24 Day Trim Challenge - Day 2

When I stepped on the scale this morning, I was in shock. I have already lost two pounds. I believe it was a ton of water weight, since I've been guzzling like crazy. With every meal or snack I drink at least 8 ounces. Surprisingly, I haven't spent all day in the bathroom. I mean, I am drinking a lot of water, so I do have to go, but it's not like you would think. My stomach has not cramped or been upset for the past two days.

I am also not following the cookbook just yet, but I know enough about lean proteins, veggies and fruits that I am fitting 2-3 snacks in per day, and all are under 30 grams of carbs a piece. Tonight, we had tilapia in a serving size of fat free Zesty Italian, green beans (frozen, not canned) and for dessert I had 2 kiwi. It was enough that I am not hungry, and also pretty tasty.

I did have a bit of a headache this morning at work; however, as soon as I drank my Spark, I felt refreshed and ready to go. I made it from 2:30-7:00 without a snack or meal, and I fit in 3 miles of walking.

I am being honest with you folks, I feel great. I have enough energy to get me through work, and my Spark helps me get through that afternoon lull. What I like about Advocare is that you can buy the products separately. For example, maybe you don't need to lose weight, but you need a push during the day. Well, you could buy you a pack of Spark a part from the 24 Day Challenge kit.

Today's flavor of Spark was cherry. I liked it, but mandarin orange still is at the top of my list.

Weight: 156.4

On a family note, the babies SCREAMED from about the time we finished our walk until about 15 minutes ago. Parenthood is hard y'all! Anyone got suggestions on soothing babies to sleep? I think Erick and I are losing our touch!

24 Day Trim Challenge - Day 1

Let me say this first. I do NOT like diet fads. I don't even really like diets. However, after gaining 60 pounds with twins, I realize that something must be done. Lately, I will tell my husband, "Babe, don't let me have a Coke this week." Then, I sneak one in somehow during the day. It's pathetic, I know. I'm just not motivated, or at least I haven't been until now. School is starting back and I literally fit into three dresses. That's it. No pants, skirts, or Bermuda shorts will work their way onto my body, no matter how  hard I try. Now, please don't think that I have been sitting around all day being lazy. I have taken two classes for grad school, worked on raising two babies, cleaned house, gotten a classroom ready, exercised, and ran around like a chicken with my head cut off for about 4 months now. I'm exhausted and stressed, so I know this weight isn't going to come off without me really committing to something.

Enter Advocare's 24 Day Trim Challenge. My friend Jane gained weight during her pregnancy (like all moms do) and was not only able to lose it, but keep it off following Advocare's program. She's not the only one. A church member uses Advocare's energy drink, Spark, during the day to keep her going. She also uses Advocare's vitamins. Jane sent me a sample of Spark to try in the mail, and I'll be honest, it wasn't my favorite flavor. However, it did allow me to keep my focus for the remainder of the day.

Now, please don't think that this energy drink is a Monster, Red Bull or 5 Hour Energy. It is simply a mix of vitamins and amino acids. I Googled long and hard to find something to back up my original skepticism, and literally the only negative things I could find were about the price of the products. Actually, one man said he was mad because the products weren't "magic." Well, duh. Nothing is magic. Advocare acknowledges that you have to exercise and eat right in order for their products to work. The difference is that these supplements are not bad for you. I trust Jane and my church friend, so I am trying this challenge. I will keep you posted about my progress.

Oh, before I go, today was the first day of the "cleanse" phases. I expected a nasty fiber drink, but was pleasantly surprised with the "peaches n' cream" version, and I haven't been in the bathroom all day. I really appreciate that the schedule is planned for me, so I don't have to try to figure out what to eat or when to eat it.

Phew! I know that's a lot of info to take in, but I am so excited! Check back tomorrow to see how Day 2 went, and let me know if I can give you any more information on Advocare's products!

Starting weight: 158.4 lbs
Goal: 144 lbs.

*I am NOT an Advocare employee, just an independent distributor, and also a momma trying to lose some weight!

Updated Photos

Today, Erick and I took 4 month pictures of the twins! I can't believe how time flies. Already, Jaye is rolling over and Lyla is "talking" to us like crazy. They tried cereal for the first time tonight. Not much of it stayed in their mouth, but it will get easier with time. We bought new strollers to make the walk from our house to Papa and YaYa's easier. Life is good in the Rivers' household and I am pretty sure it will stay that way. Nothing beats being home with family.

Frames

Shortly after we moved into our new home, my husband and I received these frames in the mail. How cute are they???? I wanted to show them off because my cousins did such a great job picking them out, and the babies featured aren't too bad either.

The frames are made by Mpressions, and the link is below. Hope you are having a fabulous Tuesday!

Mpressions

Growing Family

We've finally made it to our new home. We've actually been here over a month, but it's taken me a while to get things settled and have time to sit and write. The babies have grown so much since April. I plan on putting their four month photos up soon, but here's a few collages for now. I made these using the TurboCollage app for our Mac. Hope you all are doing well!

Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Turn your favorite photos into a photo book at Shutterfly.com.

Life With Babies

What a crazy three weeks it has been! On Saturday, April 7, I told my husband that I was having contractions and we quickly began getting ready to make the trip to the hospital. After the hour and a half drive, we arrived at Methodist Germantown Hospital in Memphis, TN. I was placed in a labor and delivery room, and called my parents so they could be on standby. Seventeen hours after arriving at the hospital, and a little over twenty-four hours after the first contractions, we were told that a vaginal delivery would not be possible, and we got ready for a C-section. On April 8, at 11:24 AM, Jaye Andrew Rivers arrived, and two minutes later Lyla Marie Rivers entered the world as well. We had to spend a week in the NICU because of some breathing issues, but we have been home two weeks now. Life is difficult, but good. I never knew I could be this tired!