Day 36 effective

Still not losing...what with my period. Stalled at 21 lbs., with one week to go...hope to have my last weigh-in be at 25 lbs. lost...that would be amazing.

Nervous about entering Phase 3...would hate for all this hard work to go to waste. But, knowing sugars and starches are out (not just for the three weeks following Phase 2, but likely indefinitely), I should be able to hold steady. Particularly if I work in appropriate exercise.

To that end, I intend to walk a minimum of 10,000 steps a day...that would be good both cardio wise and just in general. Also, I am thinking of taking up yoga...I like the idea of building my core, as well as the whole relaxation aspect. I will, faithful follower, keep you posted.

Need to actually work today, so eat and be well!

Jane Doh!

Day 35 effective...the numbers do not lie!

Wow...no weight loss today...I have my period. But I did take my measurements, as I have each Friday since I started the protocol. Lost another 4" this week, bringing my total inches lost to 32.75! Holy shit! Yes, I know...if you review all my postings that doesn't add up...made a mathematical error somewhere earlier...but I checked and re-checked...from my first measurement to today's, the total is 32.75.

I'm particularly pleased with the 7" shaved from my waist and the 4.5" from my chest (you know, just under your boobalas...what makes your bras uncomfortable because you are probably wearing the wrong size...but I digress). Not to mention 4.5" off my belly, making my silhouette exceptionally more enticing.

Oh yeah, and my BMI is down 10.4%...sweet.

So I finish the HCG on Wednesday, Nov. 11, staying on the VLCD until midday Saturday...when I need to begin to increase my caloric intake. Of course, no sugars or starches, but I can have moderate portions of wine (say 1 or maybe two glasses once or twice a week)...need to closely watch the scale to see how my body adjusts to that. Really looking forward to a glass of champagne with my honey...I miss that the most.

As for food, I'll pump up the protein (as urged) and the fruits and veggies...plus I get to work in dairy and eggs! I love eggs...it's incredible, edible, versatile and delectable...woo-hoo.

Oh, and exercise...need to begin exercising. But I think I'm okay with that...now that I've lost some weight...I feel more energized to get moving...so that's good. Bought a pedometer (I walk the dog a lot) and I picked up a 10 lb. medicine ball for doing lunges and such while watching TV...hey, every little bit helps.

Need to start my day!

Eat and be well...I know I am,

Jane Doh!

Day 34 effective...

Traveling still...no weigh-in...but I was good. Though I was right...the red menace is in town...taking names and numbers. Still imbibed tons of water and the typical 500 calories...maybe 525...I might have had a little extra chicken (so, shoot me...what-ev).

Heading home today...not a good road warrior...I'm more your basic nester...no doubt about it.

Have a piece of fruit (small Granny Smith(, 3.5 oz. of lean steak that I cooked yesterday, ample H2O and Wayfarers. I. Am. Good. To. Go.

Safe travels to me...eat and be well to you.

Jane Doh!

Day 33 effective...

Today's entry is short and sweet...Auntie Flo is due, so I'm up 1.0 lb! Arrrggh. And, no, I did not cheat.

Traveling through late tomorrow... Prepped my food accordingly, so I should be set.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Day 32 effective...

Down .1 lbs. Not much, but I'll take it.

Considering going to the Dominican Republic for Christmas. Can't decide which family to visit during the holidays? Screw it...leave the country. Works for me. Ca$h is tight, but it's also a question of sanity...and rewards...so, leaning strongly towards the sun-and-fun idea.

Then again, working so hard at this protocol and being fairly successful, I do deserve a reward, right? What a concept...donning a bathing suit and not dreading it...who am I? Oh yeah, that's right, the new and improved Jane Doh!

Speaking of new and improved...tried a pretty good recipe for All Beef Chili last night...HCG friendly, too. Heat a large dutch oven (dry) to medium hot. Add 1 pound lean top round beef (all visible fat removed), cut into 1" cubes. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt. Brown. Add 2 chopped onion and 4 cloves minced garlic. Cook until softened (about 5 mins.). Add 3 tbl. chili powder; 1 tsp. ground cumin; 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Stir until fragrant and to coat onion and beef. Add 3 cups low sodium beef broth (check that there is no sugar in it...the natural section of the grocery store should have this...usually says "organic" on the label). Bring to a boil, then lower to simmer and cook, partially covered, for approximately 1.5 hours. Check and stir frequently. About 30 mins. in, add a squirt of tomato paste (again, make sure there is no sugar added)...the tube variety is great for this (beats opening a can and tossing it). When the liquid is cooked down to a thick sauce consistency and the meat is fork-tender, you are ready to eat. Serve 3/4 cup, topped with chopped red onion, tomato and scallion. If in Phase 3 of the protocol, add some cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream, if you like.

Here's an interesting bit of news. As I near the end of my 40-day protocol (a mere 8 days to go, then 3 on the VLCD without HCG), I'm finding myself feeling a little sad, almost. I've felt so good during this process and am a bit skeptical that this weight I've taken off will stay off. I will, of course, stay vigilant during the 3-week "reset" period...avoiding, most importantly, all starches and sugars...but, I don't know...is this where the "too good to be true" adage comes to pass? I really hope not...that would be oh-so-disappointing.

Must face my work day.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Day 31 effective...

Down .5 lbs. bringing the total to 21 lbs. lost. Feeling and looking pretty good. Though I am starting to dwell on adding things like cheese and olives to my diet...missing those items in a big way.

Had an odd experience yesterday...took a wee sip of my honey's Horny Toad Margarita (Hornitos, lime juice, Grand Marnier on the rocks, of course) and it tasted awful to me. Making me wonder if HCG's claims that your cravings will change over the course of the protocol is proving true. I mean nothing! And let me tell you, I love the Horny Toad.

As my feeble mind pondered this odd turn of events, I vaguely recalled reading once that a new habit (good or bad) takes three weeks to stick. Seeing as it has been over four weeks since my last "beverage of moderation," have I (horror of horrors) moved beyond the drinking stage? Egads! Though, make no mistake, champagne is not in this category...I'll choke that back even if it tastes like turpentine to me...that's a whole social/romantic event that will not be sacrificed to the diet Gods.

It is Monday and another work week begins. Need to plan food accordingly as I'll be traveling a couple of days...looking forward to that challenge.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Day 30 effective...

I missed my first post to the blog yesterday. Completely skipped it...oops! Failed to weigh-in, too. What is up with me? Not like I was hiding from a cheat or something.

Today's weigh-in was not a good day. Only down .1 lbs., bringing the total to 20.5 lbs. lost in 29 days. Might have to do with the somewhat fatty piece of steak I had no choice in eating. There was no other protein available and I needed to eat something. Long story. I'd prepared my lunch and fruit, but was assured we'd be home for dinner. No such luck. Arrghhh, further proving, the best laid plans......

Might also be at yet another plateau or it could be my period is coming early...either way, losing has come to a crawl. And I stress, I've not cheated.

Was thinking of continuing an extra few days after the full 40, but no, I'll move into phase three as instructed. I'm dying to mix my diet up a bit and would give my left tit for a little fat (oooooohhhh, olive oil).

It's Sunday. My honey wants Chinese food...again (yes, he always wants Chinese food...if I would agree, he'd eat it everyday). Which means I get hot tea, H2O and four steamed shrimp with cabbage, onion and celery. Go me!

Better posts tomorrow! I promise.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!