This is the last weekend of my 3 weeks of the 'Maintenance" phase of the HCG diet. On Monday, I'll restart the drops. I opted to stay with the synthetic version. The price difference is just too much and I figure I lost nearly 20 pounds with them the first time through.
I have enough drops for about a week or so, so I'll need to order some more to get through my planned 30-40 day long diet. I already have my protein portioned out and frozen (4 ounces each) - steak, pork chops, scallops, shrimp, chicken and even some turkey.
I'll continue to eat 2 cups of an 'approved' vegetable twice a day - salad, cucumbers, tomatoes, greens, celery - just about anything green except peas, beans or the like. Carrots and corn are also too high in sugars, so not allowed. I do plan at least one or two 'corn on the cob' meals. This is Michigan!
And fruit. And apple, orange or some berries with each meal or as a small snack. I may have to have a peach or two.
Water. Lots and lots of water. I've got a 20 oz bottle that needs to be consumed twice a day. I have some flavorings to change it up and even on my 3 weeks off, I only had soda twice. It's actually too sweet and leaves a funny taste in my mouth. The occasional cocktail or glass of wine is not out of the question either.
This morning I weighed in at 173...so no change despite eating more and not taking the drops. Maybe the 'reset' of my metabolism is actually happening! Even though the diet promises a loss of 1-2 pounds per day, my previous experience was approximately 1 pound every 1-2 days. I can live with that! So in 30 days I would be thrilled with another 20 pound weight loss. Being down to 153 in a month or so will make me VERY happy. And of course, loss of inches is also a goal. Gee, wouldn't it be horrible if I had to buy all new pants within the next month?
Starting Monday, Diet Day 1B, I will have 2 days of eating anything I want and taking the drops. Starting Wednesday, Diet Day 3B, my caloric restrictions and food type restrictions will be back in place and then the real fun will begin.
Wish me luck!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Phase 3....3 weeks
I started phase 3 last Saturday - Officially Diet Day 36. I have plateaued at 173 pounds. I went down to 172 once and back up to 174 once. I stopped the HCG drops and as of today have started my second week of no drops but eating the same-ish foods at about 1200 calories or so per day.
I'm still trying to decide if I should order the 'real' drops or just re-order what I've been on. The synthetic worked but not as well as I would have thought. Of course, I didn't drink enough water and I did cheat on occasion - mostly the weekends. And every time I gained a pound, I'd have to lose 2 to make up the difference or if I gained a pound and didn't lose the next day, I was further in the hole.
So, when I restart it will be for 30 days, drops to be determined, and I will drink at least 40 oz of water a day. The calories will still be around 700 a day vs 500 as once in a while, a treat is required to keep my sanity.
My next 'restart' date is Sunday the 17th with 2 days of anything I want plus the drops and then 28 days of actual diet. In reality, 4 weeks just isn't that long. If I stick to it, I should lose around 28 pounds or so. If I maintain the 173 I am today I should be about 145 with another 15 pounds to go to my goal of 130.
What's really sad is that I weighed 140 when I gave birth! But I was younger, thinner to start with and smoked. I never needed to lose even a pound until I quit smoking. I am glad I quit smoking though. I just have to get back the metabolism I used to have before I quit and before the hysterectomy. Those two events destroyed my metabolism. Having a more sedentary job the last few years was just the icing on the cake (ummm...CAKE!).
Now that I'm moving a bit more, taking vitamins and dieting, I do feel better, so I am motivated to continue. Besides that, I can't wait to see my doctor in October and see his look of surprise at the new me!
I'll post as soon as I know what route I'm going to take with the drops. I really hope that anyone trying this will let me know how they're doing. All comments appreciated!
I'm still trying to decide if I should order the 'real' drops or just re-order what I've been on. The synthetic worked but not as well as I would have thought. Of course, I didn't drink enough water and I did cheat on occasion - mostly the weekends. And every time I gained a pound, I'd have to lose 2 to make up the difference or if I gained a pound and didn't lose the next day, I was further in the hole.
So, when I restart it will be for 30 days, drops to be determined, and I will drink at least 40 oz of water a day. The calories will still be around 700 a day vs 500 as once in a while, a treat is required to keep my sanity.
My next 'restart' date is Sunday the 17th with 2 days of anything I want plus the drops and then 28 days of actual diet. In reality, 4 weeks just isn't that long. If I stick to it, I should lose around 28 pounds or so. If I maintain the 173 I am today I should be about 145 with another 15 pounds to go to my goal of 130.
What's really sad is that I weighed 140 when I gave birth! But I was younger, thinner to start with and smoked. I never needed to lose even a pound until I quit smoking. I am glad I quit smoking though. I just have to get back the metabolism I used to have before I quit and before the hysterectomy. Those two events destroyed my metabolism. Having a more sedentary job the last few years was just the icing on the cake (ummm...CAKE!).
Now that I'm moving a bit more, taking vitamins and dieting, I do feel better, so I am motivated to continue. Besides that, I can't wait to see my doctor in October and see his look of surprise at the new me!
I'll post as soon as I know what route I'm going to take with the drops. I really hope that anyone trying this will let me know how they're doing. All comments appreciated!
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Diet Day, uh, 35, I think....
I am not as happy, or as light, as I should be.
I am stuck at 173 pounds. Now, that's still a 16 pound loss, but I keep hovering there and it's frustrating. It's also possible that I have reached the point where the drops need to stop. From what I've read, after a while, your body adapts to the HCG and will need a break for about 3 weeks. I'm supposed to stop on July 12th, but may just stop sooner.
Today I was so good. If I don't shave off a pound or two by tomorrow, I'll do an 'Apple Day'. If that doesn't work, I'll just stop for the 3 weeks and restart again.
But, if I lose a few pounds, I'll continue through the 12th and then we'll see. I'm still thinking about maybe using the real HCG drops but they are more expensive and require refridgeration. But if I've stalled on the synthetic version, then the real stuff might be worth it.
So, stay tuned....next update if / when I either lose some more or change up my approach. Either way, I am still moving forward. :-)
I am stuck at 173 pounds. Now, that's still a 16 pound loss, but I keep hovering there and it's frustrating. It's also possible that I have reached the point where the drops need to stop. From what I've read, after a while, your body adapts to the HCG and will need a break for about 3 weeks. I'm supposed to stop on July 12th, but may just stop sooner.
Today I was so good. If I don't shave off a pound or two by tomorrow, I'll do an 'Apple Day'. If that doesn't work, I'll just stop for the 3 weeks and restart again.
But, if I lose a few pounds, I'll continue through the 12th and then we'll see. I'm still thinking about maybe using the real HCG drops but they are more expensive and require refridgeration. But if I've stalled on the synthetic version, then the real stuff might be worth it.
So, stay tuned....next update if / when I either lose some more or change up my approach. Either way, I am still moving forward. :-)
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Diet Day 25
15 pounds!!! 16 inches!! Today I weigh 174...down from 189. I can feel and SEE the difference. And so can other people. Yesterday, a guy I work occasionally with commented that I had 'done something different' and that I looked good. Of course, I had gotten my hair done, but he assured me that wasn't all of it. I told him that I was dieting and gave him the scoop. HCG may have another customer! But now, back to me....because we ALL know, it's all about ME! (heheheh)
But it's the weekend again. And I have a plan.
Today, my eldest son is graduating from WMU with his Masters in Fine Arts. Due to his own plans, we are postponing dinner out with him until next week. So, no big temptation today. Tomorrow, I am planning on grilling - some kind of meat and veggies, and mixed berries for desert. Again, my only temptation will be portions.
I have 17 days to go on this phase. Truly, my goal is 17 pounds in my remaining time on this phase of the diet. But if I only lose another 15 pounds, I'll be ecstatic. 10 pounds, I'll be happy. Any loss at all? Still happy.
I have to be honest. During the last 24 days, I have not been exact in my caloric intake limit of 500 calories per day. I have 'cheated' with foods that are forbidden. I have worn the same makeup I've always worn. I have occasionally used a teaspoon of margarine to saute my veggies. I have eaten a fruit or veggie that isn't specifically on the diet plan. I have consumed nearly enough water. And yet, I have still lost weight. Would I have lost more if I had done everything I was supposed to do? Of course. But I would have felt deprived and miserable. The occasional cheats and tweaks have made this diet easier on everyone, not just me. One square of Hersey's chocolate did not derail me. But it sure made me happy!
So, I continue with the plan... or at least, my version of the plan.
But it's the weekend again. And I have a plan.
Today, my eldest son is graduating from WMU with his Masters in Fine Arts. Due to his own plans, we are postponing dinner out with him until next week. So, no big temptation today. Tomorrow, I am planning on grilling - some kind of meat and veggies, and mixed berries for desert. Again, my only temptation will be portions.
I have 17 days to go on this phase. Truly, my goal is 17 pounds in my remaining time on this phase of the diet. But if I only lose another 15 pounds, I'll be ecstatic. 10 pounds, I'll be happy. Any loss at all? Still happy.
I have to be honest. During the last 24 days, I have not been exact in my caloric intake limit of 500 calories per day. I have 'cheated' with foods that are forbidden. I have worn the same makeup I've always worn. I have occasionally used a teaspoon of margarine to saute my veggies. I have eaten a fruit or veggie that isn't specifically on the diet plan. I have consumed nearly enough water. And yet, I have still lost weight. Would I have lost more if I had done everything I was supposed to do? Of course. But I would have felt deprived and miserable. The occasional cheats and tweaks have made this diet easier on everyone, not just me. One square of Hersey's chocolate did not derail me. But it sure made me happy!
So, I continue with the plan... or at least, my version of the plan.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Diet Day 21
Didn't do as bad as I thought over my long weekend in Nashville. I DID cheat. I ate potatoes (very bad), I drank a couple tequila sunrises (very, very bad) and the last day, I had a piece of chocolate cake (I should be shot!). But when I got up Monday morning and stepped on the scale, my total gain was 1.5 pounds!!!
So yesterday (Monday) I stuck to the diet and so far today I have stuck to the diet. My weight today was the same as yesterday (which in almost the same as a pound gained in my book) but I expect that tomorrow will show a loss.
Anyway you look at it I've still lost 13 pounds and about 13 inches overall. I'm halfway through this first phase which lasts 42 days. In reality, I should be down 21 pounds or so by now, but previous 'cheats' and my trip have put the kabosh on that. So, I have 21 days to go on this phase and my plan is to lose the 20-21 pounds I should lose. That would be a total of 33-34 pounds which would be a total victory to anyone on a diet.
So as of today, I weigh 176 pounds (down from 189) and my total inches lost is 13.75. My pants are loser, I have to use the second set of hooks on my bra and my watch moves on my wrist.
Do I miss soda? Oh yeah. Do I miss ice cream? Definately. Can I do without them? YES.
Onto the second half of my journey with success in my sights!
So yesterday (Monday) I stuck to the diet and so far today I have stuck to the diet. My weight today was the same as yesterday (which in almost the same as a pound gained in my book) but I expect that tomorrow will show a loss.
Anyway you look at it I've still lost 13 pounds and about 13 inches overall. I'm halfway through this first phase which lasts 42 days. In reality, I should be down 21 pounds or so by now, but previous 'cheats' and my trip have put the kabosh on that. So, I have 21 days to go on this phase and my plan is to lose the 20-21 pounds I should lose. That would be a total of 33-34 pounds which would be a total victory to anyone on a diet.
So as of today, I weigh 176 pounds (down from 189) and my total inches lost is 13.75. My pants are loser, I have to use the second set of hooks on my bra and my watch moves on my wrist.
Do I miss soda? Oh yeah. Do I miss ice cream? Definately. Can I do without them? YES.
Onto the second half of my journey with success in my sights!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Diet.....on the Road!
OK - this is NOT working! Everywhere I go, there is food. Usually not what is 'on' my diet.
Last night, nothing, not one single thing, on the menu in the restaurant at the hotel was even remotely close to my list of diet foods. Even only eating small portions, the foods were all wrong. Today, we had a provided breakfast. The best I could do was a small yogurt and some coffee. Everything else was fried, gravied or just plain carb-heavy. I drank coffee with sugar, because I can't have nutrasweet and they didn't have any Spenda.
There was a midmorning snack - muffins!
Then lunch was a turkey sandwich with lettuce and tomatoe (ok, that's better) with a pasta salad that I didn't eat and a huge piece of cake. I only ate half - hey, it was wonderful!
Then there was a midafternoon snack - cheese, crackers, fruit and cookies! Had to have a couple of bites as I needed brain food by that time. At least, so far, I'm not hungry enough for dinner. But I did have two tequila sunrises. OJ's good for me, right?
Nurses are closely related to pirrhana - we'll eat just about anything that isn't nailed down. How do you think I got this fat in the first place!!??!!
So, even though I am really trying, and I'm still taking my HCG drops, I'm pretty sure that there will be no weight loss this weekend - I'm just hoping I don't gain back too much.
On the bright side, one of my fellow students is now on the maintenence phase of the HCG diet. She's lost a total of 35 pounds. She's waiting the 6 weeks to start up again. She told me that her biggest mistake the second time she went through the plan, she didn't drink enough water, so her weight loss was minimal. The first time she went through it, she did lose the 1 pound per day. The second time, it was about a pound every 3-4 days. So it does work and she is the third person I've met who had done it and done it well.
There IS hope for me - after this weekend!
Last night, nothing, not one single thing, on the menu in the restaurant at the hotel was even remotely close to my list of diet foods. Even only eating small portions, the foods were all wrong. Today, we had a provided breakfast. The best I could do was a small yogurt and some coffee. Everything else was fried, gravied or just plain carb-heavy. I drank coffee with sugar, because I can't have nutrasweet and they didn't have any Spenda.
There was a midmorning snack - muffins!
Then lunch was a turkey sandwich with lettuce and tomatoe (ok, that's better) with a pasta salad that I didn't eat and a huge piece of cake. I only ate half - hey, it was wonderful!
Then there was a midafternoon snack - cheese, crackers, fruit and cookies! Had to have a couple of bites as I needed brain food by that time. At least, so far, I'm not hungry enough for dinner. But I did have two tequila sunrises. OJ's good for me, right?
Nurses are closely related to pirrhana - we'll eat just about anything that isn't nailed down. How do you think I got this fat in the first place!!??!!
So, even though I am really trying, and I'm still taking my HCG drops, I'm pretty sure that there will be no weight loss this weekend - I'm just hoping I don't gain back too much.
On the bright side, one of my fellow students is now on the maintenence phase of the HCG diet. She's lost a total of 35 pounds. She's waiting the 6 weeks to start up again. She told me that her biggest mistake the second time she went through the plan, she didn't drink enough water, so her weight loss was minimal. The first time she went through it, she did lose the 1 pound per day. The second time, it was about a pound every 3-4 days. So it does work and she is the third person I've met who had done it and done it well.
There IS hope for me - after this weekend!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Diet Day 16
As of today, I am down 13 pounds but I'm just a little depressed.
I got new batteries for the digital scale and realized that my old analog was really, really wrong. So even though I am down 13 pounds, my actual weight is higher than I thought I had started at! The last time I went to the doctor (and we all know that their scales are messed up!) I weighed 189. When I got on my old scale a month later (after giving up soda and a few other things) I weighed 170. I figured that was probably wrong, but I could justify starting at that number because that's what my scale told me. So a few days ago, I bought batteries for the digital scale and I weighed 176!
I have to admit it threw me into a bit of a funk. In response, I cheated on the diet all weekend, gained two pounds and then, feeling bad about that, got serious again. This morning I am back at 176 - still on overall loss of 13 pounds and I've also lost about 10 inches overall. That's still an accomplishment. I'm still pretty proud of myself.
Now the next test. I'm going on a business trip - leaving today and returning home Sunday night. Sticking to the diet will be difficult at best. I'll need to really watch my portions and calories as I may not be able to follow the strict food type restrictions. I also won't have a scale, but I'm taking my tape measure. So Monday morning, I should have lost 4 pounds or so. I'll be thrilled it I don't gain!
So, wish me luck, say a prayer and maybe I'll be able to lose a few pounds - oh, and pass this certification test that I'm going to Nashville to take! Certification means a bonus and a raise - if I pass! That would be a really good outcome and may even make me happier to be on this diet.
Update to come next Monday....till then, fingers crossed.
I got new batteries for the digital scale and realized that my old analog was really, really wrong. So even though I am down 13 pounds, my actual weight is higher than I thought I had started at! The last time I went to the doctor (and we all know that their scales are messed up!) I weighed 189. When I got on my old scale a month later (after giving up soda and a few other things) I weighed 170. I figured that was probably wrong, but I could justify starting at that number because that's what my scale told me. So a few days ago, I bought batteries for the digital scale and I weighed 176!
I have to admit it threw me into a bit of a funk. In response, I cheated on the diet all weekend, gained two pounds and then, feeling bad about that, got serious again. This morning I am back at 176 - still on overall loss of 13 pounds and I've also lost about 10 inches overall. That's still an accomplishment. I'm still pretty proud of myself.
Now the next test. I'm going on a business trip - leaving today and returning home Sunday night. Sticking to the diet will be difficult at best. I'll need to really watch my portions and calories as I may not be able to follow the strict food type restrictions. I also won't have a scale, but I'm taking my tape measure. So Monday morning, I should have lost 4 pounds or so. I'll be thrilled it I don't gain!
So, wish me luck, say a prayer and maybe I'll be able to lose a few pounds - oh, and pass this certification test that I'm going to Nashville to take! Certification means a bonus and a raise - if I pass! That would be a really good outcome and may even make me happier to be on this diet.
Update to come next Monday....till then, fingers crossed.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Diet Day 10
Ten days. So far......................very good!
As of this morning, I am down a total of 11 pounds, and 8.5 inches. I feel good. People tell me than can tell I'm losing weight because my face looks a little thinner. My watch is looser and my pants aren't super tight.
Occasional cravings aside, I'm not that hungry. Today, for lunch, I ate about 2 cups loose pack fresh spinach with a little diced red onion, 4 oz of roast chicken and 1/2 a large orange cut up. It made a wonderful salad! Tonight's dinner is going to be grilled steak with onion and garlic, some celery and cucumber, strawberries with the other half of that orange will be my desert.
Last night I diced up an apple and sauteed it with cinnamon and spenda - Apple Pie without the crust! It was wonderful.
I have some new ideas and I'm looking forward to shopping tomorrow for some healthy ingredients to whet my appetite.
Now it's not all sunshine and roses, though. Hubby is trying so hard not to 'tempt' me that he's feeling deprived. I told him that I can always find something to eat, even if it means a small cheat. Controlling the portions and keeping to the types of food I'm allowed can be difficult but not impossible. In fact, we're eating out on Sunday at my favorite restaurant and I plan on having fish and veggies and I'm sure that it will be delicious.
I am excited and encouraged so far. I think this diet will work and that I'll be able to maintain my weight when I'm done.
Wish me luck!
As of this morning, I am down a total of 11 pounds, and 8.5 inches. I feel good. People tell me than can tell I'm losing weight because my face looks a little thinner. My watch is looser and my pants aren't super tight.
Occasional cravings aside, I'm not that hungry. Today, for lunch, I ate about 2 cups loose pack fresh spinach with a little diced red onion, 4 oz of roast chicken and 1/2 a large orange cut up. It made a wonderful salad! Tonight's dinner is going to be grilled steak with onion and garlic, some celery and cucumber, strawberries with the other half of that orange will be my desert.
Last night I diced up an apple and sauteed it with cinnamon and spenda - Apple Pie without the crust! It was wonderful.
I have some new ideas and I'm looking forward to shopping tomorrow for some healthy ingredients to whet my appetite.
Now it's not all sunshine and roses, though. Hubby is trying so hard not to 'tempt' me that he's feeling deprived. I told him that I can always find something to eat, even if it means a small cheat. Controlling the portions and keeping to the types of food I'm allowed can be difficult but not impossible. In fact, we're eating out on Sunday at my favorite restaurant and I plan on having fish and veggies and I'm sure that it will be delicious.
I am excited and encouraged so far. I think this diet will work and that I'll be able to maintain my weight when I'm done.
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Diet Day 7
One whole week!
I haven't killed anyone.
I haven't binged on ice cream.
I'm not starving to death.
But today was a bit depressing. My weight was the same this morning. BUT, I'm down another inch. And today, I am a little hungry. Not horrible, but enough that I noticed it. So, I ate some fresh strawberries. That worked just fine.
My dinner tonight was a 4 oz steak, grilled with seasoning, 2 cups spinach seared with red onions and garlic, 1/2 a flat bread and a small bowl of strawberries. Now, I'm full!
One more nice side effect - no IBS symptoms! I know that may be TMI but really, this is wonderful!
So, Inches Lost Tally is 6 and Weight Lost Tally is 7 lbs. And I feel GOOD!
I haven't killed anyone.
I haven't binged on ice cream.
I'm not starving to death.
But today was a bit depressing. My weight was the same this morning. BUT, I'm down another inch. And today, I am a little hungry. Not horrible, but enough that I noticed it. So, I ate some fresh strawberries. That worked just fine.
My dinner tonight was a 4 oz steak, grilled with seasoning, 2 cups spinach seared with red onions and garlic, 1/2 a flat bread and a small bowl of strawberries. Now, I'm full!
One more nice side effect - no IBS symptoms! I know that may be TMI but really, this is wonderful!
So, Inches Lost Tally is 6 and Weight Lost Tally is 7 lbs. And I feel GOOD!
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Diet Day 5
So I cheated.
Yep, went out with friends and had BBQ Chicken pizza and pub fries. Only ate about 1/3 what I normally would, but I was stuffed! I was willing to pay the piper - my total weight loss was 4 pounds yesterday morning.
This morning, I got on the scale. Then I got off. Then I got back on. I called my husband into the room to read the scale...I had LOST another 2 pounds! As of yesterday, my total inches lost was 5. This morning I had lost another inch!!
Thus far, my Inches Lost Tally is 6 and my Pounds Lost Tally is 6. And this morning I noticed my wedding rings move on my finger. Amazing. Just amazing.
Today I'll be good - even though we're going to a grad party with a pig roast. I can have 4 oz of pork and they are sure to have a veggie tray and fruit. I'll be able to stick to my diet without insulting my hosts.
Time for my coffee. I just couldn't wait to post this!
ciao
Yep, went out with friends and had BBQ Chicken pizza and pub fries. Only ate about 1/3 what I normally would, but I was stuffed! I was willing to pay the piper - my total weight loss was 4 pounds yesterday morning.
This morning, I got on the scale. Then I got off. Then I got back on. I called my husband into the room to read the scale...I had LOST another 2 pounds! As of yesterday, my total inches lost was 5. This morning I had lost another inch!!
Thus far, my Inches Lost Tally is 6 and my Pounds Lost Tally is 6. And this morning I noticed my wedding rings move on my finger. Amazing. Just amazing.
Today I'll be good - even though we're going to a grad party with a pig roast. I can have 4 oz of pork and they are sure to have a veggie tray and fruit. I'll be able to stick to my diet without insulting my hosts.
Time for my coffee. I just couldn't wait to post this!
ciao
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Diet Day 3
I recalabrated the scale yesterday. Instant 15 pound wt loss! Doubt it but I'm going to use the scale as is - it's an old analog with the little wheelie thingee that you use to line up the 0 with the line. So last night it said I weigh 170 pounds. I'm good with that....still too heavy but good for the ego.
Now the measurements from this morning were just plain ugly. Rather than actually post my measurements, I'm going to track the total and report the overall increase or decrease. My weight, I'll post.
Today started the actual food restrictions. It's a mere 500 or so calories a day. The hardest part for me is that I'm not hungry!
This morning I had a cup of tea. That's not unusual for me. Lunch was about 4 oz of ham on 1/2 a flat bread, grilled in a non-stick pan. Also, 1/2 a tomato and an apple. And water to drink.
Tonight was 4 oz of talapia seared with citrus seasoning, 2 cups of asparagus with onion, 1/2 piece of flatbread and a small dish of strawberries. Tea and water to drink.
I've thawed some chicken and steak to prep for the next couple of days with salad greens, cucumbers and fruit. Also, just for added insanity, I actually got on the stationary bike this morning. It was only 5 minutes, but I'm sure as the pounds drop I will be able to increase the activity. That is a really good thing!
So, onward and upward!
Now the measurements from this morning were just plain ugly. Rather than actually post my measurements, I'm going to track the total and report the overall increase or decrease. My weight, I'll post.
Today started the actual food restrictions. It's a mere 500 or so calories a day. The hardest part for me is that I'm not hungry!
This morning I had a cup of tea. That's not unusual for me. Lunch was about 4 oz of ham on 1/2 a flat bread, grilled in a non-stick pan. Also, 1/2 a tomato and an apple. And water to drink.
Tonight was 4 oz of talapia seared with citrus seasoning, 2 cups of asparagus with onion, 1/2 piece of flatbread and a small dish of strawberries. Tea and water to drink.
I've thawed some chicken and steak to prep for the next couple of days with salad greens, cucumbers and fruit. Also, just for added insanity, I actually got on the stationary bike this morning. It was only 5 minutes, but I'm sure as the pounds drop I will be able to increase the activity. That is a really good thing!
So, onward and upward!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Diet Day 1
OK, started a diet with HCG....not the real stuff - can't handle the shots or the horrible expense of the drops. Nope, this one is from GNC and is a 'proprietary formula' of all the amino acids, etc...found in HCG.
Figured I give this one a shot based on all the comments I read and knowing that in the past diets have failed because as soon as I stop the "no carb", "low carb", "greens only", "points", etc....the weight comes back - with a vengeance.
This one actually has some science behind it and being a nurse, I understand the physical 'side effects' of HCG treatment. They actually make sense. This stuff was originally given to boys with underdeveloped gonads (hence the name) but the 'side effect' was loss of appetite and wt loss. In adults, male and female, the same thing, but it also 'reset' the hypothalmus. This led to a normalized metabolic rate, and normal body temperature. I have suffered for years from the constant 'hot flashes' that I can no longer attribute to menopause. I'm just HOT! If that is the only aftereffect I achieve, it will be worth the effort.
The cost isn't too bad...about $35 a bottle. The diet is very restrictive (when aren't they?), but balanced. According to everything I read, most people find it's still too much food while taking the drops.
I talked with one guy, who after 2 months had lost 50 pounds and cheated most days on the caloric intake, but not the types of foods.
So, Day 1 and Day 2 are 'eat till you're stuffed days'. So far, I've only had a protein bar (my on the go breakfast) with tea and a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with a side of beef stick (love the stuff) for lunch. Tonight is our weekly Mexican night at the restaurant.
My weight today is 185. My BMI is an absolutely horrible 34! My goal weight loss is 50 pounds. It may take more than one round of this system, but it I lose the first 25, you can bet your ass (and mine!) that I'll do the second round.
Starting tomorrow morning, I'll also start to measure my upper arms, bust, belly, hips and upper thighs. According to the literature, it's not just pounds, it's inches. This diet is supposed to mobilize the 'abnormal fat stores' found in these areas and utilize them for the energy I'll need. It's supposed to 'spare' my structural fat around organs and over my bones.
So, Day 1 has begun...wish me luck!
Figured I give this one a shot based on all the comments I read and knowing that in the past diets have failed because as soon as I stop the "no carb", "low carb", "greens only", "points", etc....the weight comes back - with a vengeance.
This one actually has some science behind it and being a nurse, I understand the physical 'side effects' of HCG treatment. They actually make sense. This stuff was originally given to boys with underdeveloped gonads (hence the name) but the 'side effect' was loss of appetite and wt loss. In adults, male and female, the same thing, but it also 'reset' the hypothalmus. This led to a normalized metabolic rate, and normal body temperature. I have suffered for years from the constant 'hot flashes' that I can no longer attribute to menopause. I'm just HOT! If that is the only aftereffect I achieve, it will be worth the effort.
The cost isn't too bad...about $35 a bottle. The diet is very restrictive (when aren't they?), but balanced. According to everything I read, most people find it's still too much food while taking the drops.
I talked with one guy, who after 2 months had lost 50 pounds and cheated most days on the caloric intake, but not the types of foods.
So, Day 1 and Day 2 are 'eat till you're stuffed days'. So far, I've only had a protein bar (my on the go breakfast) with tea and a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with a side of beef stick (love the stuff) for lunch. Tonight is our weekly Mexican night at the restaurant.
My weight today is 185. My BMI is an absolutely horrible 34! My goal weight loss is 50 pounds. It may take more than one round of this system, but it I lose the first 25, you can bet your ass (and mine!) that I'll do the second round.
Starting tomorrow morning, I'll also start to measure my upper arms, bust, belly, hips and upper thighs. According to the literature, it's not just pounds, it's inches. This diet is supposed to mobilize the 'abnormal fat stores' found in these areas and utilize them for the energy I'll need. It's supposed to 'spare' my structural fat around organs and over my bones.
So, Day 1 has begun...wish me luck!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Proud Mama
Like most mothers, I am always proud of my children.
Last night was one of those moments when my pride knows no bounds.
My son, Joe, presented a reading from his full length play, "Zombie Contingency Plans", a stage adaptation of a short story by Kelly Link of the same name. No, no Zombies, just some very disturbing, yet humorous, humans. A few of Joe's friends, actors all, did the reading in front of an audience of family, friends, collegues, professors and students. The laughter and the applause were music to my soul.
Joe was introduced, with glowing praise, by his professor, Steve Feffer. Now, this man is an expert in his field, published and produced, an acknowledged work-a-holic and his opinion of my son's work was, for me, vindication that Joe not only choose his field well, but that his contributions may one day be significant. Even to people who are NOT his mother.
Joe will participate in the 'New Play Project' this summer and then graduate with his MFA in June. Steve and I both agree that Joe needs to continue on and pursue his Phd. in Playwriting. Joe is a little less enthusiastic - he has been in school for mearly his entire life. He'd like a break -- and a job.
No matter what he chooses to do, and I'm sure it will surprise us all in wonderful ways, for me, last night was one of those highlights I will always treasure.
Last night was one of those moments when my pride knows no bounds.
My son, Joe, presented a reading from his full length play, "Zombie Contingency Plans", a stage adaptation of a short story by Kelly Link of the same name. No, no Zombies, just some very disturbing, yet humorous, humans. A few of Joe's friends, actors all, did the reading in front of an audience of family, friends, collegues, professors and students. The laughter and the applause were music to my soul.
Joe was introduced, with glowing praise, by his professor, Steve Feffer. Now, this man is an expert in his field, published and produced, an acknowledged work-a-holic and his opinion of my son's work was, for me, vindication that Joe not only choose his field well, but that his contributions may one day be significant. Even to people who are NOT his mother.
Joe will participate in the 'New Play Project' this summer and then graduate with his MFA in June. Steve and I both agree that Joe needs to continue on and pursue his Phd. in Playwriting. Joe is a little less enthusiastic - he has been in school for mearly his entire life. He'd like a break -- and a job.
No matter what he chooses to do, and I'm sure it will surprise us all in wonderful ways, for me, last night was one of those highlights I will always treasure.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Long Time, No Read....or Write...
Well, I have certainly been a lazy slacker! So much has happened in the last two years that I really haven't had time to keep up with my blog. Bad me. I started working in Home Care about a year and a half ago...first as a visit nurse/supervisor then my job evolved into QA and Chart reviewer. When I started, the company was privately owned, small and local to my part of Michigan. Well that changed last November! We were aquired by a national company that has MANY senior independent living communites, assisted living and Alzheimers communities. They have always focused on therapy and life continuum as well as high end living for seniors. A while back they decided to add home health to thier product lines. That's where we came in. We have always been a general community (patients living in thier own homes/apartments) agency. They (Us) now also provide a proactive approach to providing care to our population inside and outside our communities to help seniors maintain independence and in general, a better health profile. So what's my job now? Hmm, not really sure! Officially, I supervise RN case managers, do education and competencies, inservices and audits. I also help with opening new cases, doing visits when needed, process referrals, approach physicians and do courtesy visits with people that may need our services. It's a completely different way of doing homecare and I really like the model we follow. I'm also studying to become a certified ICD-9 coder. I do enjoy it, but the increased stress has played hell with my skin (zits - which I am WAY too old for!) and of course my dress size. Maybe that will even out soon.... So, now that everyone is caught up with job.... The boys are doing so well! My eldest will graduate with his MFA in Playwriting this spring and continues to amaze me with his talent. The youngest is still finishing up his double major undergrad degrees and hopes to start his masters soon. Both are still single and as far as I know, have not commited parenthood without a license. So I remain a grandmother in waiting. But that's ok too, as I really don't have time to bounce grandbabies on my arthritic knees! Hubby continues to work here at home and makes a wonderful house husband. We still enjoy each other's company and spend nearly all our free time together. In May we'll be married for 17 years! Can't believe it's been that long. That's all the news...and if I can I will update this blog more than once every couple of years. Til next time...
Saturday, March 12, 2011
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