This weekend I enjoyed my free day. Hubby and I didn't go crazy and we actually worked out for 2 1/2 hours on Saturday morning. That night we went for Mexican food and enjoyed every minute of it. Sunday we took the kids to Hurricane Harbor. The temptations were almost too much but we both stayed on track. To help curve the anticipated snack desires we had lunch on the way. We had packed our bag full of waters and I put some sliced turkey and cheese sticks in the bag for a snack. I was starving when we left so when we stopped to get the kids Wendy's I ordered a side salad to suffice until I got home. I left chicken cooking in the crockpot with water chestnuts and a mango sauce on top so we could eat it with some baby carrots. I was so glad I thought ahead because being in the sun all day made me too tired to cook.
Monday and Tuesday have been full of cravings for me. I'm staying on track but it is hard. I made the mistake of weighing this morning and was up .6 pounds. That bummed me out BIG TIME! I am doing everything right but the weight isn't budging. This morning I was so tired that I didn't get up for the gym. I almost skipped today but pulled myself out of the rut and had a kick butt workout tonight. I get a pat on the back for going to the gym in 108 degree weather. Actually, I was shocked at how many people were at the gym at 6pm at night. It was motivating! But, I will, I WILL get up in the morning and not put myself through that heat again. I did 20 minutes of HIIT on the treadmill and worked my legs. I'm excited to see major definition. Since I wanted to get the most out of my evening workout I did supersets of the exercises. Tried some new things tonight like V-squats and increased my lunges to using weights while doing them. If only I can get over the weight obsession in my head. Hubby told me today that he thinks I'm looking great and he sees major muscles popping out in my shoulders, legs, and back. I know I expect a lot of myself and need to accept slow and steady will get the longest term results. I was pep talking myself today at the gym that I'm not in a race for anything or with anyone so I need to enjoy the process. I'm gonna work on this as a new mental goal.
I did one little splurge tonight. Today on the radio I heard the DJ say that it is National Ice Cream Sandwich day. All I could think about the rest of the day was having an ice cream sandwich. So, while stopping to pick up a few last minute things for vacation next week I checked the freezer section. I found Almond Dream bars that were 100 calories. After I ate my taco salad tonight I went for a second walk to try to burn a few extra calories before splurging. It isn't like the scale is showing my progress anyway but I'm not going to make this a regular thing. I can't!
Moving On Past My Splurge and Scale Battle,
Amber
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
BFL Day 23 of 84 - Focus, Fitness, & Fun!
Focus on your goals and what you really want. When you focus on something it really does create a bubble of determination and dedication around you towards what your working towards. Working out is often a catch 22 situation. People are tired and don't feel like working out but when you work out it gives more energy and stamina. Ironic how that works. It is about baby steps until you can at least walk and/or run your way into more fitness. I think back to where I started from and am amazed that I have the drive and stamina I do now have in the gym. This morning when I was doing the bench chest press I was thinking how I use to not even be able to lift the bar a couple of times by myself. It is nice to see progress and yet have a goal your headed towards.
I added in my cardio to training today. It was chest/tri/abs day. I did three exercises for each muscle group. My training is in pyramid style which means I start low for 12 reps and build up weight but end up at 6 reps on the heaviest weight. Today, I began ending each with 12 reps at a light weight. My plan is to mix up my workouts and keep muscle confusion going since that is suppose to assist in progress rather than plateau. Since it took 70 min to get through training and my hubby had to get work I came home and cycled the neighborhood for 20 min. Adding in cardio on training day is tough but I'm focused on doing it in order to see greater progress.
Just a bit of encouragement for you....NEVER, EVER, EVER, GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS! You can make your focus fun whether it is fitness or whatever your working towards. One day at a time eventually will create a lifetime!
I added in my cardio to training today. It was chest/tri/abs day. I did three exercises for each muscle group. My training is in pyramid style which means I start low for 12 reps and build up weight but end up at 6 reps on the heaviest weight. Today, I began ending each with 12 reps at a light weight. My plan is to mix up my workouts and keep muscle confusion going since that is suppose to assist in progress rather than plateau. Since it took 70 min to get through training and my hubby had to get work I came home and cycled the neighborhood for 20 min. Adding in cardio on training day is tough but I'm focused on doing it in order to see greater progress.
Just a bit of encouragement for you....NEVER, EVER, EVER, GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS! You can make your focus fun whether it is fitness or whatever your working towards. One day at a time eventually will create a lifetime!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
The Battle Plan is Adjusted - BFL Day 22 of 84
I'm so pumped! You can officially call me a Re-committed Gym Freak! I get so attached to my love for fitness that the gym becomes my obsession. Been there, done that, back again!
This morning I went to the gym and met with a lady who is a Fitness Competitor. She was full of information and helped talk me through all of the info I have been researching and what I have in my head to do/try in the gym and kitchen. With my fitness binder in tote (has my meal plans, workouts, and before (the bikini pics)/after (the first 40pds)/where I'm going pics in it) we looked over it all. My plan is solid but I realize a few areas I need to tweak to ensure the best results. I'm going to add in more cardio and do 6 days of 20 min HIIT or 40 min of regular cardio. I like HIIT because I get more bang for my buck of time. This morning I powered it out on the treadmill. I'm getting to a place where I can jog on a higher intensity and for up to 2 1/2 min then walk two min and cycle it the entire 20. It's exciting since my knee hasn't been able to sustain the impact before now and the more I'm building them in my leg workouts the more I can run. I'm also going to add in a day of weight training and move from 4 to 5 days. The other change is I'm cutting out all complex carbs except sweet potatoes, oatmeal, and brown rice. I have been sticking to keeping any and all carbs to 3pm or before so I'm going to continue with that schedule. Here is an example of what I'm eating like daily and my upcoming workout schedule.
Meal 1 - Protein and Complex Carb
Workout - Weight Training
Meal 2 - Protein Shake
Meal 3 - Protein, Complex Carb, Veggie
Meal 4 - Protein & Veggie
Workout - Cardio
Meal 5 - Protein & Veggie
Meal 6 - Protein Shake
Making sure I drink a gallon of water a day. It is essential to my results. I'm sure of it!
Workouts - At gym for 5 min warm up on treadmill at 6:30 am M-Fri.
Monday - Shoulders & Abs (20 min HIIT)
Tuesday - Legs (20 min HIIT)
Wednesday - Back & Bi's & Abs (20 min HIIT)
Thursday - Chest & Tri's & Abs (20 min HIIT)
Friday - Legs & Abs (20 min HIIT)
Saturday - Intense Cardio (50 min spin or equivilant)
Sunday - Rest
Here is an example of what I am eating today.
Meal 1 - Almonds/Drink a Spark (Found out I need to do oatmeal and egg whites)
Workout - HIIT cardio 20 min.
Meal 2 - Protein Shake (I use almond milk - Fitness Chick uses only water. I'm gonna try it.)
Meal 3 - Baked Chicken with 1/2 sweet potato and 1 tsp hummus
Meal 4 - Shaved Turkey with 1 weight watchers cheese stick. (I'm only doing white cheese, if any)
Meal 5 - Turkey Sausage with broccoli and a huge salad. (Am hoping I can keep up my 1TBS of low fat thousand island dressing but if I don't get faster results soon I will cut it out.)
Meal 6 - Protein Shake
I found out something that is disappointing but I'm not surprised. (through research today)
The HCG diet leaves open fat cells because of the fast loss. It is why most gain some initial weight back right after the maintenance phase 3 on the diet. I'm praying for those cells to be closed and believe that now that I'm re-balancing my results are going to come fast. Prayer is a huge part of this journey for me. Today, God spoke to my heart in my quiet time and said that dedication and unwaveringly persistence are key to my success. I'm seeking to reshape my body but my spirit and body have to be surrendered to righteousness!! Party on!
This morning I went to the gym and met with a lady who is a Fitness Competitor. She was full of information and helped talk me through all of the info I have been researching and what I have in my head to do/try in the gym and kitchen. With my fitness binder in tote (has my meal plans, workouts, and before (the bikini pics)/after (the first 40pds)/where I'm going pics in it) we looked over it all. My plan is solid but I realize a few areas I need to tweak to ensure the best results. I'm going to add in more cardio and do 6 days of 20 min HIIT or 40 min of regular cardio. I like HIIT because I get more bang for my buck of time. This morning I powered it out on the treadmill. I'm getting to a place where I can jog on a higher intensity and for up to 2 1/2 min then walk two min and cycle it the entire 20. It's exciting since my knee hasn't been able to sustain the impact before now and the more I'm building them in my leg workouts the more I can run. I'm also going to add in a day of weight training and move from 4 to 5 days. The other change is I'm cutting out all complex carbs except sweet potatoes, oatmeal, and brown rice. I have been sticking to keeping any and all carbs to 3pm or before so I'm going to continue with that schedule. Here is an example of what I'm eating like daily and my upcoming workout schedule.
Meal 1 - Protein and Complex Carb
Workout - Weight Training
Meal 2 - Protein Shake
Meal 3 - Protein, Complex Carb, Veggie
Meal 4 - Protein & Veggie
Workout - Cardio
Meal 5 - Protein & Veggie
Meal 6 - Protein Shake
Making sure I drink a gallon of water a day. It is essential to my results. I'm sure of it!
Workouts - At gym for 5 min warm up on treadmill at 6:30 am M-Fri.
Monday - Shoulders & Abs (20 min HIIT)
Tuesday - Legs (20 min HIIT)
Wednesday - Back & Bi's & Abs (20 min HIIT)
Thursday - Chest & Tri's & Abs (20 min HIIT)
Friday - Legs & Abs (20 min HIIT)
Saturday - Intense Cardio (50 min spin or equivilant)
Sunday - Rest
Here is an example of what I am eating today.
Meal 1 - Almonds/Drink a Spark (Found out I need to do oatmeal and egg whites)
Workout - HIIT cardio 20 min.
Meal 2 - Protein Shake (I use almond milk - Fitness Chick uses only water. I'm gonna try it.)
Meal 3 - Baked Chicken with 1/2 sweet potato and 1 tsp hummus
Meal 4 - Shaved Turkey with 1 weight watchers cheese stick. (I'm only doing white cheese, if any)
Meal 5 - Turkey Sausage with broccoli and a huge salad. (Am hoping I can keep up my 1TBS of low fat thousand island dressing but if I don't get faster results soon I will cut it out.)
Meal 6 - Protein Shake
I found out something that is disappointing but I'm not surprised. (through research today)
The HCG diet leaves open fat cells because of the fast loss. It is why most gain some initial weight back right after the maintenance phase 3 on the diet. I'm praying for those cells to be closed and believe that now that I'm re-balancing my results are going to come fast. Prayer is a huge part of this journey for me. Today, God spoke to my heart in my quiet time and said that dedication and unwaveringly persistence are key to my success. I'm seeking to reshape my body but my spirit and body have to be surrendered to righteousness!! Party on!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The Road is Long but Steady - Week 3
I'm on week 3 of my challenge. Things have been good and steady as I'm kicking off this 12 weeks of fitness. The workouts have been awesome. We get up at 6am on Mon/Wed/Fri and hit the gym to rotate push/pull/legs and on Tues/Thurs we get in 20 min of cardio and Sat is a cardio/next muscle group workout. I'm excited to say I am quickly seeing definition and moving up in the amount of weight I can lift. Our weightlifing regimen is 4 sets of increased weights and decreasing reps. Our cardio is interval cardio called HIIT.
The biggest thing I'm finding myself overcoming is hunger. I'm doing 6 small meals that contain a protein, complex carb and veggie but eating little to no carbs in the late afternoon/evening. I am not sure if I am not eating enough or not eating the right things. I have a friend who is living with me for a few weeks and I'm finding it very hard not to splurge in the evenings by having a drink with her and hubby. I did a weigh-in on Tuesday and had gained back the 3 pounds I lost the 2nd week. Maybe it is become TOM is soon to come but whatever reason a gain is BAD, NOT COOL. I realize I'm reshaping but I want to see quick results. It is a struggle because on HCG you weigh daily and see it drop fast. On this plan it is a steady but solid long term plan for long term results.
I'm taking a few supplements. The protein shakes were using are called Spirutein and are sweetened naturally and not made with Whey. I'm thinking whey is causing me bloating so I'm laying off it for a little while. I use almond milk to avoid the lactose as well. I'm taking an Omega 3, Amino Acids, and Multivitamin daily. I also discovered a great booster drink called Spark, it is through a company called Advocare. It is awesome to drink first of the day during my workout and I get that extra mojo for my training session. Today, I bought some CLA from a Sports Nutrition store by the gym. I've been reading that it helps transform belly fat into muscle. Since my belly is my #1 problem area I'm hoping it helps. I have found no evidence that it will help with weight loss but it will help me transform. That is my goal...total transformation!
The biggest thing I'm finding myself overcoming is hunger. I'm doing 6 small meals that contain a protein, complex carb and veggie but eating little to no carbs in the late afternoon/evening. I am not sure if I am not eating enough or not eating the right things. I have a friend who is living with me for a few weeks and I'm finding it very hard not to splurge in the evenings by having a drink with her and hubby. I did a weigh-in on Tuesday and had gained back the 3 pounds I lost the 2nd week. Maybe it is become TOM is soon to come but whatever reason a gain is BAD, NOT COOL. I realize I'm reshaping but I want to see quick results. It is a struggle because on HCG you weigh daily and see it drop fast. On this plan it is a steady but solid long term plan for long term results.
I'm taking a few supplements. The protein shakes were using are called Spirutein and are sweetened naturally and not made with Whey. I'm thinking whey is causing me bloating so I'm laying off it for a little while. I use almond milk to avoid the lactose as well. I'm taking an Omega 3, Amino Acids, and Multivitamin daily. I also discovered a great booster drink called Spark, it is through a company called Advocare. It is awesome to drink first of the day during my workout and I get that extra mojo for my training session. Today, I bought some CLA from a Sports Nutrition store by the gym. I've been reading that it helps transform belly fat into muscle. Since my belly is my #1 problem area I'm hoping it helps. I have found no evidence that it will help with weight loss but it will help me transform. That is my goal...total transformation!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Body for Life Challenge 7/7/2011 (12 weeks)
That song On the Road Again is going through my head right now. I didn't fully get off the road but I took a downward slide the last few weeks. Knowing that the next 12 weeks are going to be intense and focused on reshaping my body I decided to act as through food was my friend and had no calories.....um, it does and it lied like an enemy. The scale reminded me of that this morning at my weigh-in.
Soooooo, here I go with my hubby in tote and we are facing the next 12 week journey together. The plan is to get up and do 6am workouts. We will train 4 days of weights and 3 days of cardio for the 12 weeks, at least. Our meals will be 6 small meals a day and our goals are set towards winning this challenge. I'm focused on my long-term desire to be a bikini model in my 40's. Since I'm 3 months away from my 37th birthday and since I started this journal on my last one I figure each b-day will be a day of re-evaluation and dedication to my next goal.
~ Current start on my BFL is 28% body fat at 159 pounds. That means that I've gained back 14 pounds from my bottom weight of 145 on my 3rd round of HCG. : (
This battle is torturous but I will win. I WILL WIN!
~ My goal is to be at 140 and 15% body fat. I'm happy to say that I fit into size 5/6 pants and 2/4 skirts. (I started out in tight 12/14's) I'm not going to focus on the scale though because I really want to be fit and whatever the scale says doesn't determine if I am healthy and fit. But, my dream is to drop 19 pds and 13% body fat.
Okai...here goes - 7/7/11 -9/29-11 I'm going to be focused on reshaping myself into a lean, mean, fighting machine!
Soooooo, here I go with my hubby in tote and we are facing the next 12 week journey together. The plan is to get up and do 6am workouts. We will train 4 days of weights and 3 days of cardio for the 12 weeks, at least. Our meals will be 6 small meals a day and our goals are set towards winning this challenge. I'm focused on my long-term desire to be a bikini model in my 40's. Since I'm 3 months away from my 37th birthday and since I started this journal on my last one I figure each b-day will be a day of re-evaluation and dedication to my next goal.
~ Current start on my BFL is 28% body fat at 159 pounds. That means that I've gained back 14 pounds from my bottom weight of 145 on my 3rd round of HCG. : (
This battle is torturous but I will win. I WILL WIN!
~ My goal is to be at 140 and 15% body fat. I'm happy to say that I fit into size 5/6 pants and 2/4 skirts. (I started out in tight 12/14's) I'm not going to focus on the scale though because I really want to be fit and whatever the scale says doesn't determine if I am healthy and fit. But, my dream is to drop 19 pds and 13% body fat.
Okai...here goes - 7/7/11 -9/29-11 I'm going to be focused on reshaping myself into a lean, mean, fighting machine!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Feb 3rd to June 2011
Yes, I fell off the face of the blog world but no worries, I was still in motion towards Overcoming Food! : ) So much has happened in that amount of time. First of all, I ended up in the hospital with intestinal issues. I believe it is from not eating enough and being regular enough on my second round of HCG. I discovered food allergies to lactose, sugar, and some wheat. But, that didn't stop me. I went back on a 3rd round of HCG for 21 days in April/May. It was rather foolish. Yes, I lost an additional 15 pounds and I also began losing hair....and lots of it! NOT COOL! I also lost muscle. The doc said I was in a state of ketosis. After being told that I looked it up and figured out it meant my body was eating up the muscle and was stressed. I got weight loss greedy. I'm sorry to say that inspite of results I didn't keep that 15 pounds off. It is disappointing but true.
The end of May-June, I went on a trip to Africa. It was life changing. I realized the importance of so many things. One thing we/I take for granted is nutrition!! I have been on a long road so far and am happy to say that I'm a solid 45 pounds lighter than I was in Oct 2010 but now it is time for me to hit my next phase and get fit with muscle. I really saw a lot of muscle loss on HCG. I wasn't at the toned level I was in 2007/2008 when I worked out with a trainer but still has some muscle memory. I think my memory collapsed when I was losing so much weight so quickly. Starting in July, I'm going full force on the Body for Life program again. It is going to be awesome!
The end of May-June, I went on a trip to Africa. It was life changing. I realized the importance of so many things. One thing we/I take for granted is nutrition!! I have been on a long road so far and am happy to say that I'm a solid 45 pounds lighter than I was in Oct 2010 but now it is time for me to hit my next phase and get fit with muscle. I really saw a lot of muscle loss on HCG. I wasn't at the toned level I was in 2007/2008 when I worked out with a trainer but still has some muscle memory. I think my memory collapsed when I was losing so much weight so quickly. Starting in July, I'm going full force on the Body for Life program again. It is going to be awesome!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
R2 P2 D28-32 - If I can do this, anyone can!
R2 P2 D28-32 - If I can do this, anyone can!
The weight is still coming off. It is coming off much slower but I've only been weighing every few days instead of every day. Here is my current loss to date.
Day 28, 29, 30 - no weigh in
Day 31 -.6
Day 32 -1.4
Day 33 -0
Day 34 - 1.8
Total in 7 days -3.8, Round 2 Total -25.2, Total with HCG since Oct 2010 - 42.8
I'm thrilled with the results. I have 6 more HCG days plus 3 more with 500 calories. If I can lose just 5 more pounds in that time I will be 10 pounds away from my ultimate goal. That is amazing! I'm in range for my height on the medical chart now since I'm 5'8". That is exciting! I want to be at 145 but it isn't going to happen this round. But with 5 more pounds I can be 155 and that would be fabulous!
I have been using a willpower of steel to overcome any and all desire for comfort food and boredom eating. We have been forced to stay at home the last 3 day because of ice. Our driveway and the slope in front of the house will not let me leave to go anywhere. It is driving me crazy. I did create a really good ground turkey chili that I have enjoyed as a comfort food during this time. Being unable to go to the store was killing me because I haven't had any apples or mineral water. It is hard to drink Apple Cider Vinegar without the mineral water. A friend was able to get out today and got me 3 apples and 3 bottles of mineral water at the store. YAY! I'm set until Saturday at least. Surely, I can get out by then. I'm going crazy to be able to workout! I NEED THE GYM!
I just now created a page for my photos of the before and after. It's on the side of my page. http://foreverovercomingfood.blogspot.com/p/new-me.html If I'm brave enough at the end of 40 days, I will put the ones with my front, back and side views in my sports bra and shorts...we will see...
If I can do this, anyone can!
The weight is still coming off. It is coming off much slower but I've only been weighing every few days instead of every day. Here is my current loss to date.
Day 28, 29, 30 - no weigh in
Day 31 -.6
Day 32 -1.4
Day 33 -0
Day 34 - 1.8
Total in 7 days -3.8, Round 2 Total -25.2, Total with HCG since Oct 2010 - 42.8
I'm thrilled with the results. I have 6 more HCG days plus 3 more with 500 calories. If I can lose just 5 more pounds in that time I will be 10 pounds away from my ultimate goal. That is amazing! I'm in range for my height on the medical chart now since I'm 5'8". That is exciting! I want to be at 145 but it isn't going to happen this round. But with 5 more pounds I can be 155 and that would be fabulous!
I have been using a willpower of steel to overcome any and all desire for comfort food and boredom eating. We have been forced to stay at home the last 3 day because of ice. Our driveway and the slope in front of the house will not let me leave to go anywhere. It is driving me crazy. I did create a really good ground turkey chili that I have enjoyed as a comfort food during this time. Being unable to go to the store was killing me because I haven't had any apples or mineral water. It is hard to drink Apple Cider Vinegar without the mineral water. A friend was able to get out today and got me 3 apples and 3 bottles of mineral water at the store. YAY! I'm set until Saturday at least. Surely, I can get out by then. I'm going crazy to be able to workout! I NEED THE GYM!
I just now created a page for my photos of the before and after. It's on the side of my page. http://foreverovercomingfood.blogspot.com/p/new-me.html If I'm brave enough at the end of 40 days, I will put the ones with my front, back and side views in my sports bra and shorts...we will see...
If I can do this, anyone can!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
R2 D22-27 - My time flies!
I forgot to blog the last few days. I've been fighting a cold and experiencing TOM. Between those things and doing the discipline of the HCG diet I've been pushing myself to accomplish everything. Here are my weight loss results to date.
D23 -.2
D24 -1.6
D25 -.4
D26 -.4
D27 -1.6
Total of -4.2 This brings me to a total of 22.0 lost. I have 13 more injections to go and 16 more days of 500 calories. I can't wait to get to eat cheese again!! Because I was having such a slow few days I researched online and did start eating 3 macadamia nuts each day from day 22-26. Yesterday, I skipped the them and then had a big drop this morning. I've eaten only authorized foods every day with no cheating on anything. I am doing the ACV tonic before each meal now too. I also went back to cycle and sitting 15 min in the sauna yesterday and am off TOM as of this morning. YAY! I had really hoped to lose a pound a day through this round but it hasn't happened. I'm grateful for what I have lost though. Dreaming big if I could just have 10 more pounds off though I would be so happy. Can't wait to get on Phase 3 and start weight lifting and turning myself into a lean mean fighting machine!
D23 -.2
D24 -1.6
D25 -.4
D26 -.4
D27 -1.6
Total of -4.2 This brings me to a total of 22.0 lost. I have 13 more injections to go and 16 more days of 500 calories. I can't wait to get to eat cheese again!! Because I was having such a slow few days I researched online and did start eating 3 macadamia nuts each day from day 22-26. Yesterday, I skipped the them and then had a big drop this morning. I've eaten only authorized foods every day with no cheating on anything. I am doing the ACV tonic before each meal now too. I also went back to cycle and sitting 15 min in the sauna yesterday and am off TOM as of this morning. YAY! I had really hoped to lose a pound a day through this round but it hasn't happened. I'm grateful for what I have lost though. Dreaming big if I could just have 10 more pounds off though I would be so happy. Can't wait to get on Phase 3 and start weight lifting and turning myself into a lean mean fighting machine!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
R2 P2 Day 22 - Feeling Great!!
I'm feeling great! I only lost.2 on the scale though so that was a bummer. At this rate I will end up needing a round 3. I went to the gym this morning and worked off my frustration. After Spin class, sauna, yoga class, and some light arm weights I was feeling positive about my body. Even if I don't lose the amount I want to lose I know my body is looking better than it has in a long time and I'm certain in the end I will reach my goal. I've been researching ways to lose more weight on HCG. I am going to try drinking Apple Cider Vinegar - 3 tbsp before each meal. Today, I did something new for me while on this diet. I had a vanilla protein shake and added a couple of drops of chocolate stevia. It was good! Tonight, my hubby and I are going to a ballroom dance social. There is going to be an instructor giving lessons. It is so much fun to plan dates and things to do separate from food and restaurants. Makes life more exciting! I'm also considering trying to incorporate some macadamia nuts (3-5) on days when I work out a lot of am stalling. I found several people who tried it and it worked for them. Better run get ready to go. We are leaving in an hour to go to the social. I didn't plan what to wear yet. Everything is big in my closet. I hope I can find something that will work...yikes!
Friday, January 21, 2011
R2 Day 20-21 - Shrinking Daily
YAY! I'm down 1.6 more pounds over the last two days. Total lost is 17.8 pounds and 9 1/2 inches during Round 2. I checked and was at 19.5 at this point in Round 1 so I'm close to the same. Total with HCG is 34.2 pounds and 27 inches. It is amazing! I'm smaller than I have been in over 20 years. It feels amazing!! I put on single digit slacks yesterday for work. Size 8!! I'm so excited about it! Everything is running smooth. My energy is high and I'm eating right on protocol. I really want to lose 20 more pounds over the last part of this round but am not sure if it is possible. I would have to average a pound a day and have absolutely NO STALLS! I have 19 more days to go. Tonight, I'm going to try out a new Hip Hop aerobics class. Sounds like a fun change. I love the Latin Heat and want to go back to class next week.
For lunch today I had grilled chicken and made a cucumber salad. I am keeping up my water intake of 96 oz every day but it makes me so cold inside...today it is cold here and I'm struggling through my second half of my water intake. Once I get down with the 96 oz of pure water I allow myself to have mineral water with stevia or a fresh squeezed lemonade. It is a game I play with myself to allow myself a treat. HAHA - I'm amazed at my willpower and so thankful for the results!
For lunch today I had grilled chicken and made a cucumber salad. I am keeping up my water intake of 96 oz every day but it makes me so cold inside...today it is cold here and I'm struggling through my second half of my water intake. Once I get down with the 96 oz of pure water I allow myself to have mineral water with stevia or a fresh squeezed lemonade. It is a game I play with myself to allow myself a treat. HAHA - I'm amazed at my willpower and so thankful for the results!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
R2D17-19 - I Feel Fabulous!
The last three days have been extremely busy. I stalled for the 3rd day in a row on D17. I lost 1.7 pounds on day 18 but didn't weigh in today. I know I'm losing again though. My clothes are all loose. This morning I went to spin at 5:45am and that is why I didn't weight. On Day 18 I tried out a Latin Heat dance aerobic class at the gym and LOVED it!! I am def going to go back. My meals the last couple of days have been really light and I haven't been hitting 500 calories. Today, I ate the last of my frozen meatballs with marinara, 2 apples, scrambled eggs with dill and a piece of melba toast. I can't wait to see what the scale shows in the morning!!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
R2 Day 16 - Overcoming Mexican Food
Well, I have a huge accomplishment to share with you. My hubby is astounded at my willpower. Last night we had a dinner party with some friends. Well, the host scheduled it to be at a Mexican restaurant. I thought ahead and was not sure I would be able to resist the temptations. I was certain my willpower would waiver and I would give in to the cheese dip and salsa with chips. Amazingly, I withheld. I took my boiled eggs and the seasonings for the lemon chili dressing with me in my purse and simply ordered a side salad of lettuce only. The smells were hard to resist but overall I felt in control and very proud of myself for staying on plan.
The scale wasn't so nice to me again today. I'm assuming the teeth whitening did me in for a stall. I even drank smooth move tea last night hoping the scale would show loss. I stepped on it about 15 time because it kept changing. I was down .8 from yesterday which is the same as the WI on day 14. Frustrated beyond words about it but there is nothing I can do now except keep on keeping on.
I'm really fatigued today. Was so blah yesterday afternoon I napped for a couple of hours. I need to look back at Round 1 and see if I felt this way at this stage then too. I felt light-headed this morning at church too. My muscles are really sore but in a good way because of my 1st Yoga session yesterday morning. I forgot to mention that yesterday. I want to be able to contort my body like that so I'm going to keep going.
Here's my menu today:
Lunch: Meatballs & Kohlrabi chips
Snack: 1/2 Apple of Applesauce (pureed an apple with stevia drops, nutmeg, and cinnamon)
Dinner: Lemon Pepper Tilapia & Asparagus
Dessert: 1/2 Apple of Applesauce
Calories - 484
The scale wasn't so nice to me again today. I'm assuming the teeth whitening did me in for a stall. I even drank smooth move tea last night hoping the scale would show loss. I stepped on it about 15 time because it kept changing. I was down .8 from yesterday which is the same as the WI on day 14. Frustrated beyond words about it but there is nothing I can do now except keep on keeping on.
I'm really fatigued today. Was so blah yesterday afternoon I napped for a couple of hours. I need to look back at Round 1 and see if I felt this way at this stage then too. I felt light-headed this morning at church too. My muscles are really sore but in a good way because of my 1st Yoga session yesterday morning. I forgot to mention that yesterday. I want to be able to contort my body like that so I'm going to keep going.
Here's my menu today:
Lunch: Meatballs & Kohlrabi chips
Snack: 1/2 Apple of Applesauce (pureed an apple with stevia drops, nutmeg, and cinnamon)
Dinner: Lemon Pepper Tilapia & Asparagus
Dessert: 1/2 Apple of Applesauce
Calories - 484
R2 Day 15 - Ugh! The scale makes me MAD!
So, here I am rocking and rolling and really enjoying Phase 2 and then the scale goes and pulls THAT on me! I ate perfectly yesterday but I gained .6 today. This goes to show that everything spoken of when it comes to getting enough sleep and chemicals by Dr. Simeon is correct. You see, I couldn't sleep because of a headache so I took two excedrin migraine pills and tried to go back to sleep. It wired me up so much that it was 2am and I was still not asleep. The difference in the way my body reacts to things when I'm doing this HCG diet is foreign to me. Anyway, I got up and decided to whiten my teeth and put some mineral oil lotion on my feet because they looked gross on the bottom. Well, obviously getting up at 2 in the morning and using that lotion and whitening my teeth was not to my advantage. I did go to sleep after and got 7 hours of sleep but the scale was not friendly to me. Actually, it makes me so mad because every time I stepped on it I weight something different. I got on it about 8 times and finally took the lowest weight since it was varying 3 pounds each time. I agree with one of the girls I follow who said the scale is a mind game. I hate weighing everyday!
Today, I ate:
Lunch: 5 shrimp with spinach stir fry - (I took 4 cups of fresh spinach and sautueed it with 1 teaspoon of onion, 1 tsp of fresh jalapeno, 1 tsp minced garlic, two drops of liquid stevia)My new fav!
Snack: Pink Lady Apple
Dinner: 1 whole boiled egg & 2 boiled whites, 2 cups of green salad with a lemon chili dressing & 1 melba toast. (lemon chili dressing, fresh lemon with chili powder, garlic, salt and pepper)Lemon soda (lemon juice, tonic water & vanilla cream stevia)
Calories: 348
Today, I ate:
Lunch: 5 shrimp with spinach stir fry - (I took 4 cups of fresh spinach and sautueed it with 1 teaspoon of onion, 1 tsp of fresh jalapeno, 1 tsp minced garlic, two drops of liquid stevia)My new fav!
Snack: Pink Lady Apple
Dinner: 1 whole boiled egg & 2 boiled whites, 2 cups of green salad with a lemon chili dressing & 1 melba toast. (lemon chili dressing, fresh lemon with chili powder, garlic, salt and pepper)Lemon soda (lemon juice, tonic water & vanilla cream stevia)
Calories: 348
Friday, January 14, 2011
R2 Day 14 - 2 more pds - love it!
Day 14 - Another 2 pounds! WOWSERS! I'm happy with 1 pound loss but two makes me super happy. I've decided to hold off on anything but really light workouts until I'm finished with Round 2 because it may have been causing my body to lose slower. Today, I'm going to eat:
Lunch: spinach salad and 2 egg whites with 1 whole egg boiled & chopped on top of the salad with apple cider vinegar dressing and a bread stick.
Snack: Orange Julius - blend the whole orange with a little ice and vanilla cream stevia.
Dinner: Lemon Pepper Tilapia and dill & jalapeno cucumber salad. 1 melba toast & lemonade.
Snack: Pink Lady Apple (they are one of the sweetest I can find right now)
Total Calories: 472
I'm continually drinking 96 oz of water each day - no matter what!
Lunch: spinach salad and 2 egg whites with 1 whole egg boiled & chopped on top of the salad with apple cider vinegar dressing and a bread stick.
Snack: Orange Julius - blend the whole orange with a little ice and vanilla cream stevia.
Dinner: Lemon Pepper Tilapia and dill & jalapeno cucumber salad. 1 melba toast & lemonade.
Snack: Pink Lady Apple (they are one of the sweetest I can find right now)
Total Calories: 472
I'm continually drinking 96 oz of water each day - no matter what!
R2D 13 - 2 pounds! YOWSERS!
Day 13 - I'm so excited to say I am figuring some important things out about this HCG diet, my body and the best results. Last night I drank some Smooth Move Chocolate Flavored Herbal Tea to see if it would help. My diet consisted of no red meat.
Lunch: 1 boiled egg with 1/2 of a cucumber sliced with a little salt.
Dinner:1 whole kohlrabi made into chips, 6 cooked shrimp and a piece of melba toast with lemonade.
Snack: Pink Lady Apple
Calories: 338 - I was too full to eat anymore
I loved the new recipe I found using a root vegetable called kohlrabi. Another successful HCGer said it was one of his favorite staples when made into chips. My recipe is below. Am thrilled to lose 2 more pounds this morning! Can't beat that! I decided to hold off on the workout and see if that was influencing the loss too. I'm feeling so great about myself and the progress. The other important things is that I'm not hungry this time. I haven't needed the supplement or anything extra to get by because I'm completely satisfied.
Kohlrabi chips - Slice the pieces as thin as possible. Sprinkle with a little soy sauce, amino or salt to taste. Put the slices in a paper towel and zap it for 2 minutes in the microwave to get it a little softer. Bake on 400 for 10 min each side. Take them out and turn the oven on broil and put them on the top rack for about 5 min until a little crispy. My first time with Kohlrabi. I'm in love! ; ) - I found the amino spray at my local health food store called Central Market. It is by Bragg and is an all natural vegetable protein. Considered an all purpose seasoning and is a soy protein. Can be used as a soy sauce or just spray for flavor on everything. Cool stuff. I'm excited about finding it. Has no calories or fat grams.
Lunch: 1 boiled egg with 1/2 of a cucumber sliced with a little salt.
Dinner:1 whole kohlrabi made into chips, 6 cooked shrimp and a piece of melba toast with lemonade.
Snack: Pink Lady Apple
Calories: 338 - I was too full to eat anymore
I loved the new recipe I found using a root vegetable called kohlrabi. Another successful HCGer said it was one of his favorite staples when made into chips. My recipe is below. Am thrilled to lose 2 more pounds this morning! Can't beat that! I decided to hold off on the workout and see if that was influencing the loss too. I'm feeling so great about myself and the progress. The other important things is that I'm not hungry this time. I haven't needed the supplement or anything extra to get by because I'm completely satisfied.
Kohlrabi chips - Slice the pieces as thin as possible. Sprinkle with a little soy sauce, amino or salt to taste. Put the slices in a paper towel and zap it for 2 minutes in the microwave to get it a little softer. Bake on 400 for 10 min each side. Take them out and turn the oven on broil and put them on the top rack for about 5 min until a little crispy. My first time with Kohlrabi. I'm in love! ; ) - I found the amino spray at my local health food store called Central Market. It is by Bragg and is an all natural vegetable protein. Considered an all purpose seasoning and is a soy protein. Can be used as a soy sauce or just spray for flavor on everything. Cool stuff. I'm excited about finding it. Has no calories or fat grams.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
R2P2D 11-12
Day 11 - 2 pound loss on the scale. I was hoping the stall yesterday was just the scale not truth. Today was a day I had to plan ahead because I was working from 2-9. The site was close to 2 hours from home so I had to leave at noon when I would normally have my first meal. Thankfully, my meatballs and pre-cooked george foreman grilled chicken was already portioned into ziplock bags for me to put into a cooler. My favorite way to eat the apples is sliced so I bought a slicer that you push down over the apple and it cuts it into sections. I prepared two and put them in my cooler as well. In order to make sure I drink my water I pre-filled up two water jugs that together equal 96 oz and took those with me as well. One of the girls who I work with immediately commented that she saw a huge change in my neck and face since she saw me last. YAY! That is exactly what I wanted to hear. I'm thankful for the willpower to continue on this journey!
Day 12 - 1 pound gain.....?? Really? I don't understand? I ate exactly on plan and didn't do a single thing off protocol. I sleep in this morning because I didn't get home and in bed until around midnight which gave me 9 hours off sleep so it isn't that. Last time in Round 1 my body responded better to eggs than it did meat. I wish there was a way to do this diet without meat or with only poultry so I'm going to try that today. Meals today include: 2 egg whites and one whole egg scrambled, 1 breadstick, serving of meatballs, marinara, and two apples. Hopefully, the scale will go down in the morning. My plan is to stop focusing on the gain today, I'm focusing on the other 11 pounds I have lost already. Am typing this wearing my skinny jeans and a fitted shirt. That feels GREAT! The scale is only an outwards sign of what is happening inside. My self-confidence has increased and people can see an outward difference. Maybe I will stop the daily weighing and do it every two or three days. No need to mentally torture myself. I still have 28 days to go and my mind can't even imagine the results that can happen in that amount of time with this plan. It has been three days since my last workout and I can feel it. I need to get to the gym. Since I haven't been taking the supplement I don't have as much energy and my muscles feel kinda weak. Not sure I can make it today to exercise so tomorrow morning I will get back at it.
Day 12 - 1 pound gain.....?? Really? I don't understand? I ate exactly on plan and didn't do a single thing off protocol. I sleep in this morning because I didn't get home and in bed until around midnight which gave me 9 hours off sleep so it isn't that. Last time in Round 1 my body responded better to eggs than it did meat. I wish there was a way to do this diet without meat or with only poultry so I'm going to try that today. Meals today include: 2 egg whites and one whole egg scrambled, 1 breadstick, serving of meatballs, marinara, and two apples. Hopefully, the scale will go down in the morning. My plan is to stop focusing on the gain today, I'm focusing on the other 11 pounds I have lost already. Am typing this wearing my skinny jeans and a fitted shirt. That feels GREAT! The scale is only an outwards sign of what is happening inside. My self-confidence has increased and people can see an outward difference. Maybe I will stop the daily weighing and do it every two or three days. No need to mentally torture myself. I still have 28 days to go and my mind can't even imagine the results that can happen in that amount of time with this plan. It has been three days since my last workout and I can feel it. I need to get to the gym. Since I haven't been taking the supplement I don't have as much energy and my muscles feel kinda weak. Not sure I can make it today to exercise so tomorrow morning I will get back at it.
Monday, January 10, 2011
R2P2D10 - 10 pounds in 10 days ROCKS!
Day 8 - I went a little crazy on Saturday. I love the rush of working out. So, I did an hour spin class, 30 min of weight training and sat 15 min the sauna. Let's just say that doing that much on 500 calories IS NOT RECOMMENDED! You would think I would know better but nope. I had to rest most of the day. I haven't increased my calories inspite of working out but haven't been hungry either. I know it is because of the supplement I'm taking.
Day 9 - Sunday brought a big challenge to me. We went on a day trip and on the way my family stopped to eat Taco Bell. I had planned ahead and brought a cooler with a garlic seasoned grilled chicken tenderloin and ziplock of celery. Sitting in the car eating my little meal and watching them eat made me feel mad inside...lol - I realized I can't be mad at myself for needing to lose weight. I have to continue taking control and making the difference in my life one step at a time.
Day 10 - My stomach looks so flat, I can't believe it! This morning my hubby said if I keep losing weight I will look like I'm going to blow away. haha - I wish I looked that way. At my dental office the girls said I looked great. Comments like these are HUGE motivators. Each day is a challenge but is worth every minute of the journey! Today, I didn't even need the supplement to help with hunger. Am doing just fine without it. I didn't go to cycle class this morning because my back is hurting a lot right now. I'm not sure what I did but I figured I better take it easy to avoid further pain. I didn't have a loss on the scale this morning....It feels so weird to be upset that in one day there was no change or loss on the scale. The thing is, I know what happened to cause a stall today. I used a gel pack on my back for pain yesterday. I was concerned but did it anyway because I wanted relief before acting class. Oh well, there is always tomorrow for more of a loss.
Never give up on your dreams you might just be one day away from success!! I'm asking to God to help me have the strength and rejoicing daily when I see results.
Day 9 - Sunday brought a big challenge to me. We went on a day trip and on the way my family stopped to eat Taco Bell. I had planned ahead and brought a cooler with a garlic seasoned grilled chicken tenderloin and ziplock of celery. Sitting in the car eating my little meal and watching them eat made me feel mad inside...lol - I realized I can't be mad at myself for needing to lose weight. I have to continue taking control and making the difference in my life one step at a time.
Day 10 - My stomach looks so flat, I can't believe it! This morning my hubby said if I keep losing weight I will look like I'm going to blow away. haha - I wish I looked that way. At my dental office the girls said I looked great. Comments like these are HUGE motivators. Each day is a challenge but is worth every minute of the journey! Today, I didn't even need the supplement to help with hunger. Am doing just fine without it. I didn't go to cycle class this morning because my back is hurting a lot right now. I'm not sure what I did but I figured I better take it easy to avoid further pain. I didn't have a loss on the scale this morning....It feels so weird to be upset that in one day there was no change or loss on the scale. The thing is, I know what happened to cause a stall today. I used a gel pack on my back for pain yesterday. I was concerned but did it anyway because I wanted relief before acting class. Oh well, there is always tomorrow for more of a loss.
Never give up on your dreams you might just be one day away from success!! I'm asking to God to help me have the strength and rejoicing daily when I see results.
Friday, January 7, 2011
On the Road Again! ~ R2P2D7
I'm feeling fabulous on this round. I completed my two loading days on the 30-31st and started the 500 calories on Jan 1. There are a few things I'm doing different this round. Major difference is that I am taking a supplement that is helping cut down on my hunger and has majorly increased my energy level. I've lost 8 pounds in 7 days. Another big change is that I'm working out this round. I have been doing an intense cycle class at 5:45am on M,W,F and 9:15 on Saturday the last few weeks and have kept it up on the HCG diet. Amazingly, I am sustaining the workout just fine. Doing this second round is much easier than the first round. I know the foods I like the best and am sticking to them. I made several serving of my favorite meal and am eating it often. It seems to help if I cook ahead and freeze ziplock bags of my meals. My favorite meal is meatballs with a tomato marinara. Yummy! I will post the recipe below so you can try it if interested. A pound of ground beef makes around 6 meals.
On the last round I cheated on Phase 3 and didn't stick to it for 21 days. Because of it I didn't stabilize and gained back 7 pounds. Thankfully, that is all off now! My plan this round is to go 40 days and then stick to the 21 days of Phase 3 faithfully! I love this diet!! Can't wait for the results and the bikini I will be able to wear this summer!!
Meatballs -
100 grams ground beef (I use lean grass fed)
grind 1 piece of melba toast or breadstick in food processor
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of italian seasoning
...Mix it all together and make 4-5 small meatballs - bake on 400 for about 15 min.
Marinara - Cut a tomato in half and remove the seeds. Place the two halves down and put it in the oven on broil until the skin peels up and gets black. Remove from oven and remove peeling. Smash the tomato up in a bowl and add 1 teaspoon of italian seasoning, garlic and 5 drops of plain stevia. Microwave it for 1 min.
It really is so yummy! It is my favorite to fix next to a shake and bake style chicken where I grind the melba toast, season it and coat my chicken before baking it for 20 min. YUM!
On the last round I cheated on Phase 3 and didn't stick to it for 21 days. Because of it I didn't stabilize and gained back 7 pounds. Thankfully, that is all off now! My plan this round is to go 40 days and then stick to the 21 days of Phase 3 faithfully! I love this diet!! Can't wait for the results and the bikini I will be able to wear this summer!!
Meatballs -
100 grams ground beef (I use lean grass fed)
grind 1 piece of melba toast or breadstick in food processor
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of italian seasoning
...Mix it all together and make 4-5 small meatballs - bake on 400 for about 15 min.
Marinara - Cut a tomato in half and remove the seeds. Place the two halves down and put it in the oven on broil until the skin peels up and gets black. Remove from oven and remove peeling. Smash the tomato up in a bowl and add 1 teaspoon of italian seasoning, garlic and 5 drops of plain stevia. Microwave it for 1 min.
It really is so yummy! It is my favorite to fix next to a shake and bake style chicken where I grind the melba toast, season it and coat my chicken before baking it for 20 min. YUM!
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