Hurdles

Hurdles

Thyroid Disgnosis & Another Biopsy

Motivation Monday: “I’m not losing weight, I’m getting rid of it. I have no intention of finding it again.”

Hi little bunnies, I’ve missed you!

I took a much needed week off after a very overwhelming doctors visit. Last week I went to my appointment to go over my lab work results with my doctor. Fortunately I do not have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Unfortunately I do have hypothyroid. Luckily hypothyroid is something that is easy to regulate with medication, and my doctor is hoping that I will start feeling a little better within 2-3 weeks. I am crossing my fingers on that one. I’m happy that I have finally figured out what is probably the main culprit of my depression, hair loss, weight gain, and lethargy. I’m just hoping and wishing that I will gradually see changes with all of my symptoms after my thyroid gets all leveled out. It’s probably going to take time and more blood tests to get everything regulated perfectly, but I am looking forward to it. I cannot explain how drastically different I feel physically and mentally compared to last fall. I can’t believe that one little gland can cause so many different issues in the body. I just want to feel like myself again!

As I was leaving my doctor’s office, I received a phone call from my dermatologist’s office. The nurse informed me that the biopsy results came back from my second incision (right foot, pinky toe) and that it was abnormal. She scheduled me for another appointment this Thursday for a second biopsy and to talk more about the biopsy results and about possibly scheduling a surgery. Ummm surgery? You’ve got to be kidding me. I hung up the phone and sat in my car crying at a stop sign. I could not imagine having another surgery and once again be set back another couple of weeks with crutches. Oh and not to mention the pain, I was luck I got the best CBD oil for pain. After I got my stitches out from my first surgery, the incision split open and has taken so long to heal. The surgery on my left foot was on August 16th and I can still barely walk. I’m going to my dermatologist on Thursday to learn more about my biopsy results. Since I only talked to the nurse, I have no idea if it’s cancerous or what is going on. All I know is that my poor foot is going to get cut up again! The timing couldn’t be worse as I am going to an out of town wedding next week! I really can’t process all of this right now.

After my cry session, I made a detour to the mall for some retail therapy to hunt for a dress to wear to my friend’s wedding. This dress might be accessorized with some chic bandages and shiny crutches. Stylin’.

While I was at the mall, a parking attendant asked me what happened to my foot. I explained that I had a mole removed from my foot to be biopsied. I think that everyone is surprised when I tell them, because they are expecting a sprained ankle or stubbed toe. He said “good thing you had it removed, Bob Marley died of skin cancer.” I had no clue that was how he died, so of course when I got home I took to the fabulous world wide web to learn more. I stumbled upon a story that Bob Marley died of skin cancer that was found on his toe! Naturally I started freaking out because my bad biopsy came from my toe! Googling “Bob Marley skin cancer” quickly turned into searching WebMD to assess the issue. OMG why do I do these things? WebMD should be illegal! Literally the worst thing you can do. All of the sudden a headache turns into the self-diagnosis of a brain tumor after 1 minute of being on that site. Never a good idea!

Are you guilty of going on WebMD when something is wrong?

In all of the bad news that I received last week, I’m so thankful that my thyroid condition is curable, and that my dermatologist caught my mole sooner than later.
I apologize if I’m a bit MIA this week, I’m just going to say it straight up: I’m having a bad week. Boooo. I really want to start a juice reboot, but I don’t think that is a great idea right now. Maybe when I get my thyroid stuff figured out and am feeling a little better!

My friend tagged me in the most adorable photo on Instagram that I just had to share with you guys.
Oh no big deal, just grocery shopping for some rabbit food for his bunny teeth!


I die over this picture! How freaking cute is that mini shopping cart? I wonder who took this! haha

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Hurdles

Stitches Out & Skin Cancer Awareness

Hi Everyone!

Thank you so much for all of your support regarding my last post about my recent health issues! I get my lab results back next Friday, so I will let you guys know what is going on in the health department at that time. Your comments and stories of similar health issues have been so inspiring and I am trying my best to keep my head up and keep moving forward.

Sorry I’ve been a little MIA for the past couple of days. I have not been feeling well at all. Still pouring over here in Catherine’s world! Ugh. I just got home from the dermatologist and I have a foot update:


Good News: Stitches are out!
Not Good News: My skin biopsy came back showing abnormal cells. It wasn’t melanoma, but it wasn’t normal or “ok” either. This means that if I left the mole and didn’t have it removed, it had a potential to turn into melanoma. Luckily my doctor removed the surrounding borders of the mole so I don’t have to have another surgery. All of the bad parts are gone! I am so thankful!
Bad News: Since my biopsy came back abnormal, my dermatologist wanted to check the soles/pads of my hands and feet for other suspicious moles. He saw another dark oddly shaped mole on the opposite foot and insisted that he remove it and have it biopsied. My eyes started to tear up. Was this really happening? I kept it together and thought about the reality, I would rather suck it up and deal with the pain, crutches, or even a wheelchair than leaving a possibly cancerous mole.

Skin cancer is something that runs in my family, so it’s important to check my skin (you should too!) for new and changing moles frequently. Three years ago I felt a bump on my scalp while combing my hair. At first I thought it was an ingrown hair, but a month later it was still there. I made an appointment with my dermatologist to check it out. While observing the bump on my scalp, he also noticed a strangely shaped flat light brown mole about an inch down. He decided to biopsy both moles since one had irregular borders and one was raised. When my biopsy came back, I was informed that the flat mole was pre-melanoma. I went in for another appointment to remove the mole and surrounding borders completely which left me with a little bald spot on the crown of my head. Missing a little patch of hair didn’t even matter, I was so happy to have that spot removed! Better safe than sorry! Ever since then, I have been more cautious of new and abnormal looking moles.

This summer I noticed that a once tiny small dot of the pad of my left foot had turned into a triangular shaped blurry spot about the size of a pencil eraser. I already had an appointment with my dermatologist since I was experiencing breakouts, and decided to show him my foot. The instant he saw it, he said “this needs to come out, this has three different colors and a fuzzy border.” He also explained that moles should not be found on the soles/pads of feet or hands, which is a big red flag. There is a very serious kind of skin cancer called Acral Lentiginous Melanoma that is found in these spots. I am so glad that my doctor decided to schedule a surgery and remove the mole because it definitely needed to go.

I don’t want to fill my food blog with disturbing photos of skin cancer, but I think it’s an important subject to address. A couple of my family members have had melanoma and basal cell carcinoma which have luckily been removed in time, but we have also lost friends from skin cancer. Of all the cancers that humans can get, skin cancer is the most common, but when caught early, skin cancer has a 98% cure rate.

ABCs of Skin Cancer
Asymmetric:  If you draw a line through this mole, the two halves will not match.
Border:  The borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven. The edges may be scalloped or notched.
Color:  Having a variety of colors is another warning signal. A number of different shades of brown, tan or black could appear. A melanoma may also become red, blue or some other color.
Diameter:  Melanomas usually are larger in diameter than the size of the eraser on your pencil (1/4 inch or 6 mm), but they may sometimes be smaller when first detected.
Evolving:  Any change — in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting — points to danger.
–Source

“1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer. Don’t be the 1.” –The American Academy of Dermatology

My Motto: When in doubt, cut it out!
Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t matter how dark or tan you are. If you see anything suspicious, make an appointment with your dermatologist and get that sucker removed!

After I got home from the dermatologist I was super excited to see this book waiting for me! My grandma dropped it off while I was at my appointment, thanks Grammy! So excited to have something to look at since I’ll be back on the couch haha

I was even more excited to receive this gorgeous little box in the mail. One of my best friends from college asked if I would be her bridesmaid! FREAKING OUT RIGHT NOW!!!! I am soooo excited and honored. She is going to be the most gorgeous bride and I cannot wait for her big day!



Although I had a little setback today with my  foot feet, things are looking up. I have the most amazing friends and family in the world! I can’t wait to get back on my feet and start posting some recipes again!

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Hurdles

Post Surgery Ouchies

Hello Hello!

The announcement email has officially been sent, congratulations to the winner of my 23rd Birthday Giveaway: Megan J from Oklahoma!
Congratulations Megan, I hope that you enjoy all of your goodies! xo

I cannot believe that there were over 775 entries for my birthday giveaway! You guys are truly amazing and your support is so incredible. Thank you so much for making my birthday so special. I am sitting on the couch with my foot propped up watching Shrek 2 on HBO because there is absolutely nothing on TV! Thank you so much for all of the get well soon comments and tweets! I had my surgery yesterday at 2:30, and the procedure lasted a little over 40 minutes. I came home with 4 stitches and two shiny crutches. I’m stylin’! My foot was numb for most of the day yesterday so I didn’t have any pain, but lots of awkward throbbing (omg I hate that feeling). I woke up this morning with an intense stinging pain.Yikes, I guess I won’t be doing much today… Talking about not doing much, my doctor told me that I could not be on my foot for 2 weeks until I get my stitches out. I was worried about being stationary and not exercising for a couple of weeks, but I have already been proved wrong. Crutches are the new cardio! Oh my, I forgot how exhausting it is to be on crutches. I take so many little things that my legs can do for granted. Getting up to even grab the remote turns into a 3 minute+ workout of hopping, one legged squatting, and balancing. P.S. has anyone attempted stairs with a foot injury? When I got home from the doctor I conquered the stairs on my hands and knees like a total noob. I have 2 weeks to master those bad boys!

Hello from the couch!


I just thought that I would keep you guys posted and let you know that I am working on my Q&A right now and am planning to get it posted later today or tomorrow morning. You guys submitted so many great questions!

My snack of choice at the moment is this awesome NUT-trition Cinnamon Raisin Granola Peanut Butter that Planter’s sent me yesterday. It has an actual crunch to it. Not your basic “crunchy peanut butter” crunch, but a granola crunch. I love it! The idea of cinnamon raisin peanut butter is brilliant, but a little ingredient listed as “hydrogenated vegetable oil” kind of bums me out. I wish that Planter’s would make a more natural salt-free, sugar-free, peanut butter without hydrogenated oil. This is totally inspiring me to make my own cinnamon raisin pb, or even almond butter!

Thanks again for your support! xo

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Hurdles, Obsessions, Tips

Birthday Week & Pre Surgery

Hi everybunny!

You may have noticed my lack of a new blog post on Monday. I actually got anxiety over it throughout the day. At every appointment, I couldn’t help but think that all I wanted to do was post a new recipe for you guys! True Life: I’m addicted to blogging. No worries, I am back in action! Over the weekend I have become a packing and shipping professional, and shipped a bajillion (omg do you remember saying that word when you were little? who am I kidding, I still use it) Eat More Rabbit Food shirts. I cannot believe how many shirts were purchased within the first couple of days, my little bunnies are so amazing! I am loving all of your Instagram and Twitter photos of you guys wearing your shirts, SO CUTE! I have had a problem viewing and commenting on some of your Instagram photos because some accounts are private, but I do get to see a little thumbnail and that makes me so happy!

Drumroll pleaseeeee: Wednesday, August 15th is my 23rd Birthday! This birthday doesn’t seem too magical. I’m usually so into birthdays. I’m like the birthday queen ova hurrrr, but not so much this year. Blink 182 totally called it in their song “What’s My Age Again“… Nobody likes you when your 23. You’ll hear it right at the 27 second mark of their video. So nostalgic, I love Blink 182! I’ll be blasting this song at midnight on my birthday, feel free to sing along with me haha

Louder drumroll pleaseeee: Thursday I will be having a minor surgery (no anesthesia or anything like that) on my foot to remove a possibly but hopefully not cancerous mole. Happy Birthday Catherine, enjoy your surgery! BOOOO! Skin Cancer runs in my family and I have had a cancerous mole before, so cross your fingers that this one is not! Skin cancer does not discriminate, you guys. It doesn’t matter how tan or dark you are. Since I will have stitches and crutches I probably won’t be able to do too much standing or cooking, so I am thinking of some other fun things to write about towards the end of the week. I’m thinking about being super obnoxious and quizzing my Dermatologist about skin and skin cancer during my surgery. That would be some fun times, right? Orrr maybe RFFMBT Q&A Part 2? Then I can get nice ‘n’ comfy on the couch, prop my foot up, and type away!
If you have any questions for the Q&A you can leave them in a comment on this post, or via Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #RFFMBTQA2
It can be anything from health & fitness, to beauty!

 The incredible Heather from For the Love of Kale wore my EAT MORE RABBIT FOOD SHIRT in her latest vlog! Umm how amaze does she look?! Total celeb status! Heather, I want a hair tutorial next! haha


I don’t know if it’s just me, but recently I have not been motivated to run. Great timing since I am having surgery on my foot, right? I’m in such a running rut that I cannot even lace my shoes up. Maybe it’s the heat? Maybe not actually, because I cannot even get myself to run indoors on a treadmill. There are times where I get obsessed with an exercise and do it almost every day for months straight and then get super sick of it, but running and The Bar Method have been my two favorites for quite some time now. The combination of Bar Method classes and running seem to be a perfect match for me and my schedule but lately I’m so over running. I don’t even know how I am saying this because I usually look forward to going on a run since it is usually a way for me to get things off of my mind and relax. Recently it just seems like more of a chore than something I look forward to. That’s definitely not how working out should be. If you feel this way, Join me as I try to get out of my exercise rut! Don’t forget, there are so many options, there is something out there for everyone to enjoy.

When I have been in previous workout ruts, I usually have a go to list to get myself motivated again, so here I am again with my list!
1. Make a new running playlist
2. Pick a new route to explore
3. Put together some cute/stylish running outfits
4. Get a new pair of running shoes

Sometimes my workout routines just get well… too routine, which leads to boredom. I always try to change up my playlist and route to keep from getting bored, and it is definitely time to shake things up. When I am really stuck in a workout rut, I will sometimes treat myself to some new workout swag to get myself pumped up again. This usually does the trick for me, because I’m a total girly girl and I love a new outfit! This time I think I need a little gifty for myself and a goal to work towards to keep me motivated. I really want to try a pair of Vibram FiveFingers! I took to my Facebook and Twitter to ask if anyone had a pair, and if so what they thought about them. I got some great responses that got me totally excited to try them out! Did you hear that, I got excited to run again, woo! Baby steps here! I’ve heard that it takes some time to get used to them since they are so different than normal running shoes (they have individual toes), and you have to gradually work up towards running 100% in them. This seems like a fun and interesting challenge for me. Viola, have I solved my running rut with a new running shoe challenge? I hope so! It’s time to set a new FitFluential goal! #FitFluential

Question: Have you ever been in a workout rut? How did you get through it?

On a higher note: One of my best friends, Behnaz brought me back a little treat from her trip to Israel this summer! She brought me a Milk Chocolate Bar with Popping Candy. It’s literally a chocolate bar with pop rocks in it! This is probably the most genius chocolate bar ever invented. Willy Wonka, you’re my man, but you’re seriously lagging in this department. Every time you take a bite, you get the flavor of creamy milky chocolate, and the popping sensation of pop rocks. It really makes you slow down and be aware of how much chocolate you are consuming because those things are pop pop popping the entire time! Touché to this chocolate company for making me stop and think before inhaling the entire bar haha and thank you Behnaz for the awesome treat!


On a completely different note: I use way too many exclamation marks!!!!! I can’t help it, I’m always so excited when I talk about these things! If you know me, you totally understand! EXCLAMATION MARK!

Don’t forget to submit your questions about health, fitness, and beauty for the RFFMBT Q&A at the end of the week and check back on Wednesday for my Birthday post! xo

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Hurdles, Interviews

Get Fit With Kayleigh and Herbalife

Right after I launched my blog in March, my friend Kayleigh emailed me and shared a story about her health and struggles with her weight. Kayleigh has always been fit and healthy, but a couple of years ago struggled with a failing thyroid and adrenal glands which led to a 30lb weight gain. She was eating healthy and still exercising, and did not understand why she was gaining weight so rapidly. After finding out the root of her problem, she started looking for a way to get back on track. Instead of getting discouraged, Kayleigh turned to Herbalife as a solution to feel better and get back to her regular weight. After starting to use Herbalife shakes in her daily routine, she saw the weight melt off and noticed how much better she physically felt. She loved the results so much that she still uses Herbalife today to maintain her weight, and has become a distributor to help others feel great too!

I thought that sharing Kayleigh’s story and solution was appropriate, because I am struggling with some health issues as well. I have been feeling particularly off lately and have noticed severe changes in my mood and energy, as well as physical changes with my skin, hair, and weight. I went to my doctor and through a round of blood tests discovered that a precursor to my thyroid is elevated. My sister has Graves disease and had her thyroid removed due to its overactivity, and the process of her diagnose was long and very stressful. Some people choose to go for Delta 8 THC vape pens from OCN to deal with stress, It may take some time to get everything figured out and leveled, but I am so glad that I have my sister and Kayleigh who have both overcome their health hiccups. Like Kayleigh, I know how awful it is to be on your A game, and not see any results and just feel crappy overall. Our health has a huge impact in the way we feel, and I know I am not the only one who is dealing with these issues. I love that Kayleigh found a way to feel better and get back to her healthy self with Herbalife, and am so inspired by her positive attitude and story. I hope that Kayleigh’s story can help other’s who are struggling with health issues and are not feeling their absolute best.


I adore Kayleigh because she is honest with her health and weight struggles and always wants to help others to feel and be the best they possibly can. When I was frustrated with my weight back in April, Kayleigh sent me some samples of Herbalife to try. She was so excited to share Herbalife with me since it made such a positive impact on her health and weight loss. She is such a sincere and honest girl and wants everyone to reach their health & fitness goals whether it be with Herbalife or another regimen.

I know that like everything else in life, weight loss is not one size fits all. What works for me may not be what works for everyone else, but I want to inspire others to make healthier choices and provide motivation for others to reach their goals. This is exactly why I wanted to share Kayleigh’s story with you guys. Maybe you don’t have the time to make the meals I make every single day, and need something else to replace meals that fits into your daily routine. Or maybe you have the motivation, but need another option to help you lose weight or get healthy. I think that Herbalife is a great option for someone who is on the go and needs a portable option that still has excellent nutritional value.


I tried the chocolate and vanilla shakes, and was pleasantly surprised. Most nutritional/weight loss shakes taste like same watery fake flavors, but Herbalife did not. My favorite was the chocolate. It actually tasted like a malt from a diner! I mixed my shake with unsweetened almond milk, which gave it a super thick and creamy texture that I absolutely loved. I really enjoyed the natural cocoa flavor, but more than that, I loved how full it kept me until dinner. Call me crazy, but I would throw in some coffee and make it a protein mocha for breakfast! I just told Kayleigh that I want to order a tub of Chocolate Herbalife Nutritional Shake Mix. This is a great post workout shake for busy days when I am short on time. I can’t wait to make some chocolate Protein Pancakes too!

I asked Kayleigh a few questions to give you guys a glimpse inside her HerbaLIFE!

1. Why did you start using Herbalife?
I was struggling with weight gain from a failing thyroid and adrenal gland and my regular healthy lifestyle wasn’t working the way it used to. I needed a jumpstart

2. How did you hear Herbalife?
I actually heard about it on the radio. I listen to Dr. Laura obsessively and she is does advertisements for Herbalife. After she had multiple coworkers loose upwards of 40 pounds using the shake, I decided I had to give it a try.

3. How long have you been using Herbalife?
I have been using it on and off for the past 9 months.

4. How many Herbalife shakes do you have per day? What do you usually eat in a day?
I vary between one and two shakes a day. It depends on how quickly you want to loose the weight. For the quickest easiest results its two shakes a day, but sometimes it doesn’t fit it my schedule or I don’t feel like eating two shakes.

Breakfast:
I almost always have a shake (the green one on my blog). That shake is a banana, Herbalife Forumla 1 Weight Loss Chocolate Powder, chia seeds, spinach, and a scoop of peanut butter.

Lunch:
I’ll normally make something. Maybe a big salad with all my favorites, a soup, a sandwich, a wrap or even leftovers. Pretty much anything that I can scrounge up quickly on my way to work or the night before if I have time. When I do have time I love to try new recipes and check out different ideas – I love RFFMBT for that. It has given me some wonderful lunches that have kept me full till dinner time!

Dinner:
This is normally when I will have the second shake. I work out at night so this is my post workout shake. Either I’ll make the same shake I made in the morning (but nix the chia seeds – they give you a ton of energy that have the potential of keeping you up later than you want to be up) or I’ll get a juice (Naked Juice Superfood is great or if you have a juicer that is awesome also) and mix it in with my Herbalife Formula 1 Vanilla flavored shake with some Glutacor to help with muscle re-growth.

Snacks:
I generally pack and bring with me wherever I am going that day. I’ll bring veggies, fruit and a protein. Everything varies based on the day but for proteins I either bring a bag of mixed nuts or an Herbalife Snack Bar (the lemon one is my favorite) I suggest getting creative with your fruits and veggies. You can eat as many as you want a day because they are just great for your system and you are supposed to have 8 servings a day anyhow so mix and match and use the veggies fill up if your having a mid meal craving or need for a munch fest!

5. How is Herbalife different from other nutrition/diet shakes?
I find that other shakes are either extremely expensive to purchase, not very good tasting, or had to work into your daily life. For me Herbalife is simple. It tastes delicious, it works wonderfully and I can add it to pretty much anything. I go and buy single small bottles of Naked Superfood Juice in bulk and then will bring it with me for the day if I’m out and about. It’s easy to shake up and drink. It doesn’t need a blender, it doesn’t need its own can. Got a craving for something sweet? Throw the chocolate flavored one in milk and drink up and you have a full meal of chocolate milk that will keep you full and energized all morning or afternoon! Its so simple and their are so many options and flavors.

6. How do you make your shake?
Depends on what kind of time I have. I’ll make the chocolate one with milk or water if I’m in a hurry. Or the vanilla with natural juice. When I’m home and I have my Magic Bullet Blender I will blend with ice and other yummy mix-ins. Sometimes fruits and veggies, sometimes peanut butter. Depends on my mood and day of the week, but your options are endless.

7. What is your favorite shake flavor?
Well, I love the chocolate because it fills my sweet tooth, but the vanilla is wonderful for adding to anything. Can I say there is a tie?

8. What is the average price of Herbalife? Where can I get it?
The price of the Formula 1 shake with shipping and handling and tax comes out to just a little over $48. It varies slightly on where it is being shipped to. Depending on the supplements you add, or if you want a workout protein powder as well (Herbalife 24 which is also great) those things vary. You can find all that information as well as the full catalog on my Herbalife sales page.

If you’re interested in Herbalife, or want to connect with Kayleigh, you can follow her Twitter, Tumblr blog, and purchase Herbalife from her sales page!

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