From the Mouths of HCGers, Richard's "No-Go's" and a Little "Q & A"

Hello HCGers!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  Several of you have sent me a text or email letting me know about your progress, and I really appreciate that and encourage everyone to keep me updated on your progress.  Below are some of the messages I have received lately from folks on the HCG Journey.

Debbie from Frisco:
"29 days - 16.7lbs, -14.75 total inches.  YES YES YES - 2 more weeks on phase 2  . . . then maintenance."  -May 21st  (text message)

"40 days, 20 pounds!! Maintenance here I come!!!  - June 1st (email)

"Ok this getting to 1500 calories is freaking me out."  June 4th (text message)

Linda from Plano:
"Thank you............I am down 7 lbs since starting the regime on Saturday............It's working!" - May 17th (email)

"Hi, Jim.  Just a quick update....I have lost 18 lbs. since starting the diet after meeting you at the McKinney Trade Days!!! I have lots of energy and my family can see a difference.....too bad it took 18 lbs to even show! I started on my second bottle of drops.  When I need more, do I email you?  I did measure and should do an update of the measure to see the differences and will let you know the new numbers.......Women do loose slower and it is the pits!  I continue to marvel at this weight loss and will keep up, even if it stalls! Thank you!"  - June 3rd (email)

Jason from Childress:
"Hey bud just wanted to let you know that we got them in yesterday.. Thanks.. and my wife bought a bikini .. first one in over 6 years. !!!!  thanks bud" - June 1st (Email)

Debbie, Linda and Jason thanks so much for the comments and updates.  We can all learn a lot from each other on this protocol.  Debbie is exactly right - when you switch over to the maintenance phase, it is very difficult to eat enough and get 1500 calories down.  In fact, that is the most common mistake made during phase 3 - not eating enough.  You will feel like you are eating way too much and all the time, but that is a real key to resetting your metabolism, so make sure you are doing all you can to eat enough on this critical stage.  Everyone should take Linda's advice and measure as well as weigh each day.  This can really provide you some contentment when you hit one of those inevitable stall periods.  If you see that you are indeed losing inches daily even though you aren't losing pounds it is very encouraging.  Remember your body will indeed reshaps itself during Phase 2.  Coach Botos, what can I say?  Only a baseball coach from Indiana would find such benefits in this diet.  I'm very happy to hear about the bikini, but inquiring minds want to know if you return the favor and sport the Speedo???

Everyone remember Richard?  Go check out his own personal page on this blog - "The Chronicles of Richard."  Richard has generously offered to give us all updates as takes a second shot and reaching his goal on the HCG protocol.  Here is his first update after week one:

Week Two – Rockin’ and Rollin’

Okay, HCG…I’m starting to like you again. I’m now 10 days into my 2nd round of the HCG protocol and I’m remembering now why this diet can be so addictive (emotionally, not physically, of course). My starting weight was on the high end of 255 and now, 10 days later, I find myself sitting comfortably at 245 pounds. My clothes already feel different, there’s a spring in my step, and I have the confidence to keep going.

The cons? Oh, yeah, there are cons. I’m already craving a cheeseburger or a simple serving of chips and salsa like nobody’s business. Carbs…now there’s the real addiction. And I don’t seem to lose the weight as fast as most guys do…my weight loss functions more like the results that women who go on the HCG plan get. But you know what? That’s okay. I’m still losing, and I’m a guy who feels like it’s okay to be in touch with your feminine side anyway. J HCG and Musical Theatre. Who’s up for some So You Think You Can Dance? J
I’ll list my 10 days of meals here for your viewing pleasure. I just found out through trial and error that blueberries and ground turkey are no-go’s while on the drops. You live and learn.

I have posted Richard's day-by-day meals and calorie count on the Chronicles of Richard, so please check that out.  Ok Richard, as your friend and HCG Coach, I gotta tell you that I am proud of your new found determination and resolve to finish the deal this time.  I am also excited that you have your wonderful wife, Jodi, doing it with you this time.  There is power in numbers.  Now, let me give you some good simple advice - please read the manual, so you don't keep eating "no-go's."  C'mon, Richard, women and children don't come with manuals, but the HCG does. 

Ok now for a couple of questions that came through this week that I thought I might share because some of you may be wondering the same things. 

Q:  Is gum allowed?  Is there any gum made with Stevia?
A:  Gum is not allowed during phase 2 or 3.  I'll admit that I cheated and started chewing Extra Sugar Free (Chocolate Mint, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Key Lime) during the maintenance phase even though it really is not allowed.   Now the good news - I just found out today that there is indeed gum made from Stevia that you should be just fine on all phases.  I don't know the brand name, however, most health food stores and Sprouts carry it.  If any of you find it, let me know the brand name or even shoot a picture of it and send it to me and I will post it on here.

Q:  What's the deal with lemon juice?
A:  Lemons and lemon juice is fine to use in your tea or as flavoring. 

Q:  How do I know what a serving of a vegetable is?
A:  This can be confusing, because it is hard to determine exactly what a serving is of a vegetable, especially if it is raw and not packaged.  What many HCGers do is take the total of their calorie count from their protein, fruit and bread and subtract it from 500.  The sum is the amount they can eat in vegetables.  To determine calorie count I had two resources.  The first was a free App that I downloaded on my phone called "My Fitness Pal."  It is very good and lets you track your calories for each meal daily.  It also helps you determine calorie count with all foods.  The second device is a digital food scale made by Thompson that I purchased at Target for about $30.  It has the ability to enter the type of food being weighed and it will calculate the calorie count.  With these two aids, I was able to pretty much get a pretty good estimation on my meals.  After a while, you get to be a pretty good "eye-baller" and just have a sense of how much a serving is - kinda like when Paula Dean just uses a "few pinches" of seasoning.  Speaking of Paula Dean, I don't think she is HCG aware because I saw her coat a pineapple in butter!!! 

Q:  Are using spray liquid aminos on your food ok?
A:  I have found nothing stating that this would be harmful. 

Q:  Does it matter when I the drops during the day?
A:  No, as long as you get three doses a day and you don't take them 30 minutes before or after eating or drinking anything.  I always took my drops right after waking up and weighing, 30 minutes after lunch, and 30 minutes after dinner.  As a note, don't freak out if you forget to take your drops or you get caught somewhere without them.  The HCG stays in your system for about 72 hours, so if you will be "ok" if you forget them occasionally. 

Q:  Will you be at McKinney Trade Days next month?
A:  Yes I will!  I will be at the same location on Henderson Street and would love to see any of you if you happen to be out.  Please stop by and say hello!  Also, tell all your friends who are freaking out on your weight loss to "drop by for the drops!"

Q:  Boxers or Briefs?
A:  Which ever seems to be the cleanest or has the fewest holes in it.  Hey, if anything, I'm flexible.

I will close this entry with what I thought was some very intresting information regarding weight loss and fat from Trudeau's Book, "The Weight Loss Cure They Don't Want You to Know About."  But of course you do know about it now - anyway, some good stuff, I thought.

These are the common denominators that virtually all fat people have:
1. Their body metabolism is low.  What this means is when a fat person eats food their body does not burn the food as fuel at a very high rate.  People who are naturally thin burn food and calories quickly.  Up until now there has neve been a treatment that truly addressed this particular problem.  This is one of the reasons why when a person goes on a weight-loss program and actually loses some of the weight, they gain all the weight back very quickly.  If you don't correct low metabolism then you are destined to be fat your whole life.  THIS IS WHY PHASE 3 IS SO IMPORTANT

2. High hunger. Thin people can never understand this.  A fat person is physically hungry more often and at a higher intensity than a naturally thin person.  Thin people always say that fat people don't have enough self-control to stop eating.  This is not true.  The thin person cannot comprehend the physiological, intense, and almost constant hunger that the fat person has to deal with.  It has nothing to do with self-control.  This is a real, gnawing, tortuous, intense physical hunger.  This is one of the reasons why naturally thin people and exercise gurus have no right to author a book on how to lose weight.  They have never really had to deal with the real issues that overweight people deal with.  AMEN BROTHER!

3.  Eating when you're not hungry.  Overweight people also have a problem with "emotional eating" or cravings.  Certain food cravings fall into the above hunger category as they are physiological in nature.  Other food cravings or emotional eating occur when you are physically not hungry, but you are "hungry" to fill an emotional need.  

I will continue with more really intersting stuff from the book on the next entry.  Trudeau goes on to explain the different types of fat our body has and why the fat in our problem areas is so difficult to get rid of (until HCG, of course).  Also interesting is a comparison of Americans and other countries - why is America so darn fat?  Trudeau has some very interesting ideas about this that seem to make a lot of sense. 

I hope everyone has a great week.  One thing that would make it great is if the Mavericks could win the next two games as home, as we kinda lost all that momentum after tonight's loss.  It is about time the Lone Star State get another champion.  I will leave you this evening with some weight-loss humor - enjoy. 
Disclaimer - This is WEIGHT LOSS HUMOR. Please so not take it personally. If you do... you need to LIGHTEN UP!! (Get it?) 

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends.

I gave up jogging for my health reasons. My thighs kept rubbing together and setting my pantyhose on fire.

If guns kill people, a spoon made Rosie O’Donnell fat.  (One for all us Tea Party folks)



Alice Cooper, Dirk Nowitzki, and Why it's Good to be a Guy

Alice Cooper is really a diverse individual.  This legendary dark rocker definitely has some shock factor, but he is also a scratch golfer and apparently very clever.  I mean how genius was it to come up with "School's Out for Summer?"  He had to know that this song would become the montra for all teenagers and teachers during the last days of school.  I wonder how many times this song will be played over the radio and downloaded the next few days as we bust free from the halls of education.  I know at Liberty it will be piped in tomorrow as that final bell rings.  So here's to Alice Cooper and summer vacation  - Rock On and Bring it On!

How awesome of a victory was tonight's game for the little Mavericks?  Once again, I considered them done midway through the 4th quarter when they were down by 15, and once again, they shocked me, the basketball world, and more importantly the Miami Heat.  What a great comeback and hopefully, it will prove to be the turning point of the series.  I am so happy for Dirk, because as I have stated before, I feel like he is one of the most under appreciated players in sports.  So finally, he is getting his "just desserts" for his incredible play.  Dirk is one of the really good guys in professional sports and hopefully he will indeed finish first this year.  At the very least, he has done everything possible to see that it happens - the final 9 points tonight was truly a superstar performance. 
http://youtu.be/QEECwgdigZY

Okay, I guess I have always known it, but my journey on the HCG Diet, has made me more aware of the notion that there are some distinct advantages to being a "guy."  I know, I know ladies, you are tired of hearing that guys lose weight more easily and quicker than their counterparts.  This fact really frustrated Stacy and in talking to other couples who did the diet together, this seemed to be a common theme.  So, ladies I'm sorry for this biological fact.  Let me also apologize for the following list Guyisms, which point out other great advantages of being a guy:

1)  3 words - Monday Night Football;
2)  Not be bothered to state your weight or age.  We lie about golf scores and how many touchdowns we scored in high school;
3) Not stressing out about the house "being a disaster" the week before having company;
4) If someone forgets to send you an invitation to something, you can still be friends with them;
5) If another guy shows up at a party with the same clothes on, you may well become life-long buddies;
6) You understand the what is so darned funny about The Three Stooges, and can also find the humor in Terms of Endearment;
7) You can open all your own jars;
8) You don't have to worry about your best friend's love life;
9) Our bathroom lines are 80% shorter;
10) Our butts are not a factor in job interviews;
11) Movie nudity is nearly always female;
12) You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness (flowers seemingly have supernatural powers);
13) You don't have to shave below your neck;
14) You can write your name in the snow or the world is your urinal;
15) All your orgasms are real;
16) Chocolate is just another snack;
17) You can quietly enjoy a ride in the passesnger seat;
18) 3 pair of shoes is more than enough;
19) Old friends don't give care if you have gained or lost weight;
and finally,
20) You can be showered and ready to go in ten minutes!

Al Bundy knows how good it is to be a guy.

A few words about HCG before I leave.  Today let's talk about stalling or reaching a plateau in your weight loss.  I have not talked to one participant that has not experienced this.  Usually, the first week on the drops is when we lose the most weight and then around days 10-12 weight loss slows down considerably or even stops for a few days.  This is normal and you must remind yourself of two things:  1) you have to look at end result or finish line and look for the average; and 2) just because you are not losing pounds does not mean your are not losing fat in your problem areas - you are still probably losing inches.  That is why it is a good idea to measure yourself as well.  I did not, and I wish that I had.  I think many of you will find that your inches are still shrinking even if you are not losing weight.  Two things happen to your abnormal fat during Phase 2 - it is liquified or mobilized.  The latter is where reshaping occurs as your body knows what to do with the extra fat.  It may determine that it needs to be used provide protection for an organ or joint, but most importantly, it is leaving your problem areas. 

Ok, so now that you won't be so stressed out about that inevitable stall period, how do you get yourself back to losing.  If you go three days without a loss, do an apple day.  Also, start taking a couple of tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar each day.  But, if you are doing this diet with your husband or boyfriend, please refrain from asking about his progress during your stall, because your probably just going to get more peeved and frustrated when he gleams about the 3.5 pounds he lost, and you will spend the rest of the day resenting him and searching for your self-esteem at the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box.

Before I close I want to remind all of you to shoot me a message or give me a call as you are about to go on maintenance.  I have some good literature that I can send you that I think is very good to read.  Also, if you just want to visit with me as you prepare, do so, because this phase is so very important as it is the key to keeping the weight you lost off.  I feel like too many people relax and let up their guard after the drop phase, but actually the maintenance phase requires more attention and discipline if you ask me.  So let me know when you are crossing over from phase 2 to 3. 



Easy there girl . . .


I hope everyone has a great weekend and great start to summer vacation.  Stay strong and keep shedding those pounds!!  Until next week.  Go Mavs!

God Bless Soldiers, Byron Nelson, and Neighbors with Knifes



Take Time to Remember and Pay Homage

Hello all!  I hope everyone had a really good Memorial Day weekend.  I know mine was really awesome as I got to spend some time with my family and also watch the some of the best golfers in the world at the Byron Nelson Tournament in Las Colinas.  Of course we all really enjoy the extra day off work and usually really get to spend some quality time with friends and family during this weekend each year, but we have to be careful and not forget while we observe this weekend - the many men and women who have sacrificed and risked so much for our country.  One thing they did at the Nelson this weekend that I thought was really cool was to have an active soldier from one of the armed forces man the flag on hole #18.  The flag was in the design of the American flag and each time the golfers came to the hole, the soldier manned the flag.  It was a really neat gesture, and at the same time reminded everyone that we would not enjoy our wonderful freedoms and culture if it were not for our military personnel.  So to all those who fall under this huge umbrella, thanks so much for your service - I know I can never repay it.  God Bless America and brave men and women who have and will continue to protect her!

If you have never attended at professional golf tournament, you should really put it on your bucket list, even if you do not follow or play golf, because it is a really unique and fun environment.  Fortunately, the Metroplex has two great opportunities with the Colonial (which was last weekend), and the the Byron Nelson.  Byron Nelson is a golf legend, but is also legendary for all his contributions to the golf world and more importantly, children's charities.  He as a true gentlemen, and one of the most respected players ever.  In terms of his legacy, he is right there with Hogan, Nicholas, and Palmer in my opinion.  Anyway, we had a great time taking in the tournament.  The golfers are really generous and welcoming to kids - several golfers took time to say hello to Myles when they saw him and some even gave him a golf ball.  He ended up with 5 balls for the weekend and also nabbed an autograph from Dustin Johnson, who is his favorite golfer.  So, take my advice and get to one of these events if you have not, it is a really neat experience. 

Myles standing with the Legend - Mr. Nelson

Let me digress here just a bit while we are on the Nelson.  Now, because it is the Metroxplex, the weather was warm, and golf tournaments are very trendy, it is no surprise that there are some ladies that dress on a little bit on the skimpy side to be noticed.  Of course, I go for the golf, but as I stated earlier, this can be a rewarding event and well worth your time, even if you don't play golf.  However, that being said, for every female that is capable of pulling off the "halter-top/shorty-shorts/high heel" eye-candy montage," there seems to be at least two who simply, can not pull it off.  I mean there were some women present that had about as much business wearing the outfit (who knows how they jammed themselves into it) they adorned as I did in actually competing in the golf tournament.  There really should be some type of protocol or fashion law in place that restricts the purchase of certain clothing items to certain body types/ages.  Don't get me wrong now, I have nothing against folks who are not in their best shape, because Lord knows I am one.  But, your not going to catch me walking around the pool in a Speedo or wearing my cocked sideways either.  Hey if you got it and want to flaunt it - by all means flaunt away.  But, it you ain't got it, HIDE IT OR DESGUISE IT.   Men are just as bad - - I saw at least a handful of middle-aged men who had more hair in their ear than on their head wearing "skinny jeans!"  What the hell is going on?  It just seems that there are too many folks out there today who think they still have the body they did when they were teenagers or in their early twenties.  I know I'm not being politically correct, but who is on board with me? 

M'am, there is a reason they are named "petites."

Heck - every man needs a roof over his tool shed - right?  WRONG!!  This is soooo Wrong.

Ok, my neighbor Larry got everyone's attention on Lincoln street this evening when he killed a copperhead snake is his front yard, with a knife - Larry has a deathwish obviously.  It was pretty good size as well, which concerns me because the "young un's" maybe still out there somewhere.  We have an empty lot between our houses and Myles plays out there quite a bit, but after he witnessed Larry killing the snake, I believe he will be pretty danged careful where he is stepping for a while.  You know in West Texas we had to worry about rattlesnakes to some degree, but at least they warned you.   What makes these copperheads so darn scary is that they don't warn you at all, and they are just as poisonous.  Oh, by the way, did I mention - I HATE SNAKES! 

The head of a copperhead - freaky!!

OK, well not much HCG info in this entry.  I have heard from a couple of you this weekend regarding the diet and everyone seems to be doing really well.  Wayne has hit a plateau after about day 12, at 30lbs, and did an apple day in hopes of jump-starting his weight loss again.  I did want to make sure everyone knows the correct protocol to follow when going from the drops to maintenance.  It is very important that during the last 72 hours of low calorie dieting (Phase 2), you stop taking drops.  You will still eat only 500 calories, but without the drops.  The reason for this is that it takes 72 hours to get the HCG out of your system, and your body needs to be free of it as you begin the maintenance phase.  So make sure you do this.  Also, check the blog tomorrow for our first update on Richard Dennis as we get reports from him after his first full week on the drops.  Remember send me your questions and updates.  Everyone have a great week.  Until next time . . .

Great Success Story in the Making

Wayne on May 18th (290lbs)

Hello all and welcome back to this week's final entry.  I hope all is well in your HCG world.  Today, I would like to tell you about a fellow I met at the McKinney Trade Days.  His name is Wayne and I sold him a bottle of HCG drops and had a great conversation with him.  I could tell by talking with him that he was really wanting to drop some weight and that he was frustrated with how to go about doing it.  He was amazed at my transformation and I told him that weight just vanishes from guys with the protocol.  Anyway, fast forward to the present.  I received a text from Wayne this evening informing me that he had already lost 30lbs!!  And, get this - this is only his NINTH DAY on the Low Calorie Phase.  He started on May 18th.  This is yet another testament to the HCG Protocol and also Wayne's dedication.  He also stated to me that he has so much energy "that he can't hardly stay still." 

Wayne on May 26th - 260lbs

It simply amazes me how so-called "experts" in the medical industry and the FDA tell the consumer that the homeopathic version of the HCG does not work, when all you have to do is is talk to people who have tried it.  Check out this quote from Kevin Trudeau's book:

". . . how this miracle weight loss breakthrough has been hidden from the public so long that drug companies can make billions of dollars selling their expensive drug treatments (HCG injections) and surgical procedures for obesity.  You'll be amazed to know how the food manufacturers actually have a financial incentive to make you fat!  Amazingly and fraudently, this medical breakthrough has be debunked, discredited, and supressed by the American Medical Association, the Food and Drug Administration, and other medical establishments throughout the world." 

Here are a few tidbits of healthy things you can do on Phase 2 and 3 of the HCG Diet:

Phase 2

• drink organic green tea
• get twenty  minutes of sun per day
• use saunas as often as possible
• eat only organic food
• get a Thai massage once per week (hells yeah!)
• eat slowly and chew thoroughly
• sleep 8 hours each night
• play barogque classical music or other relaxing music at mealtime
• do not put lotions that aren't organic on the skin
• do not consume MSG
• no artificial sweetners such as Nutrasweet or Splenda (only Stevia)

Phase 3

• use organic coconut oil daily
• use raw organic apple cider vinegar daily
• eat six times a day
• finish dinner 3.5 hours before bed
• take digestive enzymes with food
• use stevia, organic agave nectar, organic raw honey, or organic raw sugar cane as your only sweetners
• eat a salad with lunch or dinner
• add cinnamon to your diet
• eat 100 grams of protein before be on occasion
• hadd hot peppers or hot salsa to food
• take vitamin E daily
• get massages often
• laugh often
• don't worry about calories, fat, carbs, or sodium
• do not eat sugar or starch

Obviously, you can't do all of these things each day, but take a look at the list and see if you can add some of these to your daily routine.  I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend.  I will have another post up on Tuesday.  I am taking in the Byron Nelson golf tournament this weekend, so I hope the weather stays great.  Signing off for now - Peace Out!

Some politically incorrect humor about being overweight - Hey if you can't laugh at yourself . . .

Yo mama's so fat, on Halloween she says "Trick or Meatloaf!"

 

Cherry Limeades, Mellencamp, and Redneckisms - You Gotta Love the South!

Hello HCGers!  I hope this entry finds you all well.  Can you believe the storms that are passing through North Texas.  What is up with the tornados and hail?  Every night, it seems they break into programming and show footage from some storm chaser that I swear came from the movie Twister.  I hope everyone is safe and has avoided damage. 

I am a Texan by the grace of God and of course, I love all things related to the South, and that includes our own unique way of expressing and commenting on certain situations.  Let's just say that Texans are remarkably creative and resourceful when it comes to analogies.  Here is a sampling of quotes overheard on the golf course this weekend in Sherman, Texas.  (Note - the names have changed to protect the guilty)

Billy Bob:  you fellers see how bad that ol' Cliff Lee made the Rangers look last night??
Donnie Earl:  your darn' right.  Them boy's didn't know whether they should take a *^%$ or wind their watch . . . and I didn't see a one of em' wearin' a watch!

Joe Bill:  hell-fire!  I talked myself out of that shot before I hit it. 
Tom Ed:  I tell ya Joe Bill, you looked as anxious as Cocker Spaniel crappin' razor blades standing over that the ball.

Gary Wayne:  tell ya' what boys' when the clouds leave, it gonna' get steamy.
Jim Charles:  yep!  Gonna' be hotter than two river rats doing the nasty inside a wool sock.

Ok, I felt kinda bad throwing out the Desperate Housewives Chocolate because looking back I suppose it was kinda like a "tease" to all those sweet tooths that are still on Phase 2.  So, to make up for insensitivity, I will introduce to you a refreshing Cherry Limeade that is allowable on all phases of the diet - and let me tell you, it is awesome.  Credit for this little jewel goes to my wonderful Mother-in-Law, who came to visit from Lubbock a couple of weeks ago and showed us how to make it.  Therefore I will call this livation, "the Sweet Mother-In-Law:"

Ingredients:
2 bottles of water
1 packet of Stevita Lime Crystals
1 packet of Stevita Cherry Crystals
Crushed or Cubed Ice (we stop by the Sonic and get a cup of their ice)
Directions
Mix lime packet in one bottle of water and shake well;
Mix cherry packet in other bottle of water and shake well;
Pour have of lime water and half of cherry water over ice;
Crank up some Mellencamp (preferably Jack and Diane) and enjoy!

*Marketstreet on Bethany is now carrying the packets.  But if you go to another location, ask them to order them for you.  They come is boxes of 10 packs. 

Ingredients

Aaahhh . . . the "Sweet Mother-in-Law"

I would like everyone to check out a new page I have created on this blog.  It is dedicated to Richard Dennis who is taking a second shot at the HCG diet.  He had early success the first round, but "fell off the wagon," but has dedicated himself to make it work this time.  He has  graciously allowed me to chronicle his journey on this blog.  I will be updated his page frequently with comments from Richard as well as his progress and foods eaten.  This will be a great tool for others on the diet, to follow along with.  So please, check out the new page - "The Richard Chronicles."

I leave you with a couple of pieces of HCG advice:

• When doing an apple day, do not drink a lot of water.  I was mistaken on this for quite sometime and did it wrong.  You are only supposed to drink enough water to quench your thirst and no more.  So, eat six apples, but don't consume your regular 2.5 liters of water - cut down on the water consumption on the apple day.
• Shake your drops well to active the ingredients before taking them.  This should be put on the bottles and I have spoken with the manufactuers regarding this.  But, it is important to do this.  This is another thing, that I did not do.  So make sure you are shaking those drops. 

I will be back with another blog on Friday.  Until then, have a great week.

The Desperate Housewives of HCG

Desperation can be a good thing . . .



  My own sexylicious wife (that's how you start a blog when you post a picture like the one above), who admittedly has a sweet tooth ,was told about a little concoction that has basically elevated her to a "nutritional euphoria" over the weekend.  If you remember back, I took credit for coining the phrase "nutritional nirvana"(see Thursday, April 14th entry), and now I add another term with "nutritional euphoria."  There is a distinct difference between the two, whereas nirvana is a more permanent state of contentment, but euphoria is a shorter, yet much more dynamic rush.  I know, I know - on with the what you really want - the recipe.  Alright, alright, already:

Ingredients:
Tablespoon of Cocoa Powder
Table Spoon of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
3-5 drops of Sweet Leaf Stevia Sweetner (English Toffee or Chocolate) OR 1 Packet of Sweet Leaf Powder Sweetner (these are sold at Sprouts)
Handful of slivered almonds (optional) - only on Week Three of Maintenance

Directions:
Melt the coconut oil in the microwave
Add the the cocoa powder and sweetner and mix together

Desperate Housewives Chocolate

Stacy has been playing with the recipe and suggest that using the Powder Packets is better than the drops and you can also put a few almond slices in the chocolate as well if that is "the way you roll."  I can certainly see taking your strawberries for a dip in this as well.  I call this creation "Desperate Housewives Chocolate" because there are so many ladies in our little community out in Melissa who are doing the HCG diet and have been "desperate for sweets."  They were all giddy and heated up just talking about this.  You would have thought they discovered a recipe for Matthew McConaughey.



Just add Sand and Water (I am a Equal Opportunity blogger when it comes to Eye Candy)

Remember now,  Desperate Housewives Chocolate is only for folks on Phase 3 - Maintenance.  You Phase 2 folks "step away from the coconut oil an put down the cocoa powder very slow and easy - nobody has to get hurt here."  Be strong and know this is waiting for you down the road.     

Let's talk about Phase 3.  The maintenance phase is the most vague, yet most important part of the whole diet protocol.  Sure, the drop phase is quite dynamic with the rapid weight loss, but we all want to keep the weight off.  The only way that you can keep that abnormal fat off for good, is to reset metabolism to a rate that maintains your weight.  That is sole purpose of the maintenance phase and being successful on this phase will allow you to do this.  Unfortunately, the directions or guidelines for the maintenance phase are much more general and vague than Phase 2.  By the time we have completed the drops and low calorie diet, we are accustomed to its restrictive nature and it kinda throws us for loop when we are told to simply increase y calorie intake to 1500-1800 and eat what you want except sugars and starches  I have found that many dieters are very confused and hesitant about what to eat on this phase and that is why I began putting all of my maintenance meals on the this blog daily when I started my second round of maintenance. Go back to the Tuesday, April 12th entry and you can go day-by-day and see what I ate.  Here are some common mistakes folks struggle with on maintenance:

1 - don't eat enough - that's right.  Many people find it difficult to eat 1500-1800 calories after being on a 500 calorie diet for so long.  I know I felt like I was eating way too much and too often.  But that is actually the key to developing a healthy and speedy metabolism - eating frequently with the right foods.   Make sure you eat three full meals a day and snacks between each meal as well.  It is recommended that women eat 1500 calories and men eat 1800 calories a day on maintenance.  Also, if you start working out or being more active, you will have to increase your intake as well.  So if you are a girly girl like Mrs. Hatcher up there, and start going to the gym when you start maintenance, then you may well have to go up to 1650 or 1700 calories to maintain your weight.  You will just have to play with the caloric intake based on your weigh ins each morning. 

2 - want to lose weight - it is not good to keep losing weight during this phase because you are trying to stabilize your weight and your set your metabolism according to this stabilized weight.  If you continue losing, you cannot do this.  It is just as harmful to lose weight during maintenance as it is to gain.  If you lose more than two pounds, then up your calorie count. 

3 - adding danger foods too early - don't just throw everything at your system the first week of maintenance.  There are some foods that are allowed on maintenance but are labeled caution foods that I will detail later.  Slowly add new foods selections to your diet.  For instance, I added eggs and pork the first week.  The second week, it was cheese and dairy, and finally I added good ol' bacon the last week of maintenance.

The following is a weekly plan that I think is good for maintenance:
Week 1 - no "caution" foods
Week 2 - one to two "caution foods" added if, only if, you have been stable in Week 1, that is you did not have to do a Steak Day.
Week 3 - two to three "caution" foods added.  Again only add these "caution" foods if you are remaining stable.  Your goal is to gradually add caution foods and stabilize while doing so.  That is what will allow you to eat basically everything in moderation in the Life Phase and not gain weight.

Ok, so know your asking about those "caution" foods.  Here is a list "caution" foods for the maintenance phase:

Caution Meats:                  Caution Nuts:                         Caution Dairy
Bacon                                   Almonds                                   Cheese
Canadian Bacon                    Hazel                                        Cottage Cheese
Hot Dogs                              Macadamia                               Cream
Jerky                                    Peanuts                                      Cream Cheese
Sausage                                Peanut Butter (sugar free)          Half/Half
Deli Lunch Meats                 Pecans                                       Milk (Skim or 2%)
                                            Walnuts                                     Yogurt (1/2 cup plain only)

Caution Condiments (check for sugar in ingredients and use sparingly)
BBQ Sauce
Ketchup
Mayonnaise (1TBSP Light)
Salad Dressings
Steak Sauce (1 TBSP)
Tartar Sauce (1TBSP)

Caution Fats/Oils
Bacon Grease
Butter
Cooking Spray
Margarine (1 TBSP)

One thing that you will notice is that there is no caution fruits, which is really great.  You can start enjoying more fruits and they can really help go along way in helping you reach your calorie count.  For example, pineapples and bananas are pretty high in calories and can help you get your intake up if you eat these between meals. 

Here is an excerpt from Kevin Trudeau's book on the Maintenance Phase:
"Phase 3 last three weeks. . . This phase is designed to resest the hypothalamus and bodyweight set point.  This is an important phase that keeps off the weight permanently.  Successful execution and completion of this phase resets  your metabolism higher, resets your hunger lower, and resets your hypothalamus so that in the future it does not store fat in teh abnormal problem area secure fat reserves.  This phase helps guarantee that your body is corrected from the abnormal condition which caused the obesity" (75).

Other important things about Phase 3:

• weigh yourself every morning
• it takes approximately 3 weeks to stabilize your weight (so don't let fluctuations frustrate you)
• if your weight goes beyond two pounds heavier than your weight at the end of phase 2, you must do a steak day that very day

Steak Day - the same day you notice the increase, you must entirely skip all food until 6pm.  During this time, ou should drink as much water, up to one gallon, as you can.  You must drink a minimum of half a gallon of pure water.  In the evening, at 6pm, eat the biggest steak you can from grass fed organic beef.  The steak can be grilled or fried with oil and seasoned with pepper and herbs, but not salt.  You may have either a large oganic raw tomato or large organic raw apple. 

I hope all of this was helpful.  For those of you on maintenance, or about to begin.  I have several PDF's that contain some good info and charts for the phase.  Shoot me an email or text and I will send them to you to print out.  I would really like to get more of you posting comments so we can all network and share information.  I encourage you followers of this blog to get an account (it's free) and post your questions or comments on here.  I am looking at getting into Twitter as well and perhaps tweeting a HCG tip each day - how many of you follow Twitter?  Let me know, so I can determine if that would be worth it.  I'm also going to create a Facebook page dedicated to HCG when I have time and who knows when that will be.  As special shout out to all of those customers who have referred others to me.  I really appreciate it and it is exciting and rewarding to have so many people experiencing the great results this diet can bring about.  Everyone have a great week and stay strong and dedicated to the diet.  Keep those updates and questions coming and look for the next blog on Wednesday.   "Not Overweight and Out!"

Q&A and other HGG Tidbits

Helping you fight that fat!

It's been a few days and I apologize.  I have had a very busy and active week so far and unfortunately I have been getting home a little too late to post a blog.  Because I have so many new customers since last weekend and hopefully they are also following this blog, I am going to dedicate this session to answering questions that have come in from folks that have embarked on the HCG recently.   So, without further ado . . .

The following are actual questions I have received recently regarding the protocol and my best attempts to answer them as best as I can:

Q:  If you have extra points (calories) left, can you eat extra veggies?
A:  Yes, as long as you don't start mixing them.  You could also eat an additional fruit as well to get to your 500 calorie cap.  It really does not matter how you go about getting your 500 calories each day so you can spread out your meals as you wish.  The only thing I would warn against is eating a whole meal too late in the evening.  Try eat your dinner between 5-7pm if possible.  My wife and I chose different ways to get our 500 calories.  Below is a sample of how each of us consumed our alloted calories on Phase 2:

Jim

No Breakfast

Lunch around 12:30 - 1 meat; 1 veggie; 1 bread; 1 fruit

Dinner around 6pm - 1 meat; 1 veggie; 1 bread; 1 fruit

*Occasionally, I would have a hot cup of beef broth (15 calories) around bedtime for a snack

Stacy

Breakfast - half of an apple

Lunch around 12:30 - 1 meat; 1 veggie; 1 bread; 1/2 of apple left over from breakfast

Dinner around 6pm - 1 meat; 1 veggie, 1 bread; 1/2 grapefruit

Snack around bedtime:  1/2 grapefruit

Another note on mixing vegetables.  This issue seems to be quite vague in the guide.  The protocol directs the dieter to avoid mixing foods during meals or eating the same choice in consecutive meals.  For example if you have chicken breast for lunch, then dinner should consist of a different meat, such as talapia or sirloion steak.  The same is true with fruits and vegetables.  As far as mixing vegetables, I suppose we broke the rule at times because we often bought the organic tubs of Spring and Herb Mix from the grocery store and would eat those for our veggie serving.  So, we broke the "letter of law" I suppose when eating a mix salad.  However, what we would not do is eat a salad and broccoli at the same meal. 

Q:  Is it true you should shake your bottle before taking the drops?
A:  Yes, indeed it is true.  I was visiting with the manufactuerers in Boise yesterday and I asked them this and I was told that shake the drops just before a dosage activates the ingredients and makes them more effective.  So everyone be sure to do this before taking the drops.  This was a new one on me - I thought it was some kind of ubran legend.  My question for the manufactuerers was why not put that on your bottles??? 

Q:  Can you have a little splenda in your coffee?

A:  Absolutely not.  The only sweetner that is allowed on Phase 2 or 3 is Stevia.  All other sweetners such as Splenda are not the same - they are not all natural sweetners.  The stevia leaf is the only all natural sweetner.  My wife has quite the sweet tooth and so she has really taken advantage of stevia based products such as drops and powder packets to mix in water and coffee.  Also, the brand Zevia makes soft drinks from Stevia and they are allowed on the diet.  In fact, they are free foods and you can have as many as you like.  Of course, as you may have imagined, the drinks are a bit pricey, but well worth it if you ask most "sweet tooths."  You can purchase stevia products at Whole Foods, Marketstreet and Sprouts.  One word of warning.  Sprouts and Whole foods have started carrying a brand of drink called Blue Sky that claims to be the same as stevia based drinks, but they are not.  Blue Sky uses truvia and not stevia, and it is not the same at all.  I have attached a link to a website that explains the "conspiracy" between Stevia and Truvia and how, the consumer, like so often, is left in the dark when it comes to what is actually in products, and also how the FDA really is not concerned about consumers, but more about the "big money" and their lobbyist.    Short story - use only stevia based sweetners.

http://www.ktradionetwork.com/kevins-blog/the-truviastevia-fda-conspiracy/

Zevia - GOOD!!

Blue Sky - BAD!

Q:  Why are there some foods on your blog that are not in the Quick Start Guide?
A:  When Stacy and I started the diet protocol, we were working from two primary resources:  the Quick Start Guide that you have and also Kevin Trudeau's book The Weight Loss Cure "They" Don't Want You to Know About.  The book is very helpful if you are on the diet, because Trudeau explains the history, science and dynamics into the diet and also gives a lot of great advice for healthy eating and living.   He had some foods on there were allowed Dr. Simeon's original manuscript that for some reason were left of the Guide.  For example, zuchini is not in the guide, but suggested by Trudeau.  Stacy ate grilled zuchini quite frequently on the drops.  However, it is specified that squash is not allowed.  So when you see something on the blog that is not in the guide it is probably because you we discovered it in the book. 


Q:  How long do the headaches last?
A:  It has been my own experience and many other participants that headaches will occure the first two or three days after beginning the 500 calorie diet.  But take solace, because they will soon disapate and you will begin feeling increased energy.  The headaches are not from the drops, but simply your body reacting to not getting things, such as sugar, that it is used to. 

Q:  How much of a cucumber equals a serving?
A:  Cucumbers are very low in calories, and in fact, very low in nutritional value as well, but you can can eat a whole 8-inch cucumber for 1 serving of a vegetable.

Q:  Can constipation be an issue?  And if so, can you take over the counter medicines while on the drops?
A:  I did not experience constipation.  In fact, with all the fiber from apples I was eating I experienced the opposite effect for the time being.  Without getting to much into scatalogy, I will say that I have become much more regular in that department, especially after the intitial couple of weeks and certainly when I began maintenance.  As far as over the counter medicines, it should be just fine as long as they contain no sugars or syrup. 

Q:  I'm not much of a meat eater - what can I do about that?
A:  Protein plays such an important and vital role in creating a rapid metabolic rate, so it is very important that you get plenty.  My sister is a vegetarian and struggled with the same issue.  She ate plenty of the seafood on the list and also substituted skim and almond milk in place of meat for some meals to get her protein.  She was still able to lose 10-15lbs in 20 days.  You can also, purchase a Whey Protein Shake in powder form as long as it does not contain in sugar in it and have two servings of it to replace the meat serving for a meal.  This would be great for breakfast or lunch.  My sister makes a whey shake and she uses almond milk and instead of ice, she blends it with frozen, unsweatened strawberries and said it is delicious.

Q:  What if I show no weight loss for 2 consecutive days on Phase 2?
A:  Dr. Simeon warns and explains that dieters will experience plateaus and fluctuations in weight ususally in their second week on phase 2.  You may even go a couple of days without dropping any weight at all and then drop a significant amount of weight again.  Remember, it is all an average.  For some reason, that my wife detest, women experience these fluctations and plateaus more than men.  If you stay the same weight for 3 days in a row, don't freak out, because you could very well be losing inches and not pounds - your body is reshaping which still means that you are losing weight in your problem areas.  You are advised to do an apple day on the third day, which consist of eating nothing but six apples throughout the day.  Also, drink a small amount of water, just enough to quench your thirst when needed.  If you can find some corn silk tea, drink two cups of that as well.  You should see a drop of weight the next morning and get back on the track of losing.  But if you don't, you still should not fret.  Here is what Trudeau said about plateaus:
"It is important to note that because this protocol is synthesizing and releasing so much abnormal fat, the body may retain excess water in order to rid the system of this excess released fat and accompanying toxins.  This at times, results in no apparent weight loss on the scale, however, you must know that the body is still being reshaped, and massive fat loss is still occuring" (146).

Q:  Hey, Jim what is the best part about not being a fat arse anymore???
A:  For this question, I will have to refer to some comments made in earlier posts:

• I can now get comfortable in dress clothes.  My neck tie no longer feels like a noose.
• I can climb a flight of stairs without requiring a breathing treatment
• I can walk around an amusement park without getting road rash on the undercarriage
• I can find the energy to focus and enjoy their family after work
• can't get their fat arse off the couch to do needed things around the house
• I can get reasonable rates on life insurance
• I can overcome lower back and joint pain

Simple things like tying my shoe without fretting a hernia or asphyxiation; reaching and scratching behind my shoulders and not having to rub up against furniture like livestock; wearing a neck tie without borrowing the neighbor's wench to get the top button secured because my neck has more chins than a Chinese phonebook; eating a meal with the confidence that if I happen to lodge anything organic or low fat in my throat, someone nearby will actually be able to get their arms around me and hoist me up to perform the Heimlich Maneuver; and finally being able to actually rise out of bed or off the couch as opposed to, what I like to call the "beached whale," wherein I hoisted my fat arse off the edge and attempted to catch myself with one hand and foot - this proved to be a very unfortunate mishap when one of those supportive appendages had fallen asleep!

• and finally and most importantly, can't expect to be around long enough to see their kids and grandkids grow and prosper

Someone help fatty off the side of the mountain!!!  I can't believe I lived like this.

Well folks this entry was quite lengthy, but I feel like it was much needed.  I hope for all those new customers this helps.  And if you have a question please submit it to me by posting on here or shoot me an email or text and I will not only answer your question, but also post it on here so others can benefit.  I want all of you to have success and experience what I have and this can be a great forum for us to all help one another.  Next blog will deal with Phase 3 - Maintenance, the most important and misunderstood phase.  So you followers that are on or approaching that, look for that on Monday morning.  Just a note, chocolate lovers, I will have a recipe for a chocolate creation that is totally allowable on Phase 3!!!

I leave you with some actual quotes from text and emails from some of my newest customers, just to give you and idea how dynamic this program can be if followed.  Have a great Spring Weekend and stay strong and true to the game plan. 

"I purchased the HCG from you on Sunday.  I just wanted you to know I lost 6 pounds the first day." - Wayne

"Thank you............I am down 7 lbs since starting the regime on Saturday............It's working!"

-Linda

Make sure to send me updates about all of your progress.