HCG Alternative Plans week of 1/17/2011

[minimonkey]

Julie -- yay for hipbones! Mine are showing a little now, too... they are definitely there when I am lying down.

I am long-waisted, but short legged. I think my hipbones are pretty much right above my knees which are right above my ankles.... I am generally not caught dead in less than 3 inch shoes.... I heart my platforms! (Even my sneakers have platforms!)

[mermaid]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Julie -- yay for hipbones! Mine are showing a little now, too... they are definitely there when I am lying down.

I am long-waisted, but short legged. I think my hipbones are pretty much right above my knees which are right above my ankles.... I am generally not caught dead in less than 3 inch shoes.... I heart my platforms! (Even my sneakers have platforms!)

[mermaid]

So far so Good!

[paulabob]

All right, stayed the same again! I'm lucky too considering I struggled - and failed - a few times yesterday.

I have come to a BIG realization. 141-144 is the plateau weight I reached with Weight Watchers 9 years ago. I kept going to meetings and doing more exercise, varying points, doing all of their plateau busters for 3 months with no results. 138 is also the weight I started my first pregnancy with and 144 is where it naturally returned to after he was born (I was lucky my thyroid seemed to be on fire back then even eating fast food). So I think this is a BIG setpoint for me...even though it's been so long since I've been there that I can barely remember it!

Helps me feel better about only losing .6 pound in the last week. I'll take my normal high calorie lowcarb weekend, and eat very clean next week.

Congrats on all the hipbone discoverers! I can feel mine in there, but they rarely show themselves! I do have nice collarbones now though.

And let's face it. If I was just doing Atkins, like I'd been for the last 4 years, I would have been absolutely thrilled and surprised to lose 5 pounds in 3 weeks time. So I'm going to stay pleased with my results, and work harder next week and eat cleaner.

[julieboolie]

Morning-just a pop in before I wake the fam and we're off to a fun filled Saturday of volleyball games and running around. I'm down to 152.0, and TOM is in the house. I'm happy there isn't a gain. Maybe when TOM goes, and I'm at the end of this week I can lose the last few lbs to goal. Either way, I'm happy and sticking to VLC this weekend. Ok, now I've typed it, so it'll help keep me strict. If it's just an idea I've kept to myself I'm likely to skip it .

Mini-I'm a heel wearer too. Need to find some platform sneakers, that's what I'm missing. I buy all my jeans in long so I can wear my heels, and when I wear flats (sneaks, hiking shoes) they all drag on the ground .

I'm actually wearing a pair size 6 jeans. I found them in the back of my closet from 3-4 years ago. Must have bought them as "incentive" way back when. They were $4.98 at Target, according to the tag, so I guess I figured for $5, why not? They're not wonderfully fashionable, but they're size 6 and fit!! I'm wearing them today . My nicer size 6's are still a bit snug. I'll wear them next week .

[julieboolie]

Paula-that makes total sense!! You remind me of me. I am always trying to figure out the "why" behind things, like stalls etc. It drives me nuts until I can wrap my head around it. A set point like that, esp. the part where you returned there after preg., is a big deal. I'm sure you will prevail though. You know what to do, and eventually your body will give up and let you win . Hope it's sooner rather than later!!

[Deb294evr]

WOW look at all the success here! JULIE!! 152?? That is fantastic! And Paula, low 40's.. So JEALOUS!!... Congrats to all of you losers, I have been absent because of my work load right now, and just not getting my head in the losing game like it should be.

I am still the same today, which I am not happy about, but I also have not been paying much attention to my eating this week with working so much. SOOOO! Tomorrow, I am going to buckle down. SUMMER IS COMING! YIKES!.. I want to be at goal by then, and that means getting more serious.

I'll check back tomorrow, I have lots of things to do, so happy losing ladies!!!

[j4Christ]

Wow! Just caught up on the thread. Congrats to those breaking stalls! It's been a busy week so no posting for me. In fact it looks as if I will only be able to post on weekends. But I do read all posts and am pulling for all of you!

My 3 500 cals days turned into 2. But that's okay. I am down this week (trying to only weigh once a week) I figured to reach my goal by my birthday in May I would need to lose 1-2 lbs. per week so I am on track so far. And that is NOT unreasonable to ask my body!

I was encouraged by the loss and that fact I was able to do 2 500 cal days again last week. Has anyone ever tried Eat Stop Eat? I've always wanted to try it and I feel I might be able to do it this week. You just pick 2 24 hr. periods per week and fast (NOTHING to eat, just water, black coffee, plain tea). So this Sunday I will stop eating about 8:00 pm then eat again Monday 8:00pm (this is an easy day for me to do this because it is very busy for me). I will probably try another 24 hr. fast from 8:00 pm Wed. to 8:00 pm Thur. On my eating days I would be "watching" carbs and cals (not counting just watching).

My question is how do you think I should dose? Just dose regularly? Should I stop dosing on eating days? I dosed all the way through the week last week w/ my JUDDD schedule.

Sorry, I can't do personals, but to all the sick peeps! Hope you're all better soon!

[Gremom]

YAY Julie!! That is great!! A size 6 is just awesome!! KUTGW!!

Paula, I came to this realization too. Before I became pregnant with DS I was 140-145 and this is where I have been holding steady for a couple of weeks now. I am hoping to break through to the 130's with this round. We can do this together!

Well, I only made it through 1 loading day. I cannot force anymore food in me! I am not doing a VLC day today b/c DH and I are going to dinner, but I am sticking low carb. Going to a steakhouse and can't wait. Had chicken and broccoli for brunch and I probably won't eat until dinner tonight. I am stuffed to the gills! Oh I only gained 1/2lb loading, but I feel majorly bloated and just kinda ill. Here's to getting this round going!

to everyone else. Hope you all have a great weekend!

[baugherk]

Sorry to be so tardy in posting. Traveling a lot for work right now. But I'm reading. Congrats to everyone for holding on through the stalls and reaching new lows. My week three has been a better week and I finally broke through my stall. I'll have trouble weighing daily the next few weeks while I travel, but so far the eating has been OK.

J4Christ--I do Intermittent Fasting and have done it for 4 years. I eat one meal a day (occasionally two on a Saturday) so essentially, I do what you're contemplating--I've been taking the hHCG for about 18 days and it's working fine for me with the IF. Just dose as you have been, it should be fine.

Best of luck to all of you as you work your plan. I was down another pound today but I haven't weighed in two days. Any how you measure it, I'm down and I'm happy. I do my measurements on Monday morning and I'll be eager to see how that looks.

[Danceruk]

Checking in guys

Have been super busy atm..eeek... clearing out my house to move shortly.. how much rubbish can one little lady have lol..A LOT lol

Bit of a weird day foodwise today

2 boiled eggs
Huge bowl of brussels
2 oranges

..not really hungry now, having a huge mug of spiced apple tea

Havent weighed in... I will go gym in the morning and do that! OH said boobs seemed a bit better..lol fingers crossed its all melting off there!!!

Hope all are well xxxx

[minimonkey]

Dancer -- good luck on the boob-meltage

I am down .2 lbs today -- not exactly the roaring start I was hoing for after a long stall, so today is apples. I've heard mixed reviews of the apple day, but I figure "why not?" It definitely works for some people. I am going to drink some coffee though... not really interested in dehydrating myself for a scale loss, and plus I would be comatose without it.

I came to a realization yesterday --- I haven't been getting nearly my 500 calories most days. I am not a calorie counter, so I was pretty much relying on my memory from when calories ruled my life (when I was anorexic) -- I forgot, however, that as an anorexic, I *way* overestimated the cals in everything. I punched some numbers into a calorie counter site (two, actually) last night, and realized I have probably been eating more like 200 - 300 cals most days. Wonder if that makes a difference?

[minimonkey]

Julie -- my fellow heel wearer! There is a company called Volatile that makes some great, very comfortable platform sneakers... they are available on Amazon. I love them!

[paulabob]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

I punched some numbers into a calorie counter site (two, actually) last night, and realized I have probably been eating more like 200 - 300 cals most days. Wonder if that makes a difference?

When I tried strict protocol not eating the fruit or melba (and I was advised not to add anything else) I did not lose well at all. So for me, definitely, seems like if it's under 400 calories I don't lose well. Don't know if it's the calorie count or the protein that matters though.

And thanks everyone for all the encouragement. Really keeps me going!

[minimonkey]

Thanks, Paula -- I will try upping the cals a little bit. I am doing apples today, but will go back to protocol tomorrow, and see if I can aim for closer to 500 calories. I will add the cals in protein, because that is easiest and yummiest anyhow!

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Dancer -- good luck on the boob-meltage

I am down .2 lbs today -- not exactly the roaring start I was hoing for after a long stall, so today is apples. I've heard mixed reviews of the apple day, but I figure "why not?" It definitely works for some people. I am going to drink some coffee though... not really interested in dehydrating myself for a scale loss, and plus I would be comatose without it.

I came to a realization yesterday --- I haven't been getting nearly my 500 calories most days. I am not a calorie counter, so I was pretty much relying on my memory from when calories ruled my life (when I was anorexic) -- I forgot, however, that as an anorexic, I *way* overestimated the cals in everything. I punched some numbers into a calorie counter site (two, actually) last night, and realized I have probably been eating more like 200 - 300 cals most days. Wonder if that makes a difference?

I agree w/ Paula - I think that may be your stall cause. I've heard from many other posters that they don't lose well on lower calories. I've read many posts where folks upped their cals and the scales got going. Hope your apple day isn't too bad and works for you!! You're such a trooper!! Thanks for the info on the sneaks. I will have to check those out!! Dh is 6'2" and I'm only 5'6 so I like to try and approach his height!! I also am convinced I look much slimmer in heels .

Dancer-you're almost there! So glad you're starting to see the loss where you want to. Ironic since most of us would prefer not to lose from there. Hope you won't require the surgery.

Deb-hang in there. You'll be back in losing mode. I am riding the wave for 1 more week then I'm done. I totally get not having your head in the game. I would love to give it up and move on to maintenance. But I'd always regret not hanging in there and finishing strong. You can do it!

Paula, Mermaid, and the rest of my hcg buds - HI!! Hope you have a great weekend.

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement!! I'm actually feeling pretty good and happy that the scale is going down slightly, I'm motivated to stick to plan all weekend (even with dinner out tonight) and expect to make goal. Not just hoping anymore, expecting .

I also booked a trip to Disneyland for Spring Break with my family. Several of my before pics are of me and Mickey (one of the few times I was in pics back in the day) and I'd really like an updated one of me and him .

[minimonkey]

Julie -- everyone looks slimmer in heels... that's why we torture ourselves with them! I actually favor platforms over heels because they are far more comfortable.

My partner is 6 feet -- a full FOOT taller than I am!

Volatile makes some great shoes -- the flat platform sneakers are the best, or the ones with a little bit of a heel. The super high heeled ones are apparently not very comfortable, but the flatter ones feel just like regular sneakers. They also make workboots.... I just ordered a pair today for use in the studio.

You all may be right about the calories. After my apple day, I will give a try to adding some more.

[minimonkey]

I know that Dr. S says the apple days are primarily water loss.. but I have another theory. For those of us that are low or zero carbin' it, it is also a metabolic shakeup -- a high carb (and high fiber but low calorie) day -- and then you will jump back into ketosis when you start low-carbing again. I suspect it may work a bit like a cheat day on LC, but hopefully without the gaining.

In any case, I am trying it. Apples and coffee. If nothing else, all the fiber will be good to get the digestive tract moving... we eat so little on this plan that it rather stands still at times.

[minimonkey]

Thanks again folks for all the hearty support .... I am nothing if not persistent! I am a hard-headed little thing, who refuses to quit until I have pulled out all the stops.... it generally works in my favor, with a few exceptions here and there.

[baugherk]

Well spill the beans on the apple day--how has it been? Are you sick of apples? Did they make you more hungry from the carbs? Tell all

[minimonkey]

I am hungry, but have only eaten two apples so far. I am far hungrier than I am when I fast all day, though.. and I can feel the effects on the blood sugar. I am totally willing to tough this out, but glad I don't have to do it very often.

I'm drinking coffee but no other beverages. If it works, fantastic. If not, well, at least I tried it.

I think I am going to microwave my next apples though, and eat them with cinnamon. Others have done that with success.

[Gremom]

I wear heels too! DH is 6'5" and I am only 5'4", so I can wear seriuosly high heels and still be much shorter than him!

Dinner was great and then we went to DQ and got blizzards. My last hoorah before my vlc days tomorrow.

Keep at it Mini! You are persistent and I think you will get what you want in the end. Great job!

[minimonkey]

Wow. do we have us some tall men, or what?!?

Thanks for the continued cheering on....

Stall, stall, go away....Mini's doing an apple day...

[minimonkey]

Okay, I did 4 apples, and coffee. I did use 1 packet of truvia and some cinnamon on the last two, which I microwaved (that is a yummy concoction!) We will see what tomorrow brings.

[phxheelgirl]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Julie -- my fellow heel wearer! There is a company called Volatile that makes some great, very comfortable platform sneakers... they are available on Amazon. I love them!

Also a BIG heel wearer here! (as you might see in my screen name) Totally happy wearing my 5 and 6 inch heels despite being 5'8! I embrace it!

[paulabob]

Originally Posted by j4Christ

My question is how do you think I should dose? Just dose regularly? Should I stop dosing on eating days? I dosed all the way through the week last week w/ my JUDDD schedule.

I don't know but it sounds like a great plan. I stop dosing on the weekends when I up my calories. Basically I dose Sunday night thru Friday afternoon. But lots of people continue dosing on their off days.


My DH is also almost a foot taller - he's 6'1 and I'm 5'2. However, I have a gimpy leg and cannot wear heels without getting SI joint pain. It's comfy shoes all the way for me ladies!

My weekend gain showed up today - up 1.8 to 146. Can't wait to get out of these #s! Hope everyone has a great Sunday. I've got to catch up on my reading before Sunday school!

[baugherk]

I'm up .2 today for no known reason--but almost at the end of week three--hoping that week four will be consistent.

Mini--dying to know the results of the apple day

[julieboolie]

baugherk-normal fluctuations I'm sure. Hang in there. You'll be down again tomorrow.

Mini-I agree, please come tell us how your apple day went. Hoping for a nice loss this morining. No 0.2lb or something like that!! You're due for a whole lb!! C'mon scale!! I just got a few pairs of platform clogs that I love!! Can't wait to wear them this morning!!

Paula-did you have fun? Small gains are worth it if you enjoyed yourself !

Phx-Aha! Always wondered about your screen name . You go girl!! Make us average height girls jealous!! (I'm exactly average height, just so you all know. Dh calls me short, but I'm NOT!! I'm average!!)

Stacey-way to load like a champ! Love those blizzards, had one when I went up North a few weeks back. Looking forward to a great week for you!!

I did eat out yesterday. We went to 5 Guys Burgers and Fries (at my request). I had a "little cheeseburger" with no bun, fried onions, lettuce and tomatos, little ketchup and mayo - yum! I had a coke zero too! They have this really cool soda machine that's all computerized and you can choose any imaginable soda and flavor! We went for my favorite frozen yogurt afterwards, and I did have 2 samples but didn't get my own portion. I call that a victory!! I only have 1 week left (keep telling myself that!) then I can go on to really eating again. I am up 0.2lbs, but have TOM in full force today (heavy and painful for the first time in ages), and after dining out (even successfully) am really happy with that!! Hope to stay in today and get that scale down this week.

Ok, back to your regularly scheduled lives !

[mermaid]

Hi everybody.

Right on Julie, sounds like you really kept control on your day out. I'm adding myself to that list too. Yesterday went to Port Townsend and ate out twice with my friends. Lunch was a caesar salad with seafood and dressing on the side. It had a little parmesan and a fair amount of butter on the sauteed seafood. Then coffee/cream afterward. Dinner was a dinner salad with a vinaigrette. It was topped with feta, cherry tomatoes, and olives. I didn't order any extra protein because the portions looked too big and I'm sure I would have eaten it all. This morning I was down another .8 so my choices were obviously good. Yay!

LOL, my hubby is 6'4" and I am 5'6". I don't ever wear heels though, I leave that to you young hotties. (I may reconsider when I'm at goal weight

Mini, I agree with Paula and Julie that you should get at least 500 calories a day, maybe with more protein. That's not including your apple day, of course, which has a different purpose. Like you said, why not try it?

Those of you on a stall, just hang in there. It happens to all of us at some point or other. It's just part of the gig.

[Danceruk]

Checking in guys

Had a heavy but good weekend.. trying to figure out everything before I go back to hospital - do some research and see whats possible. Know we may have to get trying for kids sooner than later. But saying that she said not to for now as I could loose my vision or parts of it.... .. such is life!! lol.. trying to keep upbeat and be patient to see Endo again

Glad to see we all little ladies lollll.. I love high heels have my own shoe closet..lol Saying this my fiance is only little lol he says he is 5'10 ...what a cutie lol

Food for today
1 orange
3 eggs

...Tonight will have
Brussel sprouts
Quorn sausages
Grapefruit

Know its not much but really not hungry, will try a bit harder during the week to input all 500cals into ****** and EAT them!!

Mini - deffo agree on hitting 500cals! Hope the apple day shook things up for you

Hope everyone is hanging on in there