Oh, chips and salsa. You made my heart sing. Chicken taco? You were so tender and tasty. Kahlua cake with oh so sinful ingredients? I enjoyed just a sliver of you with so much joy. What a memorable day of goodies it was. I stepped on the scale before dinner and didn't see anything to scary, so I'm not fretful about tomorrow. I think I managed things quite well. In fact, I did what my skinny friends typically do: I enjoyed the rest of my lunch for dinner, along with a salad. How marvelous! (It was a bean and cheese burrito, by the way).

The items from the specific restaurant were not listed on the daily plate, so I tried to find equivalents. I hope I came pretty close. My cake was completely gone by 1:30pm. I think that's the fastest it's disappeared. I printed off the recipe for my coworkers, since they'll probably never have an opportunity to eat it the way I make it again (I change positions soon and next week is my last week). I assured my colleagues that they could make it just the same, if not better than my recipe. The didn't seem to believe me. Here's the recipe, if you dare to only eat one slice (in P4, of course). ;)

Here's what I had today (sort of):

May 5th, 2010

Calorie goal: 1,096; calories consumed: 1,473; calories burned: 0
Net calories: 1,473

Write in your diary: How do you feel today?

Mood:	- choose - Hungry Full Guilty Tempted Motivated Frustrated Content Okay Tired Hyper Excited Relieved Hungover Stressed Anxious Happy Pleased Sad Sick Healthy Good Proud
Notes:	Today, I feel...
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Food Item	Servings	Cals	Fat	Cholest	Sodium	Carbs	Sugars	Fiber	Protein
Taco Bueno Chicken Soft Taco	1.00	184	8g	0mg	610mg	19g	1g	1g	10g
Taco Bueno Small Refried Beans With Cheese	1.00	203	17g	0mg	953mg	9g	0g	2g	6g
Chips & Salsa	1.00	160	15g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g	0g	0g
Julian Bakery Smart Carb Bread	1.00	119	1g	0mg	140mg	13g	0g	12g	12g
Butter	1.00	100	11g	30mg	95mg	0g	0g	0g	0g
Wonder Woman's Kahlua Cake	0.50	277	17g	44mg	299mg	28g	17g	1g	3g
Patio Bean & Cheese Burrito	1.00	280	7g	10mg	550mg	45g	4g	4g	8g
Dole Southwest Salad Kit	1.00	150	11g	10mg	0mg	10g	3g	2g	3g
Totals:		1,473	87g	94mg	2,647mg	124g	25g	22g	42g

I had a big ole piece of bread, yesterday and guess what? I lost. I was 158.4 this morning.

I ran out of time and didn't eat my breakfast and boy, was I hungry. Then, we had back to back meetings and I couldn't even pick any up. I also somehow forgot about eating and being hungry, focusing more on work and all the tasks that needed to be done. Then we went to lunch. I could have ordered a big, gargantuan plate but I opted for the chicken kabob sandwich. The Daily Plate didn't have a listing that matched, so I pieced together what I could to list the fat and carbs. So, 77 carbs; is the most I've had in a very long time. Other than missing my breakfast, I think I did okay.

I made a Kahlua cake tonight for tomorrow's Cinco De Mayo celebration at work. I may have a tiny sliver, but I have a feeling I'll chicken out. Someone offered me a Lindor's truffle (dark chocolate...yum!). I put it on my desk and didn't touch it. I love those things and I didn't eat it?! Man, new habits die hard! (wink, wink)

Here's what I had today (somewhat):

May 4th, 2010

Calorie goal: 1,101; calories consumed: 1,038; calories burned: 0 Net calories: 1,038 Write in your diary: How do you feel today?

Mood:	- choose - Hungry Full Guilty Tempted Motivated Frustrated Content Okay Tired Hyper Excited Relieved Hungover Stressed Anxious Happy Pleased Sad Sick Healthy Good Proud
Notes:	Today, I feel...
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Food Item	Servings	Cals	Fat	Cholest	Sodium	Carbs	Sugars	Fiber	Protein
Grilled Chicken Kabob	1.00	200	3g	65mg	300mg	4g	0g	0g	24g
Garlic Aioli Spread	1.00	38	0g	0mg	280mg	8g	2g	2g	0g
Greek Yogurt Lemon Cream Sauce	1.00	137	10g	23mg	623mg	4g	2g	0g	14g
The Great Steak French Bun	1.00	230	3g	0mg	470mg	44g	2g	0g	9g
Just Like Loaded Baked Potatoes/cauliflower (low Carb)	1.00	407	36g	78mg	432mg	9g	3g	3g	14g
Grapefruit, Half	1.00	26	0g	0mg	0mg	7g	0g	0g	1g
Totals:		1,038	52g	166mg	2,105mg	77g	9g	5g	61g

Doing all protein, yesterday, took me down to 159 this morning. Nice. Oh, and I'm currently sipping on some Tennessee Valley, Cumberland wine I picked up on my last trip to Nashville. That should probably add about 200 calories to the total.

I had a 1.4lb gain, but I'm still in range (thank goodness) Lesson learned. I loaded up on protein today and didn't have any extra carbs, save my grapefruit. We are going out for Mediterranean for lunch tomorrow and I would like to try at least a slice of bread or something without everything going to pot. The picture to the left is from the restaurant. Maybe a chicken kabob with Lebanese salad? I'd probably taste the Basmati rice (love it) but not eat the entire serving. We'll see. I may chicken out and only eat just a salad (since we're going out for Cinco De Mayo on Wednesday). Okay, now I'm thinking I'd rather do the chips and salsa/guac thing. How did we end up with two days out in a row?!

Work wise, it was truly a Monday and within one hour, someone scheduled me for two conference calls (and no prep as to what they were about). I hope things turn out better for Tuesday. We have some meetings, but I'd like to be able to feel like I accomplished something by the end of the day.

Finally, I contacted friends back home to check on their safety. It's wild seeing pictures of where you grew up plastered all over the news. The flooding in Nashville is washing away bridges, homes and some schools are even buried. The friends I spoke to, thankfully, are safe and dry. :)

Here's what I had today:

May 3rd, 2010

Calorie goal: 1,106; calories consumed: 1,115; calories burned: 0 Net calories: 1,115 Write in your diary: How do you feel today?

Mood:	- choose - Hungry Full Guilty Tempted Motivated Frustrated Content Okay Tired Hyper Excited Relieved Hungover Stressed Anxious Happy Pleased Sad Sick Healthy Good Proud
Notes:	Today, I feel...
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Food Item	Servings	Cals	Fat	Cholest	Sodium	Carbs	Sugars	Fiber	Protein
3 Scrambled Eggs	0.75	158	10g	0mg	0mg	1g	0g	0g	16g
Bar S Bacon	2.00	160	14g	30mg	560mg	0g	0g	0g	8g
Just Like Loaded Baked Potatoes/cauliflower (low Carb)	1.00	407	36g	78mg	432mg	9g	3g	3g	14g
Low Carb Taco Bake #119732	0.50	235	19g	103mg	251mg	2g	1g	0g	14g
Szechuan Tofu And Vegetables	1.00	130	6g	0mg	1,020mg	11g	4g	2g	11g
Grapefruit, Half	1.00	26	0g	0mg	0mg	7g	0g	0g	1g
Totals:		1,115	85g	211mg	2,263mg	30g	7g	5g	64g

I was 159.6lbs just barely in the safe zone. Hopefully, things will look better at tomorrow's weigh in. I've pretty much determined my TOM-salt craving is rearing it's head (it's due next week, sometime). My appetite is much stronger right now and I'm working very hard to keep it at bay.

As promised:

The night before my first injection and loading days, February 23, 2010:

185 pounds

Right Arm = 14"
Left Arm = 14"
Bust = 41"
Waist = 38"
Hips = 43"
Right Thigh = 27 1/2"
Left Thigh = 26"


This evening, May 2, 2010 first day of P4:

Right Arm = 13"
Left Arm = 13"
Bust = 37 1/2"
Waist = 33"
Hips = 40 1/3"
Right Thigh = 22"
Left Thigh = 21 1/2"

I've lost 20.5" total. Woohoo!

It's my first day of P4 and all I really wanted was my one cookie and glass of wine to try out. Instead, hubby came home from his competition and was zoned in for carbing up. We went to the dreaded Taco bell and, although I chose some of their better items, I had more carbs than I initially planned for. I started to stress and hubby (very wisely) said, "The cortisol you're creating by stressing will do far more damage than the carbs you ate. " Most likely a true statement, but I'm really trying to be good. I guess...honestly, what does that mean anymore any way?

The whole point of P4 is to find out that very answer. I was all ready to work out like a crazy person tomorrow to burn off whatever damage I'd accrued tonight. Hubby again reminded me that I should take baby steps and see what the carbs do in the first place. Well, with the carbs, extra calories and bucket of salt I have a pretty good idea of what they're all going to do and I know how to correct it. I am completely thankful for that knowledge! Working out may come in another week as I go back to my original plan and work in items slowly.

I think I would have been alright had I not had that half bean burrito on top of my chicken tacos, but I was still so hungry. If I'd made them myself (which I will, in the future), they will have far more chicken. The protein for curbing appetite is the key. A good rule of thumb for me in both P2 and P3 was to make things myself. I think the same will be true for P4

I was down .6lbs this morning.

May 2nd, 2010

Calorie goal: 1,095; calories consumed: 1,976; calories burned: 0 Net calories: 1,976 Write in your diary: How do you feel today?

Mood:	- choose - Hungry Full Guilty Tempted Motivated Frustrated Content Okay Tired Hyper Excited Relieved Hungover Stressed Anxious Happy Pleased Sad Sick Healthy Good Proud
Notes:	Today, I feel...
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Food Item	Servings	Cals	Fat	Cholest	Sodium	Carbs	Sugars	Fiber	Protein
ADEL'S RESTAURANT 2 Egg Denver Omelette	1.00	550	45g	0mg	0mg	5g	0g	0g	26g
Bob Evans Pork Sausage Link	1.00	125	11g	21mg	184mg	0g	0g	0g	5g
Folgers Classic Decaf Instant Coffee 8 oz	1.00	0	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g	0g	0g
Half & Half	1.00	40	3g	15mg	30mg	0g	1g	0g	0g
Low Carb Taco Bake #119732	1.00	469	38g	206mg	502mg	3g	2g	0g	29g
Just Like Loaded Baked Potatoes/cauliflower (low Carb)	0.25	102	9g	20mg	108mg	2g	1g	1g	4g
Betty Crocker Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies	0.50	80	1g	13mg	40mg	11g	6g	1g	1g
Taco Bell Soft Taco - Chicken	2.00	380	14g	70mg	960mg	40g	2g	4g	26g
Taco Bell Bean Burrito	0.50	165	4g	3mg	600mg	27g	2g	5g	6g
Zinfandel	0.50	65	5g	0mg	0mg	5g	0g	0g	0g
Totals:		1,976	130g	347mg	2,424mg	93g	13g	10g	96g

I was 158.2 pounds this morning. (Oh, and hubby is still trying to talk me off the shelf. I gotta get a grip!)

My weight, for the last little bit, has stayed within range (in fact, I was .2lbs lower from yesterday). I've eaten lots of fats, protein and very little carbohydrates for the last three weeks. I can't believe how quickly this has gone by! Makes me think that P4 will be a memory very soon and I'll be well into my second round before I know it (a short one, this time).

Observations: If my proteins are nice and high, it really doesn't matter how much fat I get in. I do have to be careful with salt, as was the case with me before the protocol. Salt is not a lady's friend. In fact, the relationship is very much a love/hate affair. I must be ever watchful of my salt intake. I have a feeling the same will be true of sugar, since another observation is the limited carbs I've had. I will keep them fairly low but I do miss some things.

An aside - I wore some jeans the other day with a belt that I couldn't even wear, after Christmas. The belt was on the last notch and was still very loose. I took measurements back in mid April, but has my hubby measure my waist again to see if there were changes. Yes! I started with a 38" waist that dropped to 35" after the injections. It's now at a 33 inches. Hubby said my arms look smaller, but we didn't measure those again. I'm going to have him do more measurements again, when he comes home tomorrow. I'll post all the numbers for May 2nd.

What am I looking forward to? Pancakes. They're my absolute favorite food. I'm a purist so, just butter and syrup, please. The cakes with the syrup are incredibly high in carbs so I've decided, the day I have them, I'll have to counter them with lots and lots of protein.

Dark chocolate. Easter was interesting this year, not delving into my favorites for the holiday. No worries. I scooped up great deals when the candies went on sale. My hubby and I keep and adult stash of chocolate for emergencies. I added those sweet treats to the stash. Thankfully, I'm not as addicted to chocolate as others I know. It's not something I've ever needed to have every day.

The only other thing I'm really missing is my oatmeal. I do so love it for breakfast. I'll have to go slow with it because the instant brands have lots of carbs (I prefer that over the lumpy, slow cook kind). These treats will be nice to add back in but there is a bit of fear (similarly to what I experienced before P3). I'll keep looking back at my posts and daily plate calculations to see how to get things under control if I happen to go a little overboard. Hopefully, all the good lessons I've learned about myself will persevere and I won't go overboard. Wish me luck!

May 1st, 2010

Calorie goal: 1,099; calories consumed: 977; calories burned: 0 Net calories: 977 Write in your diary: How do you feel today?

Mood:	- choose - Hungry Full Guilty Tempted Motivated Frustrated Content Okay Tired Hyper Excited Relieved Hungover Stressed Anxious Happy Pleased Sad Sick Healthy Good Proud
Notes:	Today, I feel...
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Food Item	Servings	Cals	Fat	Cholest	Sodium	Carbs	Sugars	Fiber	Protein
No Dough Meat Crust Pizza (low Carb)	0.50	488	28g	146mg	777mg	3g	1g	0g	50g
Dole Caeser Salad Kit	1.00	160	13g	10mg	290mg	7g	2g	1g	3g
Hormel Turkey Pepperoni	1.00	73	4g	40mg	557mg	0g	0g	0g	9g
Hormel Turkey Pepperoni	0.50	37	2g	20mg	279mg	0g	0g	0g	5g
Mario Sliced Black Olives	1.00	25	3g	0mg	125mg	1g	0g	0g	0g
Swiss Cheese	1.00	100	8g	25mg	60mg	0g	0g	0g	7g
Folgers Classic Decaf Instant Coffee 8 oz	1.00	0	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g	0g	0g
Meadow Gold Half & Half	1.00	35	3g	15mg	15mg	1g	1g	0g	1g
Guacamole	1.00	60	2g	0mg	130mg	6g	0g	0g	1g
Totals:		977	62g	256mg	2,232mg	18g	4g	1g	77g

I was 158.8lbs this morning. To help keep good weight numbers next week while I sneak in more sugar and starch, I'll be incorporating my workouts again. It's time to tighten up!