P3 into P4 - Week of 5/5/11

[LaraSuzz]

Yeah I hear ya sister, I'm feeling like I never want to see a chicken tender again unless its drenched in cheese or something lol.

I tried to save money by eating the same thing for 30 days straight, boiled chicken tenders, spinach and apples. I still like spinach but the other two I dont want to see for a while. It turned into an episode of Man VS. Food and sometimes the food won! LOL.

I've tried the egg days and chicken days but the steak days work the best for me. I have evn tried it with a rum and Coke Zero, and did very well with a 4 lb loss. One time I grilled my tomato, don't make the same mistake, the sugars come out and no loss, must be raw, that is if you ever want to try a steak day again.

Best of luck.

[mymy3377]

Originally Posted by LaraSuzz

I tried to save money by eating the same thing for 30 days straight, boiled chicken tenders, spinach and apples. I still like spinach but the other two I dont want to see for a while. It turned into an episode of Man VS. Food and sometimes the food won! LOL.

Chicken tenders would drive me nutso too, the only thing I dislike more than too much meat is chicken breast

One time I grilled my tomato, don't make the same mistake, the sugars come out and no loss, must be raw, that is if you ever want to try a steak day again.

Thanks for the tomato tip, I hope I never have to have a steak day again but just in case this is good to know

Best of luck.

You too!

[LaraSuzz]

Originally Posted by mymy3377

I'm "officially" out of my window so I'll be joining you with a Correction Day, my first one ever. I'm so sick of meat already though so I think I'm going to try a Full Fat Fage day and hope for the best.

What is a full fat fage day?

[mymy3377]

Originally Posted by LaraSuzz

What is a full fat fage day?

24-35 ounces of Full Fat Fage yogurt and 8 oz. berries throughout the day.

[TwinMama]

Julie - Tempe! Nice to "meet" you!

Bjorn - Good to see you over here and glad to see you are stabilizing so well.

Terilyn - What is this SF cheese cake pudding? You put it in your yogurt or you just had it with it? Sounds yummy.

So I got a little sick yesterday. Like you know how when people cheat, they get the runs? LOL Well all I did was go into P3 and sucks I had to be over at a friend's house at the time. Haha

[julieboolie]

Good morning all!!

Well, I too am doing a CD today. I'm def out of my window, have been for 2-3 days, and need to work it back down. Boo!! Oh well, I want to get it down while it'll still go . I think maintaining in a 5lb window will be too big, so I've gotta' get it under control. I just finished a serving of GY w/ strawberries - yum!! I have had 3 cups of coffee/cream too. I don't sweat that either.

Twin-Ah, Tempe. We're there a lot!! In a bit they're opening my favorite water ice place - Rita's there. They have SF water ice now which I'm sure is delicious. I'm originally from Philly where water ice reigns, and Rita's is the best!! Lots of fun stuff in Tempe .

Teri-enjoy your loading weekend!! You'll do great in R2. Keep working out and enjoy the losses!! You'll look great in a bathing suit this summer .

mymy and lara - Happy CD!! Maybe we'll do so well today we can enjoy the weekend w/ a little cushion!!

Stampe-glad you're doing so well!! KUTGW!!

I'm feeling good. Bernice finally visited, had a nice albeit light workout this morning. Hit the store and stocked up on my favorite GY!! I don't even mind CD's when I have this in the house. Voskos is the brand and it's the absolute best!!

Off to shower then get my dd's. Dentist day for them !

[TwinMama]

Okay wait, what is water ice? Do you know the crossroads where they are opening it?

Where do you get your GY? I'll make sure to buy the Voskos brand. Hope your CD brings you great results!

[jabbok]

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Good morning all!!

Well, I too am doing a CD today. I'm def out of my window, have been for 2-3 days, and need to work it back down. Boo!! Oh well, I want to get it down while it'll still go . I think maintaining in a 5lb window will be too big, so I've gotta' get it under control. I just finished a serving of GY w/ strawberries - yum!! I have had 3 cups of coffee/cream too. I don't sweat that either.

Twin-Ah, Tempe. We're there a lot!! In a bit they're opening my favorite water ice place - Rita's there. They have SF water ice now which I'm sure is delicious. I'm originally from Philly where water ice reigns, and Rita's is the best!! Lots of fun stuff in Tempe .

Teri-enjoy your loading weekend!! You'll do great in R2. Keep working out and enjoy the losses!! You'll look great in a bathing suit this summer .

mymy and lara - Happy CD!! Maybe we'll do so well today we can enjoy the weekend w/ a little cushion!!

Stampe-glad you're doing so well!! KUTGW!!

I'm feeling good. Bernice finally visited, had a nice albeit light workout this morning. Hit the store and stocked up on my favorite GY!! I don't even mind CD's when I have this in the house. Voskos is the brand and it's the absolute best!!

Off to shower then get my dd's. Dentist day for them !

I know what you mean I am 4.6 above ldw so still 2.6 above my window but it is getting down.

Have fun with your gy cd.

[julieboolie]

Twin-I buy my Voskos at Sprouts, and it's on sale this week . The blue container (full fat) is the BEST GY I've ever had!! And I consider myself a conneseuir (sp?). The water ice is like Italian Ice, only jucier and completely delicious. I'll have to find out when and where it's gonna' be. We're driving out to Avondale this weekend to get some from the first open location.

Cindy-we can do it. I'm hoping this CD will get me closer to the window too. I know I'm going to fluctuate and once I'm through this next 2 weeks of trying to stabilize I will probably drop my calories a bit to lose a few more lbs. I'm hoping the exercise will help with that. Hang in there!! You can do it!!

Ok, off to the dentist w/ the kids. Happy weekend!

[jabbok]

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Twin-I buy my Voskos at Sprouts, and it's on sale this week . The blue container (full fat) is the BEST GY I've ever had!! And I consider myself a conneseuir (sp?). The water ice is like Italian Ice, only jucier and completely delicious. I'll have to find out when and where it's gonna' be. We're driving out to Avondale this weekend to get some from the first open location.

Cindy-we can do it. I'm hoping this CD will get me closer to the window too. I know I'm going to fluctuate and once I'm through this next 2 weeks of trying to stabilize I will probably drop my calories a bit to lose a few more lbs. I'm hoping the exercise will help with that. Hang in there!! You can do it!!

Ok, off to the dentist w/ the kids. Happy weekend!

Thanks Julie, I know that you will have a really good whoosh from your cd you always lose really good when you do one.

Are you still using a trainer?

Have fun at the dentist.

[lemonmama]

Well, I guess I can join "Club Wacky T.O.M."! This is the second time for me since ending HCG drops and it has messed with my weight both times. Super frustrating! But I guess I just have to learn it is part of the deal, but it sort of feels unfair to have to do a CD when I know it is a gain due to TOM. At least I can do a Greek Yogurt Day instead of a steak day! That's my plan for tomorrow if I am up again. I was 3 pounds up this morning, but I didn't do the CD, because #1 I'm still recovering from a stomach virus, #2 TOM is starting and #3 I only got 3.5 hours of sleep last night due to a stinking work project . It just seems like my body is out of whack which could lead to some water retention--not "real" poundage. But if I'm still up tomorrow, CD day it is!

I'm also in the boat with those of you who are hoping to lose a little more after P4. I started working out again yesterday (light toning stuff), so I'm hoping that will help. I feel like I look O.K. until I tried on a swimsuit the other day and realized I have FARRRR to go in the toning department.

So, Julie, you mentioned lower calorie...is that the best way to lose after P4? Will you continue low-carbing (moderate protein and fat) and just decrease calories? I'm very curious about this, because I'm not sure what to do after HCG to drop a few more pounds.

Happy weekend to everyone!

[TwinMama]

Oh man, that Rita's place sounds heavenly! Right on, guess who is going to Sprouts this weekend?

[kaylem]

Wow. I soooo blew it. And it is just not like me. I've been so very dedicated and deliberate for this whole experience and yesterday, I blew it out of the water.

I woke up to another gain after a perfectly clean P3 day. This happened the day before, as well. TOM finally came after a seven week absence, and he has been mean! I'm pretty sure the gains are more due that than anything else, but still. That was frustrating. 150 was not a number I want to see again. Anyway, stomach bloated, back hurting, cramps, headache, cravings, tired, etc.... all day yesterday. So, despite all those factors, I moved forward with my CD--an egg day.

It was a really busy, stressful day. School is almost out, and seniors graduate next week so I'm trying to get all of their projects graded, returned, studios cleaned, etc. I did ok until the afternoon. Right as the releasing bell rang, an entire column of shelves containing mostly completed student ceramics projects COLLASPED and fell on me. (I teach pottery, among other things). Not only was it a mess, but it was also just devastating. I felt like I'd been in a car accident. Luckily, no one was hurt, and it was just a gigantic mess. But on Monday when those students come in and see their hard work destroyed...it's just so sad. That did it. I ate a piece of chocolate--small. Not too bad. Then I came home and drank a glass of wine. Again, not too bad. It's on protocol--although definitely NOT part of a CD!

But then...we went to our friend's graduation party. I ate. and ate. Junk. chips. Taquitos, pita chips, chocolate chip cookies, tortilla wraps. I just didn't care. I knew what I was doing, but I didn't have the fortitude to think about it. I snapped. Of course, compared to what I USED to eat, this was nothing. But considering how "good" I have been since I began this journey...wow.

This morning, I am 151.5. My stomach is totally bloated, and Bernice is pretty mad at me, too. So I am doing a GY day today, drinking Smooth Move tea, ACV, and gallons of water in the hopes that I will be able to turn the tide. I CAN'T go backwards!

It scares me just how easily my body wants to gain weight. This may be difficult.

I apologize for the long post. I just needed to vent! I will catch up on posts later. I hope you ladies are having a better go of it!

-Kay

[julieboolie]

Kay- I'm sorry for your day yesterday!! How awful about the pottery shelf!! I'm glad you weren't hurt at least (physically at least). I can completely understand your indulgence last night. You do know that it's not real fat, right? I just roughage and water retention. A good CD, or even a clean day w/ lots of water and a good visit from bernice and you'll be heading back down the scale. Don't underestimate the power of TOM in there too!! Really messing w/ my scale too!! Hang tough and give yourself a bit of breathing room. You have been so good for so long. You're human and finding a way to live life at this new low weight. You'll need to experiment and indulge a bit along the way. It's all part of the process!! You can do it!!

Originally Posted by jabbok

Thanks Julie, I know that you will have a really good whoosh from your cd you always lose really good when you do one.

Are you still using a trainer?

Have fun at the dentist.

Well, I did do well w/ my GY CD, UNTIL dh took us out for a late dinner after vball practice (I forgot to feed them ) We went to Red Robin and I had a bacon cheeseburger (bunless) and side cesar salad. This is AFTER my GYCD for the day!! I did get full quickly and only ate about half the burger, but still!! Some CD that was!! I did lose 1.4lbs from it and am closer to the window today. I know if I didn't do that I would likely see my window today. Sigh.

Originally Posted by lemonmama

Well, I guess I can join "Club Wacky T.O.M."! This is the second time for me since ending HCG drops and it has messed with my weight both times. Super frustrating! But I guess I just have to learn it is part of the deal, but it sort of feels unfair to have to do a CD when I know it is a gain due to TOM. At least I can do a Greek Yogurt Day instead of a steak day! That's my plan for tomorrow if I am up again. I was 3 pounds up this morning, but I didn't do the CD, because #1 I'm still recovering from a stomach virus, #2 TOM is starting and #3 I only got 3.5 hours of sleep last night due to a stinking work project . It just seems like my body is out of whack which could lead to some water retention--not "real" poundage. But if I'm still up tomorrow, CD day it is!

I'm also in the boat with those of you who are hoping to lose a little more after P4. I started working out again yesterday (light toning stuff), so I'm hoping that will help. I feel like I look O.K. until I tried on a swimsuit the other day and realized I have FARRRR to go in the toning department.

So, Julie, you mentioned lower calorie...is that the best way to lose after P4? Will you continue low-carbing (moderate protein and fat) and just decrease calories? I'm very curious about this, because I'm not sure what to do after HCG to drop a few more pounds.

Happy weekend to everyone!

Welcome to the wacky TOM club! Not a fun place but at least you're in good company . I'm not sure about the best way to lose after P4. I'll let you know if/when I figure that out!! Most go back for another round of P2, but I'm not doing that. I just can't. It's not good for me at this stage. And doesn't seem to work as well for me either. I plan to keep up the exercise and once I'm "stable" enough drop the calories a bit and see what happens. Not to 500/day, but maybe in the 1200-1500 range while keeping the carbs low. We'll see.

So, to sum up, I did a half GY CD and it went ok. I lost 1.4lbs and am still out of my "window" but closer to it at least ! I'm going to have a fun weekend and will try to watch it, esp. the carbs and hope for the best. I only have 1 more week of P4 then I should be nice and stable . Not this body!! Very sensitive, but at least I'm sensitive in smaller jeans now .

[Ravenj9]

Well I'm back. My week of P2 netted me zero pounds. I gained on my "deactivated" hcg injections and went back down using hhcg drops so my LDW was the same as last week. However, I am down 1 lb this morning so it feels good to have that cushion.

This morning I enjoyed coffee with HWC and SF irish cream Davinci's syrup. I also had 3 eggs made with HWC and scrambled in bacon grease along with 4 slices of bacon and 1 oz of sharp cheddar cheese. I breakfast! Since breakfast I've had a hand full of almonds and a square of cocoa bark so I think I need to slow down a bit. LOL. Since I've had mostly protein & fat so far I think I will have a half a grapefruit or some strawberries in a couple of hours. I have to go out and look for some full fat GY because my local Kroger and Walmart only carry 2% and 0%.

Have a great weekend!

[lemonmama]

Kay--I'm so sorry you've had a rough go. My heart sunk when I read about the shelf and the student projects. Hang in there, and give yourself grace. I'm sure your weight will drop once TOM leaves. It's so hard to deal with the fluctuations that can bring. It sounds like you have been so on-plan for so long; maybe your body just need a little breather. I hope today is better for you! (P.S. You don't suck!)

Julie--1.4 pounds gone on a half GY day sounds pretty good. I'm also trying a crazy CD today. I thought I would do a GY day, but then when I woke up I just physically needed bacon. It was the strangest thing. I am starting TOM, so I'll blame him of course. So I made some bacon, shared *some* with the kids and hubby, but ate a WHOLE BUNCH for myself. I even made a little cocoa crack with crumbled bacon and ate that. It was goooooooood. Maybe too much? :blush:

Anyway, my plan is to have GY the rest of the day....probably just 24 ounces instead of the regular 32, but I haven't been at all hungry yet, and it is 2:24! So maybe I'll just eat 16 ounces for dinner and call it a day. I hope and pray I will still see a loss. I hate seeing the ugly numbers on the scale in the morning.

Raven--your P3 food sounds good. Sorry about the P2 bummer, but YAY for the 1 pound gone this morning!

[TwinMama]

Hi Raven - It's good to see a familiar face! Your breakfast sounds yummy.

Kay - Oh my goodness about the shelf falling on you! Yikes!

Julie - Your half CD day sounds like it did some good!

Lemonmama - Let us know about your nice loss tomorrow.

Okay so tell me how you make your cocoa crack please guys. I just went to the recipe thread and did a search and either their search feature sucks or it's not there.

[lemonmama]

TwinMama--They may call it "Chocolate Delight" here. I learned about it on HCG Diet Info Forums, and there they call it "Cocoa Crack."

Here's my basic recipe:
3 T. coconut oil, melted
3 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
Sweeten to Taste with sweetener of choice. I usually use a few teaspoons of Erythritol or NutraSweet, but I like a more bitter chocolate, so you may need more.

Then, I pour it onto a paper plate or wax paper covered pan of some sort and stick it into the freezer for 5 minutes, break it up into pieces and store in a baggie in the freezer or fridge. I love this stuff and eat it every single day, even on Correction Days. Coconut oil is great for us, so I don't feel too guilty about it. (I even ate it on most of my P2 and lost, but SHHHHH!! that was pretty rogue of me!)

I've also added unsweetened coconut flakes, cinnamon, coffee, heavy cream for milkier chocolate, almonds, peanut butter, different syrups...there's lots you can do with it. I even added crumbled bacon today. Crazy TOM craving!!!!

[Stampe63]

Week2 in P3 and it seems to going to hell in a handbasket... down over 3 pounds under LDW and I cant stop it. I cheew down so much food Im close to puke, loads of proteins and fat so thats not the problem

[TwinMama]

Lemonmama - Can I just say, "You're awesome!" Thanks so much for that and the ideas what to put in it.

Bjorn - aw I hope someone can chime in and help!

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by Stampe63

Week2 in P3 and it seems to going to hell in a handbasket... down over 3 pounds under LDW and I cant stop it. I cheew down so much food Im close to puke, loads of proteins and fat so thats not the problem

Well, I'm sorry to say I haven't had this problem!! I wish I had!! Try upping your natural sugars, like fruit and starchier veggies. Are you eating fruit? This is part of the Simeon's protocol, just not adding starch and sugar in a more direct way. I skip the fruit (more or less) in P3 to help me NOT gain. Hope it settles in for you!

Raven-sorry about the P2 failure. I have BTDT!! It's so frustrating!! I finally decided to try to lose a few lbs after P3/P4. P2 wasn't really working for ME anymore. It works great for everyone else, but not for me in subsequent rounds. I even waited a while between my last 2. I may one day try again, but am happy enough for now. Good luck to you!!

Lemon-you do ok w/ the cococ crack? I tried it early in P3 and gained a lot. Thought it was partially to blame as I gained on it back in Atkins days. I really love it though (w/ coconut in it - yum!!). I may add it back once I'm stable enough to identify if it is the cuprit. Hope your CD goes well.

Twin-how's the stabilizing going for you?

I'm up today, again. BUT I earned it . I made the conscious choice to add some sugar (that's right, I said sugar!!) back yesterday. It was delicious!! I had custard and water ice with real sugar in it!! It's been 5 years since I enjoyed that treat and it was definitely worth the bump on the scale today!! I'll try for a CD today, but suspect it'll be another half CD. I have a massage today too !! Should be fun. Happy Sunday all!

[kaylem]

*Release of a big sigh of relief here*

When I got up to weigh in this morning, the scale bleeped at 149 for a second and then moved to 147.5 (almost within window). I weighed three more times to be sure, and it kept going back to 147.5. I will take it. 4 pound loss after a CD is pretty darn good!

I'm still .5 outside of my window, but I don't think I'm supposed to do two CD's in a row. Any input on this?

I think I will eat super duper P3 clean today, and hopefully will drop back into my windo tomorrow.

Lots of water, lots of protein and fat, a little ACV....I hope that does the trick.

Have a beautiful Sunday!

Kay

[Ravenj9]

It's day 2 of P3 for me and I'm down .2. This means I'm down 1.2 from my LDW in 2 days. I even had 2 glasses of wine last night and did a lot of dancing. I'm not complaining. I would love to stabilize 2 lbs below my LDW. The EFGT ratios seem to be working for me which is a relief after a hard P2.

[jabbok]

I am up .4 today but didn't get as much food in that I had the last 2 days so I will make sure I eat lots again today and hopefully the scale moves back down tomorrow.

Stampe63 I wish I had that problem lol, try adding the fruit and starchier veggies that Julie recomended to see if that helps. You could also add in full fat yogurt with berries to see if that helps.

[Jodarina]

Hello all! I've been MIA from the boards for about a week and a half. Lots going on but I feel the need to get reconnected so here I am! Have since moved over to P3 on R2. Not as stable as R1 but doing ok for the most part. Did have to do 1 CD. I love P3 foods

Kay~ so glad you are back in your window after the unfortunate ceramics accident. Just reading about it I felt my own stress level go up Julie's right though, we are human and sometimes we just need to give ourselves a bit of slack. Sounds like you have made a nice recovery Just hang in there girl, you're almost done for the summer!

[jabbok]

I am back up the 1 stupid pound again, I never added anything extra in from yesterday and yet I am up a pound, my food has stayed pretty well the same the last 3 days except I had lean ground hamburger for supper instead of chicken, I drank lots of water, ate my veggies, berries, yogurt everything the same.

This is getting frustrating that I can't get back down or close to my ldw. Sorry for the rant but I just needed to vent.

[kaylem]

Originally Posted by jabbok

I am back up the 1 stupid pound again, I never added anything extra in from yesterday and yet I am up a pound, my food has stayed pretty well the same the last 3 days except I had lean ground hamburger for supper instead of chicken, I drank lots of water, ate my veggies, berries, yogurt everything the same.

This is getting frustrating that I can't get back down or close to my ldw. Sorry for the rant but I just needed to vent.

I'm with you, Cindy. I'm feeling the same way. I don't know why I can't stabilize at my LDW. In fact, if you average my weights, I have actually gained a few pounds. It's super frustrating. Hang in there. We will figure it out eventually, right?

Are you doing another round, or are you done? I'm supposed to be done, but now I'm beginning to wonder... ugh!

Kay

[kaylem]

149--again.

What the???? I did everything right yesterday--just like Cindy. So frustrating. So, I did an egg day--again. Looking back at my records, I had THREE CD's last week. That is no fun at all. I'm supposed to be in P4, but THAT'S not happening.

I did work out yesterday--Cardio only. I can't imagine THAT causing a jump in weight. In fact, I'm kinda thinking that SOMETHING has to change. Clearly my calories, type of calories or activity level is playing into my inability to maintain my LDW of 145. It's not like all of my fat is gone or anything--there is definitely a bit more hanging around! Ha!

Anyway, my committment this week is to work out on the elliptical every afternoon for 35-40 minutes, so off I go. I will catch up with the posts later.

I hope the rest of you woke up to stabilization and NO CORRECTION DAYS!!

All the best-

Kay

[julieboolie]

Kay and Cindy- I'm so sorry the stabilizing isn't going so easy right now!! I share the frustration!! I think it could be a combination of intestinal contents (for lack of a better term ) and hormones!! i know I can gain 2 lbs overnight w/o a reason. That 2lb window above a LDW we hit the last day of a 500calorie diet is a tough number to expect our hungry bodies to stick with. The fact that we are able to maintain anywhere near there is amazing!! You've both done so well!! Don't get too worried. Keep close tabs on the scale, but maybe give yourself a 3lb range and look at the bigger picture too. You're clothes are baggy, you're thinner and healthier than you've been in ages. Don't let go of where you are!!

Went to the gym today . I did a good HIIT workout with some weights at the end today. A full hour, which is a LONG time for me!! I ate clean and even had some froyo for dessert. I am close to my window today (0.2 above) and ok with that. Hope I am in my window tomorrow. I have about given up on seeing LDW for a while. I like to *think* I weigh 150lbs, but it's not a number I've seen in a while now.

I'm thinking ahead to losing 5lbs sometime. My bday is coming in a week or so, which mean I'll indulge a bit. Then we go on vaca in June, then MN in July, August is looking good. I think my "new" plan is to exercise and maintain around 150 through a fun and indulgent summer and then reassess in August. Maybe I will have toned up enough to be happy at 150ish. I'm in 4's, 6's and 8's and am quite happy about that!! Maybe if I eat well (I mean a LOT) all summer and manage to maintain my weight, I could drop the cals a bit w.o the hcg and try to drop 5lbs. That shouldn't be so hard, right?

I guess I'm trying to enjoy the ride a bit more. I get so obsessed with a number on the scale and my dream of being in the 140's. They're just numbers. My mental health and happiness needs to count too. Being able to eat out, or indulge here and there and feel "normal" has real value to me. I want to enjoy it for a while. A CD once a week is worth enjoying the other 6.

[lemonmama]

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Kay and Cindy- I'm so sorry the stabilizing isn't going so easy right now!! I share the frustration!! I think it could be a combination of intestinal contents (for lack of a better term ) and hormones!! i know I can gain 2 lbs overnight w/o a reason. That 2lb window above a LDW we hit the last day of a 500calorie diet is a tough number to expect our hungry bodies to stick with. The fact that we are able to maintain anywhere near there is amazing!! You've both done so well!! Don't get too worried. Keep close tabs on the scale, but maybe give yourself a 3lb range and look at the bigger picture too. You're clothes are baggy, you're thinner and healthier than you've been in ages. Don't let go of where you are!!

Went to the gym today . I did a good HIIT workout with some weights at the end today. A full hour, which is a LONG time for me!! I ate clean and even had some froyo for dessert. I am close to my window today (0.2 above) and ok with that. Hope I am in my window tomorrow. I have about given up on seeing LDW for a while. I like to *think* I weigh 150lbs, but it's not a number I've seen in a while now.

I'm thinking ahead to losing 5lbs sometime. My bday is coming in a week or so, which mean I'll indulge a bit. Then we go on vaca in June, then MN in July, August is looking good. I think my "new" plan is to exercise and maintain around 150 through a fun and indulgent summer and then reassess in August. Maybe I will have toned up enough to be happy at 150ish. I'm in 4's, 6's and 8's and am quite happy about that!! Maybe if I eat well (I mean a LOT) all summer and manage to maintain my weight, I could drop the cals a bit w.o the hcg and try to drop 5lbs. That shouldn't be so hard, right?

I guess I'm trying to enjoy the ride a bit more. I get so obsessed with a number on the scale and my dream of being in the 140's. They're just numbers. My mental health and happiness needs to count too. Being able to eat out, or indulge here and there and feel "normal" has real value to me. I want to enjoy it for a while. A CD once a week is worth enjoying the other 6.

Julie--thank you for this note. It is exactly what I needed to read tonight!