Thursday, December 24, 2009

Surprised my Dr. with 23 lbs lost :)

I am back home from my surgical adventure! All is well so far, and if it continues to go that way, I will begin round two as planned. It feels good to be reclaiming my body and my health...powerful. I am already scoping out the best hikes(both locally and around the Buffalo River) to begin adding into my calendar for late winter early spring ;-) Easy to moderate at first. Any suggestions?

I did want to say that my Dr was surprised and congratulatory about my weight loss (23 lbs officially on their records.) She did not ask how, but since my surgical check up is in six weeks (about the time I will be finishing R2) I suspect there will be questions forthcoming!

I hope you are all having an incredibly delightful holiday week!

Blessings,
Angela

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Clean Eating and Cardio!

OK, so I got a little carried away with the traveling and holiday fare (my mother's oh-so-lovingly prepared turkey and noodles, to be exact!) I have not had a weight fluctuation, but I can say for certain that at least twice this weekend I ignored my body's signals and now I feel groggy and a bit out of sync. My buddy is feeling much the same way, so we are planning a correction day and a return to a very clean menu for a few days. The really good news is, we are about ready to begin adding cardio back in for a few weeks and perhaps a good, gentle yoga. I miss the regular movement of my body, and I feel ready to connect to the new shape I am experiencing...before it shrinks again in January, lol!

I will be heading into surgery on the 22nd, so things will slow down again after that while I take a relaxing sojourn of healing. It is my intention, if I am feeling ready, to begin loading for R2 on Dec 31st. Here's to a peaceful and healing holiday season!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Cruising through P3

Nothing new to report :) We are both still experiencing some weight fluctuation within range of acceptability. I'm looking forward to expanding the menu again in P4, and especially to beginning round 2 at the end of December.

My buddy calls round 1 the chopping phase, R2 the chiseling phase, R3 the sanding phase, and R4 (if needed) the polishing stage, lol. I think it is an apt analogy!

Happy Thanksgiving week!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Inches Update

So, we finally had time to measure this morning, and our final set of P2 stats included a 4 inch loss for me and 5.75 inches for my buddy (27 total for me, 33.25 total for her!) Awesome.

P3 is going well. I feel a bit heavy eating regular meals after such a simple and clean 40 days, and am finding it hard to get in my proper amount of calories...a good problem I suppose, lol. I'll keep up the good fight and let you know how stabilization goes. I was pretty close to my 2 lb upper limit this morning, so tomorrow may be a correction day.

I'm still loving those compliments!

Blessings,
Angela

Friday, November 13, 2009

P3 is here!

I enjoyed breakfast today, and am sipping pumpkin spice coffee...heavenly! My final official weight: 194. Yes, folks: 25 lbs down in 35 (instead of 40) days. I am good with it, lol. My buddy ended at 186, putting her at 23 lbs down. We still have to measure today to give you the final inch stats, but I doubt we'll be disappointed, lol.

I have to say, I was worried that it would be difficult to contine the VLCD once injections stopped on Tuesday...but my fears were unfounded. Neither of us has experienced and hunger. It was not hard to eat breakfast today (I was ready for eggs, lol) but there was no great hunger, even 72 hours after stopping the hcg ;-)

Happy Friday! I'll keep you posted ;-)

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Cutting it short!

Much to our confusion, my hCG buddy and discovered that we were running quite low on our injection mixture a couple of days ago. With only a few days left, we decided it is better to end a few days early than to remix another batch and risk having it lose it's potency before R2 (beginning Dec 31st.)

Therefore, today was our final injection, putting us 72 hours away from P3 (phase 3, maintenance begins: 3 weeks of no sugars/starch, but otherwise normal caloric intake.) During this time we must remain in a very strict window of 2lbs above and below our last hCG weigh in. There are measures in place to assist us with this (steak days and various modifications of the same.) The really great news is that while our bodies are stabalizing and restoring/resculpting muscle tone, we should continue to lose inches ;-)

I'll log in with our official end of R2 stats tomorrow or Thursday!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

There she goes!


I am happy to report that I am down another 2.2 lbs in the last few days, putting me at 23 lbs in 30 VLCD's :-) Only 8 injection days left, and 10 days until P3! My friends has finally broken her stall and lost just over a lb last night...I look forward to seeing her morning weigh in! I lost 2.75 inches this week, and she lost 2. Here comes our final week!

I just got in from a late movie with my son and roomie, so it's off to bed for me! (Love Happens...MUCH better than I would have guessed for a romantic comedy, BTW.) I wanted to stop in and give you an update and apologize for keeping you waiting, lol. I'm making it a priority to do a little better this week ;-) Want a picture? Sure you do. This is me enjoying a cup of Yerbe Mate after Art Walk on Friday :) Tired, but happy.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Fellow hCG Blog

A link to a fellow hGCer, Colin Watson's blog:

http://hcgdietrevealed.blogspot.com/2009/11/are-hcg-orders-being-stopped-by-us.html

Enjoy!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Another Day, Another Pound!

Today is VLCD # 27 and I am down another lb today. My friend had a slight gain. We have 11 more injection days to go, 13 more VLCD days (there is a 72 hour period of releasing the remaining hCG from your system, during which the low calorie diet must be maintained.)

I have been researching P3 (the first 3 weeks of our 6 week stabilization period) today, and am beginning to get excited about the new menu possibilities coming our way. Essentially, a no starch/sugar plan. Here is a nice summary page:

http://www.hcginfoonline.com/maintenance%20phase.htm

And a fantastic recipe thread:

http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/lowcarb-recipe-help-suggestions/

First on my list: Pumpkin Toffee Coffee. I have a new recipe that has been brewing in my head and luckily, it's the perfect time of year for it!

Happy Wednesday everyone :) OH! And for those of you following on FB, you can access the original blog here @ Blogger.com by hitting the read original post link at the bottom of the note. It is much easier to read and follow if you do (especially if you want to read my earlier blogs!)

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

I have ARRIVED!

Officially in ONEderland this morning! I lost 1.2 lbs, putting me at 199.6 on VLCD # 26 *Happy Dance!*

My friend is down another lb as well, putting her at 190.6! That is a running total of 20.2 lbs and 25.5 inches for her, and 19.8 lbs and 18.25 inches for me in LESS than one month: 26 days. WOW.

Everyday is a new adventure: clothes fitting differently from the last time we wore them, new contours and muscle definition and bones, and a slightly different face in the mirror each morning. We have two weeks left, and though we are looking forward to P3 and P4 menu expansion, we are more excited than ever to see where the inches fall off in this last stretch. I am wondering if I can make size 10 for the holidays :)

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Breaking 200?

I am heading out of town today, and won't be able to weigh in tomorrow morning. A shame since I hit 200.8 this morning and am thrilled to see if I break that 200 lb barrier and head into ONEderland! I'll let you know Tuesday morning ;-)

My friend woke up this morning to a 4lb loss, breaking her stall and bringing her to a lovely 191.6!

VLCD #24, 16 day to go...Life is good! Thanks for stopping by!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Happy Inch Day

Just dropping in to give the results of our week three measurements!

I lost another 2.5 inches, and my friend lost another 7 inches :-) We are at 18 lbs lost and 15 lbs lost on VLCD #22.

Not bad. It has been a tough week, lol. I am finally finished with TOM, and ready for week four. I have read a lot about the terrible week three, where you get sick of your food, have stalls in losses as your body adjusts, often encountering TOM (if you, like me, start hcg just after your cycle ends) and psychologically reach that place where you decide whether to stop at a short 23 day round, or hold out for 40. So, yes...now I understand, lol. I am no less excited than when I began, but am ready for a fresh and fantastic week four! AND dreaming of P3 and it's expanded menu. Not that I can complain really...tonight is curried chicken and spinach soup. Yum!

We are definitely holding out for 40 days and hoping for our original 30-35 lb goal =-) See you soon!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Steady as she goes!

Today is VLCD# 21 and I am down to 201.6, for a total of 18 lbs so far ;-) It has been a happy October! My friend is holding at 195, but still seems to be losing inches. There is a corrective measure called and Apple Day, I will research that just in case. Friday evening is "Inch Day" or the happy day we measure our inch loss.

My size 12's are fitting comfortably now, and I am feeling hopes of getting into a size 10 by the time this round is over.

Happy almost Halloween everyone. I have a busy weekend planned, but I promise to stop in and update our stats a time or two.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Only 2 more lbs to ONEderland!

The beautiful place where the number on the scale begins with a ONE! It has been an amazing weekend, and I am still in shock over my successes so far. I knew it was going to great, but to feel this good while changing this fast...awesome. Life is good, and getting better every day!

Today is VLCD# 19, and I am down 17 lbs to 202.6, while my buddy is up .2 today, but looking amazing as she shrinks out of her clothes, so who cares about the brief stall, lol!

The good news is, we are half-way to P3, and the rebalancing phase (which will last three weeks.) Then P4 (phase 4) for another 3 weeks. The beginning of round 2 will be near the first of January, so any of you who want to join me for round two can plan ahead!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

18 vs 12






The new pics are the first in each set (no necklace ;-)

From size 18 to size 12 in 16 days

I promised I'd let you know how the shopping went, and there it is. I kept trying on pants, thinking...it's a fluke. But no, my instincts were right, and I am comfortably wearing size 12 now, though they are snug. I'm guessing that they'll be perfect by next week and loose soon after that, lol! I cried a couple of tears in the privacy of my dressing room. Freedom.

I had a fabulous time at my friend Robin's 40th b-day bash, and I even danced...with no alcohol induction! It has been a long time since I felt comfortable enough in my own skin to dance...it felt really amazing!

Today's stats for VLCD# 17: down .2 lbs to 203.8 for me, and down 1.6 lbs to 195 for my hcg buddy. Happy Sunday everyone!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Happy Saturday :)

VCLD #16, and I am down another 2.6 lbs today! My friend is down 3.4 lbs!!! That means 15.4 lbs and 16.25 inches lost in 16 days for me. 15.4 POUNDS and 16.25 INCHES in 16 DAYS!

And for my hCG buddy: 14.8 POUNDS and 18.5 INCHES in the same 16 days!!!!

What more can I say folks?

I am off to the thrift store for pants that will stay on. I only have one pair now!

Happy weekend everyone!

Friday, October 23, 2009

UNbelievable!

Today is VLCD # 15 and I am down .2 lbs (not bad for TOM.) However, since it is my measure day, I feel compelled to say that I have lost ANOTHER 9, yes 9, inches! That is a total of 16.25 inches of FAT gone in 2 weeks. My friend lost 9.5 inches, for a total of 18.5! UnFREAKINGbelievable!

My size 16's are hanging off of me. I can not be certain, but I suspect I may fit into a size 12 now. I am going to thrift store shopping tomorrow (no reason to spend big bucks on pants I'll only be able to wear briefly, right? LOL!) I will be certain to let you know.

WOO HOO! Happy Friday people. I have to say, I needed this today. I went to the divorce attorney w/ Ivan today to begin the official proceedings. Even if it is right, and necessary, it is still undeniably sad. However, between the tape measure and my great friends who are taking me out to a movie tonight, I am feeling loved and supported. And perhaps just a touch sexy ;-)

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Loving the compliments!

I wish I could say that I can see a fabulous loss when I look in the mirror, but not really much so far...though I DID notice my neck looked longer yesterday, and I can shadows of shifting in my face. However, I am getting complements nearly every day now...so I feel certain that it shows.

I CAN feel the weight coming off, and am stunned each and every day to realize my close fit differently every time I get dressed. I am loving this! Tomorrow is our second day for measuring, so I look forward to posting those for you.

Down to business: today VLCD# 14 and I have lost 12.8 lbs. My friend had a stall/gain, but is back to her lowest weight today, putting her at 12 lbs gone exactly. *Happy Dance* No complaints here! My appetite is wonderfully non-existent, making following the plan simple and avoiding indulgences much easier. I have begun to dig a little deeper to vary the menu, which is a bit narrow for me since I don't like seafood and have found that beef causes stalling for me. I can imagine that for someone who actually likes chicken, tillapia, shrimp, lobster, etc, and who can still lose with beef...that it would be a delightful menu. As it is, with just the chicken and tillapia I have been able to keep it pretty interesting, though with 24 days remaining, 26 with the two clearing hcg from the system, I am feeling even these dishes will become a bit weary. I'll keep you posted!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

11 pounds in 12 days

Today is VLCD# 12, and this morning's weigh in gave me another 1.4 lb loss, after a few days of stalling again. I am quite happy with the results, and the inch loss, but still feeling a bit baffled by the hanging numbers/drops. I think most people tend to lose at a more steady pace, but it seems my body is a bit different in that regard, lol. It is good to keep my eye on the big picture and realize that all is well, even when the required morning weigh in is deceptive (as a biology student I recognize that a complex dance of fat loss, toxin release, water retention and release, and other rebalancing factors are at play here...but I still get the emotional attachment to instant outcome gratification, even when my head knows better.)

I'll be back soon! I'm keeping it short because my final paper for my shortened 8 wk online class is due today, and that means I'll have a bit more free time for the remainder of the semester...WOO HOO!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Seven and Nine

Before I begin, I want to tell you that my friend and i went shopping last week, a few days into our program, and I purchased a beautiful sweater in a size medium. I did so despite the fact that when I tried it on it was very tight, but I could tell the shape and color would be very complimentary eventually. I normally wear XL or L, depending on the cut. Then, only four days later, I felt that I had begun to shift in the inches department...so I tried it on fully expecting it would still be tight and unattractive. I was wrong! It was smooth and lovely on me, and though still snug, it looked fabulous ;-) I am thrilled to be re-shaping so nicely! OK, on to the details...

Today is VLCD # 11. I have been doing the mini-stall thing again this week, with my last three weigh ins being a gain of .6 lbs, a gain of .2 lbs, and a loss of .4 lbs. Leaving me in basically the same weight loss category as last check in (209.8...a total of nearly ten lbs gone in 10 days, so still impressive.) However, we measured on Friday, and I have lost an amazing 7.25 inches thus far!!! Seven inches gone!

My anonymous friend has had a steady loss of nearly a pound each day, and has, so far, lost 9 inches! Woo HOO! She is also officially in ONEderland, having reached 198.6 lbs today :) Nearly 11 lbs in 10 days *happy dance!!!*

Once again, I am still registering heavy ketosis, I can feel my body changing dramatically, but I am not seeing the numbers on the scale drop as quickly as I would like. Stay tuned!

I am eliminating splenda for a couple of days, and making certain I have adequate water intake. I will also start a more detailed journal of my activities to see if there is something I may be missing which is causing the stall on the scale. Honestly, I suspect I will have another big drop (2 to 4 lbs) soon...like I did the last week when this same pattern was unfolding.

Happy Monday everyone!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Supplies and Inspiration Links

I thought I'd share my supply and inspiration links:

ESSENTIAL reading for those considering the protocol or who have questions: Dr Simeon's "Pounds and Inches" which explains the protocol:
http://www.hcginfoonline.com/ORIGINAL_Dr_Simeons_Pounds_and_Inches.htm

Some current hCG research:
http://www.hcgobesity.org/

For the hCG itself:
http://www.alldaychemist.com/

Note: hCG can be mixed for oral subligual use rather than the injections I chose. It is also availble in homeopathic drops or spray, which do actually contain hCG but seem to be nearly as effective. There are also clinics available, at a much higher cost, if you feel daunted by the idea of doing this yourself!

For the injection supplies:
http://www.researchsupply.net/

NOTE: there are other suppliers for the hcg and supplies, these were the ones I chose based on good pricing.

An incredible group of people using hCG, in its oral, injection, and homeopathic forms:
http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/index.html NOTE: search for hCG in the bulletin boards and the group will come up. It is a high volume thread, new each month, so between the current month and past archives you can read to your heart's content and see real results.

Another great group for information and support:
http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/index.html

And finally, I highly recommend searching YouTube for "hcg diet," "dr. simeon's protocol," etc...there are many vlogs and informational videos from a wide variety of people using hcg. Read with discretion of course! My favorite you tubers: mamaclok and delmem

Enjoy!

VLCD # 7: Nearly 8 lbs GONE!

Today's weigh in brought me down to 211.2...a total of 7.8 lbs WOO HOO! The great news is that my clothes are already feeling loose, especially the pants ;-) My protocol buddy has lost exactly 8lbs so far, most of that early on since this is her TOM. I can't wait to see what next week brings!

No hunger issues for the last several days. Injections going smoothly. No side effects I can note. So far, so good!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Easy Breezy

Today is VLCD # 5. I actually gained .2 lbs today, and my friend gained 2 lbs. Strangely enough, we are both really OK with it. She is experiencing TOM and though we are being aware of what is going on in our diet and lifestyle (she tried some oil free lotion yesterday, for example,) we feel like we are being very intentional and all will balance out in the end. Also, my keto sticks are still showing that I am in ketosis, so I feel confident all is well.

On the extreme upside, I am no longer feeling more than mild hunger, and only that at mealtimes ;-) Yea! The shots are going smoothly, the diet is simple, clean, and so far delicious. I have lost over five lbs in 4 days. SO...I am shiny and will be glad to let you know how weigh in goes tomorrow. I am really psyched to do measurements again on Friday!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

We're MELTING!!!

VLCD 3

Ok, today's weigh in was -.2 lb (4.2 lbs total) for me, -3 lbs (6lbs total) for my buddy. A little less than I had hoped for myself, but I am feeling the shift in my body and down is good by any degree, lol. I am also using a keto-stip to test for ketones in my urine, which indicate the body is burning fat. I am solidly in ketosis, so I am looking forward to both a more dramatic loss tomorrow, and a good showing of inch loss on Friday!

My issue today has been increased hunger. Luckily, my partner in protocol is not experiencing the same issues. My sources tell me this will pass soon, and if not there are adjustments which will need to be made (more protein or high iu's of hcg.) I'll definitely keep you posted! Honestly, I think my metabolism has been down so long it is just jumping back in the swing of things.

Thus far, no temptation has been enough to even coming close to swaying me, even though I have been around odious amounts of social eating every single day. Friday was a party with homemade cookies, Saturday was the VW lover's Halloween gather with tons of food and alcohol, and today was the big Chili cook-off at church. I just keep telling myself there is plenty of time to indulge later, and feeling fit and healthy makes it all worthwhile!

I am proud of myself (and my wonderful friend.) We're MELTING!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

4 lbs!

My VLCD 2 weigh in was a shocking 4 lb loss! WOO HOO! That puts me a solid lb under my pre-loading weight ;-)

I am enjoying that floating on air feeling for day 2, and though I do not expect quite such dramatic results every day...it is nice to begin with a bang. I became quite hungry by 2:30 this afternoon, while attempting to wait for my protocol buddy, who was planning to lunch with me today. I finally gave up and enjoyed a yummy spinach and chicken soup, along with my melba. I had my apple earlier for mid-morning snack. I am planning to bake my apple this evening with cinnamon and stevia to add a dessert like touch to my lemon pepper tilapia salad dinner ;-)

I did experience stinging with my shot this morning...perhaps because I was so giddy and impatient after my morning weigh in, lol.

My silent partner ALSO lost enough to put her below her pre-load day weight, coming in at 3 lbs lost. I will be posting her stats and pics along with mine, but leaving her information private at her request. SO, you get to see the results in double time, lol.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Day 3, VLCD #1

Here I am, closing out day three of injections, but my first day of the restricted calorie diet. I have to say I spent the greater part of the day with absolutely no hunger. I ate lunch a bit late, and had dinner around 5:30. I reserved my grapefruit for around 7pm. I was feeling hungry for the first time all day by 8 pm and demolished that feeling with a cup of coffee minus the cream.

If I had been wiser I would have gone to bed early, lol. Now it is after midnight (because I went to see a movie: The Hangover, definitely worth it) and I am finishing my last 20 oz of water. I am mildly hungry again, but honestly, I am OK with that. If I had been in bed by 11, as planned, I would be blissfully unaware of craving food just because my teenage son is eating it in front of me.

So, yes...day 3: success. I'll let you know how weigh in goes tomorrow ;-) I'll also try to post my original measurements, in preparation for my week 1 weigh, measure, and pics.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

It All Begins: Loading Days!

I took my first injection of hcg yesterday morning and began my first official load day. I was AMAZED at how easy the injection was and how little pain was involved (I have been queasy at the thought of injections from the get-go...I hate needles.)

Yesterday (my first load day) was a truly miserable experience, lol. I am doing this in tandem with a close friend, so she stopped by to do injections together and we celebrated by going to IHOP and beginning our load with a bang. I swear, the hcg was already affecting me within that first hour! I had to force down my breakfast (3 eggs, 4 slices of bacon, and a pumpkin pancake with lots of real butter and butter pecan syrup.) I then came home and ate every couple of hours (avocado, cream cheese, coconut oil, sharp cheddar, cheeseburger patty, cheesecake filling.) Evey time I put something in, it was forced. I then went to Logan's steakhouse for dinner, and enjoyed a juicy steak, sauteed mushrooms, 1/2 sweet potato with loads of butter and cinnamon. I though I might really die. I walked out SO full, lol. Valiantly, I was able to finish out the night with five strips of bacon and a slice of cheesecake. I only got in about 70 oz of water. I am also savoring every cup of creamy coffee I can, since that may be my one tragic loss for the remainder of protocol.

Despite all that, I still woke with a .4 lb loss today. I hope the load shows up better tomorrow! I am off and running with a similar day today, only no carb rich foods (I HAD to have my pumpkin pancake yesterday, lol. They only come once a year !)

SO begins my journey. Thanks for reading!

Basics: What the Protocol looks like

The protocol, based on Dr Simeon's "Pounds and Inches" is based on using the hormone hcg, in conjunction with a very low calorie diet or VLCD, to assist people in losing fat from their abnormal fat stores (as opposed to losing a combination of fat, muscle, structural or normal fat, and other healthy tissue.) Normally present in pregnant women, hcg is a natural sunstance that is not dangerous for women OR men. The protocol has been around for many years, faced some controversy, and still has a healthy run of supporters and nay-sayers. I am not here to do battle with these ideas. I am here because I have done the research and am aware of numerous people, both in my personal life and through online forums, who have had/are having enormous success.

The program requires daily injections of the hormone hcg (availble by prescription or, as I did by purchasing from overseas.) For the first two days of injections, eating high fat foods is required: aka load days. After that, a very specific food plan is laid out which will be followed for the remainder of the protocol, and for two days afterward as the hcg leaves your system. After limited number of injection days (23 to 40...I am planning to do 40,) there is a stabilization period, which I will describe in more detail later, that allows you to return to a richer food menu while your body balances the rapid weight lost during the injections. You may then choose to do another round. Typical wieght loss PER DAY on the protocol is between .5 and 3 lbs a day.

Official "Before" Pics




These were taken the night before my first injection. My official starting weight: 219 lbs. There are also more scantily clad ones, lol, but I'll save you the pain until there are some good differences for you to note.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

A Brief History of My Weight Loss Journey

I want to start by saying that I have an amazing, magical life. I am surrounded by wonderful people. I have transformed my life continually...coming from extreme poverty, drug and alcohol infused family life, physical and sexual abuse, and pretty incredible odds to become a healthy, happy woman. It has been a journey filled with joy and despair and pretty much every challenge I can imagine facing. I may allow my story to unfold for you some day. But for now I am here to talk about one particular aspect of my story, a part that I have yet to transform...my struggle with weight.

Now, I have been working on this problem for 16 years, and suddenly I find myself in a unique place...I feel confident that I have found the solution, but I am waiting for the materials to arrive so I can begin. I have never felt so certain of something for which I have no personal evidence. Do you want to know what it is? Good. I would LOVE to have you along for my journey! No, I am NOT selling anything. I have no purpose for blogging here other than the desire to keep myself accountable and perhaps help others discover a new inspiration to dig deeper into their own success.

First: I am not new to the idea of weight loss, nutrition or fitness. I have been looking for a solution, researching and in some cases attempting various diets, exercise programs, lifestyle changes, and healing modalities related to the topic. I have worked the low calorie and low carb programs. I have worked out consistently( and still do,) doing both cardio and resistance training (tweaking and shifting every variable I could imagine.) I have read a library of books. I have tried supplements, shakes, and cleanses. I have worked on emotional healing, energetic healing, and homeopathic balancing. I do not have a food addiction (these days I eat a balanced diet with very few processed foods.) Yet, I remain between 80 and 100 lbs overweight, carrying 220 lbs on my five foot frame...year, after year.

SO. Why now? Why do I suddenly feel I have the solution? I have no idea. The research is sound: Dr Simeon's protocol has been in use for decades. The science is fascinating (I am a biology major, in my senior year.) The evidence, for others, seems impeccable. But the real reason I am here, is that sometime during my second reading of "Pounds and Inches" I began to become excited in a way I have NEVER been; became certain that I was reading about myself, my future, my path out of this dark battle with my weight, my self esteem, my well meaning family and friends, and my physical limitations.

What is my plan? Follow the protocol as laid out by Dr. Simeon in the aforementioned text (available for free online, simply google "Pounds and Inches.") If you have any interest in this program, I cannot stress to you the importance of reading (and perhaps re-reading) this book. There are plenty of online resources, which I will gladly share with you in the coming blogs. The basics: daily hcg injections. A specific and very precise diet. An intentional commitment to conscious living.

My hcg and supplies are in the mail. As I await them, I will lay out the plan specifics and resources, as well as giving you my before pics. See you tomorrow!

My Beatiful but Overweight Self: Current Pics





These are a few of my current pictures. Official "Before pics" coming soon!
All of these are this year: while working out and eating a moderate diet. Size 18 and weighing 220 lbs.