Day 30: Shopping

Today's Weight:       192

Yesterday's:             192.6

RELEASED:               .6  pound

Total Released:        20.6 pounds  9.7%

Week One Released         9.2 pounds   4.4  %

Week Two Released:       3 pounds      1.4 %

Week Three Released:     4  pounds     2     %

Week Four Released:       3.8 pounds  1.8%

Week Five Released:         .6 pounds

Good Morning Friends!  

Yesterday....was AWESOME!  I went shopping with Bobbi at the Layton Hills Mall and the most amazing thing happened.....I put on SIZE 12 jeans and they fit.  Tight....but I zipped them up and everything.  So I bought them ($9.99 at Macy's marked down from $40) and then....against all odds, I bought a SIZE 10 too.  I almost didn't buy the 10's.  I told Bobbi that I was afraid I'd be jinxing myself because I can't even remember the last time I wore a 10 (has to be high school).  But I couldn't pass up a $10 pair of jeans.....so I got them.  AND I got the cutest red top in a LARGE! 

Bobbi is a big time shopper.  Shopping with her results in knees, hips and back hurting after a short time because I'm just not used to walking and standing that much.  This time with 20 less pounds...my hips and back didn't start to hurt until about 4 hours in. And I realized that I haven't heard my knees talking to me when I go up the stairs at home.  Amazing!

I even managed to eat on plan at the food court for lunch.  I found a place that served grilled chicken salad and I had a water.  As we ate, I observed the people sitting around us...many of them overweight and eating burgers, fries, pizza and GIANT soda's.  

Have a great day...I'll be staring longingly at my SIZE 12 jeans....

Day 29: 20 Pounds Released!

Today's Weight:       192.6

Yesterday's:             194

RELEASED:               1.4  pound

Total Released:        20 pounds  9.4%

Week One Released         9.2 pounds    4.4  %

Week Two Released:       3 pounds          1.4 %

Week Three Released:     4  pounds     2     %

Week Four Released:       3.8 pounds  1.8%

WOOT! I hit the 20 pound mark!  I have to be honest....I was hoping for more by this point.  I feel like my body is resisting me every single step of the way and my brain is in on it.  I'm been having a really hard time with the diet the last few days.  Eating the same things every day and making food for my family that I can't eat is taking it's toll on me.

I've gone from wanting to do a second round and losing as much weight as I can....to wanting to quit and be happy with this weight.  I want a sandwich so bad I can taste it! The realization that carbs are a long way off yet is frustrating to me.

But I just keep telling myself that this isn't forever and I've carried this weight for 20 years so there is NO reason why I can't make sacrifices for 49 days.  And then maybe 29 more.

Bobbi and I are going brave the snow and go to the mall today.  I'm excited to look at clothes and see what I might be able to wear in the near future.

Have a great day!

Day 28: Out with the Old

Today's Weight:    194
Yesterday's:           193

GAINED:            1  pound

Total Released:     18.6 pounds

Week One Released       9.2 pounds 4.4 %
Week Two Released:     3 pounds 1. 4 %
Week Three Released:   4 pounds 2 %
Week Four Released:     2.4 pounds

CRAP!  I think I'm retaining water for some reason because I had trouble taking my wedding ring off to weigh in.

In other news...I tried on every stitch of clothing I own last night and filled another box with *too big* items.  I also found a couple things I had bought in the hope that I would someday fit into them and a couple shirts can be altered to whatever size I end up being.

The one thing I still don't fit into....THE capri pants that I wore the day I met Calvin.  They are really tight, so even though I weigh less than the day I met him...my body has changed (thanks Alex and Mallory).

Here's a photo of me in my SIZE 14 jeans!

Day 27: GoodBye Size 16

Today's Weight:    193
Yesterday's:           194.4

RELEASED:        -1.4  pounds

Total Released:     19.6 pounds

Week One Released       9.2 pounds 4.4 %
Week Two Released:     3 pounds 1. 4 %
Week Three Released:   4 pounds 2 %
Week Four Released:     3.4 pounds

I have somewhere to go today.  My friend Shannon invited me and my kids to Story Time at the Library so that means I had to actually put real clothes on.  I went to my closet, pulled out my favorite pants and...they were way too big.  I took all five pairs of pants out and tried them all on....the size 14 pants that I bought two years ago FIT ME!

I woke up my husband because I was so excited and he looked excited too....for about 30 seconds until his wallet caught up with his brain and he realized that this is eventually going to cost him money.

Then I put on my favorite sweater that I bought at Christmas....it's big...there's a big gap in the chest area!

I was feeling really down and bored with this diet yesterday...I'm sick of the food and water and not being able to eat what everyone else is eating.  I only have 19 days left....I can do it!

GOODBYE Size 16!!

GOODBYE Favorite Jeans!!

Day 26: Stomach...don't fail me now!

Today's Weight:    194.4
Yesterday's:           195.2

RELEASED:      -.8 pounds

Total Released:     18.2pounds

Week One Released       9.2 pounds 4.4 %
Week Two Released:     3 pounds 1. 4 %
Week Three Released:   4 pounds 2 %
Week Four Released:     2 pounds

I had a rough day yesterday! Around 2pm, I started getting really bad stomach cramps...by dinner time there was no way I was interested in eating the cod I had thawed out for dinner and all of my usual comfort foods were not on plan.  I thought maybe my stomach was turning on me....this diet is the worst thing to do if you are sick. 


I ended up just eating some strawberries and drinking some tea. I feel great this morning so it must have just been a temporary bug or that apple cider vinegar I drank yesterday didn't agree with me.

I'm off to do my exercises.....

Day 25: A Vlog

Today's Weight:    195.2
Yesterday's:           195.6

RELEASED:     -.4 pounds

Total Released:    17.4 pounds

Week One Released       9.2 pounds 4.4 %
Week Two Released:     3 pounds 1. 4 %
Week Three Released:   4 pounds 2 %

Week Four Released:     1.2 pounds

That's kind of disappointing.  But I didn't drink all of my water yesterday....today will be better!  Today...a little vlog of my last two dr appointments.  I did end up going yesterday because the roads improved and the sun was actually shining in Bountiful!

Day 24:

Today's Weight:    195.4
Yesterday's:           196
RELEASED:        -.4 pounds
Total Released:      17 pounds

Week One Released      9.2 pounds   4.4  %
Week Two Released:    3 pounds      1. 4 %
Week Three Released:  4 pounds      2     %
Week Four Released:    .8 pounds

Hey everyone! I don't have much to say today...I know weird right!  I go see Dr. Cindi today but I'm not excited because it's snowing and it's a 45 mile drive and I don't like to drive in snow even though I drive a giant SUV (I'm a Republican, we're required to drive them). I just checked it's only 23 degrees.  The good thing is that it's a holiday and all the crazy people should be at home.

P.S. Bobbi quit the diet...she's eating cereal in front of me.

EDITED: Due to multiple accidents and a text from my husband that the roads are terrible....I'm not going to the doctor today.   

Day 23: Thinking Ahead

Today's Weight:    196
Yesterday's:           196.4
RELEASED:        -.4 pounds
Total Released:      16.6 pounds

Week One Released      9.2 pounds   4.4  %
Week Two Released:    3 pounds      1. 4 %
Week Three Released:  4 pounds      2     %

Week Four Released:    .4 pounds

Another small loss.  I learned something this weekend while lurking on a the hCG Yahoo Group message board.  The weight that I get to with this diet will be my weight unless I do this again.  I had planned to continue after this with exercise and watching what I eat but apparently, I really will be resetting my hypothalamus and it will be not be possible to get below that weight.  So...if I only get down to 175 and I really want to be 150, I will have to go through all of this again.


I'm a planner so I immediately got out my day planner and started counting....and if I did this again.  I could do a short round (23 days), load on my daughter's birthday (cake baby) and be done by my son's birthday.  I can't believe that I'm already thinking ahead to the next round but I guess it is a testament to how easy it's become for me.


What isn't easy?  Cooking cheese enchiladas for my family and then watching my daughter push them away.  You should have seen me and Bobbi eyeballing that cheese.....


P.S. Bobbi lost nothing again yesterday.  I think the reason is that she hasn't been overweight very long (2 years) and she doesn't have the abnormal fat that people that have been overweight for many years have.  That is what the hCG draws from...the abnormal fat...like on my @ss.

Day 22: Goodbye Obesity!

Today's Weight:    196.4
Yesterday's:           197.6
RELEASED:        -1.2 pounds
Total Released:      16.2 pounds

Week One Released      9.2 pounds   4.4  %
Week Two Released:    3 pounds      1. 4 %
Week Three Released:  4 pounds      2     %

Another Milestone: I'm no longer OBESE!  My BMI is 29.9....and I'm thrilled!  It's so exciting to look in the mirror and see myself getting smaller....and my clothes are hanging off from me.

Waist:          36    in.......34 in         2 inches
Hips:            45    in.......41.75 in    3.25 inches
(*)(*)            41    in........40 in        1 inches
Up Thigh:     21.75 in...... 21 in         .75 inch
Lw Thigh:     20.25 in......19.25 in      1 inch
Calf:            17.25 in......16.75 in        .5 inches
Bicep:          12.75 in......12.25 in       .5 inches

Bobbi and I made this chili the other night and it was so good and flavorful that I can't wait to make it again!

Awesome Kick Ass Chili 

• 3.5 oz Ground Veal
• 1 cup chopped Tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• Onion Powder to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Chili powder (DIVIDED)
• 2 large dashes of Hot Sauce (DIVIDED)
• Dash of Cayenne Pepper
• Salt and Pepper to taste

In a skillet, brown the veal.  

In a small saucepan, add 1 cup tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, minced garlic, 1 tbsp chili powder and large dash of hot sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.  Bring to a boil to cook tomatoes down.  Adjust seasoning to taste and add water if you want to get consistency you want. 

When the veal is finished cooking, add 1 cup of water, 1 Tbsp Chili Powder and large dash of hot sauce.  Bring to a boil and then add the tomato mixture.  Cook for a few minutes.  

You can also make this with chicken or ground beef.  YUM! 

Day 21: If Living Is Without You

Today's Weight:    197.6
Yesterday's:           198
RELEASED:        -.4 pounds
Total Released:      15 pounds

Week One Released      9.2 pounds 4.4 %
Week Two Released:    3 pounds 1.4%
Week Three Released:  2.8 pounds


I know that Chris is patiently waiting for today's update...but I managed to sleep in a little bit this morning.  This rarely happens anymore...I've been wide away at 5:30am most days.  I didn't go to see Dr. Cindi yesterday....my daughter woke up sick so I've rescheduled to Monday.

I thought about chocolate all day yesterday.  I thought about how many days until I could have some again. (47) and I thought about what I was going to do about it when this is over and I have to maintain my weight.  I decided that I can't live without it.  But I won't eat so much....then I heard this song on the radio.

I can't live if living is without you

I can't live, I can't give any more

Can't live if living is without you

I can't give, I can't give any more

Coming tomorrow....Week Three totals and measurements, and a yummy Veal Chili that Bobbi made for me.

P.S. After three days of NO loss...Bobbi lost 3 pounds this morning.

Day 20: Like an Old Lady

Today's Weight:    198
Yesterday's:           198.8
RELEASED:          -.8 pounds
Total Released:      14.6 pounds

Week One Released:     9.2  pounds   4.4 %
Week Two Released:    3     pounds   1.4%
Week Three Released:   2.4 pounds

YAY!  Going in the right direction today!

TOM is still here...dang it.  But at least he's not stopping me from losing.  I was really stressed out yesterday and craved chocolate so badly I thought I might break.   What is it about stress that makes me crave sweets?  Is it a natural occurrence or have I trained myself to crave it?

Today is my next 10 day appointment with Cindi at Wade's Laser Clinic and I'm hoping their silly scale tells me that I'm younger than last time.  It was still saying I had the body of a very, very old woman that should be in a home for wayward seniors.  I told Bobbi to check it with a skinny person in her office and she said a 24 gal came in the other day and it was correct.  Which means I have the body of a old wayward, white haired woman.  Maybe that's why those denture and hoveround commercials are interesting to me.....

Have a great day...and thanks for sticking with me!

Day 19: Apple Day

Today's Weight:    198.8
Yesterday's:           199.6
RELEASED:          -.8 pounds
Total Released:      13.8 pounds

Week One Released:     9.2  pounds   4.4 %
Week Two Released:    3     pounds   1.4%
Week Three Released:   1.6 pounds

I did an apple day yesterday because I thought I was stalled.  .8 pound loss over three days was not acceptable to me so I wanted to take some corrective measures.   I was confused about the stall because TOM came and went without much fanfare in two days....and then, he was back last night.  I don't know if he went on a quick trip  to Park City or what.  But...he's back.

I supposed TOM could be confused by the hCG in my body and thought I was pregnant and then went and thought about it and realized that I'm not having sex.  Yeah...poor me.  I made the mistake of telling Calvin that hCG is used to treat infertility and since I'm not infertile....he won't touch me.  That's how scared he is of having another little bambino.  Which really, I can't blame him because one of the one's we have now is wrecking havoc in our home.  I'm about to call the SuperNanny.

Day 18: Two Ounces at a Time

Today's Weight:    199.6
Yesterday's:           199.8
RELEASED:          -.2 pounds
Total Released:      13 pounds

Week One Released:     9.2  pounds   4.4 %
Week Two Released:    3     pounds   1.4%
Week Three Released:    .8 pounds

Yesterday, it occurred to me that I was planning to celebrate my milestone with food.  sigh  Some habits are hard to break.  From this point forward I want to celebrate by doing not eating.  So, I sit here trying to think of some thing I could do for myself and my first thought is....a pedicure.  But it's 17 degrees and spring is a long way off so....no.  Again, my mind drifts to eating.  NO DANG IT....no going out to eat to celebate losing weight.  Jillian would have me in a head lock right now.

And then I know!  I love movies and Calvin and I are due for a date night so I've decided that I want to see a movie as my reward.  Of course it will have to be this weekend...because we have a busy TV schedule this week......

Dear Body,

I showed you didn't I.  Even though you are resisting me...I inched past that 200 mark.  I just wanted to chat with you for a minute and make it perfectly clear that holding me back is useless.  I'm a strong woman and I've been through a lot of crap and you can't defeat me.

I will win.

So just let go already and let me lose some more weight.  Because it's going to happen eventually...you might as well join me, because you can't beat me.

Love,

Connie

Day 17: At Last!!!!!!

Today's Weight:    199.8
Yesterday's:           200
RELEASED:          -.2 pounds
Total Released:      12.8  pounds

Week One Released:     9.2  pounds   4.4 %
Week Two Released:    3     pounds   1.4%
Week Three Released:    .6  pounds

AT LAST!!  

......my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
Oh, yeah, at last
The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clovers
The night I looked at you

I'm so freakin happy right now!  I've broken through the wall!  I'm in Onderland! A special thanks to Jack Sh*t for that word.  Now...as soon as TOM leaves we can get back to the business of losing weight!  Yesterday, my favorite yoga pants were falling off of me.  I've never been so excited to get rid of a piece of clothing!  I also decided to pack up some of my fat clothes; Goodbye size 18!

My sister starts her VLCD today.  It's going to be a huge adjustment for her as she doesn't normally drink any water and she's met several vegetables that she doesn't like.  The good news is that she's prepared....she cooked up 5 pounds of chicken last night.  I ask her if she wanted to share her starting weight with me....and that's when I discovered that her starting weight is my goal weight.  In my defense, she's a couple inches shorter than me.

We look like a couple junkies getting our hCG fix in the morning!

Thanks again to everyone who is following me on this journey and that have sent me so many supportive messages in the last few days! I'm gonna party down with my apple and water today! And maybe to celebrate I'll get a lobster tail!

Day 16: Almost

Today's Weight:    200
Yesterday's:         200.4
RELEASED:         -.4 pounds
Total Released:      12.6  pounds

Week One Released:     9.2  pounds   4.4 %
Week Two Released:    3     pounds   1.4%
Week Three Released:    .4  pounds

ALMOST! 

I bought something at the health food store yesterday that I put on some chicken and it was awesome!  It's called Braggs Liquid Aminos All Purpose Seasoning.  It has zero calories and fat! 

This week, Kyle at Getting Better and Better talked about using cabbage instead of lettuce. Here's a recipe I tried this week that I think I'll make regularly when this is over.  I made enough for two meals and it reheated really well.

Mock Egg Roll

3.5 ounces of Chicken or Shrimp, cooked and diced
2-3 big cabbage leaves
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/8 teaspoon onion salt
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 asian spices
1/2 package stevia

Steam big cabbage leaves (cut the bottom off the cabbage for easier leaf removal) for 5 minutes.  Move leaves to the side of steamer basket to make room for shredded cabbage.  Steam both for 5 minutes.  Remove shredded cabbage to a mixing bowl...add chopped chicken or shrimp and spices.  Mix and then wrap in a big cabbage leaf. 

Day 15: Pity Party *EDITED*

Today's Weight:    200.4
Yesterday's:         200.2
GAINED   :            .2  pounds
Total Released:      12.2 pounds

Week One Released:     9.2 pounds 4.4 %
Week Two Released     3    pounds 1.4%

EDITED:  I just discovered the cause of my .2 gain.  TOM just showed up.  Early.  At least that seems like more of a reasonable reason and also explains why I was craving chocolate like a crazy person yesterday.

I've been up against this wall before.  It's the reason I decided to do this diet to begin with because I could never get below 200 pounds.  The last time I was under was August 30, 2003....the day I met my husband.

The good news is that my sister Bobbi is finally going to do the diet with me.  She starts today so I get to watch her LOAD for the next two days.  Oh Joy!

Day 14: Letter to my Body

Today's Weight:    200.2
Yesterday's:           200.6
RELEASED:         .4 pounds
Total Released:       12.4 pounds

Week One Released:     9.2 pounds 4.4 %
Week Two Released     2.7 pounds


Are you freakin kidding me?  Excuse me while I go cry into my apple and glass of water.

Dear Body:

It's come to my attention that you really like the 200's.  I don't know why because it's not very healthy for us and this layer of fat is not very attractive.  I know we live in Utah and it's extremely freakin cold right now and you think we need this layer of fat for protection from the elements but guess what.  I own a coat and a hat and some flippin gloves.  And we have this thing called a heater and I'll crank that thing all the way up to 75 degrees if it will help motivate you to drop below the 200 mark and stay there.

That's right.  Say your goodbyes Body because as God is my witness, we will  NEVER be in the 200's again! (so help me God)

Love,

Connie

Day 13:

Today's Weight:    200.6

Yesterday's:           200.6

RELEASE:            0 pounds

Total Release:       12 pounds

Week One Released:     9.2 pounds 4.4 %
Week Two Released     2.3 pounds

Crap.  I want to leave the 200's behind sooooo badly!  Maybe tomorrow.....

I just finished reading Ali Vincent's book Believe It, Be It.  (My copy for sale on ebay) What an inspiration she is!  I love her determination and her positive attitude.  In the book she talks about wanting to start a program to help kids (and specifically young girls) learn about health and fitness since most schools have eliminated GYM from the curriculum. As much as I hated gym class as a kid....I can't believe that it's been cut!  I'm committed to making sure my kids are active and participate in sports. I loved reading all of the behind the scenes stuff from the show!  Ali is an amazing woman and I really look up to her.

Tara Costa from The Biggest Loser 7 has encouraged her fans to find a contestant on this seasons show that you identify with and to compete with them.  I looked at all of them and Melissa is my girl!  She's 39 just like me, has two great kids and feels like she's set a bad example for them.

Melissa now.

5'6"

Start : 233 pounds

Wk 1: 214 pounds  19 pounds 8%

Day 12: Back on Track

Today's Weight:    200.6

Yesterday's:           202

RELEASE:            1.4 pounds

Total Release:       12 pounds

Week One Released:     9.2 pounds 4.4 %

Week Two Released     2.3 pounds

Whew! Back on track!  So...funny story.  Dr Wade, of The Wade Laser Clinic, the guy that owns the clinic I'm going to....he hates me.  He started the protocol the day before I did and I've lost a lot more weight than he has.  Every day he asks Bobbi how I'm doing and I'm doing better!  I think it's because I have a fabulous support system in the form of BLOG READERS!  Thanks again to all of you for your support!

Another funny thing, once I stopped *cooking* every single day and started making my family fend for themselves a little bit, my husband has dropped 8 pounds and my little boy is down 3! It would appear that I'm been making my family fat.  We also haven't been out to eat in over 2 weeks.

BIGGEST LOSER TALK....Don't Read, If You Haven't Watched!






Did you watch The Biggest Loser last night?  I don't really have a favorite team but the Daris on the Orange Team is a cutie!  And his Mom was cracking me up!  I was yelling at the TV for Jillian to leave that poor old lady alone.  We like the Tonga brothers but I was disappointed that they didn't do the Philipe/Sinone war chant.  The Pink Team looks really familiar....just like Helen and her daughter Shannon from Season 7.

I was amazed at what James was able to do at home!  Great job!

Day 11:Release Me

Today's Weight:    202
Yesterday's:           202.2
RELEASE:              .2 pounds
Total Release:          10.6 pounds

Week One Released:     9.2 pounds
Week Two Released      .9 pounds

I was reading the blog of someone on this protocol and she says that she is releasing weight. I loved the idea of this and then on my way to see Dr. Cindi yesterday (appointment went great...she's very happy with my progress) this song came on the radio and it was so fitting!  To release means to Let Go....I am letting go of this weight, this fat, these bad habits and my old way of life!  I sang this song to my food boyfriend!

Come on baby, come on baby

You knew it was time to just let go

'Cause we want to be free

But somehow it's just not that easy

Come on Darlin', hear me Darlin'

'Cause you're a waste of time for me

I'm trying to make you see

That baby you've just got to release me

Release me

Release me

I'm not going back to you anymore

Finally my weakened heart is healing though very slow

So stop coming around my door

'Cause you're not gonna find

What you're looking for

Waist:          36    in.......34.25 in    1.75 inches
Hips:            45    in.......43 in         2 inches
(*)(*)            41    in........40.25 in    1.75 inches
Up Thigh:     21.75 in...... 21 in          .75 inches
Lw Thigh:     20.25 in......19.5 in        .75 inches
Calf:            17.25 in......17 in           .25 inches
Bicep:          12.75 in......12.25 in       .5 inches

Blood Pressure: 124/80
BP 10 days in:   116/80 

Day 10: Detox

Today's Weight:    202.2

Yesterday's:         202.9

LOSS:                 .7 pounds

Total Loss:           10.4 pounds

Week One Loss: 9.2 pounds 
Week Two Loss:   .7 pounds


Brandi's comment scared the heck out of me yesterday! You will NOT find me cheating again! No Sir! I think I learned my lesson....why go through all of this to mess it up!

To try to make up for what I did Saturday....I did a detox day. I took a detox bath (2 cups baking soda and 2 cups epsom salt), drank detox tea and had Bobbi give me a massage. It was great (the massage) and I think I'm going to make ask Bobbi to get her massage table out more often!

I've decided to throw away the candy bars so that they don't temp me anymore.  And the chocolate chips and powdered sugar in the pantry.  Once this is over those things won't be getting used anymore so why keep them.  Plus, my family doesn't need them either.

Today I see Cindi at Wade Laser Clinic for my 10 day check up.  I'm excited to see where my fat percentage is and what that scale says about my weight.

Have a great day!

Day 9: Cheating

Today's Weight:    202.9

Yesterday's:         203.4

LOSS:                 .5 pounds

Total Loss:            9.7 pounds

Week One Loss: 9.2 pounds 

** ** ** ** ** ** ** **  

I went bowling with my family yesterday.  We gave the kids a snack and I ate my fish and tomato before we left, even though it was only 10:15am....I knew there wouldn't be anything healthy for me to eat there.  Hubby was a sweetheart and asked them to brew me some iced tea without sugar.  

It took us forever to bowl one game because our lane kept screwing up and they gave us a FREE game.  My kids can really only make it through one game; this was just their second time bowling after all. Halfway through the second game my son became very hungry and my husband decided to get the kids some lunch.  

He came back with burgercheese (that's what they call it...so cute) and Fries.  I love french fries.  Before this diet I was very good about French Fries....only eating a small amount.  I couldn't resist them.  I ate 3 really small ones when my husband wasn't looking.  They were sooooo good. 

And then when I got home, my brother in law had sent a package with Christmas presents and he sent candy bars....great big candy bars.  I ate a little piece of chocolate.

So...I'm sitting here surprised that I lost at all.  I thought for sure that I would gain today.  I'm so happy that I still lost a little bit but I think it will be a while before I cheat again! Like maybe a week.....

Thanks again for all of your support through this.  Now I need all of you to email me your phone numbers so I can call you next time I'm in a bad situation like yesterday!

Day 8: Happiness

Today's Weight:    203.4

Yesterday's:         204.2

LOSS:                 .8 pounds

Total Loss:            9.2 pounds

I wasn't expecting much today. I ate tenderloin that my husband smoked and when I plugged it into my smartpeople food log this morning, I see that it sent me over my 500 limit. I also enjoyed a lobster tail....without butter and you know what? It was awesome without it!

I also didn't drink enough water.

I went to the grocery store to do my bi-monthly shopping and lucky for me Bobbi wanted to go with me. I don't feel like I can be trusted to go to the store alone right now. I'm doing well with the program but I'm afraid that once I'm off on my own I might cheat. My food boyfriend was lurking around every corner....

Kyle at Getting Better and Better (he vlogged...see how cute he is) tagged me for meme this week.  He wants to know the 10 things that make me happy.  Happy is my theme this year...at my other blog, I'm working on my very own happiness project and I've got a bunch of friends joining me.

Connie's Top Ten Things That Make Her Happy

10.  Music and Musicals....this  and this are my favorite songs right now.
9.    Coffee...it's Mommy's Best Friend and I recently had syphon coffee.
8.    Movies...I love watching movies.  I watched 500 days of Summer last night. 
7.    Reading...blogs, books and magazines.  I could read all day....
6.    Cooking....I love making new recipes and trying new foods.
5.    Traveling....I love to plan trips...even if we don't take them.
4.    My husband...love of my life, treats me like a queen.
3.    Shopping with my sister Bobbi.  We have THE best time together.*
2.    Chocolate.  I love it.  Chocolate Covered Orange Sticks are my kryptonite.
1.    My kids...they are amazing, lovely, funny people.

And now I'm supposed to link to blogger friends so we can see what makes them happy!

Fit Mommy Now
Desperately Seeking Size 10
Fran Wants to be A Healthy Girl


*except when she photographs me at Walmart in too short pants and my winter boots and posts it on TWITTER.

Day 7: Happy New Year

Today's Weight:    204.2

Yesterday's:          205.6

LOSS:                   1.4 pounds

Total Loss:            8.4 pounds

Holy Crap!  Happy New Year to me!!


So this is becoming much, much easier.  I'm not hungry (accept at 1am when the crazy Mormons woke me up shooting fireworks and screaming and then my boy peed his bed) and I'm getting used to my meals.  I found some recipes that I'm going to try in the next two weeks that sound really good and last night....I made a chicken salad (minus mayo) with celery, apple and chicken.  It was GREAT!


You know what is irritating?  Making dinner for your family and watching them eat it while you eat your bowl of chicken salad.  I'm thinking of making them make their own meals for the remainder of this time.  Yeah....that probably won't fly.


My advice to Mom's who do this diet protocol....spend some time making and freezing lots of meals so you family can just defrost them and feed themselves.  Trust me...it will be so worth it.


Happy New Year everyone!


In case you're wondering.....P2W1D7 means Phase 2, Week 1, Day 7

Day 6: My Food Boyfriend

Today's Weight:  205.6
Yesterday's:        206.6
LOSS:                  1 pound

Total Loss:          7 pounds

When it's good, then it's good, it's so good til it goes bad

Til you're trying to find the one that you once had

I have heard myself cry 'never again'

Broken down in agony, just tryin' find a friend, oh oh

I'm safe up high, nothing can touch me

But why do I feel this party's over?

No pain inside, you're like perfection

But how do I feel this good sober?

I've often compared my relationship with food as a bad boyfriend that I just can't leave.  I know he's bad for me and I try to quit, and I do for a little while and then I start meeting him in secret places for a rendezvous.   I kind of feel like I'm in food rehab right now and my boyfriend is outside waiting for a chance to meet with me.  Oh, and he talks to me through the TV.

I feel like i'm really ready to break up with my food boyfriend and only see him occasionally.  He can't be a regular part of my life anymore.  And my husband can't see him anymore either.  This threesome is over.

I have to tell you...I've been pinning a little bit for the foods that I probably shouldn't have anymore.  Remember that Mushroom Burger from Red Robin that I talked about a few weeks ago?  I'm trying to figure out if there is any place in my life for that stuff anymore or if I should never eat it again.

The thing is...I don't want to be a healthy food nut.  I still want to enjoy a glass of wine, pizza and going out to eat.  I love food!  But I also think perhaps....these things should be the exception and not the rule.

hCG Diet: VLCD Day 5

Today's Weight:  206.6
Yesterday's:        207.6
LOSS:                  1 pound
Total Loss:          6 pounds

WOOT!  I was pretty happy to see that this morning after the day I had.  It took me all day and about a gallon of water to feel better and by the time I did...I was ready for bed.

I did read a bunch of blogs yesterday and found several people that felt foggy for a few days.  I suppose I shouldn't be surprised because this is a drastic change for my body and it's probably freaking out.

Another thing I'm struggling with....irritability.  I am a big fat ball of crabby right now and I hope that side effect goes away really soon.  Based on what I read....that's to be expected too.
My poor husband.....

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• feeling restless or irritable;
• mild swelling or water weight gain;
• depression;
• breast tenderness or swelling; or
• pain, swelling, or irritation where the injection is given.

The good news is that I woke up at 5:30am...rested and feeling really good!

hCG Diet: VLCD Day 4

Yesterday....was hard.

My husband is working from home this week so the whole family went to the store together so that he could take a little break.  I brought home some fresh shrimp to eat for my dinner and picked up a couple onions and some strawberries.  And I got a Lobster Tail for Thursday night's dinner.

We came home to a huge mess.  I had left my sister's dog in the house because it was freezing outside and he went crazy.  He ate bread out of the pantry and pulled the kid's sippy cups out of the sink and chewed them up.  But he was no where to be found.....

I finally found him in my daughter's room.  He had shut the door on himself because he was investigating a bag of dirty diapers on the back of the door and then he pawed at the blinds and broke them.  Wooden blinds....expensive wooded  blinds.  He also destroyed Mallory's purple butterfly....she was devastated.

This made me stressed.  My children were crying, my husband was mad and I was trying to clean up the mess.  And I wanted chocolate and a soda in a really bad way.

Of course, I couldn't and didn't indulge but I realized what a stress eater I am and that this is one of the things I need to work on.

My shrimp was delicious!

I slept like a rock last night...9 and a half hours.  I rarely get more than 7 so this was amazing.  But when I got up, I felt terrible....my arms and legs felt heavy and I was light headed.  I almost passed out in the kitchen and had to go sit down.

I discussed my symptoms with my husband and decided that I should eat my apple.  It's been 30 minutes and I feel much better....my head is still a little foggy but that's normal for me.  :)

I think until my body gets used to this....I should be eating my apple in the morning....I had no idea I had low blood sugar issues.

And now...for the numbers!

I lost .8 pounds!

And that's not all!

Waist:             36       in..........35     in      1 inch
Hips:               45       in..........43.5  in      1.5 inches
(*)(*)              41       in..........40.5  in      .5 inches
Upper Thigh: 21.75 in......... 21      in     .75 inches
Lower Thigh: 20.25 in.........19.75 in     .5 inches
Calf:                17.25 in.........17       in     .25 inches
Bicep:             12.75 in.........12.25  in     .5 inches


Not too bad for less than a week!

hCG Diet: VLCD Day 3

Hunger Pains....I'm thinking it's entirely possible that I have no idea what it feels like to be hungry.  Have I really ever allowed my stomach to be empty for long?  Judging from urges to want to munch all day and my lack of willpower in the past, I think it's true.

The major feeling that people deal with in the first few days of Phase 2 is a feeling of emptiness in their stomachs. This is quite different than hunger pains. Weighing yourself daily and seeing the spectacular results will keep your motivation high, allowing you to overcome any short-term hunger.

I read that this could go on for 7-10 days.....

This brings me to one of my goals for me and my family.  Smaller portions!  We'd done this before but dear husband has returned to going back for seconds and sometimes.....thirds.  And eating what the kids don't eat.  I'm on the lookout for smaller dinner plates.....


Okay, so I weighed this morning and I only lost .4 pounds.

But....I'm having one little problem that only fiber can cure...if you know what I mean.  I have instructed my nursemaid (Bobbi) to talk to Cindi about it and tell me what to do.  I also think I might have eaten one too many melba toasts yesterday.  DAMN THE MELBA TOAST!

Side Note: I haven't needed TUMS in two days.  And I slept well last night, waking very refreshed but I had a headache.  I normally wake up feeling like I need more sleep....this is amazing!

Tomorrow....I'm taking measurements.

hCG Diet: VLCD Day 2

All night...I dreamt that I needed to weigh myself but I couldn't get to my scale.  There were ton's of people in my house that needed things from me and every time I tried to run upstairs to my brand new Biggest Loser Scale...I was prevented.

But then I woke up and found that I lost......3.8 pounds!

I was so excited!  I'm also quite happy that I was able to sleep last night.  I had to get up 5 times to use the bathroom and one time to re-dress my son but I was able to go back to sleep and even slept in until 7:15am.

Yesterday, my newly pregnant friend sent me a text and said she was up all night peeing too. And that it's almost like we're pregnant together.  I told her 'Yeah we are...except I'm having a Food Baby'!

I thought you might like to see what I have to chose from in my menu.  Luckily, I like most all of the choices and I think I should be able to mix them up a little.  I just keep thinking...What Would Martha Do?

Yesterday, I was so hungry that I ate one of my melba toasts with my coffee.  And I'm thinking I might have to eat my fruit as between meal snacks until I get used to not grazing through the day.


• For breakfast have only:


— black coffee, organic green, black and white tea...as much as you want.


• For lunch eat 100 grams (weighed raw) of grilled (no oil or fat):

— organic beef or veal, or
— organic chicken breast (skinless), or
— wild Chilean sea bass, or
— flounder, or
— sole, or talpia or halibut
— lobster, crap or shrimp

• One large handful of one of the following organic vegetables:

— Spinach
— Chard
— Beet greens
— Lettuces of any kind
— Tomatoes
— Celery
— Fennel
— White, yellow, or red onions
— Red radishes
— Cucumbers
— Asparagus, or
— Cabbage

These can be eaten raw, steamed, grilled (without oil), or gently boiled. Do mix vegetables in the same meal.

• One small organic apple, or small organic grapefruit or orange, or a handful of organic strawberries.

• You may season any of the food with the juice of half an organic lemon, white or black pepper, organic raw apple cider vinegar, sea salt, organic garlic, organic basil, organic parsley, organic thyme, organic marjoram, or any other organic herb. Absolutely no oil, butter, dressings, or anything else!


Two Melba Toasts or Grissino Bread Sticks.

• Dinner:
— The same choices as for lunch. Do not, however, have two meals exactly the same in the same day.

You may also find this interesting....I can't wear my regular make-up or use my regular soap and shampoo because they contain oils and chemicals that mess up the rate of weight loss.

So....I'm going to be looking pretty bad for a while because I really don't want to buy a bunch of crazy organic products. I have approved soap and toothpaste.   I think I'll be staying home for a month!

hCG Diet: VLCD Day 1

I'm currently doing a brand new round of hCG, click HERE to follow along.

VLCD = Very Low Calorie Diet

Hey everyone!  I made it through my second load day but I don't feel like I really loaded very well.  I tried to eat as much as I could but I was never really stuffed....not the way fast food makes you feel.  Hopefully, that won't be a problem in the next few days.

One problem I'm having already...is sleep.  My newly faux pregnant body is getting me up to pee every two hours and I'm one of those people that can't go back to sleep if she's awoken in the night.  So...I've been awake since 4am.  I think I only got about 4.5 hours of sleep.  Sleep is very important on this program.  This might call for some Ambien and some Depends.

I finally got up at 5am and decided that laying there thinking about how I couldn't eat until lunch time wasn't going to help me go back to sleep and there were many other things I could be doing like....drinking my precious coffee without cream or planning my goals for 2010.

In other news....Bobbi was supposed to be doing this with me....but she's not.  So I've asked her to hide her soda's and snacks in her room.  And I'm going to stick all this leftover candy down there too.

In preparation for this, I cooked up a bunch of tasty meals and stashed them in the freezer so my husband won't starve to death.  I didn't really want to be cooking for him and then eat my little meals so I thought that was the best plan.  Plus, he's told me that he can fend for himself.  This is great news because I didn't think he could.  :)

5:44am....I think I'm hungry.  It's probably just my brain telling my stomach that I won't be eating for a while.  I'm sure it's psychological.  And it's one of the things I'm planning to work on in the next 37 days.

5:00pm...Wow! Today was harder than I thought it would be.  I'm pretty sure I've been going through food/sugar withdrawals all day.  Once I ate my lunch I felt pretty full but soon I was feeling the urge to eat and my stomach was feeling empty again....even though only a few hours had passed.  I've also had a headache that wasn't helped by my attempt at a nap on the couch.

I think I might have to use my two fruit portions as snacks until I get used to not snacking all day.  And I'm having trouble finishing all of this water.

say goodbye to my little friends.....

My lunch!

I'm anxious to see what the scale says tomorrow......

hCG Diet: Load Day # 2

My first load day went well....I think. I ate 1100 calories and 72 g of fat from McDonalds for breakfast and then had a Chicken and Black Bean Burrito from Taco Time for Lunch.  Calvin made Chinese Food for dinner and one of the items was deep fried in Peanut Oil.  I had wine, eggnog and cookies.  Oh, and my doctor Cindi, sent home a box of chocolates for me.  LOL!

I was miserable! And I gained 2.8 pounds.

Today, I will have to really work to get in all my fat and calories since I can't eat fast food (closed for Christmas).  I'm going to make some Gruyere Gougeres this morning and we're having a turkey with all of the fixings for dinner.

Then...tomorrow morning....all of the bad food goes in the trash!  Goodbye forever!

Here are my before pictures....I will never look like this again.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

My Last Day as a Fat Mommy

I had my first appointment with Cindi Duncan at Wade Laser Clinic in Bountiful, Utah yesterday.  My sister is her medical assistant so I'm excited to be working with both of them.  Plus, Bobbi lives with me and will be giving me all of my injections.

Bobbi started off by having me stand on a special scale and hold some handgrips.  I'm not pleased with the results and am more committed than ever to make this work.  Here's what she came up with for me.

Weight................... 216.6 pounds
Body fat percent.... 46.7%
metabolic age......... 88
Waist..................... 38 1/4" (over my clothes)
Hips........................ 48" (over my clothes)
BMI........................ 33


Did you see that? My body is functioning as an 88 year old woman! No wonder I feel like this.  Cindi and I went over the protocol and she gave me a list of vitamins to take and then I was off to the pharmacy to get my hormones.  And then I ate a burger.

Today is my first load day.  Bobbi gave me my first injection and I'm planning a trip to Mc Donald's for a fattening breakfast burrito and some hash browns.  Later, I'll be eating movie popcorn and our Christmas Eve meal will be Chinese Food made by my husband.  Followed by some ice cream.  I hope I can eat it all!

In other news...Gold's Gym called me yesterday and I'm being considered to win the Gift of Fitness...but I might not because I'm doing the hCG Protocol.  They want to gift someone that can do it naturally and without the assistance of a doctor and I totally understand.  I'm just so happy that I was considered and feel so blessed by all of you that nominated me.  Either way, I think eventually I will be a member of Gold's Gym and will finally be a FIT MOMMY!

That is my ultimate goal afterall......

Weigh-In Time

So....my computer is broken.  I have limited access to my husband's laptop so I feel sooo behind!  I have an iPhone but I find it impossible to comment from it.  In the meantime, I'm doing lots of reading and that makes me so happy!

I want to thank you guys for all of the wonderful nominations for the gym membership.  Many of you shared your emails with me and they made me cry!  Thank you so much for your support and for being such wonderful friends.  I love you!

The good news is that I'm back down to 206!  YAY!  I'm hoping to be 205 when I start my hCG protocol next week.  That's right!  I start one week from today...on Christmas Eve.  I'm so excited and spent hours making a menu out of 10 ingredients.  LOL!  I'll explain more about that later.

Until then...I'm soaking up all of the info I can, writing tips and product recommendations into my little notebook.  Looking for recipes and printing them out.  I want to be totally prepared!

A Good Deed...Please!

Thanks to Fit Mommy's advice...I talked to Calvin and told him that I wanted us to workout together a couple times a week. He agreed and told me that we should do it on Tuesday and Thursdays and then one weekend day.

Fabulous!

So Thursday arrives and I'm excited for him to come home so we can do this thing. I even prepared a fairly healthy casserole thing that I would put in the oven to cook while we are working out and it would be ready when we're done.

And then he called me and said...I'm going to be very late.

Fabulous.

When my sister got home, I threw the casserole thing into the oven and I spent 20 minutes on the elliptical. YAY ME!

I could have just blew it off but I really want to do this!

So...yesterday in my local paper I saw that my local Gold's Gym (the one I wanted to join) is giving away the Gift of Fitness! They are giving away TWO gym memberships and 18 sessions with a personal trainer.  I want to win this soooo badly.

But I need your help.  I need to be nominated and a panel of judges has to PICK ME! Please do a good deed this holiday season and email promotions@iflyutah.com and tell them how important it is that I (Connie Weiss) win this.  Deadline to nominate me is December 21st!

Thank you for your support on my journey to fitness!

Why Are You Fat? Part 2

I'm interrupting our regularly scheduled Friday Fashion Motivation for a very important message. 

I'm recently made a vow to stop eating all fast food (except Subway) because of the horrible fat and calories that the food contains.  It's not good for me OR my kids so I'm not going to eat it anymore.

I hadn't given much thought to regular sit-down restaurant food...since we don't go to those places much anymore.  But after reading Christy's post about the way restaurants are preparing food...I have to extend my ban to them too.  Go read Christy's post.  It's eye opening!

When we do eat out with the kids....it's generally Chili's or Red Robin.  I went to their websites and checked out the nutritional info and about fell out of my chair.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

1340   Calories
68 g    Fat
37 g    Sat Fat
106 g  Carbs
67 g    Protein

This is my favorite meal....and I usually eat half and bring the other half home....but still.

My kids meals from Chili's made me sad.  Sad that I'm feeding them this food and isn't good for them.

Kid's Pizza 

560    Calories
24 g    Fat
9 g      Sat Fat
67 g    Carbs
23  g   Protein

Kid's Mac and Cheese

500     Calories
18 g    Fat
6 g      Sat Fat
69 g    Carbs
16 g    Protein

We love Red Robin because they are child friendly!  My kids have never had a melt down in this restaurant....and I think it's because they're in a fat coma while we're there.

 

What Mama likes.  Oh My Heck!

 

I know lots of people that eat out a couple times a week because they don't like to cook but this is KILLING us people!  Christy suggested that if you eat at these places on a regular basis...you start to crave the extra fat and their food.  And I think she's right!


When we've had a bad week and have found ourselves eating a lot of fast food and at restaurants, or when we're on vacation....we crave this food when we get home.


I'm putting a stop to this right now!  At the very least...when you go to restaurants...ask for the nutritional information so that you can made an INFORMED choice for you and your family. And if they don't provide it...make a stink!

No Gym for Old Men

I'm frustrated.

Hubby has decided that we can't afford to join the gym.  *Sigh*

I was really looking forward to us doing this together.  Supporting and motivating each other.  Holding each other accountable.

He keeps saying that he needs to *do something* but something never happens.  And then on Monday, we went in for our flu shots and he had his blood pressure checked.  It was high.  High enough that the doctor was concerned.

We do have the gym equipment in our basement....an elliptical and a weight machine.  But we can't use them at the same time.

My thought was if we committed to working out at the gym, making appointments to do it....we would be successful.  My concern is if we just decide to use our home gym...it's too easy to let the pull of the TV and the kids keep us from working out.

Do you have any tips for me?  On how to motivate my husband? 

Because of this development...I made a plan for myself.  I'm going to work out in the mornings, before my husband leaves for work.  If I do it first thing and get it over with...I don't have an excuse.

I was so motivated this week by MizFit and her mantra of home is where the health is.  It's looking like I don't have a choice but to make this MY mantra.

Work out in my home gym 5 days a week.

No fast food (except Subway).

Quit the soda again......

No Sweets in the house. (this is hubby's new rule)

Less TV ...more reading

Shut Computer Off at 6pm

The Biggest Loser Season 8

I watched the finale with my husband and sister last night and we were so excited that  Danny Cahill won.  I had a crush on Rudy...and would have been equally happy if he had won. 

I was amazed how well many of the contestants did.  I was blown away by Tracey and Rebekka.  And I actually thought they looked a little too thin.

What did you think?  Are you happy with the winner?  Are you excited for the next installment that begins on Jan 5?

hCG Diet: The Skinny (pun intended)

I'm not naive.  I don't think the hCG diet protocol is going to be a magic shot that will solve all of my weight loss problems.

I've also read all of the information about the protocol 3 times so that I completely understand how it works before I made my decision to do it.  Furthermore, I'm going to be under the care of a physician that I trust.

And one reason that I understand what will happen is because I've experienced it first hand when I was pregnant. 

hCG weight loss studies have shown that weight lost following the Simeons protocol comes directly from adipose fat tissue rather than lean muscle.  In doing so, the weight lost comes directly from fat and does not strip the body of much needed muscle, vitamins or minerals essential to maintain good health, while at the same time, releasing excessive amounts of fat-stored nutrients into the blood stream to be absorbed by the body.  For this reason, hCG dieters report a feeling and appearance of great health and marvel at the loss of negative health risks they had as an overweight individual. 

Another benefit that I'm excited about is this diet's ability to reset the hypothalamus. I feel like my body has been stuck at a set weight that I can't get past.

hCG diet shots cause your hypothalamus to mobilize the fat out of the fat storage locations so that it’s available for use.  While you are only consuming 500 calories, your hypothalamus is continually releasing the fat stored in your body.  Because of this, your body is actually operating on thousands of calories a day.  The result is your body using thousands of calories of fat from your body each day, the reason hCG dieters lose 1 to 2 lbs of fat or more, per day. 

And, of course.... I have a plan! I'm not just going to sit back and watch the pounds drop away.  I've convinced my husband to join the gym and we are going to work out together several times a week.  So, while I'm training my body with exercise and getting into that habit.  I will also be re-training myself to eat healthier.  That ball has already been rolling for a while now.....