Well I am going to go for a walk and see how far I can go. Back and did 3.51 miles in 7448 steps.
Todays Menu:
Breakfast: Egg omelet (1whole egg, 3 egg white, handful of spinach, 2tbsp gouda, 1 tbsp chopped black olives
Post workout: Protein shake
Lunch: didn't eat luch because my protein shake was too late.
Snack: Pear almond butter
Dinner: Steak fajita salad
Weight Loss Tracker
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Happy Leap Year
Happy Hump Day and Happy Leap Year. Phase 3 Day 7. I have a confession to make. I didn't exactly stick to yesterdays menu. I didn't eat anything I wasn't supposed to, except for maybe the cocktail sauce, but I have no idea how many calories I had. I am still in stabilization mode so the scale will tell me where I am at.
The verdict is in.
We had a retirement party at work for one of my co-workers. There were sooo many kibbles. This was a true test of willpower. The temptation was everywhere. Once everything was set up, I surveryed the room for what I could and couldn't have. After 7 weeks on the protocal and following the basic premise of the diet which is NO SIMPLE CARBS, I was able to easily identify the good and the bad. If I had a question about what was in it, I asked whoever made it.
The only other thing I may have gone overboard with was the sodium. But I just kept drinking water.
Below is a list of what was available to eat. The bold and underlined foods are what I had. I also listed the reasons why I didn't choose the other foods. I did take along my wasa cracker, just incase I wanted it for dipping.
Meatballs (no because of the grape jelly and chile sauce)
BBQ chicken wings (NO because of the bbq sauce)
Grilled chicken wings
Fried chicken wings (NO because of the breading)
Buffalo style chicken dip (cream cheese, chicken, blue cheese and franks hot sauce)
Veggie tray with ranch dip and dill dip (no ranch because of the sugar)(no carrots)
Spicy mango chutney cream chees spread (NO because of the mango preserves)
Crab and cream cheese spread (crab, cocktail sauce and cream cheese)
Hot artichoke dip (artichoke, dukes mayo, parmesean cheese)
Spinach dip bread bowl (NO because of the bread and sugar in the soup mix)
Shrimp dip ( shrimp, cream cheese, callions, green peppers, mozzarella cheese)
Crackers (NO carbs)
Chips (NO carbs)
Rum Cake (NO obvious) but t was calling my name
Key Lime Pie (NO obvious)
Sodas (NO )
Tuna Macaroni salad (NO pasta)
I believe i made the best choices, I probably shouldn't have eaten the cocktail sauce, but it was a miniscule amount.
I will see what the scale says in the next few days.
The verdict is in.
We had a retirement party at work for one of my co-workers. There were sooo many kibbles. This was a true test of willpower. The temptation was everywhere. Once everything was set up, I surveryed the room for what I could and couldn't have. After 7 weeks on the protocal and following the basic premise of the diet which is NO SIMPLE CARBS, I was able to easily identify the good and the bad. If I had a question about what was in it, I asked whoever made it.
The only other thing I may have gone overboard with was the sodium. But I just kept drinking water.
Below is a list of what was available to eat. The bold and underlined foods are what I had. I also listed the reasons why I didn't choose the other foods. I did take along my wasa cracker, just incase I wanted it for dipping.
Meatballs (no because of the grape jelly and chile sauce)
BBQ chicken wings (NO because of the bbq sauce)
Grilled chicken wings
Fried chicken wings (NO because of the breading)
Buffalo style chicken dip (cream cheese, chicken, blue cheese and franks hot sauce)
Veggie tray with ranch dip and dill dip (no ranch because of the sugar)(no carrots)
Spicy mango chutney cream chees spread (NO because of the mango preserves)
Crab and cream cheese spread (crab, cocktail sauce and cream cheese)
Hot artichoke dip (artichoke, dukes mayo, parmesean cheese)
Spinach dip bread bowl (NO because of the bread and sugar in the soup mix)
Shrimp dip ( shrimp, cream cheese, callions, green peppers, mozzarella cheese)
Crackers (NO carbs)
Chips (NO carbs)
Rum Cake (NO obvious) but t was calling my name
Key Lime Pie (NO obvious)
Sodas (NO )
Tuna Macaroni salad (NO pasta)
I believe i made the best choices, I probably shouldn't have eaten the cocktail sauce, but it was a miniscule amount.
I will see what the scale says in the next few days.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
My Metabolism Type
Fast Oxidizers
Fast oxidizers
You require foods with higher percentages of protein and fat than carbohydrates. Make sure there is protein in everything you eat including snacks. Your ideal macronutrient ratio is 20 percent carbs, 50 percent protein, 30 percent fat.
Proteins
All proteins are not created equal. The ones that are best for you are high-purine proteins, which are commonly found in fattier meats. This is not to say that you should cut out chicken or fish, but you need the heavier proteins most because they help slow down your rate of oxidation.
Choose from this list of proteins when deciding on a meal or snack:
High Purine: organ meats (pâté, liver, etc.), herring, mussels, sardines, anchovies
Moderate Purine: beef, bacon, dark meat chicken, duck, lamb, spareribs, dark meat turkey, veal, wild game, salmon, shellfish (lobster, shrimp, crab), oysters, scallops, octopus, squid, dark tuna
Low Purine: cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, eggs, cheese, white meat chicken, turkey, fish
Carbohydrates
Your metabolism thrives when your carb intake is limited, but there are different kinds of carbs. Some aren’t as bad as others. Avoid simple carbs, which convert to sugar quickly in the bloodstream. The carbs you can incorporate into your diet are the complex kind found mostly in nonstarchy vegetables. You can choose from these ideal carbs when deciding on a meal or snack.
Low-Starch vegetables: asparagus, cauliflower, celery, mushrooms, spinach
Fruits: avocado, olives, apples and pears (in limited quantity and never without protein on the side)
Grains: sprouted grain bread only (Ezekiel bread is a well-known brand that is available at supermarkets and health–food stores)
Legumes, tempeh, tofu
Fats
To best support your metabolism, you should be getting roughly 30 percent of your daily caloric intake from natural oils and fats. Choose these ideal fats when deciding on meal or snack preparation.
Nuts/Seeds (listed in order of protein content): waltnuts, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, filberts, pecans, chestnuts, pistachios, coconut, macadamias
Fat/Oils: butter, cream, almond oil, peanut oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, waltnut oil
Along with knowing the foods that are ideal for you, it is important to know the foods that are worst for you. You don’t always have to eat off the ideal foods list, but the following foods will sabotage your weight-loss efforts.
1. Don’t ever eat a meal that is predominantly carbohydrates.
2. Don’t drink alcohol. It causes an increase in blood sugar and fat storage, and it will lead to a sugar crash as well as an increased appetite for carbs. If you choose to have a drink, avoid sugary cocktails, beer, and wine. Stick to clear alcohols like vodka or rum with calorie-free mixers like diet or club soda, and you can always just do what I do and drink it all straight.
3. Don’t eat carbohydrates that are high on the glycemic load index. The next chapter will tell you everything you need to know about the GLI. For now all you need to know is to stay away from high-GLI foods. It is important for all metabolic types to watch their high-GLI intake, but it is especially crucial for you. If you should happen to eat high-GLI foods, make sure to combine them with a protein in order to slow down the production and release of blood sugar.
4. Don’t drink too much caffeine. It is true that caffeine can be used as a fat burner and a performance enhancer when exercising. This is only effective, however, when the caffeine is taken in pill form in conjunction with aspirin. In the forms of coffee, tea, and soda, caffeine gives you short-term energy but does so by getting your adrenal glands to dump adrenaline into your blood like it’s going out of style. As a result, when the caffeine leaves your system, your adrenal glands will be depleted for a while, which leaves you feeling weak and tired from substandard blood-adrenaline levels. Caffeine also speeds the rate of oxidation, which is the exact opposite of what you want your nutrients to do. Avoid caffeinated beverages whenever possible and keep your overall caffeine consumption to a minimum.
5. Don’t overcook your meat. Avoid overcooked animal products, since heat destroys essential amino acids and valuable enzymes.
You will have less physical ailments and feel energized if you eat the foods that contain the ideal macronutrient ratios for your metabolic type. However, these foods are all very high in calories. You must remember to keep within your caloric allowance in order to lose weight.
Fast oxidizers
You require foods with higher percentages of protein and fat than carbohydrates. Make sure there is protein in everything you eat including snacks. Your ideal macronutrient ratio is 20 percent carbs, 50 percent protein, 30 percent fat.
Proteins
All proteins are not created equal. The ones that are best for you are high-purine proteins, which are commonly found in fattier meats. This is not to say that you should cut out chicken or fish, but you need the heavier proteins most because they help slow down your rate of oxidation.
Choose from this list of proteins when deciding on a meal or snack:
High Purine: organ meats (pâté, liver, etc.), herring, mussels, sardines, anchovies
Moderate Purine: beef, bacon, dark meat chicken, duck, lamb, spareribs, dark meat turkey, veal, wild game, salmon, shellfish (lobster, shrimp, crab), oysters, scallops, octopus, squid, dark tuna
Low Purine: cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, eggs, cheese, white meat chicken, turkey, fish
Carbohydrates
Your metabolism thrives when your carb intake is limited, but there are different kinds of carbs. Some aren’t as bad as others. Avoid simple carbs, which convert to sugar quickly in the bloodstream. The carbs you can incorporate into your diet are the complex kind found mostly in nonstarchy vegetables. You can choose from these ideal carbs when deciding on a meal or snack.
Low-Starch vegetables: asparagus, cauliflower, celery, mushrooms, spinach
Fruits: avocado, olives, apples and pears (in limited quantity and never without protein on the side)
Grains: sprouted grain bread only (Ezekiel bread is a well-known brand that is available at supermarkets and health–food stores)
Legumes, tempeh, tofu
Fats
To best support your metabolism, you should be getting roughly 30 percent of your daily caloric intake from natural oils and fats. Choose these ideal fats when deciding on meal or snack preparation.
Nuts/Seeds (listed in order of protein content): waltnuts, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, filberts, pecans, chestnuts, pistachios, coconut, macadamias
Fat/Oils: butter, cream, almond oil, peanut oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, waltnut oil
Along with knowing the foods that are ideal for you, it is important to know the foods that are worst for you. You don’t always have to eat off the ideal foods list, but the following foods will sabotage your weight-loss efforts.
1. Don’t ever eat a meal that is predominantly carbohydrates.
2. Don’t drink alcohol. It causes an increase in blood sugar and fat storage, and it will lead to a sugar crash as well as an increased appetite for carbs. If you choose to have a drink, avoid sugary cocktails, beer, and wine. Stick to clear alcohols like vodka or rum with calorie-free mixers like diet or club soda, and you can always just do what I do and drink it all straight.
3. Don’t eat carbohydrates that are high on the glycemic load index. The next chapter will tell you everything you need to know about the GLI. For now all you need to know is to stay away from high-GLI foods. It is important for all metabolic types to watch their high-GLI intake, but it is especially crucial for you. If you should happen to eat high-GLI foods, make sure to combine them with a protein in order to slow down the production and release of blood sugar.
4. Don’t drink too much caffeine. It is true that caffeine can be used as a fat burner and a performance enhancer when exercising. This is only effective, however, when the caffeine is taken in pill form in conjunction with aspirin. In the forms of coffee, tea, and soda, caffeine gives you short-term energy but does so by getting your adrenal glands to dump adrenaline into your blood like it’s going out of style. As a result, when the caffeine leaves your system, your adrenal glands will be depleted for a while, which leaves you feeling weak and tired from substandard blood-adrenaline levels. Caffeine also speeds the rate of oxidation, which is the exact opposite of what you want your nutrients to do. Avoid caffeinated beverages whenever possible and keep your overall caffeine consumption to a minimum.
5. Don’t overcook your meat. Avoid overcooked animal products, since heat destroys essential amino acids and valuable enzymes.
You will have less physical ailments and feel energized if you eat the foods that contain the ideal macronutrient ratios for your metabolic type. However, these foods are all very high in calories. You must remember to keep within your caloric allowance in order to lose weight.
Phase 3 Day 6
It's a new day and I'm still tweaking my calorie intake for optimal stabilization. Although, I'm tempted to keep losing because I'm not really trying to stabilize at this weight. I intend on staying at the lower end of my 4lb leeway.
This morning I am up 1 lb. still .1 away from 2 lbs under. However, I worked out hard and my muscles are sore. So I know there is some water retention. Not a problem. I may rest the muscles today. I was asking on one of the forums, what the optimal protein, carb, fat ratio should be on the hcg diet. Someone posted this awesome test to find out what kind of metabolizer you are. It asks a series of questions about what and how you eat. According to my answers, I am a "Fast Oxidizer". Fast oxidizers You require foods with higher percentages of protein and fat than carbohydrates. Make sure there is protein in everything you eat including snacks. Your ideal macronutrient ratio is 20 percent carbs, 50 percent protein, 30 percent fat.
I'll list in a separate post, all the guidelines on eating for a "Fast Oxidizer"
I'm feeling good and honestly having trouble eating as much as I should.
Todays Menu
Breakfast: Fage yogurt with mixed berries
Snack: Protein shake w coconut milk, cocoa powder, coconut oil and stevia
Lunch: Philly Cheese Steak Lettuce Wraps
Snack: Pear and almond butter
Dinner: pork cutlets with green beans and almonds, avocado
This morning I am up 1 lb. still .1 away from 2 lbs under. However, I worked out hard and my muscles are sore. So I know there is some water retention. Not a problem. I may rest the muscles today. I was asking on one of the forums, what the optimal protein, carb, fat ratio should be on the hcg diet. Someone posted this awesome test to find out what kind of metabolizer you are. It asks a series of questions about what and how you eat. According to my answers, I am a "Fast Oxidizer". Fast oxidizers You require foods with higher percentages of protein and fat than carbohydrates. Make sure there is protein in everything you eat including snacks. Your ideal macronutrient ratio is 20 percent carbs, 50 percent protein, 30 percent fat.
I'll list in a separate post, all the guidelines on eating for a "Fast Oxidizer"
I'm feeling good and honestly having trouble eating as much as I should.
Todays Menu
Breakfast: Fage yogurt with mixed berries
Snack: Protein shake w coconut milk, cocoa powder, coconut oil and stevia
Lunch: Philly Cheese Steak Lettuce Wraps
Snack: Pear and almond butter
Dinner: pork cutlets with green beans and almonds, avocado
Monday, February 27, 2012
Phase 3 Day 5
Today is the 5th day of Phase 3. My stress level went down a notch as of yesterday evening. My son, who is at Air Force Basic Training, finally called. It's only been 10 days since he left, and I know that he is in a safe environment and being taken care of, but I just needed to know how he was doing. Not physically, because he is a very strong kid. But mentally. He said that he was having a great time and working hard, food was good, PT easy peasey, following the rules, no problem. The hardest part for him, folding his clothes the way THEY want him too. The biggest question for me was did he have any regrets about going in. NO REGRETS he said. They took 1,000lbs off my shoulders. Looking forward to going to San Antonio to participate in his Graduation. April 12th won't come soon enough.
My weekend is over, back to work today. I need to hit the store for some more avocados and some la Croix sparkling water. I hear everyone using vanilla cream and rootbeer stevia in this for a type of soda. yumm. I'm not a big soda drinker, but this would be a change.
Still looking for Dukes mayo. (no sugar) .
I'm going for a walk this morning, then to the store.
Menu for the day:
Breakfast: yogurt and berries
Snack: Protein shake w coconut milk, coconut oil and chocolate stevia
Lunch: Steak and Onion fajita salad, w cheddar, salsa and sour cream
Snack: apple w/ almond butter
Dinner: Asian Sesame Salmon, asparagus,
Snack: smoked gouda
Went for a 4 mile walk, found my mayo Dukes has no added sugar. I wanted to make some chicken or crab salad. Yippee!
My weekend is over, back to work today. I need to hit the store for some more avocados and some la Croix sparkling water. I hear everyone using vanilla cream and rootbeer stevia in this for a type of soda. yumm. I'm not a big soda drinker, but this would be a change.
Still looking for Dukes mayo. (no sugar) .
I'm going for a walk this morning, then to the store.
Menu for the day:
Breakfast: yogurt and berries
Snack: Protein shake w coconut milk, coconut oil and chocolate stevia
Lunch: Steak and Onion fajita salad, w cheddar, salsa and sour cream
Snack: apple w/ almond butter
Dinner: Asian Sesame Salmon, asparagus,
Snack: smoked gouda
Went for a 4 mile walk, found my mayo Dukes has no added sugar. I wanted to make some chicken or crab salad. Yippee!
Phase 3 day 5 Trying to Stabilize
Day 5 on Phase 3 and I'm feeling good. I haven't stepped on the scale yet, but hoping the additional calories have helped me to stabilize. As of yesterday, I was 3.2 lbs below LIDW. I posted for help on a coouple of my FB HCG pages. The response was add more calories. I have been doing that consistently since day 1 of phase 3. Yesterday, I consumed 1,800 calories. The day before 1,660 and the day before 1,250. So I have upped then gradually.
There are two schools of though for the recommended calorie consumption during P3. The writing in the original HCG diet protocal, says 1,500. However, as you can see, I am having to eat much more, in order to remain withing the 2lb limit.
Others have said to use a BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) calculator to see what your minumum calorie consumption should be. It's a math equation and according to this particular calculator, I should be eating at least 1,900 calories per day to maintain my current weight. This calculation DOES NOT take into consideration your activitiy level. With light exercise 1-3 days per week it says that I should be eating 2,622 per day. With moderate, 2,956. I am somewhere between the two as far as activity level goes. WOW!.
Note that the most accurate way is to be tested by professionals.
When I posted for help. Candace Eckberg said, not to worry about losing more weight in Phase 3 especially if I plan on doing more rounds. Simply because I am not really wanting to stabilize at this weight.
We weill see what the scale says and act on that accordingly. Weight 215.9 up .3. This is good.
There are two schools of though for the recommended calorie consumption during P3. The writing in the original HCG diet protocal, says 1,500. However, as you can see, I am having to eat much more, in order to remain withing the 2lb limit.
Others have said to use a BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) calculator to see what your minumum calorie consumption should be. It's a math equation and according to this particular calculator, I should be eating at least 1,900 calories per day to maintain my current weight. This calculation DOES NOT take into consideration your activitiy level. With light exercise 1-3 days per week it says that I should be eating 2,622 per day. With moderate, 2,956. I am somewhere between the two as far as activity level goes. WOW!.
Note that the most accurate way is to be tested by professionals.
When I posted for help. Candace Eckberg said, not to worry about losing more weight in Phase 3 especially if I plan on doing more rounds. Simply because I am not really wanting to stabilize at this weight.
We weill see what the scale says and act on that accordingly. Weight 215.9 up .3. This is good.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Easing into the Groove of Phase 3
LIDW 36.2
Sile keeping an eagle eye on my LIDW (last injection day weight). I increased my calories yesterday because I had lost too much weight. Never thought I would here myself say that. it is frustrating, because I have so much more weight to lose. Normally, I would take what I could get as far as weightloss.
But, I've said this on previous posts, Phase 3 of this HCG protocal is the most inportant part of the diet.
So I will do what is necessary for the protocal.
I did ask my physician if it mattered what my body compsition was, or did it just matter the weight. She said, just the weight. I asked this because I am working out now on P3. I do know that muscle weighs more that fat and that if I build muscle, my weight will go up. But my fat should go down because I am burning it. So now I have to take that into consideration during Phase 3.
I got my mountain bike tuned up and took it for a spin yesterday. Halfway through my ride, the wind picked up and it started to rain. No problem. Except. My body is reminding me this morning, of muscles that I forgot I had. Ouch! And I realize just how little "meat" I have on my backside.
The Menu for the day
Breakfast:8a 70z 2% plain fage yogurt w/ 1/2 c blueberries
Snack: 10:50amAfter a 4 mile brisk walk at the park) isopure protein shake w coconut milk, 1 tbsp of coconut oil and chocolate stevia.
Lunch: Cauliflower Pizza Crust w/ fresh tomato, mushroom, onion canadian bacon & mozzarella. See photo below
Snack: Apple w/ almond butter
Dinner Steak and mushrooms cooked it irish butter and fresh garlic. Salad of avocado, tomato and onion
Sile keeping an eagle eye on my LIDW (last injection day weight). I increased my calories yesterday because I had lost too much weight. Never thought I would here myself say that. it is frustrating, because I have so much more weight to lose. Normally, I would take what I could get as far as weightloss.
But, I've said this on previous posts, Phase 3 of this HCG protocal is the most inportant part of the diet.
So I will do what is necessary for the protocal.
I did ask my physician if it mattered what my body compsition was, or did it just matter the weight. She said, just the weight. I asked this because I am working out now on P3. I do know that muscle weighs more that fat and that if I build muscle, my weight will go up. But my fat should go down because I am burning it. So now I have to take that into consideration during Phase 3.
I got my mountain bike tuned up and took it for a spin yesterday. Halfway through my ride, the wind picked up and it started to rain. No problem. Except. My body is reminding me this morning, of muscles that I forgot I had. Ouch! And I realize just how little "meat" I have on my backside.
The Menu for the day
Breakfast:8a 70z 2% plain fage yogurt w/ 1/2 c blueberries
Snack: 10:50amAfter a 4 mile brisk walk at the park) isopure protein shake w coconut milk, 1 tbsp of coconut oil and chocolate stevia.
Lunch: Cauliflower Pizza Crust w/ fresh tomato, mushroom, onion canadian bacon & mozzarella. See photo below
Snack: Apple w/ almond butter
Dinner Steak and mushrooms cooked it irish butter and fresh garlic. Salad of avocado, tomato and onion
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
And a porterhouse for dinner
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Phase 3 Day 3
Well I lost 1.3 lbs this morning. This puts me under the 2 lb limit. Guess I will add more calories today.
I guess there is an art to fine tuning the stabilization phase. Today I will add a little more. I dont really feel like eating, but I know that it is the key. Healthy fats.
Bfast: 530am eggwhite spinach mushroom cheese omelet
Snack: 945am Protein shake with coconut milk
Lunch: Roast beef and mashed cauliflower w garlic irish butter
Snack Apple with gouda cheese
Dinner: Sesame Salmon (sesame oil, scallions, braggs, english toffee stevia, with salad (lettuce, tomato and avocado, olive oil and balsamic vinegar)
I guess there is an art to fine tuning the stabilization phase. Today I will add a little more. I dont really feel like eating, but I know that it is the key. Healthy fats.
Bfast: 530am eggwhite spinach mushroom cheese omelet
Snack: 945am Protein shake with coconut milk
Lunch: Roast beef and mashed cauliflower w garlic irish butter
Snack Apple with gouda cheese
Dinner: Sesame Salmon (sesame oil, scallions, braggs, english toffee stevia, with salad (lettuce, tomato and avocado, olive oil and balsamic vinegar)
Dinner
Friday, February 24, 2012
Day 2 Still Within Range
Day 2 of Phase three. Worked early and then went to get my bike. Weighed in at 218 this morning. Still within range, but I know it takes 2 days to own what you eat. So tomorrow morning the scale will tell. I had a hard time eating all my calories yesterday. I had to make myself eat dinner.
Today was a little easier.
Breakfast: EAS Drink
Snack: Yogurt w/ blueberries
Lunch: Steak and onion fajita salad with shredded cheddar, 1 tbsp of sour cream, salsa
Snack: Apple
Snack: 1 oz gsmoked gouda
Dinner: 1/2 cornish game hen, summer squash cooked with onions and 1 slice bacon, 3 parmesean crisps
Total Calories 1224
Today was a little easier.
Breakfast: EAS Drink
Snack: Yogurt w/ blueberries
Lunch: Steak and onion fajita salad with shredded cheddar, 1 tbsp of sour cream, salsa
Snack: Apple
Snack: 1 oz gsmoked gouda
Dinner: 1/2 cornish game hen, summer squash cooked with onions and 1 slice bacon, 3 parmesean crisps
Total Calories 1224
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Thursday, February 23, 2012
Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Well, since I am now officially in Phase 3, I decided to make the infamous Cauliflower Pizza Crust. Skeptical, you betcha. But......this is how it turned out.
Can you believe that is cauliflower, eggs and cheese!
I couldn't believe it. When I turned it over, to cool it on the rack, Looked just like pizza crust. Amazing.
super simple to make and honestly, I could eat it without any toppings.
Here's the recipe
The ratio will always be
1 c. **riced or grated raw cauliflower
1/2 c. shedded cheese (any brick type cheese will do)
1 egg
I made a triple batch because I ended up with 3 cups of grated cauliflower.
So mine was
3c grated cauliflower (medium side of the grater)
1 1/2 c of shredded cheddar
3 eggs
italian seasonng blend
Mix it all together well, with our hands like you're making meatloaf.
Line a shallow baking pan, pizza pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper
Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray
Spread the mixture out evenly to about 1/4 thick. Don't leave it too thick or it won't bake correctly. If you have more mixture than will fit in your pan, use a second pan.
Bake in the oven at 425 until golden brown. it was about 50 minutes for the triple batch. Keep your eye on it.
At this point, add your pizza toppings and bake until cheese is bubbly.
Voila! bread free pizza!
NOTE: The edges do get crispy. When I make this again, I will make small single size rounds so that the edges crisp all the way around. I transfered my batch to a rack and let it cool completely. Then I sliced it into 6 pieces, made a pizza with one and put the rest in the freezer.
Welcome Phase 3
Okay, so today is my first day of Phase 3 stabilization. Phase 3 is actually THE most important part of the HCG diet protocal. More important than losing the weight in Phase 2. This is where you stabilize your weight and make you hypothalum believe that this new weight is your "normal weight".
AND I LOST ANOTHER 1.1 LB THIS AM. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!
Remember, I must stay with +/- 2 lbs of my last injection day weight, which is 219.8. I'M ALREADY MORE THAN 2LBS BELOW MY LIDW. DOWN TO 217.6.
The Phase 3 protocal in a nutshell:
I purchased a Phas 3 cookbook from my doctor. It's called HCG Diet Recipes Phase 3 by Carla Martell and Audrey Scott. You can purchase it here. Lots of great recipes. Nice change after the restricted foods on Phase 2.
So continue to follow along and see my phase 3 journey.
For now I'm off to have an eggwhite omelet with spinach and cheese.!
Okay here is todays menu (a lot longer than the usual)
Breakfast: scrambled egg, cheese and spinach (1 whole egg 3 egg whites, 3/4 oz cheddar, handful of spinach.
Snack: strawberries
Lunch: garlic shrimp with olive oil and spices, summer squash cooked with 1 slice bacon)
Dinner: steak and onion fajita salad (roast beef and onion saauteed with fajita spice over a bed of shredded lettuce, topped with 3/4 oz cheddar, 1 tbsp sour cream and salsa
Snack: apple
Seems like a whole bunch of food doesn't it.
Total calorie 1073
Fat 55g
Protein 89g
Carbs 58g
After looking over my nutrients, I see that I am low on protein. I am definitely going to make it a point to have 1 protein shake per day. I like Isopure. I can't handle foamy creamy shakes. I don't like the consistancy. Isopure has 200 calories and 50 grams of protein per serving. I will have this within 1 hour post workout for optimal muscle sparing results.
AND I LOST ANOTHER 1.1 LB THIS AM. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!
Remember, I must stay with +/- 2 lbs of my last injection day weight, which is 219.8. I'M ALREADY MORE THAN 2LBS BELOW MY LIDW. DOWN TO 217.6.
The Phase 3 protocal in a nutshell:
- Increase caloric intake to 1500 calories over he next three weeks.
- Add healthy fats and oils like coconut oil, olive oil, butter (not margerine) avocados and almonds
- Add dairy, cream cheese, cheese, full fat milk, greek yogurt
- NO SIMPLE CARBS, (bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, starchy veggies, beans and high glycemic index fruits)
- Protein is imperative. Make sure to get enough protein in your daily menu.
- Continue with lots of water
- Try to eat as clean as possible, organic is better, grass fed meats are better,
- READ THE LABELS FOR ADDED SUGAR IN ANY FORM
I purchased a Phas 3 cookbook from my doctor. It's called HCG Diet Recipes Phase 3 by Carla Martell and Audrey Scott. You can purchase it here. Lots of great recipes. Nice change after the restricted foods on Phase 2.
So continue to follow along and see my phase 3 journey.
For now I'm off to have an eggwhite omelet with spinach and cheese.!
Okay here is todays menu (a lot longer than the usual)
Breakfast: scrambled egg, cheese and spinach (1 whole egg 3 egg whites, 3/4 oz cheddar, handful of spinach.
Snack: strawberries
Lunch: garlic shrimp with olive oil and spices, summer squash cooked with 1 slice bacon)
Dinner: steak and onion fajita salad (roast beef and onion saauteed with fajita spice over a bed of shredded lettuce, topped with 3/4 oz cheddar, 1 tbsp sour cream and salsa
Snack: apple
Seems like a whole bunch of food doesn't it.
Total calorie 1073
Fat 55g
Protein 89g
Carbs 58g
After looking over my nutrients, I see that I am low on protein. I am definitely going to make it a point to have 1 protein shake per day. I like Isopure. I can't handle foamy creamy shakes. I don't like the consistancy. Isopure has 200 calories and 50 grams of protein per serving. I will have this within 1 hour post workout for optimal muscle sparing results.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Getting Excited!
Today is day 2 of no HCG and the vlcd. I still haven't had any hunger. BUT. I got on the scale this am and was down another .7 lbs. For a total of 37.3 pounds. However, 36.2 is the bookmark for Phase 3. So 219.8 is the weight, no more that 221.8 and no less than 217.8. I think I can do this.
Heading to the doctors this am and then on to buy groceries. Lord gimme some cheese. I am going to up my caloric intake gradually over the 24 days. I will also compensate my exercise with extra protein.
I must make sure that I eat enough calories and protein. I will still track everything I eat.
I have decide that I will do more phases. My doctor said that I can do 2 21 day phases, with 3 weeks in between. timing has to be perfect.
timeline:
R1P3 2-23 THRU 3-16
R2P1 3-17 (load) St Pattys Day in Melbourne
R2P2 3-18 THRU 4-8
R2P2 NO HCG VLCD 4-9 THRU 4-11
R2P3 4-11 THRU 5-2 (My sons Basic Training Graduation)
R3P1 5-3 (load)
R3P2 5-4 THRU 5-25
R3P2 NO HCG VLCD 5-26 THRU 5-28
R3P3 5-29 THRU 6-19
THEN LIFE P4
That's the tentative schedule. I've timed it so that I don't have to be on Phase 2 (VLCD) while I am out of town,
Todays Menu
Lunch: Roast beef and onion fajita salad with salsa
Dinner: Shrimp and cabbage curry
Snack: Apple
Heading to the doctors this am and then on to buy groceries. Lord gimme some cheese. I am going to up my caloric intake gradually over the 24 days. I will also compensate my exercise with extra protein.
I must make sure that I eat enough calories and protein. I will still track everything I eat.
I have decide that I will do more phases. My doctor said that I can do 2 21 day phases, with 3 weeks in between. timing has to be perfect.
timeline:
R1P3 2-23 THRU 3-16
R2P1 3-17 (load) St Pattys Day in Melbourne
R2P2 3-18 THRU 4-8
R2P2 NO HCG VLCD 4-9 THRU 4-11
R2P3 4-11 THRU 5-2 (My sons Basic Training Graduation)
R3P1 5-3 (load)
R3P2 5-4 THRU 5-25
R3P2 NO HCG VLCD 5-26 THRU 5-28
R3P3 5-29 THRU 6-19
THEN LIFE P4
That's the tentative schedule. I've timed it so that I don't have to be on Phase 2 (VLCD) while I am out of town,
Todays Menu
Lunch: Roast beef and onion fajita salad with salsa
Dinner: Shrimp and cabbage curry
Snack: Apple
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Injection Free Day
Morning folks. Today will be the first day without my HCG injection. I'm not sure how the hunger will hold out. HCG actually suppresses your appetite. Now, they say it takes 3 days for the HCG to completely remove itself from your body. But will there be enough residual hormone to curb my appetite. Not sure. But I have other supplements that I can take to assist with that.
I did have a question though. You have to go by your last injection day weight for phase 3. But is that the morning of your injection, or the morning after your last injection day weight. Technically, you are still on the hcg for that 24 hour period, so it would make sense to me that it would be after that 24 hour period. Just as at the beginning of the program, you 1st day is 24 hours after you have done your first vlcd. hmmmm. something to think about and research further. I am only so interested in this because I am down another .4 pounds this morning. That makes my total weight loss so far 36.6.
I have more leeway if I use yestedays weight, but todays just looks better.
Busy morning for me. Then work this afternoon. Tomorrow I will be shopping for additional items allowed on Phase 3.
Menu for the day:
Lunch: bbq turkey meatballs & roasted zucchini
Snack: 1/2 apple
Dinner: Jerk veal , apple and cabbage stew
Snack: Grapefruit
I did have a question though. You have to go by your last injection day weight for phase 3. But is that the morning of your injection, or the morning after your last injection day weight. Technically, you are still on the hcg for that 24 hour period, so it would make sense to me that it would be after that 24 hour period. Just as at the beginning of the program, you 1st day is 24 hours after you have done your first vlcd. hmmmm. something to think about and research further. I am only so interested in this because I am down another .4 pounds this morning. That makes my total weight loss so far 36.6.
I have more leeway if I use yestedays weight, but todays just looks better.
Busy morning for me. Then work this afternoon. Tomorrow I will be shopping for additional items allowed on Phase 3.
Menu for the day:
Lunch: bbq turkey meatballs & roasted zucchini
Snack: 1/2 apple
Dinner: Jerk veal , apple and cabbage stew
Snack: Grapefruit
Monday, February 20, 2012
Reaching the Finish Line
Today is the last day of HCG Injections for me. My weight today will determine my "set point".
Drumroll Please....-----> I'm heading to the scale now.
Hoping to have reached my goal weight of 36 lbs.
The Verict and Final Weight is............219.8
36.2 pounds lost
I must stay within 2 pounds up or down of 219.8 for the next 4 weeks while in Phase 3 stabilization.
Hot diggity Damn!
I am so excited to start Phase 3. I want..no I need to work out. I went yesterday and bought new gloves. I'm going to transform my living room into a workout area.
I have my dumbbells, kettle bells, elliptical machine. Resistance bands, bender ball. I am so ready to go. I had some questions about working out while on P3. I have submitted them to Candice Eckberg, she is a personal trainer and an HCG diet success.
1)Since I have to stay within 2 lbs of my LIDW (last injection day weight) do I compensate with more calories if I start to lose? That's the biggest question.
I know that working out and working your muscles can cause inflamation and water weight retention while the muscles repair. I will be eating lots of protein and taking muscle sparing supplements.
I also know that lean muscle mass burns more calories than fat. so I am hoping to increase my lean muscle mass in preparation for my next round. Which should begin on March 19th.
For now, I continue on the 500 calories for the next 72 hours. Then I can start adding calories, I can add fats and dairy. Basically just triple my food intake. Have breakfast. Add my protein shakes.
Looking forward to some cheese. I will continue to use fitday.com to track my progress.
I need to go over the food list for P3 and go get some groceries. It will be nice to have a little more variety.
Todays Menu
Snack: Baked apple w/ english toffee stevia
Lunch: Chicken and onion fajita salad w salsa , wasa
Dinner: zucchini boats with ground beef, diced onion and fresh sauted tomato, sm spinach salad
Snack: grapefruit
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Day 41~~~~Almost Done, for now.
Today is day 41 of my 42 day round on the HCG Diet. I have one injection left. Then on to 3 days of VLCD (500 cal) for 3 days without the HCG. I have Rx appetite suppressants for use just in case I feel too hungry.
February 23rd I will start Phase 3, stabilization. From what I have researched and read, this next 3 weeks is the most important and pivotal phase in the HCG diet protocal. This is where your diet helps to reset the hypothalmus. In otherwords, it tells your hypothalmus that this is your new NORMAL weight. You must stay plus or minus 2 lbs of your last injection (or drop) date. If you go under the 2 lbs, you must adjust your calorie intake upwards. If you go over 2 pounds, there are corrective measures to take.
I never thought that I would be stressed out about being allowed to eat more. Essentially, you will triple your calorie intake. More protein, more variety of vegetables, you can add "good" fats, cheese and dairy. Still no simple carbs. Bread, rice, potatoe, beans, etc.
Sonia Russel has written a no-fail plan for stabilization. The premise is to add calories gradually over the 3 week period rather than trippling your calorie intake from the onset. This will reduce the possibility of having to do a "correction" day.
I want to make the most of the stabilization phase, so I am in the process of finding out the best fats to add. I'm excited to get the next phase started, but apprehensive at the same time.
My future goals are to stay on Phase 3 for 4 weeks and then do another round of HCG. I will probably do a 21 day round, 3 weeks on Phase 3, then another 21 day round. This because of a timing issue.
Many things to do today.
Menu:
Snack Apple
Lunch:Roast beef wraps and cabbage
Snack: 1/2 grapefruit (then I walked)
Dinner: Chicken/onion fajita salad with salsa
I'm going to do a detox bath this evening. And pray for tomorrow!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Stall~~~~~~~~~~
Grrrr. This is the most frustrating part of this diet. Up~~Down~~Up~~Down.
Seems I've put the brakes on today. Same weight as yesterday, 221.4. I only have 3 days left of HCG injections and 6 days of VLCD. I am really wanting to get to my goal of 36 pounds lost in this, my first, round. C'mon it's only 1.4 lbs. This makes me want to starve myself for the next 5 days. But I know that I can't Grrrr
I'm not going to stress too much. I did work out kind of hard yesterday. Hopefully it is water.
I'm still trying to cope with the fact that my son is gone. Even though he can be an ungrateful thing, I miss him dearly. At least I have his address now and can flood him with mail. I am trying to write him and send cards every day.
Today I have errands and chores to do. Lots of them. One of them is to get my sons mountain bike to the shop and have it repaired into working condition. It's been sitting for a while. I have a co-worker that I want to start riding with on different trails. Man-made of course. Miami is flat as a pancake.
Then to clean my sons room. It looks like a disaster area. Clothes everywhere. I don't know what's washed or not. So, I'm just going to wash everything. This should take a few hours. Maybe burn off some extra calories.
I'm hoping that the scale tomorrow will reward all my hard work today. I am totally POP (perfectly on protocal) and I know that I have downed over a gallon of water today.
If you are reading this.....please send good ju-ju my way.
The menu for the day...
Lunch: beef and onion fajita salad with salsa
Snack: apple drizzled with english toffee stevia and cinnamon (tastes like a caramel apple, yum)
Dinner: Blackened shrimp grilled in the Foreman, roasted asparagus with lemon pepper
Friday, February 17, 2012
It's Goin' Down- The Scale That Is
I have recovered fro my fall off the wagon
I'm down 3 pounds today for a total of 34.6 on day 39. I'm happy for that, but still bummed because I know I could have lost more if I had just stuck to it. but I learned that I really must control my emotional eating. I do recognize it as a trigger and will try to be more on top of it in the future.
I worked out this morning and it felt good.
Work early to teach a class (but then I leave early, yay!)
I did just eat the most scrumptious steak fajita salad.
100g of Boars Head lean Roast Beef broken into small pieces,
1/2 white onion, fajita seasoning. Saute it all in a skillet.
Pour it warm over shredded lettuce and top with homemade fresh salsa.
Menu for the day
Lunch: Steak Fajita salad
Snack: Apple
Dinner: Orange roughy, spinach
Snack: grapefruit
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Day 38 and Trying to Recover
It's Day 38th of the HCG diet. I have 8 more days of the VLCD to go. Then on to maintenance. I am still trying to recover from my swerve off protocal 2 days ago. They say it takes 2 days for your body to "own"a loss or gain. So, if my cheating is going to show, it will be today. Needless to say, I am not so anxious to get on the scale.
I slept okay last night (with the help of sleeping pills). I am still emotional about my sons leaving. He finally go to the AF Base late yesterday evening. I'm sure hes more exhausted than I. It is going to be a big physical and emotional adjustment for both of us.
Now I sit on pins and needles waiting for the phone call with his address. I cant wait to start writing him.
On to diet related stuff. I have a funeral at 11am then work at 2. Trying to figure out when to fit my lunch in. If I have to, I will take a lunch box. Definitely eat a fruit before I go. Made that mistake once and ended up eating PB crackers so I didn't pass out.
The menu for the day. In no particular order.
Orange roughy, spinach
Shrimp, brussel sprouts
Veal Steak
i know. That's a horrible menu.
Tomorrow will be a better day. I finally got the call from my son. Feeling less stressful right now.
I slept okay last night (with the help of sleeping pills). I am still emotional about my sons leaving. He finally go to the AF Base late yesterday evening. I'm sure hes more exhausted than I. It is going to be a big physical and emotional adjustment for both of us.
Now I sit on pins and needles waiting for the phone call with his address. I cant wait to start writing him.
On to diet related stuff. I have a funeral at 11am then work at 2. Trying to figure out when to fit my lunch in. If I have to, I will take a lunch box. Definitely eat a fruit before I go. Made that mistake once and ended up eating PB crackers so I didn't pass out.
The menu for the day. In no particular order.
Orange roughy, spinach
Shrimp, brussel sprouts
Veal Steak
i know. That's a horrible menu.
Tomorrow will be a better day. I finally got the call from my son. Feeling less stressful right now.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Getting Back on Track
My son is gone....I spent all day yesterday at the Military Processing Center. He finally left around 3pm. Missing him already. I had another difficult night sleeping. I'm sure this will get easier. Ihave a funeral to go to this morning and then work.
Yesterday, I didn't think to take a fruit of something with me to MEPS. By 1pm, I was feeling truely lightheaded and dizzy. I kept drinking my water, but it wasn't helping. I had to break down and get some PB crackers from the vending machine. I knew it was wrong, but it was the best option in the machine. I ate them and felt better physically, but guilty emotionally. On the way home, after a very sad goodbye, I caved. I stopped by KFC and got one of their bowls, mashed potatoes, chicken nuggets, corn, gravey, cheese. Boy did I screw up. Who knows what the scale will show today. I'm very upset with myself and I know that I am going to have gained and it will show today or tomorrow.
Today I will be back on track and tomorrow I will start my walks again. Guilt is a horrible thing. Stress is a horrible thing. but I must move forward and just let it go. Learn from the mistake, try not to let it happen again and carry on.
Well here goes nothing. Time to get on the scale and see the damage. 223.6 damn.
Oh well...keep calm and carry on
Todays Menu
workout
Snack: egg whites
Lunch: roast beef and cabbage
Snack: 1/2 grapefruit
Dinner: onion crusted veal, asparagus
Snack: ????
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Ball of Nerves
It's early and I slept like crap. last night, after dinner, we came home and got my sons things ready to go. By 9:45 we were out the door and on the way to the hotel where he stayed last night. That was hard enough. This morning, he will wake and then go to the Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPS)for his final paperwork and swearing in. Then the group will leave on a shuttle to the airport and off to Lackland Air Force Base for basic training. I was tearing up last night when I dropped him at the hotel, he said "Mom, this is just goodnight, I will see you in the morning." It still stung like a thousand needles.
Needless to say, I didn't sleep well last night and will be leaving soon for MEPS to hang out with him for a little bit, say goodbye and watch him fly off into the wild blue yonder. As much trouble as he can be sometimes., I'm gonna miss him horribly.
Why bring this up? Well, they say stress and lack of sleep can be a big factor in weightloss. there have been a lot of studies that have linked weight loss/gain to stress, depression and sleep deprivation. I am hoping that this doesn't have an adverse affect on the diet. Today I am up 3 lbs. Is it stress, lack of sleep, sadness, or just the Red Lobster I ate last night? Who knows, but the combination of any of those could have done it.
I'm not going to get upset about it. It is what it is. Why add more stress fuel to the fire.
The rest of this morning will probably be one of the most difficult life moments for me. My son will be leaving, I will have an empty nest. I got some comfort last night from a friend who recently sent her son away to Virginia for college. She told me that I would cry, I would walk around in circles not knowing what to do. I would sit in his room and cry. The difference between her and I? She can contact her son everyday. I can't. I'm going to keep a little note pad with questions so that they are ready when he gets the chance to call.
Sigh....it's going to be a long day.
Menu for the day....totally messed up
Lunch: pack of pb crackers from the vending machine
Dinner: KFC Bowl, coleslaw and a biscuit
Boy do I feel guilty. I would try to justify that it was stress and sadness that made me do it. But that's why I am fat to begin with. I need to quit trying to blame it on the food. The bottom line is that it was my choice to eat those things. I definitely need to work on the emotional aspect of the eating plan.
Feel l ike giving in
No sleep last night. Just too stressed. The air is so thick in my house right now that you could cut it with a knife. Long story short, my son doesn't feel that it is important or necessary to spend time with me before he leaves for the Air Force. I left 2 cards for him on his bed last night. He's been up and about and hasn't acknowledged or thanked me for them. We are going to dinner tonight, not alone, but still I know that it will be tense.
Yesterday, I felt like I was having a mini-meltdown. That was right after he flat out told me that spending time with me was not important and that he had not set aside any time for it. Then he left. Thank God that my brother stopped by minutes later. Not sure what I would have done if he hadn't.
My comfort food....a buttery grilled cheddar cheese sandwich. I want one so bad. But instead, this morning at 8am I was out mowing the grass and doing laundry. Two fold measure, I suppose. A) to keep me away from the grilled cheese and b) to keep me from feeling sad. Now I must find other ways to keep myself busy until dinner tonight. But my heart is definitely broken to bits this morning.
Not sure what is on the Menu for today. Eating out at Red Lobster tonight so I'm sure I can find something on protocal there.
Menu:
Roast beef lettuce wraps, brussel sprouts (roasted, they taste so good)
Snack: apple, wasa
Dinner (Red Lobster) Side salad w lemon juice, salt and pepper, Grill lobster, scallops and shrimp, no butter, asparagus, unsweetened ice tea. The lobster tail was very small and I'm sure that it was probably 6 oz of protein in the end.
Yesterday, I felt like I was having a mini-meltdown. That was right after he flat out told me that spending time with me was not important and that he had not set aside any time for it. Then he left. Thank God that my brother stopped by minutes later. Not sure what I would have done if he hadn't.
My comfort food....a buttery grilled cheddar cheese sandwich. I want one so bad. But instead, this morning at 8am I was out mowing the grass and doing laundry. Two fold measure, I suppose. A) to keep me away from the grilled cheese and b) to keep me from feeling sad. Now I must find other ways to keep myself busy until dinner tonight. But my heart is definitely broken to bits this morning.
Not sure what is on the Menu for today. Eating out at Red Lobster tonight so I'm sure I can find something on protocal there.
Menu:
Roast beef lettuce wraps, brussel sprouts (roasted, they taste so good)
Snack: apple, wasa
Dinner (Red Lobster) Side salad w lemon juice, salt and pepper, Grill lobster, scallops and shrimp, no butter, asparagus, unsweetened ice tea. The lobster tail was very small and I'm sure that it was probably 6 oz of protein in the end.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Day 34
I'm up this am. 52 flipping degrees in Miami. Brrrrrr. I'm nervous about getting on the scale after yesterdays undereating. I hope that it doesn't reflect negatively on the scale. I slept pretty good after such a busy day yesterday. I did some reflecting on some comments folks made at the retirement dinner. To have someone tell you that you look great, or that you are as beautiful as ever. Or that you haven't changed a bit. What a great feeling? My girlfriend Joanne (who has recently lost a ton of weight) tells people that you are supposed to go out (retire) the same way you came in. I do believe that I may go "out" looking better than I did when I went in 32 years ago. Remember, I've never been thin.
Well....the verdict is in. > up.5lbs. Oh well. I knew yesterday would have some adverse effect.
Today my stress level is through the roof and it revolves around my son. No need to get into the details. Let's just say my heart is broken right now.
Anyway the menu is
Lunch: Roast beef with horseradish mustard, steamed spinach, wasa
Snack: apple
Dinner: Chicken breast (couldn't even finish it) no appetite whatsoever.
So that's today.
Well....the verdict is in. > up.5lbs. Oh well. I knew yesterday would have some adverse effect.
Today my stress level is through the roof and it revolves around my son. No need to get into the details. Let's just say my heart is broken right now.
Anyway the menu is
Lunch: Roast beef with horseradish mustard, steamed spinach, wasa
Snack: apple
Dinner: Chicken breast (couldn't even finish it) no appetite whatsoever.
So that's today.
I Messed Up
Okay, so here's how the day went yesterday. I had some eggwhites and spinach and a wasa cracker for breakfast and then went for a walk. I left for Key Largo at 2 and arrived at 3. Beautiful day with beautiful people. This was a reunion of old school dispatchers, some retired and some on the verge. But it all revolved around my good friend Marlene who has been battling cancer for 3 years now. It was wonderful to see old friends and to experience the love that everyone feels for Marlene.
This get together was at a place called Gilberts. Beautiful spot on the water. Giant Tikki hut. Mellow Keys style music from a 3 piece band. And lots of beer, burgers, seafood and my favorite Conch Fritters (I'm part island girl, my grandpas from the Bahamas).
Anywho........I had taken my trusty water bottle and that's all I drank. I knew that I needed to eat something, but what. The ONLY thing that had that was on protocal was shrimp cocktail. So I ordered that and ditched the cocktail sauce, opting for hot sauce and lemon juice. It wasn't much, only 6 med size shrimp. And they had no veggies. At least I had some protein in my belly.
I stayed there for a few hours and at 6:30, headed back to Miami. One more event to attend that evening.
Home at 7:15, showered, changed and then off to the Fire Department Retirement Party. Dinner, drinks, dancing and celebration. For the dinner, I checked the buffet line, everything was covered in some sort of sauce or gravey. I passed. Usually they have some sort of carving beef, but not this time. Darn. I went to the bar and, even though Mr. Jack Daniels was calling my name, I opted for club soda with lime. We did find a seafood bar at the corner of the room. Yes....shrimp....Yikes! I already had shrimp today. What to do? Well, I decided that shrimp was still the way to go. I also had a few oysters. They are not listed on protocol, but we can have scallops so I thought maybe they would be okay.
Unfortunately, I didn't CHEAT, so to speak, I actually ate too little. The total caloric intake for the day was only 272. Yikes! Funny things is. I wasn't really hungry. And I had energy to spare after going all day. Another note to make. I didn't drink very much water yesterday. I didn't want to drink too much before I left for the Keys. Nowhere to stop, not even the side of the road on that long stretch of the overseas highway. Didn't drink much there. (the long ride back). And only had 3 short glasses of soda water at the retirement dinner. I did drink a liter of Fiji water when I got home at night. Normally, I'm a gallon plus girl. Always have been.
The loss of 34 pounds paired with ridding myself of toxic foods, had really change me.
I just hope that the lack of calories doesn't affect my losses this morning.
Me and Marlene (the strongest woman I know)
This get together was at a place called Gilberts. Beautiful spot on the water. Giant Tikki hut. Mellow Keys style music from a 3 piece band. And lots of beer, burgers, seafood and my favorite Conch Fritters (I'm part island girl, my grandpas from the Bahamas).
Anywho........I had taken my trusty water bottle and that's all I drank. I knew that I needed to eat something, but what. The ONLY thing that had that was on protocal was shrimp cocktail. So I ordered that and ditched the cocktail sauce, opting for hot sauce and lemon juice. It wasn't much, only 6 med size shrimp. And they had no veggies. At least I had some protein in my belly.
I stayed there for a few hours and at 6:30, headed back to Miami. One more event to attend that evening.
Home at 7:15, showered, changed and then off to the Fire Department Retirement Party. Dinner, drinks, dancing and celebration. For the dinner, I checked the buffet line, everything was covered in some sort of sauce or gravey. I passed. Usually they have some sort of carving beef, but not this time. Darn. I went to the bar and, even though Mr. Jack Daniels was calling my name, I opted for club soda with lime. We did find a seafood bar at the corner of the room. Yes....shrimp....Yikes! I already had shrimp today. What to do? Well, I decided that shrimp was still the way to go. I also had a few oysters. They are not listed on protocol, but we can have scallops so I thought maybe they would be okay.
Unfortunately, I didn't CHEAT, so to speak, I actually ate too little. The total caloric intake for the day was only 272. Yikes! Funny things is. I wasn't really hungry. And I had energy to spare after going all day. Another note to make. I didn't drink very much water yesterday. I didn't want to drink too much before I left for the Keys. Nowhere to stop, not even the side of the road on that long stretch of the overseas highway. Didn't drink much there. (the long ride back). And only had 3 short glasses of soda water at the retirement dinner. I did drink a liter of Fiji water when I got home at night. Normally, I'm a gallon plus girl. Always have been.
The loss of 34 pounds paired with ridding myself of toxic foods, had really change me.
I just hope that the lack of calories doesn't affect my losses this morning.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Burning Extra Calories
All this happy dancing must be burning extra calories
I got up this morning to another HUGE loss 2.1lbs. I really thought that at this point of the game, 33 days in, that the losses would drop significantly. This gives me a total loss of 34.2 lbs.
I am less than 2 lbs from my goal weight. And 2 lbs until I say goodbye to the 220's FOREVER. I just may have to set a new goal, as I still have 12 vlcds to go!
I did do something a little bit differently yesterday. I went for a pretty hard walk, ate some extra protein and the rest of my daily food allowance, I sort of broke up throughout the day. I only at 1/2 of a fruit (in the apple cabbage slaw). But did have my 2 servings of breads.
I had a super stressful evening with my son. A fight actually. Not the greatest thing since he is leaving in 3 days. He's gone away for the weekend with his girlfriend and I probably wont see him much on Monday. I guess I just feel left out. I was so stressed out that I really wanted to seek comfort in a pint of Ben nd Jerrys Cherry Garcia. But I stayed strong. I couldn't fall asleep at first. So I took something to help me sleep...and it did.
Today I am supposed to go down to the Keys for an oldschool dispatchers reunion. It's not until three, so I will make sure that I eat a very filling lunch before I go. I'm sure there is nothing on the menue for me and the conch fritters will be calling my name. I'm going to take some apple chips and celery with me just in case. I also have a retirement dinner to go to tonight. Ugh! So much temptation all around. Can't wait until phase 3 where I will have a few more options.
Till later~~~~ Happy losing!
Friday, February 10, 2012
I'm Doing The Happy Dance Again
I am sooo doing the Happy Dance today. Down .9 for a total of 32.1 (However, I went to the Doctors this morning, and according to the doctors scale, I have lost a total of 33 pounds). Today is day 32 of the HCG diet Phase 2. I still have 13 VLCD's to go until the end of round 1. My goal was to lose 36lbs in this round. I just know that I will hit it. I am so stoked and very proud of myself. My son told me this morning that he can really tell that I have lost weight and that he is proud of me. I still have a long way to go, but I have said my final farewell to the 250's, 240's, 230's and very close to adding the 220's. I have never been so damn determined to accomplish something.
I am walking almost everyday (although I really want to kick some ass at the gym). But I know that it is best to hold back for now.
Menu for the day:
Lunch: Roast beef lettuce wraps, cabbage apple slaw (my fav)
Snack: Orange
Dinner: Chicken and spinach soup (1 cup organic, no sugar vegetable broth, celery,onion, 1 tbsp tomato paste, spices and 1 grissini crushed to thicken it)
Thursday, February 9, 2012
HCG Diet Negatives
Fist of all, I will tell you that this diet works, I don't care who you ask. For alot of people who have been dieting for years, up and down on the scale, this diet has been a lifesaver. Especially for the morbidly obese.
I, personally, take issue with some people using the diet as a quick fix. I'm talkin about people who have a whopping 10lb to lose. In my opinion, just my opinion, that is laziness. It kills me to hear someone say. Oooh I went from a size 4 to a 2. What the heck? I won't even feel a huge change in my clothes until the 2nd 30lbs. I'm sure of it.
Anyway, the diet does not come without issues. Some of my complaints are the following:
1. Extremely dry skin (this inspite of the gallon + water consumption during the day). This comes from the fact that you are consuming very little fat and not consuming good fats that the body needs. ie, vitamins E & A, nut oils, fatty fish oil. They say you can use mineral oil if you need to, but mineral oil or baby oil just sits on top of the skin, it does not penetrate it. I have found that the best use is to put in on, in the shower, while you are still wet. No, it doesn't penetrate, but rather holds the moisture from the shower in.
2. Dry hair. Since the original protocal doesn't want you to use conditioners that contain oil on top of not eating any good fats, I have noticed the texture of my hair change. This will remedy itself on the next phase when I can start adding healthy oils and get back to taking my omegas. Some people have even experienced hair loss. This is not specific to the HCG diet. Any extremely low fat/no fast diet will have the same side effect. You can take Biotin supplements to help with hair loss.
3. Headaches. I only noticed a slight headache on the 2nd and 3rd day of VLCD. This is mostly caused by sugar withdrawals. It went away and I haven't had one since.
4. Constipation. This is a rough one. Remember, you are eating so little, that it takes a few days to fill up your bowels and signal it to release. Some options to help are Smooth Move tea, manasul tea, magnesium, and if all else fails (and my favorite) epsom salt laxative. it's nasty tasting but will really get you moving.
5. Hunger. I only felt hunger the 1st day of the VLCD. But was it really hunger? I attribute it more to all the crap I ate the day before on the load. Greasy, cheesey, fried and fat filled food (plus bread, which is a no-no for me anyway)
I am doing the HCG Protocal with a licensed Physician. She has given me phendimetrazine to help with any hunger or lack of energy.
Phendimetrazine is a sympathomimetic amine, which is similar to an amphetamine. It is also known as an "anorectic" or "anorexigenic" drug. Phendimetrazine stimulates the central nervous system (nerves and brain), which increases your heart rate and blood pressure and decreases your appetite.
6. Inability to exercise: This is actually the most difficult area for me. I am not a lazy person, despite my weight. Diet and exercise just GO together. Like cheese and crackers. I want to work out so badly. I have walked or gotten on my elliptical machine. I have found that if I increase my protein calories equal to my calories burned during the session, it has worked for me. I just have to be careful with water retention after working out. The body retains water in order to assist with muscle reparation after working out. I noticed on my weight log that the day after I worked out, my weight did not change or it increased slightly.
7. Variety. The protocal is very restrictive in the variety of foods that you can consume. It does get rather boring if you are not the creative type. Thankfully, I am like a scientist in the kitchen. I enjoy coming up with new recipes and combinations. New ways to use the available food list. There is a wealth of information online. Google hcg phase 2 recipes and you will find hundreds of recipes. You can also look for low-carb recipes and modify them to the protocals perameters.
8. Phase 3- I made get some flack for this. I'm not even in Phase 3 yets, but the premise of it has me stressed already. On phase 3, you discontinue the HCG and increase your caloric intake to around 1500 calories. You can now add good fats. However, you must stay within your last injection day weight 2 pounds either way. This is what is known as the stabilization phase. THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS PLAN. The purpose of the phase is to, basically, reset your hypothalmus to a new "set point". This means that you are telling your body that this is your new "normal weight". So it is crucial to follow it correctly.
The difficult part for me, and I'm sure others, will be that I have gotten this great weight loss, a jump start. I'm in the dieting mood now. But you are telling me that I can't lose anymore weight...WHAT?
So the brakes are being put on the weight loss. I'm not prepared for that. After Phase 3, you continue on to Life maintenance, or choose to do another round of HCG.
I, personally, take issue with some people using the diet as a quick fix. I'm talkin about people who have a whopping 10lb to lose. In my opinion, just my opinion, that is laziness. It kills me to hear someone say. Oooh I went from a size 4 to a 2. What the heck? I won't even feel a huge change in my clothes until the 2nd 30lbs. I'm sure of it.
Anyway, the diet does not come without issues. Some of my complaints are the following:
1. Extremely dry skin (this inspite of the gallon + water consumption during the day). This comes from the fact that you are consuming very little fat and not consuming good fats that the body needs. ie, vitamins E & A, nut oils, fatty fish oil. They say you can use mineral oil if you need to, but mineral oil or baby oil just sits on top of the skin, it does not penetrate it. I have found that the best use is to put in on, in the shower, while you are still wet. No, it doesn't penetrate, but rather holds the moisture from the shower in.
2. Dry hair. Since the original protocal doesn't want you to use conditioners that contain oil on top of not eating any good fats, I have noticed the texture of my hair change. This will remedy itself on the next phase when I can start adding healthy oils and get back to taking my omegas. Some people have even experienced hair loss. This is not specific to the HCG diet. Any extremely low fat/no fast diet will have the same side effect. You can take Biotin supplements to help with hair loss.
3. Headaches. I only noticed a slight headache on the 2nd and 3rd day of VLCD. This is mostly caused by sugar withdrawals. It went away and I haven't had one since.
4. Constipation. This is a rough one. Remember, you are eating so little, that it takes a few days to fill up your bowels and signal it to release. Some options to help are Smooth Move tea, manasul tea, magnesium, and if all else fails (and my favorite) epsom salt laxative. it's nasty tasting but will really get you moving.
5. Hunger. I only felt hunger the 1st day of the VLCD. But was it really hunger? I attribute it more to all the crap I ate the day before on the load. Greasy, cheesey, fried and fat filled food (plus bread, which is a no-no for me anyway)
I am doing the HCG Protocal with a licensed Physician. She has given me phendimetrazine to help with any hunger or lack of energy.
Phendimetrazine is a sympathomimetic amine, which is similar to an amphetamine. It is also known as an "anorectic" or "anorexigenic" drug. Phendimetrazine stimulates the central nervous system (nerves and brain), which increases your heart rate and blood pressure and decreases your appetite.
6. Inability to exercise: This is actually the most difficult area for me. I am not a lazy person, despite my weight. Diet and exercise just GO together. Like cheese and crackers. I want to work out so badly. I have walked or gotten on my elliptical machine. I have found that if I increase my protein calories equal to my calories burned during the session, it has worked for me. I just have to be careful with water retention after working out. The body retains water in order to assist with muscle reparation after working out. I noticed on my weight log that the day after I worked out, my weight did not change or it increased slightly.
7. Variety. The protocal is very restrictive in the variety of foods that you can consume. It does get rather boring if you are not the creative type. Thankfully, I am like a scientist in the kitchen. I enjoy coming up with new recipes and combinations. New ways to use the available food list. There is a wealth of information online. Google hcg phase 2 recipes and you will find hundreds of recipes. You can also look for low-carb recipes and modify them to the protocals perameters.
8. Phase 3- I made get some flack for this. I'm not even in Phase 3 yets, but the premise of it has me stressed already. On phase 3, you discontinue the HCG and increase your caloric intake to around 1500 calories. You can now add good fats. However, you must stay within your last injection day weight 2 pounds either way. This is what is known as the stabilization phase. THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS PLAN. The purpose of the phase is to, basically, reset your hypothalmus to a new "set point". This means that you are telling your body that this is your new "normal weight". So it is crucial to follow it correctly.
The difficult part for me, and I'm sure others, will be that I have gotten this great weight loss, a jump start. I'm in the dieting mood now. But you are telling me that I can't lose anymore weight...WHAT?
So the brakes are being put on the weight loss. I'm not prepared for that. After Phase 3, you continue on to Life maintenance, or choose to do another round of HCG.
Health Benefits of the HCG Eating Plan
Good morning. Today is Thursday, February 9th, 2012. Day 31 of the VLCD HCG Diet Phase 2.
What will the scale show today? Well I'm going to tell you. Wait for it.......
I'm chugging along. Feeling good about staying POP (perfectly on protocol) during my outing to the mall. I found that I am not as obsessed with the diet as I was in the first 3 weeks. I'm not saying that I'm not into it anymore, just saying that I have become more comfortable with it.
I have even decided that after my son leaves, I am going to gather up all the carbs in the pantry and donate them. O temptation at home. I really want to make this way of eating (notice I didn't say diet) my way of life. I shouldn't be eating wheat products anyway as I was diagnosed with Celiac disease a few years ago.
Celiac (SEE-lee-ak) disease is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten, which is primarily found in bread, pasta, cookies, pizza crust and many other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. People with celiac disease who eat foods containing gluten experience an immune reaction in their small intestines, causing damage to the inner surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients.
For years, I thought I was doing the right things by eating whole wheat everything, bread, pasta, crackers. Little did I know that I was literally killing myself.
So this for life way of eating will help me in more ways than one.
The food plan has already allowed me to cut my TYPE 2 Diabetes medication in half. My blood sugar is within the NON-diabetic normal range every time I check it.
Luckily, I have never had high blood pressure, but I have read testimonials by folks that they are off of their medication and their blood pressure is back within the normal range.
Some people have told of less joint pain, and extremity swelling. Mostly due to less weight, therefore less strain on the joints.
So there are many positive benefits of the HCG mainteance food plan.
Todays Menu
Lunch: roast beef lettuce wraps, apple cabbage slaw (1/2 apple)
Dinner: Asian marinated chicken breast with grilled white onion and cucumber salad
What will the scale show today? Well I'm going to tell you. Wait for it.......
Down 2lbs today...total loss 31.2
I'm chugging along. Feeling good about staying POP (perfectly on protocol) during my outing to the mall. I found that I am not as obsessed with the diet as I was in the first 3 weeks. I'm not saying that I'm not into it anymore, just saying that I have become more comfortable with it.
I have even decided that after my son leaves, I am going to gather up all the carbs in the pantry and donate them. O temptation at home. I really want to make this way of eating (notice I didn't say diet) my way of life. I shouldn't be eating wheat products anyway as I was diagnosed with Celiac disease a few years ago.
Celiac (SEE-lee-ak) disease is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten, which is primarily found in bread, pasta, cookies, pizza crust and many other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. People with celiac disease who eat foods containing gluten experience an immune reaction in their small intestines, causing damage to the inner surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients.
For years, I thought I was doing the right things by eating whole wheat everything, bread, pasta, crackers. Little did I know that I was literally killing myself.
So this for life way of eating will help me in more ways than one.
The food plan has already allowed me to cut my TYPE 2 Diabetes medication in half. My blood sugar is within the NON-diabetic normal range every time I check it.
Luckily, I have never had high blood pressure, but I have read testimonials by folks that they are off of their medication and their blood pressure is back within the normal range.
Some people have told of less joint pain, and extremity swelling. Mostly due to less weight, therefore less strain on the joints.
So there are many positive benefits of the HCG mainteance food plan.
Todays Menu
Lunch: roast beef lettuce wraps, apple cabbage slaw (1/2 apple)
Dinner: Asian marinated chicken breast with grilled white onion and cucumber salad
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Happy Hump Day
I have a sad face this am. I gained .5lb. Don't know why and hopefully it is just water. But I shall carry on.
Today I will be spending time with my son. he leaves in less than a week and this is my "allotted" day to spend time with him. He is busy visiting all his friends and saying his goodbyes. I'm not sure what we will do today. I was looking forward to s day at our favorite park, taking a hike, having a picnic and doing alot of talking. Unfortunately, the weather doesn't look like it is going to cooperate. So maybe a movie (very difficult without popcorn) out to lunch (again, hard because I'm not ready to be tempted).
We do need to go pick up a few things for him to take. I bought toiletries last week, but now he says that they all have to be travel size. grrrrrr. I'm sure that I dont have the reciept for all the full size stuff I bought. Luckily, it is stuff that I can use.
My stress level is high. Not sure if that is affecting my gain. The next week is going to be very difficult.
I did get my new George Foreman grill in the mail yesterday. Found it online cheap and I had a coupon to boot. I have a small one, but it's packed away. Just not up to digging through boxes in the shed. Be back later for menu and updates.
My son and i ended up at the mall...at luch time. Aaack! What was I to do. We ended up in the food court and I was so nervous. Would I be able to resist the bourbon chicken I love so well? We moved from food to food and finally found an argentinian grill. I was able to get a steak, side salad and a grilled onion (1/2). I also ordered a water. I think I did pretty damn good. I only ate half the steak and gave the rest to my son.
I was very proud of myself and realized that it is all about choices. And I made the right one.
It was a good day yesterday.....
So the menu forthe day was:
Lunch: steak, salad, onion
Dinner: Shrimp and cucumber salad (see recipe on the recipe page), wasa
NO snacks
Today I will be spending time with my son. he leaves in less than a week and this is my "allotted" day to spend time with him. He is busy visiting all his friends and saying his goodbyes. I'm not sure what we will do today. I was looking forward to s day at our favorite park, taking a hike, having a picnic and doing alot of talking. Unfortunately, the weather doesn't look like it is going to cooperate. So maybe a movie (very difficult without popcorn) out to lunch (again, hard because I'm not ready to be tempted).
We do need to go pick up a few things for him to take. I bought toiletries last week, but now he says that they all have to be travel size. grrrrrr. I'm sure that I dont have the reciept for all the full size stuff I bought. Luckily, it is stuff that I can use.
My stress level is high. Not sure if that is affecting my gain. The next week is going to be very difficult.
I did get my new George Foreman grill in the mail yesterday. Found it online cheap and I had a coupon to boot. I have a small one, but it's packed away. Just not up to digging through boxes in the shed. Be back later for menu and updates.
My son and i ended up at the mall...at luch time. Aaack! What was I to do. We ended up in the food court and I was so nervous. Would I be able to resist the bourbon chicken I love so well? We moved from food to food and finally found an argentinian grill. I was able to get a steak, side salad and a grilled onion (1/2). I also ordered a water. I think I did pretty damn good. I only ate half the steak and gave the rest to my son.
I was very proud of myself and realized that it is all about choices. And I made the right one.
It was a good day yesterday.....
So the menu forthe day was:
Lunch: steak, salad, onion
Dinner: Shrimp and cucumber salad (see recipe on the recipe page), wasa
NO snacks
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Good Morning Tuesday
I slept well last night. It rained all night and made for dreamy sleep. Business stuff to take care of this morning. I haven't weighed yet. I really am worried that all my working out is going to have an adverse affect on my losses. I can only hope that I will either be losing pounds or inches like they say. I would love to hit the big "30"today. We'll just have to see. Here we go...........drum roll please!
I DID IT! 30 POUNDS ON THE MONEY......
Guess what I get to do today?.....get me that other ring...woohooo.
Days like this make it all worth it.
Yippeee!
Okay....I'm done jumping up and down now.
On to the program. The menu for the day
Lunch: roast beef lettuce wraps
Snack: Apple
Dinner: Crab cakes and asparagus
Monday, February 6, 2012
Day 28 HCG Diet Phase 2 VLCD
I'm up but havent yet stepped on the scale today. I am trying to will off 1.5lbs. This will put me at my mini-goal of 30lb. I WANT THAT OTHER RING ON MY FINGER...hahahah.
I am a little worried. Yesterday, for some reason, I had sooo much energy. In the morning, I went for a walk..a pretty long one. Then after dinner. There was still some daylight left and I took the dog for a walk. So I don't know how this will affect my losses. I know the physiology of exercise. I am aware that muscle weighs more than fat and that I am, indeed, building muscle when walking. I did take some ibuprophen to assist with any inflamation. If there is no loss, or water gain, I will not be upset about it. I know that I stayed pop and I'm sure I will see results in the coming days.
And the results are in down .6 for a total loss of 29.1 Darn... Just short of 30lbs, but I'll take it. A loss is a loss.
My son leaves in a week. I have been stressing about it. There is still so much to take care of. I try not to focus on it too much. But it is difficult. I also know that stress can result hanging on to fat.
Menu for the day
Lunch: Fish, spinach
Snack:Apple
Dinner: Chicken, cabbage apple mix
Snack: Strawberries
I am a little worried. Yesterday, for some reason, I had sooo much energy. In the morning, I went for a walk..a pretty long one. Then after dinner. There was still some daylight left and I took the dog for a walk. So I don't know how this will affect my losses. I know the physiology of exercise. I am aware that muscle weighs more than fat and that I am, indeed, building muscle when walking. I did take some ibuprophen to assist with any inflamation. If there is no loss, or water gain, I will not be upset about it. I know that I stayed pop and I'm sure I will see results in the coming days.
And the results are in down .6 for a total loss of 29.1 Darn... Just short of 30lbs, but I'll take it. A loss is a loss.
My son leaves in a week. I have been stressing about it. There is still so much to take care of. I try not to focus on it too much. But it is difficult. I also know that stress can result hanging on to fat.
Menu for the day
Lunch: Fish, spinach
Snack:Apple
Dinner: Chicken, cabbage apple mix
Snack: Strawberries
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Slight Disappointment
I know that I have alot to lose. 256 pounds is nothing to scoff at. I have lost 27.5lb so far, which I'm excited about. I am disappointed though, when I go into some of these forums and fb pages and see people talking about dropping dress and jean sizes. Perhaps it's because I have so much to lose, but I just really haven't seen it yet, even with the almost 30 lb drop. Yes, my jeans are a little baggy, but still fit at the waist. My bras are on the last hooks, so that is good. The one part of my body that I wish would shrink the quickest, seems to be lagging behind the rest. I do see it in my face. Here's a before and after of my face~~~~
So I know I am losing. Just can't wait until I can say I'm down 2 sizes in my clothes.
I must just carry on....................
Beginning Day 27
I slept well last night, but only with the help of a sleeping aid. But I'll take it. I'm hoping for a nice sunny day. Yesterday was overcast and I really wanted to go down to the water and have a walkabout. I love the water and everything about it. It clears my mind and body. I'll orobably take my sketchbook and camera.
I need to go to the grocery store too.
I am happy to report that I am DOWN anothe pound for a total of 28.5. I'm doing the Happy Dance again:
I was supposed to go out last night, and could have. But I don't think that I am ready to put myself in the environment where temptation is around me. I've worked so hard to get where I am right now.
Today is Superbowl Sunday. The Fire Department always has a huge party. Again, I'm not sure I want to be tempted. I know that they will not have any options for food. But I really do want to go and see everyone. Choices.........
We'll see as the day goes on. I think I will still hit the beach...unless it rains.
Menu for the day:
Snack: orange
Walking
Lunch: roast beef lettuce wraps, asparagus
Snack
Dinner: shrimp and cabbage apple slaw
I need to go to the grocery store too.
I am happy to report that I am DOWN anothe pound for a total of 28.5. I'm doing the Happy Dance again:
1.5lbs until I can put on another reward ring. 7.5lbs until I reach my goal for the round. 8lbs until I'm out of the 220's.
I was supposed to go out last night, and could have. But I don't think that I am ready to put myself in the environment where temptation is around me. I've worked so hard to get where I am right now.
Today is Superbowl Sunday. The Fire Department always has a huge party. Again, I'm not sure I want to be tempted. I know that they will not have any options for food. But I really do want to go and see everyone. Choices.........
We'll see as the day goes on. I think I will still hit the beach...unless it rains.
Menu for the day:
Snack: orange
Walking
Lunch: roast beef lettuce wraps, asparagus
Snack
Dinner: shrimp and cabbage apple slaw
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Still Going Down
Well, it's Saturday, February 4th 2011. I'm up at 50 for some unknow reason, same as yesterday. I've logged my sleep pattern for my doctor. I'm just going to have to take something tonight.
I did, however, wake up to a .5lb loss, yay! As long as the scale keeps heading in the downward direction, I am happy. This brings my total loss to 27 1/2 pounds in 26 days. I'm certainly not complaining.
Lot's of running to do today. My sons car is still not fixed. So I have to take him to work. Then scramble to find $1500 to pay for the bill. Stress. I can't believe he leaves in 10 days (more stress). But we'll get over this hump. I really need to start planning for the trip to see him graduate in April. From the diets perspective, I should be in Phase 4 by then. When I return, I will probably do another round. I already have money put aside for it.
I have some things to do around the house today. I might get some jewelry work done.
I've been having some trouble with modifying the times of my supplements. I spoke to a nutritionist and they told me that the best time to take my multivitamin and minerals is before I go to bed. The reason: When you go to sleep, your body will absorb and distribute your vitamins all through the night, and they will have a chance to stay in the body. If you take them in the morning, or during the day, you will most likely expell most of the vitamins. Especially on this diet, due to the fact that you are drinking so much water and flushing out the fat. So my new regiment will be vitamins at night. I just hope that the vitamins don't keep me from sleeping any less than I am right now.
Menu for the day:
Snack: protein juice
Snack: Orange
Went for a short walk with the dog and then did 20 minutes on the elliptical machine (we'll see what the loss is in the am)
Lunch: roast beef, warm apple, cabbage onion slaw (1/2 apple)
Dinner: chicken, spinach, chard soup
Snack: 1/2 apple baked with cinnamon
I did, however, wake up to a .5lb loss, yay! As long as the scale keeps heading in the downward direction, I am happy. This brings my total loss to 27 1/2 pounds in 26 days. I'm certainly not complaining.
Lot's of running to do today. My sons car is still not fixed. So I have to take him to work. Then scramble to find $1500 to pay for the bill. Stress. I can't believe he leaves in 10 days (more stress). But we'll get over this hump. I really need to start planning for the trip to see him graduate in April. From the diets perspective, I should be in Phase 4 by then. When I return, I will probably do another round. I already have money put aside for it.
I have some things to do around the house today. I might get some jewelry work done.
I've been having some trouble with modifying the times of my supplements. I spoke to a nutritionist and they told me that the best time to take my multivitamin and minerals is before I go to bed. The reason: When you go to sleep, your body will absorb and distribute your vitamins all through the night, and they will have a chance to stay in the body. If you take them in the morning, or during the day, you will most likely expell most of the vitamins. Especially on this diet, due to the fact that you are drinking so much water and flushing out the fat. So my new regiment will be vitamins at night. I just hope that the vitamins don't keep me from sleeping any less than I am right now.
Menu for the day:
Snack: protein juice
Snack: Orange
Went for a short walk with the dog and then did 20 minutes on the elliptical machine (we'll see what the loss is in the am)
Lunch: roast beef, warm apple, cabbage onion slaw (1/2 apple)
Dinner: chicken, spinach, chard soup
Snack: 1/2 apple baked with cinnamon
Friday, February 3, 2012
What a Feeling!
Yay! for me. I am happy to report that I have lost all of those unexplainable 4 pounds that I gained 3 days ago. PLUS an additional pound. 250's gone, 240's gone, 230's gone. Day 26 of Round 1 Phase 2 of the HCg Diet and I am down 27 pounds. Only 3 pounds away from my secon mini-goal of 30lbs. Can't wait to put on that second ring. 16 days left of VLCD and 9 pounds to reach my round goal. So if I lose a little over .5lbs a day, I should hit it. Wooohoooo!
I'm stressing little bit because my schedule will be different today. I have to teach a class so my normal work hours will be different. 10am to 6pm. Which means I will have to take my lunch with me. I'm really not sure if I'm ready to try to eat on protocol at a restaurant. I know that I will be invited to lunch. I will pack some roast beef wraps and a fruit. Depending on where they decide to go. I will go with and take my lunch or try to stay POP.
We'll see how this day pans out!
Well I ended up eating with the guys in the cafeteria. Luckily, They had a grilled chicken salad. But I had basalmic vinegar and that is not on protocol. Hopefully it wont affect me negatively.
Think I'll do shrimp and spinach for dinner.
Well I ended up eating with the guys in the cafeteria. Luckily, They had a grilled chicken salad. But I had basalmic vinegar and that is not on protocol. Hopefully it wont affect me negatively.
Think I'll do shrimp and spinach for dinner.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Back Down the Hill Again!
Good morning, It is February 2nd and I am happy to report that I am down 2.6lbs today. That, plus the .9lb loss from yesterday has be almost back to the weight before the mysterious 4 pound gain on Jan 31st. yes it is good that the scale is moving downward, but I feel like I have lost 3 days of "losing" trying to get those 4lbs off again. My end date is February 19th and I am so afraid that I will not reach my personal goal.
I have decided not to work out for the rest of the week. I think that working out, is causing my muscles to retain water to repair themselves. Another experiment.
I will just keep moving forward.
I have decided not to work out for the rest of the week. I think that working out, is causing my muscles to retain water to repair themselves. Another experiment.
I will just keep moving forward.
Today is a busy day, up early. Not really enough sleep. (I need to log that for the doctor). My sons car is in disrepair. 8am to one shop, then to the second shop, then take him to work (30min away, in rush hour traffic, then to the grocery store, then home, orders need to go out and then I have to go to work at 2. Need to eat a fruit early.
I have a little bit of a headache this am, but it feels like it's muscular. Otherwise know as a "crick in my neck".
I was invited to join a Facebook Group dedicated to HCGers with thyroid issues. I've also ordered some CLA, great fat burning and muscle sparing supplement. my only concern is that it is slightly fatty and I'm not sure if it will affect the diet. Must talk to the dr about that.
Not sure what's on the menu for today. And I promise that I will add more recipes. I'm going to add more pages so that the recipe section is more user friendly.
Back from my running around. Been on the road since 7:30 this morning and all over the county. I'm not feeling up to snuff today, not sure why. There is a bug going around work, maybe the new meds, maybe little sleep. I just feel off.
Got my groceries and here is todays menu
Lunch: roast beef lettuce wrap
Snack: apple
Dinner: grilled chicken w hot cabbage apple claw, wasa
Contemplating staying home from work this afternoon. Just not sure yet.
Hopefully tomorrow, I will have lost that extra .5 lb plus and get back in the 220's.
***The tab on my sons car repair is $1,500. aaaack. There's some more stress.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Still Reeling
I woke up this morning, still reeling from the 4 lb gain yesterday. I suppose that I was hoping for a miraculous loss this morning. Hoping it was a dream, but no. I am, however, back down 1 lb from yesterday.
Today is the first day of taking my thyroid medication. I know it takes time to get in your system. I will be patient with that. I have had to change my routine slightly. I normally wake up, take my shot, make my coffee and take my vitamins. But you cannot take vitamins, minerals, calcium within 4 hours of taking the medication. So I will no have to take my vitamins at lunchtime.
I'm hoping that the combination, in the end, will not have my weight fluctuating so much.
But I will perservere and try to stay positive and move forward. I must remember to keep track of my sleep patterns for the doctor too.
I had been working out everyday, so I am going to try not to work out for the next couple of days and see what happens.
The menu for the day....
Snack: baked apple crisp using 1/2 apple (recipe on the recipe page)
Lunch: Steak, 1/2 apple, onion cabbage salad (cooked)
Snack: Orange
Dinner: Fish and asparagus pocket. (see recipe)
I need to hit the grocery store in the morning......running out of fruits and veggies.
Today is the first day of taking my thyroid medication. I know it takes time to get in your system. I will be patient with that. I have had to change my routine slightly. I normally wake up, take my shot, make my coffee and take my vitamins. But you cannot take vitamins, minerals, calcium within 4 hours of taking the medication. So I will no have to take my vitamins at lunchtime.
I'm hoping that the combination, in the end, will not have my weight fluctuating so much.
But I will perservere and try to stay positive and move forward. I must remember to keep track of my sleep patterns for the doctor too.
I had been working out everyday, so I am going to try not to work out for the next couple of days and see what happens.
The menu for the day....
Snack: baked apple crisp using 1/2 apple (recipe on the recipe page)
Lunch: Steak, 1/2 apple, onion cabbage salad (cooked)
Snack: Orange
Dinner: Fish and asparagus pocket. (see recipe)
I need to hit the grocery store in the morning......running out of fruits and veggies.
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