~~ Rogue HCG/hHCG plans for week of June 25, 2012 ~~

[minimonkey]

Suzi -- that's great! Congratulations! So glad something finally worked out for you

[pendragginp]

Well, today is the first day without drops in R2. I'll do today and tomorrow VLC and then Thursday I have a dinner out - will try not to be too crazy. I'm still up two pounds from my Saturday skid. Seems hard for such a little amount off plan! Ah well.

I'm thinking this will be more of an interruption than a true P3, and then back to P2, though not sure how long an interruption - maybe a week. Wish me luck!

[pendragginp]

Mini, I have to say I agree with everyone who thinks maybe just give your little body a bit of a rest. It's followed you faithfully from plan to plan and now it's fallen flat on its face on the wayside, panting, asking you to just give it a minute!

[Andie]

I guess this is the place for me since I have decided that I will definitely be adding a protein shake on the run and strength training days. I'm ok with that. I had just started doing c25k, and I want to see it through. I have had a problem with following through with things, and it's time I change that. Previous attempts at weight loss had dictated how successful I'll be in other areas in my life and has left me feeling like a huge failure. I have got to break out of that mindset.

blah blah blah..

Well I'm proud to announce that I didn't have a HUGE gain for increasing my protein. I actually saw the scale go down another pound and I'm very happy with that. One of my meds has a weight gain side effect coupled with some binge eating and since the end of March I have watched the scale increase by 20 lbs, so losing 3 lbs in these short days is an extreme victory for me.

Hope you all have a fantastic day ;-)

[Nicole T]

Originally Posted by Andie

I guess this is the place for me since I have decided that I will definitely be adding a protein shake on the run and strength training days. I'm ok with that. I had just started doing c25k, and I want to see it through. I have had a problem with following through with things, and it's time I change that. Previous attempts at weight loss had dictated how successful I'll be in other areas in my life and has left me feeling like a huge failure. I have got to break out of that mindset.

blah blah blah..

Well I'm proud to announce that I didn't have a HUGE gain for increasing my protein. I actually saw the scale go down another pound and I'm very happy with that. One of my meds has a weight gain side effect coupled with some binge eating and since the end of March I have watched the scale increase by 20 lbs, so losing 3 lbs in these short days is an extreme victory for me.

Hope you all have a fantastic day ;-)

Good for you Andie! I also eat more protein than is protocol. Probably more like 5-6 oz of meat twice a day instead of the 4 oz. I'm not losing at a record pace but that's ok because it makes HCG doable for me and I'm not miserable

[pendragginp]

Oh, YAY Audie on the 3 lbs, especially in those circumstances! Way to go!

[EmBee]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Dazy -- the all flax is actually quite yummy! I love all the alternative flours -- almond, coconut, peanut, and so forth -- but I do think I need to limit them somewhat. Yummy carb-like treats are easy to over eat....

Hey I tried this today ...Not too bad. I think you could use this for a low carb basis for a cheese bread or pizza. I might have to play with it a bit and other flours, but keeping it VERY LOW in effectual carbs is my plan

[Nicole T]

Originally Posted by EmBee

Hey I tried this today ...Not too bad. I think you could use this for a low carb basis for a cheese bread or pizza. I might have to play with it a bit and other flours, but keeping it VERY LOW in effectual carbs is my plan

So...when you say "not too bad"...what exactly does that mean?? LOL Does it mean it's ok plain but would be MUCH better with something on it or does it mean that you're not even sure it would be ok with something on it?

[EmBee]

Originally Posted by Nicole T

So...when you say "not too bad"...what exactly does that mean?? LOL Does it mean it's ok plain but would be MUCH better with something on it or does it mean that you're not even sure it would be ok with something on it?

hahahahaha It means I didn't think it tasted horrible, would definitely be better with something on it and I am not used to flax taste (it is very flaxy)

[minimonkey]

Well, call me the contrarian, but I love the flax bread, even plain! In fact, I am not making it again any time soon for that very reason .... but it would be the bomb with toppings on it!

I wrote a long post on the other thread about all this, but long story short, I am going WAY back to basics with Atkins, and I am going to see where that gets me.

As of this morning, I *think* I may have finally achieved true ketosis (oh, please, Lord!).

I'm opting for a very high fat, very low carb plan -- no nuts, since I can overeat them too easily. I haven't seen a huge benefit from eliminating the dairy, so I think I will allow for some limited amounts of cheese and cream -- but yogurt is staying far, far out of the picture, since it is clearly a problem for me.

I've been reading Jimmy Moore's blog, and I think his situation is similar to mine -- it takes herculean efforts to get into ketosis after all the years of low carbing. I don't know how many of you have followed him, but he had a setback/gain after he started lifting weights, and with some experimentation, discovered that he wasn't going into ketosis even with a lowcarb plan that had worked for him in the past.

When I had my recent urine test, it didn't show ketones either -- and I don't think I have been in ketosis any kind of regularly of late. (He is testing blood ketones -- since urine testing can be inconsistent. I can't afford to do that right now, since the test strips alone are pretty expensive.) Nonetheless, I am following his lead, and going for a high fat, moderate protein protocol, and eliminating all known and suspected stallers.

I should know within a few days whether this is going to work, based on the way my body reacts to it.

I'm hitting the gym shortly for some leg work, and if my ketosis hypothesis is correct, I should feel strong and steady for the entire workout, without crashing at any point.

[minimonkey]

It's pretty funny... I feel like an ongoing science experiment. On some level, I am pretty convinced that it is possible to get to goal without resorting to hcg again. Low carb has worked so well for me in the past, that I think it could, again.

I definitely need to be more stringent about it this time, though -- I think if I can manage to get into true ketosis for the losing phase, I'll probably do fine going to a more flexible low carb plan later for maintenance... and my gut feeling is that will work a lot better for me than calorie restriction, with or without hcg.....

When I am deeply in ketosis, I tend not to eat all that much, anyhow -- but my body doesn't fight the process, because it honestly IS getting what it needs from burning fat, and I have very little hunger. I know that is pretty much the theory with the hcg protocol, as well... but past a point, it just wasn't working that way for me, and I was experiencing all the hallmark signs of metabolic slowing from the restricted calories -- including the hideous rebound gains.

[Andie]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Well, call me the contrarian, but I love the flax bread, even plain! In fact, I am not making it again any time soon for that very reason .... but it would be the bomb with toppings on it!

I LOVE flax! While on Atkins I have a minute muffin (minus the oats) daily.. I add protein powder and a little konsyl to it.

[RileyWorm]

Mini I think I am going to follow your lead. I wonder if my protein is too high as well. :/ Gonna try it out maybe starting after my next grocery trip.

[minimonkey]

Today was stellar, food wise! I ate clean, high fat induction menu-- came in at about 1500 calories by my best estimate, and was totally sated after dinner -- almost feeling too full, in fact.... I MUST be in real ketosis!

Got in a great workout, too -- that usually makes me ravenous. Energy was better today than it has been in a while.

Now, if the remaining water retention would resolve, I'd really feel like I am getting back on target.

I hope this is enough to get the job done, and get me moving back towards goal. I'm certainly getting some major hunger suppression, and that will undoubtedly help a great deal.

A clean induction menu may be somewhat limited, but it sure beats p2!

[ReBecca Tu]

Hi. Just thought I'd drop in and give an update. While I am not seeing huge results I am seeing some. In the two days I have been on this I have lost 3 pounds. I am keeping my calorie intake between 500-800, fat under 15 grams, carbs under 50. I went and bought alot of fruit and veggies and lean meats, like chicken breast, turkey and fish. Also cabbage, broccoli, green beans, squash, apples, cantaloupe, pineapple, pears and cottage cheese. I also use splenda and only drink water or lemonade with lemon concentrate and splenda. I dont feel hungry. I think I will be focusing more on lower carbs by having more lean meats and veggies and less fruit. Tonight for dinner I made something that someone on here suggested and it was very good! It was diced chicken breast, cabbage, and apples. I also added sliced fresh mushrooms, onions and sauteed it in about a half tablespoon of light margarine. Sea Salt for seasoning. It was delicious! I will be very happy if I continue to lose at about a pound a day. Still not taking any kind of hcg supplement. Perhaps in a couple of weeks if I dont feel I am losing enough I will order them but am trying to do this with just healthy eating without adding any diet type pills. Havent really incorporated any type of exercise either.

[plarsen]

I am not so sure about this, but I am thinking of trying it, can you just do it for a day for a correction, or for a head start? Id still like to loose 7 more, goal is 127--I am holding good 134-136 for a month or more, but would really like to get to where I want to be and maintain that!

Ideally, I would like to eat healthy, clean, easy, with some ice cream for a treat in my maintenance life.

Fat fast?

[plarsen]

or hot pilates, I did a 70 min hot yoga yesterday for the first time, caught a groupon for 10 sessions for 39 It was pretty hard, I am glad I have been doing Callanetics or I would have not made it

Sweat my rear off, everything was wet, and today, my glutes are very used up, so are my hip areas. Good workout Id say, but no back problems, and had a good ride last night to boot. I work my horses in dressage so its lots of posting trot, and good for the thighs and core. Much easier since I have shook off that 30lbs!

Pat

[Nicole T]

Originally Posted by ReBecca Tu

Hi. Just thought I'd drop in and give an update. While I am not seeing huge results I am seeing some. In the two days I have been on this I have lost 3 pounds. I am keeping my calorie intake between 500-800, fat under 15 grams, carbs under 50. I went and bought alot of fruit and veggies and lean meats, like chicken breast, turkey and fish. Also cabbage, broccoli, green beans, squash, apples, cantaloupe, pineapple, pears and cottage cheese. I also use splenda and only drink water or lemonade with lemon concentrate and splenda. I dont feel hungry. I think I will be focusing more on lower carbs by having more lean meats and veggies and less fruit. Tonight for dinner I made something that someone on here suggested and it was very good! It was diced chicken breast, cabbage, and apples. I also added sliced fresh mushrooms, onions and sauteed it in about a half tablespoon of light margarine. Sea Salt for seasoning. It was delicious! I will be very happy if I continue to lose at about a pound a day. Still not taking any kind of hcg supplement. Perhaps in a couple of weeks if I dont feel I am losing enough I will order them but am trying to do this with just healthy eating without adding any diet type pills. Havent really incorporated any type of exercise either.

Wow, so you're doing the hcg diet but without the hcg? Not sure how great of an idea that is (no offense meant!) since the hcg is what causes your body to take from your abnormal fat stores--without it, your body will be taking from your muscles and lean tissue--which is not good. It also may mess up your hypothalamus causing you not to reset your metabolism and may send you into starvation mode (which can backfire on you later when you add back in a normal amount of food). Again, not meaning this in a mean way--I just don't want to see you harm your body and I know everything I have ever read about hcg says to NEVER try to do this diet without the hcg.

[Nicole T]

Originally Posted by plarsen

I am not so sure about this, but I am thinking of trying it, can you just do it for a day for a correction, or for a head start? Id still like to loose 7 more, goal is 127--I am holding good 134-136 for a month or more, but would really like to get to where I want to be and maintain that!

Ideally, I would like to eat healthy, clean, easy, with some ice cream for a treat in my maintenance life.

Fat fast?

Are you still on hcg? If so, I'm not so sure I would try the fat fast. I did this with my last round at about day 15 and I really feel like it totally messed up my ability to stabilize in P3 (I never did and just kept gaining even though I ate the same Paleo way I ate in my other P3's and stabilized). I did lose while on P2 when doing the Fat Fast, but again, I feel like it may have messed me up. But I know others on here have done it and had no problem.

[Nicole T]

Well, down another 1.2 this morning to an even 170. I had hoped to get to 168 but not sure I'll get there in my last 5 days (I have never lost on my last two non-dosing days so I'm assuming I won't this time either). This P3 will certainly be interesting since I started out lower the past two rounds at 163 and 165 respectively but ALWAYS ended up stabilizing right around 170. I sure hope I don't still gain those 5 lbs in P3 if I stop at 169 or 170! Maybe I'll just stabilize like a rock

I am in NO WAY cheating in this P3 this time! The last two times I drank in that first week and went up about 3 lbs that never came back off and I also ate little treats like raw cookie dough balls made with cashews, dates and sugar free chocolate chips. I know the dates were not legal and that might also explain my gains in P3.

Either way, I just want to get really stable so I can go into the wonderful-sounding No S for my P4!

[Andie]

Had a horrible night sleep last night, so I decided to forgo the gym. Little bummed about not going, but I knew I just didn't have it in me.

I am happy about my weigh in this morning. I'm still moving down on the scale. I had to brace myself, because I was sure I was going to see a gain or a stall. Yesterday I had more fat and my cals were a little higher than they should have been. Overall, I still ate better than I had in weeks. I'm pretty sure I'm going to move toward Atkins again, but not just yet.

Hope you all have a great day doing what ever it is that you do.

[plarsen]

I am not taking real hcg-just the gen something or other hcg soloution vitamin drops-

I am not keen on a fat fast, thanks for input! I do well eating clean if I have a gain. I was Totally clean for the three weeks in p-3 and did not gain, but lost a few pounds. I did it just like they said too, doubled the protein, ate more fruit and vegs, and had no sugar, no starch (maybe a kiddie cone from dq the last day)

I am not seeing swings at all. Just between 1/2-2lbs If I go up 2, which is rare, I eat really clean, green smoothies, salad, fish, vegs, and do have my cheater chocolate made with stevia.

Since I am maintaining, I would love to maiintain the weight I want, which is 7 less, darn it!

[RileyWorm]

Plarsen,
From what I understand you are in P3/P4 (maintenance mode, basically) and would like to lose the last 7 on your own? I am also struggling with 7 pounds or so, and then another 5 after that (water retention, a few too bad nights, etc)....anyway, There is a fat fast thread hanging around here somewhere, and there is also an Atkins/alternative diet after HCG thread as well. For myself, I follow Dana Carpender on Facebook and she did a fat fast about a month ago with stellar results. She might also blog as well and would have good tips for fat fasting there.

[EmBee]

Originally Posted by Nicole T

Wow, so you're doing the hcg diet but without the hcg? Not sure how great of an idea that is (no offense meant!) since the hcg is what causes your body to take from your abnormal fat stores--without it, your body will be taking from your muscles and lean tissue--which is not good. It also may mess up your hypothalamus causing you not to reset your metabolism and may send you into starvation mode (which can backfire on you later when you add back in a normal amount of food). Again, not meaning this in a mean way--I just don't want to see you harm your body and I know everything I have ever read about hcg says to NEVER try to do this diet without the hcg.

I agree! ( no meaness involved)

Originally Posted by Andie

Had a horrible night sleep last night, so I decided to forgo the gym. Little bummed about not going, but I knew I just didn't have it in me.

I am happy about my weigh in this morning. I'm still moving down on the scale. I had to brace myself, because I was sure I was going to see a gain or a stall. Yesterday I had more fat and my cals were a little higher than they should have been. Overall, I still ate better than I had in weeks. I'm pretty sure I'm going to move toward Atkins again, but not just yet.

Hope you all have a great day doing what ever it is that you do.

Way to GO!!!...Make sure you at least stay on the HCG for the 23 days and stabilize for 23 days after. We are pretty close to the same weight...My scale keeps teasing me ...229 / 230 /229...lol You can do this and you will be so glad you did.

[Andie]

Originally Posted by EmBee

Way to GO!!!...Make sure you at least stay on the HCG for the 23 days and stabilize for 23 days after. We are pretty close to the same weight...My scale keeps teasing me ...229 / 230 /229...lol You can do this and you will be so glad you did.

Oh, I definitely plan to stay the course .. And as long as I keep losing, I'm happy to keep taking my HCG and watch what I eat without being extremely restrictive.

[ReBecca Tu]

As of stepping on the scale this morning, I had a big loss. 3 pounds! I'm really stoked about that. That makes a total loss of 6 pounds in 3 days. I pulled back on my fruit/carbs and increased more lean protein and veggies like cabbage, mushrooms and broccoli. I dont feel hungry during the day either. I've started my period today so am hoping that doesnt set me back as I have cravings while on my cycle but if I can just control them I ought to be ok.
Thanks for the advice on the hcg...I really would like to get them at some point but right now I just dont have the money for them and I dont want to not start dieting while I wait until I can afford it so until I can, I am kinda just doing my version of this.

[minimonkey]

Riley -- I know Dana Carpender is big on the fat fasts ... with and without hcg. She's made a lot of people cranky by doing them (low carbers and hcg-ers alike), but I am interested in her experiments. I'll have to check out her facebook.

I'm hanging in there with the high fat, very low carb myself -- definite appetite suppression happening -- we'll see if there are lbs lost too... I sure hope so. I can't say I am enjoying eating at these ratios, but if it gets the job done, I'm all for it. My body feels like inches are starting to come off, so hopefully the scale will show that soon --- and good gracious do I hope I shed this water soon!

I'm giving this a few more days, at least, and will see if any of the weight starts dropping off. If it does, I'll keep it up. If not... well, I suppose I will try something else, lol!

Plarsen -- dressage takes a lot of strength! I bet you have really solid seat, leg, and abdominal muscles. (I was always more of a hunter/jumper gal, but took dressage lessons for a few years, too. )

[EmBee]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Riley -- I know Dana Carpender is big on the fat fasts ... with and without hcg. She's made a lot of people cranky by doing them (low carbers and hcg-ers alike), but I am interested in her experiments. I'll have to check out her facebook.

I'm hanging in there with the high fat, very low carb myself -- definite appetite suppression happening -- we'll see if there are lbs lost too... I sure hope so. I can't say I am enjoying eating at these ratios, but if it gets the job done, I'm all for it. My body feels like inches are starting to come off, so hopefully the scale will show that soon --- and good gracious do I hope I shed this water soon!

I'm giving this a few more days, at least, and will see if any of the weight starts dropping off. If it does, I'll keep it up. If not... well, I suppose I will try something else, lol!

Plarsen -- dressage takes a lot of strength! I bet you have really solid seat, leg, and abdominal muscles. (I was always more of a hunter/jumper gal, but took dressage lessons for a few years, too. )

Is Dana on the boards or someone else??? I would love to read her information. Just finished the book Miracle of Bio Identical Hormones where he talks about eating the Low Carb / Higher Fat way to lose weight. There is also a doctor in FL who was doing an experiment on himself with Low Carb and HCG.. Off to work it out in the pool this AM / Aqua Zumba.

I made some "Coconut Pudding" to add some fat to the diet for the working out. We shall see in the inches and weigh in tomorrow

[DebbyL]

What is a fat fast?

[RileyWorm]

**FAT FASTER'S THREAD**

^ Fat fast thread with info and recipes and menus.