HCG Alternative Plans week of 12/27/2010

[minimonkey]

Hey ladies! TOM started, and I am still down .4 !! That has to be a first for me... losing on the first day of TOM? WOOOOT.

Paula -- lol about the bras! And major congrats, too -- you've lost a ton on your band size!!!. I am currently an F cup as well (32 F... its not nearly as big as it sounds) and I actually do wear padded bras... I like the shaping and lift. I actually don't look bigger in padded bra, just shaplier. F cups are hard to find. I have actually gained a whole cup size recently, which I think is due to starting progesterone cream (Oh, thank the Lord for progesterone cream!) I don't want to lose that if I can help it

Go, girls, go!

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by paulabob

Wow, the thread is on fire!

Just a quick stop by. Just got back from shopping, then we're heading to relatives to see our inlaws who just got back from South Korea. I can't wait to see my SIL - we really get along well!

I did get six new bras. I wish I had a definitive size...tried on 4 sizes. I ended up with some 36Fs but mostly 36E (also known as 36DD). Some are tight, but that's OK as I know there's plenty of girls left to lose. Last year I was a 40F...I've lost a LOT on top! Also got panties, a cardigan, a new wallet, then hit Kohl's for some new PJs. Can you believe I fit Mediums now in PJs?

And can anyone tell me why someone who wears a 36F would want a padded bra? Really? What's up with that! There was a whole selection of padded ones that looked super cute but I just couldn't imagine wearing them!!!

I'll catch y'all tomorrow!

Thank you SO much on the heads up to Dillard's today!!! I got 8 new bras and spent less than $75 on them!! !!! I am between sizes or can wear 2 different sizes. I'm either a 36C or 34D, depended on how they were cut. Some are "demi" cups, which means they cover half and let the rest pop out the top - at least that's how I feel. The padded ones are nice, for me, since I feel like they shape me better and add some extra support (which is welcome and desperately needed at this point!!). why don't they make push up bras in a C or D cup? I could really use some pushing up!! Glad you had a good shopping day too!! I got 3 pairs of adorable shoes, dh got a new suit and some new clothes for the new job, dd (7) got 3 pairs of shoes, dd(10) got a new top and new shoes too!! We really scored on the half off deals!!

Originally Posted by MAgieDen

Good to hear that you lost on top. I know that I have been fearfully and wonderfully made but the boobs have got to go!!! Please hHCG take some of my boobage away! I am quite inspired and happy for you and agree why a person wearing a 36F would want more padding? I know that when I used to jog(how long has it been since doing this, like in the stone ages?) my body changed quite a bit and I lost on top, so I am hoping that the hHCG will help with this and some exercise. Glad you found some good deals and enjoyed yourself.

You'll lose up top too! I am ok with losing but would prefer to keep some volume up top and completely lose my hips!! hHCG is definitely helping though!!

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Hey ladies! TOM started, and I am still down .4 !! That has to be a first for me... losing on the first day of TOM? WOOOOT.

Paula -- lol about the bras! And major congrats, too -- you've lost a ton on your band size!!!. I am currently an F cup as well (32 F... its not nearly as big as it sounds) and I actually do wear padded bras... I like the shaping and lift. I actually don't look bigger in padded bra, just shaplier. F cups are hard to find. I have actually gained a whole cup size recently, which I think is due to starting progesterone cream (Oh, thank the Lord for progesterone cream!) I don't want to lose that if I can help it

Go, girls, go!

You lost first day of TOM? WTG!! That's such a good sign of even bigger losses to come!!

Chantel-you will be posting pics of the new bathing suit, right? Think that would be a very inspiring pic in the before/after thread!! You're so pretty anyway, but I'm really impressed with how well you've done. Such a beautiful lady!

Droy-I'd be thrilled with that result !

Ouiz-thanks for translating your name. I wasn't sure how it was pronounced either. Cool!

Carina- to the club!! Hope it jump starts our losses the rest of the week though!

Stacey-you're doing great!! Can't wait to see your pics! I'm looking forward to a pair of size 6 jeans. I should go buy a pair as my goal jeans. Hmm, that's not a bad idea .

Ok, off to drink some more. Didn't get enough in today!

[minimonkey]

Julie -- that is exactly how I feel about demi bras I like full coverage, and I actually really like the retro look of a full coverage bra, too. I am also somewhat between bra sizes... it's a pain, isn't it?

You LOOK INCREDIBLE Julie! I finally saw your before pic last night, and all I can say is WOW!!!!!! What a transformation!

[DrunkenSailor]

Is it morning yet? I'm ready to see another loss now!

Seriously, I get so schizophrenic during the first week or so of hhcg when I'm losing and it's weirdly easy and weirdly fast and not nearly fast enough.

I feel so skinny and so, so fat and so totally impatient all at the same time.

Anyone else get like this?

[minimonkey]

DrunkenSailor --- I can totally see the potential for that to happen on this plan!

[MagieDen]

Originally Posted by DrunkenSailor

Is it morning yet? I'm ready to see another loss now!

Seriously, I get so schizophrenic during the first week or so of hhcg when I'm losing and it's weirdly easy and weirdly fast and not nearly fast enough.

I feel so skinny and so, so fat and so totally impatient all at the same time.

Anyone else get like this?

I think I have experienced that this first week.

[Tucky]

day two of loading and I've about made myself sick of food.. right now food does not even sound appealing and I only ate a lite breakfast and lunch.. blech..
will weight first thing in am for post load weight... food.. blech..
going well with the drops.. not too sweet, not too bitter.. just a little icky.

Glad to be here and HAPPY NEW YEAR to all! So glad to have found this forum!

food..ick

Tuck

[MagieDen]

Originally Posted by Tucky

day two of loading and I've about made myself sick of food.. right now food does not even sound appealing and I only ate a lite breakfast and lunch.. blech..
will weight first thing in am for post load weight... food.. blech..
going well with the drops.. not too sweet, not too bitter.. just a little icky.

Glad to be here and HAPPY NEW YEAR to all! So glad to have found this forum!

food..ick

Tuck

This to shall pass!

[minimonkey]

I'm kinda feeling that way, too, and I am on VLCD 3. Its 4:30 pm, and all I have had today is coffee... I am not hungry and I just don't want to eat. (Okay, who replaced my body with someone else's? lol)

I will try to get in at least a small meal at some point, but I figure, why fight it? Dr. Simeons said it was okay to eat less than the 500 cals if you really weren't hungry, and he's the man....

[DrunkenSailor]

This is the rogue thread and all, but I really encourage you to at least get some protein in. Otherwise you'll end up burning lean muscle to meet minimum glucose requirements.

Isn't it great not to be hungry though?! I've never gotten to the point of not caring if I ate at all, but it's a nice break to be so disinterested in food.

ETA: I did see that you did plan to eat today--just wanted to promote the protein!

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Julie -- that is exactly how I feel about demi bras I like full coverage, and I actually really like the retro look of a full coverage bra, too. I am also somewhat between bra sizes... it's a pain, isn't it?

You LOOK INCREDIBLE Julie! I finally saw your before pic last night, and all I can say is WOW!!!!!! What a transformation!

Thank you! That's so sweet!! I do feel like a new person and am still adjusting to this recent loss. I'm used to the "thinner" me, but not the size 8 me. I'm hoping to be a size 6/8 me, then get used to that for the rest of my life I'm wearing one of my new bras. Fit's great! Feels so good, looks so much better!! NICE!!

Originally Posted by DrunkenSailor

Is it morning yet? I'm ready to see another loss now!

Seriously, I get so schizophrenic during the first week or so of hhcg when I'm losing and it's weirdly easy and weirdly fast and not nearly fast enough.

I feel so skinny and so, so fat and so totally impatient all at the same time.

Anyone else get like this?

That's a great way to explain the first week on plan. The excitement/disbelief each morning, the weighing later in the day to predict what tomorrow will be, the euporia when you're losing daily. The impatience for it to go down even faster!! So true!!! I hate to say this, but, brace yourself for the 2nd or 3rd week stall (different for each of us). It's very painful after such an exciting start! Hope you don't have to deal with it, or it's brief for you!


Mini-I do agree w/ drunken. Try to squeeze a bit of protein in there. Going under the 500 cals is fine, skip the carbs, but definitely want to get enough protein. Even Simeon's admits the amount he suggests is barely adequate to maintain muscle. I know the scale may reward you if you don't eat the protein, but you'll regret losing muscle (which is surprisingly hard to build) eventually. You're doing great though! Wish dh would stop suggesting we eat out. I'm not hungry, but tired of "no, I've already eaten, I'll just have an iced tea" as my "line" at our local restaurants.

Dh has now gone to 2 other Dillard's today to find shoes. He's become obsessed!! I took the girls to the park instead. It's freezing here in AZ. I'm such a sissy!! Staying in to play the Wii and watch a nice movie with the Fam. Last night that was the plan, but our neighbors did fireworks and invited us out for that. Then our other friends came over at 10 and visited for a while, then did their fireworks too! We finally got to bed at 1:30. I'm tired today!!

[MagieDen]

Originally Posted by julieboolie

That's a great way to explain the first week on plan. The excitement/disbelief each morning, the weighing later in the day to predict what tomorrow will be, the euporia when you're losing daily. The impatience for it to go down even faster!! So true!!! I hate to say this, but, brace yourself for the 2nd or 3rd week stall (different for each of us). It's very painful after such an exciting start! Hope you don't have to deal with it, or it's brief for you!

I was just telling someone new on here about this(like I'm not new) I knew I read alot about it and am fully prepared for the slow down. I know it doesn't help for me that TOM will be in the house this week so that scale will defintiely slow down, I am just bracing for the cravings. We shall see, anything is possible since this is all new to me. Thanks for the reminder.

[Meli311]

Hi everyone! I'm new to this site but not to HCG. I'm totally enjoying reading about everyone's successes, struggles, break-throughs and such. I was wondering if there is a way to do a search within the thread. I haven't had time to read it all but have questions but also don't want to be repetitive. Could anyone direct me to people's experiences using HCG and exercising?
Briefly - I lost about 60 pounds 10 years ago doing Body for Life (BFL) which involved exercising 6 days a week. I really liked it; especially the weight training and am doing it again now and want to know how folks who exercise feel on HCG. Needless to say, I gained the weight back and have done a 40 day HCG (lost 20) and a 21 day (lost 10). My first round first week I unexpectedly got tickets to an NFL game which meant a pretzel and beer and since then I typically go rogue at least one meal and sometimes a whole day per week (BFL had a free day each week so this felt pretty natural to me) while on HCG. I was stable for about 4 weeks in between rounds and am really excited to see that many people don't take a break from the juice - I'm going to try that. My P3 also wasn't really P3, more like P4 and I was still stable but also going to the gym.

Ok, so not so brief... but there's my story in a nutshell. Again, any info regarding working out and VLCD and HCG would be great! Thanks for being here!

Meli

[DrunkenSailor]

Hey Julie, thanks for posting the warning. This is my third round and I should have included a caveat. But I'm just as giddy as the first time.

Previously, I found myself feeling more and more drained toward the end of the round. I'm thinking that this time I'll ride the loss down until I stall and then take a low-carb interruption for 3-5 days and then go back to VLC and see if the bod is ready to go down a little more.

I think I should stop taking the drops before I go off VLC and up the fat, since Simeon warned of rapid gain otherwise. But some folks continue to take the hhcg. Is there a consensus on this either way?

[Stevie Renee]

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Chantel-you will be posting pics of the new bathing suit, right? Think that would be a very inspiring pic in the before/after thread!! You're so pretty anyway, but I'm really impressed with how well you've done. Such a beautiful lady!

Careful there Jules, my head is going to get so big I wont be able to walk through the door frame! LOL!

[DrunkenSailor]

Hi Meli!

Those are great questions and I hope people reply here.

I also didn't do a true P3. More like I slipped pretty quickly into P4 but didn't have any trouble stabilizing within 2 lbs of LDW after the first round and within 4 after the second (incomplete) round.

I haven't tried dosing while not on P1 or P2 though. I don't want to have to take it forever to maintain and I DEFINITELY don't want it to lose effectiveness for me. (yeah, I know immunity isn't supposed to be a problem for the homeopathic drops, but I still don't want to risk losing the magic!)

[DrunkenSailor]

And Meli, kudos to you for doing BFL!!

I keep meaning to exercise, but so far . . . <crickets>

[DrunkenSailor]

Originally Posted by Stevie Renee

Careful there Jules, my head is going to get so big I wont be able to walk through the door frame! LOL!

Well, sorry about your head, Stevie Renee, but really, it's just to be expected.

But listen up missy, just because your head doesn't fit through the doorway is NO excuse for not giving us pictures.

[Stevie Renee]

Originally Posted by DrunkenSailor

Well, sorry about your head, Stevie Renee, but really, it's just to be expected.

But listen up missy, just because your head doesn't fit through the doorway is NO excuse for not giving us pictures.

Brat!

Are we related?! lol

[DrunkenSailor]

Originally Posted by Stevie Renee

Brat!

Are we related?! lol

I wish! (though it would be tiresome to always be referred to as "the smart one" )

back atcha

[Stevie Renee]

Originally Posted by DrunkenSailor

I wish! (though it would be tiresome to always be referred to as "the smart one" )

back atcha

heheha..that's dang funny!!!

[minimonkey]

OMG... Julie, I so know what you mean about the not-eating at restaurants thing. It is SO awkward. I haven't had to deal with that recently, but certainly in past diets I have. WHoohoo on the new size and the new bras!

PICS! Stevie, we want more pics!

And you all are right... I did just eat a salad with a little turkey, cucumber, and my 2 melba toasts for the day. I am going grocery shopping tomorrow, and will make sure to have lean protein on hand. I definitely don't want to lose muscle... I worked hard to build the muscle I have, and want to build more eventually.

[Somewhat Damaged]

I wanted to see if anyone had any insight on doing a high calorie/high starch day per week on protocol to boost metabolism and leptin levels... has anyone tried something like this?

I am considering having a carb up day once a week in hopes of keeping my leptin levels optimal. I had a really hard time with cravings and maintaining last round and I'm hoping to get around that this time.

Any experiences?

[droy]

How do you ladies eat high cal/low cal and lose overall weight? I swear I can only eat like one bad meal and it affects me for days.

[minimonkey]

I'm interested to see what happens if you try, SomewhatD. That seems to be so individual from what I've read... some people lose, some stall, some actually gain.

I am really banking on the metabolism resetting power of this protocol... I am pretty convinced that it does what it claims, because I am feeling fantastic on 500 cal/day, and for me that is unheard of. If the manuscript is correct, you shouldn't need to cycle to normalize the metabolism... but please keep us in the loop about what you find!

[j4Christ]

Originally Posted by ouizoid

great idea J4--I will go first!

No grissini, but the odd apple in the afternoon. Otherwise all forms of lean protein, including tuna and turkey and hard boiled eggs (not on the original protocol). I eat 4-6 oz per meal. I mix my veggies and I make lowfat/lowcarb treats for dessert (not more than 75 calories). I take psyllium every day (often by making psyllium pancakes with eggwhites and davincis). I don't use peppermint but otherwise use whatever lotions etc I want. I take the pellets, and for me 6 pellets 4 times a day does the trick. Once a week or so, I have a lowcarb higher fat higher calorie day, which seems to be helpful in my weight loss. I have 20 more pounds til goal. I travel a lot, at least once monthly, and when away I do a traditional atkins style diet--and then back to rogue protocol as soon as I return. Everything is subject to being tweaked! I exercise quite a bit, but then I always have. I think drinking your water is incredibly helpful and important. I have also paid close attention to my particular patterns of weightloss and stalls and I no longer freak out when I lose a couple of pounds, and then immediately bounce back up for a couple of days. It is just the way my body works. If I have hit a low number, it will soon be my regular weight--it just takes several days to stabilize there.

I am sure there are more things I have not thought of but that is it for now

Happy New Years to all my buddies here. This is such a wonderful and supportive group. Welcome newbies. You are going to be so happy you have tried this.

Ouis

Thanks, Ouis! Are you staying in a cal. range? And when you say you have 4-6 oz. protein/meal are you talking 2 or 3 meals a day? Lovin' your plan!

Originally Posted by imdreaming

Happy New Year everyone
I'm starting off by achieving 100% of my weight goal- I released another .4 and now I am at 130.0. My goal for 2011 is maintenance.

May 2011 be a happy and healthy new year for all of you

Can't wait to be in maintenance (I think!) Let us know how it is going, because we WILL all be there soon!

Originally Posted by julieboolie

My plan? I think I will do 800cals or lower everyday, most days around 600, all LC - no fruit or toast for me. I do have cream in my coffee, eggs, beef, chicken, shrimp, sausage etc. but I try to keep track of it in ****** and keep the portions low in calories. I am not high in veggies lately, salad seems to make me gain lately , which I'll have to figure out in maintenance, but am really watching. Some celery or cucumbers usually work well for me. Lots of water, iced tea and rarely a diet soda if I really want it. I use real butter to cook but don't overdo it. I also use yucky mint-free toothpaste, don't do any menthol or cough drops, and use whatever lotion I remember to apply! I may throw in a higher cal day once a weekend. We'll see. I don't respond well to that or stalls. I tend to stall after a good week. Wonder if I do a higher cals on the weekends (ala Paula) if it will keep me from stalling. I will have to adjust that. Thinking about the rotation plan, but not sure I can be controlled enough to just do 1 higher cal day then lower it again.

Hope to reach goal by the end of the month. I really hope to lose it sooner, but I'm giving it a month. Hear that body? I'm giving you a month .

Hope you all have a successful, on plan, not hungry, Happy New YEar!! Paula-I'm heading to Dillards now .

Thanks for posting your plan. I'm hoping to eventually be able to do 600-800 cals/day. I'm toying with the idea of having 1 higher cal. day per week,too. (ala Paula). Any day of my choice to avoid social (read FOOD) event disaster.

Originally Posted by DrunkenSailor

Is it morning yet? I'm ready to see another loss now!

Seriously, I get so schizophrenic during the first week or so of hhcg when I'm losing and it's weirdly easy and weirdly fast and not nearly fast enough.

I feel so skinny and so, so fat and so totally impatient all at the same time.

Anyone else get like this?

Yes, I remember that my 1st round. So excited to see what the scale brings each morning, yet no matter what it was it was not enough and couldn't wait for the next day etc. etc.

Originally Posted by Somewhat Damaged

I wanted to see if anyone had any insight on doing a high calorie/high starch day per week on protocol to boost metabolism and leptin levels... has anyone tried something like this?

I am considering having a carb up day once a week in hopes of keeping my leptin levels optimal. I had a really hard time with cravings and maintaining last round and I'm hoping to get around that this time.

Any experiences?

No experience, but I am thinking of having 1 higher cal. day per week. Probably more lowcarb though (and with wine) Paula has done well with higher cals. on weekends but I think she also does P3 style. I'll be anxious to see what anyone else has to say.

I MUST remember my drops this morning! I will start VLCD on Tues. but start drops today. I'm not officially loading as I've kinda unofficially been loading for about 3 weeks:blush: Oh, I so don't want to see what the scale says on Tues.!!!!!!!!!

to everyone. I'm really bad at personals and I don't intentionally leave anyone out, so I hope everyone has a great 2nd day of 2011!

[j4Christ]

I forgot to ask this...how many rogue hhcgers use mint toothpaste without a problem? I used yucky other stuff for my first round and just don't want to do that again! My drops would be about 2 hrs. after I brush my teeth. Whatdya think?

[imdreaming]

Good morning- today is my first "up" day since I finished my round, but I'm still within my 2 pound limit. I'm at 131.8. I'm just going to have a clean eating day and plenty of fluids. Yesterday I did a fair amount of physical activity and I'm feeling a little sore today, so I have a feeling that might be the cause of the scale weight (cause I didn't eat nuthin bad!!)

[shari]

Good morning ladies, congrats to all the losers or those maintaining...no gain is always good!

j4Christ~I use mint toothpaste..always have. I didn't change any oils/cream I use during protocol due to having very dry skin and since that didn't affect my losses I just kept using everything else I'd normally use. Still lost very well during my rounds...

Weight has been holding steady since losing so much water weight. Down 0.6 to 169.2 today.

[imdreaming]

Whenever I did a higher calorie day, I did it with additional protein and fat- P3 style. The one time I had a carb binge, it took me 4 days to recover and I probably lost a week's worth of progress