SIMEONS HCG PROTOCOL -APRIL2010

[Gracie514]

Originally Posted by mrscapiii

From what I can tell according to ****** ALL spices have calories, just some much more than others. Onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin are all high at 23 calories per Tbls. Oregano, basil, thyme are much less between 1 and 5 calories per tsp. Just found it interesting!

I use 3 different kinds of chili powders (mexican, ancho, and chipotle) and cumin in the chili I make. Since I use ground chicken (breast that I grind myself) I only end up about 185-190 calories per serving even with the higher calorie spices.

I use lots of different spices depending on what I am cooking. Keeps things from getting monotonous. Dill on fish, basil and oregano on chicken, curry on everything, etc.

Wow! I never knew that spices had calories! That's very interesting. I actually keep things kind of simple - salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder - I'm kind of boring. I don't know if I've ever tried curry or maybe I did and didn't like it? I may have to buy some and see how it tastes. Thanks for the info!

[doxielove]

I did P & I for 3 weeks in late August/early September. I lost 13 pounds and 12 inches pn 21 days (I have Type II diabetes so I am very resistant to weight loss). I had a lot of trouble on P3, even though I had no sugar or starch and virtually zero carbs. I ended up gaining it all back, and then some. My new bottle of HCG drops should be here today or tomorrow, and I plan to get back at it on Monday (I don't have the willpower to start on Easter). I plan on doing the 40 days this time (minus the grissini to see if that improves my weight loss at all) or until I can't stand it anymore, but I'm already scared to death of P3 failure again. Is there a thread on how to successfully transition form P2 to P3? I couldn't find one. I can't even bear to think about P4! Or can all you successful losers post your hints and tips? I would be so grateful! TIA.

[shebasmudder]

Originally Posted by doxielove

I did P & I for 3 weeks in late August/early September. I lost 13 pounds and 12 inches pn 21 days (I have Type II diabetes so I am very resistant to weight loss). I had a lot of trouble on P3, even though I had no sugar or starch and virtually zero carbs. I ended up gaining it all back, and then some. My new bottle of HCG drops should be here today or tomorrow, and I plan to get back at it on Monday (I don't have the willpower to start on Easter). I plan on doing the 40 days this time (minus the grissini to see if that improves my weight loss at all) or until I can't stand it anymore, but I'm already scared to death of P3 failure again. Is there a thread on how to successfully transition form P2 to P3? I couldn't find one. I can't even bear to think about P4! Or can all you successful losers post your hints and tips? I would be so grateful! TIA.

Hi, doxie !

I am Type II as well and haven't started yet. Are you on meds ? I have been on certain meds that have weight gain as a side effect. I took Actos and gained 15 pounds. Most recently I am on Amaryl and gained 7 pounds. Did you find your bg #s low while on the VLCD? It's possible, too, that your meds cause the cravings. The Actos adds body fat but in places other than your belly. This can cause cravings. Insulin, too, can cause weight gain.

[mrscapiii]

Originally Posted by doxielove

I did P & I for 3 weeks in late August/early September. I lost 13 pounds and 12 inches pn 21 days (I have Type II diabetes so I am very resistant to weight loss). I had a lot of trouble on P3, even though I had no sugar or starch and virtually zero carbs. I ended up gaining it all back, and then some. My new bottle of HCG drops should be here today or tomorrow, and I plan to get back at it on Monday (I don't have the willpower to start on Easter). I plan on doing the 40 days this time (minus the grissini to see if that improves my weight loss at all) or until I can't stand it anymore, but I'm already scared to death of P3 failure again. Is there a thread on how to successfully transition form P2 to P3? I couldn't find one. I can't even bear to think about P4! Or can all you successful losers post your hints and tips? I would be so grateful! TIA.

I am rereading all the past threads and just ran across some P3 information. Hope there is something helpful in here for you! I'm pretty sure this came from either Lindy (CrazyMama) or Dizzy.


________________________________________
I googled hcg diet phase 3 and found some really good info.

Here are some vegetables to avoid
Starchy (High Carb) Vegetables
The main veggies to be avoided when reducing carbohydrates are the starchier vegetables:
* Beets
* Carrots (depends on diet)
* Corn
* Parsnips
* Peas
* Plantains
* Potatoes in all forms
* Winter Squashes (particularly acorn and butternut)

And fruits to be careful about or avoid
Fruits fairly high in sugar:
* Grapes
* Tangerine
* Oranges
* Pineapple
* Kiwi

Fruits to be avoided in the maintenance phase:
* Bananas
* Dried Fruit
* Mango

Information about starch
Avoiding starch means avoid cornstarch, white flour, wheat flour, any flour, pasta, any bread or bread product, breadsticks, bagels, hamburger and hotdog buns, crackers, tortillas, oatmeal, rice, polenta, peas, corn, lentils, pita bread, pretzels, corn chips, potato chips, yams, potatoes, pancakes, muffins, nearly all root vegetables, any breading on fish, chicken, or other protein., beans, grains, acorn squash, butternut squash, cereals, granola, cereal bars, popcorn, biscuits, corn bread, taco shells, croutons, rice cakes, Cream of Wheat, corn meal, and some nuts.

Do not eat processed cheese (i.e. Velveeta), it contains unnecessary sugars and starches. Try not to eat processed anything for that matter.

It is important to remind you: eat at least double the protein you were eating on the protocol - at least 100 - 125 protein grams - that is not weight, but grams of pure protein. On the protocol you averaged about 50 so at least double that so you won't be protein deficient.

Be careful of introducing too many new foods at once. Try to introduce foods one at a time, so you can determine if a certain food causes a gain or loss. Some people have trouble with dairy or nuts. Our suggestion is to go with lean protein, fruit and vegetables during the first few days to balance out. Then, GRADUALLY introduce foods like nuts and dairy one at a time, so that if you react negatively it is easily identified.

If you are having trouble stabilizing your weight, begin by reducing the fats a bit (i.e. cheese or oil) and increase protein and vegetables. Some people, especially women, seem to be sensitive to cheese and the sodium apparently increases water retention = nominal weight gain (though not fat gain).

[Gracie514]

Originally Posted by doxielove

I did P & I for 3 weeks in late August/early September. I lost 13 pounds and 12 inches pn 21 days (I have Type II diabetes so I am very resistant to weight loss). I had a lot of trouble on P3, even though I had no sugar or starch and virtually zero carbs. I ended up gaining it all back, and then some. My new bottle of HCG drops should be here today or tomorrow, and I plan to get back at it on Monday (I don't have the willpower to start on Easter). I plan on doing the 40 days this time (minus the grissini to see if that improves my weight loss at all) or until I can't stand it anymore, but I'm already scared to death of P3 failure again. Is there a thread on how to successfully transition form P2 to P3? I couldn't find one. I can't even bear to think about P4! Or can all you successful losers post your hints and tips? I would be so grateful! TIA.

What was your typical P3 menu? I'm on P3 day 20 right now and I haven't had any trouble at all. I keep my menus very clean. For example:

B: coffee/hwc/splenda omelet w/cheese & sour cream
(sometimes I do have Atkins PB Bar for breakfast)
L: large salad with either grilled chicken or ham, lots of veggies, cheddar cheese, hard-boiled egg, and crumbled bleu cheese w/ranch dressing
(sometimes I have rotisserie chicken, or cheeseburger without bun)
D: steak, chicken, roast, pork (basically a 6-8 ounce meat portion) with veggies/butter
Snacks: strawberries w/sour cream & splenda (LOVE LOVE LOVE!)

I drink TONS of water and take potassium 3x per day (sometimes more).

I would need to see your menus to see if there is any hidden sugars or starches.

[debkeversole]

Originally Posted by doxielove

I did P & I for 3 weeks in late August/early September. I lost 13 pounds and 12 inches pn 21 days (I have Type II diabetes so I am very resistant to weight loss). I had a lot of trouble on P3, even though I had no sugar or starch and virtually zero carbs. I ended up gaining it all back, and then some. My new bottle of HCG drops should be here today or tomorrow, and I plan to get back at it on Monday (I don't have the willpower to start on Easter). I plan on doing the 40 days this time (minus the grissini to see if that improves my weight loss at all) or until I can't stand it anymore, but I'm already scared to death of P3 failure again. Is there a thread on how to successfully transition form P2 to P3? I couldn't find one. I can't even bear to think about P4! Or can all you successful losers post your hints and tips? I would be so grateful! TIA.

one thing that is easy to over look is pre shredded cheese it ALL has starch in it(keeps the cheese from sticking together) so now i get the blocks and shred my own ridiculously easy for how long i thought it would be a chore!
also any spice blends you may use contain sugar or starch made me so mad when i realized that!! i mean trying to even follow low carb and hidden sugar in everything it seems! i looked for plain yogurt all of it has sugar!! why would PLAIN yogurt have sugar added?? i think honestly(channeling Mulder re conspiracy) they want us fat and unhealthy!!

here is a thread with a little P3 information

http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/ot...-hcg-diet.html

HTH and Happy Easter all!

[shebasmudder]

Originally Posted by debkeversole

one thing that is easy to over look is pre shredded cheese it ALL has starch in it(keeps the cheese from sticking together) so now i get the blocks and shred my own ridiculously easy for how long i thought it would be a chore!
also any spice blends you may use contain sugar or starch made me so mad when i realized that!! i mean trying to even follow low carb and hidden sugar in everything it seems! i looked for plain yogurt all of it has sugar!! why would PLAIN yogurt have sugar added?? i think honestly(channeling Mulder re conspiracy) they want us fat and unhealthy!!

here is a thread with a little P3 information

http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/ot...-hcg-diet.html

HTH and Happy Easter all!

Some Greek Yogurts have only 3 sugars in them but the taste is very strong. I usually add stevia to mine to make it sweeter.

[debkeversole]

Originally Posted by stinastina

Some Greek Yogurts have only 3 sugars in them but the taste is very strong. I usually add stevia to mine to make it sweeter.

strong is good that sugar ain't!!

[wmac]

Originally Posted by doxielove

I did P & I for 3 weeks in late August/early September. I lost 13 pounds and 12 inches pn 21 days (I have Type II diabetes so I am very resistant to weight loss). I had a lot of trouble on P3, even though I had no sugar or starch and virtually zero carbs. I ended up gaining it all back, and then some. My new bottle of HCG drops should be here today or tomorrow, and I plan to get back at it on Monday (I don't have the willpower to start on Easter). I plan on doing the 40 days this time (minus the grissini to see if that improves my weight loss at all) or until I can't stand it anymore, but I'm already scared to death of P3 failure again. Is there a thread on how to successfully transition form P2 to P3? I couldn't find one. I can't even bear to think about P4! Or can all you successful losers post your hints and tips? I would be so grateful! TIA.

I am going to restart on Monday too! I was having a hard time trying to figure out what to do for Easter. I am having a bunch of people over, and I know if I was on P2 they would wonder why I wasn't eating anything!

[kerbear879]

The sugars in full fat greek yogurt is from lactose, not actual sugar. you just have to make sure the ingredient list does not have sugar in it. If it doesn't and it contains no starch then it is okay to have in P3.

[shebasmudder]

Originally Posted by kerbear879

The sugars in full fat greek yogurt is from lactose, not actual sugar. you just have to make sure the ingredient list does not have sugar in it. If it doesn't and it contains no starch then it is okay to have in P3.

Most of the regular plain yogurts have 13+ sugars in them. That's why I use greek yogurt and then I check the label because some have more sugars than others.

[kerbear879]

Yes I love the greek yogurt better than regular yogurt anyways.

I think people get very confused about labels, they see something has sugar grams and automatically assume it has sugar in it. If that was the case then we would not be allowed to eat any fruits or veggies or any dairy as all of those tend to have some natural sugars in them

[Chrystee]

Wait, I think yesterday was VLCD 6 and today is 7.

Anyway my first week -12 pounds.

[wmac]

Originally Posted by Chrystee

Wait, I think yesterday was VLCD 6 and today is 7.

Anyway my first week -12 pounds.

That is great!

[shebasmudder]

So I will start loading tomorrow !

Going grocery shopping !!

[doxielove]

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone for the help. I ate very clean on P3 as well - since I am diabetic I have to. I have been on all the drugs from Actos to Metformin (non-stop diarrhea, had to quit), Byetta (non-stop vomiting - it was great, I got to 120 lbs because I couldn't eat, but finally had to quit after I threw up in front of my class of 4th graders!), to Levemir and Humulin insulin (packed weight on me, even on a 1200, under 20 grams of carbs daily diet). I finally got so frustrated that I took myself off ALL meds and stuck to a very low carb diet. Even at 1200 to 1400 calories I can't lose, nor can I get my BS to go below 150. However, on HCG I did lose and my BS hovered around 110-120 all the time.

I deeply appreciate all the help, though, and to anyone who is starting Monday as well, PM me if you want to be support buddies!

Thanks to everyone!

[sugarsugar1]

Went grocery shopping today to get all my stuff ready, divided all the protein and I'm ready to go for tomorrow! I forgot the melba toast though. I'll get it later today. I am excited. I hope it works!!! Samantha, I actually already teach high school and have two masters degrees. However, I'm bored, lol. I live in Illinois too!

[Samantha42]

Originally Posted by sugarsugar1

Went grocery shopping today to get all my stuff ready, divided all the protein and I'm ready to go for tomorrow! I forgot the melba toast though. I'll get it later today. I am excited. I hope it works!!! Samantha, I actually already teach high school and have two masters degrees. However, I'm bored, lol. I live in Illinois too!

Oooooh! Are we neighbors?

[sugarsugar1]

LOL...Imagine! I'm in the south suburbs.

[Calli777]

So I just got my package today and was really excited about loading thru Easter. Then I realized I will start my period in 5 days. I havent found any info about the hhcg and that time of the month to help figure out if I should start now or wait until its over.

Any vets out there with some advice for me?
Thanks!!

[debkeversole]

i would wait until after but i know how hard that can be




an Easter reminder


Reminder:Lilies are poisonous to cats and cause acute renal failure/death within days. Easter, Day, Tiger and Stargazer lilies are all toxic to cats and every part of them is toxic: leaves, stem, petals, stamens and pollen. Just licking pollen off of an object/fur or a quick chew on a leaf can be fatal

[shebasmudder]

Originally Posted by doxielove

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone for the help. I ate very clean on P3 as well - since I am diabetic I have to. I have been on all the drugs from Actos to Metformin (non-stop diarrhea, had to quit), Byetta (non-stop vomiting - it was great, I got to 120 lbs because I couldn't eat, but finally had to quit after I threw up in front of my class of 4th graders!), to Levemir and Humulin insulin (packed weight on me, even on a 1200, under 20 grams of carbs daily diet). I finally got so frustrated that I took myself off ALL meds and stuck to a very low carb diet. Even at 1200 to 1400 calories I can't lose, nor can I get my BS to go below 150. However, on HCG I did lose and my BS hovered around 110-120 all the time.

I deeply appreciate all the help, though, and to anyone who is starting Monday as well, PM me if you want to be support buddies!

Thanks to everyone!

I so understand your frustration ! It drives me crazy that losing weight will help with diabetes but most of the meds put weight ON you. I love Byetta, too, but can't afford it and my insurance won't cover it. I didn't have any side effects with it but I had bad side effects with met, avandamet and glucophage. Then my feet started swelling on Actos, besides the weight gain.
I look forward to lower numbers on this diet.

I am going to start loading tomorrow and I can't wait !

[doxielove]

Has anyone successfully used either diet soda or any of the Walden Farms so carb/no calorie salad dressings while on P2? I know it isn't mentioned in P & I, but I don't think these products existed when it was written, either. Just wondering...

[krissakris]

I've had diet soda with no issues, but I just started so we shall see. I don't drink a lot, just a glass once yesterday and the day prior.

[Chrystee]

Originally Posted by Calli777

So I just got my package today and was really excited about loading thru Easter. Then I realized I will start my period in 5 days. I havent found any info about the hhcg and that time of the month to help figure out if I should start now or wait until its over.

Any vets out there with some advice for me?
Thanks!!

Injections or sublingual?
If you are doing sublingual you should be fine. I started 4 days before I was due.

[Desertgirl480]

Hi to all! I did this last summer and had great success for me - but went back to my old way of eating over the last 9 months. I am planning on starting Monday but am considering starting Sunday. This website helped me so much last time and know it will this go around as well. I'm looking forward to all the great stories and support to come. Good night!

[swinglow]

Hi everybody, good morning

I just wanted to share with you all the huge sigh of relief I breathed this morning. Yesterday morning I'd released 0.2 but was very happy with my inch loss (down 1.5 inches on my belly button in just 2 days). From there my day just seemed to go down hill.

I had half a grapefruit for breakfast and then ran some errands. Normally I'm fine until lunch but yesterday I noticed I was sweaty and irritable by the time I returned home and was cooking lunch. So I decided to eat on my apple (2nd fruit) while cooking.

I made italian wedding soup and it was divine!!! I mean absolutely delicious and for the first time I tried shirataki noodles I got from the asian store (the kind with less than 1 carb per serving). I was really "rogue" here as I used a cup of boxed organic chicken broth, also, along with 1 cup of water and made the bestest tasting soup like ever (pre-p2 included).

After eating my big ole mug of soup, I was no longer sweaty or irritable but I was now very tired. It was time to go to work so I couldn't nap. I went and my manager actually let me return home. I just never seemed to get right after my blood sugar got all wacky before lunch. I had two apples in place of dinner, spread out about 2 hours. That's 4 fruits yesterday and 1 meal that consisted of a "noodle" in place of my grissini.

My calories were actually still within range but I just knew I wasn't going to lose. I was so worried about it. But I woke up this morning and I'm down 1.6 pounds! **big sigh of relief** This is VLCD 6 for a total of 10.4 pounds released.

I'm looking for ways to keep my blood sugar steady going forward. May require more roguish behavior but I must do everything possible to avoid another episode like the one I had yesterday.

[Calli777]

Originally Posted by mrscapiii

But wait....there's more!

I'm considering ordering some Bach Flower Remedies. Does anyone have any experience using these?

I was shocked at the number of calories in spices! Almost everything has 23 calories per tablespoon.

I have to work 11-7 tonight and tomorrow night so I'm still trying to figure out when to eat so I am not starving during the day or at night.

Lynne....I have used the Bach Remedies for years. Mostly the Rescue Remedy for my greyhounds and sometimes myself when I am feeling terribly stressed out. Which ones are you looking at using?

[debkeversole]

Originally Posted by doxielove

Has anyone successfully used either diet soda or any of the Walden Farms so carb/no calorie salad dressings while on P2? I know it isn't mentioned in P & I, but I don't think these products existed when it was written, either. Just wondering...

yup in moderation and Zevia is better than the others try not to use any of the normal diet soda we are cautioned against those artifical sweetners! dite rites are sweetened with splenda and will do in a pinch but Zevia is made with Stevia i only had one about once a week while dosing though(and the Twist is nummy!! put frozen strawberries in your glass pour the Twist Zevis over and slowly enjoy with a straw and at the end eat your strawberries! BLISS!! and this summer when it is hot i would say it would be even better!!)

Originally Posted by mrscapiii View Post
But wait....there's more!

I'm considering ordering some Bach Flower Remedies. Does anyone have any experience using these?
I was shocked at the number of calories in spices! Almost everything has 23 calories per tablespoon.
I have to work 11-7 tonight and tomorrow night so I'm still trying to figure out when to eat so I am not starving during the day or at night.

LOVE love love Bach's flower remedies and Bachs rescue remedy should be just fine on protocol!

Originally Posted by swinglow

Hi everybody, good morning

I just wanted to share with you all the huge sigh of relief I breathed this morning. Yesterday morning I'd released 0.2 but was very happy with my inch loss (down 1.5 inches on my belly button in just 2 days). From there my day just seemed to go down hill.

I had half a grapefruit for breakfast and then ran some errands. Normally I'm fine until lunch but yesterday I noticed I was sweaty and irritable by the time I returned home and was cooking lunch. So I decided to eat on my apple (2nd fruit) while cooking.

I made italian wedding soup and it was divine!!! I mean absolutely delicious and for the first time I tried shirataki noodles I got from the asian store (the kind with less than 1 carb per serving). I was really "rogue" here as I used a cup of boxed organic chicken broth, also, along with 1 cup of water and made the bestest tasting soup like ever (pre-p2 included).

After eating my big ole mug of soup, I was no longer sweaty or irritable but I was now very tired. It was time to go to work so I couldn't nap. I went and my manager actually let me return home. I just never seemed to get right after my blood sugar got all wacky before lunch. I had two apples in place of dinner, spread out about 2 hours. That's 4 fruits yesterday and 1 meal that consisted of a "noodle" in place of my grissini.
My calories were actually still within range but I just knew I wasn't going to lose. I was so worried about it. But I woke up this morning and I'm down 1.6 pounds! **big sigh of relief** This is VLCD 6 for a total of 10.4 pounds released.
I'm looking for ways to keep my blood sugar steady going forward. May require more roguish behavior but I must do everything possible to avoid another episode like the one I had yesterday.

((HUGS))) P&I talks about a blood sugar drop and sounds like what you ended up doing was like a modified apple day which is recommended to break a stall
this happened to my DH last round and the sugar took care of it and like Dr. S says it did not happen again!

Blood Sugar

Towards the end of a course or when a patient has nearly reached his normal weight it occasionally happens that the blood sugar drops below normal, and we have even seen this in patients who had an abnormally high blood sugar before treatment. Such an attack of hypoglycemia is almost identical with the one seen in diabetics who have taken too much insulin. The attack comes on suddenly; there is the same feeling of light-headedness, weakness in the knees, trembling, and unmotivated sweating. But under HCG, hypoglycemia does not produce any feeling of hunger. All these symptoms are almost instantly relieved by taking two heaped teaspoons of sugar.

In the course of treatment the possibility of such an attack is explained to those patients who are in a phase in which a drop in blood sugar may occur. They are instructed to keep sugar or glucose sweets handy, particularly when driving a car. They are also told to watch the effect of taking sugar very carefully and report the following day. This is important, because anxious patients to whom such an attack has been explained are apt to take sugar unnecessarily, in which case it inevitably produces a gain in weight and does not dramatically relieve the symptoms for which it was taken, proving that these were not due to hypoglycemia. Some patients mistake the effects of emotional stress for hypoglycemia. When the symptoms are quickly relieved by sugar this is proof that they were indeed due to an abnormal lowering of the blood sugar, and in that case there is no increase in the weight on the following day. We always suggest that sugar be taken if the patient is in doubt.

Once such an attack has been relieved with sugar we have never seen it recur on the immediately subsequent days, and only very rarely does a patient have two such attacks separated by several days during a course of treatment. In patients who have not eaten sufficiently during the first two days of treatment we sometimes give sugar when the minor symptoms usually felt during the first there days of treatment continue beyond that time, and in some cases this has seemed to speed up the euphoria ordinarily associated with the HCG method.

[debkeversole]

R3P3D2 STILL AT 298.4!!! could not believe my eyes!!! whoohoo i was stuffed FULL yesterday and i essentially stayed the same OH if if if i could stabilize right here for this round!!!:clap: