Newbie Here, on the HCG Train!

[Cali88]

Hello all!

I have been lurking for a while, so I finally found the courage to start! I have started a few times (and failed), so I figured I needed to create an account and start posting. I think I need the accountability and support that this forum is so full of!

I don't have a ton of weight to lose, about 20 pounds. But I have been trying forever, with NO results. So, here I am! I am ready and committed!

I am hoping you ladies can help me with some easy pre-cooking. Do you just cook and freeze, and it tastes fine after? I know that pre-cooking is going to be important for my success. I have made the P2 Chili before, so does that freeze well also? I have a young daughter, so she keeps me on my toes!! Therefore, I would like to make a big batch of food once or twice a week so I'm not tempted to grab bad for me snacks.

I am 5'4 and 153. I would like to be around 130lbs, since that is where I feel my best. I'm not sure how this weight creeped up on me, but I want it gone!!! I have traditionally been able to eat anything I want and not worry about it, so this is going to be a challenge for me. Any inspiring words or tips would be much appreciated!

Thanks for reading and sorry for the long post. I am sending good vibes to all of us; WE CAN DO THIS!!

[Hooligan]

Good Luck Cali! I'm starting soon too...I think my first loading day will be the 30th. I have about 70 pounds to lose so I have quite a bit more than you do but it will be interesting to see the results. Keep posting here and I will follow your progress. I just can't imagine not wanting to gnaw my own arm off on only 500 calories a day but we will see.

[katiesmemaw]

Hey Cali88.....Welcome!!!
I cooked and froze several packages and found it very helpful for quick and "legal" prepared meals. I cooked up lots of ground beef and packaged it in 100 gram zip lock packages. Then I put all of the small bags in one large zip lock to keep it together in the freezer. I also made a large bag of chicken breasts (or tenders..depending on your choice) weighed out before I cooked them. The following recipe was a life saver. If you package it in individual zip locks spoon some of the juice in with it. When you thaw them in the Microwave it will be moist and very good. Here's the recipe:

Crock Pot Chicken

Ingredients:
Several 100 gram chicken breast pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
5 cloves fresh chopped garlic (or to your taste)
1 tsp. Paprika
1/2 tsp. cayenne
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. whole peppercorns
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Place pieces of chicken in crock pot and cover with enough water so it doesn't burn. Add spices and onion. Cook on medium for 3 or more hours. Save the juices for sauces and dressings. Variations: add 1 can tomato paste for fresh chopped tomatoes. Try an organic poultry mix spice mixture for a rich sage flavor.
Each 100 gram is one P2 serving.

Hope this helps
Betty


Hooligan, you may be hungry for the first few days (I say MAY). This will pass!!! It is amazing that you won't be hungry on 500 calories. Do eat as close to 500 as you can!!

[Cali88]

Betty, that sounds awesome! Thank you so much for the warm welcome and delicious recipe!

Hooligan, today was only my first day but I didn't much much issue with hunger. Around mealtimes I was definitely hungry, but other than that, not too bad. Head hunger... Now that's another issue!!!!!

[beachagain]

I definitely pre-packaged my 100 gr of meat and froze them. The chilli will probably freeze well, but I never tried it.
I used the forman grill....a lot!! threw it on and could walk away briefly.
I also made a lot of "stir-fry's" that might freeze well. (Just meat, your vegie, and spices (spicey type of spices and ginger), lemon, vinegar, etc)
Cooked apples would freeze well....and I ate a ton of those because it felt like a treat.
My last round, I did a lot of one pot/pan dishes where I'd put chicken and the vegie in the oven and roast them (I was practicing for Thanksgiving )

...and Betty is right...you don't feel that hungry

Good luck ladies...this stuff is magic!!

[Lots2 Lose]

Hello and welcome! I am new to this forum too. I'm on my second round of hcg. You will be amazed at the lack of hunger! I tend to make a lot of stirfrys also. I use extra virgin coconut oil daily which makes me feel like I am cheating, but not. I preplan a week in advance. Precut my veggies and proteins. I pack everything in a lunchbox for the day and know that is all i can have. Make sure to get in all your water, and it has helped me to keep track of everything on a calorie counter. That way, if I do stall, I can look back and see if I did something different for the day.

Good luck on your journey on the loser train!!!

[VGrace]

Hi Cali! You and I have very similar stats! Today is my first day on phase 2. So far so good. Good luck to you!

Betty- thank you for that recipe, it looks yummy

[katiesmemaw]

Good luck to all of you!!! Will be watching your dramatic successes!! You are welcome for the recipe. It stays moist and easy to heat up.
My ground beef I packaged up in 100 gr. packages individually. When I got ready for P2 Chili....I simply made the tomato and spices base and added one package of gr. Beef for my serving of Chili!! Easy as 1,2,3!!!
Betty

[Cali88]

Hi Grace!

Today was my 2nd VLCD. It did NOT go so well, so tomorrow starts anew! I hope you are doing better than me. I will keep an eye on your success!

Thank you for all the warm welcomes and replies!!!!

[VGrace]

Oh Cali, I read your other post and am sad to say I screwed up too. I started well then it went down the toilet. I am writing this down as my last loading day. I hope we both do better tomorrow!!

[Arctic_Mama]

You can do it, ladies! Stick to your guns

[Cali88]

Hey there Grace!

I am so sorry to hear about your not quite ideal day. What a bummer, huh? Out of curiosity, what was your mess up? Mine were the little cookies with mini reeses cups in the middle Then I followed that up with a few pieces of sweet bread with butter!!

I was also wondering if my choice of cottage cheese for lunch had anything to do with it. Maybe not filling enough? I'm not sure. Live and learn, I guess.

Today I am thinking that I will have chicken with extra spinach for lunch and the P2 chili for dinner. I'm not eating the melba because I have crazy carb cravings as it is, so I'm just going to get some extra veggies. Maybe have some strawberries for dessert? What's your plan? Anything yummy?

My husband is not on this plan for me, so that makes it a little more difficult for me. I do most of the cooking, so I will need to be extra strong!

I am sending you good vibes!! Hopefully my attitude about food changes... I hope today goes well for both of us!

[VGrace]

Hi Cali, my mess up was chicken strips...I don't even care for chicken strips...

My meal plans are very basic, I had baked chicken w/ garlic and sliced cucumbers and 1/2 a grapefruit yesterday. Simple meals like that. I prefer my meals easy and simple. My husband isn't on this plan either so it's easier for me to keep my meals simple. I have to stay strong too!

I'm not eating the Melba either, I was afraid it would give me cravings too. I just need to get past these next two days and I know it will get better.

Maybe try getting rid of the cottage cheese and see how you do? It's definitely trying to figure out what doesn't cause your body to have cravings...

Send good vibes to you too! We can do this!

One thing I find that helps is constantly browsing this site and I go to pinterest and browse the fashion and fitness ...lol...