P3~P4 SIMEONS PROTOCOL OCTOBER 2012

[C'Marie]

There are several BMR (basal metabolic rate) calculators you can find online. Then I think you add like 1.25 or something like that to them, because that just means you're laying and breathing ! LOL You can go into any of the online calorie trackers and just input your weight and put your plan as maintenance or losing 2 pounds over 60 days lol.... if you get what I'm saying. OR you can use what some people use, "the hunger scale" you can also find info on that online. Your hunger probably won't come roaring back very quickly. But you will want to go at least add breakfast, some eggs, etc, NO STARCH, NO SUGAR, and then double your protein that you've been having for lunch and dinner, mix up those veggies, have one or two similar not-too-sweet-fruits, and have a little healthy fat, like a pat or real butter or a little real mayo, and have fattier cuts of similar meats you've been having. No sugar/starch rule is pretty important, not too starchy veggies like corn, potatoes, etc, even in stuff like sauces, condiments etc. You need to protein-up, girl! if you've done this for 60 days and stuck to protocol you probably really could benefit from protein. Go easy on the fats though, that first day or two can mean tummy troubles if you rush it. Skip the cheeses and the nuts until about week 2, if you want my opinion. (well, a sprinkle of cheese on salad or eggs wouldn't hurt much) Keep it simple for awhile. If you embark on a whole bunch of those cool lowcarb recipes online incorporating all sorts of swanky ingredients and you suddenly jump up, you won't have a clue what it was that did it.

[LaraSuzz]

Hi guys. I'm 5.6 over so I'm doing a steak day today. I tried to get a lot of sleep last night but found myself up at 2am watching tv so I'm a little tired.
I didnt eat any bad carbs yesterday but I did eat a hot dog, salad, pork rhinds an omlet and tuna salad... up two from the day before when I had a baked potato and some tacos. either way I want it gone. so I will be by the book today. Took a steak out of the freezer before ai left for work maybe I will bbq it. Since I am back to dating myself I will make it extra special. lol.

So I got numerous texts and a phone call yesterday from the chef apologizing and begging me to be with him even tho I was like "let me chill out I need space" his response was "let me cook you dinner." Like, hello McFly????

This happened all day until I asked him the following question...
would you stop drinking? and then silence... I might have heard crickets.

I'm sure that I will hear from him today since he has the day off. He did blow it. this just makes me sad. but chances are he would have blown it with something else if he is so clueless and needy. I did tell him exactly what he did wrong. He knows.

[Sas]

Reddy - I'm technically on VLCD18 because I restarted with the IM pellets. My RxhCG was bad and not working. ....I'll continue to lurk You gals just motivate me!

[julieboolie]

Hello ladies!! Sorry I went MIA. Buzy day yesterday. We had our final softball game (tournament) last night. Played the best I have yet () and had fun. I did a GYCD yesterday, as planned. I was up to 147.2 and am down to 145.8 today. I don't seem able to convince my body to go back down to the 143 range. Considering a light, low cal day today and possibly another CD type day tomorrow. I'd really like to be back in the LDW area for the rest of my P4. Sigh. I have a big trip in 2 week () and know I'll be eating more that week and a half. It's going to be such a blast, Disneyland and SF area w. our BFFs!! I have been looking forward to this for ages!! I'm still comfy in my jeans and looking good (dh has been VERY encouraging and marvelling at how "small" I am now ). So, not stressing, but making some sacrifices now in hopes of being able to eat more comfortably later.

Originally Posted by C'Marie

@Julie, I'm doing ok. BBQ sounds great!

Maintenance seems to be ok. I weighed a few days ago, I really only weigh once or twice a week now. I've been pretty much just light P3 plus maybe a bite of popcorn or a teensy bit of sugar. Honestly. I feel so cr@ppy when I eat any other way, healthy whole grains my b^tt. Stress is getting to me some. The sleep disturbances have started again and I have terrible muscle aches-not sure from what. I tried to get off of the medications I was taking but once sleep starts getting bad I cave. Last night I couldn't sleep until 6:30 am. I tripled up on the magnesium and potassium today to try to get rid of the muscle aches.

But life is too short to complain all the time and it doesn't do any good anyways! ha ha ha! I can wear my jeans and I'm doing the best I can. And I'm not in the path of any major storms at this point in time, and eventually the stressors will give up - I will simply outlast them! Hear that, debil!? Better run! I'm not the giving up type! RAWR!

So sorry about the sleep deprivation. I think insomnia is the WORST!! . Have you tried the "magnesium oil" which isn't oil, but a brine solution? I have found it works really well for muscle cramps. I take mag orally too, but the topical application works fast and w.o. digestive distress . Just a thought! Hope you're doing well today!!

Originally Posted by buttah

I had a publicity photo shoot today and asked the photographer to shoot something other than my face. I hope you guys like my new profile pic!

Seriously? Those are your legs? Wow!! Looking good!! WTG!! And on still near LDW. WTG!!

Originally Posted by LaraSuzz

So I guess it was a full moon or maybe did something to manifest this guy in my life but let's just say that I am actually happy to be at work today.

I had the chef over for dinner Saturday night. Everything went well, but as the evening progressed he drank a little too much and then he started saying things to me. Like.... I love you. This was our 3rd time seeing each other, thats not good, I mean I can understand a guy laying his heart out but not after me saying lets take it slow.... blah blah. Ok so I will give you that one. My last bf said that to me too and it was a complete disaster. Then... I'm addicted to you... I'm hooked on you.... then he didnt want to leave. I had to talk to him for half an hour to get him to go. then later the phone calls and texts started. ugh.

so I was at liw. at least I thought I was cause I weighed at my moms house and it said i was but this am im 3.6 up. I ate tacos beer and a baked potato yesterday. I cant do a cd today I'm too stressed.

Nice legs Buttah!
I have sworn off dating until at least the end of the year. I dont want to see anyone for a while. I feel icky.

Well, rats!! Sorry he's all clingy. It's really your own fault being so fabulous they can't control themselves!! Like Reddy mentioned, it'll happen when you least expect it. Keep living well and loving life. Eventually the "right" one will find you

Originally Posted by shelbyla

So, I've had a fabulous weekend in San Diego with all my BFFs. We took a stress-free train ride down. Location of our hotel was perfect--we walked everywhere easily, including from the train. Had a fun evening on Friday. Chilled out day Saturday, with everyone doing their own thing. WONDERFUL dinner Saturday night with some premium wines at a great place where we could people-watch. More drinks at another. Yes, I drank too much. Yes, I overate a couple of times (past hunger--probably around a 7.5 or 8). Yes, I even ate some carbs, including wheat, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and mac n cheese. But here's the thing. I haven't done any of those things in a really long time. I enjoyed myself immensely and know that it was a blip in an otherwise long stretch of great diet and exercise practices. And I'm not trying to be the Buddha--either in the physical OR the spiritual sense! The only regret that I have is that it would have been a perfect opportunity to dress up for Halloween but I thought of that just a little too late. We were already picking people up and I had left my costume at home. Oh well. i guess I just need to stay skinny enough to pull it off next year! I had enough chicken thighs pre-made to do a healthy cd today. I am going to follow that up with a high-fat day tomorrow and maybe weigh Wednesday to see where I'm at. I feel actually pretty good and my rings, which are the clearest indicator of what my body is doing, are sliding around so I don't think to much damage was done. All in all, starting out my 46th year lookin' good and feelin' good!

Hope everyone is having a fabulous Monday!

Now that sounds like a great bday celebration!! I think this will be your best year yet!! So glad you had fun, and lived to the fullest!! Any damage will be gone soon I'm sure!!

Originally Posted by dawnyama

No. Just no computer time. It happens. My egg day did not net me a loss. But that happens. I have a great scale day the day after my egg day. Nope! Wasn't down....again. Tried eating light yesterday (actually could be called a steak day since I had 2 hamburgers, no bun...1 at lunch and 1 at dinner) and still not down. But I weighed in at 4:45AM today so doing a Greek yogurt day today. I have a bunch to use up too!! Good thing my container from Sept is still good and we were "blessed" with strawberries yesterday. So all is good. But I am frustrated that I am eating well, not off plan, and gaining. Right after I decided to stay in P3 Oh, well. That is how it goes. I am OK with it all. Just like Julie I am still fitting in my jeans and looking fine Just that darned scale

Buttah--I am still taking my Natural Calm as well. I cannot get away from it right now. But if you are still having issues maybe a probiotic will help? I needed those once my first round was done. I had the opposite issues after that round Takes some time for your system to sort itself out. I am not sure how long, but just know that it is normal and ok to need some help for now.

Oh, and it is a good thing I am going to stay home soon---Ky, my youngest, is home sick today. He had some asthma issues this weekend and is not well enough for school. Then my eldest had to miss a few classes this morning, he has a nasty cold. I think it will be like this all winter long Hope everyone is well enough to go back to school tomorrow.

I'm sure your WHOLE family will be thrilled to have you home full time. Yep, the jeans tell the real story!! you'll do fine. Hope your GYCD worked well.

Originally Posted by Shrinking

I'm new and want to say hello to everyone on this thread. Ive finished my first P2 on hCG and will start P3 either Wednesday or Thursday. I'm a little confused. I will eventually learn the lingo, but finished drops Sunday. I'm extremely nervous about P3 because I want to maintain what I've accomplished. This plan is amazing!!! Thank you to everyone for your encouraging posts and information. It's already keeping me motivated

Glad to have you here with us. I think you'll do great!! Wondeful losses!! Impressive!!

Reddy-glad you had a nice weekend and you know you'll be right back down!! So far, so good!! I am doing a "not one bite" Halloween candy plan. I want to enjoy myself in CA in a few weeks, so I'm telling myself if I make the sacrifice now I can enoy the "special treats" down the road. The candy isn't tempting or "special" enough for me .

Hope you all are doing well. Got some leftover roast beef which I'm going to make into French onion soup/roast beef soup. I also have some tuna salad to eat today. Going to *try* to only eat lightly. Hoping to get back into window this week. Come on body, you WANT to be lighter!!

[LaraSuzz]

I'm hungry. wont be home til 4, boo.

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by LaraSuzz

Like, hello McFly????

This happened all day until I asked him the following question...
would you stop drinking? and then silence... I might have heard crickets.

O...M...G! on both of those things! Lara, you crack me up!

Chicken cd went well yesterday. 2 medium thighs at lunch and two VERY small thighs at dinner (plus the skin off another one but who really counts that??? ). I went home and worked out too, since I just couldn't get my butt out of bed yesterday morning. I may regret this but I decided on a whim to add a few weights back yesterday so I did...80 squats. Erm, I think I'll be feeling THOSE later! I also rowed for 30 minutes, a small change up from the treadclimber. But you guys are just NOT posting enough to keep me occupied reading! Having my bp coffee for breakfast, BAS for lunch (big a$$ salad), and we'll see what the evening brings. The plan is pan fried fish and whipping cream mousse but I may have a date so it may end up being a martini or a latte... The plan is to weigh either tomorrow or Thursday for accountability, if nothing else.

C'Marie - sorry to hear about the insomnia. For ME, it's always cortisol related.

For those who are seeing the upper end of their window, keep it clean or do your cd's and it'll be back down. For those, toddling along +/- 2, KUTGW!

laters, kids...

[Reddy]

I don't know why But I'm not getting my email alerts for this thread! Boo!

I'm back down in Window today... .8 over LDW. I'll take it. Tomorrow night I will probably have some wine when we go trick or treating (big group takes kiddies and brings a wagon with beer, wine and juiceboxes for the kids) So yeah... that. And I'll probably allow myself a few pieces of candy but I will behave and keep it in check. I should probably just say no to all halloween candy too b/c then there's no slippery slope. Sigh.

Husband is up about 6lbs so he's going Low Carb too which is always nice. Helps me stay on track and feel less temptation!

On a sad note, my Nana is not doing well at all now, they've called in Hospice and there is nothing they can do for her. I'm very very sad about this and I am not sure how to deal with it. We'll be down to see her again this weekend... probably going to leave Thursday because my business is dead right now since we deal with the NY Tri State and everyone is closed b/c of storm. (hope no one here has been affected, I feel like you are all on the West Coast)

Anyway, I have a tendency to stress eat but I haven't been doing that. I feel too sick to my stomach. Probably a good thing really.

Originally Posted by C'Marie

@Reddy, yes, I'm trying to keep things in perspective. I attempted to do a DD today, but it went up a bit beyond that at least to high maintenance levels. I woke up with a killer headache and next to no sleep again. Saturday night couldn't sleep until 6:30 am, and last night until 5:00 am. This is really.getting.old. It makes me cranky, depressed, anxious, screws up all my hunger cues and hormones (OR maybe my hormones are causing it!?) and sets me up for a horrible day. I actually was crying on the way to work at noon when I finally made it in - and I'm a really upbeat person normally!!! I think the anti-anxiety meds supposedly to help me sleep are causing me to be depressed. Is that possible?

I finally felt "decent" at 5 pm!!! WTH. So I'm sitting tonight eating turkey bacon and eggs and sleepytime tea for dinner and really will try not to get to emotionally or mentally involved in anything and am really going to try to get SLEEPY early. Otherwise, sometime later this week I will have to do the complete opposite and stay up once all night long and stay up all day and flip this sucker around.

I have not heard of Anti Anxiety meds causing depression but it's possible. What are you taking? I too take Anti Anxiety meds as needed for panic attacks and when I can't sleep. (I get terrible anxiety late at night) I'm so sorry you were crying and that you are feeling this way. It could be a number of things but I really hope you can start to feel better.

Originally Posted by C'Marie

@Reddy, I don't like Halloween candy in my house! Hubs always buys some and then no one comes and then he eats it and then complains because it upsets his tummy! tee hee hee silly man!

Originally Posted by Shrinking

Thanks C'Marie!

I did homeopathic drops for 60 days and lost 43lbs. Was only planning to lose 40 as directed but I lost in clumps,LOL! I would lose nothing for 7-10 days then 6-8 lbs is gone just like that. It really balanced out to 5lbs/week. I guess everyone does lose differently.

I joined this forum for some support, and maybe I can encourage others too! I'm pretty new, so still learning. I'm not getting any support where I live because the people I know who have heard about this plan are misinformed and narrowminded, so I'm not telling anyone how I'm doing this!! My plan is to be on P3, P4 for next 7 weeks which will include an all inclusive vacation at the end, then use the last 2 days of my holiday for loading! I hope my plan works!

I was hoping someone could tell me where I can find the calculation others have used for amount of calories I need once I'm done on vlcd. I have 2 days to figure this out! Today was first day of no drops and I'm not starving. Trying to remember to drink a ton of water. I'm loving this adventure

WOW! 43lbs in 2 months? That is remarkable. Congratulations!

You have definitely come to the right place for Support. As for P3, don't be scared, and trust me it's designed to make sure you maintain. At first you may see a slight increase on the scale b/c you're introducing fat and calories in but ramp up slowly and know that it will even out after just a few days.

You just need to follow the atkins diet, no sugar or starch in P3. You CAN have fruit but you want to stick with low glycemic fruits like berries. As for Calories, I personally have never counted in P3/ P4. I just eat to "hunger" and focus on eating a lot of protein and no carbs. You'll be amazed!

Originally Posted by LaraSuzz

Hi guys. I'm 5.6 over so I'm doing a steak day today. I tried to get a lot of sleep last night but found myself up at 2am watching tv so I'm a little tired.
I didnt eat any bad carbs yesterday but I did eat a hot dog, salad, pork rhinds an omlet and tuna salad... up two from the day before when I had a baked potato and some tacos. either way I want it gone. so I will be by the book today. Took a steak out of the freezer before ai left for work maybe I will bbq it. Since I am back to dating myself I will make it extra special. lol.

So I got numerous texts and a phone call yesterday from the chef apologizing and begging me to be with him even tho I was like "let me chill out I need space" his response was "let me cook you dinner." Like, hello McFly????

This happened all day until I asked him the following question...
would you stop drinking? and then silence... I might have heard crickets.

I'm sure that I will hear from him today since he has the day off. He did blow it. this just makes me sad. but chances are he would have blown it with something else if he is so clueless and needy. I did tell him exactly what he did wrong. He knows.

I am back to dating myself I will make it extra special. lol


LOVE IT!

Guy sounds INTENSE and doesn't seem to get it. Such a shame.

Sorry you are up so much today, maybe it's like a second day effect gain from the weekend? Either way you'll get it off with your steak day I'm sure!

Originally Posted by Sas

Reddy - I'm technically on VLCD18 because I restarted with the IM pellets. My RxhCG was bad and not working. ....I'll continue to lurk You gals just motivate me!

I had major issues with my last Batch of RX although I ultimately believe it was a dosage issue for me. Well you are Almost there, we'll be here when you move to P3!

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Hello ladies!! Sorry I went MIA. Buzy day yesterday. We had our final softball game (tournament) last night. Played the best I have yet () and had fun. I did a GYCD yesterday, as planned. I was up to 147.2 and am down to 145.8 today. I don't seem able to convince my body to go back down to the 143 range. Considering a light, low cal day today and possibly another CD type day tomorrow. I'd really like to be back in the LDW area for the rest of my P4. Sigh. I have a big trip in 2 week () and know I'll be eating more that week and a half. It's going to be such a blast, Disneyland and SF area w. our BFFs!! I have been looking forward to this for ages!! I'm still comfy in my jeans and looking good (dh has been VERY encouraging and marvelling at how "small" I am now ). So, not stressing, but making some sacrifices now in hopes of being able to eat more comfortably later.

Reddy-glad you had a nice weekend and you know you'll be right back down!! So far, so good!! I am doing a "not one bite" Halloween candy plan. I want to enjoy myself in CA in a few weeks, so I'm telling myself if I make the sacrifice now I can enoy the "special treats" down the road. The candy isn't tempting or "special" enough for me .

Hope you all are doing well. Got some leftover roast beef which I'm going to make into French onion soup/roast beef soup. I also have some tuna salad to eat today. Going to *try* to only eat lightly. Hoping to get back into window this week. Come on body, you WANT to be lighter!!

Yay for winning your games! Glad to see your GYD worked. You are so close to that 143 range that you shouldn't sweat it although I totally get wanting to be on the lower end to compensate for what may happen on your trip. Disney will be so much fun! And how sweet that DH is so supportive and is loving your new figure!! It's nice to get the compliments from those closest to use vs just our acquaintances. I love when my husband says wow look at you.

I should really try and adopt your no candy rule but I know myself too well. I hope we get trick or treaters to take it off our hands.

We're taking the Little one for about an hour tomorrow although I think he's still too young/ small. He's walking now but I can just see him dumping the candy bucket on the ground and us having to pick up candy everywhere. I think I'll have to hold it FOR him or something. IDK. But we'll give it a try! I think I'll bring the stroller for when he tuckers out! He's going to be Superman and we're dressing the dog as Batman. So cute!

Originally Posted by shelbyla

O...M...G! on both of those things! Lara, you crack me up!

Chicken cd went well yesterday. 2 medium thighs at lunch and two VERY small thighs at dinner (plus the skin off another one but who really counts that??? ). I went home and worked out too, since I just couldn't get my butt out of bed yesterday morning. I may regret this but I decided on a whim to add a few weights back yesterday so I did...80 squats. Erm, I think I'll be feeling THOSE later! I also rowed for 30 minutes, a small change up from the treadclimber. But you guys are just NOT posting enough to keep me occupied reading! Having my bp coffee for breakfast, BAS for lunch (big a$$ salad), and we'll see what the evening brings. The plan is pan fried fish and whipping cream mousse but I may have a date so it may end up being a martini or a latte... The plan is to weigh either tomorrow or Thursday for accountability, if nothing else.


For those who are seeing the upper end of their window, keep it clean or do your cd's and it'll be back down. For those, toddling along +/- 2, KUTGW!

laters, kids...

80 squats? Dayum. That's something else. I would be on fire! Glad your CD went well. I haven't tried that one yet> how exactly do you prepare them if you don't mind sharing?

OK time to get off here and finish up a few things.

[LaraSuzz]

Reddy~ sorry to hear about your Nana, that's so hard when it happens.

Originally Posted by shelbyla

O...M...G! on both of those things! Lara, you crack me up!

Chicken cd went well yesterday. 2 medium thighs at lunch and two VERY small thighs at dinner (plus the skin off another one but who really counts that??? ). I went home and worked out too, since I just couldn't get my butt out of bed yesterday morning. I may regret this but I decided on a whim to add a few weights back yesterday so I did...80 squats. Erm, I think I'll be feeling THOSE later! I also rowed for 30 minutes, a small change up from the treadclimber. But you guys are just NOT posting enough to keep me occupied reading! Having my bp coffee for breakfast, BAS for lunch (big a$$ salad), and we'll see what the evening brings. The plan is pan fried fish and whipping cream mousse but I may have a date so it may end up being a martini or a latte... The plan is to weigh either tomorrow or Thursday for accountability, if nothing else.

C'Marie - sorry to hear about the insomnia. For ME, it's always cortisol related.

For those who are seeing the upper end of their window, keep it clean or do your cd's and it'll be back down. For those, toddling along +/- 2, KUTGW!

laters, kids...

I know I've felt that way before but he sure is open about his feelings and I dunno if thats a good thing lol.

His phone died yesterday which explains why no answer to the drinking question, which i got just now and he said yes he would stop and or do anything to be with me. So I guess I will give him one more chance but I sure hope its in public so I can see if he starts behaving badly. And I have a way to escape if need be. This guy is either realy into me, or a total wacko.
Wish I knew how to tell that apart.

I wish that chicken days worked for me but everytime I tried I would only get half way thru then eat everything in sight.
Bacon days just make me not want to eat anything after work... the fat does that I think?

[buttah]

Dayam. I thought I'd learned how to multi-quote, and I must have done something wrong. I had replies for everyone!

Oh well. Here's what I remember.

Reddy, thank you so much for the compliments. The head shot has indeed had an amazing response, but as for looking younger than I am - I have to thank my mom's and grandma's genes to thank for that... and my good sense to get the heck out of the sun when I did (I only wish it had been sooner).

Julie, it sounds like you are having a blast, and nothing is better than feeling comfy and thin in your jeans when traveling and hanging with family. Nothing!

Shrinking, welcome!

Shelby, I wish I liked chicken dark meat, but I just don't. But you are ALMOST making it sound good.

I was nearly a lb out of my window this morning. I think I overdid the SF chocolate nuts and and I know I ate past hunger a few times the past couple days. I felt disgusting afterward. Lesson learned!

I'm sort of trying a GY day today, but I only have a few 2% and a couple full fats. Hopefully mixing the two in one day will still work. Then again, I just ate a few pieces of seaweed. I can't imagine that will hurt either. I was craving something green. Is it okay to put unsweetened coconut in the yogurt? Hope so.

I kind of wish I'd just started a very careful hunger-only P2 foods plus a little fat type of CD. That just makes more sense to me. But you guys got me curious about the yogurt thing. We'll see.

I'm very bloated with TOM coming anyway.

And Reddy, the Maltitol doesn't seem to solve my bathroom woes these days - it only SOUNDS like it's solving them, if you get my drift.

[Shrinking]

Hello all! I thought I had a day off today, but then my son woke up with a worse sore throat than the last 2 days, so it was off to the doctor for us. It's strep throat...again. Poor kid. So it took us until almost 3pm to get that all sorted out and the prescription filled. On the upside I was down another lb this am. I'm so excited to be under 200lbs!!! I haven't been in over 10 yrs! I'm still not hungry so must still have hCG running around my body.

I must say Shelbyla you tire me out just reading about your workouts!! Wow!!! It makes me feel like I should be doing something too. I have an unused gym membership that my dh's company provides. Maybe it's time to dust it off, LOL. I do have so much more energy now so I might have to get to the gym. As soon as I up my calories is it ok to workout?

Thank you Reddy too. I appreciate all the advice. I think 60 days was a bit long but I became addicted to losing. In the last week though I really started to miss food. My second round will be 42 days at most. I can't wait to make some guacamole and eat it with celery! Yummm! I might just have a big steak because I miss it! I am afraid to eat too much protein and gain. Must find the balance.

To everyone out there, stay strong!!! Keeping with the program is so worth it!

[julieboolie]

Buttah- at maltitol!! I can handle it in SMALL doses only, which is a bummer b/c the choc from TJs is sooooo good!! I'm allowing myself some tomorrow night in lieu of the "real" thing. Hope your modified GY day gets you down some. I'm sure it will. I like the full fat GY, but many add HWC to their lower fat yogurt to simluate the same effect. I had an apple on my CD, so I suspect you'll be fine w. the seaweed.

Reddy- on your nanna. That's so hard! At least you'll get to see her this weekend. Such a hard place to be. I'm glad you're down though. Even if you have some goodies tomorrow you'll be just fine. HAve fun .w your little guy. Many around our neighborhood pull their kids in wagons or bring strollers. It's so cute to see the little guys in their costumes. We're doing a street wide potluck, but only 2 families have RSVPed. I've invited 3 friends/families of ours, so it could be a bit group. Hope the BBQ pulled pork I'm making stretches. Why don't people bring a main dish to a potluck? I have plenty of soda and dessert offers!!

Shelby-Ah, the joys? of weight/resistance trainng!! Good for you!! I'm not sure I coud DO that many squats anymore . I'm planning (actually looking forward to) getting back in the weight room when I'm home from Cali. I miss feeling strong and tight . Enjoy!

Lara- Can't help you in deciding if it's adoration or insanity! But I hope you discover the truth really soon. Public is a good idea. I mean, the man can cook. That alone deserves a chance

Off to taxi dd to vball open gym then other dd to vball practice (which I'm coaching). Dd(12) is trying out for a new club team Thurs. It's hard to leave the very successful team she played with last year, but I want to try out this new club while we still can. By next year we need to stick it out w. a club for the long haul. This new club promises a 3rd day of intense conditioning and vball training in addition to the 2 days of regular practice. She will benefit from that even if the girls on her team aren't as good as she's used to. It'll be a growth opportunity (actually, they'll probably bump her up to the 14's team, which is also ok). It's been a stressful week making this decision, and the stress isn't over until she makes the team. Sigh. I hope she likes the team.

Have a great night all!! Had tuna salad today, forgot how yummy that can be!

[buttah]

Yikes, that's the thing I forgot - Reddy, I am so sorry about your Nana. Keeping you in my thoughts.

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by Reddy

On a sad note, my Nana is not doing well at all now, they've called in Hospice and there is nothing they can do for her. I'm very very sad about this and I am not sure how to deal with it. We'll be down to see her again this weekend.

So sorry to hear it. I am sure she has lived a wonderful and fulfilling life!

Originally Posted by Reddy

Glad your CD went well. I haven't tried that one yet> how exactly do you prepare them if you don't mind sharing?

Originally Posted by buttah

Shelby, I wish I liked chicken dark meat, but I just don't. But you are ALMOST making it sound good.

I bake a pound of bacon on a jellyroll pan (line pan with foil, double up bacon strips, put in cold oven, turn heat on to 375/400, bake until desired crispyness, 40-55 mins, remove bacon from pan). Lay defrosted chicken thighs skin-side down in the bacon grease. Liberally salt and pepper top of thighs and sprinkle with whatever spices you like--curry, Italian seasoning, BBQ seasoning, garlic, lemon pepper, etc. Turn over so skin/bacon grease side is on top. Sprinkle liberally with salt/pepper/spices. Put in oven. Cook for 40-50 minutes or until tops are crispy and brown and juices run clear. You can do it without the bacon but it sure does make it yummy! Plus, then you have BACON!

Originally Posted by LaraSuzz

So I guess I will give him one more chance but I sure hope its in public so I can see if he starts behaving badly. And I have a way to escape if need be. This guy is either really into me, or a total wacko. Wish I knew how to tell that apart.

Yes, if he's that into you, give him one more chance. We've all been there. Also... ...right there with ya on not being able to tell the difference.

Originally Posted by buttah

The head shot has indeed had an amazing response, but as for looking younger than I am - I have to thank my mom's and grandma's genes to thank for that... and my good sense to get the heck out of the sun when I did (I only wish it had been sooner).

I wanna see but I don't know how?

Originally Posted by Reddy

80 squats? Dayum. That's something else. I would be on fire!

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Shelby-Ah, the joys? of weight/resistance training!! Good for you!! I'm not sure I could DO that many squats anymore . I'm planning (actually looking forward to) getting back in the weight room when I'm home from Cali. I miss feeling strong and tight . Enjoy!

Originally Posted by Shrinking

I must say Shelbyla you tire me out just reading about your workouts!! Wow!!! It makes me feel like I should be doing something too. I have an unused gym membership that my dh's company provides. Maybe it's time to dust it off, LOL. I do have so much more energy now so I might have to get to the gym. As soon as I up my calories is it ok to workout?

Welcome Shrinking! You can workout whenever you like. Just be prepared that if you start doing things that make you sore, your weight might bump up a little from water retention. As for commitment--well, I just wish I liked exercise more! I feel like at my age I need the extra boost to improve skin tone and firmness. But seriously, 4:45am, even in my own garage is the PITS!

Originally Posted by julieboolie

the choc from TJs is sooooo good!! I'm allowing myself some tomorrow night in lieu of the "real" thing.

Julie, I may have mentioned this before but for true chocolate fanatics, google Venchi Italian Chocolate 85%. TO DIE FOR and I am not kidding. It's expensive but it only has something like 15 carbs (sugar) in the whole bar. And there is really no way I can eat the whole bar. It's just too rich. It's also excellent with red wine and port (Reddy)...

[doli123]

cani take metfromin 500 and hcg togehter

[julieboolie]

. We've all been there. Also... ...right there with ya on not being
Welcome Shrinking! You can workout whenever you like. Just be prepared that if you start doing things that make you sore, your weight might bump up a little from water retention. As for commitment--well, I just wish I liked exercise more! I feel like at my age I need the extra boost to improve skin tone and firmness. But seriously, 4:45am, even in my own garage is the PITS!



Julie, I may have mentioned this before but for true chocolate fanatics, google Venchi Italian Chocolate 85%. TO DIE FOR and I am not kidding. It's expensive but it only has something like 15 carbs (sugar) in the whole bar. And there is really no way I can eat the whole bar. It's just too rich. It's also excellent with red wine and port (Reddy)... [/QUOTE]

I hope you're happy with yourself!! I had to go online and look that chocolate up. It's expensive!! But that didn't stop me from ordering it!! It's 20% off at an online seller so I ordered a bar of the 85%, and am also trying their SF milk choc bar too. I'm worth it!! $7.99/bar (before the discount). Does that sound about right?

And I agree about the exercise. I don't love it either, but do like how I feel and look when I'm doing it regularly. It's not a heinous as it once was, which is good. I think giving myself permission to *not* be a runner was very freeing. I'm still slow, which is a bummer at my Monday night softball games, but aside from that, I'm ok w. it. Looking forward to lifting some heavy weights very slowly again soon. I miss feeling strong and tight.

[julieboolie]

Actually, Shelby, I lied. I just saw the shipping charges!! Do you get it locally or pay that shipping? Not sure I can go there. If there is a local store that sells it, let me know Thanks!

[C'Marie]

Originally Posted by doli123

cani take metfromin 500 and hcg togehter

Doli, none of us are doctors, so we cannot give medical advice. I will tell you that plenty of posters have taken hcg while diabetic, and there were indications that they did quite well, for the most part.

Maybe someone else in this thread knows how to help you search to find some of the posts where that is addressed.

But Welcome! Glad you're here!

[C'Marie]

@reddy, sorry to hear about your Nana. No matter where we are on the life continuum, because I believe that life after "here" goes on, it's still so dang hard. (((HUGS)))

@Julie - really!? You scoping out chocolate that Shelby suggested? I'm in - group order? LOL Have fun in D-Land - JEALOUS! Love it there - come to think of it, I haven't been there since I lost 100 pounds. I bet it'd be a slightly different experience

@Shelby, sounds like your trip with the girls was just what you needed. I could sorely use a night out right now, but school is at its hottest. Soon, though! Still wanna meet in Mexico!? How about Palm Springs!? LOL I am only half kidding..... someone take me up on it!

@Lara, I hope you can figure out whether to walk away from this one or not soon. Sounds too scary for me. But what do I know, I haven't dated in OVER 3 decades! ha ha ha! good lordy I know nothing of men or dating anymore at all, and everything I ever did know is completely wrong, I bet! But I do know that any man that you can't even see as a friend won't eventually work out - cuz as you get up to my age, friendship in the same house with you is pretty necessary.

Buttah, you really are a hawtie

@Shrinking (still love that name) you'll do it!

[LaraSuzz]

Hi guys, I'm down 2.4 from my steak day. I'm now 3 over my limit, guess thats ok. Wish it was more, thought about doing a bacon day but I think that since its Haloween I will do a meaty day instead. All in all I'm doing well since adding in some bread and a potato plus some sugars in sausage and worchestire sauce. Baby steps!

[buttah]

Shelby, legs are one thing, but due to my profession and general neurosis, I am way too paranoid to ever post my face here. If there was some way I could flash it and then make it disappear forever, including any cached pages, I would. Is there?

Meanwhile the modified GY day was a major success! Back down to just above LDW. I'm going to eat strictly to hunger and very healthy today and try to get it down further. After all, the "window" is allowed the other direction, too!

Truthfully, now that I've done two modified CD's I'm really going to swear off them, hope there isn't a next time, but if there is... I'm just going to eat less until the scale goes back down. Radical idea, I know... but it just seems healthier to both body and mind.

No Halloween candy will enter my mouth today. That's just a fact. Thank goodness I have those SF chocolate almonds around.

Will have to try this other chocolate you guys speak of. I think I saw it on Amazon - is that the right one?

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by Shrinking

Hello all! I thought I had a day off today, but then my son woke up with a worse sore throat than the last 2 days, so it was off to the doctor for us. It's strep throat...again. Poor kid. So it took us until almost 3pm to get that all sorted out and the prescription filled. On the upside I was down another lb this am. I'm so excited to be under 200lbs!!! I haven't been in over 10 yrs! I'm still not hungry so must still have hCG running around my body.

I must say Shelbyla you tire me out just reading about your workouts!! Wow!!! It makes me feel like I should be doing something too. I have an unused gym membership that my dh's company provides. Maybe it's time to dust it off, LOL. I do have so much more energy now so I might have to get to the gym. As soon as I up my calories is it ok to workout?

Thank you Reddy too. I appreciate all the advice. I think 60 days was a bit long but I became addicted to losing. In the last week though I really started to miss food. My second round will be 42 days at most. I can't wait to make some guacamole and eat it with celery! Yummm! I might just have a big steak because I miss it! I am afraid to eat too much protein and gain. Must find the balance.

To everyone out there, stay strong!!! Keeping with the program is so worth it!

Sorry your son is sick! And on Halloween too. My kids would be really sad! Hope he's feeling better today. Ah, guacamole!!

Buttah-glad you're back down!! WTG!! I know, radical! It's not working for me right now.

Lara-wtg!! Nice!! Glad you're down and doing well.

Marie-I'm hoping there's a way to get it w.o. paying $13 in shipping! The bar is only $7!

Well, depsite 1000 LC cals yesterday, I'm right back up to 146.4lbs again today (day after CD) It seems whether I cut cals, fat, carbs etc. or eat out and higher cal, I gravitate toward 146. I'm beginning to think that week in Mexico I must have been at 146lbs most of the time and my body has stabilized here. Can't seem to figure any other explanation for it? If it was the CO in the BP coffee I had all last week, wouldn't that have gone down by now? CDs get me down a lb, then I bounce right back up here. I'm going to try an all beef day today-kinda' like a steak day (leftover roast beef needs to be eaten anyway) and see what tomorrow brings. I'm really baffled by the resistance of this weight. I know it's only a few lbs above LDW, but I love the idea of being at or below 145. Sigh. I don't want to give up and allow the weight to creep back up. I don't want to avoid exercise b/c I'm already higher on the scale than I want to be. Sigh. Not liking this #, but growing impatient w. being weak and flabby. Did some push-ups last night just b.c. Added back walking and softball so far, but likely adding more dedicated exercise once I'm home from my trip. AND I'm afraid of how I'll gain on my trip. Even being careful in Mexico, eating to hunger, stopping before truly full and satiated, I gained.. My metabolism seems insufficient. Seems like my body wants to be higher.

Sorry, I know I'm doing just fine. But wanted to vent my disappointment among those who understand. My friends IRL don't "get" it , think I look great and "skinny" and encourage me to eat (have a cookie!!). Is the number on the scale really that important? Can I accept 146 as my stable weight and be happy here. Sure. But why does that make me feel like I've failed for some reason? Is LDW+3lbs such a bad thing? Why am I not "ok" with that? Gotta' wrap my head around this .

[Reddy]

Thank you all for the kind words about my Nana. It's really hard and I"m trying not to think about it but when I do, I get so sad. I know it's life but I've never lost someone close to me so I just don't know how to deal.

On a happier note, happy halloween everyone!

I may or may not have had an encounter with some Halloween Candy last night. Yeah, I did. So I did not weigh this morning. I suspect if I weigh tomorrow I'll not like the results either so I may wait for Friday to Weight and be good tomorrow. Whatever. I'm not going to stress.

Lara, glad to hear you're going to give him one more shot. I'm guessing he is just really into you. Hopefully he'll tone it down a little and relax some.

Glad your steak day brought you back down!!

Buttah, to multiquote just hit the little quote marks at bottom right on the ones you want to reply to and then hit reply at the bottom of the final post.

I bet you got an amazing response from that headshot b/c you look stunning. And skinny. And you inspire me to want to stay out of the sun if it means I can look that good later but to be honest, I've already done so much damage and have deep lines in my forehead and very pronounced "11's". You just look so young to me that's all there is to that. Enjoy that! Reminds me of my Aunt who is 69 and looks 49 at most.

So you are a lb over this morning? Easy peasy. Good solid lc or GYday and you'll be back down a lb or two tomorrow. Don't stress that! I've never done a GYD but I bet it does the trick for you! 2% or not. Can't believe the Mailtol hasn't moved you yet, but lol at the Noise!

Shrinking- Strep? That's awful. I hope you don't get it. Congrats on being down and under 200! That's awesome! Eat that Guac and ENJOY It! TOtally P3 legal! In fact, I need to go get some avocados!

Julie your Halloween Plans sound fun! Gotta say it drives me crazy when poeple don't RSVP. What's the point in sending invites? Grrr.

GL to your Daughter on making the team!

It does sound like your body is comfortable and stabilized at 146. That said, you should be able to get to or below 145, and it wiill probably happen if you DON'T CD (which causes the ups and downs) but instead just eat clean low carb high protein. That's my feeling at least. Of course I've been up and down and up and down this whole time so what do I know?

I think you're just disappointed b/c 145 is such a clean number and it was the number you were shooting for for long term maintenance. But really, LDW + 3 is not bad, it's GOOD. Don't forget where you came from here! You are amazing!

Shelby mmmm bacon! I had some for breakfast this morning and it was SOOO yummy!

That recipe sounds sooo good. I'm going to try it next week. How many thighs do you make?

Gotta look for that chocolate. Where do you buy it? Online only? I wonder if a place like Fresh Market would have it. Mmm chocolate and red wine... so good!

C'Marie so glad your GYD worked well for you too! I haven't really done any true CD's either, I just eat less and very low carb (no nuts and minimal amount of cheese, lots of protein and meat) and it usually moves the scale back down. Easy without worry. Kudos to you on resisting the candy. I usually don't eat much but we bought the BEST candy this year- I should really buy candy I don't like so I'm not tempted. I don't care for plain m&M's and could totally resist those. Instead we got the variety packs with ALL the yum stuff (Twix, reeces, almond joy etc)

Ok well I guess that's all from me. Going to try and avoid the candy as much as I can and save the calories for some Sauvignon Blanc this evening. It's "cold" here. Relative of course but in the high 60's. I think I need to go find some socks for my feetsies. Happy Halloween!

[dawnyama]

Well, still in my window!! WooHoo!! I am barely in it, but in it nonetheless. I am happy about that!! I cannot have any Halloween candy today otherwise I will be OUT of the window. That is what is going to help me tonight. That plus I have some really good dark chocolate I can dig into if necessary. That and some fat bombs in the fridge! All will be good!! I am going to make soup so I can get some good hot food into the kids before going out to trick or treat. The kids finally decided what to be. Went shopping on Monday night for the costumes. Kyle (my 6 year old) will be a firefighter and my girl will be a butterfly. My eldest will be working (they say it is the busiest day for Little Ceasar's so everyone is required to work) and I have my 13 yr old handing out candy. Figured if I gave him the job of handing out candy, he would NOT trick or treat. He says every year "I am not going out trick or treating" then every year he gets dragged out by our neighbors LOL. He is soooo funny!!!! He probably will end up going out, which is fine. But he is a hoot!!

Happy Halloween everyone!!! Be good tonight and you will be treated kindly by your scale in the morning. We don't want tricks tomorrow, right???!! LOL

[dawnyama]

Julie--I feel for you. It seems that I can be so stable in P2, staying right at a certain number so I figure I will be at that number in P3. Then I get to P3 and move UP from there. I don't understand it either and wish I knew why. Maybe I could get rich if I did LOL. I am wondering if WLA says anything about that. I don't recall Biz saying anything about it. Kinda sucks, I know. I am in P3 til this Friday and I think next week I will move into JUDDD to see if I can move this weight down. I love being in my window, but it would be nice to be below my LDW. How cool would that be??!!! Right now I just want to not focus on food too much. My last week at work is next week, so I might adjust my JUDDD til the following week. I have time!!! Thank goodness.

Lara--woohoo on your loss!! That is awesome!!!

Shelby--I am all for good chocolate, but can it really be that expensive??!! Hmmmm.....

Reddy--have fun tonight!!!

[LaraSuzz]

Thanks Dawn Your little one sounds cute!

I think that being 3 over liw is aggrivating just cause the correction days dont work as well as they should!!! And you cant do two in a row cause that is madness. Well you can but who wants to? lol.
Youre bound to be a little over and thats ok. Being successful is important and there will be fluctuations from day to day but I think there is also a paranoia that ot will get of control and never get back (which has happened to me before)

Ok so here's a thought... remember what it was like to be on p2. if you feel out of control just skip a meal and see how you feel. It wont kill you to not eat dinner remember that we were only having 500 cals a day....

and treat yourself well. =)

[julieboolie]

Lara-that's exactly what I've been telling myself lately. Going a bit hungry won't hurt me any! I already tried that the past 3 days. I did a GYCD for one of them, and my cals were around 1000 the other 2 (cream in my coffee bumps that up a lot). I'm now beginning to question if I'm not eating enough! I haven't explored that avenue yet. It's about the only one I haven't tried. Did basically a FF early last week, etc. Haven't tried high carb low fat yet, but suspect that's not going to be a winner either!

So, today, instead of the modified beef day I had planned, I am doing a clean, higher cal (1800) day, all LC and "legal" (even though I've been in P4 all week!) and see what tomorrow brings. Wouldnt' that be a lovely surprise? LDW+3 lbs wouldn't be the end of the world if it stayed there - even w. occasional indulgence. But low cal /carb, FF, CDs and I'm still there? I'm afraid to try adding in more sugar or starch. Sigh.

Dawn-Congrats on being back down!! Work, work, work! So annoying, isn't it? I'm not ready for a strict JUDDD approach yet. Maybe when I'm home from my vacation. I did it a bit too liberally when I tried it before (lots of yummy carbs on my UDs) and gained 3lbs in 2 weeks. So, that killed that idea. I rationalized that only eating 500 cals every other day should allow me to eat higher carb on my up days. Alas, no. So, if I try it again, I guess it would be LC. Which seems like a double punishment . Have fun tonight w. your kids! My dd(12) is going out w. several girlfriends (dad not far behind) and their younger siblings will be going out w/ dd(9). 12yo is going as Taylor Swift, and my 9 y.o. borrowed a cute Bee costume. I have a strict "spend no $ on costumes" rule

Reddy-exactly! I'm trying to keep this little annoying lb in perspective, and not allow it to find friends . Have fun tonight, and stay warm . I'm in the same boat out here in AZ. We're doing a fire in the driveway b/c it'll be around 70 by nighttime. Brrrr.

I too am avoiding the candy tonight. 1 piece leads to another, etc. Sigh. So, I'm making a nice fire in our firepit, hosting 30 people for BBQ pork, and will brew some yummy decaf coffee w. HWC for my "dessert" while the others all indulge. If I'm up tomorrow I'll .

[dawnyama]

Lara--that is me to a "T"!!! I let my stress get to me and think that being a bit over will lead to a lot over and then I just hop back to P2. You are handling being over just great!!! I would be so panicking that I would run for P2 LOL. I would hate to do 2 CDs in a row too. That would not be fun at all. I am watching Dr Oz right now and of course when it is interesting I have to leave LOL. My kids have piano lessons. But he has on a guest Chris, that is talking about carb cycling so that your body will not get used to low carbing. I wonder if that would work for Julie??!! Something to check out, for sure. He has the show on ABC that is something like "Extreme Makeover" where he takes superhuge people and overhauls their lives in a year's time. Worked for them!!

[buttah]

Reddy, I'm a lb over LDW now, not a lb over my window. I'm planning to go down from here as well, including the fact that it's Halloween.

Have a great one, everybody! (Halloween always makes me a little sad, because I miss having kids that little - kids who still get excited about costumes and trick or treating. Enjoy them while you've got them!

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by julieboolie

I hope you're happy with yourself!! I had to go online and look that chocolate up. It's expensive!! But that didn't stop me from ordering it!! It's 20% off at an online seller so I ordered a bar of the 85%, and am also trying their SF milk choc bar too. I'm worth it!! $7.99/bar (before the discount). Does that sound about right?

And I agree about the exercise. I don't love it either, but do like how I feel and look when I'm doing it regularly. It's not a heinous as it once was, which is good. I think giving myself permission to *not* be a runner was very freeing. I'm still slow, which is a bummer at my Monday night softball games, but aside from that, I'm ok w. it. Looking forward to lifting some heavy weights very slowly again soon. I miss feeling strong and tight.

Yes, the price of $6-8 a bar is about right and I think you are looking at the same place as I am for shipping. I usually order the 5 bar value pack (sometimes more than 1 5 barpack! ) so the shipping evens out for me. Maybe for a bday or a special treat? I know I have lots of people asking me what I want for Christmas or my birthday. Well, now you have something to tell them! I have actually seen it in two stores IRL. One is a specialty wine and cheese shop here in LA and another was a Whole Foods type place in upstate NY. I am trying to remember the name. (**looked it up: Adams Fairacre Farms.) Maybe google imported chocolate or specialty chocolate in your neck of the woods. Btw, never been a runner, never will be. HATE that more than most other stuff! I remember saying to my mother after one failed attempt, "Whoever invented running as a form of exercise was completely MENTAL..." Which is truly truly funny when you think about it...

Originally Posted by buttah

Shelby, legs are one thing, but due to my profession and general neurosis, I am way too paranoid to ever post my face here. If there was some way I could flash it and then make it disappear forever, including any cached pages, I would. Is there?

Will have to try this other chocolate you guys speak of. I think I saw it on Amazon - is that the right one?

I don't know of a way to post pics like that, buttah. I was just listening to Reddy talk about your pic--I thought it was up somewhere that I wasn't looking. The chocolate is outstanding...and since you're in LA, I found it at Wally's Wine & Spirits in Westwood.

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Marie-I'm hoping there's a way to get it w.o. paying $13 in shipping! The bar is only $7!

Well, depsite 1000 LC cals yesterday, I'm right back up to 146.4lbs again today (day after CD) It seems whether I cut cals, fat, carbs etc. or eat out and higher cal, I gravitate toward 146.

Is LDW+3lbs such a bad thing? Why am I not "ok" with that? Gotta' wrap my head around this .

I think you posted something later in the thread about trying a high calorie day??? I was actually thinking that and trying to keep the protein calories on the lower side. I think we are so used to the eating all the protein you want thing, that we sometimes forget that Atkins was originally intended as a MODERATE protein diet, with high FAT. On my high fat days, I have been eating right around 12-14oz of protein (total--not grams). Not super low but fat calories have been in the 80-85% range. You might give it a try. May work, may not, but I wouldn't have guessed it would have worked well for me. As for wrapping your head around it, I totally get that. 3 rounds worth of totally getting it!

Originally Posted by Reddy

That recipe sounds sooo good. I'm going to try it next week. How many thighs do you make?

Gotta look for that chocolate. Where do you buy it? Online only? I wonder if a place like Fresh Market would have it. Mmm chocolate and red wine... so good!

Reddy - I make a family sized package of chicken thighs which usually ends up being around 8.

[dawnyama]

Shelby--have you ever posted a high fat menu before? I will have to see.....I keep saying I am going to try one, but then never do! I think it would help if I were home. I am at work when everyone is eating breakfast so I don't eat breakfast. Ah, my schedule is all screwed up! Cannot wait til the end of next week. Things should all even out then and I hope to be on a better track.