SoCal HCG Girls

[halebop]

((((HUGS)))) Shelby. Hope tomorrow is a much better day.

Part of me wants to start P2 asap....I hate that I regained and really want to get back to losing. But, I'd also really like to start P2 8 lbs.below where I was this morning. That part is dumb though....right? Can I diet prior to starting my next round if I load really well prior to starting vlcd?

If I hold off until Jan....when are you all thinking of starting? Load 12/31 and 1/1 and start 1/2 or load 1/7 and 1/8?

Not sure why...but I want to decide soon if I'm going to start in early Dec. or hold off until Jan. so I have great company. Please let me know if you think it would be possible and ok for me to try to lose 6-8 pounds before I start (it's been 7 or 8 months since my last round so that part isn't a problem). Thanks in advance for any input. Let me know when you all plan to load / start.

[halebop]

I really have to figure out how to update (and find!) my ticker. I completely forgot. I'm all the way up to 168 I feel like a liar when my ticker goes at the bottom of my posts claiming I'm 159. I WISH I were...but I'm 168 and not gonna make goal with my next round now...unless I diet before starting.

[Twirl]

Marion, go online a do a search on gall bladder flushes. There is a classic remedly that sounds really gross but works! Dr.'s love to go in an' pop out the whole gall bladder which messes you up worse when there is no need.

The flush I am referring to is the olive oil lemon flush. Done it. It worked. And really, eating low cal/low carb for a little while is really good for most everyone. It'll give her bod a rest.

Do the flush with her. Oh, and an important part of it is going to bed right when it is recommended.

Jessica, glad you found something that worked. You're gonna look great!

Lydia

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by halebop

((((HUGS)))) Shelby. Hope tomorrow is a much better day.

Part of me wants to start P2 asap....I hate that I regained and really want to get back to losing. But, I'd also really like to start P2 8 lbs.below where I was this morning. That part is dumb though....right? Can I diet prior to starting my next round if I load really well prior to starting vlcd?

If I hold off until Jan....when are you all thinking of starting? Load 12/31 and 1/1 and start 1/2 or load 1/7 and 1/8?

Not sure why...but I want to decide soon if I'm going to start in early Dec. or hold off until Jan. so I have great company. Please let me know if you think it would be possible and ok for me to try to lose 6-8 pounds before I start (it's been 7 or 8 months since my last round so that part isn't a problem). Thanks in advance for any input. Let me know when you all plan to load / start.

Thanks for the hugs. Much appreciated around here!

So here's what I did before my first round... It may sound a little crazy but it gave me a good kick start. I went on a pretty strict elimination diet, a la Kevin Trudeau, minus all the expensive stuff. I eliminated all sugar (including fruits) and all starches. No wheat, corn, carrots, potatoes, starchy veggies, legumes, peas, etc. No booze of any sort. No dairy at all. No nuts. No vinegars, mushrooms, or fermented foods. No artificial sweeteners. No nut oils or PUFAs (corn oil, safflower oil, canola oil, etc.) It's a bit like a yeast cleanse (everything above is an allergen of some sort). I also upped my intake of MCT oil, coconut oil, avocados, olive oil, and butter. Oh and fatty meats. LOTS of fatty meats! In two weeks I took off about 10 pounds, 7 the first week, 3 the second. I've done this kind of diet before and this is very typical of the first two weeks, then I would slow down or stall out. This time I just loaded (although I probably didn't need to) and started hcg right afterwards. This kind of diet is very muscle sparing and good for your metabolism. Not sure if that's anything like what you had in mind but what you DON'T want to do is hurt your metabolism further by doing a low-cal diet WITHOUT the hcg. IMHO it's just not worth it.

Oh and I am probably going to load 01/01 and 01/02 because I have 01/02 off work and I know I'll want to nibble on New Year's Day. My first VLCD will be 01/03.

[halebop]

Thanks, Shelby! You're my HCG angel (just like last time ) Do you think I should get Trudeau's book (I'd also have to skip the expensive parts like you did) or just stick to bascially eating meats and veggies for 2 weeks prior to starting (plus avocados, butter, MCT oil, coconut oil, olives and olive oil)? Eggs would be fine using the parameters you did, right?

I'm also off work on 01/02 so I think I'll hang tight and start up when you do. I'm guessing you're probably going to do a short round since you must be darn close to goal weight! (yeah!!!!)

[shelbyla]

Hi Hale. I don't think getting Trudeau's book is really worthwhile. There is information on "Phase 1" online but there is a lot of stuff around supplements and yoga and meditation that may be useful but I'm not sure how pratical it is. And you're right it was basically meat and veggies. I did use eggs as well--forgot that one.

I WILL do a short round or whatever it takes to get these pesky last 10 pounds off. (My first two rounds averaged about 35 days.) I am hovering between 152 and 157 right row and I'd much rather hover around 145 with some wiggle room. I'm pretty close and not unhappy with the way I look but I would like to see what I look like slightly lower.

Yay for starting the first of the year! I think we are all going to be in good company! We should have a P2 potluck in January or something. Hmmmm....

[marion93]

Originally Posted by Twirl

Marion, go online a do a search on gall bladder flushes. There is a classic remedly that sounds really gross but works! Dr.'s love to go in an' pop out the whole gall bladder which messes you up worse when there is no need.

The flush I am referring to is the olive oil lemon flush. Done it. It worked. And really, eating low cal/low carb for a little while is really good for most everyone. It'll give her bod a rest.

Do the flush with her. Oh, and an important part of it is going to bed right when it is recommended.

Lydia

Thank you! I am going to look into this!

Originally Posted by shelbyla

Thanks for the hugs. Much appreciated around here!

So here's what I did before my first round... It may sound a little crazy but it gave me a good kick start. I went on a pretty strict elimination diet, a la Kevin Trudeau, minus all the expensive stuff. I eliminated all sugar (including fruits) and all starches. No wheat, corn, carrots, potatoes, starchy veggies, legumes, peas, etc. No booze of any sort. No dairy at all. No nuts. No vinegars, mushrooms, or fermented foods. No artificial sweeteners. No nut oils or PUFAs (corn oil, safflower oil, canola oil, etc.) It's a bit like a yeast cleanse (everything above is an allergen of some sort). I also upped my intake of MCT oil, coconut oil, avocados, olive oil, and butter. Oh and fatty meats. LOTS of fatty meats! In two weeks I took off about 10 pounds, 7 the first week, 3 the second. I've done this kind of diet before and this is very typical of the first two weeks, then I would slow down or stall out. This time I just loaded (although I probably didn't need to) and started hcg right afterwards. This kind of diet is very muscle sparing and good for your metabolism. Not sure if that's anything like what you had in mind but what you DON'T want to do is hurt your metabolism further by doing a low-cal diet WITHOUT the hcg. IMHO it's just not worth it.

Oh and I am probably going to load 01/01 and 01/02 because I have 01/02 off work and I know I'll want to nibble on New Year's Day. My first VLCD will be 01/03.

Wow! What great info! I am seriously considering doing this before my next round. Thank you!

Originally Posted by halebop

Thanks, Shelby! You're my HCG angel (just like last time )
I'm also off work on 01/02 so I think I'll hang tight and start up when you do. I'm guessing you're probably going to do a short round since you must be darn close to goal weight! (yeah!!!!)

Yes! Shelby is our HCG Angel! She helps so many on this board!

I'm going to jump on board with the January round. If I know my sister, she will put off our mid-Dec start date one more time, so I will be starting in January. I want to start after TOM though, so I am not sure which date will be day one.

Originally Posted by shelbyla

Yay for starting the first of the year! I think we are all going to be in good company! We should have a P2 potluck in January or something. Hmmmm....

hmmmm...now THAT'S an idea.....

Originally Posted by verbqueen

Well...I did go shopping today, but I didn't do any bra shopping. Got several Christmas gifts bought, though!

I want to go to Soma--they are the best bras around--and the only one I know of is in Rancho Cucamonga, and I just wasn't up for a road trip today. I'll do that next week.

I'm singing one of the recitatives in The Messiah at the Richard Nixon Presidential library this Sunday, and we have to wear concert black. Although I have loads of concert black, it is ALL too big. I found one floor length black taffeta skirt in my closet that I believe I can alter myself--I'm just going to take it in at the waist at either side seam--gonna sew right through the waistband rather than take the band off and then put it back on. That's way more trouble than this skirt is worth.

But I don't have a black formal top to go with it--those are even MORE too big than the skirt, so I shopped for one today. I found a steal--a long-sleeved black velvet top with a flatteringly drape-y scooped cowl neck. It's close-fitting and long in length, so if my alteration job on the skirt isn't beautiful, it'll be covered up anyway. The best part--$19 at Marshalls. So no bra, but a good day all the same.

I almost missed this post...YAY for shopping success! And...you are singing in the Messiah? I love that piece!

[marion93]

Finally have a new scale!

Today's accurate reading..... over window by .4lbs!

Moral of this story: Weigh yourself every day!

I guess I'm doing a steak day since there is no more chicken in the fridge. Might do a modified one and split it into two meals. Or, I'll just "woman up" and wait until dinner. Working at home today and surprisingly, it is easy for me to forget eating when I am home, so I could do it.

*sigh*

[Twirl]

Shelby, thanks for that info. It makes a lot of good sense and that list is great. I can do that.

Have to admit though, I'm still dreaming of snacks, bad snacks, for my next load days. And I know that these snacks have been engineered by corporations to have you spend money on addictive concoctions that are not food...to eat them, so that you spend more money on snacks. Craving them....now.

Would like to say that I'll do the right thing when I load...but right now I'm workin' on today. working on right now...and now...

On a positive note, just got some chia seeds....yum? Haven't ever experienced these little gems...When they are legal, I don't know. P3 or P4. No peanuts or cashews or beans on P3. Seeds? Not sure.

Jessica, take pics! Love to see you all glam.

Wishing everyone fulfilled holiday with loved ones,

Lydia

[marion93]

I guess this thread is dying out. I barely have had time to post, I have let myself get caught up in some life drama.

However, this does not mean that I have forgotten all you lovely ladies! How is everyone doing? I am still into another meetup, looks like some of us will be in P2 together, come January?

Here is my update, cross-posted from the P3/4 thread:

Hello everyone! I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while, I got caught up in some life stuff. But thankfully, I have been mostly in window. Sunday, I was .1 over window and did an all protein day. It brought me down .5 but the surprising effect was that the next day, I went down a further 1.8! And I certainly DID NOT eat clean! This is another reminder to me to always be on the lookout for the "two day effect," which can be positive or negative.

Today, I am .6 above LIW, so I'm secure in window. I think I might do an all protein day or super clean day to give a larger cushion, since I am throwing a pot-luck event tomorrow night (birthday party). I have another birthday to go to on Saturday (restaurant), and another next week...and she picked as her present, a day of cooking Indian food from scratch! Boy, I am glad I am not in P2 after all!

[shelbyla]

No......!!!!! This thread cannot die!

[marion93]

Originally Posted by shelbyla

No......!!!!! This thread cannot die!

LOL!

Quick! Someone hand me the paddles!....ok, CLEAR!!!,*ba-dump*...again, CLEAR!!!, *ba-dump*,.......beep, bi-beep, bi-beep, bi-beep...

Whew! that was close!

[shelbyla]

I've been caught up with life stuff too so haven't been here much. I do think we should do another call for a meetup in January and I think a P2 potluck would be super fun. We'd have 27 varieties of beef and cabbage... I'd be happy to host!

[marion93]

Originally Posted by shelbyla

I've been caught up with life stuff too so haven't been here much. I do think we should do another call for a meetup in January and I think a P2 potluck would be super fun. We'd have 27 varieties of beef and cabbage... I'd be happy to host!

Yes! Let's do it!

So, how would a P2 potluck work, given that we can't mix stuff? Maybe we could bring an extra portion and be able to trade one (or both) and bring one home? Dunno, does that sound silly? I would kinda like it, to get ideas on different stuff.

[verbqueen]

Count me in--sounds like a blast!

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by marion93

Yes! Let's do it!

So, how would a P2 potluck work, given that we can't mix stuff? Maybe we could bring an extra portion and be able to trade one (or both) and bring one home? Dunno, does that sound silly? I would kinda like it, to get ideas on different stuff.

Hmmm...that got me thinking. What do you guys think about a P2 food swap party? We could all make 5 or 6 servings (however many people are coming) of one of our favorites and get together and swap. That way we would get to meet up and get 5 or 6 different new meals with only having to cook once... It's got potential, I think!

[verbqueen]

Very clever!!

[marion93]

Originally Posted by shelbyla

Hmmm...that got me thinking. What do you guys think about a P2 food swap party? We could all make 5 or 6 servings (however many people are coming) of one of our favorites and get together and swap. That way we would get to meet up and get 5 or 6 different new meals with only having to cook once... It's got potential, I think!

Whoa. I like it!

[Twirl]

What a great idea! Awwwww, I'm not going on P2 with ya'all.

May I crash you're party anyway?

Lydia

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by Twirl

What a great idea! Awwwww, I'm not going on P2 with ya'all.

May I crash you're party anyway?

Lydia

Absolutely! I'd be mad if you didn't! You may have to drink your coffee black though!

[Twirl]

drats, well alright.

You were right, Shelby, got some chicken from Victors that tastes very much like chicken.

Speaking of tastes...I'm munching on a Honeycrisp apple and apples never used to taste this good. I tried an Ambrosia apple the other day and I tasted Flowers. So glad, so glad I followed your advice on eating the fruit.

Lydia

[marion93]

I've had a rough time of it lately.

I threw a pot luck on Thursday, and it was a huge success. Unfortunately, I sampled everything and had alot of wine. I was prepared to have a weight gain, but I didn't prepare to be sick all the next day! I was miserable, I felt...poisoned.

Maybe it was actual food poisoning, but I think it more likely that the food combinations were not good for me (and the 3 glasses of wine!). Also, it is possible that I got sick before the event, because I remember that my lunch didn't sit well with me (it was some roasted chicken and homemade asparagus soup). Probably should've listened to the signals of my body and have taken it easy that night. But, since I was the hostess, I felt compelled to try everyone's dish, so as not to offend.

If this is "normal person eating" then I don't want it. I can't wait for my next round. Holiday eating sucks!

So, in spite of everything that was evacuating my body yesterday, I was still one pound over my window. I tried to do a chicken cd, which didn't work too well. I had one breast and 4 thighs spread throughout the day, but the chicken made my stomach feel worse. I also had 2 apples (separate times), which felt a little better. Late night my stomach was hurting and I had some muenster cheese which surprisingly, felt good on my stomach. Maybe could've used more water. Also, TOM is almost here.

And today, feeling a bit better, but only a .9 lb loss, so still .1 over window! And today I am supposed to go to a birthday dinner at a Vegetarian Indian Restaurant! Could she have picked a worse place for me to try to eat healthy?! Yes, its her birthday, therefore, her choice, but I am not feeling too good about this "friend" these days. This "friend" burned me badly last week, and I can't even talk to her about it yet because she "is overwhelmed with finals."

As you can tell, I still feel miserable. Thank you all for letting me vent. I think I will just have a mostly protein day and skip the birthday party. It will do her no good to have someone who is unresolved about her friendship faking at celebrating her birthday.

I think I am going to go back under the covers and watch Star Trek Voyager on Amazon Prime (oh yeah, I am that kind of geek!).

****gonna cross-post so I don't have to type this again****

[Twirl]

Marion, Hope this week goes better for you.

[marion93]

Originally Posted by Twirl

Marion, Hope this week goes better for you.

Thank you. Your consolation means alot to me.

I was in a really bad place last week. Really needed hugs and support. Unfortunately, I can't seem to make connections on this board (SoCal girls excluded, of course! ), since not one person on the other threads, responded. Also, unfortunately, this is not the first time that I have experienced this. This is pathetic and embarrassing to admit but, I spent the entire weekend checking this forum, looking to see if anyone cared. They didn't. (and yes, the melodrama is heightened because of TOM's arrival!)

I joined this forum in the hopes of making personal connections with others who were doing hcg. I seem to have failed in that endeavor. Instead of connection, my experience is more of being "frozen out" by the cool girls of the clique. I know I am in the minority here, but I don't experience this forum as being, "wonderful and supportive."

Checking this forum all weekend to see if anyone cared, and seeing that no one did...well, that told me something....that I needed to quit spending so much time here! This forum has become a time-suck for me, and I am not getting a return on my (time) investment. I need to get back to real life.

Sad for me because I think I am going to start Round 2 next Monday. I can't wait for January, I am chomping at the bit to start losing again. Also, I am taking an accelerated class during the month of January, and would like to have the first two weeks under my belt before doing that. There is another board that I have been mostly lurking on, I might start posting there and see how it goes.

So, this will be the only thread I will remain subscribed to, as the only authentic connections I have made are all here, with the SoCal girls. I would still love to come to a January meetup if you ladies will have me.

happy weight loss everyone!

[Twirl]

Sounds like you're busy. And I'm wondering if you can make some time for me this week and go for a cup o?

[verbqueen]

Marion, consider yourself hugged, my friend. I'm so sorry I missed your time of need--I've been absolutely drowning in music rehearsals and concerts, and will be for one more week, and I haven't been reading the board. I feel terrible--I want to give the kind of great support I've received here!

Things will get better--things always do.

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by marion93

Thank you. Your consolation means alot to me.

I was in a really bad place last week. Really needed hugs and support. Unfortunately, I can't seem to make connections on this board (SoCal girls excluded, of course! ), since not one person on the other threads, responded. Also, unfortunately, this is not the first time that I have experienced this. This is pathetic and embarrassing to admit but, I spent the entire weekend checking this forum, looking to see if anyone cared. They didn't. (and yes, the melodrama is heightened because of TOM's arrival!)

I joined this forum in the hopes of making personal connections with others who were doing hcg. I seem to have failed in that endeavor. Instead of connection, my experience is more of being "frozen out" by the cool girls of the clique. I know I am in the minority here, but I don't experience this forum as being, "wonderful and supportive."

Checking this forum all weekend to see if anyone cared, and seeing that no one did...well, that told me something....that I needed to quit spending so much time here! This forum has become a time-suck for me, and I am not getting a return on my (time) investment. I need to get back to real life.

Sad for me because I think I am going to start Round 2 next Monday. I can't wait for January, I am chomping at the bit to start losing again. Also, I am taking an accelerated class during the month of January, and would like to have the first two weeks under my belt before doing that. There is another board that I have been mostly lurking on, I might start posting there and see how it goes.

So, this will be the only thread I will remain subscribed to, as the only authentic connections I have made are all here, with the SoCal girls. I would still love to come to a January meetup if you ladies will have me.

happy weight loss everyone!

Oh sweetie! So sorry that I wasn't around here for you! My only excuse was that I was out of town with no internet access. I hope that you are feeling better, TOM is getting kicked to the curb, and you are gearing up for what I'm sure is bound to be a great round!

[marion93]

Originally Posted by verbqueen

Marion, consider yourself hugged, my friend. I'm so sorry I missed your time of need--I've been absolutely drowning in music rehearsals and concerts, and will be for one more week, and I haven't been reading the board. I feel terrible--I want to give the kind of great support I've received here!

Things will get better--things always do.

Thank you for your hugs! And, I am so sorry, I didn't mean to imply that I felt left out by the ladies on this thread...quite the opposite! Here, I have made authentic connection, which I failed to do on the other threads. I know that people have busy lives... I noticed you weren't around much. I knew that if you had read my post you would be right there with your hugs...and you were!

You, and the rest of the SoCal girls are the best!

Btw, I went to a concert that my neighbor/former housemate was in, this Sunday, in Santa Monica. It was a chorale group called...(looking at program)...Cantori Domino. I was thinking about you and your music work, how is it going?

Originally Posted by shelbyla

Oh sweetie! So sorry that I wasn't around here for you! My only excuse was that I was out of town with no internet access. I hope that you are feeling better, TOM is getting kicked to the curb, and you are gearing up for what I'm sure is bound to be a great round!

Thank you too, Shelby! Again, I did not feel slighted by you, I could see you weren't around the forum much. How was your weekend?

And yes, thankfully, the TOM hormones are starting to subside...whew! The last couple of years of the TOM rollercoaster have been brutal! I wonder if menopause is around the corner?

And just to clarify, I was referring to the other threads. There have been numerous instances where I have heard the sound of crickets in response to my posts. But what I felt more hurt from is that a few of the veterens would NEVER respond to direct postings of mine ...some where I would quote their passage, even. It happened quite a few times, and this last post was just the last straw for me.

Now that I have emerged from the TOM-hormone haze, I feel more than a little embarrassed...but I still stand by my decision to take a break. If those ladies don't like me, well....that is their right! They do not owe me their support. I need to get really clear on that for myself.

However, I obviously have some left over issue from my childhood, of being left out of the "cool group." So, I don't need to inflict that experience on myself any longer. And I don't need to be making them bad and wrong for it. What I need to do is recognize the issue, meditate on it, and transform it for myself. When I am not so sensitive about it and have some clarity, then maybe can I pop back in and let people be exactly how they are, liking me or not.

Whoa! heavy stuff for a forum post! Well, that's just how I roll! LOL!

Thank you all for listening! You are all the creme de la creme...the ultimate best!

[Twirl]

Marion, we are the cool group.

[verbqueen]

Originally Posted by Twirl

Marion, we are the cool group.

She speaks truth! You've already got a seat at the cool table.