Stabilization...Day 97

Alas, I've still not broken into a new "decade" yet...in fact, I'm up a pound or so from my lowest...34.2 lbs. lost (was down an additional 1.5 lbs. about ten days ago...of course, haven't been as militant as usual, but I digress).

Not eating bad stuff per se...just eating a smidge more than my allotted 1400 calories a day. Sadly, for me, it doesn't take much.

Which got me to thinking...how come when losing weight, pundits always spout, "You didn't gain the weight overnight, why should you think you should lose it overnight?"

Well, I can tell you...you do gain it overnight! One stinkin' slightly larger portion of low fat meatloaf/broiled chicken, etc., and I'm up a 1/4 pound the next day. And when I get right back on the diet bandwagon, it takes a good 2-3 days to lose that 1/4 pound...what is up wit dat?

Arrggghh...getting old sucks, Crash.

It's Friday...woo-hoo!

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Stabilization...Day 90

Down another .2...soon to break into a whole new "decade" with my weight. Very exciting...I haven't been in the 50s in over 10 years!

To recap, I recently did one round (sublingually) of the hormone HCG (Oct to mid-Nov, 2009), dropping 25.3 lbs. & 36” overall (7” off my waist alone)...now, almost three months later and eating a 1400 calorie diet, coupled with moderate exercise (at least 10,000 steps a day), I’m down a total of 35.9 lbs. & 47” overall (9” at the waist).

I think the naysayers of this miss the whole point of the HCG protocol...it’s hard, but it’s for a finite amount of time (no more than 43 days) and it’s about resetting your relationship with food/booze, etc.

I had friends laying bets I’d never last...but with the results I saw each day...and continue to see, I can not complain. And, truth be told, I have changed...my alcohol consumption is considerably less (still like to toast a glass of bubbly (sometimes 1/2 bottle) with my honey)...but red and white wine are out.

I’m not saying forever, but, quite frankly, neither tastes that good to me anymore. Champagne is still yummy, but again, a little bit goes a long way! Also, I’ve completely cut out the “whites” (potatoes, pasta, rice, bread, etc.) and with the exception of 1 or 2 peanut M&Ms as an occasional treat (and, yes, I’m content with just one or two), no sugars, either. Certainly no cakes, cookies, candy, etc.

I track every calorie I eat (peanut M&M: 10.3 calories); exceed one gallon of water consumed each day; and weigh-in every morning.

Have successfully worked in a nice variety of what I consider my “new” idea of a treat: all natural peanut butter (1 tbl. w/granny smith apple (96 & 95 cals, respectively)), tiny box of raisins (45 cals), 5 dried apricot halves (110 cals), 10 pistachios (40 cals), 5 macademia nuts pcs. (35 cals) , etc...so I don’t feel deprived.

Anyway...I feel great...have kept the initial weight off and continue to lose...and I've had no side effects to speak of...okay, I was having some issues with my hands cramping if I picked up something heavy. And considering the woeful amount of potassium I consumed during the 43-day protocol...I'm not surprised. But now I take magnesium each day (along with a couple of fish oils and a multivitamin) and I've not had the problem since.

My take? If you are serious about making a life change, try this. Make no mistake, it's hard...but not impossible.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Stabilization...Day 88

Hunkering down for a Nor'easter here in the Peoples Republic of Massachusetts. Happily, we on the Northshore should dodge a snowy bullet, but alas, it is never over until the fat lady sings...and that would have been me, but given my extraordinary weight loss...well, that is up for debate!

Whipped up a leftover veggie-chicken-cheesy delight last night. Need to tweak original recipe (give it a lower-cal, protein-packed Jane Doh! punch), but will post when perfected.

A plateful of this sin weighs in at only 150 calories per 1/2 cup serving. Me. Likey.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

Stabilization...Day 86

At my lowest weight since I can recall...161.

Spent last night with friends...fab, stabilization meal for me...two splits of champagne (250 cals. and a big treat), 3.5 oz. steamed Gulf White shrimp and a beef carpaccio...plus my pal's band JazzPort entertained with an updated spin on all the old lonnge classics. (Think Route 66, Don't Get Around Much Anymore, Ain't Misbehavin', etc.)

Anyway...I feel great and can't get over that I'm able to eat a reasonable number of calories each day (tho still no sugars (as in candy, cakes type, not fresh fruit) or white/grain starches) and I've still lost 10 more pounds since finishing my 40-day round of HCG!

Long way of saying, I've spoken for years of the need to make a life change in relation to food particularly...and, I'm proud to say, I believe I'm on the correct track! Woo-hoo for me!

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!

Stabilization...Day 63

Down another .6 lbs.

Met up with a gal pal...no cocktails for me, but the company was fab. I feel great...my neighborhood bartenders, however, miss my large tabs and the subsequent large tips? Oh. Boo. Hoo. For. Them.

Tomorrow I celebrate five years of wedded bliss with my honey...even talked him into taking the day off...fun will be had...oh, yes...Fun. Will. Be. Had.

Must get back to work,

Jane Doh!

Stabilization...33 days since my last post...

62 days since my last weigh in (LWI)...and (drum roll, please)...down an additional 4 lbs...total lost to date: 30 lbs.

Yep...consuming my required 1400 calories a day, but staying away from starches and sugars. Plus, my alcohol consumption continues to be exceptionally low...the occasional two glasses of champagne is my limit. No beer, red/white wine or mixed drinks. And, I love not having hangovers!

Still 16 pounds from my goal weight...but I've decided to do it the old fashioned way...moderate food intake, more exercise. HCG successfully jump started my effort, but now it is about making permanent life changes.

I find I don't miss the excessive boozing and eating...plus, now, by not eating bad-for-me foods, I can indulge in the new-good-for-me-foods I've come to appreciate. A green apple with all-natural peanut butter? YUM. A tiny box of raisins? SINFUL. The occasional (and I do mean, occasional) Smart-Pop 100 calorie Kettle Korn bag? LUSCIOUS. Who needs bread? Chocolate? Bailey's Irish Cream? Not me, that is for darn sure.

As for cooking...butter is out...olive oil in. Never used a ton of butter, but I've let it go...a moment of silence, please.

My fridge is a work of art...lots of good veggies; tons of mustards and hot sauces; plenty of San Pellegrino; fresh cooked, organic chicken breasts for the taking; and a wide variety of cheeses, in one-ounce portions for those hungry-horror episodes.

All in all, it's good...I feel great...look better and am still motivated...this, almost two months post-HCG.

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!