Rogues and Alternatives, Week of 12/26

[minimonkey]

Tay -- who IS that baby we are all gooing and gawing about???

I know, about my body! I am thinking it had to be some kind of hormonal weirdness -- but it seems to be going the right direction again, so I am feeling somewhat encouraged by that. We'll see what the rest of the week holds in that regard.

My January goals (aside from the obvious of losing this last few lbs... grrrr):

Finish as many of my alterations as possible
Get a good, solid thesis draft written and submitted
Continue working out and getting fitter
Resume taking vitamins regularly
Resume practicing very good skin care

That should do it!

[paulabob]

Originally Posted by CherylB

I thought hhcg helped some people to sleep. It doesn't work that way for you? That's a drag.

It wasnt' the hcg itself but the stress of the diet and general stress overall. Probably adrenal fatigue as I have the symptoms of that (no problem going to sleep but waking many hours too early and unable to return to sleep). I feel like I'm improving and want to stick with what's working for now, as I'm sure you know good sleep is worth its weight in gold. $$$$

I did score crazy good shopping. Got 7 bras and 3 panties for $50. My new size appears to be some 34D and 32 DD (was 36 DD/&F last year). I got a few that are really too small to wear now...but I know, based on past results, I'll continue to lose from there.

Plus a new pair of "goal" jeans. Size 4 petites in Vera Wang...these pull up over my hips but are a good 4 inches from buttoning - hoping that's a 15 pound difference. Picked up some size 6 shorts that fit now...haven't worn shorts in many years, but I can definitely rock them now! Just have to remember to shave my legs. Also got a couple of new tops to wear.

Hope everyone is ready for a great year. 2012 has got to be better than 2011.

[paulabob]

New Year's resolution... pray every day. I think better things should follow from that one.

[tay65]

The roast is cooking and smells soooo good! I put green beans on too bc my dd don't like corn.
We're all sitting in the living room, which is rare! I'm just taking this all in. Tomorrow my son wants my stuffed shells made with chicken, stuffing, cream of chicken & mushroom soups. It's so good. Thankfully, I don't have to make alot bc only he and my dd will eat it. Hubby hates it & I won't eat any. Its gonna be hard ro resist it!
Cheryl, they have plastic pitch forks???? Never heard of it! My grandpap had a cow farm and us kids use to help feed them when they were in the barn getting milked. Those are times I will never forget. And we would all haul hay too. That was a chore!
You all have a good day!

[minimonkey]

Paula -- awesome scores!!!! 32DD is a tad hard to find... I was that size until recently....

Whooo hoo on the 6s and the goal 4s -- I am sure 15 lbs will have you in those, and more... the last pounds really make a huge difference in size. I am not a big fan of designers in general, but Vera Wang does some great stuff

I hope the new bras I ordered fit when they get here -- I wasn't sure whether to do 28 DD or 28 E/F ... I went with the DD for two, and the E/F in one style -- hope I am not falling out of the smaller ones! If so, I will send them back for an exchange. One of my two bras that vaguely fit now is a 30 DD, and is a tad loose all over. The other one (same size, different brand) fits in the cups just fine, but is loose in the band... so I just guessed based on the style of the new ones.

[minimonkey]

Tay -- I admire your ability to cook for others and not eat the results.... that would make me cranky after a while, I think.

Sounds delicious though!

[goddesslynne]

Same today as I've been for most of the week, so I guess that's not too bad considering what I ate last night!! Mostly protein, but a lot of it, and a good bit of fat as well!!

I've re-calculated my weekly goals, and I need to drop about 3.5 a week in January to get back on track for my goal! Seems a little daunting, but I will give it a good try!! Off to dose now, I've really lost my mind when it comes to remembering to take drops. I'm opening a brand new bottle today for the new year and new push to goal.

Wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful NYD!!

[tay65]

That cute, adorable baby girl is my granddaughter! I've mentioned her alot on here. My dd lives with us so she's here all the time and we love it! She'll be 7 months on the 8th. She just got 2 teeth in yesterday. She is a joy to have around.

[catjrow3]

Howdy ladies, Happy 2012!!

Lets hope we all achieve our goals, whatever they are!!

Cheryl, which plan did you decide to be "good" with?? I am thinking I am kind of doing Atkins... I am trying very hard (note the trying part) to stop all sugar and flour products... so my only carbs should be low carb berries/fruits and veges... and if I can see a result with this, I will continue, if not, then I will (very unwillingly) jump back to HCG...

My goals for January (not sure if we were all supposed to answer or just minimo) but... just in case...
1. Lose at least 2 lbs a week (this is probably the most realistic I can be with me) although more would be spectacular!!
2. Exercise again at least 6 days a week, walking, running, turbokick or whatever. I went to turbokick yesterday with my DD20 after not going for 3 weeks and feel like I am going to die with soreness today. i started also the Jillian MIchaels 30 day shred today with another group, and thought I was really going to die... sore from yesterday, doing JM30 which I have not done in over 2 years... forgot how bad it can hurt!!
3. Stop making excuses for myself for why its okay to eat that or eat this... It has landed me 15 lbs just in December... ridiculous!! To believe i was at 143 in May makes me want to cry!! I can get back there, and hopefully without HCG, as I want to exercise. It makes me feel better.

Okay, well... hope everyone is feeling good today!! and that 2012 is better than 2011!!!!

[minimonkey]

Cathy! Hi! Glad to have you back!

The goals question was for everyone, I assume -- and yours sound really good.

I am attempting to finish p2 and work out at the same time -- not hard workouts, but targeted ones.

Sorry to hear you had a bad run with eating, but I am sure you can get back on target and get back to that May low -- one day at a time

[bkm]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

My January goals (aside from the obvious of losing this last few lbs... grrrr):
Get a good, solid thesis draft written and submitted

Minimo - what is your thesis title/subject/field? and for what degree? (just being nosy ...)

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Tay -- who IS that baby we are all gooing and gawing about???

I know, about my body! I am thinking it had to be some kind of hormonal weirdness -- but it seems to be going the right direction again, so I am feeling somewhat encouraged by that. We'll see what the rest of the week holds in that regard.

My January goals (aside from the obvious of losing this last few lbs... grrrr):

Finish as many of my alterations as possible
Get a good, solid thesis draft written and submitted
Continue working out and getting fitter
Resume taking vitamins regularly
Resume practicing very good skin care

That should do it!

Mini, that little darlin' is her g-daughter Chloe. Good goals for January! I think I'm going to get in the habit of making goals for each month as it comes around.

Originally Posted by paulabob

It wasnt' the hcg itself but the stress of the diet and general stress overall. Probably adrenal fatigue as I have the symptoms of that (no problem going to sleep but waking many hours too early and unable to return to sleep). I feel like I'm improving and want to stick with what's working for now, as I'm sure you know good sleep is worth its weight in gold. $$$$

I did score crazy good shopping. Got 7 bras and 3 panties for $50. My new size appears to be some 34D and 32 DD (was 36 DD/&F last year). I got a few that are really too small to wear now...but I know, based on past results, I'll continue to lose from there.

Plus a new pair of "goal" jeans. Size 4 petites in Vera Wang...these pull up over my hips but are a good 4 inches from buttoning - hoping that's a 15 pound difference. Picked up some size 6 shorts that fit now...haven't worn shorts in many years, but I can definitely rock them now! Just have to remember to shave my legs. Also got a couple of new tops to wear.

Hope everyone is ready for a great year. 2012 has got to be better than 2011.

I had my adrenal spit test done and I think I did it wrong. I am in a virtual coma in the mornings and I asked them if I should force myself to do the tubes at what would be "normal" waking hours or if I should just do them during the hours I am naturally awake. I listened to them and I think that's why the test showed no problem. If I had done the first tube at 0800, I'll bet it would have shown that my cortisol was tanked. I may have to do it one more time and do it the way that makes sense to me.

WTG on all the new undies! It will be so exciting to see as you try on those pants over time and they fit better and better. I've got my next pair of goal jeans and I'm going to use those for motivation. I'll try them on each week and see how things are progressing.

Originally Posted by paulabob

New Year's resolution... pray every day. I think better things should follow from that one.

Oh, yeah. There's that, too. Clearly that should be on my list, too. I'm bad about praying with regularity. I kind of feel like my prayers are so powerful that all I need to do is pray about something once and we're "good to go." I guess that's a show of faith or a trace of laziness. I prefer to go with faith.

Originally Posted by tay65

The roast is cooking and smells soooo good! I put green beans on too bc my dd don't like corn.
We're all sitting in the living room, which is rare! I'm just taking this all in. Tomorrow my son wants my stuffed shells made with chicken, stuffing, cream of chicken & mushroom soups. It's so good. Thankfully, I don't have to make alot bc only he and my dd will eat it. Hubby hates it & I won't eat any. Its gonna be hard ro resist it!
Cheryl, they have plastic pitch forks???? Never heard of it! My grandpap had a cow farm and us kids use to help feed them when they were in the barn getting milked. Those are times I will never forget. And we would all haul hay too. That was a chore!
You all have a good day!

Yummy! I hope you can manage to get through all these tempting meals with your resolve intact. I love stuffed shells.

Here's a picture I found online that is close to what the plastic pitchforks look like. The ones they have are slightly bowed, so they are sort of a combination pitchfork, shovel, scoop, etc. They are perfect for getting caught on rough ground with just a trace of frozen grass!



I just love the smells of a farm. It sounds crazy but it's so earthy. And with all my allergies, I'm not the slightest bit allergic to the dust and hay and everything there. I seem to recall that rolling around in the hay is something I can't tolerate, but I don't think that will ever be an issue at my age.

[dazygyrl]

howdy rogue buddies! can I join you all? I allowed myself to enjoy all the holiday eats and now have a few extra pounds to get rid of from that. dh is joining me again.

vlc starts tomorrow. I loaded with plenty of carbs, but it is what it is I guess.

will do rogue as usual. mostly ZC as too many veggies bug my gut.

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by goddesslynne

Same today as I've been for most of the week, so I guess that's not too bad considering what I ate last night!! Mostly protein, but a lot of it, and a good bit of fat as well!!

I've re-calculated my weekly goals, and I need to drop about 3.5 a week in January to get back on track for my goal! Seems a little daunting, but I will give it a good try!! Off to dose now, I've really lost my mind when it comes to remembering to take drops. I'm opening a brand new bottle today for the new year and new push to goal.

Wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful NYD!!

I hope you reach your weekly goals, Lynne! I'm sure you can do it. I have to set a reminder on my blackberry calendar to go off at 3pm and 9pm to take my pellets (when I'm taking them.) I have reminders going off all day for one thing or another but it's the only way I remember to take things on time, or to show up at places I'm supposed to show up at. My brain is fried.

Originally Posted by tay65

That cute, adorable baby girl is my granddaughter! I've mentioned her alot on here. My dd lives with us so she's here all the time and we love it! She'll be 7 months on the 8th. She just got 2 teeth in yesterday. She is a joy to have around.

Two teeth in one day? Hope she's not in too much discomfort. Teething babies can be so unhappy. Do you think that was the reason for her being so unsettled those nights recently? Babies are so darn adorable. I miss having one around. My youngest great nephews and nieces are out of state. Maybe someday one of the ones who live nearby will pop out one or two.

Originally Posted by catjrow3

Howdy ladies, Happy 2012!!

Lets hope we all achieve our goals, whatever they are!!

Cheryl, which plan did you decide to be "good" with?? I am thinking I am kind of doing Atkins... I am trying very hard (note the trying part) to stop all sugar and flour products... so my only carbs should be low carb berries/fruits and veges... and if I can see a result with this, I will continue, if not, then I will (very unwillingly) jump back to HCG...

My goals for January (not sure if we were all supposed to answer or just minimo) but... just in case...
1. Lose at least 2 lbs a week (this is probably the most realistic I can be with me) although more would be spectacular!!
2. Exercise again at least 6 days a week, walking, running, turbokick or whatever. I went to turbokick yesterday with my DD20 after not going for 3 weeks and feel like I am going to die with soreness today. i started also the Jillian MIchaels 30 day shred today with another group, and thought I was really going to die... sore from yesterday, doing JM30 which I have not done in over 2 years... forgot how bad it can hurt!!
3. Stop making excuses for myself for why its okay to eat that or eat this... It has landed me 15 lbs just in December... ridiculous!! To believe i was at 143 in May makes me want to cry!! I can get back there, and hopefully without HCG, as I want to exercise. It makes me feel better.

Okay, well... hope everyone is feeling good today!! and that 2012 is better than 2011!!!!

I wanted to hear EVERYBODY'S goals for January! Those sound like good ones, Cathy. I hear the violins playing in the background for both of us, but let's put the kibosh on those right now! We enjoyed those things we ate and at the time we thought it was worth it. So let's just do what we need to do to get back to our happiest and healthiest state ever and let's remember how much work it takes to re lose what we regain. It's all going to be okay.

I bought that JM 30 day shred DVD but have yet to try it. I also bought her "shred it with weights." She uses kettlebells in that video. I bought kettlebells, fulling-intending to start using them. I came close to dying the first time I actually tried. My cardiovascular system is just so pitiful that I think I can just begin a strenuous program and get back in the game. I have to face the fact that I'm an old, terribly out of shape woman. I won't be going "couch to 5 K", but I am going from couch to barn yard. After that, I'll go from barn yard to something more aerobic.

To answer your question about which plan I'm doing to be good, I'm not really going to do anything that defined for right now. I'm LC'ing, Low Cal'ing and restarting the pellets. I'll see where that takes me. Right now I just have to do what I can do and what I can stick to. I know it will be more than I can handle to do a full-on hcg round. I have to work up to that. Then again, if I can lose well and be happy doing a low cal/low carb plan, I can just do that and not have to do "rounds." Ya know? We shall see. I suck at commitment.

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Cathy! Hi! Glad to have you back!

The goals question was for everyone, I assume -- and yours sound really good.

I am attempting to finish p2 and work out at the same time -- not hard workouts, but targeted ones.

Sorry to hear you had a bad run with eating, but I am sure you can get back on target and get back to that May low -- one day at a time

That's the hard part, I think. Knowing you are above where you were and thinking where you could be if you had stayed focused. Or even knowing how you'd be feeling even if you'd just maintained! But to be so far back, you can really let it get you down. But there's no time for pity parties! I had a good old time all those days when I ate and drank anything I wanted. It's time to pay the piper. You too, Cathy! It's just time to get moving in the right direction again.

For me, that's the direction of happiness.

[CherylB]

back, Dazy! Of course you are welcome to join us. That's cool that your DH will be doing it, too. Is this his first round? Welcome home, honey!

[dazygyrl]

no, it's his third. he just keeps reposing the same few pounds. he too just wants to get off holiday enjoyments.

[CherylB]

Well, best of luck to you both on this round. I hope you hang around with us often! If not, I know kind of "where you live", on the other threads.

[minimonkey]

Dazy!!! Welcome back!!!

Workout number two, completed! Bar Method again -- definitely feeling it today.

Can I just say for the record that working out on p2 sucks? It does. More motivation to get to my darn goal, so I don't have to do it too many more times.

Felt great to work out, though! Working hard on keeping very, very good form.

[dazygyrl]

thanks, Cheryl.

here I was thinking I would have few to none social interruptions for this round and the first two days have social "things". Monday, vlcd1, mom, sister and niece are coming over for supper. Tuesday, lunch with a friend. now it was me who initiated lunch but we try and have lunch once a week so didn't want to avoid her for a month, ya know? will do my best, proly just one meal each day.

[dazygyrl]

hey, Mini!

[paulabob]

Dazy, so nice to see you again and love your latest pic of Noah!

I don't have a weight goal for Jan...but I imagine if I don't lose at least a couple pounds in Jan I will move onto a short round in Feb. We'll see how my motivation flows (and hey, suppose I should be praying about this and my "intentions").

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Dazy!!! Welcome back!!!

Workout number two, completed! Bar Method again -- definitely feeling it today.

Can I just say for the record that working out on p2 sucks? It does. More motivation to get to my darn goal, so I don't have to do it too many more times.

Felt great to work out, though! Working hard on keeping very, very good form.

I know I could google this, but what exactly is the bar method? If you want me to google I will. Good form is everything. At least if memory serves.

Originally Posted by dazygyrl

thanks, Cheryl.

here I was thinking I would have few to none social interruptions for this round and the first two days have social "things". Monday, vlcd1, mom, sister and niece are coming over for supper. Tuesday, lunch with a friend. now it was me who initiated lunch but we try and have lunch once a week so didn't want to avoid her for a month, ya know? will do my best, proly just one meal each day.

Oh, no! Well, if you have a weekly luncheon to deal with anyway, you'll just have to be strong sooner. What will you be making for the supper when your family is coming over? At least you have a little control there. I don't envy your challenging week. I'm going to lay as low as I can and be as prepared as I can be whenever I leave the house.

[minimonkey]

The Bar Method is an isometric, dance based method that is similar to Callanetics in a lot of ways, except it uses weights/pushups for the upper body. Most of it is tiny, targeted moves using bodyweight for resistance -- it is pretty killer. The later workouts have incorporated more use of weights and resistance with a playground ball.

Burr Leonard of the Bar Method and Callan Pinckney both studied with Lotte Berk, who was a dancer.

It is excellent for developing long, lean muscles that are sculpted and very strong -- also is great for increasing flexibility and range of motion, and is wonderful for improving one's posture.

I love the Bar Method.

[DisneyPrincess]

Good evening and happy new years. Loading is about complete and Im ready to start tomorrow. It will be easy enough since will be traveling back home and in the car most of the day/night. I'm looking very fluffy though my jeans still fit which is good. I must be holding a lot of water. I'm so ready to get this weight off and call goal! I refuse to spend 2012 dieting!!

[dazygyrl]

I will just be serving some leftover smoked pork roast, smoked chicken, smoked brisket....yeah, dh is pretty handy with the smoker. and lettuce. so I will just be über mindful. and I can hopefully get a salad at lunch on tues.

[minimonkey]

Dazy -- sorry to hear about the social interruptions to your dieting plans... seems like there is never a completely free time to be on a diet -- but I have faith that you will find a way to navigate it, and reach your goals

[minimonkey]

Disney -- I am right there with you about being ready to be done with dieting!!! Let's get these last blasted few pounds off and get on with maintenance, shall we????

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

The Bar Method is an isometric, dance based method that is similar to Callanetics in a lot of ways, except it uses weights/pushups for the upper body. Most of it is tiny, targeted moves using bodyweight for resistance -- it is pretty killer. The later workouts have incorporated more use of weights and resistance with a playground ball.

Burr Leonard of the Bar Method and Callan Pinckney both studied with Lotte Berk, who was a dancer.

It is excellent for developing long, lean muscles that are sculpted and very strong -- also is great for increasing flexibility and range of motion, and is wonderful for improving one's posture.

I love the Bar Method.

While you were typing this up, I was watching a youtube video on the bar method. Looks great! I still have those Lotte Berk tapes you sent me last year. I can always blow the dust off of them and give them a try.

Originally Posted by DisneyPrincess

Good evening and happy new years. Loading is about complete and Im ready to start tomorrow. It will be easy enough since will be traveling back home and in the car most of the day/night. I'm looking very fluffy though my jeans still fit which is good. I must be holding a lot of water. I'm so ready to get this weight off and call goal! I refuse to spend 2012 dieting!!

with fluffy, with pants still fitting! Have a safe and happy drive back to NC. Angels watching over you.

Originally Posted by dazygyrl

I will just be serving some leftover smoked pork roast, smoked chicken, smoked brisket....yeah, dh is pretty handy with the smoker. and lettuce. so I will just be über mindful. and I can hopefully get a salad at lunch on tues.

"and lettuce." The funniest part about that is tonight I did my first ever "veggie run" to the store before they closed. Now, I've done that for pizza, for wine, for lots of other things. But never for lettuce. I went to make a salad tonight and found that the bag was full of slime . So I just couldn't just not have salad. I was having a craving! So dog and I drove in the rain to the store and just got there 15 minutes before they closed. (Holiday hours. Who the heck needs to go home early on New Year's Day Eve???) So I had my salad and now I am happy. The End.

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Dazy -- sorry to hear about the social interruptions to your dieting plans... seems like there is never a completely free time to be on a diet -- but I have faith that you will find a way to navigate it, and reach your goals

Good word! Very apropos.

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Disney -- I am right there with you about being ready to be done with dieting!!! Let's get these last blasted few pounds off and get on with maintenance, shall we????

Me Three!!! Let's be done with weight loss and learn to live in maintenance land! Let's set a 5 lb limit of maximum allowable gains in the future, after special occasions, vacations, weddings, etc. Then we'll just immediately do our fasting or cleansing or fat fasts or whatever and get it right off of us pronto.

[minimonkey]

Heeeeeeere's the new thread!!!

Hcg Rogues and Alternatives 1/2/12

[Violet_Dream]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Can I just say for the record that working out on p2 sucks? It does. More motivation to get to my darn goal, so I don't have to do it too many more times.

mini, have you always exercised during P2? The last time I exercised was last May (my first loading day for Round 1 of P2 was 6/8/11 and my first VLCD was 6/10/11.) I don't want to expend any energy from the little bit of food I'm consuming.

Today, I wanted a cup of coffee with cream in it so I had some and used two packets of Splenda. I still lose when I do this - which is rare, but want to stick to protocol. I tried on a pair of skorts I've had for years that are a 6 and they slid right on, but don't button and zip yet. I must've been a 6 before I gained all this weight. I'm not ending this round until I hit 140 (which is around the corner) and when I do the two VCLDs minus the hcg - I'll drop into the 130's, but it will come back up a little when I transition to Atkins for lifetime maintenance. I love being tall!

Dazy! Great to see ya!