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*

Happy, Hopeful, Energetic, Humble and Fresh

Dancing 4 Cheeseburgers Ladies & Gentlemen,

My husband bought me these pants right after I had Penelope. They fit me for about a month, and then I couldn't wear them! (as they were too small) Well, I not only can wear them, they are a little big in the waist! I'll only be able to wear them for another month or so! Aren't they gorgeous! He has such good taste. (Don't tell him I said that!) 

I feel like i'm starting to look like myself again. Which is such a great feeling! For all of you who have been through this Journey, I know you know how i'm currently feeling; Happy, Hopeful, Energetic, Humble and Fresh! I feel as though I could take on the world. 

Looking for a drop in ZUMBA class in Dartmouth - Any Suggestions?

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: -50 lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -20 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*

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*

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*

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*

July's Inspiration Interview

Hello Dancing 4 Cheeseburger Lovers, 

I'm happy to announce that once a month I'm going to do an inspirational interview. I hope this will not only motivate me to get off my Buns and move my body! But you too! All of these people have lost over 20lbs and have changed their lives. A lot of them are still on their Journey to Health, and feel as though they are not "finished" yet. But they are so inspirational and motivating. If you would like to tell your story on my blog please message me, and I'll send you the interview! Thanks!

• Please meet Kate
• How much have you lost? Almost 50lbs (and Sticking)
• 
  
• When did you start your health journey? My Journey started August of 2014 (almost a year ago)
• 
  
• Motivation to why you started? I was tired of the depression and weight gain cycle, mixed in with emotional eating. I was full of self hate and shame for letting myself get to the point I was at, but I couldn't seem to stop eating the pain. I eventually got so fed up with how frustrated and angry I was at myself, that I made contact with a running clinic and signed on that same day.
• 
  
• What is your start, current and goal Size? My starting weight was 260 lbs. and was about a size 20(ish). My current weight is 210 lbs. and a size 14. My goal size is a size 10 and whatever weight gets me there.
• 
  
• What has changed the most in your life? Definitely my self confidence. I am continuing to accomplish something that has battled me FOR YEARS. My depression is so much better than what it was last year and I feel like I can now take on challenges I never thought possible (even when I was a skinny smoker!).
• Goal lbs lost? The minute the first number on the scale has a ONE, I will probably go streaking. Seriously. And when I get arrested, I will have the biggest and most satisfied smile on my face. Anything under 200 lbs. was always my initial goal, but my dream would be 175lbs.
• 
  
• Is there a finish line date? I really feel like this has become a life change for me, so I don't even want to think of a finish.
• 
  
• Did you have any challenges? Now that I am in a plateau, I am finding it challenging to stay motivated and upbeat when the numbers on the scale aren't moving. I think my next challenge is changing up my routine. I still believe that my biggest challenge is myself - the self doubt, the "poor me" days, the guilt of taking so much "me time".
• 
  
• What is your new diet/exercise routine? I joined a Learn to Run clinic in August and haven't looked back. I am now training for a half marathon for September. I try to eat a healthy breakfast and lunch and just less of whatever I would eat at supper.
• 
  
• What has been the best change? My inner strength and confidence, for sure. I have never been one to be quiet about things and continuing to be vocal about the work keeps me accountable and has seemed to help others stay accountable or challenge themselves. Having a feeling that maybe I am helping others and inspire others is the greatest self esteem boost I could have ever thought possible!

• 

  Kate's Before

  
  

  

  Kate's Amazing After (During) 
  
  
  

  My aunt Shawna Posted this yesterday, and I thought it was totally appropriate for my blog! Thanks for the laugh and the great picture Shawna. 

  
  

  

  
  

  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

My 10lbs Goodies & My Sweet Husband

Hello Fellow Cheeseburger Lovers,

I have forgotten to post pictures of my 10lbs incentive presents! So here they are! My sweet and lovely husband thought just a work out top was not a big enough incentive so he bought me my first pair of work out leggings too!

I must say I was a little self conscious prancing around in these in the gym, but they are so gorgeous I couldn't help myself! And I obviously love that the outfit matches my new Sneakers! My 15lbs incentive was new work out pants, so I think i'll count these as those as well!

Thank you Beth, for working out with me the last two days! My Buns and Arms have never wanted to hurt you more!(haha, just kidding - even though they do feel like they are going to fall off.)

I wanted to tell you guys, I went for my first run last night (3km) and I ran the entire time! I couldn't breath afterwards but I did it! I have a new recipe for you all to try! It's ridiculously tasty! It takes 10 minutes to make and it makes so much that you could eat it all week! 

Quinoa & Bean Salad

2 cups of quinoa

1 orange pepper

1/3 red onion

1 can of black beans

1 can of corn

Juice from 1 large lime

2 tbs of Olive Oil

Chili Powder to taste

Garlic Powder to taste

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

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