Tara Gant's Success Story!

Shortly after I began my Whole30, I knew immediately I wanted Tara to try it.  As I have said before, with Whole30, you don't have to count calories, points, etc.  You just have to eat within the food plan and avoid grains, dairy, and sugar.  I knew she could do it and be successful, and guess what...SHE DID IT!!!!!  You all already know how much I care about Tara.  She is more than my coworker, she is my very good friend, and I love her!  I am so excited that she gave Whole30 a try, and I am so proud of her for sticking with this lifestyle, and I can't wait to see her results as she moves forward!

Here is her story...

Hello, my name is Tara Gant and I teach with Mary Luther at Rossview Middle School.  She encouraged me to try this new eating style called Whole 30, well the first try I lasted a day and a half.  That is it!  Mary said, you will do it when you want to, well I wanted to and it has been the best experience ever.  Days 2, 3, and 4 were rough, but with Mary’s encouragement and the encouragement of the “Whole 30 team” here at Rossview, I stuck with it.  If it were not for the Whole 30 potlucks or the Whole 30 shopping day, I honestly do not know if I could have done it, but I am proud to report that on the morning of Day 30, I weighed in 24.4 pounds less!  Yes,

I lost 24.4 pounds and went down one dress size. I can wear a 3x shirt instead of a 4x.  My BMI has went from 60.83 to 57.68.

The compliments helped to fuel my will power to be true to the program.  The recipes that were shared also helped me! The support of my co workers was unwavering and I thank everyone who has noticed.  My plans are to go on an 80/20 plan for the next two weeks and do another Whole 30 (29) starting June 6^th. July 4^th will be day 30 and I am sure I will have a grilled hotdog!!!! 

I feel great!  I have increased energy and enjoy drinking my water!!  I will continue working out at Prime Fitness this summer and perhaps I will be ready to share some pictures by August.  I have found that shopping weekly, planning weekly meals, and cooking is what has helped me the most.  If I can do it, any of you can, I use to eat out 12 out of 15 meals a week!

Thank You Mary Luther for introducing Whole 30 into my life!

Tara Lee Gant, YOU have done this!!!  And, YOU are an inspiration for us all!  I am so excited for us to continue this journey all summer.  Thank you Tara for opening up and sharing your story.  It takes a lot of courage to share such personal information.  I appreciate YOU!!! 

If anyone out there needs to know more about Whole30, let me know.  We can meal plan together and grocery shop together.  We have an amazing support group here at Rossview, and we would love to add you to our team!   

 

Way to Go Keara Holliday!

So, I just have to brag on my friend and colleague Keara.  She has been on an amazing journey, and while she has not been strict Whole30, she has been watching what she eats to include cutting back on sugars, grains, and dairy.  She does Rossfit with me 3-4 days a week.  And, let me say, she works out hard and pushes herself to the max each session.  Here is her story (sent to me via email)...

"I'm down almost 34 pounds on this weight loss cycle. Before I started, which was the end of January 2016, I was in a 20 pants, and I worse a size 3x shirt. I am now as of May 17, 2016 I am in a size 16 pants and I can fit in a size 1x shirt. I haven't been this size since my freshman year in high school ! I feel so much better within myself, physically and mentally. I thank you so much for believing in me and continuing to help me reach my goals. The motivation you give me is out of this world. Thank you so much, and thank you for being a blessing to me!!! Way more to go, and I'll def get the job done with your help!!"

Reading her testimony gave me chill bumps!  She has done this for herself and is reaping all the benefits.  To say I am proud is an understatement.  And, she even shared this before and after pic...

How awesome is this?!?!?!?!  Keara, YOU are a true inspiration!!!  I am looking forward to our summer workouts and continuing our new lifestyle/journey!

Ground Beef Salad

Some nights I just need a QUICK and EASY meal...

Last night's dinner:

Butter Lettuce, topped with cooked ground beef, Frank's Hot Sauce, Guac, and served with sauteed onions and mushrooms

Hamburger Steak, Roasted Asparagus, and a Sweet Potato

I love this quick and easy meal...this is a go to on our busy nights.  Served on butter lettuce with a sliced tomato and sauteed onions.

You Can Roast Any and Everything!

I am roasting every veggie out there...it is so easy and the end result is always DELISH!

Simply prepare your veggies (wash, pat dry, cut), put veggies in a ziploc bag, add olive oil (or oil of your choice...make sure it is Whole30 compliant), minced garlic (optional), salt and pepper to taste.  Shake the contents of the bag to evenly coat veggies.  Spread veggies on a parchment paper lined pan.  Roast in the oven at 400 degrees until desired tenderness.  I usually cook mine for 35 mins.   

Zesty Chicken Bites

A weekly dish...we love them!  Served with Tessemae's BBQ sauce, roasted asparagus, and fresh pineapple.

Chili Lime Chicken

Recipe from Instagram...

Sprinkle chicken with Olive Oil, Lime Juice, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Ground Cumin, and Chipotle Chili Powder....sprinkle to your likings...I never measure anything.

Place Chicken on a pan lined with parchment paper.  Roast in the oven at 400 degrees for 40 minutes. 

Served here with a sweet potato with cinnamon and roasted okra.