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*

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*

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*

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

Lists, Lists and More Lists!

Hello Dancing 4 Cheeseburger Lovers,

It's a listing Blog post today!

Just thought I would share what my work outs look like this week;

Monday: 
Legs, Bum (weights)

Tuesday: 
Arms, Chest and Back (weights)

Wednesday: 
OFF DAY

Thursday: 
Spin Class

Friday:
More Core Circuit Class

Saturday: 
Run
P90X (I'll tell you how this goes, doing it with my Husband)

Sunday: 
OFF DAY

My Meals this week:

Monday:
Breakfast: Granny Smith Apple, Strawberry's & Tea
Snack: Sugar Snap Peas with Balsamic Dressing
Lunch: Spinach Salad with Strawberry's, Red Onion & Balsamic Dressing
Snack: Bowl of Popcorn
Supper: Turkey Burger (no bun) with Spinach, Yellow Pepper, Tomato, Guacamole & Japalenos

Tuesday: 
Breakfast: Granny Smith Apple, Tea
Lunch: Ginger & Sesame Chopped Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette
Supper: Chicken Fajitas (no cheese)

Wednesday:
Breakfast: Granny Smith Apple, Plum, Tea
Snack: 7 cups of Popcorn
Lunch: Caesar Salad (no cheese, no croutons)
Supper: Steak & Quinoa Salad

Thursday: 
Breakfast: Granny Smith Apple, half a peach, Tea (on ice)
Snack: Plum
Lunch: Asian Island Crunch Salad (by dole) & Chicken with Sesame Vinaigrette
Supper: Chicken Fajitas (no cheese)

Friday: 
Breakfast: Granny Smith Apple, Baby Carrots,  Tea (on ice)
Snack: Sugar Snap Peas with Balsamic Dressing
Lunch: Toss salad with brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, goats cheese & pumpkin seeds
Supper: CHEAT MEAL? (not sure what yet)

A little extra inspiration this morning (As I know I needed some to pack for the gym!)  Michelle Keegan!! (if you don't know her, now you do. She is an actress on Carnation Street)

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

Friday Night = Cheat Night

Hello Cheeseburger Lovers,

Friday = Cheat night! I think i'm finally going to have that cheeseburger I've been not having!! The craving is finally catching up to me. It's been a tricky week, (the most difficult week thus far) but I made it through and I am coming out the other side. My goal is to lose another 1.5lbs this week. i'm not sure if I've done it ... but I worked my buns off, so hopefully my toasty buns will pay off! (I have all these mini goals; I call them secret goals. The secret goal right now was to lose 15lbs by the end of June! Cross your fingers I've done it. 

It's funny, I pulled a little muscle in my lower abdominal but when I was sweaty and warm from spin class it felt a lot better! Now that I'm cooling down, it's tight again. (I think i'll still work out tomorrow but just a light "easy" work out - Better than nothing) 

I'll post updated comparison pictures and my weight loss on Monday. Short and Sweet today. Love to you all! 

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: -8 inches

It's Monday... It's Monday!

Hello Cheeseburger Lovers,

I hope you had a wonderful week end! I'm proud to say, I took my daughter swimming this week end. YES, in a bathing suit! (I was still a nervous wreck - But I did it!) She was so excited, that mommy was taking her swimming (normally daddy does!) Now imagine, I would have missed out on her last swimming class of her first badge!! I was so happy!  I have a long journey ahead of me, but even loosing this little bit of weight helped me to do something I wouldn't have done before!

I'm happy to announce my loss for this week was -2.4lbs! For a grande total loss of, -12lbs in three weeks! Not too shabby! My inches are also doing well, I've loss another inch off my waist and an inch off my hips!

A big shout out to Mr. Reg Duffy, for running those extra laps at Friday's workout! You motivated me to get through it and I did!! Even though I couldn't move on Saturday haha! I'll see you this Friday - Not intimated, motivated! Friday was so insane! Not only did we run the track but we carried crazy heavy weights, squats, push ups and army crawled under benches! It was NUTS!! (the most sore I have been after a work out so far) My muscles were just shaking! (I kind of loved it!)

I made the most delicious Quinoa Salad on the week end, (I know your thinking that's an oxy moron having quinoa and delicious in the same sentence - three weeks ago I would have agreed with you!)

Here's the recipe:

1 cup dry quinoa
2 cups chicken broth
1 can black beans
1 can corn
1/2 orange bell pepper
a few chopped grape tomato
1/2 cup of red onion
1 cup fresh cilantro
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
juice of 1 large lime
pepper
garlic powder (to taste)
chili powder (to taste)


Dancing 4 Cheeseburgers, 

Weight Loss: 
Weeks Loss: -2.4lbs (Last weigh in Monday June 15)
Total Loss: -12lbs (Since May 28) 
Goal: -50lbs (By March 5, 2016)
*Only -38lbs to go*

Inches Loss: 
Bust: -2 inches
Waist: -2 inches
Hips: -3 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -7inches