Eating Out...Not Hard

Round 2, Phase 3...Day 2

Last Injection Weight (LIW): 186
Today's Weight:                     186
WOOT!


I went out to dinner last night with some friends and I now have a new favorite restaurant that serves HEALTHY FOOD!  I would now like to profess my love to....

THE OLIVE GARDEN

They have something called The Garden Fare Option and their website breaks down the choices by Low Fat, Carbs, Gluten Free and No Sugar Added. Based on this information....I chose:

It was so delicious and filling! The perfect thing for me to order on my No Carb Diet.


**Disclaimer**  I was not paid by The Olive Garden for this post.  I truly just loved my meal and wanted to share it with all of my friends.  However, if The Olive Garden wanted to treat me to another meal...I'd totally say YES!  **

Goodbye 8 more pounds

Round 2, Phase 3...Day 1

Last Injection Weight (LIW): 186
Today's Weight:                     186

Round 2 Overview
Week One Released:     2.6 lbs (+3.4 load weight) 6 lbs total
Week Two Released:    3.6 lbs
Week Three Released:  1.8 lbs
Total Released:             8 pounds


Not too bad considering I didn't try very hard with this round and I cheated quite a bit.  Kind of kicking myself for that but I find it nearly impossible to keep away from the treats that my sister keeps bringing into the house.  I can't seem to get through to her that she needs to keep that stuff out of my sight.  Where is my willpower?  Maybe I'll find it in my next round.....

 This break is going to last 10 days....right up to my daughter's 3rd Birthday Party.  My husband wanted to me extend it to St. Patrick's Day so that I could go out with him and his work friends for a drink but I can't get a babysitter so that won't work.

I was reading yesterday that people that inject the hCG shouldn't cycle.  Not sure why and I don't want to take any chances that my hCG will lose it's potency so I'm going to go for it.  Plus...I'm 23 pounds from my goal!!

Maybe that can be my inspiration for the next round....

About Face

Round 2, Day 18....3 Days Remaining

Starting Weight:          194 (+3.4 load weight)

Today's Weight:          186

Yesterday's Weight:   186.6

Released:                      .6 pounds

Week One Released:     2.6 lbs (+3.4 load weight) 6 lbs total

Week Two Released:     3.6 lbs

Week Three Released:  1.8 lbs

My last injection for this short round was yesterday...now I follow the VLCD for two more days and then Thursday I can eat more....I miss my eggs and cheese.  I'm going to a birthday party Thursday night so I altered my ending date slightly.  All of a sudden, I'm very popular! 

Check out these pictures!  

 

December 25 ~ 211 pounds

 

February 28th ~ 187 pounds

Happy Dance

Round 2, Day 17....4 Days Remaining

Starting Weight:            194 (+3.4 load weight)
Today's Weight:            186.6
Yesterday's Weight:     187.6
Released:                        1 pound

Week One Released:    2.6 lbs (+3.4 load weight) 6 pounds total

Week Two Released:    3.6 lbs

Week Three Released: 1.2 lbs

I ate Raisinettes. BUT I lost an entire pound!! *Connie does the happy dance* Avatar was wonderful! Exciting and sad and happy and LONG....so I was starving and went to the concession stand half way through and bought a box.

I had such a great weekend...seeing movies, shopping at Target for Birthday presents for my daughter and I had coffee with my blogging friend Jen and she was everything I hoped she'd be. I've been thinking about it....and I'm gonna be sad if we do leave Utah because I've made some wonderful friends here.

Have a great Monday everyone! 

Eating Out is Hard to Do

Round 2, Day 16....6 Days Remaining

Starting Weight:            194 (+3.4 load weight)
Today's Weight:            187.6
Yesterday's Weight:     187.8
Released:                        .2 pounds

Week One Released:    2.6 lbs (+3.4 load weight) 6 pounds total

Week Two Released:    3.6 lbs

Week Three Released:   .2 lbs 

Yesterday, I weighted exactly the same as Friday which I think is a miracle because I ate out at a restaurant. My mother in law as in Salt Lake City so we went up to have dinner with her and ended up at Chili's. I thought it would be a safe choice since they grill most of their food. I was wrong.

I tried to play it safe by explaining to the waiter that I was on a special diet and ordering the chicken fajita and onions without sides. It was grilled but it appeared to have some kind of coating on it...not oily, but saucy. Oh well. At least I didn't gain.

Bobbi and I went to see a couple movies yesterday. I finally saw New Moon and we saw The Lovely Bones too. Both movies were great and I resisted popcorn. I did have a large handful of Raisinettes and a large Diet Dr. Pepper and still lost .2 pounds. Not too bad for a little bitty cheat.

Today, Calvin and I are going to see Avatar. No Raisinettes for me......

Cycling...but not on a Bike

Round 2, Day 14....8 Days Remaining

Starting Weight:            194 (+3.4 load weight)
Today's Weight:            187.8
Yesterday's Weight:     188
Released:                        .2 pounds

Week One Released:    2.6 lbs (+3.4 load weight) 6 pounds total

Week Two Released:    3.6 lbs

Wow...it's Friday already. Where did this week go? I wanted to tell you about an adjustment that I'm making in my round. You may have noticed that my days remaining went from 14 to 8. I'm not quitting....oh no.  I'm going to do a planned interruption for two reasons.

1. I have a lot of hCG left to use.
2. I've been invited to an Oscar Party and my daughter's 3rd Birthday is the same week.

I will be taking a break for 7 days and in those days I will eat a very strict Phase 3 diet (I won't be eating cake) but then I will be able to enjoy these two events and then pick up where I left off.  In the protocol world this is also called cycling and many people have better success because they do the diet for 3 weeks and then take a break so it's not so hard.  I kind of like this idea and I think I'd like to try it until my hCG runs out.

I know from experience that 40 injections are too long for me so this seems like a great solution.  Plus, it's not always possible to stick to this tough of a diet plan for that long.  Life happens and you still want to be able to enjoy it.

Have a great weekend!

Stress, Stress Go Away

Round 2, Day 13....15 Days Remaining

Starting Weight:            194 (+3.4 load weight)
Today's Weight:            188
Yesterday's Weight:     188.4
Released:                        .4 pounds

Week One Released:    2.6 lbs (+3.4 load weight) 6 pounds total

Week Two Released:    3.4 lbs

I didn't lose anything yesterday.  It's bound to happen that the weight slows down and some days you don't lose.  I wasn't hungry at all yesterday and I had to force myself to eat.  That is so bizzarre to me....

I'm stressing out about this new opportunity for my husband and I'm hoping to be able to talk more about it next week.  It's killing me to have to keep it in!!  Things could start moving very quickly and I'm not sure I'm ready.

In the meantime, I've been decluttering and organizing in the event that we do move....somewhere. 

Happy...that's all

Round 2, Day 11....17 Days Remaining

Starting Weight:            194 (+3.4 load weight)
Today's Weight:            188.4
Yesterday's Weight:     189.2
Released:                        .8 pounds

Week One Released:    2.6 lbs (+3.4 load weight) 6 pounds total

Week Two Released:    3 lbs

I can't believe this....but I have nothing to say today. I'm just sooo happy to be in the 180's and I hope I can make it to the 170's....that would be amazing!


Have a great day!

Tales From The Fitting Room

Round 2, Day 10....18 Days Remaining

Starting Weight:            194 (+3.4 load weight)
Today's Weight:            189.2
Yesterday's Weight:     189.6
Released:                        .4 pounds

Week One Released:    2.6 lbs (+3.4 load weight) 6 pounds total

Week Two Released:    2.2 lbs

I went to Target yesterday to buy some new underwear and shirts. My experience buying clothes in the past has always left me disappointed. The last time I bought some T shirts at Target I bought XXL and they were really tight...luckily by the end of the day they'd stretch out a little.

My first burst of excitement took place when I looked at the back of a package of underwear and realized that I'm now a MEDIUM. I didn't quite believe it so I only bought one package as an experiment.

Next I picked out a colorful selection of t shirts in two different sizes. XL and L....I was sure I'd be giving the L shirts back to the dressing room attendant. I tried on the XL's and they were too big. The LARGE fit just right! I started HOOTING AND HOLLERING....and doing a little dance! I'm a freakin LARGE people!!

It was all I could do to restrain myself from buying every single size LARGE shirt in the store. But as Bobbi reminded me....there's a chance I could end up a MEDIUM! Because HECK...my butt already is.

In the checkout line, Bobbi told me that I really needed to do something about my pants....because they are so big that it looks like I'm wearing my husband's clothes.  She's right...it's time to purge again except that leaves me with like 5 items of clothing that fit me and I have an adversion to laundry.

I couldn't wait to get home and try on my MEDIUM underwear and I was really shocked when I took them out of the package and they were the size of my 2 year old daughter's panties. I held them up to my self and Bobbi almost died laughing.  My fears were soon diminished when I found the piece of cardboard attached that said DON'T WORRY...these will fit...they STRETCH.

I ran upstairs to try them on and my husband was right behind me.  No doubt he thought I was going to need assistance getting these tiny panties on or he was hoping they wouldn't go on...if you know what I mean.

THEY FIT!  Like a glove.....

Like an Energizer Bunny

Round 2, Day 9....19 Days Remaining

Starting Weight:            194 (+3.4 load weight)
Today's Weight:            189.6
Yesterday's Weight:     190.2
Released:                        .6 pounds

Week One Released:    2.6 lbs (+3.4 load weight) 6 pounds total

Week Two Released:    1.8 lbs

I had a lot of energy yesterday! It was great....and I got a lot done. Hubby grilled 3 pounds of chicken for me last night so I'm pretty excited to eat this week. I've been getting pretty tired of the meals I'm able to eat and I still can't bring myself to eat a cucumber after last round when I OD'd on them.

I found some shorts in my closet that I bought last summer in a size 14.  They fit perfectly...too bad they won't fit in a few weeks.  I almost ran to Old Navy yesterday because my shirts are too big and I keep falling out of the front of my V neck tops when I bend over.  The UPS man saw a little too much on Friday.....

Have a great day!

I Cheated...but I Lost

Round 2, Day 8....20 Days Remaining

Starting Weight:            194 (+3.4 load weight)
Today's Weight:            190.2
Yesterday's Weight:     191.4
Released:                        1.2 pounds

Week One Released:    2.6 lbs (+3.4 load weight) 6 pounds total

Week Two Released:    1.2 lbs 

I cheated yesterday.  My sisterwife had the day off from work and she took my kids out for four and a half hours.  I didn't know what to do with myself.  I can count on one hand the number of times I've been alone in my house for more than an hour in the last 4 years.  I ate my lunch (taco salad...hamburger and romaine) and then I lit some candles and turned on some music.  I wanted to read...but I cleaned the windows instead.  Then I moped the floors, vacuumed and cleaned a couple bathrooms. I even texted my husband and tried to get him to come home for a little Afternoon Delight.....

I finally sat down to watch The Young and The Restless but I kept jumping up to clean or organize something.  I think I have a problem.....

Then, I ate a 1/2 cup of Golden Grahams. It was soooo good.  Then when Bobbi got back she brought more candy into my house and I had a couple jelly beans.  I was so mad at myself and my punishment was a dinner that consisted of one hardboiled egg.

It's a miracle I lost anything today....maybe the damage won't show up until tomorrow.  The other good news is that I've lost another 1/2 inch in my hips, waist, (*)(*), thighs and a little more in my upper arm. 

Oh, and last night....another migraine!  Why is this happening?  Last round I had ZERO migraines.  Well, I had one but it was towards the end.

Another issue here that I'm trying to work out....why didn't I know what to do without my kids in the house.  Why did I panic and want to clean instead of reading a book or taking a nap or something FOR ME? What the hell is wrong with me?

Friday Fashion Motivation

Round 2, Day 7....21 Days Remaining

Starting Weight:            194 (+3.4 load weight)
Today's Weight:            191.4
Yesterday's Weight:     192
Released:                        .6 pounds

Week One Released:    2.6 lbs (+3.4 load weight) 6 pounds total

I think I've turned a corner! I woke up refreshed, happy and not the least bit hungry. I feel like I could run around the block...or at the very least, finish my laundry today.

I tried on my size 12 jeans last night....and they are less tight than when I bought them. My 14's are getting baggy! I really still can't believe it....because I don't believe I've worn a 12 since high school.


A few months ago I used to do a Friday Fashion Motivation...posting an outfit that would motivate me through the weekend to stick to my diet. There is a store that I hope to finally shop in when I get to my goal weight and they happened to send me an email this morning. I found the outfit that I've always wanted to wear....and I will! I call this my PTA President Outfit.

 

This outfit can be purchased at Ann Taylor.

Have a great weekend!!

Day 4: Big Girl Drawers

Round 2, Day 4....22 Days Remaining

Starting Weight:            194 (+3.4 load weight)
Today's Weight:          192
Yesterday's Weight:   193.4
Released:                      1.4 pounds

Week One Released:   2 lbs (+3.4 load weight)

I'm almost back to my LIW(last injection weight)  from last round.  Yesterday was a much better day and I even kind of cheated.  I ate pork.  I made these fabulous baked pork ribs for my family and I tasted a piece and it was so good so I ate pork for my dinner.  It doesn't seem to have made a huge difference in my weight loss so I'm relieved.

I have a situation going on....my undergarments are too big.  The twins keep falling out everytime I bend over to pick up a toy off from the floor and granny panties are sliding down.  I really don't want to purchase any more...until I'm done with this round....so my husband suggested duct tape.  What is it with guys and duct tape?  Anything, apparently can be fixed with it....including my (*)(*) and my ( / ).

I'm off to a play date where I get to hold a 2 month old baby.  My husband is dreading it because once I get a sniff of a baby....the symptoms start.  The symptoms of Baby Fever!  These playdates also normally incude a chocolatey snack so I'll be bringing my strawberries.

Have a great day!

Day 3: Hold On

Round 2, Day 3

Starting Weight:          194

Today's Weight:          193.4
Yesterday's Weight:   195.4
Released:                      2 pounds

Week One Released:   4 lbs

I keep forgetting how hard this week is. Yesterday was horrible...until I brewed that pot of coffee. Something about have something I had forbidden myself made things much better.  I still have a horrible headache that won't go away but I know that will be done soon.  Just need to hold on.....


I took a detox bath (2 cups baking powder, 1 cup Epson Salt) last night and I think I'm going to do that a couple times a week.  I felt so much more relaxed and content afterward and I slept really well.


I wanted to drink 8-10 ounce cups of water yesterday but I only drank 6. I need to work on that because it is a key to this working.


I've read that people have a harder time on their second round and I didn't believe it.  I believe now....but I still don't understand why.  Why am I mentally not in the same place as I was before?  Or do I have to work back into my happy place?  Something to think about....

**Keep us in your thoughts....a job opportunity is brewing! **

I know this pain

Why do lock yourself up in these chains?

No one can change your life except for you

Don't ever let anyone step all over you

Just open your heart and your mind

Is it really fair to feel this way inside?

Some day somebody's gonna make you want to

Turn around and say goodbye

Until then baby are you going to let them

Hold you down and make you cry

Don't you know?

Don't you know things can change

Things'll go your way

If you hold on for one more day

Can you hold on for one more day

Things'll go your way

Hold on for one more day

You could sustain

Or are you comfortable with the pain?

You've got no one to blame for your unhappiness

You got yourself into your own mess

Lettin' your worries pass you by

Don't you think it's worth your time

To change your mind?

Day 2: Coffee, How I Miss Thee

Round 2, Day 2

Starting Weight:          194

Today's Weight:          195.4
Yesterday's Weight:   197.4
Released:                      2 pounds

Yesterday drug on forever.....I forgot how hard starting this diet is. And how crabby I am in the beginning. I couldn't wait to go to sleep so the day could be over.  I just have to get through this week.....


I was dying without my coffee yesterday.  I'm not sure I can really be without it.  I asked my husband to hide the pot from me so that I couldn't make any and I hoped that he would hide it wherever he had hidden my Valentine's Cards that he can't find. 


I had to throw out much of the candy that arrived in this house for the holiday.  It was calling to me.....

Round 2 Day 1: Before Pictures

Starting Weight:   194
Today's Weight:   197.4
Load Gain:           3.4 pounds

I loaded over the weekend.  I love loading on holiday's because it's the perfect excuse to eat all of the bad things that I wouldn't normally get to eat....but I realized last night that this is my last load ever!  When I am done with this Round of hCG.  I will be done with losing weight.  When I'm done with this round...I should be at a healthy weight for the first time in 23 years.  WOW!

It was interesting loading this time....I couldn't eat as much.  And some things tasted so gross.  Like soda.  I found it interesting that I didn't even really want the soda and I can see myself not drinking it anymore...like forever.

I was irritated that I started this round at 194 but TOM showed up on Friday morning.  He has a great way of messing everything up.  I took my measurements for the first time in three weeks this morning and I lost a little more inches during Phase 3.  I was kind of amazed!

I scoured my closet for a form fitting outfit for my before pictures and came up with these purple yoga pants that I bought a million years ago when I was going to lose weight.  I can't wait to see how this looks in a month! If you're just joining me...click HERE for my last before/after pictures.

Day 13: Counting Down to Round 2

I weighed in at 193 this morning.  I was expecting more because TOM showed up yesterday with a migraine and an intense craving for carbs and next thing I knew....I was making a Blueberry Toaster Strudel.  Kids prefer the taste of Toaster Strudel but my kids love Pop Tarts.

Anyway....I'm getting ready for my next round of hCG starting Monday.  Normally, you are supposed to wait 6 weeks to begin a new round but I'm worried that Bobbi's hCG will not be potent anymore so we're going to go for it.  Sandra at Wade says you can take a 3 week break.  I guess we'll find out if that's true or not.  Plus, I'm only planning on a short round (23 injections). 

I'm not looking forward to the diet again.  I'm dreading it actually....but it's not forever and it went pretty fast last time.  I'm going to do a few things different this time too.  I'm not going to drink any coffee...only tea.  And I'm going to stick with the strawberries and not eat so many apples.  I'm also not going to cook very much for my family.  They'll be getting a memo from me on Wednesday informing them of the meal schedule....and where the Lean Cuisines are located.

I'm looking forward to fitting into the smaller jeans that I bought a couple weeks ago!  I've missed seeing the scale move.

Five more days until I load....what should I eat this time?  I'm so conditioned to not eat carbs and sugar that I can't even think of what to have.  Hubby is getting my favorite Indian food for dinner Monday but I'm at a loss what else to eat.  Isn't that weird that I can't think of anything. 

Even weirder....I was going to stop and get Wendy's for the kids on Monday after we went to the library and I'd decided not to get myself anything.  Not even a salad or chicken breast.  I didn't want it.  And then I decided the kids didn't need it and I made them sandwiches when we got home.  PROGRESS!!! 

Oh....one more change, while I'm thinking about it.  I'm going to ban ALL SWEETS from the house during my next round.  That means Bobbi will have to keep her donuts and crap in her car....I don't want them here.  If she doesn't like it....she can move out!

Day 9: The Martini Diet

Today's Weight: 192.6
Wednesday's Weight: 192
Released/Gain:  + .6 pounds

I've been up and down a pound all week.  After drinking three martini's while watching Grey's and Private Practice with my husband...I lost a pound.  Weird.  I'm thinking there is a Martini diet in my future but I can only have two martini's at a time because I've turned into a light weight. 

I'm 9 days into Phase 3 and I'm beginning to think there really is a reason why you can't lose more during this Phase.  I still don't know now why....but I've been trying and it's not working.  I've almost resigned myself to the fact that I will be doing a second round of hCG in a few weeks.  I'm dreading it....but I will have to do it to get to the weight I want.  I just hope that Bobbi's hCG is still good when I can do it again. *fingers crossed* 

We are going to the movies today.  My first movie going experience since beginning the protocol and I'm a little bummed that I won't be able to eat popcorn and candy....but I'm going to bring some almonds, cheese and water.  Have you seen The Princess and The Frog?  I think the kids will like it.

We grilled steaks last night and they were soooo good.  I almost don't miss eating at restaurants anymore because we made just as good, if not better food at home.  And I'm loving the turkey, avocado, provolone wraps I've been making for lunch.  Who knew I could survive without carbs.  

Have you watched Oprah from this week when Dr. Oz was on?  I watched it yesterday and I'm going to watch it again with my husband.  It was about Diabetes and the effect of sugar on the body.  It was eye opening!  I have some research to do and then I'm going to blog about.

 

Low Carb Super Bowl Food

I'm pretty excited about watching the Super Bowl this weekend.  I like The Colts okay...but I love the commercials.  And eating.  I've been known to make some pretty elaborate appetizers  and cheese trays.  I've also been known to tie one one while eating to my hearts content.

But not this year..... 

This year, I'm in Phase 3 of the hCG protocol and I'll be enjoying 1.5 to 2 glasses of wine and eating these lovely treats!  Both are low carb but not low fat.  You can't have it both ways.....unless you eat a salad but how fun it that?


Jalapeno Poppers

24 Jalapeno Peppers
3 garlic cloves chopped up
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz Cream Cheese
12 bacon strips, cut in half

Make a lengthwise cut in each jalapeno, about 1/8 in deep; remove seeds.  Combine the garlic, salt and pepper and cheeses; stuff into jalapenos.  Wrap each with a pice of bacon; secure with toothpicks.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes.



Cream Cheese Roll Ups

1 jar Hormel Dried Beef
1 8oz tub whipped cream cheese
1 can diced green chiles

Mix cream cheese and chilies together.  Spread into piece of dried beef and roll up.  These make great finger food for parties and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and a half.


Blue Cheese Dip

2/3 cup lite sour cream
2/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Whisk sour cream, blue cheese and vinegar in a small bowl, chill and serve.

Day 6: Phase 3

Today's Weight: 192
Sunday's Weight: 189.8
Released/Gain:  + 2.2 pounds

Here we are on day 6 of Phase 3 and I thought I'd give you a little update.  I'm up 2.2 pounds.  I'm not sure how that can be because I have been working out a little bit, working my way up from 15 minutes to 22 minutes on the elliptical.  But.... I have had some sugar.....

Those of you that follow my Mom Blog know that we were dealt some bad news this week.  My husband is an aerospace engineer and has been working on The Constellation Project for 3.5 years.  Obama cancelled that project on Monday.  Our future is uncertain right now and it's stressing me out more than I can tell you.

The good news is that I was able to resist pizza....just not M&M's.  I didn't even want the pizza which is really saying something because I used to love pizza.  Right now, I love avocados!

I've decided that I will report my weight on Wednesday's and Saturday's.  And I will post my plans for exercise during the week to keep myself on track.

Wednesday: Elliptical 25 minutes, Sit-ups, Arms
Thursday: Elliptical 26 minutes, Lunges & Squats
Friday: Elliptical 27 minutes, Sit-ups, Arms
Saturday: Elliptical 28 minutes, Lunges & Squats
Sunday: OFF
Monday: Elliptical 29 minutes, Sit-ups, Arms
Tuesday: Elliptical 30 minutes, Lunges & Squats

I'm getting excited for Sunday!  I have some low-carb appetizers planned to eat during the game and I'll be posting them soon.  What are you going to be eating during the Super Bowl?