Penny-wise Mama's HCG Diet!

5000iU Vial Shipped From US - CLOSED!!!

2009-06-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

HERE WE GO....SPREE OPENS 6/24/09 9pm eastern -LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE!!! SPREE IS CLOSED!!!

Nitty Gritty:
This spree is for 5000iU of injectable HCG shipped from the US; the price per 5000iU is $40.00 this includes shipping. These are shipping from the US AFTER all spots are filled. These will not ship until the spree is over or all spots are filled. The running time for this spree will be around two weeks or until all spots are filled. The fast the spots go the faster these will ship out, so let people know!
For any questions please email me REMOVED please put HCG in the subject or I will not reply.
I'll do my best to answer all questions.

This spree is closed.

If interested in getting HCG 5,000iU injectable please contact me and let me know.

Average of 1.5 pounds a day

2009-05-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

I have to say that an average of 1.5 lbs a day isn't too bad. I had a minimal loss yesterday but I think cabbage may be the culprit as I've never tried it before and had it with both meals. I actually left off a fruit and an grassini and I still only lost .6lbs. I'm OK with that though and I'm not going to obsess over it this time like I did last time. I'm planning chicken and lettuce for my first meal and I have no idea what for the second. I'm felling much better with over 7lbs lost though!

I also wanted to mention that this seems MUCH easier then it did the first time around. After the first two days I wasn't and haven't really been all that hungry; I think it may be due to the fact of when I started it in my monthly cycle.

4.4 pounds in 2 days WOW

2009-05-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I've lost 4.4lbs in 2 days! I think some of that had to be water weight; I am guilty of taking pamprin because it's that time of the month. The other thing is I had 2 liters of water yesterday so maybe that helped? Something had to have done it because I'm not even in Ketosis yet, if I am the test strips are still negative. I believe I'm inducting right now as I have a headache and I'm not feeling too well. I remember feeling awful last time I started into Ketosis so I'm guess this is it. Either way I'm very happy about the loss!

Oh yes, I wanted to add that I did eat a bit more protein yesterday. Maybe the way in which I did it helped the weight loss along???
I had a bite of roasted turkey breast (home made) whenever my stomach got really painful with hunger. I did leave ONE veggie off yesterday also to make up for the extra protein snacking. If I have a really hard day today again I'll probably snack the turkey if the hunger pangs get painful.
I get very hypoglycemic and I have to have something to get my blood sugar up or I'm a complete monster.

We'll see how today goes.

I'm back this time for sure...I promise :)

2009-05-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, this time I'm back for sure. Last time I had a problem with the HCG going bad and it honestly took me this long to get more. I've been searching for some for a reasonable price and that was not easy. I did finally find some and I'm happy about that.
I am sorry to say the I ended up putting on all but 10lbs of what I lost back on. That is so pathetic...

I'm hoping to keep it off this time by following the correct protocol when I come off of the injections. I would really like to get down to my wedding weight which was 149 but that over 30lbs for me to lose and I just don't see that as realistic for me right now so I set my goal at 159. If I can dedicate myself to this again then I should be able to reach that this round.

Today is my second 500cal day well see how it goes....

I'm back after a looooong break!

2009-03-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

I've been totally slacking and haven't posted in nearly a month! Shame on me!
I started a "break" on the day of my son's birthday party; I decided I was going to eat what I wanted that day with no restrictions. I didn't want to have to worry about it, I had enough going on as it was. I gained 2lbs that day and I continued to eat anything I wanted the next day also I put on 4 lbs that day; or it was 3lbs and 3lbs each day. I know that I gained 6lbs in 2 days YIKES! A couple of days later I had gained another pound I maxed out at 7lbs gained. I continued to eat whatever I wanted and as much of what I wanted and I weighed myself about a week after that and had lost 3lbs. I was at about 164.4; not bad for ending the diet at 161.
I have continued to eat as I please, though I have not gotten on the scale in over a week. I have to be honest and say that I'm scared to know what I've gained. I'm guessing I'm around 169ish.

I'm starting the VLCD again tomorrow and today is my second day of loading. I'm guessing tomorrow is going to be miserable LOL. I won't weigh myself until tomorrow morning, or maybe tonight so I have an idea of what to expect tomorrow :)

I'm planing to do the diet for a little over 3 weeks only with a break after that. We have 2 events on the 28th of March. One is our spring family dinner and the other is my husbands good friends b-day party....and they are fully Italian and he is the first generation born in America so its an Italian shindig to say the least. Tons of food and all the complimentary alcoholic beverages you can consume LOL. I know that I don't want to be on my diet that day LOL or the next day for that matter...I'm always starving after a night of drinks!

My goal for the 18 days is going to be about 10-12 lbs; hopefully I can exceed that but I'm not betting on it. I'll be happy with 10 lost even if I'm stating at 169, that will put me down 2lbs more than I was when I stopped last round.
I'm planing a lot of cottage cheese and less cooking this round LOL I'm so lazy and having to cook meat for every meal is quite a pain for me.

I just hope tomorrow goes OK....

161.4 no loss after a hungry day

2009-02-13T05:19:00.000-08:00

I had a tiny bit of gain today .2lbs I not surprised at all considering that I was starving yesterday. Also things were a little bound up so I'm hoping that will be taken care of today.
I have a crazy busy day today with getting last minute details done for the party and then tomorrow I'm cleaning and decorating my parents restaurant for the party on Sun. My mother in law is going to be watching my boys tomorrow so my husband and I can get the decorating and cleaning done; we have other family members helping too.
My parents will be there also making the Chowda (excuse the RI accent, it's actually how it it on thier sign) for the party, I also have a ton of pizzelles to make for the party and an organic cake. I just have so much to do and no money or time LOL I just hope I get most of it done :)

I'm off because I have orders to fill from my auctions and store sales.

My Internet was down for over a week! 161.2

2009-02-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

Well thank goodness my internet is back! It was down for over a week AH! I'm happy to have it back and I can finally update on my weight loss!
I'm 161.2 today! I lost quite a bit but I had some reasons. First my antibiotic Augmentin cause me to have pancreatitis not fun! I went to the hospital but the wench of a PA sent me home with heart burn even though my lipase was raised...directly caused by pancreatitis. I was in excruciating pain for 3 days and it got worse when I ate. I really didn't eat much at all for those three days, I couldn't because the pain was so bad and it made me nauseous also. After that subsided I was having some issues at home and my nerves had the best of me. When I try to eat now I can only eat such a small bit of food, it's crazy. I haven't taken my HCG in a while; I was just a mess so I never even thought about it.
I have not been following the no starch or sugar rule, I figure as long as I can get anything down it's good. Yesterday was one of my really bad "nerve" days and here is an example of what I had to eat: one half of a regular protein bar and gagged it down. Then around 11pm I had two small slices of sharp cheddar with a small handful of organic veggie crisps chip type things and two bites of and apple. I was completely stuffed, so much so that my stomach actually hurt badly.
I got to a point where I was worried about the fact that I wasn't eating but remembered that it used to happen all the time when I was younger and I was always fine. The problem had been resolved now and my nerves are back to normal today, thank goodness.
We'll see how my appetite is today, I do know that the antibiotic doesn't help with my appetite, it makes my stomach upset and I'm still taking it so who knows....

I just found out today that my mother in law is starting a diet on Sun; the day of the huge party we are having with a ton of food!! Poor thing! What a day to have to start a diet, ahhh I so know the feeling LOLOLOL
I can't wait to hear about the "diet" she is doing. She isn't really overweight by much at all, I personally think she looks fine and great for her age but if she isn't happy with her weight then good for her wanting to do something about it. I'm interested to know haw much she wants to lose...my guess is about 30lbs but well see I can't wait to find out!
She did say she was going to bringing potato salad and veggies so she would have something to eat...I'm guessing she is taking about the veggies.

OK I have a ton to catch up on!!! Until next time my readers ;)

Day who knows VLCD LOL - 167.0

2009-02-05T06:16:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling absolutely horrid right now, the pain in my face is enough to make me what to shoot my head off. It's excruciating. On top of that AF arrived late last night so I'm really just feeling like a heap of poo.

I expected my weight not to budge as the witch is here. I did have a few tastes of my home made frosting last night so I though maybe I would see that today but no. I made and organic chocolate cake for my kids because my son just had his birthday and I promised him I would make one. I never ever give my kids any kind of "regular" cake. They've only had organic unless it's a bite from DH's or something. For their birthday last year I actually baked a huge organic cake for the party. This year I'm not feeling so adventurous LOL. I'm just making one small one for the boys and my Nephew's Grammy is getting/making the big matching one at Stop & Shop (she works there) for the guests. I still have a TON of stuff to do for the party; it seems like it will never end!

Off to work on birthday stuff!

My scale is crazy...167.0

2009-02-04T15:02:00.000-08:00

My best guess at my weight today is 167.0. My scale was a little bit kooky this morning. My first weight was 166.8, next it was 167.0, the next two times it was 165.4, than finally again it was 167.0 I'm guessing that one is accurate because at the Dr. today I was 173.4 fully clothed, shoes and all...probably about 5lbs of stuff.

Yes, I had to go to the Urgent Care center today! I woke up this morning in such bad pain in my face and jaw! My eyeball felt like it was going to fall out, along with my teeth on the left of my head UGH!
I googled my symptoms and I found that a sinus infection can cause jaw pain and it feels like tooth pain. I swear I though I had a tooth ache! As soon as I told the DR. what I felt he said he was sure I had a sinus infection...and after some poking of my cheek bones he wrote the prescription and I was on my way.
I'm going to be taking antibiotics for the next two weeks! That seems like such a long time but as long as it works I don't care. I do have to take them with food; I took it today with a few apple slices and I was fine.

I also wanted to note that for lunch and dinner yesterday I had a Boca burger. They are low in fat and high in protein and so delicious. I prefer those over regular meat, I just can't believe how good they are. They seem to be fine for me as I still lost well, .6lbs.
I had one again today for lunch and probably dinner :) I might tell DH to get some rotisserie chicken though, I'm not sure.

I hope I feel better because this pain in my face is awful!

So much for maintenance 167.6

2009-02-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the long delay in posting!

I Finally made up my mind about what I was going to do. For those whom did know I was considering taking the HCG again for another 2 weeks or until Feb 15th. Blah, blah, blah "pounds and inches" says no more than 40 days of shots. This is because you will become immune to HCG. HA! Yeah, I don't think so. I've been pregnant, thank you very much.

It takes on average 11 weeks for the female body to become "immune" to the effects HCG, this is fact. I know I spent 16 weeks with my first pregnancy so ill I could barely move, in and out of the hospital for dehydration because I was so sick and could not get anything down. It took a full 16 weeks before I felt any relief. My second pregnancy was they same except it lasted 14 weeks instead. So please do not tell me I'll become immune to HCG in as little 40 days...that's crap.

There are a lot of things that I don't really agree with about the Simeon's protocol. One being that it was published in 1954. Our knowledge of food and medical technology has grown immensely since 1954. I think that if it were to be redone, they would find that a lot more food could be used than just what is on the list. Also, they know now that SubQ shots work just as well as IM.
I mean things change, especially in the medical field...I mean look how much we know about getting infertile women pregnant (for which I'm grateful)...you think they did that back in 1954...HELL NO!

So anyway, I'm taking my HCG again; I have some left that I need to use before it goes bad. I also have more weight to lose, and my kiddos birthday is on the 15th of Feb. I'll stop that day and see where my weight loss is at that point. Right now I'm at my post pregnancy weight after I had my first. I fluctuated between 166-168lbs after I had him. Which was about 12lbs from pre-pregnancy weight. I'm excited and I can see the changes in the mirror, it's just amazing. I'm not really into any of my old clothes yet but soon; I'm only about 5lbs away from a tight squeeze with that!!

I also had to let everyone know that I bought some of that Akavar Slimming Gel LMAO!!! I only got it because it's normally $20-$35 and it's on clearance at my walmart for $5, I figured hey $5 what have I got to lose but bulging fat? LOL
I think *think* it's making a difference! I've been using it on my stomach; front and side/hips. Also, on my thighs. I swear I see a difference in my stomach area...I took measurements the day I started it so we will see, but it just looks different and I've only lost 2lbs since then so I'm guessing it might be working a little.
Oh, the main reason for buying it, because I never ever fall for things like slimming or wrinkle reducing creams; is because it's patented. I happen to know a little bit about patents so I read through it, and it couldn't have been approved without doing what it says so...there you have it. We'll see if it works!

I'm still a little stuffy form that horrible illness I got, but I feel much better. Now I'm having sever jaw pain, I have really bad TMJ and things at the homestead haven't been so good so I'm grinding my teeth really bad and my jaw is paying for it...OUCH! It's extremely painful, to say the least.
I'm expecting a weight stall as aunt flow is due any day, fun fun! More later.

Maintenance Day 4 - 169.2

2009-01-28T06:10:00.000-08:00

I changed the title for my maintenance phase, it makes a bit more sens now :)

Today is day 4 of my "maintenance" phase and I would say that I'm not really maintaining but still losing. I was down another 1.2lbs today and officially under 170 YEAH! I'm so happy about that and exactly where I was when I went in for heart surgery in April of '08.

My food intake yesterday was about 40z of steak for lunch with a few pieces of zucchini fried in a pan with just water, no Melba or anything, I just didn't feel like having it. Then I had chicken soup for dinner; one small bowl. The soup had some peas, corn, carrots and spinach in it but I didn't get that many in one bowl. I did used rotisserie chicken from off the bone for the soup. I also had a large apple and lots of peanuts and almonds last night; probably a big handful of each.
I didn't drink that much water yesterday or the day before because I'm out of my drinks. I only drink sparkling water or club soda (without sodium) I can't drink plain water due to serious reflux issues. All I had were a few perrier's that DH bought for me, and I usually don't drink those so I wasn't chugging them down like normal. I normally drink around 3 liters a day of club soda, it gets expensive. Never mind when I was breastfeeding! DH said I was going to take him to the poor house because we had to spend so much money on schweppes club soda LOL

I don't think I'll be getting out to get some more of my sparkling water today as I'm snowed in :( and it's still coming down out there!
It really sucks because I really need to get T-shirts for my boys and nephew and embellish them for their birthday party. I'm in a time crunch as it is, and I was supposed to go yesterday to get them. No way I'll be going today.

I have to read up on the maintenance phase for the pounds and inches protocol. I don't know if I'm supposed to be losing still, I'm happy about it though.

I was think about starting the HCG shots and 500 cal diet on the first of Feb only because My kids party is on the 15th and I wanted to get to my goal weight by then. It would be so great to be pre-pregnancy weight when I see everyone! I know that's not how this diet works but I'm just so anxious about losing the rest of my weight for my first goal. But if I keep losing like I am then I won't have to start the HCG or the 500 cals and that would be great! Fingers crossed that the weight loss continues.

I just got my "my personal fitness coach" game for the Wii in the mail yesterday, and I'm interested to try it out. I also have to get on my Wii fit and see what my fitness test says...and watch my Mii shrink in size/weight :) I've been meaning to get on it and weigh myself and see what it has to say. It measures your BMI also and I know mine will be going down, it will be good to see my little Mii not so plump anymore LOL and to see my Wii fit age.
I believe My Personal Fitness Coach uses the Wii Fit Balance Board for some of the exercises but we will see. My goal today is to get on the Wii Fit, which can be hard with a 2 and 3 year old ;)

Day 33 "maintenance" 170.4

2009-01-27T16:25:00.000-08:00

So I decided to go to the maintenance phase two days ago. I did this because of the symptoms I'm having, which I believe are due to the lack of protein and possibly some nutrients also. My nail beds were and still are pale white with red lines at the tips by where my nails grow off of it. I know it's hard to explain, but I've never seen my nails look like this. That and the fact that I'm still sick; I cannot seem to kick this thing. That is not like me at all; usually I never get sick. I am getting better but still stuffed up.
I just decided that I needed to do the maintenance phase because of this. I was about due to start anyway. I haven't really been following the 500 calorie rule or the diet to the T. I have to say that this is the second time I stopped taking the HCG shots and had the same experience. When I stop taking them after a long durations of time I am NOT hungry at all. I know this isn't in my mind, I could really for all day without eating a bite of food. I stopped the shots on day 29 and I had no appetite until today. Yesterday I didn't put a piece of food in my mouth until after 6pm. That wasn't by choice; I ended up having a crazy day but I honestly wasn't hungry or thirsty at all. The day before I just ate my normal 500 way except that I added some almonds and peanuts; for protein. Yesterday I didn't get a chance to eat until 6pm and I had some beef "stew" that I had made for dinner. There was no starch or sugar in it except a little bit of corn that I put in it. I had a small bowl and a little bit later I had an orange that I didn't really enjoy.

I had a loss of 1.2lbs on the scale today making me 170.4 I was excited to say the least! I plan to continue the no starch and no sugar diet for a little while longer. I'm not sure how long I will do it for before I do the HCG again. I guess it depends on whether or not I still lose any weight. I would really like to get off my last 16lbs to be pre-pregnancy weight! I would be so happy to fit in those clothes again. So we will see what happens; plus I have HCG that I've got to use or it will go bad.

Before and after pics coming soon!!

Day 31 VLCD

2009-01-25T06:44:00.000-08:00

So no loss today :( I don't know why. I didn't cheat or eating anything different from normal, I drank a good amount of water and I never even had my second fruit for the day.
I'm not happy about being the same weight as yesterday. I hope I'm not hitting another plateau, can't I just get under 170 GRRRR!
I'm just discouraged, it's hard for me when I'm following the diet and not getting results for it. I had my normal amount of activity yesterday...ah who knows!

Things finally got moving today, so hopefully I will be able to see that on the scale tomorrow. It's funny because I wasn't really that hungry yesterday, nor am I today. It's a good thing I guess.

My Mother is having mixed feelings about this diet, I think so anyway. She just got back from vacation, a two week cruise mind you! When I told her I was sick she said "do you think it because of your lack of nutrition from this diet" LMAO yeah ok Mom. If anyone has lack of nutrition it's her LOL Rarely does she eat a vegetable, though she claims she eats them everyday...she must hide in the closet and eat them because no one ever sees it LOL.
When she saw me said said "oh you lost a little bit huh?" like she wasn't trying to let on that this diet is working as well as it is. My sis was like "A LITTLE? No, a lot" I mean I don't really care if she supports this diet or not, I'll do it either way, and I don't need her approval to know that it's working...I clearly see that it is.
My Mother has issues with the perception of peoples weight. When I was younger my weight fluctuated between 125-139 at the most, I'm 5'7" that is actually for the most part underweight for a person with my build.
I was thin, super thin. She used to tell me things like I could be a plus size model. LMAO at it now but back then it made me feel bad about myself. It was hard for me to understand ya know? I mean I thought I was thin, but was I really? Because my mother apparently didn't think so. It was confusing and put a huge weight on my self esteem. Even now she say things that are just crazy when she is commenting on peoples weight. For instance, she does theatre and she was in a play with a girl whom I used to be friends with. Well, when she was telling my sister about her, about how she looked she actually called her "fat". Well....when my sister and I saw her we nearly died because she was not fat, not only was she not fat she was thin. I mean, I'm talking maybe 5'7" and 145, that is NOT fat....or even chunky for that matter. So of course I think "what the hell does she think of me? I must be a beached whale to her!" and never mind what my sister thinks, she is heavier than me.
I don't know why she is like that but it's crazy and it's hard to deal with especially when we (myself and my 2 sisters) all struggle with weight.
We still lover her though ;)

Ok, I'm off to enjoy my small break, DH is going to be home today! Whew, a break for Mama!

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone who has commented. I really appreciate all of your support and all the great info you have to offer :)

Day 30 VLCD

2009-01-24T07:43:00.000-08:00

Weight today is 171.6 a loss of .8lbs and a total loss of 17.8 pounds! More than 1/2 way there! I'm really excited about that, I think it would have been more if I wasn't so bound up (TMI) it's been 3 days and I took a stool softener but no luck yet :( I could drop another pound LOL who knows!!
I've been trying to figure out how much longer I want to do the HCG shots for and I can't make up my mind!
I figured I would stop either at 40 days or when I hit a 25lbs total loss. I will then take a break and after my break try to do this diet for another round. So 40 days of shots would technically be in 8 days, so I would have to lose 7.2 lbs in 8 days to reach 25lbs total loss. BUT since I took many days off from the shots throughout this whole phase I'm thinking I might do the shots for 42 days making it an even 10 days to lose 7.2 lbs. If I keep going at the rate I have been these past few days I should be able to reach 25lbs with no problem.

I ended up veering from the normal diet yesterday, here's why; I ran out of my normal protein. I only had 1/4 of a cup of cottage cheese left for lunch. I had that with a Melba and some cucumber. I had my apple a couple of hours later. About 2 hours after my apple, and an hour before I usually eat dinner I had an Atkins protein bar. I never ended up eating dinner because that protein bar had me full until late in the evening, so I just had an apple when I got kind of hungry. It didn't really seem to cause too much of a problem in losing. I also forgot to take my HCG yesterday, I remembered at 8pm and I wasn't going to take it then so I just skipped it.

I did a shopping last night and I plan to resume my normal VLCD today.
I'm still really sick and thinking that I might need to go see a Dr. because my throat has been sore for 3 days now and last night I had trouble eating my apple; it was getting stuck in my throat because my throat is so swollen. Though today, only one side of my throat hurts so maybe it's getting better. I dunno. I'll see How I feel in a little while, it's just such a project to drag my 2 kiddos out and go to the walk-in clinic they are such a handful! I can't go when my husband gets home because we have to drive 25 mins to go pick up a toddler bed that I found on Craigslist (love craigslist). I might have to wait until Monday to see my own Dr.

Day 29 VLCD 17lbs lost

2009-01-23T05:51:00.000-08:00

17lbs on the nose! I've lost 17 pounds 172.4 WHOOO HOOO! I'm just about halfway to my goal and weigh only a tiny bit more than I did before I had my heart surgery. I'm really happy about that, but just wish it were more in 29 days of VLCDieting.
I only lost .6lbs but hey that's more than a half of a pound and it got me to 17lbs on the dot.

I had a rough day with the diet yesterday, I think it's because I'm so ill. I feel just awful and I think I was looking for "comfort" and to my surprise I was looking for food to comfort me. I didn't really expect that, or think that I ever really looked at food as a thing of comfort but I guess I do. This diet has made me realize things about about my eating habits and a food addiction that I didn't know I had. I was just shocked that I actually wanted food so I could feel better.
This is a problem that needs to stop, it needs to be changed forever. Now that I know I do indeed have a problem it helps me to be able to repair it the best that I can and I'm happy for that.

I didn't eat anything extra and I didn't cheat, but I did want to. I didn't end up taking my HCG shot until later in the evening because I forgot all about it. I've almost forgotten 3 days in a row now.
It was probably only a .6lbs loss because I barely moved at all yesterday. I laid on the couch for most of the day only moving when it was absolutely necessary. I guess that's why I didn't have as much of a loss. I feel a bit better today as far as sinus pressure goes, but my throat is very sore. But I'm sure I can take some Motrin and it will fee better, so I'll try to get some physical activity in for today :)

HCG diet FAQs

2009-01-22T13:08:00.000-08:00

I will do my best to answer all questions to the best of my knowledge. If you have a question that you would like answered please leave a comment here or email me I will do my best to answer it and post it here.

*I am not a doctor and this is just advice, its best to consult your doctor about serious health issues such as a VLCD, HCG injections and weight loss programs.

Do I have to be on a 500 calorie diet while taking HCG?
You don't have to be. There a many different versions of the HCG diet, though usually none of them included more than 800 calories. It depends on what protocol you are following and whether or not you are working with your Dr. or a weight loss clinic. It also depends on how much weight you want to lose and how fast.

Can I take HCG without the VLCD/500 calorie diet and still lose weight?
As mentioned above the most calories anyone would want to consume while taking HCG is 800. If you plan to take more than that then no. If you eat more than 800 calories chances are that you will not lose weight and could possible gain it.
HCG aids in weight loss; it's not a "miracle cure" that makes you lose weight without effort.

What is an “apple day” on the HCG diet?
An "apple day" is used to break a plateau. From Pounds and Inches manuscript "An apple-day begins at lunch and continues until just before lunch of the following day. The patients are given six large apples and are told to eat one whenever they feel the desire though six apples is the maximum allowed. During an apple-day no other food or liquids except plain water are allowed and of water they may only drink just enough to quench an uncomfortable thirst if eating an apple still leaves them thirsty."

How much weight can I lose on the HCG diet?
That all depends on your individual metabolism and your ability to follow a strict VLCD. It's possible to lost up to 2lbs a day, on average for women it's 0.5-1lbs a day. Don't be discouraged if you don't lose 1lbs a day, everyone is different.

What can I eat on the HCG diet?
This is a quick summary for round 1 foods from "pounds and Inches":
Breakfast:
Tea or coffee in any quantity without sugar. Only one tablespoonful of milk allowed in 24 hours. Saccharin or Stevita may be used.
Lunch:
1. 100 grams of veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp. All visible fat must be carefully removed before cooking, and the meat must be weighed raw. It must be boiled or grilled without additional fat. Salmon, eel, tuna, herring, dried or pickled fish are not allowed. The chicken breast must be removed from the bird.
2. One type of vegetable only to be chosen from the following: spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens, green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage.
3. One breadstick (grissino) or one Melba toast.
4. An apple, orange, or a handful of strawberries or one-half grapefruit.
Dinner :
The same four choices as lunch (above.)

The juice of one lemon daily is allowed for all purposes. Salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard powder, garlic, sweet basil, parsley, thyme, majoram, etc., may be used for seasoning, but no oil, butter or dressing.

Tea, coffee, plain water, or mineral water are the only drinks allowed, but they may be taken in any quantity and at all times.

In fact, the patient should drink about 2 liters of these fluids per day. Many patients are afraid to drink so much because they fear that this may make them retain more water. This is a wrong notion as the body is more inclined to store water when the intake falls below its normal requirements.

The fruit or the breadstick may be eaten between meals instead of with lunch or dinner, but not more than than four items listed for lunch and dinner may be eaten at one meal.

Can I do the HCG diet if I have a Thyroid problem?
As Far as I know, yes. I haven't seen any info saying no. I am slightly Hypothyroid and I'm not having any trouble. The weight loss may not be as fast as people without a Thyroid condition.
It's proven that weight loss can help reduce TSH levels and help your Thyroid to function better.

Does HCG control hunger?
No. I personally do not believe it has an effect on ones hunger. Though it's best to try it yourself and find out, everyone is different.

I'll be waiting for more questions; you can email me HERE and I'll do my best to answer them.

Ways to help cope with hunger

2009-01-22T12:38:00.000-08:00

Here are some tips for new HCG dieters on how to survive that first week from hell ;)

What I found works best is to eat your lunch but leave your fruit off. Then you should divide your fruit in to equal pieces. For instance, this is what my routine was:

Cut up a Honey Crisp apple in to equal slices, rub with a lemon wedge or dip in lemon juice all exposed pieces without skin; this prevents them from turning brown, and ads a nice tang :). I then separate them into two different plastic sandwich bags and refrigerate them.
Around 2 hours after lunch I start to get really hungry so I'll snack one of my bags then; about 2 hours later I snack the other one. About an hour after that I'm ready to have dinner, I repeat the same thing with my dinner portion of fruit; be is orange or apple. Obviously the lemon isn't needed if you are doing it with an orange; just break it in half and refrigerate.

I find that Honey Crisp apples seem to be the best apples, if you haven't tried one please do, you have no idea what you're missing!

Another thing I did is eat very slow, I try to enjoy every little morsel of food. I don't eat as slow now as I did in the beginning. I felt more satisfied if I ate really slow and that was my goal on VLCD or 500 calorie diet.

Another trick is to cut up cucumber slices and keep them in a bit of water, salt, vinegar, dill, garlic and any other spices that you like. You can snack these a couple of time a day when you are feeling really hungry, they add a very small amount of calories but help immensely with hunger.

I found that the more water I drank the less hunger I felt, so drink up! Add some lemon for a refreshing twist.

You an also use strawberries as you fruit serving and split them up and make two smoothies with ice and strawberries add some VANILLA or CHOCOLATE Stevia for a yummy snack.

It's proven that you "feel" fuller longer if you have a drink that is thick rather than thin. It will help with hunger also and it's sweet and yummy.

I'll keep posting ideas when I remember some or learn new ones.

Does HCG control your hunger? IMO

2009-01-22T12:08:00.000-08:00

IMO= In my opinion. The simple answer is no. I don't believe that HCG controls, lowers, takes away, subdues or eases hunger. I never really felt as though it did. In fact, I feel as though it's harder for me to have control over my cravings while taking the HCG. I've had enough days on and off of it to tell the difference if there were one. I do feel the difference in cravings, they are worse. I also feel that it makes you feel full sooner, I definitely experienced this during loading.

If HCG truly helped ease hunger I don't think people would struggle as much their first week.

Overall it's the fact that your stomach shrinks and your body adjusts to eating small portions; so much so that you do become satisfied with a mere 500 calories a day. I believe that the idea of HCG working to control hunger also helps; that and the fact that you are actually having injections everyday, and for most it's not cheap.

I do believe that HCG aids in weight loss, no doubt. Once again I've had enough "on and off" days to see the difference. Not to mention that HCG has long been used by body builders to burn fat and build muscle. That is actually something to back HCG up, IMO. I know that women whom starve throughout pregnancy will still have a health baby; look to poor 3rd world countries for proof on that one.

I think overall HCG definitely promotes weight loss. I think this HCG diet helps to keep you on track and not cheating by including lots of money and shots. What I don't believe is that HCG controls hunger.

*this is just my experience and from info that I have gathered from others. There are also no scientific studies showing that HCG has an effect on hunger...I'm just saying :)

Day 28 VLCD

2009-01-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

Today I am 173, I lost 1lbs since yesterday. I have a feeling it's probably even more than that but I have a lot going on with my body. The "cold" that I had yesterday ended up kicking my butt I was laying down for half of the day after the fever started. I had to take my LOs to the Dr. Thank goodness my DH came with me because I don't know what I would of done if I had to take them both; it was just starting to get worse at that point. When we got back I was able to eat lunch and I just had my low fat cottage cheese with a Melba and a side of cucumber with balsamic vinegar. I couldn't really taste it because my nose was so stuffed up.
I once cared for an elderly woman, a sweet little lady. I remember her telling me every time we would eat that she could no longer taste her food; she had lost the ability years ago. I remember just being in awe, trying to imagine what that would be like. Every time I get a stuffed up nose and can't taste I think of her...here's to you Dotty.
After my kids when down for their nap my cold seemed to turn in to something awful. I had a 102 fever and the pressure in my face was on the verge of unbearable. I'm lucky my DH didn't go off to do side jobs after work because I just couldn't care for anyone at that point.

I managed to make myself some mini meatball and spinach soup I got down all the broth and most of the spinach but I just couldn't eat the meatballs. For some reason I'm having a major aversion to meat, I'm wondering if vegetarianism is in my near future? I didn't get to eat my fruit or Melba I was just too sick and couldn't eat anything.
What I did do was a bad thing and took some NyQuil, it's bad because they put HFCS in it. It was funny because DH suggested that I take some and I asked him if there was HFCS in it and he said "I dunno". He leaves the room and comes back in and says "why the hell would they put HFCS in NyQuil??? It tastes like crap anyway!" LMAO I just laughed, inside that is. I couldn't have laughed out loud if I wanted to. Normally I absolutely refuse to put that crap in my body. I will not buy anything with HFCS in it or Partially Hydrogenated anything. I did break my golden rule and take some NyQuil though. I thought it was going to make me feel better; it didn't. That's the last time I ever drink that stuff again. I probably would have been better off swigging some Sambuca, tastes almost the same LOL.

There are some things I want to address and I'm planing on doing them in separate posts so they can be easily found with the labels. I hope hope I can get to it today, though I'm still very sick.

Day 27 VLCD

2009-01-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

174 today! That is great; its my lowest weight so far! I'm super excited and can't wait to weigh tomorrow...yaaaaayyyyyy!

No much to report except that I have a pretty bad cold that started yesterday...bleck. I'm still tired but doing OK. I have a ton I want to write about today but I don't have time right now, I have to take my kiddos to the DR. I'll be back later for more!!

Day 26 VLCD

2009-01-20T06:52:00.000-08:00

This is day 26 of my VLCD on the HCG diet, my weight is 175.0. I'm back down to 14lbs lost which is great!
Yesterday was OK for me, I ended up eating late because we had to take our kiddos to the ER because they were so sick. My oldest was pretty much lethargic, all he wanted to was lay down no matter where you put him down. I would have brought them to the Pedi earlier but he wasn't open due to the holiday. They gave my oldest antibiotics but not my youngest, I wasn't really thrilled with that. They seem the same except one's throat is a little more sore. We were in and out pretty fast so that was good but I still didn't get to eat my dinner until after 9pm and I don't like having to eat that late. I was hungry by that point though so I had to. I didn't drink much water yesterday so I'm going to try for more today.

I think I'm going to have meatballs with asparagus for lunch, I ended up getting 99% lean ground turkey...it was the only white meat I could find that was 99% lean. I've had the turkey before and I lost great so it's not a problem for me. Yummy meatballs!! Or I could have taco seasoned meat over lettuce...mmmm maybe that instead. I don't know, so many options...LOL!

I have a lot to do today, so I'm sure I'll be kept too busy to think about eating :)

Day 25 VLCD

2009-01-19T13:19:00.000-08:00

I'm down .4lbs today after a modified apple day yesterday. I had 2 apples and 4 oz of steak all day. I expected to see a little bit more loss but hey .4lbs isn't bad. I'm hoping it will be more than that tomorrow. I had no sleep last night, well barely any. Both my boys are so sick so they didn't want to sleep last night it was very stressful to say the least. I'm also ovulating and it's a bit early for that, but I'm assuming it's because of the weight loss. I'm not looking forward to my 2 weeks of rage and it's coming sooner than usual UGH! I also have increased hunger then too, I just can't win!

I'm not really not that hungry today and I don't have anything to make for dinner. So I guess I'm going to have to take my exhausted butt to the store this evening and I just don't want to.
I think maybe I'll have fish for dinner...sounds good.

Day 24 VLCD

2009-01-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

Okay so if you look at my "morning weigh-in's page" you will see that I'm up 1.2lbs today. The reasons for this (yes, there is more than one). First, is the fact that I'm pretty confident that I've become protein deficient. For about four days in a row I was pretty much lethargic, I started off just being really tired then it got much worse. I'm still very tired today but a small bit better. Out of curiosity I decided to look for my blood work results that I had done a few months before I started this diet. After I started thinking about it I was thinking that I had remembered something about my protein being low; so I had to search endless piles of crap to find them but I did. I was only .5 g/dL from being protein deficient a few moths ago; a level between 6.4 -8.0 is considered "normal" mine was 6.9, it was within the normal range but on the low side. The way that I'm feeling just isn't right, so I was faced with making a decision for my health. I mean let me just give you an idea of the symptoms I'm experiencing:
Here is a list of protein deficiency symptoms I've put a red X to show what I'm experiencing:

Mental and Emotional Risks

Apathy
Depression, anxiety X
Irritability, intolerance, moodiness X (severe)
Decrease in mental alertness, comprehension, and concentration X (severe)
Thoughts focused on eating, weight and hunger X (obviously)
Self-absorbed, self-focused, decrease in wider interests X
Preoccupation with own body, judgmental of others'
Lowered self-esteem, feels self-worth depends on being thin

Physical Risks

Weakness, fainting, fatigue X (severe)
Cold intolerance X (severe)
Gallstones
Gouty arthritis
Cardiac disorders
Elevated cholesterol X (genetic though)
Anemia
Headache X
Elevated uric acid levels ?
Loss of lean tissue
Nausea X
Diarrhea, constipation X
Edema X (slight, noticed in my lymphatic leg)
Hair loss, and thinning hair X (had this problem for a while)
Hypotension X (always had low BP though)
Abdominal pain
Muscle cramps
Aching muscles X
Both slowed and increased heart rate X (VT much?!??!)
Heart abnormalities, arrhythmia's X (severe)
Death not yet...:)

Out of 29 symptoms I have 17, 7 of those being severe.

So yesterday I decided that I needed to get some extra protein; I read the pounds and inches protocol and Dr. Simeons suggests that a serving of eggs with a good helping of cheese be eaten. That's what I started my day with; that and some peanuts. I also had an Atkins bar a couple of hours later and more peanuts. Anyway, I decided that I had to make it a "loading day" because I knew it was going to set me back. I really didn't care and still don't because I obviously needed the protein...probably still do. also it was my second shot day after an 8 day break (before and after period) I stopped the shots before my period to make sure I wasn't preggo...long story.
Today Is day 3 back on the HCG and I'm planing to restart the VLCD and go for more than 23 days; which was my original plan. So the reason for the gain is; Extra protein needed, added loading day and breaking that plateau.
I'm also planing on going to the DR. to get blood work done next week; CBC w/diff and thyroid panel. I have to make sure I not severely protein deficient.

I'm planing on doing an apple day today to jump start the loss and hopefully it will work. It's funny because out of all of what I ate yesterday no of it really tasted that good. I was gagging the egg and cheese down, which I normally love. I just didn't really care for it; the peanuts we delicious though as was the Atkins bar :) yum.

But it's six apples today through tomorrow until dinner well see how I feel. I just don't know what to do if I am indeed protein deficient??? Anyone???

I wanted to add that today I'm feeling lethargic again, I have no motivation to do anything at all. I don't even feel like going to get my kids juice at the store, which they need.
I decided that I should probably have steak for dinner because I need the protein. So far today I've had 2 small apples and 4oz of steak. That's all I plan to have today if I can make it through the rest of the night. I'm going to get my butt in gear and go to the store now :)

Day 22 VLCD

2009-01-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

This HCG diet seems a bit slow going for me lately. It seems like it's taking forever for me to lose this weight. I cant wait to finally be past 15lbs. My first round of the injections is almost over, how long can you do them for? I'm not sure about that.
I am feeling extremely tired. I am seriously exhausted I can barely get up in the mornings and I could seriously fall asleep right now. I'm not usually like this; its definitely out of character for me. I'm sure it has something to do with this diet, I guess I need to look it up.

Anyway, I lost .4lbs since yesterday making me 174.6, I wish it were more but oh well. I'm not really hungry today just tired...so tired. I'll probably have chicken or steak for dinner with lettuce...ack.

I am still in ketosis but I have noticed that my ketone strips aren't really showing up as dark pink as they were before. I'm hoping that after today I can get them back where they need to be. I also feel like I could just continue to eat this way forever, even though it's not really good. I've have found that I have an incredible amount of self control that I never knew I had. Actually, I did know that I had it I think it was just lost. Its found it way back, thank goodness.

Day 21 VLCD

2009-01-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

I'm down .8lbs today but that's not really impressive. It is actually considering that I've cheated a bit the last two days. I'm now not so nervous about when this diet is over, I'm not scared that when I add a bit of fat I'll gain all my weight back. My cheats FYI were an Atkins protein bar and peanuts. Same thing both days; I have to say I felt so much better after having more protein in my system. My body was tired and so were my muscles, my arms would get exhausted after just washing my hair. I would literally have to take breaks in between. I feel much better today and not as hungry as usually on this HCG diet. I did stop the HCG shots for a couple of days, because like I said it make me "crave" more. I took my shot today and I'm feeling OK.

I don't have anything to eat for dinner and it's been snowing for most of the day, DH said we could go out and get something to make when he got home. I would really rather not drive in the snow.
My fingers are crossed that I'll be down 1.5 pounds tomorrow. I'll finally be able to get over 15lbs lost. I'm hoping that's the case with aunt flow completely gone now.

I was on amazon and reading some of the comments people make about this diet wow, it's crazy. Here is the link to the forums at the bottom of the page of Kevin Trudeau's book page on amazon. You have to scroll almost completely to the bottom to see the forum chats, ignore the first posting that's me :) If you have time read some of the crazy stuff people put here is the link: The Weight Loss Cure They Don't Want You to Know About

Hopefully I'll update later :)

Day 19 VLCD

2009-01-13T12:36:00.000-08:00

WTH? Only a tiny bit of a loss .2lbs, that's sad what is wrong with my body? I know I'm still in ketosis as I've tested and my strips are usually between "moderate" and "heavy". I figured that if I'm in ketosis I must be burning fat, right? Ugh, I just don't know. I'm going to do some more research to find out. I'm thinking about adding a little bit of fat, a very small amount back into my diet. I was going to switch out fat free cottage cheese for low fat which has 1g of fat per serving. I'm sure this is probably a bad idea but I really don't know what is supposed to happen when I stop this diet and start to consume fat (in moderation) again? I'm kind of freaked out a bit about it. I thought maybe if I start adding a tiny bit now it might help. I mean I know there is a little fat in the meat and fish but barely. I'm probably under 2g a day..I feel like I've said this before LOL

Anyway, I'm not really hungry at all today I skipped my fruit with lunch and I haven't really needed to have it yet. I'm sure I'll be hungry by dinner time and it's chicken and lettuce again...ewww, uh I mean yum.
The Philips did help to get things moving today though so I'm hoping to see the results tomorrow on the scale. We'll see :)

Day 18 VLCD

2009-01-12T15:42:00.000-08:00

Sorry for not updating.

So wow, I've been at this VLCD for 18 days. That just seems unreal to me. I didn't think I would make it this far during my first week! I have and I'm impressed with myself...my weight loss not so much.

I'm 176.0lbs today I'm not really happy with that because it puts me at 14lbs in 18 days of VLC eating. I have to say that I expected it to be a bit more...maybe like 18lbs?? But no, and I have been following the protocol no variations. I think aunt flow may be responsible for some of the slowed weigh loss though. From what I have read, your weight normally doesn't budge during your period. Well I'm proof of that. My weight was the same for 3 days; the day before my period and the first two days of it. Then it finally dropped down a bit. I've been having steak for dinner and it seems to have me a little bound up so It's chicken and lettuce tonight. We will see what tomorrow brings.

I have to say that I feel much different in my clothes though. My jeans aren't tight and I actually am going an extra belt loop. I had to use a belt on jeans that I normally don't. That's a major plus ; my face looks different too. It maybe only 14 lbs but it feels great.

I think I'm a little bit pissed if you will that I've been starving myself and not really seeing much for results these past couple of days. I'm probably going to take some Philips tonight to get things moving tomorrow and I'm hoping to see some results. I plan to take my HCG shot tomorrow also, as I've only been injecting every other day. I find that the HCG makes it incredibly hard for me to resist temptation. I have not cheated but when I'm on the HCG I'm ready to throw the towel in and order Chinese food. I've come close to doing it, but when I'm not taking the HCG It's much better and I don't really have problem with cravings bothering me.
Everyone is different and I usually react differently than most to medications so I'm not surprised.

Hopefully I will update with good news tomorrow :)

Day 13 VLCD

2009-01-07T07:46:00.000-08:00

Well today's weigh-in is kind of disappointing; I'm not down anything. I do know why so that's a good thing. I didn't have a number 2 LOL that always slows my weight loss and I barely drank any water at all, I was generally feeling under the weather. I couldn't drink water because I felt sick, I couldn't even finish either of my meals but I did have my apple and orange. Hopefully I'll be down more tomorrow maybe not aunt flo is right around the corner. Blah...
I feel awful today...not much to say.

Day 12 VLCD

2009-01-06T06:35:00.000-08:00

I'm down to 177.4 or 3. That stupid scale of mine said 177.2 for the entire time and jumped up after 15 seconds and said 177.4 so I'm guessing it's .3!
12lbs in 12 days wow, I feel great. My stomach has reduced immensely and I'm starting recognize my face again. I've moved out of a different pair of jeans than what I was wearing, I only had one pair that fit! I've now gotten into a different pair and they aren't even that tight, I'm considering trying some of my others but I think I'll wait to make sure they do actually fit when I try them.
I'm surprised how easy this diet has become for me, though I am still struggling with my morning coffee. Everything else seems fine except for the food selections which I'm having some trouble with I mean the restricted calorie part though. It's actually easy most of the time now, I had some cravings yesterday when DH brought his bag of spicy nacho/chipotle ranch Doritos in the computer room and was horking them down. I resisted because It's not worth it, I feel SO good I cant sacrifice it....I'm just thinking "wow in 10 more days I could be 22lbs (total) lighter" How good is that going to feel?!?!?! I can't wait! SO excited.
I was doing some research on the HCG diet and there are so very many websites debunking it, if you will. I mean we all know that losing weight fast just about guarantees that you will put it back on. We also know that a 500 calorie diet isn't really safe, some how the HCG changes this and I understand how, but does it really. I don't know, I do know that I'm losing weight super fast and my cholesterol levels are probably better than they've been in a long time.

I plan to make an appointment with my Dr. to get my cholesterol checked around when I'm done with this phase. I can't wait to see his face when he sees me :) He is a really down to earth Dr. not your typical at all, he is young, still parties a bit, and needs to lose a few himself, just a few ;) We know some of the same people in the medical industry around here as I worked in physical therapy at the same hospital he works out of.
We talked about weight loss options and he told me I couldn't have what he normally prescribes due to my heart issues. He suggested a 1500 calorie diet low fat/low carb/low cholesterol I've tried those they don't work.
Anyway, it will be great to see his face and the little snot that works there, who insists on putting me on the scale even if I go 3 weeks in a row. She is the only one who does that, the others always say "you were here last week so we don't have to weigh if you don't want to".
It's funny I went to the Cardiologist a couple of weeks ago to get my holter monitor and as we all know they always weigh you before EVERY visit for anything. Well, I said "no I'm going to skip that today" you should have seen her face. She was like "are you sure?" with a look of doubt on her face. Of course I said "yes I'm sure" and then proceeded to keep walking. I know my rights, thanks. I don't have to get on that thing if I don't want to and I won't. Don't you know that she wrote in big letters on top of the page "REFUSED TO BE WEIGHED" so stupid, like it's a big deal or something, get a life.
I love doing things like that; shaking up the medical industry. They think they have the right to do whatever they want which is so wrong because we are paying them for a service, we are the customers and as we all know "the customer is always right". The medical industry tends to forget this. You should have seen my birth plans LMAO, the hospital completely freaked out and had no idea what to do...SO FUNNY. I have the world best pediatrician and OB BTW.
If you are in the medical profession please don't be offended, most are like this not all.

Ok enough of my blabbering today LOL

Day 11 VLCD

2009-01-05T14:20:00.001-08:00

Sorry about not updating yesterday. I had good loss and I did update my weigh-in page yesterday.

Today I'm 178.0 not as much loss as yesterday but I'll take it; that's a total loss of 11.4lbs in 11 days! That's great if you ask me :)

I've been struggling a bit with the food choices. I've managed to get sick of just about every option I have for meat. I'm probably going to go to the store and buy fat free cottage cheese because I that it can be substituted occasionally. I love cottage cheese so that's a good thing. I also plan to buy steak EEEEK! I don't really like steak and don't ever eat it BUT I'm having a very hard time with any other choice right now. Maybe some scallops also. I was gagging my meal down today and couldn't even finish it I left more than half on the plate. I'm actually getting nauseous just thinking about it right now and I have to stop.

I'll try to update more later...

Day 9 VLCD

2009-01-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

Quick update as I don't have much time today. I'm busy trying to get stuff ready and in line for my kiddos b-day party next month.
I was 179.8 today! I'm under 180 YAY! That was a loss of 1.1 lbs and making it a total loss of 9.7lbs almost 10lbs in 9 days of a VLCD isn't too bad :) I'll take it.

Okay so much for a quick update LOL. I ended up leaving before I posted this!

My stupid car died today at the super market! It died right at the light to pull out, that goodness that it wasn't I the middle of the road yet! I had my boys with me they are about to be 2 and 3. I just figures considering that I could not for the life of me find my cell phone yesterday or today, it was seriously MIA. So I actually left my house without my cell phone, can I tell you that I haven't left my house without my cell in...well it;s been years. I never ever leave without it, I'm so paranoid that something could happen....GUESS WHAT!!! ARGH of course it had to happen today in the freezing cold, the one time I actually don't have me cell phone. Not to mention that my poor boys hadn't eaten lunch because I was just running out super quick to get ground meat for myself to eat. Poor guys, luckily I had bought them and organic fruit stick to snack on. I ended up having to drag them out of the car while people were behind my car beeping and getting mad. I guess they couldn't see that I clearly had my hazards on; more people would just keep getting behind the car too, idiots. Anyway, we had to walk back to the market it wasn't too far but far enough with two kids, all while my 3yo is jumping in the snowy slush every chance he gets. I asked a manager when I first walked in if they had a phone I could use, and he sent me to the exit of the store for a pay phone. I almost asked him what a pay phone was LMAO I haven't used one of those in probably 10 years...and what?!?! They cost $.50 stinking cents, I was lucky to have it on me. Then DH was not picking up the phone it took me about 10 minutes just to get in touch with him!

It was eventful and very stressful to say the least. My boys were very good through all of it though.
Because of everything that happened I didn't end up eating my protein until 5pm. I started to make my lunch around 12:30; I made fish. The fish was nasty, it was like gelatinous and soft ewwww. I couldn't eat it and threw it in the garbage after one bite. I ate my cucumbers and that's all until 5pm. So I think I'm probably going to skip dinner because I'm sure I won't be hungry until much later.
I'm excited because I found Grissini at my local market and they are so yummy. Much better than Melba toast and one stick seems to be a bit more than the Melba, I could be wrong though. My boys ate them up wile me were waiting for the tow truck.

You can order grissini from amazon, the link is on the left of my page under "hard to find HCG diet products". I would also be willing to get some boxes of them for some people proving you pay for them and the shipping. I'm trust worthy, but of course that's up to you. I just figured I'd offer considering they are hard to find for some people and wow they are so much better than Melba toast. They cost $2.19 at my local store and they have plain and garlic. They both have the same amount of calories per serving except that the garlic has more protein per serving. That's the only difference, besides flavor of course.

Okay, I'm off for now :)

Day 8 VLCD

2009-01-02T05:49:00.000-08:00

I'm bummed I've only lost .6 lbs. I'm sure it was due to spinach with dinner and the fact that my scale is so testy. I forgot to take my shirt off and once it does your first weight it won't change after that; I'm considering getting a new one! So annoying. My body fat is still 5% down and I feel thinner today :). I was hoping to be under 180 today but no luck.
I had to have spinach with dinner because I can't eat another piece of lettuce, I'll puke LOL.
The fish is also finally starting to gross me out, so it's back to ground turkey today I think I'm going to try and make a mini meatloaf type of thing. I'm sure it will be good and I was thinking I could disguise my veggie in there. I'm going to pull out the mini food processor and finely chop either celery or onion, I just can't do the lettuce again today.

I have a ton of things to get done today...

In lieu of a comment I got that was deleted and for clarification; in my "meatloaf" the only bread I use is one Melba toast which is allowed with the meal so I use it in my mini meatloaf instead of enjoying it plain. I'll put the recipe below in case any one would like to try it.

Also, I've been using 99% lean ground turkey breast in place of fattier ground beef as I don't really eat beef. I didn't realize that turkey would be a problem and I don't recall seeing anything says such in the "pounds and inches" protocol either. I seem to have no problem with it slowing weight loss down as I've lost the most the days I've eaten it; and as far as calories I'm under 500 a day, thank you.

Oh and by the way it's day 8 and I've lost 8.6lbs so I think I'm doing OK.

My mini meatloaf recipe:

3.5oz of your choice of allowed ground meat
1 Melba toast
1/4 tsp of minced garlic
3.5oz of either onion or celery (this will be your veggie) If you wanted you could do 1/2 & 1/2
1/4 tsp of onion powder
salt and pepper to taste

Crush Melba toast in to a powder, add to meat. Add minced onion, garlic, onion powder salt and pepper. Form into a mini loaf and cook for 15minutes or until done at 400. Reduce cooking temp and cook longer for a moister meatloaf (I prefer it a little dry :) )

I had this for lunch and it was good but my mini meatballs for dinner were better!

Day 7 VLCD

2009-01-01T06:19:00.000-08:00

Whoo Hoo! 1.5 lbs down this morning; I'm so happy! I think my scale doesn't like odd numbers because it's been doing the same thing to me every day which is blinking between a lower weight and a higher weight. Today it said 181.1 then jumped up to 181.4 at the very last minute and it seems to do this every day. It's like it won't land on and odd number, strange.
I'm down 5% body fat and that is just amazing to me I can't believe I'm down that much in body fat. I guess being in ketosis is really paying off, though my levels were just "small" yesterday it still seems to be getting the job done.
If you didn't read my post last night I didn't take my HCG yesterday and I had a really great day. I mean really great day. I was happy and not that hungry and I didn't have any insane cravings like the past days. So I decided to take another day off today and see what happens.

What I do know is that HCG does slow thyroid function, thyroid levels will skyrocket during pregnancy due to HCG if you have a thyroid problem to begin with. I am borderline hypothyroid so maybe the HCG is effecting my thyroid function. I've been experiencing symptoms, such as being cold all the time and increase in hair loss since starting the shots.

I did eat just lettuce with my meals yesterday and I ended up throwing out half of my chicken for lunch because it was making me gag. I just can't eat chicken right now....or it seems ever again LOL. I had scallops yesterday again because I had my remaining 3.5 oz left they were good and didn't seems to give me a problem. I did shower and use my boys soap to wash them up but let DH lotion them up. So I guess their soap is OK it's just a J&J buddy bar, it has barely anything in it.
I went shopping and got 3 packages of fish, some Haddock and Halibut. I can't wait to make it! I actually "breaded" my scallops and baked them yesterday and they were SO yummy. I smashed up my Melba toast and used that as breading. I coated them in lemon juice and then rolled them in the smashed up Melba, put some lemon, water and sherry in a small casserole dish and baked them, you have no idea how good it was. I'm considering doing baked stuffed fish tonight. I'll make a "stuffing" out of my Melba toast stick. I'll post the recipe after I try it ;)

I'm feeling a bit hungry now but I'm going to have some more coffee.

I had to share to this awesome amazon deal with everyone, if you are planing on doing this diet you should have a very accurate scale and a plus is one that measures body fat %. This scale is marked down from $59.99 to only $34.99 WOW. It has excellent reviews and actually reads your visceral body fat. It does BMI and measures in .2lb increments! This is a great tool to add to any diet. Just click the picture to check it out!

I'm the deal queen so I just had to share this deal with everyone it's worth checking out and reading some of the functions and for $34.99 it's a premium scale, you can't beat that price with FREE SHIPPING too!!

My lunch today; recipe to follow:

Baked stuffed Halibut with a side of Romain lettuce and cherry tomatoes with a strawberry vinaigrette

Please excuse the high chair tray underneath and the not so great lighting *blush*

I had a really great day today

2008-12-31T20:23:00.000-08:00

As I said earlier I woke up and I wasn't really hungry. I decided to skip the shot today as I took a tiny dose of my ADD medication and just didn't feel like taking it.
either the ADD meds helped immensely with my appetite or not having the HCG worked wonders. I'm not sure it was my medication because I took 5mg and it was XR so a 2.5 dose. I didn't really have any of the effects from it like being able to get things done. I didn't accomplish anything that I wanted to do. I did notice I was no where near as hungry and I really didn't have any cravings, this is the really the first time I've felt like this since doing this diet. It could be the fact that I did not take the HCG or it could be the add meds. I plan on not taking my shot tomorrow and no meds, if I hit a rough patch I can always take the shot later in the day.

My mood was really so much better today, I'm actually feeling go and happy. It's not from the ADD medicine because that has well worn off and I'm still feeling great. I'm hungry but I'm ok with that. I really wonder if it could be the HCG cause those insane craving and making me irritable? I know when I was pregnant I had really bad hypoglycemia (glucose would be well below 50) so maybe the HCG is aggravating it? I have no idea I just want to see what tomorrow brings. I'm wondering if It's okay to continue this diet without HCG and still lose? Or maybe I could do a shot every other day? Anyone have any info on that....or lead me in the right direction as where to find some?

I'm interested to see tomorrows weigh-in I had no HCG and went back to lettuce as my veggie with my two meals. Oh, and I threw out half of my chicken for lunch...I was literally gagging on it I just couldn't eat it. No more chicken for unless I find a creative way to cook it.
I did have a good laugh at dinner though; I was enjoying my healthy meal and DH was stuffing his face with doritos and soupy (peporoni type thing) and he looked at me and said "I'm gonna die of a heart attack" I just cracked up and said "yup, while I'm here eating my heart healthy meal and I'm NOT putting down my plate to do mouth to mouth":)

Day 6 VLCD

2008-12-31T05:52:00.000-08:00

I've lost only another 1/2 pound I'm now at 182.9. It's kind of discouraging but maybe due to the fact that I had scallops for dinner and I didn't see those on the list of proteins. It's back to fish tonight if I continue with this. I am feeling a little bit better today than I was last night, wow it was rough. I woke up not really hungry which is good. I'm feeling like I can battle this hunger today and I plan to take my ADD meds because I have stuff to get done that I have been slacking on. I am seriously slacking big time and it's really time to get things done. I'll probably clean a bit too and donate some stuff that's been laying around, I know DH will be happy about that he can't stand clutter and I swear I'm a hoarder or something LMAO.

I think I need to figure out why I'm not losing as much weight as I was. I really haven;t changed anything except that I'm eating veggies rather than lettuce now. I'm thinking that's why, so it's back to lettuce today. I was having lettuce one cherry tomato and onion with both meals and that's when I was seeing the bigger weight loss. Lettuce it is and we'll see if that helps I would really like to be 1.7lbs lighter tomorrow...maybe more???? :) I still have 8 days until I get aunt flow so I'm hoping that this isn't what's stalling my weight loss I know I do have major PMS though; sorry for the TMI people.

I'm off to see how my fellow dieters are doing!!

HCG = no hunger?

2008-12-30T19:17:00.000-08:00

HCG = no hunger? I'm sorry but it's just not true. I know my hcg is good, I know I'm taking the proper dose and I'm following the correct diet. Guess what I'm hungry, and not your average "oh I could eat" hungry. I'm seriously starving my stomach is in pain and rumbling; this is my 5th day of the VLCD and I'm so hungry.

From what I've read I'm not the first person to experience this it seems like every forum I go to or blogs that I read people are hungry and questioning the quality of their HCG. I'm beginning to believe that the HCG does not in any way help with hunger. Yeah, maybe after 2 weeks on the diet you aren't hungry but HELLO your stomach has shrunk and adjusted to the tiny amount of food you have been eating. It's a fact that your stomach shrinks if you cut down your portions so after 2 weeks of the diet YES you will feel full off of the small portions on this diet and YES you won't feel as hungry.
I honestly believe that HCG only provides your body with means to use your fat effectively while you do this 500 cal diet, hence the rapid weight loss of just fat.
I do not believe that it actually helps your hunger pangs because whoa I sure do have them (as we speak) I'm not the only one either. I do know that it can and will usually make you feel full faster...I've been pregnant before and my sister whom is overweight lost 30lbs during her pregnancy due to not being able to eat as much BUT she was still hungry just able to control her portions MUCH easier. She still wanted to eat but says she just couldn't eat more.

I'm just so fed up right now, I'm literally starving and I'm SO miserable because of it. I'm snapping SO easy it actually kind of scary. I don't like it one bit; I actually considered just stopping this diet today because of my rage. My kids don't need a mom who rages over the smallest thing. I've been known to have rage issues in the past as I've said before and I try my damn hardest to control it. I try so hard because of my boys, I want to raise them correctly and if I get fuming mad when they do something wrong it's only teaching them to do the same thing. I see my 3yo acting out pretty much in the same way as I do and it breaks my heart. I'm better than that and so are my kids. I made a promise to myself that I was not going to let my rage fits happen anymore unless it was warranted of course. I have been doing excellent with this for a long time but now I'm finding myself unable to control this with this nagging hunger and extreme irritability.

I mean is really it worth it...the guilt I'm feeling for my outbursts which I just cannot control on this diet. Maybe it's from low blood sugar, I do tend to get a little hypoglycemic. I've never read anything about that and the HCG diet so I don't know. The past couple of times I checked my blood sugar the were OK, but just borderline. I mean I just honestly don't know if it's worth it, I feel awful for the way I'm acting, my kids don't deserve it. But then I think "well it's only for a short period of time" but who knows what damage can be done in that period of time. My anger for just 24 days my have an effect on my children for the rest of their lives.

I think I really have some pondering to do, I'll see what tomorrow brings.

day 5 VLCD

2008-12-30T06:01:00.000-08:00

I seem to have only lost .6lbs and I thought for sure it would be more than that since I finally was able to get "go" (number 2) but that wasn't the case. My slight stall could have been due to a couple of things, one being that I had 4oz of lean ground beef at lunch instead of 3.5 but I did leave one melba toast off for the day so I don't know. It could also be the fast that I had to lotion my LOs up and they need specific lotion which I know isn't oil or fat free. It also could have actually been the fact that I barely drank any water, or tea. I just couldn't, sometimes I just have that problem. Either way I'm disappointed but it's a loss none the less.
I'm not going to cheat with a 1/2 oz of meat today, and honestly it was probably the beef YUCK I don't even like it but just needed a change. I'm thinking that I'm going to make a switch to all fish. I've had fresh frozen haddock fillets that are pre-measured for 4oz but most of that is water because after they cook they are under 3oz. They are easier as I don't have to measure and they only have .5 grams of fat per serving. I just cannot eat anymore meat the thought right now is making me want to gag, no chicken, no turkey, no beef. I'll pass thank you, and the fish tastes so good and it's really so much better for me. I don't know if you've ever had actually fresh fish, if not then you have no idea what you are missing YUM. My parents own a seafood restaurant and they get fresh fish delivered all the time. FYI fresh fish has NO fish smell at all; it smells like salt water. Don't knock fish until you've had the real thing, come on by RI for a little taste http://www.starboardgalleyrestaurant.com/.

My day and night we much better yesterday. It was probably the fact that I didn't have all that yummy food right in my face and couldn't eat it. I'm still noticing that I am a bit irritable and I don't really like that, I'm getting angry really fast. I tend to get angry fast normally but this is a bit exaggerated and I know it's because I'm hungry.

I'll probably have fish for lunch and dinner my fish and spinach recipe will be as follows:

1 4oz pre-measured haddock fillet or white fish of choice (be sure it's wild caught, fresh frozen fish for best taste)
1 4oz pack green giant frozen spinach thawed(might switch up veggie for dinner)
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 lemon
1 tbls of cooking sherry
Salt and seasoning to taste. I recommend just salt on the fish.

Remove the thawed fish from pack place in frying pan over medium heat add a little water just to cover the bottom of the pan. Squeeze 1/2 lemon over the fish and add the sherry, let it cook until it reduces then add a little bit more water. Flip fish and remove when fish is white and flaky about 4-5 mins each side. While fish is cooking add your thawed spinach to a small pan with the garlic and salt to taste, cook over medium heat until warm. Measure out 3.5oz of the spinach which is almost the entire pack after the water is squeezed from it. Plate fish and spinach put your melba toast on the side and you have one delish fish dish!!

This is so yummy, I could honestly east it everyday. The sherry just gives it such a good flavor. I got the sherry idea from my dad. He makes a lobster saute at their restaurant that is to die for. It's lobster sauteed in sherry, butter and lemon. You have no idea how good it is OH MY! This is almost just as good, butter would make it better but it gets the job done.

I'm looking forward to going shopping today and getting some more fish. It's a great deal considering that it's $4 and change for a 3 pack with is 3 meals for me. I have to get some stuff for dinners for the hubby and kids also. I'm not looking forward to coking them but I'll still do it with love in my heart. I don't negative energy in their food...

I'm going to try to update a bit later, I was in a rut yesterday and didn't feel like getting on the computer, which isn't like me.

Until next time...

Day 4 VLCD

2008-12-29T07:08:00.000-08:00

Well I'm down 5.4lbs; the scale this morning said 184.0. I'm happy about that for sure and it's coming off fast.
I had an awful time yesterday with the VLCD, I was OK in the morning but had to eat my lunch a half hour earlier than the day before. I felt much better after lunch and didn't eat my fruit with it. I'm glad I didn't because I had an apple about 3 hours later while we were on our way to go shopping. It's a good thing because I didn't get to eat my dinner until 8pm!

The major problem for me started when we had to go to our niece's house for her birthday party. I told DH prior and I mean days ago that I didn't what to go for dinner because I wasn't going to be able to eat; maybe we could go for just the cake part. Which I obviously wasn't going to have any of. Well he talked to his sister and then told me we needed to be there at 6:30pm for cake. Great; works for me.
We we went shopping to get some stuff at walmart. I bought my LO some sweatpants because he has none and I got myself some more ketone strips so that I don't run out. It's the only thing keeping me motivated at this point.
DH asked if we needed any "snacks" of course I said that I didn't but told him the boys could use some. He proceeded to buy 3 ,yes 3 bags of Doritos all family size; which were for himself apparently because I don't let my kids eat them in large quantities. Mind you he also got a family size bag of lays too. I grabbed the boys a bag of pretzels and some gold fish.
Of all things to buy while I'm on a diet, ugh...oh well he's not the one who's fat; I'll let him eat his Doritos in peace.

After we finished shopping and we are on our way home and I'm excited about eating a haddock fillet that I just bought (I really needed some variation), DH decides that we should go to his sisters house a little early...WHAT?!?!?!?!? I said "come on, you aren't serious are you?" he was indeed serious. I explained to him that it was 5:30pm and I had not eaten yet and needed to do so, not only that but they were going to be eating dinner and I couldn't. He obviously didn't give a rats ass because we went. We were the first f*^%#!%g people there, it was like he wanted to torture me on purpose. I was pissed and he knew it. I ended up playing electronic battle ship with my 11yo nephew which worked to keep my mind off of the food. Cookies and all kinds of yummy goods. Then the pizza came, oh my gosh it was awful, awful, awful, awful!! DH sits down right beside me eating his soupy pizza (soupy is an old-world handmade spicy or sweet Italian salami like meat that is cured, we hand make it once a year and it takes and entire day for a mere 40 sticks ) soupy is one of my favorite things. I wanted to eat a piece of pizza so bad and the smell oh the smell. I've never experienced anything quite like that before, just the smell alone was so gooooooood and I was SO hungry. I asked him how it was and he asked me if I wanted a bite! I wanted to rip his throat out of his neck right there in front of everyone, I couldn't believe that, the frigging nerve of him. Has he no respect?!?! Talk about support huh?
As if that wasn't bad enough, at 6:45 while they were cutting the cake directly beside me and it too smelled so amazing that I just wanted to eat the entire thing; I said to him "um it's quarter to seven" he just looked at me. We didn't leave until 7:30 and I was fighting tears the entire way home.
I don't know why I was so emotional, maybe because I'm being starved? Or it could be because he just doesn't give a crap about anyone but himself. I've come to realize that this is the man I married, it's sad. I mean if he were in my shoes how would he feel? He doesn't have the ability to empathize and he never has; I don't understand how a person can lack this ability, but he truly does lack it in every aspect.

Last night was so hard on me, I must have said to myself 50 times that I couldn't continue this. Not to mention that I was extremely irritable, I was on the brink of having a rage outburst. I hated the world, really despised it. It's possible that because it's the two weeks leading up to aunt flow visiting that I'm extra irritable but that usually doesn't start until about the last 7 days and I'm not quite there yet.

Seriously? 24 more days of this? I don't know how the heck people do it. I'm starving really starving. I don't know if last night was really hunger or just craving that food, I mean I know I was hungry but I'm sure it wouldn't have been that bad if it was salads and grilled chicken ya know? I've decided that I will not put myself in a position like that again until I'm done with this. If something comes up DH is going by himself. I think that is probably best for me at this point because It's possible that I will have an emotional melt down.

Even though I'm down 5.4 pounds I'm still struggling, I don't know how much longer I can do this. I considering taking my concerta today to help with the hunger, possibly my adderall. I have severe ADHD and have a few bottles of medication which I normally don't take due to heart conditions. My heart is fixed per-say but the Dr's want to err on the side of caution. I know it will help immensely with the hunger so I'm thinking about it.
My concern is that it may seem like more medicine than normal because I have no food in me at all. I took one benadryl last night and it was like I took two, it made me so sleepy. I'll have to take that into consideration, if I decided to take it.

I'm open to suggestions on how to cope with the hunger...

3rd low cal day

2008-12-28T07:34:00.000-08:00

This mornings weight in is 185.8! So that's a total of 3.6 pounds lost in 3 days. That's not too bad :) If I can keep it up then I can be at my goal for the beginning of Feb. That would be wonderful! I would like to be 30lbs light by feb 4th, that's my children's birthday party date and we are having a huge bash with my two kids and nephew. Their birthdays are all very close, Jan, Feb and March! all being a year apart! Crazy I know, you would think it was planned that way...it's not. Anyway, I would LOVE to be 30lbs thinner by then but we will see what happens. my pre-pregnancy weight was 154 and that was after months of fertility treatments which made me gain about 10lbs so 145ish would be fantastic for me...but I'd be happy with 155 also.

I feel SO much better today then I did last night. I was seriously ill last night, at one point I thought I was going to throw up and I had a migraine to top it off. I'm guessing it was from ketosis? I read something about it cause symptoms like that. I'm just glad I feel better, hungry but better.

It was easy for me last night as far as hunger is concerned; possibly because of the ketosis symptoms. I didn't even eat all of my chicken with dinner and I left off my fruit again. I had one apple yesterday, I wasn't even hungry around dinner but I made myself eat.
I know that if I continue to see weight loss like this that I will continue this diet, there is no way I will sacrifice gaining any, or not losing for that matter. I have needed and wanted to lost weight for a LONG time.

I had heart surgery in April of this year, it was completely unexpected. Before my surgery I had lost 12lbs and was down to 167 oh my! I started at 179 obviously. For some reason after my surgery I have not been able to lose or even maintain my weight, my thyroid is a little off so maybe that has something to do with it who knows...but darn I wish I was starting this at 167 oh how I wish.

I'm ready for today and hoping that my day ends up easy, sometimes I'm thinking that I can't imagine eating so little for such a long time. It seems like torture but I'm hoping today is easier.

I'm feeling sick now

2008-12-27T17:08:00.001-08:00

I think maybe ketosis is setting in, I feel awful and I pretty much have all day. I have an awful headache, no energy, shaky, and dizzy. I hope this doesn't last too long because I don't like it....blah. I felt a little better after I had dinner but I still don't feel right.
From everything I read it said that this should pass in a few days and I can't wait!

Day 2 of 500 calories....ugh

2008-12-27T12:09:00.000-08:00

2lbs lost WHOOO HOO!

I better had lost something as tough as it was!

I have to say that yesterday was extremely tough for me. I think it was partly due to the fact that I wasn't able to eat lunch until around 4pm! Like I had said earlier yesterday, I wasn't able to do my shopping before hand because of the holiday.
I was starving before I had lunch and the plain tea with no sweetener just wasn't cutting it.
For lunch I (finally) I ended up making 99% lean ground turkey breast with organic taco seasoning with no carbs or sugar. I can't believe how stinking small 3.4oz is, whatever though I'm over it LOL. I had the taco seasoned meat over 2 leafs of Romain lettuce, and a Melba toast. I nearly peed my pants laughing at the piece of Melba toast..imagine a 3inch long and nearly paper thin crouton :) I left the fruit off because I honestly didn't need it. Anyway, I was very satisfied after lunch and I was surprised by that BUT about 1.5 hours later I was darn near ravenous again!! I was SOOOO hungry, so I made a decaf vanilla chai tea with stevia. The tea did nothing so I had my apple left from lunch; I felt much better after that.

I went and bought ketone strips yesterday to monitor my ketone output, I had nothing significant maybe trace IF that all night. Yes I tested 3 times LOL, if you pee on it and it gives a result I can't seem to refrain LMAO. I was a little disappointed about that but oh well.

Dinner was MUCH more satisfying then lunch. I had 3.5oz of fat trimmed 99% fat free chicken breast (pounded super thin) with taco seasoning on top of 2 Romain lettuce leafs. This time I added a very thin slice of onion, one grape tomato and topped with organic unpasteurized apple cider vinegar and a little garlic salt. I didn't even add the Melba toast in case I got hungry afterwords like after lunch. I didn't even finish it, I couldn't...well I probably could have but I didn't want to stuff myself. HA who knew I would feel so stuffed off of that tiny amount of food! I didn't end up eating my Melba toast or my allotted fruit for that meal at all. I was really tired and just avoided the kitchen for the rest of the night.
My husband on the other hand had himself twizzlers galore and some sourpatch kids and pound bag which he finished this morning...mmmmm they smelled so good. I was happy just having a wiff, I mean my scale did say I was 2lbs lighter today YAY!!!

I was starving this morning, starving! Black coffee with stevia...yeah, not quite cutting it. I did have 3 cups though to drive off the hunger a bit. I waited until 1pm to eat lunch, who knew healthy food could taste so good?!?!? Same luch as yesterday and wow it was good, no apple or Melba toast. I haven't had to have a snack yet and it's close to 4pm!!!!!

When I tested this afternoon with the ketone strips I was actually spilling them and I think it was the one after trace...I don't know off the top of my head but I'll show you later ;) I'm going to add pictures of my ketone strips too, not that anyone really wants to see. I'm also going to add some pics of PG tests just to see if the HCG is building up in my system or if it is staying the same. Stay tuned for those.

At least I've gained no weight loading

2008-12-26T06:27:00.000-08:00

At least I've gained no weight loading...but that kind of embarrasing to think that I eat like I'm loading everyday LOL. I don't know if it was that or if it was that I just really couldn't eat that much. Either way I'm OK with it! Bring on the weight loss!

First 500 calorie day

2008-12-26T06:06:00.000-08:00

Today I start my 500 calorie diet. I've been loading the past two days, IF you can call it that.
I was honestly skeptical that HCG would have an effect at all; it does. I can't eat like I normally do, I can usually stuff it down without a problem. I mean pack it down until I feel like I'm going to pop! I can't seem to do that on the HCG. It makes me get full very fast and I fell terrible after I eat too much.; so much so that I was having trouble "loading". I honestly tried to eat everything in site, which I did for the most part just not a lot of it. I would really want it and then take 3 bites and could not eat anymore. I felt nauseated and had a stomach ache every time I was full. I find myself craving vegetables, particularly salad. I seem to want healthy food rather than bad ones. I was the same way when I was pregnant to some extent. I find it interesting that I have those same "have to have" cravings. I was watching the food channel and I saw a thing about buffalo wings, nothing else but the buffalo wings will do and I feel like I will crave them until I get them; just like pregnancy.
It's funny because I started my injections dreading the 500 calorie day's arrival and now I'm actually glad it's here. I can say that my appetite is different on the HCG, I am still hungry just as often, just cannot eat as much and seem to be staying full longer.

I'm sipping plain tea with no sweetener and I have to say it's very bitter. I was dreading giving up my morning coffee and I already miss it. Oh well, someday I'll have it again.

I completely unprepared for starting to eat the 500 calories. I have no food to start it with which means I need to go shopping today. I can't eat until I do and that probably won't be until 2pm ACK!
I'm already hungry now and it's only 9:30am...Im going to have some more tea and a shot ;)

All morning weigh-ins

2008-12-24T09:48:00.004-08:00

I'm going to post all my weigh-ins and beginning stats here.

I 30 years old, 5'7" and weight 189.4 on my starting day.

Morning weigh-ins, wearing just a thong (sorry if TMI)
Loading day 1 12/24- weight was 189.4 just need to lose about 40 more LOL
Loading day 2 12/25- weight was 189.4
Day 1 500 cal 12/26- weight was 189.4
Day 2 500 cal 12/27- weight was 187.4
Day 3 500 cal 12/28- weight was 185.8
Day 4 500 cal 12/29- weight was 184.0
Day 5 500 cal 12/30- weight was 183.4
Day 6 500 cal 12/31- weight was 182.9 (4% body fat lost)
Day 7 500 cal 1/01/- weight was 181.4 (5% body fat lost)
Day 8 500 cal 1/02 - weight was 180.8
Day 9 500 cal 1/03 - weight was 179.8
Day 10 500 cal 1/4 - weight was 178.6
Day 18 500 cal 1/12 -weight was 176.0 (9% body fat lost)
Day 23 500 cal 1/17 -weight was 174.8
Day 24 500 cal 1/18 -weight was 176.0
Day 25 500 cal 1/19 -weight was 175.6
Day 26 500 cal 1/19 -weight was 175.0
Day 27 500 cal 1/21 -weight was 174.0
Day 28 500 cal 1/22 -weight was 173.0
Day 29 500 cal 1/23 -weight was 172.4
Day 30 500 cal 1/24 -weight was 171.6
Day 31 500 cal 1/25 -weight was 171.6 - Last day for HCG shot for this phase
Day 33 500 cal 1/27 -weight was 170.4
So much for maintenance -weight 167.6 - 2/3
So much for maintenance -weight 161.2 - 2/11

My Weight Chart:

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

OK so I'm back and I'm for round 2 and disgusted that I'm actually back up to 179.6 lbs! Goes to show if you don't follow the protocol correctly you can put it all right back on. At least I'm starting off 10lbs lighter this time so I guess that's good.
New ticker and chart and this time I won't gain it back!!!

Loading Weight unknown
Day 1 500 cal 5/1- weight 181.6
Day 2 500 cal 5/2- weight 179.4
Day 3 500 cal 5/3- weight 177.0
Day 4 500 cal 5/4- weight 175.6 Average of 1.5 lbs a day
Day 5 500 cal 5/5- weight 174.6 total lost=7lbs
Day 5 500 cal 5/6 weight 174.0

My Weight Chart:

Sub Q injection verses IM...

2008-12-24T09:48:00.003-08:00

I know from having to do infertility treatments and injection myself numerous times that they now know there is really no difference in subq or IM shots for the delivery of HCG. The data that the HCG diet is based on is old school, period. New up to date clinical studies prove there is really no difference between injection HCG subq or IM. Therefore, one should always inject HCG subcutaneously. The simplest reason is the comfort of the injection; less trauma to tissues; and decreased risk of infection. SC v IM are equally effective. As far as the kinetics of the injections one would expect them to be fairly similar.

Pull out your medical reading goggles and get out your dictionaries; this is in medical language:

"Weissman, A., S. Lurie, et al. (1996). "Human chorionic gonadotropin: pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous administration." Gynecol Endocrinol 10(4): 273-6.The objective of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) following different regimens of subcutaneous and intramuscular single-dose administration. Two hypogonadotropic hypogonadal volunteers received hCG injections without prior ovarian stimulation. The regimens included a single dose of 10,000 IU hCG either subcutaneously or intramuscularly, or 5000 IU hCG intramuscularly. Serum beta-hCG concentrations were measured periodically up to 13 days after hCG administration. Each of the three regimens exhibit a similar pharmacokinetic profile and the highest serum beta-hCG concentrations were achieved with a dose of 10,000 IU administered subcutaneously. Seven days after hCG administration beta-hCG was detectable only after subcutaneous or intramuscular administration of 10,000 IU, but not after a single intramuscular injection of 5000 IU. From the preliminary results of the study it is suggested that a single intramuscular dose of 5000 IU hCG might be sufficient to trigger ovulation, but for luteal-phase support a higher dose may be needed. Subcutaneous administration of hCG for the induction of ovulation or luteal-phase support in gonadotropin-induced cycles is feasible and might offer a better tolerance and cost-effectiveness of infertility treatments, leading to their further simplification.Trinchard-Lugan, I., A. Khan, et al. (2002). "Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin in healthy male and female volunteers." Reprod Biomed Online 4(2): 106-15.The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin (rHCG) were investigated in three studies of healthy volunteers. After single intravenous doses of 25, 250 and 1000 microg, rHCG and urinary HCG (uHCG) showed linear pharmacokinetics described by a bi-exponential model, although the area under the curve (AUC) for uHCG was ~29% lower than for rHCG. After intramuscular or subcutaneous administration (absolute bioavailability, 40-50% for both), rHCG pharmacokinetics could be described by a first-order absorption, one-compartment model. During multiple subcutaneous dosing, the amount of HCG increased by approximately1.7-fold. A comparison of liquid and freeze-dried rHCG and freeze-dried uHCG showed pharmacokinetic bioequivalence. In down-regulated male subjects, single doses of 125 microg rHCG, given intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously, produced comparable increases in serum testosterone, inhibin and 17beta-oestradiol, with little further increase during repeated subcutaneous administration (in female subjects, this produced a sustained comparable increase in serum androstenedione and testosterone concentrations). In conclusion, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rHCG are similar to those of uHCG and are not affected by the use of different formulations. In healthy subjects, rHCG produces pharmacodynamic responses consistent with HCG physiology and is suitable for use in the same clinical indications as uHCG. The secured source and high purity of rHCG may offer important advantages.Burgues, S. and M. D. Calderon (1997). "Subcutaneous self-administration of highly purified follicle stimulating hormone and human chorionic gonadotrophin for the treatment of male hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Spanish Collaborative Group on Male Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism." Hum Reprod 12(5): 980-6.The efficacy and safety of highly purified follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) associated with human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) was studied in 60 men with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Of these men, 16 suffered from Kallmann's syndrome, 19 from idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and 25 from hypopituitarism. Basal testosterone concentrations were found to be far below the normal range. At baseline, 26 patients were able to ejaculate and all of them showed azoospermia, while the remaining patients were aspermic. All patients self-administered s.c. injections of FSH (150 IU x three/week) and HCG (2500 IU x two/week) for at least 6 months and underwent periodic assessments of testicular function. Testosterone concentrations increased rapidly during treatment and all but one patient reached normal values. Testicular volume showed a sustained increase reaching almost 3-fold its baseline value. At the end of treatment, 48 patients (80.0%) had achieved a positive sperm count. The maximum sperm concentration during treatment was 24.5 +/- 8.1 x 10(6)/ml (mean +/- SEM). The median time to induce spermatogenesis was 5 months. Eleven patients reported adverse events, generally not related to treatment. Three patients experienced gynaecomastia. No local reactions at injection site were observed. In conclusion, the s.c. self-administration of highly purified FSH + HCG was well tolerated and effective in stimulating spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in these patients.Jones, T. H., J. F. Darne, et al. (1994). "Diurnal rhythm of testosterone induced by human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) therapy in isolated hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism: a comparison between subcutaneous and intramuscular hCG administration." Eur J Endocrinol 131(2): 173-8.When human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is used to stimulate testosterone synthesis and release in males with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, it is administered two or three times weekly by intramuscular injection. We have compared the pharmacokinetics of a twice weekly standard dose of hCG (5000 U) given for the first week by intramuscular injection and in the second week by self-administered subcutaneous injection. The patients studied had Kallmann's syndrome, isolated idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism or post-traumatic isolated hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Salivary testosterone was collected twice daily at 08.00 h and 20.00 h, and serum testosterone was collected after 0, 24 h, 72 h, 120 h and 168 h each week. The cumulated serum and salivary testosterone levels were comparable on both intramuscular and subcutaneous hCG. In normal males there is diurnal variation in testosterone, with peak serum levels in the morning falling to a nadir in the evening. The exact nature and controlling factors of this circadian rhythm have not been established. In four of the subjects, the twice weekly hCG injections, either subcutaneous or intramuscular, produced a regular testosterone diurnal rhythm. The other four patients had fluctuations in testosterone but with no strict diurnal pattern. This study provides evidence that the luteinizing hormone-like action of hCG is necessary to prime the circadian rhythm but only a single bolus of hCG is sufficient to induce the rhythm in the absence of endogenous gonadotrophin production. In conclusion, self-administered subcutaneous hCG is safe and produces comparable levels of serum and salivary testosterone to that administered by the intramuscular route. Moreover, it was very well accepted by the patients and was preferred to conventional treatments. Human hCG in some patients with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism produces normal physiological changes in daily testosterone levels.Saal, W., H. J. Glowania, et al. (1991). "Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics after subcutaneous and intramuscular injection of human chorionic gonadotropin." Fertil Steril 56(2): 225-9.OBJECTIVE: The pharmacokinetics and efficiency of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) after subcutaneous (SC) injection was to clarify in comparison with the intramuscular (IM) mode of administration. DESIGN: In a prospective study, the pharmacokinetics of hCG and the response of serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) after an IM and SC injection of 5,000 IU hCG were evaluated up to 144 hours in two randomized groups. SETTING: The study was carried out in a clinical dermatology department providing tertiary care. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four healthy male volunteers with a mean age of 22.7 +/- 4.3 years were divided into two groups. INTERVENTIONS: Human chorionic gonadotropin (5,000 IU) was injected IM or SC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Serum concentration of /b-hCG, T, LH, and FSH were evaluated after IM and SC administration of hCG. Differences between the two groups were determined by t-test. RESULTS: Compared with IM administration of hCG, peak serum drug concentration was significantly delayed (P = 0.01) and serum half-life was prolonged (P = 0.01) after SC injection; however, T, LH, and FSH responses were identical. CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous application of 5,000 IU hCG is as effective as IM administration in terms of steroidogenesis."

How fast does HCG get in your system?

2008-12-24T09:20:00.000-08:00

That's my question. How long after you take that sub q shot does the HCG actually get into your system?

Well...being who I am I'm inclined to see if I can figure it out ;) How you ask? I just happen to have a stock pile of pregnancy test strips.

I've decided to do a Little experiment with them. I'm going to take them and see how long it takes to get into my system and out for that matter.

Okay so I took my shot at 11am I had to pee when I took it but I held it anyway. About 45 minutes after I took my HCG shot (3ooiu) in my tummy Sub Q (refer to my sub q verses IM post for more on that) I took a pregnancy tests. It's a strip that measures 25mIU, now I know that taking a shot of 300IU will for sure trigger a PG test to turn positive...but when?

WELL.....drum roll please.....45 minutes later!!!! Possibly sooner.

I did in fact get the slightest line on this test that I took. I took one yesterday, same test type to have a control test making sure there were no lines before hand.

I'm just stunned that it's already showing up in my urine..crazy right?

For you viewing pleasure:

Top test is from yesterday

Bottom is from today, 45 mins after HCG shot.

Notice the very faint line on the bottom test? This is indeed from the HCG it's not a fluke test, I've taken many and never ever seen a hint of a line.

I'm curious now to see what kind of line I could get it's been 1 hour and 45 minutes since injecting and I've had nothing to drink yet (been blogging LOL). Do dare pee on a another stick? hummm..I think I'll wait a little bit longer.

Stay with me as I test for this HCG!!

This "new" HCG diet thing??

2008-12-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

So, in my search to lose weight I've researched many diets, many, many diets. I don't really believe in diets per say; I believe in life style changes and the benefits that come with them. Now, just because I say "lifestyle changes" doesn't mean that I can or will commit to a life style change to lose weight. Oh wait I've already tried that and my hunger or my need (whether it be real or in my mind) for food wins every time; almost every time. I say almost every time because I had to go on a special diet because of having gallstones. I had no choice it was doctors orders, and my life was at steak, or so he said.. I did stay on a "fat free" diet for 10 months and I lost a significant amount of weight. I wasn't trying at the time but it just came right off and it felt great. I didn't need to lose any weight back then but it still felt good be as thin as I was.

SO I have come to the decision that I'm going to give the HCG diet a whirl...why not? Nothing to lose but weight :)

*Updated to add that I'm following the Dr. Siemons protocol "pounds and inches" no more than 500 calories a day you can read a summary of it here http://www.hcgdietinfo.com/HCG-Diet-Protocol.htm. It's extreme and strict but it seems to work, check some of the youtube videos just search HCG diet and you can see of the amazing transformations these people have made. I'm doing 225iU Subq shots once a day and I hope to lose about 30lbs total.

I ordered my HCG from another Mama who had some left over from a round of infertility treatments. AHHH brilliant I know ;)
I myself struggled with infertility for a few years before finally conceiving my first miracle. I had to do the injections and the whole 9. Which actually makes this whole HCG injection thing al lot easier for me. That's what I think anyway; I've already done HCG injections before, just in MUCH larger quantities. We're talking a full 10,000iu a pop to trigger ovulation.
It's funny because honestly I don't remember feeling any of the effects that it's supposed to provide for the dieting. BUT I was SOOOOO focused on getting pregnant that you honestly could have chopped my finger clean off and I would have barely noticed. It completely consumed me and my every thought; infertility at that time ruled my world. It's can only be understood by someone whom has experienced it, so I won't go into it...I'll spare you LOL

I got my HCG a couple of days ago. I was planing to start the 24th (today) Christmas eve so my two loading days would have plenty of food available. I mean pizza, pies, ham, turkey! You name it, it's going to be around me, so what better idea than that??!!
Well I realized that I don't have the correct syringes, I only have the 3ml mixing syringes. I have 10,000iu of hcg so it has it's own storage bottle so I didn't need to order extra. It also came with the bac water 30ml to be exact.

It was a pain trying to figure out mixing and dosing as I don't remember from doing it for infertility treatments and it's a different mixture ratio anyway.
After about an hour and a half of research on the Internet and numerous fertility sites I figured it out. I mixed and used the mixing syringe with a 30g 1/2in needle to inject in my tummy (sub q), that was about 1 hour ago 11am. FYI it's not painful, but I may be different than you. I have an extremely high tolerance for pain due to surgeries and accidents. Not to mention that I knew what to expect having done it before.
I remember the first shot I had to give myself when we were doing the infertility injections, how could I forget! I was sitting there with my preloaded Gonal-f pen ready to go holding my stomach and I just couldn't do it! I was so scared, finally my DH came in and said "what are you doing?" "Just do it!" I said "I'm scared!" He then said "want me to do it?" HA I thought to myself "hell no!" He looks at me and says "lady, diabetics do it everyday" ahhh he was right, what the heck. At that point I just did it, I mean I could potentially be a diabetic at some point right? I may HAVE to do this daily. It didn't hurt at all, maybe a tiny sting, it was all down hill form there. OK enough of my history...let's get started!
YAY! Today is the day...I'm excited to lose some weight!!