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*

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*

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*

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*

Happy Monday & Sally Song

Hello Dancing 4 Cheeseburger Lovers,

I've been taking this circuit class on Fridays. I've been totally inspired by the song our trainer Rick uses. You should all try it. I'm going to do it pretty much every night!!! Do squats when they sing bring sally up you stand up and when they sing bring sally down you squat!!! (sometimes you have to stay there for a while!) My legs were shaking by the end of it. -Getting Jacked & Loving it! 

So happy to announce, for my MONDAY WEIGH in, I've lost 1.3 lbs!!! For a total loss of 18lbs! But what i'm super proud of is... I lost a whole inch off my hips this week!! (YES Squats!) If anyone has any suggestions to get my waist inches moving faster i'm all ears. 

    

I'm missing my Monday Night Zumba Class so Badly! (EMILY, are you sure you don't want to teach one this summer?) I've put together a few zumba compilations off You tube that i'm going to do at home tonight, Join me around 7:45/8pm everyone do it at home, we'll sweat it out together even though we are all hanging out at home. 

Dancing 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: -2.5 inches
Hips: -5 inches 
Total Inches Loss: -10.5 inches

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

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

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

Never thought Monday would be my HAPPY day!

Hello Dancing 4 Cheeseburger Readers (I know your all dying to know),

It's the day I've been waiting all week for! (Never thought I would say that about a Monday)

OMG, I was so freaking close! I was yelling at the scale hahaha. I know -3.6lbs is still a wonderful thing... to lose that in a week! I'm proud of what I've done so far. -9.6lbs total loss! I'm HAPPY! 

I made a bet with my friend Ryan (Who is a personal trainer at Slim Gyms) That I would loss 4lbs by Monday his guess was -3.4lbs He was closer, so I owe him a work out! We'll Chat BUDDY! 

I thought I would add measurements to my blog, as I'm finding those are changing more drastically than my weight! In the side picture I really notice my chin!!! 

Here they are:

May 19: 45.39.49
June 4: 43.39.48
June 8: 43.38.47

Dancing my buns off 4 Cheeseburgers,

Weeks Total Loss: -3.6lbs 
Total Loss: -9.6 lbs 
Goal: -50lbs (March 5, 2016)
*Only 40.4lbs to GO*
(Next weigh in Monday June 15)

Thank you's & New Sneakers

Dancing 4 Cheeseburgers,

My heart is exploding with gratefulness and happiness from all of the support you keep sending my way! Thank you for the encouragement, advice and love. It is more then helpful - it makes me want to do everything I possibly can to complete this Mission, Goal and LIFE! 

I wanted to shout out to a few friends for making this journey easier. 

Stefanie, sent me a message and had me in tears. Thank you for your generosity. 

Kate, you are an inspiration to me. I will be following your Journey as well! 

Tina, a zumba instructor I just met - you are what i'm aspiring to be and do! 

Carrigan, my work out buddy. I love that you kick my butt! 

Sarah & Candace for coming on Monday nights so I don't have to look foolish by myself! 

Emily, For inviting me to class & opening my world to Zumba

Short & Sweet, but THANK YOU. 

Dancing my Buns off  4 Cheeseburgers, 

Total Loss: -6lbs (last weigh in  Monday June 1)

Goal: -50lbs (by March 5, 2016) 

(Next weigh in Monday June 8) 

ps: Here are my new sneakers! (My five pound incentive present)