Oh Christmas Caloires! Oh Christmas Calories!. . . .

Oh!. . . Damage done. Too many goodies! Too many sweets! Ham & salad (no, not the healthy kind) and potatoes OH MY! Ok Ok, the damage is done. No need to dwell on the calories consumed any longer. Time to move on and I have some good news! I got the new GoWear Fit (body bugg) for Christmas and the Sketchers Shape Up shoes! I also got a certificate for more body wraps! So while I was naughty yesterday with all the indulgences I am excited to get back on track with my eating & workouts! Yes, I missed the gym too- don't judge. ; ) But I'm officially back on track! Bam! (and while the above image is not actually ME, I do have that popcorn bowl.)

New Year- New You, What are your resolutions?

That's a WRAP!

Ok, So I totally have a new addiction. . . 2 weeks ago my BFF called me up- she had scored us a killer deal at our local tanning salon. Unlimited tanning & an infrared body wrap every other day for a whole month for only $100. Whoo-Hoo! I didn't even KNOW what a body wrap was but I said "sign me up!". . . And it soon became my new addiction! To watch a video explaining a body wrap- CLICK HERE!

I have gone about 8 times now and I can really tell a difference! My mid section & legs look thinner & more toned. I LOVE laying in a nice quiet room, wrapped in a warm (hot) blanket, watching TV in peace & quiet. All the while sweating like I'm running a marathon! I was getting headaches after the first couple treatments but I think it was just because I was releasing so many toxins into my body- but now it's fine! Sometimes I feel like a human taco smothered in extra spicy hot sauce! But I like it! : )

Gobble Gobble Gobble!!!

Thanksgiving is just ONE WEEK AWAY! Woot-Woot! I love Thanksgiving and hate thanksgiving all at the same time. I Love getting together with my family. I love the smell of turkey in the oven. The ThanksGiving day Parade on TV. Putting up the Christmas decorations & kicking off the Holidays...


Things I hate about Turkey day... the CALORIES! OMG! Just out of curiosity I googled "Average calorie intake on Thanksgiving" and the results made me cry. . . . If you don't want to know the results then click on the dubnutrition icon on the right side of the page NOW!

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The results?



The average calorie intake during Thanksgiving dinner is... 6,000 calories!!! Do you know how long it would take you to BURN 6,000 calories at the gym? Well- let me tell you!



10 HOURS (yes, I just said HOURS!) on the treadmill at a speed of 4.5 incline 3.0! Or level 5 on the elliptical w/arm strides! Or level 9 on the stationary bike! ughhhh... that's a lot of panting & sweating!



Think about THAT when you're going for that second helping of mashed potatoes & gravy!

Cardio Craziness UPDATE!

So after more time on the Internet than I'd like to admit searching for answers to my cardio dilemma I think I have found my answer!

I read an article that really spoke to me- and LONG story short, here's my solution & plan!

Cardio 4 times a week for 30 minuets each session- 30 minutes of intense, hard, can't do more than 30 minutes of cardio, cardio. No need to do long low intense sessions of "fat burning" cardio- go big & go home!

c@rd!0 Craz!n3ss!

Are you a slave to your treadmill? Do you spend hours and hours on end chained to the elliptical or stationary bike? Ughhh... Cardio. We all need to do it. It's good for our hearts! BUT- what's the BEST kind of Cardio should we be doing? Does slow & steady win the race or should we sprint to the finish line? What is the most effective for weight loss?


I wanna know... What works best for you?

Am I just eating because I'm bored?...

I often times ask myself that very question... Am I just eating because I'm bored?... It got me thinking- what other emotions do we confuse with hunger?...

Happy

Sad

Bored

Nervous

Excited

Depressed

Tired

What triggers your "hunger"? Are you more likely to eat when you are happy? Or do you find yourself reaching for a bag of chips when you are sad? If you're tired do you & pulling an all nighter does your calorie intake sky rocket? Are you a social eater? Hanging out with all your buddies may be ruining your diet! Or perhaps you are a sneaky eater- no one's watching so you sneak a few extra M&Ms...

Next time you find yourself snacking between meals ask yourself... "Am I really hungry? Or am I feeling something else..." Your answer may surprise you!

Household MAJOR AGERS! (part 1 of 2)

Once again- I can't believe how FAST the week went by... Here is my promised fab 5 Friday post!

Beware of these 5 aging dangers that are lingering in YOUR home! Some of them might surprise you! I know they surprised ME!

1) Cleaning products that contain Bleach... It can actually get into your body through your skin and lungs. Solution? Clean with White vinegar & baking soda. Works just as well and won't irritate skin or increase symptoms of asthma.

2) Mosquito Repellent: Instead, enjoy Citronella Candles... & Clean up the junk that may be attracting the pests. And always avoid leaving large pools of stale water in your yard.

3) Soap. Soap? Really? Soaps that contain fragrances & chemicals can be very hard on your skin- stripping away your skins natural moisturizers. Always purchase PH balanced soap

4) BBQ Sauce- It might as well be on the dessert menu. Loaded with High Fructose Sugar, your body turns it right to FAT! And watch out for other items that contain this sugar in disguise.

5) Canned Frosting.... Mmmm... Frosting... Food manufactures add Trans fats to many foods to prolong the shelf life but Trans fats + Trans fats = heart death. Always, always, always buy items that don't contain Trans Fats.

Fab 5 Friday! FOOD edition!

Can you tell that not only do I LOVE food... But I love LISTS TOO!I've traveled the globe in search of the worlds healthiest people. No, I haven't really traveled the world but I've picked a few surprising food items that may help you live longer!

1) Goat's Milk. NO, I'm not kidding and it's not even April 1st. It is REALLY GOOD for you. Don't trust me? Google it! I guess I gotta buy a goat... and then milk it... ughhh... edition

2) Whole Wheat Tortilla & Beans. Undelay' Undelay'!

3) Goya. Goya? What the H is Goya? Looks like a cucumber- Tastes like crud. This is found in many Japanese diets. Highest levels of anti-oxidant everrrrr! Fry it up in a veggie stir fry!

4) Dandelion Herbal Tea. Helps prevent dementia & also is an anti-diuretic. Helps lower blood pressure too! Mama had a baby & her head popped off!

5) Walnuts soaked in Water. I have never heard of this but I promise I am going to try this because I HEART walnuts!

So it's that simple (I guess!) Buy yourself a goat & soak those nuts! You'll live to a ripe old age of 100! Oh, And laugh a little too! Have a Fab Friday & Wonderful weekend!

T.G.I.F.!!!

Holy Friday Batman!

I can't believe it's Friday ALREADY!!! And as promised- Here are my Fantastic Friday 5 health tips in 5 minutes or less! I really like these ones! Hope you have a fabulous Friday & a wonderful weekend!

1) Total body 2 minute workout: need something different or new at the gym? Jump on a machine- any machine and push it as hard as you can (without hurting yourself) for 2 minutes! Push! Push! Push! After 2 minutes hop on the next machine! Rotate between upper & lower body. It's a great way to get a total body workout & you will even get your Heart Rate up! And there is no way you can get bored with this workout!

2) Tubby Time! Take a nice hot bath or Shower before bed. The hot water will actually raise your body's core temperature which will cause your body to release melatonin- melatonin, that sweet sweet hormone that tells your brain it's time to go nightly night! Sleep is an extremely important key to a healthy lifestyle!

3) Of Cores You Can! Training and strengthening your core is so important to keeping your whole body healthy! Keeping your back & abs strong will help alleviate backache too! And it helps increase the calorie burn

4) Time OUT! Every so often put yourself in a time out throughout the day! Even if it's only for 1-2 minuets. Get up from your desk and stretch! Stand up tall and then touch your toes. It gets your blood flowing. If you're home with your kids, take a little break when you know the kids are safe and take some deep breaths, roll out your neck and feel yourself calm down. Do this as much as necessary. Less stress will help decrease that stubborn Belly fat!

5) Laugh your A$$ off! Ha ha ha! Laughter really is the best medicine. We all know someone who is funny ask hell! Give them a call or look up goofy clips on YOU TUBE. It's amazing how much a little chuckle every now and then will improve your health!

So get your exercise, sleep & take a little time for yourself to laugh! It can add years to your life! Have a wonderful Weekend!

I'm totally BUGGIN'!

You guys- I have for months and months wanted to get a body bugg! But I just can't help but wonder how effective/accurate they are! And I'm also pretty sure that as soon as I DO buy one they will come out with a new & improved version- that's the way my life goes! (hello- iphone!)

What should I do? Should I get the bug! Should I bug off? . . . . Who has one? Who loves or hates them? Help me people- I can't make up my mind!

-Buggin!

Watch for my new FAB FIVE FRIDAY posts! I've been doing my research for Easy ways to improve your health & well being in 5 minutes or less. I'm giving them to you in 5 fantastic increments every Friday! Make these 5 small changes this weekend & you'll be feeling better by Monday!

Add these 5 fab food items to your shoppingg cart TODAY!

(and yes! That's me! I never go to the grocery store without my mini skirt & high heels!)

1) Wild Salmon- A great source of Omega 3 to keep your heart happy!

2) Almonds- I prefer raw almonds but you can choose dry roasted. They are the superstar of the nut family! (as am I!) he he he...

3) Tomatoes & Onions- I put 2 on this one because together with a little light Italian dressing you can mix up a disease fighting salad! Tomatoes are one of the best little antioxidants on the earth and even helps fight fat. Onions are proven to help fight colds, coughs and other respiratory conditions! mmm...

4) Avocado! The "good" fat! Spread a little on your turkey wrap or whip up a little guac for your veggies!

5) Chocolate. Yes- I said Chocolate. Dark Chocolate to be exact. And do you really need a reason why?

Here's to a happy, healthy (and delicious) Weekend!

are we failing because of our goals?

This morning while I was working out I had a thought come to my mind... Why do people (I) set goals? A goal seems so final. This promoted me to look up the word "goal" in the dictionary. And here is what I found.

GOAL: the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.

End? End... So, I asked myself. What happens once I reach my goal? I pictured in my mind a runner. A runner running in a marathon who's ultimate goal is to win the race. What does he do when he reaches the end?... He stops! I then began to ask myself- is this WHY so many people FAIL at weight loss? Not because they don't necessarily reach their goals but instead because once they reach their goal they stop? Do they stop trying? Did they "win" their race?. . .

I instead like the idea of making CHANGES and starting a challenge. By definition, Challenge means: a call or summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc. By challenging ourselves we are talking our healthy lifestyles changes to the next level. To temporarily push yourself to a new ability. Challenge yourself to change the way you are living forever. You will never fail again.

Don't set goals. Make Changes. A Goal has an end. A Change is forever!

September 7th- Checkin in!

So I thought I better give a SUPER SEPTEMBER SLIM DOWN update now that we're a week into September (No, I still can't believe it!)... It's going good! Truthfully, It could probably be BETTER but "good" none-the-less! I've been getting up and doing my workouts in the morning and I even got a couple runs in this week too (word to the wise: don't take 2 weeks off from running- it's like starting over!)... My diet has been pretty good. I find myself eating the same things all of the time. I really need to try and try some new recipes or look for something new. I also have to admit that I probably eat too much fruit. (don't judge- at least I didn't say CANDY!) And lastly, I have to stop taking little bites here & there. They really do add up! Spoonful of oatmeal (again, don't judge! I love raw oatmeal) a few extra Veggie Crisps & an extra handful of grapes & we're talking 100+ calories!

Sooo... I'll be the first to admit I'm not Perfect! But I'm working on making a few lifestyle changes that will stick with me (and hopefully the kiddies) for the rest of our lives!One day at a time!Oh- And PS! I've decided that I'm going to post some "workout pix" on my blog! Hopefully by the end of the month I'll have them up! Check back often!

My 3 Keys to Weight Loss & Maintainance!

I was 15 years old when I started "working out." In the gym of my uncles doctor's office I would spend hours and hours on end, sometimes into the late hours of the night, on the stair climber, health rider (are these even still around) or on the stationary bike. For my 16th birthday I asked my parents for an "exerslide" (are THESE still around?) and for Christmas that same year I asked for an ab-crunch-infomercial thingy. I don't even remember what it was called but it looked like a weapon of mass destruction. I also got a thigh master that same year, it was a banner Christmas for me! Don't get the wrong impression- this was ALL MY IDEA! My parents were not the type of people to buy me something THEY thought I needed. I wanted every "get thin fast" craze item on the market from the time I was a teen! I STILL get sucked into the late night infomercial and find myself reaching for the phone! But I refrain (it's been 5 years since I was suckered into buying... & since you asked- it was "SLIM IN 6!") because weight loss & maintenance ALL boils down to 3 "easy" things... (and I say "easy" because after 15 years it's finally comes natural for me!)

DIET: I start with diet because ultimately I think it's the MOST important ingredient (pun intended) to a recipe of weight loss/maintenance success. And when I say "diet" I don't mean: "Eat Cabbage soup for 7 days and lose 10 lbs!"diet (yes, shut up- I've done the cabbage soup diet) I mean "diet" by definition as: food and drink considered in terms of its qualities, composition, and its effects on health. Everything little thing that goes in your mouth. Whether it's fruits & veggies or caramel malts with extra whipped cream- this is your "diet"... You don't go "on or off" a diet- you change your diet. You IMPROVE (hopefully) your diet and you MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DIET! I love food and I have a personal goal to see just how much food I can eat in a day and STILL stay within my calorie allotment. And I'm not going to lie, I'm good!!! I know which veggies have the least amount of calories- which fruits are higher in calories & sugars and which foods I have to avoid all together. I try and make it through the day staying under 1500 calories but OVER 100+ grams of protein and under 100 carbs. That's a lot of math- but it gets easier and easier as you go... I am also really big into supplementing. Supplementing by definition means: something added to complete a thing, supply a deficiency, or reinforce or extend a whole. Everyone should be supplementing. We can all benefit by filling in the gaps.

2nd- (and my most favorite) WEIGHT TRAINING: And when I say weight training I don't' mean doing bicep curls once a week with 3 lb weights! I mean serious, train like a man, leg pressing 200+ lbs, face turning purple WEIGHT TRAINING! Ok, so I don't really train like a man, but I can hold my own in a weight room! God blessed me with a strong body (I'm by no means claiming perfection here) but if there is one thing I will say it's that I am strong. I am much stronger when it comes to say shoulder presses than I am when it comes to cross country running or sprinting. Chicks of the world- I say to you "Don't be afraid of the weight rooms!"..... Do me one favor- next time you're at the gym, take a goooooood look around and tell me one thing: Where do you find all the people with the HOT BODIES???... In the weight room! And what type of people do you see cycling along at a snails pace? The chubby butts who think "slow & steady wins the race!" Now, that's not to say that cardio isn't important (see cardio rave below) I'm just saying it may not be as important as people are claiming! You gotta PUMP IT, GIRL!

But with that said, it's time to give CARDIO it's props! So when *I* say cardio I mean getting your heart rate up! This is where I give you MY cardio advice: Do something (anything) that you LOVE that gets your heart rate UP and KEEPs it up for an extended period of time. If you HATE ridding a stationary bike in a dark smelly gym then by all means- DON'T DO THAT! If instead, you enjoy an afternoon of tennis with a girlfriend even though you BOTH SUCK? Then PLAY TENNIS, KEEP MOVING and LAUGH YOUR A$$ OFF!!! If you are less than coordinated and were born with 2 left feet, then don't buy a "25 Step Class Punch Card"- Rather, Strap your 2 year old on your back and go for a hike! (trust me- that will be a great cardio workout!) Do what you LOVE and you'll LOVE WHAT YOU'RE DOING! I always say "The best kind of exercise is unintentional!" And I'm going to give you a perfect example. Yesterday I was in the toy room with the girls- I was laying on the mattress that was in there and we started throwing the balls around- we then started throwing them up at the window seal and got "2 points" if they stayed up there. We did this for well over an hour! (my daughter thought it was the funniest thing ever!) And this morning I woke up with sore abs! It took me like 10 minuets to even figure out why they were sore but it was from that silly game with my daughter! Accidental exercise ROCKS! ; )

So there you have it- my 3 ingredients for success! No, I'm not a Hollywood star trainer or a certified dietitian. I'm just a mom with some kids, a job, a needy husband, a dog that doesn't get enough attention (note to self: take the dog for a walk) and someone who's attended the school of hard knocks Diet & Exercise program!

POW3R P@NCAKE$! SO GOOOOOODD!!

A few years ago my personal trainer gave me this recipe and I have tweaked it a bit & enjoyed it many many times through out the years! Here it is!

5 egg whites

1/4 Cup Fat Free Cottage Cheese

1/2 Cup Oatmeal

*1 TBLS Sugar free Hazelnut Coffee mate liquid (I've tried the s/f caramel vanilla but didn't like it as much as the Hazelnut)

*a few dashes of cinnamon (I like a LOT!)

*a few drops of Stevia sweetener

*a dash of nutmeg

*a couple drops of almond extract (or coconut is good too if you're into coconut)

*a few small slices of banana (maybe 1/4- 1/3 a banana)

*= optional

Mix all the ingredients in blender well (I use my magic bullet). Let the mixture sit for 5 or so minuets, this will cause it to thicken up! Poor onto a HOT skillet, just as you would regular pancakes. Cook side one until they begin to bubble & then flip (don't flip too soon)! Cook 2nds side. Spray with "I can't believe it's not butter!" and poor 1/4 cup sugar free syrup (I like Mrs. Buttersworth s/f) and ENJOY!!!

Makes about 8-10 medium sized pancakes! The pancakes will not be as "fluffy" as regular pancakes but they sure are tasty and they will stick with you for HOURS! Very satisfying! About 350 calories, & almost 30 grams of protein! Woot-Woot!!!

Super September SLIM DOWN! ***Challenge***

Ughhh... OK, I'm not going to lie. I have been less than good on my diet lately. It all started about 3 weeks ago- Our very good friends came to town & to sum it up we ate out at all 4 (yes all 4!) of my favorite restaurants in 3 days!... And then left for Hawaii the next day. I did "OK" in Hawaii- We ate in the condo for Breakfast & Lunch and I tried to eat good but comeon' people vacation in Hawaii! I was not going to eat rabbit food all week~...

So here I am 3 weeks later. The diet got worse before it got better. I ultimately feel off the wagon, rolled down the hill & ended up face down in a pile of chocolate chip cookies. Ughhhh... For me, sugar is like cocaine- once I start, there's no stopping me. . . . not that I've ever DONE cocaine- I'm just sayin'...

And now you're asking yourself- 'Comeon' how much damage could be done in 3 weeks?'... A lot. I am totally "fluffy" again. Not to the point that my clothes aren't fitting or really that other people might notice, but I CAN TELL! My muscles aren't as "cut" as they were a month ago & my not-so-love handles are back with a vengeance These are my genes. I have accepted them and must move one... But don't worry- I HAVE A PLAN!!!

GOALS FOR SUPER SEPTEMBER SLIM DOWN!
Eating Clean
Sticking between 1200-1500 calories a day (it's good to mix it up day-to-day)
No "whites"allowed... yes, I'm very prejudice when it comes to the color of my food! This means no sugar, flour, baked goods, breads, pastas, potatoes, etc! Kiss it, whites!
Protein, Protein, Protein
Fruits & Veggies- (helllloooo! local fruit stand closes up shop soon!)
Back to early morning workouts- up at 6! and yes, that's BEFORE THE SUN!
No eating after 8pm (realistically 9- can you say a job & 3 over scheduled kids?!?!)
And gotta keep up on my dub nutrition products! Increasing the energy & suppressing the appetite makes it SO MUCH EASIER!

Today was great. The only bad part was that I didn't eat a good lunch which left me a little on the low end of the calorie counter so I ate a bowl of Special K Protein Plus tonight at 9. But other than that I give myself an A for today!

So that's my SUPER SEPTEMBER SLIM DOWN PLAN! 29 days to go! Just in time for "jean season!" right?!?!?

PUBLIC LAUNCH!... Tomorrowwwwww!!!

PUBLIC LAUNCH Tomorrow September 1st!!! Woot-Whoot! Rumor has it there will be BIG NEWS coming from corporate! Something about celebrity endorsers & additional opportunities..... :0

Keep following my blog & I'll keep you updated! http://hcgdietblog.blogspot.com/ or http://dubnutrition.blogspot.com/I know you wanna be apart of this incredible opportunity... JUST DUB IT!!!

dub'in up across the country!

Just a quick dub update!

Sorry for the delay in updates! I recently traveled to Hawaii with my husband, brother & 2 kids (age 9 & 5) and had a WONDERFUL TRIP! FYI- dub is even more awesome in Hawaii!!! I'm usually the "lay on the beach & soak up the sun" type but not anymore. I started out each day with either a 60 minute run along the beachwalk & on the beach (killer quad & ab workout by the way!) or a great workout in the fully equipped Westin Gym... But it didn't stop there. We played tennis, snorkeled, boogie boarded (& laughed until it hurt) and we even hiked to a blow hole & waterfalls! No laying around reading books on this trip! dub kept us going... and going... and going!!!

Get your dub today and make the most of every day! Especially vacation days! See the world through new (MORE ENERGETIC) eyes!!!

Sunday Spotlight! ACAI BERRY!!!

Sunday Spotlight! I thought I would start "spotlighting" a key ingredient in the dub nutrition line each week. I found this interesting article about ACAI BERRY on ezinearticlescom. And if you watch oprah you already know that she & Dr Oz are huge fans of ACAI BERRY! ACAI berry is found in dub's YOUTH & MUSCLE blend. So as you can see- using ALL 3 products together will be most beneficial!

ACAI BERRY- It does a body GOOOD!

Placing a dub order!

I'm putting in an order for dub products tomorrow if anybody wants to try it!!!

My husband started about a week ago and feels fantastic! He has struggled with many health problems throughout his life (I'd feel you in but geez- I got stuff to do today!) and has throughout his life struggled from lack of energy. He has been working out regularly and trying (bless his heart) to eat healthy! He does NOT need to lose weight but does need to burn what little fat he does have (just some lovey dovey handles) and beef up his muscles and he'll be magically dub-licious! He is really excited about the non-jittery energy he has had the last few days! Maybe I'll have a hard time keeping up with him soon!

Today I got to try the DUB ENERGY SHOT! (not yet available to the public) and it was SUPER! Very comparable to the 5 hour energy shots that you see on the market! Only the dub shot doesn't BURN your throat on the way down the way the others do! I had my "shot" and then went for a run! I ran about 50 minuets and stopped at the subway for a turkey/ham on wheat! Yummmm! Yeah, you can call me Jared! I don't really know how many miles I ran because I wound through the back streets and through the golf coarse. It was a BEA-U-TIFUL day!

I was not hungry at ALL today until about 6! So I've been snacking on Pirate's Booty. Probably not the best choice for clean eating but better than the Cheetos that I thought about eating... I'm lying- I didn't even consider it! ; ) pwshhh....

So Like I said- if anyone wants to try some dub goods lemme know! I'm placing a BIG order tomorrooowwwww!!!

Are you dub enough?

Ok, So that's kind of a lame post title, I know- but I felt like I needed to give a dub nutrition product update since it's been a few days. I think it's been about 2 weeks since I started the dub nutrition products & program and I'm happy to report that I am feeling fantastic! Many of you know that after years to being a "slave to the scale" I no longer weigh myself. I decided that I'm better than a number. So I can't say that I've lost a number of pounds but Instead, I keep tabs on the way my clothes are fitting & by measuring myself occasionally. And I have really seen an improvement in the way my clothes are fitting! I am wearing my size 7 jeans w/no problems! They are even getting baggy! Hall'a! The muffin top has been upgraded to like a cupcake top & everything seems to be fitting so much better! I even went swim suit shopping today for our Hawaii trip (t minus 2 weeks) and it didn't end in tears! Yea!

But more importantly then that- my workouts have been incredible! We have been doing P90X 6 days a week & I run on Saturdays. Tonight I ran 5 miles in record time. I told my husband to meet me in an hour down at the yogurt stop so we could get some yogurt for the kids and I got there 20 minuets sooner than I anticipated! I felt incredible on my run. I felt so fast & strong! I couldn't believe it! Especially because it was 7:30 pm & still very HOT outside! I really felt like I could run forever tonight!

I am over all very happy with the dub nutrition products! The fat burner gives me so much energy during my workouts and the muscle seems to really help with the soreness that ALWAYS occurs afterwards and the YOUTH- well, I guess we'll see if I'm the hottest & sharpest Grandma on the block in 20 more years!

Thanks dub nutrition for giving me the extra help that I've been needing!

A few of my FAVS!

It seems as though ever since I started P90x (oh, ps I started P90X about 10 days ago) I have been increasingly hungry! My friend who is a trainer says "that is petty normal! Your body is burning a lot more calories & needs more"... hummm...

So I thought I'd share a few of my low(er) calorie goodies with all'ya'll!

Laughing Cow Cheese Light- 35 calories a wedge! Great spread on an apple or with L/C crackers Garden Veggie Crisps- 110 Calories of heavenly delight! The only problem with these bad boys are they are too good to stay away from... sorry, no image is available. I bought them at COSTCO and don't know if I'll buy them again- just can't put them down!

Sugar Free Popsicles TROPICAL! Only 15 calories a POP! Pineapple, tropical orange & Some other deliciously sinful flavor- red something! A delish summer treat!

Stop off at your local snow cone shack & ask if they have SUGAR FREE FLAVORS! Most do! Another little summer sizzler! Yummzzz!

Yo' Yo' Fro' Yo! Gotta give a shout out to the low/fat & non-fat (and yes, even sugar free) Frozen Yogurt! At 80 cals for a 1/2 cup it comes equipt with PRO-biotics! It does a body good! Tonight I ran about 4 miles down to the Yogurt Stop and rewarded myself w/a sugar free fat free black cherry frozen yogurt! It was so GOOD! It was like the Seinfeld episode!

Cheddar, Chocolate & Caramel! Oh My! Quaker rice cakes are a tasty little snack! About 60 Calories per serving! It's perfect if you need a sweet & crunchy little snack to complete a meal!

My dirty little secret is well hidden in the butter compartment in the refrigerator... an ice cold box of junior mints! Just a couple is all I need to curb the sugar urge!

Whip it! Whip it good! A dollop or 2 of Cool Whip Light on top of my fresh strawberries & grapes is sweet & refreshing!

There's always room for JELLO! With a little Redi-whip of course, a treat with no guilt!

Fruit Fruit! Magical Fruit! If there is one thing that I probably eat too much of, it's fruit! And my kids are the same way! My baby girl could probably eat an entire watermelon by herself! I heart fruit!
I love cereal. Lucky charms, Cinnamon toast crunch & Reece's Puffs! I love all the good (bad) cereals from my childhood. I don't eat them often (if ever!) But I do still enjoy a bowl of cereal from time to time! I like Special K Protein Plus! Splash some ice cold FF milk w/a little sugar free hazelnut coffee mate & maybe a few fresh strawberries makes one deliciously sweet breakfast!

So those are just a few of my not-so-guilty pleasures! What are yours?

i NEED @ n3w d!E+!

I need a new diet! I'm eating "healthy" and doing my dub nutrition products but I still feel like I need a strict diet to follow. Like I said, I'm definitely eating healthy but I find myself wandering around the pantry searching for something good to eat.

For breakfast I've either been doing 1 egg + whites and turkey sausage or a protein shake. And it seems like lunch & dinner are always just a boring combination of salad & chicken. Some times Ill shake things up and have a subway sandwich or something like that but for the most part my diet has gotten Lame-O! I try to stay away from frozen dinner type things- I think they just have too much sodium/preservatives. . . .

I LOVE fruit but I find myself eating too much of it- I guess there are worse things I could be eating but once I start on grapes and watermelon it's hard to stop! Especially in the summer! Yumm! : ) I heart veggies too but I feel like they too get booorrrriiiinnnnggg! I did make a really good veggie lasagna the other night that was straight up delish! Zucchini, tomatoes, 2% cheese, ground turkey, spices, mushrooms etc! My kids were even fighting over the leftovers! And the dish that I made for my friend got snarfed up before I could take it to her. Sorry girl!

Maybe I should try and google "healthy recipes" or something... I just feel like I'm putting 10,000% into my workouts and my dub nutrition program that I should be a little more strict with the food intake. . . . My only (lame) excuse is that TOM is coming to visit soon and I have a tendency to crave all the wrong things! So- if you have any healthy recipes I'd love to hear them! One other bonus note- my PMS has been non-existent this month. Could it be all the B12 in the dub nutrition products?

I am also excited about the launch of the dub nutrition lifestyle! A separate program that will help you customize a diet and exercise program! It's an added bonus coming soon! I'm excited to see what type of foods the dub nutrition lifestyle suggests!

Let me know your thoughts & suggestions!

dub nutrition... I have found a flaw...

There is one thing that I don't like about dub nutrition. And it's that I have turned into one of those really annoying people that want to talk about all the products to anyone who will listen! I've turned into that obnoxious friend that stops you in the grocery store to tell you how fantastic I feel! I've started to annoy MYSELF! (not to mention my husband!)

Last night we had some friends over for dinner. After about an hour our friend Scott looked at me funny and says "What has gotten into you!?"... To which I reply- "what!?" He then tells me that he's never seen me in such a good mood or with so much energy! I had promised myself I wasn't going to bring up dub nutrition because I really didn't want my friends feeling like I was selling them something and I really didn't want my husband rolling his eyes at me. But after Scott brought it up my husband actually went on and on about how much happier I seem and how I'm running around all day like a (and I quote) "chicken with it's head cut off!"... I guess that a compliment? After our friends left (after 10pm) I had to clean up after 4 adults and 7 rambunctious kiddies. I was up until midnight, mopping floors, starting laundry, doing dishes etc... I felt great. I wasn't exhausted like I always am. In the past I would have gone to bed and left it for the morning. I laid down about 12:30 and feel asleep within 5 minutes... and slept like a lump on a log! zzzzzzzzzz....

I didn't know that "mood enhancement" would be a potential side effect from the dub nutrition line but hell- I'm not complaining! I had been SO MOODY after the birth of my baby daughter a year ago that I actually discussed anti-depressants with my doctor but I don't think for a second I'll need them now~!

But now I have to be that annoying person who corners you in a party and wants to tell you about her new find!... So I'm pre-apologizing to all my friends and family because like it or not, you're gonna get an earful!

I am now feeling bad though that I was such a b!tch before! :o

dub it' up~

day 3 of dub nutrition products!

WOW! Is the best way to describe it!... You guys! I can't believe this product line! I called my good friend Hollie this morning just to talk about how amazing my workout was! After an hour and a half of abs, bis & tris I felt like I could have ran home from the gym! Hollie and I are 2 of a handful of people who get to try dub nutrition products before it's available. I feel so fortunate! But it's really hard to convince people because the product speaks for itself! It almost reminds me of that euphoric feeling I had when I was on the HCG diet. My head is clear & I have a lot of energy- which I also experienced on HCG... I just can't express enough how great the dub nutrition products are! I'm excited to get the energy drinks too! I can't imagine how much I'll get done then! LOL!

The best part about this feeling is NOT feeling anxious or jittery. I have tried products before that made me so uncomfortable. Like I was having a heart attack or a panic attack! But not dub nutritionproducts! There are no uncomfortable highs or exhausting crashes! I feel SO MOTIVATED! That's the best way to describe how I feel on dub!

I have been spending some time researching all the ingredients in dub fat burner, muscle & youth in hopes of better understanding what I am putting in my body. I have found that the ingredients in dub nutrtion products are all natural and safe! Some of them are products I have been using for years and others are things I've never heard of. But it seems to be the combination of everything that gives you such a great results!

I couldn't be happier about my decision to try the dub nutrition line!~ (I'm trying to convince my husband to do it too! He's the eternal skeptic but I think he's going to give it a shot! He's probably sick of how great I feel & how crappy he feels!)

Do yourself a favor- and look into it!
www.dubnutrition.com

New look!

Hey! Welcome back! Yes, you're in the right place. Just trying to spice things us a bit! I was finding it pretty difficult to talk about a diet (the HCG diet) that I was no longer on & I felt like I was neglecting my blog because of that... Then I got to thinking about all the other diets I have tried over the years. Let's name them- it will be fun (or very depressing, could go either way!)
From the time I was 14 years old I was "on a diet." One of the biggest mistakes of my life. Because I think once you start- you can't ever stop! I don't really remember being a specific "diet" at the time. I remember eating a lot of "fat free" food (?) items- let's remember people, this was the 90's! And as part of my "fat free diet" I remember eating things like circus peanuts and licorice, cola, lemonade, saltines, WOW chips (come on, don't lie- you tried them!) and everything else I could get my hands on that was "fat free!" Oh, to be young and stupid again. That phase of my life lasted for a couple years- didn't get very far, obviously. Then when I was around 17 I figured it out a little more. Veggies & Fruits! Juice! I remember doing "juice cleanse" for days at a time. Not even comprehending the amount of sugar that all these drinks contained- yeiks! I was doing better though- I would try and choose wheat bread rather than white (aahhh... when I used to eat sandwiches!) and baked chips rather than regular. Let's face it, I was still in h/s & just wanted to have fun (and be skinny!)... A few more years pass & I continue to learn more and incorporate a lot of exercise into my life too. Oh wait- I have to back the crazy train up... the dreaded cabbage soup diet. OMG- Yes! I have done the cabbage soup diet. Many times, in fact! This all thanks to my mother who, still to this day, LOVES the cabbage soup diet! ughhhh... Can't talk about it too much... OK, Moving on. I think the first actual diet program that I either bought/joined or followed would probably have to be weight watchers. A timeless classic. While the program does evolve over time, it seems to be a steady competitor- and you know what they say "slow & steady wins the race!"... or does it?... The next fad that I got sucked into would probably be the Atkins diet. mmmm.... bacon!!! OK, I'm not going to lie- I LOVED this diet. Come on people, omelets, sausage & cheese every morning??? (now my stomach is growling- seriously!) But it gets old real fast. Especially if you start buying into the "sugar alcohol poop yourself gassy gas" goodies. I really wonder what all that CRUD is made out of. My stomach does NOT agree! Moving along down my destructive diet journey we come to the South Beach Diet. I originally downloaded this book onto my ipod but the narrator had such a bad lisp that I couldn't concentrate on what he was trying to tell me. Am I being over sensitive or just rude? Anyway- I would say this ranks up there with more effective diets. It's pretty basic & simple and works well- but again... gets old because let's face it- we've all started phase I about 10,000 times before! So that covers everything except for my most recent "diet"- the HCG diet... I'm going to be honest- I have mixed feelings about it and it's HARD! But it works and it's effective. But I'm also not entirely convinced it doesn't mess with your bodies own natural hormones. I don't think you would have a problem doing a round or 2 but I wonder how years and years of hormone injection would effect your body. Lord knows that years & years of "dieting" has messed me up! (yeah, see my non-functioning thyroid post below!) Oh!!! I almost for got the silliest diet of all. THE IDIOT PROOF DIET! LMAO- Really? Did I really do a diet that is idiot proof? I have mixed feelings about the idiot proof diet. Let's face it, very few things are idiot proof. If you've ever done this diet you know what I'm talking about. You choose from a list of a few dozen foods of items that you like and the computer system generates a custom diet for you. Not a bad idea. But when you tell me I can eat all the cheese, ham, cashews & non-fat frozen yogurt that I want all in one sitter? I'M GONNA! I give this diet a B-.
So let us review:
The 90's FAT FREE DIET: F (really, can't I have a diet where I eat tootsie rolls for breakfast?)
WEIGHT WATCHERS: A (an overall good way to live)
ATKINS: B- (mmmm... bacon! need I say more?)
SOUTH BEACH: B+ (maybe I need to learn more about the maintenance phase- just seemed like I was always in phase I)
CABBAGE SOUP DIET: D (it's OK if you're going to do it once in your life but it's just a "quick fix! but it's no way to live your life!)
IDIOT PROOF DIET: C (one of those diets that works well the first time and then not so much after that)
HCG DIET: B- (again, I have mixed feelings about our friend the HCG diet- it's really difficult but effective!) I may actually give it a B+...
So that's the breakdown on "diets I have tried"... Ahhhh CRUDS- I just thought of ONE other diet that I did the fall before I got PG with my 3rd little baby. A diet that was extremely effective and truthfully combined a little bit of everything above! (yes, even the tootsie rolls for breakfast!)... BUT, I'm late for my workout so you'll have to stay tuned (or connected? Idk) to find out what that diet was! (((insert mysterious music here!)))
Happy Thursday!
PS- Check out my dub nutrition post below! I just started my products YESTERDAY & I'M FEELING FANTASTIC! xoxo

dub nutrition? Sure, I'll try it!!!

I am fortunate enough to be one of the first "users" of the dub nutrition products. I got my products last night! I used the "burner" & "muscle" this morning before my workout and I felt great! I wasn't shaky or jittery AT ALL! And as crazy as it sounds I felt like I was finally getting enough oxygen during my run! I didn't have to stop at all, I didn't get a side ache (like I always do!) and I ran to the gym in record time... I was convinced it was all in my head and was actually laughing towards the end of my run because I felt really good instead of felling like I was ready to be done! (I know, I know, it sounds CRAZY!)

So we will see how it all pans out... I have nothing but trust and confidence in Jeremy's (founder)knowledge of fitness & nutrition. He's lost over 100 lbs and has competed (and won!) several body building competitions. He knows his stuff. He and his partners have completely customized these products & put a lot of hours & money into this passion. They were originally encouraged to "re-label" an existing product as it would have been much less expensive, but they wanted something different, original and effective! It's my opinion they have achieved their goal!

I'M EXCITED!!! : D

Here is the link for more info! dub nutrition

***If you would like to order products, I'd be happy to be your sponsor! Agent: Amy Ohlson 1089***

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Thank you guys so much for all your positive feedback regarding my recent "low thyroid diagnosis!"... I'm coming to grips with it.

Trudi- I found that interesting about what you said about water weight. Yesterday I woke up and felt really thin. Out right skinny! And even DH commented on how different I looked, even just from a few days of meds. I had no idea water weight loss was a side effect of the meds. BONUS! However, I went out with my bffs to celebrate May Birthday's & had mexican food- tried to make good decisions but the bottom line with eating out is you NEVER know exactly what you're getting. I stayed up way to late and woke up feeling a little bloaty & puffy. So I'm really trying to drink a ton of water today to flush out the junk from last night.

My workouts are still going great. I started running again last week and feel good. My foot hasn't been bothering me (knock on woood) so I'm going to try and do my weight training 5 days a week and add cardio to 3 of those days. Makes for l o n g workouts but cardio & resistance training are BOTH SO IMPORTANT!

One other change that I've made within the last 2 weeks- Instead of eating 5-6 small meals a day I switched back to 3 square meals and 1 snack if I NEED it (which most days I do not)... This was a suggestion made by Jillian in her Master Your Metabolism book. She said it was ridiculous to eat 5-6 times a day. Says there is NO reason to keep your insulin levels elevated that often. Makes sense to me! Plus I like eating MORE food LESS often rather than the other way around. I HATE being a slave to food. So the less I have to decide what to eat & prepare meals the better! (this is just ME- I am not a dietitian)... I am also going to try and make an effort to buy more organic items. I am going to take baby-steps as I'm sure I'm going to feel it in my wallet! I'm starting with veggies & fruits, maybe some meat & then dairy too... So we'll see how it goes...

So my mood/spirits are still up & hopeful that the meds will work for me.

Ugh- Nothing witty or funny to say about THIS!

Yesterday I found out that I have a thyroid functioning at level POO! OMG! The nurse stood there reading the results with a look of disgust on her face. WTF!?!?!


Today I'm having mixed emotions about my recent diagnosis... Part of me is totally bummed that I'm not "normal" and will most likely have to be on thyroid medicine for the rest of my life & another part of me is hopeful that this means that once my meds kick in all my hard work & dedication will FINALLY start paying off. My relentless calorie counting. My obsessive exercising & every DIET ever known to man. Which reminds me- apparently THAT is what got me here. My years and years (since I was 14- WHAT?!) of crash diets, fad diets & over training my body... UGH- all this time I thought I was "healthy!" and keeping my body fit. What a disaster.


So now I feel like I'm in limbo. I pretty much wanted to CRY at the gym this morning. (I don't recommend crying at the gym- it scares men!) I don't know what to do now... Continue what I'm doing? Or shoot myself in the face. (If you're new to my blog you'll soon learn I use sarcasm as a defence mechanism. I assure you I will NOT kill myself)... ugh! That's all I can say.


I did go to B&N and purchased Jillian Michael's (The female trainer on the Biggest Loser) new book "MASTER YOUR METABOLISM" in hopes of finding some info/guidance. The first 3 chapters were amazing. I felt like I could have written the book myself. She too was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at age of 30 from years and years of crash diets & over training and struggled with so many of the same emotional issues that I did/do. I really felt like I had found a new bible (sorry Jesus) but then it got really HEAVY. She goes into a tyrant about how toxic everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) is! How all of our food is CRAP and how we should all "go organic" and NEVER touch anything processed or packaged. It's been VERY overwhelming to say the least. And tonight I stood in front of my pantry trying to find anything that didn't contain poo-touse or hydro-by-crapos. Everything is filth. I ultimately decided on a new york steak, mixed broiled veggies, sauteed mushrooms & onions & a big 'ol glass of red wine. I think that's called defeat. Or failure. I don't know.

I'm only about 1/3 of the way through Jillian's master your metabolism & never eat another thing again book so I'll keep you posted on my ultimate review. I will also try & update you more about my progress (hopefully it WILL be progress) with my thyroid meds & constant strive for perfection.


Again- no witty banter to end my post.

"Would you do it again?".... hummm...

So I got a text the other night (actually my husband did) from one of our friends asking about the HCG diet- apparently his wife was looking into it... And he asked "knowing what you know now...Would you do it again?"... hummm... to be honest, I had to really think about it! My ultimate answer "I WOULD do it again... but I don't know if I COULD do it again!"

Have you ever noticed that the FIRST time you do a diet/workout program it's a LOT easier then if you ever try and do it again? (or is it just me!?!?) I think about how hard the first week is on the HCG- headaches, irritable, hungry and I just don't know if I COULD do it again. Don't get me wrong, I'm SO GLAD I did it the first time. I was able to lose ALL the baby weight in record time but I just don't know if i could do it again.

I think my apprehension is partly to do with my workout regimen. I have been able to get a lot stronger and have worked really hard to tone up and increase my strength & endurance and I KNOW that I would not be able to keep that up. And yeah, I could probably lose 10 more lbs if I did HCG again but I wouldn't be surprised to see that 10 lbs sneak RIGHT BACK ON as soon as I return to regular eating & exercising. And let's face it peeps- you can only fight your body so much... ultimately your body is going to settle in where's it's comfortable- whether it be a size 6 or a size 12. And for me it's a size 8. And even then, I still have to watch what I eat and workout 6 days a week...We have to all just except who we are and stop trying to be something we're not (like a size 2!) Sometimes I should listen to my own advice! he he he! BUT with that said- we can all strive to be the BEST/STRONGEST/HEALTHIEST we can BE!

love your HCGuts!
A

Slacker!

You guyzzz- I'm such a slacker!!! No, not on my diet or workouts (ok, maybe a little on my diet) but on my BLOG! I just feel so BLAH about blogging lately. But things are going great. Still kickin' it! I have been a little bit of a slacker on my diet lately. Thursday night I got a visit from my obnoxious monthly friend and pretty much went to town on the kids' Easter candy. I ate ALL of their peanut butter M&Ms and cinnamon bunnys too. I was like a caged animal that was released into the wild! I swear- sometimes the monthly *B* just takes charge and I have NO say! But luckily it only last a short period- no pun intended. I'm back to my regular workout routines and eating habits. It's so crazy though how CRAPPY that junk food makes you feel. I really wanted to barf. I'm lying. It felt great! ; ) just can't let it happen often.

I've been trying to incorporate a little more cardio into my workouts lately. Today I did my regular Monday "quads/glutes & Abs" but in between sets I jumped on the bike and did 5 minute cardio bursts! it felt great! I'm lying. I wanted to barf. Just kidding, it wasn't that bad. I think people in general put too much stock in cardio and not enough on weights. In a perfect world you have time to do plenty of both- but let's get real, most of don't have time to have our legs much less spend hours at the gym. My ultimate goal at the gym is to train my muscles (lifting weights) so intensely that it gets my H/R up and causes me to break a sweat. 2 birds- one big fat sweaty stone! Do me a favor- next time you are at the gym, take a look around and answer me this- WHO has nicer body's: The people on the cardio equipment? Or the people in the weight room... I think you'll be surprised to see the people in the weight room are in better shape than the air suckers on the elliptical. Now, that's not to say that there is not a place in this world for cardio because chances are good the peeps in the weight room paid a visit to the cardio room a time or 2 but they get in there and they GET IT DONE! None of this meandering along on the tread mill for 60 mins a day. Boo!

Those are just my 2 cents for the day! But what the hell do I know! he he he!

Raw, Raw, Raw!

Helllooooo! After a weekend full of Easter goodies I am back on the wagon. I am toying with the idea of "going raw" for a few days. Meaning only RAW fruits & veggies & nuts. However, I don't know how I would get enough protein. I workout pretty hard and try to get about 100-120 grams of protein a day and just don't find the feasible on the "raw" plan... I would be a good cleansing diet so maybe I shouldn't be too concerned about the protein- how much could it hurt for a week or so?...
I had a GREAT workout this morning! Quads & Gluts & Abs and HIIT... This week I am on 8's. Meaning I do 4 sets of 8 reps PER exercise followed by 4-5 minuets of "burn out" at a lighter weight. For example- I started with seated leg extensions at 115 lbs. 8 reps (w/"baby pulses" at the end of each set) and then dropped the weight to 40 lbs and burned them out for 4-5 minutes... Oweeeeee! Then seated squats: weight 175 lbs again, 4 x 8 reps w/babies and burn out... Yeikes! Then the booty buster machine- (not sure what it's really called) w/weight of 90 lbs I think. And again- babies and burnout. Then I did 5 minutes of ball/wall squats on the bosu ball and lastly, I held a 10 lbs ball and did squat/crunches on the bosu ball- you sit down on the bosu, go back into a crunch, return to standing position all while holding the ball. Killer! After that I did some abs and then I did HITT for 10 minutes on the bike. I would have liked to do 20 but DH had to get to work so I had to hurry... 30 second sprints w/1 minute recover for 10 minutes. Really got my H/R up! And judging by my STANK i got a GREAT workout!
Eating plan for today: No Sugar/No starches... high protein. If I decide to "go raw" for a few days I'll have to take a trip to the grocery store!

Hello, Hello!

Hey- HCGers! I'm so sorry that I've been MIA~ life is just crazy busy! I am still here and alive. I don't really have much to "report" as far as HCG goes. I finished phase II in Feb and have just been maintaining in p3 ever since. I don't weigh but feel I have, for the most part, stayed the same. I'm certain I've put on a few lbs from my lowest weight but I was so much lower than my body is "comfortable" that I knew that was inevitable. You can only fight your body so much.

I get up every morning at 6 and go to the gym to lift weights. And I recently started running in the evenings to train for a 180 mile relay race but a stress fracture in my foot has stalled those plans. It hurts so bad! Even to walk- so I'm just sticking w/the weights for now.

And as far as the diet goes I'm still doing the L/C thing. No sugar & No starches. I do allow myself a "treat" on the weekend as I am just trying to maintain and build strength & get toned now. Last night I had mexican food! And some of my daughters b-day cake. Yummers!

OH- I also found out last week that I have PCOS (polycistic ovarian syndrome) which sucks- BIG TIME! But hopefully now that I know what's "wrong" with me I can be more proactive to fix/control it. The doc has put me on metformin to help regulate my insulin levels which in turn regulates my hormones. Which, you should know- have been outta control lately! So I'm looking forward to feeling a little better as far as that goes. A fantastic side effect of metformin? weight loss and hunger suppression. BONUS! So maybe that will help even things out...

I have been recently toying with what might be a crazy idea... I would really like to get certified to be a personal trainer. I would like to specialize in training/motivating young teen girls that are struggling with their weight. I was an overweight teen and made so many poor choices when it came to diet/weight loss. I wish I would have had somebody to teach me how to be healthy! It will most likely not be something that I will do anytime soon as I already feel stretched pretty thin- but maybe once my youngest baby is in school I can look into it further...

Well... Thanks for stopping by! Sorry I don't have anything more informative or exciting to report. Weight loss and even maintaining is a progress & a journey. . . stick with it. It will get easier. It will become a part of your life and your life will be better & longer because of it!

Back in action-

Monday morning bright and early. Started my day with a 6am workout. Quads and Abs! And started right back on my no sugar no starches. Sugar with drawl wasn't nearly as bad as I had expected it to be. In fact, I wasn't hungry much at all on Monday & Tuesday so that was good- usually I turn into a carb crazed psycho after a weekend of carb craziness! But not this time. We went to IHOP on Sunday with some friends and it was SO disgusting that I didn't even eat it- wasn't worth the calories! I was wishing I had stayed home and made my carb-quick pancakes & Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage, SO MUCH BETTER!!!


I am still having some hormonal issues though. Ever since I had my baby (6 months ago) I've had a hard time with regular cycles and that's frustrating when you are trying to lose/maintain weight. I believe hormones are a big issue in weight loss! I am going to call my nurse today and discuss my recent "issues"... But I won't bore you with the details. I hope we can get this straightened out so I can continue STRONG with my diet/weight loss goals!

So I'm still just here... hanging out in maintenance. This morning my friend and I were talking about doing a popular workout program known as Px90 but I'm scared! Ha! I'll keep you posted on what we decide!

Keep HCGing it!

Sugar! Carbs! Starches! Sugar! Carbs! Starches!

Ok, I'm not going to lie. The last 24 hours have been filled with SUGAR, CARBS, & STARCHES! SUGAR, CARBS, & STARCHES!... But how often does a girl turn 30? Yep, yesterday was the big Birthday! It was fabulous!!! we had a great dinner party with about 12 couples and had some really good food! (including mashed potatoes that were so yumm!) Everything tasted really good and I didn't allow myself to feel guilty! I gave myself a 24 hour pass! And it was wonderful! And I will be back to business tomorrow! No sugar and no starches! The best part? Everyone told me how fantastic I looked! (that sounded really conceded) And what's better than that- I finally felt it too! (and that sounded even more conceded!- geezz!) I know I'm not as "skinny" as I was 2 weeks ago when I was on my last days of HCG but I have been lifting weights and working out and I can really tell that I'm toning up! I feel great and I feel strong! And even better- I'm not starving!

So now I need to come up with a new "plan of action!" I have been really happy with the no sugar/no starches thing and I think that's what I'll stick with! And I will continue to workout every morning with my BFF. I do need to come up with a short term goal/something to work towards. Whether it's fitness related like doing 5 unassisted pull ups or running a 7 minute mile? (although I really hate running.) I need to think of some things to work towards. What I REALLY need is a vacation to work for but I just don't think I'm ready to leave baby and if I took her it wouldn't be much of a vacation. Maybe I'll just buy me a sexy swimsuit for the summer and work my trash off so that I dare wear it to the neighborhood pool! Any other thoughts?

I better get in bed. I am so tired from my 24 hour carb crash! I kinda wanna barf- but I kinda wanna eat more cake! Ha! Carbs are so controlling!!!

Keep stopping by to witness the insanity!

More Questions!!!

Hi, I just came across your blog. I am having a super hard time on maintenance (well I am done with it now) but I have such a hard time staying away from carbs and sugars. I try to have them very little, but it seems like that is what I crave. Like you said up above, I am HUNGRY all the time. But you said you still don't eat sugar or carbs. Do you have any suggestions on things you do eat to not feel so "empty" about missing out on the carbs? I feel like my whole day is a battle in my head with what I should eat and not eat. Its so frustrating, especially when I have worked hard to get weight off and now its just this much harder.Sometimes I just want a doughnut or a peanut butter sandwich ya know! Any way, any helpful suggestions would be great. Like you, I have gone back to working out hard core. I have the energy for it and am right back up in my strength, but I still really struggle throughout the day with the carbs thing. I am nervous I am going to undo all my hard work :( Please e-mail me at (edited for privacy) or ust post on your blog because I will check again. Thanks so much :)

First of all- Thanks for stopping by! I'm always happy to have new followers! Yeah, carbs are the devil. No, just kidding- but they are a tricky little thing. For me, the key is to find "carb like items" that fill you up. Like the carbqick that I have mentioned before. There is a lot of fiber in that so it really sticks with you for a while. And only 2 net carbs. So as an example of my day I will start with 3-4 carbquick pancakes (made with egg whites & sugarfree hazelnut coffee mate) and turkey sausage. total carbs: about 5... Then for lunches I have been having cheese crisps using L/C torillas (Santa Fe makes a l/c flour tortilla that is to die for & only 4 net carbs!) with 2% cheese on top. You can add chicken, maybe some sour cream, salsa, whatever. It's so good! Sometimes I'll eat a salad or a "un-which" from Jimmy Johns (sandwich using lettuce leaves instead of bread!) And for dinners kind of the same things. I like to have turkey peperoni with 2% cheese (kinda like a pizza) and I have also found L/C bread. Most of the L/C items I have found have been online- although I did find the tortillas at the grocery store. Don't forget that you can have some fruits and veggies too. Jump online and google low carb fruits or veggies. I don't know what I did before "google!" Hang in there. And don't think of it as "being on a diet" but rather making lifestyle changes. It will get easier. Find a few little "sugar free treats" to get you through the rough spots! Like Jello w/whipped cream topping and s/f candies! Good luck! Keep up the great work!

Answers for you, Lisa Loo!

Lisa, You are doing great!!! I can't imagine 6 pregnancies! I've done this (gained/lost the weight) about 4 times in my life (3 pregnancies) and that is enough, huh!

I did NOT exercise while I was doing HCG other than doing Pilate's a couple times a week but nothing major- nothing compared to what I'm doing now. I didn't feel like I had the strength, you know? It's weird 'cause HCG gave me a lot of energy, but NOT strength- it's so hard to explain to people who are not on the diet! Especially because I felt really really good on the diet. And yes, I do feel like I lost muscle. Especially towards the end when I was down under my goal weight. But that was kind of my plan all along. Lose as MUCH weight as I can so that when I started working out and lifting weights again I wouldn't freak out about putting a few pounds back on (as long as it was lean muscle)! And even though I have only been back at it a couple weeks I can already tell that I'm toning up. My BFF who I workout with said she was really surprised at how fast I was able to get my strength back- I'm lifting what she's lifting now and she did a body building comp last fall so that's good. It does "come back!" And like I said, I'm not weighing now. Lifting weights and working out in the morning has put my metabolism into high gear and I am SO HUNGRY during the day so I am definitely eating more (still no sugars or starches) but really have not seen a difference in the way my clothes are fitting. Everything is still good.

I'll probably take my blog in a different direction now that I'm not doing HCG- and will probably not do it again anytime soon. Maybe turn it into a fitness/health/maintenance/strength training blog- that might be kinda fun!

Well, I'm off to the gym. Please let me know if you have any other questions! I love "helping" people on the HCG diet! And I totally relate to how you are feeling. After Cambria was born (6 months ago) I felt like a stranger in my own body and was obsessed with getting the weight off! Even though I didn't feel that way when I was pg- I was a psycho about it afterwards. I totally relate.

Hang in there, girl! You are ALMOST DONE!!! How has the weight loss been coming? Is it still consistent? Are you still losing? Let me know! I love to watch peoples progress! You'll be eating your own carbquick pancakes soon enough and the hunger will be a thing of the past! ; ) Good luck and keep me posted!

Can you say STRESS?

Oh my gosh. I am just so stressed out right now! I just sat through Pres. Obama's speech and I am stressed out! I just worry that the economy is going to get worse before it gets better and I fear for our business and employees. Anyway- because of that I keep finding myself lingering near the pantry. Don't worry, I am not eating anything that has sugar or starches but it's been one of those days where I know I've eaten too much.

My day did start out GREAT though. My baby daughter woke up at 5 (which sucks) but I ended up just getting up and going to work out with my BFF (who is a personal trainer) from 6:15-8! It was GREAT! I absolutely LOVE having my workout over with and done for the day by 8! The downfall? I've been so hungry all day! I think it's cause we hit the weights big time this morning and worked shoulders & quads (which is a major muscle group). But like I said, I didn't eat anything w/sugar or starches but probably too much none the less.

Yesterday I did a steak day. I was pretty hungry all day but was rewarded with a fat juicy steak from Texas Roadhouse. I plan on doing a steak day every Sunday as it's the only day that I don't workout. I did a steak day last Monday and thought i was going to DIE when I did my workout. Literally. Thought I was going to die so I won't do that again.

Gotta go- baby girl is so grumpy tonight!

Breakfast of Champions!

Ohhh... I just had to drop by and share my most delicious breakfast with you. Mmmm... I made the kids waffles & mama wanted one too. CARBQUICK to the rescue! I made me 2 carbquick waffles (w/sugar free syrup), scrambled egg whites and 3 links of turkey sausage. Oh! It was SOOOO GOOD! I almost took a picture of it, but I snarfed it way too fast to find the camera!

That breakfast will hopefully help me get through my workout that awaits me at the gym! Bi's/Tri's and CARDIO!

Have a great Saturday!

Measuring up-

Ok Ladies, Here's the before & after measurements that I promised you!

Starting date Round one: November 30th '08
Ending date Round two: February 3rd '09
(2 23 Day rounds)
Breasts: 39"................36" -3"
Chest/ribs: 36"...........32" -4"
Waist: 33".....................28" -5"
Hips: 38"........................35" -3"
Lt Thigh: 24".................21 1/2" -2.5"
Rt Thigh: 24".................21 1/2" -2.5"
Calf (rt & lt): 15".............14" -1" (each)
Arm (rt & lt) 12"..............11" -1" (each)

Total inches lost: 24
Total lbs lost: 25

I have to tell ya though- I'm not feeling all that confident in phase III today. I don't know why- I just feel "fat". I was SO hungry today and yesterday that I probably ate too much. I didn't eat sugar or starches but probably too much none the less. I just feel like my body is putting weight back on. No, I didn't weigh this AM, my muscles are SO SORE from working out & lifting weights that I KNOW that I'm up from water retention (remember, sore muscles indicate water retention in effort to heal themselves) so I just didn't need that frustration on top of everything. I guess all I can do is my best and hope that I don't put weight back on. I'll probably get the measuring tape out in the AM just to make sure things are staying the same. It's crazy 'cause it's like unless I am STARVING I don't feel thin. Weird, I know.

I've been trying to find more information/blogs from people who have successfully maintained their weight loss long term from the HCG diet but haven't had much luck which is scary- it seems like every ones' blogs just STOP out of the blue w/no long term updates. Sketchy.

OK well- Thanks for stopping by! Gonna go play with my tiny baby!

Scaling Back-

So I KNOW that you are "supposed to weigh every day" during P3 but lets face it, all my personalities can't handle the stress of daily weigh ins! i have been fluctuating about 1-2 lbs so I've made an executive decision that I am going to scale back on the weigh ins. Maybe once a week.

P3 is going well. I think. I am doing the low carb thing. Trying to stay under 30-40 carbs a day. This morning I made low carb pancakes with my CARBQUICK (like bisquick but like 12 times more expensive, yikes!) and they were SOOO GOOOD! My 4 yr old daughter snarfed them up too! W/a little butter and sugar free syrup (which btw gives me a stomach ache like 4 hours later) they are so yummers!

Another reason for scaling back on the weigh ins is the fact that I have started lifting weights again. And I KNOW that I haven't put on 2 lbs of muscle in 4 days but here's a fascinating fact that I was not aware of: Muscle retains water while it repairs itself from trauma (lifting weights/exercise) If your muscle is sore then that is a good indication that it is retaining water in effort to repair and build itself. Helloooo---- My muscles are SO SORE! I made the mistake of thinking I could pick up where I left off 3 months ago... I was wrong. And PS the HCG diet claims it 'only burns fat and you don't lose muscle'. I'm going to have to call BS on that. I have definitely lost some muscle. But I'll get it back. I'm trying not to get too frustrated at the gym but I am certainly not as strong as i was when i started the HCG diet.

I took all my "after" measurements today and was pleasantly surprised with the results. I'll post all the #s in the next day or 2.

Plan of action: continue livin' la vida low carb! Lifting weights/cardio 5 xs a week, keeping my skitso self off the scale for a few days and paying more attention to the measurements/way my clothes fit not so much the # on the scale.

It's true what they say-

It's true what they say- Food does NOT taste the same after the VLCD! Yesterday I woke up and ate my waffles, don't get me wrong, they were good but I had imagined them SO MUCH BETTER! I wasn't very hungry at all yesterday so I didn't eat much throughout the day. And then last night we went out with some friends to celebrate our anniversary. It was a lot of fun! And the food was good (again, not great, but I think it was me)...

So now I am trying to come up with a plan of action for the next month. I will be doing high protein/low carb but I have GOT TO GET MY CAN TO THE GYM!!! I am thinking that I will do another round of HCG most likely after I get another visit from AF (which btw found me yesterday with avengeance) I met with a nurse on Friday regarding my PMS and stuff. It was good. She thinks I most likely have a sluggish thyroid and possibly early signs of insulin resistance. She also thinks I may have some "leaky gut syndrome"- I'm still researching it and trying to figure out what that is exactly but she doesn't think I'm absorbing nutrients properly. SO- She gave me some stuff to help with all that. She gave me some B12 shots and progesterone cream to help with the moodiness too. Now that I won't have much to report regarding the HCG diet maybe I'll journal about the other issues I'm experiencing. We'll see. That could get Bo-Ring! ; )

PS My CHEESECAKE ROCKED!

Guess what today is? : o

It's my LAST DAY OF THE VLCD!!! THANK THE STARS ABOVE!!!
I was actually up .8 yesterday bummer- but I am attributing it to AF that is still lingering. So I'm not to stressed over it. And this morning I totally forgot to weigh. I had taken an advil PM last night and was comatose this morning when I woke up I was in a fog of haze, got a big drink of water and then realized I hadn't weighed. Oh well. I'll just use my lowest weight as my maintenance weight. . . . . . .
So- Now on to Phase 3. I'm really looking forward to some different foods. I've been eating the same thing over and over every day.
I'm going to meet with the nurse in about 2 hours to discuss insulin resistance and HORMONES! Which by the way have been out of control this month! :-p I'm hopping she can help me out.

I was not expecting this!...

I was down another .8 this mornin'!!! I was NOT expecting that! Plus AF is still lingering in the closet- started spotting so I would imagine that she'll be here tomorrow as TODAY WAS MY LAST SHOT!!! So I can't quite say that "I am done" because I still have 72 more hours of the diet but I can confidently say that i made it another round! I KNOW that I can't start P3 for 72 hours or I'll pack on the lbs so that keeps me focused and motivated!

I am making a grocery list of all the goodies that I'm going to buy at the store tonight. And when I say "goodies" I mean things that are on the p3 plan. No sugar and no starches! Im going to whip up some super bowl goodies that are P3 friendly. I can not wait for my L/C waffles on Saturday. I think I might sludge and have some sausage with it too! mmm... my tummy's growling! ; ) I'm going to have some high fatty foods on Saturday and Sunday and then be really careful starting again on Monday. Low Carb Veggies & salads, egg whites, turkey sausage, lean meats & cheeses, low sugar fruits such as berries and nuts. I also jumped online last night and purchased some lowcarb "stapels" such as carbquick- it's like bisquick only LOW CARB! You can make all kinds of things. I hope it's decent. It was hella' expensive!

I have been {{{{FREEZING}}}} all week!!! Apparently it's a fairly common side effect of the HCG diet. My fingers are like icicles and I can't feel my toes! {{{BUURRR!}}} I have been going to the gym every night to sit in the steam room just to get WARM! (Warning: TMI) Last night I was steaming it up and when I got out I smelled so nasty! Like the worst BO I've ever experienced & I'm usually not a smelly person! I am now wondering if I had released some serious TOXINS because later I got a migraine and didn't feel well at all and I had another substantial loss this morning-maybe there is something to this Steam Room thing! I'll probably go again tonight.

So all-in-all I am happy with the results I have seen in this round. To think I am now 30+ lbs LIGHTER than when Baby girl was 6 weeks old (less than 5 months ago) is pretty awesome! :)

Have a great day! Thanks for stopping by to visit my HCG DIET BLOG!

Way To Go Apple Day!

I'm going to keep this post breif (I promise this time!) 'cause I feel like I am getting a migraine. Boo! But I just wanted to update you and let you know that my apple day was a huge success! I was down 1.2 lbs this morning. For all those keeping track that puts me 1.2 lbs UNDER my "goal!" I have 3 days left for this round! I am litterally counting down the days!

yep- here comes the migraine. damn! : ( goodnight.