R3P3D8 (-12.7/-54.4lbs total)

Post Round 3 and feeling good. My sweetie hit 26lbs lost this morning...he is very pleased. I need to take a break from HCG...not from clean, healthy eating...just the drops. I'm happy I did this last round with T & Greg, but Enough. Is. Enough! Besides, quite frankly, I look fab-me-luscious, so there! SMILE. Ooooh, I have a recipe (P3) to share...just need to fine-tune a bit. It will come shortly. Eat and be healthy, Jane Doh!

R3P2D24 -.4 (-15.1lbs total)

Only five days left...creeping along, but at least the number keeps going down. I am still 4.9lbs short of my goal (taking into account the buffer I want). No worries. I'll just stay P3 like longer and add in exercise to get that off. I'm not too concerned.

Gosh I'm looking forward to Teddy All-Natural Peanut Butter...with sliced apple...oh, I'm in heaven just thinking about it.

Not much to report. Need to still do some work.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D22 -1.5 (-14.7lbs/11.25" total)

And this despite having a dry martini on Saturday. I just had the one and I did not cheat anywhere else...in fact, I powered back about gallon and a half of water, so, no doubt that helped to flush the cocktail out. Tasted scrumptious, I must say. The martini, that is...water is just water, ya know? SMILE.

The rest of the weekend was quite uneventful...accomplished gobs of things and enjoyed spending time with my sweetie.

Picked up a couple of adorable bags at my pal's "retiring-from-Beijo" party...check out this sweet little sack-cum-computer bag? Yes, my MacBook Air slips in very nicely...form and function...does it get any better?

I only have drops for about 10 more days...hoping to hit the magic 20 number. Must. Buckle. Down.

In the meantime, I need to work.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D19 -.8 (-13.2lbs)

Finally, a loss worth noting...still have "the curse," but at least the scale is moving again.

I will say, I have the hungry horrors today. I'm not cheating, mind you, but I just feel like eating...and eating...and eating. Perhaps a trip to Starbucks for coffee and water is in order. Get me away from food (even the good stuff!).

Yes, that's it.

I'm off.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D18 -.2 (-12.4lbs)

"To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day." So said Macbeth...a more apt description of my losses of late does not exist.

Though, I should be happy. An unexpected visit from TOM (this only 9 days after a two-week visit...gawd, I. Hate. Menopause.) and even a .2 loss is something!

So, I believe I've perfected my Chimichurri recipe...it is the ideal topper to jazz up our somewhat lackadaisical dishes...very bright in flavor and color. A little bit, though, goes a long way...I use about a tsp. as a condiment and log 5 cals for this amount.

Chimichurri

Makes 1 cup; 5 cals per tsp.

1/2 small onion, quartered
1 large bunch fresh cilantro
3-4 cloves garlic (good sized)
pinch dry oregano
pinch crushed red pepper flakes
3-4 tbl. vinegar (white, rice, champagne or red wine...NOT balsamic)
1/2 tsp. sea salt
pinch ground black pepper
1 lime, juiced and zested
Splash of water (to loosen if necessary)

Place all ingredients in a mini-chop, and pulse 10-15 times (or finely mince all ingredients and mix in bowl). Should look like the image at right. Store in a glass, air-tight container in refrigerator. Will keep for several weeks (discard when bright green color has turned dark).

I love this on top of hCG friendly chilis, grilled meats, steamed veggies...I'll even marinate in it...the uses are endless!

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D17 -0 (-12.2lbs)

Ugh...I am in my first official stall.

I am sticking with it, but gosh, it's tough. You just plain get used to seeing that number move downward, even if only a fraction...so holding steady? Not. So. Good.

My goal today is to consume an obscene, no make that offensive...realllllly offensive...amount of water. Can't hurt, right? Perhaps that will get things moving again. I only have enough drops for about 8-10 more days, so as the saying goes, I need to make hay whilst the sun shines.

Must work.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D15 -1.2 (-12.2lbs/8.75" total)

Considering the temptations I faced...yet I stilled stayed perfect on protocol...I'm a little disappointed at the miniscule loss these past three days. Ah well, tomorrow is another day.

The photo at right is just a small portion of the food surrounding me on Saturday night. But I was good. Not even a finger taste...just green tea. Impressive, no?

And to add insult to injury...I had to face the many leftovers at the "morning after" recap visit. Cruel, I tell you. Just. Plain. Cruel.

Speaking of Saturday's fete (and gosh, what a fun time), I had a few of the girls ask me about hCG. I guess they are intending to start on April 1. I gave them my blog eddress and figured I'd pop in this "hCG 101" for them (tho, gals, do google and read "Pounds & Inches" (http://www.thehcgdiet.com/pdf/pounds-and-inches-by-dr-a-t-w-simeons.pdf)).

Here's the short story:

Phase 1: 2-3 loading days of eating anything you want (higher fat content, the better). Take drops.

Phase 2: 21-40 days of very specific portions and limited choices of foods (google Pounds & Inches, see link above)...if it's not on the list? You. Can. Not. Have. It! This is called VLCD (very low calorie diet); drink at least half your current weight in ounces of water, only up to 45 mins of light walking and no cheating (not even a finger taste). Sweeten with stevia only (truvia had added sugar). No fats, sauces, alcohol. Take drops.

P3: 21 days of 1500 cals per day (or google BMR calculator and get the exact number of calories your body needs to maintain). Consume no starches or sugar. Add in dairy (full fat...to many hidden sugars in low-fat), olive oil, avocado, nuts, cheese, other proteins (salmon, tuna, pork, turkey, etc.); all fruits (except bananas...too starchy); all veg (except potatoes, winter squash, peas, corn...again, too starchy). Stevia only. No alcohol. No drops.

P4: lifetime...enjoy anything in moderation. Stay away from processed foods (just plain bad). No drops.

I can guess what you are thinking...I could lose weight if I just did this. And you would. You'd also be starving and would lose mostly muscle. The hCG takes care of that. So, though realllllly boring food wise, the results are incredible and -- at most -- it's only 6 weeks...You. Will. Live.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!
That's essentially it.

R3P2D12 -.6 (-11 total)

And the weekend is nearly upon us.

Lots of challenges in store for me. Late dinner out with my honey tonight (which means I'll eat before and enjoy water) and a big party tomorrow, complete with limo, dinner and dancing. Again, I'll eat prior to and just have water and coffee. Good news is, the meals are so late, I couldn't have lasted that long without eating anyway. Besides, the goal is to be social, not to eat.

I will, however, miss toasting a glass of Mama's Punch to the birthday boy, but I'll live (as will he), I'm sure.

As to tomorrow's attire...what should I don, hmmmm? A little dressy-poo? Silk peg-leg pants in a lovely silver and black brocade? Oooh, or maybe my dressy turtleneck-palazzo suit in jersey? Down 11lbs and the choices are endless...yea me!

Looking forward to enjoying some Apple Crumble Soup today...I do believe I need a special hCG treat. And I may head to my favorite Mexican place for lunch (they do me up a nice small portion of grilled chix (naked, of course), served on a bed of shredded lettuce with sliced cukes on the side). Great company and always a good time.

Then back to my desk and the aforementioned treat. Here's the recipe:

Apple Crumble Soup

1 apple, peeled and cored
1/2 cup water
Splash lemon juice
1 tsp. cinnamon/stevia mix (I use this on a lot of stuff)
1 crushed Melba toast

Slice apple into quarters and then into thin slices. Place all ingredients, except toast, into a pan and bring to a boil.

Simmer, stirring regularly, until desired doneness. I like a little firmness in some apples, as well as a little leftover, slightly thickened liquid (that's where the "soup" factor comes in).

Pour into serving bowl and top with crushed toast. This is P2 friendly...in P3 you can top with toast and a little shredded cheddar for even more flavor.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D11 -.8 (-10.4 total)

Woo-hoo! I hit the -10lbs mark. I. Love. Double. Digits.

Bad me, though. I failed to eat dinner last night. I was so caught up in work, next thing I knew it was 7:30, I was still a ways out from getting home and I have a steadfast rule: I don't eat after 8:00 p.m.

Amazingly, I did not have a stall...so that is good. Bet tomorrow's loss is even more generous. By the by, I'm back on track with eating today (remember, skipping a meal is really bad in P2...can easily throw you into starvation mode and you actually store what meager calories you take in! Eeeeeekkkk.

Today, I've had an apple, my lunch (a Mock Taco Salad) and 60oz of water already. Plus I went for a lovely walk with my honey and Scamps (about 40 mins.). All good, I'd say.

It is another incredible day here on the Gold Coast...I'm heading down to Starbucks for coffee and work.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D10 -.4 (-9.6 total)

Still shy of that magic first 10...oh well. Still focused and feeling great about this round.

I can not get over the difference eating clean and drinking gobs of water makes in relation to my hair, nails, skin...even sleep. Yes, this from the Ambien queen. Not to mention, dressing is a joy again...even with just 9.2lbs gone. Makes. A. Big. Difference.

Also, I noticed my focus is a bit better. Almost a case of "Look like a sloth? Feel like a sloth." "Look like a Goddess? Rule the world." Just sayin'.

Enjoying my Chicken Cacciatore with a 1cup shredded cabbage (sorta like spaghetti) for lunch today. I add it and a little extra water when I'm reheating my serving on the stove top. Key to do it there and not in the microwave...gets too mushy. The dish is quite good...I'll even eat it post-P2. The recipe is below.

Chicken Cacciatore (P2)
• Makes 6-1 cup servings (130 cals)

14oz Chicken breast, raw and trimmed of all visible fat
2 med. sized onions, chopped
Splash Red Wine vinegar
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
3 tsp. Italian Seasoning, separated (Morton & Bassett makes a great hCG friendly blend)
1 28oz can Whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand (Red Pack is a good brand)
1 tbl. tomato paste (again, check label for no added sugar, etc.)
1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
1/2 tsp. granulated onion
Salt & pepper
Optional: pinch crushed red pepper flakes

Bring 2 cups water and 1 tsp Italian Seasoning to a boil. Add chicken breasts and simmer 10-15 minutes until done. Let cool, then shred to bite size pieces.

Bring 3 tbl. water to simmer, add chopped onions, 1 tsp Italian Seasoning, vinegar and pinch of salt. Cook until translucent, about 5 mins. Add garlic. Cook 1 minute.

Pour in hand-crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 tsp Italian Seasoning, garlic and onion powder (optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes). Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Add shredded chicken, salt & pepper to taste. Cook 5 minutes more.

Let cool and transfer to 1-cup plastic containers. Freezes well.

-----------------------------------------------------

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D9 -.4 (-9.2 total)

Another day, another loss.

Very pleased with this round. I'm focused and just feel better...already. Particularly in relation to my hair and skin. I'm sure that's the increased water intake. I'd been slacking for awhile. I trained my body to expect it for the past two years, then...BAM!...I start easing up and simultaneously drying up! YIKES.

Made 6 servings of Chicken Cacciatore...I'll post the recipe tomorrow. Need to still get some work done. Sooooo....

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D8 -2.2 (-8.8/-5" total)

It is a sad sign on the times when a diva needs to dye the hair on her head and bleach the hair over her lip! Ugh...getting old is not for sissies.

But hCG is...I'm loving this round. Feel great. Dropping "Pounds & Inches," a mere one week in. All. Good!

Been working and out of the house a lot...so eating on protocol, but also on-the-run. Today I'll be in Boston for a meeting most of the day. I've already packed 3.5oz lobster and a baggie of celery stix and radishes, plus I'll bring an apple. That should hold me until the evening's repast. It's all about preparation.

About the "mixing" of veg...purists will say, "You can't do that!" But, I'm still happy with my losses, so to heck with it. Not to mention, I don't do it EVERY meal, so there.

Need to also work in a run to the grocery store...low on fruit and veg. Otherwise, pretty well equipped to face week two of Round 3.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D6 -1.5 (-6.6 total)

Never did get to the blog yesterday...down 1.5lbs over the last two days. I'm pleased.

Of course, my honey has lost the same...and he is not near as diligent as I am, nor is he taking hCG...arrrggghhh, men and weight loss, the bane of being a woman. But then it's not all bad...my sweetie wants to go for lobsters today, a perfect P2 nosh. Count. Me. In.

Still trying to get back into the ACV with water habit...doesn't taste as good as I remember. I'm thinking another week of staying on protocol should completely cleanse my system of all the less-than-desirable tastes I re-acquired in the last year or so. I'll give it a shot then.

Also, I'm not sleeping well...even after taking 5mg of Ambien last night. Not only are both not getting zzz's and the Ambien not good for me, but I know a lack of adequate sleep in general is not good for the diet. Water and sleep appear to be key to stellar results, ya know? Again, I'll give it another week or so and see where we are. I vaguely recall this occurring at the start of my first round back in 2009. I had so much energy, I just didn't know quite what to do with it! At least I'm not cranky like I was with the night sweats and hot flashes (hence why I started HRT and am now doing a third round to permanently lose these same 8lbs I keep gaining...over and over again).

Not sure I mentioned it, but hoping to drop 15-20lbs total this round. I've decided I want/need a "comfort" buffer. Hovering +/-2lbs of my goal weight is waaaaaayyyyy too stressful. I'd like to be 5lbs below...then focus on the +/- of that figure...always 3lbs below my goal...make sense? Well, in my addled little brain it does, so there! SMILE.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D4 -1.0 (-5.1 total)

Loving this. Feels good to be cleaning out the proverbial system, as well as dropping these lingering lbs.

St. Patty's Day is this Saturday...alas, no boiled dinner for me. Disappointing, I know, but beauty and fab-me-lous-ness has it's price. Besides, I want to look smokin' hot in my sweet new party dress for Sam & Dan's beach wedding at the end of June. A lovely, form fitting number that my current extra 8lbs. makes look dumpy...and Princess. Can. Not. Have. That!

Made a tasty Beef Chili today for lunch (plus one more serving for another day).

1 medium sized onion, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
7oz 95% Hamburger
2 Cups whole peeled tomatoes (Red Pack is a good brand)
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tsp CMTaco Blend (see below)

Heat (med/high) two tbl. water in sauce pan. Add onion, salt, pepper and 1 tsp CMTaco Blend. Cook until soft, about 4-5 mins. Push onions to side and place garlic. Heat 1 minute, being careful not to burn. Mix all together.

Push onions/garlic to side. Add meat, breaking up with spoon. Cook until no longer pink.

Add tomatoes and 1 tsp. CMTaco Blend.

Lower heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.

Makes 3 cups. 1 1/2 cups per serving.

CMTaco Blend
3 tbl. chili powder
2 tbl. cayenne powder
1 tbl. cumin
2 tsp. granulated onion powder
1 tsp. granulated garlic powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. white or black pepper
1 tsp. dried cilantro
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Mix together and store in air-tight jar.

Yummy...my friends couldn't believe this chili was so diet friendly (about 260 cals per serving). Even lower cals (230) if made with boiled, shredded chicken (boil 7oz chicken in water mixed with 1 more tsp of the CMTaco Blend, about 10 mins.).

Okay...back to work and drinking lots of water. I'm double fisted at the moment...24oz H2O on my left; 8oz Chai Black Tea (Stash brand) on my right.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D3 -3.1 (-4.1 total)

Nice loss this morning...very pleased.

Made a really yummy Chicken Chili for dinner last night.

Boil 7oz (for two servings) of trimmed chix in water, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, splash of apple cider vinegar for about 10-12 minutes. Remove from liquid, cool, then shred.

Discard chicken liquid from pan.

Mix 1/2 can no-sugar added whole plum tomatoes (Red Pack is a good brand; store remaining tomatoes in glass jar for future use), 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 3 cloves garlic (minced), salt & pepper to taste and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Cook down slowly, breaking up tomatoes with wooden spoon.

Add cooked, shredded chicken and heat through. Store 1/2 for another meal; enjoy remaining with a melba toast or 1/2 fresh chopped tomato on top.

Absolutely delicious and satisfying. Even my husband liked it...and he's a tough critic.

Had a few hunger pains overnight, but mainly because the storms passing through kept waking me...thunder, lightning and hail...in March! Really, Mother Nature? Here's hoping sleep does not elude me this evening...I'm truly exhausted.

Must get back to work!

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D2 -1.0

Not much, but I'll take it. Not surprised...I barely got all my water in. Today, however, that is a different story.

Had a great lunch: chilled shrimp, chopped lettuce and cucumber with a raspberry vinegar mustard dressing. Quite lovely...dessert was a melba toast, natch. Looking forward to this afternoon's broiled 1/2 grapefruit with cinnamon...juciy and delish.

Must get to work.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D1

And so the VLCD begins.

Feeling good. Need to head to the grocery store to stock up on supplies. Trying to think of a meal to make for dinner that meets my dietary needs, but satisfies my honey. Hmmmm.

I enjoyed Taco Spiced Beef & Onions for lunch.

3.5 oz 95% hamburger
1 medium onion, sliced
CMTaco Blend (see below)
Lettuce or cabbage (optional)

Heat dry skillet, add 1 tsp. water and onion. Salt and pepper. Saute until onion is soft (about 5 mins.), adding more water if onion begins to stick. Push onions off to sides, add meat, breaking up. Season to taste with CMTaco Blend (1/2 to 1 tsp.). Mix all together, adding water if sticking. Serve over shredded lettuce or cabbage.

CMTaco Blend
3 tbl. chili powder
2 tbl. cayenne powder
1 tbl. cumin
2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. white pepper
1 tsp. dried cilantro

Mix together and store in air-tight jar.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Just took my first drop...well into the champers! Bring on The Loading!!

Ahhhh, the joys of turning 50

I am officially well into my fabulous-50th year...and it's not pretty. Bad back, lackluster hair, dull skin and brittle nails...not to mention, I've been averaging 8-11lbs over my last weigh-in weight since I started on the hormone patch as a way of managing night sweats and hot flashes. I ask you...this is not the fabulousness I had in mind...just sayin'.

So, long way of saying...I'm baaaaaaccccck.

I'm going to do a short round and get these (plus a few other) lbs off...once and for all.

Once again, I intend to follow the original Simeon's Protocol. My only exceptions will be a little mixing of veg (say onion and spinach sauteed with chicken and Greek seasonings...McCormick makes a good one. Always check label to be certain no sugars are added...if so, consider making your own: 2 parts dried oregano, 1 part, each, dried spearmint; garlic flakes; onion flakes, sea salt). I know, a lot of sites offer more veg choices and the whole 1 egg/1 slice bacon option for breakfast. Don't. Fall. For. It. It's 6 weeks (if you do a long round) at most...buck up baby...you'll be happy in the end. Not only will you look and feel great, but you will also be really proud of yourself. I'm looking forward to partying and drinking only water with lemon. No hangovers. No bloating. Just lost weight and inches.

I will start loading over the coming weekend (March 10 & 11), then begin the VLCD on March 12. A 21-day round takes me to April 1, and three more week in phase 3 brings me to April 25.

Daily results will be posted here, as well as my assorted thoughts and ideas (not to mention the occasional rant).

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!