheeseburger Friends,

My work outs this week looked like this:

Monday: Weights (Arms, Back, Chest) @Lunch  & Teaching Dance @Evening
Tuesday: Cardio (Stair climber, Elliptical, Treadmill)  @Lunch & Teaching Dance @Evening
Wednesday: Teaching Dance @Evening
Thursday: Spin @Lunch & Teaching Dance @Evening
Friday: Circuit Class @Lunch
Saturday: OFF
Sunday: OFF

*I teach dance for 2.25 hours each night, but I only count an 1 hour of it as me actually moving and working out! I have a big weight loss goal this week as I would really love to be half way to my goal! Eating extra clean this week, and with the added cardio in the evenings i'm hoping this will do it! 

Newest Food Obsession: Try it, it's so gosh darn delicious. 

Literally Dancing My Buns off 4 Cheeseburgers,

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -2.2 lbs (Last weigh in Monday July 13)
Total Loss: -21.5 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -28.5lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -4 inches
Waist: -3 inches
Hips: -6 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -13 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -14 inches to go*

Short and Sweet but Worth It

Hello Dancing 4 Cheeseburger Readers,

I don't think I can even compete with yesterday's post. I'm thrilled with the pictures from yesterday. It felt like the Journey so far has been "worth it"! Or as my daughter sings "worse it" We are obsessed with this song, (Me and Penelope) This week I'm teaching dance every night. I'm showing off some of my new learned work out routines. I think i'm killing them a little! 

I work out with my friend Beth every Monday - She knows so much about weight training! We work on our Kim Kardashian Bun's and our Victoria Secret Arms! She surprised me with this little beauty yesterday. She said it was a gift for losing 20lbs. How sweet is she!! Now we have matching ones. TWINSIES! 

Literally Dancing My Buns off 4 Cheeseburgers,

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -2.2 lbs (Last weigh in Monday July 13)
Total Loss: -21.5 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -28.5lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -4 inches
Waist: -3 inches
Hips: -6 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -13 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -14 inches to go*

Monday Weigh In & Happy Dance!

Hello Dancing 4 Cheeseburger Lovers,

HAPPY DANCE Everyone!!!!! I've lost another 2.2 lbs! TOTAL Weight Loss (so far) : 21 lbs in 7 weeks! An average of: 3lbs per week. (Hair done incentive - CHECK! July 25 will post pictures) I'm so in love with these pictures! I'm feeling so great, and am finally starting to see the difference myself. 

WEEK ONE & WEEK SEVEN! (I thought I would wear the same outfit today, to really see the difference!) 

Incentive List: 
5lbs: New Sneakers
0lbs: Fun Work out top
15lbs:  LuLu Lemon Pants
20lbs: Hair done  (July 25, will post pictures) 
25lbs: Jeans 
30lbs: Dress (for Ruth's Wedding-October 3rd) (Secret Goal 15 more pounds by October)
35lbs: All new Bras/Underwear
40lbs: Bathing Suit
45lbs: Trip to Mexico
50lbs: Tattoo
60lbs: New Wardrobe  

I can't believe only three and half more pounds and i'll be at my half way point in this Health Journey. I have come to the realization, that it's not just a goal and a plan. It's a lifestyle, I've heard people say this before and I've sort of rolled my eyes at them. But now that i'm in the thick of things I truly believe they were right! I'm honestly, inspired to do this for life! (not lose weight, but to be healthy) I've started this Journey thinking I just need to be a certain size. But now I feel as though I just need to live the best life I can. (I'm getting really serious and corny - SORRY) 

Literally Dancing My Buns off 4 Cheeseburgers,

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -2.2 lbs (Last weigh in Monday July 13)
Total Loss: -21.5 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -28.5lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -4 inches
Waist: -3 inches
Hips: -6 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -13 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -14 inches to go*

Hair there & Everywhere

Dancing 4 Cheeseburger Friends,

So pumped just booked my 20lbs loss intensive! (I haven't officially weighed in yet, but I feel it in my bones that I've lost 2 more pounds!) So i'm getting my hair done! My appointment is a Bowtique Dartmouth, their colorists are amazing. It's not until July 25th, but I'm all pumped up! I'm doing a caramel sombre, for summer! Lighter is always better in summer! I'm so excited, I haven't had my hair done in a YEAR! That's right party people, a whole YEAR! I'm beyond excited to have it all prettied up! Here is an example of what i'm getting done:

Something really funny happened to me yesterday. I often wear these little nude color flats. They are awesome shoes, because they literally go with everything! I put them on yesterday morning, and they DON'T FIT! They were so big, I walk right out of them. I'm officially just wearing flip flops and sandals for the next few months. Isn't that interesting, who knew you'd lose weight in your feet! 

I just realized 7 more pounds to lose and i'm half way to my goal! Doesn't that sound crazy! Just CRAZY! Thanks for listening/reading my rambles today! Have a wonderful week end. Monday i'll post my weigh in and some pictures!

Dancing My Buns off 4 Cheeseburgers,

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -1.3 lbs (Last weigh in Monday July 6)
Total Loss: -18 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -32lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -3 inches
Waist: -3 inches
Hips: -5 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -11 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -16 inches to go*

Matcha Matcha Vanilla

Hello Cheeseburger Lovers,

Work out Schedule this week; 
Monday: @ Lunch: Bum/Legs Weights @Evening: Zumba (at home)
Tuesday: @Lunch: Kettle Bell @Evening: 3km Run & Abs
Wednesday: OFF
Thursday: @Lunch: Spin Class @Evening: Stretching
Friday: @Lunch: Circuit Class
Saturday: OFF
Sunday: P90X with my sweet Husband

I've found a new drink at Starbucks that i'm completely in love with. It's a "custom" drink, if you ask for 1 scoop of Matcha & 2 pumps of unsweetened Vanilla, Blended. (I don't know why, but it's so much better blended. - I've tried it both ways.) (it's a 60 calorie drink but you get a great kick in the pants!)  Happy Sipping everyone! 

What's Matcha you say?

Matcha literally means “powdered tea.” When you order traditional green tea, components from the leaves get infused into the hot water, then the leaves are discarded. With matcha, you’re drinking the actual leaves, which have been finely powdered and made into a solution. Matcha offers a ton of health benefits because matcha is made from high-quality tea, and the whole leaves are ingested, it’s a more potent source of nutrients than steeped green tea. In addition to providing small amounts of vitamins and minerals, matcha is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been tied to protection against heart disease and cancer, as well as better blood sugar regulation, blood pressure reduction, and anti-aging. Because you’re consuming whole leaves in matcha, you may get three times as much caffeine than a cup of steeped tea, about the amount in a cup of brewed coffee. Matcha aficionados say that compared to the caffeine buzz from coffee, matcha creates an “alert calm” due to a natural substance it contains called l-theanine, which induces relaxation without drowsiness. 

Matcha information collected from: http://time.com/3766975/matcha-green-tea/  

Dancing My Buns off 4 Cheeseburgers,

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -1.3 lbs (Last weigh in Monday July 6)
Total Loss: -18 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -32lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -3 inches
Waist: -3 inches
Hips: -5 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -11 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -16 inches to go*

Inches Count

Hello Cheeseburger Lovers,

I'm So pumped for my next incentive! Only 2 more pounds till I can get my hair done! (thank goodness, you are starting to see my grey's!) Any Suggestions on where I should go? I just want it dyed. (A light brown. As I'm growing my hair.) 

Incentive List: 
5lbs: New Sneakers
0lbs: Fun Work out top
15lbs:  LuLu Lemon Pants
20lbs: Hair done
25lbs: Jeans 
30lbs: Dress (for Ruth's Wedding-October 3rd) (Secret Goal 15 more pounds by October)
35lbs: All new Bras/Underwear
40lbs: Bathing Suit
45lbs: Trip to Mexico
50lbs: Tattoo
60lbs: New Wardrobe  

I changed up my incentives a little. I'm planning on getting a larger tattoo then originally anticipated, so I thought I should make it a harder target. (Closer to my target weight, I'll post pictures) I also, took out Food Processor  (Let's be real, I can buy that without an incentive.) I added a Dress for one of my good friends weddings! (Something gorgeous, that makes you feel good!) Loving both of these. (Obviously, not in white though) 

I also thought i'd chat today about my measurement goals along with my weight goals. I have lost a total of 11 inches! Mostly off my hips (5 inches)

My Inches before I started this Journey 45-39-49

My Inches currently: 42-36-44

My goal is to get them to, 38-28-40 (which I don't feel is too unreasonable, the waist is going to be the hardest) Hips seem to be the easiest so far! 

Total Inches at the end of this Journey will hopefully be: 7 off my Bust, 11 off my Waist & 9 off my Hips! With a GRAND TOTAL LOSS OF: 27 INCHES!

Dancing My Buns off 4 Cheeseburgers,

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -1.3 lbs (Last weigh in Monday July 6)
Total Loss: -18 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -32lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -3 inches
Waist: -3 inches
Hips: -5 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -11 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -16 inches to go*