**HCG Alternative Plans for the week of July 10, 2011**

[CherylB]

Another week is here! I for one am pulling out all the stops to get as much weight as possible off me before I have to end this P2 round. I am also beginning to workout with Kettlebells! Yea for me!

Let the fun begin!

[DisneyPrincess]

Marking my spot. I didn't end up starting P2 today. I'm sick with possible strep and chicken just sounds I will start tomorrow though and choke down what I can. I'll get a "starting" weight on tuesday. I know I'll easily drop a few pounds of water tomorrow

[minimonkey]

Yay for the kettlebells, Cheryl! That's fabulous!

Sorry you are sick, Disney Hope you are better very soon!!!!!

My eating sucked today -- we were provided lunch at this art performance day, and there was pizza -- but the salad that was also supposed to be provided was missing in action. So, I ate two small slices of vegan pizza (very thin crust, but still carbs and gluten) and part of a roll. I almost never eat starches of any kind, but I was starving, and had many hours to go until I had a break to get food --- hhcg was not helping with the hunger, past a certain point.

I came home and had a clean, protein rich meal, but I think it still came out to about 2000 calories for the day, which was not my goal. Truth be told, I am still hungry, but further eating just isn't going to happen.

Oh, well -- I am going to get in a good isometrics workout tonight, use up the carbs, and move forward.

I am having some serious doubts about the hhcg and me this round... I'm not giving up, but I do wonder if the high activity level just makes the low calories impossible to manage for very long without depletion and a lot of insistent hunger.

I can tough it out through depletion and hunger -- lord knows, I have done it too much of my life -- but that seems like such a bad idea overall. I might be willing to do it for a few weeks just to cut the last of the fat, in any event, if that is what it takes .. but I hope it isn't necesary.

Going to get right back on my current plan, though, and give it a chance to work.

In the news of the weird, I feel like I might be about to get another period --- hmph. My cycle is so odd these days -- not sure if it is age, weight loss, or the hhcg... but I wish it would normalize. On a positive note, if it is another period, I may see a good loss at the end of it.

I think I am going to order the book "New Rules of Lifting for Women" -- a beginner's guide to heavier lifting that comes very highly recommended. I don't think I am willing to give up my current workouts, but I am interested in adding some real weights to the mix.... and it seems this is a good place to start, even if I don't follow their program fully (I'd get clobbered on the bodybuilding boards for even thinking that...lol.)

[CherylB]

I'm sorry! Feel better fast, Disney! You're right. The water weight comes off nicely. I hope you can find things that sound good to eat while you are recuperating tomorrow. I hope tomorrow is enough!

I just want to say that I did my refeed yesterday and fasted today. I have had no problems with hunger whatsoever! God bless hhcg! I have been drinking plenty of water and chewing lots of sugarless gum. I took Milk of Mag (MOM) today but it didn't clean me out the way it usually does. I may do a repeat performance tomorrow. I may fast again tomorrow, too. I feel gggrrrreeeaaaAATTTT!

[CherylB]

Hey, Mini. Sorry about the eating debacle. You are doing great! If you're hungry on 2000 cals, it was probably because so many of them were from starches. 2000 healthy cals would probably keep you satiated and keep your lean, mean muscles well-fed. Those fat lbs will be gone in a few weeks time, which is how long the round is supposed to be, anyway. I hate to hear you sounding so glum! You are way too hard on yourself. You are so close to perfect right now, give yourself a break and time to get to where you ultimately want to be. (((HUGS)))

As for me, I may have said this on the old thread (I said it somewhere; not sure where), but I'm going shopping tomorrow for some new workout clothes! I want stuff that feels wonderful on me, is flattering to my body and makes me want to get out and be seen! That's what I need right now. So, I'm going.

[dazygyrl]

[Lbibclc]

Marking my spot!

[Bierarsch]

Marking my spot. Off to do some last minute research on switching from injections to pellets. I am kind of nervous.

[minimonkey]

Wow Cheryl -- glad your post-refeed fast went so well! Hope it gives you a great boost in the scale-loss department, too.

Well, a darn fine workout later I am feeling much less glum... I think the carbs might actually have been helpful in the long run...? I certainly was able to push through the workout really well.

I know a lot of people swear by carbs when working out -- and it may turn out that I end up being someone who does better with a few more (good ones, though, and of my own choosing). I've been lowcarbing for so long that I think my body is just very, very used to it -- and I may need to shake things up to get any real results.

I will stick through this round of hhcg --rogue though it is -- and then try moving on to p3/p4 properly. I am still shooting for an overall caloric deficit, part of which can be created by exercising, though most of it needs to come from diet -- so I will march bravely forward. I can deal with normal hunger just fine, but when I get to that insistent, can't think hunger, it just gets unbearable. I think I am going to try dropping my pellet dose by 1 pellet and see if it helps -- it did before with the drops.

I was just looking at some pictures of female figure competitors -- fantastic, strong, lean women, all of whom lifted quite heavy for their training. Done correctly, heavy lifting can be really transformational!! These were women who started in average to terrible shape, and transformed themselves completely -- it made my heart sing.

[minimonkey]

Bierarsch -- I believe Paula has done both injections and pellets, though i think maybe in different rounds... I know others have switched as well, and most people seem to get about the same results either way. Hope the switch goes well!

Cheryl -- good call on the workout clothes... definitely a good idea! I pretty much live in my workout clothes (yoga pants, etc.) when I am at home, and also for errands on the weekends.

I used to be one of those people who needed to be dressed up all the time, but I don't much feel that way anymore -- I think it comes from feeling a lot more comfortable in my own skin these days. I still like to get dressed up to go out, but I am glad I don't need to do it every day.

[nola baxter]

Mini
It is cracking me up how you are gradually shifting camps!
From higher reps, lighter weights, just want lean toned muscle;
to - I want buff muscle, and am considering heavy weights!

I am one of those who found that carbs definitely and absolutely made for better workouts, especially when the workouts are high intensity.

I also get that insistent, cant think, unbearable hunger;
I decided I couldnt and didnt want to live with it..
All I can think about is food at those times and I was just existing till my next feed.
And that sucks! no quality of life.
Better to eat , then be able to move on and enjoy/live the rest of your life.

Cheryl
Yay for kettlebells!
It is good to workout hard then be able to rest for the rest of the day.
It is a nice way to go.

[DisneyPrincess]

I have New Rules for Lifting Mini. The workouts are great, and very challenging!

Rest day today, and thank goodness. I feel awful. My throat seems better but I am just worn out. Hopefully as the day goes on I feel better. I have 3 kids under 4 today so I need to be on my game

They should be here any minue so I better go get moving. I'll stop by tonight

[paulabob]

Originally Posted by CherylB

but I'm going shopping tomorrow for some new workout clothes! I want stuff that feels wonderful on me, is flattering to my body and makes me want to get out and be seen! That's what I need right now. So, I'm going.

Have fun shopping! Workout clothes are so funny...some of the most "dated" clothing there is. I have a few gems in my closet from 1993. White Tie dye leotard top with matching spandex knee shorts. Then there's the bicycle pants in glossy black and highlight colors from 1990. Oh My! At least we seem to be in a less embarrassing decade right now.

Dropped .8 overnight. That's 134, and a fresh VIRGIN number! Averaging .4 per day this round...if that keeps up, that's great, double my measly .2 from the rest of 2011.

[PiDevil]

Good Monday!

Still on P3 and maintaining. Will be on vacation next week so I will have to be even more vigilant both this week and next.

Mini- I don't know how old you are but when I was in my mid to late 40's my cycles got weird and VERY heavy. It would just knock my energy out completely. The dr put me on birth-control pills for a few months to calm things down and it worked well.

Cheryl - New workout clothes sound like fun. Target has a line of Champion tshirts, shorts, pants, bras that are pretty nice for the money.

Disney - how the throat clears up soon. Its lousy to be sick in the summer!

Have a great day, all!

[CherylB]

Good morning, lovely ladies! I'm up pretty early, for me. It's going to be a scorcher. I need to get out and do my shopping soon, before it becomes unbearable.

Disney, good luck managing 4 youngin's today, feeling crappy as you are! I hope whatever you've got doesn't get passed around! Darn colds! I agree; summer colds are the worst.

I weighed today but since it's fairly early, I don't know if it's all that accurate. After my refeed and my fast day, I'm 168.6. Not bad, considering. I will be under my ticker weight soon.

I decided to open a new bottle of pellets. The ones I'd been using were opened on R1, back in the beginning of May. With all this talk about contamination, I decided it wasn't worth it to try to finish them. I have more than enough bottles to take me all the way to goal, and then some. I wasn't hungry but God forbid that I be burning muscle rather than fat for fuel on this VLC plan!

I don't like the idea of leaving a partial bottle of pellets from one round to the next, with all those weeks inbetween while you are on P3-4. Is there a trick to keeping them fresh? Should I pop some cotton inside the bottle at least, to absorb moisture?

Gotta jump in the shower and get my shopping done asap! Have an excellent day, ladies. And thanks for all the encouragement! Same to you!

[Bierarsch]

Thanks, Mini!

Taking my first dose of pellets now. Crossing my fingers that the last few pounds fly off because I am so ready for P3 but goal is so close I don't want to jump ship yet.

[catjrow3]

Marking my spot this morning...

Cheryl, have fun clothes shopping!!

[HellsBelle]

Good morning ladies! I'm down .8 today. Chugging along!

I'm really glad that I happen to be on a thread with so many fitness-minded chicks...I'm CLUELESS when it comes to working out. Other than the treadmill, elliptical, and some hot yoga (and none of it regularly) I did almost no exercise to lose my weight...I keep telling myself that once I hit goal I'll have to start incorporating something, both to build muscle and help raise my sluggish metabolism, and also because I'm turning out to be pretty damn "skinny fat". Jiggly thighs, smooshy butt...sigh. Well, what do you know, losing weight DIDN'T solve all my life's problems! Anyway, I'm soaking up some knowledge here, so thanks!

[MM2011]

Good morning! I took three little pellets this a.m. I didn't realize they are different sizes-does it matter? I tried to take three that were about the same size. They taste soooo much better than the drops I had taken before.

My weight was 261 this morning-not bad considering the week I had last week! Wow. Tried to put a pic up of the dresses, but I don't know how to do it.

Man, I was so sore and tired yesterday. Managed to get 99% of the laundry done (all but sheets and towels), and folded, but that is about all. Slept on the couch, nursed my feet and calves, went to bed and zonked out really early. I feel so much better today!

So, back on my plan today-happy to be back. Daughter and I have a race to a 10 pound loss. She has been slacking on her diet a bit, and needed some motivation. Lots of wedding talk from her and her fiance this weekend-no date set, yet, but I don't want to be 250 pounds in all those pictures!!!!

You all have a great day!!

[DisneyPrincess]

Sorry I don't have time for personals. I made to nap time. Wow. doing good and easily right on plan.

[minimonkey]

Morning, all!

Paula -- your reminiscences of workout-clothes past had me laughing -- oh, dear... I've had them all, from the high-necked leotards and ballet tights of the late 70s, to the neon with high legs and wide belts in the 80s, to the tie dye of the 90s, and beyond.

Great news on the continued (and faster) losses!!

Disney -- best of luck keeping up with all those youngsters... that is hardly a rest day! Glad your throat feels better, and hope you continue to get well quickly.

Yes, folks --chuckle all you like, but I am definitely shifting camps towards wanting to lift heavy! Being stronger is addictive I am also wanting to be quite lean, though... so that will be the big challenge for me.

I am up 1.5 lbs today, and given that it is just after 3 hard workout days back to back, that's not bad at all. Some of it may have been from the carbs, too -- but most of it is muscle swelling -- I am pretty sore today.

I also think I really am about to get another period -- my breasts are very tender, and that almost always comes along with pms... also seeing signs of general water retention... so I won't be surprised at all if I get TOM any moment. Pi- I'll be 44 in December, so I am at about the right age for everything to go wack! It has gotten much worse since the hhcg, but that may just be coincidental timing...

I react horribly to the birth control pill, so I hope that isn't a last resort I need to employ.

[minimonkey]

Cheryl -- you GO with the kettlebells!! I've been wanting some of those for a while now -- they look like a great workout.

Today is a rest and eat day for me -- and I do mean eat -- I am going to forget the calories for today, and just eat clean to the point of being satisfied. My body is feeling deeply worked (in a good way), and it needs to rebuild. I will resume the attempt at lower calories tomorrow, after recharging.

I ate a good breakfast, and I feel a great deal better for doing so. I am going to attempt to check all guilt at the door, and simply enjoy feeling satisfied.

[CherylB]

Hey, girls! I had a very busy day and I'm still trying to get caught up! So, here I am. I did the shopping and it was just as horrible as it's been in the past. I hate shopping for clothes so much! If I could toss them in the cart and try them on at home, that's fine. But I didn't even know what size I was until today.

I thought I was a 12 but I'm a 10! That part's good, but I look like I am layered in Jell-O. Being in that dressing room and seeing my body as I was trying on clothes really opened my eyes. I am hell-bent on getting into loving exercise. I can do anything! Look at how far I've already come and all the changes I've made to get to where I am today! This is just one more change for the better. Soon, it will feel as natural as following this plan is.

Speaking of following this plan, I'm having second thoughts. I know that weight loss stalls when you begin to exercise on P2 if your body is not accustomed to the stress and strain, and I've come as far as I can without exercising. So, here's what I'm thinking...

I'm going to keep taking my pellets as I've been, for appetite suppression and for fat burning. But I'm going to increase my calories and eat more freely. I am so TIRED of saying, "I can't have that" or, "I'll be bringing my own food." Enough already!! I want to eat like a normal, healthy person. So, that's what I'm going to do.

I'm going to keep my calories below 1500 (hopefully around 1200) and keep protein high, fat low and avoid all bread products. But I want to eat more fruit and veggies with greater freedom. Maybe have a little cheese on my burger sometimes! I will keep tracking everything on ****** as always. If this works and I can still lose weight this way, then I won't have to end this phase and start P3 and 4. I can just keep motoring along toward goal. When I get there, I can learn to maintain.

That means that I won't have to spend all of August trying to stay the same. I like that idea. I like it a lot! And I like the idea of eating and enjoying what summer has to offer.

So, that's the plan. Today, having been so busy, it ended up being another fasting day. So, two in a row after my one refeed day. I have ZERO hunger. I'm using the new pellets today, but I was on the old pellets yesterday. Actually, I had no returning of hunger in P3, so I wonder if my body has just grown accustomed to eating so many fewer calories.

Tomorrow I am dog/kid sitting at my sister's house. Gotta be there for 0900. Will be there for the majority of the day, I'm guessing. I'll get my first taste of playing Wii cause my Great Nephew Brandon will be there at 0930. It should be fun!

Hope you all have a lovely evening. I'll have to catch up with you all when I can. Going to try to get to sleep earlier tonight. Might take an extra half of Ambien as insurance!

[dazygyrl]

what a great plan, cheryl! will be very anxious to watch on the sidelines of how it goes for you.

[CherylB]

Me too, Dazy! I'm a Pioneer! I know it's no biggie if it doesn't work. I can always buckle down and do another P2 and follow the plan as prescribed. (Well, the rogue plan, that is.)

[dazygyrl]

yes! rogue all the way!

[CherylB]

Is there any other way?

[catjrow3]

I will be watching to see as well Cheryl. Are you basically planning an Atkins style of eating then? ATkins 72 or ??? Would love the details! I just got a new 7 disc set of Billy Blanks PT24/7, very exciting too and it had a "food plan" in the materials for around a 1200 calorie a day for 4 weeks, and the foods looked amazing!! LOL oatmeal for breakfast and a sandwich for lunch. I was about drooling on the paper, I am sick of dieting too (can you tell???) The Nutrisystem commercials are even looking good to me these days! Sheesh! Good luck and keep us updated with progress and what you are eating. Inquiring minds...

[CherylB]

I will, Cathy. Details will have to come later because I'll be making it up as I go along. Not Atkins, that's for sure. I don't want to trade one bondage for another. I want to be FREE. What is Billy Blanks? Never heard of him or his plan, but if it sounds good to you, check it out! What is he using for bread in his sandwich? That would be interesting to know. I'll bet it tastes like cardboard! I'm just kidding.

Off to bed now. Got to get up early and drive to my sis's house. Will check in tomorrow! Bless you all tonight. Be well!

[catjrow3]

Cheryl, Billy Blanks is Tae Bo king! He has tons of videos out there for TaeBo, high energy, combining tae kwon do and boxing, tae-bo... LOVE THEM. You can google him. He is using whole wheat bread. He is more on the low fat, 1200 calorie, high fiber, fruits and veges type of meals... So did you do any of your kettleballs today??