the. end. is. near :)

Well, my friends, the end is near!!! I still shake my head in disbelief that I have even made it this far!!! I guess it is a pretty impressive feat, if I do say so myself :) Not sure if most people in this world could actually do what I've been doing, for as long as I've been doing it. I've done a lot of things in my life, and this is quite an accomplishment. Yay, me!

It's not over yet... I have 3 days to go! Then I can INHALE some brown rice, beans AND NUTS!! It's so sad that those 3 things are getting me SO excited right about now. However, I'm really going to miss 3 weeks of no fruit- as it's something I really look forward to each day, even though it's only 2 servings. It's my "snack", and I'm not sure how I'm going to rearrange my day to squeeze in my new "snacks". I'll probably just combine 1/2 cup each of the rice & beans, and eat half of that when I usually eat my fruits. I know I can do 3 weeks of no fruit, because I (we) did it last summer on Joshi, but at least then I was able to have dairy AND bananas (and honey, for that matter).

I found out today my last appointment wasn't going to be with Dr. P, which really bummed me out. So I sent a request to see if I can change that at all. I feel it's important I end this with her, since I started with her. Absolutely NOTHING against Dr. K at all.

Fit into these OLD Abercrombie jeans, that was fun. They are even loose! And, my old faves, my very 1st pair of Diesel jeans- they fit again too. It truly is bizarre that just one month ago, I would not have even been able to squeeze into them. I know I was never "huge", but I was getting larger than i was comfortable with. It was bringing me down way too often. And I'm not a downer of a person. The timing for it all was just right. I wonder if/when people are going to start noticing. That's quite a substantial about of weight to lose in a short amount of time, right? It's funny because it is exactly the same amount of time the kids have been out of school for summer. So, maybe the other Mom's will notice when school starts on Wednesday.

I'm REALLY looking forward to getting out and exercising again. Truly. It's good mind-clearing time. I'll start with just walking the lake the 1st week, then ease back into running. Not sure if I'll do the half marathon training, or just do 2-4 miles/day few days/week. I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to say I'll do yoga again, but it just never seems to happen, and it makes me sad. I really need some weight training in my life, so I can start to get some definition again, as I'm pretty flabby- even having lost what I did so far. It feels as if all of my muscle wasted away this last month.

Home stretch... I'm so close!! Still feeling really great in the tummy department, except for the slight belly ache after my cod from Whole Foods (feel like this happened the last time I had sole from there, one of the very few times in the last month I've had a belly issue. Makes me wonder.)

apple day DONE and DONE

Well, I barely survived apple day! I was SO grumpy by the end of last night- wow (just ask Bry). And my period started RIGHT on time, at exactly 28 days (just like it should). MORE proof this clean eating really does help your body in EVERY way. I, thought it was a week early (based on my P Tracker calendar, when really, it wasn't).

The apple day caused a 1 lb. weight loss, which was very necessary considering I only have 5 days left on HCG, and about 5.5 pounds to go for my "goal" weight. Although, I am proud to say- I am only a HALF a pound away from my pre-pregnancy weight- this is a first in almost 7 years! Awww yeah baby!!!

I might have mentioned this already- but I'm kind of surprised by the "jiggle" that remains. There is still a good amount of "junk" that visibly needs to be gone. But hopefully when I get back into my outdoor runs, that will melt away and burn off even when I do start eating more calories per day.

I will see Dr. P for the last time on 7/28- which also happens to be my Dad's birthday (I love you, Daddy) AND the twins 1st day of kindergarten.... lots going on!

Ok, time to chillax... Bry comes home tomorrow- YIP to the EEE!!

i'm still here

It's been a few days since I have written because we had a crazy busy weekend.

Up @ 5 am Saturday for our garage sale, Mary's wedding that night with the kids, then TOOL Sunday night! Sheesh.

I got really frustrated again because I got "stuck" over the weekend. I went for CHT yesterday with Laurie, who used to work @ Serenity- it was nice to see her again. I lost a pound when I weighed myself this morning. When I went to see Dr. P, she thinks the hair dye from Friday is affecting me! I didn't know I wasn't supposed to do that, although when I was sitting there with the dye on my head, the thought did cross my mind. I sabotage my weight loss for darker hair- ha!

Well, now I know what the reason is. I have 6.5 more lbs to go although I feel I could probably easily still lose another 10.

My period is supposed to start next week, which could be the cause for me feeling super jiggly all around. You'd think, having lost 13.5 lbs so far I'd be happy. But as I was telling Dr. P this morning, when I was at this weight during my half marathon training, my hip bones were definitely more defined. I felt more tone. I feel very very flabby. Hopefully, next Wednesday I will be done with this "phase", and on to stabilization when I can start running again. Yay. Never thought I'd be so excited to work out again. But I really am. I was starting to enjoy my morning runs outdoors. And can't imagine how much nicer it will be 20 lbs lighter. Aw yeah!

Definitley counting the days until I can crunch on some nuts, and have a salad dressing with OIL!! And just add some different veggies- make some soups, stir fry's and chilis. YUM!

2 1/2 weeks photos

again not so flattering BUT trust me, it's a smaller view :)

2 1/2 weeks photos

tummy way down in side shot

2 weeks

... you have come and gone :0 2 more to go!! Wow, still going strong. Had a good follow up with Dr. P yesterday, and we talked about the reality of my "carb" world when this is all said and done. Going to have to really keep it in check from now on. Meaning 1 serving of fruit/day, and stick to high protein/veggies, with some healthy fat. I know that's the proper way to eat anyway. We all do. I'll just have some yummy stuff on days I work out only, to keep it in check.

Off to get my Whole Foods order together.

blah

Kind of feeling blah right about now. This is tough people!! My tummy is a bloated, jiggly mess , and I have NO idea why! My diet was the same old, same old. I oven roasted some baby heirloom tomatoes (yes, I cut them all up, raw... juice & all), and had a few to "sample", and feel like they were too sweet and kind of upset my tummy. Hmmm. Just took an enzyme. If my tummy can't handle the small amount of sugar in those few teeny tomatoes, what will it be able to handle??

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm really looking forward to stabilization :) Luckily, I've really "liked" all I have been eating so far. I try hard to mix it up, but I'm getting a little bored, to put it simply.

I feel really bad for Bry. He is worried about me. He thinks I have low energy, and I might, all things considered. He doesn't like when I feel light-headed (which actually doesn't happen like it did the first few days). He feels bad eating in front of me. He hasn't had a cocktail in 2 weeks- lol. He is being forced to eat "prepared" meals from Trader's or eat out... I bet he is DYING to get back on that plane on Monday to get away from the madness. j/k.

Wednesday will be here before you know it, and I am REALLY wondering how I will fare walking all the way TO the concert AND back, AND just lasting the entire time?!?!? I just realized they probably won't even let me bring in my own food- like a cut up apple or something??!? If they don't, I will freak! Shit!!! And in LA on Sunday night too- they will definitely check my bags. Hmmm. I'll just say I need to eat every few hours and need to have the food in my possession.

I feel encouraged by my success so far, and was really hoping to only have to go 21 days. But seeing as how I lost ZERO again today, that is definitely not going to happen. I'm still @ 10 pounds almost 2 weeks in. Boo!

Anyway, going to crawl into bed and read the magazine I've been wanting to read for weeks. I'm going to be SO weak Saturday after the garage sale THEN Mary's wedding, THEN TOOL the next night- HELP!

10 #'s

Hit the 10 POUND mark... took 12 days, but I got there. Yay me!

When I put on my shorts today, I finally felt a real difference in my clothes. Kind of crazy to imagine what they will feel like with 10 more pounds gone. But I won't complain :)

Tuesday will be 2 weeks with this crazy stuff! At times, I think I can't take it anymore- this is the hardest thing I have ever done. But at the same time, it's not even that I miss one particular food like crazy. It's more the fact that we can't go out to eat like we normally do. I can't just open the fridge and take a bite of this or that. And I can tell you what, I definitely do not miss the bloating & constant tummy discomfort. It feels really good to have had none of that these last 2 weeks.

It's somewhat of an eye-opener. As healthy as I think I eat, and well, know I eat. There is SO much added junk in the things we use every single day without thinking twice about it. I had Bryan check the ingredients of the Chipotle Tabasco today. Sugar was in it. I am starting to think they add sugar to pretty much anything and everything. Even checking all of the ingredients at CostCo yesterday in the spice section- wow. Shocking! Not only is there sugar, but colors too! I know I'm super anal about reading ingredient labels (like the pickles that Gui gave me, yellow #5- NOT necessary), but now I'm looking for things, like sugar, that may not have crossed my mind prior to HCG.

I am much more disciplined than I could have ever imagined. I'm proud of myself so far. And I don't say that about myself often. Stabilization will be a welcome change, and I'm looking forward to sticking clean eating when that is through. With Bryan reading Joshi again, we will be on the same page and continue on our healthy path. Yay!

oh yeah!

Back to losing a pound again which means, NO APPLE DAY! I'm super tired today though, maybe from walking around a lot, since I'm on such limited calories, I think my body really feels any "exercise". Could NOT imagine working out while doing this. Heck no!

Bry said he noticed my face & arms looked thinner. Cheree said the same about my face. It's so funny. I've lost almost 10 lbs., but am still not happy or satisfied. I'm half way there though- and on day 11. So I have 10.5 more to lose, and hopefully only 10 more days before I can sink my teeth into some almond butter, or some beans & can make a salad dressing with some olive oil- YUM! That sounds so good right now. The no fruit is going to be really tough though. I so look forward to those sweet bites in between my meals. Oh well, you win some and you lose some. I'm almost scared to start eating normal again after the 3 weeks of stabilization. Tummy still has NO issues, and aside from being slightly tired today, my energy is still going strong.

Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food... or however that old Hippocrates said it. it's SO true. Wish more people got it, or could just feel dis-ease (get it) disappear once they improve with the items them put in their mouths.

I'm still sad about Cooper & his soda... LOL!

apple day?

Met with Dr. P today, and she said, depending on how much I lose by tomorrow morning- I might have an apple day. What is an apple day you ask? WELL... it's eating 5 apples in a 24 hour period- nothing else. That's right. 12 noon, to 12 noon the next day- 5 apples & minimal water. Has a diuretic effect. I'm "stuck" right now- she thinks it might be the canned tomatoes, as when you cook tomatoes their sugar comes out. She said the best veggies are spinach & asparagus.

Just ate some chicken & cucumber (with a lil Spike = yum). Drinking some lemon mineral water to mix it up a bit. LOL. So, keep your fingers crossed I don't have an apple day tomorrow... will let you know if I do. Trust me ;)

see, i'm not crazy

I said that i will be the 1st person in history with an issue losing weight on 500 calories a day. And I'm right! Only 1/2 lost yesterday, and ZERO today. I guess my body is just continuing to test me and see if this is the real deal. Well, guess what body?? IT IS!!

I see Dr. P tomorrow @ 2:30. I'm anticipating fruit being removed from my diet. Something needs to change for it to start working again. Or maybe this is how things will be from now until I'm done. I was hoping to only have to do this for 21 days, but at this rate, it seems like it might be longer :(

Buffalo again tonight!! YUM once again. Bought this new "rub" that you grind fresh, and it was super tasty. Bry concocted a tomato, garlic & basil "side dish" for me, while he was cooking his sauce & angel hair for him and the kids. Love my man!!!

Realized we have TWO concerts next week- Kings of Leon Wednesday, then TOOL Sunday (O M G - so excited). AND Mary's wedding in between the two... mentally preparing for all of that.

No matter what, spring, summer, winter or fall- there would have always been something to "get in the way" of doing this- events, parties, dinners, concerts, etc. I'm really happy I'm doing this now though. I do feel really really good, energy-wise. Just a little baffled as I look in the mirror. I ain't skin & bones people. There is PLENTY more "junk" to BURN... but why isn't? I feel MAYBE I am not drinking as much water as I normally do, AND need to. I'm still completely dumbfounded that I drink coffee BLACK now. Really? Yes. It's true!!! I found I do like it iced a little better today. And, I notice salt A LOT when I eat it. My taste buds seem to be awakening.

Anyway, trying trying TRYING to stay positive & focused & HAPPY that I have lost 8 pounds so far. Just hope the remaining 12 start to say BYE BYE sooner than later. Ciao!

pants feel loose....

But I only lost 1/2 pound today. It's SO weird! I mean, I have lots more to lose- I see it everyday. Not sure why my body is being so darn stubborn! To picture myself 12 pounds lighter than I am today, and actually staying there- is just a beautiful sight :) And a reality I am pretty sure will happen, if things keep on moving albeit slowly.

The weather outside is YUMMY. Cloudy, cool, drizzly- I NEED to be in Seattle I tell you!! Considering it's July, it should be a heck of a lot hotter right about now. Some say that volcano in Iceland is the culprit. Ok, that was an odd tangent.

I had a nice treat last night- I sliced up an apple and sprinkled it with cinnamon & popped it in the microwave w/ some water for a few minutes (yeah, yeah, I know, nuking an organic apple- what a sin...) and it was really good. I probably could have used the fiber from the skin, but it was more dessert-like than just a crunchy apple.

Waiting for Deanna from Chocolatl to get here, so we can pick each others brains re: our businesses.

7.5 so far

That's right, you read that correctly. 7.5 lbs in one week. YAY!

Met with Dr. P this morning, and asked about the next "phase" of this journey. Depending on when I'm done with this, after 21-30 days (based on the weight we feel is best), I then do "stabilization" for 3 weeks. It's still pretty strict. Bye-bye fruit (except blueberries), and hello FAT, RICE, BEANS & NUTS = YUM! Can't wait. I guess I just needed to know so I could focus on that new goal, to simply get THERE!!

My blood pressure is a little low 80/60 (not that I even know what "normal" is), which is the reason for my lightheadedness. She said it happens with some patients. And just to keep up with the coffee & green tea.

Oh yeah, that's another thing. I've been drinking coffee BLACK! And yes, you read THAT correctly too. SO crazy, but it actually tastes GOOD if you get the yummy stuff, like Peet's. Kean is next.

All this time, I thought coffee messed up my tummy. Not the case. It's got to be either the sugar or soy milk. Dr. P said it simply- "carbs kills us". This is a super clean diet, probably the most clean I've eaten my whole life, as far as no sugar, fat, dairy or carbs go. My energy is definitely back. My skin still has the red bumps here and there. Wish I knew what the culprit was there. I'm still dealing just fine with the aloe as my "lotion", and I do like soap Dr. P provided as well.

Forgot to mention LUNCH today. I had an idea to add a cube of the frozen basil & garlic to a can of chopped tomatoes- holy yumminess. It was just the change in taste I needed. That with my baked chicken seasoned with smoked paprika & Montreal chicken seasoning was pretty darn tasty.

Off to make my cod and who knows what veggie. Think it will be time for some buffalo again tomorrow, since I haven't had it in a week, and that taste was also a very welcome change.

week 1 photos

i cried...

When I had my 3rd day of NO weight loss, I cried. Sadness, frustration, confusion. It all went through my mind. I sent an e-mail to see what Dr. P might think, but I know she is on vacation and I will see her in the morning anyway.

Yesterday was the 4th of July!! I didn't drink either- think that is a first. LOL. Had an amazing time though, having Bryan with us for the fireworks across the street for our "family tradition", I must say. Gui actually showed up to hang out @ Trish & Chuck's and it was totally comfortable. I knew it would get to that point eventually. He stayed for the fireworks too. He finally has a girlfriend- YAY!! 2 years later. My Mom & The Schwartz's & Franks' came to watch fireworks with is as well. It was really a great time had by all. The kids were up til 10 pm, and got to enjoy some flag cake BEFORE bed for the 1st time.

Off to Disneyland with Bry & the kids for this extra day of holiday. I did lose a half pound today, but am pretty confident CHT is in my near future as it's been a while (if you know what I mean), and that alone could cause the scale to be at a standstill.

I have to say, my energy has been amazing. I've been sleeping great. I was really worried about no using lotion, but my skin with just the aloe is 100% fine. I do, however, still have those red spots on my mid-section which I had always attributed to either wheat, dairy or sugar. But, seeing as how I haven't had any of those things in almost 7 days, that must not be the culprit.

My love just made fresh coffee, and I'm actually drinking it BLACK. What is wrong with me? I go from never ever liking coffee for years and years and years. Then, so digging soy lattes forever. Then I slowly start to drink brewed coffee with a lil raw sugar and half & half, or iced w/ 2 pumps of vanilla- to BLACK! It's actually quite tasty, and reminds me of our coffee crawl in Seattle for our 1 year anniversary... CANNOT for the LIFE of ME, believe we are on the heels of our TWO year. Insane. The love, support, happiness, calm, peace of mind I have felt since I have met Bryan I have never experienced in my life. What they say is so true- that person really is out there for you, you just have to be lucky enough to find them in this lifetime :)

frustrated...

I woke today and am the same weight as yesterday. My "comfort" weight, that is near impossible to get below and it appears the same holds true now. Just to see what happens, I'm going to not have a protein shake today, and see if that makes a difference. It's just weird to go from losing 2 pounds a day for the last 3 days, to nothing :( I guess I should look at the bright side, I am losing weight. And based on what Dr. P told me, I should expect a pound a day. That being said, I should lose 7 in a week, and I'm well ahead of that.

Off to buy some shrimp cocktail (sans sauce, of course) and some more LARGE apples :)

follow up

1st follow up went well. It seems my scale at home works! I AM down 6 lbs in 3 days. She said it should start slowing down to only 1 lb per day, which is still fine by me as there is still LOTS left to burn.

Dr. K has done HCG twice- once to test (like Dr. P did) and once to lose weight. She swears by it. Said I will get in the 140's for sure, which will be WEIRD, I haven't been that low in a LONG time- like mid- 20's. Crazy thought! Then, she said once you start eating normal again, but healthy- you stay in that range of being with in 5 lbs of my "goal" weight. Just the thought of being able to eat as healthy as I normally do, and NOT have it cause me to gain weight for some odd reason makes me beyond happy. I asked her if she drank alcohol, she said yes, and if you drink too much you'll gain weight too.

I figure, once I get back into my running OUTSIDE again, that I was REALLY starting to enjoy with my new sneakers & iPod app- having the occasional cocktail, dessert, whatever should still enable me to remain trim & fit. That's all I really want.

As I always say, the 80/20 rule is how we all should live. Eat healthy 80% of the time, and splurge 20%. So maybe we can still have our weekly brunch @ Plum's or Break of Dawn. Aahh, wouldn't that be nice :)

happy friday!!

Today I have my first follow up appointment with Dr. K (Dr. P is out of town)... bringing my food log to share. I lost another 2 pounds. Yay. Luckily Bryan is on his way home today, but we are expecting major delays, just like his trip out there on Monday that took 12 hours!! I just want him back home... and he gets to be here next week too :)

Started getting achy feelings in my legs last night when I was lying in bed. Need to bring that up today, not sure what would cause that.

Will write more later...

buffalo

It's now day 3, and I've lost another 2 lbs- again, probably mostly water. I'm worried if I keep losing at this rate, it will slow down completely. Hope this is normal.

I went to Whole Foods and got some fish- AND some buffalo!! Yikes! I'm about to grill it on the indoor grill. This is a first. I'm told it tastes like beef, with a slight "gamey" taste, so I'm worried about that fact, but hope I like it!

Just had some coffee for the 1st time in a few days- added a packet of stevia & a tablespoon of soy creamer- the stevia made it a bit bitter, but was drinkable.

I looked at the calendar, and 21 days from when I started will be July 20th... have a ways to go, but am getting there one day at a time. Really excited for this transformation to start taking place more and more each day. Just trying to keep busy, and focused. It's definitely a mental game, but my tummy is still feeling better than ever, and THAT is motivation enough to keep on keeping on :)