Party Pooper

Start weight:     215.6
Day 1 vlcd          217.4
Todays weight: 215.2
Released:                  2.2  pounds


 Day one of the vlcd wasn't hard hunger wise. The hCG works well and I really wasn't hungry. The problem was that I had to take my children to a birthday party and I couldn't eat or drink anything!

I wanted a glass of wine soooo badly!

Going to a social event has to be the hardest part of sticking to this plan.  I'll be avoiding them from here on out!

I also forgot that you have to pee a hundred times a day and this interrupts sleep.  It's like being pregnant again!

vlcd= very low calorie diet

The Numbers

Good Morning!

Boy was loading fun! I'd forgotten that by day two the hCG has started to kick in and suppress your appetite and you don't want to eat anymore. Forcing yourself to eat your favorite foods and grocery shop is a little bit hard.

This time around I tried to focus on fat and not just sugar and carbs. I did have sweets here and there but I also had a steak, guacamole, nuts and my favorite Indian Food.

The thing I that I had the hardest time with that I used to get all the time.

 A white chocolate mocha from Starbucks.

 When I first started drinking coffee, that was my drug. Now I drink unsweetened iced coffee with a slash of cream. That sweet drink was too much to handle. Gross!

 So lets go over the numbers.

Beginning weight: 215.6
After 2 load days: 217.4
Gain: 1.8 pounds

This is less than I've gained in the past with hCG. I hope it doesn't mean that I didn't load enough.

I took my measurements the other day and I was pleased to see that even thought I gained back all of the weight I lost with hCG last time. I'm less fat. HA!

My waist and hips are an inch smaller than when I started in 2009. I can't wait to see those numbers go down!

HCG Load Days

I just returned from the grocery store.

I purposely went at 6:30 in the morning so that there would be less people watching me load my little basket with junk food.   You also have to scan and bag your purchases at that time of the morning.

No one to judge me.

I have to admit that even though I was avoiding all of the people that I thought would judge me.  I felt ashamed to be buying all of that food.

$25.  It also felt wasteful to spend that much on food that isn't good for you.

Except for the Avocados.  I believe they are the only saving grace in my basket.

Also to be included in these two load days:

• Breakfast (muffin and White Chocolate Latte) at Starbucks
• Taco Bell
• Indian Food
• A Red Robin Swiss and Mushroom Burger

Obstacles in the next 23 days:

• My in laws will be visiting for most of these 23 days.
• My sister and dad will be visiting.
• I'll be working an 8 hour shift at the PTA table on Packet Pick Up Day
• Family BBQ

Coming tomorrow: Starting Measurements!

HCG....Again

I'm drinking lots of water today....getting ready to do a round of HCG again.

I did a couple rounds in December 2009.  I lost 30 pounds in all but was NOT able to keep it off.

I blame several things for this.  Stress of moving and looking for a new job for my husband, TOM (time of the month) and having my wisdom teeth pulled.

Bad timing.

I'm hopeful that THIS TIME will be different.

I'm going to be loading on Thursday and Friday.

Wish me luck!

Morning Wood

All this week....I've been setting my alarm for 6 am so that I could get up and move my ass.

I'm starting slow....yoga and weights, running in place.  

I have one problem with my plan.  

My alarm keeps waking up my husband.

The good news is that I've lost 2 pounds this week and the bad news is that my husband is very frustrated.

Everything Is Bigger

My dear friend has an au pair and I became very good friends with the one that just went home to Denmark.

I talked to her about adjusting to life in the United States and she mentioned to me that she gained 10 pounds in the first month because of the food we eat here.

In her family, they don't eat out and fast food is 30 minutes away.  She told me the last time they had a meal in a restaurant was 5 years ago.  Can you imagine?

The newest au pair is from Brazil.  I observed her the first day I met her, at the going away party for my friend.  She ate a very small plate of rice and beans.  And she drank water.

I vowed to go on the rice, bean and water diet the next day. 

I've spent some time with her recently and in only three weeks, she's adapted to our eating habits.  And she's now addicted to soda.

I watched her eyes the first time she ordered a coke in a restaurant and she was amazed how BIG it was.  She said this container of soda was more than she drinks in a month back home.

She was also amazed at the size of our food.  Giant boxes of cereal, crackers and other snacks.

I know Americans are fat and we eat more fat and calories than other countries.

Talking with these gals has opened my eyes and I'm making changes in my home.

Less sugar and smaller servings!

Green Coffee Bean Extract...FAIL

I started taking this a week ago.

 I'd seen it on Dr Oz and a friend (who shall remain nameless) blogged about her muffin top disappearing after only 9 days.

It is NOT working for me.

 In fact....I've gained a pound and a half. AND I've been eating (and drinking) less. I'm really starting to worry about my metabolism. I'll give it another week but I don't think I'll be ordering anymore.

Have you ever tried the Green Coffee Bean Extract?  Did it work for you?

Stuck

It's been four weeks....and now my knee is feeling so much better!  I think I found the cause of my knee trying to pop out and find greener pastures.

My shoes.

My adorable little black 2.5 inch wedges from Target.   I love them because they go with everything, they are easy to slip on and they are cute as a button.

But....they provide NO support and they are slightly loose so I'm always fighting to keep them on my feet as I'm walking.

I'm cray cray for shoes.

I've been wearing my running shoes as often as fashion will allow and my knee healed up quickly.  Except for yesterday when I walked all over town in my cute little black shoes.

Anyway,  I've been working hard on my diet and managed to not gain weight during TOM but now I can't get below 213.2.

I'm stuck!

I guess it's time to start walking again.

I Broke My Knee....In California.

I'm starting to sound like my Dad.

Why me?  Why is everyone trying to kick my ass?

It seems like every time I think I'm going to get my ass in gear and DO something.

I get hurt or the weather doesn't cooperate or I get chased by angry raccoons.

I went to California two weeks ago for a girls weekend!  It was a blast and I walked a lot.  In fact, I came home without gaining a pound!

Part of this might have been due to the massive hang over I had on day 2.  I threw up and could barely eat all day.

Hmmm.....maybe.  Nah, I'd suck at being bulimic/anorexic.

My bedroom was on the third floor of our amazing beach house and I wore 2.5 inch heels the entire time.  It was either over use from the stair climbing or it was folding my very long legs up in the third row of a suburban for our 3 hour tour of Hollywood.

Whatever it was....my right knee is messed up!

I thought it would be better by now but it feels like it wants to pop out and be on it's own.  Before that....it felt like it was full of fluid.  It just really hurts and I'm pissed that I can't walk around the beautiful lake and run along side my son on his new bike.

I guess I'm going to have to go to the dreaded doctor.

I Better Get Moving!

April Goals

I like having goals.  I'm the kind of person that needs something to look forward to and plan for.

Since April is half over, I've decided on only two goals for April.

• Start walking (conditions: If the temp is at least 45 degrees and the sky isn't falling)
• Water (drink AT LEAST 6 glasses a day)

What are your goals for the month?

Fat and Happy

Winter is over.

Colorado is experiencing fantastic weather with an occasional snow storm to remind us that we live in Colorado and can get snow in June.

I tried.....to get my ass in gear last week and went for an early morning walk.

It was 43 degrees at 6:30 in the morning so I thought it was warm enough.

It was a little chilly.....

But it was beautiful!

This lake is only a quarter mile from my house.  It is a beautiful place to walk and half way around....there is a Starbucks.  It's like a dream come true!

And there's a coyote.

Now I'm scared.....and I really need new shoes.

What prompted this April jump start?

Denise from Eat Play Love.  She told me to start showing up and to throw my Little Debbies in the trash.  Thanks Denise!

Now....I just need to show up at the lake every single day!  And carry a big stick.

Yummy Pancake

This is my version of the DUKAN pancake.  It does not follow the rules.

Connie's Breakfast Pancake

1 egg
1.5 tablespoon oat bran
1.5 tablespoon greek yogurt
Dash of Cinnamon
Smidge of Salt

Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl and pour into a heated pan.  You can make two or three of these but I've found making three the perfect amount.  Turn the pancakes after a couple minutes when you see bubbles forming.

Spread with fruit spread and cottage cheese.

Under Attack!

My Dukan Attack phase was short lived.

About two days in....TOM showed up 3 days early.  The more I work on my diet, the crazier my cycles become.  I want to blame menopause but people keep telling me that 41 is too young for that.

I lost half of a pound and then I stalled.  The combination of no coffee, wine, chocolate and TOM was too much for my family so my husband begged me to stop and have a drink.

I'm only kind of kidding.

I stopped the diet but kept up the higher protein because I actually liked how I was feeling on the diet.   I just added a few carbs and a glass of wine a night.

I'm happy to report that as of this morning, I'm down 2.8 pounds!  My pants are feeling looser and I have lots of energy.

So.....I'm going to keep on keeping on.  Mostly high protein with some carbs and wine here and there.

My husband is happy because he threatened not to take me on Vacation at the end of the month if I stayed on the diet.  He doesn't want to deal with my eating restrictions at Disney Land and while visiting his very overweight family.

I don't want to go without wine while visiting his very overweight family.

Have I told you that I'm addicted to the Dukan Pancakes?  OH MY GOSH!  I love them.

I'll post my version with a picture tomorrow.

6 days....No Coffee

Or wine.

Or carbs.

Or sugar.

Or Wine.

Oh wait....I said that one already.

Started Dukaning it this morning and so far I'm doing fine.

I decided to drink tea and not coffee for this first 6 days because I can't drink coffee without cream.

Although....by day three I might be a black coffee convert.  I'll let you know.

Do You Dukan?

I had to make a decision yesterday.

I was making our menu plan and grocery list for the next two weeks and I had to decide if I wanted to try the latest diet that I've never tried before.

Okay....there might be a couple other diets out there that I've never tried.  Jenny Craig being one of them.

My friend is on the Dukan Diet and having great success.  The only problem is....she seems to be miserable.

I'm a glutton for punishment.  So why not!

I'm going to give it a trial run. Three weeks.

At the end of that three weeks I'll decide if I get to cheat on my daughters birthday....and stop.  Or keep going.

The good news is that we're getting closer and closer to spring and then I'll be able to walk outside again.  You have no idea how much I'm looking forward to that!

Kicking My Ass

I'm trying to find little snippets of time to do some exercise.

It's too cold and snowy for me to really get in a good cardio workout but that doesn't mean that I can't be doing some little things to get me on track.

I found this great Daily Butt Workout on the app store and after doing it for only 5 minutes yesterday, my glutes are sore!! 

The good kind of sore.

I love the good kind of sore.....

Saving Money with Walgreens

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I avoid going to the doctor at all costs because I really don't like paying for prescriptions.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not afraid of the doctor and I go if it's necessary.  It seems like the cost of medication keeps going up along with my doctor's co-pay! 

Walgreens is now offering a special discount on their annual membership for the Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens.  For just $35 a year, the family membership covers everyone in your immediate family, including your spouse, dependents (as long as they're 22 years old or younger) and your pets. If it's just you, an individual  membership is only $20. 

But that's not all!  Included in your membership is savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications, discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic testing supplies.  Added bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services. 

What a great reason to shop at Walgreens.  I know in our house they are the go to place when we have an illness and need even the most basic items!

Support Walgreens and find out more about how they can save your family money by liking Walgreens on Facebook and following Walgreens on Twitter.

I Want It

I'm feeling really motivated and it's because of my gaggle of friends that are supporting me. It's amazing what having a friend kicking your ass (or texting you) everyday can do for you.

Thank you friend....you know who you are!

source

Bachelor Ben NON Drinking Game

I've been creating a 'drinking game' for The Bachelor TV show for several seasons now and it occurred to me last night that I should create a healthy version of the game for people like my friends Impulsive Addict and JennyKate.  They are both on very strick diets and haven't been drinking.....at all!

For this game you will need the following:

• A Gallon of water
• A head of celery
• Two dumbbells  
• Comfy clothes

Let's get started!


Each time Chris Harrison is on your screen.....Do 15 sit ups.

Each time Ben kisses someone....eat a piece of celery.

Each time one of the ladies takes a drink of wine/beer/soda.....take a drink of water.

Each time Courtney says winning.....raise your dumbbells over your head 10 times.

Each time someone says *open*, *Journey* or *rest of my life*.....do 10 lunges.

If Courtney gets a rose..........do downward facing dog.

Bonus:

During the commercials....run in place.