***HCG Alternative Plans for the week of 6/27/11***

[vli1127]

Originally Posted by ShellbellTX

Had the 100 calorie popcorn tonight..it was SO freaking good.

That is why I don't think I could imbibe in popcorn, I couldn't stop at one bag.

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Being as active (and muscular) as I am, I think hunger is simply going to be a fact of life during this p2 -- the hhcg helps a lot, for sure, but I do expect I will simply be hungry a lot of the time, regardless. At least it is a manageable sort of hunger, and not the type that demands all my attention... it's unpleasant, but tolerable, and I can live with that.

I did get in a good, hard workout this morning, though... and that should help offset the off-protocol eating.

I know on the original Simeon protocol, it says not to exercise or if so, very mild. But, I like you, won't follow that advice. I have been an avid exerciser (daily, or at least 6 days a week) for close to 10 years now. I know the premise is that the body could kick into starvation mode because of the calorie deficit.

How tall are you mini?

Originally Posted by CherylB

Good morning, ladies. And boy, do I mean MORNING. I've been awake since 2:30! It never fails that when I know I have to be somewhere in the morning, I don't sleep well. But this is beyond not sleeping well. I got a nap! That's it.

So, there will be no losses on the scale for me today. I was so hoping that 169 was possible today, but I'll need to wait until tomorrow. (But I'm out of Ambien as of today and if they don't fill it for me during the day, I will be SOL.

Originally Posted by paulabob

I got no loss from my correction day...but maybe cause TOM started yesterday, or maybe cause I was awake at 5am (despite two benedryl). Lots of stress right now. Cheryl sorry you didn't sleep well either...hope you can get a nap in later today!

There have been studies saying sleep affects our weight loss, but then so do many other things including the hormones and TOM. Seems there are a few women on here heading into PMS/TOM

I hopped on the scale this morning and was pleased to see 196.8 but just as I was about to step off it changed to 192.6. I stepped on the scale 3 times in a row allowing the thing to clear before stepping on again and got that 192# again. Seemed like a huge drop. So, I did my 1 hr walk. I stripped down and reweighed and now it was 195.something. I peed and got back on 3 times but this time it was 191.8. Now, what number should I record for the day? I am leaning toward the very first number of 196 because I don't want to be disappointed. Normally, I don't hop off and on the scale hoping for the best number. I got on, let it cycle, and record that number period.

[mdolph]

Add me to the sleepless. My son and I stayed up to catch fireflies and he didn't get to bed until after 10. Then my daughter woke up around 11, then he was up at 11:30 and wouldn't go back to sleep.... this went on and on and on all night.

I'm down 1/2 a pound from yesterday but still up. I'm not going to hit goal unles something really changes. TOM is kicking my butt and the moment. Perhaps I'll get a woosh once it leaves?

Got another busy day planned. Going to take everything out of the garage and reorganize and throw stuff out. We're turning 1/2 the garage into our workout room and I won't let DH move anything out there until things are cleaned and organized. I'm also planning a garage sale this weekend at my house to unload what's left from last weekend's garage sale at my sister's house!

[RedsSkinnyJeans]

Originally Posted by vli1127

That is why I don't think I could imbibe in popcorn,

LOVE the verb!!!

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by vli1127

I hopped on the scale this morning and was pleased to see 196.8 but just as I was about to step off it changed to 192.6. I stepped on the scale 3 times in a row allowing the thing to clear before stepping on again and got that 192# again. Seemed like a huge drop. So, I did my 1 hr walk. I stripped down and reweighed and now it was 195.something. I peed and got back on 3 times but this time it was 191.8. Now, what number should I record for the day? I am leaning toward the very first number of 196 because I don't want to be disappointed. Normally, I don't hop off and on the scale hoping for the best number. I got on, let it cycle, and record that number period.

I wouldn't be able to stand that! My advice is to buy a new scale and donate that one to Good Will! Soon!

[CherylB]

Still busy, Melanie. I hope you do well at your next garage sale. Looks like I was far from being alone with the insomnia last night!

I had a visit from Bernice (I coaxed her to come after a no-show yesterday) and I reweighed: 170.2. So, down 0.6 and so dang close to the next whooshy, I can taste it! My sister Donna is also on a weight loss plan and she weighed 170.1 yesterday. We are neck and neck, for the first time in our lives, doing this weight loss thing at the same time. It's pretty cool!

She's an inch or more shorter than me, so her goal is in the 130's. (Once she maintained in the upper 120's! She was sooo tiny! I will be happy with 140 and if I come down more after that, it will be simply over time as I practice what I've learned.

I'm dog sitting right now and on sis's laptop. There is a very annoying touch pad feature that keeps moving the page down when my thumb accidentally grazes it. Grrrrrrr! Better than being cut-off from my friends, though!

I hope everyone is having a great Tuesday.

[Missouri_Librarian]

Have a great day friends.,..great job everyone...

Im here just dealing with some life stuff...but i am here rooting you all on...<3

[vli1127]

Originally Posted by CherylB

I wouldn't be able to stand that! My advice is to buy a new scale and donate that one to Good Will! Soon!

I just bought this one though. I think I will stick with it.

[Salamander]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Being as active (and muscular) as I am, I think hunger is simply going to be a fact of life during this p2 -- the hhcg helps a lot, for sure, but I do expect I will simply be hungry a lot of the time, regardless. At least it is a manageable sort of hunger, and not the type that demands all my attention... it's unpleasant, but tolerable, and I can live with that.


Actually, I believe it was my round 2 where I didn't lose a thing for the first full week of p2, and then the weight started coming off really well... so I suppose I wouldn't be much worried in any event.

Hi minimonkey,

I'm starting my round 2 of hcg drops and I think we are in similar circumstances. Am I correct that you have already met your weight goal and are trying to reduce bodyfat/ expose your muscle tone? That is what I am trying to achieve. Today is my VLC #1. I'm not sure what to expect. I gained 1 lb loading and so want to lose about 5 lbs total. I don't need to lose it- I'm sure some of it is muscle I've gained since my first round, and some is water weight since I upped my carbs in maintenance. Anyway, I'm just rambling, guess I would like to buddy up with someone that has a similar goal as I do... if you have any words of advice/encouragement that would be great!!!

Thanks,
Sally

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by Missouri_Librarian

Have a great day friends.,..great job everyone...

Im here just dealing with some life stuff...but i am here rooting you all on...<3

You wanna talk about it? We're all ears.

Originally Posted by vli1127

I just bought this one though. I think I will stick with it.

Maybe you bought a hyper-sensitive one like I recently bought. I used to move my scale a lot but this scale needs to be perfectly stable and kept in the same spot for best results and consistency. I found a nice out-of-the-way place and checked it for any rocking and then tucked a wedge of paper under the the corner that needed some assitance.

Doggies are napping. I think I might try to catch a few zz's too.

[minimonkey]

Hi All!

I am barely 5 feet tall.

Salamander -- you are correct that I hit my weight goal, which was 105 at the time. Since then I have been working out very hard, and building a lot of muscle.

I just did about a month long experiement, where I took the drops, ate a hearty p3, and worked out as much as I could stand --- I gained a LOT of muscle during this time ( I build muscle easily), and relatively little fat, it seems... that leaves me starting this leaning-out phase at 118.

I am looking a bit bulky right now -- so I want to lean out overall , and really drop the bodyfat low enough to expose the underlying muscle.

I don't really have a weight goal, per se -- though I am sure I could easily pare off 5 more lbs or more, I don't want to lose lean muscle mass. I suspect 110 would be a good ultimate number for me -- anything lower is probably unrealistic.

I am still working out hard, almost daily -- I'm hoping to maintain muscle mass and lose bodyfat.

All that said, the scale is not my friend so far this p2.. on day three, I am up .6 lbs, rather than down any.... I do feel leaner though, so I am going to use that as my marker of progress. The scale just isn't a good marker of progress to those of us who are this athletic.

[minimonkey]

Cheryl -- I think you are right about the calories -- I seem to have lost best on those rounds where I did about 1000 calories on average. This is something of a new ballgame, too -- because my lean muscle mass truly is higher, and thus requires more nutrition -- plus, I am working out at a level of intensity that is much greater than in previous rounds.

I think I am going to focus most on eating well, lightly and cleanly for the moment-- once I get some pellets, I can at least know that I am using potent hhcg. I have some serious doubts about my drops right now.

[CherylB]

Yeah, I would be wondering about the hcg if I gained in the first few days, too. I hope you like your pellets!

Have you tried anything like what Nola does? She seriously SCARFS on her up days, but her down days are reasonable. You know her better than I do. But you are both interested in body sculpting and building, so maybe her plan would work well for you, too.

Have you calculated your caloric needs for maintaining the muscle that you currently have? It must be pretty high! You really don't have enough fat left for your body to take the calories it needs from that source, so the only other place it could be taken from is your muscles. And you've worked dang hard to achieve them!

I just don't want to see you wasting time and energy trying to do something that won't help you and could hurt you. Okay???? Still friends? I care.

[Salamander]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Hi All!

I am barely 5 feet tall.

Salamander -- you are correct that I hit my weight goal, which was 105 at the time. Since then I have been working out very hard, and building a lot of muscle.

I just did about a month long experiement, where I took the drops, ate a hearty p3, and worked out as much as I could stand --- I gained a LOT of muscle during this time ( I build muscle easily), and relatively little fat, it seems... that leaves me starting this leaning-out phase at 118.

I am looking a bit bulky right now -- so I want to lean out overall , and really drop the bodyfat low enough to expose the underlying muscle.

I don't really have a weight goal, per se -- though I am sure I could easily pare off 5 more lbs or more, I don't want to lose lean muscle mass. I suspect 110 would be a good ultimate number for me -- anything lower is probably unrealistic.

I am still working out hard, almost daily -- I'm hoping to maintain muscle mass and lose bodyfat.

All that said, the scale is not my friend so far this p2.. on day three, I am up .6 lbs, rather than down any.... I do feel leaner though, so I am going to use that as my marker of progress. The scale just isn't a good marker of progress to those of us who are this athletic.

Hi mini, this is very interesting! The book says to not start exercise during P2 (but it's okay to do it if you were already on a program?) I was working out quite a bit- but am going to cut it down to about half. The fact that you were able to gain muscle while taking the drops, eating more foods and calories and working out is pretty amazing! This is the info I was looking for. I even googled and couldnt find much.

Thanks,
Sally

[MM2011]

Hi all!

Checking in late today-been busy, and I have a webinar in a few minutes. Still stuck at the same weight today.

Thanks for the birthday wishes!! I appreciate that so much!

I know, I know. I am going to have to lay off the chips and the pina coladas for now!! I am doing ok with hubby being gone. He did pop back for the weekend, and he will be back for the long upcoming weekend. He has been working physically hard-and down another 4-5 pounds since he was "home." Brat. I have been keeping busy with sewing projects. All the bridesmaid dresses are done, now working on a matching dress for the bride and groom's 7 week old baby. Tee hee. Its a surprise-don't tell her! It will have a little bolero jacket and sun hat. So excited. Then, pj pants for my daughter, along with a couple of makeup bags that I promised her. No nighttime eating for me!! Woo hoo! Not that there is anything to eat in this house, anyway! I have never seen my cupboards so empty!! Or my fridge-except that the fruit/veggie bins are full!!

Here's hoping to be down tomorrow. You all get some sleep!! I slept like a rock last night-must be from eating right. I don't sleep well when I mess up.

Here's to losers!!

[minimonkey]

Salamander ---Check out the hcg-ers exercise thread -- Nola posted some great links on there a while back about the connection between hcg and muscle gain.

I was super dragged out and weak this morning---wow, that happened fast! I used to be able to get several weeks into a p2 before beginning to feel that level of depletion.

I finally gave in and ate a real meal (with fat)-- and I feel worlds better. Assuming I don't eat again today, I can still keep total calories to about 1000, and I think that's fine. I think waiting until I get pellets is going to have to happen before attempting a real p2-- I don't want to end up doing a starvation diet without the benefit of hhcg's magic.

Also....When Simeons wrote the protocol, I don't think he had the serious athlete in mind. I think he was referring more to people whose leisure activities included activity -- not people who were training seriously.

I considered cutting back the exercise, too -- but I'd really rather not do that. I'd rather take it slower in terms of leaning out, and continue to make fitness gains. I love certain aspects of hcg a lot -- most expecially that I can drop to a very low weight/bodyfat percentage without my face getting gaunt -- that is worth its weight in gold for me.

[minimonkey]

Happy Fiftieth, MM2011!!!! You look amazing!

Looking forward to getting to know the people on here whom I haven't really met yet -- I missed a lot while I was gone!

[minimonkey]

Cheryl -- your concern is -- as always-- much appreciated. I value your input a great deal, so never hesitate to share your thoughts.

I know -- Nola's eating plan is amazing! She is going for lean bulk, however, whereas I am trying to avoid bulking (lean or not) -- I also think her metabolism could run circles around mine at this point.... that woman is seriously strong!!!!

[vli1127]

Originally Posted by RedL.I.

LOVE the verb!!!

I try to sound intelligent every once in a while

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by MM2011

Hi all!

Checking in late today-been busy, and I have a webinar in a few minutes. Still stuck at the same weight today.

Thanks for the birthday wishes!! I appreciate that so much!

I know, I know. I am going to have to lay off the chips and the pina coladas for now!! I am doing ok with hubby being gone. He did pop back for the weekend, and he will be back for the long upcoming weekend. He has been working physically hard-and down another 4-5 pounds since he was "home." Brat. I have been keeping busy with sewing projects. All the bridesmaid dresses are done, now working on a matching dress for the bride and groom's 7 week old baby. Tee hee. Its a surprise-don't tell her! It will have a little bolero jacket and sun hat. So excited. Then, pj pants for my daughter, along with a couple of makeup bags that I promised her. No nighttime eating for me!! Woo hoo! Not that there is anything to eat in this house, anyway! I have never seen my cupboards so empty!! Or my fridge-except that the fruit/veggie bins are full!!

Here's hoping to be down tomorrow. You all get some sleep!! I slept like a rock last night-must be from eating right. I don't sleep well when I mess up.

Here's to losers!!

(It's the guilt) What a nice and industrious lady you are to be making all those clothes for the wedding! How cute that will be for the baby to be part of the ceremony and dressed accordingly. I'm glad hubby got to come home for a while. You guys sound like a couple of Love Birds! I'm happy for you both!

Have some Sugar Free Jell-O with a candle stuck in it and make a wish for P3 and P4 foods! Then have your deferred cake in P4. I'll be in P3 during my 49th in August. I'll just be so happy to be that much lighter by then that I won't care about cake or ice cream!

What's a Webinar? Seminar from a remote location? That makes sense. Never mind! I think I got it.

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Cheryl -- your concern is -- as always-- much appreciated. I value your input a great deal, so never hesitate to share your thoughts.

I know -- Nola's eating plan is amazing! She is going for lean bulk, however, whereas I am trying to avoid bulking (lean or not) -- I also think her metabolism could run circles around mine at this point.... that woman is seriously strong!!!!

I wish I could see a pic or two of Nola. Has she ever posted any? I'd love to see what she's creating of herself! I love how you look now, Mini. I don't think it could get much better than it already is. But there's no harm in aiming high!

I'm back from dog-sitting and it was a lot of fun. We all went outside a couple of times but it was very hot and sticky today so we spent most of our time in the air conditioned house. They got biscuits and lots of love and some play time, and they had some good nap time, too. I didn't manage a nap, but I rarely ever do. I will sleep great tonight, though!

Got me a new script for Ambien and this time they made the bottle a 3 month supply! They never would approve more than one month at a time before (insurance.) I don't know how they slipped that through. I'll have to be careful not to run out too soon. It will be harder to track how far ahead I get by taking an extra half a pill on especially hard-to-sleep nights.

I know in my heart that my sister Donna and I will both make it into the 160's as of tomorrow! We are both on the precipice.

Have a lovely evening, ladies. I will be checking out of LCF for the night, once I get caught up on my subscribed threads. I'M POOPED!!

[Salamander]

I read the Exercise thread and very impressed on what the gals are doing over there-especially minimonkey and Nola! I'm not anywhere near that level... after round 1 of Hcg I weighed 99 lbs and had a flat tummy (that's where my fat goes) and even lost in my thighs (I have a big space inbetween them now), but my butt disappeared. I had the hydrostatic testing done and I was 20%. So I have been working really hard the last couple months to build muscle, especially the booty. I do a lot of barre workouts and "Tonique" DVDs where you are doing (seemingly) endless varieties of squats and lunges, with interspersed cardio drills to keep your heart rate up. Over the months I eased up on my strict eating and my weight went up to 103-104. I know I have gained some muscle but I'm smart enough to know it's not ALL muscle I can feel muscles in my arms and butt, and even my upper abs, but can't see the definition. I hope that this round of Hcg will help bring it out!

Anyway, My plan is to do 500 cal for the first couple days on protocol. I hope that a couple pounds will come off pretty quickly, then I'll start adding more protein at each meal, and start my toning again and see how it progresses. Must I do the drops for the whole 23 days? Or is that just for the first round?

Thank you,
Sally

[CherylB]

No, that's a rule for any rounds we do. Even if it's just for reshaping. I know! What a drag for you ladies who are "there" but want definition. I wish you the best of luck with your round, Sally!

[tobethinner]

Originally Posted by vli1127

I was up the past two days due to staying on plan, back to 197.8 today. I am almost out of the drops that don't contain HCG, but the stingy one that I am, I am going to finish them (don't want to waste them LOL). But, I started using the pellets once a day for two days now and will continue using up the drops. The pellets are to last for 40 some days, so I think I will continue on P2 until bottle of pellets are gone. This should take me to vacation of which it will be easier to manage when on P3.

I have been dealing with constipation though and have started taking psyllium once to twice per day for a few days now. What have others done to deal with constipation?

I use Natural Calm for constipation.

[Bierarsch]

Originally Posted by tracyann71

Good Morning ladies
I am so excited about this week because I know it is going to be great.
I have just a little way to go and my body has reshaped (funny how it seems to happen so suddenly) I am no longer hungry or craving (urghh sometimes I crave emotionally) for the wrong food and although I still have plenty of work to do regarding my relationship with food I feel more at ease about this. It wont be a burden or mammoth problem anymore.
Heres to a great day, and great whooshes for everyone.

Have a wonderful week, Tracy! I love your positive attitude!

Originally Posted by CherylB

Good morning, ladies. And boy, do I mean MORNING. I've been awake since 2:30! It never fails that when I know I have to be somewhere in the morning, I don't sleep well. But this is beyond not sleeping well. I got a nap! That's it.

So, there will be no losses on the scale for me today. I was so hoping that 169 was possible today, but I'll need to wait until tomorrow. (But I'm out of Ambien as of today and if they don't fill it for me during the day, I will be SOL.

(I had trouble posting just now and so I copied and pasted the entire post, but somehow I lost half of it. Will try to recap.)

Mini, I think you should be eating closer to 1000 cals. You have to do the round for 23 days anyway, so take it slow. You don't have much (IF ANY) to lose. Reshaping is your goal (I'm guessing) so just take it a little easier and eat more calories. You workout like a fiend, so you will need to eat more food.

Stacy, thanks for the kudo's on my post. That's really how I feel! I am realizing what it means to feel joyful and contented and at peace. I was depressed for over a decade! (Hubby being so ill for so long and passing away didn't help matters.) But I'm finally back and it's good to be alive!

Originally Posted by paulabob

I got no loss from my correction day...but maybe cause TOM started yesterday, or maybe cause I was awake at 5am (despite two benedryl). Lots of stress right now. Cheryl sorry you didn't sleep well either...hope you can get a nap in later today!

So sorry y'all didn't get enough sleep (Mdolph included)! I hope the Sandman shows up tonight.

Originally Posted by Missouri_Librarian

Have a great day friends.,..great job everyone...

Im here just dealing with some life stuff...but i am here rooting you all on...<3

We are rooting for you, too! We're here to talk if you need us.


I have been so busy at work that I can't think straight, so I'm way out of the loop!

-.5lb today, and back to 134.2. Hoping I can break into 133 tomorrow. Hubby mixed a small 2000IU bottle of HCG last night. After this morning, that leaves me 12 shots until the end of the round. Hoping that I can reach goal weight. I am finally seeing some muscle definition in my thighs, but I still have cellulite on the backs of my upper thighs and I still have a pouche on my stomach. I'm hoping these last 9lbs are those trouble areas because I keep losing from the top then down, and I don't want my face/neck/collarbones to look emaciated.

[mousie tartufo]

Evening ladies! Wow, what a busy day - been going seemingly non-stop, and yet I don't feel like I got very much at all accomplished. *sigh* Oh well.

Today's weigh in was 183.5, so that's down another pound. I'm not getting excited over this seemingly quick loss, since as far as I'm concerned, it *should* come off quickly, since last round my LDW was 180 but I stabilized high. I'm fully expecting that when I get into "new" territory, it'll come off more slowly, probably at my loss rate of between .4 and .7 pounds per day (averaged). Here's to hoping!

[nola baxter]

Hi Cheryl

I think Mini should be careful too!! All in the nicest way Mini..
I think you need more food - lol..
Dont undercut yourself too much- but you will know - as you say- when you get weak and bottomed out- that is a good sign.

I posted a couple of pics on the exercise thread a while back- I will update with some more when I have achieved a bit more of the look I want!

"Nola seriously scarfs it up"..
lol , but only too true - made me smile


Nola

[tracyann71]

Urghh I am so angry with myself. I was starving yesterday when I got home. I had eaten ok during the day despite my ravenous appetite. I overate and today I am regretting it. Part of it was definitely emotional because I had a difficult day and above all I should have been aware of this. I hate overeating and feeling full. I know a lot of it is in my mind and I didn't binge on junk. One good thing. It is just that I so badly want this behind me. Today I must admit my ed is in full force and she is beckoning me to just binge. I should be admitting this on another forum, I am sorry for the rant. I will suffer through this and not give in. I will heal myself because living with an ed is just awful.
Otherwise I am fine. I need to be positive about so much, I am so grateful for the wonderful life I have.

[dazygyrl]

((tracy)) no advice for you, just a hug....hoping today will be better for you.

down 0.6 today. after 2 days of up 0.2 each. don't know what that was about but whatever.

baseball season is over as of last night, so now will be at home in the evenings. i love baseball season, but it's nice to be done too. boys lost the championship game in their tournament by 1 run. some huge errors from a couple of boys....but in the end it is just a game and good for learning good sportsmanship, which some of the boys did not show, but they are hopefully still learning.

have a great wednesday!

[mousie tartufo]

Weird. Up about half a pound today. Maybe I didn't drink enough water yesterday. *shrugs* Can't afford to get neurotic about it; it's not like I can change the fact. Just gotta stick to plan and plow forward!

Hope you ladies have a great day!

[PiDevil]

Good Morning -

P3 is going well. Scale went up 0.8 lb the first day but has remained there ever since. Enjoying some simple pleasures of P3 like salad dressing & cheese.

I want to go back to the gym this week and continue the exercise plan for the month of July. Once I get back into the swing of regular high intensity exercise, I may be able to keep it up to some extent during my next P2 without my hunger rising up.

Have a great day, all!

[mdolph]

Had a nice little woosh of 1.6 lbs. I am getting so close to goal again that i could taste it! I am just 3 pounds away.... again! LOL! The next three days I'm being super strict minus a few almonds I'm eating for breakfast. It seems like they help in a few ways... bernice is more regular, it gives me a little bit of fat, and keeps me from getting fuzzy headed!

Big day of business ahead of me, again! Seems like I'm more busy while I'm on my 4 week break than I am when I'm at work! Today I must water the gardens, plant some more flowers that the dog destroyed, deliver some stuff to goodwill and take my son to speech therapy. I've decided not to do another garage sale and instead will try to craigslist some stuff and the rest donate. We have about 500 bales of hay to get out of the field tomorrow and that's exhausting in itself. I don't need to add getting ready for a garage sale!

Hope everyone has a great day. I must get in the shower and start getting stuff done!