I have reached several milestones in my journey this week. I have lost 60+ pounds, never to be found again! :-) I was able to wear a size 16 Average pair of jeans! This may not be a big deal to some people, but it's a big deal to me because I remember wearing a 16 at the age of 16! By the time I got married at the age of 20, I was wearing an 18. When I started the Protocol in May I was wearing size 24 pants (and I owned a pair of 26's)! So, yeah, it's a BIG deal!
I never cease to be amazed at this Protocol. It is like a dream come true! I'm losing my stored fat (in the form of pounds and inches!), I'm not hungry, it's super easy to follow the Protocol, it's for a short period of time (as little as 21 days, or as many as 40), I get TONS of compliments, it's super easy to follow, I'm not hungry, I HAVE LOST 62 POUNDS!!! And it's super easy to follow! No kidding!
So, yesterday, the FDA has announced it is going to ban the sale of homeopathic HCG in the US in 14 days. Well, I am quite opinionated about the FDA these days but I don't have time to share my opinion right now, so I will close today's entry with this thought: Stock up on your hHCG while you can!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
On the Move
This post was originally written on 12/1/11
Well, my lady bug ticker is on the move again! Woohoo! This means I am finally below my last dosage weight from my last round. It took me almost a week to get here but I have lost 10.6 pounds this week! Only 18 days of Phase 2 left before I take a little interruption at Christmas. I would like to get as close as possible to 180 lbs. by then, as I think that is going to be a weight I may stall at. Stalls can happen rather easily at weight "set points" that your body recognizes (a weight you have held for some time). The sad thing is, I remember weighing 180 pounds when I was 16 yrs. old. That has been the weight that has been recorded on my driver's license ever since the first one I got. I never changed it. I could never get up the nerve to actually tell the person behind the desk at the Driver's License Facility how much I actually weighed. In fact, I just got my license renewed this past October, and I figured that before long I am going to be below that weight, so why bother changing it to what it was at that time (which, by the way, was the closest I've been to that weight for nearly 20 years!)
Well, my lady bug ticker is on the move again! Woohoo! This means I am finally below my last dosage weight from my last round. It took me almost a week to get here but I have lost 10.6 pounds this week! Only 18 days of Phase 2 left before I take a little interruption at Christmas. I would like to get as close as possible to 180 lbs. by then, as I think that is going to be a weight I may stall at. Stalls can happen rather easily at weight "set points" that your body recognizes (a weight you have held for some time). The sad thing is, I remember weighing 180 pounds when I was 16 yrs. old. That has been the weight that has been recorded on my driver's license ever since the first one I got. I never changed it. I could never get up the nerve to actually tell the person behind the desk at the Driver's License Facility how much I actually weighed. In fact, I just got my license renewed this past October, and I figured that before long I am going to be below that weight, so why bother changing it to what it was at that time (which, by the way, was the closest I've been to that weight for nearly 20 years!)
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
VLCD4 & Cabbage Chicken Soup
Today is Day 4 and after only 3 days of VLCD (since I weigh in the morning), I am 7.9 pounds lighter! Only 1.5 pounds to go before I reach my Last Dosage Weight, and then to continue losing from there...I am so excited!!!
This may sound strange to some of you (and, yet others of you who are doing the Protocol will understand) but I can already tell a difference in my body! I remember this happening on my very first round as well. Then I noticed it in my stomach, but yesterday I noticed it in my thighs. Later in the day, I changed into a pair of jeans that I had just worn a few days earlier and they were noticably bigger on me (not huge, but bigger). So, I decided to try on a pair of jeans that I had been wearing that were noticably tight ever since I bought them (but I bought them anyway knowing that I was going to continue to lose). Guess what?! They weren't tight! If I hadn't seen it for myself, I might not have believed it! This Protocol never ceases to amaze me!
I recently bought a small 2 quart crock pot (because, in my humble opinion, one can NEVER have too many crock pots!)
Yesterday (and again today) I made this recipe for Cabbage Chicken Soup for my dinner. This crock pot is the perfect size for my individual soup portions. This soup is very easy and surprisingly, quite tasty! Just to note: I used the Pacific brand Low Sodium Vegetable Broth that I bought from Kroger. I had read somewhere to use the Pacific brand Chicken Broth but when I read the label, I found sugar (gasp!) The Vegetable Broth didn't have sugar and was only made with organic vegetables. They were on sale 2/$5 so I bought 3 (that's all that were left on the shelf).
So, for some reason, it never dawned on me to take a picture of the soup itself and it was gone before I knew it! :)
However, I did take a picture of my lunch this afternoon and here's what a typical P2 meal looks like for me:
I love how my grilled chicken, celery and an apple look crowded on my plate! That's why I use a salad plate! :-)
This may sound strange to some of you (and, yet others of you who are doing the Protocol will understand) but I can already tell a difference in my body! I remember this happening on my very first round as well. Then I noticed it in my stomach, but yesterday I noticed it in my thighs. Later in the day, I changed into a pair of jeans that I had just worn a few days earlier and they were noticably bigger on me (not huge, but bigger). So, I decided to try on a pair of jeans that I had been wearing that were noticably tight ever since I bought them (but I bought them anyway knowing that I was going to continue to lose). Guess what?! They weren't tight! If I hadn't seen it for myself, I might not have believed it! This Protocol never ceases to amaze me!
I recently bought a small 2 quart crock pot (because, in my humble opinion, one can NEVER have too many crock pots!)
Yesterday (and again today) I made this recipe for Cabbage Chicken Soup for my dinner. This crock pot is the perfect size for my individual soup portions. This soup is very easy and surprisingly, quite tasty! Just to note: I used the Pacific brand Low Sodium Vegetable Broth that I bought from Kroger. I had read somewhere to use the Pacific brand Chicken Broth but when I read the label, I found sugar (gasp!) The Vegetable Broth didn't have sugar and was only made with organic vegetables. They were on sale 2/$5 so I bought 3 (that's all that were left on the shelf).
So, for some reason, it never dawned on me to take a picture of the soup itself and it was gone before I knew it! :)
However, I did take a picture of my lunch this afternoon and here's what a typical P2 meal looks like for me:
I love how my grilled chicken, celery and an apple look crowded on my plate! That's why I use a salad plate! :-)
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Recipe & Measurements Update
I was told it was ok to post this recipe on my blog, so here goes!
JUST LIKE STUFFED BAKED POTATOES
(AKA: LOADED POTATOES)
For P3/P4 (I ate it in P4)
16 ounce package frozen cauliflower
8 ounce cream cheese, softened
8 ounce cheddar cheese, shredded
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 pieces bacon, chopped and fried until crisp
Paprika, optional
Cook the cauliflower until soft, about 8-10 minutes; drain very well and break up the florets a bit with a spoon. It's also very good if you leave the cauliflower a little chunky. Put in a greased 8 x 8" baking pan or a 2-quart casserole. Mix in the cream cheese, cheddar, green onion, salt, pepper and bacon. Dust the top with paprika, if desired. Bake at 350ยบ for 20-40 minutes, until browned and bubbly. Or, microwave, loosely covered, for about 40 minutes on 50% power, turning the dish after 20 minutes.
Makes 6 servings
Per Serving: 324 Calories; 27g Fat; 15g Protein; 6g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 4g Net Carbs
Measurements Update
I had been feeling rather disappointed that I had not done well stabilizing this round after having an easy time stabilizing after Round 1. I found some very helpful information here.
In fact, I have found the Miracle Skinny Drops website to have a ton of invaluable information! There is also a great Facebook support page by the same people called hCG Diet Support. I would highly recommend this support group! Everyone is so supportive and friendly. To join, click here. They also have a website called Little Choices Matter. It is similar, but different and again, very helpful! Check them out!
Okay, on to my measurements update! It was time to measure again (before starting another round of P2). I have lost a total of (drumroll, please!) 49&3/4 inches!!! WOWSERS!!! I couldn't believe it! And my BMI is down from 40 (when I started the Protocol) to 32! My normal range should be 19-25. Won't be long and my BMI will be NORMAL! So, while I had trouble stabilizing this round, progress continues to be made. Oh, and I can't tell you the countless number of people (women) who have told me how nicely proportioned I look. There's no doubt that people have been amazed by my success so far, but I think it will be even more amazing when I reach my goal!
JUST LIKE STUFFED BAKED POTATOES
(AKA: LOADED POTATOES)
For P3/P4 (I ate it in P4)
16 ounce package frozen cauliflower
8 ounce cream cheese, softened
8 ounce cheddar cheese, shredded
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 pieces bacon, chopped and fried until crisp
Paprika, optional
Cook the cauliflower until soft, about 8-10 minutes; drain very well and break up the florets a bit with a spoon. It's also very good if you leave the cauliflower a little chunky. Put in a greased 8 x 8" baking pan or a 2-quart casserole. Mix in the cream cheese, cheddar, green onion, salt, pepper and bacon. Dust the top with paprika, if desired. Bake at 350ยบ for 20-40 minutes, until browned and bubbly. Or, microwave, loosely covered, for about 40 minutes on 50% power, turning the dish after 20 minutes.
Makes 6 servings
Per Serving: 324 Calories; 27g Fat; 15g Protein; 6g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 4g Net Carbs
Measurements Update
I had been feeling rather disappointed that I had not done well stabilizing this round after having an easy time stabilizing after Round 1. I found some very helpful information here.
In fact, I have found the Miracle Skinny Drops website to have a ton of invaluable information! There is also a great Facebook support page by the same people called hCG Diet Support. I would highly recommend this support group! Everyone is so supportive and friendly. To join, click here. They also have a website called Little Choices Matter. It is similar, but different and again, very helpful! Check them out!
Okay, on to my measurements update! It was time to measure again (before starting another round of P2). I have lost a total of (drumroll, please!) 49&3/4 inches!!! WOWSERS!!! I couldn't believe it! And my BMI is down from 40 (when I started the Protocol) to 32! My normal range should be 19-25. Won't be long and my BMI will be NORMAL! So, while I had trouble stabilizing this round, progress continues to be made. Oh, and I can't tell you the countless number of people (women) who have told me how nicely proportioned I look. There's no doubt that people have been amazed by my success so far, but I think it will be even more amazing when I reach my goal!
And so, Round 3 has begun!
Today is Round 3, Phase 2, Very Low Calorie Day 1 (R3P2VLCD1)! This means I have spent the last 2 days loading. Thanksgiving Day I began taking my drops again. We actually celebrated Thanksgiving on Wednesday with my husband's side of the family. Thursday we spent Thanksgiving with my family. I loaded until I nearly exploded! I truly was miserable. Everything tasted good, and I even avoided some of the high starchy foods that I wasn't even interested in including the cheesy potatoes I was asked to bring, green bean casserole and the jello/marshmallow "salad". However, I ate my carbs in sweets. :) I also made sure to eat some good fats in the form of almonds, cheese and I even made some whipped cream using Stevia (though I didn't get around to eating much of it).
Yesterday it was more difficult to eat since I had really overloaded on Thursday. I tried to focus on more good fats (avocado, more almonds and cheese). I went out to eat with my husband last night as a last hoo-rah! :) We had no idea where we wanted to go. We ended up at Bob Evan's, where I finally decided on Country Fried Steak and mashed potatoes with white gravy, green beans and banana bread. I'm not going to lie, it tasted really good! We topped it off after a little shopping with a small Frosty at Wendy's!
So, today I begin the very low calorie diet 9.4 pounds above my last dosage weight! If you remember, I haven't stabilized well this round. I was averaging 3-5 pounds above my LDW and then with all the loading I did...yikes! I'm almost 10 pounds above where I was. The good thing is I know those 10 pounds will be gone soon! The first few days on hcg and vlcd tend to drop the weight gained from loading.
Here's hoping that by next week I will be back down to my LDW and continue to lose from there. I plan to be on VLCD for 25 days before taking my interruption for Christmas. Since I have Christmas dinner at my house, I am planning to have some "alternative" dishes for myself.
Speaking of alternative dishes, I made one called "Loaded Potato" for the 2 Thanksgiving dinners we attended that was absolutely fabulous! I will check to see if it is ok to post the recipe here, and if so, I will post it soon. It is amazing to me what people can do with cauliflower! It can be used as a potato substitute or a rice substitute (I never got around to trying that, but I plan to on my next interruption).
I am actually looking forward to my grilled chicken with grilled asparagus for lunch today. Sounds nutritious and delicious!
Yesterday it was more difficult to eat since I had really overloaded on Thursday. I tried to focus on more good fats (avocado, more almonds and cheese). I went out to eat with my husband last night as a last hoo-rah! :) We had no idea where we wanted to go. We ended up at Bob Evan's, where I finally decided on Country Fried Steak and mashed potatoes with white gravy, green beans and banana bread. I'm not going to lie, it tasted really good! We topped it off after a little shopping with a small Frosty at Wendy's!
So, today I begin the very low calorie diet 9.4 pounds above my last dosage weight! If you remember, I haven't stabilized well this round. I was averaging 3-5 pounds above my LDW and then with all the loading I did...yikes! I'm almost 10 pounds above where I was. The good thing is I know those 10 pounds will be gone soon! The first few days on hcg and vlcd tend to drop the weight gained from loading.
Here's hoping that by next week I will be back down to my LDW and continue to lose from there. I plan to be on VLCD for 25 days before taking my interruption for Christmas. Since I have Christmas dinner at my house, I am planning to have some "alternative" dishes for myself.
Speaking of alternative dishes, I made one called "Loaded Potato" for the 2 Thanksgiving dinners we attended that was absolutely fabulous! I will check to see if it is ok to post the recipe here, and if so, I will post it soon. It is amazing to me what people can do with cauliflower! It can be used as a potato substitute or a rice substitute (I never got around to trying that, but I plan to on my next interruption).
I am actually looking forward to my grilled chicken with grilled asparagus for lunch today. Sounds nutritious and delicious!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Ripple Effect
I love the term "ripple effect". I believe that the choices I make (good or bad) effect many other people. I am seeing a positive ripple effect from following the HCG Protocol and I couldn't be more thrilled!
Currently, I am part of a small group (4 of us) who are doing the Protocol together. My friend, Amy, started with me at the very beginning. Her sister joined our little group after our first round and recently another friend of ours joined. Amy has lost 59 pounds, Carrie has lost 36 pounds and our newest member, Julia, has lost 33 pounds! Between the 4 of us, we've lost approx. 185 pounds! INCREDIBLE!!! (Way to go ladies!!!)
I know of several others who have emailed me wanting details and have since begun the Protocol. I would love to know if any of you have joined the "hcg bandwagon" since following my blog & how much weight you have lost as a result. You can post an anonymous note here or email/facebook me. You can remain anonymous if you like. :)
Many thanks to my cousin, Leigh Ann, who shared her HCG success with me!!!
Currently, I am part of a small group (4 of us) who are doing the Protocol together. My friend, Amy, started with me at the very beginning. Her sister joined our little group after our first round and recently another friend of ours joined. Amy has lost 59 pounds, Carrie has lost 36 pounds and our newest member, Julia, has lost 33 pounds! Between the 4 of us, we've lost approx. 185 pounds! INCREDIBLE!!! (Way to go ladies!!!)
I know of several others who have emailed me wanting details and have since begun the Protocol. I would love to know if any of you have joined the "hcg bandwagon" since following my blog & how much weight you have lost as a result. You can post an anonymous note here or email/facebook me. You can remain anonymous if you like. :)
Many thanks to my cousin, Leigh Ann, who shared her HCG success with me!!!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Up and Down and Continuing on the Journey
The numbers on the scale go up and down, up and down, up and down....yes, I'm singing this to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus".
I can't seem to stabilize within my 2 pound range of my LDW. I have been stabilizing at 3-4 pounds above my LDW instead. I have heard people say they have done the same on the hcgdieters yahoo group, but I wasn't prepared for it to happen to me. So, today, as I'm heading into my 5th week of Phase 4, I am going to accept the fact that my stabilization weight is higher than I want it to be. Next round I will be more vigilant to keep my stabilization where it should be during Phase 3!
So, my journey continues...I will begin Phase 2 again in less than 2 weeks. I'm planning to load on Thanksgiving and the day after, then I will begin my 3rd round of Phase 2! I am excited to get back on the losing bandwagon! I have some jeans in my closet that I would like to be able to wear by Christmas (1 pair was given to me brand new, and I bought a few pair at a garage sale recently). I was able to just "squeeze" into 1 pair yesterday, but I am looking forward to being able to wear them comfortably very soon!
I am planning to do 25 days of Phase 2, then take a planned interruption for about 10 days over Christmas break. Then I will finish out the rest of Phase 2 after the new year.
On a side note, I have written my weight down in my calendar nearly every day since before starting the Protocol so I can go back and review my losses. I am so glad I kept a record! I recently went back to my first round and I was surprised at how "bumpy" it was, and yet I don't remember feeling discouraged at all! I guess I was just thrilled that I was losing any weight at all. Truth be told, I had given up the idea of ever being able rid myself of the extra person I've been carrying around for so long. My hope has been renewed! And here I am, about halfway through my journey!
One more side note, I recently discovered that I love, love, LOVE lime juice squeezed in water with a little Stevia! This totally excites me also because I know I can drink this during Phase 2! Not only am I allowed to drink it but it has some awesome benefits that you can read about here. I have never been a fan of lemon juice, so this lime juice realization really took me by suprise! Try it, you may like it! Oh, and a friend said lime juice is great squeezed over grilled chicken also, so you can bet I'm going to try that on Phase 2 also!
I can't seem to stabilize within my 2 pound range of my LDW. I have been stabilizing at 3-4 pounds above my LDW instead. I have heard people say they have done the same on the hcgdieters yahoo group, but I wasn't prepared for it to happen to me. So, today, as I'm heading into my 5th week of Phase 4, I am going to accept the fact that my stabilization weight is higher than I want it to be. Next round I will be more vigilant to keep my stabilization where it should be during Phase 3!
So, my journey continues...I will begin Phase 2 again in less than 2 weeks. I'm planning to load on Thanksgiving and the day after, then I will begin my 3rd round of Phase 2! I am excited to get back on the losing bandwagon! I have some jeans in my closet that I would like to be able to wear by Christmas (1 pair was given to me brand new, and I bought a few pair at a garage sale recently). I was able to just "squeeze" into 1 pair yesterday, but I am looking forward to being able to wear them comfortably very soon!
I am planning to do 25 days of Phase 2, then take a planned interruption for about 10 days over Christmas break. Then I will finish out the rest of Phase 2 after the new year.
On a side note, I have written my weight down in my calendar nearly every day since before starting the Protocol so I can go back and review my losses. I am so glad I kept a record! I recently went back to my first round and I was surprised at how "bumpy" it was, and yet I don't remember feeling discouraged at all! I guess I was just thrilled that I was losing any weight at all. Truth be told, I had given up the idea of ever being able rid myself of the extra person I've been carrying around for so long. My hope has been renewed! And here I am, about halfway through my journey!
One more side note, I recently discovered that I love, love, LOVE lime juice squeezed in water with a little Stevia! This totally excites me also because I know I can drink this during Phase 2! Not only am I allowed to drink it but it has some awesome benefits that you can read about here. I have never been a fan of lemon juice, so this lime juice realization really took me by suprise! Try it, you may like it! Oh, and a friend said lime juice is great squeezed over grilled chicken also, so you can bet I'm going to try that on Phase 2 also!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Heading in the right direction
Well, I am very happy to report that I have lost 2.5 pounds in the past 2 days (and yesterday was Halloween, so I think that says something!) It feels good to be back on course. I planned ahead and armed myself with Lara bars yesterday, so when the temptation to eat candy inevitably came upon me, I grabbed a bar. I ended up eating 2, which I was a little afraid of, but I knew it was way better than grabbing candy. I had the Ginger Snap, which was really, really good (I'm going to have to try to duplicate that one!) and the Coconut Cream Pie. They were both delicious and nutritious (and they kept me out of trouble!) :) I truly felt like I was eating a treat. They are that good!
I need to remember that there are alternatives and planning ahead is key. I have to say again, if I don't set myself up for success, then I am setting myself up for failure. It's pretty plain and simle.
This is worth putting time and effort into! Not only do I feel great, I know that I am truly gaining health. I am reversing the damage I have done over the years. That is something to be excited about!
I thank God every day for leading me to the HCG Protocol. I'm so thankful for those who have gone before me and who freely share their knowledge. My purpose in writing this is to share my experience in hopes that I can also help others along the journey.
I need to remember that there are alternatives and planning ahead is key. I have to say again, if I don't set myself up for success, then I am setting myself up for failure. It's pretty plain and simle.
This is worth putting time and effort into! Not only do I feel great, I know that I am truly gaining health. I am reversing the damage I have done over the years. That is something to be excited about!
I thank God every day for leading me to the HCG Protocol. I'm so thankful for those who have gone before me and who freely share their knowledge. My purpose in writing this is to share my experience in hopes that I can also help others along the journey.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Another week in Phase 4
Honesty is the best policy. So, in all honesty, I haven't done what I should have this week and the scale is up because of it. I didn't do what I planned to do. My plan was to eat no carbs and no sugars, but because I didn't plan ahead, I didn't follow through. That and because I found a new favorite food, quinoa (pronounced keen-wah), which isn't carb-less though it is good for you. My birthday was Friday, so I let my son and his friend make brownies, and I bought ice cream (telling myself, after all, it was my birthday). So, I ate brownies and ice cream! (Did you notice the excuse?)
Last night was our annual bonfire (and it was quite a party!) I didn't overeat but I did have more sugar (that seems reasonable, right?). I have deprived myself a lot these past 6 months (another excuse!), so I gave myself permission to eat 2 sweets. I wasn't even going to have a hot dog but at the last minute a friend roasted 2 and asked if I wanted one. By then, I wanted one and I ate it without a bun (reasoning that I was making a good choice by not eating a bun!).
Hmmm....how many excuses did I come up with that allowed me to go from bad to worse? It wouldn't have been so bad if I had made a poor choice here & a poor choice there over the course of a couple weeks but I made these over the course of a couple days...even after I had planned to shape up. And now I pay the price. Today I'm doing a Correction Day (CD) to try to regain some lost ground, or should I say ungain some ground that I regained! I am up 7.4 pounds from my LDW (5.4 pounds above my allowed 2 pounds). I am cringing at those numbers because I had worked so hard to get where I was! I hope to lose a couple pounds by tomorrow, eat clean for a couple days and then do another CD.
I really believe that poor planning in the midst of a busy week had a major role to play in my poor choices. I didn't set myself up for success, and by not doing so, I essentially set myself up for failure. I am learning from my mistakes and I am making a meal plan for the week...today!
Before I sign off, I did do something good last week. :) I made some Lara bars. I decided to google it and found several websites/blogs that gave instructions. If you would like to try them, I would suggest this Cashew Cookie recipe. It's very simple and basic (2 ingredients). I am planning to try Hot Fudge Brownie next (but not for a while)! Perhaps I should have tried it last week instead of eating real brownies...hindsight is always 20/20!
Now, I'm off to plan my meals!
Last night was our annual bonfire (and it was quite a party!) I didn't overeat but I did have more sugar (that seems reasonable, right?). I have deprived myself a lot these past 6 months (another excuse!), so I gave myself permission to eat 2 sweets. I wasn't even going to have a hot dog but at the last minute a friend roasted 2 and asked if I wanted one. By then, I wanted one and I ate it without a bun (reasoning that I was making a good choice by not eating a bun!).
Hmmm....how many excuses did I come up with that allowed me to go from bad to worse? It wouldn't have been so bad if I had made a poor choice here & a poor choice there over the course of a couple weeks but I made these over the course of a couple days...even after I had planned to shape up. And now I pay the price. Today I'm doing a Correction Day (CD) to try to regain some lost ground, or should I say ungain some ground that I regained! I am up 7.4 pounds from my LDW (5.4 pounds above my allowed 2 pounds). I am cringing at those numbers because I had worked so hard to get where I was! I hope to lose a couple pounds by tomorrow, eat clean for a couple days and then do another CD.
I really believe that poor planning in the midst of a busy week had a major role to play in my poor choices. I didn't set myself up for success, and by not doing so, I essentially set myself up for failure. I am learning from my mistakes and I am making a meal plan for the week...today!
Before I sign off, I did do something good last week. :) I made some Lara bars. I decided to google it and found several websites/blogs that gave instructions. If you would like to try them, I would suggest this Cashew Cookie recipe. It's very simple and basic (2 ingredients). I am planning to try Hot Fudge Brownie next (but not for a while)! Perhaps I should have tried it last week instead of eating real brownies...hindsight is always 20/20!
Now, I'm off to plan my meals!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Phase 4 again!
So, here I am, in Phase 4 again! Today is day 4. I am up a couple pounds. I didn't have a wonderful Phase 3 like I should have, but the reality is that it was my own doing. I wasn't as careful in Phase 3 this time around as I was the first time. So, I didn't start Phase 4 within 2 pounds of my LDW though I was close. Today I am 3.3 pounds above my LDW (1.3 pounds above where I should be).
During Phase 4, you kind of test the waters without overdoing it, which is easier said than done in most cases. I was actually down a bit today, which was a miracle because I ate something yesterday that I haven't had for several months....fried chicken! And not just any fried chicken. I had Gil's fried chicken! 3 pieces! I can't even tell you in words how good it tasted. And I don't feel guilty about eating that chicken for several reasons:
1. We rarely eat out any more.
2. I know I won't be eating fried chicken again anytime soon.
3. I desire to put good, nourishing things into my body rather than junk "most" of the time.
4. Eating something not-so-good-for-me once in a while isn't going to kill me but I know that eating that way most of the time very well could.
My plan now is to eat clean for a couple days to see if my weight will naturally get back in "the zone", and if it doesn't, I'll do a correction day. I am pretty confident that it will if I stay away from the carbs/sugars.
I have to tell you about a wonderful "treat" that is good and is good for you! Lara Bars. As often as I can, I plan to keep one in my purse for a special treat when we go places and everyone else is consuming sugar. They are tasty, naturally sweet (from dates), are made from just a few natural ingredients, and they come in a variety of flavors. My favorite is probably Apple Pie, but they have a Banana Bread that is quite delicious too. If you haven't tried them, you should (as long as you aren't in Phase 2)! You can find them at most grocery stores in the health food section where the snack bars are located.
During Phase 4, you kind of test the waters without overdoing it, which is easier said than done in most cases. I was actually down a bit today, which was a miracle because I ate something yesterday that I haven't had for several months....fried chicken! And not just any fried chicken. I had Gil's fried chicken! 3 pieces! I can't even tell you in words how good it tasted. And I don't feel guilty about eating that chicken for several reasons:
1. We rarely eat out any more.
2. I know I won't be eating fried chicken again anytime soon.
3. I desire to put good, nourishing things into my body rather than junk "most" of the time.
4. Eating something not-so-good-for-me once in a while isn't going to kill me but I know that eating that way most of the time very well could.
My plan now is to eat clean for a couple days to see if my weight will naturally get back in "the zone", and if it doesn't, I'll do a correction day. I am pretty confident that it will if I stay away from the carbs/sugars.
I have to tell you about a wonderful "treat" that is good and is good for you! Lara Bars. As often as I can, I plan to keep one in my purse for a special treat when we go places and everyone else is consuming sugar. They are tasty, naturally sweet (from dates), are made from just a few natural ingredients, and they come in a variety of flavors. My favorite is probably Apple Pie, but they have a Banana Bread that is quite delicious too. If you haven't tried them, you should (as long as you aren't in Phase 2)! You can find them at most grocery stores in the health food section where the snack bars are located.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Back in the Zone
I'm back in the zone! I lost 2.8 pounds from my correction day yesterday, and am officially back on track. Yay! Now I just need to stay that way. :)
I really enjoyed the steak correction day but the greek yogurt correction days are my very favorite! I love the Greek God's brand that I purchase at Kroger. I have tried several others including Fage, but Greek God's is my personal favorite. I find the Fage is too thick for me.
If you're looking for alternative correction days, you can purchase the ebook here. It's definitely worth the money!
I really enjoyed the steak correction day but the greek yogurt correction days are my very favorite! I love the Greek God's brand that I purchase at Kroger. I have tried several others including Fage, but Greek God's is my personal favorite. I find the Fage is too thick for me.
If you're looking for alternative correction days, you can purchase the ebook here. It's definitely worth the money!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Stabilization
I had little to no trouble stabilizing in Round 1, however, that has not been the case since finishing Phase 2 of Round 2. It has taken me almost a week to get back on track, and I am not quite there yet, but I sure hope to be by tomorrow.
Here's where I went wrong: I was just a few ounces over my alloted 2 pound mark and instead of doing a correction day right then & there, I decided to wait. I was careful eating that day, thinking that would be enough but it wasn't. The next day I did an egg correction day. The scale still went up and let me just say now, the egg correction day is not my favorite and I have always been a fan of eggs! I was clearly disappointed that the egg day did not work. The next 2 days were busy with events, and I remembered reading that doing corrections days in a row didn't seem to work out too well, so I ate clean and figured I'd do another correction day on Sunday. I did a steak day as outlined in Dr. Simeon's protocol. It was good (I love steak!) and it yielded a 3 pound loss. I had read though that sometimes a steak day can produce a bounce back effect where you see a loss the next day, but likely gain again the following day, so I was very careful yesterday. I ate 2 eggs for breakfast, homemade chicken soup and salad for lunch, and for dinner I had tomato soup, celery with peanut butter & an apple (I was a little afraid of eating the apple, but I decided it was worth the risk). Today I was down a little more than a pound. Whew!
So, today I did the greek yogurt correction day in hopes of being within my 2 pound range of my LDW again by tomorrow. We shall see! *fingers crossed*
By the way, a few days ago I read in the Protocol where Dr. Simeon's specifically says to correct as soon as you are the slightest bit over the 2 pounds because if you wait, you will have a hard time getting back to where you need to be. Wish I had reread that before I finished Phase 2!
Here's where I went wrong: I was just a few ounces over my alloted 2 pound mark and instead of doing a correction day right then & there, I decided to wait. I was careful eating that day, thinking that would be enough but it wasn't. The next day I did an egg correction day. The scale still went up and let me just say now, the egg correction day is not my favorite and I have always been a fan of eggs! I was clearly disappointed that the egg day did not work. The next 2 days were busy with events, and I remembered reading that doing corrections days in a row didn't seem to work out too well, so I ate clean and figured I'd do another correction day on Sunday. I did a steak day as outlined in Dr. Simeon's protocol. It was good (I love steak!) and it yielded a 3 pound loss. I had read though that sometimes a steak day can produce a bounce back effect where you see a loss the next day, but likely gain again the following day, so I was very careful yesterday. I ate 2 eggs for breakfast, homemade chicken soup and salad for lunch, and for dinner I had tomato soup, celery with peanut butter & an apple (I was a little afraid of eating the apple, but I decided it was worth the risk). Today I was down a little more than a pound. Whew!
So, today I did the greek yogurt correction day in hopes of being within my 2 pound range of my LDW again by tomorrow. We shall see! *fingers crossed*
By the way, a few days ago I read in the Protocol where Dr. Simeon's specifically says to correct as soon as you are the slightest bit over the 2 pounds because if you wait, you will have a hard time getting back to where you need to be. Wish I had reread that before I finished Phase 2!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Another Milestone
It's official! I have entered ONEderland, as they say on the Yahoo group...this means I weigh less than 200 pounds! 199.3 to be exact! :) ONEderland. What a GREAT feeling it is! This is a HUGE milestone for me! It's been many years since I have seen these numbers on the scale. I would guess it's been at least 16 years or BK (before kids)!
Today is day 43 of VLCD and this is my last dosage weight (LDW) for Round 2. 2 more days of VLCD and then I move into Phase 3. I was planning to go a little longer but my real goal was to have my LDW under 200 and since I'm already past 40 days, it's time to move on. I've lost a total of 57 pounds since starting! Yeehaw!
So, I had this plan to cut my Phase 4 short after this round so I could complete another full round (40 days) before Christmas (with a short interruption at Thanksgiving) but I am going to reconsider this plan. While I am anxious to continue losing, I need to remember that I don't need to be in a hurry (but it's hard to be patient)! I need to trust that Dr. Simeons had a reason for extending Phase 4 by an additional 2 weeks after each round. I know his Protocol works just as he wrote it. Why do I think doing it my way is more important than following the Protocol? I have done things my way for far too long and the results have been less than desirable.
Instead of doing a 40 day round before Christmas, I could do a 21 day round between Thanksgiving and Christmas, take a planned interruption for up to 2 weeks then go back to Phase 2 for the remaining 19 days. Now, that sounds like a good plan and one that Dr. Simeons would approve. :-)
Today is day 43 of VLCD and this is my last dosage weight (LDW) for Round 2. 2 more days of VLCD and then I move into Phase 3. I was planning to go a little longer but my real goal was to have my LDW under 200 and since I'm already past 40 days, it's time to move on. I've lost a total of 57 pounds since starting! Yeehaw!
So, I had this plan to cut my Phase 4 short after this round so I could complete another full round (40 days) before Christmas (with a short interruption at Thanksgiving) but I am going to reconsider this plan. While I am anxious to continue losing, I need to remember that I don't need to be in a hurry (but it's hard to be patient)! I need to trust that Dr. Simeons had a reason for extending Phase 4 by an additional 2 weeks after each round. I know his Protocol works just as he wrote it. Why do I think doing it my way is more important than following the Protocol? I have done things my way for far too long and the results have been less than desirable.
Instead of doing a 40 day round before Christmas, I could do a 21 day round between Thanksgiving and Christmas, take a planned interruption for up to 2 weeks then go back to Phase 2 for the remaining 19 days. Now, that sounds like a good plan and one that Dr. Simeons would approve. :-)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Let's Talk Clothes
Can I just say that I am really enjoying clothes shopping again! While I still have many pounds to shed, I am finding it easier to find nice clothes that fit well. And I am finding shirts in the regular clothing section rather than the plus sizes...granted they are XL, but, as any woman knows, that is a huge step in the right direction! There are so many more options in the regular section and they are generally more stylish. My friend, Amy, also passed along clothes that don't fit her any more. What a blessing it is to recieve clothes for FREE!
As I said before, I also really enjoy shopping at Goodwill. You just never know what you will find. I have to be careful and be very selective when I shop there because it would be really easy just to buy a bunch of clothes without really loving them just because they are cheap! Today I found 2 sweaters that were 1/2 off ($1.75 each) and 2 really cute corduroy jackets for $4.99 each. I love a bargain!
As I said before, I also really enjoy shopping at Goodwill. You just never know what you will find. I have to be careful and be very selective when I shop there because it would be really easy just to buy a bunch of clothes without really loving them just because they are cheap! Today I found 2 sweaters that were 1/2 off ($1.75 each) and 2 really cute corduroy jackets for $4.99 each. I love a bargain!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
50 POUNDS GONE!
I am more than a little excited at the fact that I have lost 50 POUNDS!!! Something that seemed impossible for so many years, is now becoming a reality in my life...and I am ecstatic!
I finished my 2 week planned interruption when I began the drops and Phase 2 again last Thursday (9/8/11). I had gained some weight during my vacation, but by the time I went back to Phase 2 I was only 3 pounds above my LDW, which I thought wasn't bad considering I had to eat out a LOT during vacation. And while I mostly ate no starches and no sugars (mostly!), my weight was still creeping up here and there. The fact of the matter is you can only control so much when you eat out. You have no idea how foods are prepared or what kinds of spices are used (and many spices have sugar in them these days...I can't understand why!) So, I was happy to be only 3 pounds above my LDW.
In my last post I referred to a plan that I was considering that is unconventional, or should I say, off protocol. My thought was basically to do an extended Phase 2 but taking a planned interruption every 3 weeks, so basically I would be following Phase 2 for 3 weeks then Phase 3 for 2 weeks (the interruption), then back to Phase 2 for 3 weeks and so on.
I have a friend who read Kevin Trudeau's book. From what she told me, he says you can do Phase 2 for 3 weeks, Phase 3 for 3 weeks, then back to Phase 2 for 3 weeks followed by a longer break. I just figured that since a planned interruption should only be for 2 weeks or less, and since I don't have to load again (and gain weight before losing) after an interruption, that I would just follow Phase 3 for 2 weeks instead of 3 weeks.
I also like the idea of the break from the 500 calorie diet for at least 2 weeks. While I don't think the VLCD is dangerous short term, it's not something that I think I should do long term. Honestly, I really like the idea of taking a break after 3 weeks! I think I can do anything for 3 weeks! It isn't hard to follow the Protocol, but after 3 weeks it begins to drag on and the weight loss tends to slow down the longer you are on it.
My plan right now is to complete 3 weeks of Phase 2 (from my planned interruption), which would be a total of 46 days rather than 40. Then I plan to spend 3 weeks on Phase 3, and a little less than 2 weeks on Phase 4 because I want to get started on Phase 2 again the first of November. At that point, I am planning to do 3 weeks of Phase 2, take a 4 day planned interruption for Thanksgiving, and then complete another 3 weeks of Phase 2, for a total of 42 days on Phase 2. That allows me to complete another whole round before Christmas. Then I plan to take a full Phase 3 and Phase 4 break before starting a new round. At that point I should have a good idea about how many more rounds I will need to complete before reaching my goal.
I am confident that I will be exactly where I need to be by next summer! YIPEE!
I finished my 2 week planned interruption when I began the drops and Phase 2 again last Thursday (9/8/11). I had gained some weight during my vacation, but by the time I went back to Phase 2 I was only 3 pounds above my LDW, which I thought wasn't bad considering I had to eat out a LOT during vacation. And while I mostly ate no starches and no sugars (mostly!), my weight was still creeping up here and there. The fact of the matter is you can only control so much when you eat out. You have no idea how foods are prepared or what kinds of spices are used (and many spices have sugar in them these days...I can't understand why!) So, I was happy to be only 3 pounds above my LDW.
In my last post I referred to a plan that I was considering that is unconventional, or should I say, off protocol. My thought was basically to do an extended Phase 2 but taking a planned interruption every 3 weeks, so basically I would be following Phase 2 for 3 weeks then Phase 3 for 2 weeks (the interruption), then back to Phase 2 for 3 weeks and so on.
I have a friend who read Kevin Trudeau's book. From what she told me, he says you can do Phase 2 for 3 weeks, Phase 3 for 3 weeks, then back to Phase 2 for 3 weeks followed by a longer break. I just figured that since a planned interruption should only be for 2 weeks or less, and since I don't have to load again (and gain weight before losing) after an interruption, that I would just follow Phase 3 for 2 weeks instead of 3 weeks.
I also like the idea of the break from the 500 calorie diet for at least 2 weeks. While I don't think the VLCD is dangerous short term, it's not something that I think I should do long term. Honestly, I really like the idea of taking a break after 3 weeks! I think I can do anything for 3 weeks! It isn't hard to follow the Protocol, but after 3 weeks it begins to drag on and the weight loss tends to slow down the longer you are on it.
My plan right now is to complete 3 weeks of Phase 2 (from my planned interruption), which would be a total of 46 days rather than 40. Then I plan to spend 3 weeks on Phase 3, and a little less than 2 weeks on Phase 4 because I want to get started on Phase 2 again the first of November. At that point, I am planning to do 3 weeks of Phase 2, take a 4 day planned interruption for Thanksgiving, and then complete another 3 weeks of Phase 2, for a total of 42 days on Phase 2. That allows me to complete another whole round before Christmas. Then I plan to take a full Phase 3 and Phase 4 break before starting a new round. At that point I should have a good idea about how many more rounds I will need to complete before reaching my goal.
I am confident that I will be exactly where I need to be by next summer! YIPEE!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Update
It's day 18 of VLCD and I have lost a total of 42.5 pounds since I began this journey on May 4th! Unfortunately, I have been on a stall for 3 days now, which means no movement on the scale. However, I can't really complain too much because I have lost 12.5 pounds since I began round 2 a mere 18 days ago! I'm quite satisfied with my results so far!
My family and I are leaving for a mini vacation in 11 days, and then I get to go on a girl's weekend getaway trip a couple days later. I am a lucky girl! So, I will be doing my first planned interruption. Next Wednesday will be my last day on the drops (Day 25), I will follow the VLCD for an additional 2 days, then my planned interruption officially begins. An interruption like this can last up to 2 weeks and I plan to follow it for the full 2 weeks. The only solid information offered by Dr. Simeons about this interruption is that you must increase your intake to a minimum of 800 calories. I have read what other people interpret this to mean and I believe that it is safe to say that I should eat Phase 3 style...no carbs, no sugars. Basically, I will be trying to maintain my losses (as I do in Phase 3). I am totally good with no carbs & no sugars on vacation because the idea of trying to stay on Phase 2 during vacation sounds like pure misery!
After the 2 weeks, I will start the hHCG drops and VLCD again (no loading after a planned interruption). According to the Protocol, I would then be on the drops for an additional 13 days and then move into Phase 3 for 3 weeks and then Phase 4 for 5 weeks before I can start another round.
However, I had this hair-brained idea, as my husband would call it! :) Actually, I think it's a very logical idea, as, of course, most of my ideas are (haha!)! I will save this idea for another post down the road.
I already announced this on Facebook, but I went shopping yesterda for a new swimsuit for my vacations and I got one for a song! It was marked down to $29.99 with another 30% off & a $10 off coupon, I got it for the incredible one-time-price of $10.99! And the best part (drum roll please)...it was 3 sizes smaller than the swimsuit I bought last year!!! I am so pleased with my progress and I am looking forward to finishing this race once and for all!
My family and I are leaving for a mini vacation in 11 days, and then I get to go on a girl's weekend getaway trip a couple days later. I am a lucky girl! So, I will be doing my first planned interruption. Next Wednesday will be my last day on the drops (Day 25), I will follow the VLCD for an additional 2 days, then my planned interruption officially begins. An interruption like this can last up to 2 weeks and I plan to follow it for the full 2 weeks. The only solid information offered by Dr. Simeons about this interruption is that you must increase your intake to a minimum of 800 calories. I have read what other people interpret this to mean and I believe that it is safe to say that I should eat Phase 3 style...no carbs, no sugars. Basically, I will be trying to maintain my losses (as I do in Phase 3). I am totally good with no carbs & no sugars on vacation because the idea of trying to stay on Phase 2 during vacation sounds like pure misery!
After the 2 weeks, I will start the hHCG drops and VLCD again (no loading after a planned interruption). According to the Protocol, I would then be on the drops for an additional 13 days and then move into Phase 3 for 3 weeks and then Phase 4 for 5 weeks before I can start another round.
However, I had this hair-brained idea, as my husband would call it! :) Actually, I think it's a very logical idea, as, of course, most of my ideas are (haha!)! I will save this idea for another post down the road.
I already announced this on Facebook, but I went shopping yesterda for a new swimsuit for my vacations and I got one for a song! It was marked down to $29.99 with another 30% off & a $10 off coupon, I got it for the incredible one-time-price of $10.99! And the best part (drum roll please)...it was 3 sizes smaller than the swimsuit I bought last year!!! I am so pleased with my progress and I am looking forward to finishing this race once and for all!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Back to Phase 2 (R2P2VLCD4)
Hard to believe it's been almost a month since I last updated. However, being in Phase 4 throughout that time, there wasn't much to report. I was surprised at how well I stabilized throughout Phases 3 & 4, especially Phase 4 when I began adding in some starches. I only did 2 Correction Days for the entire 7 weeks! I am totally loving the HCG Protocol!
Now I am back to Phase 2. I was 3 lbs. over my last dosage weight (LDW) just before I started my second round of Phase 2 (R2P2). Then I had to load high fats for 2 days, and load I did! I gained another 3 pounds while loading, so I started Phase 2 at 6 pounds above my LDW. I am happy to announce though, that as of today I have lost 7 pounds so far this round for a total loss of 31 pounds! Yipee! My little ladybug is on the move again!
Loading high fats really paid off for me as I have hardly been hungry at all in the first few days of Phase 2. In round 1, I was hungry the first week. I didn't feel famished but definitely hungry. By week 2 the hunger was gone & as the weeks went on I found it more difficult to reach 500 calories.
I was definitely ready to get back to Phase 2 and get back to losing more! I am enjoying the journey and I am looking forward to what this leg of the journey holds for me in terms of losing pounds and inches!
Now I am back to Phase 2. I was 3 lbs. over my last dosage weight (LDW) just before I started my second round of Phase 2 (R2P2). Then I had to load high fats for 2 days, and load I did! I gained another 3 pounds while loading, so I started Phase 2 at 6 pounds above my LDW. I am happy to announce though, that as of today I have lost 7 pounds so far this round for a total loss of 31 pounds! Yipee! My little ladybug is on the move again!
Loading high fats really paid off for me as I have hardly been hungry at all in the first few days of Phase 2. In round 1, I was hungry the first week. I didn't feel famished but definitely hungry. By week 2 the hunger was gone & as the weeks went on I found it more difficult to reach 500 calories.
I was definitely ready to get back to Phase 2 and get back to losing more! I am enjoying the journey and I am looking forward to what this leg of the journey holds for me in terms of losing pounds and inches!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Phase 4, Day 8
Well, my last correction day was a success. I dropped 2.8 lbs. by eating yogurt and blueberries! I have been eating more types of foods and seem to be doing just fine, though I haven't eaten bread at all. I thought a bagel with cream cheese sounded really good this morning, but I changed my mind later. I know that protein is a better choice for me anyway. It really gives me a full feeling and I don't gain when I eat protein like I think I would with carbs.
This journey isn't just about losing weight, it's about finding what works best for MY body and since every body is different, what works for my body may not work for yours. It's also about maintaining weight loss, and that requires making the best choices when it comes to nourishing my body. Not only does it help maintain weight loss, but it also keeps me healthy. Recently, my husband and one of my boys' had pneumonia. I think I was able to remain healthy in spite of the sickness around me because I am making good choices in fueling my body. I believe my immune system is stronger and better able to fight off infections...just another benefit of healthy eating.
I just measured myself again and I have lost a total of 28 & 1/2 inches since I began the protocol! If I remember correctly, I had lost about 24 inches by the time I was finished with Phase 2, so I have continued to lose another 4 & 1/2 inches while maintaining my weight loss! Awesome!
I am counting down the days until I can move into my 2nd round of Phase 2 to begin the weight loss process again! Bring it on!!!
This journey isn't just about losing weight, it's about finding what works best for MY body and since every body is different, what works for my body may not work for yours. It's also about maintaining weight loss, and that requires making the best choices when it comes to nourishing my body. Not only does it help maintain weight loss, but it also keeps me healthy. Recently, my husband and one of my boys' had pneumonia. I think I was able to remain healthy in spite of the sickness around me because I am making good choices in fueling my body. I believe my immune system is stronger and better able to fight off infections...just another benefit of healthy eating.
I just measured myself again and I have lost a total of 28 & 1/2 inches since I began the protocol! If I remember correctly, I had lost about 24 inches by the time I was finished with Phase 2, so I have continued to lose another 4 & 1/2 inches while maintaining my weight loss! Awesome!
I am counting down the days until I can move into my 2nd round of Phase 2 to begin the weight loss process again! Bring it on!!!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Phase 4, Day 5
Today is Sunday, July 3rd and I am doing my first Correction Day (CD) of Phase 4. I had to do 1 CD in Phase 3. I did the greek yogurt and berries CD last time & I dropped 2.4 pounds. I LOVE Greek yogurt and berries, so I am doing the same CD today. Last time I used strawberries. Today I am using blueberries that I bought at the Riverfront Market yesterday! They are delicious!
Phase 3 went very well for me. As I stated earlier, I only had to do 1 CD in Phase 3. I was 2 weeks into Phase 3. I went to eat at Qdoba and though I ordered nothing starchy (no tortilla, no rice, no beans), I gained the next day. I suspected that the tomato-based Ranchero sauce may have had sugar in it...not sure though.
It stinks that I have to do a CD today because we are celebrating my aunt's birthday. However, I can't complain too much! I am totally thrilled with the fact that I have lost 30 pounds and have done well to maintain that loss for the past month!
I am certain that I attempted to eat too many starchy things in the past few days. We went out to eat on Friday and I had some french fries w/cheese, bbq beef & bbq sauce on them (after I had had some beans for lunch) and I had cherry cheesecake for dessert. I didn't gain the next day (yesterday) but I didn't eat completely clean yesterday as I should have to counteract what I ate the day before. Yesterday, I had 2 Dove chocolates and beans again for dinner. I should have avoided starch & sugar (clean eating) yesterday and I might have been ok today. Lesson learned.
So, Amy & I are looking at starting Phase 2 at the end of July/beginning of August. We have another friend who is going to do the Protocol with us and I think my aunt may also. I think I should become a distributor for hHCG! :) After all, I am a walking testimony of the wonderful results that can be obtained from the Protocol!
I would like to lose enough weight that I will be in ONEderland (under 200 lbs.) by the time I finish Round 2 of Phase 2. It will depend on how much weight I gain when I load (the first 2 days on hHCG), when I begin TOM (which will determine when I begin hHCG) and how long I will be on Phase 2. I would like to be on Phase 2 for the maximum of 40 days, but that will also depend on when I begin. I have a trip planned for Labor Day weekend (and would like to plan a mini vacation with my family the week before that). I may just end up doing a planned interuption within that time frame and that way I can complete 40 days on hHCG. We'll see.
For the next round, I figure that I will be okay if I have to do Phase 2 during Thanksgiving, but I definitely want to be in Phase 4 by Christmas. At that point, I should be able to assess how many more rounds I will have to do. Likely 1 or 2, depending on my losses.
I can't tell you how happy I am that I have FINALLY found a way to lose weight & keep it off FOR GOOD!!! I had pretty much given up on the idea altogether before I found HCG! I felt hopeless! And now here I am...losing weight, keeping it off and excited to reach my GOAL!
Phase 3 went very well for me. As I stated earlier, I only had to do 1 CD in Phase 3. I was 2 weeks into Phase 3. I went to eat at Qdoba and though I ordered nothing starchy (no tortilla, no rice, no beans), I gained the next day. I suspected that the tomato-based Ranchero sauce may have had sugar in it...not sure though.
It stinks that I have to do a CD today because we are celebrating my aunt's birthday. However, I can't complain too much! I am totally thrilled with the fact that I have lost 30 pounds and have done well to maintain that loss for the past month!
I am certain that I attempted to eat too many starchy things in the past few days. We went out to eat on Friday and I had some french fries w/cheese, bbq beef & bbq sauce on them (after I had had some beans for lunch) and I had cherry cheesecake for dessert. I didn't gain the next day (yesterday) but I didn't eat completely clean yesterday as I should have to counteract what I ate the day before. Yesterday, I had 2 Dove chocolates and beans again for dinner. I should have avoided starch & sugar (clean eating) yesterday and I might have been ok today. Lesson learned.
So, Amy & I are looking at starting Phase 2 at the end of July/beginning of August. We have another friend who is going to do the Protocol with us and I think my aunt may also. I think I should become a distributor for hHCG! :) After all, I am a walking testimony of the wonderful results that can be obtained from the Protocol!
I would like to lose enough weight that I will be in ONEderland (under 200 lbs.) by the time I finish Round 2 of Phase 2. It will depend on how much weight I gain when I load (the first 2 days on hHCG), when I begin TOM (which will determine when I begin hHCG) and how long I will be on Phase 2. I would like to be on Phase 2 for the maximum of 40 days, but that will also depend on when I begin. I have a trip planned for Labor Day weekend (and would like to plan a mini vacation with my family the week before that). I may just end up doing a planned interuption within that time frame and that way I can complete 40 days on hHCG. We'll see.
For the next round, I figure that I will be okay if I have to do Phase 2 during Thanksgiving, but I definitely want to be in Phase 4 by Christmas. At that point, I should be able to assess how many more rounds I will have to do. Likely 1 or 2, depending on my losses.
I can't tell you how happy I am that I have FINALLY found a way to lose weight & keep it off FOR GOOD!!! I had pretty much given up on the idea altogether before I found HCG! I felt hopeless! And now here I am...losing weight, keeping it off and excited to reach my GOAL!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Round 1, Phase 3, Day 3 (R1P3D3)
I weighed in this morning at 1/2 lb. below my last dosage weight (LDW), so woohoo! I haven't been keeping track of my calories 100% but I have been eating good fats, protein & veggies plus I don't eat unless I'm hungry. I was a little worried last night when I ended up eating soup instead of our planned chicken (which was still out in the smoker at 8pm when we sat down to eat). I was making the soup ahead for dinner for my family tonight since I knew I was going to be away all day but when we realized the chicken wasn't done, we ate the soup. It wasn't until I had eaten a bowl of it that I realized I should have read the ingredients labels on the organic beef broth and organic tomato soup that I used. So, when I did read them, I was admittedly worried. Both had a form of sugar and I think it was the tomato that had a form of starch (maybe corn starch?). Well, there was nothing I could do about it then, so I just waited to see how it would show up on the scale. Thankfully, it went well for me this morning.
Dr. Simeon's said that during Phase 3, patients may eat anything they please except starch or sugar as long as they observe 1 simple rule...they must weigh themselves daily and their weight must stay within 2 pounds of the weight that was reached on the last day of HCG. He goes on to tell what a patient must do if they go over or under that 2 lb. window.
Following the HCG Dieters Yahoo board, many people get anxious about starting Phase 3. I was totally looking forward to Phase 3! And though I am only a few days into it, I know what I'm eating is healthy and I don't have any cravings for things I shouldn't have. Today, for example, I am in the office where we celebrated a co-worker's birthday. There was Trefzger's cake. For any of you who don't live in the Peoria area, you may be thinking, "what is that?" Trefzger's Bakery is well-known in this area as the best bakery with the best cake! I watched everyone eat it and I didn't even care that I wasn't eating any. It didn't bother me in the least. I wasn't hungry & I wasn't thinking, "boy, I'd sure like to have a piece of that!" It didn't even occur to me until a little later that I really couldn't have cared less that I wasn't eating it. Amazing! I have always heard that if you quit eating sugar then you stop craving it, but I really didn't believe it. You can bet I believe it now!
What have I been eating? Cobb salad with olive oil (this has been my lunch every day so far). Who knew that I would love olive oil for a dressing? I have used olive oil and rice vinegar before, but I never knew that something so simple as olive oil alone would be so good! I try to have chicken on my salad, but I've had it without chicken too. I think it is best for me to eat protein with every meal. Tonight I will be eating smoked chicken leg/thigh with skin! :) For breakfast I've been eating eggs, scrambled in a little butter or fried in a bit of olive oil. For snacks I have eaten 1 oz. of raw cashews (they aren't as good tasting as regular cashews but they are much better for me!), half an avocado (I use half on my salad for lunch also), or 4 oz. of full fat Greek God's yogurt (to which I added Capella NY Cheesecake drops and some Stevia...WOW!!! That is really a dessert!) I am eating a wider variety of non-starchy vegetables.
I read through this web page several times before I started Phase 3, and I found it very helpful. I like the food list. I have read on the message boards that some people have trouble if they eat milk products (cheese & yogurt) or nuts right away, but I began eating them right away and haven't had any trouble. Mind you, I don't overdo them. I have eaten about 1 oz. of cheese a day. Yesterday I ate about 2 oz. of yogurt (today I'm going to try 4 oz. and see how it goes).
I finally tried my Chocolate Delight and my husband was right, the peanut butter cups are better! The regular ones leave too much of an after taste for me. I'm going to see if I can melt them and make them into peanut butter cups instead.
Last, but not least, I measured myself again yesterday. I am 23 inches smaller than I was before I started the Protocol! A lot of people say that although you don't lose weight during Phase 3, you generally lose inches, so I am going to measure myself again at the end of this 3 weeks. So, we'll see!
Dr. Simeon's said that during Phase 3, patients may eat anything they please except starch or sugar as long as they observe 1 simple rule...they must weigh themselves daily and their weight must stay within 2 pounds of the weight that was reached on the last day of HCG. He goes on to tell what a patient must do if they go over or under that 2 lb. window.
Following the HCG Dieters Yahoo board, many people get anxious about starting Phase 3. I was totally looking forward to Phase 3! And though I am only a few days into it, I know what I'm eating is healthy and I don't have any cravings for things I shouldn't have. Today, for example, I am in the office where we celebrated a co-worker's birthday. There was Trefzger's cake. For any of you who don't live in the Peoria area, you may be thinking, "what is that?" Trefzger's Bakery is well-known in this area as the best bakery with the best cake! I watched everyone eat it and I didn't even care that I wasn't eating any. It didn't bother me in the least. I wasn't hungry & I wasn't thinking, "boy, I'd sure like to have a piece of that!" It didn't even occur to me until a little later that I really couldn't have cared less that I wasn't eating it. Amazing! I have always heard that if you quit eating sugar then you stop craving it, but I really didn't believe it. You can bet I believe it now!
What have I been eating? Cobb salad with olive oil (this has been my lunch every day so far). Who knew that I would love olive oil for a dressing? I have used olive oil and rice vinegar before, but I never knew that something so simple as olive oil alone would be so good! I try to have chicken on my salad, but I've had it without chicken too. I think it is best for me to eat protein with every meal. Tonight I will be eating smoked chicken leg/thigh with skin! :) For breakfast I've been eating eggs, scrambled in a little butter or fried in a bit of olive oil. For snacks I have eaten 1 oz. of raw cashews (they aren't as good tasting as regular cashews but they are much better for me!), half an avocado (I use half on my salad for lunch also), or 4 oz. of full fat Greek God's yogurt (to which I added Capella NY Cheesecake drops and some Stevia...WOW!!! That is really a dessert!) I am eating a wider variety of non-starchy vegetables.
I read through this web page several times before I started Phase 3, and I found it very helpful. I like the food list. I have read on the message boards that some people have trouble if they eat milk products (cheese & yogurt) or nuts right away, but I began eating them right away and haven't had any trouble. Mind you, I don't overdo them. I have eaten about 1 oz. of cheese a day. Yesterday I ate about 2 oz. of yogurt (today I'm going to try 4 oz. and see how it goes).
I finally tried my Chocolate Delight and my husband was right, the peanut butter cups are better! The regular ones leave too much of an after taste for me. I'm going to see if I can melt them and make them into peanut butter cups instead.
Last, but not least, I measured myself again yesterday. I am 23 inches smaller than I was before I started the Protocol! A lot of people say that although you don't lose weight during Phase 3, you generally lose inches, so I am going to measure myself again at the end of this 3 weeks. So, we'll see!
Chocolate Delight
(This was supposed to post on Tuesday, June 7th but I just realized today that it didn't!)
I've been as a busy bee since I got home from work today. I bought the fam take and bake pizza while I ate my 100 grams of boneless skinless chicken breast. Before dinner was ready though, I melted some coconut oil. And this wasn't just any coconut oil! This is certified organic virgin coconut oil!
The smell alone is to die for...like super delicious coconuts! I couldn't get over how good it smells!!! I have bought organic coconut oil before but it was expeller pressed and it does not smell like coconuts. I am going to have to invest more money in a larger quantity of this stuff!
Anyway, I melted the coconut oil (it is hard at room temperature) to begin the process of making Chocolate Delight! I bought a couple different kinds of molds. One is a small ice cube tray and another is the actual shape of little peanut butter cups.
I let the coconut oil (1 cup) sit to cool for a while after I melted it. I sifted the cocoa and then measured 3/4 cup (next time I may measure first and then sift) with 3 packets of Stevia. Then I added 2 dropperfuls of Chocolate Stevia and 1 dropperful of Vanilla Creme Stevia to the oil. Mixed that well with a fork and then added the cocoa mixture. I mixed that with a fork as well, then once the cocoa was incorporated into the oil, I used a whisk to be sure it was all mixed well.
I used a spoon to scoop the chocolate liquid mixture into the molds.
For the peanut butter cups, I filled the cups about half way with chocolate and I put that in the refrigerator to harden before adding my nut butter. I used Almond Butter (my first time ever buying Almond Butter) which consists of only almonds. I used about 1/2 of a cup of Almond butter, to which I added some salt and some liquid Stevia (so it would taste more like a Reese's pb cup). Mind you, I didn't taste even a nibble of any of this because I don't start Phase 3 until tomorrow. I just wanted to have it ready so that I could try it!
After adding about 1 tsp. of the peanut butter mixture to each cup, I put them in the microwave for very short periods of time just until the pb and chocolate began to melt together a bit (doesn't take long at all!) and then I put the remaining chocolate on top and refrigerated them.
Note: Next time I will use a little less chocolate and a little more peanut butter in each cup.
I sure hope they taste as good as they look! My husband was willing to try them for me, and I reminded him while he was eating the first one (without Almond Butter) that I haven't had anything like this in 6 weeks! He thought the ones without the Almond Butter were bitter...like dark chocolate, but not bad because he likes dark chocolate. He thought the ones with Almond Butter were definitely better.
This picture was totally unsolicited! :)
I've been as a busy bee since I got home from work today. I bought the fam take and bake pizza while I ate my 100 grams of boneless skinless chicken breast. Before dinner was ready though, I melted some coconut oil. And this wasn't just any coconut oil! This is certified organic virgin coconut oil!
The smell alone is to die for...like super delicious coconuts! I couldn't get over how good it smells!!! I have bought organic coconut oil before but it was expeller pressed and it does not smell like coconuts. I am going to have to invest more money in a larger quantity of this stuff!
Anyway, I melted the coconut oil (it is hard at room temperature) to begin the process of making Chocolate Delight! I bought a couple different kinds of molds. One is a small ice cube tray and another is the actual shape of little peanut butter cups.
I let the coconut oil (1 cup) sit to cool for a while after I melted it. I sifted the cocoa and then measured 3/4 cup (next time I may measure first and then sift) with 3 packets of Stevia. Then I added 2 dropperfuls of Chocolate Stevia and 1 dropperful of Vanilla Creme Stevia to the oil. Mixed that well with a fork and then added the cocoa mixture. I mixed that with a fork as well, then once the cocoa was incorporated into the oil, I used a whisk to be sure it was all mixed well.
I used a spoon to scoop the chocolate liquid mixture into the molds.
For the peanut butter cups, I filled the cups about half way with chocolate and I put that in the refrigerator to harden before adding my nut butter. I used Almond Butter (my first time ever buying Almond Butter) which consists of only almonds. I used about 1/2 of a cup of Almond butter, to which I added some salt and some liquid Stevia (so it would taste more like a Reese's pb cup). Mind you, I didn't taste even a nibble of any of this because I don't start Phase 3 until tomorrow. I just wanted to have it ready so that I could try it!
After adding about 1 tsp. of the peanut butter mixture to each cup, I put them in the microwave for very short periods of time just until the pb and chocolate began to melt together a bit (doesn't take long at all!) and then I put the remaining chocolate on top and refrigerated them.
Note: Next time I will use a little less chocolate and a little more peanut butter in each cup.
I sure hope they taste as good as they look! My husband was willing to try them for me, and I reminded him while he was eating the first one (without Almond Butter) that I haven't had anything like this in 6 weeks! He thought the ones without the Almond Butter were bitter...like dark chocolate, but not bad because he likes dark chocolate. He thought the ones with Almond Butter were definitely better.
I guess I will find out for myself tomorrow!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Finishing Up Round 1, Phase 2
Yesterday was my last day on the homeopathic HCG...I had to go a couple more days than I planned but I wanted to hit a certain number mark anyway! It was Day 36 (I hadn't been including the 2 load days previously but I should have been since I was on the hHCG then as well) and I have lost 27 pounds while on the hHCG, plus 3 pounds lost before starting hHCG, for a total loss of 30 pounds! I am loving it! And though I have much more to go, this is a great start and I am looking forward to continuing my journey!
One more day of very low calories then I move into Phase 3, which is a maintenance phase. No starches, no sugars...basically low carb. I can't gain more than 2 pounds or lose more than 2 pounds. If I lose more, I have to eat fruit to bring it back up. If I gain more than 2 pounds I have to do a correction day to bring it back down. The point of this 3 week phase is to reset the hypothalamus gland to recognize this new weight as my body's regular weight. After 3 weeks of Phase 3, then I move into Phase 4 for 3 weeks. This is the final maintenance phase in which you slowly introduce starches/sugars into your diet and see how your body reacts. After those 3 weeks, you may begin a second round of the Protocol. I plan to start my 2nd round of Phase 2 in August.
I am ready to move into Phase 3! I have been feeling weak the past few mornings. Occasionally, I feel light-headed if I make a quick move (stand up quickly or if I am heading one direction and make an abrupt turn to do something else). Other than that, I haven't had any other symptoms from the hHCG. I have been surprised by the fact that I am rarely ever hungry considering the very low calorie intake. I have been sleeping remarkably well and I have been overall in a great mood since I started...hopefully none of these change now that I am going off the hHCG. :) Oh, and my skin looks really good too!
Things I am looking forward to eating in Phase 3: eggs, avocados, Chocolate Delight (watch it on YouTube!), more meat, more veggies, butter on my veggies, heavy whipping cream in my coffee, EVOO, coconut oil & cheese. Yes, I am hungry, but it is lunch time, so there you go!
One more day of very low calories then I move into Phase 3, which is a maintenance phase. No starches, no sugars...basically low carb. I can't gain more than 2 pounds or lose more than 2 pounds. If I lose more, I have to eat fruit to bring it back up. If I gain more than 2 pounds I have to do a correction day to bring it back down. The point of this 3 week phase is to reset the hypothalamus gland to recognize this new weight as my body's regular weight. After 3 weeks of Phase 3, then I move into Phase 4 for 3 weeks. This is the final maintenance phase in which you slowly introduce starches/sugars into your diet and see how your body reacts. After those 3 weeks, you may begin a second round of the Protocol. I plan to start my 2nd round of Phase 2 in August.
I am ready to move into Phase 3! I have been feeling weak the past few mornings. Occasionally, I feel light-headed if I make a quick move (stand up quickly or if I am heading one direction and make an abrupt turn to do something else). Other than that, I haven't had any other symptoms from the hHCG. I have been surprised by the fact that I am rarely ever hungry considering the very low calorie intake. I have been sleeping remarkably well and I have been overall in a great mood since I started...hopefully none of these change now that I am going off the hHCG. :) Oh, and my skin looks really good too!
Things I am looking forward to eating in Phase 3: eggs, avocados, Chocolate Delight (watch it on YouTube!), more meat, more veggies, butter on my veggies, heavy whipping cream in my coffee, EVOO, coconut oil & cheese. Yes, I am hungry, but it is lunch time, so there you go!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
My Favorite Things
Today I am singing, "...these are a few of my favorite things" as I prepare to write this blog. :)
I took a couple of pictures and wanted to share some of my favorite things that have helped me in Phase 2 of my journey, and will help me as I continue on as well.
First and foremost my Theramax Thermos (AKA: water bottle) and my Thermos Soft Cooler.
The Thermos is double wall insulated stainless steel, which makes it highly durable and keeps your drinks hot or cold for 12 hours. I have had mine for more than a year and it is the best water bottle I have ever had, hands down! It holds 18 oz. I bought mine at my local Walgreens for $19.99, but you can also buy them online here for the same price (plus shipping).
I just bought the Thermos Soft Cooler at my local Kroger last week for $12.99. It's larger than I need for a days worth of food but I bought it because I knew it would be great to travel with. It looks like a purse, so I could easily take food with me on a plane or anywhere else for that matter. I don't fly a lot, but hey, you never know!
Next up on my list of favorite things...spice grinders!
I got these on sale at the Fresh Market a couple weeks ago 2 for $7. The Herbed Sea Salt blend has Sea Salt, Thyme, Rosemary and Basil. The Poultry Blend has Sea Salt, Coriander, Garlic, Whole Cumin, Basil, Whole Black Peppercorns, Sage, Mustard Seeds and Red Chili Flakes. It isn't spicy at all. I alternate these on my chicken depending on my mood. They are both very good.
Last, but certainly not least, on my list of favorite things are Stevia! I didn't take a picture of the bottle of Pure Stevia Extract by Kal but it is the best pure Stevia I have had and I have heard several other people say the same. You can buy it in liquid or powder form. I like the liquid best but the powder form travels better (that 2 oz. glass bottle weighs me down!) I bought mine at my local health food store for $10.99 but you can also buy it from Amazon. A little goes a long way!
Now, for the flavored Stevia's. These are SweetLeaf brand. I bought the Chocolate at my local Hy-Vee and I found the Vanilla Creme at Kroger ($9.99 each, I think). I only used the Chocolate once on some sliced strawberries. It was good, but I could definitely taste the alcohol in it...at least that is what I think it was. I am anxious to try these in my coffee but I'm going to wait until Phase 3 because I want to use real cream in it also. One of the recipes for Chocolate Delight calls for 2 droppers of Chocolate and 1 dropper of Vanilla Creme in addition to a few packets of Stevia mixed with the cocoa powder. Yeah, I am anxious to try that! Here's a link to a good YouTube video about Chocolate Delight (but there are many others too): http://youtu.be/ikSvXOzmVtI
I took a couple of pictures and wanted to share some of my favorite things that have helped me in Phase 2 of my journey, and will help me as I continue on as well.
First and foremost my Theramax Thermos (AKA: water bottle) and my Thermos Soft Cooler.
The Thermos is double wall insulated stainless steel, which makes it highly durable and keeps your drinks hot or cold for 12 hours. I have had mine for more than a year and it is the best water bottle I have ever had, hands down! It holds 18 oz. I bought mine at my local Walgreens for $19.99, but you can also buy them online here for the same price (plus shipping).
I just bought the Thermos Soft Cooler at my local Kroger last week for $12.99. It's larger than I need for a days worth of food but I bought it because I knew it would be great to travel with. It looks like a purse, so I could easily take food with me on a plane or anywhere else for that matter. I don't fly a lot, but hey, you never know!
Next up on my list of favorite things...spice grinders!
I got these on sale at the Fresh Market a couple weeks ago 2 for $7. The Herbed Sea Salt blend has Sea Salt, Thyme, Rosemary and Basil. The Poultry Blend has Sea Salt, Coriander, Garlic, Whole Cumin, Basil, Whole Black Peppercorns, Sage, Mustard Seeds and Red Chili Flakes. It isn't spicy at all. I alternate these on my chicken depending on my mood. They are both very good.
Last, but certainly not least, on my list of favorite things are Stevia! I didn't take a picture of the bottle of Pure Stevia Extract by Kal but it is the best pure Stevia I have had and I have heard several other people say the same. You can buy it in liquid or powder form. I like the liquid best but the powder form travels better (that 2 oz. glass bottle weighs me down!) I bought mine at my local health food store for $10.99 but you can also buy it from Amazon. A little goes a long way!
Now, for the flavored Stevia's. These are SweetLeaf brand. I bought the Chocolate at my local Hy-Vee and I found the Vanilla Creme at Kroger ($9.99 each, I think). I only used the Chocolate once on some sliced strawberries. It was good, but I could definitely taste the alcohol in it...at least that is what I think it was. I am anxious to try these in my coffee but I'm going to wait until Phase 3 because I want to use real cream in it also. One of the recipes for Chocolate Delight calls for 2 droppers of Chocolate and 1 dropper of Vanilla Creme in addition to a few packets of Stevia mixed with the cocoa powder. Yeah, I am anxious to try that! Here's a link to a good YouTube video about Chocolate Delight (but there are many others too): http://youtu.be/ikSvXOzmVtI
Day 31
Well, today was going to be the last day on the drops and then 2 more days of VLCD, so I would begin Phase 3 on Sunday. However, things don't always work out as we plan (can I get an Amen?!) TOM has hung around longer than expected and I forgot that I need to be finished with TOM then do an additional couple days of drops before discontinuing. So, today is the end of TOM. Saturday will be the last day on drops, then 2 more days of VLCD and we will begin Phase 2 on Tuesday. My friend, Amy, decided she will wait to start Phase 3 with me. I love that I have a friend who is doing this right along with me! We keep each other in check and we are seeing the results in each other and that is so encouraging!
28 pounds gone altogether. 25 on hcg in 31 days! It just doesn't get any better than that in my books! It would be nice to hit the 30 pounds lost mark by Saturday but we'll see!
28 pounds gone altogether. 25 on hcg in 31 days! It just doesn't get any better than that in my books! It would be nice to hit the 30 pounds lost mark by Saturday but we'll see!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Grilled Asparagus
Earlier this week I broke down and paid $2.99 per pound for asparagus...one of the best decisions I have made! I grilled it on the George Foreman (no oil, of course) and it was WONDERFUL!!! I really needed a new veggie to eat at that point, and since I love asparagus, it made perfect sense. I had to buy several pounds because my family loves asparagus too. It was so worth it! :)
Monday, May 30, 2011
The Countdown Begins: 5 Days Left of VLCD!
Today is Day 28 of VLCD. I started this journey weighing 253.3, and today I am just under 230 (229.8 to be exact) and couldn't be more pleased!!! I'm down 23 pounds since starting hhcg (26 pounds including the 3 I lost before starting HCG)! Last summer I weighed 264 so I am down 34 pounds from then. My heaviest weight ever was 277, so I am down 47 pounds from that!!! I am so glad I found HCG!!!
I finally started TOM 4 days ago. It hasn't been a usual one for me, as mine generally only last 5 days and by the last day it is barely noticable. Today is day 5 and it's the heaviest of all the days thus far. Some women have to stop taking HCG during TOM because of excess bleeding. If that would be the case for me, then I will finish this round a little earlier than planned. If not, my friend and I are planning on stopping the hcg this Thursday. She has a wedding to attend the end of June and would like to be in Phase 4 by then. I am ready to move on. :)
I also read that since we are on homeopathic HCG, we only have to do 2 days of VLCD after we stop the drops (instead of 3), and then we start Phase 3. I am looking forward to transitioning into Phase 3. I am ready to start using my handmade soaps again!
I did a little shopping already for Phase 3. I got some organic whipping cream (for coffee), cream cheese, Chocolate flavored and Vanilla Creme flavored Stevia (for coffee and for Chocolate Delight!) I will get to have a little cheese & nuts (raw cashews are my favorite!) and avocados! I can't eat this all in one day and certainly not all on the first day but I am looking forward to incorporating these back into my diet.
Chocolate Delight is the official name of the homemade "fudge" you make with coconut oil, cocoa powder and Stevia. You can look it up on YouTube and find lots of variations. Some people eat it in Phase 2 but I stopped using my handmade soap because I was told on the Yahoo group not to use coconut oil on my skin (let alone ingest it). That group follows Dr. Simeon's protocol to a "t" and lots of people don't. I decided I wanted to follow it to a "t" also. I don't want to take chances with not being able to stabilize later. I mean, if you're going to put so much time and effort in to get these amazing results, why would you do something that might jeopordize it in the end? I don't think it's worth the risk! Especially when you are only on Phase 2 for 21-40 days.
I finally started TOM 4 days ago. It hasn't been a usual one for me, as mine generally only last 5 days and by the last day it is barely noticable. Today is day 5 and it's the heaviest of all the days thus far. Some women have to stop taking HCG during TOM because of excess bleeding. If that would be the case for me, then I will finish this round a little earlier than planned. If not, my friend and I are planning on stopping the hcg this Thursday. She has a wedding to attend the end of June and would like to be in Phase 4 by then. I am ready to move on. :)
I also read that since we are on homeopathic HCG, we only have to do 2 days of VLCD after we stop the drops (instead of 3), and then we start Phase 3. I am looking forward to transitioning into Phase 3. I am ready to start using my handmade soaps again!
I did a little shopping already for Phase 3. I got some organic whipping cream (for coffee), cream cheese, Chocolate flavored and Vanilla Creme flavored Stevia (for coffee and for Chocolate Delight!) I will get to have a little cheese & nuts (raw cashews are my favorite!) and avocados! I can't eat this all in one day and certainly not all on the first day but I am looking forward to incorporating these back into my diet.
Chocolate Delight is the official name of the homemade "fudge" you make with coconut oil, cocoa powder and Stevia. You can look it up on YouTube and find lots of variations. Some people eat it in Phase 2 but I stopped using my handmade soap because I was told on the Yahoo group not to use coconut oil on my skin (let alone ingest it). That group follows Dr. Simeon's protocol to a "t" and lots of people don't. I decided I wanted to follow it to a "t" also. I don't want to take chances with not being able to stabilize later. I mean, if you're going to put so much time and effort in to get these amazing results, why would you do something that might jeopordize it in the end? I don't think it's worth the risk! Especially when you are only on Phase 2 for 21-40 days.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Another "Dressing"
I picked up a package of Gulden's Spicy Brown Mustard at Panera's one day. I read the ingredients. Sugar is a common ingredient in mustard but is not an ingredient in Gulden's. So, I used it as a dip for my chicken and salad. Later, I had the idea that I could make a little "dressing" by adding my allowed 1 Tbsp. of milk to it to thin it. It isn't so spicy that way but it is perfect for me!
Spicy Brown Mustard Dressing
I use about 3-4 tsp. of Gulden's Spicy Brown Mustard
1/2-1 Tbsp. of milk (depends on how thick or thin you want it)
I bought the mustard at Fresh Market but I'm going to check Kroger next. The mustard is 5 calories per tsp. 1 Tbsp. of 2% milk is 11 calories. On the Yahoo group, they say you should be using whole milk in Phase 2, but I used what I had.
Voila! Another dressing to add to your bland lettuce. :)
Spicy Brown Mustard Dressing
I use about 3-4 tsp. of Gulden's Spicy Brown Mustard
1/2-1 Tbsp. of milk (depends on how thick or thin you want it)
I bought the mustard at Fresh Market but I'm going to check Kroger next. The mustard is 5 calories per tsp. 1 Tbsp. of 2% milk is 11 calories. On the Yahoo group, they say you should be using whole milk in Phase 2, but I used what I had.
Voila! Another dressing to add to your bland lettuce. :)
Strawberry Salad Dressing Recipe
Very Low Calorie Day 23 and I am down 20 pounds since starting hHCG (23 pounds total)! AMAZING! I am in total shock and awe at my results!
I went shopping at Goodwill and the Salvation Army Store yesterday. I found a really nice pair of khaki pants and a pair of jeans, 4 tops, a purse, a clutch, and a dress shirt & tie for my son...all for $32! I can see how shopping at these stores can be addictive! You just never know what you will find! And, as you get into smaller sizes, there are so many more options. I'm not that much smaller yet, but I am excited because I am smaller!
Okay, so on with the recipe! I have been reading many Phase 2 recipes online though I haven't tried any. Reading through them gave me an idea about making a Strawberry Dressing for my spinach (similar to one I have made in the past but with Phase 2 ingredients only).
Stawberry Salad Dressing
I put 2 large strawberries, a splash of Apple Cider Vinegar and 4 drops of liquid Stevia in my small food processor. It's that simple and very, very tasty! You can slice up a couple more strawberries and put it all on a bed (4 cups) of spinach.
This was so good and filling that I forgot to eat my chicken last night! I didn't even realize I hadn't eaten it until my husband found my piece of chicken on a plate in the microwave this morning (I had precooked it and was warming it up)! I couldn't believe that I forgot to eat something! I do remember feeling a little hungry when I went to bed last night but I figured I must not have had enough water to drink.
I haven't started my TOM (which should have started this week), but I have been spotting pretty much everyday since I started the hHCG. I am afraid that once I go off the hHCG, the flood gates will be opened! You're not supposed to stop taking the hHCG at the same time you start your TOM. I'm going to have to ask the experienced ladies on the Yahoo group about this.
I went shopping at Goodwill and the Salvation Army Store yesterday. I found a really nice pair of khaki pants and a pair of jeans, 4 tops, a purse, a clutch, and a dress shirt & tie for my son...all for $32! I can see how shopping at these stores can be addictive! You just never know what you will find! And, as you get into smaller sizes, there are so many more options. I'm not that much smaller yet, but I am excited because I am smaller!
Okay, so on with the recipe! I have been reading many Phase 2 recipes online though I haven't tried any. Reading through them gave me an idea about making a Strawberry Dressing for my spinach (similar to one I have made in the past but with Phase 2 ingredients only).
Stawberry Salad Dressing
I put 2 large strawberries, a splash of Apple Cider Vinegar and 4 drops of liquid Stevia in my small food processor. It's that simple and very, very tasty! You can slice up a couple more strawberries and put it all on a bed (4 cups) of spinach.
This was so good and filling that I forgot to eat my chicken last night! I didn't even realize I hadn't eaten it until my husband found my piece of chicken on a plate in the microwave this morning (I had precooked it and was warming it up)! I couldn't believe that I forgot to eat something! I do remember feeling a little hungry when I went to bed last night but I figured I must not have had enough water to drink.
I haven't started my TOM (which should have started this week), but I have been spotting pretty much everyday since I started the hHCG. I am afraid that once I go off the hHCG, the flood gates will be opened! You're not supposed to stop taking the hHCG at the same time you start your TOM. I'm going to have to ask the experienced ladies on the Yahoo group about this.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
It's called Pounds and Inches
I took my measurements just before starting hHCG about 3 weeks ago (May 1) and I took them again yesterday. I have lost 11&3/4 inches from my body in 3 weeks! Yes, almost 12 inches! That is amazing!!! And I lost another 1/2 pound since yesterday to put me at a total of 19 pounds lost!
I am so confident that I am going to reach my goal that yesterday I cleaned out my closet & drawers, and I am giving away all my 3x clothes (summer and winter). I am only keeping what fits me now. I think I have about 5 garbage bags full of clothes! And since I shop at Goodwill, I don't have any problem buying clothes that will only fit me for a period of time until I do reach my goal. My closet & drawers are so spacious and neat looking, but I am looking forward to buying some new-to-me clothes!
I was talking to my friend, Amy, who is following the Protocol also. Without telling her I was thinking about staying on Phase 2 for another 2 weeks, she said she would like to be done on June 6th (my thoughts exactly!) I know we can do this for 2 more weeks and I am hoping to reach (or even exceed) my goal of losing 25 pounds this first round.
Many who are on the Protocol believe the next Phase, Phase 3, is harder than Phase 2 because the only restrictions in Phase 3 are no sugar & no starch and you have to maintain the weight you stopped the hHCG doses within 2 pounds. If you go 2 pounds over your last dosage weight (LDW), you have to do a correction day (there is one outlined in Pounds and Inches and several more outlined in another manuscript that someone else wrote). They are designed to bring your weight back down quickly. If you go 2 pounds under your LDW, you have to eat something (without sugar or starch) that will get you back up to within 2 pound of your LDW (many say cheese or nuts will do this). And obviously, in Phase 3 you get to eat more calories, but you have to determine what your body needs to maintain. It sounds like a bit of a balancing act until you figure out how your body reacts to different foods.
One thing I can't wait to try in Phase 3 is a homemade healthy fudge made from coconut oil, cocoa powder, and Stevia (plus you can add other good goodies). Here is a link to a blog with the recipe by Noell Hammer, whom I discovered just a week or so after hearing about HCG from my cousin, has been on her own HCG journey for the previous year. Scroll down to find her Healthy Coconut Fudge recipe. And if you have a chance, read more about her journey with HCG. She has lost 80 pounds! She has been an inspiration to me.
I am so confident that I am going to reach my goal that yesterday I cleaned out my closet & drawers, and I am giving away all my 3x clothes (summer and winter). I am only keeping what fits me now. I think I have about 5 garbage bags full of clothes! And since I shop at Goodwill, I don't have any problem buying clothes that will only fit me for a period of time until I do reach my goal. My closet & drawers are so spacious and neat looking, but I am looking forward to buying some new-to-me clothes!
I was talking to my friend, Amy, who is following the Protocol also. Without telling her I was thinking about staying on Phase 2 for another 2 weeks, she said she would like to be done on June 6th (my thoughts exactly!) I know we can do this for 2 more weeks and I am hoping to reach (or even exceed) my goal of losing 25 pounds this first round.
Many who are on the Protocol believe the next Phase, Phase 3, is harder than Phase 2 because the only restrictions in Phase 3 are no sugar & no starch and you have to maintain the weight you stopped the hHCG doses within 2 pounds. If you go 2 pounds over your last dosage weight (LDW), you have to do a correction day (there is one outlined in Pounds and Inches and several more outlined in another manuscript that someone else wrote). They are designed to bring your weight back down quickly. If you go 2 pounds under your LDW, you have to eat something (without sugar or starch) that will get you back up to within 2 pound of your LDW (many say cheese or nuts will do this). And obviously, in Phase 3 you get to eat more calories, but you have to determine what your body needs to maintain. It sounds like a bit of a balancing act until you figure out how your body reacts to different foods.
One thing I can't wait to try in Phase 3 is a homemade healthy fudge made from coconut oil, cocoa powder, and Stevia (plus you can add other good goodies). Here is a link to a blog with the recipe by Noell Hammer, whom I discovered just a week or so after hearing about HCG from my cousin, has been on her own HCG journey for the previous year. Scroll down to find her Healthy Coconut Fudge recipe. And if you have a chance, read more about her journey with HCG. She has lost 80 pounds! She has been an inspiration to me.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Keep at It!
Today is VLCD19 and I have lost 15 pounds on hHCG & 3 pounds prior to hHCG for a total of 18 pounds!
I am getting closer to my goal of losing 25 pounds for this first round! My thoughts right now are to keep going for another 2 weeks, then begin Phase 3 just before my weekend trip.
It's hard to wrap my mind around not being able to lose weight again for another 6 weeks, but I understand the concept of resetting the hypothalamus (as described in Pounds and Inches). I will still have time for another round before school starts again in the fall. I could potentially be half way to my goal by then, which means I could very well reach my goal before my 39th birthday (Oct. 2012). That would be awesome!
Of course, I have had some moments of wanting to eat something that isn't on Protocol. Yesterday, for example, was tough. I wasn't able to get home to eat until about 2:30pm, but I wasn't really hungry before that since I had been pushing the water (I had 10 cups of water in by that time!) By the time I did eat, I didn't feel full and within an hour I was hungry. I ate again within a couple hours and felt fine after that. We were heading to the theaters to see the new Pirates movie and I knew I needed to not be hungry while we were there. Popcorn is one of my very favorite foods! I have hope that some day I will be able to eat some again (but likely not in the quantity that I am used to eating it in!) It was tempting to think that I could eat one bite and it probably wouldn't hurt, but I know myself well enough to know that one bite would not satisfy, it would only encourage. And besides, why risk ruining what I have been working so hard to accomplish for these (almost) 3 weeks? It will likely be at least 5 more weeks before I can even attempt to eat popcorn, and I certainly won't be eating theater popcorn anytime soon! I will make it myself with healthy coconut oil. I've even heard it is wonderful with coconut oil on it instead of butter, but I do love my butter!
By not cheating last night, I saw a 1.4 pound loss on the scale this morning! That was so worth passing on the popcorn for!
My only option is to keep at it. I will press on. I will reach my goals. I will finally rid myself of this extra person that I have been carrying around with me...once and for all!
I am getting closer to my goal of losing 25 pounds for this first round! My thoughts right now are to keep going for another 2 weeks, then begin Phase 3 just before my weekend trip.
It's hard to wrap my mind around not being able to lose weight again for another 6 weeks, but I understand the concept of resetting the hypothalamus (as described in Pounds and Inches). I will still have time for another round before school starts again in the fall. I could potentially be half way to my goal by then, which means I could very well reach my goal before my 39th birthday (Oct. 2012). That would be awesome!
Of course, I have had some moments of wanting to eat something that isn't on Protocol. Yesterday, for example, was tough. I wasn't able to get home to eat until about 2:30pm, but I wasn't really hungry before that since I had been pushing the water (I had 10 cups of water in by that time!) By the time I did eat, I didn't feel full and within an hour I was hungry. I ate again within a couple hours and felt fine after that. We were heading to the theaters to see the new Pirates movie and I knew I needed to not be hungry while we were there. Popcorn is one of my very favorite foods! I have hope that some day I will be able to eat some again (but likely not in the quantity that I am used to eating it in!) It was tempting to think that I could eat one bite and it probably wouldn't hurt, but I know myself well enough to know that one bite would not satisfy, it would only encourage. And besides, why risk ruining what I have been working so hard to accomplish for these (almost) 3 weeks? It will likely be at least 5 more weeks before I can even attempt to eat popcorn, and I certainly won't be eating theater popcorn anytime soon! I will make it myself with healthy coconut oil. I've even heard it is wonderful with coconut oil on it instead of butter, but I do love my butter!
By not cheating last night, I saw a 1.4 pound loss on the scale this morning! That was so worth passing on the popcorn for!
My only option is to keep at it. I will press on. I will reach my goals. I will finally rid myself of this extra person that I have been carrying around with me...once and for all!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
My loss is showing :)
Day 13: I have lost 11 pounds on hHCG, plus 3 pounds before starting the hHCG, for a total of 14 pounds.
I discovered today that the jeans I was able to wear yesterday were a size 22, and the only jeans I have been able to wear lately were a size 24. It appears that I am down a size! Yahoo!
Yesterday I went to Goodwill. I don't wear dresses very often, but I found myself looking through the dresses they had and I found one that I really liked. It was a size 20, and I knew I wasn't a size 20 yet but was hopeful that I would be able to wear it by the time I finish this round. Again, I don't wear dresses very often, but I thought it might be nice to have a dress for a special occassion, so I held on to it. I found a few shirts too. When I was done perusing, it came time to make a decision about the dress. Should I buy it or not? Finally, I decided to buy it.
This morning I tried on the dress to see how close it might be to fitting me. I asked my husband to zip it in back and told him not to force the zipper up. He said, "I don't think I'm going to have to force it" and he zipped it. It actually fit me...and it looked good! I was shocked! And when I was looking at myself in the mirror, I realized that my "muffin top" is smaller.
If that isn't enough, I was told that I looked like I was losing weight by someone who doesn't know that I'm following the Protocol (and we were sitting down, so she was only looking at my face)! What a great feeling!
On Friday, I felt like I was losing my resolve. I didn't cheat, but I just wasn't sure how long I could keep going. I was pretty sure I couldn't go much beyond the 21 days. After today, I can definitely keep going! I think I need to change up my meals a bit to help with the boredom of the food. Don't get me wrong, I love chicken (and it's a good thing I do!), but I think the spinach with nothing on it (besides the chicken) is wearing on me. I know it's nutritious and very low in calories, but it's getting old.
I will say again, I am not hungry at all! I am totally satisfied when I eat my small meals. Today we had a potluck at church and I took my chili, apple and Melba Toast. It didn't bother me to sit at the table with others and eat my meal. Now, I'm not going to say that the Strawberry pie my husband was eating didn't look good, but I didn't feel like I had to have some. I didn't feel sorry for myself either. I know that some day I will be able to have something sweet once in a while (after all, that's why it's called a "treat") but like one of the people on the HCG Diet Yahoo group says, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels". I need to cross-stitch that onto a pillow. :)
Oh, and today I remembered that I have a wedding vow renewal ceremony to attend in 3 weeks, and I have the perfect dress to wear!
I discovered today that the jeans I was able to wear yesterday were a size 22, and the only jeans I have been able to wear lately were a size 24. It appears that I am down a size! Yahoo!
Yesterday I went to Goodwill. I don't wear dresses very often, but I found myself looking through the dresses they had and I found one that I really liked. It was a size 20, and I knew I wasn't a size 20 yet but was hopeful that I would be able to wear it by the time I finish this round. Again, I don't wear dresses very often, but I thought it might be nice to have a dress for a special occassion, so I held on to it. I found a few shirts too. When I was done perusing, it came time to make a decision about the dress. Should I buy it or not? Finally, I decided to buy it.
This morning I tried on the dress to see how close it might be to fitting me. I asked my husband to zip it in back and told him not to force the zipper up. He said, "I don't think I'm going to have to force it" and he zipped it. It actually fit me...and it looked good! I was shocked! And when I was looking at myself in the mirror, I realized that my "muffin top" is smaller.
If that isn't enough, I was told that I looked like I was losing weight by someone who doesn't know that I'm following the Protocol (and we were sitting down, so she was only looking at my face)! What a great feeling!
On Friday, I felt like I was losing my resolve. I didn't cheat, but I just wasn't sure how long I could keep going. I was pretty sure I couldn't go much beyond the 21 days. After today, I can definitely keep going! I think I need to change up my meals a bit to help with the boredom of the food. Don't get me wrong, I love chicken (and it's a good thing I do!), but I think the spinach with nothing on it (besides the chicken) is wearing on me. I know it's nutritious and very low in calories, but it's getting old.
I will say again, I am not hungry at all! I am totally satisfied when I eat my small meals. Today we had a potluck at church and I took my chili, apple and Melba Toast. It didn't bother me to sit at the table with others and eat my meal. Now, I'm not going to say that the Strawberry pie my husband was eating didn't look good, but I didn't feel like I had to have some. I didn't feel sorry for myself either. I know that some day I will be able to have something sweet once in a while (after all, that's why it's called a "treat") but like one of the people on the HCG Diet Yahoo group says, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels". I need to cross-stitch that onto a pillow. :)
Oh, and today I remembered that I have a wedding vow renewal ceremony to attend in 3 weeks, and I have the perfect dress to wear!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Making Due
Some of you reading this may not know that I was a Dunkin' Donuts coffee addict before starting this Protocol. I had been buying DD coffee nearly every day for at least 2 yrs. It was my daily "treat" to myself. Afterall, over the years, I had cut out other various treats...soda, junk food (processed foods), cut down on eating out, etc. I even switched from regular coffee to decaf. Large decaf with cream and sugar. (Most days they began getting my order ready when they saw my vehicle!)
The Protocol allows me to have coffee but I am limited to 1 Tbsp. of milk a day. Milk is not the same thing as cream and 1 Tbsp. is not nearly enough! Obviously, I can't have any sugar either but I have been using Stevia in tea occassionally. It's been 13 days since I've had any coffee. I decided today I would treat myself to a small DD coffee and see how much I can drink with 1 Tbsp. of milk.
So, here I sit, sipping my 1/4 cup of coffee with 1 Tbsp. milk and 3 drops of liquid Stevia. :-) Sometimes you just have to make due with what you have.
I'm looking forward to Phase 3 when I can actually have heavy cream (no half & half or milk because of the sugar content). Now that I have gotten accustomed to the Stevia, I no longer need sugar. Yay!
On a side note, I have a couple pair of jeans that I hadn't been able to zip up until now. I have a few other pairs that I'm hoping to be able to wear in the next couple weeks. :)
The Protocol allows me to have coffee but I am limited to 1 Tbsp. of milk a day. Milk is not the same thing as cream and 1 Tbsp. is not nearly enough! Obviously, I can't have any sugar either but I have been using Stevia in tea occassionally. It's been 13 days since I've had any coffee. I decided today I would treat myself to a small DD coffee and see how much I can drink with 1 Tbsp. of milk.
So, here I sit, sipping my 1/4 cup of coffee with 1 Tbsp. milk and 3 drops of liquid Stevia. :-) Sometimes you just have to make due with what you have.
I'm looking forward to Phase 3 when I can actually have heavy cream (no half & half or milk because of the sugar content). Now that I have gotten accustomed to the Stevia, I no longer need sugar. Yay!
On a side note, I have a couple pair of jeans that I hadn't been able to zip up until now. I have a few other pairs that I'm hoping to be able to wear in the next couple weeks. :)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
10 Pounds Gone!
1.8 pound loss today! That's a total of 10 pounds in 8 days and I am feeling GREAT! I am beginning to see why some people choose to weigh themselves only once a week. I seemed to be stuck within a half pound range for the past 3 days, and then today almost 2 pounds. However, I know I won't be able to go a week without weighing myself to see where I'm at. I like to see that reward first thing in the morning!
I was tired of my usual spinach, so today I sliced an onion and put it on the George Foreman grill. YUM!!! It was like eating onion rings without all the nasty oil that gives you an upset stomach later! I put a little of my onion in my burger also, so it was a nice meal out of the norm. I will definitely do that more often!
1 full week down, at least 2 more to go in Phase 2 this round. I've been trying to decide whether I want to do an extended round or if I want to just do the minimum right now, and then move into Phase 3. I know I have enough hHCG to last approx. 60 days and I'm looking at many more rounds if I stick to the minimum. And every time I do a round, I have to stay on Phase 4 (maintenance) for an additional 2 weeks, which will prolong reaching my goal.
I also have to consider my TOM. You aren't supposed to stop the hHCG at the same time as you begin TOM, and mine is set to start at the end of my 3 weeks on hHCG. Also, I am planning to be out of town the second weekend of June, so I will either have to stop before that or do an "interuption". I was thinking I might stay on the hHCG until June 1 for a total of 30 days. However, if I did an interuption, I would basically be off the hHCG for the 4 days I am gone, and then start right back up when I was home, allowing me to continue on an extended round.
Dr. Simeons' Protocol allows you to stay on HCG for 40 days, but many people stay on hHCG for much longer (some more than 100 days). I'm not looking to lose all my weight in 1 round. I believe it is important to move into Phase 3 (stabilization) to help reset the hypothalamus. I personally would like to see a loss of 25 pounds before I stop this first round of Phase 2, so perhaps I will just let that guide me and see where I'm at.
I was tired of my usual spinach, so today I sliced an onion and put it on the George Foreman grill. YUM!!! It was like eating onion rings without all the nasty oil that gives you an upset stomach later! I put a little of my onion in my burger also, so it was a nice meal out of the norm. I will definitely do that more often!
1 full week down, at least 2 more to go in Phase 2 this round. I've been trying to decide whether I want to do an extended round or if I want to just do the minimum right now, and then move into Phase 3. I know I have enough hHCG to last approx. 60 days and I'm looking at many more rounds if I stick to the minimum. And every time I do a round, I have to stay on Phase 4 (maintenance) for an additional 2 weeks, which will prolong reaching my goal.
I also have to consider my TOM. You aren't supposed to stop the hHCG at the same time as you begin TOM, and mine is set to start at the end of my 3 weeks on hHCG. Also, I am planning to be out of town the second weekend of June, so I will either have to stop before that or do an "interuption". I was thinking I might stay on the hHCG until June 1 for a total of 30 days. However, if I did an interuption, I would basically be off the hHCG for the 4 days I am gone, and then start right back up when I was home, allowing me to continue on an extended round.
Dr. Simeons' Protocol allows you to stay on HCG for 40 days, but many people stay on hHCG for much longer (some more than 100 days). I'm not looking to lose all my weight in 1 round. I believe it is important to move into Phase 3 (stabilization) to help reset the hypothalamus. I personally would like to see a loss of 25 pounds before I stop this first round of Phase 2, so perhaps I will just let that guide me and see where I'm at.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
P2VLCD8
day 8 and i have lost a total of eight pounds. my dog chewed my laptop cord so i am typing on my android which wont let me use any symbols or capitalize. strange. so i'm going to make due with what i have. :)
today i didn't eat until about one thirty in the afternoon and i wasn't hungry all morning. that amazes me. i was even pplanning on eating lunch earlier but didn't until i was feeling hungry.
i found a place that i can eat out and still stay on protocol...panera. I had lunch with my friend, amy, who is doing the protocol with me. we had a salad with chicken breast without dressing and we took off the extra veggies they put on except for the onion which a lot of prople on the protocol find they can have a little onion with their one veggie and it doesn't hurt. i know it is always best to eat at home because i can control the ingredients but it is nice to know that i could go to lunch with a friend and stay on protocol. i didn't even feel deprived with bread all around me. honestly it was nice to know that i was in control and i could be satisfied without it
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Phase 2 Chili Recipe
The chili was good and satisfying too! It is good to mix it up a bit. So, I thought I would share what I did.
Ingredients:
100 g. very lean ground sirloin (4% fat)
1 c. diced tomatoes (I bought a can of organic, measured out 1 c. and stored the rest for another day)
1/2 tsp. chili powder
garlic powder (a few shakes)
onion powder (a few shakes)
salt & pepper to taste
I used a medium saucepan and began by cooking the meat (added S&P). It cooked quickly and there was no grease to drain off. I added approx. 1/2 c. of diced tomatoes to the pan. I put the other 1/2 c. in my Magic Bullet and blended it into juice & added it to the pan. Added the additional spices and let it simmer for a few minutes.
According to My Fitness Pal, this single serving is 176 calories. I was wondering if perhaps I would be able to eat half in the morning and half at lunch, but for me, there wasn't enough to split, so I just drank my water all morning and saved the chili for lunch. I added an orange and a piece of Melba Toast for a total of 283 calories. More than half my calories but it was worth it. I will stick with my standard grilled chicken on top of 3 c. of spinach for dinner and an apple for a snack tonight.
Ingredients:
100 g. very lean ground sirloin (4% fat)
1 c. diced tomatoes (I bought a can of organic, measured out 1 c. and stored the rest for another day)
1/2 tsp. chili powder
garlic powder (a few shakes)
onion powder (a few shakes)
salt & pepper to taste
I used a medium saucepan and began by cooking the meat (added S&P). It cooked quickly and there was no grease to drain off. I added approx. 1/2 c. of diced tomatoes to the pan. I put the other 1/2 c. in my Magic Bullet and blended it into juice & added it to the pan. Added the additional spices and let it simmer for a few minutes.
According to My Fitness Pal, this single serving is 176 calories. I was wondering if perhaps I would be able to eat half in the morning and half at lunch, but for me, there wasn't enough to split, so I just drank my water all morning and saved the chili for lunch. I added an orange and a piece of Melba Toast for a total of 283 calories. More than half my calories but it was worth it. I will stick with my standard grilled chicken on top of 3 c. of spinach for dinner and an apple for a snack tonight.
And the Journey Continues
Yesterday was day 4 and I weighed in 1 lb. less than the day before. It's obvious the weight loss has slowed now to what will likely average out to be about 1/2 lb. per day, and I am perfectly happy with that! In fact, today I didn't lose at all. I have read on the HCG Diet Yahoo group forums that it is common to show no loss one day and then lose a pound the next day (still an average of 1/2 lb. per day). So, we'll see what tomorrow brings.
Some people choose to weigh themselves once a week during this phase rather than daily. That way they aren't seeing the non-losing days, they only see how much they have lost. Makes sense. I have debated on what to do but I like weighing every day & I will have to weigh every day in the next phase (stabilization) so I think it's good for me to stay in the routine. I know there will be days I don't see a loss on the scale so I won't let it bother me.
I know that I am also losing inches. My wedding rings are slipping around on my finger. I noticed this first in the shower yesterday and I thought perhaps it was because of my soap, but throughout the day this strange phenomenon continued. :)
I decided yesterday that I am going to mix it up a bit today. I'm going to make chili with my allotted ground sirloin and tomatoes. Thank God for spices! They really can add so much to food. You just have to make sure there aren't any hidden ingredients in the spices. It always pays to read labels.
I also discovered from the Yahoo group that we can spread out our intake of food throughout the day. Of course, you have to use the exact amount of food and type of food allowed and make sure you don't go over the 500 calorie limit. I have only done this slightly by choosing 1 of my vegetables to snack on in the morning & the afternoon. I've also been saving my apple that I would normally eat with dinner to eat later as a snack so I don't go to bed hungry.
It seems to require more thought, but it is good to mix things up a bit once in a while. I may experiment with it more today since my chili is going to require more thought as well. Hopefully I'll be able to post positively about the experience!
Some people choose to weigh themselves once a week during this phase rather than daily. That way they aren't seeing the non-losing days, they only see how much they have lost. Makes sense. I have debated on what to do but I like weighing every day & I will have to weigh every day in the next phase (stabilization) so I think it's good for me to stay in the routine. I know there will be days I don't see a loss on the scale so I won't let it bother me.
I know that I am also losing inches. My wedding rings are slipping around on my finger. I noticed this first in the shower yesterday and I thought perhaps it was because of my soap, but throughout the day this strange phenomenon continued. :)
I decided yesterday that I am going to mix it up a bit today. I'm going to make chili with my allotted ground sirloin and tomatoes. Thank God for spices! They really can add so much to food. You just have to make sure there aren't any hidden ingredients in the spices. It always pays to read labels.
I also discovered from the Yahoo group that we can spread out our intake of food throughout the day. Of course, you have to use the exact amount of food and type of food allowed and make sure you don't go over the 500 calorie limit. I have only done this slightly by choosing 1 of my vegetables to snack on in the morning & the afternoon. I've also been saving my apple that I would normally eat with dinner to eat later as a snack so I don't go to bed hungry.
It seems to require more thought, but it is good to mix things up a bit once in a while. I may experiment with it more today since my chili is going to require more thought as well. Hopefully I'll be able to post positively about the experience!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Round 1, Phase 2, Very Low Calorie Day 3 (R1P2VLCD3)
I weighed myself this morning and have lost another 2.5 pounds for a total of 6 pounds lost in 2 days!!! I am *thrilled* with my results, as you can imagine!
This is my 3rd day eating the same thing (except I had radishes today instead of celery) and I don't care! I don't have to eat that way but it's simple and I am just enjoying the food I eat. I even went to Bible study last night where there were lots of treats but I took my allowed celery and apple, and was surprisingly satisfied without feeling deprived! Wow!
I told my friend Amy today that I already feel smaller and said she felt the same way. For curiosity sake, I took a couple measurements today and compared them to the measurements I wrote down a few days ago. I have lost 1 inch around my chest and 1 inch around my waist! No kidding!!!
I can honestly say I haven't even been that hungry for being on such a low calorie diet, but that is just one area where the hHCG is supposed to help. It seems to be doing the job for me. I believe drinking lots of water is a big key also. I have never drank so much water in my life (averaging 12 cups a day)! I have a stainless steel Thermos that holds 2 cups of water, so I just keep refilling it throughout the day. Anytime I feel hungry, I reach for my Thermos first.
I am adding a "pounds lost" ticker to my blog from My Fitness Pal. I joined My Fitness Pal 2 weeks ago and it has really been a great tool to help me keep track with my food intake (counts calories for you) even before I started the Protocol. You will notice that the ticker shows I have lost 9 pounds so far and that is accurate as I had lost about 3 pounds the week prior to starting the Protocol. I gained 1 pound on my 2 loading days, but have obviously lost that and more since starting the low calorie diet.
Here are some tips for those who are on the journey or thinking about starting it:
1. Get a George Foreman grill! I posted on Facebook that I was looking for one and I had a couple of friends offer to give me theirs! I was planning to look at Goodwill and garage sales. I know they aren't expensive to buy new, but I was already investing money in this Protocol with the hHCG, so that was a wonderful blessing! The GF grill makes cooking your meat super fast and easy! I replaced my toaster space on my counter with the GF grill.
2. Buy your meat and then weigh it and put it in individual zipper bags. I bought just over 3 pounds of chicken breast (antibiotic-free and hormone-free) and cut it up into 16 individual servings. I put each serving in a sandwhich zip bag, and then I put most of the small bags into a large zip bag in the freezer. I did the same with my lean ground sirloin. Now all I do is take one portion of each out of the freezer at night and put them in the refrigerator. By the time I'm ready to make lunch, my meat is ready to be cooked.
3. If you don't already have a digital food scale, get one! You need it for this Protocol. They are much more accurate. Average cost is $20. You won't be sorry you did!
Enjoy the journey!
This is my 3rd day eating the same thing (except I had radishes today instead of celery) and I don't care! I don't have to eat that way but it's simple and I am just enjoying the food I eat. I even went to Bible study last night where there were lots of treats but I took my allowed celery and apple, and was surprisingly satisfied without feeling deprived! Wow!
I told my friend Amy today that I already feel smaller and said she felt the same way. For curiosity sake, I took a couple measurements today and compared them to the measurements I wrote down a few days ago. I have lost 1 inch around my chest and 1 inch around my waist! No kidding!!!
I can honestly say I haven't even been that hungry for being on such a low calorie diet, but that is just one area where the hHCG is supposed to help. It seems to be doing the job for me. I believe drinking lots of water is a big key also. I have never drank so much water in my life (averaging 12 cups a day)! I have a stainless steel Thermos that holds 2 cups of water, so I just keep refilling it throughout the day. Anytime I feel hungry, I reach for my Thermos first.
I am adding a "pounds lost" ticker to my blog from My Fitness Pal. I joined My Fitness Pal 2 weeks ago and it has really been a great tool to help me keep track with my food intake (counts calories for you) even before I started the Protocol. You will notice that the ticker shows I have lost 9 pounds so far and that is accurate as I had lost about 3 pounds the week prior to starting the Protocol. I gained 1 pound on my 2 loading days, but have obviously lost that and more since starting the low calorie diet.
Here are some tips for those who are on the journey or thinking about starting it:
1. Get a George Foreman grill! I posted on Facebook that I was looking for one and I had a couple of friends offer to give me theirs! I was planning to look at Goodwill and garage sales. I know they aren't expensive to buy new, but I was already investing money in this Protocol with the hHCG, so that was a wonderful blessing! The GF grill makes cooking your meat super fast and easy! I replaced my toaster space on my counter with the GF grill.
2. Buy your meat and then weigh it and put it in individual zipper bags. I bought just over 3 pounds of chicken breast (antibiotic-free and hormone-free) and cut it up into 16 individual servings. I put each serving in a sandwhich zip bag, and then I put most of the small bags into a large zip bag in the freezer. I did the same with my lean ground sirloin. Now all I do is take one portion of each out of the freezer at night and put them in the refrigerator. By the time I'm ready to make lunch, my meat is ready to be cooked.
3. If you don't already have a digital food scale, get one! You need it for this Protocol. They are much more accurate. Average cost is $20. You won't be sorry you did!
Enjoy the journey!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Day 1 of VLCD Complete
Yesterday was Day 1 of the VLCD. I will say I was surprised at how well it went! I know it helped that I drank 12 cups of water plus 2 cups of hot green tea! (I was in the bathroom all day and night but it was worth it!)
Here's a breakdown of what I ate.
Snack at 10am: 3 stalks of celery (23 calories)
Lunch at 2pm: 100 g. lean sirloin burger cooked on George Foreman grill (171 cals), 1 orange (87 cals)
Dinner at 6pm: 100 g. boneless, skinless chicken breast on GF grill (90 cals), 2 c. raw spinach (14 cals), 1 piece Melba Toast (20 cals)
Snack at 8pm: 1 apple (80 cals)
I stepped on my scale this morning to find that I lost 3.5 pounds!!! I am SO excited! I know I won't lose this much every day but it sure feels good that my efforts were well rewarded!
I am hungry this morning but I'm getting ready to take my HCG and make myself some Yerba Mate (it's a type of tea), so hopefully that will stave off the hunger for a few hours.
One day down, at least 23 left of the VLCD before moving into the next phase (though I may stay on it a little longer, depending on my TOM). It can be done for 24-43 days before moving into the next phase, which is as crucial as this phase in order to reset the hypothalamus. You get to eat more food, but you have to stay within 4 lbs. of your last dosage weight (LDW) for 3 weeks. Many people think the next phase is harder, but they say to stick to the same foods as Phase 2, just eat more of them and take in good fats to make up more calories (still no carbs or sugar).
I'm just going to plug along on this journey 1 day at a time and thank the Lord for giving me the strength I need each day.
Dinner: Grilled chicken on a bed of spinach
Here's a breakdown of what I ate.
Snack at 10am: 3 stalks of celery (23 calories)
Lunch at 2pm: 100 g. lean sirloin burger cooked on George Foreman grill (171 cals), 1 orange (87 cals)
Dinner at 6pm: 100 g. boneless, skinless chicken breast on GF grill (90 cals), 2 c. raw spinach (14 cals), 1 piece Melba Toast (20 cals)
Snack at 8pm: 1 apple (80 cals)
I stepped on my scale this morning to find that I lost 3.5 pounds!!! I am SO excited! I know I won't lose this much every day but it sure feels good that my efforts were well rewarded!
I am hungry this morning but I'm getting ready to take my HCG and make myself some Yerba Mate (it's a type of tea), so hopefully that will stave off the hunger for a few hours.
One day down, at least 23 left of the VLCD before moving into the next phase (though I may stay on it a little longer, depending on my TOM). It can be done for 24-43 days before moving into the next phase, which is as crucial as this phase in order to reset the hypothalamus. You get to eat more food, but you have to stay within 4 lbs. of your last dosage weight (LDW) for 3 weeks. Many people think the next phase is harder, but they say to stick to the same foods as Phase 2, just eat more of them and take in good fats to make up more calories (still no carbs or sugar).
I'm just going to plug along on this journey 1 day at a time and thank the Lord for giving me the strength I need each day.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Day 2 of hHCG
Yesterday I began taking my hHCG. 6 drops 3 times a day. Today is my 2nd and final Load Day of my first round. I haven't enjoyed loading like I thought I would and I didn't gain any weight at all today. I haven't had any Avanti's food as I had planned but opted for Qdoba today instead. Though I may have pizza for dinner after all. We'll see what the scale says tomorrow.
So, tomorrow begins day 1 of the very low calorie diet (VLCD). There isn't much to plan ahead, other than perhaps to weigh my meat and wrap it in individual servings. So far I only bought lean beef from Fresh Market (they had run out of chicken so I will have to pick that up on my way home tomorrow). Next time I will buy grassfed beef (or perhaps Buffalo) from Pottstown Meat and Deli instead. Amy & I were confused about the beef at Fresh Market and thought it was all hormone-free, but only the chicken is. They do have grassfed beef but only in the premium cuts. Live and learn, and ask LOTS of questions before you purchase!
I will likely start planning more next week, as I'm sure it won't take long for the same basic foods to get boring. There are lots of creative recipes on the Yahoo Group so that will help me. I'm just planning to start out simple this first week. I am all about the acronym KISS (keep it simple, sweetie)!
I wrote down my measurements and took pictures yesterday. Yikes! I won't be able to post them until I lose a good amount of weight. I can't wait for that day!
I am curious to see if this hHCG really curbs the hunger. Time will tell.
So, tomorrow begins day 1 of the very low calorie diet (VLCD). There isn't much to plan ahead, other than perhaps to weigh my meat and wrap it in individual servings. So far I only bought lean beef from Fresh Market (they had run out of chicken so I will have to pick that up on my way home tomorrow). Next time I will buy grassfed beef (or perhaps Buffalo) from Pottstown Meat and Deli instead. Amy & I were confused about the beef at Fresh Market and thought it was all hormone-free, but only the chicken is. They do have grassfed beef but only in the premium cuts. Live and learn, and ask LOTS of questions before you purchase!
I will likely start planning more next week, as I'm sure it won't take long for the same basic foods to get boring. There are lots of creative recipes on the Yahoo Group so that will help me. I'm just planning to start out simple this first week. I am all about the acronym KISS (keep it simple, sweetie)!
I wrote down my measurements and took pictures yesterday. Yikes! I won't be able to post them until I lose a good amount of weight. I can't wait for that day!
I am curious to see if this hHCG really curbs the hunger. Time will tell.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
It's Here!
The hHCG has arrived! I can't wait to get started! However, they say the best time to start the Protocol for women is immediately following your time of the month (TOM). Well, for once in my life, I was REALLY happy when I started this week! :) My friend won't get to start immediately following hers unless she wants to wait until next month. She's pretty anxious to get started on the Protocol also so we will likely start on Saturday or Sunday.
I was looking on the HCG Diet Yahoo group page at all the before and after pictures, which you have to be a member to see. However, there are lots of YouTube videos also if you search "HCG Protocol Before and After". Amazing and so inspiring! After the excitement wears off and anytime I start to struggle, I am going to watch them again! That should help keep me encouraged.
A funny thing has happened to me this week. I haven't been hungry, and I haven't been eating unless I am hungry...very strange for this TOM, when I usually can't get full! I have been drinking more water (at least 8 glasses a day), as well as some hot tea and coffee. My period has been much easier and less painful as well. It must be the water & keeping hydrated. Something that you definitely have to do on the Protocol.
I've also been trying to get into the habit of weighing myself every morning upon waking and emptying my bladder. It is imperative to weigh every morning on this Protocol. I have actually lost a few pounds this week, however, upon starting the Protocol, I am certain I will gain it back. The first 2 days on HCG are "Loading Days". This means I must "eat to capacity" according to Pounds and Inches. And I must eat high fat foods.
So, I have been making a mental list of some things I plan to eat on my Loading Days. Just to name a few: bacon (I haven't had bacon for a long time!), ice cream and Avanti's Special pizza! I'm pretty sure I will need Avanti's Lasagna also! Yes, I am going to gain. But it seems I must gain before I lose. They say if you Load properly on those 2 days, you will actually feel full on the VLCD (500 calories a day to be exact).
In the past, the idea of only 500 calories a day would have frightened me and most likely kept me from attempting the plan, but it doesn't now. I must be crazy, but I am looking forward to following the Protocol.
I was looking on the HCG Diet Yahoo group page at all the before and after pictures, which you have to be a member to see. However, there are lots of YouTube videos also if you search "HCG Protocol Before and After". Amazing and so inspiring! After the excitement wears off and anytime I start to struggle, I am going to watch them again! That should help keep me encouraged.
A funny thing has happened to me this week. I haven't been hungry, and I haven't been eating unless I am hungry...very strange for this TOM, when I usually can't get full! I have been drinking more water (at least 8 glasses a day), as well as some hot tea and coffee. My period has been much easier and less painful as well. It must be the water & keeping hydrated. Something that you definitely have to do on the Protocol.
I've also been trying to get into the habit of weighing myself every morning upon waking and emptying my bladder. It is imperative to weigh every morning on this Protocol. I have actually lost a few pounds this week, however, upon starting the Protocol, I am certain I will gain it back. The first 2 days on HCG are "Loading Days". This means I must "eat to capacity" according to Pounds and Inches. And I must eat high fat foods.
So, I have been making a mental list of some things I plan to eat on my Loading Days. Just to name a few: bacon (I haven't had bacon for a long time!), ice cream and Avanti's Special pizza! I'm pretty sure I will need Avanti's Lasagna also! Yes, I am going to gain. But it seems I must gain before I lose. They say if you Load properly on those 2 days, you will actually feel full on the VLCD (500 calories a day to be exact).
In the past, the idea of only 500 calories a day would have frightened me and most likely kept me from attempting the plan, but it doesn't now. I must be crazy, but I am looking forward to following the Protocol.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Is it Dangerous?
I've done my homework on this and you can rest assured, it is NOT dangerous. HCG is a hormone that women produce when they become pregnant. It is widely used to treat infertility. However, the FDA does not approve the use of HCG for weight loss. This does not mean that it is against the law to use it for that purpose, but it does mean that it is harder to obtain HCG for the purpose of weight loss. Many companies have gotten around that obstacle by producing Homeopathic HCG. A prescription is required to purchase HCG in the US, so the only way to legally obtain HCG without a prescription is to buy it from overseas. Homeopathc HCG (hHCG), however, can be purchased in the US without a prescription.
So, what are the alternatives for an obese person today? Eat less and exercise. I've done that with less than impressive results and I am not alone. Other alternatives? Prescription medications that have been approved by the FDA but later were found to be detrimental to one's health. Um, no thanks. Last, but not least, gastric bypass. Hmm, should we bother asking what the dangers of gastric bypass are? First of all, there are always risks involved with surgery including severe bleeding, infections, and possible death. Some other health dangers of bypass include vomiting, dumping syndrome, nutritional deficiency, gastritis, formation of gall stones, loose skin and even weight regain in the period of 3-5 years following the surgery. I know several people who have gone through this surgery, and I'm sure some believe it was right for them, but I can assure you that gastric bypass is not for me.
Here is my summary of the HCG Protocol. Dr. Simeon, the author of Pounds and Inches, claims that the use of HCG in combination with a very low calorie diet (VLCD) rids an obese person of the stored fat that is otherwise so difficult to eliminate. It also tricks the body into thinking it is taking in more calories than it actually is. HCG in combination with the VLCD is prescribed for a set period of time (21-41 days). This combination can result in weight loss of .5 to 1 pound per day for the average woman (and, of course, more for the average man). The next phase is a higher calorie diet to be resumed for a period of not less than 6 weeks, in which time the person is to maintain the weight loss within a 2 pound range (not exceeding 2 lbs. over or losing 2 lbs. under the weight that was reached on the last day of HCG). This is a very important step and it is said to reset the hypothalamus. Thus, this establishes a new "normal weight" for the body, which is said to be maintained more easily, though one must stick with the rules of no sugar and no starches during this period. At this point, one must decide whether or not they need to lose more weight, and may do so by restarting the phases. The final stage of the diet, the maintenance phase, allows you to slowly add previously forbidden foods into the diet. You then see how you react to these foods and decide whether or not you are able to add them in and still keep the weight off. Everybody reacts differently to different foods.
Here I am with limited options to rid myself of the excess weight that, I admit, I added to my own body. I am choosing to try the HCG Protocol because, in my opinion, it is a way to relearn and re-establish healthy eating patterns. It is not a license to go back to eating the way I did before, as that will most certainly cause the weight to return. I know this and I am ready to change the way I eat forever.
So, what are the alternatives for an obese person today? Eat less and exercise. I've done that with less than impressive results and I am not alone. Other alternatives? Prescription medications that have been approved by the FDA but later were found to be detrimental to one's health. Um, no thanks. Last, but not least, gastric bypass. Hmm, should we bother asking what the dangers of gastric bypass are? First of all, there are always risks involved with surgery including severe bleeding, infections, and possible death. Some other health dangers of bypass include vomiting, dumping syndrome, nutritional deficiency, gastritis, formation of gall stones, loose skin and even weight regain in the period of 3-5 years following the surgery. I know several people who have gone through this surgery, and I'm sure some believe it was right for them, but I can assure you that gastric bypass is not for me.
Here is my summary of the HCG Protocol. Dr. Simeon, the author of Pounds and Inches, claims that the use of HCG in combination with a very low calorie diet (VLCD) rids an obese person of the stored fat that is otherwise so difficult to eliminate. It also tricks the body into thinking it is taking in more calories than it actually is. HCG in combination with the VLCD is prescribed for a set period of time (21-41 days). This combination can result in weight loss of .5 to 1 pound per day for the average woman (and, of course, more for the average man). The next phase is a higher calorie diet to be resumed for a period of not less than 6 weeks, in which time the person is to maintain the weight loss within a 2 pound range (not exceeding 2 lbs. over or losing 2 lbs. under the weight that was reached on the last day of HCG). This is a very important step and it is said to reset the hypothalamus. Thus, this establishes a new "normal weight" for the body, which is said to be maintained more easily, though one must stick with the rules of no sugar and no starches during this period. At this point, one must decide whether or not they need to lose more weight, and may do so by restarting the phases. The final stage of the diet, the maintenance phase, allows you to slowly add previously forbidden foods into the diet. You then see how you react to these foods and decide whether or not you are able to add them in and still keep the weight off. Everybody reacts differently to different foods.
Here I am with limited options to rid myself of the excess weight that, I admit, I added to my own body. I am choosing to try the HCG Protocol because, in my opinion, it is a way to relearn and re-establish healthy eating patterns. It is not a license to go back to eating the way I did before, as that will most certainly cause the weight to return. I know this and I am ready to change the way I eat forever.
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