My HCG Journal. Looks like I need to start one!

[CherylB]

Yep. My birthday is August 1st. When is yours? I will not have the good-fortune to be in P4 on that day but the week after I will be. It's more important that P4 falls during the busier, more eventful weeks of that month.

Thanks for the thumbs up on my thread! It's turned into quite something, hasn't it? Who would'a thunk it, way back when I started it.

I just noticed your name is Sheri. So, what else do we have in common?

[Zbunny]

Originally Posted by CherylB

Yep. My birthday is August 1st. When is yours? I will not have the good-fortune to be in P4 on that day but the week after I will be. It's more important that P4 falls during the busier, more eventful weeks of that month.

Thanks for the thumbs up on my thread! It's turned into quite something, hasn't it? Who would'a thunk it, way back when I started it.

I just noticed your name is Sheri. So, what else do we have in common?

I'm August 17th which means that technically I'd still be in P3 by one day, instead of P4, but I'm just going with the flow. So glad to have met you on this journey!

[C'Marie]

Cheryl, just a word to the wise - go slow on SF chemicals - they cause me to gain. YMMV of course.

[CherylB]

Ok, C'Marie. Thanks for the word or caution.

Sheri, I'm glad we found each other, too! One day won't be so hard to go into P4 just a tad early. I would! But you know me... anything to get back to P2 quicker. I'm addicted to weight loss now. I'm in withdrawal!

I haven't eaten anything yet but I'm about to go force some scrambled eggs down my throat. I still have no desire to eat. What has the hhcg pellets done to me? Is this a permanent change? Frankly, I kind of hope so. Maybe doing P2 for so long did something to me.

Have an awesome Sunday, ladies! I'll post back again later.

[Zbunny]

I, too, am a bit leery of starting to eat P3 foods tomorrow, but that's why we need to go slowly. We definitely DO need to nourish our bodies, though, which is why I'm planning to follow the advice of some very wise ladies on here and simply start by adding more protein and fat to my regular P2 foods.

Tomorrow a.m. I plan to take some HB eggs + nitrate-free bacon with me in the morning to eat as breakfast (I'm up at 4:30 or 5:00 a.m. -- way too early to eat), for lunch I'll have a salad with MIXED veg (never thought that would make me so happy) with some chicken on top + oil & vinegar dressing, and dinner might be P2 chili, but made with higher fat beef and a dollop of sour cream on top. I'll still have my fruit, too (at least one piece) as a snack at some point, but I'm holding off on cheese, nuts, etc. for now.

I'm off to go shopping in a few minutes -- still working on the list. Any advice?

Have a GREAT DAY!

[CherylB]

My shopping list looked like it always did on Atkins. Meat, eggs, bacon, cheese, butter, salad dressing, salad items, avocados, limes, salsa, deli meat and cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, jalapeno's (whole ones), cream cheese, real bacon bits, nuts, seeds, pork rinds, hot dogs, HWC/LWC, etc. (I make my jalapeno poppers with cream cheese and then use the bacon bits instead of wrapping them in bacon.

But since I'm a newly converted fruit fan, I also bought apples and strawberries.

[CherylB]

Excuse me but I just need to vent a bit right now.

I just got a text from my eldest sister Robin, asking me if the "offer to rent them the upstairs of my house" is still open. I didn't actually offer, it was brought up as a possible option.

She and her husband both are renting a house that they've been renting for 18 years. (I know!) Suddenly, the landlord is having all this work done to it and wants to put it on the market. He's even tried to get sis and DH to buy it. But now the landlord just raised their monthly rent $200! I guess he's either trying to force them out the door or he wants them to foot some of the costs for the house repairs. (None of which were caused by them, they were just there all this time, waiting for landlord to repair.)

So, when she asked me that today via text, I wrote her back and told her to call me, so we talked for a bit. I told her that she should just not pay the rent for the next 2-3 months and then move out. Landlord is already saying they are two months behind and they are not! They pay every month on time. She is afraid to do as I suggested because they have worked very hard to regain their credit after a bankruptcy and a home foreclosure many years ago. Personally, I don't think it would matter all that much. They aren't looking to buy a home.

I am moving out of my own house, no later than October or November! I don't think having two people moving IN with some of their own furniture is the right idea. I was forced to really think about this critically and I would have to bring all my heavy, bulky things down from the upstairs and store them in the great room. That would be doable, if I had a strong person in the family that could help me. That used to be my bro-in-law Joe, but he now has very serious health issues. My sis's DH doesn't do strenuous things because he had a heart attack years ago.

So who is going to do all this moving?

Okay. So here's more that I'm concerned about. She's a cigarette smoker and a drinker. I am sober for 4.5 months now, but only because I have not had any booze in the house. If she moves in, I told her that she would need to have their own refrigerator because mine is stuffed full with just my own stuff. She has a frig she can bring. But will she plug it in upstairs or plug it in in my great room? And how will having open boxes of wine and probably beer under my roof affect me? Knowing myself and how stressed I get just having people come to VISIT, I will go back to drinking again.

And does she smoke upstairs or outside? I have a terrible problem with wasps all around my house and she is absolutely petrified of bees. She recently said that she wished all bees were wiped off the planet (even after I said that bees were dieing by the millions and no one knows why, and how our food supplies will diminish without them. She didn't care. "I hate bees!"

One more thing. I have a tiny little driveway and a tiny little yard. The entire piece of property is <.25 acres (I thin its 0.17, to be exact). They have two vans. They both work jobs that require them to get up around 2-3 in the morning and leave the house. We will be sharing my kitchen, which is so close to my bedroom. He works all day, but she's back around 7:30-8. (She delivers papers.)

How the hell am I going to do this? I'm supposed to be packing and moving out myself! I told her that my Chapter 13 was dismissed and the house was back in Foreclosure, and I didn't know one week from the next what was happening. I told her that I could get a letter this week or next (any day) telling me that I had x-# of days to get out. And I have no idea where I'm going, either.

I want to help them. I really do! But what sense does it make to move into my house for 3 months and then have to move out again? I know they could save a lot of money by staying here with me for a couple of months, but I don't think I can handle the stress and turmoil. The reason I do so well and feel so happy is because my life is tranquil and exactly how I want it to be! I'm afraid that if I do this for them, it will be the end of my weight loss and sobriety.

This is fragile stuff! I know just how fragile it is because I know how easily I've lost my momentum before and I know how hard it was to get it back! I'm am permanently disabled for PTSD! And I am not taking any Xanax or anything for it. They won't prescribe me anything like that. Just an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer. (I have several psych issues.)

How can I tell them NO? How can I make them understand? I literally have a phobia of sorts about having people in my house. I have lived here for over 5 years now and only one of my neighbors has set foot inside my home, and that was only because I'd been in her house multiple times. I wanted her to finally see it, even though it was a wreck at the time.

I don't even like family over here unless I have lots of notice that they are coming, so that I can be prepared. And the whole time they are here, I'm uncomfortable. No, I don't know if there is a diagnosis for this, but it's like reverse Agoraphobia or something. In fact, a guy that used to be my mailman is home from AZ on a visit. I have been dreading the moment he calls me and tells me he's on his way over. I just have some kind of illness in regard to having people in my home! How could I survive having someone move in and sharing my living space every day?

I can't do this. I just can't. As much as I'd like to help, what good would it serve them if I have to have them turn right back around and leave 2 months later?

Please somebody help me! I'm freaking out and I hate to not be there for someone in need.

[paulabob]

Originally Posted by CherylB

Please somebody help me! I'm freaking out and I hate to not be there for someone in need.

I know you love her...and if she knew how stressful this is for you, she'd probably want an alternative situation. Call her, let her know you've been thinking about it more, and are afraid it wouldn't work out because it would be an extra stress that might mess up your sobriety. It sounds like you are both in tough spots...it would be nice if we could fix things for those we love, but we can't always. That is my quick take on your situation... best to you.

[dazygyrl]

((hug)) this does sound stressful, cheryl.

your sobriety and mental comfort need to come before your sister. if this is something she can't understand, then....

i really hope you are able to be straight with her and let her know your hesitations.

let us know what happens.

[Cruzcrzy]

Cheryl,

I UNDERSTAND completely many of the things you mentioned. There is no way you can allow this to happen. I know it is hard to say no to family, but, really if they move in your relationship with her would most likely be WORSE than if you were to say no. Do you know what I mean?

Is there any way you are able to help them out with a couple hundred dollars a month for a few months? I only suggest this because it would be worth not having them there, and you would be helping them. I agree, it just doesn't make sense on SO MANY levels for them to move in. Please don't allow this to happen. It will be a mistake.

[Lbibclc]

I think you know the answer is going to have to be no. Do you know where you are moving? Between the sobriety and the foreclosure it won't work. No way would you move your stuff. She should store hers if she does move in. And no smoking or drinking. Even then I don't think it would work for more than a few days.

Can you suggest moving in with them to help with the rent and see what the other side looks like?

Hard choices that might affect your relationship for a long time.

[Zbunny]

Oh, Cheryl! This does not in any way sound like a good idea. It wouldn't even make any sense since you will need the space to pack things up for your own impending move. And there is no WAY I would let someone who smokes live in my house. No chance. And since you're sober there is no WAY you should let a drinker in either. No way. All of the other issues aside, it's your home and your life, and you should not put yourself in a dangerous situation (around alcohol, smoke, and unhealthy foods) for them.

Think about this: If they moved in, they'd need to make other arrangements for where to live in a couple of months anyway, so why don't they just do it now? They should be looking for rentals in their area and moving themselves into a place they can afford. IMO the landlord shouldn't expect them to pay for the improvements he's made, but if they've been living in that place for 18 years w/o a rent increase, oh my it's well overdue! Everyone's rents go up over the years. Maybe sis can try to get a job with more hours so they can afford the increase?

I don't have the answers, but I do know this: Loving someone has nothing to do with taking on all of their burdens. My brother is constantly broke, but DH and I decided a long time ago that we can't help him. If we gave him $ he'd just blow through it and come back for more, and we cannot afford him as a dependent (nor should we have to -- he's an adult who is responsible for his own life). Does that mean we don't love him? No way. It has nothing to do with love. You do what you can to help out your loved ones, but not at the expense of your own life and health.

[RedsSkinnyJeans]

Add me to the list of the last 5 posters. Boundary setting is a critical part of sobriety. "I would love to, but I just can't. Please forgive me." Healthy boundaries = healthy self.

[nola baxter]

Originally Posted by CherylB

Excuse me but I just need to vent a bit right now.

I just got a text from my eldest sister Robin, asking me if the "offer to rent them the upstairs of my house" is still open. I didn't actually offer, it was brought up as a possible option.

She and her husband both are renting a house that they've been renting for 18 years. (I know!) Suddenly, the landlord is having all this work done to it and wants to put it on the market. He's even tried to get sis and DH to buy it. But now the landlord just raised their monthly rent $200! I guess he's either trying to force them out the door or he wants them to foot some of the costs for the house repairs. (None of which were caused by them, they were just there all this time, waiting for landlord to repair.)

So, when she asked me that today via text, I wrote her back and told her to call me, so we talked for a bit. I told her that she should just not pay the rent for the next 2-3 months and then move out. Landlord is already saying they are two months behind and they are not! They pay every month on time. She is afraid to do as I suggested because they have worked very hard to regain their credit after a bankruptcy and a home foreclosure many years ago. Personally, I don't think it would matter all that much. They aren't looking to buy a home.

I am moving out of my own house, no later than October or November! I don't think having two people moving IN with some of their own furniture is the right idea. I was forced to really think about this critically and I would have to bring all my heavy, bulky things down from the upstairs and store them in the great room. That would be doable, if I had a strong person in the family that could help me. That used to be my bro-in-law Joe, but he now has very serious health issues. My sis's DH doesn't do strenuous things because he had a heart attack years ago.

So who is going to do all this moving?

Okay. So here's more that I'm concerned about. She's a cigarette smoker and a drinker. I am sober for 4.5 months now, but only because I have not had any booze in the house. If she moves in, I told her that she would need to have their own refrigerator because mine is stuffed full with just my own stuff. She has a frig she can bring. But will she plug it in upstairs or plug it in in my great room? And how will having open boxes of wine and probably beer under my roof affect me? Knowing myself and how stressed I get just having people come to VISIT, I will go back to drinking again.

And does she smoke upstairs or outside? I have a terrible problem with wasps all around my house and she is absolutely petrified of bees. She recently said that she wished all bees were wiped off the planet (even after I said that bees were dieing by the millions and no one knows why, and how our food supplies will diminish without them. She didn't care. "I hate bees!"

One more thing. I have a tiny little driveway and a tiny little yard. The entire piece of property is <.25 acres (I thin its 0.17, to be exact). They have two vans. They both work jobs that require them to get up around 2-3 in the morning and leave the house. We will be sharing my kitchen, which is so close to my bedroom. He works all day, but she's back around 7:30-8. (She delivers papers.)

How the hell am I going to do this? I'm supposed to be packing and moving out myself! I told her that my Chapter 13 was dismissed and the house was back in Foreclosure, and I didn't know one week from the next what was happening. I told her that I could get a letter this week or next (any day) telling me that I had x-# of days to get out. And I have no idea where I'm going, either.

I want to help them. I really do! But what sense does it make to move into my house for 3 months and then have to move out again? I know they could save a lot of money by staying here with me for a couple of months, but I don't think I can handle the stress and turmoil. The reason I do so well and feel so happy is because my life is tranquil and exactly how I want it to be! I'm afraid that if I do this for them, it will be the end of my weight loss and sobriety.

This is fragile stuff! I know just how fragile it is because I know how easily I've lost my momentum before and I know how hard it was to get it back! I'm am permanently disabled for PTSD! And I am not taking any Xanax or anything for it. They won't prescribe me anything like that. Just an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer. (I have several psych issues.)

How can I tell them NO? How can I make them understand? I literally have a phobia of sorts about having people in my house. I have lived here for over 5 years now and only one of my neighbors has set foot inside my home, and that was only because I'd been in her house multiple times. I wanted her to finally see it, even though it was a wreck at the time.

I don't even like family over here unless I have lots of notice that they are coming, so that I can be prepared. And the whole time they are here, I'm uncomfortable. No, I don't know if there is a diagnosis for this, but it's likereverse Agoraphobia or something. In fact, a guy that used to be my mailman is home from AZ on a visit. I have been dreading the moment he calls me and tells me he's on his way over. I just have some kind of illness in regard to having people in my home! How could I survive having someone move in and sharing my living space every day?

I can't do this. I just can't. As much as I'd like to help, what good would it serve them if I have to have them turn right back around and leave 2 months later?

Please somebody help me! I'm freaking out and I hate to not be there for someone in need.

Hi Cheryl

I think you need to respect you own feelings and understandings in this situation, and that is that there is really no way it is going to be good for you if they come and stay!

Just gently explain a few things to your sister, and set your own boundaries. I feel you should protect your own sanity and self in this situation!

It is damn hard to say no to someone who seems in need- but in the end I find that doing what my gut is telling me is always the right thing- even though it may seem selfish and harsh in some measures.


Nola

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by Cruzcrzy

Cheryl,

I UNDERSTAND completely many of the things you mentioned. There is no way you can allow this to happen. I know it is hard to say no to family, but, really if they move in your relationship with her would most likely be WORSE than if you were to say no. Do you know what I mean?

Is there any way you are able to help them out with a couple hundred dollars a month for a few months? I only suggest this because it would be worth not having them there, and you would be helping them. I agree, it just doesn't make sense on SO MANY levels for them to move in. Please don't allow this to happen. It will be a mistake.

Yes, I do know what you mean. I've been in these quandries before in my life and my head knows the answer to this situation, but my heart wants to help. If I could afford to give them some money each month for a while, I'd do it in a heartbeat. But the fact is I'm just now starting to put some money aside for my own pending move and apartment. I will have to pay for movers, etc.

Originally Posted by Lbibclc

I think you know the answer is going to have to be no. Do you know where you are moving? Between the sobriety and the foreclosure it won't work. No way would you move your stuff. She should store hers if she does move in. And no smoking or drinking. Even then I don't think it would work for more than a few days.

Can you suggest moving in with them to help with the rent and see what the other side looks like?

Hard choices that might affect your relationship for a long time.

No way I'm moving in with them! That whole situation is a nightmare! Their son who is in his 30's just recently moved back in with them (ironically, using the two upstairs rooms, just as they want to do with me.) He's sharing their one and only kitchen, using their washer/dryer in their basement, yada, yada, yada. He even brought his dog with him and Sis is the one taking care of it! Pete (her son) knew they were moving out soon because the house was being put up for sale. But he and his wife are divorcing and he didn't have anywhere else to go. Remarkable coincidence, isn't it? It's like their situation is trying to roll over and become my situation. Who then will I move in with when I leave here?

Originally Posted by Zbunny

Oh, Cheryl! This does not in any way sound like a good idea. It wouldn't even make any sense since you will need the space to pack things up for your own impending move. And there is no WAY I would let someone who smokes live in my house. No chance. And since you're sober there is no WAY you should let a drinker in either. No way. All of the other issues aside, it's your home and your life, and you should not put yourself in a dangerous situation (around alcohol, smoke, and unhealthy foods) for them.

Think about this: If they moved in, they'd need to make other arrangements for where to live in a couple of months anyway, so why don't they just do it now? They should be looking for rentals in their area and moving themselves into a place they can afford. IMO the landlord shouldn't expect them to pay for the improvements he's made, but if they've been living in that place for 18 years w/o a rent increase, oh my it's well overdue! Everyone's rents go up over the years. Maybe sis can try to get a job with more hours so they can afford the increase?

I don't have the answers, but I do know this: Loving someone has nothing to do with taking on all of their burdens. My brother is constantly broke, but DH and I decided a long time ago that we can't help him. If we gave him $ he'd just blow through it and come back for more, and we cannot afford him as a dependent (nor should we have to -- he's an adult who is responsible for his own life). Does that mean we don't love him? No way. It has nothing to do with love. You do what you can to help out your loved ones, but not at the expense of your own life and health.

That's exactly what I told her! I hate moving and I'll be damned if I do it twice in one summer. Most of their stuff would go into storage and then it all comes back out a few months later when they actually settle somewhere. The only thing that gives me a twinge of pain about not letting them come is that they would be able to save some money toward their next place's first/last/and security. But I know what you all are saying. I just can't do this. It will be the end of the new me. I will revert back to the me that I thought was finally dead and buried.

God bless you all for giving me all this support and good advice! You are all absolutely right and I will not allow it to happen.

Originally Posted by RedL.I.

Add me to the list of the last 5 posters. Boundary setting is a critical part of sobriety. "I would love to, but I just can't. Please forgive me." Healthy boundaries = healthy self.

Yes! Boundaries. I need those more than the average person out there!

Originally Posted by nola baxter

Hi Cheryl

I think you need to respect you own feelings and understandings in this situation, and that is that there is really no way it is going to be good for you if they come and stay!

Just gently explain a few things to your sister, and set your own boundaries. I feel you should protect your own sanity and self in this situation!

It is damn hard to say no to someone who seems in need- but in the end I find that doing what my gut is telling me is always the right thing- even though it may seem selfish and harsh in some measures.


Nola

Thank you, Nola. My gut knows exactly what the answer is. If they are moving in, I'm moving out! And what sense does that make?

I just called one of my other sisters back to tell her all that I said in my long "vent post." I told her I didn't want to hear silence and "mmhmms" on the other end of the line and she laughed. When I told her that I would most likely end up going back to drinking and losing my momentum with peace, weightloss and happiness, she said, "Nope, nope, nope. You are not going to do it." I will just have to explain it to my other sis.

I know she will understand. Lord know's she's going through it herself with her son! I will try to find a way that I can help her/them and still keep my sanity, my space and my momentum.

Thank you all so much!

[MrsPat]

Cheryl,

You have received so much good advise. Learning to set loving boundaries is vital to healthy relationships; it shows the respect that you have for yourself and others. If one of us would pose this situation as our own you would be one of the first to acknowldege that having family move in at this point in our lives would be unwise. Treat yourself with the same great advise that you would give us. It isn't always easy doing the right thing. . .sometimes it even hurts, but, in the long run it is best for everyone. . .especially you.

Let us know how you are doing.

Diane

[CherylB]

Thanks, Diane. Stay tuned and you will know! But don't worry. I know I won't allow this to happen. I will trust in God to give me the right words when I talk with her again.

[Zbunny]

Originally Posted by CherylB

Thanks, Diane. Stay tuned and you will know! But don't worry. I know I won't allow this to happen. I will trust in God to give me the right words when I talk with her again.

You are a smart cookie. Compassionate, but wise.

[CherylB]

Wisdom is worth its weight in gold, and is so hard-won. Thanks, Sheri.

[Bierarsch]

Originally Posted by RedL.I.

Add me to the list of the last 5 posters. Boundary setting is a critical part of sobriety. "I would love to, but I just can't. Please forgive me." Healthy boundaries = healthy self.

Add me to the list, too. I have mentally ill mother and sister, and am put in these situations quite frequently.

You have to do to what is best for YOU. And that is NOT letting them move in. Your mental and physical health, sobriety, and well-being is more important than anything else.

I am praying for you. Congrats on being sober!

[CherylB]

Thank you! I need prayer.

I know my sister was sleeping this afternoon, because of her hours of work. Plus she said she was going to take a nap. So, after all these tormented hours of indicision and soul-searching, I sent her four texts. (That's our main source of communication, so it's not as cold as it may seem.)

"Robin, I've thought of nothing else since our conversation, but it just is a bad idea. I know that if we did this, thru the stress, I'd go back to drinking... I want so much to help you both, but I can't do something that could send my anxiety disorder over the edge. I have trouble just letting people in for a visit! If I said it in such a way 2 make it sound like an offer 2 stay here, I'm very sorry. I want 2 help U so much. If U tell me what U hope 2 find, I'll help look.. ..I'll be looking for my next place, so looking for something u want while I'm at it won't be hard. Please understand. I just can't handle losing my privacy."

I put them all in the correct order into an email and sent it to my other sister Donna, for her opinion. She just wrote back and said, "Sounds good."

Well, I know Robin will understand, but she will be scrambling for a place to go. But I really hope she just stays right where she is (and has been for 18 friggin years) and stiffs him a couple of months rent.

That reminds me. They had been paying $950 for a very long time, then he went up about $100, which wasn't bad at all. But for the landlord to do that at this critical time, with all the people coming in and out to paint and do this and that, and the realtors and home-shoppers coming in and out, I told her that he should have gone DOWN in the rent. They're not getting paid for all this hassle and upheaval. Their lives are in a complete uproar. He deserves to be stiffed for a few months' rent. Problem solved. And since they aren't looking to buy a home or get a credit card, I don't think it will hurt them any.

Just the fact that they've been renters in good standing for almost long enough to have paid off the guys mortgage, that stands for itself.

[CherylB]

Okay! Now that that's behind me, I thank you soooo very much for your support. But now I am done talking about it and want it to be history. I need to refocus on other things now, and let this fade from my heart and my memory.

Peace!

[dazygyrl]

fine with me, cheryl.

[dazygyrl]

Lol....there's that reply that got misplaced. Sorry cheryl...that previous post was meant for the weekly thread.

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by dazygyrl

Lol....there's that reply that got misplaced. Sorry cheryl...that previous post was meant for the weekly thread.

[CherylB]

Morning, peeps! I lost again today (see siggy.) I will eat more today. I will focus on eggs, cheese, cream, maybe some bacon, maybe a salad with lots of fattening dressing, maybe a chicken thigh with skin on. That should do it! If not, I'm in trouble on this P3.

Have a wonderful Monday, if that is possible.

[Cruzcrzy]

Your stats are amazing, Cheryl. If you like bleu cheese dressing have some for me. I can't wait to have some on P3.

[dazygyrl]

i wish i could say i couldn't eat enough calories (not now, but prior to hcg). but when i was eating lc i found it a little too easy to eat a lot of calories....don't know how you do it.

did you hear from your sister?

[paulabob]

Originally Posted by CherylB

Morning, peeps! I lost again today (see siggy.) I will eat more today. I will focus on eggs, cheese, cream, maybe some bacon, maybe a salad with lots of fattening dressing, maybe a chicken thigh with skin on. That should do it! If not, I'm in trouble on this P3.

Have a wonderful Monday, if that is possible.

I used a great avacado/olive oil/lemon dressing my first P3 when I had to shoot my calories up to 2500 to gain back to range. I have to say that was a fun and delicious day.

Cheese always works well for me too...you can eat so much without getting stuffed.

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by Cruzcrzy

Your stats are amazing, Cheryl. If you like bleu cheese dressing have some for me. I can't wait to have some on P3.

Thank you! I'm more of a Buttermilk Ranch kind of girl. I try to like Bleu Cheese but it just doesn't sit right with my tastebuds. But I am stocked up on buttermilk ranch!

Originally Posted by dazygyrl

i wish i could say i couldn't eat enough calories (not now, but prior to hcg). but when i was eating lc i found it a little too easy to eat a lot of calories....don't know how you do it.

did you hear from your sister?

Oh, brother! Before HCG I had no problem eating 1,000 calories per sitting. (Atkins slowed that tendency down, too. I lost my appetite for LC foods.) In fact, that was my thing. I needed volume to feel satisfied. Now volume makes me feel uncomfortable, so I have to eat less. I'm sure if I had a medium x-cheese pizza delivered to my door, I could do some damage. Or some fresh crab rangoons? Watch out. But for regular food, nothing very exciting in it for me. Plate of pasta? Warm loaf of bread with butter? Girl!?

I just heard back from my sister a few minutes ago. She just wrote, "Understood, Sis." That means all is well. I will give her a few days and then call her to see how else I can help, given my circumstances.

Originally Posted by paulabob

I used a great avacado/olive oil/lemon dressing my first P3 when I had to shoot my calories up to 2500 to gain back to range. I have to say that was a fun and delicious day.

Cheese always works well for me too...you can eat so much without getting stuffed.

Paula, can you post that recipe? I think that sounds yummy and I happen to have 2 avacados ripening up right now. In fact, I have lemons, too.

Well, chickies. Official day 2 of P3 underway! I will eat, eat, eat! (But if I end up in the 160's tomorrow, I won't be able to stop myself from leaping for joy!)