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For the past month I’ve been on a ‘quest‘ to lose some weight that I put on during the second half of last year. My quest (which can be appropriately defined as a journey towards a goal) is not only to lose weight, but to lose body fat, gain muscle and basically become the fittest version of myself that I’ve ever been. I like being active, and I want to feel fit and strong (and good) while being active. Especially with my family. I have 3 incredible kids to keep up with and I want to feel good while keeping up with them.

I’ve never had a problem getting motivated to workout, but I found myself in a bit of a rut so I signed up with a personal trainer I know from my previous gym, Jeff Higuera, last month. I started training with personal trainers 2 years ago and it’s been the best investment I have made for myself. Working out is just part of the equation and since I’ve made a goal to get in 5 workouts at the gym (sometimes I only make it to 4 and I’m okay with that) and hit 10k steps daily my activity level is covered. What I’ve been struggling with (ironically) is nutrition. Obviously I enjoy healthy food, my biggest problem is I enjoy too much of it. I also enjoy pizza but that’s another story. Two weeks ago Jeff challenged me to track my meals in My Fitness Pal for 31 days. That’s all I needed to hear so here I am 15 days in and down about 5lbs. The first week of tracking was the hardest, but now that I’ve got most of my everyday foods logged in and I know what to stock my fridge with each week I’m in a good groove. I’ve read and agree that a big part of weight loss is eating the same type of foods every day. It doesn’t mean it has to be boring, but sticking to the same types of structured meals has helped me stay on track.

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The post Garden Salad with Shrimp and Bacon appeared first on Aggie's Kitchen.

I’m all about quick and easy right now when it comes to dinner time (I don’t have to mention healthy right?). This salad, inspired by this recipe from my friends at Bush’s Beans, fit into our dinner plan perfectly this week.

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The post Bush’s Mediterranean Caesar Salad with Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Garbanzo Beans appeared first on Aggie's Kitchen.

It may be back to school here, but to me it’s feeling like the dog days of summer that’s for sure. It’s hot, it’s muggy and I am finding myself wanting to be outside in the fresh air, but quickly going back in once I’m out there because I feel like I’m melting.

It is what it is. It’s August. (and Florida will be feeling this way until at least mid-October so I promise I won’t complain anymore.)

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The post Toasted Garlicky Quinoa Salad with Tomatoes, Hearts of Palm and Goat Cheese {and Sea Turtle Rescue} appeared first on Aggie's Kitchen.

It’s always fun to go to a get together where everyone brings a dish. It gives you the opportunity to try out food that your friends and family enjoy cooking (always gives me ideas and inspiration!), and it also sometimes gives me the chance to branch out from the norm and make something that my family wouldn’t necessarily eat at home. This pasta salad isn’t really a good example of that since (thankfully) we all love pasta, tomatoes and cheese, but you catch my drift, right?

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The post Pasta Salad Caprese with Roasted Garlic and Balsamic Dressing appeared first on Aggie's Kitchen.