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. :-)
Sunday, September 25, 2011
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)