Where have I been?

Jane Doh! here and...er, doh!

Still holding steady +/-2.5lbs from my last day weight. Those that know me get that I've been diligent (well, about my diet)...posting to my blog? Er, not so much.

Busy, natch, but just having a hard time actually getting on my computer...still all over the iPhone, I just hate being held captive in my dinky little office...but I digress.

I'd say, "I'll write more later," but we all know how that's been working for me.

So, for now, eat and be well...and, yes, in the unforgettable words of Ahnold, "I'll be baaaaack."

Jane Doh!

R2P2D11 -1.0 (-8.6 total since start weight)

That's what I'm talking about! Down another pound.

Doing okay this round. Though I don't recommend it, I'm enjoying the occasional beverage and, if I drink extra water (beyond my typical 100oz each day), I haven't gained. I'll stall...but no gain. I can only think that my metabolism has truly changed...and this thrills me to no end!

Now, that's not a license to start eating poorly again...but at least a couple of tortilla chips or a glass of champagne/skinny-rita will not croak me. Color. Me. Happy!

Looking forward to the weekend...no boat (too chilly), but I will have my honey around...so that truly is all that matters. Albondigas Soup (recipe below) is on the menu tonight.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R2P2D9 +.3 (-7.6 total since start weight)

Arghhhhh...if only mother nature would do her thing! Haven't "gone" (if you get my drift) in at least two full days...I. Am. Not. Comfortable.

Think I'll head to Char-bucks to do a little work and drink a giant, black java...that should move things along (one can only hope).

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R2P2D7 -1.3 (-7.9 total since start weight)

I have the hungry horrors right now...argh. Just gnawed on a melba toast...and am powering back yet another 25oz of H2O...still feeling peckish, but I won't give in.

Will be having a late dinner with my honey tonight...baked chicken with herbs de provence and a chopped salad of toms, cukes, radishes, celery and onion. Looking forward to that...perhaps I should eat my second fruit to ward off any potential cheating. Hmmmm, that sounds like a good plan.

Pink lady here I come!

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R2P2D5 -1.2 (-6.6 total)

Bringing the boat up...nothing but clean eating, but no weigh-in tomorrow. I will post on Monday, day 7.

Jane Doh!

R2P2D4 -1.0 (-5.4 total since start weight)

Called that...lost a pound this morning.

Today is launch day...woo-hoo...let the 2011 boating season begin.

Trying to plan meals for a Saturday overnight on the vessel Ambience. I'm good (salad type fixings and some cooked chix)...my honey's food, on the other hand, a whole different matter.

I'm thinking he can have breakfast at home and I'll bring the following:

Sat. lunch:

3oz cooked chix/cukes/radishes/toms (me)
Pearl hot dog/cukes/radishes/toms (him)

Sat. snack:
2 apples (me & him)

Sat. dinner:
95% burgers rimmed with coarse ground pepper
grilled asparagus
Cantaloupe (me & him...I know, not allowed, but too bad...it is amazing right now!)

Sun. breakfast
Black coffee in the French press

Yep...that'll work.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R2P2D3 -2.2 (-4.4 total since start weight)

...and this despite a cheat...cantaloupe...Athena melons are in season...yes, I am a weak person!

Another day...another pound, per chance?

Jane Doh!

P2 Meal Idea...Spiced Beef & Veg

Okay...this is yummy.

Spiced Beef & Veg

100g 95% ground hamburg
1/4 cup minced onion
1 cup baby spinach
1 tsp. CMTaco spice blend (see below)
1 tbl. Water
Sliced cucumber/lettuce leaves

Heat water in a nonstick pan over high heat. Add onion and soften (about 2 minutes). Add spice blend and toss with onion until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add meat and brown until no pink (about 2 minutes). Fold in spinach. Season to taste. Serve with slice cucumber on side and/or with lettuce leaves to use as "taco" shells.

CMTaco Spice

2 tbl. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 tsp. dried oregano
1.5 tsp. paprika
3 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. cayenne pepper

Mix together and store in airtight spice jar. NOTE: be sure to check that no added sugars are in any of the above spices...Morton & Bassett is a great brand.

Eat and be well!

Jane Doh!

R2P2D2 -1.2

Feeling great today. Down 1.2, but more importantly, I just feel good eating clean again.

Met a friend for breakfast...well, breakfast for her, black coffee for me. It's about the company, not the victuals, ya know?

Doing Mexican lettuce wraps for lunch and then something chicken for dinner. Not sure what...need to think of my honey's meal, too.

Hmmmm...what to make, what to make. Ah, I'll drive off that bridge when I get to it.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R2P2D1 -.3

Ugh...I hate loading. Actually lost .3 on my second day...further proving the HCG drops really work.

Very happy to start P2 today. My only concern is the dearth of produce. I'm horrified at the quality of apples. Grapefruits are the size of grape tomatoes and don't even get me started on tomatoes themselves. You'd think after all the rain of this past spring flavors would be bursting, but noooooo.

Ah, well, I will persevere. It's what I am, it's who I be.

Speaking of icky produce, need to head to the grocer for supplies.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

So...I'm going in for R2

Yep...made up my mind...still 6.1 over my last day weight, so I'm going to do a short, second round. Actually looking forward to it...my goal is to lose 14lbs...that will take care of the 6+ over, as well as give me a nice 8lb buffer. Should be doable in 23 days. I start tomorrow with loading and will, of course, faithful follower, keep you posted.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Stabilization...1 year, 193 days...+6.9lbs

Yikes...I'm out of control. I've decided a second round is in order...for a couple of reasons.

1. I've crept up way past my goal/LDW (just shy of 7lbs). And though it will go down upwards of three pounds on any given day, I'm still on the high side...not the preferred low side of the +/-2lbs limit.
2. I think a three week round is just the discipline I need as I head into summer. And
3. It will just make me feel better.

I've had a hard time with weight swings since starting the hormone replacement therapy. Thrilled to be sleeping again, but, it's been a few months now and the upward trend in my weight concerns me. Sooooo, it's Round II for me.

In a way, I'm kind of looking forward to it.

The limits on food really makes choosing sooooo easy. And seeing even a tiny loss each day is worth it.

So, here's to losing these 6.9lbs, plus another 2 or 3. I'll be well below my original goal/LDW and with any luck, retrain my hormone happy system...not unlike training my system with the first round back in October 2009.

Loading occurs over Memorial Day weekend...eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Stabilization...1 year, 186 days...+1.9lbs

Woo-hoo...within the +/-2lb range of my goal weight. Color me happy!

Of course, tonight we head to the Sox/Tigers game...not enjoying a Fenway frank will be a challenge, to say the least.

Need to get back to work.

Jane Doh!

Stabilization...1 year, 174 days...+2.8lbs

Still have my period, but I'm within spitting distance of my goal weight...this is a good thing.

I have a big foodie event tonight. Italian fare...suffice it to say there will be an inordinate amount of pasta about. Alas and alack, I will refrain. Sense a great deal of my time will be spent at the J. Pace & Sons table...cheese and proscuitto...yummy, protein laden and filling. Check. Check. & Check.

Found this fab-me-lous beaded top in my storage boxes. Fits (now) to perfection and, well, I am looking good. Still undecided on whether to wear the 4" heels or not. They look great, granted, but will I last the night in them is the real question. Ah, what the heck. It won't be the first time, nor the last, that I sacrifice form for function. It ain't easy being me, that's for certain.

Must get my act together.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Stabilization...1 year, 172 days...+3.9lbs

I. Hate. TOM! No, not my honey...my period. Arrrrgghhhh!

Anyway, a pal was asking for a sample P3 and P4 daily menu...so, I put my little thinking cap on and came up with these...fairly typical for me.

When I finished the 42 days at 500 cals (including the three days at 500, but no drops) back in November 2009, I went right up to 1500 cals a day for 21 days to “set my new weight point.”

No starch or sugar (duh), but I also upped my exercise considerably. At day 22, I dropped down to 1300 cals per day (or what my BMR is (google BMR and plug in your current numbers to get the number of calories you can eat each day and not gain anything, even if you just laid about in bed!)) and continued with increased exercise. And at day 22, I still opted to stay away from starch and sugar. In fact, I consume very little of these, even now.

Over the next 5 months or so, I averaged a 1.5-2lb loss each week...up and down, granted, but still a consistent loss each week. And when I did pop up a 1/4 to 1/2lb, I just cut back on dairy/fat; upped my lettuce intake and powered back even more water...inevitably, I’d be right back on track the next day.

So here’s a typical P3 menu:

Coffee w/1 tbl. light cream (30)
4oz tub 2% cottage cheese (90)
sugar-free pineapple tidbits (60) and
1 tbl. of slivered almonds (43) (223 total)

1 med. Apple (95)
2 Tbl. Teddy All Natural Peanut Butter (190) (285 total)

4oz "naked" grilled salmon (210)
Caesar salad (parmesan yes, croutons no) (250) (460 total)

10 baby carrots/10 3” celery stix (35)

Omelet (2 large eggs (140), 1 tbl. light cream (30), 2 tbl. cup shredded cheese (100), 1/2 tomato, diced (15), spray of olive oil in pan (25). (310 total)

10 Almonds (raw (56))

100-128 oz water, at least 2 tbl. ACV, black coffee as desired.

That’s about 1400 cals...to make it to 1500, I’d up a protein a little (extra ounce) or up my veggies.

Typical P4 menu (now trying to stay within my BMR, so only 1300/day for me):

Usually the breakfast above, but on occasion...
1/4 cup dry serving of steel cut oatmeal (150 cals.)
15 dried cherries or small box raisins (45 cals.)
1 tbl of light cream (30 cals.), topped with cinnamon and stevia (225 total)

1 cup Chicken Taco Stew (170)
2 tbl shredded cheese (100)
2 tbl sour cream (60)
1/2 cup diced onion, tomato, cilantro (25) (355 total)

RECIPE: Toss a chopped onion, box of frozen chopped spinach, box of frozen corn, 16 oz can of black beans drained, 28 oz can whole tomatoes in purée (I pull the cores out and crush toms with my hand before adding), 8 oz. can tomato sauce, 1/4 cup taco seasoning, 1+ tsp. each chili powder, cumin, coriander, hot sauce (add to suit your own taste). Stir together. Cook on high for 3 hrs. Shred chicken from one cooked bird (I get the rotisserie style at the grocery store). Add to crockpot. Cook another hour on low. Add more tomato puree if stew is too dry. I serve with chopped fresh tomato, scallions, jalepenos, shredded cheddar cheese (Mexican seasoned blend is exceptionally yummy) and sour cream (you need to add appropriate calories for each topping used).

1 med. Apple (95)
2 Tbl. Teddy All Natural Peanut Butter (190) (285 total)

6oz Naked grilled protein (chicken (210), lean beef (276), white fish (200), shrimp (200), etc.))
1 cup Ratatouille (summer squash, onions, tomatoes, olive oil and fresh cracked lemon pepper (in heavy duty foil, on the grill for about 15 mins) (175))
OR
Caprese Salad (1 med tomato, 2.5oz buff mozz, 2tsp EVOO, basil, salt & pepper (311))
OR
Crab Salad on Endive (3.5oz lump crab, lemon zest and 1/2 of the lemon's juice, white pepper, chopped scallion, 1-2 tsp mayo (150))

10 dark choc. M&Ms (43)

100-128 oz water, at least 2 tbl. ACV, black coffee as desired.

You get the idea.

Hope this helps.

Jane Doh!

Stabilization...1 year, 157 days...?

Failed to weigh myself this morning...up too early. And, yes, not enough sleep definitely impacts weigh in. But I digress...I've decided to post my Cliff Notes version of me...before and after. Yep...there I am. Yikes.

Stabilization...1 year, 145 days...+2.9lbs

Slowly but surely, I'm inching my way back to my goal weight. Amazed I lost anything last week. Friends were up for the weekend and it was all about food and cocktails. I tried to moderate my eating, but I am still quite shocked that I fared as well as I did. Here is to HCG and my new metabolism.

Trying to work and not keep one eye on the Red Sox. So much for a "dream team." More like a nightmare...0-5...yes, we've lost every game so far...and now the Yankees come to Boston for the home opener. I. Am. Not. Feeling. The. Love. Theo.

On a brighter note, dinner tonight with my fabulous college roommates. Always worth a few grins and giggles.

Okay, no more goofing off...back to work.

Jane Doh!

Stabilization...1 year, 138 days...+3.5lbs

Working back down to my goal weight. Taking a bit more effort than I'd hope, but at least the scale is moving down. Phew. Literally and figuratively, here's a step in the right direction...

...not certain who was more excited to go on a long walk this morning...Scamps or me or my sweetie. But, alas, a Nor'easter is due late tonight through early Saturday morning. It being Spring and all, we'll have little to no accumulation, but still...I am so done with this winter. Argh.

Need to run to the store for a few staples...dreading that.

So, how's this for crazy? My pal has chicken pox. CHICKEN POX? He's 47 years old, for goodness sakes. How is that possible? Sensitive soul that I am, I promptly banned him from the house. Yes, I've had them, but, ewwwwww. All that puss and gross icky-ness. Not in my crib...uh-uh.

Anyway, need to think about what to put on the menu for this evening...perhaps a homemade tomato basil soup? Mmmmmm, that sounds very good. Decision made.

Off to the store...woo-hoo!

Jane Doh!

Stabilization...1 year, 135 days...+3.8lbs

Yep...I'm 3.8lbs over my goal weight. Though I will not being doing a steak day. Why? Because I started Hormone Replacement Therapy (perimenopause symptoms are taking their toll on me) and I realize my body needs to adjust to this new addition. Not to mention, I've been eating clean, clothes still fit great (think my brand new size 8P jeans)...so, I'll give myself a few weeks to get a handle on things.

Make no mistake tho, it is tough to see that number rise...valid explanation or not! But I'm watching it closely...was back within the +/-2lb range a couple of times last week, that's why I think it's my body trying to stabilize.

Otherwise, all is good in my little dieting world. My gal pal is trying for the third time...happily, she hit the one week mark yesterday (-5.2lbs.). Granted, not as fast as some, but she has less weight to lose and we all know that means the dreaded .1-.3 range loss mode.

Of course, her husband cut out butter and has dropped 10lbs...men...can't diet with 'em, can't shoot 'em. Well, you can, but rarely do you get away with it...but I digress.

Getting ready for Spring...can't come soon enough.

Okay, back to work.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Stabilization...1 year, 115 days...?

Had an very early meeting this morning and in my haste to get out the door, I failed to weigh myself. But the other day I was 142.3...well under my goal weight, but, as you can see, still not hitting the 130s.

That said though...guess who fit quite nicely into size 8 petite jeans? Oh yeah. As my sweetie said, "Button, you are smokin' hot." 8P...I was born an 8P for chrissakes!

Have a lovely Mexican Black Bean Soup simmering in the crock pot for dinner tonight. Looking forward to that.

And heading to the doctor on Thursday to talk possible hormone replacement...perimenopause and night sweats are killing me. In the meantime, my regular doc gave me a scrip for Ambien...actually slept 7 straight hours last night...first time since before the new year. Woke feeling fabulous.

Must fly...conference call coming up.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

PS: here's the Mexican Black Bean Soup recipe:

Mexican-Style Bean Soup
(Combo of several recipes, with my own changes tossed in for good measure…very filling at just 200 calories per 1.5 cups; 6 g of fat and 16 g of protein! From Colleen Turner)

8 servings, prep time: 10 mins., cook time: 4-6hrs (low), 6-8hrs (high)

1 Tbl extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 qt reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 28-oz can pureed tomato
1 cup frozen corn
1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 tsp salt
Tabasco to taste (I like 5 good shakes, at least)
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
6 Tbl crumbled feta or bleu cheese (optional)
1. Add all to crock pot, stirring to mix
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, high 4-6 hours, or until veg are tender.
3. Ladle 1.5 cups into individual bowls and serve garnished with cilantro and 1 Tbl of crumbled cheese of choice.

Stabilization...1 year, 75 days...140.3 (-4.7 under goal)

Another day, another low. Once again, I flirt with the 130s.

HCG is being slammed in the media...again...the FDA warns that it does nothing and to sell a product with HCG in it is illegal. Here is the article from USA Today:

FDA: HCG weight-loss products fraudulent
by Nanci Hellmich - Jan. 24, 2011 11:25 AM
USA TODAY

A popular type of weight-loss products, heavily promoted on the Internet, is fraudulent and illegal, Food and Drug Administration officials say.

HCG weight-loss products that promise dramatic results and claim to be homeopathic are sold as drops, pellets and sprays on the Web, in drugstores and at General Nutrition Centers. They are supposed to be used in combination with a very low-calorie diet of 500 calories a day.

Many of the labels indicate the products contain HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone made by the placenta during pregnancy. The hormone itself is approved as a prescription treatment for infertility and other conditions.

There is no evidence the oral over-the-counter products are effective for weight loss, says Elizabeth Miller, FDA's leader for the Internet and health fraud team. While they may not be dangerous, they're at least "economic fraud," she says.

Because the products do not seem to be "a serious direct health hazard or a serious indirect health hazard," they have been a lower priority for FDA action than other products. Still, Miller says, "they could be subject to enforcement at any time."

One of the issues is the homeopathic label. Homeopathy is an alternative medicine practice of using very small or diluted preparations of medicines or remedies to treat a condition. Miller says, "We are aware of HCG products that claim to be homeopathic, but it is not recognized in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia." Therefore, these products "are not recognized by the FDA as homeopathic drugs, so they are unapproved drugs and are illegal," she says.

Miller says HCG began being used for weight loss in the 1950s when a British physician had a theory that it could help people on a near-starvation diet not feel hungry. "Since then, a lot of research and clinical trials debunked that theory."

Samuel Klein of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis agrees: "Data from most randomized controlled trials show that HCG is no better than placebo in achieving weight loss or reducing hunger."

Stephen Barrett, a retired psychiatrist who operates quackwatch.org, says, "The bottom line is there is no reason to think the product works."

Even experts in the supplement industry say the products aren't legal and don't work. Andrew Shao of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, an industry group, says HCG is "not considered a legal dietary ingredient and therefore cannot be sold as a dietary supplement. I am not aware of any scientific evidence that supports its use when taken orally."

Because HCG is a peptide hormone, it would be broken down by the stomach and rendered ineffective, he says. He says the products are mostly sold over the Internet, so it's difficult to track sales.

Kevin Wright, president of HCG Platinum, says his company made HCG products until about two months ago; it stopped because it found a formula that doesn't use the hormone. Some bottles of the HCG formula are still on store shelves, selling for about $70 an ounce.

Many other companies are still selling HCG products, and there are weight-loss clinics that use the prescribed injectable hormone, he says.

FDA's Miller also has concerns about injectable versions of HCG for weight loss. The drug is not approved for weight loss, she says. Dieters getting injections of the hormone from people who aren't licensed to do so run the risk of getting infections and can't be sure what product they're getting.

In October of 2009, I used a homeopathic version that had the "imprint" of HCG in it, not actual HCG.

Placebo effect or not, there was no denying that I was not hungry (despite eating a mere 500 calories a day for 42 days). Ever.

And, amazingly, that six weeks of eating clean and healthy completely changed my tastes in foods. Once a "the sweeter the better" girl, I can barely stomach anything remotely sugary. In fact, even fruits are sometimes too cloying. As a result, I do not indulge...even now. Hence why I'm hanging steady at a 57lb./55" loss...this over a year after taking HCG.

Sure, I work hard at maintaining. I drink about a gallon of water each day, always try to select lean proteins, opt for no dressing on plain salads, keep away from breads, pastas and starchy fruit/veg. I still love cheese, olives, nuts and such, but enjoy these in moderation. And I've cut back dramatically on my alcohol consumption. So much so, the only bevvies I now partake of are champagne or the occasional dry martini/skinny margarita.

Most importantly, the HCG protocol itself taught me the importance of portion control. Prior to embarking on my HCG journey, my eating habits were out of control. I refused to moderate how much I ate and it showed...all over my body.

So, who knows what will become of HCG...it would be a shame if people no longer had it as a choice for weight loss. It's not easy, but it is, by far, the most successful life changing diet plans I have ever tried...and I've tried a whole bunch!

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Stabilization...1 year, 62 days...142.7 (-2.3 under goal)

Arrgh...I hate being a woman. It's that "time"...huge bloating and such...alas, it is the cross we divas must bear.

So, I've come to a big conclusion...drum roll please...a calorie is not just a calorie.

I don't care what Weight Watchers, Dr. Oz or any other pundit says. The scale does not lie. And 1300 cals of lean proteins, leafy veg and light fruits is processed in this almost-50-year-old-body way easier than even 500 cals in say, a slice of veggie pizza. So, the concept of "saving" calories for a splurge is, really, all wrong. And, customarily, I don't indulge. Not only does it not taste that good, but it really makes my tummy ache. And is a life without bread, sugar, pasta, etc., one worth living? Absolutely! Thought I'd miss them, but I don't.

So, why the big switch?

Who knows? All I know is my taste buds are completely different. I like spicy food...a lot. I dig a dry martini...yeah, me, Miss-Appletini! Tho, I do still love me my salt. Less, granted, but...well, we all need some sort of vice, for chrissakes.

That's it for today!

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!