~~ Rogue/Alternative HCG/hHCG plans for week of 8.26.12~~

[CherylB]

WOW, MB. That's some menu! So happy that it's working for you. I wish I could get away with all that! I'd love to even just enjoy some butternut squash. I just don't feel comfortable taking in things that are high in fat or starches just yet. Freaks me out just thinking about it.

Off to kick back and enjoy the rest of my night. I may weigh in the morning, if I sleep well. Tonight is my last Restoril, then I'll be out of them for a week (too early to refill.) So I'll be purchasing some Melatonin sometime tomorrow. Don't plan on going to the gym. It's my one day off per week.

Sweet dreams, ladies.

[EmBee]

Originally Posted by CherylB

WOW, MB. That's some menu! So happy that it's working for you. I wish I could get away with all that! I'd love to even just enjoy some butternut squash. I just don't feel comfortable taking in things that are high in fat or starches just yet. Freaks me out just thinking about it.

Off to kick back and enjoy the rest of my night. I may weigh in the morning, if I sleep well. Tonight is my last Restoril, then I'll be out of them for a week (too early to refill.) So I'll be purchasing some Melatonin sometime tomorrow. Don't plan on going to the gym. It's my one day off per week.

Sweet dreams, ladies.

I tend to experiment with things just to see how it affects me on the HCG...hahahhaa...(which I guess explains why I am on the rogue board..hahaha) so far so good. Its fall and I hate to give up the squash. So I tested it and had good releases each time I ate it..... I think it keeps me sane :P. My plan does call for 800 ish /900ish calories each day. I think that is why I stuck with that particular one. Maybe that is why I stabilized so well??? who knows.

[CherylB]

Thanks for that link, Plum! I was on Amazon today shopping and comparing these products but I didn't see that one. The reviews for the other types showed there was a distinct difference whether your dog is a girl or boy, and this one says it works well for both sexes. And there's only 2 reviews which doesn't give a great idea of how others like them. I'm going to keep shopping around before I make a choice. She's not terrible yet, but I can see the future and it looks pretty wet.

[CherylB]

I worked up the courage to weigh today, but I felt "backed-up" and took a full dose of Milk of Mag at 2100. Sometimes it doesn't "produce" until the morning. This wasn't one of those times. I was up on and off all night long. I guess I really needed it.

So I was 181.2 at last weigh-in, pre-naughtiness. Today after being back in the swing of things for 3 days (this is my 4th), I'm back to 182. I can hang with that. Just wish I hadn't screwed everything up the way I did. I was just about losing an average of a lb per day when I jumped ship. :/

Today is my stay at home and rest day. I have a few domestic chores to do, but nothing terrible. It's really chilly outside! I won't be opening any windows until it gets to at least 68. Fall is most definitely in the air. I think I'm going to add "take a/c's out and stow away" to my list of domestic tasks. It was in the 40's last night, and that's too cold to have something preventing me from closing up the windows nice and tight. Air always leaks around those expandable wing things on the a/c units.

I bought some peaches and I'm so impatient while I'm waiting for them to be ripe enough. They look like they will taste amazing but I will just have to wait to find out. I've been craving great peaches all summer long and they (apparently) are hard to find. But when you bite into one, you know it!

What a crappy night I had (no pun intended.) It was a waste of a perfectly good Restoril. And it was the second to the last one I had. Hindsight! Sometimes I wish we could have some Foresight for a change! Ya know?

Wishing everyone has a lovely day today.

[TerriMM]

Well I kind of got upside down too Cheryl so don't feel bad. All my killer losses over the weekend while I was enjoying VO gave me a false sense that I could drink and lose. Monday (after not drinking Sunday) I was up. So of course I had to try the experiment again Monday night and I was up Tuesday. So yesterday I started Fat Fast. Down .30, but I always see better losses on day 2, which coincidently is my Friday Weigh in. So we shall see. The only problem with Fat Fasting is its very hard for me to go back to VLC afterwards. Since I'm on day 20, this probably spells P3 transition for me. I've been reading a lot about low carb, high fat-moderate protein and I have always done pretty well with that, so I'm probably going to concentrate on that direction going into P3.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

[CherylB]

You just described Atkins! So that's the plan for P3 and beyond? I'm sorry you flubbed-up like I did. It was a happy time when you were drinking vodka (I think that's what you mean by VO) and losing. Booze does make you feel like you're getting away with something, doesn't it?

I find that when I drink, even if I'm eating on-plan, I start to feel so good from the buzz that I end up eating stuff I shouldn't. It's a party, after all! Vicious cycle. One that I know by heart and yet keep repeating.

You look so great in your Avi, Terri. I hope you can find contentment at the weight your body feels like it needs to be. Will you be working out during the Atkins phase and beyond? I think you said you like to exercise. I'd go back to doing what you love to do and letting the chips fall where they may.

I have 40 days left of this P2. I just got through counting them, to get an idea of where I might be able to get to by the start of P3. I think I can get into the high 150's if I stay 100% on plan and focused. I will do my very best to see what I can achieve for the remainder of this round. I will just close my eyes and imagine what Thanksgiving will be like in my thin, toned body, and what Christmas and New Year's will be like and what I will be able to wear, etc.

By the end of October, I'll be able to enjoy hot coffee with cream in it again! And I can add cinnamon and nutmeg and stuff into the grounds when I brew the pot. I love adding flavors around the holidays. And I know of a great way to make LC eggnog! It's not thick, but very yummy.

I'm getting excited!!!! Now I just need to hold onto that excitement and turn dreams and plans into reality.

[TerriMM]

Well Atkins yes, but higher fat and lower protein then the standard fare. More towards Fat Fast, but not that severe for the typical day. I'm close to goal, but would sure like to get into the solid 120's before I stop. We'll see how far Fat Fast + HCG gets me over the next few days.

VO is actually Canadian Whiskey that I mixed with Diet Coke. I did real good staying on food plan otherwise, hence my losses. But the bubble finally burst.

I know you'll do great for the next forty days! I'll be cheering you!! I'd love to have your eggnog recipe. I was just thinking about your poppers last night.

[RileyWorm]

Hola ladies! Just checking in! Good luck Terri bumping that scale down - alcohol does it to me too!! I lose at first then begin to retain.
I am up .2. but I'm totally okay with it, because last night we ate out at Red Robin (got a bunless lettuce wrapped guac burger with side salad) and THEN I ate buttered popcorn at the movies. We went to see The Birds re-release, it was so much fun! So although I could be down more, I'm okay with the slight bump since I was able to enjoy a good time with my mom and aunt.

[TerriMM]

Originally Posted by RileyWorm

Hola ladies! Just checking in! Good luck Terri bumping that scale down - alcohol does it to me too!! I lose at first then begin to retain.
I am up .2. but I'm totally okay with it, because last night we ate out at Red Robin (got a bunless lettuce wrapped guac burger with side salad) and THEN I ate buttered popcorn at the movies. We went to see The Birds re-release, it was so much fun! So although I could be down more, I'm okay with the slight bump since I was able to enjoy a good time with my mom and aunt.

Living and Maintaining, doesn't get any better then that!

[minimonkey]

Morning, ladies!

Cheryl -- I must have missed the part about your doggie having incontinence problems... what's wrong with her?

Sorry to hear so many folks are hitting stumbling blocks with the p2 -- it happens, though!

I'm still doing the slow and steady thing over here -- I broke 120 this morning! (by a whopping .2 lbs, but it counts )

I've been averaging about 3 lbs a week, and if I can keep that up, I'll be a happy gal.

I'm having a bit of a rough transition onto the Paxil this time -- getting more symptoms than I expected, having been on and off antidepressants so many times... but it'll help in the long run, so I am willing to weather it out.

Blew my mind to hear you folks talking winter treats already, but I guess is getting into that time of year, isn't it? Time goes by so quickly it is hard to keep track of it sometimes.

[TerriMM]

Woo Hoo for the "teens" Mini

[CherylB]

Well Mini, it's in the 40's at night here lately! It's only in the 60's today. I decided to take out the three a/c's and stow them in the attic for the rest of the year. I just got that completed an hour ago. Why are they so dog-gone heavy? I'm pretty sure it's all Autumn from this point on, for as long as we can hold onto it.

What's wrong with the dog? Nobody knows. They say that if a dog is spayed too young, they can sometimes have incontinence problems as they age. She's also 9.5 years old and she's a mutt. No clue what her lifespan will be, but she's around 50 lbs. Typically, the larger the dog (the breed, I should say), the shorter the lifespan. Her urine leakage is sporadic and unpredictable. But I can't give her the meds she's been prescribed for her storm anxiety because then she's totally incontinent of urine for around 24 hours. Yesterday was pretty bad. Today, no leaks at all.

I'm sorry (Mini) that it's taking some time to feel better on the Paxil. I took that years and years ago but don't recall why I was switched to something else. I'm on Lexapro now and Lamictal for "mood stabilization." I feel pretty good on these meds, so long as I behave myself and don't go off the deep-end with booze and bad eating. Then NOTHING could keep me from being depressed.

Terri, I used to think that Atkins was meant to be a high-protein diet but if you look in his book, it really is high fat, mod protein and low carb. But call it anything you like! As long as it works for you, I will be cheering you on. I'll have to look for the eggnog recipe. It might be in my old laptop. Actually, I think I found it:

Originally Posted by somedudeontheinternet

Egg nog 2 recipe

2/3 cup heavy cream
2/3 cup water
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon artificial sweetener
1 dash nutmeg

Whip it all together, drink. Mike says it's not as thick as the high carb kind, but very good. I think perhaps that could be cured by a little Knox, but haven't tried it yet. Low-carb eggnog is no problem at all, since the traditional recipe is very low-carb already (except for the sugar, which is an easy substitution).

692 Calories (kcal); 68g Total Fat; (87% calories from fat); 14g Protein; 8g Carbohydrate; 592mg Cholesterol; 175mg Sodium

Now I forgot what other people said and I can't see their posts cause I went "advanced" to see if the quote would work. Oh, well! Love ya!!

[CherylB]

Oh, yeah! I never would have figured out that VO was whiskey! And WTG Mini for breaking the 120's. Erin, you had a good time out with your family yesterday. Glad you are living large and still losing. Where are you in your stats? I can't figure out where you're at right now.

[TerriMM]

Very Cool! Thanks Cheryl. Now to talk myself into drinking it without Brandy Really I'm not as big a drinker as you would think after listening to me this week.

Ya know I think I should get my Atkins book out and relook at it because I was thinking the same thing. Are you referring to the original or updated version? I'm thinking probably the original since the updated is more today's thinking of lower fat, which is exactly what Dr. Atkins fought against his whole life.

[CherylB]

I haven't read any of the updated versions, just the '72 one (original book) and the "new diet revolution" one he came up with after that. Unless he's being channelled and writing books from the beyond, I'm only trusting the ones he wrote.

One thing you can do with that eggnog is add some liquid extracts to give it more of the flavor that you like (in place of the brandy.) Maybe something that DaVinci puts out? Or just regular extracts that you find in the grocery store. I have tried the eggnog flavored DaVinci and didn't care for it.

Need to run out the door. Just got offered a couple small spider plants and I want some! Later, dudettes!

[RileyWorm]

Originally Posted by CherylB

Oh, yeah! I never would have figured out that VO was whiskey! And WTG Mini for breaking the 120's. Erin, you had a good time out with your family yesterday. Glad you are living large and still losing. Where are you in your stats? I can't figure out where you're at right now.

Hi Cheryl, I started at 147 on Monday and this morning was 144.2. It was hard to pass up the popcorn, so, well, I didn't! lol Glad it only cost me .2 and not the whole week's worth of losses.
Eggnog --- YUMMY!!! I love eggnog!!

[CherylB]

Thanks for clarifying. I wasn't sure if you'd already met goal 1 or whathaveyou. (Is that a word?) Yikes! My stomach just said, "Feed ME!" Just a big cramp out of the blue. I just plunked my tired butt down, too. An eggnog would taste so great right about now. I think that person's suggestion of maybe adding some Knox gelatin to it would be good, but now that I know where gelatin comes from, I should never touch the stuff again. (Horse's hooves.)

I just got back from picking up three baby spider plants. I mean "baby." They'll be great when they grow up someday and have babies of their own. Right now, they'll be spending the winter in the kitchen on the bay window; all three of them on a single dinner plate, with room to spare.

So I guess I'll go eat something. Maybe my zukes! Haven't had those in a few days. I made them in the oven the last time and it took way longer and didn't cook them through as well, so it's back to the toaster oven. I may try out my new knife sharpener to see how it works before I slice my zuke up.

[EmBee]

Up .6 this AM...could be because of the broccoli I tested out or Oncoming TOM or Both...thats okay still down almost 4 this week... Weigh in tomorrow and measurements. Been extremely busy today...Aqua Zumba, costume sewing for my kids and a visit with my best friend...Its been a good day

[EmBee]

Weigh in today.....223.2!!!! Woo hoo !!! Down 5 pounds this week!

[CherylB]

Nice job, MB! I wish I could join in your celebration but my scale moment was less than stellar today. It's so aggravating! I really screwed things up when I went off-plan those four days. I can think of no other reason.

Have a nice day, ladies. I will be back later.

[RileyWorm]

Down one whole pound again, and could have maybe been more had I gotten more sleep. Here's to surviving the weekend, ladies!

[TerriMM]

Well I'm down 1.4 after second day of FF. This would sound a lot better if that didn't just mean I'm now down just below what I was last Friday by .80. At least I didn't gain last week I will try to behave better this weekend.

[minimonkey]

Rock on Embee!!!!!!!!! You are doing fantastic!!!

Cheryl -- hang tough, my friend. Going off plan slows things down for a bit, but it isn't the death knell for your round, as long as you get back on track -- the losses will start again.

Whoohoo Terri for the FF drop! (Sorry it's a re-loss, but as you say, it is a LOT better than a gain!)

[minimonkey]

I'm down another .4 today, so can't complain on that front at all

I had an absolutely BRUTAL migraine last night -- better this morning, but still wiped out by it. I'm a bit worried that the estrogen BHRT may be to blame for that -- the pill gave me bad migraines before. I think I may cut down the estrogen dose and see if that helps.

It could be any number of things, though -- and I am having a seriously rough transition to the Paxil this time -- it's reminiscent of the first time I went on it, in terms of adjustment symptoms. (subsequent times have been much easier)

All I can reason on this one is that my system was extremely out of balance this time -- much like it was the first time -- and so the adjustment is more difficult.

SSRI drugs are so complex, in terms of the ways they affect the entire body and brain -- and still poorly understood, even after 20 plus years of Prozac being prescribed widely.

I'm definitely going to stick it out for at least a couple more weeks, and see if the side effects subside. If they don't, I think I will ask my doc to switch me to Prozac -- sometimes a minor switch like that is enough to make a difference.

[minimonkey]

Whoohoo Riley on that loss!

[CherylB]

Zoe, I'm sorry you're having such a rough time right now. You're such a strong woman and I know you will get through this, too. Just one more thing on your already full plate. What is it that you are feeling that is making you feel that it's due to the Paxil? Should you be "monkeying" around with your Estrogen dose?

As for me, I've been back on my plan for 4 days now (5 counting today) and I should be below where I was when I went off-plan. All I keep seeing are the freaking events looming ahead. Next Wednesday, big family picnic to celebrate my nephew and his new wife's return to CT for all of one day. October 14th, Mom's birthday. She'll be 81 and we'll probably be going out to someplace like the Olive Garden.

People say to be strong, it's worth it, you'll feel so empowered, etc. All I feel is left-out. It's how I'm built and there isn't a dang thing I can do about how I'm built. All I can do is work around my little idiosyncrasies.

I'm working so hard at the gym. I'm proud of myself for forming this healthy new habit. Today I went and did the nautilus machines and as much cardio as I could stand. It wasn't what I set out to do, but I did much more than I felt like doing. I did the three circuits of Nautilus and then went to the cardio machines. I read that was how it should be done but that didn't work as well for me as the way I have been doing it before.

I just hate cardio! The only thing I can do that I don't detest is the rowing machine. I used to love the elliptical but there are so many versions of them at this gym, I guess I haven't found the right one yet. I have done the recumbent bike but I feel too "comfortable" on that one and thought I'd get more out of the regular exercise bikes. I couldn't even last 10 minutes on that today.

I'm just tired. I want to see faster results. I've never put this much effort into my body; at least not since I left TX and moved to NV. That was at age 31. Now I'm 50! I'm just tired of it all. I want a new body! Get me out of this one, please! I mean, I am truly grateful to be in a body that responds to what my brain tells it to do, but YKWIM.

I keep hearing that cardio is the only way to burn off fat. I do the circuit training because that is supposed to make the weight training into a cardio exercise. I'm eating so little food! GAH!!!!

I'm seriously thinking of ending this round. It's day 21 (true VLCD's, not counting the days I messed up.) At least that way I can be in P3 for the picnic next week and I can load on my Mother's birthday. That might work out better. Then I can be back to P4 sometime around Thanksgiving.

I'm sorry for rambling. I am topsy turvy right now.

[RileyWorm]

Sorry Cheryl, you will figure out what's best for 'you' soon! I hear ya about the events, parties, etc. It is so hard! I put off doing this round for so long because of social things going on. I finally decided there will never be the perfect moment so I'm just rolling with it. You still have made great progress!!

Sorry about the migraines, Mini. Never had one but have heard they are miserable.

Awesome drop Terri, I hear ya about relosing gains from the weekend - every week is an effort to drop what I gain over the weekends! ARGH!!

Off to the winery tonight. I may stay off the scale until Monday so the dehydration/water regain doesn't mess with my head. I'd like to be 141 by Tuesday. May be doable, may be not. We will see.

[CherylB]

Winery! You brat! Wish I could go with you. Have an awesome time, my friend. And yes; wait until Monday to weigh-in.

[TerriMM]

You know Cheryl, as I was reading your post I was thinking maybe you needed a sanity break. If you were to go to P3 and heaven forbid load low carb, I'll bet you won't lose any ground and maybe even lose a little. Plus you could enjoy the events more and what’s one missed out of control load except for a few additional pounds you won't have to lose? Then maybe your head would be back in the game. This is hard enough without having to fight the mental thing. Whatever you do, you know we'll be here for you!

[CherylB]

THANK YOU!