August's Inspirational Interview - Meet Carrigan

Good Morning Cheeseburger Lovers,

Today's the day for August's Inspirational Interview! Please meet my friend and work out partner Carrigan Dejardins.

 How much have you lost? My heaviest weight was close to 200 pounds. That’s when I thought eating my feelings was okay. I currently weigh roughly 157 pounds, which is not my lowest, but I think to a certain degree, healthiest. I’m always on a journey with my weight. I feel like I’ll never be satisfied however, I’ve learned to embrace it and love myself!

 When did you start your health journey? I started my health journey when I lived in England. My boyfriend and I at the time split and honestly, that was the best thing that happened to me. I got a personal trainer and lost 40 pounds. I was then diagnosed with Celiac Disease and had to start my eating routine all over again. I then lost another 40 pounds very quickly because I was quite sick. Moving back to Canada I was at my lowest weight ever at probably 125-130 pounds. University kicked in and I didn’t gain the freshman 15 but, I focused more on school and my next chapter. So I’ve fluctuated a lot. But the weight I’m at now is the heaviest I’ve been since moving back to Canada! Every day is a new adventure.

 Motivation to why you started? This time, I wasn’t happy. I was unhappy with how I looked and felt. I know that my weight took a toll on my relationship, sorry Kyle, as I wasn’t happy all the time. Now, I’m back to me! I feel more outgoing and motivated to get up and go in the morning. Which, I love that feeling. I wish everyone felt that way!

 What is your start, current and goal Size? I think I’m in between a 6 and an 8 right now. I weigh close to 157 but it goes up and down all the time! I’m not looking to lose a lot of weight, maybe 10 pounds, I just want to feel better!

What has changed the most in your life? My current relationship. I want to be as happy as he is every day and I know that my weight and how I was feeling about myself was stopping me from that. I have so much more energy to hang out with friends and go for long hikes and walks without getting winded; it’s a great feeling!

Goal lbs lost, inches goal? I don’t think I have a goal that I would like to see, maybe 10 pounds.  So, just feeling better about myself. Maybe wear a bikini at this point and not really worry that my thighs are clapping like a thunder storm, or people will be caring what I look like. It’s about me, not you!

 Is there a finish line date or what was the finish line date? There will never be a finish line. Just always encouraging myself to feel better, to stay positive and to be motivated to do my best! I think it’s my life goal, just be around to see future kids and grandkids!

 Did you have any challenges? Eating is my biggest challenge! I love chips. I love chocolate. But most I LOVE WINE! I would drink wine for days if it was allowed! So I work out to drink wine and not feel guilty about it. I also love cheese. Like actually love cheese. What kind you ask? Anything. Anything in cheese form with wine and chocolate. That would be my last meal if I ever had to choose! So I need to work my little buns off in order to allow for those times when I splurge!

  What is your new diet/exercise routine? Working out with Karla! She’s honestly been my biggest motivator. Being on this journey with her was like a blessing in disguise. This may sound corny but you challenge me each week to beat you! I know you are creeping up on me so I’ve got to stay sharp! Just trying to be as active as possible would be my new routine.

What has been the best change? My mood. I know I can still be cranky if I don’t eat (or have wine!) or work out, so it’s something I’m working through each day and challenging myself to stay happy and positive! 

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*

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*