cool, a lot of the recipes I mentioned are not in the cookbook but they are in the recipe thread in this forum.

I would cut out the lunch meat, even if it is low sodium.... and yes, citrus would be like oranges. yes, a whole orange.

I would change to either a toning exercise like yoga or pilates or cardio like running.

I don't know what pills you are taking but yes, the drinks help. You have to understand though; the reason you are drinking the HNS is for the protein. It's high in protein and low in calories. When you drink one, your body goes out looking for food to burn; when it can't find food, it burns your stored fat. You want it to burn stored fat and not your lean muscle. Because of this, the drinks help with your skin and your hair. It helps so you don't have sagging skin as you lose and so your hair won't fall out. That's the reason I asked if you were getting enough HNS.

so if no turkey....grilled chicken?

You can do turkey, just don't do turkey lunch meat.... grilled chicken breast is fine too. Do you have your menu plan? It lists all the lean proteins you can have on plan. Basically, you want to stay away from foods that are processed or have preservatives (like lunch meat, turkey dogs, etc)

If this making sense?

yes makes sense and I appreciate the help!!!!!
the whole hair loss and no cycle thing has been a worry
and then not getting to 110 has been a major stress..

also, what about having a cream when i want a snack....the choc pudding, or hot chocolate...or the mini crisps...
before bed or when i wake up and want something?
was told by center to have them...
but scared it will make me gain weight even though they say it wont..

No, you can have them. I have mine at night before bed. I usually make the creamy hot cocoa into the gooey brownie recipe. So tasty!

Hi all - maybe I should share this on the recipe board or perhaps it's already there, but I've been using the Walden Farms Russian Dressing to marinate chicken breast in (along w/some dill and Southwest Chipotle Mrs. Dash) and then grill it - and it is really good. Just using the serving size recommended - it's enough to coat both sides of a large breast and then I have 2 meals from that - truly delicious. :) Just thought I'd share!

I went to w/i yesterday and was down 2.5 since Thursday. I needed to drop 1/2 pound to meet 10 pounds down and I surpassed that and am down a total of 12 pounds! :) I wish that I could say this has been easy, but each day I have at least a few challenges... I work my way through them and am proud of myself for doing so. The only thing that is going to get me to my goal is my dedication and perseverance.
I have been looking on the recipe forum and need to try out some new ones as my menu is looking almost the same each day. Thank you ladies for all of your posts.... I really enjoy reading them. This site is so wonderful and the support is amazing!

Wendi, that is so great. You only have 11 pounds to go? That is amazing!

Congratulations on losing 12 pounds so far.

Have you found something new in the recipes yet? I am looking for something other than chicken! LOL

:(
 

I am really struggling! I was on vaca for three weeks and been back a week and have yet to get mu butt back on plan. what the heck am i doing??? :(

Hi Mel.. I'm in the exact same boat. I've been back from vacation for a couple of weeks, and have had a heck of a time getting back on program. I didn't eat that bad on Vacation, and stayed the same, but so far I have not lost anything since I've been back. I started this week back on program, and so far 3 days on program. I'm struggling SOOO much at night. When I sit in front of the TV, I just want to snack. UUGGGHHH!! :hug:

Just remember those first couple of weeks when you first started. It is very tough, but eventually those cravings go away if you stick to it. Maybe shake up the routine a bit until your cravings are under control. For example, I would suggest not TV watching but doing something else if TV watching is your trigger. If you have favorite shows that you don't want to miss, you could always record them or watch them on hulu the next day. You are probably out of ketosis, so the carb monsters are trying to get more food! Once you break through that tough part, you'll be home free.

Good luck!

I know how hard it can be to get into 'the groove'. I have a tough time also at night and really want to snack. I try to eat dinner a little later than usual and save my creamy for around 9pm. I really look forward to that last snack of the day and usually make a cup of tea to have with it.
You have done so well so far so you know you can do it. Getting back to the basics and drinking all of your water and planning meals ahead may help. I know that it is bathing suit season so that is a definite inspiration for me as I have a 4 yr old and a 5 yr old and they are ALL about the neighborhood pool :)
Those first few days were REALLY tough for me, but you can do it!!!!

Thanks for the positive words.. I have been on program all week.. I've wanted to snack at night but still haven't. I'm going to try the pudding/creamy at night tonight and see if that helps. Thanks for the great idea.. I need to plan better.. Going to the grocery store tonight to restock the house.. I think that will help a lot.

I think I can... I think I can.. I know I can...

You've lost 51 lbs, Meezoo!! YOU'RE AMAZING GIRL!!!

Hello! I was trying to find a way to IM you but am new to this site and couldn't quite figure it out!!! Will you post the recipe for the brownie mix? I am on day 19 or so of being OP and have lost 14 pds. I am doing well but need a little change or I can see myself getting bored!! Thanks so much and congrats on your weight loss. That is AWESOME!! How has it been keeping the weight off? That is my worse fear.. I know I can lose the weight but worry that old habits will try to inch back in.. Thanks in advance!!

Hair loss ABSOLUTELY...as for my cycle no change. Hair finally growing back after a year And in regards to what has been said about not having enough protein a cause for hair loss...I kept my protein consumption a high as possible on program, drinking 4/5 HNS daily plus my protein with each meal and still loss hair...I believe there are several factors about low carb/low cal/high protein diets that cause hair loss in some people...

Sure, so I don't have it readily available so I'm just going to tell you by memory ok?

one pack of creamy hot cocoa
add water to the consistency of cookie dough (not so it's like pudding, you want it pretty dry... I just add a teaspoon or two and that's usually enough but you have to play with it until you get it how you like it.
add 1 pack of splenda
add cinnamon to taste (I sprinkle it on the top)
mix

put it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until it's the consistency of a brownie....

DONE! woohoo!

Now the actual recipe calls for a teaspoon of olive oil but it's not necessary. If you want to try it with a teaspoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of water you can, but it's up to you!

enjoy!

Good job on your weight loss! I've been successful in keeping my weight off but it's something that I still stay focused on. I believe in living a 75/25 lifestyle.... so 75% of the time, I eat really healthy and then if I want to eat something that's not such a healthy decision, I don't feel quilty. I have to tell you though, I am a food addict and I know every day that I wake up, it's a choice for me to treat my body right and to love myself more than I love food. It's like any other addiction for me. My advice to you.... stay through maintenance. Too many people finish program and believe they have this "life" thing figured out. But that part is really the part most of us struggle with. You are going to do great!:hug:

Sorry... I just posted it for you all. I'll put it in the recipe thread too.

Well we are going camping tomorrow for the weekend and I am trying to plan what to bring so I can go shopping tonight. I really plan to stay on program so I have to have everything planned out so I don't fail. Wish me luck.... I'll tune in Monday with how it went. :)
Have a great weekend everyone!!
(btw... lost one more pound at w/i today for a total of 13 pounds down!)

I have been out of touch for awhile and just got caught back up on everyone progress... all I have to say is GREAT JOB! This site really helps to inspire me and keep me motivated! Its sometimes hard when the people you are around don't understand how hard this thing really is.. I feel good to know I can come vent on here and won't be judged!

I went to weigh in today and I'm down 3.5 lbs! I was estatic! Hopefully next week I'll sign the 10 lbs board!!!

Way to go Wendi!!! I go back today to WI too, but I am not feeling too good about it. I feel super bloated right now.

Good luck on the camping trip. I know you will do great. 13 pounds is great!

Way to go! I hope you meet your goal!

A drug effect I didn't know about
 

I just visited with a new neurologist this morning. I have been taking a drug called Divalproex for several years ostensibly to prevent migraines. The doctor said he was surprised that I had been able to lose any weight at all while taking this medication! Needless to say, I'm now taking something entirely different. If I had known about the "weight gain" side effect, I would have sought an alternative much sooner.
It was a good day on two counts. I went to WI, and my total loss now stands at 22 pounds and 30 inches in 60 days!:D

Congrats!

I weighed in today only expecting a pound or so of loss. I was wrong. I was down another 3 pounds, for a total of 15. I'm averaging about 3.5 pounds per week. Turns out staying on plan works!

I weighed in today and lost 2 lbs. But more importantly I broke out of the 3's. Doing the 'happy dance'!!!!!

I'm new here. :) I did preconditioning last week and when I went in on Friday I had lost 4 pounds! YAY! I'm on the yellow menu now, and I am not hungry at all. I'm having to force myself to eat. I like not being hungry, but its a strange feeling because I don't feel like I'm eating much. Anyone know what causes that feeling?
I go back on Tuesday to weigh again and get the next menu. My scale at home keeps going down so I am in good spirits! :)

Wonderful!!

That's fantastic! :carrot:

Sounds like lots of you have had good losses this week! Keep up the great work everyone!!!

Good luck to you! It sounds like you are doing a fantastic job!

ok back on track today... after being off for 3 week of vaca and a week or not feeling great. I cant believe it's been a month :( but i am feeling good, stayed on track so far today and drinking my water!!!

Hi All - quick question - I've found myself forgetting to take my pills at lunch time, and have been taking them in the afternoon when I remember. Anyone know if this is something that will affect me poorly in the longrun? Is taking them w/food a prerequisite? Specifically, my multi, EFA, MRC6 and ETM.

Hey everyone! So I went to summer camp last week, scared of not being able to stay on program. Although I was not able to follow it to the T, I did better then I've done in the past which was what my consultant said my goal should be! Although at one point I ate mashed potatoes, I stayed away from all the desserts. I don't know what the scale will say tomorrow, but I feel like last week was a personal feat. This program does lead to true life changes!

Congrats mtgal1453, welcome back! Sounds like you did great! The more you make the good choices the easier it gets!

I weighed in today and was at 201. I was so hoping to be under 200! Hopefully next weigh in!

Today I signed the 40# board! I had not realized I was that close, so I was caught a bit by surprise! For some reason, it took a long time to get from 20# to 30#, but going from 30# to 40# has just flown by!

I hope this pace keeps up! I finally feel like the end is in sight!