Living in P4

Well, it has been over a week since I entered P4 and things are seeming to be pretty stable. I had some multi-grain chips at the fair and was okay. Didn't get enough water in so I went up a bit more than usual, but I upped my water and it came right back off.

I had brown rice with chicken stir-fry last night and I did have some peanuts late last night but they usually don't seem to bother me so my weight was hovering at the 2 pound mark, so I'm going to back off of the peanuts when I'm introducing my starches back for a couple of days.

I'm starting a cold and I don't know if that has anything to do with my weight flucuation (getting really close to the 2 pound mark), so I'm trying to get in extra liquids and extra sleep. TOM will be coming in a few days as well, so it is probably a combination of everything together. I'm going to really pump up my water and protein and go easy on the starches for the next couple of days until things come back to normal.

Keep smiling!

P4

Well today is the first day of P4. Things have been pretty hectic at my house getting ready for Fair. And even with all the added stress of getting things ready and late nights, I have not waivered from eating correctly. I have not cheated and it is paying off. I woke this morning at .4 below my LIW. I'll probably start with some croutons on my salad today as my starch and then I'll go from there, or I'll wait until this evening and try some pork-n-beans with my hamburger patty. I didn't buy any wheat buns, because I forgot that I would be in P4, so not a big deal. A little at a time.

I have people asking about the diet and how it works, and there are some when they see the results are all for it and then there are others that are very skeptical. I understand their doubt, as I had it in the beginning to, but after doing a lot of research, I went with my gut feeling and went for it. And I'm glad I did because I'll never look back at those fat pants again. It's thin days awaiting forever.

Keep strong, keep smiling.

P4 Here I come

Well, I've pretty much stablized at about 1.2 pounds over my LIW, which I can totally deal with. I go up and down but not over that 1.2 pounds.

Wednesday, I start on adding back my starches. I'll be at the County Fair with my son for 4-H so I'm not sure what I will eat. We stay down there in our motor home so I'll cook the majority of food there, but I might try a baked potato at the fair and see how I do. I didn't have any problems with potatoes or rice the last time, white bread is a no-no for me. But I can handle sprout grown grains like Ezekiel bread.

I have a ton of things to get done before tomrrow when we check in the animals, so I'll update after Labor Day as to how things are going.

Keep Smiling!!!!

Close but no Steak Day

I had a "No Sugar Added" Dilly Bar from Dairy Queen yesterday and then last night had some Carb Comfort Ice Cream. I was craving ice cream for some reason. And this morning was pushing the 2 pounds above LIW. I was a little nervous, but it is not over so I'm going to go have a chicken salad at lunch, I brought some hard boiled eggs for a snack later today and had two eggs with cheese this morning. I am going to make pork chops and some veggies for dinner, and lay off the extras right now. I didn't get in my 3 liters of water yesterday either, so that could be part of it, so I'll up my water to 3+ liters and see where the scale falls tomorrow.

Well I'm off to lunch. Everyone have a great day and Keep Smiling! Life is good.

Recipes

Here are a couple recipes that can be used in P3. One is a Chocolate Microwave Cake and the other is a Zucchini Carrot Cake.

Chocolate Microwave Cake:

4 Tlbs coconut flour
4 Tlbs sugar alternative
2 Tlbs cocoa powder
1 egg
3 Tlbs milk
3 Tlbs oil
splash of vanilla extract
1 Large Coffee Mug

Mix all dry ingredients in mug, add egg and blend thoroughly. Add milk, oil and vanilla and mix. Place in 1000 watt microwave for three (3) minutes. Do not cover mug. Cake will rise over top - do not be alarmed. Let cool and place on plate. Add a little whipped cream to top or carb wise ice cream.

Zucchini Carrot Cake:

1 1/4 C almond flour
2 eggs
1/2 C Oil
2/3 C Spenda
1/2 C plain yougart
1/2 C Vanilla flavored whey protein powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
3/4 C Shredded zucchini
2/4 C shredded carrot

Preheat over to 350.

Whisk eggs until well blended, all all ingredients and mix well. Add zucchini and carrots last.

Coat ring mold or bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray and add batter.

Bake for 45 minutes. Turn out onto wire rack to cool.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

3/4 C Heavy Whipping Cream
1 pkg Cream Cheese (softened)
1/2 C Splenda
1 tsp vanilla

Whip heavy cream until stiff. In separate bowl beat cream cheese until very smooth, then beat in splenda and vanilla. Mix in heavy cream at lowest speed until smooth. Frost cake.


Hope everyone enjoys the recipes. They are both very good.

P3 Day 13

Well I'm on day 13 of P3 and haven't had to do a steak day. I've been maintaining this round which is really nice. I don't know if my body likes this weight or if I know exactly what to eat to keep it here without any fluculations. Either way, I'm only 1 pound within my LIW which is a good thing. Since over the weekend where there was added food and alcohol temptations. I did have a couple craberry vodka but I made sure to drink plenty of water and I didn't eat anything that I thought might have sugar or any sort of starch. I had some meatballs, veggies, and some articoke/spinach dip.

Everyone kept saying, "oh, have a piece of cake, a little won't hurt you." Then I would explain why I couldn't and then all was good, but then they wanted to know more about the HCG and how I heard about it and how they could get it. With as many people asking about it, I could have started a small business right then and there. LOL!

Well, I'll post in a few days and keep everyone aprised of my journey into P4 for the second time and now for the last time. P4 I can now consider a life time phase. I'm so excited to go back to having a few more normal foods. Potatoes are my down fall but last time I enjoyed them and did fine, so again, everything in moderation. It is weird though that I don't have any cravings for anything. Cooking dinner is hard since I'm not hungry for anything, but when I finally do decide what to cook, it tastes good, I'm just not hungry anymore. I can eat a small portion and feel full and satisified without stuffing myself.

Keep smiling!

Hanging in there

Sorry, I haven't posted for a while, but on Thursday night I got very sick and was sick throughout the weekend. I lost 6 pounds from Friday until Sunday morning, not a good thing. I was very dehydrated. So I pumped up my protein (hard to do on a ishy stomach) and started pouring the water in again. I gain back 4 of those pounds on Monday morning which I knew was all water anyways. This morning I work up back at my LIW which is all good. I had a lot of nuts yesterday, so I'm going to back off of those for awhile and stablize out a little more before eating those again, but it was the easiest snack when you don't feel very good.

Other than my being sick, nothing has happened.

I'll check in tomorrow, have a lot to do this week.

Keep smiling.

Still below LIW

Well I had two hard boiled eggs yesterday afternoon, and two trips to the salad bar last night with lettuce, tomotoes, black olives, cottage cheese, cheese, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, oil/vinegar dressing and the toppings off of a meat/cheese pizza.

This morning I had two eggs with mushroom, tomatoes and a little cheddar cheese. I had my cup of tea and then it is raining here today so I had a latte with sugar free white chocolate and heavy whipping cream. Now I'll be starting on my water consumption. I'm going out to lunch today, so I'm going to have a chicken caeser salad with extra chicken and the dressing on the side. I brought a hard boiled egg and some sliced roast beef for a snack later.

So far so good, I'll check in tomorrow.

Keep smiling everyone. It gets easier and the food gets more enjoyable. It is so worth the sacrifies you are making right now.

(-1.0 lb.)

Strange thing this morning. The scale read -1 lb. In my two previous rounds, after my LIW, I always stayed the same weight for the 3 days following. This is the first time I actually lost any weight after the shots. I was surprised this morning. I did have extra water, and tried to finish the water earlier in the day and not have so much water at night right before bed, so I don't know if this is the reasoning, or not.

Today, I brought 2 hard boiled eggs with me along with my apple, cucumber and chicken, as this afternoon will be over the 72 hours from my last injections, so I thought I jump start my protein increase this evening. I'll have a salad tonight for dinner with some sort of meat, but didn't want to have problems with the protein dificiency issues and have that water retention, so extra protein.

I'll also make sure I'm getting in plenty of water today as well. Tomorrow is the first official day of stablization or as some refer to it as P3. It will be good to be there again and then be able to move on to maintenance for life. I'm looking forward to making a zucchini lasagne this weekend since it is the season for zucchini. I'm also going to make a zucchini cake with almond flour for myself (although my family likes it as well) with cream cheese frosting. YUMMY! I'm making myself hungry just thinking about it. I haven't had any hunger pains yet, but I'm thinking by this afternoon those will probably start as all the HCG will be out of my system.

Well, hope everyone has a great Wednesday. Til' tomorrow.

Holding Steady

Okay, today is my second day of the last three VLCD days. Tomorrow is Wednesday and tomorow evening I have to go to a birthday party for my niece. I'm planning on a nice chef salad for dinner, but don't know if they serve them at the pizza place we are going to. I'm contemplating bringing a couple hard boiled eggs with me for a late afternoon snack depending on how I'm feeling and the menu. I'm going to call the place and see what they have to offer. I might just make an appearance and then go home and make a nice steak with sauted mushrooms and a salad. Still unsure, but I'm looking forward to having eggs back in my diet. I've sure missed those as well as the cheese. Thursday's menu is looking something like this:

Breakfast: 3 egg omelet with ham, cheese, mushrooms, green pepers and tomatoes.
Lunch: 6 oz. chicken breast with salad and oil/vinegar dressing.
Snack: 2 hard boiled eggs
Dinner: 6 oz. of meat (not sure yet), fried zuchini (with egg)
And of course lots and lots of water.

I'm soooooo glad to be done. First, to get rid of this excess weight I've struggled with and second, I'm really ready to resume eating real food again.

Til tomorrow. Keep smiling and stay strong.

(-.4 lbs.)

Okay, Sunday was my last shot and this morning I woke up .2 lighter. I have today, tomorrow and Wednesday of the VLCD before beginning stablization (no sugar/no starch phase). I've very excited to be so close to my goal weight. I'm about 2 pounds above that, so all in all it was a good round.

I'm going to go shopping for some new pants again, because when I went to put on my size 6 dress pants, they were too big. YIPPEEE!!!!! Size 4 here I come!!!!

Had a good weekend. Went to my in-laws' house for my mother-in-law's birthday on Saturday. They had all kinds of goodies, including the apple-crunch cake that I made and brought. Unfortunately, I didn't get to eat any of the food. It was very hard, but I managed. I'm just glad, I only have a couple more days and I'll be able to enjoy more food choices.

Til tomorrow.

(-.2 lbs.)

Two more shots and then 72 hours of limited eating. I was thinking of a chef salad, but an omelet wtih mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, and a little cheese is sounding better yet. Wednesday night is when my 72 hours are up and I can eat, I'm really dreaming of food right now. I'm 3 pounds from my goal, not too bad. Thought about going for a couple more days on the shots to get to that goal, but I'm mentally done. The family had veggie pizza last night and it the smell almost killed me. I was sooooo tempted to cheat I literally had to go the the other room where they weren't and where I couldn't smell it. Later I came back and was fine, but that first initial smell was too much for me. That's when I knew I was mentally done. Whatever my body gives up in fat on the next two days will be fine with me. I can live with being a pound or two above my goal, because I feel great, I look great and my health is GREAT!!!!!

I'll check in on Monday with my stats for the weekend. In the meantime, stay strong and keep smiling.

(-.8 lbs.)

The scale was good to me this morning. I try not to let the scale dictate my mood, but sometimes that's hard when the scale is slow to move. All I can say is that I'm glad that the scale is moving again. I only have three shots left and I'm hoping to make it to my goal. I thought about going a few days more to get to that goal, but mentally, I know I'm ready to be done no matter where I'm at on the scale. So next Thursday I'll be having a nice chef salad. Then I can have some eggs as well. I'm really looking forward to something different to eat.

Using HCG has been an amazing journey to a healthy lifestyle no matter what sacrifices I've made they all have been soooo worth it.

Til tomorrow. Keep smiling.

(-.4 lbs.)

Yesterday the scale didn't move, but today I had a .4 drop which is a good thing. I only have 4 shots left and three more days after that of the VLCD. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to get to my goal, but I'm darn close, which is fine by me. I'll have to do my inches again, because I know I've lost there as there was a pair of pants that I couldn't button a month ago and now they fit fabulous.

I can say that I am really ready to enjoy a good sald with mixed veggies with a little oil/vinegar dressing. This round has been the hardest mentally for me, but I did not waiver and cheat. I stayed strong and stuck it out. I had a few days in there where I was ready to just quit, but I knew I couldn't live with myself knowing that I quit something. That's just not in my nature.

I finished reading Jillian Michael's Making the Cut book and it makes a lot of sense as does her Mastering your Metabolish. I'm going to be making some major changes in my lifestyle in regards to eating more organic and taking a good multi-vitamin and others to balance out my hormones that run my metabolism.

Well til tomorrow. Keep strong and keep smiling. Life is good.

(-.4 lbs.)

Well this weekend wasn't much to shout about, but I'm still down so that's a plus. I have 7 more shots and three days after of VLCD, so I'm hoping to drop at least another 3-4 pounds, we'll see, my body is just holding on to that last little bit. And I'm getting a little frustrated with it. I'm going to really down the water today and see if I can't get things moving again. I'm losing inches, because new pants from the back of my closet are now fitting when they didn't a month ago, so that's a good thing, so the numbers on the scale shouldn't be my focus, although that is very hard to do.

Well, hope everyone had a good weekend, and the week goes well for them. Stay strong and keep your head up no matter what as the end results are the most favorable.

Keep smiling.

(-.4 lbs.)

Things are moving in the right direction again.

Last night I was having a hard time with food, I'm very bored and I even have a cookbook for this protocol and nothing seemed to interest me, so I finally settled on some chicken and I made some onion rings in the oven with grissni bread sticks which were really, really good and it was satisfied with the food. Good thing I only have 9 shots left and 3 days of VLCD so I can have a little variety. I have a zuchini sitting and waiting for me to eat it in 13 days.

I just finished reading Jillian Michaels' book, Master Your Metabolism. And I'm totally impressed with everything she said. How our hormones gets out of whack and then cause problems because we are nutrient dificient in something and other hormones are trying to fix the problem, which doesn't work.

I know I'm going to be following her recommendations for organic, nutrients and food to keep everything in balance. After working so hard to reset the hypomathamus which she talks about in her book, it all makes sense to me now. I'm going to go buy her other two books, Making the Cut and Losing to Win (I think that's the name or at least its close enough to find it in the book store).

After reading the book, it occurred to me that I've put a lot of hard work into this protocol to get healthy, why start eating crap (pesticides, hormone injected meat, etc.) so that everything can get out of whack again. I want me and my family to be healthy. So many things can contribute to heart disease, high cholestrol, diabetes, etc. due to hormones being out of whack and I don't want that.

Okay, okay, I'm off my soap box. Anyways, I feel good today about my loss, the way my clothes are fitting, and living a healthy life. I'll catch up with everyone on Monday. Have a great weekend where ever you are!!!

(-.8 lbs)

Can you say "Oh Yeah"?

The scale finally moved in the right direction. I had this happen in both rounds before and knew just to hang on and it would happen, it just gets frustrating. I notice a drop in my clothes again, so I know I'm losing fat, which my body didn't want to let go of, but finally had no choice.

So those that are going through stalls, hang on, keep eating exactly what you are suppose to and drink extra water and it will begin moving again.

Til tomorrow.

Update

Sorry, I didn't get to blog until now, but the weekend was great and the week has been crazy. A lot of stuff to get done at work and home.

Anyways, I lost .6 on Saturday and another .6 on Sunday. Monday when I weighed in I gain .4 and on Tuesday and Wednesday been holding at the same weight. I'm not sure why the gain, except for that I know I didn't get enough water in on Sunday as we were traveling home late.

I've been trying to drink like a crazy person to push this along. I could do an apple day tomorrow or Thursday if the weight doesn't change, but I really don't want to eat that many apples when all it is for is psychological reasons. I waited out the last stalls, I'll wait this one out as well.

It was asked and so I'll post it again for those who just started following this blog. I started round 1 of HCG on January 17. I lost 25 pounds and 27 inches total. I waited three weeks and started round 2 and lost 20 pounds and 20 inches total for a grand total of 45 pounds and 47 inches. I then did my 3 weeks of no sugar/no starch again and then started reintroducing starches back. By the 4th of July I was eating pretty much anything and staying within that 2 pound range. I then ate and drink my way through San Diego two weeks ago and when I returned, I weighed in at 1 pound lighter than when I left.

I decided I had too many occassions to do a second round later, so I opted to do my last one now. So here I am on round 3, day 12 of a 23 day round and have lost approimately 7 or so pounds. I have another 10 to get to my goal, but I know that probably won't happen and I'll be okay with what I can get from this round.

This round has been a little harder for me than the first two. I had an agenda to get to a certain size/weight before I left for San Diego and I made and passed that goal, so now to stick to this again, is very mentally challenging for me since I was eating and drinking without gaining.

I'm just trying to keep strong to get through the next 11 days of shots and three extra days of the 500 calories before I can stablize again and move to a life time of eating healthy and feeling great.

For those just starting, I just taking the full six weeks off between rounds to let your mind stablize not just your body. I've discovered this protocol is a mind f*** and you have to be up for the challenge or it just doesn't work. First you get to eat like a pig, then you go to a very, very restricted diet, then you get to eat again, but just no sugar and no starches, then you get to add stuff back in and eat normally, if you don't call that a mind challenge, nothing is. The benefits that come from the weight loss is amazing so I guess a little mind game is okay since you gain a life time to enjoy.

So everyone - Keep strong.

(-.6 lbs)

Well not sure where that one in front of it went, but it is still a lose, so that' all I can hope for. I think TOM is on its way so that may be a contributing factor here.

Tomorrow will be one week since I started loading and I finally am feeling more energy again. This week has been a little bit of a drain on me with work and all my volunteering that I do for my legal association and 4-H. I think tomorrow with a little extra sleep and getting some of this under work done under my belt, I won't be so stressed and that should help move things along as well.

I'll post on Monday, so hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

(-1.4 lbs)

I like seeing the scale go down it is just a rush in the mornings. I feel better today, the last couple days I have been really tired, but I've been trying to get extra sleep and am feeling better now. I'm really trying to drink 4 liters of water a day, but have only gotten in 3 liters a day. I know that is still good water consumption, but I'm going to work on really pumping it up for the next couple of days and see if I can get some bigger numbers to drop.

So far things are going along smoothly, except the injections, since I have very small thighs, I know I'm getting either in a muscle or very close because they have been a little sore this time. When I started I had more fat, but by the end of the second round I was noticing the difference. I thought about giving them in my stomach, but decided to stay as close or in the muscle as possible for this round, which means a tiny prick of pain in my thigh. Nothing I can't live with for the benefit of the protocol and my health. LOL

Well I'll check in tomorrow and we'll see how it goes. I'm going to purchase Jillian Michael's new book as I heard it has some really good things about the brain and how our bodies work. It might give me some added insight on maintaining for life.

Til tomorrow, keep smiling!

(-1.6 lb)

Well things are moving in the right direction. Hoping to keep this losing momentum for the next week then it can slow down.

Last night I was awfully tired but slept well and woke refreshed. Don't know if it is from the shots or just because I got to bed late the night before.

I look at my calender and I have a ton of things to do in the next month and then I look at how many days on the short round and figured this is way easier than doing a 40 day round. I'm still not sure how I pulled off doing two 40 day rounds with only 3 weeks in between. I really must have been determined, because being off and eating food and now going back is a very mental adjustment to make, but I'm again determined there will be no cheating and I'm making life changes for the better.

Well, off to work, keep smiling!

Day 2 VLCD (-3.2 lbs)

So on my load days I ended up gaining 3.8 pounds, but this morning I dropped 3.2 of that, so I'm only up .6 above my LIW from my last round. The first VLCD is the hardest as you have to give up on eating the things you love, cheese, eggs, etc. Today is much better as I'm now in the frame of mind again to get this done.

I'll check in tomorrow with my stats.

R3 P2 Day 1 of VLCD

Okay, well here I go again. I want to get that last 10-15 pounds off so I decided to do a short 23 day round before the end of summer. I had thought about at the end of summer, but I have some traveling to do then and wanted to be done before that happened.

Today is my first VLCD and I feel good. I only gained 3.8 pounds on my two load days which isn't bad considering the crap I was eating. I had pizza, bacon, eggs, cheese, nuts, sour cream, ice cream.

It is tough going from eating whatever you like to being very strict, but I know this works and am putting my faith back into the protocol. We'll see where the scale lands tomorrow.

This round I decided to drink extra water just to see if it helps get rid of the extra weight a little faster. Just a little research for future individuals. I know water is important and I drank a minimum of 1/2 my body weight during my other two rounds, but this time, I'm upping that consumption to see if it helps.

Each time I have been very committed to the original protocol and not cheating. I really believe you have to be in the right mind set for this protocol. Without the right mind set, this protocol can plan on your mental because of the ups and downs and stalls and strict eating then adding food back in and then eating like a "skinny" person, it really is a mind game more than anything and you have to be ready for it or you will not make it through all the phases.

Well I'll be posting daily for the next 26 days through this round.

Keep smiling!

Phase 4 and LIVING!!!!

I know I haven't posted in a long time, but I wanted to update everyone on my status.

I just got back from a week in San Diego where I was for a conference, which we ate out for every meal. I ate and drank everything that was in sight and that wasn't nailed down.

I decided I wasn't going to pack my scale because I wanted to do some shopping and didn't want to weigh down the luggage with a scale when I could be using that space for clothes. LOL! I also didn't want to be chained to my scale for the week I was there. So the scale stayed at home.

When I got up this morning and weighed in, I was very surprised. I was actually one pound below the weight I was before I left to go to San Diego. I didn't gain. I know we walked alot, but I also ate alot. I had rice, breads, potatoes, cookies, churros, pretty much anything I wanted to eat I ate.

I am a true believer that this is a miracle and definitely a CURE!!!! There were days through both my rounds that I wondered if this was really going to work or not, but if you follow the protocol exactly as it is written, I know it WORKS!!!!

This has been an amazing journey and I'm so glad I did it.

I also received tons of compliments on my new haircut and color as well as my new body. It was really nice to hear those compliments. It is a real self-confidence booster as well as a motivator that I will NEVER, and I mean NEVER, go back to the old me!!!!

To everyone - keep going, hang in there on those tough days, because the end results are truly amazing and well worth every sacrifice you take during the protocol. The protocol is only a short time out of your life.

KEEP SMILING!!! Because nothing tastes as good as thin!!!!

Getting Ready for Vacation

Well, I have one more day of work this week, then a long weekend planned at the lake and then off to Sunny San Diego for a week. I will be taking my scale along with me so to make sure I'm not eating too much.

I have been maintaining within my two pound range either above or below and have been eating pretty much anything I want (in moderation). I don't have the cravings for food like I did before I started this journey so that is a good thing. And when I eat pizza, I can eat just one piece and am full and satisfied unlike before when I had to eat a half a pizza.

Well I've decided to do another round, but this time it will be only 23 days instead of the 40 like I did the first two rounds, but I'm not going to start until September when school is back in session and all the summer time fun has slowed. I really want to enjoy the summer BBQs and such.

I'll keep updating my maintenance stage as I add in more and more foods. I just can't believe that the weight is staying off even when I'm eating pizza, potatoes, etc. It is truly the best thing I did in my life.

Keep smiling and enjoying the summer!

New Update

Well, went camping over the weekend. Had jello shots, alcohol, potato salad, chips, breakfast burrito, and roasted marshmellow and figured I was doomed, but NOTHING! a slight gain was all. I know my stomach doesn't like all that junk anymore, so I'll just stick to eating healthy in moderation instead of a total indulge.

I'm just happy that I've stablized and can enjoy food in moderation. I'm looking forward to San Diego in a couple of weeks.

Then when I come back I'll decide whether I'm doing a round then or waiting until September. Not sure I want to give up food so quickly for those last 10-15 pounds. I want that off, but again, I'm not sure I can do it right now. And I know this is a total mindset to do the protocol and doing it when I'm not ready will not be easy, so I'll see when I get back.

Well my son is in Finland and is having an amazing time! He won't be back until July 14, so it sure is quiet at my house, just the hubby, dogs, cat, horse, mule, llama, and sheep. LOL!

I'm going to keep posting while I add back foods, just so people can see that this protocol is the real deal and you can eat and keep off the weight.

For those on the protocol. It is the best thing I've ever done! Stay strong and keep smiling at that new skinny person emerging.

Things are going well!

I had some potato over the weekend and a little popcorn and no weight gain. All is going well.

I got my son off on the plane Saturday morning for Finland, sad yet happy moment. He'll be gone for 4 weeks. But what an adventure.

The hubby and I went to "Mule Days" over the weekend. What a great time.

Well that is about all for today, except work is busssssssyyyyy. So better get back. I'll check in again later. Keep up the good work, the results are amazing and it is a cure to be able to add back food and not gain any weight.

I was thinking of doing a short round after I returned from San Deigo, but then I thought about after school started in September. Now, I'm not sure at all. I'll wait and see in July, and if not interested, I'll see in September. Loving this right now and not sure I want to do the 500 VLCD right away.

Update

Well, I had a BLT with one slice of bread the other night. It was good, but nothing to write home about. I don't honestly miss bread. My weight stayed the same, so I'm okay.

Yesterday, I just had my regular breakfast, lunch, and dinner and snacks. Tonight I have Bunco, so we'll see what they serve and how Saturday's weight is.

My son leaves for Finland tomorrow morning at 7:15 a.m. for 4 weeks. What an opportunity of a lifetime. I'm gonna miss him around the house, this will be the first time in 19 years that my husband and I have been without children. When we first met, I had my daughter from a previous marriage so we have always had kids around. Should prove to be FUN!!!!! LOL

I'll check in on Monday with my weekend food and weigh-ins.

Update

Well here is yesterday's menu:

Breakfast: 2 eggs with 1 oz cheese
Snack: 1 oz sliced almonds
Lunch: Salad (lettuce, olives, tomato, cucumbers, mushrooms) with 4 oz of cooked chicken
Snack: Sugar Free Jello, 2 oz. of sliced turkey and 1 oz. of cheese and 1 sugar free Russell Stover chocolate peanut butter cup
Dinner: 2 oz of Multigrain tortilla chips with 1 oz of cheese and pepperoni (nachos)
Snack: Sugar Free Jello with 1 TLB of cool whip
Water: 4 liters

Today's weight? SAME!!!! Oh, yeah.

I'm going to try brown rice tonight and see what happens. This is amazing that I can eat and enjoy life without the weight gain.

I'll post tomorrow and let you know what's happening.

Life after protocol

Well, today is my second day after my three weeks stabilization. Last night I had pizza with the crust. I had one piece and it was amazing. I ate salad and fruit and all my other items during the day. Today, I had my eggs for breakfast, and my salad for lunch, but I'm not sure what I want to try tonight. But so far so good.

It was pretty scary eating that pizza, I felt like I was sooooo cheating and that the next morning I was going to wake up 10 pounds heavier, but NOPE. I might try a little tortilla chips as nachos this evening. That's sounding pretty good to me at the moment. But I might change my mind later after I get home. Never know, so I'll keep posting.

Everyone keep up the hard work because it is soooo worth it in the end. I'm still working on my before pictures, I can't seem to figure out how to get them posted, but I'll get it soon. I promise.

Maintenance Day 19

Well only two days left. Yesterday I added in some sugar free pudding, extra cheese, almond slivers and some pork. The scale stayed the same. Which is good news. I even went out to lunch and had a Chicken Spinach Caeser Salad. Didn't eat the croutons which was tough. But only a couple more days. It was all well worth it. I have people tell me how great I good and that is a great feeling. I would like to lose another 10 pounds but I'm going to wait until the end of summer to do a short round. I want to enjoy my summer time before diving back into the 500 calories.

I've been really trying to push the water as well, and I'm pretty sure that was my issue in the beginning of this phase with my overages, because since I upped my water, weight has been stable.

I'll probably not right for a couple of days until after I have my first real starch and see what the scale does, so for now, talk to you in a couple of days.

Just a reminder. HCG is a miracle and it is a cure. I'm so glad I was told about it and I'm making sure to tell everyone about it. It certainly has been an amazing journey since January 19, 2009 when I started this adventure. I went from a size 16 to a size 6 and that feels good. Or as everyone says nothing feels good as THIN!

Maintenance Day 18

Okay I'm nearing the end of my stabilization phase or as some refer to it as Phase 3. My weight was down a little from yesterday but not below the LIW so all is good. I'm going to lunch today with some friends, I brought my own dressing as I'm not sure where we'll be eating. I also brought some snacks for later, sliced almonds (unsalted), strawberries, and sugar free jello.

Saturday will be my first day for adding back some starch. I'm going to make a tuna fish sandwich on one slice of whole grain bread and we'll see what happens on Sunday. I'm a little nervous, but I want to eat like a normal person again (in moderation of course). I'm not really missing bread, potatoes, rice, sugar, etc. So I'm thinking eating it just once in awhile should be fine. I don't want to reintroduce crap into my body, I really worked hard to get this off by doing the VLCD and the shots each morning to eat crap again and fee like crap as well. I feel better than I have in years and I really enjoy the feeling of sleeping good at night and waking feeling refreshed instead of feeling like a truck ran me over in the night.

Well I'll keep posting throughout my reintroduction phase and let you know how it goes.

TTIF

Maintenance Day 17

Well, I did absolutely fine this weekend, even had a little cheese and almonds. I had some low carb ice cream and the scale went up a little, so I will cut that for a while longer. But not over that 2 pound mark, so all is good. Didn't get in quiet as much water as I should of yesterday as I was busy shopping and getting my son ready for Finland.

I went through my closet and got rid of 10 bags of clothes that are too big. I'm taking them to a domestic violence thrift store for women in need of good clothes (mine are a lot of business clothes) so they should get some good use out of them. They ranged from 16 down to 8. It is amazing. My husband couldn't believe I would get rid of them, I said, what am I going to do with them, I'm never going back to them.

Well, off to work. Have a wonderful day. Couple more days and I'll start adding back some low carb bread, wraps, brown rice, etc. I'll keep you posted as I add back real food.

Keep smiling!

Maintenance Day 15

Okay, I drank like a fish (water that is) yesterday. Had sugar free jello, some cheese, chicken, eggs, salad, zuchini lasagne, sugar free candy. I only fluculated about .4 pounds up. I'm going to drink water like crazy again today, eat similar and see what happens tomorrow. I'm thinking that the water was the issue. I looked back at my first maintenance round and I was drinking a lot of water. So I think that was the culprit. But we'll see what tomorrow brings.

I'm looking forward to the weekend. It is suppose to be hot, dry and sunny!!!!! I'm going to do some yard work and go horseback riding. Both are stress relievers for me and I really need some down time. Sunday, I need to take my son to town to get some gifts for his Finnish host family and some clothes and new shoes to take with him. He leaves on June 13 so we need to get cracking on putting together everything he needs to take. We will also be working on a scrapbook next week for him to leave with his host family. I'm excited he gets to have this amazing opportunity but will miss him while he's gone for the four weeks.

Well hope everyone has a great weekend and I'll check back in on Monday after the weekend of food, lots of water and relaxation.

GOOD NEWS!

The egg day dropped me back down. I'm pretty sure it is a water retention things, since the egg day worked and eggs are a natural diuretic. So I'm going to make sure I pump the water. I brought some broiled chicken breast and salad (lettuce, mushrooms, cucumbers, tomato) with no sugar dressing (oil/vineger) for lunch and a sugar free jello for a snack later today. I also had 2 scrambled eggs this morning cooked in about 2 tsp. of real butter. I'm going to not eat anything with milk in it for a day or two then try some again and see if it affects my weight. Then if it does, I'll know the culprit. If not, then I'll try some nuts and see what happens. I'll get this figured out. And it might just be the easiest thing and that is I wasn't drinking enough water to flush out the water retention in the first place.

Well, I'm feeling much better this morning, so off to work!

TTFN

Update

Well it's been a few days since I posted. Went away for the weekend and was fine until I got home. I'm not sure what the problem is. I don't know if I have an intolerance to something, but I was over my 2 lbs. so today, I'm going to try an egg day instead of the steak day.

I don't know if I didn't get enough water, or if something I ate (possibly milk) is causing me to retain water, because everything else is fine. I cut out nuts and am only eating veggies, my dressing (no sugar), protein, eggs, and my fruit. The only thing I had was some milk so I'm cutting that out and see what happens. Cheese doesn't seem to bother me, so I'm not sure. I know I'm eating plenty.

I'll check in tomorrow and let you know how it goes. It is frustrating this time with the struggle of stablization. Last time was so easy and I had low carb ice cream, sugar free puddings, peanuts, almonds, etc. and never had to do a steak day.

Well, I'm determined to stablize and keep it there. So til tomorrow. Keeping smiling!

Off for a Long Weekend

Well it's almost time to go and tomorrow my family and I are heading to the lake for the long weekend. I'm looking forwad to some down time in the sun.

Today my weight was right in there with my LIW only up a .2 so nothing to get excited about. I did buy some Atkin Bars and they are actually really yummy. I think that will help with getting in my calories without eating peanuts. I think that might had had something to do with my weight gain.

I'll be packing my salad goodies for the lake, but at least I can enjoy a hamburger (bunless), steak, eggs, cheese and a variety of other foods this weekend.

I'll report in after a fun in the sun (LONG) weekend. YIPPEEE!!!!!

Happy camping.

IT WORKED!!!!!

Wow, yesterday's steak day worked.

I lost 2.4 pounds the exact amount I was over my LIW. And in all reality it wasn't too bad. I just drank a lot of water to fill the grumbling and then ate an 8 oz steak and had a raw tomato for dinner. Worked like a charm.

Well til later!

Steak Day

Well this is the first steak day I have ever had to do. All most had a heart attack this morning because between my first and second round never had to do one. So I'm not sure what is different this time as I'm eating the exact same things as I ate before. The only thing I can think of is that my period is about to start and it might just be water retention, but I'm not taking any chances so today is a steak day which means, nothing to eat all day except water, tea or coffee, until dinner then a 6-8 oz. steak with either a raw tomato or apple. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Hope this works and it is only water retention.

Till tomorrow.

Maintenance

Not much to report, except I've been enjoying having some real food, okay, maybe not real, but at least a variety.

I've had salads, veggies, eggs, a little cheese, oil/vinegar dressing, etc. Nothing exciting, but sure tasty.

I've been bouncing between my LIW and a 1 pound over, so far so good.

I have pictures, just figuring out how to post them. I'll probably post this afternoon again when I get it figured out.

TTFN

Maintenance

Okay, last night I had a salad with cucumbers, tomato, mushroom, a little cheese, some turkey and a dressing I found that has no sugar in it. It was absolutely devine. This morning I had two eggs with some turkey sauage.

Yesterday I went to the local good food store and got some coconut flour and almond meal/flour to make some muffins, cookies, etc. with while on the stablization phase. I learned coconut flour has very few carbs as is the almond meal/flour. I'm going to do some baking next week and use these in some recipes. I'll let you know how they go and if they are any good. If so, I'll pass on the recipes.

No weight change which is good. I'm going to do some outdoor activities this weekend. I'm going to plant my garden now that winter has finally decided to leave. I need to mow the lawn and work with my horse again so I can ride her. She'll be so happy to have a lighter me on her back. LOL!

My daughter started back on another round and has lost 4.8 pounds in 5 days so far, not to bad. She is so determined. She always was. When she set her mind to something that was her focus, I guess she gets that from me.

Well hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

P.S. I was going to post some pictures, but my son had archery last night and hubby was gone so I'll get some this weekend and post on Monday.

3rd Day of 72 hours after shot (-20.6)

Well this is my last day of VLCD. I'm planning on having a nice salad with eggs, a little cheese, loaded with veggies and a little dressing for dinner tonight. I cannot wait!!!!

Tomorrow morning I'm making an omelet for breakfast.

I'm going to have my son take some new pictures of me and I'll get them posted tomorrow along with my original photos before I started and my photos after my first 40 day round.

TTFN

2nd day of 72 hours after shot (-.6) (-20.6)

Never thought that I would lose a little after I was done, but I know the day before I didn't get enough water in and now my body is just releasing it.

OMG! For all those Biggest Loser fans, did you watch the finale? WOW! They all looked amazing. I was really wanting Mike to win, but all three did a fabulous job. I was really impressed with "Grandpa Jerry".

It is inspiring to see the changes inside of them as well as the outside. We all have to make those changes inside so our outsides don't go back to the way they were.

I hear people talk about while they are on the protocol, "I can't wait to eat pizza, or cake, or whatever." In moderation is fine, but we really need to have a real sit down talk with ourselves and know that those are the things that made us fat in the beginning. I've realized that whole grains, brown rice, etc. is my route and still will only be on occassion. I can still bake but now I can make it healthier by not using white flour and sugar. This is a lifestyle change, not a diet that I go back to the old habits. So from now on, I will consider everything that goes in my mouth and how it will affect my body. Eating healthy shouldn't be a punishment, but a reward for my hardwork and devotion to get this new body.

Keep smiling!!!!

First Day of 72 Hours after last shot

Okay, yesterday was my last shot. I thought I had enough for one more day but that didn't happen so today is my first 24 hours of the 72 hours before the three weeks of no sugar no starch.

No change on the weight loss, so that's okay. I'm really looking forward to a chef salad with dressing. This round wasn't hard, just knowing I can go back to real food was the hard part. I miss cheese, eggs, etc.

I'm very happy with my results. I've lost 45 pounds and 47.5 inches. Here are my stats:

January 17, 2009 May 11, 2009
Neck 14" 13"
Upper Chest 41" 34.5"
Upper Arms 14.5" 11"
Wrists 6" 5.75"
Breasts 44.5" 37"
Ribs 40" 33.5"
Waist 41.5" 33"
Hips 46" 33.5"
Thighs 22.5" 19.5"
Calves 13.5" 12.5"


I'll get my before and after pictures up hopefully tomorrow.

TTFN

R2 Day 38 VLCD (-.4) (-20)

Okay, one shot left in the morning. I finally hit the 20 pound mark. That makes my total for both rounds 45 pounds.

I have to brag on my son for a minute. On Saturday he was shooting for a qualifying spot on the National 4-H Archery Team. AND OH YEAH!!!! He made 4th overall and was selected as the 4th member of the team. He also received 3rd place in the 3-D shoot. Unfortunately, the Nationals is the last week of June at which time he will be in Finland for 4-H. He gave his spot to the next person. He was excited that he made the team, but okay with giving up his position knowing he was going to Finland.

Anyways, I better get to work. I will have final numbers (weight, inches, etc.) tomorrow for everyone. Have a good day! Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day.

R2 Day 36 VLCD (-.8) (-19.6)

A good morning! Drank lots of water yesterday and got some needed rest.

My son did really well with his archery shoot. Food was a slight problem. I didn't cheat. I just didn't eat lunch. I made some hamburger tomato soup for lunch along with my applesauce, but when lunch came the thermos I borrowed left my soup tasting horrible so I just ate my applesauce and drank my water.
So when I get back to my parents I'll eat a very late lunch and then eat dinner a little later than normal. Other than that have I mentioned I'M READY TO EAT
REAL FOOD? Well I am.

Keep smiling!

R2 Day 35 VLCD (-.4) (-18.8)

Yippee!!!

I have only 4 shots left in the bottle so will end a day early. Not that it will break my heart. This week all I can look forward to is a chef salad with dressing. My husband laughed at me when I told him. He said it's funny how my food cravings are for different food. It wasn't I wanted pizza or a taco, but a salad where I could mix my veggies. I know it sounds ridiculous, but when you can only have one veggie at a time, the thought of several at one time makes my mouth water. LOL!!

I'm leaving tonight after work with my son to go to my parents' house. All my food is packed and my parents are totally supportive of my loss and what I eat. I've been to my parents' house twice before while on the protocol and have done really well because they understand what I need to do. Never is there any force of food. Which makes me feel a whole lot better.

Well til Monday, keep on losing!!!!!

R2 Day 34 VLCD (0) (-18.4)

Nothing today. But that's okay, because if you calculate it out my average has been .54 pounds lost per day and that is totally awesome.

I went to a dress store yesterday because after trying on three different pairs of dress pants yesterday morning and having them all be TOO BIG!!!! I needed to purchase some new pants.

I went to the size I thought I was and was pleasantly surprised when I was able to wear a size 8 comfortably. Probably could have been a 6 but not comfortable.

This was a huge lightbulb going off in my head. WOW! Why didn't I think I could fit into an 8? Because I hadn't gotten over that hump of "that I actually was that small". People have been telling me but I don't see it in the mirror. But when I was able to put those pants on and have them fit comfortably that was a real eye-opener for me. I had to sit down in the dressing room and let it really soak in. I then stood back up and did another look in the mirror and had a revelation that I am that size and I feel good.

Being heavy we have a lot of challenges to overcome in our own minds. People who have never had a weight problem have no idea what I'm talking about. We see ourselves differently, feel differently and most the time are not happy with ourselves. Even though sometimes we put on this other "happy" face, we're really not happy. I'm finally HAPPY! I enjoy going to the store to try on clothes, I'm now seeing myself differently, I have more energy and I know now I've added years back to my life to enjoy with family. I am so greatful for HCG and what it has given back to me. I will never go back to the "old" me.

Keep smiling!

R2 Day 33 VLCD (-.4) (-18.4)

Not sure where I messed up on my total weight loss, but it should be -18.4 today not -18.6. No biggie. Now a pound off, I would be upset but .2 of a pound, no problemo.

Things are still looking good to make it to 135 by the end of this round. I've been losing consistently so I'm okay with my loss this time around. Everyone always wishes they would lose more. Sometimes I think we sabbotage ourselves because we didn't meet our "goal". We need to be happy with what we have accomplished and be greatful for the years we just added back to our lives.

Any Biggest Loser fans, did you watch last night. Now that is determination on Ron's part to walk with bad knees a Marathon. AMAZING! How inspiring to keep going and not feel sorry for ourselves. I can't wait for next week for the FINALE!

Keep positive.

R2 Day 32 VLCD (-.6) (-18.2)

OH YEAH!!!!! My body must have recovered and the scale is moving down again.

Another big one, I'm officially out of the 140's. I weighed in at 139.6 this morning. I'm hoping to make it to 135 by the end of this round. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and drinking extra water to help flush the pounds.

Not much else going on except this weekend I'll be traveling to my parent's home. My daughter lives in the same town and I'm bringing her a new batch so she can start her second round. I hope she does as well this time as she did the first round. My son is also going with me this weekend so he can do his 4-H archery shoot to qualify for Nationals. If he makes it to Nationals he won't be able to go because it is at the same time when he goes to Finland, but he wants to shoot anyways so he knows what Nationals is all about and what he needs to work on for next year.

Well til tomorrow.

R2 Day 31 VLCD (-.2) (-17.6)

Okay, this weekend I ate perfectly, but no loss. But I also have to consider that on Saturday I raked rocks like a mad mad helping the kids make a new fire pit at camp and I'm pretty sure that stalled me because I was sore and the protocol says not to exercise vigorously. So this morning I had a small drop which was okay. I know my weight loss is slowing because I'm probably getting close to my static weight. I just would like to lose 5 more pounds before I'm done, which is exactly 8 more shots to go then I'll do my 72 hours of continued VLCD before moving on to stablization phase of no sugar no starch. I'm really looking forward to it.

I did a cake decorating class for the kids at the teen retreat. That was really fun. They asked me how I kept from eating the frosting all the time. Growing up with a mom who decorated cakes for a living we had cake and frosting all the time. You actually get pretty tired of cake and frosting, so not eating or licking my fingers on that is easy.

As for the popcorn I popped for them during their movie time - well that SUCKED!!!!! I love popcorn and the smell really got to me. But I held strong and ate my apple. I just keep thinking, soon, I'll add that back to my life. In moderation, but it will be back.

Just an update on my sister and my daughter. My daugther has maintained her weight for the past three weeks on stablization and will be getting ready to do another round by the end of this week. She lost 40 pounds. My sister started her shots approximately the same day I did and has lost 23.5 pounds and over 29 inches. Now my niece started last Sunday and has lost 7.5 pounds. They are totally loving this protocol. No other diet makes the changes HCG does.

Well til tomorrow, keep your fingers crossed my body lets the excess water go and I can be on the down hill side of losing again.

R2 Day 28 VLCD (-.2) (-17.4)

A loss is a loss. Had hamburger-tomato soup yesterday, don't know if this is the reasoning or not. First round hamburger caused me to stall, but thought I'd give it a try as I needed something other than Chicken to eat. I'm tired of fish and shrimp. But at least it is a loss.

Twelve more days and counting to move on to stablization (3 weeks no sugar/no starches). Last time I didn't have any problems so hopefully this time I won't either. I'm very good about writing down exactly what I eat now, so I can monitor any changes.

Well, after work today I am leaving with my son, husband and about 15 other teenagers to go to Loon Lake for a 4-H Teen Retreat. Should be fun. I've packed all my food so there is no problem there and I've been to a scrapbooking retreat and never cheated so I doubt I will here either. Too many things going on to worry about food.

Til Monday. Have a great weekend!

R2 Day 27 VLCD (-.4) (-17.2)

Not to bad. I'll take that. Baked cookies and finished my cupcakes last night. I don't mind baking cookings, it is the cookie dough that I like to eat. This has been very good test of my will power and reflections of how I used to eat.

Well, I'm almost out of the 140's with today's loss. Keep your fingers crossed for tomorrow. I haven't been in the 130's for over 10 years.

Keep smiling!

R2 Day 26 VLCD (-.6) (-16.8)

I'm happy with that loss.

I baked cupcakes and made spaghetti sauce last night for the 4-H Teen Retreat. The cupcakes didn't bother me, it was the spaghetti sauce. I love homemade Italian sauce. But I didn't waiver. I only have a couple more weeks and I can move on to maintenance.

This second round has been harder for me than I expected. I knew the eating would be easier because know exactly what I can eat to lose, but knowing what I cannot have right now and looking so forward to eating a variety of foods together is the hardest.

I guess I'm just having one of my pity parties for myself today. I've lost 42.8 pounds between the two rounds which is amazing. And I need to remember I haven't been at this weight for over 9 years. While watching the Biggest Loser last night and seeing that losing weight gives you years back to your life was inspiring and a good swift kick in the butt for me. I now know I've given myself years back by doing this protocol and getting healthy. Which is the most important part.

Til tomorrow.

R2 Day 25 VLCD (0) (-16.2)

Okay, no loss, but I'm not concerned because I know I didn't get enough water in. I was busy baking and cooking for our weekend, but I didn't stray or even taste the batter or frosting, but I heard it screaming my name. LOL!

I was talking with my sister and my daughter both who are doing the shots as well. We were discussing how our society looks at overweight people. It is amazing in January I could smile at someone and they hardly acknowledged me, but now losing over 40 pounds, they smile at me. My sister said people she has worked with for years who didn't talk to her before, are now talking to her. Is our society that shallow? That they only talk to the thin and not the fat? WOW! My daughter said the same thing. She goes to college and before losing 40 pounds other students barely spoke, but not they are very friendly. Not sure what to think about that. It is very disturbing to me. I always try and smile and say hi to everyone, whether they are thin, fat, short, tall, mentally challenged, etc. It shouldn't matter our physical appearance.

Anyways, that was my thought for the day. Today, I'll try and get additional water in besides my regular amount to help flush out that fat.

Keep smiling!

R2 Day 24 (-.4) (-16.2)

Okay here are my stats from the weekend:

Saturday (-.2)
Sunday (-.8)
Monday (-.4)

So all in all not a bad weekend.

I had my Bunco party on Friday night, which was good. I watched everyone eat the chef salad and keep thinking soon, soon. Then Saturday got up at the butt crack of dawn to drive three hours for my son's Finland outbound orientation. Brought my own food and did fine. Drove home and went to bed early. Sunday was easy being at home. And all in all was a good weekend for weight loss.

I'm down to 15 shots to go. And I can say that I'm REALLY looking forward to moving on to the stablization phase.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!

R2 Day 21 (-.8) (-14.8)

YIPPEEE!!! I love the scale today. I love my jeans even better. I put on pair I haven't worn in over 8 years and they were TOOO BIG!!!! So I got out another pair and they fit perfect. As my sister said, it is nice to put on a pair of jeans that zip and not that are elastic waist. I always like the jeans I can zip standing up and not having to lay on the bed. LOL! And especially those that when you are standing up there is nothing hanging over the top. I hate those muffin tops.

Anyways, I have my Bunco party tonight, I've been to two Buncho parties over the past two months not counting this one and have been on this protocol. I know next month's party I will be on P3 and will be able to enjoy a SALAD!!!!

Well anyways, I'll update everyone on Monday. Hope the scale makes you smile today.

R2 Day 20 VLCD (0) (-14)

No loss, but after having lost 1.2 yesterday I'm okay with nothing. I did however check to see if I was burning fat on Ketone strips and yep, it was dark pink, so I'm still burning. It always helps to use one every now and then especially when nothing is happening on the scale.

Well tomorrow night is Bunco. This month it is at my house. Since I can eat only certain foods, I decided to make chef salads, a couple different soups, and french bread for everyone else. If I'm on a diet, so are they, LOL! Not really I just I could have the tomatoes or the cucumbers and my chicken and still feel like I'm a part of the group. I made an angel food cake last night with strawberry jello drizzled over it and whipped cream. It didn't seem to bother me nor did I crave any. When I was cutting up the turkey for the salad, that is what got me. I really like turkey and not that I was hungry it just looked good, but I resisted. Only twenty more days and I'll be able to have some turkey with a chef salad with real dressing. It's hard to believe that a person can look so forward to a salad with dressing. LOL!

Then Saturday morning I have to drive to another town 3 hours away to take my son to an IYFE Outbound Orientation. He is traveling to Finland as an exchange student for 4-H for 4 weeks this summer and this is their first orientation about their trip. Should be interesting. I'll be packing my own food even though they will be providing lunch, I know it won't be anything I can eat. And I'm pretty used to that these days and okay with it.

Til tomorrow. Keep a positive attitude and your head high!

R2 Day 19 (-1.2) (-14)

OH YEAH! I knew TOM had something to do with the stall, but I'm on my way down again. YIPPEEE!!!

I'm half way through and would like to lose another 15 pounds. So I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed. But I'll be happy with whatever weightloss I get. I haven't been this healthy and thin in years and it feels good to have people notice and say nice things. That sure is a confidence booster.

Well, off to drink more water :) Keep smiling.

R2 Day 18 (0) (-12.8)

Not sure why there was no loss today, so I looked back and it looks like in a couple of days TOM will be here. Well that would explain things. So I'll up my water intake and hope to see a loss tomorrow.

I was doing really well in the beginning and now am taking a slow turn, I'm hoping that my body is just burning fat and the scale will catch up soon. I really want to lose another 15 pounds before this is round is over.

Well, until tomorrow, keep your fingers crossed!

R2 Day 17 VLCD (-.6) (-12.8 lbs.)

Okay the above numbers are what I lost today and what I lost in total for the weekend. Lost -.8 on Saturday morning and nothing on Sunday, but this morning lost another .6 so I'm at a total loss of 12.8 pounds.

Had a great time scrapbooking. Stayed at a great little place and enjoyed the company of about 12 other ladies. Decided I'm going to sell my entire Sizzix machine and dies for a Cricut system. I learned I was living in the non-techno world of scrapbooking. So I'm going to make a list of all my dies and put everything on Ebay and sell it so I can purchase a Cricut.

Well, I better get to work. So until tomorrow.

R2 Day 14 VLCD (0) (-11.4)

Okay, I would be lying if I said I'm not a little bummed, but I know I didn't get in enough water yesterday because I was running around all evening getting ready to go to my scrapbooking retreat. But I must say it isn't an increase so all is good.

I went to listen to a Supreme Court Oral Argument this morning. Very interesting I must say, I've been in court many times for trials (I'm a paralegal), but this was a first with the Montana Supreme Court.

I'm now back at work and looking out my office window we have Rock Chucks (big gophers) for those that don't know in our yard. They are hilarious to watch. The babies should be coming any time, it is just the parents for now. It's a warm day here today so that's why they are out.

Well, I won't be posting over the weekend as I will not have internet access and I'll be busy scrapbooking away my time. So I'll update everyone on Monday.

Have a great weekend.

R2 Day 13 VLCD (0) (-11.4)

Well no loss today but that's okay, I'm losing fat and that good.

You get used to losing everyday and then you have a zero day and it makes you stop and think that it isn't all about the scale. You can't let the scale dictate your day. So I put on an outfit that makes me look great and the pants are baggy - that's a great day, so I had to change to something else (something smaller) even a better day. So a zero today I'm okay with. I'll just bump up my water and see what tomorrow brings.

I'm leaving tomorrow night to go to a scrapbooking retreat. I cooked my chicken to take and made some more applesauce to take along as well. Shouldn't be too bad, since I'll be so involved with scrapbooking. Should be a great weekend.

Til tomorrow.

R2 Day 12 VLCD (-.6) (-11.4 lbs.)

I'm really happy with my weight loss so far. I am also very happy with the way my clothes are fitting now days. When I can tuck in a shirt-it is a good day. I seem to be losing more in inches this time around.

I was talking with my daughter last night and we discussed how we look at ourselves in the mirror, before, during and after. When we are fat (sorry - no other word for it) we don't really see ourselves as fat, we see ourselves as "I need to lose a little weight" or "it isn't so bad" or "I guess this is how I'll be forever". The time you are on the protocol and losing you have time to really look at yourself and when you lose weight and inches you begin to realize - OMG! I was that big?

Ten years ago I weighed 125 pounds and I thought I was fat. How stupid was I, 6 years ago, I weighed what I weigh now and thought I looked horrible. It's amazing how we see ourselves in the mirror. We really need to have change our mind as well as our bodies. And this can be a really hard thing to do. I pulled out some pictures of me from my last year's vacation and almost fainted (okay puked) what was I thinking. I didn't look good. I was fooling myself. This protocol has given me the time to really see what I ate, how I lived and how I looked at myself.

This is a new beginning for me and I will always be aware of my weight and keep it under control. Life is too short. Dance, laugh, jog, but ENJOY your new body without the mind games we play with ourselves.

Til tomorrow.

R2 Day 11 VLCD (-.6) (-10.8)

The second round seems to be much easier for me. This is because I know exactly what stalled or slowed me during the first time so now I can avoid those foods and continue losing at a better rate. I know what the results can be with HCG so I'm a little anxious this round to be done because I know where I'll be in the end and that is very exciting. But I'll take it one day at a time and during these 40 days I will also readjust my thinking on food, exercise and being healthy. I know during the stablization phase before this round, I was more in tune to what I put in my mouth and why. I don't want to go back to the person I was before so this is a lifestyle change to eat better and not be hanging out at Wendys, McDonalds or any other fast food place. And if forced to eat there at least make a better choice in my food.

I have to let everyone know that my daughter lost an incredible amount of weight using HCG. She lost 38 pounds. I haven't seen her yet so I don't know the inches, but I can only imagine. I'm so proud of her.

My sister is also on this journey and as of today she's lost 10 pounds and she is on Day 9 of the VLCD. She also has lost over 13 inches so far. Way to go sis!!!!

Well til tomorrow. Keep smiling!

R2 Day 10 VLCD (-.2) (-10.2)

A loss is a loss and after two days at 1.0 pound per day, I'm okay with .2.

I know I'm losing inches because there are clothes that I haven't worn in over 6 years. I went to the back of the closet again yesterday and found a dress that I bought but never wore because when I bought it, it was a little snug and I thought, "Oh, I'll lose a few pounds and be able to wear it", yeah right! It still had the tags on it. But yesterday I was able to fit into again. It was a little snug but another week on the protocol and it will fit great. I will finally get to wear the dress!!!! Oh yeah, happy dance!!!!

Til tomorrow :)

R2 D9 VLCD (-1.0) (-10.0)

Well another good day. Cooked ham, potatoes and gravy for Easter for husband and son. Didn't seem to bother me much. I made applesauce and some italian sausage out of fround chicken. Both are extemely tasty.

Well not much today. Til tomorrow. Happy Easter.

R2 Day 8 VLCD (-.8) (9 lbs.)

Well that's a good number today.

Well I went to the back of the closet today and put on clothes that have been hanging around waiting for me to wear them again. It was a great day so far.

If the weather would ever get warmer I have some really cute summer dresses to wear and show off my new figure.

When I was trying on the clothes I used to think back when that I looked fat in them. Now I think WOW I look great. What a reality check.

Well I'm off to town. Tah ta.

R2 Day 7 VLCD (-1.4) (-8.2)

OH YEAH!!!! This is a good day. I made it out of the 150's. Not by much but I'm out. I'm going to keep my salt to a minimum and up my water again today and see what happens again tomorrow.

Well the weekend is upon us and Easter is just around the corner. I won't post anything until Monday so everyone have a wonderful weekend and Happy Easter!

Til Monday.

R2 Day 6 VLCG (-.2) (-6.8)

Okay, that number is depressing. I know a loss is a loss, but COME ON!

Anyways, I reviewed what I ate and determined that I probably had too much salt yesterday. For dinner I had . . . Nope. . . not chicken, I had broiled Halibut. I don't know if it caused a little slowing down, but today I'll cut down on the salt and up my water.

After being a little bummed this morning and having a pity party with myself about my loss, I had to regroup and remember that the protocol is called "Pounds and Inches" for a reason. So I thought, why not see if I lost any inches. OMG! I lost another inch in my waist, an inch and a half in my rib area and an inch in my hips. After that I didn't need to measure any further as I knew I was at least losing inches and the pounds would catch up later.

So no matter if the scale is moving or not, remember you're still losing fat and reshaping your body.

Til tomorrow.

R2 Day 5 VLCG (-.6) (Total -6.6)

Okay I have to remember that every thing is a loss even if it isn't a big one they all add up. Sometimes that is hard to remember when you want something so much.

Yesterday for dinner I had broiled chicken, home-made tomatoe soup and some strawberries. And I know I drank plenty of water.

Today for lunch is . . . yep you guessed it - CHICKEN. Tonight I'm having fish or shrimp depending on my mood when I get home although it is tough to decide when you are not hunger for anything. I just eat the food to fuel my body.

Well til tomorrow. Everyone keep up the good work!

RD Day 4 VLCD (-.8)

Well I hoping for a bigger loss but I'll take -.8 today. So with today that totals 6 pounds lost since I started the second round.

I went walking at lunch yesterday as it was finally warm here which was nice to get out of the office.

Yesterday I had hot tea with stevia in the morning on my way to work, then for lunch I had broiled chicken, an apple and a tomato and for dinner I had broiled chicked and spinach.

Today, I brought broiled chicken, an apple and a cucumber to for lunch.

Ta ta for now.

R2 Day 3 VLCD (total gain 2.8) (-5.2 lbs.)

Okay, first let me update you on the weekend numbers.

Saturday, April 4, 2009 - Gained .8 from the second load day.

Sunday, April 5, 2009 - lost 2.8 pounds

TODAY:

Monday, April 6, 2009 - lost 2.4 pounds

Saturday was my first VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet) and since I have already done a round, I knew what to expect, except I was at home when I started it and the mindless eating was a little harder to control than when I'm at work, but I conquered it on Saturday and Sunday, by cleaning house and going to auctions.

Sunday morning was a good surprise I lost what I had gained on my two load days, so this morning was even a better day. Down 2.4 pounds.

Til tomorrow.

2nd Load Day (+2 lbs)

Well my husband and I went for mexican last night. I had enchiladas with cheese, guc and sour cream. Then I went for the churro for dessert. Might as well live big. But by time I got home I was regretting my dinner, as it didn't like me as well as I liked it. It sat on my stomach like a rock.

Didn't eat anything for breakfast as I knew I would not be able to stomach it. But am enjoying some peanuts now. My boss is taking me out to lunch today so I'll eat high fat but need to be careful of what I eat so I don't upset my stomach again.

Well tomorrow I'll be back to the 500 calories which I actually enjoyed because I didn't have to think too much on what to eat. It was probably the easiest because there was no guess work.

Til tomorrow.

Load Day 1 on Round 2 (155.2)

Well today is my first load day for Round 2 of HCG starting at 155.2 lbs. with a goal of 125 lbs.

I started my first round of HCG in January at 181 pounds and ended at 156 with a total of 34 inches lost. I then did my three weeks of no sugar no carbs and then a week of adding back some good carbs. I actually did really well as I dropped to 155.2 pounds and maintained between 155 and 156.

For breakfast I had one fried egg and 4 pieces of bacon; I've snacked on peanuts. I know salads are not fatting, but I added, black olives, ham and cheese as well as used oil & vinegar dressing. I have some pudding to eat this afternoon as well as continue to eat peanuts. I'm not sure what to cook for dinner, but I'll have some ice cream for dessert before bed.

I'll post my measurements tomorrow as I forgot to bring them today.

After not eating a lot doing a previous round, this load day has been very upsetting on the stomach, but I know how well the HCG works and it is all worth it in the end.

In my last 40 day round, I can say I NEVER cheated the entire time. I truly believe that is what made my maintenance a lot easier. I also never cheated during the 3 weeks of no sugar/no carbs. That wasn't as easy but again, I don't want to be the same as I was before I started this journey.