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!