For all those muffin naysayers!

I wanted to clear something up for all those out there that question the power of the Rev Muffin.

First of all, the Rev Muffin was designed to help curb appetites. It was not designed as a meal replacement, not as a get skinny quick plan, and certainly not as a gimmicky weight loss fad. The Rev Muffin was created to help individuals like myself train their minds and their bodies in the art of portion control.

I've been eating Rev Muffins for 3 weeks now and have seen a weight loss of 12lbs. I cannot say that my loss has been based solely on the Rev Muffins, but they do exactly what they promise to. :) When I started the Rev Muffin Challenge, I also began watching what I was eating and have been trying to lower my caloric intake. Before the Challenge, I would CRAVE eating. Not certain foods, just the act of eating. The Rev Muffin has completely changed that for me. I no longer get the urge to be eating because I always feel so full. I eat one muffin 10 minutes before each meal with a large glass of water and I haven't over eaten since.

Some say that once I stop eating the muffins that I will gain all the weight back. I understand that I won't be eating these Rev Muffins for the rest of my life and I'm preparing for that now. The Rev Muffins are a tool in helping me relearn how to eat. And I can't say it enough..... THEY WORK!!!

Another week, another loss!

Good morning everyone! I'll start with our weigh in news!

Jay is down 3 more pounds putting him at 197! He has lost 10lbs total. Only 17 more pounds to reach his goal!

I'm also down 3 more pounds also. That's 12 total pounds for me. I'm now at 227! I'm still a long way off from my total goal, but I'm setting small goals first so I won't get disappointed. So instead of thinking about the 78lbs I have to go, I'm pushing to get the next 8lb loss. (a total of 20lbs)

It's hard to believe it's only been 3 weeks since we started this journey.

Yoga kicked my a*%

I went to my first Yoga class tonight. I knew it was going to be hard even though it was a beginners class. I knew it was going to be hard because I haven't really "moved" my body since I was on dance team in high school. I knew it was going to be hard because frankly, I'm out of shape.

But I went. I  went, and I was right. IT WAS HARD!

First of all, I have always been intimidated by Yoga. I don't know why. It's just always been scary for me. Maybe because I think I'm going to make a complete fool out of myself.

Anyway, the first 30 minutes was just an introduction to breathing techniques. (even this part wasn't easy) Then we incorporated our upper body movements (arm circles, etc) with our breathing. At this point I thought I was going to die. My shoulder muscles hurt so bad I swear my arms were just going to fly off. I'll be lucky if I can lift my arms up to my keyboard tomorrow. Finally we worked on some standard Yoga poses and ab strengthening. Dear God. What was I thinking? For our final pose, I actually asked the instructor if she was joking. She wanted me to put my heels against the wall, put my hands down in front of me, and then walk my feet up the wall. (essentially putting me in a handstand against the wall kind of position) I truly thought she was nuts. But...she helped me by having me put one leg up, then bring it down, then put the other up, etc. Until she then grabbed my waist and said..."Ok...now both feet." You can imagine my surprise when I was successful. How in the world were my arms and wrists holding up my 230lb body!?!

At the end of class, the instructor stopped me before leaving to tell me that she was really impressed with me. She said that I definitely have a natural gift of flexibility and that she was surprised this was my first ever Yoga class. So, needless to say.... I'm signed up for at least three more classes. :)

Weigh in numero deuce

Drum roll please!

Jay weighed in at 200 lbs. 4 pounds have melted away!!! Only one more pound and he enters Onederland! *super cheesy I know*

I got on the scale and saw a 4 pound loss at well! I'm now 230. Super pumped about it. I've just been hoping for 2lbs a week. 2 a week and I would be happy and satisfied. 9 pounds in two weeks...I'm THRILLED!!

500 pound legs!

Today I used a bike machine at the gym. It wasn't the stationary bike, but the one you sit in like a chair and your legs are out in front of you. I don't know what that is called.
Anyway, I went 13.26 miles in 46 minutes on this thing! I was surprised I didn't burn out before that. I didn't really break a sweat or feel tired. I stopped because it was time to come home and fix dinner. The really funny part was when I got off the bike thingy. My lower and upper body felt like they were two separate entities. :) My legs were working but it was as if they weren't actually connected to my body. I almost laughed out loud in the middle of the gym. (which would have been seriously strange looking since I didn't have my headphones on anymore)
THEN...I went out to my truck and attempted to get into it. I say attempted because when I went to lift my leg up inside the cab, it didn't even clear the seat! It was hysterical. This time I did laugh out loud at myself. Luckily with a little upper body help I made it into the truck and headed home.

School time, energy & the BFF

This week has been flying by! We've been preparing the kids to go back to school. (and their mom's house) They are all excited to be with mom but sure do hate leaving dad. That's got to be hard on them. :( Jaci is starting junior high and I can't be more thrilled for her. Let's hope she really gets organized this year. Meet the teacher is tonight for the other two. Jera will be in 4th and Jacob in 3rd. They are getting big fast!

As for me, my energy level is increasing. :) I've been maintaining a steady calorie intake and drinking TONS of water. I'm up to almost 130 oz a day. And I'm craving the stuff! As soon as my water bottle is empty I'm filling it up because I am thirsty. Weird. Missed my workout on Monday but got to the gym on Tuesday and will be heading there again today.

Did I mention I have the most awesome best friend ever? For real though...she has been incredibly supportive of my lifestyle change. It started with the better choices at sushi with not one complaint and last night when we got back to her place after dinner SHE suggested that we take Liam on a walk to the local park. I love my BFF!!

BEWARE. Boring post. Week 1 meals

DATE	MEAL	FOOD	Calories	Fat	Carbohydrates	Protein
8/8/2011	breakfast	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/8/2011	breakfast	Apple, Gala (medium), 1 serving	80	0	22	0
8/8/2011	lunch	Tomato Soup, 0.5 cup	75	1	17	2
8/8/2011	lunch	Grilled Cheese Sandwich, 1 serving	320	15	36	11
8/8/2011	lunch	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/8/2011	lunch	Dill Pickles, 5 slice	6	0	1	0
8/8/2011	dinner	Sushi, Spicy Tuna Roll (8 pcs.), 1 serving	320	3	62	13
8/8/2011	dinner	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/8/2011	dinner	Cantaloupe, 0.5 cup, balls	31	0	7	1
8/9/2011	breakfast	Apple, Gala (medium), 1.5 serving	120	0	33	0
8/9/2011	breakfast	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/9/2011	lunch	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/9/2011	lunch	Plums, 1 fruit (2-1/8in. dia)	30	0	8	0
8/9/2011	lunch	Michelina's Chicken Club Flatbread, 1 serving	290	8	41	15
8/9/2011	dinner	Jennie-O Turkey breakfast sausage link, 2 serving	280	22	0	18
8/9/2011	dinner	Red Ripe Tomatoes, 0.5 cup, chopped or sliced	19	0	4	1
8/9/2011	dinner	Egg Noodles, enriched, 2 cup	290	3	54	11
8/9/2011	dinner	Sauce, Pasta Sauce, Ragu Chunky Garden Style, Tomato, Basil and Italian Cheese, 1 serving	110	3	17	3
8/9/2011	dinner	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/9/2011	snack	Banana, fresh, 1 extra small (less than 6in. long)	74	0	19	1
8/10/2011	breakfast	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/10/2011	breakfast	Smart Ones Breakfast Burritos, 1 serving	240	0	32	11
8/10/2011	lunch	Smart One Mini Rigatoni with Vodka Cream Sauce, 1 serving	290	6	48	13
8/10/2011	lunch	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/10/2011	dinner	Wild Sushi Roll, 1 serving	500	0	0	0
8/10/2011	dinner	Pretty Lady Roll, 0.5 serving	250	0	0	0
8/10/2011	dinner	Edamame, shelled, fresh, 0.5 cup	100	3	9	10
8/11/2011	breakfast	Apple, Gala (medium), 1 serving	80	0	22	0
8/11/2011	breakfast	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/11/2011	lunch	Jennie-O Turkey breakfast sausage link, 1 serving	140	11	0	9
8/11/2011	lunch	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/11/2011	lunch	Red Ripe Tomatoes, 0.25 cup, chopped or sliced	9	0	2	0
8/11/2011	lunch	Egg Noodles, enriched, 1 cup	145	2	27	5
8/11/2011	lunch	Sauce, Pasta Sauce, Ragu Chunky Garden Style, Tomato, Basil and Italian Cheese, 0.5 serving	55	2	9	2
8/11/2011	dinner	Red Ripe Tomatoes, 1 medium whole (2-3/5in. dia)	26	0	6	1
8/11/2011	dinner	Cucumber (peeled), 1 medium	24	0	4	1
8/11/2011	dinner	Chicken Breast, no skin, 5 ounces	156	2	0	33
8/11/2011	dinner	Kraft Fat Free Italian Salad Dressing, 1 tbsp	10	0	2	0
8/11/2011	dinner	Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 tbsp	120	14	0	0
8/11/2011	dinner	new potatoe -one medium 75g, 2 serving	60	0	13	1
8/11/2011	dinner	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/11/2011	snack	Banana, fresh, 1 large (8in. to 8-7/8in. long)	125	1	32	1
8/12/2011	breakfast	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/12/2011	breakfast	Smart Ones Breakfast Burritos, 1 serving	240	0	32	11
8/12/2011	lunch	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/12/2011	lunch	Weight Watchers Smart Ones Three Cheese Ziti Marinara, 1 serving	320	8	47	14
8/12/2011	dinner	Trident Salmon Burger, 1 serving	170	9	2	20
8/12/2011	dinner	Couscous, 0.5 cup, cooked	88	0	18	3
8/12/2011	snack	Fiber One Oats and Chocolate Chewy Bar, 1 bar	140	4	29	2
8/13/2011	breakfast	Weight Watchers Smart Ones English Muffin Sandwich, 1 serving	210	6	27	14
8/13/2011	breakfast	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/13/2011	lunch	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/13/2011	lunch	Healthy Choice - Fresh Mixer - Ziti & Meat Sauce, 1 serving	340	6	56	15
8/13/2011	dinner	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/13/2011	dinner	Ham, Kirkland smoked honey ham, 3 oz	120	2	6	15
8/13/2011	dinner	Laughing Cow Light Creamy French Onion 1 wedge, 0.5 serving	18	1	1	1
8/13/2011	dinner	Kraft Zesty Fat Free Italian Dressing, 1 tbsp	8	0	2	0
8/13/2011	dinner	Red Ripe Tomatoes, 1 cup cherry tomatoes	31	0	7	1
8/13/2011	dinner	Kraft Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 0.15 cup	66	5	1	4
8/13/2011	dinner	Cucumber (peeled), 0.5 cup, pared, chopped	8	0	1	0
8/13/2011	dinner	Chicken Breast, no skin, 4 ounces	125	1	0	26
8/13/2011	snack	Blue Diamond Whole Natural Almonds (28 almonds), 1 serving	160	14	6	6
8/14/2011	breakfast	Rev Muffin DC, 1 serving	120	3	15	10
8/14/2011	lunch	Pork Roast for Pulled Pork (4oz), 1.5 serving	210	9	0	33
8/14/2011	lunch	Beans, Barbeque, Campbell, 3 oz	81	2	17	4
8/14/2011	lunch	Sweet Baby Ray's Honey Barbeque Sauce, 3 tbsp	105	0	26	0
8/14/2011	lunch	Potato Salad, 0.2 cup	72	4	6	1
8/14/2011	lunch	Dill Pickles, 5 slice	6	0	1	0
8/14/2011	lunch	Dinner Rolls, 0.5 roll (pan, dinner, or small roll) (2in. square, 2in. high)	42	1	7	1
8/14/2011	dinner	Hamburger, 1 sandwich	426	23	32	23
8/14/2011	dinner	Cheese, Kraft  Mexican Style Taco Cheese, 0.25 cup	100	8	1	6
8/14/2011	dinner	Cauliflower, cooked, 0.5 cup (1in. pieces)	14	0	3	1
8/14/2011	snack	Fiber One Oats and Chocolate Chewy Bar, 1 bar	140	4	29	2