Wednesday, July 30

I'm coming to the last couple of weeks of Phase 4, and am about ready to resume injections again. I think I finally got the hang of it, because after an initial gain of quite a few pounds, I was able to get them off and stay within range with no trouble.

This break is just what I needed. Sometimes I think we get so immersed in the process, and those of us who are overachievers tend to think that "more is better" (as in taking HCG for longer periods than recommended and shortening the interrim phases). During Phase 3 and Phase 4, I've learned what foods my body "likes" and responds well to, and what foods my body doesn't respond well to (even though my tastebuds may like them!) I've discovered that "Protein is my friend", especially fish.

I originally was going to start Injections again on August 9, but remembered that the following weekend I have back to back parties. Rather than setting myself up for failure, I think I'll start the injections on August 16 instead.

In the meantime, am going to hit the grocery store and get my meat all weighed out, vacuum sealed and stuck in the freezer. Plus, I think I need another Candida cleanse and a colonic before starting the injections again, too. I'll post more as it gets closer to time. As always, thanks for reading!

Sunday, July 13

It's been nice to take a break for a little while, and to see how things are going to be when I get to my permanent "Phase 4" after I reach my goal. If you remember, I had a really rough beginning to Phase 3 - was traveling at the time, and I gained quite a few pounds during the first week. Consequently, I wasn't sure whether my hypthalamus ever really got properly reset.

The good news, though, is that the weight DID come back off, and I've been able to get down to and maintain within 2 lbs of my LIW. And the really good news is that I didn't have to kill myself to get back within range. Protein seems to be the key, at least in my case. My "best friends" have been salmon and almonds.

I've discovered how easy it is to lapse back into the old habits that made me fat in the first place. I can get by with one serving of ice cream (that's about a half a cup) ON OCCASION. I can't get by with eating an entire pint of Ben and Jerry's in one sitting, every day!

I think that PLANNING is the key here. I can plan to enjoy the foods that I want IN MODERATION when a special occasion is coming up, or when I know there's going to be a gathering with my friend. In between times, it just makes sense to have regular healthy foods on hand to fuel my body. In addition, I need to remember not to let myself get too hungry (and achieve this by planning ahead), and to beware of eating when angry, lonely, tired or stressed. These have been the biggest pitfalls on my journey so far.

Upon re-reading this, it looks like a lot of rambling, so I hope it makes sense! Basically, these weeks on Phase 4 are a great time to do some reflection on what's gone wrong AND RIGHT in the past, and use that information to move forward to a successful new round of injections. I've still got around 57 pounds to lose, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the next half of the journey brings! And I'm glad you're along for the ride - AND to help keep me accountable!

Saturday, July 12

Hi everybody! It's been a while since I've posted, so thought I'd better check in. I'm into Phase 4 now, and will begin injections again the week of August 5. I may wait until I have the weekend for Loading Days, which would make it August 10.

I finally got around to taking my measurements, and I was a little bit surprised. My body really is reshaping itself, and this go around, I notice that there's been a big difference in my upper legs, of all places. And that's a good thing! :)

The "was" measurements are from when I first started HCG, and were taken on January 2. The "now" measurements were taken today.

Neck: was 14", now 14"
Upper Chest: was 39", now 37.5"
Bust: was 45.5", now 41.5"
Ribs: was 40", now 35.25"
Waist: was 43.25", now 38"
Hips: was 51.5", now 45"
Upper Thigh (R): was 25.75", now 25"
Above Knee (R): was 19.75", now 17.5"
Above Elbow (R): was 12.25", now 11"

Back later for some of my thoughts on Phase 4. And as always, thanks for reading!