Day 22...effective.

Down another pound for a total of 17.2...go me!

NOTE TO SELF: when ordering a "naked" caesar salad at a restaurant, be sure to tell the-not-so-bright-server that naked means no dressing, croutons or cheese. Though, I must say, the dusting of parmesan that remained on the lettuce leaves I diligently tried to shake clean, was really, really delicious...and, yes, I still lost a pound this morning.

Okay, so I am still 18 days out from the end of my 40 day protocol, but I'm already thinking about the next Phase...maintenance (lots more protein and veggies/fruit, plus good fats (olive oil, nuts, etc., but no starches or sugars).

Came to the sad realization that there are many things I will never likely eat again. I'd say, in moderation, what harm? But, I know myself...moderation and my fave go-to snax do not mix. Kind of like plaids and stripes (I don't care what Tim Gunn says).

So, farewell, I say, to my dear friends: Chinese chicken wings (extra crispy, don't you know); french fries (any kind, any time); puff pastry (I'll still indulge in my absolutely delicious homemade chicken pot pie, but it will be a considerably smaller portion and lacking said pastry); and pasta (okay, maybe not the occasional Dan-Dan noodles ("one noodle at a time"), but on the whole, ba-bye).

But it's not all doom and gloom...really, it's not. As I've mentioned previously, this is a life change for me. The 40 day jump start is getting me where I want to be weight wise (quickly, I might add, as it is no secret, I have the attention span of a gnat), but make no mistake, completion of the process does not give me license to go back to MickeyD's, et al. If I do, I guarantee I'll gain all the weight I lost back and then some.

I've even been thinking about alcohol and how to best work it back into my life. Reality: I miss sharing a bottle of champagne with my sweetie...and can not wait to get back to that. But thinking seriously that I may give up wine and such in total. I've noticed that, rarely do we finish a bottle of bubbly and crack another...the two and half glasses gives a nice glow and all is good. Wine, on the other hand, we can't seem to open that second (and sometimes third) bottle quick enough. No wonder I'm hungover and feel like ass in the morning! That's a bottle and a half...for just me! YIKES...I feel a headache coming on just writing about it.

But, alas, who knows how I'll fare? Only time...and my daily blog...will tell.

Wishing a great Saturday to all.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Day 21...effective...week four begins.

Down another 1.0 lb. for a total of -16.2 lbs. Also it's Friday, so that means measurements. Down another 3.25 inches, for a whopping -17" overall. Most impressive is a loss of 5" at the waist and a decrease of 2" at the chest...my bras are waaaaay more comfortable with that bit of extra room and the back rolls of fat have decreased significantly. Cool, huh?

Interesting revelation last night. Seems my friends had wagers on how long I might last on this "protocol." Two weeks was the longest. All anticipated I'd be weak and faint...craving a cocktail, like nobody's business. Ha! Look at me edging into week four...as focused as ever. In. Your. Faces. Naysayers.

Last night's fete was fabulous. Great media coverage; better time and, quite frankly, I looked really good. Though I did feel a smidge foolish eating celery at the table (while everyone else noshed on , but a girl's gots to do what a girl's gots to do. I did swipe a steamed asparagus spear off my pal's plate...yes, it's allowed.

Will be eating out both major meals today. So, that means:

• What to drink? Lots of water. Perhaps an espresso.

• What to order? Likely a side salad (lettuce, cukes, tomatoes and onions) with a "naked" grilled chicken breast (of which I only eat half or 2/3's, depending on the portion size) with a little vinegar. Dinner is at my honey's fave Chinese restaurant, Ocean Wok, so it's the usual tea, H2O and steamed shrimp with cabbage, onion, celery and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

• Chance to be the social animal I am? Priceless.

Yay! My sister is here...so looking forward to an afternoon off and a visit. Woo-hoo.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Day 20...effective

Now we are cooking with gas...down .6 lbs. from yesterday for a total of 15.2 lbs. in 19 days (I weigh in early in the morning, so though it says Day 20, I am only partway though the actual day itself as I type my oh-so-informative missives).

Big event tonight...need to bring my own food...can't trust myself with well-prepared hotel fare...shame really, but to be fabu, one must sacrifice cupcakes from Sweet and other fine treats (because quite frankly, this hotel's mac-n'-cheese in a parmesan crisp cone appetizer is to-die-for!). And. Yet. I. Will. Not. Indulge.

Can't wait to sport my LBD...I've never worn it (bought it two years ago) and I'm really thrilled it fits.

And to put all queries to rest, because you are no doubt wondering, "What ever will she bring for eats?" I'm thinking grilled lean steak (I'll do it on the G Forman Grill) sliced into bite-sized pieces, celery sticks and an orange...already peeled and sectioned. Easy to pop in my mouth without anyone noticing and all will keep fine at room temperature. Always thinking, that Jane Doh!

As for water...the hotel best have plenty of San Pellegrino and lemon on hand, preferably served in a champagne glass.

It's high noon here on the East Coast, or the Right Coast as I like to call it. Need to get some work and last minute prep done for tonight's fete.

Be and eat well,

Jane Doh!

Day 19...effective...finally!

Finally...-.4 lbs. Took long enough!

Close to entering a new decade...that's when you drop below a 0 into the next lower ten pounds. Always a milestone and feels great...accomplishment-wise. That's why I always like to start a diet in the middle of a decade...so I can enter a new one fairly quicky. NOTE TO READERS: never start at 1-something-9...takes too long to get to that next 1-something-9!

FYI: Legal Seafoods is a fab restaurant for this protocol. Met up with a high school gal-pal last night and our cutie-patootie waiter couldn't have been more accommodating with my 3.5 oz.-of-naked-haddock-this; double-steamed-spinach-that...he just nodded politely and plied me with Saratoga H2O...all good!

Wore a cute little velvet suit that had not seen the light of day (or evening, for that matter) in more than two years...go me.

Glad to be on the losing side of things again...it was a long four days. I know...I didn't get fat in three weeks, why should I think I'll get thin in that amount of time...but, the thing is, I'm eating so little, I find it hard to believe my body can't give up a measly ounce or two...is that too much to ask?

Okay...back to work for this cowgirl.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Day 18...effective...not

Arrgghh! Still stuck at 14.2 lbs. Haven't lost an ounce since Saturday (it's Tuesday today). Annoying, to say the least. And, yet, I persevere.

Did something for me today...had a cut and color, plus I was treated to a complimentary warm towel facial and a paraffin hand wax. Very pleased. Went a little darker...winter is coming, after all. Looks good in a Serena – Samantha Steven's wicked-groovy-egocentric-lookalike-cousin – sort of way.

But alas, work beckons. Absolutely no time to chit chat. Big event on Thursday night.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Day 17...effective

14.2 lbs. lost and holding. Arrgggh. And I didn't even hit 500 calories yesterday or the day before. Whatever. It's a protocol, not a flippin' diet. I'm making life changes. But, hell, throw me a friggin' bone, please.

But I digress.

And if making these life changes weren't challenging enough, everybody wants something. Clients...particularly the non-paying ones...are like gum on my shoe. Bottom of the priority list for you. Others are worth the effort and concern, but it's take, take, take. Then, at the dentist, it appears and old filling is too far gone for repair and a crown is in order. $hoot me now. And so it goes.

On a bright note, the weather is lovely today (bear in mind, it was snowing yesterday...in October!) and, though I'm not motivated, I will work diligently to complete my work. Perhaps even squeeze in a visit with my Dad...that would do my heart some good.

Need to eat a little something...thinking grilled chicken with sliced tomato & cukes. Simple, but good.

Almost forgot to mention...my jeans fit the other day. Haven't sported those puppies in well over a year! So, even though the number is not moving, something is...not only did they fit, but I could breathe and there was no struggling in or out!

Be and eat well,

Jane Doh!

Day 16 effective.

Down another pound for a total of 14.2 lbs. Very pleased!

Enjoying a quiet day with pals watching the New England Patriots beat the ever loving shit out of the Titans. 59-0, with 10+unites left in the 4th. Yikes!

Just enjoyed a mock taco. Sauteed/steamed onion and 95% ground beef with sugar-free Mexican blend spices. Very, very good!

Be and eat well,

Jane Doh!