Day 29--HCG Diet

I am still very proud of my progress but I would be lying if I said I wasn't slightly disappointed. I was hoping to have been halfway to my goal by this date. A vicious goal? Perhaps. But the purpose of this diet is to lose a pound a day, minus the first two stuff-your-face days that they recommend. I figured with a few "cheat" moments, I still would have at least lost 20 by now.

What I am learning however, is that weight is being lost and probably at a healthier pace. I have also noticed that on the days that I don't drink as much water as I should, I don't lose nearly as much weight as I should (thanks for the reminder, Michelle!). I am reminding myself that these are all lessons I am learning along the way and my goal is still attainable. 16 days left!!

• Total weight lost = 9.2 lbs
• 2.4 lbs were lost last week
• Difference of measurements of my chest, arm, waist & thigh from last week:
• Chest: Remained the same
• Arms: -0.7
• Waist: -0.7
• Thigh:  -1.0 
• Abiding by daily doses of HCG drops = check, though it's still harder to remember the 3rd dosage due to nightly social activities
• Cups of water consumed today = half of one (it's still early though!)
• Any aches or pains? They're becoming few, actually. I don't feel hunger pains as much anymore
• Any cheating? Occasionally but not nearly as much...then there's the "accidental cheat" (that had corn in it?!)

Day 22 -- HCG Diet

Week 3 was tough.

I constantly had cravings for the enemy (chocolate) and still felt slightly hungry after eating meals, so I found myself cheating. I even broke down a couple of times by spoon-feeding myself dumb logic that "if they're chocolate covered raisins, they can't be that bad for you. I mean, they're raisins!"
Yes, I stooped that low.

But, I am occasionally very self-aware so I know that my desire for my comfort-food-go-to has augmented probably due to the impending arrival of Father's Day on Sunday. Thankfully, I have been losing inches even though I have disobediently maintained my weight for the past 2 days (as seen below). As I begin my 4th week, I will work harder on ignoring the urges to "cheat just a little" each day and remember my goal. I have done really well thus far, so why turn back now?

• Total weight lost = 7.6 lbs
• Take measurements of my chest, arm, waist & thigh = check
• Chest: -0.5
• Arms: -0.3
• Waist: +0.2
• Thigh: -0.4 
• Abiding by daily doses of HCG drops = check, though it's getting harder to remember the 3rd dosage due to nightly social activities
• Cups of water consumed today = 0 (currently having my morning tea)
• Any aches or pains? Hunger pains & headaches but only when hungry
• Any cheating? YES. I was bad this week.

Day 8 -- HCG Diet

Eureka! I am losing weight, folks!

I am so happy to see minor changes occur! Though I don't see anything drastic, I do feel lighter (may be mental?) and am starting to feel like this is possible. For years now, I would lose a few pounds here and there after running/training for races, then go right back to emotionally eating at my desk job. I am happy to see that I am jump starting my system into a more healthy weight and way of living.

• Total weight lost = 5.2 lbs (2.6 lost yesterday!)
• Take measurements of my waist, arm & thigh = check
• Chest: -1.5in
• Arms: -1 in
• Waist: Remained the same
• Thighs: +0.8 in
• Abiding by daily doses of HCG drops = check
• Cups of water consumed today = 0 (currently drinking herbal tea with breakfast)
• Any aches or pains? No, just occasional hunger
• Any cheating = Half of a bagel, nothing on it

Now if only I could stop focusing on my diet and work on my book!

Day 6 -- HCG Diet

Earlier this morning, I daydreamed smelling Cinnamon Raisin Bagels.

When one "daydreams a smell", it is when you are suddenly hit with a fabricated scent that your brain is sending to your nostrils. I literally sat at my desk and had to convince myself that there were no bagels around and that it was all in my head even though I actually could taste it in my mind.

It is funny how powerful the mind can be when you are on a low-calorie, very strict diet. But overall, I am feeling well. I feel hungry at times but not horribly starving nor do I have my usual headache that accompanies my hunger. I did a little exercise on Sunday and felt great afterwards and generally have been monitoring my food intake, trying to stay within the guidelines of this madness. But I must admit that I am enjoying finding creative ways of cooking without certain ingredients (no oil with the Tilapia? Use Chardonnay!) and find that once I can get passed the breakfast hunger, that lunch and dinner becomes easier! 39 days left!

Updates:

• Weight lost thus far = 3.6 lbs since Saturday (today is Tuesday)
• Take measurements of my waist, arm & thigh = To be done on Thursday
• Abiding by daily doses of HCG drops = check
• Any aches or pains? Nope, just occasional hunger
• Cups of water today thus far = 2
• Any cheating = Burger bun on Sunday, 1 beer*, Sprite (with my vodka)

*I'm not sure if beer is allowed; I will have to research this.

Day 1 -- HCG Diet

I have a new respect for those dieters on those late night commercials that offer up their pre- and post- diet figures in pictures for the nation to see. I had to take pictures of myself this morning and would dare not post them on this blog, much less for television viewers! How do they muster up the courage to do it?!

Today I began the HCG Diet. It is a low-calorie intake, very strict diet that will last for a minimum of 15 days but a maximum of 45 days. I am shooting for 45. The only reason I may cut this short is due to an upcoming trip to Las Vegas. I just might need all of my calories for that trip...

As the saying goes, so far so good! But then again, today and tomorrow are the "indulge days": I get to load up on all of the carbs, sugars, bad-for-you pizza and late-night-ice cream cravings I want! Come day 3, I may be singing a different tune, we will see.

Today's tasks:

• Weigh myself in the morning = check
• Take measurements of my waist, arm & thigh = check
• Take the daily dose of HCG Diet drops = check*
• Any aches or pains? Minimal stomach cramping that lasted 3-5 minutes
• Drink lots of water = check
• Eat lots of crap = check

Yup...so far, so good!

*My third dose of drops are to be taken this evening