Round 2 Phase 2 Day 13

Day 13 of round 2. Up early again. Not feeling too bad after yesterdays surgery. Face is a little sore and I'm still restricted to soft foods. I'll probably break down and have some eggs this morning. Maybe yogurt for lunch.

Let's see what the scale says today~~~~~~~~

I have a very long to-do list today. I swill fit in some exercise today. Probably my elliptical machine.

I am getting close to my goal for this round. So far, I am down17.3 pounds. My goal was 21lbs in 21 days. So I have 11 days to lose 2.7 lbs. Ummm. I think I can get there.  My bigger goal was to get to 190, I'm not sure I can do that. But I'm certainly going to try. I'm only 3.6lbs to ONEderland, a term we use when getting out of the 200's.

Today I am going to go look for some new tops. Happily, I am swimming in my current wardrobe. I am waiting until next weekend to buy some new pants. But will look for tops today.

I'm slightly worried about clothes when I reach my final goal. I love clothes, but have never been a clothes horse because shopping has always been a painful and frustrating experience for me. Having to shop at specialty stores for somewhat fashionable clothes. The big stores carry plus sizes, but most of them are grandma looking clothes. Wow, I can't believe I just said that. I AM a grandmas, but certainly don't feel like one.

My wallet better be careful when I reach goal. I am going to do some damage. AND frankly, I can't wait.

I secretly would love to go on that show What Not To Wear, so I can have Stacy and Clinton teach me how to dress. For so many years now, I have shrouded myself in my clothing. Elastic waist pants, big flowy unfitted tops. Never wanting anyone to see evidence of my multiple muffin tops and back boobs.

I will research the best types of clothing for my body type, maybe I'll even write to that show and nominate myself for a makeover.

I have an odd body shape. Thinner legs, no hips, very little ass,  in comparison to my gut. So when I by pants that fit my waist, I have yards of fabric left on my hips and butt. I'm built like my mom with a broad back. (even when I was thinner). I'm short and slightly sway back.

According to this, I am definitely an apple.

I also would like to have a professional help me with my makeup. You see, I have a birthmark on my eye, it is called a mongolian spot. It has a greenish tint, like a bruise, and I have a difficult time covering it up.

Hcg Diet Round 2 Phase 2 Day 12

Good early morning folks. I'm halfway through my first short round. I'm feeling pretty good. Today I am having my oral surgery to have a tooth extracted. I don't ususally eat my lunch until around 12:30, but my surgery is scheduled for 12:45. I will definitely need to eat a meal before I go. I'm sure that it will be liquid the rest of the day.

Adapt and overcome.

It will be an early morning walk for me. Then off to the store to buy groceries. I need to take some full body progress photos soon.

I've been playing with this program online. It's a virtual makeup and hairstyle program. You upload a photo of your face and try out different hairstyles and makeup. Super cool. Check out what I look like as a blond. 

I just may have to go for it when I reach my goal.

Here's the link...go have some fun

I don't have my menu for the day yet.....be back later!

Menu

Walk 5 miles

Shake

Lunch: roast beef lettuce wraps

Surgery

Dinner: spinach and beef soup (pureed)

Very low calories today.

I ended up having to take some the the prescribed pain medication for my mouth, killed my appetite.

We'll see if it messed up the scale for tomorrow

HCG Progress Photos

I decided to take a picture this morning and do some comparisons.....Tell me what ya think.

Phase 2 Day 11

Good morning. It's 530 am and sleep has eluded me once again. I literally tossed and turned all night. I have a doctors appointment this monring and an going to have to discuss this again with my physician.
Lack of sleep cannot be good for the diet or my general health.

There probably will not be a workout today, timing. Doctors appt at 10 and other little errands that need to be taken care of. Then work from 230-1030pm. My brother is going to stay with me tonight, (he has a job here in Miami that he's doing) so I need to make sure I have some NON hcg diet food for him to eat and something other than water for him to drink.

I need to work on my testimonial for my doctor. She's been asking for it.

Time to hit the scale~~~~~~Todays weight 204.7 That's a loss of 2.3 today and 16.1 for this round. And my total loss......................51.3 pounds gone, buh bye. I did it. I passed the 50 pound mark.

wooohooooo

Can you believe it? I am in shock (not really, cause I'm working hard, but hot dayum!

I knew that I was getting close and decided to purchase a little reward for myself.



okay so I bought three little rewards, but I worked very hard and I deserve them.

(can't wait until they arrive)

Home from the doctors and errands, but then while eating lunch, broke a tooth. Off to the dentist. 2 1/2 hours later, he said I had to see an oral surgeon. Really?!? Tomorrow I will have oral surgery at 12:45. I need to make sure that I eat something before I go. I'm sure I won't be eating afterwards.

Might have to supplement with a protein shake tomorrow.

Todays Menu

Lunch: shrimp over a bed of lettuce (only ate about 1/3 because my took broke while eating it)

Snack: Protein shake (trying to make up for lost protein at lunch)

Dinner: Meatballs and spinach

Support System

I just wanted to touch on the importance of a good support system while doing this diet, or any diet for that matter.

When I first told my friends and family that I was doing the HCG diet, I was met with quite a bit of resistance. I got the typical oooh be careful and 500 cals is so little. yadda yadda yadda. But when the pounds started dropping off and they saw that I had energy and starting dropping pounds like crazy, they were all on board.

The majority of my co-workers have been unbelievably supportive. Yes, there are some "haters", mostly from those who lack the self-control or willpower to take on such an extreme weightloss program. I'm really not interested in their opinions any way.

Those that support me, have called nicknamed me skinny, they encourage me and give me compliments. Yesterday as I was walking into work infront of a coworker. She said "damn Tammi, what size are those jeans, cause they look awfully tiny" That evening, another coworker said "OMG Tammi, you are getting so skinny, I didn't even recognize you from behind". Please note, I am far from skinny, but compared to my 256 lbs, I am "skinnier". Things like that are what I look back on and repeat in my head whenever I have a weak moment.

My other great support system are the Forum and Facebook Pages I belong to. I don't know these folks personally, but I can always count on a pat on the back, words of encouragement and alot of cheerleading!

Pooh Pooh to all the naysayers. I have learned to let their negative comments roll off my back. The proof is in the pudding. 50lbs~~~~gone. 4 jeans sizes~~~~~~gone

Stick that in your hater head.

So my advice is to surround yourself with positive, encouraging people. It will really help you to attain your goals.

Round 2 Day 10

I'm up too early but ready to face the day. It's Round 2 Phase 2 Day 10, almost halfway through this round. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow and am excited to share my progress.

Todays weight~~~

I will be going walking at daybreak. (I would go now, but the park doesn't open until sunrise) I feel a good hard, long walk coming on. I was able to get my sons IPOD working, so I will have musical motivation. Then errands, then work for 1/2 day.

Tomorrow I am scheduled for a colonoscopy/endoscopy. Not to fret, no result of the diet. I had a bout with stomach cancer a few years ago and this is part of my routine yearly diagnostic testing. Fingers crossed on clean results.

Menu for the Day-

Snack: orange
Walk
Post workout shake
Lunch: roast beef lettuce wraps and cucumbers
Snack: Veal steak with cabbage

Epiphany

Good Morning....too early. Up again at 4:30. I really have to get this sleep thing under control. It's day 10 of my second phase of the HCG Diet. I am almost halfway through my short round.

I started this journey wearing a size 22 jeans. Last week, I donated a large bag of jeans that no longer fit. One of my coworkers handed me down some size 14's, and I'm thinking, yeah right, these aren't going to fit. Well yesterday, I wore them to work.

Yesterday evening I had an epiphany. I realized that my initial goal was to lose 96 lbs and or get into a size 8, whichever came first. I have lost half of the weight, and gone down half of the jeans sizes.

I plan on finishing this round, doing 3 weeks of phase 3, then doing another short round. This will make my last vlcd day on May 27th. I will then do phase 3 for 6 weeks. If I have not reached my goal by then, I will most likely continue to try to lose weight on my own. I don't anticipate using HCG as a quick fix for the rest of my life.

After that, I plan on following the paleo diet lifestyle. I have learned about foods that my body is sensitive to.

HCG Diet Round 2 Phase 2 Day 9

Good morning folks! It's a new day!

Yesterday I was having a bit of an emotioal day. If you've read my earlier posts, you will know that my son left for Air Force Basic Training on February 14th. It has been an emotional rollercoaster. I miss him dearly and only get to talk to him 1 day a week. This week, Sunday, I missed his call. I was devastated. I pretty much have my cell phone attached at the hip. I went outside to fill my animals water trough and in those 5 minutes, missed his call. I couldn't even sleep. I was upset with myself and worried that he would be upset that I had missed it.

But last night, I got a glimpse of him at his military training.

It really made my day to see this photo. I will be attending his graduation on April 12th in San Antonio and am so excited to see him.

Another positive thing happened. I see myself in the mirror everyday. I know that I have lost weight, the scale says it, my clothes say it. But I just don't see the dramatic nature of it.

Yesterday when I went to work. A Chief, whom I hadn't seen for a long while, asked me "When is the rest of you coming to work?" That really made me feel good. To have someone notice. What a motivation for me.

I have been trying not to have my photo taken and I avoid social events with alot of people. I want to "Make an entrance" so to speak. And again, if you have read my posts from the beginning of my journey, you'll know that I have some scores to settle, some revenge to see and some karma to dole out. wink wink. I cant wait.

Now, on to today. I have a lot of little things to do around the house. Not sure what workout I will do today. I may try my new 10 minute trainer video.

It's early and I haven't decided the menu for the day. I'll be back later to let ya'll know. I do need to write a testimonial for my doctor. She's been instumental in the success of my weightloss journey.

Today I got out in the yard and mowed. did a bunch of domestic duties.

Menu

Lunch: Beef and onion fajita salad with fresh salsa

Snack: strawberries

Dinner: Tilapia and spiced cabbage

Snack: Apple

Round 2 Phase 2 Day 8 HCG Diet

Good morning folks. Today is day 8 of round 2 1/3 of the way through this round. After yesterdays seafood festival, I am really fretting about getting on the scale this am. After all the salt in the food I am worried about water weight. I even ate 1/2 a cantaloupe last night with the hopes that it would help me rid my body of the sodium.

This morning, I will walk (alot) in order to sweat some more out. I am a little upset though. My ipod is not working and music is what pumps me up on my walks. I guess I am going to have to invest in another one. I'm not sure what my son did with his. I would use it. I just looked in his room and found 2 of his Ipods...yay. Luckily we like the same music. Hopefully I can get them charged a little bit before I go walking.

Off to the store today to get some more veggies.

Do you see how I am puting off getting on the scale. Horrible isn't it. As if waiting another 20 minutes is going to miraculously help me drop a couple of pounds.

Okay...here we go! Drumroll please..........................................

OMG. I am down 3.3 lbs today. Hot diggity damn. I literally was doing the Happy Dance

Not sure if it was the cantaloupe, but I'll take it! Wooohooooo!

I can exhale now. It's gonna be a good day. Now if you have followed my blog from the beginning, you will know that I purchased some rings. Simple thin bands with different colored gemstones. I bought 4 of them and told myself that I would use them as rewards for my weightloss.

1 band for every 15 lbs lost. Well......with todays weightloss, I am proud to say that I have just placed ring #3 on my finger. I am clearly on my way of putting #4 on.

So here are my stats so far.

Beginning Weight: 256

Current Weight: 208.0

Total Loss: 48.1

Loss this round: Day 8 and down 12.8lbs

Round 2 Phase 2 Day 7

It's Sunday Morning and I am not feeling so well. Nothing diet related, feels like a head cold. Ruined my plans last night. And yesterday I really didn't feel like doing much. Even fell asleep watching TV.
I am supposed to go to a seafood festival today. Not sure if I'm feeling it. I'm going to attempt to do my walk this am, but it will probably be a short one.

I ended up taking some NyQuil last night and hope that the sugar and alcohol in it doesn't affect the scale this morning.


I have tried something a little different this round in order to keep me "moving". I have been making sure that my lunch meal consists of a large salad with my protein. I am also taking magnesium supplements twice a day. It seems to be working.

I'm not sure what the menu of the day will be. I know I will be having a shake after I walk, but if I go to the seafood festival, I will have to make wise choices. I think this is part of the reason why I may not go. Wish me luck.

Todays weigh in~~~~~~211.3 a loss of .3. slow going this round

Menu

Shake
Conch salad
shrimp


rough day at the seafood festival. Hard to have different proteins when it's all seafood. My only other option was grilled chicken wings. I picked the lesser of two evils.

My calories were 550. So not bad.

Mirror Mirror on The Wall

I thought I would touch on a subject that I have seen in my forums lately. The one comment that struck a chord with me was "When will the minds eye catch up to what you see in the mirror"

I know that I suffer from this. When I look in the mirror, I still see a 256lb Tammi. I know that I have lost weight (the scale tells me that). I know that I have lost inches (the large bag on 22's., 20's and 18 pants tell me this). But why, when I look in the mirror do I still see the "fatter" me?

Maybe it's because I see myself everyday in the mirror and the minor daily changes just arent obvious.

I know that when I look at my progress photos that there is a definite change. Perhaps I should focus on those instead of the mirror.

My coworkers see the change and tell me so (they are extremely supportive, except for the few haters who are just jealous of my success)

I think that I will put my progress photos on the mirror where I check myself everyday. I think this may help me to change the way my mind sees me in the mirror.

Round 2 Phase 2 Day 6

The scale continues to move downward... I was hoping for bigger losses this round. I lost 2.6 lbs this morning. For a total of 9.1lbs this round.  On day 6 of round 1, I had already lost almost 13lbs. Hopefully, the inches will come off quickly this time too.

This brings me to another sore spot. When you start out this diet weighing as much as I did (256lbs) and begin losing weight, it seems that the appearance of weight loss is much less and the drop in clothing size is much slower. I look on some of the forums, and people who started at say, 180, and lose 42 lbs, drastically reduce their clothing size. I, however, have only lost 3 dress sizes. Yes, it is all relative I know. But frustrating none the less. I am hoping that, as I lose weight on this round, that I will see a more dramatic change in inches and clothing size.

I set a weight goal of 190 on this round. But as the losses slow, i will be happy if I can get to ONEderland. (out of the 200's).

As much as it pains me to say, but I think that I may be working out way to hard. I am going to try (the operative word being try) to cut back on my exercise a little. Maybe 3 miles instead of 5 or 6.
I recieved my 10 minute trainer videos and I will try one of those today. I just want my underlying muscles to stay toned so that when all the fat eventually comes off, BAM. A slamming body.

I just think that I may be pushing it a little too hard. I also need to switch it up a bit. I have been walking as my primary form of cardio. The wind has died down here quite a bit, so riding my bike will be on the rotation. I also have, as I'm sure many of us do, various and sundry exercise videos.

I have a Tae Bo, belly dancing, some other dancing videos, now the 10 minute trainer. My friend just got the kettleworx videos and he is going to attempt to make copies for me or let be borrow them here and again.

On the agenda today, is a lot of housework and organizing. I may go out tonight to see my friends band play. It will be tempting, but Perrier and lime has become my friend.

Tomorrow is the seafood festival at the beautiful Deering Estate. We will be there through lunch and dinner. You can't take food in, but there is plenty of doable food choices. But it will be hard to pass up the beer wagons....aack! wouldnt beer flavored stevia be the bomb!  lol

Menu for the day

Lunch: Steak and onion fajita on a bed of lettuce with fresh salsa, melba toast
Snack: strawberries
Dinner: Tilapia with roasted asparagus
Snack: Apple

I have made a list of "Must Haves" while doing the HCG protocal:

A digital food scale
A digital body scale (I purchased one that shows your body fat weight, body fat percentage, water weight percentage and bone mass percentage)
Divided food storage containers (freezer and microwave safe) for preparing meals ahead of time
Spices....tons and tons of spices, every variety, (read the labels to make sure there is no added sugar)
Liquid Stevia in as many flavors as you can find
Photos-take before, during and after photos.
A tape measure-you woun't always lose pound, but you will lose inches, keep track of them.




To be continued......................

Day 5

Good morning. I'm down 1.5lbs, which only negates the gain yesterday. I'm kinda frustrated. I should be losing. When I gain and then lose, I feel like I have lost a day. But I shall move forward.

I did have an enlightening moment yesterday. I decided to pull out the sewing machine and take in a few things that were too big. After trying on every pair of jeans in my closet, most were way to big to be altered. So I ended up with a big black garbage bag full of close to be taken to goodwill. YAY!

22's gone, 20's gone, 18's gone. some 16's fit others could be taken in. And yesterday, I wore a pair of 15's (don't even know where I got those) to work. wooohoooo. One of my coworkers recently lost a few pounds and brought me 5 pairs of 14 jeans. I will fit into them come hell or high water.

My overall goal size is an 8. I haven't been in a single digit in 30+ years. Maybe it's a lofty goal, but I am aiming high! I have the jeans hanging on the outside of my closet. (along with the bathing suit that I will wear this summer.

I really need to stop letting the scale rule my day. It is just a tool. I don't even really care what my end weight is. I am more about body composition and size. Heck, at 174 I was wearing a size 12. i just want to really feel comfortable in my own skin. I'm 50 years old. I am not out to look like a model (I'm too short anyway)

Someone posted a great video on not worshiping the scale.

On that note, I am going to get ready to hit the trails for my walk. Feeling good this am. I actually got more sleep than usual. Walked 5.5 miles

Haven't even thought about the menu for the day. I'll be back later to post it.

Menu for the day

Lunch: beef and onion fajita on a bed of shredded lettuce with fresh salsa

Snack: strawberries

Dinner: Shrimp with brussel sprouts

Snack: apple

Round 2 Phase 2 Day 4 and the Scale went UP

Sigh....I knew it was bound to happen at some point. But not so quickly.

I stepped on the scale this morning and I'm up 1.5lbs. On protocal. No explanation. I will just wait it out.
It's just frustrating to stay on the program and see the scale move up. I know that I shouldn't obsess with the scale. There are so many factors that can make your weight fluctuate during the program. Working out too hard, too much salt, not enough water, not enough calories, stress, sleeplessness. All of these contribute to how we hold on to weight.

I'm chilling today. No workout, nothing stressful. Just a few things around the house. 

Menu for the day

Breakfast 1 egg 3 egg whites scrambled
Lunch: Roast beef lettuce wraps and kale chips
Dinner,: shrimp
snack. protein shake (isopure, water, chocolate stevia (off protocol)

Round 2 Phase 2 Day 3

Good morning. Finally got a little more sleep than I had been. Which is a good thing. Wasn't feeling as tired yesterday at work. From here on out it should be easy peasy. I am following more the 800 calorie plan this time, because I am working out. Fortunately or unfortunately, I am a researcher at heart. I know that with the advances in Nutritional Sciences, there is proof that eating too little will cause you to hold on to weight. I know that eating all day, or grazing is better for you than 3 meals a day. I am doing another experiment. I have also read that eating a slow digesting protein in the evening will keep the calorie burning furnace going.

Another thing I found is that, if I make one of my meals a salad, meaning, having my protein on a big bed of lettuce or shredded cabbage, it keeps my digestion moving and my BM's a little easier and more frequent.


Let's see what the scale says this am:

I'm going for a walk this morning.


Menu for the day

Snack: orange
Workout: walking
Snack: Shake
Lunch: shrimp salad
Snack:
Dinner: meatballs and brussel sprouts

Sleepless Nights on Phase 2

Here we go again. A recurring theme in phase 2 of the hcg diet. I can't sleep. I'm not sure why this happens. You would think that walking 5 miles would tire me out. Nope. This happened in round 1 also. I don't know if its the B12 in the injections or not. But I know that lack of sleep can affect your losses. maybe I drink coffee too late. Maybe it's the prescribed appetite suppressant. Whatever the cause, I need to find a solution. I don't mind waking up early, but, the fact that I work until 11, makes it rough when about 8pm comes along. I have RX sleep aids, but if I take it, then don't get enough sleep, I feel like I have a hangover. sheess.

We'll see what the scale says this morning. I'm hoping to have, at least, released all of my load weight.

I need to mow the front yard this morning. Maybe cut a few more branches before they come to haul off the massive pile in the front.

Back to work today. 1st day back on Phase 2 (VLCD). There are so many temptations at work. I just keep saying to myself.....

I AM WORTH IT AND

THE ONLY ONE CHEATING HURTS IS ME!

So here's what the scale says this morning~~~~drumroll please!

R2P2D2 down~~~2.4 for a total of 6 this round.

Menu for the day:

Mow yard

Shake

Lunch shrimp & roasted asparagus

Snack: orange

Dinner: Meatballs and brussel sprouts

snack: apple

HCG Diet Round 2, Phase 2, Day 1

Well, it's officially day one of phase 2. I've done 1 full day of VLCD and wondering what the scale will say this morning. I was kind of tired yesterday, but that could be a combination of things. I didn't sleep well night before last, I walked 5.67 miles, the VLCD and the injections.

I'm up this am at 4:30. Here we go again. After my loading days where I felt completely nauseous. I am feeling "lighter". I probably spent more time in the bathroom over the last 48 hours than I will in the next 3 weeks.

It's raining, so I'm not sure of a walk today. But I will do the elliptical machine if nothing else. I ordered 10 minute trainer yesterday and can't wait until I get that. I just happened to be looking through my dvds yesterday for a movie to watch and found my tae bo and core dance training videos. I might have to try one of those. I'll just push the coffee table aside and get to work.

I also have some general housecleaning to do around here before going to work at 2pm.

let's get this weigh in going: R2P2D1~~~~216.9  down 3.6 from load weight.

Menu for the day:

am: coffee
Workout: walked 4.96 miles, 10,503 steps
Post workout shake
Lunch: fajita salad (roast beef, onion, fajita seasoning, lettuce/tomato)
Snack: apple
Dinner: tilapia and cabbage

Feeling really tired today. Thinking that I may need to cut back on the walking a little bit.  I need to head to whole foods for some additional supplies.

Round 2 Phase 2~~ Here We Go!

R1P2D0- It's finally here. After a 2 days of eating crap and feeling the same, I have never been more anxious to begin the VLCD (very low calorie diet) phase of the protocol.

I suffered some pretty serious stomach issues after the two days of loading. My stomach sounds like the sound track from Juraissic Park Once again, my fingers feel like sausages and spent more than my fair share of time in the bathroom. (which continues on this morning) Worse than that, I just feel like crap, sluggish, bloated, puffy, foggy. I don't like it.

I am very ready to start this.

My offical weight is 220.5, so I gained 6 lbs on the load****. aaaaaccck. Let's see if the 2 day load works any better than the 1 day.

*****I have been working very hard in the yard for the last 3 days, heavy lifting and such. Part of this load weight might possibly be muscle.

I will be walking today and haven't quite decided the menu.

Snack: 1/2 grapefruit
Workout~~Walked 5.67 miles 12, 016 steps
Post workout: protein shake (powder, water, stevia)
Lunch: roast beef lettuce wraps
Snack: apple
Dinner:shrimp and asparagus

2nd Loading Day

Good morning. It's early. After leaving work early last night with an upset stomach, I was asleep early last night. I felt rotten. Amazing how totally awful my body felt after eating yesterday.  A Wendy's hamburger didn't use to be a problem for me. ugh! And I really did eat that tempura until it was at the top of my esophagus. I couldn't even imagine eating that entire meal.

My fingers look like vienna sausages from all the salt and chemicals and my stomach feels like there is a giant rock inside it. Not good. Hoping my coffee with make it pass (no pun intended).

We'll see what the scale says this morning. I'm not even going to get on the scale. I'll do it tomorrow morning.

I hve more yard cuttings to schlep to the front of the house this morning. I'm hoping some of the salt and water retention will take a hike when I do it.

Me and my BFF are heading to the Black Point Marina Ocean Grill for a late lunch- early dinner around 3pm. I have been wanting some conch fritters. We'll be getting apps and some frozen fruity drinks and sit by the water. We both definitely need a chill day.

But to be honest.....I can't wait for tomorrow. I don't like eating like this or in this quantity anymore.

well, my BFF backed out on me for today. I'm kinda pissed. I should have made plan B. But I didn't
I worked for about 4 hours in the yard.
I went to the grocery store and got a couple of things for P2, but bought some coconut shrim and crab cakes. I'll  have those for lunch. I bought some sausage (a weakness) to make sausage and eggs for dinner. And a pint of Ben and Jerrys Cherry Garcia for dessert.

I've already eaten some egg salad and a protein shake. I know. Not a huge load, but more than I can physically tolerate right now.

I'm going to go lay in the sun with a homemade marguerita and my coconut shrimp!

Round 2 Here We Go

I've decided to start loading today. I'm going to do a 2 day load and see what happens with my losses. The first round, my doctor only had me load 1 day, but every where I look  I see 2 to 3. So I'm going to do the 2. Light load today and heavy load tomorrow. Sunday I will start VLCD. Hoping to hit 20lbs by the end of Rouond 2 Phase 2.

I need to do more work in the yard, but it has rained all night. It will be a mess with everything wet. But it needs to get done.

i was going to go get my haircut, but I think I will wait until the week before I go see my son graduate. I'm also waiting until the last minute to buy some new clothes.

It is early. My weight is up 1 lb (However, I have been working out very hard) Hoping that the extra weight is muscle and will assist in calorie burning for this round. My plan is to do Light weights 3 days a week and walking the other 4. We'll see how it pans out.

Haven't decided what to load on today. I'll be back later to fill you in.

Okay so for breakfast, I had 2 slices of cauliflower pizza loaded with extra turkey pepperoni and mozzarella cheese.
For lunch I had a baconator hamburger from Wendy's (minus the bun) large fried (the dogs ate half of those) and a root beer float.
Snack: gouda cheese and 1/2 avocado with olive oil and lemon juice.
Dinner: I was working and ordered from my favorite Japanese Restaurant, I had seafood and vegetable tempura. Shrimp, crab, scallop, fish and broccoli, sweet potatoe and asparagus. I almost ate all of it. Had a little help from a coworker. The meal came with rice and a salad, which I gave to my chief. I couldn't even fit it in.

I can even imagine the amount of calories that I consumed yesterday.

I got so nauseous about an hour later, and sleepy as hell. I ended up leaving work. Nasty.

Loading was definitely not as fun this time as it was the first time.

We'll see what the scale says in the morning.

HCG Diet Phase 3 Day 22

Good Morning folks. It's Thursday, day 22 of Phase 3 on my hcg journey. I'm getting very excited to start Round 2. I have decided that I am going to do a 1 1/2 day load. I will start tomorrow evening with dinner. My doctor only recommends a 1 day load. But I had a very hard time on my first load eating enough. So I will start it a little early. (experimental). I have read in most forums and facebook pages, that people are doing 2-3 day loads. The theory is, the better you load, the better you lose. So I will modify slightly and see what my results will be.

I have been able to maintain my weight during P3 (albeit well below LDW) but still consistant.
Today I am 4.2 below, However...I am feeling like I have some water retention and the water % on the scale reflects that too.

It's going to be hard work in the yard this morning. I have alot of cutting down to do. So no "formal" exercise today, but I'm sure I bill burn up some cals.

Menu for the day
Breakfast: 1 whole egg, 3 egg whites and cheddar
Snack: protein shake
Lunch: Chicken, avocado, apple salad, walnut salad on lettuce
Sanck:
Dinner Salmon and summer squash
Snack:

Phase 3 Day 21

Happy Hump Day!

It's Wednesday March 14th. I actually got a decent nights sleep. Yay! for me.

Almost done with my coffee and the sun is starting to rise. I will be hitting the trails shortly. I have really started to enjoy my walks. Now when I say walks, I'm not talking about a leisurely stroll. I am damn near racewalking. I make sure that I have super, upbeat music playing on the ipod. I've got pretty good rhythm and tend to walk at the tempo of the music. Really helps alot. great club music or hard rock and roll. Certainly keeps me motivated.

I think I am going to go to a different park this morning, just for a change of scenery. I just may try different parks over the course of the weeks.

I will be starting Phase 3 on Sunday and know that I will have to cut my walks down a bit because of the VLCD (very low calorie diet) But I will continue to walk. Too many other benefits besides burning calories. Walking is ME time. I clear my head, sweat out the days troubles, it forces me to breathe deep and take in so much oxygen. It gets the endorphines going and lightens my mood. So, I won't stop, but I will slow down a bit.

Can you tell I'm excited to start Phase 2 again. I am determined to get to ONEderland. I haven't been under 200 lbs in about 9 years. I'm only 13.1 lbs away. Plus I want to surprise my son. His graduation from Basic Military Training is April 12th. I've lost an additional 11 lbs since he left and hope to lose 20 more before I see him. He's been real supportive of my weightloss journey. I want to make him proud along with myself.

So I'm off to walk. Will post the menu after a bit.

Planning Ahead for Round 2 Phase 2

As I stated earlier, I start Phase 2 again in 5 days. I spent and hour or two this morning in the kitchen, prepping for it. I made 11 meals. Various combinations of spinach, cabbage, brussel sprouts and collard greens. For the protein, there is tilapia, shrimp, steak fajita, meatballs and chicken breast.

I put them in the individual containers I just purchased.

They have cooled and are now in the freezer. This will make it alot easier for me when I go to work.

My new plan is to have a salad type lunch everyday. Either over lettuce or spinach. I also found that the angel hair cabbage you can buy in the store makes a great base for a salad. Heartier texture and more nutrients than lettuce.

Phase 3 Day 20

Good morning followers. It is Day 20 of phase 3. Only 4 more days and then I will start Round 2.
I'm feeling a little sore today from Sundays weight training and yesterdays 6.6 mile walk. I think I will let my body rest today. In addition, I haven't been sleeping well. Last night, I took a swig of NyQui. I slept well, but still feel like I have a bit of a medicine hangover. I hope that the alcohol and sugar in the medication doesn't affect me negatively. But I had to do it. The lack of sleep was really catching up to me. Today I am going to spend  in the kitchen, cooking up some meals. I bought some 2 sided freezer/micro storage containers. For the next round, I am going to pre-cook my dinners. I work in the evenings, and I just think it will be easier than getting up and cooking 2 meals.

Right now, I am trying to cook only with P3 allowable foods, so that they will be gone before Sunday. Outta sight, outta mind. If there is anything left on Sunday, my brother will be getting another grocery bag of food.

I've been so obsessed with the diet, that my jewelry making business has taken a back seat. I also have the issue of my son being in Basic Military Training. I secured all my travel, lodging and car rental reservations for the weekend on April 11th-15th. I've timed my rounds so that I will be out there on P3. Much, much easier to eat out.

So now lets go see what the scale says:: 213lbs..that means I am up .5 and still 6.8 below LDW


Todays Menu

Breakfast: protein shake
Snack:
Lunch: Egg and tuna salad over lettuce with avocado dressed with lemon juice and olive oil
Snack: Pear
Dinner: Asian sesame salmon with mock loaded mashed potatoes (mashed cauliflower, butter, cheddar, bacon bits and sour cream
Snack: Fage with strawberries

Phase 3 Day 19

Good morning. It's the beginning of Day 19 in phase 3 of the HCG Diet. 6 more day until I load again for Round 2. I have come to the realization, that phase 3 requires alot more patience than Phase 2. After 42 days of weightloss, the momentum is there, you're seeing results and then BAM, the brakes  get put on for weightloss. Phase 3 is more important than p2, in my opinion. But the waiting...oy.

I am anxious to get back to dropping weight. I am comfortable enough with the protocal. I have tweaked it a bit to work with my own body. I'm hoping to lose another 20+ on the next 21 day round. I am only 13.6lbs from ONEDERLAND (that means out of the 200's).

I should be getting my supplies mid-week.

Yesterday, after I treated myself to a new weight bench, I did some upper body and ab exercises. Not sure how that is going to reflect on the scale today. I also did some very strenuous yardwork.

I am finding it difficult to eat still. I am often having to go back to my intended menu for the day and delete things from my food log. This is not good.

This morning, I am waiting for the sun to rise so I can go for my walk at the park. I am going to take my walking handweights and do at least one pass around the park using those. Hoping to hit 5 miles again this morning. Not really liking the daylight savings time. I don't like that it stays dark in the morning.

Weight for the Day:

Menu for the day

Breakfast: strawberries and string cheese
Walking~~~6.6 miles fast paced
Snack: Protein shake
Lunch: tuna salad with avocado
Snack: Pear and cheddar
Dinner: Boneless pork chop with spinach
Snack: fage and straberries

Working Out and Building Lean Muscle During Phase 3

I've decided that, along with the cardio that I have been doing (race walking, bike riding and elliptical machine) , that I am going to lift some light weights. Strength training is benifical in many ways.

Strength Training: The Benefits

1. Strength training protects bone health and muscle mass. you begin to lose about 1 percent of your bone and muscle strength every year. "One of the best ways to stop, prevent, and even reverse bone and muscle loss is to add strength training

2. Strength training makes you stronger and fitter. Strength training is also called resistance training because it involves strengthening and toning your muscles by contracting them against a resisting force

3. Strength training translates to more calories burned. strength training can boost your metabolism by 15 percent

4. Strength training helps you develop better body mechanics.  Your balance and coordination will improve, as will your posture. More importantly, if you have poor flexibility and balance

5. Strength training plays a role in disease prevention. strength training along with other healthy lifestyle changes can help improve glucose control.

6. Strength training boosts energy levels and improves your mood.  elevate your level of endorphins (natural opiates produced by the brain), which will make you feel great.

It has been proven that the more lean muscle mass you have, the longer and higher your rate of calorie burn.

I will be starting P2 on the 17th. If I have more muscle mass, I should be able to lose more on the VLCD.

Muscles need time to recover, so I will be doing weights on alternate days. Nothing heavy, just light weights for some toning and building.

I treated myself to a new bench today. I already had all the dumbbells, resistance band, weighted bar and kettlebells.

My coworker, who is also a personal trainer, made me a great circuit routine that basically works the entire body in one day. You do 3 rounds of 16 different exercises. 1 minute rest between exercises.  It's very tough, I've done it before and it is very effective.

I will just have to equalize my calories in and calories out while on the rest of phase 3. I may even workout on P2 and supplement the 500 cals with a good protein shake.

Phase 3 Day 18 HCG Diet

My weight this am:

The past couple of days, I haven't really felt like eating. I've pretty much had to force myself to eat, and even then, it was something dense and small with high protein/good fat content.

I've really messed myself up with the sleep thing. Here it is. 3:30 am and I'm up again. Must have been the nap I took yesterday. This is really frustrating. Tonight I feel I am going to need some pharmaceutical support. (wink) And with the time change, it's going to be darker, later this morning so I can't even get out and do the work in the yard that needs to be done. I have 30 bags of mulch to spread. I suppose I will get a few inside chores done, along with a few orders rom my jewelry supply shop. Would love to be able to ride the bike at some point today. I laid out in the sun for a bit yesterday. It was nice to get some color on me. Might do that again today. I could use a haircut, but don't know if my girl will be there today.

Last night I made the most delicious vegetable side dish to go with my dinner.

An eggplant lasagna to hav with my london broil.

1 eggplant, slice 1/4" thick rounds 

1 sm can tomato sauce (no sugar added)

1/2 15oz container of Ricotta Cheese

1 whole egg (beaten)...

 minced garlic

Mrs Dash Garlic & Herb seasoning

Mozzarella cheese (shredded)

1 pkt stevia Mix together sauce and stevia (set aside)

Mix together egg, ricotta, garlic and seasoning

 Layer sauce, eggplant, ricotta mixture (in that order) evenly, until the ingredients are gone

I used a loaf pan....

Bake at 350 for 40 mins, top with shredded mozzarella and continue baking until cheese is melted.

  I'd say it makes 3 servings Enjoy!

The new puppy is acclimating well. And my dog Chowder is accepting her without an issue.

Need to go get a doggie gate some time today. Trying to stay close to home this weekend, as I don't know what she may do when I turn my back....hahahha

Not sure what's on the menu. Haven't woken up my appetite. So nothing sounds good right now. I'm actually looking forward to eatin LESS starting next week.

Okay, then menu for the day

Breakfast: protein shake

Heavy Yardwork

Snack: Cantaloupe and cheese stick

More Heavy Yardwork

Lunch: tuna (solid white albacore in water) and egg salad (2eggs)(made with dukes mayo) on a bed of shredded lettuce, with avocado slices dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

Snack: Pork Cracklings

Dinner: baked salmon with eggplant lasagna

Snack: fage yogurt smoothie w/ strawberries, chocolate stevia and 1 scoop of protein powder

P3 Day 17

Good morning. It's 4am. Yes I know, too early. But yesterday, my days of ineffective sleep finally caught up with me. I taught a class yesterday, battle traffic coming home. I was so exhausted. I ate something quick and layed down to rest, fell asleep at 730pm. Woke up at 330. This is probably going to mess me up today, but I actually got 8 hours of sleep. That hasn't happened in a while. My body just finally gave in.

I'm sipping on warm lemon water right now. I will get some little things done around the house this morning, while waiting for the sun to rise. Then I will be off to the park for a walk. I had to change up my menu yesterday. I wasn't really hungry when I got home, but knew that I needed to eat. I find myself eating all day. Snacking on healthy small high protein snacks.

Let's see what this morning brings on the scale. Well, I am up .2lbs and still 6.9 pounds under lidw. I will weigh after a bit since it's so early. After my walk, I am going to go get my new puppy. Later, I have some bigger chores to tackle.

One more week to reload for round 2. I have a goal of 20 lbs in the next round. (If I can lose more, that would be a bonus).

I need to take some more photos of myself and write a testamonial for my doctor. She is very pleased with my success. I've ordered my supplies for the next round and should have them by Wednesday next week.

I walked 5.23 miles today and it was hot. I really need to start working on some ab exercises. I always shy away from them because crunches and leg lifts hurt my back. I bought a "Bender Ball" and it came with a couple of DVDs. We'll see if that makes a difference with my back.

Menu for the day:
Snack: 1/2 apple
Walk
Lunch: Protein Shake
Snack: Canteloupe and mozz cheese
Dinner: london broil and eggplant lasagna
Snack: shake and some chocolate walnut delight


See...not really eating much

Exercising On Phase 3

The HCG diet protocal recommends that youDO NOT exercise on phase 2 of the diet. There are 2 reasons for this.
1) Even though the hcg hormone is releasing fat to be used by your body for energy, in additon to the 500 calories restriction, you are limited in your protein intake. So you may lose muscle. Or, your body may go into starvation mode and will hold on to every bit of weight for fear that it won't hav enough nourishment. They do allow for a brisk 20 minute walk
2) building muscle can cause water retention, so this can skew your weightloss results.

I did manage to walk quite a bit in P2 and I also used my elliptical machine. But I lowered the ramp and resistance to 1 and kept the pace slow.

I have to admit, that I was chomping at the bit to workout while I was losing weight. But I held off.

Now Phase 3 is a different story. Once I hit day one of Phase 3, I was working out. Mostly cardio with a few strength training and ab exercises. I have progressively increased by workouts. Walking at the park an avery of 4.5-6 miles. Riding my bike or working out on the elliptical machine.

This week I am adding some weights. The premise behind this (and its experimental for me) is that muscle burns more calories than fat. The more lean muscle mass you have, the higher your resting metabolism is. I'm hoping this holds true for the next phase 2.

I'm not talking about bulking up with heavy weights, just light toning weight training.  Once P2 comes along again, I will reduce the weights and continue with the cardio.

I have a variety of equipment at my disposal at home.

An elliptical machine
A bicycle
My own two legs for walking
Dumbbells
Kettle Bells
Bender Ball
Bands

The only purchase I need to make (and I will do that this weekend) is a simple weight bench. Not completely necessary, however, I can get a greater range of motion on my exercises with it.

Abs are really my focus. I was being unrealistic in that I thought my belly would shrink faster than the rest of me. But I am losing weight proportionately across the board. So when I look in the mirror, the belly is still big in comparison to the rest of me. I focus the least on my abs. And lord knows they need work.

After 2 c sections and another abdominal surgery, my abs are weak and unworked. I really need to focus on them. I've been on the prowl on the web for the best and most effective ab exercises. Plnks seem the way to go.  They start tomorrow.

Phase 3 Day 16

Good morning folks. Another sleepless night for me. I'm really not sure why I'm not sleeping well. I wear myself out during the day. yesterday I was Up at 445 for a day shift, so I should have slept well last night. No go. Up at 430 this morning. Funny thing is, I'm wide a wake. Not groggy or anything.

I know that sleep can affect weight loss and I don't want my lack of it to affect mine.

Well it didn't affect my weight. But I lost another 2.5 lbs. That puts me 7.1 pound BELOW LIDW. What the heck is going on. I'm flippin eating all day. This is when I'm NOT SUPPOSED TO LOSE ANY MORE weight. grrrrr. I will try to add more calories.

After my work shift yesterday, my plan was to hit the grocery store, then come home and change and hit the park for a walk. The weather was not on my side, so I was going to go for plan be and hop on the elliptical machine. However, after I got home an put the groceries away, I scanned the house and new I needed to get some things done around here. So there was laundry, cleaning the patio, washing both cars, replacing flood lights, little things like that. Plus I prepped another pan of cauliflower pizza crust and some more parmesean crisps. Next thing I know, I'm sitting down to eat at 7:30.

So no official exercise yesterday, but lots of activity.

Right now, I am roasting some macadamia nuts that I bought at whole foods. I only have 8 more days of Round 1 Phase 3 left. March 17th I will load for round 2. I am anxious about getting some more weight off.

I need to really try to up my calories overthe next week and a half, without gaining weight. This will make the next P2 more successful when I go back to VLCD.  Besides, I need to eat up all the perishable P3 foods before the 18th (R1P2D0) so that they are not calling my name during P2.

I have to teach a class at our headquarters building today from 10am until 4:30pm. P3 makes it easier to eat in the cafeteria. They have fairly healthy foods and a delicious salad bar. It's all about choices.

I am really getting the hang of P3 eating. I really do not miss the starches as much as I thought I would. Having a great time coming up with P3 friendly recipes. The other night, I made a family favorite, Picadillo. P3 friendly all along.

I have a flank steak marinating for dinner tonight. But here is the tentative menu for today

Breakfast: protein shake
Work out on the elliptical for 35 min. 400 cals burned
Snack after workout. (boiled egg (1 whole, 2 whites) and avocado (1/3) over shredded lettuce
Snack: Apple, cheese stick
Lunch: Salade with chicken breast (bacon, egg, cucumber, mushroom, vinegarette, black olives
Snack: macadamia nuts
Dinner: cauliflower pizza (onion, green pepper mozzarella toppings, avocado, egg

Not sure if I will have time to workout today.  :(

Phase 3 Day 15

I'm tired. Worked last night until 11pm and I'm back up at 445am to work the day shift today. I only had about 4 hours of sleep. I'm groggy and cranky with a little bit of a headache.

I'm just hoping that my shift goes by quickly. After work, I plan on a walk at the park (if the weather cooperates) It drizzled all night and has continued to by windy. There is always the elliptical machine if the weather fails. The weather channel says 30% chance of rain and 17mph winds. Definitely no bike riding. Had a small (well big) hiccup in the stress department, but that has been resolved.

I might be getting a new pet. A small rescue dog, that I have already named Chewey because she looks like a baby Chewbacca....Here she is:

I am waiting until my days off to pick her up so that I can give full attention to her. I miss my son, and I think that I am trying to fill that void. Better with a puppy than a pint of Haagan Daaz!

Sipping a protein shake before I jump in the shower.

Todays scale results~~ up .5lb -4.7 LIDW

Breakfast: protein shake

Snack: apple with almond butter

Lunch: picadillo on a bed of lettuce

Snack: Fage w/ raspberries

Dinner: Sauteed Spicy shrimp over a bed of shredded lettuce, avocado, onion, tomatoe and a grated har boiled egg. 2 parmesean crisps

Phase 3 Day 14

Good Morning Readers....It's another busy day for me. Headed out at 8am, bank, doctors (to order my kit for my next round, yay), then at meeting at our headquarters, then to work at 2:20 until 10:30.
Bummed a little because I don't know if I will have time to work out this morning. Might take my walking shoes to work and do that on my breaks. Working out is addicting for me.

I think my Doc will be pleasantly surprised. She is a wonderful doc and has been so thrilled with my success so far that she is giving me 20% off my next round. Yippee for my wallet! I was also entered into a biggest loser contest at her office. Last time I saw here, she said I just might be able to win this!

What do I get? 6 free visits for nutritiional counseling and some supplements!

Well Lets go jump on the scale! urggghh.. lost andother .6 for a total of 41.4 lost. And this puts me 5.2lbs below LIDW.

Phase 3 Day 13

It's a good morning. But it will be a busy one. Lot's of house stuff to do, beginning with mowing the yard. A horrible wind storm shredded my patio canopy (It was on it's last leg anyway). So I need to purchase a new one. I'm still waiting on my 30 bags of mulch to be delivered so that I can spread that.

Some domestic duties are on the to-do list also. Then I'm off to work.

Speaking of work, I am reading in a lot of posts on HCG Facebook pages of folks struggling in the evenings. One girl even said that "she feels like chewing her arm off:. I tried to think back and remember if I had that feeling. Nope, never did. But I realize that ZI don't experience that because I work 2nd shift, 230pm to 1030pm. Work is busy (Fire/Rescue Deispatcher) so I guess I just don't have time to think about being hungry or being bored and wanting to eat. So this shift is really a godsend for me. Besides, I am able to get a good workout in the mornings, because I'm not tired from working all day. So if you feel "hungry" or just think you are hungry but are really just bored, find something to do!

Now on to todays scale results. Drumroll Please!
Aaaaaack! I actually LOST 2.4 lbs, putting me 4.6 BELOW my LIDW. Yikes! I can't believe I need to eat MORE.

Now I have heard different trains of thought on continuing to lose weight on P3. Some say.....don't do it because you wont stabilize correctly, but I'm really not trying to stabilize at this weight. I am eating pleanty of calories so that the next round of VLCD will create as deficit.

The second train of thought is, you can continue to lose weight in P3 IF AND ONLY IF YOU PLAN ON DOING ADDITIONAL ROUNDS, WHICH I DO. This is okay as long as you are really upping your calories. So I'm not going to worry about it too awful much.

I'm working out pretty hard. My only fear is that when I go back on P2, that if I don't exercise like I am now, that the weight will not come off as easily.
We'll just have to see. I get really disturbed when people believe that every single body is the same. We all burn and metabolize at different rates. Different foods affect different people in different ways.

It's all about knowing your own body and what works for you. I have a gluten sensativity. Borderline Celiac. Eating wheat wont kill me, but it sure does make me uncomfortable.

Okay...gotta run. Busy day. Heres todays menue.

Breakfast: Protein shake
Lunch: Pan seared bay scallops over a bed of shredded lettuce with avocado, grated egg whites, tomatos, and crumbled bacon, the dressing was dukes mayo, vinegar, packet of truvia and the pan drippings from the scallops. OMG, it was delicious
Dinner: Salmon and green beans with almonds
Snack: Protein shake.

Halfway though Round 1 Phase 3 and Holding Steady

Good morning. It's day 12 of Phase 3 on the HCG diet protocal. Down .8 lbs, 2.1 lbs below LIDW. I'm halfway through this phase and frankly cant wait to get round 2 started. I'm working out hard, so I hope that, after Phase 3, I am left with more muscle mass. More muscle mass burns more calories. So I am betting that round 2 will be a little bit better.

My kayaking adventure yesterday was a bust. I woke up in the am and it was quite windy with a forecast of thunderstorms mid-day. I wasn't too worried about it so I collected my things and was ready to go. Then I got a call from the person I was suppose to go with. Too much birthday celebration for her and she was paying for it. She cancelled on me. So ther I sat ready to go. What to do? Well, I dressed for walking, but took along kayaking clothes. I headed over to the park anyway. By myself. I got to the kayak rental and they said that it was too windy and that the wind was also blowing in a bad direction. Meaning that it would be pushing me away from shore and getting back would be a bitch.

So I am glad I had plan B. I grasbbed my ipod and water and took off walking. This is a very old beautiful park.

I did 4.7 miles when that thunderstorm finally came through. The sky completely opened up.

No worries, I'd already gotten quite a workout. Left there and went to Whole Foods to pick up a few groceries.

I have to make sure that I concentrate my menus on P3 only foods. I don't really want any P3 leftovers in the ridge when I start round 2 on the 17th.

I am really anxious to start. I leave for my sons Basic Military Training Graduation on April 11th. I've got it timed so that R2P3 starts on that day. I figure that it will be easier to do P3 out of town than P2. I will be gone for 5 days. I will do 3-4 weeks of P3 after that and then a scond short round.

My goal.......to lose an additional 20-25 lbs by the time I go to see my son graduate. That will be a total of 60 lbs and will put me under 200lb (hven't seen that in about 9 years)

Hoping to make myself and my son proud.

I'm off to walk at the neighborhood park, another beautiful place to walk and closer to home.

It's a little chilly this morning so warming up will be very important. Even with the chill in the air, I was able to walk 6.15 miles

Todays Menu:

Breakfast: skipped (I know, bad)

Lunch: Protein shake and a salad made with lettuce, avocado, tomato, onion, w/ olive oil and lemon juice

Snack: Apple w almond butter

Dinner: lean boneless pork chops, 170g with grilled onion. Spinach cooked with 1 slice bacon

Snack: Fage yogurt

Good Morning. I'm up at 5am again. I'm not sure whay this is happening. I busted my behind in the yard yesterday for about 4 hours. Raking, bagging, mowing. You'd think I would have slept like a baby. I'm going to have to talk to my doctor about this. I know that good sleep is important to your weight and overall well being.

My plans today, if the weather cooperates, is to go Kayaking with one of my friends. However, the forecast for the day shows thunderstorms and an 80% chance of rain. grrrrr. I've really been looking forward to it. I think it will be a great upper body workout too!. If it rains and the kayaking is cancelled, the bike will be out (it's supposed to be windy) I guess I will be on the elliptical machine today and do some weight training.

I found a recipe for carrot bars but didn't want to use carrots, so I used organic unsweetened coconut flakes. I used cocoa powder instead of the cinnamon called for in the recipe. They came out all right and kinda feel like I'm eating a brownie. (wished I'd used more cocoa and less coconut though.) But it was a nice treat.

I am maintaning my weight within the allowable limits. +/- 2lb from my LIDW of 219.8. This morning I am  218.5, up 1.5 but still 1.3 below LIDW

But I am looking forward to starting my next round on March 17th.

Menu for the day

Breakfast:egg salad
Snack: cheese stick and canteloupe
Lunch: salmon mushrooms
Snack: fake coconut brownie
Dinner: sauteed seafood mix on bed of lettuce and avocado, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil
Snack: Cheese stick

Chugging Along

Phase 3 Day 10. I'm moving along in phase 3. Down .7 this morning,  1.7lb below LIDW. Still within the 4 lb window. Getting easier every day, but I really can't wait to start round 2. This business of not being able to lose weight is killing me. It's like slamming on the brakes. You're losing weight, on a roll and the momentum is in full swing and then all of a sudden. BAM! The brakes are forced to be put on.

I understand the reasoning. The purpose of phase 3, or stabilization, is to reset the hypothamus. Meaning that you are trying to convince the hypothalmus that your weight after phase 2, is your "normal" weight.

It's just very frustrating. I mean, I never thought that I would be so damn ready to go back to a VLCD and only eat 500 calories a day. Maybe that's part of the psychological aspect of the diet. I read the forums and facebook pages and everyone feels the same way. Ready to jump back in to phase 2 and keep losing.

March 17th I load for my next round. woohoo!

I have a busy day today. Errands, housework and lots of yardwork. I will also try to get a bike ride in or work out on the elliptical.

Menu for the day

Breakfast: Egg Salad (1 whole egg, 4 egg white, dukes mayo, 4 chopped green olives
Snack: Grapefruit
Lunch: protein shake(isopure protein powder, coconut milk, cocnut oil, chocolate stevia)
Sanck: Apple with gouda cheese
Dinner: lean boneless pork chop, spaghetti squash
Snack: fage yogurt

Phase 3 Day 9

Well. I am day 9 into phase 3 on the HCG Diet Protocol. I have remained within the 2 lb +/- window of my last injection day weight. I was up .1 today. I am beginning to get comfortable with my meal planning and am enjoying new combinations of foods.

I have also started incorporating a lot of exercise into my day. Today I walked 5.3 miles at the park. Very quick pace and always swinging my arms. I stop at the fitness spot and do crunches, reverse crunches and push ups. Further into the walk, I do Step ups on an 18" step, 2 sets of 10 on each leg and 1 set of 10 on each leg on the 24" step. I also walk up and down a ramp and stairs on an elevated platform. I do this everytime I make a round. Half of my walk is on a paved walking path and the other half in on a natural ground.

Other days, I will ride my mountain bike or hop on my elliptical machine for 45 minutes.

I am really enjoying working out.

I have developed a pretty serious rash on my arms and legs. Not related at all to the diet (I'm no longer taking the HCG) I self-treated for a few days with no relief. The doctor seems to think I came in contact with something. So she has put me on Steroids. I just hope that they don't affect my diet.

Menu for the day

Breakfast: Protein shake w coconut milk, isopure protein powder, 1 tsp of coconut oil and chocolate stevia

Lunch: Cajun BBQ shrimp and avocado over a bed of angel hair cabbage (I use the cabbage instead of lettuce, it has mor crunch and is more nutritious) I used olive oil and fresh lemon juice as a dressing.

Dinner: Porterhouse steak and onions sauteed in Irish garlic butter and spaghetti squash

Snack: apple with fage yogurt

Fat                        50%) Carbs                        16%) Protein                        34%) Alcohol                        0%)

Still Holding

It's Day 8 of Phase 3. I lost .1 and am 1.9lbs below my LIDW. Yay! So I must be doing something right.

Today I may go for a bike ride, if I can install my new seat. I have other things to take care of this morning before work, You know...domestic responsibilities.


Here's the menu for the day

Braeakfast: 1 wh egg + 3 egg white, handfull of spinach, 1 tbsp black olives, 1/4 c cheddar cheese
Snack: Protein Shake (isopure with coconut milk, water, ice, chocolate stevia dn 1 tdp coconut oil)
Lunch: Cauliflower Pizza
Snack:
Dinenr: Tilapia, green beans, avocado