Gonna Do It!

Loving Life!

2008-05-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

11 days until the Danskin! I have learned so much about myself, nutrition, exercise, pushing yourself to the limit, and the power of comraderie. I can't wait to share it all with you....but I gotta make it through these last 11 days, 2 more days of school, and our vacation to South Padre Island.

Just a couple of stats: Weight this morning was 171.8, exactly 4 lbs over my LIW, so I am good there. I have lost another inch and a half over all, but mainly from my hips and thighs! Woohoo! So I am definitely building muscle.

I miss all of you guys! And I promise to be a regular again soon. I have so much that I want to share with you all!

Busy Busy Busy!

2008-05-16T05:56:00.002-05:00

Hi All!

Sorry about the disappearing act...but I swear that the month of May always wears me out! We have so many activities in our family, and all of them are winding down!

Then when you add in my training, it makes everyday jampacked. We are at the high point of training right now. So that means maximum effort, training, etc. But it is going so well! I am having a ball.

On Mother's day we went out and rode the bike course. It was soooo windy! But I am stronger than ever. Gee, I wonder if losing almost 30 lbs. had anything to do with that? One funny part is that while it is much easier going UP the hills, I don't get as much UUUMPF going DOWN the hills ( From the weight) as I used to!!

I am the most pleased though with my swimming. I have a congenital birth defect, and am missing some muscles in both wrists, and one arm. So I swim the breast stroke. The past 2 years, I have finished the 1/2 mile swim feeling like my heart is going to explode out of my chest, and I have been slower than molasses. This year, I am markedly faster! But best of all, I am a relaxed swimmer! So even if I don't finish the swim any faster on race day, I know that I will be better on the bike because I will be able to transition faster and easier!

The runningpart is what it is. I'll save any improvement in running for next year!

Food. I promise that I will continue my exercise and food musings. But I need to get through at least this weekend. all of my daughter's year end functions will finally be over by Sunday.

I will tell you that I was very suprised at the lack of fueling knowledge by women in my group. We had a talk given by a sports Nutritionist, and very few knew even what I knew. And some of these women are very intense about their training!

You all will be happy to know that I am now very consistent at 172-172.5 in my weight. Which is 5-6 lbs over LIW. My measurements are essentially the same. Hips and thighs are a tad less, (about .25) waist is a hair more. (about .5) I think that small increase in waist measurement IS the carbs. I think that you bloat more with carbs. So I do believe that my 5 lbs are now muscle.

I hope all of you are well out there. I promise to make the rounds today or tomorrow!

Protocol and Exercise Part 2

2008-05-08T06:18:00.002-05:00

Sorry for not posting yesterday, but we have ramped up Danskin training and work is a bear!

So I left off with at the point that shows the different forms and places our body stores fuel. As I said, aerobic exercise is steady and moderate, slow and easy. You can easily carry on a conversation while exercising. Once your breathing becomes the least bit labored, you are moving on to anaerobic, and for that, you need carbohydrates.

So, this all makes sense to me, especially when I remember how tired I was walking up a big hill while on this protocol, yet in doing normal day to day activities, I was never once tired. Think about it, on this protocol, we are consuming at best 150-175 calories of carbohydrates per day. Blood glucose stores approximately 80 of those, and is the most accesible. My lifestyle calorie burn is approximately 500 cals per day. My BMR calorie expenditure is approximately 1700. From everything that I have read, even aerobically, you will first burn the glucose. But if you are exercising in an anaerobic state, your body can't be as efficient in converting fat to fuel. That's when you hit the wall.

Let me put this disclaimer in right now. First, this is based upon my VERY BASIC understanding, and, this is a work in progress!

Now then, there are people who are marathoners, etc, that subscribe to a low carb diet philosophy. That is something that I am researching.

More coming soon!

Thanks everyone for your kind comments!

Everyone has an Opinion, Part One

2008-05-06T05:41:00.002-05:00

And today, you get to hear mine!

Do exercise and P2 mix? Well, according to Pounds and Inches by Dr. Simeon, no, they really don't. He says not to start any exercise program while on this protocol. He does say that you may continue any program that you are currently doing. So you say, well, what if I have been working out, lifting weights, running 2-3 miles, I should be able to continue, right?

Well I say WRONG! First and foremost, when Dr. Simeon wrote this, Jack Lalane was the exercise guru of the world! Who remembers seeing his black and white exercise show on TV? ( OK folks, I'm not THAT old...I was really little, and it was already syndicated!) Well, he would do jumping jacks, sit ups, and then this "jiggle belt" thing. It was a piece of equipment that had a belt that went around your hips, and it "jiggled" your hips away, ( I guess)

No one ran 3 miles after work, or bench pressed 300 lbs., or did jazzercise, cycled, or swam! People "strolled" after dinner for exercise!

So what happens within your body when you exercise?

First, lets understand where your body stores its' fuel, and in what quantities.

Carbohydrates:
Blood glucose: 80 calories
Liver glycogen: 300-400 calories
Muscle glycogen: 1200-1800 calories

Fat:
Blood fatty acids: 7 cals
Serum triglycerides: 75 cals
Muscle triglycerides: 2,700 cals
Adipose tissue triglycerides: 80,000 cals

Protein:
Muscle protein: 30,000 cals

As you can see, even skinny people have enough adipose tissue to fuel ALOT of SOME kind of activity! I know that you are thinking, "See, you CAN exercise, look at the fuel! "

But hold on! Basically, your body uses 2 distinct energy systems to function. aerobic, and anaerobic. Aerobic refers to moderate and steady. Walking, talking, cleaning, cooking, and the rest of daily activities are aerobic, while running, doing any type of cardio, weights etc, involve both the aerobic and anerobic systems.

And guess which system uses which fuel? You got it! Aerobic uses primarily the fat fuel, and anerobic uses the carbohydrate fuel.

Tomorrow I'll talk about how your body draws upon its' fuel reserves.

Becca, Biz and Monica: My theories and $2.50 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks! LOL

Working on Some Theories

2008-05-04T21:46:00.002-05:00

Hi all,

Just a short note to let you know that I am ok, and training is going well. I am working on some research, and trying to formulate some opinions on exercise and the protocol.

Bear with me!

Juggling Act

2008-04-30T05:36:00.002-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 171.8
OVER 5.0

First of all, let me say, Ed and Jenn rocked! I have only gotten to watch about half, but you guys were cool as cucumbers! I would have decked that one doctor. Thanks for standing up for the protocol!

I am so very pleased with my weight! Since Friday, I have paid little attention to what I eat, and until last night, there were no hard core work outs. So that part is good!

I got home from Houston about 5:30. I REALLY didn't want to go last night to my Danskin training, but I did and I felt better when we were finished. But starting out, I felt like crud! I truly believe it was because my body was running on improper fuel! Everything that I have eaten in the last 5 days has been processed and none of it was whole grain! Granted, the dinner that we had Monday night was OUTSTANDING, a filet that you could cut with your fork. Topped with bearneaise sauce, and served with fried asparagus. Then several desserts were passed around, including bananas foster. Yesterday was mexican, and for the life of me, I do not know why I didn't eat any of the rice or beans!

I guess what I am starting to see is the correlation between proper fueling and performance. Who'd a thunk it! But it is very obvious to me now why exercise won't work on this protocol. You don't have the proper glycogen stores in your muscles. More on that tomorrow!

On to comments:

lindsayloo: Hey! Welcome to this protocol! It has been nothing short of a miracle for me!

Monica: Glad to see that you are back! I'll be over to check on you today!

Lili: Thanks for checking on me! I'll come over to play later!

becca: Can't wait to see how you are coming along. I'll check sometime today.

2 Quickies in a Row!

2008-04-28T06:13:00.002-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 173.6
Over 6.8

I survived our campout! The girls had a blast! We were incredibly fortunate with the weather. All is good! We have the best leader for our girls! She is so awesome. I don't have that talent.

OK, I am posting a link to a show called "The Mike and Juliet Show" Tuesday, they will be airing a segment on HCG with Ed and Jenn, from our blogger community. Here is the link to where to watch in your area. http://www.mandjshow.com/where-to-watch/

Please watch and tell our your friends to watch as well!

I am off to Houston for a conference. I will be back tomorrow night, just in time for running again with my Danskin group!

A Quickie

2008-04-25T06:17:00.002-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 172.0
OVER 5.2

I feel like the Nationwide commercial, "When life comes at you fast..."

Yesterday our workout was hill repeats. That's where you run up a hill 5-6 times. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? I did 5 and could do no more! Ideally, you were supposed to run half of the repeat at 80% effort, then, the last half go all out. Well, we were doing about 100 yards. I did the first 50 at 80%, then turned up the gas, and only had enough for another 25. so my last 25, were a combo walk/jog. Yes, I was last every time! But it was all good! I am one sore woman today.

Diet wise, it is starting to feel more automatic. I have noticed that I can turn up the carbs as long as I don't turn up the fats. And I am a cheese loving girl! The main thing that I have noticed is that I can actually eat salads with little or no dressing. That is thanks to this protocol entirely! So we'll see how I do this weekend, with all the food that we will have camping.

Ok, you ladies need to say a prayer that it doesn't rain all weekend! We are camping in screened shelters, so heaven help us if it rains! MyI did manage to find a cute S.W.A.P.S. that was quick and easy. We did a Shooting Star using adhesive foam stars, pipe cleaners for the "tail" and stuck them on another square of foam board. They turned out pretty cute!

Sorry for not having anymore time to respond to comments!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Taking Care Of Things

2008-04-23T06:23:00.002-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 171.0
Over 4.2

This will be a quickie post because I am running late. But I wanted to throw out some food for thought.

How well do you take care of your beloved pet? Your car? Your garden? Do you devote even 1/10th as much time to thoughtfully planning for your own care? This is what I am rhinking about today. What are your thoughts?

Training is going well. I rocked last evening on our outdoor ride! Gosh, I love to ride!!!! Today, I will get into the pool at some point. Tomorrow is hill training. ( Running, ugh! )

This weekend I get to help take 12 Brownies camping...Weeeeee! So if anyone knows of any cute, quick S.W.A.P.S., PLEASE let me know. We have to make 30 of them! We are going with another troop, so I think that the girls will have fun.

Everyone have a great day!

Just Do It! When is Repetition a Good Thing?

2008-04-20T06:58:00.005-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 173.8
OVER 7.0

My eating habits left alot to be desired on Friday. Lunch was outstanding, and while it wasn't "bad" it was high fat. a girl friend and I ate at this really nice restaurant here in town. We had asparagus bisque soup, and I had a southwestern salad with barbeque chicken. It has a spicy ranch dressing and a very unique combination of boiled peanuts, and blue cheese. But it was outstanding! So I really shouldn't have done the pizza and beer for dinner! It was a "good" pizza though...fresh mozzerella, and basil.

I also swam on Friday...concentrating on my kick. I have to swim breaststroke, and my kick gets very sloppy, when I'm tired.

Yesterday was a CRAZY day! Danskin group training at 7am. We did our timed mile. Another lady and I were dead last! Our time was 13:20. So see Becca, time is NOT everything! But that is mainly doing a fast walk, with very little running.

I then rushed to concession stand duty for our soccer team, then rushed to take our daughter to her school's 30th anniversary celebration...for 40 minutes, then rushed to her soccer game...then 2 birthday parties. I was in bed by 9:30 last night!

So this morning, I was going to do my blog, then go for a jog./walk. It dawned on me, that, more than likely if I blogged first, the walk/jog would be either cut short, or skipped comepletely. So I bucked up, and went off to the school track and did 4 miles.

So now then, when is repetition a good thing? When you are building new habits. Did you know that it takes doing something AT LEAST 21 times before it becomes a habit? I figure that since I'm a slow learner, that I need to figure in 30 times!

In my mind this applies to making the right choices food wise too. And for me, it applies to being consistent in exercise and intensity of exercise.

Now I need to JUST DO IT!

Responses to comments:

Lili: Yes, I love cycling, and I just need to find more time to do it!

Biz: It is a total transformation, you are correct. I just need to be accountable to myself, and while I need to not beat myself up when I don't make the best choices, I need to not sugar coat it either!

Becca: I ice my knees every evening when I jog. Also, the weight has made a HUGE difference. And look at my times! I am a tortoise! You can make your own ice bags by mixiing 3 parts water to one part rubbing alcohol. I double bag them and keep them in the freezer. They stay nice and slushy!

Repetition is Good...Most of the Time!

2008-04-18T05:39:00.002-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 172.2
OVER 5.4

Training number 2 is over! Last night we did a spin class. It was fun! Remember, biking is my absolute FAVORITE! So it really felt good.

I am getting into a routine with my meals that is workiing out well. Breakfast is oatmeal with chopped nuts and dried cranberries, or a waffle with a slice of Jarlsburg cheese (like swiss). or a smoothies with milk and bananas and strawberries.

Lunch when I am at home is some kind of spinach salad with a cup of brown rice thrown on top, a cup of beans of some sort, grilled veggies, and reduced fat feta cheese. I have this really yummy cracked Pepper Vinagrette, and I usually put a tablespoon of that on. Some days, I do mango salsa, no dressing, and black beans, others, chopped tomatoes and kalamata olives, sauteed onions with greek seasoning. I make my rice ahead of time, and keep it stored in the fridge. Same with the grilled veggies.

Dinner is usually a repeat of lunch, just adding in a fish, chicken, or beef portion.

Snacks are fruit smoothies, or hummus. but I have to be careful with the hummus....it is so yummy, that I tend to overdo it!

Now then, I /we tend to eat out 2-3 times per week, either myself with a client for lunch, or our family for dinner. This is where I tend to REPEAT my former bad habits. Working on the eating out part!

Now that we are training, I am for the first time trying to expand my knowledge of WHAT can make my training more effective. Over and over, I am finding the word "repeats", "intervals", "over/unders". It seems that to make your body stronger and faster, repetition, short bursts of extreme, intense effort, and "mixing it up" while you build upon your base seem to be the most effective ways to train.

I don't know about y'all, but I am seeing similarities with how our body responds to exercise, and to how it responds to diet.

Repetition of eating habits, and dieting techniques are what got us to the "fluffy" state to begin with! (Or at least me) We did it one way for so long that it stopped being effective. Layer on no real change in eating habits, and you get the SEE SAW SEE SAW effect.

That is exactly what happens with exercise. If we keep on doing exactly the same thing, it stops being effective.

So I guess where I am going with this, is that within the realm of good eating habits, we also need to "mix it up" on occasion. Maybe that means a raw foods challenge. Or a fruit cleanse. I just think that we must make our bodies guess what we are doing every so often! However, I'm not thinking that a week of fried comfort foods would do the trick!

Everyone have a good day!

And to my commenters:

Biz: I know that I need to get over there, and I will...I promise! You know, I might enjoy doing that! Let me get my routine under me now, and think about it, OK?

Becca: Don't try and woos out with the bad joints story! You are talking to Queen Rotten Knees! I had to chuckle the other day, because our trainer was talking abuot how the trail at Danskin is so hard to run, because it's not paved. Well, for me, that makes it EASIER, because it is so gentle on my kneees. I walk/jog it BTW!

And I don't mind you linking at all! I would consider it a complement!

Phenomenal Woman TRIumphant

2008-04-16T05:54:00.002-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 172.8
OVER 6.0

I hurt all over, but I feel good! We swam last night to start off our training, and this year, we have a new person coaching the swimming part. She is FABULOUS! Out of all the women, ( apprx 40 ) I am in the bottom quarter as to swimming speed. Now then, I am 100%comfortable in the water, just can't propel myself THROUGH the water very fast. This woman told me that I was a good swimmer..what???? And that it didn't matter that I did the breast stroke. She offered to meet with me and give me some additional tips. How kind is that?

Anyway, the title of my post is also our "theme" for this year's Danskin. It's a poem by Maya Angelou, Phenomenal Woman. I think that it befits us too ladies!

Here is the first stanza:

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to a model's size
But when I start telling them,
They think that I am telling lies.
I say
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips
The stride of my step
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman.
That's me.

It has also been set to music by Ruthie Foster. It is so awesome!

So everyone go out today and show the world that you are a Phenomenal Woman!

Comments:

BIz: I got it ;) I will stop being so hard on myself, yet I will be accountable....thanks!

Becca: I don't EVEN want to hear it girl! 53 is NOT too old to do a triathlon! I'm only 6 years behind you, AND the mother of an 8 YO! You do realize that I only do "girly girl" ones don't you?

Today is the Day!

2008-04-15T06:16:00.002-05:00

This just a very quick note, since I haven't posted in a very long while...

Weight is stable at 170-172. Working on eating 5-6 times a day, 50% carbs...not too much fat., it's HARD!

Tonight we start our official training group. We had a meeting Sunday with the whole big group, and it was so nice to see all my buddies. I also saw a woman who I really don't care for. She has never been an encourager. She just does HER thing, and to heck with the rest of us. I had a "moment" with her last year, and she just rubs me the wrong way! So she says "Wow! Look at you! I had heard that you had lost weight!" Hehe, they are talking about me!

We start in the pool tonight, Thursday we do a spin class, and Saturday we run...my goal for this year is to finish in under 2 hours. Last year I was 2:09.

Here's to my commentators:

Biz, I know that 5 lbs isn't alot, but it's also not protocol! :) thanks for keeping me grounded!

Skinny Jenny! I can't wait to hear all about Mexico! And you are right, on any other diet, I would be thrilled!

Becca, well, I REALLY haven't been working out as much as I SHOULD have, but now I have to! Hey, maybe you should train for a sprint triathlon!

Crystal! Where have you been hiding girl???? good to hear from you! Hey P2 is soooo much easier! Don't worry, you will take the weight back off.

Still Trying!

2008-04-10T06:15:00.003-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 171.8
OVER 5.0

Calories 1524
Fat - 37.9% (66 grams)
Protein - 13.0% (51 grams)
Carbohydrates - 49.2% (192 grams)

Daily Sodium Intake - 1,783 mg
Daily Sugar Intake - 72 grams
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 43 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 21 grams
Daily Fiber Intake - 23 grams
Nutrition Grade B+

My focus to to fine tune my diet this week, so that next week, I don't have to think about it! Trying to get to 50-60% carbs, 20-30% fats, and 10-20% proteins. Also aiming for 1800-2000 calories Monday, Weds and Friday. Tues, Thursday, and Saturdays 2400-2500 cals, and Sundays, I won't count calories. And I am DRINKING my water! My thought process is that on Tues. Thurs. and Saturdays we will be working out for 1-2 hours HARD!

I am trying to learn about true "whole grains" There is alot of discussion as to what constitutes true whole grains...does whole wheat flour meet the mark, or does it need to say whole wheat only? Also trying to wrap my pea brain around the glycemic load vs the glycemic index.

Let me say this, meal planning on P2 is soooo much easier!

On to my commenters"

Biz, I know that 5 lbs isn't bad, and I know that I am obviously stabilized. But I wish it were within protocol.

Becca, I am NOT a runner! My knees are way too creaky! and I just don't enjoy it! now put me on my bike and I am one happy girl! In fact, trying to learn to run is what got me to HCG. You can go back to the beginning of my blogs to read that story!

7 Days....

2008-04-08T05:26:00.004-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 172.0
OVER 5.2

It's not terrible, right? I am not worrying about it. I seem to be fluctuating between 170 and 172. It is what it is!

Sunday's bike ride was so much fun! It was a charity ride for the local Austism Society. It was also the first time that they had done the event, so it was really small. But boy was it windy! I'm still trying to figure out how you factor in a 10-15 mile headwind into the speed calculations! Best of all, is that my husband is gaining confidence on group rides! That is so important to me, because I want us to be able to do these together. He does a spin class and weights 5 days a week, so he's definitely strong enough. Just needs the practice outside.

I did feel a difference in my muscles on this ride. I was not as well fueled...no one I told you so! So with that in mind, i'm going to be doing some meal planning, so that I don't have to think while I am training. I will keep you posted!

I have to share my rant with you all. I went Saturday, to buy a new "Tri suit" and granted, I only went to one place, and only looked on the sale rack, but I could not find a suit big enough! Now I am comfortably wearing 12's, so it shouldn't be that hard, right? That is sooo frustrating that for the sports world, size 'L" translates to an 8-10! And this store didn't carry "XL" I'm sorry, but there are "plenty" of women who "tri" and need larger sizes. The designers of endurance sports clothing are egotistical idiots! So the search will have to continue.

Everyone have a great day!

Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood!

2008-04-05T20:08:00.003-05:00

LIW 166.8

Today 170.0

Over 3.2

I wrote this last night, and failed to post it!

Oh my gosh! Today has been the most beautiful day! Perfect temperatures, no clouds, no humidity, just perfect!

My cute little pie isn't working right now, so you get the readers digest condensed version! Breakfast yesterday was 1 waffle with 1 oz of Jarlsberg cheese. Lunch was half of a veggie skillet, which consisted of scrambled eggs, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a few hash browns. Also had 1/2 of a buttered English Muffin. Dinner was a really good extra thin crust Margherita Pizza. It was about 1350 calories, 40% fat, 30% carbs, and 20% protein.

I have been thinking all day today about not being hungry on Thursday, and really not being hungry yesterday either. Because today, I HAVE been hungry! So is it possible to listen to your body? Is it remotely conceivable that if we pay the least bit of attention, that we can tell what we need? Today, I have had approximately 2100 calories, and now I am no longer hungry. Today I'm at approximately 42% fat, 18 % protein, and 40% carbs. I guess that tomorrow will tell! Ok,my weight this morning is 170.4 and I'm fine with that!

We are doing anothere bike ride tomorrow morning, so I probably won't post until the evening.

Biz, Yes, I KNOW that 1200 calories aren't enought, but like I said above, I just wasn't hungry! Thank you for looking out for me!

Lili, I'm actually on P4 now, and plan on staying on p4 until after the Danskin, when I will do a short round of p2.

Counting Down, 11 Days to Training

2008-04-04T05:49:00.005-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 171.6
Over 4.8

Calories 1224
Fat - 30.7% (44 grams)
Protein - 28.1% (90 grams)
Carbohydrates - 41.1% (132 grams)
Alcohol - 0.0%
Other - 0.0%

Daily Sodium Intake - 2,244 mg
Daily Sugar Intake - 60 grams
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 153 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 12 grams
Daily Fiber Intake - 26 grams
Nutrition Grade A

Sorry that I was MIA yesterday! But Wednesday evening I had a bridal shower to attend. Not only was I tired, but my tummy hurt too! I ate waaaaayyyyy too much, especially chips and queso!

I got proteins, carbs and fats color coded. On calorie-count.com, there is a little block beside each word, but i couldn't make that happen! Also, I put an email link on my blog! I am having fun learning more about HTML and blogging! So yall can email me now if you want to!

I have a little over a week before I start my Danskin training. I have to do all that I can do before then. By that I mean try to get down about 2 lbs to the 168-170 range, and I need to work out all that I can, lose the alcohol, and just do it!

We have BIG thunderstorms rolling our way, so I need to wrap this up.

On to Tuesday's comments:

Becca, just for you, I color coded! LOL! and yes, you are correct! I wondered if anyone would notice! :)

Biz, yes I like my chart, and if I do it correctly, it should look like a peace sign most days!

Amie, Hey! Thanks for stopping by! I'll try to come calling today! You are right though, I just need to get in the water!

Jenn, I think I will try out your theory! I like getting A's! I'm mentally preparing to be chronically sore during my training! Ouch!

Smarter Than the Average Bear!

2008-04-02T05:15:00.003-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 172.0, OVER 5.2
Total Calories 1793
Fat - 29.6% (61 grams)
Protein - 15.6% (72 grams)
Carbohydrates - 38.8% (180 grams)
Alcohol - 16.0% (42 grams)

Daily Sodium Intake - 924 mg
Daily Sugar Intake - 74 grams
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 154 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 19 grams
Daily Fiber Intake - 19 grams
Nutrition Grade B+

I did it! I managed to get the cool little pie diagram in my blog! Although I probably should have debuted it on a day that I didn't have 3 glasses of wine over the course of the evening!

The last 2 days have been recuperation days for me, but today I am going to get into the pool. Swimming is not my best deal, and I want to be in the pool at least 4 times in the next 2 weeks. I need to stop worrying about how bad my form is (what form!?), and just get in the water, but I don't like doing things that I am not good at!

The other thing is that I am not getting enough calories in! I need to be at 1800-2200, and more on the days that I train, and I am not getting them in. I guess I need to add more veggies and fruit.

On to comments from my friends:

Lili, Yes, I need to find the article, because it really did make sense. Now I would like to dive alittle deeper into that theory.

Becca, you are right, but I'm having a hard time fueling the proper way.

Biz, awww, Thanks!

I'm Back!

2008-04-01T05:53:00.004-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 173.2
Over 6.4

Calories 1465
Fat - 43.8% (74 grams)
Protein - 12.9% (49 grams)
Carbohydrates - 43.3% (165 grams)
Alcohol - 0.0%
Other - 0.0%
Daily Sodium Intake - 4,136 mg
Daily Sugar Intake - 66 grams
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 134 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 27 grams
Daily Fiber Intake - 11 grams
Nutrition Grade B-

Before I tell you all about the weekend, I want to do a quick commentary on my diet the last few days. First, it is VERY HARD to eat enough correct calories when I am working out!!! Second, I eat way too much fat, and lastly, I am WAY over doing it on the sodium!

Ok, now to the good part! Our ride on Saturday was a blast, and I did great! It was cold and damp when we started, due to a "cold front" that came in on Friday. Cold in March in Texas is a relative term..but it was in the mid 50's, high humidity, and a fairly strong breeze. I finally warmed up about mile 3, and it was all good from there. I could really tell a difference hauling my happy butt up the hills...it was much easier! My girlfriends were all impressed with the new svelte me, and equally impressed with my ability this early on in the season.

Awhile back. I read an interesting article on cycling, that quoted one of Lance Armstrong's coaches. He said that he had attended autopsies of obese people and was shocked to see how large their muscles were. So he then looked at people who had formerly been obese, and started measuring their power on a bike. He concluded that people that had been large, and removed excess fat, were power machines on a bike. He went discuss standing vs sitting up a hill, and that's too technical for here, but suffice it to say, with the "back" that I have, I should be a power machine!

Ok, We got home and I didn't stop moving until 9 pm, when I crashed on the couch. By 10 pm, I was in bed!

Sunday morning I was sore, but nothing major. The cold front from Friday had now pushed back north as a warm front, and it was muggy, and drizzling. Oh boy! What fun! Right after the start of the 10K, it started to rain pretty hard. But actually that was a good thing! It made it not so muggy! But it also made the streets very slick. There were a couple of places on the hills that had me pretty nervous! But we finished with an average of 15:06 per mile. Nothing out standing but not bad either.

I came home after we wnt to brunch, took a shower and took a nap! Then we had friends over for dinner, and so I had to move around. It probably was good for me. Yesterday, I was sooo sore when I woke up, but as the day went on, I got better.

So this weekend, we are doing at least one organized ride on Sunday, and maybe another ride on Saturday.

I LOVE riding my bike! I LOVE riding my bike! I LOVE riding my bike!

On to comments:

Lili, I'm about biking like you are about raquetball! But I am FAR from nailing this nutrition thing. The slick streets kept me from over achieving!

Biz, there you have it! I survived!

2008-03-29T06:15:00.002-05:00

Nutrition Report

Fat - 30.7% (90 grams)
Protein - 16.9% (112 grams)
Carbohydrates - 49.5% (327 grams)
Alcohol - 2.9% (11 grams)
Other - 0.0%

Daily Sodium Intake - 5,449 mg
Daily Sugar Intake - 49 grams
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 193 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 21 grams
Daily Fiber Intake - 12 grams

Nutrition Grade

B-

Date	Calories	Grams	Fat	Carbs	Protein	Grade
2008-03-28	2,625	926	90	327	112	B-

LIW 166.8

Today 170.0

Over 3.2

This is a quick post before we go to our charity bike ride. Quick observations on my foods yesterday. First of all, I ate basically all day. Then look, I finally got my carbs to proteins to fats ratio where I wanted it. It's an estimation at best, because we went out to eat last night, and I couldn't really replicate dinner on calorie count.com.

I kept up with my water, and stopped eating when I was no longer hungry...hmmmm. Also, it is interesting to note that at dinner, I ordered a penne pasta dish with sundried tomatoes, peppers, asparagus, and parmesan cheese. It was sooo yummy! Hubby ordered a lemon artichoke alfredo fettucini. In the old days, I would have wanted the creamy dish. Well, I LOVED mine, and he wanted to share plates. I did, but I just didn't really like the alfredo dish!

Everyone have a great day!

Dinking with my Blog

2008-03-27T21:29:00.004-05:00

Nutrition Report

Fat - 45.9% (101 grams)
Protein - 15.3% (76 grams)
Carbohydrates - 38.8% (192 grams)
Alcohol - 0.0%
Other - 0.0%

Daily Sodium Intake - 3,114 mg
Daily Sugar Intake - 45 grams
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 162 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 19 grams
Daily Fiber Intake - 19 grams

Nutrition Grade

LIW 166.8

Today 170.6

Over 3.8

Maybe by next week, I can get the "pie" to publish when I copy my food intake...I worked and worked last night and couldn't!

Went for my annual "ahem" exam yesterday, and my Dr. was so pleased with my weight loss. But I didn't confess...just said diet and exercise...

It was the first time that I had checked my blood pressure since I have lost this weight too. I always have low blood pressure, but it was 80/65....wonder if it was a fluke or not? I'll check it again periodically to see.

I was doing great food wise, until I had Mickey D french fries ( from my daughter's kid's meal) and until I came home and found the "tortas de aceite" in the pantry. They are an imported delicacy from Spain. They are a wafer thin baked crisp, made with olive oil, sugar, and anise. But look! I still got a "B" LOL. Calorie-count.com gives you a food grade. I have used it for years, and like it because it has all my data in it.

Breakfast was a whole grain waffle and an oz of gouda cheese, Lunch was greek food! YUM! Chicken, hummus, spanikopita, salad, and stewed eggplant.

You saw what dinner was....bad for me, but YUMMMMMM

I have obviously stabilized. Yea! Now my goal is to consistently make better food choices, and lower my fat intake to around 30-35%.

I am really finding that the processed stuff is what kills me!

I have a more serious request today. I have a friend/colleague that is having emergency surgery this morning to remove her LAP band. Apparently her body is rejecting it. she had lost about 50 lbs. , and now is devastated. Please take a moment to remember her this morning. She knows how I have lost my weight, and once she is home and healthy, I think that she may have an interest in doing the protocol. please send good vibes her way.

On to my commentors:

Biz, You know that I am going to have to bring up the rear..which is sooo appropriate for me! ROTFL. I can't do another round until June 9th, the day after the Danskin. so you all are going to have to light the path for me!

Becca, I know that I will do fine, but I tend to be an over acheiver...so i have to rememebr to walk, not jog or run!!!

Jenn, I am thinking that you need to train for the Danskin...come to Austin, and we could do it together....

Better Today

2008-03-26T21:11:00.003-05:00

LIW 166.8

Today 170.4

Over 3.6

Total calories 1797

Fat - 37.7% (76 grams)
Protein - 21.8% (99 grams)
Carbohydrates - 40.5% (184 grams)
Daily Sodium Intake - 3,095 mg
Daily Sugar Intake - 80 grams
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 567 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 21 grams
Daily Fiber Intake - 13 grams
Nutrition Grade A-

Ok, apart from weighing less today, I feel better too! I had half a veggie omelet, piece of whole grain toast, and fruit for bfast. Lunch was nonfat cottage cheese with fresh pineapple. Had an orange, then 5 hershey's kisses with almonds for a snack, and dinner was a spinach salad with 2 pieces of lightly breaded ( Tyson's) chicken, tomatoes and rosemary grissini. Dessert was 1/2 cup of whole milk yogurt, frozen sweet cherries and a sprinke of granola on top.

Still no exercise...oh well, I'm going to DIE this weekend when I do a 20 mile charity bike ride on Saturday, and then on Sunday walk the Capitol 10K with some of my clients! The bike won't hurt as badly as the 10K, and the 10k won't hurt if I will behave and just walk, not jog...

I bought a new water bottle this past weekend. It's called a Camelback "unbottle" I really like it, because it can't spill, and it is easy to clean. It holds 24 oz. I am telling you all, water is the key! Please, please drink your water...alot of water, and you will see what I mean!

On to my peeps' comments:

Biz, I AM thrilled to be eating like I am, especially when I haven't been exercising!

Monica, OMG, allergies are KILLING me! They said that yesterday was one of the HIGHEST days on record. Everything was in the air...

Jenn, I use Calorie-count.com. It used to be an independent sight, but now is part of about.com. I just have always used it, so it has my "history" in it. I wish I could figure out how to copy the cute pie diagram that it does of carbs, proteins, and fats!

Ho Hum

2008-03-26T07:20:00.004-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 172.4
Over 5.6

Calories 2049
Fat - 43.9% (100 grams)
Protein - 15.7% (80 grams)
Carbohydrates - 40.4% (208 grams)
Daily Sodium Intake - 6,187 mg
Daily Sugar Intake - 35 grams
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 623 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 37 grams
Daily Fiber Intake - 21 grams
Nutrition Grade B-

No Exercise AGAIN!!!! AAARGH!

Breakfast was 2 scrambled eggs, and an English muffin. Lunch was a chipotle turkey and bacon panini, pasta salad and some chips. Dinner was asian salad, no protein and 2 M & M cookies. ...the last ones thank goodness!

I ate so so food, and didn't exercise.....but I must be stabilized, my weight isn't going up. So that is a nice plus!

Allergies are giving me a fit too! I am just in a ho hum kind of mood....

Responses to my buds:

Biz!!! We are SOOOOOO glad that you are back!

Jenn, aaaaawwww, how sweet! You actually inspire me too!

Gearing up for the Danskin

2008-03-25T05:54:00.002-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 172.4
Over 5.6

I redid my blog last night instead of posting. Suffice it to say that my attention to my diet was nil over the holiday! But I had fun, an dthe weather cooperated, so Easter was great!

I am having the hardest time being consistent with my exercise! I think that because work is so unbelievably crazy, that I just burn out and want the time to relax...oh well, in 3 more weeks, I won't have a choice! That's when our training group starts.

Hope everyone had a great Easter!

Quick "Honesty" Post

2008-03-22T09:10:00.002-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 171.8
Over 5.0

Needed to post to keep myself honest! Thursday I was soooo bad! I ate like I would never gain! Fuddruckers for lunch, and then Fresh Plus "BUFFET" for dinner...geeesh. No exercise either!

Yesterday I was up more than today...and I was bad yesterday too! I had fried catfish for dinner, complete with fries! ( At least I oven baked them! ) And let us not forget the 3 beers that I had! Or all the snickers mini's that I ate while we watched E.T. ,the movie.

Oh well, I did do 4.5 miles run, jog, mostly walk....

Happy Easter everyone, we are off to the park.

Becca, I'll try to be a better example! LOL

Coming Together

2008-03-20T06:38:00.004-05:00

LIW 166.8

Today 168.4

Over 1.6

Exercise 35 minute hard spin

Calories 1765

Fat - 23.9% (47 grams)

Protein - 28.0% (124 grams)

Carbohydrates - 32.5% (143 grams)

Alcohol - 0.0%

Other - 15.6%

Daily Sodium Intake - 1,856 mg

Daily Sugar Intake - 52 grams

Daily Cholesterol Intake - 705 mg

Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 12 grams

Daily Fiber Intake - 16 grams
Nutrition Grade A

OK, I had yogurt, 1/2 cup of granola, and fresh strawberries for breakfast. Lunch was a sliced beef brisket sandwich and sweet potato fries. Dinner was grilled shrimp with asparagus, tomatoes and about a 1/4 cup of white rice. The "other" is for my chardonnay. For some reason it populated, not as alcohol, but as "other".

I went and bought all the Easter goodies yesterday for our family. And I got goodies for me too! I am going to enjoy a few pieces of chocolate! But I actually have a craving for chocolate covered strawberries.....yummm!

Much Better!

2008-03-19T05:56:00.003-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 168.6
OVER 1.8

Nutrition Report :

Calories 1257
Fat - 41.8% (60 grams)
Protein - 19.2% (62 grams)
Carbohydrates - 39.0% (125 grams)
Alcohol - 0.0%
Sodium Intake - 1,187 mg
Sugar Intake - 81 grams
Cholesterol Intake - 115 mg
Saturated Fat Intake - 19 grams
Fiber Intake - 18 grams
Nutrition Grade A

Ok, too much fat yesterday, just right on protein, and ALL my carbs came from fruits and veggies. Breakfast was an apple plus a measured 2 TSP of PB. Lunch was green grapes and cheese. Dinner was an asian salad with chicken, honey roasted soy nuts, and mandarin oranges.

Really drank the water too. We had really nasty thunderstorms so I didn't want to leave the house, plus darling daughter was milking her stitches to the max! And I let her! Hence nothing in the exercise category. I REALLY have to fix that part of my routine. I am not consistent, and I'm going to pay big time when the Danskin training rolls around. I got used to sleeping in on this diet!

But yea for me! I haven't been within 2 lbs of my LIW in 3 weeks! Now I just need to maintain here for a bit, and then add in wine, etc!

On to comments from yesterday:

Becca, thanks for stopping by! Finally today, I made it back to within 2 lbs!

Not the Day that I had Envisioned

2008-03-18T09:31:00.002-05:00

LIW 166.8

Today 170.0

Over 3.2

Calories yesterday approximately 1100

Exercise none

Ok, I had my Jay Robb Protein shake for breakfast, with half a cup of milk, about 1/4 cup of non fat yogurt, and frozen mixed berries. Also threw in 2 tsp of fiber, because I was feeling "puffy" LOL

Lunch I went to Chipotle and had the chicken salad, no dressing, no sour cream, no guacamole, just added the black beans and tomato salsa.

Dinner was at 11:30 pm, ahem, and consisted of 1 cup of whole milk plain yogurt ( Hubby bought the wrong kind) and fresh strawberries. I also ate 3 small water crackers.

The reason dinner was so late, and that I got no exercise in was because we were at the ER all evening with our daughter getting stitches in her knee. She gashed her knee open at soccer practice, and needed stitches.

So all in all I was pleased with my day. I made sure that I drank enough water. And I peed all day! LOL I really think that there is alot to be said for getting enough water. Saturday at Seaworld, I know that I didn't get enough water.

I am going to sneak out at lunch and go to the YMCA, I need my exercise!!!

Jenn, I am on my way over to visit...are you sore?

Got my Popcorn Fix

2008-03-17T05:53:00.002-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 172.4
OVER 5.6

Calories about 1100
Exercise, none

Ok, doesn't look too bad on the calorie intake, until you see what I ate. Popcorn, LOTS of popcorn, hard smoked cheese, an apple, and broccoli salad. Almost half my calories were from FAT!!!

So you have it here in writing. My menu for today. Protein smoothie...breakfast, lunch, and if I am hungry, for a snack. Dinner is broiled Tilapia with asparagus or salad greens.

Gotta run and get darling daughter up for school!

Officially P4

2008-03-15T08:04:00.002-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 171.0
Over 4.2

Calories yesterday, approx 2000
Exercise 3.1 Mile run/jog/walk

BOOOOOO! I know that it's just a number, but I want to be PERFECT!!! So I took my measurements, and only one is up...my waist... by .25 of an inch. Hips are down, thighs are down, even my calves are down. So overall, I'm down by another .5 of an inch. Why can't I be happy about THAT????

Maybe it's because work is terribly frustrating and annoying right now....anyway, as my Daddy used to say, I have the same clothes to get glad in. And I promise that I will.

We are off to Seaworld today, so I'm keeping this short! I promise that my "pissy" mood will pass!

Jenn, I haven't done any protein days...I've just been a rebel! P3 has not been as picture perfect as P2 was!

Monica, I just have to focus on the postive and working out is a positive!

Coming Together

2008-03-13T08:20:00.002-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 170.4
Over 3.6

Calories 1813

Fat - 21.6% (43 grams)
Protein - 19.2% (87 grams)
Carbohydrates - 55.0% (249 grams)
Alcohol - 4.2% (11 grams)
Daily Sodium Intake - 2,036 mg
Daily Sugar Intake - 91 grams
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 145 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 15 gramsDaily Fiber Intake - 25 grams
Nutrition Grade B+

Breakfast:Banana with a glass of Milk
Lunch: Barilla Plus Penne Pasta with roasted veggies, and parmesan cheese and a tomato
Snack:4 shortbread cookies
Pre dinner ( I was going to a Bunco Party) Broccoli Salad with about an oz. of roasted chicken breast
Bunco Dinner: veggie lasagna, Salad, red wine, 7 peanut M&M's, small brownie

Exercise: 50 minute spin class

Trying to Get Into a Routine

2008-03-11T21:11:00.005-05:00

LIW 166.8

Today 171.6

Over 4.8

Tuesday Exercise: 50 minute spin class, and 20 minutes of legs and abs.

For whatever reason, this silly post didn't "post" this morning!...So i'm posting this evening instead! I did another spin class today, and I think that I have been "better" in eating, I'll update calorie-count in the AM.

My meal choices weren't poor yesterday. Except for the small piece of banana nut bread, and 2 glasses of wine! I had 1/2 cup of non fat yogurt with 1/4 cup lowfat granola and a banana. Then I had 1 egg plus 3 egg whites omelet with feta cheese, and roasted veggies. Glass of 2% milk. Grilled veggie Panini with a few kettle chips. Dinner was thinly sliced roast beef, avocado and tomato salad....with the wine and banana nut bread.

I am not going to stress, I am not going to stress!

Calories 2425
Fat - 41.9% (114 grams)
Protein - 19.1% (117 grams)
Carbohydrates - 32.8% (201 grams)
Alcohol - 6.2% (22 grams)
Daily Sodium Intake - 2,828 m
Daily Sugar Intake - 86 gram
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 476 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 31 gram
Daily Fiber Intake - 20 grams
Nutrition Grade
B+

Excerpt from "Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes" by Monique Ryan, MS, RD, LDN .

"To estimate his or her caloric needs more specifically, this athlete could catogorize the training sessions by intensity. On a day of mild activity, with no purposeful exercise or training, or even on a rest day from training, an athlete only needs 12 to 14 calories per pound of body weight. On days when you engage in up to one hour of moderate exercise, you need 15 to 17 calories per pound. On a high-activity day, with 1 to 2 hours of moderate intensity exercise, you need 18 to 24 calories per pound of body weight. Finally, on days that you have a very high level of activity, with several hours of training, you need 24 to 29 calories per pound."

There is part of the "why" of what I am trying to base my nutrition on. I am eating too much fat though, and I need to stop it!

I Survived the Hannah Montana...AGAIN!

2008-03-11T05:35:00.003-05:00

LIW 166.8
Today 170.4
Over 3.8

Well, I survived the Hannah Montana concert at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. My daughter had a blast! We drove down Saturday, and spent the night with one of my friends. She paid me the nicest complement, when she told me that meeting my daughter, and spending time with her made her almost want to have a child! I misbehaved terribly, with pizza and beer, but it was yummy!

Sunday morning we were off the the Carnival. I got a Snickers Marathon Bar, ( like a Power Bar) and that held me over until the afternoon, when we finally sat down and ate a hamburger. My big uhoh at the Rodeo was the home made toffee that I bought and ate all through the concert! After the concert, we spent the night at another friend's house. She is the "aunt" that got the tickets for my daughter. She had made stuffed grape leaves,and so I had those with 2 glasses of wine. I also had some really good cheese with a few water crackers..

Then Monday, on our way home, we stopped at Mickey D's for breakfast, and I had a bacon egg and cheese biscuit, and half a hash brown. For lunch I had my left over Tortilla soup from Friday, sans the tortilla strips, and for dinner, I had cheese and water crackers.

I got in a big swim in the afternoon. I haven't been in the pool since last year's Danskin Training, so that was a major accomplishment. I managed to swim about 700 yards in various fashions with breaks every one hundred yards, and boy can I feel it this morning! But I will probably go to a spin class today. Our official training doesn't start until April 14, but I want to make sure that I am strong enough to be in the middle of the pack.

So when I tallied up my calories for the day, I was pretty shocked when they came in at:

Calories 1853
Fat - 48.4% (99 grams)
Protein - 14.7% (68 grams)
Carbohydrates - 32.8% (151 grams)
Alcohol - 4.1% (11 grams)
Daily Sodium Intake - 5,544 mg
Daily Sugar Intake - 59 grams
Daily Cholesterol Intake - 409 mg
Daily Saturated Fat Intake - 43 grams
Daily Fiber Intake - 10 grams
Nutrition Grade C-

According to my nutrition book, I need to be eating at least 2300-2400 calories per day, especially when I am working out. And I need to be having 500-600 grams of carbs! That just seems so foreign to me!!! But remember that Dr. S talks about people coming to him after being on starvation diets...so it makes me wonder! I am going to work on getting back within 2 lbs of my LIW this week, and then next week, which would be the start of P4 , is when I will test these theories out!

And here are my replies to my buds in bloggerland:

Biz, I know that Tortilla Soup is deadly...but I do sooo love it! LOL

Ed and Jenn, awww, you are so sweet. don't worry, I plan to blog my way through this....it will keep me honest!

Becca, I am having a time staying under my LIW, but by the same token, I haven't domne any steak days either. I'm trying to focus on getting with the 2 lb. range this week.

Gotta Stop the Creep!

2008-03-08T08:44:00.002-06:00

LIW 166.8
Today 170.2
Over 3.4

Well, I really do still feel bloated....but I am inching the wrong way! Yesterday, I had eggs for breakfast, with a tomato and some feta cheese. Lunch was, ahem, tortilla soup, with waaay too many chips. Dinner was eye roast, with roasted veggies, and strawberries with whipped cream for dessert. Oh! And several glasses of antioxident rich wine!

Exercise has been sorely lacking this week too. Monday will be a new beginning! It has to wait until Monday, because my daughter and I are off to Houston for the Rodeo. We have Hannah Montana tickets for tomorrow's performance, and we are going to spend the night tonight with some friends tonight, and probably go to Kemah.

For those that asked, the article about weightloss, and protein days was in Ladies Home Journal, April issue.

"See" you all on Monday!

I'm Baaack!

2008-03-07T05:31:00.003-06:00

LIW 166.8

Today 169.6

Can you say BLOATED????? I am so very bloated!! First of all let me explain my absence! Last Monday, I didn't have internet until very late in the day, and I was preparing for a business trip to El Paso. I never found time to finally post on Monday, and I left Tuesday at the crack of dawn! I didn't want to update my blog from my corporate laptop, so here I am FINALLY touching base with everyone on Friday!

I'm almost 2 weeks into p3, andover all it's going very well. i'm not worried about my weight this morning, because I am very bloated. But I will be eating protein today, and not much else.

I bought a Ladies Home Journal to read on the plane, and there was a whole dieting spread on Valerie Bertinelli. It was fun to read, because this is soooo much easier than Jenny Craig! But what really caught my eye, was a side bar that was titled, "Beware of Aftershock" It detailed two strategies to correct a relapse, and talked about how you needed to be hyperviligent and basically continue to diet for the first 4-6 weeks after reaching your goal weight. Then the 1st strategy it gave was "Make the day a protein day" I about bust out laughing! , Then the second, "less drastic" one was to make a dinner a "veggie only" dinner. So we are much more main stream than we thought!

On to comments from last week:

Jenn, thanks for checking up on me! You are so sweet! It is alot of fun watching people's reactions when they see me.

Monica, Getting back into exercise is fun, but I need it to become routine again! uggh!

Biz, no worries! I will email you later. Hope that you are having fun!

Becca, Thanks! It is fun, and I can't wait to see the whole group...or better yet, I con't wait for the whole group to see me!

I'm Sooo Tired!

2008-03-02T07:08:00.003-06:00

LIW 166.8
Today 168.8
2.0 over

I am only posting in the interest of keeping myself honest! LOL I was a very good girl yesterday, except that I ate dinner at 9 pm. That's entirely too late!

Did an hour spin class yesterday with hubby. That was sooo intense! I am sooo sore today! So this morning will be my walk/jog for a little recovery. I'm not suprised that I am up .2 since I also learned that while your muscles are recovering, they take on more water!

So some of you may remember that I couldn't wait to see some of the women from soccer and Danskin to watch their expressions. Well, I got that pleasure this week! Monday was the first practice for soccer, and while only one person said anything, ( a friend) the rest did double takes! Then yesterday, at spin class, one of the hard core Danskin people was there, and she was like , "Hi! I haven't seen you in forever! You look great!"

Ok, today I will have to do a modified protein day, since we have friends coming over for dinner. I still need to plug in my dinner to calorie-count.com, though, because I might not have eaten enough yesterday.

Week One of P3 Complete

2008-03-01T06:47:00.002-06:00

LIW 166.8

Today 168.4

1.6 Over

I am so glad that I stopped p2 2 days early! Travelling on the last VLCD would have been murder! Then figuring out my first p3 day on the road would have stressed me out big time! My aunt and my cousin noticed the weight loss. My cousin is very interested. I gave her a bit of the info, but not all. I know that right now, she's waiting to see if I keep it off for awhile.

This week was fairly easy. I think a couple of times , my meals had a bit of sugar in them. But never much. But never any grains! So I'm pretty pleased with myself.

My exercise plans have not been what I would have liked them to be this week. Hubby and I were going to do a 20 mile bike ride this morning, but last night, he decided to slice part of his finger off instead. I told him next time to just tell me he doesn't want to go on a bike ride with me!

So I'm off to the Y in a bit to do some jogging/running and circuit training.

Here are my replies to last weeks comments:

Becca, Thanks! saddle bags and "back" have always been my larger than life parts! LOL

Monica, come on girlie, let's excercise!

Yea! No Gain!

2008-02-27T05:51:00.002-06:00

R1P3D2
LIW 166.8
Today 168.2
1.4 over LIW

This is a quick post, because we are going out of town this afternoon for a funeral. My cousin's FIL passed away, and she needs us to take care of my aunt during the funeral tomorrow. My aunt needs help getting in and out of the care, up and down from chairs, etc. So off to Corpus we go.

I had a lean chorizo an degg omelet yesterday for lunch, with sliced tomatoes. It tasted good at the time, but later it kicked my butt! Dinner was fruit and cheese. No exercise yesterday, on my way to the gym now.

Hope everyone has a great day!

pics

2008-02-26T08:40:00.006-06:00

Ok, the pic on the left was taken 1/28, VLCD 15, and the right was taken this morning.

R1P3 Day 1 ( Officially)

2008-02-26T05:50:00.003-06:00

LIW 166.8
Yesterday 168.4
Today 168.4
Loss of <0.0>
1.8 over LIW

Ok, I was a good girl yesterday, and stuck to my 500 VLCD diet. Only I added 1/2 cup skim milk to my morning smoothie. The rest of my meals went like this. Apple in the AM, then my protein smoothie, protein powder, 1/3 cup milk 1/2 cup frozen strawberries. Late lunch was my taco salad, ground beef, lettuce and tomato. Then later cup of broth and 2 skinny grissini.

So I walked my daughter to school yesterday, and that got in 2/3 of a mile. I then went to the gym, and did 1.4 miles on the treadmill at a jog/walk. Then I did a very little bit of strength training...20 minutes. My upper body is screaming this morning!

I promised to share with you some of the kowledge that I have gleaned from this sports nutrition book that I am reading. It is called "Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes" 2nd ed. by Monique Ryan.

One of the things that I have learned is that the REASON that muscle weighs more than fat is that muscle is comprised of 75% water. Fat has only 10%. Even our bones are made up of 32% water. In 2004, the Food And Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine released the Dietary Reference Intake ( DRI) for water. Did you know that the adequate intake for males is 130 oz, or 3.8 liters, and for women 95 oz. or 2.9 liters!!!! And folks these are the requirements for NON athletes!

So everyone drink their water today...it helps build muscle!!!

Jenn, I am happy to be in P3, but now that it's OFFICIAL, I'm scared to death! I don't have the ability to run back to P2 and hide!

Monica, I'm glad that you will be a virgin P3'er with me! I hope that you are right aboutt he little gain. I just soo don't want to go back into the 170's. I am going to continue to measure, so hopefully that will keep me calmed down!

Modified my plan! On to P3

2008-02-25T05:42:00.005-06:00

VLCD 42
LIW ( Saturday) 166.8
Total lost R1 29.0
Yesterday 167.6
Today 168.4
Gain of <.8>
1.6 over LIW

Phew! So I haven't totally blown it at the end. I decided yesterday to make Saturday my last injection day. With the losses that I had the last 10 days, I decided that it wasn't going to make much difference, and I am too excited to start training. Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous here in Central Texas. We went on a family bike ride in the morning, and boy could I tell that I have done NOTHING for 6 weeks! I had an apple befroe we left, an dthen when we got home I mixed a protein drink (egg white, and stevia, no fillers) with some strawberries and cinnamon. We took our daughter to her class that she takes, and on the way out, this other family that we are just getting to know invited us to go eat Greek food. Well, my hubby before even thinking, says sure!

We don't know these people well enough for me to have been totally picky at this restaurant, and since we enjoy their company, and would like to get to know them better, I ordered the least offensive thing that I could find! It was roasted chicken with sauteed spinach, onions and mushrooms. It was sooo yummy! And sooo swimmng in olive oil!! Oh and did I mention the hummus on the side? YUM! But I had no bread, no rice, nothing like that. Perfect P3, right? Only I'm not quite to P3!!! The only other good thing is that this was a family owned restaurant, so everything was made from scratch.

This morning Husband and I are going to the gym, and I will start my strength training again. Very "easy does it" this week.

So now the adventure begins!

On to comments from Saturday.

Jenn, glad I could help you fall asleep on a Saturday night!! LOL

Monica, the problem is that I DID share the bouquet with my whole family...but by golly, I WANTED the chocolate covered apples! LOL

Ok, Ready to Move On!

2008-02-23T19:13:00.002-06:00

VLCD 40
Yesterday 167.2
Today 166.8
Loss of <.4>
Total lost 29.0

Can't believe that I still lost this morning! Especially after I ate 2 chocolate covered apples slices that were in my edible bouquet that was delivered to me on Friday. I have been sooo good on this protocol, But I'm sorry, it was delivered to me!!! It was a thank you from the Girl Scouts for running all the cookie booth locations for our service unit. And just in case you are wondering, I ate 2 more today!

My books on sports nutrition came and one is really good, and the other is kind of lame. I'm still reading and digesting, so no posts yet.

I will have a better update tomorrow.

Thanks everyone for keeping me honest!

Not Giving Up My Taco Salad!

2008-02-22T05:40:00.003-06:00

VLCD 40
Yesterday 168.0
Today 167-2
Loss of <.8>
Total lost 28.6

Yippeee! Especially after I went clothes shopping last night, and I am BETWEEN sizes! Arrrrgh! So I have decided that I REALLY don't need pants right now...I can get some skirts and splurge on a few new pairs of shoes. I just so desperately need some little black pants!

So I had a loss, even though I added in about an 1/8 of a cup of black beans at lunch yesterday. We took a friend to lunch and we wnet to Chipotle Grill. I have actually eaten there several times on protocol. i ususally get lutuce with the adobo chicken and mild salsa on top. Yesterday, I asked them to put the beans on the side. It was about a quarter cup and I ate half. Black beans are a low glycemic load food, I decided to experiment early! So for dinner, I had my usual ground beef, splash of boulllion, Mrs. Dash Chipotle, comino, over a bed of shredded lettuce and with a tomato on top. I have had that every day this week.! So maybe that is my magic loss food!

Anyway, my nutrition books came yesterday, and I have started reading them. interesting, very interesting, is all that I have to say! I will share some of my knowledge tomorrow when I have more time!

As for what my friends had to say,

Monica, you bet I am doing the major happy dance! Thanks for your support this round! I couldn't have done it without the friends I have found here!

Thanks Jenn! Here's back at you!

Crystal, you are so sweet! thank you !

4.......

2008-02-21T04:59:00.004-06:00

VLCD 39

Yesterday 169.0

Today 168.0

Loss of <1.0>

Total Lost 27.8

Ok, I can't stand it!!!! I am sooooo happy!!! Where are these losses coming from??? The ONLY thing that I have done differently is that I upped my HCG a tad last week after I was so blooming hungry. I went from 125 to 150ish. I knew that I had mixed plenty, and would be ending next week, so I figured what the heck.

Also, I ordered 2 books on Amazon about sports nutrition. They should arrive today. After I devour them this weekend, I'll feel better about my tentative eating plans!

Also, dd's soccer practice starts Monday. And I'll be grinning like the Cheshire Cat!!!

So all in all, even though work is impossible right now, I am a very happy camper!

Not much else going on.

Jenn, Thanks for the encouragement! I really don't know where it's coming from ...except maybe my incredible shrinking booty! ROTFL

Monica, I truly am in shock! But I 'll take every ounce!

5..or maybe 7...

2008-02-20T05:16:00.004-06:00

VLCD 38
Yesterday 170.8
Today 169.0
Loss of <1.8>
Total lost 26.8

I am a very happy camper! :O) I can't believe that I am getting such great losses so close to the end. I may have to stretch my p2 by 2 more days and end on Wednesday the 27. Unfortunately I can't stretch it any more than that, because the first 2 weeks of March I have to do 2 short business trips. Plus I gotta start training!

Yesterday was a whirlwind day for me. Work was horrible! Lunch was ground beef with a little beef bouillion to make it have some juice, and Mrs. Dash's Chipolte seasoning and cumin on top of a bed a shredded lettuce, topped with a chopped fresh tomato. Closest thing to a taco that I could do. Then it was my turn to drive for dance. Left 4 girls at dance, ran home to eat dinner, cottage cheese and strawberries. Then ran to Sonic and picked up dinner for the girls,. I had to feed them all, because I had to feed mine in the car. We had a meeting at church for her first communion. So we got home about 9 pm, and I was pooped!

OK, on to do what I have to do for work...now through Friday will be awful in the mortgage biz!

But I can't forget my cyber friends! On to comments:

Biz, I'll take whatever loss I can get right now!

Jenn, Ok, come on to Austin and do the Danskin with me! And get your Mom to do it too! Oh, and we LOOOVE REI! Right now we are also looking for a kayak. Hubby isn't much of a "get in the water" person, but he loves it that DD and I are. So the kayak would be mainly for her and me. We have a pop up camper and go camping quite a bit.

6....

2008-02-19T05:44:00.002-06:00

VLCD 37
Yesterday 171.0
Today 170.8
loss of <.2>
Total lost 25.0

Twenty five pounds is ALOT of fat! I am almost speechless when I stop to think about it! But best of all, is the SHAPING. My husband keeps on commenting on how much my "backside" has changed. He can keep on commenting. :)

My cold is a bit better. Me and zicam plus tea have seemed to do a number on it. Just have to remember to keep on taking the Zicam today.

I'm still doing all my research on "fueling" during training. It's very interesting and a bit coounter intuitive....so I'm still researching and thinking. But I am ready to get back on my bike!

So several people hav easked how I started all this. Well 4 years ago, I quit smoking, and 3 weeks later had a complete hysterectomy. A friend of mine was walking the Kona Marathon in Hawaii with the Leukemia Society's "Team in Training" I was intrigued that you could actually WALK one, so I decided to find one to walk as well. Some marathons are not walker friendly, because they have time limits that a walker could not possibly meet. Then my girlfriend convinced me to come to New Orleans and walk a HALF marathon with her....the Mardi Gras Marathon. Oh my gosh! What a blast! She convinced me to do the half so that when you finish, the party is still going. And going it was! Nothing like beer and king cake to finish off 13.1 miles! I still think that this is the best one out there!

Meanwhile hubby and I joined the YMCA, and in January of 2006, there was a sign up about "Y-Tri" , the Y's own Danskin Triathlon Training class. HMMM, when I was in my late 20's, and the Danskin Triathlon had just started, I had always thought about "trying" the Danskin "when I was older". "Older" was definitely here, so I called to inquire if this training class was appropriate for middle aged, out of shape ladies. I was assured that 8 weeks was PLENTY of time to get me ready for the Danskin...so I signed up. It was hard, but it was fun! I made some GREAT new friends. But most of all, I discovered a love of cycling. I'm a terrible runner, a very slow swimmer, but I ROCK on the bike! The week after the Danskin, hubby and I went out and bought road bikes. I had actually done the Danskin on a $79 Academy bike! It weighed a ton!

So since then, I have done the 2007 Danskin, a 150 mile MS bike ride, and several other 25-50 mile bike rides.

This year, I'll walk the Capital 10k (6 miles) at the end of March, and probably also do a 25 mile bike ride that weekend. Then in April, I will start training again for the Danskin.

There are lots of places that host a Danskin triathlon, and if you dare, I promise it will be a life changing experience! It's only girls, and it's all so very positive!

So for me, getting this weight off is the last piece in a total "me" transformation. And as my blog title says "Gonna do it"

here are my responses to yesterday's comments:

Lili, knock on wood, I seem to have the upper hand on this cold! how are you doing???

Biz, yes any loss is a good loss!

Jenn, Yes, hubby and I tried to go look at used boats yesterday from craigslist..we have the itch for a boat! But the one that we wanted to look at was too far, so we chilled at Sportsman's warehouse instead! I'm skipping Thursday's

Monica, I'll be glad to have you as a p3 buddy! Yea! we are almost done with R1P2!!!

Becca, the Zicam has some Vit c as well, maybe that has helped. but I'll remember about the Vit C flush. I had never heard about that.

7 More Days

2008-02-18T05:53:00.002-06:00

VLCD 36
Yesterday 172.2
Today 171.0
Loss of <1.0>
Total lost 24.8

Doin the Happy Dance for sure! I needed that because I have been more hungry the last couple of days, and have seriously considered stopping early! But not now!!!! LOL

And of course, I finally caught the ick that is going around. Saturday we nearly froze to death selling Girl Scout cookies all day. Then Sat night I had a tickle in my throat. Yesterday morning I thought I had lucked out with only laryngitis, but this morning proves otherwise! What really makes me mad is that I have the day off for President's Day! So I've already been popping the Zicam, and will continue to do so. Plus hubby got me vitamin C yesterday too.

So, I'm going to go prepare some tea, and get my daughter off to school, then I'll curl up on the couch, and channel surf!

As for yesterday's comments, here are my replies:

Jenn, you are so right! The only people who truly get it are the ones that are doing it! Maybe we are a cult????? ROTFL

Monica, I decided to wait because otherwise, in a way, food would still be controlling me...does that make sense? And I promise a post soon about how I got into triathlons and walking 1/2 marathons. I will also share about my true sports love...road biking!!!!!

30 Years Ago Today

2008-02-17T11:11:00.003-06:00

VLCD 34
Yesterday 173.2
Today 172.3
Loss of <1.0>
Total lost 23.6

Ok, when I sat down to blog, the title that I have posted wasn't the title that I was going to use. But seeing the date, February 17, 2008 reminded me about how profoundly my life changed that day. You see, that is the day, 30 years ago, that I arrived in Santiago, Chile as a very excited, yet petrified, high school foreign exchange student, about to imbark upon a year long adventure.

I can't help but draw some parallels between that life changing experience, and this protocol. This protocol is absolutely life changing! And it is an adventure! If you don't believe me, just ask Biz! ( Every pun intended! :)) If someone would have told me all the wonderful things that were going to come of my year in Chile, I don't think that I would have, or could have, believed them! I'm kind of feeling the same way about this protocol.....only I am still in a bit of a state of disbelief!

I have spent the morning researching diet and sports nutrition, training, etc. Half of me wants to forgo triathlon training, and my love of cycling, in order to continue this protocol, until I reach my ideal weight. ( Whatever that may be ) But I think that I have decided not to do that. If what Dr. S hypothosized is correct, and obesity is a disease that can be cured by resetting the hypothalmus, then I should be able to do p3, and move on to p4, without any dramatic effects, even if I do increase my carbs.

I just wouldn't be able to give my training the effort that it deserves, nor would I be happy on p2, so I'm going to wait.

Then after the 4th of July, when the weather here in Texas is miserably hot, and I won't WANT to ride my bike outdoors, I can do another short round.

So I will finish this round, and do the 3 week p3. Then I will focus on my training. I will also experiment with the glycemic load ideas, and measure, and track every morsel of food that I put in my mouth. That's just a good habit no matter what!

Jenn, Oh how you have me wanting chili! Guess that I'm going to have to make some! LOL

Biz, ok you saw my decision, now we have to figure out my diet!

Crystal, I figure if I obsess about doing another round and losing more weight, that I'm kind of missing the point! This protocol is supposed to HEAL me of my food obsessions!

Stalled Again!

2008-02-16T06:41:00.002-06:00

VLCD 33
Yesterday 173.2
Today 173.2
Loss of 0.0
Total Lost 22.6

Ok, I am stalled big time!!! Of course, yesterday during the day, I felt like I was breaking the stall, lots of potty breaks, thirsty, etc. But then friends came over for dinner last night, and I had 2 bowls of hot and sour soup...I could almost feel myself retaining water! BTW, don't worry, I did feed our friends more than just soup!!! LOL

So this morning, when I stepped on the scale, and nothing was gone, I decided to get out the OLD scale. Let me tell you that I don't really know why we even still have it...but we do! I mean we've had the new scale for over a year! The OLD scale was my scale for YEARS! You know, the one that you could step on 500 times and get 500 different readings, and also each time you got on, you made sure that you adjusted it, so that it was just a hair UNDER 0? In the olden days, LOL, I would weigh 3 times and take the lowest weight. Well, when I weighed on it, I weighed at a lower weight ( Not that it matters), but most importantly I am at a serious set point. It was my set point for years! So, I am really not bothered!

What I AM bothered about, is that I won't be able to do another round until June!!!! The only way that I MIGHT be able to squeeze one in is if I try an "Experiment" short p2 (21 days ) from around March 10 till the 1st week in April. And by experiment I mean that I might try adding skim milk and some fat free yogurt, to pick up carbs for the start of my training. I remember something about dairy in dr. S's book, but I need to go back and look.

I DID try on all my training shorts, and they were HUGE!!! Gave a bunch to my hubby! So I get to go shopping for new training clothes. If I get brave, I'll post my Danskin pic from LAST year, and I'll take a pic in the same clothes now. It's amazing!

Oh I'm so happy to have found this protocol!!!!!!! Everyone have a great weekend!

Here are my replies to yesterday's commenters:

Biz, no worries girlfriend! Your plate runneth over right now!

Crystal, tomorrow I'll have some time to email you about half marathons and different training plans. It really is fun to walk one!

Jenn, So you met me huh? That's pretty funny! Especially since smacmo is a moniker that I created just for this! We will have to meet sometime! As for the eggs and chili, isn't it just YUMMMM????

Wow! It's Friday!

2008-02-15T05:27:00.002-06:00

VLCD 32
Yesterday 173.0
Today 173.2
Gain of .2
Total Lost 22.6

Ok, I didn't get to blog yesterday, but I was up .2 yesterday too. I think that 2 things are going on. One is that I have stairstepped all along, and 2, I am at a setpoint. so I am really not worried, especially since people are really starting to notice the smaller me!

I survived Valentine's Day. Hubby got me some beautiful Tulips that I will be able to plant and keep forever!

You know, I think one of the coolest things that I have learned on my first round is that I can season ALOT of things with no fat , low sodium, chicken broth. And that using the same thing, I can make some pretty awesome soups. I have never read "You on a diet" by Dr. Oz, but I saw him once on Oprah, and something that he said stuck in my brain. He said that most thin people, eat basically the same things each day. In the past, I was always trying to think of "what sounded good", or "what do I really want" . HMMMMM now it's plain that I probabably wasn't "hungry " at all!

Oh yes, I promised my diet. Yesterday was chicken cabbage soup for lunch. Broth with a grissini for snack. Dinner was Tilapia with tuscan seasoning, asparagus, and a baked apple.

On to my comments form Weds:

Crystal, I am a lousy runner, but a pretty good walk/jogger. I really recommend doing a half marathon. it's alot of fun! I have never done a full one though.

Jenn, what can I say??? Once you take your tiny self into a gym, look out!!! Ed's gonna have to carry his shotgun when yall go out!

Lili, I'll be by your blog in a minute...protocol buddy!

Becca, as you can see, I'm a stairstepper...so if i average my lsses, i'm slowing way down, but who cares, right? a loss is a loss!

Biz, I'm trying to gather more info on Glycemic load vs. glycemic index...That might be the key. i thank you for your help on this.

Monica, thanks girl! I popped ove yesterday to your blog, an dfor whatever reason, my comments weren't showing up!! So I'll make sure that they show up today!

Life is Grand!

2008-02-13T05:44:00.002-06:00

VLCD 30
Yesterday 174.4
Today 172.8
Loss of <1.6>
Total lost 23

Woohoo, Woohoo! You know, life is truly grand. I have found a protocol that works, and I am sharing my knowledge with friends. My goals through the last days of R1 are to stay positve, focused, and grateful!

I don't really post on any of the boards, but I do skim them for insight, and encouragement, and I really get disheartened when someone is unkind, especially to newbies. There is no reason to be condescending and rude! This protocol is a lifesaver, for heaven's sake! And it by no means is propietary. I think that that attitude ties right in to Biz's blog the other day. Most people don't want others to succeed.

My hubby looked at me yesterday, and said,"Wow, now you can really tell!" Of course he says that every other day....but I certainly don't get tired of hearing it! Thank goodness he is a supporter, not a saboteur!

So today, I will go out and be a supportive, positive wife, mother, friend, and business colleague.

Replies to yesterday's comments:

Crystal, Hey friend! Yes, I know that carbs aren't part of p3, but I am walk/jogging a 10k run the end of March, and will start training as well for my Danskin Triathlon soon after I complete this p2. So I am going to have to experiment with adding in carbs, or else I won't be able to train.

Becca, Hey thanks for stopping by! I am very pleased with my losses!

Jenn, uhhhhh, the chili um uh, uh, did have meat in it?? It was my prize winning recipe, and ir rocked! LOL That's why I only had a teensy eensy little bit! LOL

Biz, hey, I'm emailing you in a bit, surely 2 smart women like us can help me not gain on p3!

Just Humming Along

2008-02-12T05:42:00.000-06:00

VLCD 29
Yesterday 175
Today 174.4
Loss of <.6>
Total lost 21.4

Ok, Yesterday was just another day in VLCD land! LOL I had a big bowl of cabbage soup with chicken for lunch, and for dinner I had 1/4 cup of my chili over 1 egg plus 2 egg whites. That is a comfort food from my childhood. It's really good I promise!

We went to visit the new school, and turned in our application. It looks like our daughter is #2 on the list. So now we wait to see if there is an available spot. I have calmed down now, and know that this is all in God's hands.

I am starting to wonder how I am going to add back in some carbs on Phase 3. I am going to have to do some research on this and be a science experiment! LOL

And yesterday, my friend who I will be referring to as JB came over and she gave herself her first injection! Yea!!!! She is on her way! I am soooo thrilled for her.

Nothing else earth shattering or thought provoking for today!

On to my replies to comments from yesterday:

Crystal, yeah, my husband is getting tired of me staring at myslf in the bathroom mirror!! LOL But he is very proud of me!

Biz, what can I say? Not following you would be like telling my daughter not to listen to Hannah Montana! ROTFLMAO!

Ed and Jenn, Yes, I am hoping to peel off another 10 lbs...so come on let's just do it!

Counting Down

2008-02-11T05:25:00.000-06:00

VLCD 28
Yesterday 175.4
Today 175.0
Loss of < .4>
Total lost 20.8

Ok, I am only 15 days away from my last injection. I need to be totally serious from here on out. No more being led astray by the antics of my fellow bloggers! LOL

Yesterday was busy, but nice and relaxing at the same time. I am excited to share that one of my dear friends is coming over today to learn how to administer the HCG. She ordered all her supplies yesterday, but since I have some extra HCG mixed up, and also an extra ampule, she is going to get started today. I am so excited for her! Now I just need to teach her how to blog!

In the interest of keeping myself honest, I am starting to post complete meals.

Yesterday, I had a cup of vegetable broth, 2 skinny grissini , tilapia with asparagus, and grilled chicken salad. I also had 2 cups of decaf chai tea, each with a 1/2 teaspoon of milk...almost tasted like a Starbucks Chai tea Latte! Oh yeah, a half of an orange that my daughter didn't want.

So there, I am on my way down....every pun intended! LOL

Oh yeah, and since everyone is getting ready for the beach, I did too!

Comments from my friends:

Lili, my friend, we are bright, capable and strong women, we are doing this! BTW, my daughter just turned 8. She's in second grade.

TGI Sunday!

2008-02-10T07:58:00.000-06:00

VLCD 27

Yesterday 176.6

Today 175.4

Loss of <1.2>

Total Lost 20.4

Nobody get excited about the loss...it was simply getting rid of the water that I retained from sampling my Chili on Friday. With that being said, I am still pretty pleased! I had two cups of chili on Friday, and yesterday I, ahem, indulged in more than one adult beverage..., 2 hamburger patties, and one bite of flan! So I have not followed protocol since Wednesday, and I am still down. Had I had magic glasess that forsaw the future, I would have taken a break, but I didn't, so it is what it is.

So, we are finally through celebrating darling daughter's birthday. We had yet ANOTHER party in the park yesterday. This one was the hodge podge of friends without kids, with little kids, and our international jetsetter friends... HA! My husband is from South America, and so we have this one group of very eclectic friends from all over the world. It was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL DAY! Spring is springing here in Central Texas!

So after the week that I have had, I went to bed right after I got Her Royal Highness to bed...7:58 to be exact...and I woke up this morning at 7:27. Nothing like 11 and a half hours of sleep to rejuvenate a person! I know that sleep is sooo important, and as a country we don't get enough.

So now it's time to be totally serious again about this protocol. I only have 16 days until my last injection this round. And I want to maximize my losses, since I don't think I will be able to do another round until at least the middle of June!

So on to my comments from Friday...

Biz, It truly is about making right choices isn't it?

Jenn, yeah, WHATEVER right back at you, Beer drinkin, crawfish eatin, little miss size 4! :)

Crystal, Hey, thanks for stopping by! This is my first round, and I REALLY don't know where the will power is coming from! LOL

TGIF!!!!

2008-02-08T05:36:00.000-06:00

VLCD 26
Yesterday 176.0
Today 175.4
Loss Of <.6>
Total Lost 20.4

Ok, as if this week hasn't been weird enough, yesterday, a new client invited me to lunch. Well, since I do this quite frequently, I've gotten really good at carrying my dressing and having a salad with chicken or beef. So no worries right? I am a pro at this!

So I arrive at their office, and we take care of business first. Well, they are always looking at their watches, because we have a lunch reservation...at a charity luncheon!!! It's a once a month thing to benefit their Historical Society, and it's prepared by a local chef, preplated and then served by volunteers!!! All I could think about was what Dr. S wrote about diplomats...and then laugh! I decided that it was what it was, and to eat the best I could, and just not sweat the small stuff. So I enjoyed the Eggs Benedict, without the bread, I enjoyed the strawberry spinach salad with pecans in a vanilla vinagrette. I even enjoyed a few of the roasted cubed potatoes. Then I chose what appeared to be the least dangerous, and smallest dessert off of the dessert tray. It was mini waffles made like a sandwich filled with a cream cheese that had cinnamon, and other spices mixed in, topped with fresh strawberries. There were 2 on a plate, and I ate one.
That is the most food that I have eaten in a month almost! And I was stuffed, and I wasn't even hungry last night!!!!!! I made myself eat a bowl of cabbage soup with one egg plus an egg white, because I knew that the one egg at lunch hadn't been enough protein.

But the point is, I didn't behave like an addict! On my way home I had to stop and get more fruit and broth, and they had valentines caca everywhere...didn't even really get my attention! I know that I should have no reason to doubt that
this diet works. I guess as I am now closer to the end of my round, and knowing that I will have to experiment on P3 with some carbs because of my Danskin Training, that in reality I am scared to death that I will gain all this weight right back.

Ok, tonight is Chili Supper at our school. I won last year. I was thinking about making Protocol cabbage chili...hehehe, but I think that I will stick with the winning recipe from last year.

Thanks for listening!

On to comments from yesterday:

Lili, you know, who knew that being a parent was such hard work! I just bawled yesterday at the injustice that is being done to my daughter.

Biz, I believe whole heartedly that if I will be still and listen, I will know what the right thing to do is. But you are right it DOES bite!

Ed and Jenn, Thanks, you are right. She will get a better education I think. And everything WILL work out for the best.

One Day Closer

2008-02-07T05:23:00.000-06:00

VLCD 25
Yesterday 176.2
Today 176.0
Loss of <.2>
Total 19.8

Ok guys, work and home life have me on the edge! We are dealing with some issues at our daughter's school, and I am sad, and mad at the same time. We will most likely be moving our daughter to private school. What makes me mad is that we moved to this neighborhood for the school!!! At the same time I am sad, because it's like a small dream shattered. I cannot believe that in order to provide for the safety and positive learning environment, that I am going to have to move my child to private school!

That's it for today.

Biz, Yeah the pants thing was a definite BONUS! i really needed some that fit!

Ed and Jenn, Well I'm wearing them, but falling off my body even when I lose more won't be an issue....not with this bubble butt! Baby's got Back!! LOL

Marching On!

2008-02-06T05:55:00.000-06:00

VLCD 24
Yesterday 177.2
Today 176.2
Loss of <1.0>
Total lost 19.6

Ok, ladies and gents, I only have a few minutes this morning. We are having some issues at my daughter's school and I need to attend to them. Plus work, plus be a wife, you ladies know the drill! LOL

One of the best things that happened yesterday is that I stumbled upon a brand spanking new pair of jeans in my closet that are the right size for me now! I didn't even remember that I had them! When I reached for them, I was thinking that they were an old pair of capris, and I was going to see if the fit! It was great, because I had come home from a meeting with a client, and was trying to hurry up to the school to address the issues that are going on, and voila! I got a nice little present!

Also, this is the birthday that will never end! Some friends showed up last night at our house, with yet another cake for Her Royal Highness, and a present. I still didn't cheat!

Biz, you are sooo right, any loss is a good loss! As far as the same losses, maybe our bodies are syncing togather like they sometimes do for TOM!

Ed and Jenn, I will start the official training with my group the middle of April. But as soon as I am done with the round I will have to start training to get caught up! Hey, and watch it about my shoes. I'm a southern girl, aren't we SUPPOSED to be barefoot??? LOL

Every little bit helps!

2008-02-05T05:52:00.000-06:00

VLCD 23
Yesterday 177.4
Today 177.2
Loss of <.2>
Total lost 18.6

Ok, Today I am just glad to have a loss! I know my body must be in somewhat of a catch up phase because of the losses that I have had recently.

Alot of people wanted to know what the "Danskin" is. Well it is a Woman Only Sprint Distance Triathlon. Sprint means that it is shorter than a regular one. You swim 1/2 mile, bike 12 miles and run 3 miles. It is one of the most positive and awe inspiring things that I have ever done! There are women of every age, shape, size, and physical ability out there. Families show up and cheer their member on with balloons, signs, and whatnot. No one can come in last, because Sally Edwards, the spokesperson always comes in last.

The first time I did it, I was scared to death! But it was the most incredible high during and when I finished! Anyway, here is the link. http://www.danskin.com/triathlon.html

Sorry this is short and sweet today, but I have to deal with issues at my daughter's school.

On to comments from yesterday.

Biz, If I didn't "do as you do" I wouldn't have done this protocol!!!! You are my cyber hero/goddess!!!!

Lili, There I posted the links for the Danskin above. It really is cool.

Ed And Jenn, Yes, that's me, soon to be hot mama! ROTFL!

You Know, I Am Still Amazed!

2008-02-04T05:59:00.000-06:00

VLCD 23

Yesterday 179.0

Today 177.4

Loss of <1.6>

Total lost <18.4>

I can't help being still amazed on this protocol!!! This is outrageous...in an absolutely positively good way!

My friends that know what I am doing are amazed too1 But they are also amazed that I haven't cheated. Well, I guess "cheated" is a relative term. I did have half a Micholob Ultra about a week ago, but found I didn't want the rest. And the broccolli, I thought that was legal, until I read Biz's experiment post! BTW, I had read where Biz had slipped in a few adult beverages without disasterous effects!

So any way, why haven't I cheated with sugars or starches? At first it was FEAR OF THE CONSEQUENCES!, Now it's because it will just get in the way of me dropping as much as I can on this round. I would love to be one of those people that Dr. S talks about that has to stop the protocol because they have lost 35 lbs! (But I think I would go on at that point! LOL)

Mainly obviously I am doing this for me, but I do have some outside mini motivators going on. I want to be as thin as I can when my daughter's soccer season starts, because all the other Mom's are quite a bit younger than I am, and they all run togather, yada yada. I get the feeling that they think that I must be "too old, too fat" to do the athletic things that I do. One Mom told me that weight loss was simply about "managing your calories" HA!

Then the second part is "some" of the women that I train for the Danskin with. Ditto the ladies above! I have never been a runner because of bad knees, so the running part is tedious at best. But I rock on the bike! Swimming isn't so great either, but it's ok. I first did the Danskin for me, and I still do it for me!

There is the most positive energy in the world there! And most of the women that I train with are incredible as well! If you have one near you, I highly reccommend it. The motto is "The woman that begins the race is never the woman that ends the race" I will start training the middle of April.

So there you have it! Why is the song "You're So Vain" running through my head? LOL

Ed and Jenn, Hey! yes a Millineum baby is sweet! Yea, and the dancing that I was doing was while I escorted little girls to the restroom, or to the water fountain! My goal this round is "as much as I can! Then I will evaluate my final goal.

Crystal, thanks for stopping by! yes dandelion tea is da bomb! i'm so glad i found it!

I survived Hannah Montana!

2008-02-03T07:54:00.000-06:00

VLCD 21

Yesterday 179

Today 179

Loss of .0

Total loss 16.8

Ok, Yesterday was very fast, very expensive, but I actually had fun, and more importantly, my daughter had a blast on her 8th b-day. We started out at the theatre, an hour and a half before the show time, and it paid off. We were first in line for the 3:10 pm showing. I am so glad that I had 2 other Moms there helping with this group of 7 girls! I had only planned for 2 Mom's, but then, my daughter wanted to invite a friend from out of town, so since they were staying with us, I had to invite her too! I only bought 10 tickets, so it was 7 girls and 3 Moms! I was so glad to have the extra Mom along! It really helped with bathroom breaks, getting the Movie Meals, etc!

I won't bore you with all the details, but the movie was well done. The girls were on the very back row, so they got to dance whenever they wanted to. Afterwards we did presents and cake at a Tea Parlour, complete with China tea cups, scones, finger sandwiches, and Dress up clothes! They LOVED it!

My best part of this whole thing is how I have been able to stay on protocol during the WHOLE weekend! Of course yesterday, it was very hard! But not one teensy weeensy bite of hot buttered popcorn, chocolate, scone, or birthday cake passed my lips!!!!

I figured that I would not be down anything to day, because I made my outstanding oriental tasting cabbage soup last night, and it had quite a bit of Braggs in it. I am just glad that I wasn't up! I did manage to have at least one cup of Dandelion tea, so maybe that helped me.

On another high note, I wore a pair of capris that were from '06, right after I finished the Danskin Triathlon! WooHoo!

Biz, I am nothing if not stubborn and pig headed!!! Just ask my whole family! So persevere I shall!

Monica, I think that switching to .125, coupled with the Dandelion Tea has made a big difference for me!

Ed And Jenn, Hey, thanks for stopping by! So our daughters are only about 2 weeks apart! HM has a great marketing team is all that I have to say! Thank goodness she seems to be better grounded than Brittaney!

Lili, Thanks! I'll definitely take a 4.8 loss for the week!

New Decade

2008-02-01T05:48:00.000-06:00

VLCD 20

Yesterday 181.4

Today 179.0

Loss of <2.4>

Ok, once again, I'm pretty suprised! Yesterday, I had to meet some clients for lunch at TGI Friday's. Well, I went off and left my dijon dressing at home. I was sooo mad when I realized it, but it was too late to go back. But they had a plate called Key West Shrimp, that was dubbed low carb. I couldn't ask ALOT of questions, so I just prayed. Well, when it came, it looked pretty legal! And it was good, and I was hungry! It was shrimp on skewers, that had been grilled with a little bit of spices. The side was brocolli. Later I found the nutritional analysis and it said 225 calories, 7 g rams of fat, 3 or 4 carbs. So last night I had tilapia and salad, just to be on the very safe side.

I also did some "googling" yesterday about water retention. I am surgically menopausal, and use HRT. Well, I never knew that the number one complaint about HRT's is water retention! I was waaaay too focused on the hot flashes! LOL

So, I THEN did some "googling" on homeopathic remedies, and came up with Dandelion Root extract. Here is what I found:

Dandelion leaves are commonly recommended as a food supplement for pregnant and postmenopausal women because of the numerous nutrients they contain. This plant produces a mild diuretic effect and reduces serum cholesterol levels. Dandelion root is used to improve appetite and minor digestive problems. Clinical trials have shown Dandelion to be effective in treating pneumonia, bronchitis and upper respiratory infections.

So, after my appointment, I went straight to Whole Foods, and got me some! I had it in my tea, and will continue to each day.

On another note, i think that I am liking the .125 dose instead of .175. It hasn't been long enough but I think that the .175 was too high.

I'm gearing up for the Marathon Hannah Montana weekend! My daughter is sooo excited! I hope that I live through it!

Lili, thanks for stopping by! You really were one of my inspirations!

Monica, we can do this together!

Biz, girl, the people who arrive late to my parties always liven them up!

Becca, thanks for stopping by. I'll try to get to your blog the weekend.

See Saw

2008-01-31T08:02:00.000-06:00

VLCD 18
Yesterday 180.6
Today 181.4
gain of .8

Ok, I guess that I am extremely sensitive to sodium! I made an outstanding soup yesterday, and added Bragg's to it. It was so good and I was so cold, that I made it for supper too. I did egg whites in it for my protein in the evening, and even hubby ate it for supper! Today I am up, and so I used my new "water retention" gauge....my wedding ring! And it was soooo tight! Oh, and we did go to a local Tea Parlour to arrange for my lovely and charming DD's ( darling daughter) birthday party on saturday. We sampled the raspberry tea. It never occured to me, but that might have had an effect!

Yes, lucky me, on Saturday, I get to take seven 7 yo little girls to see the Hannah Montana 3-D Movie. Thankfully, 2 other Moms are going as well. After the movie, we will go to this Tea Parlour, and have Tea, scones, finger sandwiches, and birthday cake. Complete with dress up clothes! So this is going to be an all day affair! Some of our friends are coming in tomorrow, so I am going to have to be extra scrupulous on eating! I thought about taking a break, but decided that to take a break wouldn't get me popcorn, or cake, or tortilla chips, so why bother!

But you know, I really am not that bothered! Afterall, I certainly was never this successful on any OTHER diet that I have tried!!! And although I am stairstepping, I can really see the difference! My mistake was though, that I don't take my measurements when I started. But I took them on Sunday, so at least I have some point of reference.

I just want to get to 168 on this round. Surely I can get there! That would put me at my weight that I was at 4 years ago when I quit smoking and had a complete hysterectomy, within 6 weeks of each other! And if not, that's ok too!

Ok, gotta go to work!

Doing the happy dance!

2008-01-30T05:19:00.000-06:00

VLCD 17
yesterday 182.8
today 180.6
loss of <2.2>
total 14.2

I have been so swamped with work and family, that I can barely keep my head above water!

So what a sweet suprise when I stepped up on the scale this morning! I really didn't expect it, because I had the whole serving of beef fajitas that came with my fajita salad last night at dinner.

I do think that last weeks seesawing was because of a set point and salt. So hopefully, I am past that, and on my way to the new decade!

I REALLY want to get as much off as possible this round, because I probably won't be able to do another round until after the 4th of July.

You see, I do the Danskin Triathlon each year! This will be my third year, and I am looking forward to doing it without as much weight! I hope to be at 165-170 when I start training the middle of March. I know that I will gain some, at the beginning of training, because I'll be adding back in sugars and starches. Anyway, it's still off a bit!

Ok, what I have done differently. I reduced my HCG to .125 on Sunday. My reasoning was that my breasts were sore. Yesterday I was starving and wanting so badly to cheat too. It was also 72 hours since I had lowered my dose. After eating all that beef last night, I was satisfied. I have NO idea if these tweaks have made any impact, or if it simply "is what it is!" I'm probably over analyzing!

Glad this week is done!

2008-01-27T08:46:00.000-06:00

VLCD 14
Yesterday 184.8
Today 183.8
<1.0>
Total 11.0

Talk about 2 steps forward, one step backward! That has been my loss pattern for this week! I certainly hope that next week isn't like that!

Yesterday my daughter had her very first team dance competition. They were so cute!!!! And I think that she REALLY liked the performing.

After the competition, 3 other mother's and I went to eat with the girls. I had whipped up a dressing just in case something like that happened, and it was yummy! I'll figure out the measurements and post it.

I need a new decade!

2008-01-25T06:06:00.000-06:00

VLCD 12
Yesterday 186.0
Today 184.6
Loss of 1.4

I've had to lose everthing TWICE this week! But at least I have an awesome hubby, who tells me everyday that he can see the weight falling off of me. Of course he is also the one who told me before that I while I was fat, I still had curves!

One of the things that we have laughed at is our almost 8 YO daughter is a very sharing soul, and so she is having a hard time with Mommy not taking her food gifts. Now she just says, "oh that's right, you are trying to lose weight" We have hidden all the hcg stuff because I don't need her going to school saying, "My mommy is trying to lose weight, and she is giving herself shots!

Yesterday I could have cheated. No hunger, just a slight sense of deprivation. I have been thinking, and this week, I haven't been taking my multi vitamin and my b-12. I think I am adding them back in. I know that it isn't in Pounds and Inches, but I think thast I will just the same!

AAARGHHHH!!!!

2008-01-24T12:39:00.000-06:00

I am not a happy camper!!!

VLCD 11
Yesterday 184.6
Today 186.0
UP 1.4

I guess it was the bouillon that I put in my mexican soup! Dang it! Don't have much time, work is crazy! I'm in the mortgage industry! Enough said????

Stall is over

2008-01-23T06:36:00.000-06:00

VLCD 11
Yesterday 186.2
Today 184.6
loss of <1.6>

I had the rest of the cabbage chili for lunch, with a grissini. And then had tilapia, with asparagus...yum!

I have become an addict of 1/4 cup cottage cheese with apples or strawberries in nutmeg, sweetner, and cinnamon. I bake the apples and oh my gosh, they are soooo good!

One thing that I have on hand now is some fizzy magnesium. The other day I felt like I was going to explode...bloated, bloated, bloated, with intestinal unhappiness! LOL So now if I feel that way for a day or so, I take one tsp. at night, and voila! Much better!

I stalled for 2 days, but...

2008-01-22T21:33:00.000-06:00

I feel reasonably certain that I will have a good loss tomorrow. My hubby says my breath gets really bad! And I've been really thirsty today, so I have peeed my brains out!!!

The best part about this diet is that I really am not tempted, by anything! I mean we have over 100 boxes of GS cookies here, and I could care less! Now I will tell you that I will be freezing some Lemonades and some Thin Mints, for phase four!

Got to work on the breath!

Forgot my Stats!

Start 195.8
Today 186.2
VLCD 10
Today's loss <.60>
Total loss 9.6

Oh My Gosh!

2008-01-18T06:36:00.000-06:00

A couple of things are totally blowing my mind!

First, I'm down 8.4 pounds since Sunday. VLCD 6. Yesterday, I adjusted my pants ( side buttons) when I left in the morning, and by 3 pm, I needed to be able to do it again!

The fat is literally melting away before my eyes!!

The next thing is that I even turned down some orange pieces last night. And I am currently not tempted by the 15 cases of Girl Scout cookies that are in my guest room!

I LOOOOVEEEEE THIS PROTOCOL!!!!!

HCG R1P2 VLCD 1

2008-01-13T08:28:00.000-06:00

Ok, I'm going to drop at least 25 lbs! on this 43 day adventure! Not really an experienced blogger, so I am sure that this blog will get better designwise as I go!

Saturday Night, Gonna do It!

2007-08-18T21:59:00.000-05:00

Ok, I created the blog. Now I've got to commit. Kind of like when I quit smoking....only food is harder!