First Timer Starting Today......Anyone Else?

[Desma]

I'm starting HCG for the first time ever today and.......I'm miserable. The loading is not enjoyable at all

The drops are ok, but I hope this works out for me because I don't think I'm getting enough fat and calories. This isn't fun at all.

So questions....

How much of a vegetable can I have when I start P2? 8oz? I don't want to be under calories or over either for my first P2 day. So basically, how do you all measure your vegetables? I know the meat is 3.5 oz un-cooked and I got the fruit but the vegetables is throwing me off.

Oh and one other thing........do I have to eat Melba Toast or can I skip it all together?

[Arctic_Mama]

I think you would benefit greatly by actually reading the protocol, hon. These questions are answered in it, and that will help give you a knowledge base to begin solidly on, and you'll have to rely less on (kind) strangers on the Internet

If you would like a clean PDF copy of the original protocol, "Pounds and Inches", I am happy to email one to you. Just PM me your address and I'll send one your way.

As for the veggies, you weigh your meat raw (100 grams raw weight), count the calories of your meat and fruit, add in the calories of your grissini, and then you may eat one type of vegetable per meal until you hit 500 calories. So it isn't a set veggie amount - you can have a lot more celery than onion for the calories, for example, and grapefruit has less calories than apples, so a higher calorie veggie might fit with one meal and not the other.

Calorie counting is a must on this protocol. So count your meat, fruit, grissini, and adjust your veggie intake from there.

[Arctic_Mama]

And just to clarify - you're not eating P2-style today, right? You are loading on fat and protein, primarily, until you're stuffed to the brim? Loading is two days, then you begin your P2 menus

[shelbyla]

Hi Desma.

Taryl has given you some great advice. I'll add my 2 cents (or 47...whatever ). I never ate the melbas my first two rounds because I have issues with wheat and crunchy little things tend to be binge triggers for me. I just left them out and did fine. My third round I added them in but I didn't seem to lose any slower or faster (comparatively) with or without. I'd say the choice is yours. I have heard that eating the starch during the round helps reduce sensitivity to starch after P3. I didn't find that to be the case for me but everyone is different. Something to consider anyway if you intend to re-introduce starches in P4.

On the veggies, Taryl is exactly right to "fill in" your calories with veggies and be careful on portions of the more caloric veggies (tomatoes, cabbage, onion). For simplicity's sake FOR ME, I usually did 200g/7oz protein (2 portions of 100g each), 300g/10.5oz veggies (usually 1 100g portion for lunch and 1 200g portion for dinner), and 400g/14oz fruit (usually 2 200g portions). I found that for most of the things I ate, that came out to be somewhere between 450 and 500 calories.

[Desma]

Originally Posted by Arctic_Mama

I think you would benefit greatly by actually reading the protocol, hon. These questions are answered in it, and that will help give you a knowledge base to begin solidly on, and you'll have to rely less on (kind) strangers on the Internet

If you would like a clean PDF copy of the original protocol, "Pounds and Inches", I am happy to email one to you. Just PM me your address and I'll send one your way.

As for the veggies, you weigh your meat raw (100 grams raw weight), count the calories of your meat and fruit, add in the calories of your grissini, and then you may eat one type of vegetable per meal until you hit 500 calories. So it isn't a set veggie amount - you can have a lot more celery than onion for the calories, for example, and grapefruit has less calories than apples, so a higher calorie veggie might fit with one meal and not the other.

Calorie counting is a must on this protocol. So count your meat, fruit, grissini, and adjust your veggie intake from there.

I read everything, but it doesn't tell you how much as far as vegetable serving size. But I got it now. I just starting loading today and will start P2 on Friday. I just wanted to be clear before the day comes so I'm completely prepared and hoping some other newbies would latch onto this tread.

Thanks for your help!

[Desma]

Originally Posted by shelbyla

Hi Desma.

Taryl has given you some great advice. I'll add my 2 cents (or 47...whatever ). I never ate the melbas my first two rounds because I have issues with wheat and crunchy little things tend to be binge triggers for me. I just left them out and did fine. My third round I added them in but I didn't seem to lose any slower or faster (comparatively) with or without. I'd say the choice is yours. I have heard that eating the starch during the round helps reduce sensitivity to starch after P3. I didn't find that to be the case for me but everyone is different. Something to consider anyway if you intend to re-introduce starches in P4.

On the veggies, Taryl is exactly right to "fill in" your calories with veggies and be careful on portions of the more caloric veggies (tomatoes, cabbage, onion). For simplicity's sake FOR ME, I usually did 200g/7oz protein (2 portions of 100g each), 300g/10.5oz veggies (usually 1 100g portion for lunch and 1 200g portion for dinner), and 400g/14oz fruit (usually 2 200g portions). I found that for most of the things I ate, that came out to be somewhere between 450 and 500 calories.

That helps sooooo much! I'm glad I can weigh out my veggies too. That way I don't have to count the calories. I read everything, I just want to make sure I start out right! Thanks Shelbyla Superstar!

[minimonkey]

Sorry you are having such an unpleasant time loading, Desma! Sometimes the hunger suppression kicks in immediately, and can make loading a pretty unappealing prospect.

If that's the case, though, your p2 round should go really well, and you should have minimal hunger! Don't stress too much about the load .. just get in as many calories as you can, and call it done.

I'm glad someone else explained the veggie portions ... I don't think I ever got that part quite right.

Lots of people choose not to eat the melba, either because of food sensitivities, or because it causes cravings, etc. It doesn't seem to hurt losses one way or the other for most folks.

One more loading day, and then you can start the round, and watch those pounds melt right off!

[RedsSkinnyJeans]

Today is my first day of P2. This is round 4 for me. I'm with ya.

[Desma]

Originally Posted by RedsSkinnyJeans

Today is my first day of P2. This is round 4 for me. I'm with ya.

Let's do this RedsSkinnyJeans!

[Desma]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Sorry you are having such an unpleasant time loading, Desma! Sometimes the hunger suppression kicks in immediately, and can make loading a pretty unappealing prospect.

If that's the case, though, your p2 round should go really well, and you should have minimal hunger! Don't stress too much about the load .. just get in as many calories as you can, and call it done.

I'm glad someone else explained the veggie portions ... I don't think I ever got that part quite right.

Lots of people choose not to eat the melba, either because of food sensitivities, or because it causes cravings, etc. It doesn't seem to hurt losses one way or the other for most folks.

One more loading day, and then you can start the round, and watch those pounds melt right off!

Wow! Your the best Minimonkey! I have a couple of questions if you don't mind.

I weighed myself the first day of loading and this morning on my second day of loading, when I weighed myself, I was 4 lbs lighter! Is this normal? I ate half a cheesecake for dinner last night and I haven't had cheesecake in years!!

I'm not mad...... trust me! But out of all the research I've done, I've never read anyone who's lost weight during loading, they all have gained a few pounds. What's up with me?

[martiangurll]

Originally Posted by Desma

Wow! Your the best Minimonkey! I have a couple of questions if you don't mind.

I weighed myself the first day of loading and this morning on my second day of loading, when I weighed myself, I was 4 lbs lighter! Is this normal? I ate half a cheesecake for dinner last night and I haven't had cheesecake in years!!

I'm not mad...... trust me! But out of all the research I've done, I've never read anyone who's lost weight during loading, they all have gained a few pounds. What's up with me?

Hi, on my first round I lost weight on the loading days--I was shocked. I think it was because I started right after my menses and I typically lose a lot of water weight anyway during that time frame. I also did not enjoy the load the way I thought I would, I was nauseated and had to push myself. It wasn't the all out food orgy I had envisioned in my head.

Just try to enjoy some of your favorite things on the load. I did and by the time I was done and stuffed, maybe it is reverse psychology but I was ready for small and healthy meals--I did not want to stuff anymore.

[Desma]

Originally Posted by martiangurll

Hi, on my first round I lost weight on the loading days--I was shocked. I think it was because I started right after my menses and I typically lose a lot of water weight anyway during that time frame. I also did not enjoy the load the way I thought I would, I was nauseated and had to push myself. It wasn't the all out food orgy I had envisioned in my head.

Just try to enjoy some of your favorite things on the load. I did and by the time I was done and stuffed, maybe it is reverse psychology but I was ready for small and healthy meals--I did not want to stuff anymore.

Thank you so much Martiangurll! I now feel better and not crazy Someone else has been through what I'm going through! How did you do overall on your first round?

[minimonkey]

Desma -- whooohooo on losing while loading!!!!!!!! A few blessed people do have that happen, and it is terrific when it does!!! I am thinking you are going to have some amazing losses this round.

You have Red as a p2 partner, which is wonderful. Lots of wisdom to be had from that woman

Now, enjoy the last bit of your load, and prepare to enjoy a few weeks of steady losses, and clean, healthful food. You will really be amazed at how fast your body changes.

One thing I have noticed is that sometimes, when the scale losses are slow, the inches seem to come off really quickly, and vice versa. It is a little hard to wrap one's head around that... but it is a pretty common thing to have happen.

Bring on the p2, ladies -- I'm cheering for you both!

[Desma]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Desma -- whooohooo on losing while loading!!!!!!!! A few blessed people do have that happen, and it is terrific when it does!!! I am thinking you are going to have some amazing losses this round.

You have Red as a p2 partner, which is wonderful. Lots of wisdom to be had from that woman

Now, enjoy the last bit of your load, and prepare to enjoy a few weeks of steady losses, and clean, healthful food. You will really be amazed at how fast your body changes.

One thing I have noticed is that sometimes, when the scale losses are slow, the inches seem to come off really quickly, and vice versa. It is a little hard to wrap one's head around that... but it is a pretty common thing to have happen.

Bring on the p2, ladies -- I'm cheering for you both!

Minimonkey you amaze me every time yo comment!! I appreciate all of your wisdom and encouragement! Thank you so much!
I have read that even when HCGers have no weight loss they still lose inches! Which I feel is also great!
Well, I have my digital scale and my food scale......bring it on P2!!!!

[C'Marie]

Me too, me too! I'm on P2 right now, today was my 7th round, VLCD2! Woo Hoo! Bring it!

(and I lost weight loading on my first round, but never ever again so ENJOY that!)

[minimonkey]

GO, C'Marie! Desma, you've got a gem on board with you here -- C'Marie is one of our poster children for success and dedication (and a really, incredibly lovely person, too!)

Thanks so much for your kind words, Desma -- I am happy to help in any way I can.

Knock 'em dead, ladies!

[Desma]

Originally Posted by C'Marie

Me too, me too! I'm on P2 right now, today was my 7th round, VLCD2! Woo Hoo! Bring it!

(and I lost weight loading on my first round, but never ever again so ENJOY that!)

Ok C'Marie! Let's do it girl!

[steph 3]

Hi- I am starting today and am finding it hard to load. I am just not hungry!

[Desma]

Originally Posted by steph 3

Hi- I am starting today and am finding it hard to load. I am just not hungry!

Yes Yes Yes! That was me too! But from everything I've read and researched, it helps with hunger if you load properly. I ate two avocados each day, half a cheesecake each day olives, eggs, and cheese. It was very hard for me!

[Desma]

My first lunch on my first VLCD!

I seasoned the Turkey Cutlet with old bays on one side and dry fried it on the seasoned side, turned it over and added three TBS of fresh lemon juice to the pan and poured it over my lettuce mix (without carrots) and added strawberries.

Turkey Cutlet 100g 105 Calories
Salad Mix (without carrots) 150g 35.5 Calories
Strawberries 200g 62.3 Calories
Total Calories 202.8

I would have added a pic but I don't know how!

[minimonkey]

How are my champion p2ers doing? I'm here, cheering you on!

Steph -- yes, Desma is so right -- a good load does make a difference, and it is often hard to force oneself to load, since the hcg/hhcg often kills the appetite quite quickly. Hang in there -- you'll find it worth it in the end.

[Desma]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

How are my champion p2ers doing? I'm here, cheering you on!

Steph -- yes, Desma is so right -- a good load does make a difference, and it is often hard to force oneself to load, since the hcg/hhcg often kills the appetite quite quickly. Hang in there -- you'll find it worth it in the end.

I'm a little disappointed so far with my releases. Yesterday morning I was down 2.6 lbs! And I was so excited!!! Then this morning I was only down .6 lbs. I started Day 1 at 230 and now morning of Day 5 I'm 225 and I should be happy, but I'm not.
I keep reading how people have great first rounds losing 25-35 lbs their first time out. Reaching 14 lbs in 10-14 days. I'm losing and I know I shouldn't be complaining or whining, but I can't help it.
I'm not thinking of cheating or quitting, I just want to know why I'm not releasing like most people.
Help.....anyone?

[MagieDen]

Originally Posted by Desma

I'm a little disappointed so far with my releases. Yesterday morning I was down 2.6 lbs! And I was so excited!!! Then this morning I was only down .6 lbs. I started Day 1 at 230 and now morning of Day 5 I'm 225 and I should be happy, but I'm not.
I keep reading how people have great first rounds losing 25-35 lbs their first time out. Reaching 14 lbs in 10-14 days. I'm losing and I know I shouldn't be complaining or whining, but I can't help it.
I'm not thinking of cheating or quitting, I just want to know why I'm not releasing like most people.
Help.....anyone?

Hey sweetie I just wouldn't compare myself to others in their releases. Our bodies are interesting things and what effects one will certainly not effect another. Enjoy the ride and you know what other diet have you gone on that allowed you to release this kind of weight so fast. No comparisons will help you much with P2, just relax and release.

[C'Marie]

I agree with MagieDen. Your body is working hard and doing all it can. Be nice to yourself

[Desma]

MagieDen and C'Marie,

Thank you for indulging my whining. I guess sometimes it helps to get things off your chest.......know what I mean? I'm not cheating and I'm not going to let my expectation failure allow me to cheat. I'll get over this and stick it out until the end.

Thank you both!

[minimonkey]

Desma --

These ladies are right -- the losses on hcg are generally very fast compared to other plans, but the do go in fits and starts ... and you are averaging a pound a day, which is phenomenal!

Hang in there -- you are doing great!

[Desma]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Desma --

These ladies are right -- the losses on hcg are generally very fast compared to other plans, but the do go in fits and starts ... and you are averaging a pound a day, which is phenomenal!

Hang in there -- you are doing great!

Once again Minimonkey to the rescue! I appreciate that. I'm just going to look at the over all picture versus day to day. Hell, I'll be on Day 13 on my birthday and I have no intentions on celebrating with food! I'll do a post celebration in Aug when my sister comes to visit.

Thanks everyone!

[skinnyb]

Congratulations,

It is a big decision to take your health into your own hands and make a firm committed decision to be a healthy weight.

I am 5'4" and was weighing in at 178 pounds at my heaviest. I gained the majority of the weight when I quit smoking and got married in the same year. 30 pounds and have gained 7-10 pounds a year after. My last checkup revealed high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure which scared the heck out of me. My 'normal' blood pressure had always been LOW and I had never had cholesterol issues.

I had tried diet and exercise for years but the pounds wouldn't budge, as a matter of fact while excelling at and enjoying CrossFit I GAINED 10 pounds of muscle in a month but lost no fat making me bigger than ever, on top of that I was rushed to the ER in extreme GI distress, the pressure I placed on my internal organs straining through workouts caused a cyst to burst hemmorhaging into my abdominal cavity causing colitis, on top of that I happened to be passing 2 kidney stones. 7 days in the hospital I was defeated. I also have PCOS, polysystic ovary syndrome and the docs say that makes it harder to lose weight and I used it as an excuse for a while.

Finally, a breakthrough, my ENT noticed I had developed a goiter, even though all of my thyroid tests were 'normal', he said no way and put me on levothyroxin for hypothyroid, finally I feel better and through eating healthy (no fast, prepared or eating out) and daily walks I lost 8 lbs. Empowered by the loss I contacted my doctor and began the HCG diet on May 30th.

Loading days were awful for me as I NEVER ate like that, it made me nauseous. I didn't think of the healthier fats like nuts and avocados. Oh well, it was pizza for breakfast lunch and dinner one day and who knows what else day 2.

I have been using the Tap & Track app on the iPhone to track my progress and it makes life really easy.

Here's my progress so far:

5/30: 170.1
5/31: 172.1
6/1: 171.3
6/2: 169.9
6/3: 167.8

My energy has been fine except one day when I took a sauna BEFORE eating dinner and crashed big time.

And today I forgot to take my morning drops but stuck with the plan, did actually have crazy craving for a chocolate chip cookie and general hunger. 1 breadstick snack, 1/2 an apple and a not so normal 2nd HUGE CUP of black coffee with liquid Stevia (get it from GNC).

So, that's how i'm doing. I was having a problem with uncomfortable constipation so I took a plain warm water enema today and feel MUCH better, I may need to do that on occassion if it occurs again, it was so bad I was sleeping with a heating pad on my tummy. My walks would NOT get my bowels to move.

Anyone else have that issue? Just curious. Anyway. Not sure if you are 'allowed' to take enemas while on the protocol but a girls got to do what a girls got to do.

I'm bringing sexy back and happy to have found someone beginning their journey around the same time so we can compare notes.

Best of luck HCG Sister. LET'S DO THIS!!!

[Crazy PreK Teacher]

Welcome skinnyb

I have issues w/ constipation while on HCG...but taking 2 Magnesium tablets daily really helps me.

[skinnyb]

THANK YOU! I'm wondering if the constipation was started from all the darn pizza I ate while loading! So far problem solved, I am hoping to return to regular. I don't think I can take magnesium. I had to consult my doctor and psychiatrist prior to beginning the HCG protocol and am under medical supervision while doing so.

A whole lot of meds in me.

Ritalin
Celexa
Clonazepam
Levothyroxin

I am hoping as my weight drops and this goiter shrinks the anxiety I have (reason for most of the meds) will go away. As for the Ritalin, I have ADHD and after years of behavioral therapy gave up. It's nice to be functional again.