HCG Alternative Plans - Week of July 24th

[ellenalesa]

176.5 today. Hoping to see the numbers getting smaller now. My body certainly is! What a great feeling. It has even inspired me to weigh my protein portions, which I have not been doing.

Funny, the stall was just about a week (TOM). It seemed like it was much longer, though....more like 3 weeks. I weigh daily and record my weight because I need the reality check.

I love hhcg; I am willing to eat less when I am on it. I don't fear hunger so much anymore, and THAT is a gift.

Liz, I wear Bermuda shorts. I am 5'3" and 176.5, which is about 45 pounds above my goal weight. I don't look my weight because I used to do a lot of weight training so I still have a figure, it's just bigger than I would like. I look forward to wearing cute little shorts next year.

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by catjrow3

Cheryl, but you have to not have the temptations in the house to succeed, and the family eating differently is very hard and very much a temptation... and it has to become a family affair in the eating afterwards too, so everyone needs to have healthy eating habits to help the obese one to succeed. Just my opinion of course, but I am sure it helps out the one losing.

I totally hear what you all are saying. I would never have had the success that I'm having if I weren't living the single life. I control what comes into my home. My sister Donna on the other hand, is married to a guy who is constantly buying fattening foods to eat. She is always having to limit portions of what he's tempting her with or just have an iron will to not eat any at all. Until he is ready to take his health into his own hands, would it be fair for her to just go through their pantry and refrig/freezer and chuck everything that he buys? People have to be ready. I feel for those who live with "them", but that's what happens when you live with other adult human beings. You can't always have things your way!

You and Paula are talking about parenthood and bringing up your children. That is an entirely different matter. The chick I saw on the Extreme Makeover show was 21 years old and a PE teacher for little kids. She could have easily gotten herself her own apartment and created the secure and healthy environment that she needs. But she stayed in her parent's home and there were more than six adults who did not have a weight problem. He comes in and starts chucking everything. That's just not right. They could have started buying healthier things as the crap was used up, and then they might not have resented the total intrusion and total "take over" of their home. (Not the 369 lb 21 year old, the rest of them.)

For her, setting herself up for success would have been to move the heck out and create an environment suitable for herself. And I for one am completely mortified at food prices, and to just ransack through someone's kitchen like that is not cool.

Originally Posted by BlueMonday

Took DD to the DPS first thing this morning to get her license (today is her 16th BD). All the driving exam times were already filled. Such a disappointment! In order to get a time we are going to have to get there at 6am and line up (folding chairs in tow) and wait two hours until the office opens -- boy, things have changed since I was 16.

I am also hoping to get into the 140s on this round. Then maintain there for P3 and blast my way down to my long term goal in the next round. hopefully I won't have to do an extended round to get to 140s. We'll see.

I don't know how realistic the Extreme Makeover thing is. And I think they do nothings else during those 3 months, where as the rest of us have a work and other responsibilities and cannot spend 100% of our time on just that.

But you will get there!!

Glad you found the spray! I hope it works well for you. The DMV thing is probably nationwide. In CT, with the budget having just been revamped again, they closed down many DMV departments here. People have to travel farther distances and wait in longer lines to accomplish their tasks. It's the way of the world, unfortunately.

You'll make the 140's this round! If you want it bad enough, you will make it happen.

Originally Posted by ellenalesa

176.5 today. Hoping to see the numbers getting smaller now. My body certainly is! What a great feeling. It has even inspired me to weigh my protein portions, which I have not been doing.

Funny, the stall was just about a week (TOM). It seemed like it was much longer, though....more like 3 weeks. I weigh daily and record my weight because I need the reality check.

I love hhcg; I am willing to eat less when I am on it. I don't fear hunger so much anymore, and THAT is a gift.

Liz, I wear Bermuda shorts. I am 5'3" and 176.5, which is about 45 pounds above my goal weight. I don't look my weight because I used to do a lot of weight training so I still have a figure, it's just bigger than I would like. I look forward to wearing cute little shorts next year.

Yea for a broken stall! I always weigh my meat. I never did until my first round on hhcg, but now I weigh everything and anything I eat or drink. It helps a lot! No guesswork means no errors. I'm sure I'll take my food scale camping with me, and probably one of my body scales.

I hope everyone has a lovely evening and a great weekend!

[BlueMonday]

Originally Posted by CherylB

I totally hear what you all are saying. I would never have had the success that I'm having if I weren't living the single life. I control what comes into my home. My sister Donna on the other hand, is married to a guy who is constantly buying fattening foods to eat. She is always having to limit portions of what he's tempting her with or just have an iron will to not eat any at all. Until he is ready to take his health into his own hands, would it be fair for her to just go through their pantry and refrig/freezer and chuck everything that he buys? People have to be ready. I feel for those who live with "them", but that's what happens when you live with other adult human beings. You can't always have things your way!

I hope everyone has a lovely evening and a great weekend!

That part is tough!! But you are right -- other people have their needs too! My family eats all of the other stuff and I have to buy it as I can't really expect them to live on chicken breasts and vegetables.... in fact, as I type this my husband is eating ice cream right next to me. I have had to train him to stop offering e bites, but I can't expect him to stop eating the things he likes just because I am on my plan.

And tomorrow we are doing a family celebration for my DD's b-day (tonight she is out w/ friends) and she requested one of my homemade b-day cakes so I will have to be in the kitchen making one tomorrow morning because that is what moms do. Sometimes I amaze myself in my will power to not even lick the beater. But I've done this before and I will again.

Have a great evening everyone!!

[minimonkey]

LOL, Cheryl -- this experimental thing I am doing right now can't be called a round, really -- but I think I do need to do a real one, if this latest tweak doesn't yield some significant results.

Just a super quick hello from paper writing land.... I posted over on the exercise thread about my excellent workout today... I am feeling tons better after a lot of sleep, and I think the migraine cycle finally broke.

Definitely feeling the effects of ketosis kicking in, too, and that feels mighty good! I generally feel good when in ketosis, it seems, as long as I have adequate calories.

I have no idea if this will budge the scale or not -- but I am starting to see an inch loss in any event-- I can tell a difference in the warmup pants I slipped on after my shower.

I suspect once the ketosis kicks in in earnest, I will end up eating a lot less -- particularly with the no-dairy restriction. I've eaten basically maintenance calories the past two days (assuming that is somewhere in the 1600 range) -- but today's workout definitely burned off a bunch -- I was pretty hot and sweaty by the end of it.

I think I can probably manage an up day/down day regimen on this, at the very least. Lower cal/low carb without hcg has worked well for me in the past... so we'll see where this goes.

Failing that, I will bite the bullet and do a real round when school is over.

[paulabob]

Originally Posted by ellenalesa

Funny, the stall was just about a week (TOM). It seemed like it was much longer, though....more like 3 weeks. I weigh daily and record my weight because I need the reality check.

I'm so glad your stall broke...you are really doing so well!

Originally Posted by CherylB

My sister Donna on the other hand, is married to a guy who is constantly buying fattening foods to eat. She is always having to limit portions of what he's tempting her with or just have an iron will to not eat any at all. Until he is ready to take his health into his own hands, would it be fair for her to just go through their pantry and refrig/freezer and chuck everything that he buys?

I do this to a certain extent with my spouse...he understands. He knows how hard it is for me to lose weight, so he's really supportive *most* of the time. There's a few times where he's a total rat. He was really glad when I started Atkins and began embracing fat again... he loved that! And I understand what you're saying about adults versus children...totally different thing. Parents want to set rules/boundaries for healthy lifestyles...adults are in charge of their own lifestyle. Luckily my spouse's treats...excepting chips, are totally okay with me. I have very little interest in coke or ice cream.

Originally Posted by BlueMonday

And tomorrow we are doing a family celebration for my DD's b-day (tonight she is out w/ friends) and she requested one of my homemade b-day cakes so I will have to be in the kitchen making one tomorrow morning because that is what moms do.

Good luck! I save almost all my baking for P3 (and I'm still tempted sometimes). But I can make a mean peach cobbler or pie and be fine with it. But cookies Planning my next round for right after my b-day, but before the kids' birthdays in October. They will be 15 and 12.

Originally Posted by minimonkey

I have no idea if this will budge the scale or not -- but I am starting to see an inch loss in any event-- I can tell a difference in the warmup pants I slipped on after my shower.

Those inches are all that matters! I *never* lose inches until my weight shifts. I figure I must have fluffy water holding the fat's place.

Originally Posted by BlueMonday

Took DD to the DPS first thing this morning to get her license (today is her 16th BD). All the driving exam times were already filled. Such a disappointment!

I remember my mom taking my twin and me on a schoolday, and letting us be late to school. She couldn't face going into that office on a Saturday and waiting for hours and hours! You must be secretly relieved your DD doesn't have her license...at least I would be. :blush: I'm terrified for my kids to drive.

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Cheryl -- ok, dreadlock tutorial...lol!

I loved hearing your tutorial. I love all things hair related. I've been using natural methods to color my hair the last couple years (henna and now a cassia blend to lighten the grays as the red grows out). The coloring definitely takes longer, but causes zero damage to my hair, and lasts forever. Those box reds would only last a few weeks before fading and caused so much damage. I don't think I told anyone but I chopped off my long hair a couple months ago. Feels terrific!

Stayed the same today. Can't really expect a loss 5 days in a row at this stage in the game.

[minimonkey]

Morning, all!

Paula -- congrats on the haircut - I bet it looks terrific! I love all things hair-related as well -- I seriously thought about becoming a hairstylist, but as it is, I am just the unlicensed one for friends and family.

Yes, red dyes fade very fast and ultimately cause a lot of damage-- I dyed my hair red for years. Glad the new method is working so well!

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by BlueMonday

That part is tough!! But you are right -- other people have their needs too! My family eats all of the other stuff and I have to buy it as I can't really expect them to live on chicken breasts and vegetables.... in fact, as I type this my husband is eating ice cream right next to me. I have had to train him to stop offering e bites, but I can't expect him to stop eating the things he likes just because I am on my plan.

And tomorrow we are doing a family celebration for my DD's b-day (tonight she is out w/ friends) and she requested one of my homemade b-day cakes so I will have to be in the kitchen making one tomorrow morning because that is what moms do. Sometimes I amaze myself in my will power to not even lick the beater. But I've done this before and I will again.

Have a great evening everyone!!

Bummer on the DMV. It's hard to handle that disappointment! Hope you have a fun celebration w/ your family!! We're celebrating my dd's bdays tomorrow w/ family too, so I feel your pain. They're gluten and sugar free these days so I am making individual molten chocolate cakes w/ whipped cream for them. They love them, and i feel good about serving them. Surprisingly easy and I look forward to enjoying one in P3 eventually.

mini-glad your migraine string has ended!! hope the keto cycling works so you wont' need to do a full P2. I'm reaching the depletion stage and not liking it. I felt so good those first 12 days!! Now I am starting to be quite tired and hungrier, which I remember feeling on all the other rounds.

Paula-really? No pics of the new 'do? That seems a bit unkind to your LCF's, HINT, HINT!

I'm still feeling more tired than I was, which is a bummer. TOM is on his way out (yeah!) but the scale isnt' moving. I'm ok w/ that as long as it picks up some time this week. I added some low-fat cottage cheese yesterday and had a second cup of coffee/hnh while out yesterday. I still only had 700 cals, but am not surprised I didn't lose. I need to clean the house today and hope that will burn some calories and that I'll be peppy enough to do it cheerfully.

I'm gonna' eat clean P2 today and see what tomorrow brings. I always have the expectation of the stall in the back of my head, but the hope that I'll be the lucky one who doesn't have one.

Have a wonderful weekend ladies!

[minimonkey]

Julie --

That depletion/hunger is the very thing I am hoping to avoid -- sorry you are going through that! Hope you get results this round that merit the suffering involved.

I agree about Paula's unkindness in not showing hair pics....

[paulabob]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

I agree about Paula's unkindness in not showing hair pics....

You ladies are so funny! Hey, my round's almost up so I'll be posting new end of round pics soon... I will stop being so mean.

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by BlueMonday

That part is tough!! But you are right -- other people have their needs too! My family eats all of the other stuff and I have to buy it as I can't really expect them to live on chicken breasts and vegetables.... in fact, as I type this my husband is eating ice cream right next to me. I have had to train him to stop offering e bites, but I can't expect him to stop eating the things he likes just because I am on my plan.

And tomorrow we are doing a family celebration for my DD's b-day (tonight she is out w/ friends) and she requested one of my homemade b-day cakes so I will have to be in the kitchen making one tomorrow morning because that is what moms do. Sometimes I amaze myself in my will power to not even lick the beater. But I've done this before and I will again.

Have a great evening everyone!!

Yep, it's tough. I'm thankful that I don't have to exercise that part of my "will" to keep from caving in to temptation all the time. I like things just the way they are. I'm having a birthday celebration tomorrow, too! My birthday falls on a Monday which doesn't work well with other family members so we decided to do it tomorrow. Since I'm not on Hhcg right now, I won't have to go "off plan". I am counting calories and eating healthfully so tomorrow (though not healthy), I will still count calories and stay within my set limit for the day.

Originally Posted by minimonkey

LOL, Cheryl -- this experimental thing I am doing right now can't be called a round, really -- but I think I do need to do a real one, if this latest tweak doesn't yield some significant results.

Just a super quick hello from paper writing land.... I posted over on the exercise thread about my excellent workout today... I am feeling tons better after a lot of sleep, and I think the migraine cycle finally broke.

Definitely feeling the effects of ketosis kicking in, too, and that feels mighty good! I generally feel good when in ketosis, it seems, as long as I have adequate calories.

I'm really glad you are feeling better, Mini! What a relief that must be. Ketosis is fun, too.

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Bummer on the DMV. It's hard to handle that disappointment! Hope you have a fun celebration w/ your family!! We're celebrating my dd's bdays tomorrow w/ family too, so I feel your pain. They're gluten and sugar free these days so I am making individual molten chocolate cakes w/ whipped cream for them. They love them, and i feel good about serving them. Surprisingly easy and I look forward to enjoying one in P3 eventually.

mini-glad your migraine string has ended!! hope the keto cycling works so you wont' need to do a full P2. I'm reaching the depletion stage and not liking it. I felt so good those first 12 days!! Now I am starting to be quite tired and hungrier, which I remember feeling on all the other rounds.

Paula-really? No pics of the new 'do? That seems a bit unkind to your LCF's, HINT, HINT!

I'm still feeling more tired than I was, which is a bummer. TOM is on his way out (yeah!) but the scale isnt' moving. I'm ok w/ that as long as it picks up some time this week. I added some low-fat cottage cheese yesterday and had a second cup of coffee/hnh while out yesterday. I still only had 700 cals, but am not surprised I didn't lose. I need to clean the house today and hope that will burn some calories and that I'll be peppy enough to do it cheerfully.

I'm gonna' eat clean P2 today and see what tomorrow brings. I always have the expectation of the stall in the back of my head, but the hope that I'll be the lucky one who doesn't have one.

Have a wonderful weekend ladies!

Paula, we all want pics of the do! Can you? Huh? huh? huh?

Julie, that makes 3 birthday celebrations tomorrow, just in our little group! Molten Cakes sound great! How do you make them? Is there a recipe somewhere? I'm sorry you have hit the diet duldroms. I remember how I felt back when it hit me in R1 and I started a thread called, "Hit the wall." UGH! I hope things improve drastically for you.

I am back down to my ticker weight today after wrestling (and losing) with PB. 3 days in a row I caved. I didn't eat tons of it but it's so full of calories and fat that it makes it hard to stick to a reasonable calorie limit for the day. Yesterday I had to eat 1 80 calorie yogurt and 3 peaches to stay at my limit. But I did it and today I get the reward. Maybe tomorrow I'll hit the 163 zone!

[DisneyPrincess]

Good afternoon. Started my day off at 5:30am with a 10 mile training run. It went VERY well! I am eating clean today but plan on indulging in some wine later as we are having a BBQ and friends over. This is the first time I've sat all day. Phew.....

[Lbibclc]

Yesterday was so busy at work I ended up working extra. Hello bonus pay!! I don't remember if I posted or not. But it doesn't matter as I stayed the same. 147.2 I keep wanting to type 174's. That was a year ago. What's up with that.

There is some rain sweeping across Missouri right now. How will it manage to miss us today. I'm sure it will. We are very dry, not Texas dry, but dry.

Having company tomorrow for a BBQ so I am cleaning house and cooking today. Give me strength!! Hope everyone has a great day!

[BlueMonday]

Happy Saturday everyone!

I agree w/ everyone else -- I want to see a pic of Paula's haircut

Cake is out of the oven cooling. Will do the frosting part a little later -- that is the hardest part. Making sure that any frosting tat ends up on my fingers doesn't end up in my mouth.

We are also going out to dinner and I am trying to get my DD to make a final decision on a restaurant. I want to look up the menu online and decide ahead of time what will fit best into my plan. Trying to keep my eating minimal today in prep for later.

Haven't weighed in yet, but I'm feeling like it is probably the same. Hopefully the new spray stuff will kick in and I'll be moving downward.

TOM may be coming, but maybe not. I haven't had a visit since Dec. Some spotting yesterday, but that might be all it is. We'll see.

[BlueMonday]

Finally motivated myself to take a shower and weigh in -- down 1 lb. I am shocked, but very pleased. VLCD7 today (2 days w/out the hHCG) and 4lbs down. I am happy with that.

Have a great afternoon everyone!!

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by Lbibclc

Yesterday was so busy at work I ended up working extra. Hello bonus pay!! I don't remember if I posted or not. But it doesn't matter as I stayed the same. 147.2 I keep wanting to type 174's. That was a year ago. What's up with that.

There is some rain sweeping across Missouri right now. How will it manage to miss us today. I'm sure it will. We are very dry, not Texas dry, but dry.

Having company tomorrow for a BBQ so I am cleaning house and cooking today. Give me strength!! Hope everyone has a great day!

I do that sometimes, to (reverting the numbers in my weight.) It's the same numbers as you are but in the wrong order. I sometimes think I'm 190-something but I think that's because my mind inverts the 6.

You'll get your rain, Liz. It's coming! Cooking for you BBQ tomorrow will be challenging but you can do it! I believe in you.

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by BlueMonday

Finally motivated myself to take a shower and weigh in -- down 1 lb. I am shocked, but very pleased. VLCD7 today (2 days w/out the hHCG) and 4lbs down. I am happy with that.

Have a great afternoon everyone!!

Yea! WTG! Way to stay with the plan in the most unfortunate circumstances! Wooohooo! I like to look at menus online, too. I always feel pressure when they hand you the menu and you have to decide in just a few minutes. There are too many things to consider!

[julieboolie]

Blue-glad the cake came out well. I had to taste the cake batter here, it wasn't sweet enough so I'm glad I did. Should be ok.

Cheryl- I posted the recipe in the LCF recipe room. It's pretty easy to make and I couldn't believe the rave reviews. I know I love it in restaurants and the fam said it's just as good. SF, gluten free and yummy!

I've been cooking all morning!! I am making white chicken chili for the guests, chick/broc/cheese soup for dd(8) - she doesn't like chili and we're celebrating her bday too, made 5 servings of P2 chili and 3 servings of ital beef soup. Whew!! My dd's have been cleaning up this morning to help, bless their little hearts, and have discovered their school supply boxes from the past 3 years! They are sorting them out, testing all the markers, sharpening and sorting the colored pencils and regular ones. Quite an undertaking!! We'll be in great shape when school starts!!

Lblic-I do that w/ the weights too! LOL! Glad when I can correct it! Enjoy your BBQ, be strong.

DP-impressive!! You go girl!! Sounds like you've got a good plan going. Glad you've got the energy for that run!! I still need to hit the gym today after cleaning up the house.

Mini-thanks. This is the point when I did a re-feed last round, gained 4lbs that I never was able to relose. I'm not doing to do that this time, but remember why I was tempted to. Trying to eat more beef, which seems to recharge me, and taking my vitamins faithfully. We'll see how I do at the gym today. I'm cleaning and cooking which is challenging my stamina.

Paula-ok, we'll practice patience. I'm big on photos!!

Anyway, enough procrastinating. I must go back to work

[ellenalesa]

I had a cheat meal w/a dessert for a late lunch today. I will try to not eat for the rest of the day (may go to bed early to make that possible) and get right back on the horse tomorrow. I"m not beating myself up for it; I had 2 1/2 weeks of being pretty good, albeit "rogue".

Congratulations to PaulaBob and MM2011 on your losses!

Julie, is the depletion thing common? I have had a couple of days like that, but it was very early on, so I think it was my body adjusting to the drastic reduction in calories.

Cheryl, have fun camping!

People are starting to comment; they are telling me I look like I lost a lot more weight. I think things are starting to shift around a bit.

[paulabob]

Originally Posted by ellenalesa

I had a cheat meal w/a dessert for a late lunch today.

Julie, is the depletion thing common?

Arggh...I fell off yesterday too and ended up at 2400 calories, P3 style. Up .6 today. Tomorrow is supposed to be my LDW. I might have enough pellets to extend till Tuesday, I'll just have to see. Frustrated with myself.

You have a great attitude Ellenalesa...just keep going!

I get "depleted" every round. My weekday only plan got around that , but for a straight round there are just some days after the first week or so where I feel weak and like I don't want to move. I think it relates simply to your body trying to conserve calories (starvation mode). I do NOT like it...but do think it's probably just part of the plan. I know some people always have fantastic energy on this plan, but that's not me. Although I'm awake more.

[Lbibclc]

Good morning everyone! 146 this morning so a good drop. Need to start cooking for the BBQ. Plain hb for me.

[BlueMonday]

Good morning all!

Haven't weighed yet -- I like to do it before I jump in the shower and on Sundays that usually happens later.

Last night we ended up at BJ's Brewhouse. They have a section in the menu called the "Enlightened" menu. Evy item has 575 cals or less. I had the Chicken Fresca, or something like that. It came w/ rice, but they left that off and substituted some fresh spinach leaves. So I figure that minus the rice I was probably around 400. For lunch I only had 1 small chicken breast, so I think I was probably around 550 for the day.

I am pretty proud of myself for sticking to that when there were so many yummy temptations there.

Now I am supposed to go out for lunch (yet another DD b-day thing) w/ a dear friend and her daughter. I hope I can find something on the menu that works for me. After this, I should be able to get through P2 without anymore eating out.

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by ellenalesa

I had a cheat meal w/a dessert for a late lunch today. I will try to not eat for the rest of the day (may go to bed early to make that possible) and get right back on the horse tomorrow. I"m not beating myself up for it; I had 2 1/2 weeks of being pretty good, albeit "rogue".

Congratulations to PaulaBob and MM2011 on your losses!

Julie, is the depletion thing common? I have had a couple of days like that, but it was very early on, so I think it was my body adjusting to the drastic reduction in calories.

Cheryl, have fun camping!

People are starting to comment; they are telling me I look like I lost a lot more weight. I think things are starting to shift around a bit.

Yea, Ellen!! It feels great when people start to notice, doesn't it? I have people who still haven't, though. Like the Pharmacy people who see me about 3 times a month. I think we're just names and numbers to some people. But when someone finally does mention it, I'll be able to say, "Yes! I've lost almost 100 lbs!" I will definitely have fun camping. I'm looking forward to it more than any other year prior. My sister is, too!

As far as your cheat meal, considering you've been "good" for 2 1/2 weeks, I'd just take it all in stride and not worry about it. Just let it be a one-meal event and get right back in the saddle.

Originally Posted by paulabob

Arggh...I fell off yesterday too and ended up at 2400 calories, P3 style. Up .6 today. Tomorrow is supposed to be my LDW. I might have enough pellets to extend till Tuesday, I'll just have to see. Frustrated with myself.

You have a great attitude Ellenalesa...just keep going!

I get "depleted" every round. My weekday only plan got around that , but for a straight round there are just some days after the first week or so where I feel weak and like I don't want to move. I think it relates simply to your body trying to conserve calories (starvation mode). I do NOT like it...but do think it's probably just part of the plan. I know some people always have fantastic energy on this plan, but that's not me. Although I'm awake more.

Maybe you should go back to the way you did it before, where you did P3 on the weekends. How much time would you have to complete your round if you did it that way? Are you completely running out of pellets? Your other option is to do it the way I'm doing it now, as a break. I'm just keeping calories around 12-1400 per day, fat low and protein as high as I can manage (usually ends up being around 56 grams of protein.) It's coming off slowly but I'm enjoying my summer and it IS coming off!

I am down to 163.6 today, so a brand new low for me! I was expecting it to happen soon and it finally has. Even with my PB mishaps for three days in a row. And today at 4:30 I'm meeting my family at a pizza place for my birthday dinner, a day early. I will count the calories of my pizza and eat only fruit before and after the dinner. I should be within my window at the end of the day.

Have an awesome Sunday, ladies! Be safe and well.

Originally Posted by Lbibclc

Good morning everyone! 146 this morning so a good drop. Need to start cooking for the BBQ. Plain hb for me.

Oops! I almost missed yours, Liz! WTG on the release! Be strong at the BBQ today. Keep picturing that scale reading in my mind's eye and smile sweetly as you say, "No, thank you."

[julieboolie]

Good morning ladies!!

Ellen and Paula-these things happen and you're both right back on track!! Maybe it'll bump your weight loss along. It does for many!! Keep us posted!

Blue-great job!! I have eaten there on P2 and got the sliders w/ mustard and pickle, taken off the bun. Side salad w/ no dressing. It is much easier at home.

Well, I am confused and ticked this morning. The scale is UP a lb and I didnt' do anything wrong!! I even skipped dairy yesterday thinking it might accelerate my losses (I usually have a bit of ff yogurt or cottage cheese). I had lettuce wraps and beef soup, so maybe too much salt? I drank a lot of water and don't feel puffy. I didn't get to the gym. I was busy cooking and cleaning all day. I am really bummed. A stall I am prepared to deal with, but gain for nothing? That's new to me and I'm not ok w/ that!! I'm entertaining today which will be hard enough. I will not cheat, but I really hope the scale moves down tomorrow. I even hoped for a drop as TOM is outta' here. No fair!!

Ok, pity party over. I'm healthy, I feel and look better, I should learn to be happy with that, right? I am very blessed and my weight is not the most important thing in my life. I do think effort should be rewarded though.

Hope you're all doing well today!!

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by BlueMonday

Good morning all!

Haven't weighed yet -- I like to do it before I jump in the shower and on Sundays that usually happens later.

Last night we ended up at BJ's Brewhouse. They have a section in the menu called the "Enlightened" menu. Evy item has 575 cals or less. I had the Chicken Fresca, or something like that. It came w/ rice, but they left that off and substituted some fresh spinach leaves. So I figure that minus the rice I was probably around 400. For lunch I only had 1 small chicken breast, so I think I was probably around 550 for the day.

I am pretty proud of myself for sticking to that when there were so many yummy temptations there.

Now I am supposed to go out for lunch (yet another DD b-day thing) w/ a dear friend and her daughter. I hope I can find something on the menu that works for me. After this, I should be able to get through P2 without anymore eating out.

I'm so impressed! You should be very proud of yourself! Way to rock this program! One more hurdle and you're home-free for the near future. You can do it! Finish strong and bust through the finish line!

[CherylB]

Julie, the broth and stuff in the soup probably had a lot of sodium. Do you use broth that is free from MSG? If not, the MSG could be part of the reason for the bump-up. You know it's water, girl! Just avoid the salt today and drink plenty of water. Tomorrow it will be gone and might take a friend with it.

Have fun entertaining today!

[paulabob]

Ok, hair pics!

First is from Thanksgiving with long hair, second is from this morning with dopey do it yourself pic. The cut is not asymmetrical...just looks that way since it's side parted and I'm holding the camera on that side. You can sort of see the natural brown growing back in...there's about three inches now.

I'll add that I'm about 25 pounds lighter between pics. Still a wobbly chin...but I hid it better in the second photo.

[CherylB]

You look great in BOTH of them! Thanks, Paula! What a pretty smile you have, too. I think my "wobbly chin" is much worse than yours. Turkey gobble? Whatever you call it, I hate it!

[BlueMonday]

Originally Posted by CherylB

Maybe you should go back to the way you did it before, where you did P3 on the weekends. How much time would you have to complete your round if you did it that way? Are you completely running out of pellets? Your other option is to do it the way I'm doing it now, as a break. I'm just keeping calories around 12-1400 per day, fat low and protein as high as I can manage (usually ends up being around 56 grams of protein.) It's coming off slowly but I'm enjoying my summer and it IS coming off!

I am down to 163.6 today, so a brand new low for me! I was expecting it to happen soon and it finally has. Even with my PB mishaps for three days in a row. And today at 4:30 I'm meeting my family at a pizza place for my birthday dinner, a day early. I will count the calories of my pizza and eat only fruit before and after the dinner. I should be within my window at the end of the day.

Wow, that is awesome!! Thinking ahead about how you are going to manage your plan in other surroundings is so important. And a new low, that is something to crow about!!

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Well, I am confused and ticked this morning. The scale is UP a lb and I didnt' do anything wrong!! I even skipped dairy yesterday thinking it might accelerate my losses (I usually have a bit of ff yogurt or cottage cheese). I had lettuce wraps and beef soup, so maybe too much salt? I drank a lot of water and don't feel puffy. I didn't get to the gym. I was busy cooking and cleaning all day. I am really bummed. A stall I am prepared to deal with, but gain for nothing? That's new to me and I'm not ok w/ that!! I'm entertaining today which will be hard enough. I will not cheat, but I really hope the scale moves down tomorrow. I even hoped for a drop as TOM is outta' here. No fair!!

Ok, pity party over. I'm healthy, I feel and look better, I should learn to be happy with that, right? I am very blessed and my weight is not the most important thing in my life. I do think effort should be rewarded though.

It is absolutely water weight. No question about it. Your body will release it. Keep the salt down and the water intake up and I know that it will be improved tomorrow.

And you are so right, the overall health is really the most important thing. It is nice to fit into smaller clothes and all, but being and feeling healthy is number one.

Originally Posted by paulabob

Ok, hair pics!

First is from Thanksgiving with long hair, second is from this morning with dopey do it yourself pic. The cut is not asymmetrical...just looks that way since it's side parted and I'm holding the camera on that side. You can sort of see the natural brown growing back in...there's about three inches now.

I'll add that I'm about 25 pounds lighter between pics. Still a wobbly chin...but I hid it better in the second photo.

Yeaa, Paula! Thanks for posting the pics. I think that is a great length for you. I have a thing about gray and will not allow any on my head. I have mine colored as close to my original natural color as possible. Which I think is very close, because no one even thinks that I color my hair.

I finally weighed and am down another .4 So week 1 is an overall loss of 4.4 (with no gain during load), which is very good for me! This is really a set point range for me, so getting down and out of the 150s is always difficult, and even more so with peri-menopause.

But I am determined

[CherylB]

Determination is key! If you have that, you can go anywhere you want to go. WTG on the 4.4 loss for the week and for not gaining during the load (that's never happened to me.) Do you do a LC load? I eat whatever I dang well please. It's the only time that I can!

Our pizza party got moved to an even older pizza place which goes all the way back to our childhoods. I had a fleeting thought today and remembered the place we were going to today was closed for their summer vacation on my last birthday. So I called them and they are gone again! Oh, well. Just thankful to have remembered in time to make other arrangements and to spread the word with all the family who are attending. I hope it's good! Haven't been there in many moons.

[ellenalesa]

That sounds really interesting. How did you do it? Did you use hcg every day, or only during the week? What did you eat on the weekends?

So far I have had 2 days of feeling weak and tired. One was during the first week, and one was during the second week.

What were your losses like?