P3~P4 SIMEONS PROTOCOL MARCH 2013

[fiveninepointfive]

Originally Posted by shelbyla

Hi everyone!

Quick fly-by from me here. My life has been seriously seriously busy lately, to the point of not really having time to post much, exercise much, or weigh much. I am relatively certain that I am still WELL above my window and I am just hanging in there, trying to make the best choices possible, staying away from the booze during the week, and getting as much sleep as I can. Work has been crazy (but good). The new man has kind of turned my life on it's ear (in a good way--except for all the EATING!). All in all, I am not too unhappy with where I am weight-wise but would really like to get back into the LOW 140's as opposed to the UPPER 140's. My SO goes out of town for a week starting Thursday night so I will be buckling down over the weekend and next week for some serious focus on my diet and exercise. I may do another potato hack as that was interesting, cheap, and simple last time. I may also just go to a "no dinner" EOD approach which has worked pretty well for me in the past. A lot of options! Anyway, hope all is well with folks. I'm here on and off but think about you guys all the time! Keep plugging away!

Hi. Great news on the bf scene. While researching how to introduce carbs properly, I stumbled upon the hack. I am on day 2. I was up a little (.5) after day 1, so I am hoping it all works out in the end. I am planning on doing 5 days. After my last round, I stabilized about 5 lbs over my LDW -- to my last LDW. I guess it was a set weight type of thing.
Since correction days seemed to not have a great payoff and I hate them, I chose the hack to get some wiggle room.
I read your posts over at the JUDD site. Thanks for your input!

[MOMMYONAMISSION]

Hi, Shelby

Don't carbs into sugar and starch? To many veggies and fruits can make you gain in p3, right?

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by MOMMYONAMISSION

Hi, Shelby

Don't carbs into sugar and starch? To many veggies and fruits can make you gain in p3, right?

Not sure what you mean? I do not actually worry about too many vegges in P3 as long as they aren't starchy veggies. I keep the fruits to a max of 2 per day and often only have one. Does that help?

[pandora174]

Originally Posted by MOMMYONAMISSION

Hi, Shelby

Don't carbs into sugar and starch? To many veggies and fruits can make you gain in p3, right?

I only gained in P3 when I added fruits like pear for ex. but if I stuck to berries/apples I was fine. I had a max of 2 fruits per day & was fine but usually had one fruit a day. As to veggies I had big portions of salads, all sorts of veggies just not starchy like potatoes, corn etc & didn't have any issues. I usually had 2 portions of the veggies with my protein and I stabilized very nicely.

[MOMMYONAMISSION]

I was saying that I thought in p3 we should be watching for carbs. Like in sugar free foods have loads of carbs most of the time.

[MOMMYONAMISSION]

I thought that to much fruit or vegetables in one day can make you gain, because it turns into sugar or carbs.

[cocoapeanut]

P3 is really about avoiding starch and sugary things because they have the greatest impact on insulin. Too much of an insulin spike can mess with your hormones, which are just coming out of a sort of healing process. It's not about avoiding fruits and vegetables. Those are exactly the types of carbs you should be eating -- veggies are the healthiest carbs there are! They alone should not make you gain any sort of real, permanent weight.

Also, for the record: the body can create sugars if it needs them, regardless of whether or not you eat them. Glucose is required by cells in order to function, and if you haven't eaten enough of it, your body will figure out a way to make it. Even proteins can be converted into sugars via gluconeogenesis.

In my opinion, the low-carb/Atkins mentality makes a lot of people afraid of ANY carbs at ALL, but no one ever got fat on fruit and vegetables! Just keeping it real, y'all!

[torister]

Originally Posted by MOMMYONAMISSION

I was saying that I thought in p3 we should be watching for carbs. Like in sugar free foods have loads of carbs most of the time.

Have you read Pounds and Inches? Dr. S is pretty clear. P3..no sugar or starch. Good non starchy veggies and fruit are good for you and in the HCG protocol, Dr. S wants you eating them.

Originally Posted by cocoapeanut

P3 is really about avoiding starch and sugary things because they have the greatest impact on insulin. Too much of an insulin spike can mess with your hormones, which are just coming out of a sort of healing process. It's not about avoiding fruits and vegetables. Those are exactly the types of carbs you should be eating -- veggies are the healthiest carbs there are! They alone should not make you gain any sort of real, permanent weight.

Also, for the record: the body can create sugars if it needs them, regardless of whether or not you eat them. Glucose is required by cells in order to function, and if you haven't eaten enough of it, your body will figure out a way to make it. Even proteins can be converted into sugars via gluconeogenesis.

In my opinion, the low-carb/Atkins mentality makes a lot of people afraid of ANY carbs at ALL, but no one ever got fat on fruit and vegetables! Just keeping it real, y'all!

AFM, I am up a bit this AM. I tossed and turned last night. LOTS going on in my life right now and I cannot shut my mind off! That and not really getting three meals in yesterday is prob the reason. Oh well...I will try harder today!

[dooy]

Originally Posted by cocoapeanut

P3 is really about avoiding starch and sugary things because they have the greatest impact on insulin. Too much of an insulin spike can mess with your hormones, which are just coming out of a sort of healing process. It's not about avoiding fruits and vegetables. Those are exactly the types of carbs you should be eating -- veggies are the healthiest carbs there are! They alone should not make you gain any sort of real, permanent weight.

Also, for the record: the body can create sugars if it needs them, regardless of whether or not you eat them. Glucose is required by cells in order to function, and if you haven't eaten enough of it, your body will figure out a way to make it. Even proteins can be converted into sugars via gluconeogenesis.

In my opinion, the low-carb/Atkins mentality makes a lot of people afraid of ANY carbs at ALL, but no one ever got fat on fruit and vegetables! Just keeping it real, y'all!

[dooy]

Originally Posted by torister

AFM, I am up a bit this AM. I tossed and turned last night. LOTS going on in my life right now and I cannot shut my mind off! That and not really getting three meals in yesterday is prob the reason. Oh well...I will try harder today!

Hate when the mind zoooomz....today is a new day! Wishing you lots of strength and energy to get through today.

[dooy]

I'm at .2 below my LDW on D17. Food intake is good in terms of added fats, veggies, proteins and nuts! I LOVE nuts but do have to watch my portions. Yesterday, I got carried away in a meeting and totally lost my focus...handful of peanuts down the gullet before I even thought about it! I had already had 14 almonds.

We're going on vacation on Sunday and my crazy "diet" brain says, "Just slash your calories so you can go away lighter." Insane.

I need to stick with stabilizing. DH and I are in the mind set to just keep with as good a P3 as we can for 5 added days while we're away. We plan to start R2P2 and load the last two days of vacation. Starting 3/15.

Any thoughts on trying to extend a P3 for 5 vacation days?? it goes well...

[toomuchbooty]

Originally Posted by cocoapeanut

P3 is really about avoiding starch and sugary things because they have the greatest impact on insulin. Too much of an insulin spike can mess with your hormones, which are just coming out of a sort of healing process. It's not about avoiding fruits and vegetables. Those are exactly the types of carbs you should be eating -- veggies are the healthiest carbs there are! They alone should not make you gain any sort of real, permanent weight.

Also, for the record: the body can create sugars if it needs them, regardless of whether or not you eat them. Glucose is required by cells in order to function, and if you haven't eaten enough of it, your body will figure out a way to make it. Even proteins can be converted into sugars via gluconeogenesis.

In my opinion, the low-carb/Atkins mentality makes a lot of people afraid of ANY carbs at ALL, but no one ever got fat on fruit and vegetables! Just keeping it real, y'all!

Excellent post!

[toomuchbooty]

I'm still 2.2lbs over LIW but since I already did my GY correction day this week. I'm just going to eat standard P3 and hope it comes down again. TOM is looming, I can tell by my level of crankiness.

Remind me, how do we all deal with the TOM fluctuations in P3?

[torister]

Originally Posted by toomuchbooty

I'm still 2.2lbs over LIW but since I already did my GY correction day this week. I'm just going to eat standard P3 and hope it comes down again. TOM is looming, I can tell by my level of crankiness.

Remind me, how do we all deal with the TOM fluctuations in P3?

When I would have TOM, I would just continue as I had been as it was most likely just water weight.

[pandora174]

Afternoon ! down -.4 to 129.4 & a happy girl +1.2 over ldw. it does seem I have stabilized within my window Enjoying my low carb toast in the morning, lots of berries & veggies for lunch & dinner with avocado & protein. Not counting calories & very happy about that. Trying to eat when hungry and exercising every day for 30 min now. So far so good but no tom.

Happy Wednesday !

[toomuchbooty]

Originally Posted by torister

When I would have TOM, I would just continue as I had been as it was most likely just water weight.

That is what I was thinking (and hoping).


I know that this is going to sound cray cray because I'm only in my 2nd week of P3...but I'm really excited about going to P2 again.

I'm committed to doing a proper P3 and P4, for myself and for the sanity of my beloved boyfriend.

I'm just so excited about the future these days! (Enjoying the now, too!)

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by MOMMYONAMISSION

I was saying that I thought in p3 we should be watching for carbs. Like in sugar free foods have loads of carbs most of the time.

Originally Posted by MOMMYONAMISSION

I thought that to much fruit or vegetables in one day can make you gain, because it turns into sugar or carbs.

Ah! Got it! Tired brain... Sugar-free foods, especially packaged ones (sugar free cookies or candies or other goodies), DO have a lot of carbs in addition to a bunch of junk that frankly just isn't very good for you. I agree with Cocoapeanut, though. Whole unprocessed carbs in the form of fruits and veggies are exactly what the doctor ordered (literally). Stay away from starchy additions like peas and carrots and winter squash as well a legumes like garbanzo beans and kidney beans but eat your veggies. Same with the fruits. Stay away from high sugar fruits like pineapple and grapes and all dried fruits, but keep in a bit to keep your body used to those good carbs.

Cocoa is also correct that your body will make glucose out of everything, including protein, if you don't get enough. I think this is partially why a very low carb diet is eventually damaging to your metabolism. Your body gets SO adapted to creating glucose from basically nothing that when you have ANY carbs, it freaks out. I posted a long time ago about this but at one point I ate nothing but meat, eggs and fat for about 3 months and I lost 6 pounds (whoo-freakin'-hoo, huh?). Then one night I ate broccoli. And every single one of those pounds was back on the next day... From BROCCOLI! God bless hCG for fixing me so I CAN eat fruits and veggies again!!!!!

[Kacey4150]

Hi ladies!!! I have been glued to my computer reading all of your posts!!

Next Thursday will be my first Phase3. Im really excited, but VERY nervous to gain back what I've lost.
I know we are supposed to avoid sugar and starches, hence the low carb eating. But what really throws me off is still having the fruit and including yogurt in Phase 3. I've been on low carb diets before and never had any type of fruit or yogurt.
Can I just eat low carb and omit the fruit, has any one else done that?
I was thinking that I could just eat really clean the first week or so (without the fruit and yogurt) and then slowly add it back in the latter part of the round. What do you ladies think?
Also, I've had friends that just jump right with the higher fat and protein. No easing in....is this ok to do?
Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated! Have a grat day ladies!!

-Kacey

[torister]

Originally Posted by Kacey4150

Hi ladies!!! I have been glued to my computer reading all of your posts!!

Next Thursday will be my first Phase3. Im really excited, but VERY nervous to gain back what I've lost.
I know we are supposed to avoid sugar and starches, hence the low carb eating. But what really throws me off is still having the fruit and including yogurt in Phase 3. I've been on low carb diets before and never had any type of fruit or yogurt.
Can I just eat low carb and omit the fruit, has any one else done that?
I was thinking that I could just eat really clean the first week or so (without the fruit and yogurt) and then slowly add it back in the latter part of the round. What do you ladies think?
Also, I've had friends that just jump right with the higher fat and protein. No easing in....is this ok to do?
Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated! Have a grat day ladies!!

-Kacey

In my experience, its a YMMV kind of thing. I have done things differently in different rounds and still stabilized. This is not low carb....you are meant to add non starchy veggies and fruits (avoiding the high sugar ones like pineapple and grapes). Dr. Simeon wanted you to be able to eat good food and maintain your weight loss by eating well. I can't imagine not taking advantage of being able to eat fruit on a regular basis. Nope...not me!!!

[cocoapeanut]

Originally Posted by torister

I can't imagine not taking advantage of being able to eat fruit on a regular basis. Nope...not me!!!

Me neither!! I love fruits and veggies. I always end up craving veggies at some point during P2 (along with cookies ). Extended near-zero carb plans like meat and eggs or nutritional ketosis drive me crazy.

Speaking of which..today is my first day of P3 and I'm already contemplating doing some juicing. Haha. I ate an egg with chicken breast, mushrooms, garlic, and a sprinkle of parmesan this morning and almost died, it tasted so good. I'm not normally a huge breakfast eater but my body has been crying for food the last few days, so I have a feeling I will eat a little more at first and the need will decrease a bit over time.

Yay P3

[walkingwoman]

Just checking in. I'm on day 1 of P3 and I'm under .2 from my ldw. I'll take it. I'm working hard out in my yard today clearing weeds. Yikes. Weeds in Phoenix are crazy creatures...grrrr. Glad I'm getting my steps in and a nice workout too Wishing everyone a successful day. I added in fullfat salad dressing, peaches and a string cheese today. We'll see how tomorrow goes. I'm tempted to do a pumpkin shake today too but we shall see.

[Avy]

I will be joining you all in P3 on Friday! really looking forward to a pork roast in the slow cooker, mixing my veggies, and using coconut oil again... and eating FAT! And of course, working all my low carb staples back into my rotation, like peanut butter, greek yogurt, sausage, bacon...and low carb breads and muffins I make myself.

Well, I said I was going to stop when I didn't have a loss in the morning, and this morning was the same as yesterday (probably due to a bad night's sleep, but anyway) so I made yesterday my LDW, of 184.6... 47.6 lbs total loss since June 1st, 18 lbs post load, 11.4 pre load. I wanted to go for 180, but meh, I can do another round come April during my busiest craziest time, when I don't have the time to even THINK about being hungry or food lol.

March 1, 2013 188.40 Vlcd 19
March 2, 2013 187.60 Vlcd 20
March 3, 2013 186.20 Vlcd 21
March 4, 2013 185.60 Vlcd 22
March 5, 2013 184.60 Vlcd 23 - LDW
March 6, 2013 184.60 Vlcd 24 - day 1 no drops

[toomuchbooty]

Avy, you have done an amazing job! I know it was a slow start but things really came together for you! Congratulations on a job well done. I'll be going back to P2 in April, maybe we will be on a similar schedule.

[Avy]

Thanks!! I would have lost more if it wasn't for that CO. I know better next time. The earliest I can load is going to be Easter Weekend, and I'll be back to P2 on April Fool''s Day, if I decide to do it in April. We'll see how I feel, but right now I could see doing it.

[Kacey4150]

Good morning all!!
Thanks for so many replies regarding my no fruit in Phase 3 question!!!
Only a few day left for me to start up. I really wanted this to be a longer round, but my sons 5th birthday is the first weekend of April. It worked out perfectly so that I can load the weekend of his party!

Geez, Phase 3 couldnt come soon enough.... Tuesday and Wednesday will be my two days without drops and Hello Thursday!!!!

I do have a question about the Greek Yogurt though, is it Full fat yogurt that's allowed. Is any type of sugar free yogurt allowed or strictly Greek yogurt?

Thanks for your imput ladies!!!!!!

Kacey<----can't wait till next week, not only is it the start of Phase 3, but it's spring break week and I get to stay home with my kiddos!!!

[pandora174]

Morning all ! Another lovely day in Maintenance Land. Up +.2 only +1.6 from ldw. Seems like I go up a little & then down again which is exactly how I was in P3 so it tells me my body is finally getting used to my exercising & stabilizing. Wonder if it's time to pick it up a notch. Might try tomorrow to add a little more intense workout 2 to 3x a week & see how I do.

I have "almost" decided to do a vanity round to get to my elusive goal of low low 120's & I have about 2 more weeks until that date of loading/P2. I had planned on loading 4/5 & 4/6 & start a short round 4/7. Once I get to goal I would up the protein calories to make sure I do the minimum 21 days. If I can get to 120 or lower that is fine since I tend to stabilize up to +2 lbs from ldw. But right now this particular moment another round sounds like so much trouble

Well I have 2 weeks to make my decision & the reason I am picking that date is because I don't want to be in P2 in Summer & we are moving the first week of June & looking for a house in May so I don't need the extra stress.

Oh well decisions decisions

[Jeanyyy]

Well, today is my first day of "E" and I am down 25 lbs this round. LDW is 181.7!! I will load for my next round on April 26-27. Wish me luck in stabilizing!!

[toomuchbooty]

Well done Jeanyyy!

Well, TOM is definitely descending. I nearly had a meltdown this morning when I realized I was out of coffee cream. I often use coconut oil in my coffee instead, but that requires blending to avoid the oil-slick on top. Of course, my boyfriend is sleeping and since we live in a loft it would be cruel to run the vitamix. Luckily, I managed to dig up the little hand held aerolatte electric whisk thing. It did the trick and my morning coffee was saved!

[walkingwoman]

I'm down another .2 this morning for a total of .4 below my ldw. I had a great day foodwise yesterday and so I'm just going along the same type of menu/numbers and adding in another 3-400 calories and see how it goes. Wishing everyone a fabulous day! Out to work on my property some more today. Its a beautiful sunny day here and wow, I can really feel the workout in my upper legs so I'll gladly continue on my landscaping project and get loads of benefits

[Jeanyyy]

Originally Posted by toomuchbooty

Well done Jeanyyy!

Well, TOM is definitely descending. I nearly had a meltdown this morning when I realized I was out of coffee cream. I often use coconut oil in my coffee instead, but that requires blending to avoid the oil-slick on top. Of course, my boyfriend is sleeping and since we live in a loft it would be cruel to run the vitamix. Luckily, I found managed to dig up the little hand held aerolatte electric whisk thing. It did the trick and my morning coffee was saved!

Don't you just love how CO blends up to creamy goodness in coffee? It's so good!!