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.

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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!

Stabilization...Day 82

82 days since I stopped the HCG drops...was down 26.3 lbs. then, down an additional 9.3 lbs. as of this morning...accomplished this just by staying on the recommended 1400 calories a day (for my BMR), engaging in moderate exercise (at least 10,000 steps) and partaking of no sugar or starches (despite the protocol allowing it). I still do enjoy an occasional glass or two of bubbly, but that's it. No red or white wine and absolutely no hard liquor.

I. Feel. Great. Made a really yummy smoothie this morning...recipe makes two servings at 235 calories each and contains a ton of protein (between the yogurt and the whey)...I share it with my honey, who is also down 20 lbs. just because of my meal prep:

1 7oz. tub 2% Greek yogurt

1 medium banana

1 Cup frozen, unsweetened whole strawberries (MUST BE FROZEN)

1 Scoop Whey Protein

Lemon Poland Springs Seltzer to loosen

1/4-1/2 packet of Stevia (optional)

Place all in blender...add seltzer to make blending smoother. Taste...if not sweet enough, add Stevia (sparingly...a little bit goes a long way). Enjoy.

Need to head to the farm stand for some veggies...making a white bean vegetable soup...if the recipe is worth sharing, up she goes!

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

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 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 28...effective...one full month of HCG!

Banner day today. Down .9 lbs. for a total of 20.4 lbs. lost and I've trimmed off an amazing 22.25" overall! I am beyond convinced of the effectiveness of HCG. Feel great...looking good...what more could I ask?

Had a fab VLCD-friendly meal with my honey last night: baked haddock with a sprinkle of Greek Seasonings and wafer-thin sliced red onion and tomato on top...20 minutes @ 375ºF. Served atop 1/4 cup of homemade salsa (chopped cukes, toms, red onion, cilantro, vinegar, salt, pepper and a few dashes of hot sauce), with a side of steamed spinach. Fabulous and even "himself" liked it!

Looking forward to lunch today...treated myself to some lobster...will serve on a bed of dark greens and tomatoes...decadent, but at minus 20+ pounds, I'm so worth it.

Happy Friday all!

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Day 25...effective

Down another .9 lbs., for a total of 18.2 lbs. Decided a diuretic was in order...feeling a little bloated, what with all the H2O. Feel much better today...plus being down close to a pound never hurts.

Fired my client, as promised. God, did that feel good! And, to further divest myself of dead wood, I cleaned out my closet...again, awesome feeling in all ways.

Okay...here's something new...I'm having my first real tough day...craving anything with fat! Not really bad fats like french fries...more like melted, gooey cheese (preferably with a few brown, crisp bubbles)...oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about.

I was at a business lunch at my fave Mexican bistro (Agave, Newburyport), partaking of the CoCo Special (half portion of naked grilled chix, shredded lettuce, chopped toms and a few slices of cucumber (vinegar on the side)), but boy did those nachos look tempting...and I HATE nachos. What is up with that?

Cravings be damned, I did not succumb and I live to lose another pound (or so)...did I tell you I'm averaging .7 lbs per day...sweet, huh?

That's it for now!

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Day 24...effective.

Back to -17.2 lbs., bringing me to 179.5 lbs. Still not sure why Sunday was a gain day. Annoying, to say the least.

And to add insult to injury, it is Monday again. Now that a series of high-pressure events are over and done with, I'm looking forward to some quiet time with other less stressful clients. In fact, speaking of clients, I am so firing my annoying hair dresser. No, not for a lousy hair cut (tho that's a topic for another time...I am so NOT a "texture" gal)...no, for just being a general pain in my ass who does not pay his bills. Reason enough, no? Ah, the relief one feels when divesting themselves of life's dead wood.

As for the diet...I have come to the realization, I'm not the 1 lb.-per-day person most others seem to be when on the HCG protocol. And, I assure you, gentle reader, it is not because of even the occasional cheat. Further proving, nothing is ever easy.

Well, except for my husband. He cuts out ice cream and loses 3+ lbs. a week. It's enough to make me sick! Ice cream! My lips have not tasted ice cream in two long, lonesome years. But I digress...

Came up with a nifty chicken topper...oil-free salsa. Not the biggest fan of peppers (upset my tummy, don't you know), I created my own fab version of salsa: chopped cukes, toms (both seeded...to reduce bitterness), red onion and cilantro with salt, pepper, several dashes of your favorite hot sauce and red wine vinegar to taste. Chop onions first and "bloom" with several shakes of vinegar (again, reduces bitterness), then chop remaining ingredients. If in phase three, a few tablespoons of olive oil adds further depth, but during phase two, the vinegar only is really quite good. I've enjoyed it on white fish and shrimp, too.

That's it for today. Back to the salt mines.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

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 14...effective

Two full weeks in and I'm down 13.1 lbs. and 13.75" overall.

Not bad. Surprised, and not in a good way, at the inches lost. Some area's went up (huh?)...not sure if this is my faulty measuring technique...yet, on the positive side, my big-fat-fatty-fat-belly is minus 3.5"...no wonder my pants fit better!

Apple day was beyond boring...and tho I'm back over the pound-or-more loss target (1.1 lbs. this a.m.), I'm still a little frustrated. Not sure why, really...just am. And yet, I soldier on. In a way, I get a perverse kick out of sticking to the diet so well. Dare I say, I have this internal sense of superiority. Between the not drinking and eating like a flippin' bird, I just suck back my 100+ ounces of water and think to myself, "Oh, yeah. I'm all that...hold the bag of chips."

And so you get a glimpse into my warped little psyche.

Good news is, I get to eat again at lunch today...thank god. 3.5 oz. of protein and vegetable are looking like heaven-right-here-on-earth about now.

Not much to say for now.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Day 13...effective...bring on Apple Day!

Down just .1 lbs. Since I'm obviously at a plateau, an apple day is in order. Sticking to the diet and losing virtually nothing is not what I signed up for. Argghh...my kingdom for a 1/2 pound loss.

Interesting though, despite the snail's pace in relation to losing, my dedication to this protocol is not waning. Of course my honey wants to know when I can start drinking again. ANSWER: November 11. But I use that term loosely...a glass of wine, on occasion, is hardly the party mode he's looking for...oh well, it's all about life changes. And cutting back on the ol' vino is never a bad thing...weight wise and other.

Still can't get over how great clothes I haven't worn in ages are fitting...yet more motivation, from my standpoint.

Okay, must start my day. 10:00 a.m. meeting and lots of other stuff to do.

Be and eat well...I'm in apple mode!

Jane Doh!

Day 11...effective

Alas...my first setback. When I stepped on the scale this morning, I was up .2 lbs. since yesterday. And I did not cheat...haven't since I started the diet, in fact.

However, I'm not totally surprised. Though not required, I am in the habit of tracking my food intake everyday. I use this very cool iPhone app called "Edibles." The only pain in the butt is that you have to get the calorie count (I use www.calorieking.com) and type in each thing that you eat (only once)...but, after you get all your typical foods in, you are good-to-go. This app also tracks your weight (including calculation of your BMI...I just dipped below 30...woo-hoo!) and credits you calories for any exercise.

As I was saying, I keep a count all day and, again, I did not cheat, but my total calorie intake for the day was (in relation to this protocol) a staggering 635 calories...I've been averaging 490-525. Still a low number, but between not taking the HCG because of my period, some not-so-great choices for my two proteins (chix and beef...I usually do one of those and a fish or shrimp), plus only 72 oz. of H2O...I'm guessing this wacky misalignment of the diet stars can easily be attributed to the minor gain.

Happily, I'm back on the HCG today and I will drink my customary 100 oz. plus of water. I am confident tomorrow will be a banner weigh-in day.

Ordinarily, a setback...even this wee...would put me into a tailspin. My mind would scream, "Why flippin' bother? Eating virtually nothing and...I. Still. Gained. Weight? That's it. I need bread (toasted and buttered...heavily), bacon and peanut butter...STAT!"

You get the idea. And yet...I'm still as committed as ever. Go figure.

As for food...I purchased the veal, but did not prep it last night...I'll let you know how yesterday's meal idea pans out.

Last night I did prepare a yummy concoction. Grilled chicken (a little salt and pepper on both sides), served atop fennel, shallot and tomatoes that I baked in the oven for 25 mins. @ 350ºF. Slice the first two ingredients wafer thin, lightly salt (to draw out moisture) and top with 10 grape tomatoes. Wrapped tightly in a tinfoil packet and placed in over (lower rack) until steamed to a nice al dente, about 20-25 mins. Top with cooked chicken (sliced), then added a few dashes of vinegar. Lovely.

It's a rainy, generally icky day here in New England...triggering a migraine for me. Fortunately, I've excellent drugs to manage same, but definitely not firing on all cylinders. Yet, I'll soldier on*.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

* see previous "plucky Irish" reference in earlier post.

Day 10...effective

Down .9 lbs. again...11.6 lbs. total.

Feeling it around my mid-section most (I was, after all, minus 2.75" in that measurement last Friday). Wish my face (and multiple chins) would begin to show it, but all in good time...all...in...good...time.

Still without my supplemental HCG...getting easier on day three...maybe I stopped it too early? All documentation says to discontinue drops on your "heaviest" flow days...thought I did...oh well, live and learn.

As for food...need to think about mixing it up a bit. Perhaps it's time to work in some lobster and lump crab. Dare I say, I'm getting a little bored with shrimp, chix and lean beef. And that is not a good thing. Thinking that veal (which is allowed) is also in my future. Tho, never having enjoyed it other than lightly breaded and smothered in a beurre blanc or, perhaps, marinara sauce, my stellar cooking abilities and this protocol's limited cooking options, do present a challenge to said protein's preparation.

I'm thinking a naked grill for the veal, finished with roasted tomatoes and fennel might do the trick (place toms and sliced fennel in tinfoil; sprinkle with Italian seasoning (make sure there's no sugar in the mix) and place in 350º F oven for 20-25 mins.). I'll report on this concoction a smidge later.

Here's a cool observation...my nails are growing long, strong and oh-so-pretty! Naturally. Who knew? Actually, I guess I did...vaguely recall noticing women who are preggers always sporting nice digits. And hair...their hair, rarely styled or even clean for chrissakes...is often more lustrous and just plain fabulous. Hoping it is only the hair on my head that enjoys a sudden fullness and such...I do not relish the thought of increased tweezing or giant bushes under the ol' arms and elsewhere. Ewwwww.

That's it for today...eat and be well,

Jane Doh!