Raw Cleanse & Jumping Jacks

Good Morning Dancing 4 Cheeseburger Readers,

I'm thinking about doing a 7 day RAW Cleanse. Thoughts? 

There is no calorie counting;  just eating as much RAW fruits & vegetables as I want a day (but only  uncooked fruits & vegetables.) Starting Monday August 31st and ending September 6th. I know a few people who they're whole lives have been committed to RAW Eating. Not something i'm interested in doing, but I would love to do a cleanse, and this one seems manageable. If anyone has done this as a cleanse, please contact me and let me know how it went. 

The biggest change I've noticed in my appearance is my face. It's a lot more narrow than I even remember it being. I'm starting to see features that I forgot I had. I really want to see my cheek bones! (I remember having nice cheek bones!) Six more pounds and i'll weigh what I weighed when my husband and I got married.  (WOW!) 

I know weight isn't necessarily the goal in this Journey, health is; but I do feel motivated by dropping numbers. To be honest to everyone and myself I would truly like to lose 35 more pounds. I do realize muscle weigh's more than fat and the numbers may eventually start going back up once I've gotten rid of a lot of fat and start building muscles. So, I do understand that the number on the scale isn't a true refection of fitness. 

Math is not my strong suit but my dance friend Mary-Ann has inspired me to do jumping jacks! 

One Jumping Jack = 1/2 a calorie 

So if I can do 1 000 Jumping Jacks a day = 500 calories burned a day. 

500 calories a day x 7 days =  3500 calories (I'll burn extra a week) 

3500 calories = -1lbs

This math makes a lot of sense. Hopefully this will happen. Starting today!! Thanks Mary-Ann. Does anyone else want to try this theory with me? Join the club - all the cool kids are doing it. 

Literally Dancing my Buns off,

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -3 lbs (Last weigh in Wednesday August 12)
Total Loss: -30 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -65 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -35 lbs to go*

Inches Loss:  
Bust: -6 inches
Waist: -5 inches
Hips: -7 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -18 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -9 inches to go*

Lokai - Love

Good Morning Cheeseburger Lovers,

My philosophy in life has always been to come from a place of love for every aspect of your life. A pretty simple yet complex and often difficult to apply philosophy.  In saying all this my husband and I just bought these bracelets that I feel really embrace this philosophy but in a different sense. They are called Lokai bracelets. Their motto is "sometimes your on top, stay humble. sometimes you've hit a low, stay hopeful." It's a rubber bracelet that has mud from the Black Sea (the lowest point of the earth) and water from Mount Everest (the highest point of the earth) To represent your highs and lows. Beautiful am I right... How could you not purchase one. 

(If you click on the quote it will bring you the website!) 

Tomorrow is Weigh in Wednesday! Lot's of pictures! See you soon. 

Literally Dancing my Buns off, 

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -1 lbs (Last weigh in Wednesday August 5)
Total Loss: -27 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -23 lbs to go*

Inches Loss:  
Bust: -6 inches
Waist: -5 inches
Hips: -7 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -18 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -9 inches to go*

The Leopard Dress Part 2

Hello Cheeseburger Friends,

I hate to disappoint you but there won't be any update pictures until Wednesday! Although, I did cheat and weigh myself this morning! (but i'm not sharing until Wednesday, keep you in suspense until then!) -I will say, it's a good one!!

I will share a comparison picture of "the leopard dress" pictures. This used to be my favorite dress, it hasn't fit in over a year. The first picture is the first day it "fit" it was still very tight across the mid section and my hips just fit into it. And the second picture is me today, wearing the dress with tons of room in the mid-section, and when you see me from the side you can't see my body (it's a bag dress!) The other part you'll notice is my arms (how tight the sleeves are in the fist picture, and how loose they are in the second picture) The happiest little human right now! 

Literally Dancing my Buns off, 

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -1 lbs (Last weigh in Wednesday August 5)
Total Loss: -27 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -23 lbs to go*

Inches Loss:  
Bust: -6 inches
Waist: -5 inches
Hips: -6.5 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -17.5 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -9.5 inches to go*

Why Hello Again.

Why Hello Cheeseburger Lovers, How I've missed you. 

So Vacation was amazing! My sweet step mother was on board with this "crazy health food" as my father would call it! Penelope & I had such an amazing trip, and my sweet husband painted the whole exterior of our house! (from blue to grey) It looks so great now! Thank you babe. 

I can't believe it... I'm so happy to tell you I lost: 1 lbs while I was on vacation!  For a total loss of 27 lbs! Almost to the 30lbs mark people!!! I lost 1 inch off my bust, 1/2 an inch off my waist and 1/2 an inch off my hips! (For a grand total of 2 inches lost this week.) 

I tried to resist all the urges to eat horrible things (I let myself eat more carbs than I normally do, and I did eat some chips, because we were on Vacation!) But I think I did really well. 

Here's the Menu from the week: 

Wednesday: 

Breakfast: Strawberries & Apple

Lunch: Snack Wrap at Mcdonalds

Supper: BBQ Chicken Breast & Toss Salad

Thursday: 

Breakfast: Pineapple, 1/2 Banana,  Mary's Organic Crackers & Peanut Butter, Coconut Water

Lunch: Costco Super Foods Salad with Chicken 

Supper: Steak, Sweet Potatoes, Quinoa Salad & Corn on the Cob

Snack: 1 bowl of plain lays chips

Friday: 

Breakfast: 1/2 Pear, Banana, Peanut Butter & Coconut Water

Lunch: Toss Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette & Chicken

Snack: Quinoa Salad

Supper: Toss Salad with Balsamic Dressing & Chicken

Saturday: 

Breakfast: 3 pieces of Cantaloupe 

Lunch: Oriental Yum Yum Salad

Supper: BBQ Chicken, with Tzatziki, Oriental Yum Yum Salad, Sweet Potato

Snack: Stawberries 

Sunday: 

Breakfast: Chicken Breast with Tzatziki

Lunch: Full Size Grilled Chicken Wrap from Macdonalds

Supper: 2 Hotdogs (No bun) Oriental Yum Yum Salad

Monday: 

Breakfast: Quinoa Salad

Lunch: Wendy's BBQ Chicken Salad (half size) 

Supper: Hamburger (no bun, no toppings) with a Tomato Slice, Toss Salad & a Sausage 

Tuesday: 

Breakfast: Matcha Tea Slushie

Lunch: Small Chicken Burrito 

Supper: Grilled Chicken, BBQ Sauce, Asparagus & Tzatziki

My goal this week is to eat extra clean and lose 2-2.5 lbs! I want to be at that 30lbs mark so bad. It's so close but so far away! 

Literally Dancing my Buns off, 

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -1 lbs (Last weigh in Wednesday August 5)
Total Loss: -27 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -23 lbs to go*

Inches Loss:  
Bust: -6 inches
Waist: -5 inches
Hips: -6.5 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -17.5 inches
Goal: -27 inches (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -9.5 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*

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*

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*

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*

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*

Monday Fun-day Doing the Happy Dance!

Hi Cheeseburger Connoisseurs,

OH MY LANTA! I couldn't wait to write this morning! I'm vibrating from my weigh in. I was nervous because I didn't work out quite as much as I normally do. (because of a small muscle pull) But i'm happy to say I've lost 3.2lbs!!!! 16.7 pounds in 4 weeks! (starting week 5 today!) I couldn't believe it, I weighed myself three times this morning. I kept thinking that can't be right! Doing a happy dance-I get new LULU's! I had a secret goal of 15lbs by the end of June! I've done it! It feels amazing. I'm re-motivated to eat clean and work out! LOVING this Journey! Kicking buns and taking names! 

 Incentive List: 
5lbs: New Sneakers (Mine are from 2008 - that should tell you how much exercise I was doing)
10lbs: Fun Work out top
15lbs:  LuLu Lemon Pants
20lbs: Hair done, somewhere expensive (Color and everything - maybe bowtique? I'll take suggestions) 
25lbs: Food Processor
30lbs: Jeans (don't currently own a pair)
35lbs: All new Bras/Underwear
40lbs: Tattoo
45lbs: Bathing Suit
50lbs: Trip to Mexico
60lbs: New Wardrobe

Here is week one compared to week four: 

Week ONE and Week FOUR

First Picture from June 8 - Second Picture from June 29

Last night for supper I made the most delicious Turkey Burgers! Garlic, Olive Oil, Chili Powder, 1 Egg and Sirachi Hot Sauce in the turkey burger, topped with Japalenos, Spinach, Guacamole and tomatoes! (no bun) WOW they were good. Penelope (my daughter) Loved them too; although she had cheese, ketchup and a bun! 

Dancing 4 Cheeseburgers,

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -3.2 lbs (Last weigh in Monday June 29)
Total Loss: -16.7 lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -33.3 lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -3 inches
Waist: -2 inches
Hips: -4 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -9 inches

Work outs & Meals

Hello Cheeseburger Lovers,

I'm sad to say I pulled a small muscle in my lower abdominal so I have to be very careful for the next few days. In saying that my Kettle Bell Work out with Carrigan yesterday was amazing. (Jared, I kicked your butt.) Didn't know I'd like Kettle Bell I did the whole work out in 45 mins. 11 exercises 10 reps and 4 sets of each!! I even used the 15lbs kettle bell. PUMPED - Getting Jacked! 

My Work outs this week looked like this:

Monday: Hike (An hour and a half)  

Tuesday: OFF

Wednesday: Kettle Bell/Dance Class

Thursday: Spin

Friday: More Core Circut

Saturday: Run (4km)

Sunday: OFF 

I'm dying no zumba this week! My lovely Monday night classes are over! If you know of an amazing drop in zumba classes in Dartmouth, I would love to add it to my rotation. 

My Meals this week looked like this: 

Monday: 

Breakfast: tea, apple 

Snack: Plum 

Lunch: Chicken wrap from Subway (no cheese)

Supper: Salmon, Cauliflower, Coleslaw 

Tuesday: 

Breakfast: Sausage, Bacon, Omelette with Vegetables & Hot Sauce (no cheese)  

Snack: Blueberrys

Lunch: Spinach Salad with Craisins, Almonds, Chicken, honey mustard vinaigrette

Supper: Yellow Curry and Beef Stirfry

Bok Choy Salad by Eat Smart

Wednesday: 

Breakfast: Bowl of raw baby carrots, tea

Snack: Cherries

Lunch: Yellow Curry and Beef Stirfry

Supper: Salad with Avacado, Salsa, Guacamole and Balsamic Dressing

Thursday: 

Breakfast: Tea on Ice

Snack: Apple

Lunch: Bok Choy Salad with Peanuts and Ginger Asian Dressing

Supper: Burrito

Friday: 

Breakfast: YouthBerry Tea

Snack: Strawberrys 

Lunch: Summer Salad with dried pineapple, Almonds and Ginger Asian Dressing

Supper: CHEAT MEAL (Haven't decided yet) 

Dancing my buns off 4 Cheeseburgers, 

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -1.5lbs (Last weigh in Monday June 22)
Total Loss: -13.5lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -36.5lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -3 inches
Waist: -2 inches
Hips: -3 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -8inches