What Is The Hcg Diet
9 years ago
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Round 2 VLCD Day 14....moving along...
Good Morning, down .5 today to 194.9. I did well all day yesterday until it was time to hear that Valerie (one of the girls I mentioned yesterday) didn't have long to live. I got out the Ben and Jerry's.......only 1 serving, but yet, still a serving. Thank goodness I'm still down. Valerie passed away this morning at 1:45am. She was 13 years old. My heart is still sad today so I don't have as much to say........until tomorrow......
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
A Heavy Heart
Yesterday was a repeat of VLCD day 13 on round 2. It was a good day, did cheat once (dang it). Allowing the HCG to completely leave the body and resuming the VLCD on the first day back on injections made me slightly more hungry than usual. I am down to 195.5 today which is 1.8 less than I weighed yesterday morning. I AM BACK IN THE GAME!
You are probably wondering why the heavy heart. There are 3 young girls who are nearing the end of their battles with cancer today. My heart is heavy for them and their families. They are strong young girls between the ages of 11 and 14. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, but after what I've learned and witnessed, I will forever be "aware" of the impact of cancer in children. Here are some facts:
• Childhood cancers are the #1 disease killer of children - more than asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and pediatric AIDS combined.
• The cause of most childhood cancers are unknown and at present, cannot be prevented. (Most adult cancers result from lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, occupation, and other exposure to cancer-causing agents)
• One in every 330 Americans will develop cancer by the age of 20. On the average, 12,500 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year.
• 46 children are diagnosed with cancer each school day
• The overall incidence rate for childhood cancers has increased significantly by almost 33% during the period 1975 to 2001
• 1 out of every 5 children diagnosed with cancer dies
• Three out of every five children diagnosed with cancer suffer from long-term or late onset side effects
• 2,300 children and teenagers will die each year from cancer
• less than 3% of all funding for cancer research is directed at childhood cancer
• Research funding: Breast Cancer (NCI: $572.5 million, NIH: $705 million, Dept of Defense: $138 million=approx 1.4 billion dollars); Lung Cancer: $226.9 million; Pancreatic Cancer (kills nearly as many patients as breast cancer) $73.3 million; Cardiovascular Disease $381 million; Space Program: $14 billion; CHILDHOOD CANCER: $35 million.
• 7 children battling cancer won't make it through the day
My heart is heavy for the families of these children, my heart is heavy because 3 precious girls are fighting hard but nearing the end. My heart is heavy because no parent should have to watch their children die. My heart is amazed at the strength of these young heroes. They are precious, wonderful girls who have inspired thousands. The strength they have found in spite of their own pain, amazes me each time I read of their updates. Here are the links to their CaringBridge websites. There you can read about their courage and even leave some encouraging words for their families as well if you wish.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/valeriedalmau
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jessicaeasley
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sammiehartsfield
I apologize that this is not HCG content, but it is what is on my heart today.
I also wanted to share a few thoughts that ARE related to the HCG protocol. When I started this program, I shared it with a few friends. One friend has battled her weight for many years as well and she and I actually applied for Biggest Loser together in January. We've had a "different" friendship than most of the other friendships that I've had. We've had some times where we didn't see eye to eye and therefore we didn't talk, then we'd reconnect years later and put that behind us. That type of friendship wasn't like any I've ever had with anyone else. I have been so used to having relationships with friends where we may not see eye to eye, but it's something we can look around. I'm not sure why, with this friend, it's not been that way.
When I started the HCG protocol, this particular friend had spent months in the gym working her butt off. She'd spent hours and hours each week and watching her food intake to get to the point to where I am right now. When I'd first discussed the HCG protocol with her, she said something along the lines of "that's not fair, you are going to do it the easy way." When I shared with her, she was very skeptical, which is very natural for many people. Shoot, I was very skeptical at first, but I was willing to do countless hours of research. I was also willing to weigh the risks (which are very small by the way compared to other methods of weight loss) with the risks of being obese. Do I stay obese and die of heart disease by 40 and leave my children or do I do something that can get me on the path to health quickly with the fewest side effects (compared to such things my Dr. wanted to prescribe like Phentermine).
I digress......I began to feel this tension between this friend and I. This plan seemed to really bother her, and I tried to talk with her about the "why's" behind the reason I chose the plan. She remained skeptical, and I realized that this plan isn't for everyone. I'd hoped that maybe she'd give it a try and we could be on the journey together. Instead, she'd make comments like "well, we'll see if you die first." I really didn't take to comments like that well and I explained that she didn't have to do the plan with me but I wished her success in hers. Not once did I hear "I hope it works for you, though I don't agree with the protocol." I had really hoped that she could support me in that way. She never did. One day some other things came up on a popular social networking site and her comments seemed very critical, almost as if she were angry at me for something other than that particular subject. I felt a sense that she was frustrated with me because, in her eyes, I was doing it the "easy way." (There isn't anything easy about this, mind you. It is easier than other plans because the success is so immediate, BUT it still takes discipline.) I attempted to discuss my feelings with this friend, unsuccessfully. Sadly, the friendship ended, yet again. I think this was the 3rd time in our 18 year friendship. I wasn't going to be someone's door mat and let a "friend" talk to me the way she was (very degrading).
The saddest part of this scenario is that all of these years, I really did care for her, even if things were difficult from time-to-time. I wanted to see her successful in her job, her relationships, her weight loss. I wanted so much for her. So, when I am on this journey, one we'd planned to be on together, it's hard sometimes when I think about her. I think "I should be sharing these successes with her and her with me." I think about how we should be calling each other and basking in the joy of new dress sizes. Even if we were on different plans, but I never felt she accepted mine. I didn't expect her to join me, though I think she'd of done great if she had, but I really wanted her to support me regardless of my choice in plan. I have been sad that it just didn't happen that way. I'm sad that I lost a friend. I'm sad that I felt I had to say "this is not a friendship" after numerous rude, degrading comments. She had responded to me that it was her sense of humor, and I explained that it's never been funny to me and I thought she'd of understood that about me. I'm sad that it ended the way it did, I still think about her and pray and hope that she is remaining successful on her plan and in her life. So, my heart is heavy sometimes because I don't like losing people from my life when I care about them. I just have to remember that sometimes there are just differences that don't work, and I have to be okay with that. I just wonder if our friendship was never compatible since we'd been on and off friends so many times.
Anyway, lots of things to share today. Hopefully you aren't bored out of your mind. lol. Take care, I'll check in tomorrow!
You are probably wondering why the heavy heart. There are 3 young girls who are nearing the end of their battles with cancer today. My heart is heavy for them and their families. They are strong young girls between the ages of 11 and 14. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, but after what I've learned and witnessed, I will forever be "aware" of the impact of cancer in children. Here are some facts:
• Childhood cancers are the #1 disease killer of children - more than asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and pediatric AIDS combined.
• The cause of most childhood cancers are unknown and at present, cannot be prevented. (Most adult cancers result from lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, occupation, and other exposure to cancer-causing agents)
• One in every 330 Americans will develop cancer by the age of 20. On the average, 12,500 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year.
• 46 children are diagnosed with cancer each school day
• The overall incidence rate for childhood cancers has increased significantly by almost 33% during the period 1975 to 2001
• 1 out of every 5 children diagnosed with cancer dies
• Three out of every five children diagnosed with cancer suffer from long-term or late onset side effects
• 2,300 children and teenagers will die each year from cancer
• less than 3% of all funding for cancer research is directed at childhood cancer
• Research funding: Breast Cancer (NCI: $572.5 million, NIH: $705 million, Dept of Defense: $138 million=approx 1.4 billion dollars); Lung Cancer: $226.9 million; Pancreatic Cancer (kills nearly as many patients as breast cancer) $73.3 million; Cardiovascular Disease $381 million; Space Program: $14 billion; CHILDHOOD CANCER: $35 million.
• 7 children battling cancer won't make it through the day
My heart is heavy for the families of these children, my heart is heavy because 3 precious girls are fighting hard but nearing the end. My heart is heavy because no parent should have to watch their children die. My heart is amazed at the strength of these young heroes. They are precious, wonderful girls who have inspired thousands. The strength they have found in spite of their own pain, amazes me each time I read of their updates. Here are the links to their CaringBridge websites. There you can read about their courage and even leave some encouraging words for their families as well if you wish.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/valeriedalmau
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jessicaeasley
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sammiehartsfield
I apologize that this is not HCG content, but it is what is on my heart today.
I also wanted to share a few thoughts that ARE related to the HCG protocol. When I started this program, I shared it with a few friends. One friend has battled her weight for many years as well and she and I actually applied for Biggest Loser together in January. We've had a "different" friendship than most of the other friendships that I've had. We've had some times where we didn't see eye to eye and therefore we didn't talk, then we'd reconnect years later and put that behind us. That type of friendship wasn't like any I've ever had with anyone else. I have been so used to having relationships with friends where we may not see eye to eye, but it's something we can look around. I'm not sure why, with this friend, it's not been that way.
When I started the HCG protocol, this particular friend had spent months in the gym working her butt off. She'd spent hours and hours each week and watching her food intake to get to the point to where I am right now. When I'd first discussed the HCG protocol with her, she said something along the lines of "that's not fair, you are going to do it the easy way." When I shared with her, she was very skeptical, which is very natural for many people. Shoot, I was very skeptical at first, but I was willing to do countless hours of research. I was also willing to weigh the risks (which are very small by the way compared to other methods of weight loss) with the risks of being obese. Do I stay obese and die of heart disease by 40 and leave my children or do I do something that can get me on the path to health quickly with the fewest side effects (compared to such things my Dr. wanted to prescribe like Phentermine).
I digress......I began to feel this tension between this friend and I. This plan seemed to really bother her, and I tried to talk with her about the "why's" behind the reason I chose the plan. She remained skeptical, and I realized that this plan isn't for everyone. I'd hoped that maybe she'd give it a try and we could be on the journey together. Instead, she'd make comments like "well, we'll see if you die first." I really didn't take to comments like that well and I explained that she didn't have to do the plan with me but I wished her success in hers. Not once did I hear "I hope it works for you, though I don't agree with the protocol." I had really hoped that she could support me in that way. She never did. One day some other things came up on a popular social networking site and her comments seemed very critical, almost as if she were angry at me for something other than that particular subject. I felt a sense that she was frustrated with me because, in her eyes, I was doing it the "easy way." (There isn't anything easy about this, mind you. It is easier than other plans because the success is so immediate, BUT it still takes discipline.) I attempted to discuss my feelings with this friend, unsuccessfully. Sadly, the friendship ended, yet again. I think this was the 3rd time in our 18 year friendship. I wasn't going to be someone's door mat and let a "friend" talk to me the way she was (very degrading).
The saddest part of this scenario is that all of these years, I really did care for her, even if things were difficult from time-to-time. I wanted to see her successful in her job, her relationships, her weight loss. I wanted so much for her. So, when I am on this journey, one we'd planned to be on together, it's hard sometimes when I think about her. I think "I should be sharing these successes with her and her with me." I think about how we should be calling each other and basking in the joy of new dress sizes. Even if we were on different plans, but I never felt she accepted mine. I didn't expect her to join me, though I think she'd of done great if she had, but I really wanted her to support me regardless of my choice in plan. I have been sad that it just didn't happen that way. I'm sad that I lost a friend. I'm sad that I felt I had to say "this is not a friendship" after numerous rude, degrading comments. She had responded to me that it was her sense of humor, and I explained that it's never been funny to me and I thought she'd of understood that about me. I'm sad that it ended the way it did, I still think about her and pray and hope that she is remaining successful on her plan and in her life. So, my heart is heavy sometimes because I don't like losing people from my life when I care about them. I just have to remember that sometimes there are just differences that don't work, and I have to be okay with that. I just wonder if our friendship was never compatible since we'd been on and off friends so many times.
Anyway, lots of things to share today. Hopefully you aren't bored out of your mind. lol. Take care, I'll check in tomorrow!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Interruption Over
Well, I have returned from my trip and am "back at it" today. 28 days remaining on the protocol with last injection being October 26th. I will continue VLCD for 3 days and begin round 3 on October 29th. I will continue on phase 3 for 3 weeks until November 19th and then will move on to Phase 4. I will continue phase 4 through the holiday season and into the new year. I will then probably do another round sometime in February.
I know that I mentioned this part already, but my goal at the end of this round is to be 176 pounds. My goal weight is 140 pounds, but depending on my size, that may change. This protocol allows you to lose so many inches that I just do not want to look too thin.
I got some great jeans this weekend from my Aunt, who did 2 rounds of the protocol and got down to a size she hadn't been since High School. So, I get her hand-me-downs, and she has great taste so I'm good with that. It's very fun to be able to wear cute clothes again. It's nice not to have a gut bigger than your bust. It's nice to finally see waist there again. I can't tell you how tired I was of being fat. I see people who are like I was, I see people who are obese and I so want to shout this protocol from the rooftops. Of course, I wouldn't dare, because that doesn't go well........as I remember when my loved ones would point out the obvious. However, I wish I could tell them. Sometimes I think "I should wear a shirt" lol. I wish they knew that they can successfully lose weight.
Sometimes when I share this protocol with people, they freak out and say "I could never do that." I don't think they realize that if I can do THIS they can do THIS. I'm not kidding. I have been the one on just about every diet plan under the sun. I've tried pills and have seen countless Doctors. I've tried Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, South Beach, Adkins, The Blood Type Diet, You On A Diet, Bob Green's Best Life, a 700 calorie diet WITHOUT HCG, and many many more not to even mention the shakes and pills like Herbalife and SlimFast. Nothing worked on a permanent basis. Each time I tasted success, I stalled out and got frustrated and gave up. Any time I ate even somewhat normally, I gained. I was frustrated countless times and for the FIRST time, this protocol doensn't leave me feeling that way. My plan interruption was a gain, yes, but I know it'll be gone by the end of the week. Was that a setback? Sure, but I was able to enjoy some great food in moderation and not really worry. Normally, there wouldn't be a gain if I was completely through the protocol, but because HCG was still ligering, that partly the reason for the gain. My hypothalmus hasn't been reset on this round yet either, which is another reason.
Let me share a little about how that whole hypothalmus issue. This protocol really does work to reset you. During my first round, I was 222 when I began. I got down to 196.3. I had broken through the barrier of that stubborn place on the scale, which hovered around 203. Once I got beyond that, my body "got it." It realized, "oh shoot, I don't need to be that weight." So, I started losing again. Once I was on phase 3 I didn't do so well with the moving, as far as eating "on plan" as I should've. I still maintained the weight below that stubborn mark of 203. Now I'm hovering around 195 up and down a couple. Once I break that barrier, I have no doubts that I will just find a new place to hover. Once the hypothalmus has reset, there isn't the yo yo effect. IF you eat properly, in moderation, you will only be up or down a couple of pounds, just as any normal person is. I look forward to it. You see all those "skinny girls" who can eat whatever they want. They don't binge, but they enjoy popcorn and candy at the movies. They enjoy a burger, but they eat in moderation. They aren't fat.......we can be there with them which is the coolest part.
I've posted some new videos in the sidebar, take a peek. Pretty cool information there! I'll check in tomorrow and let you know how my first day back on the protocol is going!
I know that I mentioned this part already, but my goal at the end of this round is to be 176 pounds. My goal weight is 140 pounds, but depending on my size, that may change. This protocol allows you to lose so many inches that I just do not want to look too thin.
I got some great jeans this weekend from my Aunt, who did 2 rounds of the protocol and got down to a size she hadn't been since High School. So, I get her hand-me-downs, and she has great taste so I'm good with that. It's very fun to be able to wear cute clothes again. It's nice not to have a gut bigger than your bust. It's nice to finally see waist there again. I can't tell you how tired I was of being fat. I see people who are like I was, I see people who are obese and I so want to shout this protocol from the rooftops. Of course, I wouldn't dare, because that doesn't go well........as I remember when my loved ones would point out the obvious. However, I wish I could tell them. Sometimes I think "I should wear a shirt" lol. I wish they knew that they can successfully lose weight.
Sometimes when I share this protocol with people, they freak out and say "I could never do that." I don't think they realize that if I can do THIS they can do THIS. I'm not kidding. I have been the one on just about every diet plan under the sun. I've tried pills and have seen countless Doctors. I've tried Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, South Beach, Adkins, The Blood Type Diet, You On A Diet, Bob Green's Best Life, a 700 calorie diet WITHOUT HCG, and many many more not to even mention the shakes and pills like Herbalife and SlimFast. Nothing worked on a permanent basis. Each time I tasted success, I stalled out and got frustrated and gave up. Any time I ate even somewhat normally, I gained. I was frustrated countless times and for the FIRST time, this protocol doensn't leave me feeling that way. My plan interruption was a gain, yes, but I know it'll be gone by the end of the week. Was that a setback? Sure, but I was able to enjoy some great food in moderation and not really worry. Normally, there wouldn't be a gain if I was completely through the protocol, but because HCG was still ligering, that partly the reason for the gain. My hypothalmus hasn't been reset on this round yet either, which is another reason.
Let me share a little about how that whole hypothalmus issue. This protocol really does work to reset you. During my first round, I was 222 when I began. I got down to 196.3. I had broken through the barrier of that stubborn place on the scale, which hovered around 203. Once I got beyond that, my body "got it." It realized, "oh shoot, I don't need to be that weight." So, I started losing again. Once I was on phase 3 I didn't do so well with the moving, as far as eating "on plan" as I should've. I still maintained the weight below that stubborn mark of 203. Now I'm hovering around 195 up and down a couple. Once I break that barrier, I have no doubts that I will just find a new place to hover. Once the hypothalmus has reset, there isn't the yo yo effect. IF you eat properly, in moderation, you will only be up or down a couple of pounds, just as any normal person is. I look forward to it. You see all those "skinny girls" who can eat whatever they want. They don't binge, but they enjoy popcorn and candy at the movies. They enjoy a burger, but they eat in moderation. They aren't fat.......we can be there with them which is the coolest part.
I've posted some new videos in the sidebar, take a peek. Pretty cool information there! I'll check in tomorrow and let you know how my first day back on the protocol is going!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Begin a short plan interruption
I am down .2 to 193.2 today. I have a couple of days on low calories before I have a weekend plan interruption for a wedding out of state. I know I can't and won't stick to my low calorie diet while I am away, so yesterday was my last injection. I will go 72 hours on low calorie and then have my interruption for 2 days. I will begin again on Monday and continue for 28 more days. My goal for that 28 days is 17 pounds for a total of 25 on this round. That would bring my weight to 176, which is 46 pounds from where I started in June. That is, of course, if all goes according to plan. Sometimes people start to become immune to the HCG and they stall in losses and have hunger. I pray that does not happen, but if it does, we will address that when it happens. After this round, I will take a longer break until after the holidays before commencing another round to finish out the losses. My goal, by my Birthday in March is to be 140 pounds. A weight I've not seen in 15 years.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Round 2 VLCD Day 13
Down 1.1 to 193.4. Feeling great. I went back through some of my old posts around this time last round. I was down about 3 more pounds than I am now so I'm not doing as bad as I thought. I also ran across my 21 pound loss photos back in July. I started thinking how I bet if I throw on that outfit, I would be a whole lot thinner than that after photo. I need to track down my bin of clothes that are primarily 14's. At the end of round 1, I purchased 2 new outfits from the same store where I purchased my size 20's. I was able to buy a size 14 at the same store. Granted, not all 14's were fitting me then, but I'd like to track down my 14's I have stored and see what happens.
My stomach is a whole inch smaller than it was 13 days ago. I've lost 5 inches total around my waist since the start of my journey. I am so close to tasting a 30 pound loss which I've not experienced in 5 years. I feel fantastic, my husband is amazed and he is going to be starting a round too so that he can get rid of his 20-25 pounds of weight. I can't tell you how good I feel. I have the energy to take care of the house, the laundry, the kids, run errands. All of which were burdens (except the kids) before. My house clutter was much like my body clutter and it's all improving nicely.
I will check in again tomorrow! Enjoy your day, treasure every moment with your loved ones.
My stomach is a whole inch smaller than it was 13 days ago. I've lost 5 inches total around my waist since the start of my journey. I am so close to tasting a 30 pound loss which I've not experienced in 5 years. I feel fantastic, my husband is amazed and he is going to be starting a round too so that he can get rid of his 20-25 pounds of weight. I can't tell you how good I feel. I have the energy to take care of the house, the laundry, the kids, run errands. All of which were burdens (except the kids) before. My house clutter was much like my body clutter and it's all improving nicely.
I will check in again tomorrow! Enjoy your day, treasure every moment with your loved ones.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Round 2, VLCD Day 12
Down .7 today to 194.5. I haven't been this weight in 4 years. I feel myself shrinking, I know that sounds weird, but you really can feel it. I also see myself changing before my eyes. Those inches are disappearing. My stomach is shrinking. I have lost 3/4 of an inch in 11 days on my waist. I haven't measured anything else, but I WILL take pictures again probably around 180 pounds.
I finally have knees! It's nice to see that I actually DO have a set of kneecaps there. For so long they've just been surrounded by fat. In the midst of gaining so much weight, I've forgotten who is underneath all of that fat. It's nice to see glimpses of her now. Being free from fat really allows me to feel free to do more things in my life that I desire to do. I'm less self-conscious when I head out into public. I used to always think people were staring at me and judging my fatness. Now, I don't even think about it anymore. I love that feeling. Those chains of bondage are being broken!
I finally have knees! It's nice to see that I actually DO have a set of kneecaps there. For so long they've just been surrounded by fat. In the midst of gaining so much weight, I've forgotten who is underneath all of that fat. It's nice to see glimpses of her now. Being free from fat really allows me to feel free to do more things in my life that I desire to do. I'm less self-conscious when I head out into public. I used to always think people were staring at me and judging my fatness. Now, I don't even think about it anymore. I love that feeling. Those chains of bondage are being broken!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Round 2 VLCD Day 11
Down to 195.2 today. I could be down more if temptation didn't get the best of me. I talk about this each time I post here it seems. It's a real downfall for me this round. I can't say I'm horrible, but just enough to stall me out. Though, I seem to be on the right track again for now. I will be heading to my Mom's wedding this weekend, so I'm not sure what that'll bring. I do know that I hope to be 193 or 192 by then. 192 will be 30 pounds from where I started. Wow, I can't believe I'm saying that. I can't believe I'm sitting at 26.8 pounds lost to date. I haven't seen numbers like that since 2004, of which took a lot more work. I can't believe my eyes every day either. The inches, it's like I'm transforming as I stand there. I'm looking more like the person I've known has been there for so long. This plan works. It works well. I am still shocked that it exists.
I love recommending this plan to people, some of my friends are getting ready to start their journey. It's an amazing one. I hope to inspire people through this, but I also hope to inspire myself to be a different person. Do the things I wasn't doing before. Get out, live life, enjoy it, treasure people. All kinds of things are changing inside of me and I know it's largely in part due to the weight loss. I'm starting to feel comfortable in my own skin again. I'm starting to feel like supermom instead of lazymom.
I will check in again tomorrow! Have a wonderful day!
I love recommending this plan to people, some of my friends are getting ready to start their journey. It's an amazing one. I hope to inspire people through this, but I also hope to inspire myself to be a different person. Do the things I wasn't doing before. Get out, live life, enjoy it, treasure people. All kinds of things are changing inside of me and I know it's largely in part due to the weight loss. I'm starting to feel comfortable in my own skin again. I'm starting to feel like supermom instead of lazymom.
I will check in again tomorrow! Have a wonderful day!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Round 2 VLCD Day 8
Good Morning! Down .7 today, and I'm noticing inches go as well. I've not measured but can see it in the mirror. I was browsing through some pictures from back in April and can't believe how fat I really was. Granted, though I'm 25 pounds lighter, I'm still considered obese. BUT, these photos just really left my jaw hanging open. I had no idea I was THAT fat. I really didn't. I don't know why, the scale showed it, but I had myself convinced that I wasn't as fat as other people who weigh the same amount. DENIAL. I had so much fat, that I had this bulge at the base of my neck and when I pushed on it, it would hurt. I hadn't noticed the bulge until I bought some cuter clothes, little did I know that no matter what you can't make fat, cute. That bulge is gone now. Totally gone. I don't look like the hunchback of Notre Dame.
Here are pics including that really fat one, and it's VERY hard for me to post it, but here are a few. The first photo is the end of my first round of the diet after 25 pounds lost, the 2nd is a photo taken 10 pounds lighter than my starting weight of 222 in January, and the third is that pudgy neck photo from April. Yikes. I can't even wear those clothes in the bottom photo (size 20) anymore, I tried recently and the pants looked ridiculous cinched up with a belt. The second photo are maternity clothes even though my son was 8 months old. That was my biggest loser audition photo. The top photo, I am wearing a size 14.
Have a good day!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Round 2 VLCD Day 7
Well.........this living in the city with everything accessible is proving to be to my detriment. I didn't plan ahead, which I know better, and at dinner found myself hungry. Go figure! So, we went to a local Diner and picked up burgers and onion rings. So, up .4 I am this morning to 197.4. Seriously, I will get myself together. I am blaming the stress, but in all reality, it's my choice how I react to it. So, I need to choose differently. I will strive for better. I could be down 10+ pounds by now, but no. I'm not. I'm only down. 4. Yikes. Okay. Get it together. :)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
VLCD Round 2 Day 6
Well, we'll call it day 6. It's hard to say what day it really is since I cheated, lost track, and had to sort of "start over." Steadily losing again, which feels nice. Down to 197, which was a 1.7 loss from yesterday. I will try to post daily again, keeping track and being accountable here helps me stay on track. When they say "keep a journal" they aren't kidding, it really helps you stay on top of it.
Believe it or not, last night's Biggest Loser premiere really got me focused again even more. I see the kind of numbers they pull and it amazes me, granted, they have much more weight to lose than I do. The greatest thing about this plan is the amazing numbers, the pounds AND inches. It's so nice to know that finally, there is something that will work for me and keep me motivated to keep losing. Do things like Weight Watchers work? Absolutely they do, but the problem for so many, is the weight comes back for one reason or another. Many people are successful at keeping it off, but many of "us" who have always struggled with yo yo'ing, find ourselves back at our fat weight binging on food again because we know that we're already fat so why not enjoy it. I was just talking to a friend about this last night. It's very frustrating.
I want to refresh and share the important things about the HCG Protocol. Things that I shared in my very first post and things that are so vitally important. These things were what drove me to making the decision to follow this plan. I share this diet often and have helped others get their products ordered, so this is for those newbies who are curious and ask "Why this plan? Why will it work for me?"
There are 4 conditions that abnormally fat or obese people suffer from
1. Real, constant physical hunger
2. Low metabolism (you look at food and gain weight)
3. uncontrollable urges to eat when not hungry (cravings, emotional eating, addictive type behavior)
4. The body stores fat abnormally (hips, thighs, butt) and no matter how hard you try, it never seems to go away from those problem areas completely.
Dr. Simeons, the founder of the HCG Diet, discovered the cause of the above conditions. The Hypothalmus. It functions improperly when we become obese/fat and needs "reset." Dr. Simeons spent some time in India after WW II and discovered that there were famished thin, emaciated women who would give birth to perfectly healthy babies. Normal weight, healthy babies. This fascinated and puzzled him, so, he began to do some research. He discovered that the Hypothalmus, when a woman is pregnant, tells the body to release the fat for the babies nutrition. So, he decided to inject an obese patient with HCG, reduce the caloric intake, and discovered that the presence of HCG, even in the non-pregnant body, triggers the Hypothalmus to release the fat. The HCG Diet opens our fat stores, and releases it to burn for energy releasing about 2000-3000 worth of calories per day. When combined with a low calorie diet, results in a loss of about 1 pound per day
There are phases on this plan, 6 weeks you inject and do the very low calorie diet. Strict diet, certain foods only. VERY low calorie, BUT with HCG because of it's function and its work on the Hypothalmus, doesn't allow you to be hungry. Why? Because you are releasing those 2000-3000 calories to burn along with the low calorie eating plan. After 6 weeks, you go on a low carb plan, like Atkins Induction. You do that for 3 weeks, this begins to reset the Hypothalmus for the new weight. After 3 weeks on phase 3 which is the Atkins, you go to phase 4 where you begin eating normally again (normal=much like South Beach Phase 2 and 3). After 3 weeks on that, if you have more weight to lose, you go back to phase 2 which is the HCG and low cal. Kevin Trudeau invented the Phases, Dr. Simeons did not have "phases." Kevin Trudeau used Simeons protocol and enhanced it with cleanses and supplements, so Phase 1 is actually a cleansing phase. I've chosen to follow the Simeons Protocol instead of Kevin Trudeau's method. If you are interested in Kevin Trudeau's information, he has a book called "The Weight Loss Cure." It has some good information in it even if you wish not to add extra things.
When you go back to eating normally, after you have lost all of the weight, the idea is that you don't gain it back. The Hypothalmus has been reset. 1 year later, 85% of the people on this plan have not gained the weight back. If we go back to eating junk food all the time, yes, we will gain it back.
The reason our Hypothalmus' do this is because our diets are so genetically modified. That is why our obesity is constantly increasing in this country. If you look at, say, someone who moved here from Vietnam, they've eaten the same meals here that they ate there but suddenly gain weight. They can't figure it out. It's the genetically modified foods. So, if we go back to eating MSG and loads of junk constantly, we probably will find ourselves in that state where we first started putting on weight. Slowly gaining again.
High Fructose Corn Syrup is responsible for the malfunction of the Hypothalmus. Artificial sweeteners as well, and Candida Albicans (too much yeast in the body...gas, bloating etc). The HCG diet, cleanses the body of all of these things, giving it a reboot.
Hopefully reintroducing these things has been helpful for some of you, to see where we start from and what the goal of this diet is. So many people see "needles" and panic. Keep in mind, there is a non-needle option where people have found great success. If I can do this, anyone can do this, seriously. Me, who applied to be a contestant on the Biggest Loser after 13 years of struggling with weight.
Believe it or not, last night's Biggest Loser premiere really got me focused again even more. I see the kind of numbers they pull and it amazes me, granted, they have much more weight to lose than I do. The greatest thing about this plan is the amazing numbers, the pounds AND inches. It's so nice to know that finally, there is something that will work for me and keep me motivated to keep losing. Do things like Weight Watchers work? Absolutely they do, but the problem for so many, is the weight comes back for one reason or another. Many people are successful at keeping it off, but many of "us" who have always struggled with yo yo'ing, find ourselves back at our fat weight binging on food again because we know that we're already fat so why not enjoy it. I was just talking to a friend about this last night. It's very frustrating.
I want to refresh and share the important things about the HCG Protocol. Things that I shared in my very first post and things that are so vitally important. These things were what drove me to making the decision to follow this plan. I share this diet often and have helped others get their products ordered, so this is for those newbies who are curious and ask "Why this plan? Why will it work for me?"
There are 4 conditions that abnormally fat or obese people suffer from
1. Real, constant physical hunger
2. Low metabolism (you look at food and gain weight)
3. uncontrollable urges to eat when not hungry (cravings, emotional eating, addictive type behavior)
4. The body stores fat abnormally (hips, thighs, butt) and no matter how hard you try, it never seems to go away from those problem areas completely.
Dr. Simeons, the founder of the HCG Diet, discovered the cause of the above conditions. The Hypothalmus. It functions improperly when we become obese/fat and needs "reset." Dr. Simeons spent some time in India after WW II and discovered that there were famished thin, emaciated women who would give birth to perfectly healthy babies. Normal weight, healthy babies. This fascinated and puzzled him, so, he began to do some research. He discovered that the Hypothalmus, when a woman is pregnant, tells the body to release the fat for the babies nutrition. So, he decided to inject an obese patient with HCG, reduce the caloric intake, and discovered that the presence of HCG, even in the non-pregnant body, triggers the Hypothalmus to release the fat. The HCG Diet opens our fat stores, and releases it to burn for energy releasing about 2000-3000 worth of calories per day. When combined with a low calorie diet, results in a loss of about 1 pound per day
There are phases on this plan, 6 weeks you inject and do the very low calorie diet. Strict diet, certain foods only. VERY low calorie, BUT with HCG because of it's function and its work on the Hypothalmus, doesn't allow you to be hungry. Why? Because you are releasing those 2000-3000 calories to burn along with the low calorie eating plan. After 6 weeks, you go on a low carb plan, like Atkins Induction. You do that for 3 weeks, this begins to reset the Hypothalmus for the new weight. After 3 weeks on phase 3 which is the Atkins, you go to phase 4 where you begin eating normally again (normal=much like South Beach Phase 2 and 3). After 3 weeks on that, if you have more weight to lose, you go back to phase 2 which is the HCG and low cal. Kevin Trudeau invented the Phases, Dr. Simeons did not have "phases." Kevin Trudeau used Simeons protocol and enhanced it with cleanses and supplements, so Phase 1 is actually a cleansing phase. I've chosen to follow the Simeons Protocol instead of Kevin Trudeau's method. If you are interested in Kevin Trudeau's information, he has a book called "The Weight Loss Cure." It has some good information in it even if you wish not to add extra things.
When you go back to eating normally, after you have lost all of the weight, the idea is that you don't gain it back. The Hypothalmus has been reset. 1 year later, 85% of the people on this plan have not gained the weight back. If we go back to eating junk food all the time, yes, we will gain it back.
The reason our Hypothalmus' do this is because our diets are so genetically modified. That is why our obesity is constantly increasing in this country. If you look at, say, someone who moved here from Vietnam, they've eaten the same meals here that they ate there but suddenly gain weight. They can't figure it out. It's the genetically modified foods. So, if we go back to eating MSG and loads of junk constantly, we probably will find ourselves in that state where we first started putting on weight. Slowly gaining again.
High Fructose Corn Syrup is responsible for the malfunction of the Hypothalmus. Artificial sweeteners as well, and Candida Albicans (too much yeast in the body...gas, bloating etc). The HCG diet, cleanses the body of all of these things, giving it a reboot.
Hopefully reintroducing these things has been helpful for some of you, to see where we start from and what the goal of this diet is. So many people see "needles" and panic. Keep in mind, there is a non-needle option where people have found great success. If I can do this, anyone can do this, seriously. Me, who applied to be a contestant on the Biggest Loser after 13 years of struggling with weight.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Whirlwind
Well, the last few weeks have been a whirlwind. I gained about 5 pounds on phases 3 & 4, eating toally off protocol. Not even so much as close. Those old habits came back during these stressful times. With that said, I'm attempting another round, which has proven a bit more difficult to stick to......therefore ups and downs. I've just gotten online for the first time in almost 3 weeks. We moved here 2 weeks ago, and things have been pure chaos since. I strive to get control
I started VLCD a week ago and should be about 7 pounds down, but am only 3. I was up at 201.6 to start and back down to 199.3 this morning. I had things today that weren't on protocol....so we'll see come tomorrow. My husband's Grandfather passed away last night, our home that is on the market in another state flooded after a water softener incident, and there are other stressors that I won't bore you with....but you GET why I'm struggling. I will do this. My Mom gets married in 2 weeks and I WILL be lighter by then.
I will post more tomorrow but wanted to get you back in the loop while there was still a chance today. lol
I started VLCD a week ago and should be about 7 pounds down, but am only 3. I was up at 201.6 to start and back down to 199.3 this morning. I had things today that weren't on protocol....so we'll see come tomorrow. My husband's Grandfather passed away last night, our home that is on the market in another state flooded after a water softener incident, and there are other stressors that I won't bore you with....but you GET why I'm struggling. I will do this. My Mom gets married in 2 weeks and I WILL be lighter by then.
I will post more tomorrow but wanted to get you back in the loop while there was still a chance today. lol
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Pounds and Inches Baby!!!
Okay, this plan rocks. I know I've raved before but I decided to take measurements today again. WAHOO. Here's the stats for you.
Starting weight Round 1 Phase 2: 222
Current weight after 1 week in Phase 3: 196.7
Total lost: 25.3 pounds
Starting Inches:
Chest: 49.5
Waist: 47.5
Hips: 46
Left Thigh: 27.3
Right Thigh: 28.8
Left Arm: 14.3
Right Arm: 14.8
End Inches:
Chest: 44 (-5.5 inches)
Waist: 43.3 (-4.3 inches)
Hips: 43 (-3.0 inches)
Left Thigh: 26 (-1.3 inches)
Right Thigh: 27 (-1.8 inches)
Left Arm: 13.5 (-.8 inches)
Right Arm: 13.5 (-1.3 inches)
Total inches lost: 17.8
Dress size at start: 20
Dress size now: 14
YESSSSSSSSS, a 14. I went shopping today at the same place I bought my 20's and can now wear 14's!!! Holy moly! Granted, I'm still in some 16's, but brand wise, that is the same as the 20's. I'm ecstatic. I am soooo looking forward to round 2 before the holidays! I would love to find myself at 170 pounds by the end of round 2.
Starting weight Round 1 Phase 2: 222
Current weight after 1 week in Phase 3: 196.7
Total lost: 25.3 pounds
Starting Inches:
Chest: 49.5
Waist: 47.5
Hips: 46
Left Thigh: 27.3
Right Thigh: 28.8
Left Arm: 14.3
Right Arm: 14.8
End Inches:
Chest: 44 (-5.5 inches)
Waist: 43.3 (-4.3 inches)
Hips: 43 (-3.0 inches)
Left Thigh: 26 (-1.3 inches)
Right Thigh: 27 (-1.8 inches)
Left Arm: 13.5 (-.8 inches)
Right Arm: 13.5 (-1.3 inches)
Total inches lost: 17.8
Dress size at start: 20
Dress size now: 14
YESSSSSSSSS, a 14. I went shopping today at the same place I bought my 20's and can now wear 14's!!! Holy moly! Granted, I'm still in some 16's, but brand wise, that is the same as the 20's. I'm ecstatic. I am soooo looking forward to round 2 before the holidays! I would love to find myself at 170 pounds by the end of round 2.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Wow, sorry for not posting
My life has been a whirlwind for the past 11 days. We are preparing for a FAST move to Kansas and have been remodeling and taking care of the last minute things.
With the remodeling we had not been able to eat in our home until today, so needless to say, I stopped injecting and have been "trying" to stick to P3. Trying hasn't always been successful, but I do have to say that I have maintained my weight for the last 11 days. There was one point I was down to 197.5 but that was not my LIW. I am now at 198.3. Not shabby at all. It's not my 30 pound goal, it's not my 191 goal, but due to the circumstances I felt it best to stop and continue with P3 and P4 and start P2 again when we are settled into our new home in a new state with a new job etc. lol
I am honestly shocked that I've maintained the weight with all of the eating out and occasional poor choices (carbs, sugar). I sit here having a protein shake with coffee as we speak, feels good to be back in my kitchen. I need to plan some meals from my new book which are low GI and gluten free. Yum. Can't wait.
Well, I can't promise I'll check in every day, but I do promise the occasional updates and definitel will begin daily check-ins come time for my 2nd round of P2. Don't get bored and disappear on me, I promise to give at least 1 update weekly. Next Friday is our move, so expect 1-2 between now and then.
Have a great day!
With the remodeling we had not been able to eat in our home until today, so needless to say, I stopped injecting and have been "trying" to stick to P3. Trying hasn't always been successful, but I do have to say that I have maintained my weight for the last 11 days. There was one point I was down to 197.5 but that was not my LIW. I am now at 198.3. Not shabby at all. It's not my 30 pound goal, it's not my 191 goal, but due to the circumstances I felt it best to stop and continue with P3 and P4 and start P2 again when we are settled into our new home in a new state with a new job etc. lol
I am honestly shocked that I've maintained the weight with all of the eating out and occasional poor choices (carbs, sugar). I sit here having a protein shake with coffee as we speak, feels good to be back in my kitchen. I need to plan some meals from my new book which are low GI and gluten free. Yum. Can't wait.
Well, I can't promise I'll check in every day, but I do promise the occasional updates and definitel will begin daily check-ins come time for my 2nd round of P2. Don't get bored and disappear on me, I promise to give at least 1 update weekly. Next Friday is our move, so expect 1-2 between now and then.
Have a great day!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Day 31
I am pondering how much HCG I have left now that I've upped my dose. I will skip Sundays, so that is 2 injections or a total of 1cc. I was using .5cc and now I'm at .575 cc. 10 days at the 175 dose, puts me at .6cc extra used......so skipping 2 days will almost be EXACTLY the perfect amount. Okay, sorry to bore you with the math portion. lol
9 days left on VLCD, down today .4 to 198.3. That would be my fault, because I made french toast for the kids and kept taking bites. I also had a little diet treat from sonic, a diet strawberry limeade. Not exactly on protocol and the fizz is likely to make me bloated. lol. It really wasn't that good. Now, the french toast, that was good.
I ordered a cookbook yesterday from amazon, (featured at www.elanaspantry.com ) that will be great to use during Phase 3 and 4. Lots of great recipes using items low on the glycemic index, using almond flour to bake instead of regular flour. I can't wait for P3. I can have my agave nectar again in my coffee with non-dairy creamer! I miss coffee the way it used to be, blonde. lol. There is a wonderful mouth-watering list of great gluten-free foods http://www.elanaspantry.com/recipes/
Well, have tons of cleaning to do today, we have drywallers coming tomorrow at 7am to get started on retexturing our home and fixing blemishes so that it's perfect for the market. That means hauling out things I'm not going to use into storage until they are done. It'll be a long day, but one sure to keep me from food much. lol
See you tomorrow!
9 days left on VLCD, down today .4 to 198.3. That would be my fault, because I made french toast for the kids and kept taking bites. I also had a little diet treat from sonic, a diet strawberry limeade. Not exactly on protocol and the fizz is likely to make me bloated. lol. It really wasn't that good. Now, the french toast, that was good.
I ordered a cookbook yesterday from amazon, (featured at www.elanaspantry.com ) that will be great to use during Phase 3 and 4. Lots of great recipes using items low on the glycemic index, using almond flour to bake instead of regular flour. I can't wait for P3. I can have my agave nectar again in my coffee with non-dairy creamer! I miss coffee the way it used to be, blonde. lol. There is a wonderful mouth-watering list of great gluten-free foods http://www.elanaspantry.com/recipes/
Well, have tons of cleaning to do today, we have drywallers coming tomorrow at 7am to get started on retexturing our home and fixing blemishes so that it's perfect for the market. That means hauling out things I'm not going to use into storage until they are done. It'll be a long day, but one sure to keep me from food much. lol
See you tomorrow!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Day 30
Down another 1.2 to 198.7! Something worth mentioning again.......a few years ago, I purchased some jeans online. I got them, and they never fit. I tried them on a couple of weeks ago and couldn't get them to button, I had another inch or two before they would. Well, I tried them on today, and THEY FIT! HOLY COW! This feels so great, I can't even begin to tell you.
I'm upping my dose again to 175 units, 150 just isn't cutting it. So, back at it I go. I have 11 more days on Phase 2 and I can't wait to see the final weigh in results. My goal, again, is 191 which was my pre-pregnancy weight. That is only 7.7 pounds for 11 days. Hopefully I'll continue to do well and lost a pound a day and be beyond my goal.
That's all for now! Talk to you tomorrow!
P.S. I have no idea why this is, but I am getting more afraid of sticking myself with needles as time goes on. It's this hilarious thing. I sit there and stare at it and get all anxious. lol.
P.S.S. My BMI has dropped from 35.8 to 32.1 I am so close to just being "overweight" instead of "obese." WAHOO
I'm upping my dose again to 175 units, 150 just isn't cutting it. So, back at it I go. I have 11 more days on Phase 2 and I can't wait to see the final weigh in results. My goal, again, is 191 which was my pre-pregnancy weight. That is only 7.7 pounds for 11 days. Hopefully I'll continue to do well and lost a pound a day and be beyond my goal.
That's all for now! Talk to you tomorrow!
P.S. I have no idea why this is, but I am getting more afraid of sticking myself with needles as time goes on. It's this hilarious thing. I sit there and stare at it and get all anxious. lol.
P.S.S. My BMI has dropped from 35.8 to 32.1 I am so close to just being "overweight" instead of "obese." WAHOO
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Day 29
11 days left on the VLCD, wahoo! I am down 1 pound today to 199.9. Yippee, seeing Onederland again after my cheats. I won't lie, I am terrified to venture into Phase 3, primarily because there is more freedom. I don't want to be cheating all the time, I have to stop doing that. There is a lot of stress in my life at the moment, so maybe once things settle down, round 2 will be easier. We are moving out of state, we are having to prepare our home for the market, search for rental properties, etc etc. Yikes.
So, not much else to say, except that I'm off to do some rental searching. See you tomorrow!
So, not much else to say, except that I'm off to do some rental searching. See you tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Day 28
Good Morning! Down 3.6 to 200.9. Making up for those pounds from the festival. I cut my dosage a bit toward the end of this round so that I can avoid immunity later on when I do a second or third round. I am at 150 units a day down from 175. I was hungry yesterday, so if it persists, I'll have to up the dose again. I'm hoping that's not the case because I only have enough to finish this round, no more.
Not too much else to report today, see you tomorrow.
Not too much else to report today, see you tomorrow.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Day 27, starting up again
Well, if there is one thing that you can learn from me, it would be DO NOT DO A PLAN INTERRUPTION FOR A FESTIVAL/FAMILY WEEKEND. Stay on the protocol and wait to cheat until AFTER the protocol. I am up 5 pounds in 3 days. I have got to get it together so I can stick to the stabilization of Phase 3 and 4. I have 13 more days on phase 2. I pray I can get to 191 by then. It'll take strictness on my part. Today, I am 204.3. I hate reporting that, I so wanted to skip the blog until I got back to where I was, but the reality of it is that I have to start admitting where I mess up. If I'd never cheated to begin with and taken another week long break, I'd be done with P2 by now and probably 35+ pounds lighter. (breathe, don't beat yourself up, just move on)
So, back at it today. I will check in tomorrow with some hopefully better news. I remixed again this morning for a fresh batch. I did waste some, but want to be sure that it is fresh since it was close to 30 days of me having it mixed. Thank goodness it's cheap. lol
So, back at it today. I will check in tomorrow with some hopefully better news. I remixed again this morning for a fresh batch. I did waste some, but want to be sure that it is fresh since it was close to 30 days of me having it mixed. Thank goodness it's cheap. lol
Friday, July 31, 2009
Day 2 Plan Interruption
Ready.............drum roll please..................ONEDERLAND!!!! 199.4!!! A sight I've not seen in 4 years! That's 1.3 down from yesterday, 22.6 pounds down from day 1. Yahoo! Not too much else to report. See you tomorrow!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Plan Interruption, day 1 post-VLCD
Good Morning! Down 1.1 to 200.7. Another inch off of my waist as well, for a total of 4.3 inches in 27 days. Yes, that is JUST off of my waist. Amazing. I started taking digestive enzymes yesterday which made my day much easier. I wasn't ravenously hungry yesterday, which is nice. I had no idea what to expect considering I'm not injecting, though I do know it takes 3 days to get the HCG out of our bodies.
With that said, not too much else to report. I will check back tomorrow and report losses. I'm praying I will get to ONDERLAND if not tomorrow then by Saturday, which is day 1 of the plan interruption. I will do 2 days of interruption and then resume Monday back on the VLCD and injections to finish out the cycle.
Have a great day!
With that said, not too much else to report. I will check back tomorrow and report losses. I'm praying I will get to ONDERLAND if not tomorrow then by Saturday, which is day 1 of the plan interruption. I will do 2 days of interruption and then resume Monday back on the VLCD and injections to finish out the cycle.
Have a great day!
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