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R5P2 Starting Weight 176.8
Yesterday – 165.2
Today – 165.4
0.2 lb GAIN Overnight
3.4 lb Over LIW of Round Four (162.0)
11.4 Lost Since Start of R5C1 (VLCD) 05/06/08
85.4 Total Lost Since Start of Protocol (VLCD) 06/26/07

Ok, this is getting simply ridiculous! ROFL – In all my rounds I have never done this two steps forward, one step back thing. But I had to experience it sometime, I guess. I wonder if I am more issues this time with TOM because I am at a lower weight? I have to remember what Dr S says:

any gain of more than 100 grams is invariably the result of some transgression or mistake

So since .2 lbs is only around 90 grams, there is nothing for me to worry about. So again, another chalk one up to TOM and be on with my day!

I didn’t eat anything yesterday off protocol. I had a smoothie for lunch of cottage cheese, grapefruit, cocoa, and spinach. And then for dinner I had P2 spaghetti sauce with green beans. Oh well. I am still on target.

Phase Two Deviation Recovery

Ok, it happens – at least at one point in a round, something will happen and we either eat too much food, have a protein craving, we are stuck out unprepared, but we eat something we don’t mean to and the next morning we are faced with a gain. There are tricks that might help when such occurrences happen.

Please keep in mind before I offer these suggestions, that this does NOT give you the license to deviate. I am only trying to provide some guidance if the situation was truly unplanned or unexpected. And yes, these things DO happen. Life happens. And these suggestions will help you get past these places and move on. Please remember that Dr Simeons says the following (under “Duration of Treatment“):

It seems that even in the mildest cases of obesity the diencephalon requires about three weeks rest from the maximal exertion to which it has been previously subjected in order to regain fully its normal fat-banking capacity.

That being said, and I am NO doctor or research scientist, but I do have a feeling that Dr Simeons saying you need at least 21 days of rest for your diencephelon in order for the course to be effective means just that. It needs to rest for 21 days. So keep that in mind if you suffer a deviation. It just MIGHT be harder for you to stabilize in Phase 3 should you deviate in Phase 2, unless, after the deviation, you give your diencephelon an additional 21 days to rest. Make sense? I’m just sayin …

Ok, so you find yourself in this predicament, and you are 1 – 2 lbs heavier the next morning, what to do? The point is to fix this issue as soon as it happens, don’t give up, get right back on that band wagon and start again. Here are TWO suggestions for deviation recovery:

1) Modified P2 Steak Day – Easy enough. You save all of your allowed protein for a supper meal – 7 oz of whatever protein you choose. What works best is the beef, but there are people out there with an aversion to beef, so pick your protein. 7 ounces tops raw, and then with an apple or tomato. Nothing to eat during the day, only waters, teas or coffee (without cream). This will produce a lost sometimes of the whole gain, or very close to it. In my research, will not be followed by a bounce back.

2) Modified P2 Egg Day – Now this can be handled two ways, one you can use real eggs. The other you can use Egg Beaters – your choice. If you use real eggs, your choices are very limited as real eggs add up very fast. The trick is to maintain the 500 cals on an “egg day”. Since one egg as a whole equals around 75 cals, you can have 6 whole eggs in a day. If you choose to use Egg Beaters with yolk, you can get up to 12.5 servings (since one serving is 40 cals).

Keep in mind, with my research, the P2 Steak Day seems to have more success than a P2 Egg Day, so the choice is yours. In any case, here is help for you to recover from a Phase Two deviation!

R4P2 Starting Weight 184.4
Yesterday – 164.4
Today – 163.8
0.6 lb LOSS Overnight
11.6 lb UNDER LIW of Round Three (175.4)
20.6 Lost Since Start of R4 (VLCD) 01/22/08
87.0 Total Lost Since Start of Protocol (VLCD) 06/26/07

Here is my menu for yesterday. This is what I had:

I am going to discuss in detail what I ate yesterday further below, but for the interest of continuity, I am going to post it here as well. Cottage Cheese and Peaches for breakfast, lunch was a Sammie from Quiznos, snack was a Grapefruit, Dinner was a Salad with Asian Dressing and Soup with Napa Cabbage and Shirataki Noodles.

A total of around 493 calories divided this way: 9 Fat, 70 Carbs, 34 Protein

GO HERE AND SIGN UP FOR UPCOMING HCG NEWSLETTER!!! I actually have a date! Look for it on February 15th! WOO HOO!!!

Let’s not forget the HCG BOOK CLUB – join in on the fun! If you haven’t signed up for it yet, please do so now. eMail Address Form

I have finally put the FAQ up from two questions ago! I know, I am slow! But it’s there now!

Since we are on Phase 3 – let’s discuss those people out there that actually have a difficult time keeping weight ON during the Phase 3 portion of the Protocol. Yes, there are some out there with this problem. Remember that Dr Simeon’s said that it was just as important to keep the weight on as it was to keep it off! So please help out if you can!

Phase 3 – What If You’re Still Losing???

What Do You Think Of That?

I really went off the deep end yesterday, and I have to tell you, it really wasn’t worth it, loss or no loss. I have been wanting to experiment with these “Sammies” from Quiznos – now quite frankly, if they looked anything like the picture on the commercial or even the advertisement, I would have been happy. But nope, not even close. They were just “OK” – nothing spectacular at all. One thing it did do? I don’t know if it was psychological or what, but I was hungry after I ate that. Serious hunger, weird hunger, but HUNGER none the less. Could it have been the bread? That shocks me quite frankly based on the fact that Dr Simeon’s allows us Melba and Grissini. So I don’t know, but it was bad, but it’s over now. I am feeling myself again today.

I wont be trying that again. I am glad I did mind you, got it out of my system, but it so wasn’t worth it. I was actually craving P2 foods yesterday afternoon again! ROFL

The rest of the day was pretty normal!

Here are the numbers for those of you following – won’t be able to use Round 3 numbers from this day forward as I only had 21 completed days on that round.

Day 21 (Complete) – Round 4 = 11.17% Body Weight Loss
Day 21 (Complete) – Round 3 = 9.21% Body Weight Loss (This was my LIW)
Day 21 (Complete) – Round 2 = 8.30% Body Weight Loss
Day 21 (Complete) – Round 1 = 8.13% Body Weight Loss

What follows is a post from another forum that I visit. A member there, ArticShark has given me permission to completely copy and paste her post here. It is an important one and it will make you think. It made me think, and it ties into some things that happened to me over the weekend. I think we are all dealing with this at one point. It’s long, but it’s a good read.

Live Big!

Here is one of the things I have been thinking about. It is kinda Long.

Some recent events have made me think about our responses to bad/tragic/negative events. It triggered a memory of my reading of Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits. He said that some people aren’t happy when something good happens to other people. These people have a belief that goodness is divided into what they perceive as pie slices. If one person gets a piece of the “goodness” pie then that leaves less pie for them. They operate on a diminishing pie theory. They are jealous of other’s success because that means that there is less success for them or that their ability to attain that same level of success is compromised. Or they deliberately or unknowingly sabotage the success of other’s so that the odds of them being successful are increased.

Mr. Covey explained that the universe isn’t set up that way. It has infinite pies and slices that are constantly being replenish or brought into being based on our desires or intent. That one person taking a slice of the success pie doesn’t mean that there are less slices but in reality that there are more. It is like taking a drop of water from the ocean. A drop is not noticeable and through the constant of rainfall, weather and the mechanism of our own biosphere, the water is replenished, renewed and sometimes altered for the better (Like the addition of oxygen and minerals to the water that is put back into the ocean). And if you think about Einstein’s theory, matter and energy are in a constant state of flux, changing from one to the other as needed. So if one person takes a slice of the “goodness” pie, our universe instantly and automatically fills that space back up with more “goodness.” It is an infinite source. Limitless.

The reason I thought of all of this are several. And for those of you that helped triggered these thoughts, thank you, and I hope you don’t think I am singling you out for any bad purpose. It’s just that your posts helped coalesce these thoughts. One post had me thinking about why people are soooo attracted to reality TV shows that portray our fellow humans in pain/to laugh at/ to point at and to generally engage in their misery. Why does such a large segment of our population LIKE to watch other peoples’ failures? Do they laugh at them in that cruel way because they believe, falsely I might add, that those peoples’ failures somehow make the probability of their success more likely? Or do they genuinely like to see other people’s pain? Why does the train wreck that is portrayed of other’s lives fascinate us? Shows like American Idol, Biggest Loser, Who wants to marry a millionaire and their ilk showcase the bad and ugly for our viewing pleasure. In truth, reveling in this type of negativity diminishes us all. Makes us more callous. More mean. It makes us less like the infinite and more like the mundane. Don’t fall into that trap.

Why do people LIKE it when you fail at a diet? They don’t come out openly about it. But secretly, inside, they are joyful at the thought that you failed to lose weight. Or for those that are really vested in your failure, they will either subconsciously or consciously, engage in behavior that is designed to sabotage. Why when you are experiencing success does your spouse or a co-worker or a parent start buying treats and other foods that you are not allowed? Especially after you have told them what is and is not a part of your plan and protocol? I read an instance where a spouse had deliberately put sugar into a steak rub and when confronted stated that “just a little won’t hurt.” Or a mother, who is diabetic and had stopped buying sweet treats, who started bringing home cakes and candies and other “goodies.” Or even co-workers that no longer engage in small talk and banter as you successfully meet your goals to be the person you always thought you were or could be.

Maybe they think that your success highlights their failure. Or they are comfortable with you being the fatty and don’t want you to be skinny and perhaps more desirable to others. Or maybe they think that you will notice their flaws and once the weight is gone, will no longer desires them as your ability to pick and choose increases. In almost all these scenarios, it is about the saboteurs fears. As one of my girlfriends says “There are 2 kinds of problems. A me problem and a you problem. Most things are not a me problem. And in this instance, that is a YOU problem. That is not a ME problem.” In reality, most things are not a Me problem and all other issues have to be let go. There is very little that most of us can do about YOU problems as we are not able to control the thoughts and behaviors of other people. What we can control is how much influence they have in our lives. As you bloom, evaluate if there is just more that pounds that have become dead weight in your life. It is amazing how much freer we feel once we let it go.

The other event revolved around the Super Bowl. I really truly didn’t care who won. I was rooting for the Patriots just because I thought it would be neat to see history being made. And good for them getting to that point. [If you are genuinely a Giants fan, it wasn’t about seeing them lose or anything in that way] But as I expressed that view to many, and several weren’t Giants fans or had ever been a Giants fan until that game, I was surprised that soooo many wanted the Patriots to lose. As if the Patriots winning and having a perfect season was a bad thing for them personally. They actively engaged in cheering for team that they had probably rooted against and made disparaging remarks against all season. Just so a team, maybe not their own, could be knocked down a notch or two. It really was small-minded behavior. And not very flattering at all. And I just sat back and said WOW, here is another example of if they take a pie slice then it leaves less for me (or my team or what I care about, etc) and maybe no one will notices when I am not perfect as well or it relieves me from striving for perfection or whatever diminishing and small-minded mundane thought, belief or feeling.

So be BIG. Believe in the infinite. Revel in the success of others. Strive for perfection. Laugh if not achieved and more importantly laugh if it is. Share the formula of your success. Kind thoughts and kind words. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that another person’s success is a DIRECT link to ensuring you fail. It is not. If anything, it is a road map. Live BIG.

Thank you ArticShark for such a thought provoking post!

On to my commenter’s – these are my responses to yesterday’s comments:

Mary – I am ending this round on the 17th – I will be on Phase 3 and 4 while I am in California, I will be there for 4 weeks. I planned it all around that!

Crystal – JPS and I were pretty much cracking up on their whole menu yesterday, it really is TOO FUNNY! LOL – Peaches DO work! That is for sure!

Ed and Jenn – HA! JPS told me to pull another beer day before I stop, I might try that on Saturday, we shall see, give me the UMPH I need to get closer to 160! ROFL

Shelly – HA! Nope, I think I am flying pretty high at the moment!

Tracey – HA! I hope my sister has ENOUGH clothes for me!!! ROFL – we need an update from you my sweet!

B – Oh it’s good to have you back my friend! WOO HOO FOR YOU in the size 14′s! Can you imagine???

Amanda – !!! Hey girl, I am SO HAPPY you found a doctor in Australia! That does my heart good! You must drop me an email and we just MUST catch up! WOO HOO FOR YOU!!!! On your way again! I know about the CC – JPS has consistently thanked me this week for MAKING her try them! ROFL

Have a great day everyone!

Biz

R4P2 Starting Weight 184.4
Yesterday – 166.4
Today – 166.0
0.4 lb LOSS Overnight
9.4 lb UNDER LIW of Round Three (175.4)
18.4 Lost Since Start of R4 (VLCD) 01/22/08
84.8 Total Lost Since Start of Protocol (VLCD) 06/26/07

Here is my menu for yesterday. This is what I had:

I am going to discuss in detail what I ate yesterday further below, but for the interest of continuity, I am going to post it here as well. Cottage Cheese and Strawberries with Cinnamon for breakfast, lunch was Green Beans, Tomato Sauces, Ground Beef and a bit of Molly McButter Cheese Flavoring, half a grapefruit for midafternoon snack, for dinner I had some Broccoli with a bit of Molly McButter and more Cottage Cheese and Strawberries.

A total of around 493 calories divided this way: 10 Fat, 54 Carbs, 51 Protein

GO HERE AND SIGN UP FOR UPCOMING HCG NEWSLETTER!!! I actually have a date! Look for it on February 15th! WOO HOO!!!

Let’s not forget the HCG BOOK CLUB – join in on the fun! If you haven’t signed up for it yet, please do so now. eMail Address Form

Our FAQ Question this go round is the following, please spend some time if you can answering this survey:

Thanks goes to Kat Lee for filling out the FAQ yesterday! I will leave this up until Monday! This time we are going to focus in on Phase 3 – Please help out if you can!

Phase 3 – The Stabilizing Period

An Experiment in Green Beans

SCORE! I can have my green beans, so you know what I am having for lunch again today doncha???

You know? Seriously, I could probably be losing better, but I am having fun testing the limits. And I know you all appreciate someone ELSE doing the testing! ROFL

Here are the numbers for those keeping track:

Day 17 (Complete) – Round 4 = 9.98% Body Weight Loss
Day 17 (Complete) – Round 3 = 8.49% Body Weight Loss
Day 17 (Complete) – Round 2 = 7.28% Body Weight Loss
Day 17 (Complete) – Round 1 = 6.94% Body Weight Loss

The gap is closing!

Comfort Foods

We all know about comfort foods. We all have that little something we have that brings back warm and fuzzy memories. It’s your little security blanket, something that makes you feel all toasty – usually it’s something hot, savory, or creamy, seldom is it sweet. Isn’t that interesting.

Anyhoo, it usually brings back pleasant memories of early childhood – something we generally turn to when we need that familiar sense of well being and security.

Interesting in doing some research that comfort foods seem to be regional in nature. In the southeast, casseroles seem to dominate the list, where as in the northeast Pizza and Hoagies take that place. People in the southwest seem to prefer enchiladas or burritos, and then up in the northwest people seem to prefer some sort of potato something. Midwesterners often focus on the hearty stews.

Wherever we may live, we have something that if eaten makes us feel better.

Nothing wrong with comfort foods. Usually comfort foods are reminiscent of a time when care was taken to the cooking of something. Generally, fresh and natural ingredients were used – instead of the processed garbage that infiltrates our life now. They were actually quite healthy.

My mother used to make Portuguese Bean Soup when I was growing up. This soup literally had everything but the kitchen sink in it. I remember her spending hours on this soup, first with the Ham Hock, then with the careful adding of veggies and beans and finally the noodles at the end. It wasn’t something she just opened a can and put it in a bowl and served. You knew she spent time on it, you felt it when you ate it. I miss that.

What Is Your Comfort Food?

Yesterday, in the interest of ‘research’ I decided to try one of my comfort foods. Green beans. My mom used to open the can of green beans, pour it in a bowl and she said this would be a snack for me. To this day I love eating them out of a can. Back in my early 20′s, when I was married the first time, there was a period of time were money wasn’t plentiful and green beans were a staple in my home. I would mix green beans, hamburger (back when hamburger was CHEAP) and tomato sauce and Viola! I had a savory meal.

I did that yesterday for lunch, and I have to tell you it was nummy. It brought back memories of no pressure – no cell phones, no internet, no HDTV, no blue tooth, no webcams, no dvd’s, no gas guzzlin SUV’s, no PDA’s, no iPods – today we live in a constant state of going, going, going, it’s no wonder so many people turn to food for security. Are we truly searching for a quieter, more peaceful time? Research shows that the country as a whole turned to comfort foods after 9/11 – this in itself shows you the power of comfort foods.

I have several comfort foods. Meatloaf, Mashed Potatos and Green Beans is one. My mothers Portuguese Bean Soup another. My sister makes this dish called Pork and Beans and Rice. My mom also makes this macaroni, potato, cabbage salad that is to die for.

What is YOUR comfort food?

On to my commenter’s – these are my responses to yesterday’s comments:

Monica – I sure hear ya. If you only have one or two rounds, then why mess with a proven thing? But those of us with multiple rounds, and HUNDREDS of pounds to lose? Well, I’m just saying. ROFL

Shelly – Have you tried the NO SALT tomatoes? If I do just the regular diced tomatoes with all that salt it will stall me something fierce. Yeah, the noodles weren’t all that.

Lili – the texture isn’t there. It really isn’t. But I am not a “pasta” person either, I can take it or leave it no problem. Now I do enjoy LeMein and stuff like that so maybe that is what I need to delve into … hmmmmm.

Mary – HA! Yeah, you were one of the old timers weren’t you? LOL – that was a time eh?

Crystal – I am glad I could provide some entertainment! LOL – stay true to the protocol and it will stay true to you!

Ed & Jenn – And doncha know, I wanted 165something this morning and I only got 166even! ROFL – what do I want out of life? At least I got a loss!!!

Wendy – OMG! I totally forgot that the “Sunshine and Rainbows” came from that! How utterly forgetful I am! HA! How could I possibly forget my namesake??? LOL – Anyhoo, I see you peaked in on a new forum??? I like totally went BALLISTIC!!! You will have fun there my partner in crime!

Liz – congrats on the start! WTG – yeah, the loading can freak you out a bit, but it’s an important part of the process, and it will be a good thing for you to load properly! Keep a running journal of your progress ok? Have you considered starting a blog? The more the merrier!

EweWho – HA! Who loves you baby???

Tracey – OMG! It’s about stinking time! I will mosey on to your blog later on this morning! I can’t wait to see an update!

Miz Biz Whiz