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!

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 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!

Day 9...natural-forming HCG not-so-effective

Not feeling the love surviving on my body's ability (inability?) to supplement HCG during my period. This is the first time that I have truly struggled not to eat...but I'm committed to this diet protocol and failure, quite frankly, is not an option.

On the plus side, I'm down another .9 lbs., bringing me into the double digits for a total loss of 10.7 lbs. and a very clear downward trend on my tracking graph.

An interesting thing happened yesterday. I met up with a couple of gal pals for lunch...at Agave in Newburyport, where the chef graciously prepared a lunch of naked grilled chicken, served on a bed of lettuce with chopped tomatoes and sliced cukes. Topped with a little lime juice and vinegar...I was quite happy.

Anyway, back to my pals. So, both noticed my just-shy-of-10-lbs. loss and were kind enough to comment, "You look great!" "Keep-doing-that-voo-doo-that-your-doing" type stuff. I'm all blushy and proud of myself, of course. Who wouldn't be? Yet, on my walk home, I couldn't help thinking, "Did/do I really look that bad?" And the answer is...drum roll please...YES!

Thing is, I've always fancied myself to be "all that and a bag of chips." Sad part is, the chips (a super-sized economy bag) have been living, unopened in my belly (you know, that fatty, icky area between your enormous hips and somewhat discernible waist) for god-knows-how-long.

So as the weight literally melts away (and I assure you, it is), I need to reassess my image of myself.

Fact: I've never been a slender person. Weight has been an issue for me since I had to wear "bloomers" in gym class.

Fact: I'm petite...diminutive...short. And even one pound looks like five.

Fact: I love food...and I'm a pretty darn good cook, too.

Fact: I have a pretty face...quick to smile...nice teeth...the only thing my Alzheimer ridden mother ever consistently remembers..."Oh, look, it's that girl with the nice teeth come to visit!"

Reality: I'll never be slender...too Rubenesque, but I'm cool with that.

Reality: I'll never be taller.

Reality: I'll always love food.

Reality: I do, in fact, have nice teeth.

And that leaves me here, on this crazy 500-calorie-a-day protocol, taking HCG drops like they are crack and positively giddy at how easy the pounds are dropping.

Causing most, no doubt, to pontificate, "They'll come right back once you start eating again." But, I realize that with the exception of increasing portions and rounding out the whole allowed vegetables/protein aspect, I am eating normally now.

In fact, I'm eating the way I should have been eating all along...and I know this. I'm friggin'-48-years-old for chrissakes. This isn't rocket science.

Fact: No one needs to eat McDonald's.

Fact: Deep fried foods are not good for you.

Fact: Cake is not a food group.

Fact: Now that I've gone a good week without these things, I don't miss them and I'm not graving them.

My goal, is to use this HCG protocol to drop some quick weight and rewire my mindset when it comes to food and food choices. Long way of saying...I'm thinking this could be the life change I needed.

Happily, today is Sunday. Baseball (ALDS series) and football (who doesn't love football?) to entertain me.

Be and eat well,

Jane Doh!

Day 8...effective

And now we begin week 2.

Down another .8 lbs., bringing the grand total to 9.8 lbs. Not bad.

Last night was my first real case of the "frungries."* I wanted to eat anything and everything. Settled on my second piece of fruit for the day...a tad late (I was working until 9:00 p.m. - not supposed to eat after 7:00 or 8:00 p.m., I can never remember)...but no matter. A long day deserved a little treat...broiled grapefruit with a smattering of cinnamon & stevia sprinkled on top. Then 5 mins in the hot box does it...juicy and different.

And though I was still a little peckish, I opted for a good book and bed. Am I exhibiting superwoman feats of willpower or what?

Which brings us to this morning. As I mentioned, my dreaded monthly visit has reigned it's lovely vermilion vileness on me...and without the HCG, I'm feeling the challenge. Showing me, just a mere eight days in, this will not be a cake (yummmm, c...a...k...e!) walk, but I will persevere...we Irish are a plucky lot, don't you know.

Duty (and the IRS) calls, I must finish and file my taxes by the 15th...work, work, work!

Be and eat well,

Jane Doh!

* whaddya think it means? Friggin' hungry.

Day 7...effective

Well, well...well.

Guess who's down 9 lbs. and minus 10"? Oh yeah. 2.75" from my waist, alone. This HCG works...forget it's complicated name...I now christen it: getting-results-and-getting-'em-now!

I find I'm actually getting greedy with the weight loss. Was down a mere .9 lbs. this morning and was, quite frankly, a little miffed...particularly since I was exceptionally good yesterday, despite lunch out and meeting pals for cocktails (okay, they had cocktails, I had water...with lemon, though, so it was still really special).

My friend (and I use that term oh-so-loosely) is due in a few days, which means no drops...it is rumored that my body will produce enough HCG during the heaviest days...hmmmm, we'll see. Of course I'll share all the gory details.

Speaking of the aforementioned "friend"...I shared my preferred method of protection with my gal-pal at lunch yesterday (well, hell, this is the stuff we girlie girls talk about...well, isn't it?)...but I digress. Anyway, she'd never heard of it. Sooooo, thought I'd bring it up here.

Having never been overly successful with the ol' pontoon (ah, for those who never met Drusilla Lemonjello, it's what her college house mother (yes, she was in college when there were house mothers) called tampons...after I stopped howling at that visual, it's what I've called them since)...anyway, so when the wicked cool, but somewhat messy Instead came along, I was all over it.

What is Instead, you ask? It is basically a diaphragm-type collector that you can't feel, doesn't leak and you can leave it in for 12 hours. Though, I highly recommend removing it in the shower. I've tried otherwise and the bathroom ends up looking like a murder scene. If I disappeared and CSI ever came in...my...husband...would...be...screwed. Anyway, that's my free plug for the day.

Back to the diet...about to have lunch...gulf white shrimp, steamed with cabbage and fresh lemon. Talk about awesomey* defined!

Photo shoot tonight, then it's on to the weekend.

Be and eat well,

Jane Doh!

*credit due to sweet William for my new favorite word.

Day 6...effective

Down another pound for a total of 8.1. I am dazzling myself!

Challenge today, tho...off to a business lunch at Burton's Grill...will likely give the chef a run for his money on the whole ordering thing, but hey, I'm committed to making this work.

And, found another huge benefit...my sex drive is through the roof! Twice this morning...what is up with that? Oh, wait...I know...smile.

Interesting...woke up for the first time a little hungry. Had my coffee (with my allowed single tablespoon of milk (thank the lord for that)) and that did the trick, but odd to get some pangs now. Everything I've read mentions the first few days being tough...probably just me...I never seem to follow the bell curve.

As I watch the pounds slip away, I can't help but see myself in some of my more fabulous thin clothes...that sweet LBD, the silk polka-dot number and, of course, the jeweled colored velvet sheath. Best of all, my girlie-girl heels (which I never stopped wearing, even at my heaviest) are so much more comfortable.

It's all good, as am I.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!