R5 VLCD Day 30-ish

Today’s Weight: 161.2
Today’s change: -.5
Total R5 weight lost: -15.5

Down down down.  So far so good.  I’m not losing weight as rapidly as when I’m completely strict with Dr Simeon’s protocol, but my sanity is in much better shape.  I’m not struggling with the diet at all, in fact, I’ve kinda developed a food aversion.  At least to things that I CAN eat.  If a cheeseburger was an option I’m suuuuuuure I could find my appetite!

Sticking with a fruit and fat free greek yogurt in the morning.  Typically I’ll have a salad with grilled chicken and reduced fat balsamic dressing (1 tb) for lunch.  I also found some healthy fresh food providers in SA that sell prepared lo carb low fat  healthy food items (like Shrimp Pad Thai with Miracle Noodles – 200 calories), so that has been nice for a switcheroo.  Sometime this weekend I’m going to attempt to make cauliflower “fried rice”.

The other thing that no doubt slowed my weight loss was Thanksgiving.  I took a two day hiatus, and it was wonderful.  I couldn’t eat much, but I had whatever I wanted.  At the end of it I was only up by 1 pound.  I didn’t have any problems afterwards with plateau, etc.  Bonus.

In three weeks I go back to my internist.   Depending on how much I lose by then, I may extend my round.  Notice what a rebel I am.

I’ll try to blog more frequently – love and happiness to all xxxooo

Christy

 

R5 VLCD Day 2: -2.5

Today’s Weight: 174.5
Today’s change: -2.5
Total R5 weight lost: -2.5

Had a good day, no hunger.  This was an ideal time to start the HCG because the blood pressure medicine I’m on has resulted in a loss of taste, smell, and hunger.  Bonus.  That’ll be helpful.

I will allow myself 600-700 calories a day, but could fall under that (this is a mental game too, you know).  I’m increasing protein servings to 4 ounces.  I’m having a small breakfast.  I’ll also mix veggies, but only lo carb ones.  I’ll also allow myself to have small indulgences:  low fat or fat free salad dressing, Pam spray for sauteeing, a bit of avocado occasionally.

My standard breakfast:  3/4 cup fat free greek plain yogurt, 1 cup berries, 1 packet stevia (155 calories)

Lunch:  salad with lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumbers, and 4 oz ham, topped with 2 TB low fat yogurt ranch dressing (200 calories)

Dinner:  I made some yummy turkey meatloaf “cupcakes” that consisted of:  1 lb ground turkey breast, 1 egg, sauteed minced yellow squash (2 cups), onion (1 cup), bell pepper (1 cup), 1 tsp dijon mustard and 1/2 TB worcestershire sauce; salt and pepper.  Mixed it all together and filled cupcake tins with it, and it made 9 servings.  Baked it at 400 for about 20 minutes.  Each serving (one cupcake) is 120 calories – I had one, and steamed cauliflower and broccoli (about one cup).  For my sweetheart I made fried shrimp and boiled shrimp (he loves shrimp) – but he was quite impressed with the deliciousness of the turkey meatloaf cupcakes.  It’s a keeper recipe.  You’ll see these repeated on my menus as I work my way through the leftovers 🙂  Dinner was around 250 calories.

Why am I varying from Dr. Simeon’s strict protocol?  Because it’s tough and it was written 50 years ago when food availability was much different.  I discussed this with internist and my compounding pharmacist.  They are well versed in the original Simeon’s plan as well as the endless variants.  They had no concerns on my plan and encouraged me.  In some of my previous rounds I was not calorie counting, was being super strict, and looking back on my food – I don’t think I was going over 350 calories a day.  That can’t be good.

Wishing you peace and joy today xxxooo
Christy

R5 VLCD Day 1: Ground Zero

BOOM!  I’m back!  I’m starting another round, this time under the supervision of my internist.  I’m at 177 (not too bad – but not great either).  My blood pressure and cholestorol are high and I have been put on blood pressure medicine (I refused the cholestorol medicine).  I don’t want to be on either.  My internist has given me three months to get my weight back down, so – LET THE PARTY BEGIN!

You might ask:  Why the weight gain?  And I would respond:  The usual stuff that causes Christy to gain weight – stress, stress, stress.  Let’s just say that I’ve been under a metric ton of stress for the last few years.  And it’s still ongoing.  My recommendation to you:  birth control, baby, birth control.

My load days are done and today is my first day of LCD.  You will see a modified version of the HCG diet as I progress.  Don’t hate me.

I have to say I’ve missed blogging and I’m glad to be back xxxooo

Have a beautiful, blessed day.

Christy

R4 VLCD Day 21: -2

Today’s Weight: 154.2
Today’s change: -2
Total R4 weight lost: -13

Yay!!!!  I’m almost done with VLCD, and I’m so glad that I am.  I’m ready to move on to P3.  I didn’t hit goal but I’m okay with that.  KO says I don’t need to lose any more weight, and coming from him, I know he means it.  He’s not one to filter what he says!  I’m a tall girl and 154 looks pretty damn good on me.

I also have this mind-body thing going on, that I’ve always had, where I always think I’m fat.  It never really changes despite the fact that I’m conscious and aware of it.  I wish it were an easy thing to shake, but it’s not.  I’ll just keep working on it.

I’m going to start working out again this week.  Yay!

Have a wonderful Monday! xxxooo

R4 VLCD Day 17: +.6

Today’s Weight: 156.2
Today’s change: +.6
Total R4 weight lost: -11

I had a blast yesterday on my team outing, and I chose to indulge a bit. I didn’t eat anything at all in the morning so when we rolled into the BBQ place I was starving.  At that point too I’d tasted wines from one winery and with no food in my stomach it went straight to my head WHEEEEEE!

Everyone wanted to order family style BBQ and the requirement is that everyone at the table has to have family style – I wasn’t going to be “that person” to insist on ordering individually.  So family style it was.  I tried a bit of everything but primarily ate protein (brisket, a piece of sausage, a rib).  A bite each of potato salad, cole slaw, and beans.  And I swear the best thing I had were their jalapenos.  They were not the typical pickled jalapenos at all – and I ate two of them! 

I was absolutely stuffed after lunch – so full that I didn’t eat dinner at all.

Happy Friday my lambs!

R4 VLCD Day 16: -.6

VLCD Day 16 Lunch: Tilapia and spinach with crushed red pepper

Today’s Weight: 155.6
Today’s change: -.6
Total R4 weight lost: -11.6

 

I’m allergic to cake.  It makes my ass swell.  Have I said that before????  With that in mind, I had no cake (or cupcakes) yesterday.  Go Christy!!

The morning of this fine VLCD Day 16 – I decided I needed some beef for dinner – so I thawed a 100 gram portion of my 93/7.  I’ve been convinced in the past that I don’t lose well on beef, but I’ve also been convinced in the past that I don’t lose well on shrimp (which I no longer believe).  I’m keeping an open mind on things in general (minus the fudge of course) to see if my opinions from the previous rounds still stand.

Really – that’s not why I decided on beef at all – I chose it because that’s what I wanted.  And I wanted something that tasted good! And spicy!  It sure did the trick.

I made chili by browning 100 grams of 93/7 beef in a skillet (seasoned with salt and pepper in a skillet).  I drained the browned beef on paper towels very. very. well.  Then I added to a pot along with 1 cup chopped tomatoes, about two cups of water, organic garlic powder, organic onion powder, chili powder, cumin, crushed red pepper, and cilantro – oh and 1 teaspoon of dark cocoa powder.  The most challenging part of my dinner was letting it simmer for 30 minutes (I did wind up adding maybe another 3/4 cup of water because it reduces while it cooks).  The wonderful aroma aroused my appetite.   It was a dinner I wanted to eat.

I did not miss the broth – using water was just fine.

VLCD Day 16 Dinner: Chili

Today is play day!  My work peeps are meeting at 10:30 to pile into a van and drive to Austin to enjoy some BBQ and then wineries.  I’m one of the designated drivers since I will not be partaking of any vino – but I did decide that I’m going to buy a bottle or two for later.  That’s my concession.  My lunch at the BBQ place is most likely going to a quarter pound of turkey or very lean briscuit, and some onions and pickles.  Nothing else.  I’m taking an apple in case I feel like I’m going to chew someone’s leg off 🙂

Have a lovely day! xoxo

R4 VLCD Day 15: -.8

VLCD Day 15 Dinner: Tilapia and onions

Today’s Weight: 156.2
Today’s change: -.8
Total R4 weight lost: -10.8

I got through the baking and cupcake assembly last night – AND I made enchiladas and refried beans, but nary a speck of frosting or cheese crossed these lips.  I was good. 

Spaghetti and Meatball Cupcakes 😀

The cupcakes and cake turned out so awesomely cool that I have to share pics!  I had alot of fun with KO making the cupcakes!

Giant Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake 😀

My food:  I decided to do all protein today in an attempt to break my stall, so no apple.  I had 50 grams of chicken mid-morning and mid-afternoon instead.  Lunch was a 3 oz can of albacore tuna over lettuce, and I made tilapia and onions for dinner.  That’s it my peeps!

xoxo!

R4 VLCD Day 14: -0

VLCD Day 14 Dinner: Tilapia and spinach

Today’s Weight: 157
Today’s change: -0
Total R4 weight lost: -10

Just a quick post; I had an early (long) meeting at work…it appears that I’m stalled.  Stupid fudge.  Stupid girl.

I was good yesterday, lettuce and shrimp for lunch and tilapia and spinach for dinner.  I’ll stick to my guns here, it will be okey dokey. 

Hugs! Love!

R4 VLCD Day 12: -0

Today’s Weight: 157
Today’s change: -0
Total R4 weight lost: -10

 Ok, I really struggled over the weekend.   It seems after a little short of two weeks I’ve reached that part where I start feeling deprived.  That factored in with eating at restaurants made for a very mentally trying weekend when it comes to food, and food choices, and how I felt about them.  Also I’ve had to spend a bit of time in the kitchen over the last few days helping KO make cupcakes for work, as well as work on a birthday cake to take to work this week, so lots of baking.  My exposure has been high.

The good:

KO and I ate at restauraunts Friday night and Sunday lunch.  I ordered as best I could.  Friday night I had grilled catfish (requested grilled dry with no fat and or oil) and plain steamed broccoli.  For lunch on Sunday I ordered a chicken breast grilled dry with a side of pico de gallo.  The rest of the weekend I was perfectly good – shrimp with brussel sprouts for lunch Saturday, boiled shrimp and lettuce Saturday night, My usual 1/2 apple for breakfast and then for snack every day…some cold chicken last night for dinner.

The bad:

The catfish filet I ate was probably 7-8 ounces.  I do think they grilled it dry but it’s kind of a fatty fish (it was GOOOOOD tho).  And I ate it all.  When they brought my broccoli I took three big bites before I realized they had but butter on it.  They replaced for me, but, three bites.  And that butter was mighty tasty, let me tell you.  At lunch yesterday when the waiter brought my grilled chicken I could tell from the sheen that it had oil or butter or something on it.  I took my napkin and pressed both sides hard to sop up as much as I could, then ate it.  It was a small chicken breast, about 5-6 ounces, but again, I ate the whole thing.

The ugly:

I cheated last night.  I ate three pieces of fudge.  Obviously I could have stopped myself, it’s not like my hands became suddenly controlled by someone else and forced the fudge into my mouth.  I think I just felt frustated (and maybe a little down), and I consciously decided to have a piece.  And of course one piece turned into three.

I think the fudge was the result of this slight alteration in my mind where I’ve stopped seeing my VLCD meals as what they are (nourishment for my body) and want more when I see or contemplate what I “could” have. 

I have a couple more challenging situations to deal with this week. The aforementioned cupcakes and cake.  A team outing at work, which consists of BBQ at a place I’ve wanted to try for years, then wine tastings at several wineries 😦 A birthday dinner out Saturday night for a girlfriend at (of all places) Cheesecake Factory 😦 😦 Awwww well.  I’ll either take my food or order well – I’ll find a way to deal with it and get through it, and this time it will not involve fudge.

And just to bolster myself a bit:    It is not okay for me to feel sorry for myself because of VLCD!  That’s such a stupid reason!  These are choices I’m making to reach a goal, and the fact of the matter is (even if this turns out being a long round) they are SHORT TERM choices!!  Deal with it!

Have a wonderful Monday! xoxo

R4 VLCD Day 9: -.8

VLCD Day 9 Lunch: Shrimp and lettuce

Today’s Weight: 157
Today’s change: -.8
Total R4 weight lost: -10

I realized something very, very sad yesterday….my coveted Virgil’s Diet Root Beers have 6 calories and 2 carbs..WTF!!!  While they have no preservatives and are all natural ingredients, they also have xylitol.  I’m not sure if the carbs and calories come from that, who knows.  I read this on the bottle while I had a mouthful of root beer and it practically spewed out of my mouth all over my desk at work.  Well……..not really.  I confess. I swallowed. 

I had only drank about 1/3 of the bottle at that point and I gave the remaining to a co-worker.  He looked at me like I was crazy and said IT’S ONLY 6 CALORIES!!  IT’S ONLY 2 CARBS!!!  I just kept repeating “I’m not drinking it” until he acquiesced and said:  You’re crazy!  Yeah.  I’m crazy. Crazy like a fox!

I must have been in an overjoyed state of root beer delirium when I purchased them at the grocery.  I am a label reader, big time, and I swear  I the read the label and somehow completely missed that small little fact!  It’s like the real label was covered up and the label that I wanted to see, with the information that I *wanted* to see, presented itself before my eyes.    Root beer delirium peeps!  Look out for it!!  Read everything.  Twice or thrice.

While 6 calories and 2 carbs seems rather inconsequential, and despite the fact that I have lost on the two days that I’ve had them – I will not have them any more on P2 😦  And that makes me sad.  I’m sticking to my guns here.  I’m not falling into the “what could it hurt” trap again. 

Alas, what’s a girl to do?  Water and tea, that’s what.  I’ll save my root beers for P3.

My food:  1/2 apple mid-morning and mid-afternoon.  Shrimp and lettuce for lunch.  Tilapia and tomatoes for dinner.  I seasoned the tilapia with garlic powder, basil, oregano, tarragon, and rosemary and put it in the Zip-n-Steam bag with the tomatoes.  Two minutes later, it was done, smelling like a good italian dinner.  I served it in a bowl because there were lovely juices that I wasn’t about to sacrifice, and I slurped them up.

VLCD Day 9 Dinner: Tilapia and tomatoes

When I was admiring my dinner in the bowl (because it looked and smelled quite delish) I realized there was an Easter Island dude in my bowl…can you spot him in the picture???  I considered selling it on ebay next to the Virgin Mary toasts and Jesus tortillas but I quickly lost my resolve to do so and ate the Easter Island dude, along with the rest of my dinner.  My million dollar opportunity disappeared in about two skinny minutes LOL!

Hoping you’re blessed with laughter and losses today!  xoxo