I'm calling goal!!! ... and a question

[BusyMomOf4]

Well... I went to a party last night and did pretty well (in the beginning), but ended up drinking a little bit (okay... well, maybe half) of a very delicious pumpkin martini (which I'm sure was not SF) and had probably one too many Skinnygirl Margaritas (which probably aren't that skinny and didn't really taste that good). Dumb me!!!

Probably ate too mcuh cheese, too... there was cheese fondue (cheddar, swiss, and apple juice... found out later there was a bit of cornstarch, too) with apples - yum!! - and there was the buffalo chicken dip that I brought and ate with celery (until I got home and had it with about 5 tortilla chips... once again, dumb me ). Probably ate too much and of course some of the wrong stuff (even though it wasn't REALLY wrong like it could have been considering everything else that was there). Problem is that I was only 0.4 lbs below the top of my window, so anything over a 0.6 lb gain would mean a CD. I knew better, BUT... (sigh)

So... today's a CD. My favorite (and best one for me) is the GY day. Well, didn't have any FFGY in the house and didn't have time to go buy any before church today... and really needed breakfast before church this morning, so I decided to do a different kind of CD... one that I've never tried before. Well... it says it's best with 80/20 ground beef. Well, I had one pre-made (1/4 lb) burger patty that was 80/20, so I used that for breakfast. Stopped at the grocery for more 80/20 GB on the way home. Get home... make up the patties, start cooking them and notice that it's 80/20 ground beef with natural flavors. UGGHHH!!! What in the world???? I just can't believe the food industry. I was so mad! Why do they put this stuff in our food? ...especially in our meat?!? Meat should not have sodium in it!!! I ate it anyway, because I'd already started cooking it and was hungry without another quick option. I hope it doesn't mess up my CD! Although it surely might.

Oh, well... what's done is done. I will be having my good, all-natural 85/15 GB for dinner tonight. Hopefully tomorrow's weigh-in will show a nice drop.

I wish I was good and stable already, but I'm not. I know I shouldn't be anxious or in a hurry about it, but sometimes I am. I'm ready to be able to eat normally, but my body's not yet. I know it will come, but some days it's hard to be patient.

[BusyMomOf4]

Well... my CD worked. Down 1.8 this morning. Sure hope it sticks!

[BusyMomOf4]

UGGHH!!! I was up 0.6 lb today, so I'm sitting right at the top of my window! Even after walking for an hour and a half trick-or-treating with the kids last night. AND... I have ALL this candy in the house, and didn't eat one bite of it! Seems I can still gain weight just by looking at food. Plus, figured my 2 yo would sleep in so I could exercise later than usual... but he's up. Guess no exercise for me today! GRRR! Plus I didn't sleep well last night, so I'm really tired. My day is not starting out well.

[PenPen13]

BusyMom
I am feeling your pain! I have been up 3 lbs that I can't seem to make go away!! I did a protein day and I went down but the next day went right back up again. How do you do normally with that buffalo dip? I made it once and had it with celery but the next two days I went up 3 lbs and I have been afraid to eat it again.
As for the candy, I did not eat once piece either and we get a big "GO GIRL" for that one alone. All that candy in the house and not one little piece, stuff I like too!!
Have you ever had the hersheys SF chocolate candy? I like them ok but not sure if they could be effecting my gain. When I eat them I only allow myself two for the day but they could be the problem?
I am going to try another protein day today and see what happens. Hope your day got better!

[BusyMomOf4]

Thanks, PenPen! Yes... good for us! Now we just have to keep out of it. My day did get a little better. Ended up getting my exercise in anyhow. I have not had the Hersheys SF Choc Candy. Check the label, because if they have maltitol in them (and all the chocolate SF candy I've found do )... then that could be part of the problem. Google maltitol and see what it says. I think that it is the worst of the SA and can act close to sugar in your body, but I can't remember for certain. I bought some of the Werthers SF hard caramel candies. They don't seem to affect me (even if I have quite a few), but I probably shouldn't buy them anymore as I tend to just keep eating them.

I'm up 0.4 lbs today to 133.2, so technically it should be a CD. But... I just can't do it today. Plus, TOM is starting today (I'm pretty sure) so I'm going to exercise here in a bit, eat as cleanly as possible, and hope for the best in the morning. We are having chili for dinner tonight (big snow here today), but I've been okay with it before in the past on P3. So... here's hoping for a kinder scale tomorrow morning!

[dawnyama]

Originally Posted by PenPen13

BusyMom
I am feeling your pain! I have been up 3 lbs that I can't seem to make go away!! I did a protein day and I went down but the next day went right back up again. How do you do normally with that buffalo dip? I made it once and had it with celery but the next two days I went up 3 lbs and I have been afraid to eat it again.
As for the candy, I did not eat once piece either and we get a big "GO GIRL" for that one alone. All that candy in the house and not one little piece, stuff I like too!!
Have you ever had the hersheys SF chocolate candy? I like them ok but not sure if they could be effecting my gain. When I eat them I only allow myself two for the day but they could be the problem?
I am going to try another protein day today and see what happens. Hope your day got better!

That chicken wing dip is very very salty. So your gains from eating that are from the sodium. In order to combat the sodium in that dip, you have to have a lot of potassium. My DH complains that when I make that dip, it HAS to be with less than the hot sauce called for because when I make it as per the recipe he can taste the salt. He does like it just as good with less hot sauce. I gain when I have that dip too! I don't eat it with anything to dip into it. I just eat it with a spoon because it is sooo good, and I am trying to do it low carb/P3 style. Good for you eating it with celery! Any SF candy can make you gain also! Try going a few days without it and see if that alone brings your weight back in line. Or at least after doing a correction day, don't add it back in and see if you stay at your lower weight. Kudos to those that stayed away from the Halloween candy I did not fare that well but my weight is back to coming off.

[PenPen13]

Speaking of potassium...does anyone take potassium pills? I try to eat things that I know have potassium in them but I still have the issues with the leg cramps at night. I take two pills in the AM and try to remember to take two in the PM.
I will check on the SF candy. It is just not fair because I would like to have something "legal" when I would like to have chocolate so I can stay away from the really bad stuff. I am even careful about staying at two little pieces. GGRRRRRR Any other suggestions? I have seen the chocolate bark recipe but have not tried it yet. Maybe I should because I can control the sweetner in that.
I am dreading the holidays. I usually do a lot of baking and am afraid to even eat anything that has been converted to LC.
I am also finding myself trying to eat less because of the weight gain and I know that is the wrong thing to do.
Today I am going to try for high protein, fat and vegs.
Thanks ladies

[dawnyama]

Originally Posted by PenPen13

Speaking of potassium...does anyone take potassium pills? I try to eat things that I know have potassium in them but I still have the issues with the leg cramps at night. I take two pills in the AM and try to remember to take two in the PM.
I will check on the SF candy. It is just not fair because I would like to have something "legal" when I would like to have chocolate so I can stay away from the really bad stuff. I am even careful about staying at two little pieces. GGRRRRRR Any other suggestions? I have seen the chocolate bark recipe but have not tried it yet. Maybe I should because I can control the sweetner in that.
I am dreading the holidays. I usually do a lot of baking and am afraid to even eat anything that has been converted to LC.
I am also finding myself trying to eat less because of the weight gain and I know that is the wrong thing to do.
Today I am going to try for high protein, fat and vegs.
Thanks ladies

I take 8 of the OTC potassium pills per day. And I also drink ACV,which is great for leg cramps. I have done that because while on P2 I get the worst leg cramps ever. When I want chocolate and I am on P3 or beyond, I go for the Lindt, or Ghirardelli, or another very gourmet, very expensive dark chocolate. It is a bit bitter, but very good for you and you get used to it. I believe it is great when you look at the ingredients versus the SF stuff you find in the stores. That is my opinion.......

[BusyMomOf4]

Originally Posted by dawnyama

I take 8 of the OTC potassium pills per day. ....That chicken wing dip is very very salty. So your gains from eating that are from the sodium. In order to combat the sodium in that dip, you have to have a lot of potassium.

Dawn, how many potassium pills do you take on P3 and beyond? Do you still take 8? I take 5 during P2 and shoot for 3 during P3 and beyond (but sometimes only end up with 2). I didn't realize how salty that dip is. I guess on days when I have something like that I should take extra potassium. Never thought of that before.

[dawnyama]

When I am done with P2, I usually get in 4 pills a day. But I also drink coconut water. That really balances out that sodium/potassium ratio.

[PenPen13]

so how many mg are your potassium pills? Do you just do a "shot" of ACV? That is nasty but they say you get used to it.
So the chocolate you are talking about is just the unsweetened bars? Hum...I guess it will either be that or nothing. I checked on the Hershey's and it was not good

[dawnyama]

Whatever the OTC ones are. I think the 99 mg ones? And yes, I take the ACV as a shot. Some people say it is nasty, but I just consider it something to get over and done with so I don't dwell on it. I also do NOT add things to make it go down better. It is just a TBL and it really goes down quick--why cover that up? And no....not the unsweetened bars!!! They are waaay bitter!!! The ones that are 75% or 80% chocolate. But you could buy the unsweetened ones and add your own sweetener. That would be good!!!

[BusyMomOf4]

Originally Posted by PenPen13

so how many mg are your potassium pills? Do you just do a "shot" of ACV? That is nasty but they say you get used to it.
So the chocolate you are talking about is just the unsweetened bars? Hum...I guess it will either be that or nothing. I checked on the Hershey's and it was not good

PenPen, my postassium pills are 99mg as well. As for doing a shot, that's what I do... but I put about the same amount of water in with it, and then "chase" it with water. The acidity of the vinegar can ruin your tooth enamel (which is why it's not best to drink it all day), and it also feels to me like it could harm my esophogus.

Originally Posted by dawnyama

Whatever the OTC ones are. I think the 99 mg ones? And yes, I take the ACV as a shot. Some people say it is nasty, but I just consider it something to get over and done with so I don't dwell on it. I also do NOT add things to make it go down better. It is just a TBL and it really goes down quick--why cover that up? And no....not the unsweetened bars!!! They are waaay bitter!!! The ones that are 75% or 80% chocolate. But you could buy the unsweetened ones and add your own sweetener. That would be good!!!

Dawn, I bought an 88% chocolate bar, and boy was it bitter! I wasn't sure if I could have it on P3 or not, so waited until P4. But... now that I know it's okay, I will try one that's either 75% or 80%. That's sure to taste better! Hmm... maybe I'll melt my 88% bar in my coffee and add my own sweetener (or use it to make some hot cocoa on this cold, snowy day).

[PenPen13]

Actually I was thinking of buying the unsweetened, melt it and add my "allowed" sweetner. Make my own candy bar! I feel like I am spending to much time on finding a good treat. Maybe it is a sign I need to stay away from it!
Also I went to the HFS today and they told me to also take magnesium pills. She said most daily vitamins have it but not enough of it to help. I will let you know.

[Lildrew]

Wow, Debby!!!! That's awesome!!!!

[BusyMomOf4]

Originally Posted by Lildrew

Wow, Debby!!!! That's awesome!!!!

Thanks! Now I just need to stay there.

I was up 1.2 lb today. Not really sure why. I'm getting frustrated. It's so hard to be eating healthy (and not all the junk and even some good stuff) that my family's eating, and be gaining weight like this! I'm feeling tired and weary, and just don't feel like dealing with this. Trying to keep this bit of bad attitude from growing, because that would really be bad. I'm just tired of my weight being in the forefront of my mind. I have so many other things to be doing and dealing with and thinking about.

Guess I'll try and pick up some GY on the way back from Curves as it's definitely CD time for me today. That means none of my really good chili for dinner.

[dawnyama]

Originally Posted by BusyMomOf4

Thanks! Now I just need to stay there.

I was up 1.2 lb today. Not really sure why. I'm getting frustrated. It's so hard to be eating healthy (and not all the junk and even some good stuff) that my family's eating, and be gaining weight like this! I'm feeling tired and weary, and just don't feel like dealing with this. Trying to keep this bit of bad attitude from growing, because that would really be bad. I'm just tired of my weight being in the forefront of my mind. I have so many other things to be doing and dealing with and thinking about.

Guess I'll try and pick up some GY on the way back from Curves as it's definitely CD time for me today. That means none of my really good chili for dinner.

I have been there Debby I truly sympathize with you. That is why you really do need to rethink things a little bit. Otherwise you will get in that cycle of doing CDs a few days every week. It really sucks that we cannot "eat like normal" once the hcg is done. I have decided once I am done with hcg, I am going to be doing JUDDD once my P3 is over. It is alternate day dieting, so that nothing is off limits!!! I will be doing it maintain this weight loss. I know other hcgers are doing it with much success. I totally wished that this hcg and resetting of the hypothalamus was the ticket so that once I was done, I would truly be done. Unfortunately for me, that is not the case. I need some kind of structure once I am done otherwise, for me it is a free for all. Just a bit more of structure than "eat like normal" I am hoping for the best for you today.

[BusyMomOf4]

Dawn, thanks for you well wishes! ... and for your thoughts. I may have to look at doing things differently. For now I'm going to keep on keeping on. Felt VERY stressed when I woke up today (lots of extra stress right now), and today is the 2nd day of my period. I'll just have to see how things go.

I have seen that some people are doing JUDDD successfully for maintenance after HCG. My question for you is... how do you think you will do/plan/manage your down days while still having to feed your family?

ETA: I feel like a need a down day of a different kind... no work, no schooling, no laundry... maybe just some fun so I can quit thinking! Oh, well... not gonna happen.

[dawnyama]

Originally Posted by BusyMomOf4

Dawn, thanks for you well wishes! ... and for your thoughts. I may have to look at doing things differently. For now I'm going to keep on keeping on. Felt VERY stressed when I woke up today (lots of extra stress right now), and today is the 2nd day of my period. I'll just have to see how things go.

I have seen that some people are doing JUDDD successfully for maintenance after HCG. My question for you is... how do you think you will do/plan/manage your down days while still having to feed your family?

ETA: I feel like a need a down day of a different kind... no work, no schooling, no laundry... maybe just some fun so I can quit thinking! Oh, well... not gonna happen.

Debby---how do you think I have been doing the hcg plan with feeding my family???!!!! This is old hat. I have been low carb for 12+ years too. That is not how my family eats. They eat Oreos, ice cream, hamburgers with buns. Heck, my DD with type 1 diabetes even eats bread for lunch every single day My down days will be no different than what I am doing now. I am sure it will be the same for you. Especially with our adrenals in such a state worrying about the scale and the weight and the "what do I eat now" thing is just adding to the equation. I say you do a few days of not worrying about what you eat, not getting on the scale and let it go. You can weigh in a few days from now or let your clothes be your guide. I know it is very difficult to do, but the cycle you are on now is even more difficult. I know because I have lived it for a year!!! And the very reason I am still doing hcg today. I am doing this round til Thanksgiving, when I am done I am done. I have opened my last bottle of hcg and will not get another.

I agree. You do need a down day Good luck with that. I have been sick, sicker than sick this week and got no help whatsoever from anyone. I said last night as I served dinner, "I hope y'all get as sick as I do because then maybe I will get some sympathy". Mind you I have had no voice since Monday I literally could not talk, was sneezing all the time and they even said it sounded painful. I still had to do laundry (my 2 boys ran out of jeans, my eldest wanted pajamas washed for pj day at the high school) and of course they had to eat!!!! Ugh!!!

[Dogsrule]

Wow, ladies it sounds like your stews plate is full while you're trying to keep your dinner plate small. It's not fair that stress seems to signal the body to hold onto fat reserves because, and part of the stress is from the fat reserves staying where they are!

[PenPen13]

Dawn
Sorry you are feeling so bad! Being sick is the worst and being the "sick mom' is even worse! I think our family just doesn't know how to deal with it so they ignore it. It does sound like everyone is old enough to feed themselves soGIRL go rest! As for the clothes, wash them, dry them and throw them on their bed!
Feel better
Where can I find out more about JUDDD?

[PenPen13]

Ok so I am not going to whine (even though I am ready) but I have a question. For some reason I am gaining and I can't figure out why! I was stable in P3 for 4 weeks and all of a sudden
I don't know if I need to eat more or if I am eating the wrong things? I have been doing this long enough to know what to stay away from (except for that darn SF chocolate mistake but that is history).
My menu daily usually consists of:
BK: eggs, bacon or ham (sugar free) cooked in coconut oil or protein shake with unsweetened almond milk with one egg
LN: salad with protein(usually chicken which I bake) and ranch or blue cheese dressing
DN: protein and vegs cooked in coconut oil and sometimes salad
fruits have been apples or berries if I have them and I have stayed away from the apples for the past week.
I do use cheese but not excessively on my eggs most mornings and I have 1 cup of coffee with SF creamer (not new).
I was thinking of doing another round of HCG but I am going on vacation in 12 days and I don't want to be on the 500 cal diet during that time. So here is my question: can I do the HCG for 12 days - do P3 for the 8 days we are on vacation and go back on for another say 12 days or so when we get back? Would that totally screw up my body? For those of you who have been doing this for a long time....what am I doing wrong in P3? I have been staying away from the sugars and starches...except for making the mug cake with almond/coconut flour a few times.
I am at a loss and ready to cry every morning when I step on the scale. It puts me in a bad mood first thing in the morning

[dawnyama]

Here is a thread for starting JUDDD, but there is a whole forum:

WHAT IS JUDDD? COME INSIDE AND SEE!!

That link above gives you the basics, this one gives you an intro to the newbies:

JUDDD newbies: introduce yourselves!

And this is the forum so you can see all the threads:

JUDDD - Low Carb Friends

I so feel your frustration!!! I was doing the same on P3/P4 Pen. I would not do a round unless I have the minimum 21 days I could do it. I advise against hcg for that short a timeframe. I am so scared that I would not reset my hypothalamus and that any weight lost by the time I stopped would be regained. I would try JUDDD from now until you go on vacation. You do the alternate day dieting (as low as 500 calories one day and the next do an up day with a bunch more--there is a calculator to figure out your personal caloric needs it is in the link posted above on getting started) and you could probably get a handle on your weight. That way you might be so encouraged with your progress that you can continue JUDDD on your vacation!!! Let us know what you decide.

Oh, btw, my 2nd eldest son is missing school today because his throat hurts. He has been taking Zicam since last night. I am hoping that by catching this early, he won't lose his voice like I did.

[PenPen13]

thanks Dawn I will check out the links.
Hope you and your son are feeling better!

[PenPen13]

Also do you think I should be eating more?? Years of dieting has trained me to eat less when I gain but with this things are different.

[BusyMomOf4]

I was thinking that maybe you're not eating enough.

[dawnyama]

Originally Posted by PenPen13

Also do you think I should be eating more?? Years of dieting has trained me to eat less when I gain but with this things are different.

Without knowing amounts and calories....it is hard to say if you are eating too little. I mean I can pack away a large amount of chicken, when I say I eat chicken with my salad. So, without knowing that you could certainly be eating too little. Try adding in some snacks throughout the day and see how it goes. You could add in an apple for snack or strawberries (yuck in the winter) with sugar free whipped cream. Or some greek yogurt with a few pecans. Even just some coconut cream concentrate or a spoonful of coconut oil could work. See if you can add in some fat somewhere and see how that goes!

[PenPen13]

Thanks ladies. I think maybe the snacks might be a good idea. I am also going to break down and start using ****** more often. If I try the JUDDD I am going to have to pay more attention to the calories anyway.
Sorry to be such a pain but I don't know who else to ask. You guys have been doing this longer and have a lot of good advice.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.