Christmas is over and the new year approacheth. Of course, I made myself far too merry and indulged myself with lots of happiness and too much food. The happiness is always good, but the food always seems to go with it. Interestingly, 2011 wasn't the greatest year and I should be super lean because of it (I trend towards eating less when I'm depressed). The end of the year has brought big changes and the result? My expanded (expanding) waistline.

I haven't stepped on the scale in a couple of weeks, but I know things are not good. I knew I would be back on the wagon after the holidays and my goal is, as always, to try and make permanent changes that result in good maintenance. I will be on that road soon.

Interestingly, hubby asked, "Are you going to do another round?" I thought this interesting, since he gets very frustrated when I am on the protocol. He's very supportive, but always feels I eat so little. I have to remind him, "That it's part of the initial process and you know it doesn't last forever." I do well with the first two phases and even begin maintaining well (initially), but something seems to creep in and set me back. It's time to do a little "me" investigating again and hopefully squash whatever it is that creeps in. It's detrimental to all my progress.

I've been reading around again to all my saved blogs, vlogs and motivational sites. I also plan to re-read Pounds and Inches very soon (always do so before a round). I've still a few things to research since I've decided to try sub-lingual this time over injections. Although I have no problem with injections and have been successful with that route, I would rather keep going and not worry about skip days and immunity. The skip days always throw a wrench in planning. Let's just do it and get it over with, right?

Once my product arrives and the timing is in place (TOM is here right now so, I'm guessing shortly after my daughter's birthday and right before mine), I will begin Round Five. Two and Five are my lucky numbers. Gosh, I hope that proves true with my weight reduction. (Incidentally, I was in the 140s at the end of round two so, as always, I remain hopeful).

Goals are important and there's no time like the present to set up some wish list items (and as far as time, it happens to be about 6-ish in the morning on an off day...why am I up?):

-15lbs = a new game (time management games are my favorite and keep me from nibbling)


-25lbs = mani/pedi combo (a true treat! I get pedis regularly but full beauty would be nice)

-35lbs = new hair (I'm eying a really lovely unit that's pretty pricey)

-40lbs or more = a new designer cocktail dress for my work mixer this summer (perhaps not this one, but something just as sassy)


I'm gearing up and feeling pretty good about things to come.

What will be difficult is buying a pair of big girl jeans today. Hubby and I are going on our couples excursion and sweats are not an option. I've got a dress or two, but that's not practical in 20 degree weather. So, I'll breakdown and buy an inexpensive pair of size (heaven help me!) fourteen jeans today. What's really frightening is that I'm not sure those will be big enough. Ugh! If that's true, this will be the largest I've ever been while not pregnant.

It's not an easy process (it never is), but I'm up to the challenge and ready to dedicate myself full force. I know I will feel better, live better and look better with less weight. I will be more inclined to activity (right now, it's just very difficult). I'm also anxious to get back into my cute, little clothes from last year. I've held off from buying too many "big girl" clothes (aside from sweats) because I know I'll get back down. I am determined to be healthy again. So shall it be. Amen!

Hubby came home last night to work out with me. He's incredibly intense about the process. Of course, he would be. A bodybuilder's thoughts revolve around which muscles to work. He had me doing a lot of really good movements, slow and steady (thankfully). I've not gotten a handle on my eating the way I'd like to, but it's really a process. The holidays are always a challenge for me. I'll keep working on it.

So, I suspected I would fall off the wagon. I did really well the past couple of weeks (losing about five pounds total). Then, we started eating out on the weekends and I totally sabotaged myself. Ridiculous! I gained it all back. So, it's back to the low-carb eating (at least until the end of the month). My addictions to carbs and sugars are going to be the downfall, if I don't practice some self-control.

Right now, I'm avoiding appetite suppressants but it may be something I look into shortly, if I need the initial help. I typically use them at first, then ween off because I don't like taking medication. The problem with the appetite suppressants I use, however, is the caffeine that so many of them have. These seem to be the ones that work but I'm incredibly sensitive to the stuff.

The workouts were pretty decent last week, due to my lighter schedule. I have to find a way to work them in on my heavy weeks. Perhaps I have no choice but to use part of my lunch or just work it into the evenings (I prefer morning workouts). Journaling and holding myself accountable has to pick back up. I will. I must.

I've lost a few "L.B.s", as the gossip shows put it. It's a slow, steady journey. I'm mostly low carb so, the fat content is a bit higher than what I've done in the past, but I'm sated and feeling like I'm getting good nutrition. Hubby and I started our Detox this week. I can't tell if it's doing anything yet, but I'll keep up the regime for the entire 7 days as directed. It can only make things better, right?

Last night, I made a cheesy, green bean chicken casserole. The main ingredients were cheese, chicken and green beans but the other tidbits are what made it extra special. I hit three of the main food groups with just one dish! The girls? In heaven! Both asked for seconds and my oldest asked for thirds. We finished it up tonight. That recipe is definitely making its way into my regular rotation.

I need to get in more activity, but it's hard with my insane work schedule. I actually didn't get done until 7:45 this evening. Ugh! Thankfully, not a regular occurrence for me but, yeesh! I hope I don't see many more long evenings like it again. The workouts, however sparse, have been effective and make me feel good. I'm not doing anything too strenous yet. A bit of treadmill walking and some Wii action gets my heart rate pumping. I look forward to doing my Firm discs again. That's when I'll incorporate weight training and that's always good.

"Hello, TOM. What's with you being a day late? You better not pull a fast one and show up during my romantic New Year's with my hubby. I will be very put out."

My weight loss has had an interesting start. On Monday, I stopped at the grocery store and picked up chicken and broccoli salad. They were the only items that I ate that I didn't prepare myself. The salad was the culprit I'm sure. It had my stomach in a tailspin! I'm finally feeling better and am now able to eat.

I think I'll be able to work out tomorrow. My stomach is still a bit topsy turvy, so I'll keep sipping on my tea and ginger ale. It's been a mostly protein existence and I've lost a bit of weight already.

It's been a tumultuous summer and fall for me (actually, the entire year has been rough, if you want to know the truth). We've all but sold our house and moved into a townhome. During the moving experience, I had struggles with the realtor, my work, the kids, my marriage. I wish things had gone more smoothly, but I'm happy to say the end is in sight. Through the process, I picked up quite a bit of weight (as I discovered through my HCG experiences, I am an emotional eater and a carb addict). Moving is in the top five of life changing experiences. The moving carries a large part of the blame with my lapse, but not entirely. What's crazy is I had gotten to a good weight where I was happy and maintaining for quite a while. I took my biyearly trip to Nashville and everything just went hay wire.

So, here I am again to track and get things back in order. I'm forgoing another round to just low-carb eating and good exercise. That was how I maintained before and didn't have to starve myself to do it. Hubby is helping as are the kids. We're adopting our healthy lifestyles before the traditional resolutions begin (I don't believe in them anyway).

Today, I started with a "Michael Jackson Experience" warm up and then 20 minutes on the treadmill. Not bad. Unfortunately, my day went all nutty this morning and I didn't get to make my breakfast (I told hubby I should make the quiche the night before, but we were bonding so, I made the sacrifice). I will get it put together today. Since we're all eating the same, I have to make a lot of what I normally make for myself. My kids eating what I'm eating should make for easier shopping. Of course, they'll get to splurge more than me.

The holidays will be enjoyed. I'll carb, then get back to business. I'm not denying my favorites or making myself miserable to be smaller. I can do this the right way and enjoy what I like occasionally. That is the goal.

So, I'm back. Daily tracking and blogging. It's hard to get back into the habit, but I will. I have to. My health depends on it. Onward and upward!

A new change to this round; I continued to lose after the injections stopped. No complaints here. I look forward to tomorrow and all the barbecue and cheese. I'll have to take it easy, so as not to frighten my poor stomach and have it running (literally) from all the new foods. I will be good. I will be good. I will be good.

Today wasn't a good eating day. I just wasn't that hungry this afternoon, and threw out most of my steak. I ate well for dinner, than had a few sugar-free treats (getting started a little early, I know). The Russell Stover brand is great in a pinch, but I prefer my Mrs. Cavanaugh's. Thankfully, I don't see a lot of issues with this candy during normal P3 and P4 eating. I have decided they will be my life-long candy. I actually prefer them over the real thing, now.

So, I'm not sure how consistent I'll be about documenting on here through P3, but I'm certainly going to try. Here's what I had today (including my yummy treats):

May 28th, 2011

Net calories: 494

Food Item	Servings	Cals	Fat	Cholest	Sodium	Carbs	Sugars	Fiber	Protein
Flat Iron Steak	0.25	50	3g	19mg	21mg	0g	0g	0g	6g
Claussen Kosher Dill Sandwich Slices Pickles	1.00	5	0g	0mg	420mg	1g	0g	0g	0g
Burger King WHOPPER - Low Carb	1.00	280	20g	75mg	290mg	3g	2g	2g	22g
Burger King Side Garden Salad	1.00	15	0g	0mg	0mg	3g	1g	1g	1g
Russell Stover Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups	0.50	80	6g	3mg	53mg	9g	0g	1g	2g
Russell Stover Pecan Delight Sugar Free	1.00	64	5g	5mg	35mg	23g	0g	4g	0g
Totals:		494	34g	101mg	819mg	39g	3g	8g	30g

So, I ended up at 162.4 at the end of this round (a total of 15.8lbs released this round). Hubby says that, after he gets me on my plan (after phase 3 and our vacation, part of phase 4), I may lose more. I feel good and am happy here, but wouldn't be upset at a little more loss).

All the flushing seemed to work, along with the salt dump. I'm back into loading my salt again (hubby found more crab legs on sale). I had them for dinner and am so excited that I've had crab three days this week. One more batch (I'll have them tomorrow night).

I had to drive into town for work today. It was a nice change from being on the phone all day. I also got to see my colleagues and we had a good time bonding. it was fun being around people. I do miss that aspect of work (socializing online just isn't the same).

They catered the event at the hotel and I tried very hard to be good (they met with us while we were eating, so I couldn't leave). I found a celery/tomato basil salad (the list says feta, but it didn't have any...it was the closest I could find in their database). It had very light oil (thank goodness). The regular salad look so unappetizing to me. I had a few thin slices of roast beef and cheated with one puny slice of Swiss cheese. I drank so much coffee, tea and water that I don't even know how to document. It was so good, though. I didn't think to pocket a few tea bags.

Here's the breakdown:

May 26th, 2011

Net calories: 434

Food Item	Servings	Cals	Fat	Cholest	Sodium	Carbs	Sugars	Fiber	Protein
Cucumber/feta/tomato/celery Balsamic Salad	1.00	113	7g	0mg	0mg	8g	0g	0g	6g
Sunny Acres Swiss Slices	1.00	30	2g	0mg	180mg	3g	0g	0g	1g
Deli Roast Beef (lunchmeat)	3.00	150	3g	36mg	1,221mg	5g	0g	0g	24g
Snow Crab Legs	1.00	95	1g	59mg	572mg	0g	0g	0g	20g
Burger King Side Salad	1.00	20	0g	5mg	0mg	4g	1g	1g	1g
Grapefruit, Half	1.00	26	0g	0mg	0mg	7g	0g	0g	1g
Totals:		434	13g	100mg	1,973mg	27g	1g	1g	53g

I was 163.2lbs (after my shower, that .2 had disappeared). I will count the .2lb, since I did have a little cheat today. Might as well.

I've been flushing and flushing all day (literally). I think the salt is headed out, which makes me very happy. Today was my last injection and tomorrow, Friday and Saturday are my last low calorie days. I actually ended up on a great day, because I can enjoy hubby's barbecue on Sunday. Lovely!

I'm excited about digging back into my low-carb recipes. I discovered that their is a lower-fat option for whipping cream and I can't wait to use it. That was the one aspect of low carb that bothered me; the heavy-laden fat.

Here's what I had today:

May 25th, 2011

Net calories: 437

Food Item	Servings	Cals	Fat	Cholest	Sodium	Carbs	Sugars	Fiber	Protein
Folgers Classic Decaf Naturally Decaffeinated Coffee	1.00	0	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g	0g	0g
Hood Half and Half	0.50	20	2g	8mg	10mg	1g	1g	0g	1g
Mahi Mahi, Broiled	1.00	90	1g	80mg	95mg	0g	0g	0g	20g
Hunt's Crushed Tomatoes	1.00	35	0g	0mg	320mg	8g	5g	2g	2g
Flat Iron Steak (shoulder Steak)	1.00	189	11g	71mg	65mg	0g	0g	0g	21g
Claussen Kosher Dill Sandwich Slices Pickles	2.50	13	0g	0mg	1,050mg	3g	0g	0g	0g
Grapefruit, Half	1.00	26	0g	0mg	0mg	7g	0g	0g	1g
Ezra Brooks Bourbon	1.00	64	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g	0g	0g
Totals:		437	14g	159mg	1,540mg	18g	6g	2g	44g

I was up .2lbs for all the salty reasons I've expressed in the past two days. So, if 165.2 is my last inject weight, then so be it. I'm good.

I knew it was coming and was completely prepared. Whenever crab legs are in the picture, there's always going to be salt and more salt. Who knew something so tender and sweet, could be so salty?! I need to up my water, but I'm having a little difficulty with that. I'm going to try to get in more, not only due to the crab salt, but TOM salt is probably doing it's part as well.

(I didn't journal yesterday due to how tired I was so, here's what I had. My calories were a bit high as well):

May 24th, 2011

Net calories: 611

Food Item	Servings	Cals	Fat	Cholest	Sodium	Carbs	Sugars	Fiber	Protein
Mongolian Bbq Good Bowl	1.00	361	19g	0mg	0mg	14g	0g	2g	36g
Black Coffee	1.00	5	0g	0mg	4mg	1g	0g	0g	0g
Half & Half	0.50	20	2g	8mg	15mg	0g	1g	0g	0g
Snow Crab Legs	1.00	95	1g	59mg	572mg	0g	0g	0g	20g
Wendy's Side Salad	1.00	130	0g	20mg	380mg	11g	6g	3g	3g
Totals:		611	22g	87mg	971mg	26g	7g	5g	59g

I was 165lbs this morning. Again, salt is the culprit and will be the issue for a few days, as I purge with my good water.

I can't believe how little I gained. Truly! I was eating out everyday and unable to weigh food. I had no control over the oils and I couldn't be nit-picky about the dishes I chose. I also had $18.00 worth of sugar free candy I was devouring nightly. To see only a slight gain is awesome! Not only that, I'm not on my injections right now; TOM arrived Saturday morning. I am stoked! It really could have been worse. (A friend's brother-in-law, also doing HCG, went on a drinking binge for one night and gained 9 pounds. That's crazy! I eat chocolate covered raisins, cherries and mints and see a "baby" gain. I'd say I got the sweeter end of the cheat).

Our trip was wonderful! The area was quaint, the townsfolk kind and the lava hot pools to-die-for! We will be back again, later this year (we've decided to take our children). The owners of the inn where we stayed even allowed us over to their home to see their Alpacas. Too fun!

The heaviest of TOM is about over, so I will resume my injections tomorrow. The crazy thing is that I only have two left. Then, I have my three days on the diet without injections. I can't believe it's here! I'll enjoy Memorial day with an all out protein fest. I'm thrilled! To end the week, hubby found discount crab legs. I had those for dinner tonight and will have the rest tomorrow night. Here are today's totals:

May 23rd, 2011

Net calories: 394

Food Item	Servings	Cals	Fat	Cholest	Sodium	Carbs	Sugars	Fiber	Protein
KFC Kentucky Grilled Chicken Breast	1.00	180	4g	110mg	440mg	0g	0g	0g	35g
Hunt's Crushed Tomatoes	1.00	35	0g	0mg	320mg	8g	5g	2g	2g
Grapefruit, Half	1.00	26	0g	0mg	0mg	7g	0g	0g	1g
Snow Crab Legs	1.00	95	1g	59mg	572mg	0g	0g	0g	20g
Claussen Kosher Dill Sandwich Slices Pickles	2.50	13	0g	0mg	1,050mg	3g	0g	0g	0g
Mahi Mahi, Broiled	0.50	45	1g	40mg	48mg	0g	0g	0g	10g
Totals:		394	6g	209mg	2,430mg	17g	5g	2g	68g

I was 164.8lbs this morning. I drank my water like a good girl today, along with several cups of tea and coffee. I'll have one more cup of tea before bed. Thursday, I have to work in town. I'm thinking I'll find a Mongolian place so as not to subject myself to the carb-fat filled buffet they'll have available for us. Thank goodness they're giving us more than an hour to eat, so I can sneak away. Saturday (the first day of P3), I'm going Indian chicken crazy at my local Chinese place. I've been missing you, chicken. My low-carb "forever" life is soon to begin.

We've had rain for days, now. I'm pretty sure I didn't sign-on for Washington state weather. It's, at least, lush and green there. Even still, I would certainly miss the sun. I'm missing it here and we live in the desert! Where did it go?! According to the weather reports, we may get a small break on Saturday, but then it starts right back up. I've simply had enough (it's getting a little depressing).

The day went okay, despite staying wet. I had to buy glitter hair spray for my youngest. We made a little field trip out of it. Afterwards, we picked up sugar-free chocolates and lunch. Earlier this evening, we picked up her costume which is too cute!

Here's what I had today (I kept it low, trying to prepare for our big weekend):

May 19th, 2011

Net calories: 452

Food Item	Servings	Cals	Fat	Cholest	Sodium	Carbs	Sugars	Fiber	Protein
Wendy's Ultimate Chicken Grill (no Mayo Or Bun)	1.00	120	2g	65mg	610mg	3g	1g	1g	23g
Wendy's Salads - Caesar Side Salad (without croutons or dressing)	1.00	70	4g	15mg	250mg	2g	1g	1g	7g
Maple Grove Farms Sugar Free Raspberry Vinaigrette	1.00	5	0g	0mg	140mg	1g	0g	0g	0g
Fresh Flounder - Broiled	1.00	132	2g	77mg	119mg	0g	0g	0g	27g
Hunt's Crushed Tomatoes	1.00	35	0g	0mg	320mg	8g	5g	2g	2g
Grapefruit, Half	1.00	26	0g	0mg	0mg	7g	0g	0g	1g
Ezra Brooks Bourbon	1.00	64	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g	0g	0g
Totals:		452	8g	157mg	1,439mg	21g	7g	4g	60g

I didn't lose or gain today which is okay (especially after the salt fest I had, yesterday). So, I'm holding steady at 164.2lbs.

After work this evening, I went over to the local nail shop for a pedicure. It had been pouring down rain all day and my kids were exacting a unique sort of stress on me and my hubby. Interestingly, the trip had been planned several days in advance. The timing just happened to be right.

So, I enter to an empty salon and two ladies who looked a might bored, watching their Korean soap operas. Abby took me to the pedi chair and began her work...and oh what wonders she worked! I've had lots of pedicures, but she had serious skills. She even wrapped my rain-chilled feet an calves in hot towels, when she was done. The process took around 40 minutes, but was well worth it. I love the color (seen to the right - Model Colour) and may have to hit up my local Sally's, so my fingers can match my fabulous toes.

She sent me out in the rain in my pink spongy flippies, imploring me to be careful. My feet were soaked by the time I got to my car (but my toes were/are extra cute). Here's what I had today:

May 18th, 2011

Net calories: 432

Food Item	Servings	Cals	Fat	Cholest	Sodium	Carbs	Sugars	Fiber	Protein
85/15 Beef Patty	1.00	213	13g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g	0g	22g
Cabbage, Green	1.00	22	0g	0mg	16mg	5g	0g	2g	1g
Claussen Kosher Dill Sandwich Slices Pickles	1.00	5	0g	0mg	420mg	1g	0g	0g	0g
Mahi Mahi, Broiled	1.00	90	1g	80mg	95mg	0g	0g	0g	20g
Hunt's Crushed Tomatoes	1.00	35	0g	0mg	320mg	8g	5g	2g	2g
Grapefruit, Half	1.00	26	0g	0mg	0mg	7g	0g	0g	1g
Folgers Classic Decaf Naturally Decaffeinated Coffee	1.00	0	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g	0g	0g
1 Tablespoon Skim Milk	1.00	11	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g	0g	0g
Edward & Sons Trading Company Miso-cup	1.00	30	1g	0mg	690mg	3g	1g	0g	3g
Totals:		432	16g	80mg	1,541mg	24g	6g	4g	49g

I was 164.2 this morning and now, after the Miso, I wonder if I'll have a loss at all tomorrow. It really hit the spot on a cold night (40's in May? Really?!) but the salt content is outrageous. Only time will tell.