HCG Alternative Plans for 4/4/11

[goddesslynne]

It would appear that I've netted a 1/2lb. for the week - trying not to cry...

[minimonkey]

Oh, Goddess -- your week two looks like my weeks two and three in my first round... they were a total stall, bouncing up and down the same 3 lbs. I did lose a lot of inches during that stall, though... and the losses picked back up after that, so I am glad I stuck through it --- hugs, and hang tough! You can do it!!! I know how frustrating that is!!

Ladies -- like Disney, I have some "I've met goal" advice --- the power of the reshaping round is not to be underestimated!!!! Holy cow, I need to measure again, but my oddly large waist (about which I was complaining) has now turned into a tight, little, proportionate waist, with a flat belly (and some new loose skin, but that will firm up) I also think my butt has climbed up my thighs about 2 inches, back to where it belongs!!!

Some of the abdominal improvement is undoubtedly due to the utterly killer cleanse and gut healing regimen I am doing --- I know I had remaining inflammation in the gut, and it is rapidly disappearing -- but I also think this last round is responsible for a good deal of the improvement, too.

[goddesslynne]

Mini, I have happy tears!! Your progress and honest sharing are so inspirational to me!! I KNOW I can do it too, and I look forward to joining you in maintenance!! I just need to settle down and "settle in" to working this plan!! I've been taking my measurements, too, and they're not amazing like your changes, but something is changing. My work pants, while still tight, are much less muffin-top-y, and I feel like my back fat is smoothing, so there's something going on!! It's just that my waist and hips are staying the same!!

I really miss my workouts (ChaLEAN Extreme) but I'm afraid to start back up (been off for 3 weeks) because I just don't want to see a gain at this point. I think tomorrow I'll just do a brief little round of abs/pushups/squats...just to try to maintain the muscle I have.

[minimonkey]

Julie -- like you, I actually DO bulk up if I lift heavy weights -- I have experienced that more than once. My little body builds muscle like nobody's business.

I love that about my body -- don't get me wrong -- but it means I do a lot better with targeted resistance training -- lots of isometric lifting of my own body weight, which can actually constitute a wicked workout if done correctly. I do use weights for the upper body -- but it is light weights and a lot of reps, and frequent working out.

I am definitely going to capitalize on the muscle-building capacity of my body now, and start doing some weighted squats and such -- I want me some glutes!!! I don't have a gym membership and cannot begin to afford one, so I am working with DVDs and home equipment -- which is just fine, really. I find I am more likely to work out regularly if I don't have to go to the gym, particularly since now I don't have a car.

[minimonkey]

Goddess -- you are so sweet -- it means a lot to me to have a place where I can share this process --- and know that I will be met with support. You folks are just so wonderful!!!

I didn't work out much at all during that first, long p2 -- I was following protocol for the most part, and frankly, I just didn't have the energy to do it. It took all I had to get through an active day, and at times even that was really difficult.

Although I did net a really good lb loss overall during those first 6 weeks, after that, I decided that exercise was far too important to me to give it up. That is totally a personal choice, but when I thought about it, I realized that gains from exercise are either a) water retention that is necessary for muscle healing, or b) increased muscle to fat ratio.... either way, they are a good thing, not a bad thing.

I know we all struggle with this -- and that this protocol is particularly prone to reinforcing this thinking -- but the number on the scale should not be the ultimate indicator of success.

In fact, the scale is a poor judge of overall progress in many cases. I really, really suggest getting a body fat monitor (the handheld digital ones are fairly accurate, and run about $40). Better yet, find a fitness buddy and learn to do the bodyfat calipers....it takes some practice, but they are very accurate if done correctly. It is enlightening, to say the least, to see that pound loss can actually be the big booby prize in the long run.

[minimonkey]

Oh, and yes... dermarollers DO work. They have done wonders on my facial skin ---I had far more improvement from dermarolling and home peels than I did from laser IPL treatments.... the improvement isn't immediate, but it is cumulative, and well, well worth the investment of time and money (and a little pain, too).

I seriously need some quality time with my wellbox, too -- Goddess knows about this gadget. It is a home endermologie machine -- I got it a number of years ago when I was in wracking, daily pain... and it was a G-dsend for that -- but it also does a lot to condition the skin, break down fibrous bands that cause cellulite, and promote skin tightening. They are horribly expensive, but they really are miracle gadgets.

I keep reading about the miraculous potential of skin brushing, too -- and that is one regimen I have never tried for long enough to determine if I got results from it... but I think it is worth investigating.

[DisneyPrincess]

I'm so glad your reshaping is working mini!! I bet you are just thrilled to see changes!!

I've noticed too that my body is changing with the hhcg. Yesterday I had more carbs than normal but today instead of being bloated and I actually look leaner

So as mini says- this stuff is miraculous!!

I'm going shopping for some new clothes today and will enjoy a nice LC meek out with some drinks

Oh and :blush: I sent Dh the pictures in my running clothes yesterday and he had an amazing reaction! I'm so excited to show him how hard I've worked!

[julieboolie]

Mini- for reshaping!! THat's what I'm talking 'bout!! You go little thing!! So glad to hear of your success and thanks for the confirmation on the dermarolling! I'm really looking into it . More for stretch marks. Wonder if it would tighten up my tummy or just help w/ the scars?

DP-that's great!! So happy you're so close to seeing dh! It's very sweet!! Have fun shopping!!

Gotta' go to church. I'm wearing my reward jeans from last round and they're loose! I love these jeans (designer - LA Idol's) and wish they fit a bit more snugly. I will def. splurge on new ones when I reach this new goal!! Such fun dressing the smaller me!!

[mermaid]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

For what its worth, I think a lot of us (not just here, but the human race) have "psych issues." We live in a world that makes us crazy, and a physical environment that is so toxic it leads to a lot of physical imbalances that also affect mental states.

I had a lot of problems with depression when I was younger, and honestly, I think antidepressants saved my life. I am somewhat ambivalent about psych meds as a general category, but I think the right med at the right time can be really helpful. I still struggle with intermittent anxiety, and I am still on a low dose antidepressant... I do better with it than I do without it, and I am grateful to have access to it.

During stressful times (like these) it keeps me from crashing into an emotional black hole.

I can really relate to this. I've never been on antidepressants and am very uneasy about them, but some of us are very sensitive to all the weirdness on this planet and we certainly need lots of love, compassion, and other help sometimes to keep on going. I went into a "black hole" when my first husband died of cancer. He was 39 and I was 32. Although I am still dealing with some of that, I am SO GRATEFUL for all I have now--a wonderful husband and daughter, and a peaceful beautiful little country home, and the greatest friends anyone could ever have. I feel that gratitude deeply every day! Even the darkest of the dark times can be survived, and life can turn into something really good.

[minimonkey]

Mermaid --

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your first husband... that would send anyone into a black hole!!!

I am one of those sensitive types you reference -- I get really overwrought with all the pain in the world --- and between the gulf oil fiasco, and now the situation in Japan, I am just about at my limit for world grief. Not to mention the pain of people close to me, which I feel even more acutely.

I am glad I am open to these feelings, but it does make it hard to survive this planet sometimes..... so, during particularly difficult times, I do choose to rely on a bit of pharmaceutical help. I also totally respect that this is not the right choice for a lot of people... I've tried it both ways, and the antidepressants allow me to see and appreciate the good and the beauty, without being overwhelmed by the darkness.

[minimonkey]

Oh, and Mermaid --- CONGRATS on the size lost!!!!!!!!!!! Whooohoooooo!!!!!

[minimonkey]

Disney --- whoooohooo on your husband's reaction to your pics... I am not the least bit surprised though... he'd have to be blind not to be blown away by you!

I am so happy for his homecoming!

Julie -- dermarolling helps immensely with stretchmarks and scars... and, if you are really feeling adventurous, so does chemical peeling. I used to have a ton of deep, indented stretchmarks, and honestly, they are nearly invisible now. A little self tanner, and you can't see them at all... when I am pale, they are tiny silver streaks at most.

I do believe the dermarolling helps with overall tightening as well, though it is hard to say for sure... a lot of us who do it have gotten great results though.

I just added MSM pills to my supplements arsenal, as well as using the MSM cream (which I love). I also added the homeopathic hgh, which is supposed to have good effects for antiaging and collagen production. I will continue dermarolling, and also get jiggy with my wellbox more often!

[minimonkey]

Disney -- I forgot to ask.... are you still using the hhcg during maintenance? Did you use it on your up days?

I am going to keep dosing for the full 23 days at least, and try to find a calorie level where I start maintaining well, before even considering a true p3 again. That said, I am adding in some p3 foods now, and continuing to lose. I am doing this way off the books, clearly.

I hope I am not setting myself up for a complete disaster when I wean off the hhcg.... at the moment, this seems a really good course of action.

[Life4Me]

Okay, well, it's day VLCD 4 & I'm no longer your stray - I am officially rogue.

I TRIED doing it the Simeon way but every night I think I'm going to go crazy. I think the grains/fruit are spiking my feeling of "must eat now!" With no to little fat to abate my hunger, I'm not making it through the last part of the day. Last night I wound up eating an extra chicken portion PLUS an extra minibag of popcorn. I've lost 9 of my load lbs, but I want to go ALL THE WAY, you know?

Just before I started the hHCG I had been pretty much just eating meat (not lean) and having to force myself to remember. I think I can go low calorie eating my way rather than Simeon's. That's my plan anyway. Stay around 500 calories, but forget the fruit & grain, up my protein & fat.

What do you think?

[paulabob]

Originally Posted by Life4Me

I think I can go low calorie eating my way rather than Simeon's. That's my plan anyway. Stay around 500 calories, but forget the fruit & grain, up my protein & fat.

That was totally my plan on rounds 2 & 3 - no fruit, no melba, more meat and dabs of fat.

[brainsgirl]

Disney, are you still taking the hhcg drops? Are you doing p2 or your own lc plan? Mindi

[mermaid]

Originally Posted by Life4Me

Okay, well, it's day VLCD 4 & I'm no longer your stray - I am officially rogue.

I TRIED doing it the Simeon way but every night I think I'm going to go crazy. I think the grains/fruit are spiking my feeling of "must eat now!" With no to little fat to abate my hunger, I'm not making it through the last part of the day. Last night I wound up eating an extra chicken portion PLUS an extra minibag of popcorn. I've lost 9 of my load lbs, but I want to go ALL THE WAY, you know?

Just before I started the hHCG I had been pretty much just eating meat (not lean) and having to force myself to remember. I think I can go low calorie eating my way rather than Simeon's. That's my plan anyway. Stay around 500 calories, but forget the fruit & grain, up my protein & fat.

What do you think?

I think it's going to work just fine. I think that we bigger girls may need a bit more food, especially at first. Like Kateenie says, the only plan that will work is one you can stay on.

[julieboolie]

Life4me-that's pretty much what I do. I'm eating around 800 cals a day, and losing ok with it. I have found that I am much happier w. this than the strict protocol. Good luck!!

Mermaid-I remember you sharing that with us before, and to you for all you must have gone through. It's nice you're enjoying a happy life now and I appreciate your healthy perspective on it .

Mini-thanks! I may look into that chemical peel. Do you do that on your tummy too? That's where I'm hoping for results. I have MSM powder which I will try again once I'm through P2. I don't want to mess with it!!

I'm really enjoying this P2. I ate out twice again today and feel great. I had a little hamburger, no bun, lettuce, pickle and mustard for lunch. And then I got my favorite charbroiled chicken salad (about 500 cals) for dinner. I'm looking at about 850cals for today, which is normal for me. I just can't believe I can dine out in P2! Well, I haven't weighed in yet but I'm hoping it'll still work out well!!

[lisaislosingit]

Talking about sensitivity and emotions...are any of you familiar with the book and/or the term Highly Sensitive Person (by Elaine Aron)...I've read that one and am going through HSP in love right now. I'm on a yahoo group of HSP's which is helpful too. Here is a self test...I hope it's ok to post the link:

Self Test

Just learning about myself and that this is who I am and it doesn't mean there's something wrong with me has been very helpful in just managing every day anxieties and worries.

[Deb294evr]

please continue on our new weekly thread!

HCG Alternative Plans for 4/11/11