I Really Hope This Works - HCG Journal

[october's child]

Looks like I need a place where I can be held accountable because today was a baaad day in HCG world and oh yeah, it’s only VLCD 3. I had pineapple =( It has tons of sugar and I know I’m going to be sooo disappointed when I get on the scale tomorrow. Anyway, every day is a new day and I’m going to try and not let that get me down… too badly.

I also think that I'm eating too much because I feel NO hunger whatsoever! For example, this was my meal today:
Breakfast: Just water. Wasn't too hungry to begin with.
Lunch: 4-5 meatballs and broccoli.
Dinner: 1 piece of chicken, green beans and pineapples (sigh)
I'm going to point out being back at school as the main problem. While I would LOVE to follow strict protocol, I know I can't because I'm basically at the dining hall's mercy. I know that this will definitely affect the results but since I'm aiming for about a 20-pound weight loss, I hope I won't feel it too badly.

VLCD 1: 137.6
VLCD 2: 135.8
VLCD 3: 135.2
(p.s. I’m going to be updating this as many times as I can so don’t feel obligated to read all this!)

[october's child]

VLCD4

133.2!!!!

I don't particularly believe it so I'm going to step on the scale again but oh my God, 133.2!!

In other news, I wanted to share a little (diet related) something that made me proud of myself. Last night, a few friends wanted to go and have food at Sundae Grill - the usual, milk shake, sundae and fries - something we do regularly. I debated for a very long time whether I should even go but decided I should'nt have to sacrifice spending time with my friends. So, I popped in my HCG and was thinking all things like 'I'll start over from tomorrow' and 'I would really really like a sundae!" We got there and I bought... a bottle of water. By the time I finished my water, I felt no temptation to get ice cream at all. I sat there while my friends dug into brownies and sundaes and literally, felt nothing. I didn't feel like I was missing out either. Yay!

Looks like I was rewarded with my 2 lb weight loss!

[September23rd]

Good job, I hope I have as much self control.

[october's child]

I weighed in at 132.8 yesterday but then we went to Panera. I thought I ate well - a low-calorie vegetarian black bean soup and wheat bread with water - but the scales show otherwise. Back at 133.0 this morning. It's just soooo hard to eat strict protocol when you're still a college student. To be honest, I'm disappointed that I gained so quickly but I should probably have been the strictest on Week One. Anyways, I am not giving up on this just because of a setback. Here's to hoping VLCD 6 is much better!

[Cruzcrzy]

My guess is that the starch from the beans and bread did you in. I'm in P3 and that is not allowed. I am not sure what plan you are following. Unfortunately, this plan is not forgiving, and any veering causes a gain which could potentially set you back a week. Go to the nutrition site at Panera and see what would be your best choice. It's very difficult to eat out in P2. Hang in there! This does work. We are here to support you.

[C'Marie]

Try just to stick to plain salad greens and simple meat choices when you're out. I have to travel sometimes on P2 and it is hard. Keep up your rest and your water and take care of you

[october's child]

131.8-132.0 today!! Is this really happening or is my (new) scale broken?!?! Today is VLCD 7 and I'm down 6 pounds!!

Thank you so much for all the support and advice you guys. I did my best to follow strict protocol yesterday and did reasonably well. I did have 2 apples instead of 1 though but it doesn't seem like that had any negative effect. Again, thank you everyone!!

[Cruzcrzy]

Originally Posted by october's child

131.8-132.0 today!! Is this really happening or is my (new) scale broken?!?! Today is VLCD 7 and I'm down 6 pounds!!

Thank you so much for all the support and advice you guys. I did my best to follow strict protocol yesterday and did reasonably well. I did have 2 apples instead of 1 though but it doesn't seem like that had any negative effect. Again, thank you everyone!!

Woo-Hoo!!!!! I am celebrating with you. I am so happy and proud of you. You are doing this! WTG.

[october's child]

131.6 this morning. I was hoping to be out of the 130s by the end of Week 1 so I'm a tad bit disappointed. Oh well, at least it's not a gain, right?

I've been sticking to protocol as much as I can. I'm thinking I should probably cut down on the 2 apples every day, which is going to be a problem since I am terribly addicted to apples with lemon juice squeezed on top. Hey, I'll take addicted to apples over addicted to chocolate any day!

Also... does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on working out during P2? I know you're not supposed to do anything excessive so I'm talking more like hour long walks (something I've been doing for the last few days) and maybe yoga? I would really like to do the Core Fusion: Body Sculpt DVD but I'm scared I'm going to build muscle and ruin P2 completely. Maybe I'll stick to lighter yoga? Thoughts?

p.s. Once again, thank you all for your support! I love this forum!

[C'Marie]

You really aren't eating enough calories to do any hard workouts-building muscle is not happening with the amount of protein we have in P2. Light yoga, light walking, light swimming should all be ok. If it was something that you had already been doing lots of and your body was used to it, maybe do it but lessen the intensity and see how you feel. This is not the time to start an exercise program of anything rigorous. There are a few people who do work out, but they don't stay on P2 long OR they eat off-protocol to do so.

[october's child]

I was 130.4 yesterday but am back at 131.6 this morning and I've been trying to think of reasons all morning. I've pegged it down to the fact that I had chicken chili yesterday... There's a 'funny story' about the chili. I thought it was allowed in P2 because I see everyone raving about P2 chili. I found out 10 seconds ago that P2 chili is completely different than regular chili and most importantly, doesnt have beans. This is the same reason why I thought I could get away with having black bean soup (If people can have chili then surely I can have black bean soup!). Oh well, lesson learned. (I also feel kinda bloated this morning... maybe that could have also contributed to the gain??)

This diet is so much harder than I expected it to be. I feel so very tempted to just give it up and go with 'I'm just going to be fat and unhealthy forever.' Maybe I should... *sigh*

- a very defeated October's Child

[katiesmemaw]

Good Morning October's Child. Read your statement...."When you want something etc etc"
This is so worth the sacrifices. You don't have so long to commit to this plan!!! You can do it!!!

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by october's child

I was 130.4 yesterday but am back at 131.6 this morning and I've been trying to think of reasons all morning. I've pegged it down to the fact that I had chicken chili yesterday... There's a 'funny story' about the chili. I thought it was allowed in P2 because I see everyone raving about P2 chili. I found out 10 seconds ago that P2 chili is completely different than regular chili and most importantly, doesnt have beans. This is the same reason why I thought I could get away with having black bean soup (If people can have chili then surely I can have black bean soup!). Oh well, lesson learned. (I also feel kinda bloated this morning... maybe that could have also contributed to the gain??)

This diet is so much harder than I expected it to be. I feel so very tempted to just give it up and go with 'I'm just going to be fat and unhealthy forever.' Maybe I should... *sigh*

- a very defeated October's Child

Buck up kid! If you truly ate off plan because you didn't know what was allowed...that can EASILY be fixed! Have you read P&I? Has anyone given you a short form of the diet? If all of this could have been prevented, well, then let's getcha in the know!

[shelbyla]

Here's one...

The HCG Diet

The HCG Diet most commonly refers to the protocol that British physician Dr. Simeon identified in the mid-1950's. He discovered that when administered daily, HCG patients could maintain their health through a low calorie diet. When on a low calorie diet without HCG, patients became irritable, had hunger cravings, weakness, and/or headaches.

The use of HCG in a diet will dispose of the abnormal fat first, which will allow for a visual transformation of the body. It also helps to correct the patient's metabolism which in turn will help the patient from gaining the weight back once off a restricted diet. However, in order to maintain a healthy weight after a weight loss program, one must continue to have a well balanced diet.

Dr Simeon's protocol requires you to eat fruit, vegetables and meat, fish or poultry. As with any diet your success is dependent on how closely you abide by the diet plan and consume only food and portion sizes allowed.



HCG Diet Phases



Phase 1
Detoxification (optional)

Phase 2 (aka P2)
- Days 1 & 2 - Start hCG injections, drops or pellets and begin high fat, high calorie diet. This is often called "loading" and is an essential step in resetting the body's fat regulating system.
- Days 3-21 ( up to 42 days ) - Continue hCG that is now triggering the body to release stored fat as "food" for the body and supplement with the low calorie diet. The burned fat is providing a constant flow of fuel so you won't feel hungry as pounds & inches melt away.
- Two days for homeopathic and three days for Rx AFTER ending - Continue low calorie diet with NO hCG.

Phase 3 (aka P3)
Metabolism Reset Phase 21 days - Figure your BMR by using an online calculator and multiply by your activity level. Eat as many calories as indicated but do NOT eat sugars and starches (except for fruit allowed in P2 plus additional low glycemic fruits such as other types of berries). This will stabilize your new weight. If your weight fluctuates more than 2 pounds above your LDW, correct your weight by doing a correction day.

Phase 4 (aka P4)
Maintenance Phase 21 days - The body's fat regulation system is now adjusted. Begin to add back sugars and starches slowly, adjusting if your weight fluctuates more than two pounds above your LDW, using a correction day.


Low Calorie Diet Breakdown

One Serving of Fruit ( 2 x's a day ) - Apple, 6-9 strawberries, an orange, OR ½ grapefruit

100 grams of lean meat (2 x’s a day) (3.5 oz if weighed raw, 3.0 oz if cooked) - Veal, beef, chicken breast, white fish (swai, tilapia, halibut, flounder, sole, wild Chilean sea bass), lobster, crab, or shrimp. All visible fat must be carefully removed before cooking. 3 egg whites & 1 egg with yolk can be substituted for a protein once or twice a week. 3oz low-fat cottage cheese may be substiuted once per week for a protein portion.

Vegetables (2 x’s a day) - Spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens, lettuce (any type), tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus and cabbage (any type).

Drinks - Water (1/2 to 1 gallon per day), Tea (any kind) or coffee in any quantity without sugar. Only 1 Tablespoon of milk allowed in a 24 hour period. Stevia may be used as a sweetener. Green tea is also great to help with energy and even helps to burn more fat. (see fruity cold green tea recipe!)

2 Grissini/breadsticks or 2 melba toasts

Seasonings, etc. The juice of one lemon is allowed for all purposes and recommended to alkalize the body. Sea Salt (include it in your diet everyday), pepper, vinegar, mustard, garlic, sweet basil, parsley, thyme, chives, cilantro, etc. may be used for seasoning. Salsa/ pico de gallo in moderation. NO oil, butter, sugar or dressing.



Approved Food & Drink

Drinks Approved: * Black Coffee * Wu Long Tea * Yerba Mate Tea * Green Tea * Chamomile Tea You may have as much as you desire of plain spring water, mineral water, tea, coffee, or Zevia. You should drink about 2 liters of these liquids per day.

Proteins Approved: 100 grams or 3.5oz (weighed raw) of grilled (no oil or fat) one of the meat choices below: * beef * veal * white fish * venison * chicken breast * shell fish (shrimp, crab etc) * Eggs are occasionally allowed (one whole egg+3 egg whites=100 grams of protein) *3.5oz low-fat cottage cheese is allowed*

Vegetables Approved: One large handful or 100g (3.5oz) of one of the following vegetables: * spinach * fennel * celery * cabbage * chard * white, red & yellow onions * tomatoes * asparagus * beet greens * Red Radishes * lettuce of any kind * cucumbers These can be eaten raw, steamed, grilled or boiled. Do not mix vegetables in the same meal.

Fruits Approved: One of the following fruits - * 1 apple * 1 orange * 1/2 grapefruit * 1 handful of strawberries: approx 6-9

Breads Approved: One grissini breadstick or one melba toast.

Seasonings Approved: Salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard powder, garlic, basil, parsley, thyme, marjoram, etc. Watch for sugar in your spices!

Miscellaneous:

* You may eat the breadstick and fruit as a snack in between meals instead of with your meals if you choose.

* No over the counter non-prescription drugs should be taken (with the exception of Aspirin).

* No cosmetics other than lipstick, eyebrow pencil and facial powder should be used. Buy mineral foundation.

* No creams, lotions or moisturizers that contain fat should be used. (Check the ingredient list. It is not safe to use if it contains “oil” or anything ending in “-ose”). Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer or Lubriderm Sensitive Skin are two oil free moisturizers. Conditioners for oily hair should be used.

* You must eat everything as prescribed. Do not skip meals or leave out one of the food groups.

* Only Thai massage is allowed. No massages of any other type

* Food is sweetened with Stevia, an all-natural, sugar-free sweetener.

* No mint is allowed. Buy non-mint toothpaste. Crest Cinnamon is a good one.

* Do not put your drops or pellets next to electronic equipment (computers, printers, fax machines, ipods, phones, etc.)

* If you are taking drops or pellets, do not touch the dropper or the bottle opening to your mouth or hands (can contaminate and deactivate drops or pellets)


Light Exercise

It is recommended that you do only light exercise while doing the hCG Diet. Walking, Yoga ,Pilates, lighter weight lifting (resistance) is great to keep up your strength. Stay away from high calorie burning exercises (ex. Running, aerobics). Over exercising will cause the body to go into starvation mode and hold on to the fat, fighting against the hCG.



Keep Track of Weight

It is important to weigh yourself and keep track of your success. You will want to weigh yourself when you first get up in the morning (the same clothing attire every time) after you have emptied your bladder.



The Maintenance Phase

The maintenance phase in the HCG diet comes after we have completed our goal for HCG whether it follows the 20 day or 40 day program. The purpose of the maintenance phase is to restore the metabolism and balance in the body and prevent any circumstance that the body will gain the weight back.

The maintenance phase lasts 3 weeks long and it is a crucial part of the diet in order to be successful with HCG. Without the maintenance phase the weight gain will be uncontrollable after we are off the diet. When the last day of the diet drops expire then it is said that you can eat whatever you want which is true except you must avoid foods that have sugar and starch. During the three week time frame it is imperative to have a scale with you and make sure to find a time every day to weigh yourself. It takes about 3 weeks for the weight to stabilize and cease fluctuation. During this period patients must realize that the carbohydrates, such as sugar, bread, rice, potatoes, pastries, etc, are to be avoided at all costs. If no carbohydrates whatsoever are eaten, fats can be indulged in somewhat more liberally and even small quantities of alcohol, such as a glass of wine with meals, does no harm, but as soon as fats and starch are combined things are very likely to get out of hand. This has to be observed very carefully during the first 3 weeks after the treatment is ended otherwise disappointments are almost sure to occur.

When you end your last day of taking the drops you must remain on the 500 calorie intake diet for 3 more days (2 days on homeopathic) before increasing your calories to allow time for the HCG to get out of the system. When you start the 4th day you are welcome to increase your calorie intake to an appropriate amount for a healthy BMR for the remainder of the maintenance phase. You can also pick up on an exercise routine since now you have a sufficient amount of calories to support the new food intake for the diet.

Bear in mind, your weight will fluctuate the first week or two, this is normal. Do a steak, fish, or chicken day if you need to. The weight will eventually stabilize and cease to fluctuate. Watch the starch and sugar very carefully during the 3 weeks. Eat as many organic foods as possible. Eat whatever you want, without starch or sugar, during the maintenance phase. Make sure you are eating enough. Use healthy fats and dairy products to up your calorie intake if necessary. Drink enough water.

[shelbyla]

Here's two...

Salad dressings:

Start with...
2T broth (beef, chicken or veggie)
2T apple cider or red wine vinegar
1/4t salt
1/4t pepper

For Italian add...
1t Italian seasoning
1/4t garlic powder
1/4t onion powder

For honey mustard add...
1T mustard (yellow or brown but check ingredients for sugar)
5 drops plain stevia or 1/2 packet Splenda or Sweet 'n Low

For a creamier dressing use...
2T Walden Farms Caesar, Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing in place of one T of broth and one T vinegar

For a different taste use...
2T orange juice, lemon juice or lime juice in place of the vinegar

Switch up spices. I like...
1t curry or
1t shallot pepper or
1t dill or
1t sage
1t cumin


"Skillet" meals (if you are NOT eating the grissini/melba, increase your evening veggie portion to 200g/7oz)

Broth 1/4-1/2c, depending on how saucy you like it
Chicken
Beef
Veggie

Protein 100g/3.5oz raw
chicken breast
lean ground beef
shrimp
crab meat
langostino tails

Veggie 100g/3.5oz raw
Belgian endive
Cabbage
Bok choy
Celery
Chinese cabbage

Spices
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper

plus...
Italian - 1T Italian seasoning (works best with chicken or beef plus endive or cabbage)
Mexican - 1T chili powder, 1t cumin, couple of dashes tobasco or tapatio (works best with chicken or beef plus cabbage or endive)
Asian - 1T soy sauce or Braggs liquid aminos (works with all)
Lemon pepper - 1t lemon pepper, 1T fresh lemon juice (work best with chicken or seafood plus any veggie)

Add broth to skillet. Add veggie and spices and cook to just before desired doneness. Add raw protein and cook until done (the protein cooks so fast that it's best to add it at the end). Optional: sprinkle with Guar or Xanthan gum (available at most healthfood stores) in a salt shaker for a thicker sauce--a little goes a VERY long way so sprinkle with caution! **DO NOT OVERDO AS IT IS A STARCH AND COULD STALL YOU.

Panfried White Roughy

Sprinkle a filet of Swai (white roughy--available at Ralph's and TJ's), cod, or orange roughy with salt and pepper. Heat skillet until hot. Add fish. Cook on one side for 3 mins. Flip and cook until fish flakes easily--about 2 more minutes. Serve with salad or stirfried veggies.

[nmbnancy]

Shelbyla - As always you supply great information ! I'm bumping this up so maybe others will read this thread and get all this information in one place.

[october's child]

Thank you so much you guys! Honestly, I would have quit a long time ago if it weren't for this wonderful forum and all the support!

Weighed in at 130.2 this morning. I'm not too surprised at how long I am in the 130s given that it has been a set point for me for a long time. I'm actually expecting a gain tomorrow but I'm going to see this diet through. Not quitting! Come on 120s!!

Again, thank you SO much everyone!