Yeah, I know...

I didn't make it back to the diet...life took a few twists.

First, I switched jobs. That was a huge mistake. The job turned into a nightmare. More on that later.

So, I went back to my former job, but the only role available was PRN. So now I'm looking for something full time. Not easy in this state. Will update as soon as I know what the story turns out to be....

My poor old Honda started having issues. Still runs, but not reliable enough for the miles I travel. We bought a used Chevy Impala - loaded but a good price. Of course, I haven't had a car payment in more than 10 years and I worry about having one now.

I still need to diet, but it's just not a priority right now. So, doing portion control and trying to keep hubby away from buffets.

I plan to write more, but right now, searching the job posts is more important. But, I will be back!

Back to the Diet!

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!

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!

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.  :-)

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.