Here is a breakdown of the approximate calories of each food allowed during the HCG diet. As a refresher, HCG, short for Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is a hormone found in pregnant women that when taken allows a person to survive on a low calorie diet (500 calories a day) and in which case they are able to lose on average about a pound or two a day, all while maintaining a healthy physique and not experiencing the usual hunger pains that accompany many diets. Read “How I Lost 40 Pounds in 40 Days” for more information on this astounding diet.
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The actual food consumption consists of lunch and dinner (no breakfast) and the following items per meal:
- 3.5 ounces of selected lean meats (see below)
- 3.5 ounces of selected vegetables (see below)
- 1 Grissini Breadstick or Melba Toast
- Selected fruit (see below)
You are encouraged to drink lots of water (I averaged over 100 ounces a day) and you can drink all the coffee and tea you want as well as moderate levels of 0 calorie diet sodas.
And now for the calorie count of allowable foods.
Fish (avg 98 calories)
- Cod (3.5 oz) – 83 calories
- Crab Meat (3.5 oz) – 100 calories
- Flounder (3.5 oz) – 90 calories
- Haddock (3.5 oz) – 88 calories
- Halibut (3.5 oz) – 110 calories
- Lobster (3.5 oz) – 98 calories
- Red Snapper (3.5 oz) – 110 calories
- Shrimp (3.5 oz) – 110 calories
- Tilapia (3.5 oz) – 94 calories
Additional white fish are listed at the bottom of the page.
Very Lean Beef (avg 152 calories)
- 93/7 Lean Ground Beef (3.5 oz) – 150 calories
- Cube Steak (3.5 oz) – 160 calories
- Sirloin Tip Side Steaks (3.5 oz) – 130 calories
- Top Round Steak (3.5 oz) – 166 calories
- Tri-Tip Steak (3.5 oz) – 154 calories
Chicken
- Chicken Breast (3.5 oz) – 87 calories
Veal (avg 114 calories)
- Veal, sirloin (3.5 oz) – 110 calories
- Veal, loin chop (3.5 oz) – 117 calories
Vegetables (avg 18.8 cal)
- Asparagus (3.5 oz) – 20 calories
- Asparagus (2″ tip) – 1 calories
- Asparagus (small spear) – 2 calories
- Asparagus (medium spear) – 3 calories
- Asparagus (large spear) – 4 calories
- Broccoli (3.5 oz) – 34 calories
- Broccoli (1 cup – 88g) – 30 calories
- Broccoli (5″ spear – 31 g) – 11 calories
- Celery (3.5 oz) – 15 cal
- Celery (medium stalk) – 6 calories
- Cabbage (3.5 oz) – 24 calories
- Cabbage (1 cup shredded) – 17 calories
- Cauliflower (3.5 oz) – 22 calories
- Cauliflower (1 cup) – 28 calories
- Cauliflower (3 flowerets) – 12 calories
- Cucumber (3.5 oz) – 12 calories
- Cucumber (small) – 19 calories
- Cucumber (medium) – 24 calories
- Cucumber (large) – 34 calories
- Cucumber (English long) – 60 calories
- Lettuce, all varieties (3.5 oz) – 20 calories
- Lettuce, all varieties (1 cup) – 8 calories
- Lettuce, all varieties (small head) – 32 calories
- Red Radishes (3.5 oz) – 12 calories
- Red Radishes (one medium) – 1 calories
- Spinach, raw (3.5 oz) – 20 calories
- Spinach, raw (1 cup) – 7 calories
- Spinach, frozen (3.5 oz) – 23 calories
- Spinach, frozen (1 cup) – 41 calories
- Spinach, cooked (3.5 oz) – 31 calories
- Spinach, cooked (1 cup) – 48 calories
- Tomato (3.5 oz) – 20 calories
- Tomato (cherry) – 3 calories
- Tomato (plumb) – 11 calories
- Tomato (small) – 16 calories
- Tomato (medium) – 22 calories
- Tomato (large) – 33 calories
Fruit
- Apple (small) – 55 calories
- Apple (medium) – 72 calories
- Apple (large) – 110 calories
- Orange (navel) – 69 calories
- Orange (Florida) – 65 calories
- Orange (California) – 59 calories
- Strawberries, 12 large – 72 calories
- Strawberries, 20 medium – 80 calories
- Pink Grapefruit (California) – 92 calories
- Pink Grapefruit (Florida) – 74 calories
Bread
- Grissini Breadstick (3 g) – 12 calories
- Melba Toast (3 gram) – 12 calories
- Melba Toast (5 gram) – 20 calories
White Fish List
- Ayr
- Cat Fish
- Cod
- Coley
- Dover Sole
- Flounder
- Flying Fish
- Haddock
- Hake
- Halibut
- Hoki
- John Dory
- Kalabasu
- Lemon Sole
- Ling
- Monk Fish
- Parrot Fish
- Plaice
- Pollack
- Pomfret
- Red & Grey Mullet
- Red Fish
- Red Snapper
- Rock Salmon/Dogfish
- Rohu
- Sea Bass
- Sea Bream
- Shark
- Skate
- Tilapia Turbot
- Whiting
Keep in mind that all the above calorie counts on meats and vegetables do not include any sauces, salad dressing or butter. You are in fact encouraged not to us sauces such as barbecue sauce, A-1 Steak Sauce, etc., on meats nor any salad dressings on salads or butter on vegetables.
One trick I learned in phase two of my diet is that I could use Louisiana Hot Sauce on chicken as it has zero calories. That has helped immensely and because it is spicy, you feel fuller. I also use Balsamic Vinegar on Spinach salads which is quite tasty.
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Hi all,
I followed Dr.Simeon’s protocol for the 42 days and lost 27 pounds. I did gain back 4 🙁
Just started round 2 after 6 weeks off. Having a hard time getting back in the groove. Seems so boring. Can I add the mushrooms, zucchini etc? I also see many have oranges and broccoli. Will this affect my loss?
I have lost 11.5 so far and only on day 8 including load days. That amazes me because I’m not that far from my goal weight.
Let me know your thoughts.
Debbie
I dont know whats going on. Ive been on this 18 days and have only lost 11.4 lbs. whats up with that? im doing the 23 day injections and i thought i would have lost more then just 11.4 lbs. im doing everything to the T!!! has anyone else lost just this little in the 23 days?
Amanda – Everyone is different. For example, my friend seems to be averaging a loss of 1/2 pound per day, but I have been losing about 1 pound per day (9 pounds in 10 days). However, my results will probably slow down as I am on it longer. Even if it is only 1/2 pound a day, it is well worth it because you are losing the bad fat in the places where you don’t lose on all the other diets AND you are losing inches.
I have also read that eating organic food during the diet may have better success than non-organic (which may have hormones, antibiotics, additives, etc.) I have gone out of my way to buy organic (especially chicken since I have so much of it on this diet). I try to get wild caught fish as well (as opposed to farm raised which has been fed antibiotics, and I have a vegetable and herb garden. If you haven’t planted a garden, this time of year it’s easy to find a farm market that carries organic vegetables. Organic eating also more closely approximates the type of food available to the dieters in Dr. Simeons protocol. Hang in there, and good luck!
Dr. Simeons books says to do 3 days of VLCD after stopping the hcg and Kevin Trudeau’s book says to do 2 days. For those of you who have done it, which advice did you follow?
What does VLCD stand for?
Lynda –
This answer I know!!
VLCD stands for Very Low Calorie Diet…
Good luck!
Amy
Hi Judy! You asked about whether or not you need to do the VLCD 2 or 3 days after the last injection. Kevin T. says it more clearly than Dr. Simeon’s and that is: start with Phase 3 after 72 hours after the last injection. This means if your last injection was 8 AM Sunday, Monday is day 1, Tuesday is day 2 and as of 8 AM on Wednesday, you would start Phase 3 (basically eat until you’re full but no sugar or starches for 21 days and then you can slowly introduce starches, and some sugar if desired–but really document what you eat so you know what culprit it is that causes you to start gaining). I hope this helps you. I started Phase 3 as of 7/22/09. I am doing very well. My weight stays within the range allowed. I haven’t had to do a steak day yet and hope I don’t. I feel great! I start my second round of 40 days on the HCG on September 1st and actually look forward to it! I love this diet! Good luck on yours.
Thanks everyone!! This is a great site. I have been doing the drops now for 26 days and have lost 15.8 Could have done better I know, but there were some weekends that the beer was calling my name! LOL So I will take the loss and just move forward. Im hoping by the time my 43 days are up will lose another 10-12 pounds. Very excited!!!
it’s so encouraging to hear that people continue to lose weight throughout the 40 days and even on the other phases of the diet. I was so skeptical but in my first week I lost almost 7 lbs. I was happy and then in a split second a new fear set in. What if that’s it? What if I dont lose anymore after that? But I’m sticking to it and I’m not going to weigh myself again until Saturday. I am encouraged by all of your posts that the first week was not a fluke. I am excited at how quickly I could reach my goal weight on this diet.
Thanks everyone!
Dionne I know just what you mean I was skeptical at first also, but it really does work I got really discourage my second week because I was staying the same weight, then I gained two pounds, but Les told me that it is not about what you loose everyday, but what you loose overall and he is right because after the apple day I lost 3.4lbs and then it continues to come off. This is my 16th day and I am down 16.2 lbs so it does average out to be 1 lb a day. I am super impressed with this diet and I would recomend it to anyone ready to loose weight! I have struggled with weight all my life including an eating disorder in high school and college when I finally got help for my eating disorder I got really big, but this diet is a safe way for me to loose the weight an learn how to properly eat! 🙂 I am really glad I tried it.
Yes, these injections are the HCG, Human Chronic Gonadotrophin, which is found in the body during pregnancy. You can read all about them on the website under forms there is a lot of good info on that site, just click on the forms section and read all of the forms, question and Answers form, ect. 🙂 Good Luck.
I checked that web site it seems expensive,anyone else have any connections?
Jane, I did HCG homeopathic and did great as well as my family and many friends now have started a new life. Go to DIYHCG.COM and put in the comments that you heard about this from LES in Killeen, Texas and you will get the drops for $Z430.00 per bottle and my 40 days took 2 bottles but order 3 just in case. I started at .5 cc on the syringe and after day 10 dropped to .4 and made it just fine with a dose or 2 left. Total cost for me 80.00 plus shipping. Go by the food list on this blog and you cant go wrong. People I can tell you from experiance you can have Zucchinni, yellow squash sauteed in “I cant believe its not butter” or spray pam or generic, with onions and mushrooms, yes mixed veggies, bake the squash with cinnamon and splenda and yes I used splenda throughout, used low sugar heinz ketchup with horseradish for cocktail dip (only 5 cal per tablspoon) for you folks that think this is bland , it must mean you are not using Garlic and curry and pepper, sea salt, cilantro , shrimp boil and hot sauce, pico, peppers of all kinds, cabbage with meats and seasoning, wiltted greens with spray pam and onions, grilled fish and grilled chicken and grilled burgers seasoned with anything that doesnt have sugar in it. Get you romain hearts and use them for your taco shells your burger buns, use Mustard and eat pickles they are all VLCD foods, really there is no excuse not to have tasty food on phase 2, experiment with Braggs Amino Acid and other Braggs seasonings, Garlic, horseradish, mustard all kinds of things. Cinnamon on apples baked with splenda the squash the same things. Spagetti squash with marinara and 96/4 burger and mushrooms AWESOME !! all legal. Dont over kill on this diet, if you stay under your 500 and the reason you do that is because hcg is dumping 2000 calories into your blood stream from stored fat, it is awesome the way the fat is burned and folks just because you are not losing pounds some days doesnt mean you arnt losing inches, TRUST ME ,have lost 45 pounds and did it in the 45 days and 43 of it was by day 35. You will retain water and food in your system and your weight will fluctuate but dont get discouraged when you dont lose as much as me or someone else. Thjink about how just .5 per day is so Good. There is no other diet out there that does that for you. If you have lost 11.4 pounds in 18 days where else could you lose .6 over half a pound a day. Sometimes people expect a little to much out of this diet from what they have heard. Just do it for your self and be proud of the weight you have lost because no other diet will do this in my opinion only.
Overall at the end of the diet you will do well just look for tomorrow dont re-live yesterday or try to live tomorrow. LIVE TODAY and do it the best you can. When you feel like cheating, Take a big ole drink of water and a big bite of apple. Remember water weighs 8.33 pounds per gallon and if you drink close to that you will prob retain some of it like maybe 2 pounds of it so just keep on keepin on and drink your water at room temp. It is a lot easier to drink copious amounts of water at room temp and out of small glasses. Keep you a small glass by your work place and before long it is a habit to reach over and take a swig. This diet is really going crazy and its got the medical field jacked up. For those of you that are thinking of doing this diet and spending the average 800 – 1200 dollars and dont get any info or have been given any guidance or food ideas, Send me $200 and I will get you going with a manual, recipes and instruction and product. Get with me first it will save you at least 700 – 1000 dollars. All of you readers be BLESSED forgive the type o’s and remember ” GO THE DISTANCE” you will be glad you did. up to day 5 you could feel like you have the flue, detoxing and ridding your body of sugar, carbs, starches and cleansing. Your Lymph nodes could swell and your throat get sore, but keep on going because in 40 days you will need different clothes or fit in the ones you saved for when you got back to size. Have a Great evening.
WOW big type “O” $40.00 per bottle FORTY DOLLARS ONLY. HCG Homeopathic MEDIRAL company out of Colorado is the distributor to wholesalers. A well known Homeopathic company around the world. Les
Candace use all the zero zero zero stuff you want, it doesnt matter what it is if it has zero carbs, zero calories, zero fat or even zero fat zero carbs and just a few calories it is ok. Pickles and it juice. Use pickle juice mixed with chili powder and a little splenda for a great sause to put on your cabbage, squash beef or what ever you want. Lots of tomato stuff is legal. We found a local market brand spagetti sauce that was almost free of any thing and pourd over spegetti squash noodles with mushrooms and 96/4 ground burger WOW !!! Freezr you strawberries wnd then blend them with ice and a little splenda and water and wala you have a great smoothie. See ya
Hey Les, i am using the drops and I bought it from YourHcg website. I spent $199 for 2 2oz bottles. I will definately be ordering from the website you mentioned above. One or two recipes were provided but nothing as interesting as you have mentioned. Today I tried the baked apple cinnamon and it was the highlight of my day; thank you. I am still kindly asking whether you would send me a few recipes so that I can continue on this weightloss journey. Thank you. rosemariewarren@hotmail.com
Good Morning!
Just wanted to thank DAVID today, as I have totally enjoyed this site and it seems everyone is getting so much good information from one another, so I wanted to take a moment to thank David for setting this up, for allowing this interaction, and to plead with him, and everyone!, to stay connected to this place so you will all be here with your tremendous support when I begin my HCG journey in a few weeks…
Boy! Big run-on sentence…
Happy Tuesday,
Amy
I have stayed about the same over 4 days, 155.8, 156, 155.6, 155.4 so I am considering having an apple day today. Can anybody respond and let me know if they think this is a good idea??
It couldnt hurt and you would prob lose 2-3 pounds.
or Drink extra water and do something this evening or afternoon that will make you work out and sweat pretty good. You are not supposed to do straining excersises because it tears down muscle and rebuilds by retaing water and doubling up on muscle but the drinking and sweating thing seemed to work when i would be at a stand still. Or do a apple day. Just hang in there and be strong. Remember its the outcome at the end we are interested in !! LES
Tracy,
Don’t drink too much water on apple day. It says 6 apples and just enough water to quench thirst. I have done 2 apple days, and saw the results 2 days after apple day. Also I only ate 4 each day because I couldn’t do 6. After weighing the apples you only really need 4 to get to 500 calories-not that it is the protocol to reach 500 calories on an apple day.
Anyway they did help me get back on track.
Thanks, I did decide to have the apple day! I had a cup of green tea this morning and water but not a whole lot…I get thirsty pretty often though. Hopefully, the green tea was fine and I will limit my water intake a little more. I have had 2 1/2 apples and it’s 315pm, and I am pretty hunger but not starving so I’ll way till 430 or 5 to have another one!!
Thanks again for your comments and encouragement!
Tracy
Tracy, I hit a plateau for 3 days then gained 2lbs on phase 2 – i did a steak day and lost 4 lbs – I think you should be fine with the apple day – please let us know how it works out for you:)
Going to the doctor now for my next weigh-in. Good luck everyone…
Les,
thanks so much for all of the great info, I really would prefer the injectable type and are you serious about the info for $2oo? I live in San Antonio! I would like to do the 26 day diet first. My boyfriend will be doing it with me as well, so we will be sharing the products and hcg.
I know I seem wishy washy, I just started thinking and the injections would be faster.
Thanks again to everyone!!
I keep hearing about this apple day or steak day and am curious how it works. I am to day 17 and in the last 7 days have only lost 3 1/2 pounds and seem to be staying close to the same weight now. I had always heard that your body would know when to stop, and wondering if my “ideal” weight is still heavier than I want it to be. Can someone share the apple and steak day thing, and also whether that weight lost will just come back, like on a fad diet. At this point on day 17, I have lost 13 pounds, plus the 2 pounds I gained on the load. With the weight loss slowing down, I do not think I will hit even 15 pounds.
Linda, First of all there is no such thing as a steak day on phase 2. Only phase 3. Whoever did steak day on phase 2 was directed wrong and it may have worked for her ,but most of the time the outcome is not good 2-3 days down the line except on phase 3. On phase 2 though, there is an apple day if you have stayed the same for 4 days in a row without any weight loss. You eat 6 apples throught out the day and into late evening spaced out with just a normal amount of water, not copious amounts like you are used to drinking but just normal, maybe even a little hot tea. Apples are a great diuretic and are about 90% water. My friends have done it where they spaced there apple out about 3 hours apart each and it works. Most likely you will lose a couple of pounds and have seen as high as 3.5 Good Luck!! I do have to tell you though, what they forget to tell women is that they lose at a different pace than men on this diet and think almost every women I know on this diet which is a lot, lose an average of about .5 – .7 pounds each day averaged out some only .4 – .5 which might I add is very good. Dont be discouraged with your .76 per day weight loss. That is .7 pounds plus above average for a female. Dont even consider your gorge day weight its over and gone and not in the equation. I assume you are only going 23 days by your comment, you might consider going a little longer.
Also, this is what people need to realize that are in fear of gaining weight back. Phase 3 on this diet is the most important part of this diet, Phase 2 you are simply losing weight, phase 3 is where you are resetting your hypo-thalamus which in turn affects your thyroid, metabolism and weight stabilization. Phase 3 is where you maintain your 1500 calorie a day diet give or take and your weight loss or gain should stay within 2 pounds of your last weight on your last HCG dose. If you dont do this, YOU WILL GAIN YOUR WEIGHT BACK IN MOST CASES. Then you live phase 4. Now it is a little different for those who dont really have weight problem and a brain problem that is connected to there elbow problem. Some people gained 15 pounds over a 10 year period and its harder to get off at 50 than 30 and they want to lose 15-20 pounds and wont gain it back until they go into the nursing home. But for those of us that are more than 50 pounds over weight need to change life in its self and that begins with a different eating habit, because life as usual isnt or hasnt worked for us as far as weight goes. Thats why there are fat horses and skinny ones and they both eat the same thing. Or a fat dog or skinny dog and they eat out of the same bowl next to each other eating the same thing. THEY ARE EACH DIFFERENT, so are we. If you do this diet or change of life correctly, you will see positive results. 4 of things it does is awesome anyway, No peptic ulcers or heartburn, No gout, No skin itching and peeling and Rhumatoid athritis goes away, these are the side affects has anybody noticed there heartburn has gone away. If you have you have prob been eating wrong in the past. Also though you may see some hairloss only while on HCG and when you get off of it it grows back. Not a lot but some on a few people. But the other stuff is great. I have not had heartburn or knee and feet problems yet while on this. WOW! Oh well you didnt ask for all of that it was just on my mind. Have a great and awesome day and remember “where there is smoke, there is fire” LES
For those who dont what a steak day is! A steak day is when you are on phase 3 and you are maintaining your weight loss to a maximum of weight loss to 2 and or a maximum of weight gain to 2 pounds during the first 21 days off HCG. If when you get up in the morning and weigh and you have gained 2 pounds and even 1 oz. do not eat that very day, do not wait until tomorrow, that very day it is a must to not eat all day and for your evening meal eat the biggest steak you can with either 1 fresh apple or one raw tomato. Drinking water during the day of course and or tea, coffee, just zero food until steak time. Most people have seen a weight loss of 2 or more pounds the next morning. Protein is a diuretic and in lots of cases will cause a bowel movement. Have a great day. YALL !
Jane why injection, I think you said you believe it to be faster. WHy do you believe that, just curious. The people that I know that have done both injection and sublingual have stated they were less hungry and felt more control on sublingual because it is evened out throughout the day it seems a little better. Example you take the little syringe that comes with it, with no needle and pull .5cc into the syringe and place it under the tounge and hold for aproxx. 2 minutes then swallow. morning noon and then before bedtime. It is ieasy and I am a crave freak and food has always been a social thing and mind game for me and with these drops, I can honestly tell you that it stopped all of that mess and I have a complete different thinking pattern now about food. It has been GOD sent, thank you FATHER.
today i took my last injection. tomorrow was suppose to be my last injection but i got my period today and i read that your suppose to have 3 days after your period of injections and i only had one. so i hope this wont screw anything up. for the 22 days of injections im down 13.4 and hope to lose the last 3.4 pounds by the end of the 2 days of the VLCD. Any words of wisdom on skipping the last day?
I am so happy the apple day actually worked and I lost 2 lbs. I am now at 153.4 and yesterday was 155.4. I did not spread the apples out as I did not see that advice til today. I felt hungry and even had 2 at one time, & I did feel bloated most of the day (not sure if it was the apples or that my period is going to start soon.) Anyway, I feel good today and happy for all the progress 13.2 lbs lost after 12 VLCD days.
Special thanks to Les for all his contributions here and personally for responding to my questions.
Hope you all have a great day…keep up the good work!
I am starting today, big time eating that is. My question is after I finish all my injections, and am off for 72 hours, I will more than likely still need to lose another 25 to 30lbs, so do I just start them back up again? I have the injections now, and then I have ordered the 40 day supply of drops. I need some guidance on what is the best practice to lose 75 lbs on this plan. Thanks in advnace for your time
Isn’t it 21 days of injections plus 72 hours VLCD no injections?
Amanda, you have to do the 3 weeks maintenance (phase 3) and then you must wait 6 weeks before starting again. I have heard you must follow this exactly or you can mess everything up with your metabolism and gain weight.
Okay so 21 days injections (two days fat filled, 19 VLCD)
3 days of VLCD dieting
Phase 2 – how long is this, and what do you do besides 1500 calories no sugar or starches..how long is this one?
Phase 3 -H have heard steak days, and how long is this one?
I need to lose 75lbs so I know I will have to do a couple rounds of injections, Thank you Tracy for clearing that up for me, i was going to do round after round…boy what a mess that would have been…
Updated:
It goes Phase 1 – Day 1 and 2 is fat load days
Phase 2 – Day 3 thru 23 is 500 cal, with last 72 hrs without injections but still VLCD
Phase 3 – the next 3 weeks after the 23 days Maintenance period, 1500 cal but NO BAD CARBS OR SUGAR
Phase 4 – Slowly adding back carbs and sugar like every 3 days
Thank you so much Tracy for breaking it down like that for me!
So when can you start phase 1 again?
Amanda, you know you can do the first round up to 46 days, right? Then start Phase 3 (3 week maintenance period) after that. Wait 6 weeks and start again.
Restarting Phase 1 would be 6 weeks from the end of phase 3 (maintenance period) so that would be 9 weeks from the end of Phase 2, VLCD.
Well, no that is what I am going to do then…wish me luck I would love to lose 30lbs on this first round, so when I start my period, I do not take injections right? Then when it’s over and I start taking them again do I start with 2 load days?
Les, do you wan to confirm what I wrote here about restarting. I know you have down it a couple times. This is how I understand the protocol.
Right, no injections for about 3 days of period but still VLCD (not sure how that feels).
Yes, you restart the same way with PHASE 1 which is the 2 load days w/injections.
You should read through the Simeons protocol book which is on-line and free in various places including the website that Les recommends for the drops at http://diyhcg.com/….all the details are there but I think I have summarized pretty well. I have been sending this info to my friends and summarizing it for them so I had it already.
http://diyhcg.com/
I reread your question above….there are NO LOAD DAYS when you stop injections for your period for 3 days and then start injections again. You only have load days in phase 1 when you restart after 6 weeks after Phase 3 Maint period ends.
Good luck….off to the beach now!!!
Will check in later, Tracy
OK, Here is the way it works. When you have finished your injections on either the 23 day or the 43 day plan, you must stay on the 500 VLCD plan for 3 more days which equals 72 hours. Then if you have done the 23 day you must not take any HCG for 3 weeks, if you have done the 43 day you must not take HCG for 6 weeks, period. Your body builds an immunity to HCG and it has to have a resting time to reset itself and rid your body of the HCG. The first 21 days of the diet is Phase 3 add more eggs, meat nuts, more veggies, dairy, cheeses, more fruits, and eat as close to 1500 calories a day as you can hoping not to lose more or gain more than 2 pounds either way. You DO NOT TAKE ANY HCG during this time at all or you will screw everything up. You can not take more than 40 days of HCG at any given time without taking a 6 week break from it or it will NOT work. I know 2 different people that tried proving it wrong and gained 15 pounds one of them had to have there gall bladder removed, because extended use of HCG will cause problems with your GallBladder, that is one of the reasons they want you to take a break. So all you folks down load POUNDS AND INCHE by Dr. Simeon and read the entire thing.
Phase 4 is the phase after phase 3 where you add in a few sugars, carbs, and starches. Add in every third day to see how you re-act if it makes you gain dont do it again. Try something different. The first 3 weeks is the most important phase on the entire diet program.
tomorrow was suppose to be my last injection but i got my period today and i read that your suppose to have 3 days after your period of injections and i only had one. so i hope this wont screw anything up. for the 22 days of injections im down 13.4 and hope to lose the last 3.4 pounds by the end of the 2 days of the VLCD. Any words of wisdom on skipping the last day?
or if you take the injection while you are on your period. what is the reasoning behind not doing injections on those days. also someone said i should take the last injection tomorrow becasue if you dont have a certain amount of injections you may just gain it back?
There is really no rule on taking HCG while on your cycle. The rule is if when you start your period and you see a major change or experiance any problems stop taking it until you are off of it. My Wife and my daughter and my daughter-in-law and several friends took it right on thru everything and experianced zero problems. The only thing that really happens is you retain more fluid showing some no loss days and then when it is over you lose 2 – 3 pounds. So just do as you were and get on thru the program. Also you will lose a couple more pounds on your VLCD last 3 days but not quite as dramatic and you may feel hungry on the 3rd day but be encouraged, that just means it is leaving your system. Do you know what to do in phase 3 ? And Amanda the only time you start with two load days is when you have been off of the diet the allotted time. You do not take HCG during Pahse 3 or 4.
Also Tracy, you only have to be off of HCG 6 weeks from the end of your 40 day plan on phase 2. Phase 3 and 4 are your 6 weeks off. You do not do 9 weeks. 43 days on VLCD 6 weeks off then do 2 load days and kick off with HCG again. The question was asked earlier about having a lot of weight to lose. I Have lost 46 pounds and in my phase 4 now. Sept. 1, I will start my HCG again and do 23 days, because I dont want to take another 6 week break. You only do a 3 week on 23 day. I began needing to lose 100 pounds, i have lost 45 of that in 40 days and I will lose 25 in 23 days, then 3 weeks off and then do another 23 day plan and will have lost 100 pounds in 80-90 days incredible. I think it will be from now on in my life a twice a year 23 day protocol to keep it all in check and not ever gain that weight back. I time in the early spring and one time right before the holidays. Have a great day !!.
Okay I have decided to just do the 23 day cycle. So this is how I think I have it broke down, please let me know what you think: I started today BTW
Aug 5 & 6th gorge with HCG Day 1 and 2
Aug 7th thru 24th 500 calories with HCG ( day 3 thru 20)
Aug 25 thru 27th 500 Calories no HCG
Aug 28th thru Sept 18th eat up to 1500 calories, and weigh every day to ensure not gaining, if I do gain…eat apples all day long. Eat proteins fruits and veges…( 3 weeks off HCG)
Then if I want I can gorge again Sept 19th and 20th, and start all over again with another round of HCG?
Almost right, on phase 3 you do steak days not apple days, according to the two books I have read and the experiance from several other people and Dr.’s word. If you gain 2 pounds and even 1 oz or more do a no eat all day and a big steak for dinner along with apple or raw tomato. Yes on the rest. Just remember you take HCG while gorging.
Thanks my friend Jenny confirmed as well…Okay I have my calendar marked as to what to do each day.
Everyone has been so helpful, thanks for everything!!!
ok so now here is the thing. i threw away the last injection. whats gonna happen now? am i gonna screw up everything by not taking 1 injection? i dont know what to do now? Please help?????
Thanks Les…that was the only part I was not sure of and that is why I asked for your confirmation. I am doing the 23 days and thought it was a 6 week wait period no matter what. Is that in the protocol that it’s only 3 weeks from when you finish taking HCG? If that’s the case, I may do it again in October, rather than November…better for me!! If I am lucky, I will not even have to do it again. I have lost 13 lbs and have 18 to go and i have 15 days to go (including stopping for my period for 3 days). I know women tend to lose less than men. I am going on 2 vacations or I would consider staying on it for 43 days.
Les,
the problem is, is that i threw away the injection figuring i couldnt take it because i had heard that you needed 3 days of injections after having your period and not to take it while your on it. i asked but no one responded on any HCG blog. so now what? did i screw everything up now by missing one injection?
Les,
My thinking was…. that you had to keep it under your tongue for 5 min. I just thought the inj would be a one time thing daily. It does make more sense that it would be more controlled. I think that is what I will do then. Thanks again. What about the info. you have? as far as breaking it down for the newbies like me?
Amanda:
I don’t think you have messed anything up by not taking the last shot. If anything, you lost one day of potential weight loss. If that was your last injection, go ahead with the maintenance (Ph3) after 72 hours of 500 calorie days starting the day after the last injection. Remember, as Les has said so many times, the three weeks after the HCG treatments are vital to resetting the metabolism of your body to the new weight. Good luck.
I am about 10 days away from Phase 3, and I want to go for a second round. My doctor is going to charge me way too much for round 2, almost double what I paid for 1st round. So my boss who is a dentist called a mail order pharmacy that has the injectable HCG called Novarel, which is what I have now. He said he’d write me the rx for it except he is not sure how to write it!! My bottle that I have now was drawn up by that office so I am no help there All I know is I inject 1cc 6 days a week for 6 wks. I want to do same for round 2. Anybody ou there now what the prescription should say???
So my question is, I hear about the 23 and the 43 day plan. For my own needs, I am feeling like I am more of a 30 or 33 day person. Can this be done, if at the end of those days of injections, I still do the 3 day VLCD at 500 calories?
dmarie – If you don’t mind me asking, what did your Dr. charge for the first round and what is it for the second round? Did you ask him why it was increased? If you complain he might very well return to the first price. If not, your medical records are your property. You are entitled to get a copy, including the meds prescribed so you can bring it to another provider. I would be up front with your Dr. that money is tight and you can get the same product for much less. Good luck!
I just wanted to report my progress I am on day 19 and have lost 20.4 lbs 🙂 I am glad this diet is working. I could not be happier! Thank you so much everyone on this site for your great advice and support!!
Candace- That is so awesome, I’m on day two and gained 1.7lbs….ha ha, love me some load days!!!
I have a question??? I have been on HCG for 27 days, I am out of the drops. My shipment won’t be here until Monday?? So can I go ahead and stop now and take the 3 weeks off for maintance and then start back up and do another round of 23 days? and then go off for 3 more weeks and then back on. HELP
Yes, the minimum is 21 days of HCG + 72 hours of VLCD after you stop.
Amanada- Enjoy your load days I gained 5lbs on my 2 load days. I ate like a mad cow. It was too funny 🙂 But I enjoyed every minute of it.
Beth is right – read the protocol over and over. I find new things, ideas and information each time. And especially the more I am on it, it is easier to understand. The HCG Weight loss Cure Guide, is wonderful and I got it on diyhcg.com. It has helped out immensely, especially with the products allowed and guidance. Again, Read it and over again and again and you will be amazed at the new stuff you find. Enjoy – it is so wonderful.
ok, guys. I can’t believe it but I actually cheated yesterday. For some reason i was ravenous. At first I didnt have anything off menu but I had MORE of it than I was supposed to. By the end of the evening I totally broke down and had some microwave popcorn. I didnt eat the whole bag but I had 3-4 big handfuls and then I threw it out. I had gained 1 lb when i checked this morning. So my question is what do you suggest as a way to rebound? Should I do an apple day or should I just pick up and get right back on the normal protocol menu? I feel so bad. This was working. Idont know why I had such cravings yesterday. I usually dont cheat on a diet if it’s working. I normally only cheat when I’ve given it my best and have received no pay off. I hope I haven’t ruined things too badly. So. . .what do you guys think I should do?
okay,
I ordered the hcg on diy today. I should be starting on monday with the drops. I am going to start reading reading reading so I dont get stuck with no info and a hungry tummy! What site lets you download part of the protocol free? I thought that I had read that somewhere?
OK, so can I do the injections for 25 or 30 days and then 72 hours VLCD?
I started PH3 yesterday (upping my calories and eating an expanded menu after allowing myself 72 hours off hcg) and promptly gained a 1/2 pound this morning. I know it’s just a half pound, but I’m so afraid that all of my hard work will now go down the drain since I’m eating more. If anyone can share their PH3 experience, I’d really appreciate it. I need reassurance!!
Judy – that .5 lb is most likely just the weight of more food in your tummy – keep drinking lots of water. Your body will adjust. Just remember – NO starches and sugars!
After my apple day 3 days ago, I lost 2 pounds and since then I have weighed in at 153.4, 153.4, and today 153.6. Not good. I have not done anything wrong but I do have to put sunscreen and lotion on my children….maybe that has something to do with it, or I am retaining water since I am due to start my monthly cycle. I wonder if I need another apple day….getting discouraged now since I only have 6 more days.
Judy – There is bound to be an adjustment once the calories are increased. You also might want to exercise more. Please keep us posted here so we know what to expect when we get to Phase 3. By the way, were you hungry during the 72 hours you took no hcg but had the VLCD?
Jackie,
By the 3rd day of my 72 hours off hcg, I was a little more hungry–but not much. I ended up eating dinner early and then I was fine. Now I think I’ll get my butt to the gym!
For those of you with blood pressure issues: My sister (64 years old) has had many years of high blood pressure and has been on medication for a long time. Even on her meds, she wasn’t able to get it below 150/90. In the first week of being on this diet, she took her blood pressure and it was 107/74. She has been off her medication for the first time in years. Oh, and she’s lost 10 pounds in 7 days.
Ok – It is a question I have been asked many time, but do not know the answer. Anyone Please help. Does Chicken, Beef, etc. weigh more before or after it is cooked. I measure out about 90 grams cooked for my protein, but am I cutting myself short or too much. Raw meat freaks me out and I don’t want to sling it on my scale. Who knows the answer? You cook 100 grams of chicken to get XXX grams cooked. Is it lighter when cooked? Or Heavier or same? Please to answer.
Jen: The meats weigh less after they are cooked. The loss is maily fat and water. I don’t like to “sling raw chicken” onto the food scale either. In fact, because of salmonella (figure about 1/3 of the chicken you buy is contaminated with it), I am especially careful in handling it. I wear latex gloves when handling raw chicken. (The rest of the meats are not as dangerous.) I take it out of the package, holding it over the sink and rinse the slime off with flowing water. I cover the scales with a layer of Saran Wrap. When I have it weighed and cut into 3.5 ounce pieces (100 Grams) and finally have it cooking, I will wash everything that the chicken and/or the juice touched then disinfect with 3% hydrogen peroxide (available at a drug store). Throw the Saran Wrap that you used to cover the scale away. Don’t forget to wash and disinfect the countertop also. You are shorting yourself at 90 Grams. Go to 100 Grams RAW meat. Hope this helps.
Jen: I forgot to address the 100 Grams raw is how many ounces cooked question. 100 Grams equals 3.53 ounces. That’s within 3/100 of an ounce of 3.5; close enough for me. I don’t know how much it is cooked. Every piece of meat is different and cooking times and methods vary all over the place. All of that will affect the weight of the cooked meat. Weigh it raw and don’t worry about the cooked weight.
Ok good – glad I am eating less than more. I thought it was less, as I have had the joy of losing a pound a day. It ROCKS. I just cook a ton of chicken in the crock pot for 8 hours, skinless and boneless and then shred putting it in bags of 90-100 grams. I usually can’t eat all of this, and then thought I was eating too much. It is hard to believe sometimes it is hard to finish 90-100 grams. Promise – everyone – some day you will think the same. Hang in there- it is worth the commitment for 23 days.
Jen, thanks for asking that question. I also was wondering about the raw vs. cooked weight. I don’t mind weighing raw except if I want to make a roast beef for my family (and also have that to eat myself). It’s really hard to cook a 3.5 oz piece of roast beef and have it come out well, and if I can have beef only once a week it’s going to be spectacular (not dried out) Thanks for the info, Harvel. I agree everyone needs to stay committed. It’s a bummer when you have a day you don’t lose, but it seems the next day I lose a bit more and I always feel a little skinnier each day (even if I don’t lose). I’ve been on the diet now for 2 weeks and I’ve lost 11 1/2 pounds in 14 days. I have 13 1/2 more to go. I hope to be done by August 25th. Good luck everyone!
TRACY, I ,too, stayed at the same weight for four straight days! I was kinda getting discouraged…and decided to drink twice as much water as usual! Even though I know that I am close to TOM…..Ta Da!!!! I woke up this morning 1 lb. lighter! The fifth day! That extra water helped so much. Try it!
Jen and Jackie and All the Rest,
Jen If you are losing a pound a day, whatever you are doing must be OK. Jackie, glad to help.
It’s time to bring you all up to date on how my wife and I are doing. We signed on to a clinic here in the Phoenix area. When we started, we weren’t aware of all the DIY information on the web. Also, because of our ages (67 each) I wasn’t particularly anxious to “wing it.” Now that we have almost completed the VLCD portion (the last injection of HCG will be next Thursday (8/13)) on a 43 day cycle, I think we know enough to go “solo.” The comments posted here by those of you (a tip of the hat to Les) who are going it alone are very encouraging.
I have lost 35 pounds and my wife has lost almost 18 pounds. The process is more difficult for her because the VLCD has to be tailored against her high blood sugar–trying to keep the carbohydrates as low as possible, which limits the fruits. This means that she is eating, on average, 50 to 75 calories less than 500. I think that makes a difference. Our clinician is silent on that point.
Both of our bodies have changed shape and I am wearing 44″ pants for the first time in a loooong time. After maintenance, Ph3, we will both be about half-way to our target weights. I think we will opt for the shorter version and maybe do it twice if once more isn’t enough.
I once did a stint as a long-haul trucker. I say to all of you, “Keep on truckin’.” This thing works!
Harvel
OK, haven’t heard back and figure that is because no one really knows. I weighed 142 at the beginning, and am down to 126 on day 20. I know to a lot of people that doesn’e seem that much to have ever been worried about, but when your body has always been in the high 1-teens, and you are short, you are still up there. Today is day 20, and I have 6 injections left. I would like to go a few more days! Does anyone know why I shouldn’t? Of course, then I would finish up with the 72 hour VLCD. I would sure love a little feedback! LOL
Linda, dont know of one reason why you cant finish off your injections as long as you do your same protocol with the 3 days VLCD before you start phase 3. Just remember in order to keep your weight off and to change and reset your hypothalamus you must do the phase 3 and 4. Phase 3 being the most important phase on the diet. OK Be Blessed. LES
On the weighing meat aftet it is cooked. My family who all did very well on this diet and by the way we are in Phase 4 now and loving a few carbs and starches , not many just a few, but we have really changed our thinking and it is amazing. Back to weighing. If it was cooked like shrimp or roast or a big steak to go from somewhere we weighed 3.0 oz instead of 3.5 oz. I know the ratio is not right but it didnt hurt us at all. I have lost 46 pounds now and thru it all I weighed 3.0oz on cooked meat. It is not the protien that will make you gain the weight anyway. If we were a little hungry and needed a to fulfill a desire, we just ate 4-5 oz meat and seemed to always work out, Now we only did that on Sundays or maybe Sat. night but it still worked. And that was our cheat, a little more protein. Anyway that is just my opinion and I am sticking to it. Harvel we too are only doing the 23 day protocol Sept.1 because I dont want to wait 6 weeks this time to lose another 20 pounds. Cant wait. “GO THE DISTANCE”
I know phase 3 is very important and I am getting close to it. I am planning to have wine and I know it is in the protocol that you can have a glass with dinner. Does anyone know if I have more than that if I will mess everything up? We will be in wine country for a short weekend vacation and I am hoping to have some.
And thanks Suz. I did try to drink more water and yesterday I am finally down another pound (just under a pound)!
Linda,
As to whether or not to to go beyond the 23 daily hCG treatments (26 days including the 3 post-treatment days), remember that there is a 40 treatment (43 days total) protocol. Ask your clinician about simply going on to the longer course. They both start the same way (gorging for two days) and end the same way (3 days post-hCG).
Tracy,
Remember, during Ph3 no sugar! While I am not a drinker of wine, I would probably consider only dry wines and then in limited amounts. Anyone else out there have any suggestions?
Les,
Thanks for the information RE: the weight of cooked vs raw meat. The 3.5 ounces raw compared to 3.0 ounces cooked makes sense to me. That should be valuable advice to those of us who are cooking for a family of non-dieters.
Les,
Do you have all of your receipes and great infor compiled into something that you are willing to share? I would love to get a copy of it. Please email what you have to claytonj83@yahoo.com. I would be happy to pay for such great help. Thanks so much
Hey everyone! I am so glad I found this site. I have been quietly reading for over a week now. I am on Day 11 of the injections, day 9 of VLCD. I am down about 7 pounds. I don’t have a digital scale so it is not exact, but it is going the right direction.
Reading here has really helped me – I have bought the Stevia, Braggs and Waldens Salad dressing. just got the Braggs and Waldens last night.
I have even had a few restaurant meals and have not cheated. And boy, last night did I ever want a margarita!!! I feel confident that I can eat right for the next 13 days.
My last injection will actually be on the 18th as we leave for Cozumel on the 22nd. That will give me the three days I need after the last injection for the VLCD.
I am only 6 pounds away from my goal weight and am so thankful I found out about HCG. I went to a dr. who offers the plan -he charges $675. I had never heard of it – so I came home and did some research and ended up ordering it on line for less than 1/3 of the price at the doctor’s office. They gave me the printed protocal there and I have continued to research what is working for everyone. Of course, at first I am thinking eating only 500 calories a day is NUTS – but I really have not been very hungry.
I am hoping I will lose another 7-10 pounds before I move into Phase 3 – eating in Cozumel will not be that difficult – the place we stay has a wonderful breakfast buffet with lots of fresh fruit and you can get omlets – and of course we always eat fresh seafood while there. The big deal will be drinking. It is only 4 days. I am not going to go on vacation and not drink, but can keep it at a reasonable quantity.
I went to a WL center in Houston in 2002 and lost about 40 lbs. As of today – I am only 5 pounds up from where I stabilized – but I have already lost about 23 lbs. It took me a long time to put the weight back on, but think this plan is going to help me keep it off for good.
Anyway – sorry to ramble on – I am just glad I found this place.
You are all doing so well- David – thank you for this blog – Les and everyone else – thanks so much for all the advice and encouragement.
I am enjoying the baked apples (would have never thought of that), have weighed skinless chicken breast cut into chunks and put in zip-locs in the fridge so I can just grab and throw in the skillet with Pam. I seasoned it with creole seasoning.
Help. Day 5 at the same weight. I did an apple day also. This is my second round of hcg. This never happened on the first round. What do I do now?
Hi Mandy,
Yes I waited 6 weeks. Seem to work fine for the first week, now nothing. Have a call into hcgmedical. Great thing about them is the year long support and medical testing. They’ll get back to me tomorrow. No clue why…
I count my weight before load. Since that is where I wanted my loss from
Debbie
Hi everyone
Thank you all for your info.Much appreciated.
I am having a terrible problem.Really thought this program would work for me. I am a senior and I have type 1 diabetes. Insulin stores fat so I wonder if that is my issue.
Ihave been on the program for 3 weeks-very strict-no cheating and have only lost 11 pounds.
Has anyone else lost so little or is it the insulin? Anyideas?
Hi Muriel,
Are you eating according to the diabetic diet? Adding in different things? It does state in my info that you will experience a smaller loss than the normal protocol
Debbie
hi Debbie
Thanks for your answer. No I am eating exactly what is on program and taking much less insulin.
Muriel,
11 pounds in 21 days is very good, about 1/2 pound per day. Everyone is different and, in addition, you have the diabetes. My friend is losing an average of 1/2 pound/day while I have been losing an average of 3/4 of a pound. The first week or so I lost 1 pound per day but then it slowed a bit. Don’t get discouraged, it sounds like you are doing great.
what if you go over the 500 calories???
i also heard no fruit (or sweet fruit is allowed)….what about wine?
Renee
Have you read Pounds and Inches?
Les,
I was not able to take the last injection as i had bent a needle and was short a needle and also because i didnt know what to do becus i had one day of injection left and i had gotten my period and it says to have 3 days of injections left after your period. so i threw away the last injection. ive heard numerous stories on you only need 2 days of VLCD after the last injection, so i only did 2. friday was my last VLCD and saturday i started eating more. Yesterday i woke up and was 140.8 and today im 142.8. Any idea whats going on? did i screw it up by not taking the last injection. Ive posted this a few times but never got any response. Any words of wisdom???
Amanda,
I’ll try to answer your question. One thing men don’t have to deal with is the timing of hCG doses around their periods (male PMS not withstanding).
I think one reason you gained weight is that the continuation of the VLCD after the final dose of hCG is THREE days starting the day after the last dose. Why? Because it takes three days for the influence of the hCG to clear from the body. You added calories beyond what the body could burn.
What to do now? I don’t think it’s a disaster. Cut back a little bit on the caloric intake and keep to your schedule. If the weight gain continues, try a steak day.
Surely someone else has some advice. Anyone?
Harvel
Hi Amanda,
I have the book, HCG Weight Loss Cure Guide. There is excellent info in there for Phase 3 and 4.
First of all, no sugar, no starches. Other than that, eat a MINIMUM of 1500 calories. HCG is used to burning 2000-4500 calories. If you eat less than the 1500, you will gain and change the whole process. Your body will go into starvation mode again, probably what got you here to begin with.
Also, the only area to have low-fat in, is dairy. All other low fat items substitute sugar for the fat to have taste. No sugar. That said, watch the amount of fat intake. General rule of thumb according to the book: healthy snacks with Carbs 20 or less, fiber 2 or more, sugar (natural) of 10 or less and protein of 4 or more.
Its a good book, and that phase is the hardest to get thru and most important. There is so little info on that phase that I could find and this is round 2 for me.
Good luck. Hope some of this helped. Do a steak day
Debbie
Amanda, the last injection had nothing to do with your weight gain, but not following the 72 hour or 3 day rule did. If you are going to continue on this program just have to Keep It Simple. Down load Pounds and Inches and go by it other than a few food changes and recipes that you see on here and read about, or the book, Debbie told you about. People are always trying figure ways to get around the real deal and Very good response Harvel, you learn quickly. Amanda, when it says 3 days or 72 hours, that is what it means for reasons sometimes the Dr. Simeon understood. It really is a simple diet and people are always trying to go around the protocol. Well if there diet worked they wouldnt be on this one. Just use common sense approaches on your decisions. Zero cal Zero Carb Zero Fat foods are labled as such, One of the important things to remember afetr the phase 2 is stay low glycemic foods for life. Go to the site Low Glycemic food list and it is very helpful. Have an Awesome day and remember, He (the LORD) will not put anything on you that you cannot handle. The ohase 2 protocol states that if you gain 2 pounds and even 1 ounce from your weight on your last injection day to do a steak day. Just enough water and drink to hydrate yourself and no food all day and then at your evening meal eat a large steak and either an apple or a raw tomato.
Les wishes he could type better
Amanda,
Interestingly enough, hcgmedical also told me 2 days after the shots..
They follow the Simeon protocol to a T. I can’t have most of the things people talk about on here.
But, after finishing round 1, I too had a gain. After this round, I am waiting 3 days.
Good luck
Debbie
Amanda,
Dr. Simeons says THREE DAYS. Check out pages 24 and 25 of his manuscript, “Pounds and Inches.” (I hand-numbered the pages in my copy.)
Hope that will clear up any misunderstanding, Harvel
thanks guys, im actually still with in my weight of my last injections which was 143.6 i think. i thought it was 3 days but my friend who had done it twice kept telling me 2days of the VLCD after the last injection. i guess i will have to wait and see what happens. the next time around i will do the 3 days on the VLCD. i hope i didnt screw anything up. Also i had an iced coffe but i had it with spelda becus i forgot the stevia. any effects of that ?
Les,
I am very interested your recipes my daughter, son in law, son, daughter in law and myself are on this diet. I need new exciting ways to prepare meals
my son and his wife are ready to quit due to the bland food. I would appreicate copies of your recipes
if possible my email address is mlueraharris@yahoo.com
I’m starting the protocol as soon as my prescription arrives. I’m going through HCGMedical. Is anyone else on this site using them?
Stacy,
I am. And I really like them. Very supportive.
Debbie
Les, Would you please also e-mail me your recipes? I would greatly appreciate it! I have been on the diet for 16 days and have lost 18.8#’s. I havent cheated not one time!! I am so proud of myself! But am getting bored of my bland foods! Need something to spice it up!! Thank you so much!
Lora
well, tonight I figured out why my weight stalled 5 days! The poultry seasoning I was using had sugar.
Now what? Anyone know
Tracy,
Other than that??
I’m sure they did solw you down. Still, I’ll bet you’ve lost some weight.
Harvel
Tracy,
I guess I was more than a little sarcastic. I apologize. Yesterday I hit a brick wall. It was day 39 of injectable HCG. I had no hint of hunger previously. About 2pm, the table legs were starting to look good–even better with catsup! I went hog-wild. Reread Dr. Simeons. Found out that this hunger reaction is typical when the body develops immunity on the long-term diet. Frankly, I didn’t care. I was hungry and managed to pack away almost 800 calories. And, yes, we’ve all made errors. Forgive me for my comment.
I am really grateful for this forum. It is really helping me. I am really getting tired of eating meat. How often can you substitute cottage cheese for meat? Also, can you use the Walden Family sugar free, fat free and carb free, dressigns and mayo. Any help would be appreciated.
thanks Jen. Any quantities to share?
Les, second round is not as easy as the first. Nor do I feel great like i did. I will say though, I am only 10 pounds away from my goal weight.
HCGmedical has been an awesome resource to have and call to get through any issues and make suggestions.
Great job Harvel
can someone tell me where to buy hcgweightlosscureguide?
dmarie,
I went t a clinic in Arlington actually. They wanted a small fortune.
I ordered sub lingualhcg last night from the web site Les speaks of.
Just waiting to get my supply in!
Jackie~ the miracle noodles, or yam noodles, aren’t bad! i emptied mine and sort of dried them off. then i put them in chicken broth and made chicken soup the next day. they are actually good! but don’t order them for $30! you can find them at any Asian food store! they are about $2.
I also had leg cramps at night occasionally even before I started the diet, my clinic told me I could take a potassium and magnesium if that occurred. It did seem to help. I don’t have to take them everyday.
Jen,
Thanks for posting information regarding Phase 3. There doesn’t seem to be as much information around about that. I’m glad to hear you weren’t starving with no hcg for 3 days – that was my fear. By the way, where is it stated that the calories in Phase 3 should be 1500 calories? I assume that’s the upper limit and there is no problem with eating less (for example 1300 or 1400)? I had hoped to start Phase 3 on Sept. 1st but my weight loss this week has slowed from the beginning so I might have to be on it longer to reach my goal of losing 25 pounds. So far I’ve lost 13 1/2 lbs. (so I’m a bit more than half way there). Please keep us posted with your progress. Thanks again!
Hi everyone,
Check out the link I posted earlier. It’s a quick start chart and I think you will find it very informative. I’ve just finished my first week of phase 3 and after one week, I’m not so worried about gaining a lot of weight back. I’ve been fluctuating in the 4 pound range and I have not had to do a steak day. Still 2 more weeks to go though. So we shall see.
I also recommend looking at the vlogs of people on youtube that have been using hcg. They can provide a lot of information on the hcg experience. Many have done several rounds and can give great guidance and inspiration.
I’ve been on Phase 3 and just started the last three of six weeks and have started adding in starches here and there. I have basically been following Atkins. The first three weeks I followed the food lists for all but the last phase food list. I have now added those in. I’m really not counting carbs or calories. I’m eating off the lists until I am comfortably full. I am having a fruit between each meal as suggested. My weight is staying within an approximate range of four or five pounds, but not going more than the two pounds above my last injection weight. My weight stays mostly around two to three pounds under it. I am having fun experimenting with low carb recipes. My diet is never dull. While I was on the HCG injections, I fed my husband pretty much low carb menus and he lost weight (needed to). I will start my next 40 day injection round on September 1st and am excited about it. I lost 35 pounds on the first round, so I hope to lose at least 30 or 35 on this next one. After that, I’ll do the weeks off and then do a 23 day round to finish the weight loss off. I have followed the diet to the letter with the exception that I did add cauliflower and broccoli (I almost never spell that right, but I’m sure you get it.) I used Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter spray, Bragg’s Amino Acid spray and extremely little amount of Pam spray. I usually used non-fat chicken broth instead of spraying with Pam. Using a very little amount of the “spray butter” worked well.
I’ve tried the Miracle Noodles and like someone else said, you are supposed to rinse them in a colander under hot water for 3 to 5 minutes. I have used them in soups and a spaghetti recipe. I tried them a couple of times during the 500 VLCD and didn’t really have a problem, but was scared so didn’t have them again until Phase 3. You have to remember they are just fiber and will bulk your intestines a bit, so weight loss could slow, but once the body starts pushing it through (helps constipation)your weight loss will continue just fine.
This is a lifestyle change (as it should be, or the weight will come back on). I am receiving my soy milk maker this Monday, but will make almond milk (soy makes me gassy). Phase 3 has allowed me to have half and half or cream, butter and cream cheese. I’ve developed or found some wonderful low carb recipes. Food is no longer the enemy…I just can’t believe that!!! I really don’t crave candy anymore. I really don’t feel like a must have bread, potatoes or any of the stuff that got me fat in the first place. The foods (including legal desserts) I am having are fabulous! I am grinding my own almond flour (almost no carbs at all) and make even pancakes with it. Pork rinds are great and I’ve used those as breading. If you are a little creative, the food ideas are wonderful! There’s a lot of recipes on the internet to glean from. I absolutely do not feel deprived at all. I hope I can give any of you encouragement and excitement with what choice you have made. I have read the Simeon’s Pounds and Inches Protocol over and over. Those of you who have questions and haven’t read it should really read it. It’s all there. Congratulations to all those doing this diet–it’s great and it works!
To Lulu: About switching your injection to morning, it won’t kill you. If it were me, I’d go ahead. My friend who mixed my hcg added too much bacteriostatic water and the dose was low. I gave myself a second shot that night to make the dosage add up right for the day and then gave the correct amount the next morning. I had no ill effects from it. Have great success!
I am on day 5 of Phase 2, and am so excited that I have lost 7 pounds. I’m not hungry, and I feel more energy. This blog is awesome and so very informative! I can’t wait to try some new recipes to keep it interesting. I am also excited to know that I can use ‘I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter’ spray in moderation.
I am having an issue with my deodorant. I switched to using a Crystal deo purchased from Walgreens. It doesn’t seem to work, so I researched and found that using moistened baking soda would work. I have tried that and it does kill all the odor, but it also irritates the skin. Any suggestions?
I just received my HCG in the mail. I was expecting to get the intra-muscular injections (which I’d been told arae the absolute best), but the instructions with this one show a picture of injections going into fatty tissue. Is anyone else working with that type?
Let me rant a second… I’m very angry with this doctor from HCG Medical (who has never spoken to me despite my repeated requests to answer specific questions and discuss how to proceed with my treatment). I ordered supplements from them that they said I “Had to have” and it includes Vitamin E, which I know from reading the protocols that is not a part of this diet. No one there can have an intelligent conversation with me about the studies they’ve done to show it doesn’t affect the degree of weight loss. The advice is, “just do as we say”. I’ve never trusted doctors to just do as they say without completely understanding why I’m doing something, so this makes it sound completely wrong to me.
I think the HCG Medical program is a scam to get as much money as possible from people with the most limited amount of work using only functionaries as contacts. The only people I’ve ever been able to talk to are what they call “dieticians” who can’t answer my technical questions and sales people. I have NO IDEA what it is I’m supposed to be paying for here and feel cheated. I’ll take a course of action against them, but in the mean time, I recommend others not to use this clinic.
Stacy,
Regarding the Vitamin E: While it isn’t part of the diet protocol, I don’t see how it can hurt UNLESS it is an oil formulation. Remember, no oil or fats during Ph2. Vitamin E is generally produced from wheat germ, a source of oil.
Harvel
ugh!! I gained 2.6lbs this morning, I was down 10.4 yesterday on day 8 of phase 2, and now that I gained 2.6 back I’m only down 7.8 in 9 days on phase 2. I know that I had a little too much protein for dinner, I had steak and 4 shrimp,but didn’t think that would makie a difference…also is anyone having any low carb alcholol drinks? I guess 7.8 lbs is still good for day 9, but I just wanted more…..so what do I do today since I gained?
Is the goal to lose weight on Ph 3, or just maintain? I need to lose another 60lbs, so I know that I am doing 23 day cycles, 3 weeks 1500 calories, then to start phase 1 again. Does anyone fear phase 1 to gain weight again? I kind of am, but then again it’s nice to get all cravings out of the way by stuffing your self to then get to take off another 20lbs
Manda,
The purpose of Ph3 is to reset your hypothalamus and your metabolism to the new weight. Maintain your weight at plus or minus 2 pounds of the weight on the day you took the last dose of HCG.
You start the next cycle just like you started the HCG-VLCD the first time, with the first two days of gorging. The whole thing starts over again. And, yes, you probably gain weight during the gorging, but those two days are important to make sure the essential fat deposits in your body are full and won’t be threatened by the HCG-VLCD.
Harvel
Stacy,
I used HCGmedical and couldn’t be happier. 4 friends had used them and they were pleased. Because of the great success I’ve had, 2 others in my office went to them.
I personally like the one on one care. I’ve had things come up and they addressed them. I spoke with a nurse regarding some things.
I do take Vitamin E and my personal doctor says that I have never been healthier.
Sorry you are disappointed.
Hi les, i am on day 1of phase 1 could you pls send me your recipes? oawodele@soteriaclinic.com. thanks
Good Evening to you all 1:35 A.M.
There is something to be said about the energy you get while on this diet ! I love it. Yes I do miss my diet cokes very bad, it was always my way of having s treat before starting the hcg protocol. I have a few questions.
My boyfriend is very hungry and crabby, we are into our 5th day including gorgeing days.(3VLCD) He was previously on thyroid meds and taking testosterone inj. due to low levels. He stopped these because of what he has read about being on meds and stuff during. Can he do a steak day this early on? Also, I am using my lemon juice allowence daily with ice,water and pealed lemon in a blender with stevia. Is this allowed? Do I have to stick with 3.5 oz of veggies or just make sure my calorie count stays at 500 for the day? As long as I have no more than 100 grams of protein and fruit that is allowed.? This site has helped so much. I got the drops from diyhcg as Les recommended. My start weight was 143.5 and as of this evening it is 137.6.I have not been weighting myself at the same time daily guess that would be a good idea huh? Any recomendations help, as always I understand all info comes from experiece and not M.D.
Have a great evening, maybe I can get some sleep.
Good Evening everyone,
Day 5 including 2 load days and using sublinq.from diyhcg. I am enjoying the energy and not to hungry. I have a few questions. My boyfriend is doing this with me and is very hungry.Is it to early for him to do a steak day? He was on thyroid meds and inj of testosterone for low levels but stopped for this 23-26 day diet. He has no energy and is very discouraged ! I beleive he is down about 4-5 lbs. Is it okay to peel a lemon and have it with water stevia and ice in the blender for the daily lemon allowence ? Also I have been using the coconut oil for cooking meats, dry lips and skin? Is that a No-NO?
I have followed the protocol as far as personal items so far. I did buy the dial soap, I believe it is a cranberry scent is that okay? How about washing dishes by hand ? Should I glove up? As the days go on just simple things could slow the whole process down according to what I have read. Thanks so much for all of your recomendations. I understand thats what they are and we ultimately have to decide for our selves
Jane
Sorry about that
I thought I had lost the first entry. Maybe I better try to get sleep now. I am starting to repeat myself.
Question about gorging – should I go all organic with no starches and sugars? Am I supposed to have starches and sugars during those two days?
Jane,
Hope you slept well. A good solid 8 hours is recommended. The diet places enough stress on your body without being sleep deprived as well. So far as I know, the way you are using the lemon juice allowance is OK. I use it the same way except I just juice the lemon instead of using the blender (less to clean up that way).
Three and a half ounces of vegies isn’t very much. My wife and I will use the vegetables (just don’t mix them in any given meal and only two each day) to make up the 500 calories. Many times, we would be up to 9 or 10 ounces of something like cucumbers and other lower sugar vegetables.
Start with the calorie value of the meat, add in the fruit, and make up the difference with vegetables. I will add in a breadstick if I need a little more.
Our counselor told me that plus or minus 10 calories (490 to 510) was OK. Sometimes it’s difficult to come out to exactly 500.
During the HCG-VLCD, avoid ALL oils and fats. Not on your skin and not in your cooking. Saute the meat in water. I will use a Forman Grill for the meats and steam the fish and chicken.
As to wearing gloves while washing dishes, it depends on what dish soap you are using. If it is a garden variety detergent, those are not based on a fat like a typical soap and they don’t add to the fat load. Dial soap, by the way is a fat based soap.
It is important to weigh yourself at the same time each day. That way you get a standardized measure. Dr. Simeons said to get up in the morning, go to the bathroom and then get on the scales.
My wife was very hungry until her HCG dosage was adjusted upwards. That solved the problem for her.
Stacy,
During the two “gorging” days go hog-wild. Anything and everything, fat, carbs, starches. And as much of it as you can choke down. Those two days are to make sure that the essential fat reserves in your body are full to the brim. This protects them from the influence of the HCG-VLCD.
Organic is not essential, but I like the idea that the foods my wife and I eat are not loaded or spiked with pesticides, genetically-engineered stuff, antibiotics, hormones etc, etc…
This thing is turning out to be more of a novel than a blog. However I have one more thing to say.
If you are looking for the calorie content of foods, the best source I have found is the USDA’s Agricultural Research nutritional data base. It is searchable, it is easy to use and it’s pretty darned comprehensive. Here is the web address:
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/cgi-bin/list_nut_edit.pl
If that link doesn’t work, Google “USDA Nutrition.”
Harvel
Stacy,
I believe you can eat anything you want, organic or not, because this is what your body will be using during the first few days. Hope this helps. Eat like you have never eaten before.( guess thats what got us here to begin with Ha Ha ) Remember to eat from every food group and different kinds of fats.
Jane
Well i have been on Ph3 for 1 week total yesterday and i have been able to maintain the weight within 2 lbs. i did eat brocoli and cauliflower and didnt have any problems with loosing weight. 2 more weeks of ph3 and i will start adding in my carbs. I will be going to NY and im gonna see how having pizza and ice cream will effect me. most likely i will have to do a steak day when i return home. 1 more round of 23 injections after i return and hopefully will be at my goal. the first time around i lost 14 lbs.
Debbie – I’m curious, do you inject into muscle or fat with the HCG Medical items?
Harvel, Debbie & others – Thanks for the info regarding Phase 3. It was very helpful.
Harvel & Tracy – I also was concerned about my daughter being on the hcg for more than 43 days because it seems everyone on this site is following that rule. We are getting my hcg through a holistic physician specializing in weight loss (among other things). It is pure hcg in powder form (in an ampule) which I add saline solution to. Once the solution is added it is good for 4 weeks as long as it’s refridgerated. I’ve asked my Dr. a couple of times about the immunity issue and he has said that immunity is an issue with injections and homeopathic hcg, but not the form of hcg he prescribes. I know my friend (who referred me to her Dr.) has been on it about 6 months and she has continued to lose. If my daughter had immunity issues I believe she would be hungry on the 500 cal, but she’s not. I will discuss this with my Dr. again, however, so I can better understand why no break from the hcg is required. In any event, my daughter (finally) lost 1 pound yesterday. I’m hoping it continues today. Thanks again for the advice.
Jane,
You really need to read Dr. Simeons Protocol. In Phase 2 there is no steak day. If your boyfriend is hungry he may need a higher dosage or maybe he didn’t gorge properly. You should check with your Dr. or clinic. Coconut oil is definitely not on the list of acceptable foods. One lemon each day for all purposes is allowed. I frequently make fresh lemonade with 1/2 a lemon, 8 oz of water, stevia and ice. It’s fabulous. Good luck!
Hi Stacy,
I injected into fat, and happily can say, having a harder time finding fat to pinch!
I was told my a lot that have been on this, that the intramuscular can only be given daily by a medical professional. Not sure if that is true.
I’ve been struggling with the last 7 pounds to get off. HCGmedical has been great with helping me on this. Protein day, uping my calories, etc and it is working. I’m trying to hit the bottom of my weight range… not easy. Said I am running out of abnormal fat. But, I am only on day 23 of my second round. So lots of days to go…
Anxious for maintenance. I am starting to get bored with the foods. I’ve tried the recipes and I’m still bored. Our plan, does not include all the things others here ate. And, while you may lose weight, doctors i’ve talked to said it may not stay off.. meaning it doesn’t reset the hypothalmus.
So, we will see.
Good luck. HCGmedical will call you, you can call them daily with questions, issues. I’ve found that to be a blessing, especially this close.
Debbie
Debbie,
Those last 7 pounds? It may be that your body doesn’t fit the standard weight charts and you are getting close to the bottom of YOUR natural weight range. Don’t stop the HCG-VLCD. I offer this thought for your consideration in case you don’t make to the bottom of the “chart” range and to not beat yourself up.
Harvel
Thanks Harvel!
I do understand that. HCGmedical has been great working with me on that. Started to get hungry, etc. They had days they recommeded, that I’ve seen nowhere that did help break over that point. I also know that .2 or .4 loss is good at this point.
They also had me up my calories (same foods plus egg whites)especially the protein, to get what I can off. And, I can do 15 minutes of exercise. Not strenuous, but exercise.
Either way, I am thrilled. I am 5’8″ tall, 51 years old and in a size 8. Long time since I’ve been here!
And my doctor said I couldn’t be healthier. Which was equally important to me.
Have a great Sunday!
Debbie
Debbie,
Thanks for the information.
So glad to hear you’re on the last few lbs. Have you considered that the last few lbs. you’re looking to take off aren’t abnormal fat, but rather normal fat reserves that would respond better to increased exercise?
-Stacy
Hi Everyone,
Well, my daughter seems to be on track again. Since she’s gotten her period she’s no longer stalled and has lost 1 pound for the second day in a row. I had also e-mailed the Dr. about going off hcg during her period. He said that you can go off it (and stay on the vlcd during your period) but many of his patients stay on the hcg during their period and do fine. That’s what she’s decided to do because she doesn’t want to risk being hungry. Next time I see him I’ll ask him again about the immunity issue.
Yesterday, I had the hardest day of willpower on this diet. We had an annual barbeque for friends we see only a couple of times a year. I cooked so much good food I couldn’t eat (salmon, couscous salad, bread, etc) and everyone brought dessert. I also cooked filet mignon steaks and made an allowable tomato and herb salad (with Bragg’s apple cider vinegar) so I could have that, but I was dying to have the salmon and key lime pie someone brought, and, of course, the wine. I’m so glad I hung tough, however, because I was rewarded this morning when my scale showed I lost 1 pound. I’m only 10 1/2 pounds away from my goal of losing 25 pounds. So far I’ve lost 14 1/2 pounds in 20 days of the vlcd (22 days overall). In the beginning I was averaging 1 pound or more a day but I’m very happy with my progress. My inches have really changed. I’ve gone from a size 10 (that was starting to be tight) to a size 6 which I fit into for the first time in about 8 years yesterday. It was the motivator that kept me chugging ice tea yesterday like I had returned from a week without water on the desert (and kept me away from the chardonnay). So if you are really tempted to cheat just hang in there.
By the way, everyone at the party loved the tomato & herb salad and they had no idea it was low cal. They wanted the recipe for the dressing. They were shocked when I told them it was just the Bragg’s vinegar. Sorry for rambling on. Good luck everyone!
I cannot understand why we are supposed to keep within 2 pounds up or down from the last shot day when we still have VLCD for 3 more days after shots stop. Any feedback on this. I lost another pound and yesterday was my last shot.
It seems to me that we should be taking the weight from last VLCD day.
Hi Stacy,
Yes I have, but I just hit day 23. So I have to work with that. Their advise was great!
Debbie
Stacy,
I also have a medical issue, with my neck, that prohibits exercise of most types at this point. Surgery is scheduled for Oct. 20th. Hopefully that will allow me to add exercise to my life.
Debbie
Debbie and Everybody Else,
Good work everybody! My wife asked me about the baseline weight for Ph3: “Why isn’t it the weight of the third morning without HCG? The only answer I could come up with was, “Dr. Simeons says…” Incidently, we both lost two more pounds during those three days post-HCG.
Yes, it takes grit to go through a social event while on this diet. I keep telling myself to stick with it. This is the only process I know of that gives us a better than even chance of keeping the lower weight without gaining it all back.
Harvel
Harvel or Les,
I have a question for you. I cheated a little bit and on a day and then this morning forgot to take my injection. How do you think this will affect me? And should I just start the injection again tomorrow?
Harvel, Did you take the weight from the last day of HCG or from the 3rd day post with the 2 additional pounds you lost?
Congrats to everyone! You should be proud you’ve taken the step to be healthier! Endurance is the best word for this. Staying or getting back on track.
For those who ask, why the last shot day to maintain, don’t complain! Gives you a little leeway. A friend of mine lost 10 on maintenance, then started her next round.
I guess it shows our lifestyle changes. What we all want right?
Debbie
Lynda,
We, my wife and I forgot(!?!) an injection one morning. We took the shots about noon or a little later when we remembered. We came to no harm so far as I could tell.
Tracy,
We are using the weight from the morning of the last dose of HCG, not the two pounds less on the third day post-HCG. My wife would very much like to be using the lower number, but, Simeons says… .
Harvel
Hello Everyone again,
I am following the info from diyhcg. Who else is following this and can we visit a little? I hear comments about Simeons and then receipes with Braggs. Just a little confused. Thanks poundage
Jane
Can I have the recipe for tomato herb salad with the braggs? Also, Les can you e-mail me your recipes? Atoups2@cox.net
Day 10 VLCD down 11.2 pounds, yay!!
Julie,
I was very intriqued with your post. It sounds like you have many interesting low carb recipes. I never heard of using almonds for flour. How do you grind up the almonds? Also, is soy milk better for you than regular organic milk? A soy milk maker sounds like an interesting idea. I love gadgets. How does it work? If you have any good websites for low carb recipes, I’m sure everyone would be interested. Thanks in advance.
Harvel,
Do you have any sudgestions?
Desperate and dont want to have major setbacks. I woke up this morning with quite the opposite of constipation???? Anyone else having this problem?
Thanks again?
Jane
Jane,
The only thing I have to go on is our own experiences and a personal theory. About once a week during the long, 40 dose, session, both my wife and I experienced the opposite of constipation, as you so delicately put it.
It did not seem to hurt anything, except my wife had to go to work and stay close to a bathroom. My theory is that our bodies were completely full of water and did not need to absorb any from the large intestine. That surplus had to go somewhere. Combine that with the rough fiber from the vegetables, and ergo, “Dr. Simeons’ Revenge.” (That is a play on “Montezuma’s Revenge,” not a slam at the fine work done by Dr. Simeon.)
Hope this helps, Harvel
Hello all, I am on the HCG for the 2nd time and I really want to exchange some recipes. Les, you said if we wanted to exchange recipes to email you I don’t have your email. I am an NPC figure competitor so my email is figuregirl1971@yahoo.com, let’s exchange some recipes!! Good luck!!
Jane and Harvel
I am on day 27 of phase 2 and have also been plagued by the opposite of constipation.
I finally took imodium which very much helped
I have the opposite problem. The entire time (after week one) i suffer with constipation. I always drink over a gallon of water.
The only thing that helps, is the Smooth Move tea.
Anyone else?
Thanks for the info I appreciate it. I had quite a few questions in some of my earlier entries. Does anyone have any feedback on them? I gave into another diet coke today, hunger hit me and I am on day 8 today. Loss it okay about six lbs so far.
Jane
My Dr. said the constipation thing is very common. I also find that the Smooth Move Tea works very well. My Dr. also recommended it and said it was fine to use whenever you need (or want) to.
Jane,
If you’re doing the diy hcg and you don’t have a clinic providing you with information, you will need to do much of the research yourself. The first thing to do is download Dr. Simeons Protocol (I think it is at diyhcg.com) and read it at least twice. It should answer most of your questions, and it specifies the food you are allowed to eat. When people talk about Braggs they are mostly talking about the raw apple cider vinegar and the amino acids. Both these things are healthy and don’t have calories so can be used to flavor the allowed food. You can also find a lot of information by reading this blog from the beginning. That’s what I did when I first found this site and I found it very informative. If you’re hungry, you might want to talk to a Dr. about increasing the dose. When my daughter first got on it she was hungry so the Dr. increased her dose and then she was fine. I think Dr. Simeons Protocol says something about taking hcg and testosterone, but I don’t remember what it said. Maybe your boyfriend’s Dr. will know. Good luck!
Whew!
I just injected myself for the first time (Day 1) and I’m so surprised, I didn’t feel the needle at all! I was a little nervous before doing it and sat there with the needle all prepared for like 5 minutes before actually jabbing myself. I’ve always hated needles. I’m so relieved there was nothing to it. 🙂
Just sharing… Have a great day everyone!
-Stacy
Hey all
I am new (1st post) and I am new to the HCG diet. I wanted to post my experiences with you all.
1. I am very overweight, and I have been diagnosed with IR (insulin resistant). I have to watch the carb intake ALOT…and I feel like I am on the Atkins diet..LOL…My blood sugar is responsing well, I think to the VCLD…I mean, my readings were 113, 87, 98 yesterday and 108 this morning. I feel really good about that.
2. The only things different that I have experienced so far are: Yesterday, I was cold. I could not get warm. I took two hot showers and could not seem to get the old temp regulated. Once I went to bed, when I woke during the night, I found myself uncovered and nice and warm…Weird…
The second thing I have noticed is that last night, I was up every hour to hour and a half urinating. I normally drink a lot of water (the 2 liters) and drink green tea already. This was a bit unusual and my bs was really good this morning….So, I am chalking it up to the HCG.
Even though, I am big, I still don’t fit on the normal scales. Until I do, I am doing the measuring thing, watching my measurements everyday just until I get to the weight number were I can monitor.
I have been reading the above posts and I want everyone to know that I am one of the people that will be struggling with this diet. I am not looking for a reason to quit, but I am looking for ideas to make it go smoother. Les, you are wonderful with your recipes and cooking ideas. I look forward to reading more.
I noticed that I experience hunger when I went longer than 5 hours without eating. I have decided that I will break up the diet, and not eat everything I can have a one meal. I think that this will work for me.
Some other tips that I have heard of are these: When you experience hunger, don’t INCREASE the dose, but check about decreasing the dose. Also, trying drinking tea hot…I don’t like hot tea but this really helped yesterday. I also chugged alot of water yesterday when I felt the slightest bit of hunger…I hope these tips help you, as I want all to know we are in this together….Good luck everyone…
Way to go Stacy…Just remember, that first stick is the 1st step to a new you…I wish you continued success!…That’s what I hope to have.
Stacy,
Good for you! Once in a great while you will hit a nerve ending and it will be a small “ouchie.” In 40 days, I maybe had that happen 5 or 6 times.
Harvel
Thanks Christina and Harvel!
PLEASE HELP!! What are you guys using for body lotion? I have looked all over the place oil-free body lotion and I haven’t been able to find any. I tried baby oil for a few days, but I read, in this blog, that you weren’t able to use it. My skin is about to fall off in peices… please help? 🙁
I read a couple articles about Coconut oil for the skin, and mineral and baby oil…It might be worth checking out…I was coureous about fat absorbtion, but it was interesting reading…
Jenn,
I use all my normal makeup and lotions/shampoos/conditioners, and it has had no impact on my weight loss.
🙂
Debbie
Yea Debbie I agree, My wife changed it all , I didnt do anything different, It is my opinion that makeup 40 years ago must of been made out of hog lard or something. Just joking. I know that have greatly improved and we are still going off protocol from 50 years ago.
Jenn – all the literature says NO oil whatsovever on the skin, however there is one mention of Simeon using Mineral Oil when absolutely necessary.
Coconut oil is never recommended for phase II, but Trudeau does recommend it as the preferred cooking oil in all other phases.
HCG Diet Measurements
The HCG-VLCD can be tedious, despite all our efforts to be innovative and creative with menu preparation. Let’s face it: 500 calories isn’t very much. One hint is to use a smaller plate—it makes the meal look larger.
Another hint to keep enthusiasm up is to take a number of “before”, “during” and “after” measurements and keep good records. You will see progress on a number of fronts, not just the daily weight. Here is a list of measurements that are suggested:
1) Clothing sizes
Shirt, Pants, Skirts, Bra, Belt, Shorts, Panties, Blouses, Other
2) Body Measurements
Neck, Chest, Waist, Hips, Left Thigh, Right Thigh, Left Ankle, Right Ankle, Left Upper Arm, Right Upper Arm, Left Wrist, Right Wrist
Even on those days that the scales show no progress, the body is resculpting itself. The tape will probably show those changes.
I would guess that almost every home in the country has a fabric seamstress tape. If you don’t have one, you will need it. A carpenter’s tape doesn’t work all that well.
Finally, if you can, take “before” and “after” photos (Use a white or blue backdrop so the background is not distracting and is the same for each photo session. For the photo sessions, wear form-fitting clothes, no matter how unflattering. Try to wear the same colors and styles each time so what is evident in the photos will be the body changes, not the clothing.):
Face, Full Body Left Profile, Full Body Right Profile, Full Body Back, and Full Body Front.
Here’s to measuring and photogenic success!
Harvel
I just read the ingredients for the Eucerin Origional formula. They are (in this order) water, mineral oil, isopropyl myristate, PEG-40 sorbitan peroleate, glyceryl lanolate, sorbitol, propylene glycol, cetyl, palmitate, magnesium sulfate, alumium sterate, lanolin alcohol, BHT, methylcloroisothiazolinone, methlyisothiazolinone. The only oil mentioned is mineral oil. Would this be ok to use?
I use the Aquaphor from Eucerin, very moisturizing, not made a difference, also if you know someone that sells Arbonne their products are not oil based, they have fantastic wash, and lotions, in additon shampoo and conditioners. You want to avoid mineral oil right? Good luck, and drink up peeps
Jenn,
Looks like I’m about to rain on your parade.
Off the top of my head (you may want to verify), sorbitol is a sugar, glyceryl lanolate are both parts fat-based, propylene glycol is metabolized in the body as a sugar, sterate is derived from fat, lanolin is a fat. I suspect all of them are absorbed through the skin.
Harvel
Ok, I guess that I won’t use that one. I’ll keep looking. Thanks for all the help and advice!
I just read the following from a website I found while searching “Personal care products for HCG diet”
Lotions and Dry Skin:
Coconut oil, plain mineral oil (has no nutritional value), most baby oils are mineral oils or try lotions/moisturizers with a mineral oil base.
a second passage:
*Skin lotion: Baby oil which is mineral oil and does not penetrate into body.
I would say don’t discredit something that someone says without doing your own investigation. I am new and some of my thoughts were passed over, which is fine, but I am knowledgeable about what I can do. The diet is being effective for me and I am the only one who can measure, count and know what my body is doing and how it is reacting. I tend to believe that Mineral oil is not absorbed well in the skin. You can place a cracker in baby oil and then in water and the cracker stays crunchy…That is weird…LOL
Anyway, good luck..If you have questions, READ, READ and READ. There are some good bits of advice on here, but ultimately, only you will know what works for you and your situation. Good Luck….
Hello All,
Wanted to clarify – as my post may have sent some wrong info. We go from the 500 calorie, then in Phase 3 it is Minimum of 1500. With my height and weight this is about the range, but I am not restricted to this amount or do we have to count to 1500 calories. I was just expressing the joy to have at LEAST 1500 calories. And oh the joy of doing this.
Had a rough weekend, out of town and guests unable to say NO to dinner and drinks, so gained a bit more. Needless to say, today is Steak Day and I am sure others can here my grumbling belly. Yikes.
Jenn – I am a Lotion Junkie and found St. Ives Vanilla Lotion (allowable and listed as a lotion). It was not very expensive, works great and smells good. Try that.
Dinner will come early tonight and my husband better have the grill ready!
Thanks Jen! Is it just the Vanilla or will the Mineral Therapy work? Which list did you see this on? I’m going to check out the ingredients. It is suppose to be ‘all natural’.
haha, Christina, how did you come up with the cracker staying crunchy in baby oil? Are you trying to get creative with this diet? 🙂
I didn’t change my body wash or my make up. My shampoo & conditioner are already organic and oil free. I stopped using lotion all together and my hands are looking old, but I figure I’ll just stick it out a few more weeks.
I did gain weight overnight. FRUSTRATING! I know that we’re supposed to go by our measurements, but I can totally see how we get so mad when we sacrafice our love of food (and wine for some of us) and GAIN! Ugh! Today is my day 14 and I’m down a total of 9lbs. I’m hoping its just constipation. I didn’t trink my smooth move tea all weekend.
Lulu,
You can start using lotions again after PH 2 is over? I’m on day 15 (including 2 load days) so I still have a little while to go. I’m not sure if I can make it that long.
I’m going to Maui second week in Sept., which was my first reason to get on this diet. I had a baby almost five months ago and the weight just wouldn’t come off no matter how much I exercised or watched what I ate. I have two older children from my first marriage (I’m a widow) and had no problem losing the baby weight 20 years ago. But now that I’m older and had weight to lose anyway, this is the only thing working for me. I didn’t want to be Lulu in a moo-moo in Maui.
Question:
I’m flying out of state this weekend. Has anyone flewn with HCG thats injectable, that needs to be refrigerated? I’m not quite sure how to handle this yet. And the food thing… ugh (gonna be more torture!). I was gonna try to pack my cooked chicken and beef and take some veggies, but it’ll be about seven hours from the time I leave my house until I get to my hotel. Advice anyone?
Lulu,
About your question with the flying… I’m a consultant who flies every week and a colleague of mine who did the diet 2 years ago was able to fly with it. She would bring it in a small neoprene zip bag in which she would also put one of those blue freezer keep it cold things people use in coolers. Pack it in your luggage. At the hotel she would ask for a mini-fridge for her room.
One thing to make sure you cover all your bases is to carry your prescription with you. If someone gets suspicious about it, you can guarantee it getting there if the prescription is with it.
Hope this helps.
Thank you Stacy! I was just doing all this research on travelling with dry ice, which seems like more hassle than it’s worth. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that blue freezer thingy. Perfect!
Ladies – there is Lotion to help.
In the book HCG Weight Loss Cure Guide page 34, it has a list of about 10+ lotions to use.
I bought the St. Ives Vanilla (only one stated) at drug store. It works great. I have also used Baby Lotion Gel, but don’t really care for it. Used Coconut oil (not so much) and you can use Aloe Vera 100% Gel.
There is hope and don’t let your hands get all dry or legs for that matter, use the list and find the lotions. Neutrogena Oil free Facial Lotion is great and I will continue to use.
Les,
HAHA on the hog lard!
I agree. I am a professional, need to look so, and I never feel good if I look crummy, so oh well, I used all my makeup and personal supplies.
Why lose weight and feel crummy about yourself?
I’ve lost 38 pounds and almost at my goal with 23 days left on round 2.
Happy as can be 🙂
Wow! Debbie, congratulations! My total weight loss goal is 67 lbs, but I’ll be extatic if I can lose 32 on round 1 before I go on vacation.
I’ve heard round 2 is harder than round one. Is that true for you?
Thanks Lulu!
Yes! Round 2 is so much harder. Especially since i’m pounds away from my goal. And, I got bored more quickly with the diet, and summer and motivation. Didn’t feel so great on this round.
The first round, wow what a difference. Had tons of energy, slept great, tried different recipes and that got me through.
This time, Ehh. If I count the fat days, lost 8 more. I did put a few back on after round one. Never did the steak day. We were at friend’s houses in another state and on vacation, I struggled. This time, maintenance will be easier.
Just want to get done!
Good luck to you!
Debbie
And Lulu,
I think my biggest issue with maintenance was not eating enough calories.
The right things weren’t so available, so I wouldn’t eat. Not good
I’m not too worried about my maintenance this round. I’ll be very close to the farmer’s market in Maui and will have a kitchen in my room. I can’t wait to have wine!
This weekend during my Colorado trip, I know I’m going to be VERY tempted to have a cocktail. A bunch of us are meeting from all over the US to visit with family, and we are staying in a casino. Ugh! Ok, so my bff says she’ll be supportive, but I know I’d love to join her in a cocktail. Is there any alcohol that I can try to sneak? Or is it just not worth it? Vodka with soda water and lemon? (oh please, oh please)
Jenn,
I have dry skin so I was worried about not using my normal lotions on this diet but I wanted to be consistent with the protocol. I bought Biore lotion and also Neutrogena and I couldn’t be happier. They both work very well and are oil free (as stated on their bottles). They may be facial moisturizers but I didn’t care I wanted something I could use. In fact, my skin is less dry than before the diet. I don’t know if it’s the hcg or these products. I think it’s the hcg because my skin (even where I don’t use the lotion seems much more moist and smooth than before the diet. I bought the lotions at CVS. Good luck!
Hey Lulu,
How did I come up the the cracker and baby oil bit? I saw it demonstrated at a body products demonstration show…It was weird.
Get creative? I wish…My husband is the one that comes up with the different ways to cook the protein. It tastes so good when he does it, but bad when I do it..
LuLu-, I have had a few Vodka, and diet tonics with a lemon, and they don’t seem to have a too bad of a negative affect. The kicker is the day after the day. I had my drinks on Sat, woke up Sunday was down 3lbs, then Monday I was up 4. I realized that on Sunday I didn’t drink any water, only tea, so I think that might be the kicker. Thankfully today ( Tuesday) I am back down to what I was….so I would say enjoy a little, but be mindful you might gain a little bit…
Oh Amanda, you just made my day! I was only planning on having one or two here and there, but as a rule, I’ve always had two big cups of water per cocktail, so this just might work for me.
So today, you are back down to what you were on what day? Saturday? Or are you back on track with 1lb loss per day?
Lulu,
I’m on maintenance phase and I’ve had white wine with no ill effects.
LuLu,
I am down 1 pound from what I was on Saturday..I had the drinks on Sat.
Deodorant report:
Tried Trader Joe’s Scentless Deodorant during Phase I – Absolutely useless
Last two days I’ve used Arm & Hammer Baking Soda – Fantastic! No odor and no irritation.
DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A GOOD SOURCE TO BUY THE HCG INJECTIONS AT A GOOD PRICE. WANT TO START DIET SOON
THANKS
Hi everyone
Thanks for all your good advice.I am on p2 27 days out. I’ve lost 15 pounds and I am thrilled.
I am getting ready for mantance. Can anyone explain how to do that? Is there a list of do and don’ts?
I am terrified of gaing weight back-I worked so hard.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you
Diyhcg.com
Muriel,
If you haven’t already downloaded and read Dr. Simeons’ book, “Pounds & Inches,” that should be your next step. He explains it pretty well. Basically, you will continue the VLCD for three days (72 hours) after your last dose of HCG. Then on day 4, you bump your caloric intake to somewhere in the neighborhood of 1500 calories, without ANY starches or sugar. Ph3 is monitored by daily morning weighings, just like you’ve been doing all along. What you are watching for is stability: no more than plus or minus 2 pounds from your morning weight on THE DAY OF THE LAST HCG DOSE. This phase lasts for three weeks. Keep track of what and how much you are eating so you can adjust as dictated by the daily weight. It’s during this phase that “steak day” comes into play in case you exceed the upper 2 pound limit. There’s more to it, but this will give you an idea of what it’s all about.
Harvel
Hi all! I just talked to a close buddy who is going to start the diet as well. After hanging with you all, doing my own research, and using my own experience (HCG injections) I also sent her the diyhcg.com link and told her to do the homeopatic hcg sublingual. I wish I would have done it that way myself. AND if you order injections over the internet it takes three weeks. If you go to a clinic its very expensive. Shelly, go with the diyhcg.com.
Question about melba toast… I couldn’t find regular melba toast at a couple places I went to, so I bought melba toast minis from Trader Joe’s. Has anyone had these? If so, how many of these little minis am I allowed per day?
Thanks Amanda and Judy for the alcohol tips. I’ll wait for phase 3 for some wine. But will try a vodka if I just can’t resist drinking socially this weekend.
Diyhcg.com I can only find the drops on that web site.
Do I need to contact them to get the injections? Any help please.
Thanks
Shelly, diyhcg.com only has the drops. I bought the injections from drugdelivery.ca. It took three weeks to get them and it was a lot of hassle worrying about customs.
I really, really, really wish I would have used the drops from diyhcg.com. It seems like hunger is not there with those drops (I’m starving all the time with these injections). And it’s cheaper AND faster to get the hcg.
The grissini mentioned in the protocol has 12 calories each, so I assume you are allowed an equivalent portion of melba toast. I got the grissini online since I couldn’t find melba toast. They are very good.
Uh oh… one serving (22 pieces) of these melba toast minis I bought is 110 calories. That means each mini is 5 calories. The past couple days I’ve eaten about 12. I better watch it. Thank you Jackie. Time to search for grissini.
Hey guys, any advice on using Splenda Flavors For Coffee? Really desperate at this point. Can no longer have black coffee with stevia. The packet says zero cals/carbs/fat. Looking fwd to some response. Thanks
Stevia Toffee,or vanilla creme are what I use with some cinnamon…all sugar free, and I water it down just a tad…
Hi Everyone,
Has anyone taken a planned interruption in treatment for a few days? At the end of the month we’re bringing my daughter back to college, and my daughter and I want to go off the diet for a few days, but we want to make sure we do it in a way to minimize weight gain. I read the protocol and it seems like it says that if the interruption is less than 2 weeks you can go off the hcg, eat what you want (I assume of Phase 3 foods) and then resume the hcg and 500 calorie diet once you’re home again (or in my daughter’s case settled into her apartment).
Is this the way everyone else understands it? We’ll be gone for 3 to 4 days, and I plan on stopping the hcg for the 72 hours before we start the trip. Then I was going to eat the Phase 3 foods for the 3 to 4 days I’m gone. Then, when I get home I was going to start the hcg and the vlcd again. I really would rather not go through the gorging days again (before starting the vlcd). I’m only 10 pounds away from my goal, and I wish I could stick with it til I’m done but I know it will be too difficult while traveling and eating at restaurants. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I’m right there with Amanda with the English Toffee and the Vanilla Cream stevia. Those are the only two flavors I bought. I will buy more of something different when I’m back at the health food store. But I also love a few drops of the vanilla cream with my strawberries (tastes like strawberry shortcake). And english toffee on my baked apples (tastes like PIE!!!). I also make iced coffee on the weekends with the toffee and vanilla.
This morning I added some vanilla cream to my homemade salad dressing. It was pretty darn good! Its amazing how creative we can get!
I am a newbie to hcg, too. Day 3 of injections so tomorrow will be my first sign of weight loss (I hope!) My doc does the 800 cal version but I could only get in 500 with the food list so I will talk to her tomorrow about where those other 300 are supposed to come from. I would love Les’s recipes if you are still posting Les or if anyone has them. You did a great job on this program and in your support of all!!
I don’t know how some of you are having a problem finding calories! I measure my meats and all… but my veggies and two fruits make up for more than the rest. I really think I’m eating too much veggies.
Last night I had a unexpected visitor from out of town. I was a little pissed because she knew about my diet and still arrainged for going out to dinner. Ugh! Anyway, I ordered steak grilled with NOTHING and two sides of asparagas steamed plain. I estimated what was 3.5 ounces of the steak. I also ordered a Kettle One with soda water and lemon since I was a little on edge.
THIS MORNING I’M DOWN 2.5 POUNDS!!!!!!!! Vodka rocks!
I am going to do my best to drink EXTRA water today so I don’t have a stall like Amanda did. I sure hope I’m not doing some unforseen damage on my insides. But in the manuscript Dr. S does mention alcohol being exceptional for some people. I guess he just didn’t mean wine.
LuLu,
You are so funny! That is exactley what I did, had the drink, then down 3lbs, BUT I was bad, and didn’t drink my water the next day. I’m sure the acholol dehydrated me which is why the loss, but please let me know how it goes tomorrow. I would so double and try to drink 4 liters today.
Good luck, and sorry bout the un-expected visitor, I had one of those last week, that sat and drank Corona’s with my hubby while I drank water…fun fun
This is totally off topic, but I have to vent…
I was adopted and found my birth mom in 2007. We talk often and I have visited a couple times a year. She lives about 450 miles away. She has refused to come down and visit here because she’s afraid to fly and it’s too far to drive for her. Sooooo, I mentioned that I’m going to Colorado this weekend to baptize my newborn, and ALL OF A SUDDEN her, my 86 year old birth-grandma, my half birth-brother, his girlfriend, and their newborn are making arrangements to come down for a visit!
Not only do I have a ton of things to do because I’m flying out of state for the first time with my five month old, but I work full-time… and they show up on a Tuesday night with about five hours notice! They’re leaving Thursday.
Oh man… these people are nice people and have very good intentions, but thank God I was put up for adoption! (reason for the vodka last night)
any words of wisdom for phase 4? i will be starting this next saturday then i am off to NY for a week the week after. Now i know i read that you should only eat organic but that is nearly impossible to do, but i will try my best. my thing is, is that while in NY i am bound to have a piece of pizza, some chinese and some ice cream. anyone been on phase 4 and have had these types of food and been able to keep it off. now i dont plan on keeping my diet this way but i will be on VAC and will want to eat “a treat” at least once a day and be good for the rest of the day. You get what im saying. any advice???
Amanda,
Have fun in New York.
We haven’t yet reached Ph4. We’re really looking forward to it.
As I understand this process, the whole thing is designed for us to lose weight AND reset the body’s metabolism to the new weight. Dr. Simeons suggests that, within reason, we will be able to eat just about anything whenever we want and the weight won’t change that much. Daily weighing will continue for the rest of our lives. Adjustments can be made as necessary. I wouldn’t worry too much about a piece or two of pizza each day. I sure wouldn’t let it get in the way of having fun!
Harvel
Harvel,
Yes thats what i read but it also said to only eat organic, no nitrates, nothing processed etc…. so im hoping that while i will be watching what i eat for the most part, hope that the one treat i have a day wont make me gain it back. when i come back i plan on doing one more round of 23 injections and that should be the end of this for me.
so far i have been able to keep within my 2 pounds, while having alot of fruit ( some orgainic and some not ) organic peanut butter, all the protein ( some organic and some not ) using the microwave even though it says not to, (while your at work you have no choice when there is no oven to use) and the best part is that i have been able to go to a few resturants and eat with out feeling like i cant have anything. my fav is wings not breaded with ranch dressing. oh and iced coffe with creamer and i put my own stevia in.
its amazing how i havent really craved chocolate like i would normally and would have that everyday just about.
i hope i survive while in NY because i will have choc peanut butter cup /mint choc chip ice cream. my fav. YUMMY.
thanks for listening.
Amanda,
If you are going to have chocolate peanut butter cup/mint chocolate chip ice cream, may I carry your bags? Anyway, on a more serious note, I think going organic vs “normal” processed, antibiotic laced, chemically laden, hormonally produced, irradiated and genetically engineered foods is a way of life, not having anything in particular to do with the HCG diet. Given the choices we have in selecting foods, if we hit 80 to 85% organic in our eating, I think we are doing darned well. All we can do is read the lables (if I can’t pronounce it, I don’t eat it), ask questions and try to make intelligent choices.
Harvel
Help.
I am on day 17 of the shots and day 15 of the VLCD. I am so nauseated, I don’t want to eat? Did anybody else feel like this? If so, what did you do to get over it. I was going to do the 40 days, but I think I am only going to do 23, then start again. I have lost 25 pounds since starting, and I am excited for that. Any suggestions? I do have an appointment with my doctor on Monday.
I really enjoy this forum and really am grateful for all of your advice.
Jim,
How are you spacing out your meal? that may have something to do with that. there were times that i felt like i didnt want to eat. at those times you really should eat all that you are suppose to but if i couldnt i made sure i at least ate the protein. what i did was have my fruit at like 10am and made it last about an hour, then i would eat my lunch around 12-1, then i would just have water or tea in between, dinner around 5 or 6 and the last of the fruit around 9-10pm. if your feeling like that you may just want to do the 23 days and then do another 23 days 6 weeks later. thats what im going to do. but if you dont eat all of your food for the day you could gain. i know it sounds crazy.
Harvel,
yes you can carry my bags and if your ever in Upstate NY, Albany area you have to have Stewarts Ice Cream, its a convenice/gas station store but they make there own ice cream and nothing compares. They actually sell Stewarts Sodas at Cracker Barrel stores because they make there own soda too. its great.
But yes, i am trying to make sure when i can eat orgainic but we all know there are going to be times when we can not and we will just be normal people and actually go out and eat something processed. we just have to make sure we dont live our lives as we used too. I guess i will see what happens when im away and if i am going to have to do a steak day when i return. I hope not because i havent yet had to and im almost 2 weeks in the Ph 3.
Yes Jim
I too have been nauseated to the point of gaging.Today
I prepared chicken and was gaging so I almost threw up. I changed to shrimp and that went down.Awful feelingI am on p2-my 27th day. I also thought I’d last longer but now I’m not sure.
Anyone have a list of p3 food.I feel like I will be let loose without any guidance
Thank you
Ph 3, you can pretty much eat anything as long as your not eating starch and sugar. Ive been having lots of fruits, peanut butter, wings not breaded, more veggies, egg, cheese, avacodos, just really have to make sure what your eating is not processed with nitrates or added sugars. should stay away from mangos, pineapples and bananas. you can also have creamer in your coffe or iced coffe, make sure your using stevia as well no splenda.
Amanda and Muriel,
Thanks so much for your advice. That really helped. If this is how women feel when they are pregnant, I feel sorry for every women who has gone through a pregnancy.
Amanda,
I guess you’ll just have to go without me. I live in Arizona. I don’t see a trip to Upstate NY any time soon for me. You mentioned “creamer.” My wife and I use heavy whipping cream in our coffee. Pure cream with a little natural stabilizer and nothing else. “Creamers” in general have all sorts of stuff in them, with some form of sugar as the first or second ingredient.
Harvel
Harvel,
yes your right and thats what i meant to say. i guess with this diet you have to be exact because there are so many different versions of food avail. i try not to have it often as it does have alot of calories and fat.
All –
I need motivation. Getting so frustrated. Stayed at the same weight for 4 days, to the ounce!
I am getting so close to my goal. This is tough. I am on P2 day 27 of round 2. Injections. Have a message into hcgmedical to see what to do. I am also getting hungry and very tired. I miss round 1 with all the energy.
On a good note, had to go shopping at lunch yesterday for clothes. Had NOTHING to wear that would stay on. And, at 5’8″ and 51 years old, I had to buy size 6 and 8’s!!! Can’t believe it. People are calling ME skinny! Haven’t heard that in forever, since before the kids were born.
Not sure if this is just the weight for me, which isn’t as important as the size and look, but I don’t know what to do. Can I just stop at this point?
Good luck all. This works!
Debbie
Debbie,
Way to go with the clothing. It’s really a shame you had to replace your wardrobe, isn’t it?
You are day 27 of the second time around? Your weight hasn’t moved for 4 days? Sounds to me like you might be finished. If you decide that you are, stop the HCG and follow the protocol for locking in the progress with Ph3.
Thanks Harvel! 🙂
Only thing that still fits me are shoes!
That is tough to rebuild a wardrobe, especially when I am in sales, need suits and own a business.
I was thinking the same. that I am done. And I have a surgery in October where I will be on a liquid only diet for 2-3 weeks and the doctor told me to watch because I’ll drop more then.
Thanks for the advise!
Wow Debbie, that is fantastic! Are you happy with your weight? I’m 5’8″ also, and would LOVE to wear size 6 or even size 8! What I would do is try an apple day. If that doesn’t work, then I agree with Harvel, you’re probably done. Good luck! I’m dying to know how well maintenance and phase 4 will go for you!
I survived all the madness of the birth family visit, and am glad it’s over. I left work early yesterday to go home, clean my house, and cook food for 15 guests! Talk about serious torture!!! Thank God my daughter was there to help me and made me another yummy vodka cocktail.
So vodka update… yesterday, after Wednesday night (one) vodka with tonic, I was down 2.5 lbs. I drank LOTS of water all day, had another (just one) vodka diet tonic, and am down .5 lbs today. I’m going to do my best to drink as close to a gallon of water today.
Tomorrow more challenges with travelling!
Thanks Lulu! at 5’8″ it is not easy for us to get lower!
Too late for an apple day today. Had strawberries.
I will let you know. Still haven’t decided what to do. and hanging at this weight awhile, maybe that helps long term
Ok, I agree with the book and all the posts. PH3 is hard, I thought I was doing good and watching Sugars. That darn Starch got me and I gained 5 lbs yesterday, thinking i was doing good eating at PG Chang’s. Darn another Steak Day, that is tough. It is a difficult transition to PH3, at least for me. It was easier for me to build a day of food on 500 restrictions then this open menu.
Ok – back to the Grill for me. Darn it. However, it works.
Now I’m getting a little scared about P3. I was thinking it would be easy, just eating the same stuff but more. Am I wrong? My first day of P3 will be on my Hawaiian vacation… yikes!!
Debbie,
You are probably done. The Protocol says that the hcg is self-limiting. Once all the bad fat is gone, it does not go after the good fat (structural fat and natural reserve fat). Also, when that happens you start to feel hungry on the vlcd. Since you said you felt hungry you most likely are done. Congratulations! I hope to be done by the first week of September. I have 9 more pounds to go. My favorite thing to do is to try on my size 10 clothes which were tight on me 3 weeks ago and now are really loose. For the first time in about 8 years I fit into a size 6 again. This diet is really a miracle. Good luck on Phase 3.
Jen,
What a drag. It makes me nervous about Phase 3. I’d prefer a specific list. I guess the big thing is no bread, pasta and sugar (unless it’s naturally in the fruit). Good luck getting the 5 pounds off.
First o f all Jen, You dont introduce sugars, starches or carbs until pahse 4. You have to read. Phase 4 is after your first 21 days after phase 2. You only introduce those in every third day figuring out how your body reacts to each one and DC it if it makes you gain and try something different until you find the things that your body reacts to positively. Phase 3 you only introduce Avacado, more protien, nuts, more eggs and meat and salmond and tuns, more veggies and more fruits. DO NOT do sugars , starches and Added carbs other than what you get in fruit and vegg and meats, nuts etc. Phase 4 is when you are 21 days after phase 2.
LuLu, you do get to change and add nuts, avacados, fruits, veggies and there are a lot of those kind of things in Hawaii. Dont blow a great weight loss over a few days. You will be so glad and honored of yourself that you had enough strength to make a life change even in Hawaii. Life is about change, now live it. If you dont nothing will ever change. Be Blessed and have an awesome trip and if you eat right, you will have more energy to do more things while you are there. You will feel gratified like you have never before by not giving in to the things you used to. Have a great trip. What part of the country are you from? LULU
Phase 3 is easy folks,, down load the 21 day phase 3 list of foods recommended. Everything you were eating and add more veggies, More fruits, nuts and Avacado, Guacamole, more salsas, Enjoy the change you have made. Then go into phase 4. The best thing you can do for yourself is download “LOW GLYCEMIC FOOD LIST” If you change your eating and try to stick to low glycemic foods you will do awesome. I Lost 43 pounds in 38 days and in 40 stayed 43 pounds phase 3 lost 1 pound I am in phase 4 and have lost another pound just by eating off of the low glycemic foods list and educating myself on what low glycemic foods are and why they are called that. Things that digest slowly and dont wham your system with sugars, starches, carbs. The reason that Pumpernickle, Sour Dough and Rye bread are the best to eat is because they are the top 3 Low Glycemic Breads there are. Go by the list. Live it and treat yourself now and then and then go back to the Low Glycemic List. Study it know your foods and what they do to you. There are a lot of foods you can eat that are good. And if you eat eat right 90 % of the time the chips and salsa or margarita or piece of homemade bread or 1 cookie doesnt pack on the pounds, it just simply digest with the other good stuff. Dont worry, Be Happy !!!
Oh and by the way My total is 46 pounds and since July 15th have stayed within the 2 pound range either gaining or losing and have never had to have a apple day or steak day. Sept 1 I will go on a 23 day hcg sublingual protocol and then take 3 weeks off and then do one more 23 day deal and will have lost 100 pounds in 90 days. WOW !! then I will do 2 times a year a 23 day deal and live my new Low Glycemic diet plan with a little Adkins in it and not be big again. Remember that for every pound of fat or weight you lose you lose 4 pounds of pressure on your knees and feet. I can verify that my knees and feet are shouting WOOOPIE !!!
Hi All –
Well, surgery is behind me and I start that wonderful two day gorge tomorrow. I have been reading this site for some time and have researched extensively long before I found you. As mentioned previously, I am doing this alone in my town, almost pulling my doc along with me to prove to him I think it can work, therefore, he is no source of information…
Let me ask a question I have yet to see, and it not covered in Pounds and Inches, which Ihave read completely, twice!!
Has anyone tried this: Doing the three week protocol for the required 26 days, P3 for three weeks, then the six week protocol for the required days, P3 for six weeks, and then again, should my weight loss determine more. I look at it like this – in a 12 week period, there would be 9 weeks of injections, instead of six weeks of injections and the six weeks off.
Anyone have any thoughts??
Thanks… Amy
Les, where can I find the 21 day phase 3 list of foods?
Hi Les-
I was wondering if you could send me the yummy recipes you have used in phase 2 (and phase 3!) and also a link to the Low Glycemic Food List. Is there a certain point we should try to be at to fit into the protocol? I am a little confused by that…
My email is debbierhoton@msn.com.
Thank you to Harvel for all his wonderful help! I would not be where I am now if it wasn’t for him helping me like he has!!
It is also important on P3 to do the cleanses.
Kidney, Colon and Liver. To get the HCG out of your system.
Thanks Jackie! Congrats to you!
Well, it’s official. No time to think about it. HCGMedical talked to me and I am done with the shots today. I am only on day 27. Darn it.
I’ll keep you posted.
Good luck
Les,
I hope you don’t need the program twice a year! Shouldn’t!
Les, I’m in Southern California, Orange County (with those Real Housewives of OC). Yep, lots of very thin women that I am neighbors with! It’s tough. Not that I’m trying to impress anyone…its all about how I feel about myself.
My children from my first marriage (I’m a widow) are 20 & 18 years old. I am very blessed and fell in love again and just had a baby five months ago. Before I got pregnant I was on weight watchers trying to get from 175 to 165. After this baby I went up to 210! I was NOT comfortable with myself at all. My honey never mentioned a word about the weight gain and still loved all over me. But personally, I was just ready to make a change! My goal is not longer 165 either… my goal is 140! And I really feel confident I can do it! Thanks to you all and your support!
So now, please pray for me on my trip to Colorado tomorrow. I will not always be able to choose where I’m going to eat, but I’m gonna do my best to eat what I need to when I need to.
Les,
Where do you get the 21 day recommended food list and the LOW GLYCEMIC FOOD LIST
Debbie
NEED ADVICE, PLEASE!!
On day 3 of VLCD, down 6 lbs. including load days. Husband surprised me with a trip to Las Vegas for my 40th birthday. Leaving in a week. Should I stop taking my HCG 3 days before trip, stay on VLCD for those days and then try to follow VCLD through 4 day vacation the best that I can? Can I resume HCG when I return or will I have to start all over again with load days?
I don’t want to give up my momentum. I also don’t want to carry around my lunch sack in Vegas. Came at a bad time.:(
Thanks in advance for your advice!
I too would like to get the 21 day recommended food list.I am terrifed to go on p3.
Thanks
Hi all:
My name is Janell and I will be starting the HCG diet On Wednesaday and I am so excited.
I have been reading the post on here and it is very encouraging. I have never been this excited about a diet in my life. I have done so much reading and it’s seems as though everyone who has tried the diet has had success and I cannot wait to become a part of that list.
The food variations and recipes you all share are great. I thought I would have to eat the same food for weeks (which can get pretty boring) but you guys have given me some great ideas. My partner and I are starting this diet together so along with her and this site I feel I will have great support.
Thanks guys for the inspiration and keep posting away I look forward to reading the updates, I learn something new everyday.
I will update with my stats when I start.
My goal is to lose 60 pounds.
Happy HCG-ing 🙂
Janell,
Welcome and good luck with your weight loss!
-Stacy
First of all Les –
Believe me I have read the book and read the book and encourage everyone to do the same. Got it no starch and no sugar in PH3 – easier said than done – At least for me. Sugar is easier to see for me than starch.
Didn’t mean to scare all of you and have someone remind me to read, but it is an adjustment.
I had Hot and Sour soup – thinking I was doing good, not knowing it had cornstarch. Didn’t even think about it. I thougt no sugar in the soup and It’s not like I am shoving a piece of bread or pasta in my mouth. However, it got me. Plus the MSG.
Everyone is asking about PH3 – thought I would give my mistake and how easily you can be thrown off.
I did a steak day yesterday and WOW – 5 lbs down. It must have been the sodium and starch together.
Good luck everyone.
Jen- I had no clue that Hot and Sour soup would have caused a gain…thanks for sharing…So Les, where can we get this list of foods for phase 3, please share…I will be doing phase 3 as soon as I lose 30lbs for 3 weeks, then back to Ph 1 for another 10 to 30 lb loss..
For you newbies, stick with it through the first week, I had some discouragements seeing eveyong post about day 13 down 10+ lbs, and I was only down like 2 b/c I had to lose what I gained during the fun days….
I am happy to say that today is day 14 on VLCD and I am down…drum roll please……16lbs!!! Come on baby 14 more to go
DRINK DRINK DRINK
Awesome Jen!
Well, just when I decided that I must be done and today would be the first of my 3 days of no shots and follow the VLCD. After 5 days at the same weight. Only day 28 today.
I lost 2.5 pounds!
Unbelievable. Stopping anyway. I like the size I am at and it has been too difficult, being hungry. So, day one of the 3…
Good Morning Everybody,
I see several questions about Ph3. Figured it might help alleviate some of the concerns if I describe our first week of Ph3. Remember, the objective is to maintain weight within a 4 pound range (plus or minus 2 pounds of the weight the morning of the LAST HCG DOSE). A pound or so up or down is normal and not a reason for concern. A 2 pound or more up calls for a “steak day.” A two pound or more down calls for more calories.
The basic rules are to get the calories up to somewhere in the 1500 range. Our clinician wants my (larger male) intake to be 1500 to 1800 calories. He wants my wife’s (smaller female) to be 1300 to 1500.
We have increased the protein portion, we have added olive oil, coconut oil, sausage, bacon, butter, etc. and we are mixing the fruits and veggies. After 43 days of HCG-VLCD, I think I’ve died and gone to Heaven! NO starches (read the lables and ask if you are at a restaurant)and NO sugar. OK, so the wife asks, “What about the sugar in fruit?” Good question. My answer is that Dr. Simeons probably meant “refined sugar” in all it’s forms. I might add that there are maybe 50 or 60 synonyms for cane/beet sugar. Google it and see what you get.
At the end of our first week, my weight seems to have stabilized at about 1 1/2 pound under the last dose day. My wife on the other hand, has seen her weight be all over the place. Yesterday morning her weight was about 2 1/2 pounds above the last dose day. She agreed, after some heated discussion, to do a steak day. This morning, her weight had dropped 2.3 pounds and she was back within the range.
When we started Ph3, I was concerned that that much to eat would cause an immediate jump in weight. That has not been the case. Thank God!
Hope this helps.
Harvel
I was listening on the news to all the talk about H1N1 and how it’s likely to touch almost 50% of the population and that got me wondering… If someone on the HCG diet were to pick up a virus (any sickenss) during Phase II should anything change about the protocol? Has anyone out there gotten sick while in Ph II and what did you do?
Hello all you wonderful HCG people! I’m Amanda, and I am on Day 7. I have a question about this chili I have cooked. I recently made a switch to 99/1 fat free turkey because I’m not naturally a fan of meat.I do not eat beef and chicken is absolutely unbearable at this point. I added tomatoes, onions, (a few)chili peppers and some hot sauce, and chili powder to give it flavor. It was cooked in a crock pot. I eat very tiny servings of it to account for the vegetable servings in with the meat.(which is fine with me, because I’m not really that hungry anyways.)
My question is, does anyone know if cooking all your allowable portions together, and eating them together in chili, stew, or soup form is a no go?
While I’m at it, I started mashing up my strawberries, cooking them down on the stove, adding stevia, and chilling them. It tastes like jelly, so I eat them on my melba toast for breakfast sometimes. Does cooking the strawberries do anything horrible like increase sugar content?
Amanda, Mix up girl, it doesnt hurt a thing, we did it and lost lots of weight. Also with the strawberries, thats just fine cooking them doesnt change anything and you can buy frozen strawberries and put a blender full of them with about 1/2 to 1 cup water and splenda or stevia and it is the greatest smoothie you will have ever had. It Is awesome for a treat. The only thing you mentioned that is normally a no no is the turkey, every protocol i have read says NO TURKEY. But if it is working for you and you are not gaining eat up. Did all of that and lost 46 pounds in 40 days. I am in phase 4 now and enjoying it. Will start New protocol Sept.1 23 day for 25 more pounds
Hey, Les, thanks for answering!!
We just had our first day of turkey yesterday. My boyfriend lost a pound this am, so I guess it’s working for him? I did not loose anything, but that started a day before the turkey. It could be either the turkey or my cycle. Remains to be seen. If turkey doesn’t work, I’m afraid I might have to do Simeons Vegan protocol and I really would rather not, but if I have to, well, it’s only for a little while, =)
Cheers to the strawberry jam! It’s my new reason to be excited!! And Cheers to you and your family for figuring this out,being creative with the food, and making this diet fit YOU. I just love it! Give us the rules, and let’s make it as delicious as life itself!!
I looked online for a food list and I found the following links which have food lists from the Atkins Diet Phases I through IV. I think that we are allowed Atkins Phases I and II during hcg Phase 3. The links are: http://www.atkins.com/Program/FourPhases/WhatIsInduction/AcceptableFoodsList.aspx
and
http://www.atkins.com/Program/FourPhases/WhatIsOngoingWeightLoss/AcceptableFoodsList.aspx
The only other thing I would note is that on the Atkins Phase III food list they list a few foods (apples and grapefruit) which hcg dieters are allowed on the vlcd. I assume that in hcg Phase 3 we are allowed everything we were allowed on the vlcd even if it’s not on Atkins Phase I or Phase II.
Les and Harvel, could you verify that these are the food lists we are supposed to follow for hcg Phase 3? Thanks in advance.
Hi Everyone,
Today has been a great hcg day. I ordered a new scale for my daughter to bring to school and when I weighed myself this morning I found I was 3 pounds lighter (yes!)on the new scale than I was on my home scale. Before getting the new scale I assumed that our home scale was accurate. I guess it was stupid on my part but I just assumed it was correct. I then tested both scales on items I knew the weight of. The new scale got the right answer and the other scale was 4 pounds heavier. My daughter was thrilled because she had been banging her head against the wall about her weight not moving for several days, and I had a similar (but not as bad) experience. When she weighed herself on the new scale, she was 4 pounds lighter. Anyway, I can now say that I have lost 20 pounds in 26 days. I’m only 6 pounds away from my target weight, which makes me very happy.
Anyway, the moral of the story is to not assume your scale is correct. Test it out. After discovering this error, I immediately ordered another scale for myself just like the one I just bought for my daughter. Good luck everyone!
Jackie,
I know that a lot of folks follow the Atkins Diet for parts of the HCG diet. However, it’s actually much simpler than that. You are allowed anything in Ph3 that you were allowed in the HCG-VLCD, just more of it. In additon, you add fats and oils and just about any meat you would like (we are ging to try ostrich–tastes like chicken??). You can mix your vegetables, you can branch out in the vegetables and fruits you eat. The restrictions are: 1) around 1500 calories a day. 2) NO starches or sugar. 3) Keep the weight within plus or minus 2 pounds of the weight of the day of the last dose of HCG. We are going into week 2 of Ph3 and aren’t having any problems with what we eat. It does seem like a lot of food at first!
Les, anything to add or correct?
Harvel
Hi Les,
I would like for you to email me some recipies, sweet4now2@aol.com..beenn on the protocol for 9 days nd have lost 11 #’s so far.
Les,
Can you send me the recipes?
What salad dressing can we use?
Thanks for all your help.
Sally
Where can I buy hhcg?
Sally
Harvel,
Thanks so much for responding. Your explanation is helpful. The confusion that I have is identifying foods with starch. For example, I know potatoes, pasta and bread are out, but what about black beans and corn? Do they have starch? Then, I thought I read somewhere that carrots have starch. Also, I thought I read in one of the posts here that we aren’t supposed to have bananas. Believe me, I’m very excited about moving to Phase 3 because I know there are so many more choices. I just want to make sure I don’t mess up what I accomplished in Phase 2.
By the way, the ostrich sounds interesting. You’ll have to let us know how you like it. Thanks again!
Les,
I asked for the recipes and forgot to give you my email address.
How are you doing on phase3?
What dressing are you using? By the way I love your attitude with the protocol.
I’m a nurse btw.
Thanks,
Sally
For Les,
SBrustowicz@cox.net
Thanks
Sally
Jackie,
Basically, the starchy foods to avoid during Ph3 are potatoes of all kinds and forms; all grain-based products (wheat, corn, rice, amaranth, rye, etc., etc); beans and some vegetables. I found a website with a table of the starch content of common foods presented in grams of starch per 100 grams of food (percent). That may help. Look through it and you will quickly get an idea of what to avoid: I would say to stay away from anything that has a starch content of greater than 2 to 3%. That’s why breadsticks and Melba toast(allowable during HCG-VLCD) are a no-no during Ph3.
http://www.kickas.org
Harvel
This is the list of foods HCG Medical Clinic gave me to follow after I got off the injections for the 21-30 days and then slowly add in carbs after that period.
Dairy
Milk
Cheese
Snacks (use caution)
Almonds
Almond Butter
Pecans
Pumpkin Seeds
Walnuts
Protein
Hemp Protein Powder
Pea Protein Powder
Eggs
All Meats
Staples
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Mustard (ck ingred)
Hot Sauce (ck ingred)
Truvia – Stevia
Fruits
Cherries
Plums
Grapefruit*
Peaches*
Peach, canned in natural juice
Granny Smith Apples*
Pears
Strawberries*
Prunes
Cranberries*
Raspberries*
Blackberries*
Blueberries*
Cantaloupe*
Honeydew*
Tomatoes*
Vegetables
Artichoke
Avocado
Asparagus*
Bamboo Shoots
Bok Choy
Broccoli*
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage*
Cauliflower*
Celery*
Chilies
Cucumber*
Eggplant
Fennel
Greens
Green Beans*
Herbs
Jicama
Lettuce* (Romaine, Mixed Greens)
Mushrooms*
Okra
Onions*
Radishes*
Sea Vegetables
Snow Peas
Spinach
Sprouts
Summer Squash
Tomatoes*
Zucchini*
Jackie,
Here’s a more precise web address for the food starch listing:
http://www.kickas.org/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Number=146875
Good Luck, Harvel
Regina,
Thanks for posting the list of Ph3 foods. Question:
What are the asterisks (” * “)? I didn’t see a footnote in the list.
Thanks, Harvel
Hi Les,
I haved loved reading your post. You have done great I am on day 18, 21#down. Would love to have some of your recipes. roxy@my.amigo.net
Thanks
Regina,
Thanks so much for the list! By the way, I assume when you say all meats are allowed you are including all fish as well. Is that correct? Thanks in advance.
Sally,
For salad dressings try some of the following:
-Fresh squeezed lemon juice (you’re allowed the juice of one lemon every day)
-Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice (if you use half a grapefruit for breakfast, squeeze the other half on your salad at dinner)
-Mustard (read the label to ensure it’s JUST mustard – Annie’s Naturals are good)
-Vinegar (all types, as long as there are no sugars – try Apple Cider Vinegar)
-Salsa (Again, no added sugars, just tomatoes and peppers)
-Stacy
Hello Everyone,
I have a few questions on what the phases are. I have lost 13.5 lbs in 13 days YA HOO!!!!! I read alot of sites and think the phases are different. I mainly read this one and try to follow. Please tell me if I am right.. Phase one: gorge and drops either 26 or 42 days, Phase two is no drops and no less than 1500 calories just no starch and no sugars, Phase three is where you slowly add starch and sugars? I am confused, what is the maintenance phase called?
Thanks so much for any clairification.
Les, would love to get your receipes. How do I go about that?
Thanks again
I’m on Day 4 and 5#’s down.
As a “foodie” who loves to make gourmet meals, I keep thinking of ways to make meals I can eat but will also be really flavorful, pretty to look at and can also serve to guests.
Last night I created a meal that we felt tasted great, even served it (in larger portions) to my fiance. It’s hearty, has good textures, and is both sweet and peppery. I’ll share…
The following portions are for one serving.
Apple-Celery Sole (202 calories)
3.5 oz of Dover Sole (approx. 2 filets)
1 cup celery
1 small apple
1/2 lemon (juice)
1T Apple Cider Vinegar
Spices for fish (your preference)
Cut celery in 1/8″ slices
Core apple and slide in 1/8″ slices
Stir celery, apple and vinegar together in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
In a frying pan, add mixture and 1/2 C water.
Saute on Med-Hi for 6-8 minutes.
Before removing from pan, squeeze in the juice of one half lemon and fold in.
Season fish filets (I used salt, garlic powder and a bit of cayenne pepper).
Cover bottom of frying pan with water and lay fish in pan. Heat on Hi for 3 minutes. (since this fish is so thin, turning is not necessary)
Put apple and celery mixture on plate and lay fish filets over top.
Enjoy!
-Stacy
Jane,
Congrats on your weight loss so far. As to the Phases, if you’re doing the drops now, you’re in Phase II. Here’s the phases, in short:
Phase 1: Eat a healthy, low calorie (many people do all organic) diet and do a cleanse (liver, kidney and colon).
Phase 2: HCG injections/drops/etc + a VLCD (very low calorie diet)
Phase 3: (Maintenance) Eat a low glycemic diet (no starch/sugars) of approx 1500 calories. Adjust or do the “steak day” if necessary.
Phase 4: Eat a normal diet but continue to weigh every day to check for weight fluctuations.
Hope this helps….
-Stacy
Jane,
What Stacy didn’t mention is that the “phases” she mentions come from Kevin Trudeau’s book, “The Weight Loss cure.” Dr. Simeons does not include the one month Ph1 with it’s cleansing before actually starting the diet process. In Dr. Simeons’ protocol there are three steps: 1) HCG-VLCD, 2) Maintenance for three weeks and 3) Normal diet thereafter.
To add to the confusion, some folks are referencing the Atkins Diet with its own phases, numbered I, II, etc.
Hope this helps more than it confuses.
Harvel
Harvel,
I’m sorry – the asterisks are foods that supposedly have negative calories. I typed it from the list they gave me at the clinic.
Yes, all meats include fish as well. They told me I could not have the grissini break sticks or melba toast during that period.
Regina,
Thanks. Negative foods are supposedly those that take more energy to digest than is derived from them. I don’t know enough about it to know how much energy (calories) is involved. Maybe someone else can refer me to a reference source.
The toast and breadsticks contain starches (wheat-based). That’s why we can’t eat them in Ph3. But, then, you probably knew that.
Harvel
Thank you Stacy and Harvel,
That helps clear things up.. When I am counting my calories for the day many times I can have more than 3.5 oz of veggies to equal up to the 500 cal, is that correct? I use garlic and onion (fresh) to flavor my meat 99% of the time is anyone else doing that and then using a veg or even two from the list? at one meal? Les mentioned early on to supplement with pot and mag. I drink all mineral water, do you think that is enough supplement?
Thanks again.
Hello everyone,
I haven’t posted in a while. I’ve been kind of depressed and didn’t want to spread the negativity. But I have to say, I’m a little disappointed. I’ve been on the diet 30 days as of today and I have only lost 13 lbs. Now let me say, the only other diet I’ve been on that allowed me to lose 13 lbs in a month was a liquid diet. So I’m glad to have been able to lose 13 lbs while still eating. But that being said, I keep reading everyone’s posts about losing 20 lbs in 15 days or 11 lbs in a week. On my first week I lost almost 7 lbs. The second week I lost 3. The third week I lost 2 and I lost another 1.8 this past week. I don’t know what I am doing wrong. I’m not eating anything that’s not on the list. I eat pretty much the same selections of food all the time because I don’t want to get lead astray trying to find something tantalizing for my taste buds. I figure I’ll just keep it simple and stick to the protocol. I don’t even mix my veggies as I see that some people do. So when I say “salad” what I really mean is plain lettuce. I have upped my water intake considerably since the first week. I dont hit the 2 liters every single day but maybe 5 out of 7 I get that much or more. I have nothing but water and brewed iced tea with equal and a little lemon juice. I walk for exercise. . . maybe 3 miles twice a week. I use a little mineral oil with vinegar for salad dressing (this is what my clinic advised was permissable). My make up is water based. I take my HCG as directed.
I’m happy for everyone who is doing so well but I am really discouraged because I don’t know why my weight loss is so slow. I really thought I could be done within a 23 day series but after last week I realized I’m going to have to go to 43 days. Which I wont mind so much unless I tack on the extra days just to lose another 1.8 lbs.
If it had not been for the 6 lbs in my first week on this diet, right now I would probably be considering this whole thing a scam and a failure.
I DON’T feel that way. . . I’ve read about too many people’s success on this site to think that but I really don’t understand what’s happening with me.
The “nurses” or whatever they are. . in my clinic are no help. The first week I experienced low weight loss the girl asked what I was eating and I told her that pretty much every meal was chicken breast and salad or chicken breast and asparagus. Well, her response was to tell me I needed to eat more variety; mix in some steak and different foods. She said my body was holding on to the weight because it wanted variety. Uh. . . right. . . ok.
Didn’t make sense to me but whatever. So, the next week I bought some beef (one of the cuts recommended. Top something.) I only had it maybe 3 times that week. I was really wary of going too heavy on beef. But I wanted to add variety as advised. I also switched my salad out for tomato slices or cucumber slices sometimes. But the next week I still only lost 2 lbs.
I will say I was surprised to see the small weight loss this morning because my clothes felt like I had done better. Which I understand means more than the numbers on a scale, so I’m glad for that. I really am. But i just don’t feel comfortable with my numbers hovering where they are. I started at 191.4 and I am 179 now. That’s a little tooo close to 180 for me. And as far as I’m concerned 180 and 190 are the same thing. . . . too freakin’ close to 200!
I want to get out of that neighborhood all together. I wanted to get down to 170 with the one 23 day series. NOw I know that’s not happening and I’m not even sure it will happen int he 43 days. I’m really scared of what’s going to happen if I have to take that 6 weeks off the HCG. I’m pretty scared about that.
Oh well, I guess I’ve rambled on enough. But if anyone has suggestions, answers, explanations or just good old words of encouragement. . . .I could use it right now.
Thanks.
Jane,
With regards to the daily calories (500), I carefully weighed the raw protein (chicken, beef, buffalo, veal or fish) to 3.5 ounces. Then I would account for any fruits (we were allowed two kinds a day (Orange, grapefruit, strawberries, and apple), but not at the same time. Finally, I would make up any difference with vegetables, often going above 3.5 ounces. I would sit down at the computer and plan the next day’s menu to be sure that we stayed on track. If we were within 20 or 30 calories of the target, I would add in a breadstick or two for about 22 calories apiece.
We were not allowed to eat more than two vegetables a day, and then not at the same meal. I couldn’t believe how many ways plain cabbage can be eaten! Or spinach, either.
I was using a fair amount of fresh onion as a flavorng agent in meats and salads. Our counselor pitched a real B….. about that. She said if you are going to eat onion during the HCG-VLCD phase, eat onion! She meant enough straight onion to make one whole vegetable portion. Well, I don’t know very many people who can eat a whole onion, certainly not me. There are some recipes for baked onion–I just never tried them.
Garlic as a flavoring agent is OK. You’re probably not using that much of it.
Potassium and Magnesium? Yes, they are necessary. As to whether or not the mineral water you are drinking contains enough of them, I don’t know. What does the label say in terms of percent of daily requirements? I am supplementing with both in capsule form.
I think I have covered everything you asked–probably more than you wanted to know. If I missed something, or was unclear, ask again.
Harvel
Hey everyone,
I just wanted to say that of all the sites I’ve been on, this is the most informative one I’ve found. I am not yet on HCG, mainly because I have a few questions that elude me. Every site says something different. First is how much do I take? I want to do the sublingual…is that twice a day??..and if it is do I do twice a day for 40 days or do I just take it 40 times total? I am really looking forward to this diet..I lost 30 lbs. on Weight Watchers and can’t seem to lost anymore…I still have 30 lbs. to go!
Danielle
I have heard people talk about the Ketone stripes. I have been following the food exactly and my stripes never change from a tan color. I have been on the drops since 8-7-09 and only lost 8 pounds,Any thoughts.
Harvel,
Thanks for the link for the starches. I’ll check it out.
Sandi,
The ketone strips didn’t turn color for my wife either. But, she still was losing weight. You have lost 8 pounds in about 16 days, if I am counting correctly. That’s right at 1/2 pound a day. It may not be as much as you would like, but if it is consistent, keep on keeping on. A question: “Were the first two of those days the gorging days where you ate as much as you could choke down?”
Harvel
Sandi,
I’m not an expert, but I’ve talked to many people who have done this diet as well as read everything I can get my hands on and everything I’ve heard and read says that if you are doing everything right you WILL lose 1 lb a day, every day. This has held true for eeveryone i know who followed the most restrictive pprotocol. If you’re only losing half of that you could take a very careful look at everything you’re doing. For example:
-As Harvel asked, did you do a good job on your two gorging days? Did you get around 3,000 calories of fatty foods on both of those days?
-Did you do a cleanse or period of healthy eating for 30 days before starting the injections/drops? (It’s believed that if you have hormones, chemicals, etc.. in your system that the diet won’t work as well)
-Are you eating less than 500 calories a day?
-Are you weighing your portions?
-Are you getting exactly 7oz/200g of protien a day?
-Are your fruit and vegetable portions within limits?
-Did you stop using all lotions, creams, oils, cosmetics, soaps, deoderants, etc… and coming into contact with anythingn that has oils and fats in it?
-Are you using only Simeon’s foods list (which is the most restrictive) or are you using a modified list from somewhere else?
-Have you cut out all artificial items? (this is something Trudeau recommends given our modern times)
-Could there be sugars or oils hiding in the spices you’re using? (check labels carefully for all things which should be avoided and research all the pseudonyms for sugars, starges, oils and artificial flavors)
-Are you doing your injections/drops at the same time every day?
-Are you drinking more than a gallon of water a day?
-Are you getting 8 hours of sleep?
-Are you not eating within 3 hours of bed?
-Did you
If you look into these and can’t find an issue, you may need to talk to your doctor to adjust your dosage.
Hope this helps…
-Stacy
Stacy,
Wow! You have done your homework. That is the most comprehensive list of things to watch for that I have seen in one place. You can bet that I captured it for future reference.
A couple of comments:
1) A weight loss of 1 pound a day is not guaranteed. Dr. Simeons, himself, used an average of between 10 oz and 13-1/3 oz per day in his calculations.(Page 24, “Pounds & Inches.”) Some lose more, some lose less. For example, I lost an average of 0.94 lbs/dy and my wife lost 0.5 lbs/dy.
2) Sources of fat that are extra-dietary (We don’t eat them, they are absorbed through the skin.) in additon to the cosmetics and skin lotions, etc. are furniture polish and raw ground meats. When handling these items, wear rubber or latex gloves.
Thanks a million for the list.
Harvel
So frustrated. Today is the start of my day three off shots and VLCD.
I gained another pound!
I am now at the weight I was stuck at for a week. Dropped 2.5 the last day.
I’m not sure what to do. Also, this round was very hard on my. Gave up on day 27 of the 40 per HCGMedical. Said it sounds like I am running out of abnormal fat.
Help
Debbie,
Just a thought, could this be water retention?
Before starting the diet I invested in a scale (I bought the Ironman brand) that measures weight, water %, muscle %, fat % + other things and that’s been really helpful to me in determining what kind of weight is coming off each day.
What are you thinking it might be? Any ideas?
-Stacy
Hi everyone,
One note to add to Stacy’s list, Simeons’ protocol calls for 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp. All visible fat must be carefully removed before cooking, and the meat must be weighed raw.
Has anyone looked at the quick start chart that I posted earlier? That really sums up the protocol very accurately.
Debra
Stacy,
Not sure. I dropped 2.5 pounds the last day of injections after staying at the same weight for 7 days.
Maybe this weight is my low point?
I have been constipated the entire diet. Feel like I retained water…
Also, I have had to take meds a lot this round, waiting for surgery.
May do another in late February. Trying to avoid Christmas, a cruise in Feb. But be nice and low for my daughter’s wedding next july 🙂
Should you do an apple day on the last of the three days after injections?
Debbie,
Did you find that taking medications during HCG reduced the amount of daily weightloss overall, or did you just notice the stall at the end?
I know what you mean about avoiding holidays… I’m planning on starting my next round so that my two gorge days are over Thanksgiving.
And… congrats on your daughter’s engagement!
-Stacy
Debbie,
Apples are diuretics – that would help if it’s water retention. Try it?
Harvel,
Thank you for the information. It helps alot! I have enjoyed reading all the entries. I looked for the miracle noodles and couldnt find them by name. Has anyone found them packaged under something else?
Thanks Stacy! It’s exciting.
Regarding medication, I noticed more near the end but I am also taking more. Muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatories. Not like I can avoid them. I have surgery scheduled on my neck for Oct. 20th. It is a rough time with lots of pain. I do think they make my retain water. If I miss a dose, I drop.
I also know I can’t diet during surgery or recovery. I asked. And, I will be on a liquid diet for 2-3 weeks, so I have no clue what will happen. Figured I’d give my body time to recover, quit smoking, then do another round.
Really putting my body thru a lot since end of April when I did round one.
Apple day… not sure I should push that at the end..
They also think I am getting protein deficient since we are just above that on the diet. And, this long… could be an issue.
My suggestion to people. Wait longer than the 6 weeks. Round 2 is harder. And, I think our bodies need a little time and would do better. I moved too quickly
Debbie
Dionne,
There’s three things I saw in what you’re consuming that you may want to change… Equal, amount of water, and Mineral Oil.
Equal is never recommended on the diet – it is made from aspartame. The only sweetener recommended is Stevia (and now there’s a new one called Truvia, but I’m not sure enough people have tried it to have any trust in that).
As for Mineral Oil, I would stay away from any oils whatsoever.
Also, you should be drinking *3* liters of water a day, and I saw you are only getting 2.
Give these a try and see what happens?
-Stacy
Hi Harvel
I found what I think is the equivalent of Miracle Noodles here in AZ in store called LeeLees.Very inexpensive 0 everything. I am not big on cooking but I found a 0 broth in same store and put some in with chicken and fresh spinach and some mustard and it was very good. Did that today so don’t know impact on weight-but I did enjoy it. Also I hear from my daughter that Whole Foods has similar products.Hope this helps
Good Afternoon Everyone,
I have another question. Earlier it was stated that food should only be eaten of the Sieomens list. I have followed the list that is listed at the beginning of the entries. Has everyone else been doing this as well? I have noticed that most of the receipes have came from all of the foods from both lists. I have been trying to make a copy of all of the receipes shared on this site. I anyone wants a copy please let me know. Its mainly a cut and paste list, but it gets the job done !
Does anyone have Les email. He mentioned we could email him for recipes. I am starting my program this week loading 27th and 28. I did not do phase 1, just going through a Naturopath for the injections, I have my appt on 27th.
Has anyone dones this without phase 1?
Started Hcg drops last Wed, so on day 5,(3 of vlcd). I bought the 15 day supply through the yourhcg website. My question is…. is that, along with 72 hours after last Hcg day, and phase 3, enough to reset metabolism? I have read several times after starting that it takes 20 to 21 days on protocol to reset it.. I will be traveling for Labor Day, and did 15 day supply so I would be done with most strict part before then. I am down 5 lbs, counting from my pre-gorge days, but 9 from 2nd day of load. Either way, I’m truly excited, and feel well. If anyone has help on that question, I would appreciate it. And by the way, congrats to all of you, I have read some incredibly motivating stories.. Everyone here is so helpful and encouraging. thanks again, Denise
Deborah,
My wife and I did not go through the Trudeau Ph1. It is a lot of cleansing and getting your body set up for the stress of the HCG-VLCD. Never-the-less, we skipped it and got along just fine.
Harvel
Denise,
Congratulations on taking the first steps toward a life-time of being in control of your weight!
Dr. Simeons, who developed this procedure for weight control, had two treatment modalities: 23 doses and 40 doses. While I had not heard of a 15 dose regimen, I guess in the hands of your supplier it must work. As far as resetting the metabolism, the 72 hours without HCG and then 3 weeks of Ph3 should do it.
Harvel
Dionne,
Before I leap into dark waters and find a rock, I have a few questions about how you are going about the diet.
1) What list of foods are you following?
2) Were you routinely walking the three miles before you started the diet or did you start the walking when you started the diet?
3)Based on your body confirmation and height, what would you say your “ideal” weight would be? Why did you choose 170 pounds as the target?
4)Did you see the list of things to check that Stacy posted earlier today, Sunday? Is there anything on that list that you haven’t checked out? (although, it sounds as though you have been very careful.)
If you would like, I can email you the food list and rules we were given by the clinic that supervised our diets. Get ahold of me at: hfalish@hotmail.com
Harvel
If anyone has recipes or les’s email please send them to me
SBrustowicz@cox.net
Thanks
Sally
Harvel, Thanks for the info. I am very encouraged, and feel that I am off to a great start. Denise
Progress report: Well, I’ve been through one week and the program is delivering as promised. I’m on day 8 and I’m down 8.6 lbs. I’m looking forward to more of the same for the whole 40 days! 🙂
Thanks Harvel, I am so excited to have found you all. What a wealth of information on this blog.
I am a Flight Attendant so will have to do the protocal on the road most of the time. Does any one have any TIPS FOR TRAVELING AND MAKING THIS WORK. Especially food tips. We have a oven on the plane but nothing else.
Les,
I would love for you to email me some of your receipes if it isn’t to much trouble. I start P2 on Thursday. Loading Thursday and Friday.
debbarrans@gmail.com
Deborah,
I traveled last week where I wouldn’t have access to anything to do my own cooking. Basically, I made the meals foolproof and did everything ahead of time. I weighed, spiced and cooked all my meat portions and packed them up in a ziploc bag. Then I sliced up cucumbers and celery and put them in the handy-dandy ziploc 1 Cup containers for easy munching and brought a large container of salad greens. I sliced up grapefruit and put them into portions in ziploc bags, portioned strawberries into 1 Cup containers and threw in apples whole.
OK, so all of this preparation makes for very simple meals. For some meals I’d just munch on each of my portions of protien, fruit and veggies while in the plane or car. I’d make a salad with sliced apples or strawberries and shred the chicken on top. I’d make a chicken burger by wrapping a big leaf of romaine around my portion of chicken and adding natural mustard… endless ways to mix it up without having to cook or have a hot meal. You can carry all of this in a small cooler where you can also keep your HCG.
Stacy,
Thanks so much for the great information. I am determined to figure this out. I have a lunch bag cooler so I just need to get organized.
I am on day two of the VLCD. This is my second round. I cheated the first time and still lost 26 pounds. I have to say that I really don’t considered it cheating…I was able find out what I could do and couldn’t do. I eat and 1/2 slice of Ezekiel bread and this helped me a lot. It is a sprouted bread. I don’t eat the Melba toast or Grissini when I eat the half slice. I have found that I can drink a bit of vodka (2 shots with just lemon juice, stevia and water. This has worked great for the weddings I had been to that last time I did the diet. WARNING: some people just cannot do this without a stall or gain. This is my personal experience. I cannot even a half a half of a glass of wine w/o a gain. And for those who were looking for recipes….THIS IS THE PLACE!!!
http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/other-plans/616126-hcg-diet-recipes-only.html
HTH…
Renee
Question – has anyone had a problem with sagging skin as the pounds drop off? What do you do about it? (hasn’t happened to me yet, but I would love some ideas)
Just started with load days yesterday….wish me luck…a lot of my friends have done it.
Hey Stacey and Harvel. Thanks for responding.
First I have to say, I’ve read Dr. Simeons protocol a few times since starting this diet and I guess I was just seeing things. I did receive some literature from my clinic and I guess between referencing both documents back and forth I must have melded the two in my mind and messed up the information.
But anyway. . . .
Stacey,
I re-read the information I received from my clinic and I also re-read Dr. Simeon’s protocol again when I got home from work today. They both say to get 2 liters of water. In the Dr’s protocol it is right underneath the section where he outlines the specifics of the diet.
As for the sweetener. I think that was info I got from my clinic instructions. They just say to use artificial sweeteners and stress NO SUGAR!! When I checked that against Dr. Simeon’s protocol, the protocol says you can use saccharin or Stevia. I don’t see why equal would be any worse than saccharin (which is what’s in Sweet ‘n low I think.)
Now the mineral oil. . . I did not see anything about that in the Dr.’s protocol. Again, I got that from my clinic instructions. It says that I can use mineral oil added to white vinegar as a salad dressing. It just said not to use fat free dressing because they substitute sugar to make up the taste. But I guess I will cut that out since since the Dr’s protocol specifically says no oil or DRESSING. So, what do you guys use on your salads?
So, from the things you pointed out as far as I can tell I’m ok on the water. I didn’t see a mention of 3 liters anywhere. But I will cut the mineral oil and I’ll try to find a sweetener with saccharin or that new Truvia thing (which is kinda pricey. I checked it out in the store today.)
Thanks for the ideas. I appreciate your response.
Harvel,
Again,as I said above I was referencing my clinic instructions as well as Dr. Simeon’s protocol and I probably mixed up the info. As far as the list of foods, what I got from my clinic and what’s in the protocol are pretty much the same except there are a few more vegetables on my clinic list. I have been eating cauliflower which is on my list but not in the protocol. The only other thingon my clinic list that’s not on Dr.’s protocol is zuchini. But I haven’t had any of that. The only fruits I have had have been apples and grapefruit. So, I have been only eating what is on Simeon’s list with the exception of the cauliflower.
As for the walking. I was actually jog/walking up to 7 miles 3 times a week and occasionally as much as 10-12 on Saturdays. I stopped all together when I started the diet and only started back with the 3 mile walks on week 2.
My ideal weight? Based on what. . . Doctor’s charts and the medical industry or based on what I would love to look like. Well, medical charts say I should be no more than 160. I was 155 at one time in my life and loved it. I picked 170 because I am at least 10 years older than i was when I was 155. Also, I feel relatively comfortable in my clothes and in my skin at that weight. I’d love to be smaller but I can live with myself comfortably if I get to that weight. Also, I was at that weight (173) about a year and a half ago and I felt pretty good about myself. I somehow let things go and ended up over 200 lbs which I have not been for over 10 years. That was scary and I want to get a significant and substantial distance away from 200 lbs!
So, based on what Stacey suggested and what you’ve said. . . .so far I know I need to kick the mineral oil and vinegar salad dressing. DRATS!! Not like it was good or anything but something is better than NOTHING! Also, I will pick up an artificial sweetener with saccharin or this Truvia stuff. Other than that, and the cauliflower. I dont know what else could be holding me back.
In all that I have said, do you see anything?
ok, I forgot to mention this and it could be the most important of all. I’ve noticed a few people saying they take .5 cc’s of the HCG 3 times a day.
I just realized that my clinic instructions are to take .25 cc’s twice a day. I’m doing the sublingual drops. If others are taking .5 of the sublinguals then I am getting half the HCG everyone else is taking! AND I only take it morning and night.
I’m not sure how this compares to the actual protocol because Dr. Simeon talks about powders and solutions and injections. I dont know how his measurements compare with the measurements for the sublingual HCG. But do you guys think I maybe have not been getting enough HCG in my system?
Dionne,
Some of my suggestions also came from Kevin Trudeau’s book, which gives some updates for today’s times (like warning against anything artificial like sachrin). I must say, going after ALL of Trudeau’s suggestions is a little over the top (read his book and you’ll see what I mean), but a lot of what he says makes a lot of sense, particularly his theory about chemicals, processing, artificial elements and hormones in our food messing with the hypothalamus in a way that Dr. Simeon couldn’t have predicted in his time. I’d suggest picking up the book “The Weight Loss Cure”.
Also, I posted a list of alternatives to salad dressing in an earlier post…
-Stacy
Dionne,
Thanks for answering my rather personal questions. Let me try to take them one at a time:
1) Exercise. What we were told when we started this process was that we should continue physical exercise at the same level during the diet as before. In my case, that was continuing to be a couch potato. the reason given is that a change in exercise level changes the physiology of the muscles and that effects the body’s metabolism, often working at cross-purposes to the HCG-VLCD. Maybe you shouldn’t have stopped. But since you did, the milder 3 miles walking a week is probably appropriate.
2) Artificial sweeteners. The only one I know of that does not come out of a chemistry lab is Stevia, a natural extract from the leaves of a South American plant. We like the “Sweet Leaf” brand. It comes in liquid or powder form. There are about a dozen flavored liquids. I like a few drops of the chocolate flavor in my coffee in the morning. Pricy? Yes, but you are only using 2 to 4 drops at a time (unless you are using it in cooking) so a small bottle will last a looooong time.
3) Target weight. This one in particular was none of my business. But, since you were generous enough to answer the question, I’ll respond. Basically, if 170 is where you are comfortable, that’s what is. If the weight charts say something less than that, you ought to be able to make it to 170 (but maybe not in just 3 weeks of the diet), if we can help you get off dead center.
4) Foods not included in the original Simeons protocol. The clinic that supervised my wife and I followed Dr. Simeons’ food list to a “T.” No exceptions. We did well, and we didn’t have to worry about messing something up. I’d ditch the cauliflower if I were you. And, like Stacy said, the mineral oil also. Mineral oil is not digested (so it is not a source of fat for the body), but it will coat the intestinal lining and interfere with the absorption of vitamins and other nutrients.
5) Salad dressing. Until I learned about some of the websites out there with recipes, we used Bragg Apple Cider Vinager, Bragg Liquid Aminos, salt and pepper on our salad vegetables. I developed a salad dressing based on those four ingredients and we still use it.
6) Concentration of the HCG (How Much and When).
Dr. Simeons used an injectable formulation in his clinic in Rome. I don’t remember him saying anything about sublingual or homopathic preparations. with the injections, he could control the concentration and precise dosage for his patients. My wife and I did and will do the injections precisely because of the precision they offer. What other people are doing is what they are doing. However, you raise a good question that should be directed to your HCG support team: “Am I getting enough HCG since my weight loss seems to have stalled?” All drops are not created the same; depending on how they are prepared, they will have different concentrations of HCG and might need to be taken more or less often during the day.
7) Water consumption. The standard formula for how much water to drink is to divide your weight by 2; then drink that number of ounces of water in a day. The volume of coffee and tea counts as water. I weigh 230. The formula says I should be drinking 115 ounces of water, coffee or tea a day. No sodas.
Did I miss anything? Get Kevin Trudeau’s book. While much of it is “over the top,” as Stacy said, there is a lot of very good information in it.
OK, OK, I’ll stop for now.
This procedure works. Don’t let the road-bumps throw you off.
Harvel
I lost 2.2 pounds yesterday and it was my second VCLD! Yippie!!!
Renee
Status Report –
Phase 3 – Actualy not so bad, especially if you have done low carb in the past. My first couple of days off of the HCG and after 3 days at 500 calories. I really focused on eating Almonds and nuts as a snack, as it notes a possible protein deficiency, so i focused on protein and I think this really helped.
I have stayed – maintained about 2 lbs above my last HCG Injection day. But this is not bad, as it has been over 2 weeks. I have still stayed away from Diet Drinks, and still enjoying Tea, Coffee and Water. Coffee – I have been adding Sugar Freee Creamer and have not had a problem with this. Makes coffee oh so much better. I also have had an occasional low carb beer will sneak into my hand, and all is good. It is funny how 2 can make me tipsy, glad to have my cheap tolerance back :). One thing for me, it is harder to drink water than on HCG, I think it made me thirsty, as I could chug down 4 – 32 oz cups a day. I struggle a little bit now, still not really hungry. Really changed my appetite and I don’t eat as much – I feel really full – fast.
I need to bring Exercise back in, but still impressed with my loss and how my skin shrunk back. I thought it my have forgotten after all of these years. LOL. Ready to jump back on, as soon as I can. Hang in there – it is worth the journey. Jen
Well Phase 3 has not gone so smooth for me. I can definitely do the no starch and sugar but I think I must be having too much fruit. I am having lots of protein, and staying under 1500 calories but I like to have a glass or two of wine (i did this twice). I also just noticed that the ham I have been eating was marinated in something with sugar so that has not helped me. I keep staying at the 2 pound above the last HCG day and when I went over by .2, I had a steak day and lost 1 pound but now I am again over….3 pounds and planning another steak day and not too happy about it. I am wondering if I should just do a modified steak day and see what happens.
Since Maintenance started on 8/16, I have gone from
149.4
148.4
149.2
150.0
150.0
150.4
150.8
150.4
151.4
152.2
151.2
152.4 today
Renee – 2.2 lbs, that’s fantastic! I’d love to hear what happens on the day following that big loss… can you report again tomorrow?
(I had one day with a 1.8 lb loss, followed by a 1 lb loss… was pretty happy with that)
Hi everyone ….. was wondering if someone could send me some new recipes ? I have been on this diet for 9 days now ….. lost 8lbs. so far & don’t want to blow it . Thanks ya’ll . Any help would be appreciated .
Hi , also I would like to know if it’s ok to drink a beer , not 2 , not 3 , 1 beer ?
Diane,
No alcohol at all is allowed during Phase 2. In Phase 3, the Protocol states that 1 glass of wine/day is allowed.
For recipes, I keep it pretty simple. I cut up proper 3.5 oz pieces of organic chicken breasts and season with salt & pepper & oregano. I usually make up enough for about 5 days. Then I cook them at 400 degrees on the Convection Bake setting of my oven for about 15 min. They are still moist – you don’t want to overcook. I also frequently eat shrimp. I sprinkle the shrimp (after weighing out the proper 3.5 oz) with Garlic & Herb (salt free)Seasoning and cook them in a hot non-stick pan til they are done (about 2 minutes a side or until they are firm to the touch). They are very tasty. Both the chicken and shrimp taste great cold if you want to pack them to go. Once a week, I’ll have 96% fat free organic beef. I make a burger and then use big slices of tomato for the bun and put on an allowable mustard.
For my vegetable, I usually have tomatoes or cucumbers seasoned with salt, pepper & 1 TB of Braggs Apple Cider for the dressing. It tastes absolutely delicious. I like it so much I plan on using it off the diet. I also have the Tammy Skye cookbook and love the Tomato & Basil Soup recipe. It is very filling.
For my fruit, I often have an apple baked (covered with aluminum foil) in the oven at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes, sprinkled with a mixture of cinnamon and stevia. It honestly tastes like apple pie. I also like strawberries sliced up. Then I pour on top a mixture of 1 Tb of milk and 5 drops of Stevia Vanilla Creme. This makes the strawberries taste like they have cream on top. Grapefruit with stevia is also very good.
I think this is a great diet and, while resticted, there are many good things to eat. I have been on the vlcd for 29 days and have lost 22 pounds. I am very pleased. I am 4 pounds away from my goal weight, but since I have to travel to bring my daughter back to college this weekend, it’s probably going to put me behind a little.
Good luck with your weight loss!
Hi, thanks for the tips , I need all the help I can get these days .
Hi Harvel and Stacey,
Thanks for the input. I guess I will have to look into Trudeau’s book. I’m a little concerned about having soo many different references for this thing though, and from some of the things I’ve read on this site they frequently contradict one another. But I’ll take a look and try to walk away with what is useful.
As for the exercise, I was told in my clinic not to exercise at all the first week and following that to only exercise light to moderate. I don’t know where they got this from but at the time I started the diet I didn’t know anything about Dr. Simeon or his protocol so I knew no better.
I have already dropped the cauliflower from my diet as soon as I realized it was NOT on Simeon’s list. Also, of course I am eliminating the mineral oil on the salad.
As for my target weight of 170, based on the weight loss I had seen reported on this site I had very high hopes that I could make it to my target in one cycle of the HCG. People on this site have reported losing a pound a day or very close to it. I was only 21 lbs away from my target of 170 so I thought it seemed doable in a 23 day cycle or at least to come very close. But unfortunately I have not had near the weight loss experience that others have had. I know some report that their weight loss slowed down to about ½ lb a day but that wasn’t after just the very first week. But hopefully I can last through the 6 week break without screwing up and I can do this again to get down to my goal.
There is nothing about sublinguals in Dr. Simeon’s protocol but a lot of people on this site are using it and having great success. If I’m not mistaken, Les uses the sublinguals. (Les, if I have told a lie here please forgive me.) I recently went onto the site where a lot of people here have said they purchased their HCG (diyhcg.com) and I bought a bottle. I’m going to start using it for my last 10 days on the protocol and I’m going to use their recommended dosage. Hopefully this helps.
Last, the water. In all my years of dieting (and they have been plenty) I have never heard that “divide your weight and drink that many ozs of water” thingy you mentioned. Never heard it in my life. I was just basing my consumption off the protocol which said 2 liters.
Well, once again thanks. I will see what new info I can turn up in Trudeau’s book. In any event I’m going to stick with it for now. Hopefully by the weekend I will have greater success to report.
Tracy,
You shouldn’t be under 1500 calories. You need a MINIMUM of 1500.
Day 5 of Phase 3 🙂
Hard to eat that much though! Feel stuffed all the time.
Diane,
If you would like to email me I will be happy to send you some receipes.
claytonj83@yahoo.com
Best of Luck!
For a little spice I’ve been adding a cajun seasoning mix to my steak before grilling. Tonight I tried sprinkling curry on both sides of my steak and it was delicious! Since I too am getting sick of eating the same ole stuff each day I must admit I made my lunch today into a giant cobb salad. I cut up my chicken, cucumbers and apple into bite sized chunks, mixed it all up and sprinkled with a little salt, pepper, chili powder and cinnamon. It was by far the most amazing combination of food I’ve had since on the diet…just what I needed after my apple day yesterday!
I have also found that I like dressing my salads with a small dash of balsamic vinegar.
My latest secret, Teavana! If you have one near you, it is amazing, and a great way to mix up your drink choices throughout the day. Today I had cocoa mint black tea, jasmine pearl green tea, and tranquil dreams chamomile herbal tea…. It keeps me drinking when water gets boring.
I also have a spearmint and peppermint plants growing (and taking over) at my house. I found that mint is a great addition to so many of our foods. I have been crushing the mint leaves and “steeping” them with a dash of lime juice in a pitcher of really cold water…it’s almost like a mojito minus the sugar and rum! I’ve also finely shredded the mint and put on top of sliced strawberries with cinnamon, on top of sliced apples with a dash of lime juice, and tonight I segmented a grapefruit and put the mint on top of that too! It really enhances all the flavors.
I also find that if I slice an apple and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice on top that it tastes just like apple pie! If they are in your area try the new Jazz variety of apple, they’re great!
Try throwing a bit of apple cider vinegar and cajun seasoning on steamed spinach (especially frozen!) for a new take on an old favorite.
As always check your spice mixtures for sugar to be sure before using them.
Hopefully this helps a few people, I though I would let you know a few of my more creative solutions.
I only have a few days left on phase 2, and want to make the most of them, but I got my period last Thursday and hit a 6 day long plateau… so I did an apple day and was down 1.4 today, I just hope I can keep up my momentum. I am 2 lbs. away from being under 200, and want to do more than that in the 6 days I have left. So far I’ve lost 18.2 lbs. (started august 1st)
Today … I am having an Apple day !!!! Only lost .4 , before it was like 1.6 lbs overnight , so I must have done something wrong ! So …… I’ll just have Apples all day . Keep up the good work everyone !
Stacy~~~
I lost a 0.6 pounds today. That is consistent with the Protocol,which does not promise a pound a day. However, I made a mistake the day before and had salmon BUT I lost nearly two pounds…I don’t know what I was thinking. I have done the Protocol before!
I didn’t want to wait until after TOM and any day now. I figured I was going to hit it sometime anyway.
This time doing the Protocol I did not gain on the loading days. From what I recall from reading Pounds to Inches that this can happen that not all people gain even with the extensive eating of fats.
Here is my progress:
Friday August 21 Load day 1 my morning weight was 155.8
155.0
155.2
155.4
153.2
152.6 Today August 26.
I have to eat in the morning, so I cut up my apple and pretty much cover the apple with cinnamon. I have a cup of tea with Stevia. Lunch is usually fish, crab or chicken. I found on my previous round that beef makes me gain or stall just as tomatoes do.
Last night I did something else I should have. I saved some of my crab from lunch to have with the Orange Roughy. Mistake….I think…I think I had read not to mix the proteins.
That is my progress…
Hey everyone it’s been awhile since I posted, and it’s been a tough 6 days. I woke up Thursday, and was down 4.8lbs, Fri-Mon I weighed the exact same. Tuesday gained 1.8, and then today gained another 1.8….And to top it all off I am down to 2 shots, and got my period….I have now only lost 13lbs (loaded on Aug 5th) which comes to .60 avg per day. I need to lose another 60lbs….BUT I am getting kind of tired, and hungry. I didnt’ take a shot today, so should I take off the next 3 days of HCG and do VLCD, then go into phase 3, then after 3 weeks load up again? I find myself taking bites here and there (kids plates etc) so I really need a swift kick in the @ss if anyone is close…please advise what I should do with 2 shots left, and my period
Diane,
Don’t assume that you have done anything wrong. That will make you go crazy like watching the daily movement of the stock market. Our bodies will change at their own pace and a day or so without much change is perfectly normal. Take a look at Stacy’s list of things to check just to be sure you’re on protocol. She posted that excellent comment earlier this month. One day of weight stasis or just a small reduction does not call for an apple day. See Pages 33 and 34, Pounds & Inches, Dr. Simeons.
Harvel
Dionne,
The “divide your weight and drink that number of ounces of water thingy” comes from a book, “You’re Not Sick, You’re Thirsty.” It was copywrited in 2003 by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D. The information I quoted is on page 226. As an aside, he doesn’t include any other liquid in the water ration. That would be coffee, tea, juices, etc. I’ve sorta’ ignored that part.
Harvel
Amanda T,
Dr. Simeons Protocol states that he does not recommend less than a 23 day course. He also says that you can go off the hcg during your cycle and still do the vlcd (p. 18). As soon as your cycle is done, you must start the hcg again or you’ll be hungry. So if I were you, I’d do at least 23 days, then maybe do the break on Phase 3 for 3 weeks, then start a second 23 day course after that. Maybe after a break you’ll be in a better frame of mind to follow the diet. I know my daughter got discouraged during her period because she totally stalled. Since that is over, however, she is doing much better and has a better outlook. Good luck!
does anyone know about cottage cheese ? someone told me we could have it on protocal to replace meat . is this true ? i made the califlower bake thingy , it was good …. thanks for whoever put that recipe on here ….. i’ll try to see if i can get an answer on the cottage cheese thingy ….. thanks everyone .
Has anyone noticed sleep as a factor in thier weightloss? I know that Trudeau recommends lots of sleep (of course, he recommends 30 odd things that I’m only doing half of). HOwever, this morning I woke up early at 4:00am and weighed myself (it was a .2 gain). I was dismayed and went back to sleep for 2 1/2 hours. When I woke up I weighed myself again and had lost the usual 1 lb.!! (I weighed myself again) I didn’t go to the bathroom again or anything. It was amazing to me how 2 more hours made all the difference. Anyone else noticed this?
Hi Stacy,
YES, I did also.
I don’t usually get the 7-8 hours of sleep but that makes a huge difference. Trying to change my habits.
Also, STRESS. If I had a very stressful day, I don’t do as well either. And that’s not because I’m eating what I shouldn’t. I think that the body reacts to bad things that way. Preserve.
Have a great day.
Debbie
Could someone tell me why I need to stop the HCG on my period.I’m usuing the sublingual
Darla,
The Protocol says to stop the hcg during your period (but stay on the vlcd) but my Dr. said it was optional. My daughter did not stop the doses. I can only assume that it is because the body produces hcg during that time. My daughter also had her weight stall before and during part of her period. I think this is also typical.
I’m on day 3 of my cycle,and day 2 with out HCG, I gained 1.8 the first day, then today I was the same weight as yesterday. Tomorrow I am going to go back since I am just about done, and I should see a loss…I’m hungry, but drinking water instead of snacking….strange. I have 14 more days on ( I went 35 to lose 20lbs) and I have 7 more pounds to go….Going to the lake this weekend is going to be a challenge, but I’m sure I’ll be fine if I am busy
Thanks for the info Jackie and Amanda, I’m on day 2 of my period and still have lost 2 lbs so I guess I will continue the HCG….Again ladies THANKS!!
Hey everyone I found out no-fat cottage cheese , we can have on protocal …. 100 grms only tho , it can take the place of meats . Good luck everyone .
Hi Everyone,
I have a question about Phase 3. Is bacon allowed? I seem to remember reading somewhere that sodium nitrites are not allowed on Phase 3 and nitrites are contained in bacon. Does anyone know? I am dying to have bacon and eggs. I have about a week or so before I will be on Phase 3. Thanks in advance.
Stacy and Debbie,
I too have noticed better results with sleeping more. I’ve also read in some of the Suzanne Somers books that if you don’t diet but eat no later than 6 pm every night and go to bed at 10 (sleeping 8 or 9 hours) you will lose 20 or 30 pounds within the year. I look at it as something else to add to a healthy life style. Obviously, it’s not always possible to follow those two rules but striving to do so when possible may indeed help with healthy weight maintenance.
Jackie, My wife and I are on Ph3. We found “uncured bacon” without nitrates or nitrates. Diet or no, those things aren’t particularly healthy. But, be careful, sugar seems to be a common ingredient in bacon, uncured or not. Remember, no sugar on Ph3, not even a little bit.
I agree with the eating several hours before going to bed. While I have trouble sleeping more than 6 hours (an age thing, I think) the optimal sleep period I have read about seems to be 8 hours from 10 pm to 6 am.
Harvel
Darn! That’s “…nitrates or nitrites… .”
How many load days should you do?
Sally
Sally B,
See pages 28 and 29 of Dr. Simeons’ book, “Pounds & Inches,” where he discusses the first few days of the HCG Diet. To answer your question, two days of loading.
Harvel
Anyone have a list of food for p3?
Muriel,
When the HCG has cleared from the body (72 hours after the last dose of HCG), you may eat anything you please EXCEPT SUGAR AND STARCHES. –Dr. Simeons with modification by HFA
You should be eating a minimum of 1500 calories per day.
Daily weighing is essential and that will tell you if you need to do a “steak day” or increase the caloric intake in order to stay within the Ph3 weight range.
Harvel
Went to the dentist yesterday and he gave me novicaine – I thought it might stall me for up to 3 days! However, I’m still on track, lost 1 lb., same as every other day. 🙂
-Stacy
Hey all you Phase 3 folks, I wanted to share this recipe that I saw on Food Network last night. Guy Fieri made this and he said it was just like mashed potatoes! I haven’t tried it yet because I’m still in Phase 2 (Day 26 down 18.2 lbs). But, I’m definately going to try it in Phase 3. I’m a mashed potato gal! For reference, I added a substitute of skim milk (or water) and sea salt. If anyone makes this before I get to, please share you thoughts! Enjoy!
ROASTED AND PUREED CAULIFLOWER from Guy Fieri
Ingredients
2 heads cauliflower, core removed, cut into florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups whole milk (Substitute skim milk or water)
1 teaspoon (sea) salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 bunch chives, minced for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
On a sheet tray, spread 1/4 of the florets with the oil, season with salt and bake until caramelized, about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, combine remaining cauliflower, milk (or water) and half a teaspoon of salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook until cauliflower is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Strain cauliflower from milk (or water) mixture, reserving both. Transfer cauliflower to a blender. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and butter to the blender. Add half of the reserved milk (or water) liquid. Secure top on blender and puree mixture until smooth. If mixture is too thick, thin by adding some of the remaining liquid. Season, to taste. Serve in a large serving bowl topped with caramelized florets and chives.
Okay cycle is over and finally down 2.8lbs this morning, still .8 over what I was, but I’m sure tomorrow will be another good loss…. I’m going to keep on on the HCG for 20lbs, I’m on day 21, and down 15.2, then off for 3 weeks, then gonna start again…This diet is the first one I have been on that works, I like the being told what to eat, and how much…. also has anyone ever lost weight on Ph3? I would think that putting myself on 1500 calories no sugar or starch I would at least continue to lose 2-3lbs a week? Right?
Thanks for the replies
Hey Jenn,
I just read your peost about the cauliflower recipe. It does taste like mashed potatos!
you can also boil the cauliflower, then cube it add all the ingredients as if making a potato salad (egg, mayo, dill pickles onion, mustard)It tastes just like potato salad! The mock potato salad is an old Weight watchers recipe from the 80’s!
hey everyone , go to your nearest health food store & invest in some delicious all-free marshmellow creme dip & chocolate dip , it’s great with your apples . it is all free , no calories in this dip . maybe learn a thing or two from the clerk also in there , they are very helpful ! good luck with your weightloss !!!
Hi guys!
I just started the diet. I’m on day two of my gorge days my journey has just begun. I have a question about the weightloss. When you get to a point where you’ve lost about 15 pounds or even 10 pounds, can you see it or do you feel the difference in the fit of your clothes?
I guess I’m just wondering if it’s subtle weightloss.
Only on day 6 including 2 load days and after 5 days lost 6.4…and can feel a difference in my clothes already….
Does anyone use sweet and low as a sugar substitute?
Thanks
Sandy
You should not be using sweet and low or splenda. you need to go to whole foods and get stevia.
Amanda T,
I have been on Ph3 for just about 3 weeks and i havent lost anything. i have stayed with in my 2lbs of my last injection weight. as others my loose its not always the case. your just stablizing your weight. i havent even been counting calories, just been eating fruit, cheese, more protien, no sugar no starch. from what i understand you are suppose to do Ph3 for 3 weeks then Ph 4 for 3 weeks then you can go back on. i belive you have to be off the hcg for 6 weeks before you can do another round.
what is Ph4?
Debbie,
Ph4 comes from Kevin Trudeau’s book, “The Weight Loss Cure.” It is a complete, normal diet, where you can eat just about anything you want to; including sugar, fats/oils and starches in addition to the meats, vegetables and fruits.
How much to eat in Phase 4? You will be weighing yourself every morning for most of the rest of your life. A 2 pound gain or loss calls for immediate corrective action same as in Ph 3.
Harvel
Thank you Harvel. That’s what I thought, but when I saw 3 weeks on Ph4, I wondered.
Well, a week now on Ph3 and still at the same weight 🙂
Debbie
Has anyone heard from Les? Started day 1 vlcd today. Tried Stevia gtts
for the 1st time. Gross.. I have been told we can use Sweet N Low. ???
Thanks for your help.
No weight gain after gorge days.
Thanks
SallyB
Thanks Amanda, will go and get Stevia….did make a strawbery smoothie yesterday with sweet and low and was up .6 this morning so better go try the stevia…
Stats….
Load Day 155.8 and 155.0 UGH…’
Day 1 VLCD: 155.2
2 155.4
3 153.1
4 152.6
5 151.4
6 TOM 151.4
7 150.8 Yippie!!!!
I drank last night too…vodka with peach stevia x 4..I have friends up from PA…risked it and was happied up today…I DON’T recommend cheating…just if you do…try to be moderate…
Renee
Hi ,
Just wanted to report my progress.
I started my two day gorge on August 21st.
As of this morning I am down 15 pounds!
Yipee!
I found this website when I was researching the HCG Diet. I was doing research on it because my local Doctor was charging 975 dollars for the 6 weeks of injections. I was really interested in doing it but could not afford to pay that much. Let me just say this forum has helped me so much. I did go ahead and order the HCG Drops, and am now on my 5th day of VLCD. I am down 11 pounds!!! That is amazing! At first it was very hard for me, because I am a stay at home mom of 3 children and I am the only one on the diet. So I am having to feed them breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, but also cook for me without eating their food. I am adjusting to it now and can already see a huge difference.
I do have one question though. My husband and I are going to Miami for our anniversary. I can finish a 23 day cycle before then, actually just finishing the 72 hours of VLCD without injections when our plane leaves. I am wondering if I could go ahead and start the drops back as soon as I get back as we will only be gone 3 days. Or should I just go ahead and do a maintenance phase and wait my three weeks? I would just continue the drops, but I am afraid I will not have access to all the foods and water that I am allowed to eat.
Hi Diane
Can you give me the name of the two dip products? It is right up my ally!
Thanks
Sally T,
You should be not be using sweet and low, you should be using stevia as it is from a natural plant and sweet and low has chemicals in it. Most everything you eat on ph2 should be organic.
Krystal,
If you are only going to be off for 3 days you can just continue. Dr. Simeons has something in his Protocol about that. From my recollection he says it’s important to do at least 23 days without an interruption, but otherwise it’s not a problem. You just lose some time. I’m doing the same thing this weekend because I’m bringing my daughter back to college and I wanted some more freedom with what I could eat. so on Tuesday I stopped my hcg for the 3 days (with the vlcd). Today starts the short Phase 3 break. I will go back on it on Wednesday to lose the last 5 or so pounds I want to lose. My Dr. also said it was fine. Good luck!
Sally B – Sweet N Low is definitely not allowed. You might want to try a different brand of Stevia. I was a big Sweet N Low user before the hcg diet, and I switched to the NuNaturals brand of Stevia. I find it tastes really good and does not have a bitter aftertaste. I’ve also tried Stevia in the Raw and DID NOT like the taste of that. I buy NuNaturals at iherb.com. Good luck!
Really, you can do that take a short break after 23 days, I have a 5 day vacation the end of Sept and will be in Ph3, want to try to stay to the protocol if I can. So So far doing very well with ph2….but hate to sway to far….
I have some receipes for ph2 that mix veggie in soup, is that really allowed? Thanks
I read in the Tammy hcg cookbook that you can use Sweet N low
not splenda or equal
Sally
i also reread P/I… It is allowed.
Sally
I’m on day 7 (including load days) of the diet and I’m feeling extremely drained and tired pretty much all the time except right after I eat, but that lasts only an hour or so and then I’m feeling drained again. I’m taking the vit. b drops and drinking plenty of water. Has anyone else experienced this and does it pass? Any tips on how to feel better?
So helpful to read all the recipes and comments. Thanks!
So discouraged. Following protocol to the letter and only down 4 lbs. in last 14 days. This is my 23 day over all. I know if I was on a 500 cal. diet without HCG I would have lost more. Inches not changing either. How do I know the HCG is still good. (:
Carol,
I didn’t have the problem of feeling tired. My wife did. Our clinician recommends about 2,000 to 4,000 mg Vit B12 a day. Perhaps upping your amount would help. It also helped her to “munch” throughout the day by splitting the meals into “snacks.” That way, you will always be digesting something and feeding nutrition into your body. How’s your blood sugar? You might be slightly hypoglycemic (low blood sugar). Finally, A good broad vitamin/mineral supplement might help. With only 500 calories a day, the intake of micronutrients could be a little short.
I am not a physician. The above suggestions are intended as lay advice only and not as definitive treatment.
Harvel
Sandi Jones,
Are you taking the HCG by injection or HCG in liquid drop form (sublingual)? Our clinician advised us that once the HCG is placed in solution, the shelf life is no more than two weeks and it has to be protected from light, even the refrigerator light.
Use a pregnancy test kit to test the solution. HCG is the hormone in the urine that is detected by the test kit and it will work with the HCG we are taking.
I don’t have any experience with the homeopathic solutions so I have no suggestions there if that’s what you are taking.
Harvel
Hope this helps.
Sandi,
I dont know that there is necessarily a problem with your HCG. I lost close to 7 lbs. my first week on the HCG diet. The second week I lost 3 pounds and the following 2 weeks I lost 2 lbs per week. This last week I purchased my HCG from a different source and I still lost only 2 lbs.
May I ask how much weight you had to lose at the beginning of your program? I read in Trudeau’s version that if you have only about 20 lbs to lose you probably will not average a pound a day.
I understand how you feel. Reading all these posts and comments from people who are losing 10-12 lbs in a week can really make you feel dissatisfied with your own progress even if you are having success.
I dont know if you would have lost more on 500 calories without the HCG. I have done numerous VLCD diets, some of them liquid only. I have to admit that even with my low and disappointing weight loss, this was the easiest and fastest I have ever gotten back into my “skinnier” clohtes. (Not in the actual “Skinny” clothes yet but hoping to get there with another round of HCG.)
All I can say is stay positive and concentrate on what you have achieved. Prior to taking the risk and trying the HCG, I went through Lindora, 24 hour fitness Bodybugg program, Medifast and some Dr.’s cookie diet. Some were complete failures, others gave me minimal weight loss. Nowhere near what I have experienced with the Simeon protocol.
I too wish I were dropping a pound a day but I have to look at it this way; this time last month I had about 3 outfits that I could wear to work. I would rotate and mix and match the separates hoping nobody noticed that I had worn them at least 2 other times that week.
Now I am enjoying pulling things out of my closet that I have not worn in over a year.
Stick with it. We will get there!
I am doing the sublingual which is in a dark brown bottle and suppose to be a 30 day supply. I have a min. of 50 lbs. to lose, but should lose 70 to go with the height and weight chart. Thank you both for your comments and support.
Hi,
VLCD day2 down 3lbs. No weight gain during loading. not hungry .peeing
a lot due to h2o.
Yippee..
Sally
Doing hhcg
Thanks for the insight Harvel. I think upping my B12 would help. I’ve thought that I was slightly hypoglycemic before so that might be it as well. Did you wife start to feel more energy at some point on this diet?
This morning I lost 1 lb. However, the two days before my weight remained stable. I was dismayed and re-read Simeon’s section on “The Plateau” thinking I’d do an apple day. However, I realized that he starts the discussion of the apple day by saying “..for purely psychological reasons”. Well, once I read that I wasn’t so interested in doing it anymore. It seemed to me that he was saying, if you keep doing what you’re doing, the loss will start again. ….and it did! 🙂
Hello,
Well I have started phase three, and I want to know if anyone else who has started phase three gained the first couple of days. I ended my shots hat 259, and Then after the three days, I went down to 257, now I am up to 258. I have not gone over 1500 calories, and have not had any starches. I started drinking Crystal Light because I was tired of drinking water and i don’t like tea or coffee. Any help I could get would be a appreciated. Thanks so much for your advice, this blog has really helped.
Jim,
My wife and I are in week #3 of Ph3. We have both gained and lost during this period. The key is to stay within 2 pounds above or below the ending weight, in your case, 259#.
Any fluctuation within that 4 pound range is OK and will happen. If you go above 261, even a little bit, do a steak day–that day. If you go below 257, again, even a little bit, increase the calories. My wife had to do a steak day and I have had to bump the calories up to as much as 2,300 in order to stay in the range. Ph3 is flexible and governed by the morning weight. My weight went from 268.3 to 230.9 during the HCG-VLCD. It has been fluctuating during Ph3 between 227.7 and 231.6. Keep on Keeping On!
Harvel
Okay, I am officially done with PH2, I took my 23rd HCG injection on Sunday morning. So now I’m confused if it’s 72 hours from last injection, or if it’s 3 days after the last day of HCG?
Sunday- HCG 500 cal
Monday No HCg 500 Cal
Tues NO HCg 500 cal
Wed No HCG ??? 500 cal or 1500?
Oh and I lost 20lbs, so I’m pretty darn proud of myself, looking forward to Sept 25th when I can gorge and start again to drop another 20. I have Vegas in March and I want to have lost 75lbs by then
Thanks to all for your inspiration, I couldn’t have been successful with you ( esp you Jenn S)
You did great. Keep up the good work.. You must be so proud.
Day3 vlcd down 4lbs no gain during load
Yeah..
hhcg no hunger.
Thanks for the response. It is nice to know that I can just start right back at it when I get back.
I have been on the HCG w/ VLCD now for 7 days with no hunger and feeling great. Until late last night. My stomach started growling and has been growling for the last 12 hours. I even took my HCG about 4 hours ago. Does this mean it is time for me to increase my dosage? It is almost time for lunch now but just worried that I am going to deal with that every night.
Sandi, Definately dont be discouraged by us that have lost alot. You also have to look at that I have 140 lbs to loose to even reach my healthy weight range. So I have alot more fat to loose. Just keep at it, you will start seeing more results.
Amanda T,
Three days or 72 hours? I looked at Dr. Simeons’ book, pg 48, “Concluding a Course,” where he says, “When the three days of dieting after the last injection are over… .” That would make Wednesday the last 500 calorie day. Thursday would start the 1500 calorie three week stretch.
This is based on his findings that it takes about 72 hours for the HCG to clear the body.
Congratulations on your progress!
Harvel
Thanks Harvel!
Okay so I will watch my weight and hopefully never go up over 2lbs of what I weighed this morning to induce the dreaded steak day….although a big one sure sounds good right now!!
Best of luck to all, I’ll be watching the boards while I am on PH3, for those on PH2, STICK WITH IT, IT WORKS!!!! I can’t wait to start PH1 again to drop another 15 to 20lbs, easiest diet ever
I’m very impressed with all the people that love this diet. I personally think it is the hardest and most boring diet I have ever been on. It is also the most successful one. I am very tired of cooking every day and totally miss the socializing I’m used to. My husband has been very supportive thank God or I wouldn’t have gotten this far. I’m in my last 8 days and praying that I stay the course. I have not cheated once but am very very tempted. I too like some of you just dread another piece of chicken or fish. I haven’t eaten beef in years and have even tried that 2x’s a week. All I really want is cream in my coffee and a glass of wine.
hey I am on day 3 and i need some variations for new stuff if anyone has any ideas or reciepes will you please send me some.
thank you
Amanda T,
I don’t know of any reason you can’t eat a steak once in a while on Ph3.
Mkg,
Hang in there. You don’t have long to go. Cream in your coffee and a glass of dry wine now and again are OK on Ph3. I drink my coffee in a pint cup. I add 4 or 5 drops of chocolate Stevia and a tablespoon of heavy whipping cream to my first cup in the morning..Yum! Won’t be able to do that when we go back on the HCG-VLCD.
HJ,
We need your email address if we are going to send you recipes or tell you where you can get them. Look above in this blog site. There are a number of very good recipes that folks have come up with.
Harvel
Amanda T.
Great for you Sister-Pie,
20 lbs – so amazing. It is amazing how many people I have joing the HCG livestyle and changing theirs. Glad it has been a blessing for you.
Enjoy Phase 3 – like me, it is amazing the joy of Cheese, Milk, and Creamer. It was worth the wait, but oh so nice to add those items back in.
I have 4 days left on Phase 3 – 3 week adding in items. I have barely increase excercise (kind of) walking when I can. I have maintained and still fluctuate between a lb or two from my last injection weight. Very Impressed, I must say. Not like the normal diets, when we get off and it all comes right back on as we watch in horror. This is still wonderful and still getting people stopping me asking me how I have done this. Amazing to tellthe story, as right now, I do not even feel like I am on a diet.
i forgot to add my email adress for any suggestions or recipes: jhathay10@msn.com
thanks again to all of you
Thanks Harvel….I needed that…tomorrow it will be 7 days…but who is counting?
Mkg,
Who’s counting? Every single one of us! Every day.
Harvel
Ok – true confessions here!!
Day 8 of injections, Day 6 of VLCD, with a skip yesterday – during which I was VERY hungry!! – so…
I just ate two, yes two!!, birthday cupcakes!! Shame on me!! I dread the scale tomorrow –
Please forgive me, as I am hoping that my confession eases some guilt and I do not start a downward trend, which often happens with me and diets.
Thanks for letting me get it out there,
Amy
LOL Amy!
We are not a judge or jury. It’s tough. Forgive yourself immediately and jump back on the bandwagon. It is well worth it in the long run. Try to think of things, week by week.
Good luck!
Debbie
I know everyone says to stay away from artificial sweetener (Even though Simeon says you can use saccharin). I bought some of that Truvia or pruvia or whatever it is. . . made from the Stevia plant.
All I can say is. . . EEEEEWWWWWW!
ONe package is supposed to be like 2 teaspoons of sugar. Into my iced tea went 1 packet. ICK! I added another. Yuck! I added a 3rd (which by now would be 6 teaspoons of sugar). . . . Blaaagh!
It tasted like I was just continuously adding little packets of dust to my tea.
I may just have to suffer the consequences of the saccharin because if I cant have my 60 ounces of iced tea daily, I will never get all my fluids in.
By the way. KEep posting the info about phase 3. I’m starting soon and I am SCARED, SCARED, SCARED.!!!
Amy, Ooooh, I’d love to have a cupcake. Wait – scratch that – make it a pizza! (of course, for the past 2 weeks I’ve been partaking only through my olfactory senses… but it is quite a torture when my boyfriend brings home great food)
Harvel,
Thank you so much for your information. I really appreciate it. It helped quite a bit. Did you and your wife ever cheat on phase three? I haven’t yet, but I teach school and when my students are eating chocolate cake you don’t know how hard that is. Oh Well I have made it this far, so what is another 2 1/2 weeks when I can add starch and sugar especially Bread (100% whole wheat)
Jim,
No, we didn’t cheat, per se. However, we sure have been eating well! The first night of Ph3 was 8 LARGE Florida shrimp with a nice salad with almost every vegetable you could think of in it along with some cheese and hardboiled egg. We didn’t break the 2 pound barrier the next morning, but it was close. Hang in there. The pay-off is worth it. This is the only weight reduction plan I know of that has a better than even chance that what we lose is gonna’ stay lost.
Dionne,
We too were afraid of the increased calories in Ph3. Turned out not to be a problem. Watch the scales and take corrective action if you go beyond the 2 pound gain or loss. You’ll think you’ve died and gone to Heaven! We don’t even miss the sugar and starches. The enjoyment of being able to eat most anything else is just too great. My wife needed a steak day early on and I have had to adjust my calories upward three different times. Bounced off of 2,500 one day just to get back into the 4 pound range.
Dionne, again,
We like the “Sweet Leaf” Stevia, especially the flavored liquids. I have heard others comment about teh Truvia. Also, I think it has some sugar in it, probably in an attempt to tone down the taste.
Amy,
All I have to say about the cupcakes is, “Let the person who has never cheated on this diet throw the first stone.” I think you are safe. Just climb back on the horse and ride it out.
Harvel
I have a few questions. First of all what is steak day and when do you use it? Second I’m not 100% sure what starches are. I’m guessing corn, peas, white potatoes, pasta , and rice. What about sweet potatoes? Thank you . This blog has kept me going when I want to quit.
mk
Mkg,
Steak Day is used when your morning weight on a given day during Ph3 goes above the 2 pound limit gain from the weight of the day of your last dose of HCG. You will eat nothing until your evening meal. Drink plenty of water during the day. For your evening meal eat a large steak along with an apple or a tomato. (Pg 49, Dr. Simeons’ Book “Pounds & Inches)
Starches–You are correct about the foods you listed. They are starches. Sweet potatoes are too. Starchy foods include all grains and grain products, all beans and peas, all potatoes. For a complete listing of foods and their starch contents, here’s as website:
http://www.kickas.org/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Number=146875
Harvel
Seems like it just getting harder as I go. Mainly with having to cook the rest of the families food then having to cook me something totally different. My weight loss has also slowed to only .4 a day. Kinda worrying me. Was just hoping for better loss. I have been on the drops for going on ten days now and already down one bottle. I thought they were suppose to 2 weeks? I am only taking 10 drops three times a day. I also read that people have better results if you take 5 drops 6 times a day. Has anyone tried breaking them up?
Krystal hang in there. You can do it. I am feeling your pain with cooking for my family and then for me. I am really being challenged. But you know I have tried to remember that is my choice to follow through and feel better or give up and feel like crap until the next craze comes along. “We can We do We will” when I forget and want to chew my arm off I try really hard to remember I can have my ice cream eventually but right now I have to sacrafice to make me healthier skinnier and hotter so I can be a better mom sister wife friend…you can do it
I do 6 drops 6 times a day but I have found that it is harder to remember to get them all in!!
Thanks for the reply HJ. I keep telling myself that this will get easier. I am actually really proud of myself for making it this far. I think I may try the 6 drops. Are you loosing the weight pretty stedily?
Do you also not put anything in your mouth 20 minutes before or after? I am afraid I wont have enough time to drink all my water.
I guess I will just put my name out there!!
I gorged for 2 days and then started the first day I lost 3lbs second 3lbs third .5(crazy eating day I think i ate my fruits too late) fourth 1lb
But I also continue to use my shampoo and conditioner and lotion and sometimes do my hair (only if I have to though)
with the drops I put is directly under my tongue and I drink and eat whenever
carry your water everywhere you go you will be surprised!!
Ohh ok. I think I will try that. When I got my drops the guy sent a letter that said not to put anything in your mouth 20 minutes before or 20 minutes after. Which has been making it hard when you sit and drink water all day then realize its time for drops and have to wait 20 minutes. I have been drinking anywhere for 3 to 4 liters of water a day and yes I use my shampoo and conditioner too. But I dont use any kind of lotions or hair product. Thanks for your help.
I used it all!
Shampoo, conditioner, styling creams, hairspray, makeup, face cleansing and moisturizing, all of it.
And I did great.
If I wanted to look like yuck for 6 weeks, I wouldn’t have dieted 🙂
Hi all,
I just started the diet last week, Thursday to be exact. I gained 3 pounds during the gorge (Thursday & Friday), love that chocolate chip molten cake at Chili’s! Saturday was the first day of my VLCD and man oh man was it tough, but worth it I lost the 3 pounds I gained plus 2 ounces. Monday morning I had lost an additonal 1 pound 8 oz, this morning only lost 4 oz but that doesn’t discourage me.
I still feel hungry sometimes but not nearly as bad as I felt on Saturday. I can’t wait for the hunger to taper off completely.
I have to say it again I love this site it’s very inspirational!
Janell are you trying to kill me (haha)…that molton is my favorite.
this is a great site and thanks to all that have helped
Debbie that is great to know cuz I have been nervous about doing anything
Does anyone have a good something to put on salads?
Holley:
I killed myself by typin the name of the cake lol. I use the Walden Farms zero everything ranch dressing. It’s not as good as regular ranch but it gets the job done. I also use the Bragg’s apple cider vinegar and Braggs amino along with spices from cabinet that taste pretty good as well.
Hope that helps!
Hi All –
Well, the two (!!) cupcakes certainly changed the scales, but not as badly as I feared and I did jump right back on the diet. I must admit that I did not feel well this morning, as I am sure that the junk food gods got me, but thought it was a good sign that this diet is forcing healthy habits and perhaps my body is starting to want the healthy stuff??
I have a long, long way to go, about 60 or 70 pounds, so I will put the cupcakes behind me – as that is where they no doubt ended up anyway! – and more forward…
Hello!
First time posting, but I have followed this site for awhile. It has been very helpful, great meal ideas!
I have lost 19 lbs in 21 days, including 8 inches as of today! Not too bad, right? I am hoping to lose another 20 in the next month. Really getting a little bored with dinner options.
Congrats to all on this blog who is hanging with it!
Oh-one question I have had. Regarding my TOM, I have been starving for 3 days now. I am hoping this passes back to not being hungry when its over. Anyone else had increased hunger and cravings at that time?
Thanks!
I love to bake. I have treats for my kids and neighbors or whom ever comes over.
This is really hard to reprogram my whole way of thinking.It is good for me and eventually my family but tonite I am discouraged.
I don’t think I am getting all my calories. Has anyone had the same issue and if so what did your weight do and maybe an easy way to make sure you have it all?
Holley,
This diet can be wearing on a person. I am doing the meal planning and cooking for just my wife and me. Been at it now for about 9 weeks. I can’t imagine what it would be like to cook for a family and then seperately for yourself on this diet. Gotta’ hand it to you and all the other wives and mothers doing the same thing.
There is no real easy way to make sure of the calories, that I know of. Maybe someone else has a magic wand–I sure don’t. Weigh/measure the food and look up the calorie content. I work with a food scale that reads in tenths of an ounce. And I weigh everything. I have looked up the calorie content of the foods my wife and I are permitted for the HCG-VLCD. If you want, I can email that list to you. Maybe save you some time and help you gain the precision the diet requires. hfalish@hotmail.com
Harvel
Harvel what wonderful support you are to all of us on this blog. How do you have the time and patience to answer the same questions over and over? You are a blessing!! I know after I’m through with the 23 days and 3 weeks of maintenance I will be going to a more conventional way of losing weight b/c I really miss my social interactions. Hopefully these 23 plus days will have change my metabolism enough so that I can lose weight(15lbs) on ww. I thank you again
mkg
Holly-
I put the Maple Farms Sugar Free Raspberry Vinagarette 5 calories for 2 TBSP ( I use one) and no sugar…Don’t get Fat Free, it has sugar
Mkg,
Thanks for the good words. It makes it worth it. I am retired; my wife still works. I am really into this diet. That makes the time it takes a pleasure.
Remember that the best part of the HCG supported diet is that it removes that ugly resistant surface fat while protecting the two types of essential fat deposits in our bodies. “Conventional” diets don’t do that.
Having said that, my guess is that by now, you have learned what to eat and how much. A very real benefit of going through the HCG process is the retraining and learning to “eat to live,” not “living to eat.”
Good luck, and here’s to your continued success.
Harvel
I understand the fat part, but I have been letter perfect and I know if I continue or do a round 2 I would be taking liberties. I have missed so many social things in these 2.5 weeks that I’m getting depressed. I have never been Physically hungry just socially hungry. Now if cheating on this worked as well as a conventional diet I would do round 2.
Thanks Amanda.
thanks mkg and I totally understand!!
MKG I totally understand what you mean about missing social events. The very first day of my VLCD I went to a women’s brunch. I didn’t cheat but looking at all the yummy food and having to settle for celery, tomatoes, and strawberries was very hard.
Monday is Labor Day and of course I’ve been invited to a BBQ, which I will be skipping. I can’t take the torture.
I just started round 1 and I will more than likely do a second round, guess I’ll be missing more social “eating” events but it’s so worth it to me.
Good luck!
Hello, I have lost a total of 20lbs in 3 weeks, I am not about to go onto the maintanence part, and I’m scared since I feel that outline is fuzzy to me. No trans fats, no refined sugar, no starches or starchy veg’s. So what can I eat and not gain back my weight.
Can I eat: nuts, like weight watchers ice cream, whole wheat bread, what about cereal and diary prouducts. I don’t want to regain on this part, I want to restart another phase of this diet after maintainance is over. Please Help!
Today will be my last HCG day. I was supposed to go until saturday but I notice I have been absolutely RAVENOUS the last 2 days. HCG be d@mned! I know by reading the protocol that this is a sign of immunity setting in. So, I will make today my last day and do my 3 days of 500 calories with no HCG for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Now, since I did closer to 40 days than 23, do I have to do 6 weeks of phase 3 or can I just do 3 weeks? I still have about 15 lbs to lose and I dont know if I can last through 6 weeks. I really want to do my 3 weeks and get back on the diet.
Does anyone know?
MKG I completely understand what you mean. I feel so lonely since I have started this diet. I am a 24 year old mother of three kids under 4 and a wife to a husband that can eat anything and never go over 150 pounds. We like to take “mini” vacations on the weekends and love taking the kids to do stuff. That has all changed though since I started this. It is very difficult, especially when you are the only heavy one in the family. I just have to keep telling myself that I am doing this for not only me but for them too. I know if I don’t I am going to miss alot in their lives. I am way too young to be over 100 pounds over weight. I have found though that I am not craving fatty foods anymore, I just want more meat and I cant wait till I can eat eggs. It definately changed the way you look at food. And I am very thankful to everyone that posts on this forum, it is probably the only thing that keeps me going. If I am having a hard time, I just get on here and read. I have probably read all of this about 15 times now. lol
So does anyone know about the maintainance part, what are the limits. Do I just go for it and weigh everyday and see if I gain or not. It just isn’t clear to me on what I can and cannot eat. Need help, going to maintanance tomorrow. YIKES! Scared.
MKG- I totally understand where you are coming from, but you will make it thru. I feel way better since I started on the diet. I don’t know if it’s being without the sugar or what but I have more energy than before, course I’m 20lbs lighter as well. I was hoping for more of a weight loss this time but 20 is good for 22days. I am going back on it after maintainence I have just started the tip of the iceberg on my weight issue, I still need to lose at least 60lbs. Long way to go, so I don’t want to gain ANY on maintanence.
I know nobody understands how hard this diet is better than us and it is hard. I keep saying to myself that I can do anything for 23days and I did, now for the scarey part for me, keeping it off for 3 weeks.
MKG- I totally understand where you are coming from on this diet, it does get lonely but you can make it thru. Keep on trucking! Carol
Dionne,
If you are close to 40 doses and you are very hungry, chances are very good that immunity to the HCG has developed. You will have to stay off the HCG for six (6) weeks. Do the first three as Ph3 and the last 3 as a more normal diet with the careful addition of sugar and starches. Weigh yourself every morning and adjust as necessry. At the end of the six weeks, go back into the diet with the two gorging days and HCG and you are off again.
Ph3 isn’t anything to be afraid of (although I was until I got into it and found out what actualy would happen). Basically, you can eat whatever you want EXCEPT SUGAR AND STARCHES. Keep your weight within plus or minus 2 pounds of the weight on the day of the last dose of HCG. Go for a minimum of 1500 calories. Ph3 is called “maintenance” because you are to maintain the new weight while the body adjusts to that weight. If you can tough it out, that last 15 pounds should be a snap.
Carol,
The above comments should answer some of your concern also. Wow! 20 pounds in 22 days? Way to go! You might gain, and, in fact, you are permitted to gain up to two pounds during maintenance. The key is to keep an eye on the weight and take immediate corrective action if you gain or lose even an ounce beyond the 2 pound upper or lower limit. This thing works, even though gaining weight might seem to be counter-intuitive!
All of you have served as inspirations to me and my wife as we all struggle through this thing in order to come out on the other side more slender, healthier and in control (for the very first time in our lives, maybe) of our weight. Don’t let the speed bumps throw you off.
Harvel
Harvel, I want to thank you for your advice. I had no ideal of what to do on maintainence and you have made it perfectly clear for me. Thank you so much for your time. I can’t wait to start my maintainence now thanks to you!
Hey guys I found another website that helps us all stay in control. We can’t put in 500 calories for a day because it tells “are you crazy eat more” j/k but it helps with lots of diffrent things.
livestrong.com
there is a daily plate part that you can input all your food a place you can track your weight a place to put in your excercise…and on and on
My friend that is on maint right now says it really helped her…
fyi
Thanks Harvel,
I guess we wore Les out and you are taking his place. LoL!
DRATS! 6 weeks! I don’t know if I can do it. I’m one of those people. . ..Give me an inch and i’ll run a marathon! If i allow myself to loosen the reigns even the little bit that phase 3 allows i’m afraid I will just lose myself on the slippery slope to Olive Garden! I do better with the restrictive guidelines of phase 1. If i pondered whether or not I could have something. . . . the answer was pretty much “NO!” and that was that. You start giving me choices and options and leeway and I start exceeding limits and boundaries. Plus, I liked that i didnt have to count calories. Once I knew the basic calorie count of the foods we were allowed I pretty much knew that the choices I was restricted to would give me anywhere from a 375 to 430 calorie meal with a little room to add mroe veggies or the melba toast to make up. On phase 3 I’m going to have to look up the calories of everything I eat and add it up throughout the day. I hate doing that! It is so tedious!
Well, I guess I better stop belly aching and gear myself up to do it because the time has come.
As far as I can tell though, the “eat anything you want” part of phase 3 really just means cheese, milk, eggs,and any vegetables you want (excluding corn, peas, potatoes and the rest of the starchy aka. “good” ones.) I can’t think of anything else we are allowed. Are we supposed to drink Non or lowfat Milk or can we have the real stuff? I assume it would be too ur benefit to do low fat.
Well, I will do my 3 days of 500 with no HCG starting tomorrow. I guess it wont be any harder than the last 2 days in which I have been starving despite the HCG. My weight this morning was 175.4.
Hopefully the next time you hear from me I wont be 200 lbs!
Harvel, again. . . thanks. You have been a great help, inspiration and source of information to everyone on this site. I’m sure I will be reaching out soon for a pep talk or some direction as I enter phase 3.
Carol:
you lost 20 lbs in 22 days and but were “hoping for more of a weight loss”???? I lost 16 lbs in 37 days. You’ve had amazing success and I’d gladly trade results with you. Keep it up!
Dionne,
I hear you. Phase 3 was scary.
But, you can eat what you have been eating, mix veggies, and know what the calories are, to get you to a minimum of 1500.
Add only one or two things a week, knowing their calories, see how you do with that.
Phase 3 is the most important.
Maintaining. And, getting us to a normal life again and maintaining.
I’ve struggled with counting but I am doing well and haven’t gained.
Debbie
Dionne,
Wait at least six weeks.
I did a 40 day round and was 15 pounds away. Second round is harder I think. I waited 6 weeks to the day, and I was always hungry thru round 2. In fact, instead of the 40 days I planned, they only allowed me to go 23 because of immunity. I did get the weight off, which then I wanted at least 5 more pounds off and couldn’t do.
If I had to do over, I would have waited a little longer. I felt awesome on round 1, not round 2. And, the closer you get to goal weight, the harder it was, per usual.
I was very realistic about my weight loss. I wanted to be on the low end for my height. At 51, maybe that was overzealous. But I did end it early because of fatigue, hunger, etc, Thankfully, HCGmedical had some great tips to get over bumps.
Good luck. You’ve done fantastic!
Debbie
Carol,
No starches (cereal, breads, potatoes, rice, etc.)
You can have nuts. But be careful! You can have sugar free ice cream, but not ww ice cream sandwiches because the cake. Eggs, cheese, milk. More veggies, more fruits. Mix them. I’ve had turkey bacon, which I love. Salad dressing, carbs 0-1g, which is ranch…
Seriously, after a round and a half, i could stay on maintenance forever. I feel good. Look good. And I don’t feel deprived.
So much so, that I’ve been baking desserts for my family, baking homemade breads.
All kinds of great meals and it doesn’t phase me. I am happy!
Debbie
Krystal Ok tonight is the first time I came home from an event with a smile on my face. It was book club where everyone brings a appetizer type dish. I thought about it for days and decided to bring the garlic shrimp from the the book 101 Worry Free HCG recipes, some celery and cut up apple. Not only was the shrimp outstanding I never felt deprived or different. When people were filling their plates with meatballs,stuffed mushrooms etc…I just went to my baggie and did my own thing. I did get a kick out of the people who looed at my plate and went back looking for the shrimp and apples
Krystal maybe you can use that tip and still go on your mini vacations just bring along your own food, a food that you like. I’m lucky I like shrimp so I never felt deprived…which is a first. It’s funny but I’ve never been a fruit eater and now apples are a fav of mine but I cut them in sections and they are more appealing..and plan to continue to use them daily as a treat
mkg
Dionne,
Well, I guess you don’t really have to count calories. Eat what you think would be about 3 times the HCG-VLCD and watch your weight. It’ll tell you if you are getting too much or not enough. Of course, it’s better to actually know how much you are eating. Eat slowly and chew each mouthful well, like your mother told you to and stop when you feel full. Let me know how it goes.
Harvel
Dionne,
Mia culpa. I forgot in all of this that you are to add fats and oils to the Ph3 part of the diet. That somewhat makes up for the “no sugar or starches” part of it. We like olive oil, butter, coconut oil (great for cooking), and bacon grease. You can really pile on the calories with just 1 tablespoon of any of those. Olive oil, for example has 120 calories per Tbsp. I have rediscovered the pleasure of 1/2 a ripe avocado with sugerless mayo. Milk is a no-no because of the lactose sugar that is naturally in it. We use heavy whipping cream in our coffee. If there is any lactose left in it, it has to be just a trace. And eggs, don’t forget eggs. My three egg morning omlette is ambrosia, especially after the HCG-VLCD!
Be careful. It doesn’t take long to get to 1500 calories for the day.
Harvel
I understand what you guys mean about not wanting to go anywhere…we have an annual event this weekend that we are going to go to, and I am planning on going taking my lunch with me in my lunch bag with a mini cooler….has anyone tried any of the receipes out of Tammy’s Hcg cookie…2 that I really like is a Strawberry Smoothie where you take serving of strawberries, 1 tablespoon of milk, ice and stevia and
blend it together…it is really good, I can’t keep my 12 year old son out of it….also for another receipe I cut up an apple in thin slices and put stevia and cinnamon on it, put it in the oven at 325degrees and bake, I have put it in for 10-15 or longer if you like…My family also likes that one.
I meant Tammy’s cookbook…guess where my mind is LOL
Debbie- That is great news, you mean I could use Ranch dressing on my salads during maintanence. That would be awesome. I was worried about the sugar content.
Carol,
I think Debbie found a Ranch Dressing that was sugar-free.
Harvel
We will be finishing Ph3 tomorrow, Thursday. My wife came up with a spectacular salad dressing good on just about anything, even meats:
1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
7 Tbsp Olive Oil
½ tsp Lemon Juice
2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg)
4 Tbsp water
1 tsp cracked Black Pepper
Dash (1/8 tsp) Sea Salt
½ Avocado
Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth.
Chill and serve. KEEP REFRIGERATED
About 85 Calories per tablespoon
Enjoy!
Harvel
Harvel- Thanks for the recipe, it’s really good, I will try it out. Thanks again for the tip about the ranch dressing too!
Hi,
I found a 1 carb Buttermilk Ranch at Whole Foods. They make their own. That’s the one.
Also, Ken’s Buttermilk ranch is also 1 carb.
Debbie
I started yesterday doing 6 drops 6 times a day instead of the 10 drops 3 times a day. I was very pleased with it. I was not hungry at all yesterday. My cravings were down. And I actually hit a pound lost today instead of the .4 I have been hitting the past few days. I also increased my water intake to almost 4 liters. So, I think I will stick with that and see if it continues to work.
Was also wondering where you all get your stevia from? I have found the single packs of stevia at the local grocery store but havent seen the drops anywhere. The grissini also, do you buy it online?
Harvel – Thanks for posting the salad dressing recipe. I copied it to try when I go back on Phase 3.
As I posted last week, I went on Phase 3 for a few days since I was traveling (bringing my oldest daughter back to school). Then I went on 2 binging days once I went back on hcg. Yesterday was my first vlcd and it was SO depressing. I loved the Phase 3 food. I found it very easy to follow and I felt totally satisfied. In my mind, cheese, eggs and generous portions of meat and vegetables make up for no bread or pasta. While on the Phase 3 days, I kept within the 2 pounds (actually I was a pound less than my last dose weight). The binging days (while fun) packed the pounds back on. I gained almost 4 pounds (YIKES!) After my first day of the vlcd I lost 1.4 pounds. I have about 6 pounds to go before I’m finished. I wish I could have finished the diet before our trip but it didn’t happen, and I knew it would be too hard to follow the vlcd while traveling. In retrospect, I think I would have done better if I had totally avoided bread and starch while binging. Oh well – live and learn.
Krystal,
The wife and I shop at Whole Foods Market. (In as much as we can, we have gone “organic.”) They have almost all of the liquid flavored Stevias as well as the unflavored liquid. They also have the Grissini bread sticks. The powdered Stevia works well in dry mixes like cinnamon. My mix is 22 teaspoons of cinnamon to one-half packet of Stevia.
Most any health food store should have the “Sweet Leaf” Stevia products. We like the “Sweet Leaf” brand.
Harvel
Carol and Jackie,
The salad dressing happened by accident. My wife was following a recipe from a cookbook when she got to the stage of pouring the mix into the blender. For whatever reason she was standing in the kitchen holding half an avocado. she said, “What should I do with this?” I said, “Why don’t you just toss it in the blender with the rest of the stuff?” Vola! Leslie’s Vinaigrette Salad Dressing was born.
Enjoy, Harvel
Krystal,
I buy my stevia at iherb.com. I have tried NuNaturals Stevia, Stevia in the Raw and Sweet Leaf Stevia Plus. My favorite is the NuNatural, but I noticed it does have 1 g carbs. The Sweet Leaf is 0 everything, and I’m not sure about the Stevia in the Raw. Since I recently noticed the 1 g carbs in the Nunatural, I’ve been trying to use the Sweet Leaf (although I like the taste of the other better). I bought Grissin online but I forgot where. Maybe Amazon? Good luck!
Thanks Harvel and Jackie. We don’t have any type of health food store here but I think the town nearby does. Maybe I can make a trip over there sometime. I will also check amazon for the grissini.
Krystal,
Google “stevia.” There should be someone out there who sells the Sweet Leaf Stevia on-line. Maybe even Amazon.
Harvel
Does anyone know if the zero sodas are ok during phase 2?
Janell,
As a general rule, “zero” commercial sodas are not OK at any time because they contain artificial sweetners. But, then, my wife accuses me of being a purist.
A pretty good home-made fake “Fresca” soda is as follows:
8 ounces carbonated water (unsweetened sparkling mineral water)
10 drops Lemon Drop stevia (“Sweet Leaf” brand)
Another is:
Root Beer:
8 ounces carbonated water (unsweetened sparkling mineral water)
15 drops Root Beer stevia (“Sweet Leaf” brand)
See what you think of these. You may have to adjust the stevia to taste.
Harvel
Thanks Harvel, I will purchase those flavors in stevia and give it a shot.
Amy – Any update on the lasting effects of cupcakes? I’m so curious to hear whether your gain was just the morning after, or if it stalled you for multiple days?
I am on day 7 with the drops and, from my starting weight – pre-load, I’ve only lost like 4 pounds. This feels like way more work than it’s worth. And then I read about people who are losing a bunch. What is wrong with my body!
Hang in ther Christina, my first week was slow, and then week 2 and 3 were awesome, and then 4 slow again, I lost 20lbs in 23 days on HCG with a few gains, and stalls. Give yourself the 23 days to see the change, not just 7. I counted down rather than up.
Day one of Ph 3 here, didn’t do so good at lunch had 2 fries, and have been paying for it dearly all afternoon!!!
Christina,
Amanda T is absolutely right–Hang In There! While we are all going through this to lose weight, each of us will do so at the pace of our individual bodies. Besides, there are more benefits to this HCG process than just the weight loss. For example, you will learn to eat to live, not live to eat. You soon will be able to look at a meal and quickly estimate the food value on your plate and make a deliberate, intelligent decision about just how much of it to eat. (How many of our mothers told us to clean our plates; there are starving children in…?) You will learn to slow down while eating and enjoy the flavors and textures of the various foods. My wife and I learned to stretch a 250 calorie meal out to 30 minutes or more and actually (gasp!) talked. You will find that your body is reshaping itself even if the scales aren’t showing a change for a day or two. You will…; but I think you get the idea. Hang. In. There!
Harvel
Hey Christina
i have tried to get in my mind a loss is still a loss
I know it so hard to balance the sacrafice but hang in there. A couple of days in now and it does get easier and this website will be awesome for you. We are all doing the same thing and we all have or will go through the same things. There are alot of great people on the site that can really help out. You can do it!!
Hey Everyone,
I just started to HCG shots on Sat and have lost 8 pounds so far. I only have one question right now and it is What do you do if you have to go out to dinner. I will be away from the house all day Sat and I am scared I am going to mess up. Please help. Thanks Jessica
Hello All.. I just wanted to say thanks for all the helpful hints and tips! I am starting this process this coming Sunday (6th) and hoping for the best! I hear this takes determination and sacrifice… and I commend all of you on your journey so far! Wish me luck!
Harvel- Thanks for sharing your story about the creation of the salad dressing and how it came to be. I can hardly wait to try it as I have it written down and am going to get the things I need for it tomorrow. I start my phase 3 tomorrow..yippee, can’t wait. Wish me luck!
Carol
Carol,
A small confession: When I saw the green gorp in the blender I thought to myself, “Well, looks like we just spoiled a perfectly good avocado.” But, it turned out to be very tasty on fish as well as salads. Which is good, because we couldn’t eat tarter sauce because of the sugar during Ph3.
Phase 3 has turned out to be a very pleasant experience for us. Other than watching calories and weight, we are eating pretty darned well. We had a celebratory sockeye salmon filet for our last Ph3 dinner tonight.
Harvel
Jessica,
I’ve found eating out to be no problem. Easiest thing to order for me: I ask for a small garden salad (nothing but tomato, onion and cucumber) and then I tell them how to prepare a grilled chicken breast (no oil or marinades). For a dressing just ask for a few lemon wedges and I squeeze them over top. The chicken breast is generally about double what we need so I just eat half of that. Eat your fruit later if the restaurant doesn’t have fresh strawberries for dessert. And …voila!
Option 2: Order the grilled chicken breast (as above) and then ask for a portion of steamed spinach/cabbage/collard greens/etc. Make sure they know not to drizzle any oil before serving. Again, I always ask for lemon wedges and squeeze over top.
Option 3: sushi – order specific cuts of sashimi (like fluke and shrimp) and have a small garden salad without dressing.
Is anybody having bowel problems?? Not only am I not going…I don’t have to. Smooth tea did vey little to help me.
Mkg,
On the very restricted diet we are using, there isn’t much volume in the lower intestine. The wife and I were evacuating every other day, and sometimes going three days between movements. Unless we got constipated, which didn’t happen, we didn’t see the lower frequency to be a problem.
Harvel
Thanks Harvel hopefully I’m ok. Maybe when I start phase 3 things will be better. I don’t feel bad but just concerned but 3 days isn’t even in my equation.
I find myself starving in the morning and can’t wait for lunch, anyone else experiencing this? Any ideas?
Stacy-
Thanks for responding to my question. What you said ready helped. Thanks again.
I have a couple of questions for anyone that can answer them. First one is, Do you know if you can drink TOO MUCH water? And 2nd question is what are the phases everyone is talking about? Please help if you can.
Hey everyone, been a while I have been gone. I have seen some of the questions and comments though. I dont understand how anybody can complain about a .5 pound per day loss. ” I dont know if it is worth the hassel” try any other diet and see if you lose half a pound per day up to 1 pound per day. Women will almost always lose less than men on this diet but at the end of 30 days and if you only lose 15 pounds, WOW ! how good is that. Keep your head up and be grateful for .5 pound plus per day. Thats PER DAY. Not haten just trying to encourage you to keep your head up and gettin real. Be blessed
Hi Les-
You seem like you have been doing this diet for a while and have you ever had days were you gain like .2 pounds and if so what is the cause of that?Thanks for responding back to me and also I put up a couple more questions if you can answer them that would be great. thanks Jessica
Jessica,
Yes, it is possible to drink too much water, but the amount is way, way above what you would ever drink voluntarily. The formula I use to figure out how much water to drink is to divide the weight by 2. Then, drink that number of ounces of water in a 24 hour period. For example, if I weigh 200 pounds, half of that would 100. I would then drink 100 ounces, or slightly more than 3 quarts a day.
The phases that are talked about come from Kevin Trudeau’s book “The Weight Loss Cure.” If you don’t have his book, you might consider getting it and reading it. A lot of the stuff he advocates is sort of “over the top,” so far as I am concerned. However, he does lay out the HCG diet in a way that makes sense and his history of who Dr. Simeons was and how the diet was developed makes for good reading.
Anyway, the phases are Ph1-a 30 day cleansing and preparation step, Ph2-the actual HCG Very Low Calorie Diet, Ph3-the three week maintenance phase, and Ph4-resume a normal diet. Dr. Simeons did not label it like that. He just starts with the HCG-VLCD, moves into maintenance and then goes to a normal diet.
Hope this helps,
Harvel
Les,
Welcome back! Where have you been?
harvel
Harvel,
I’m currently doing a 40 day round of the HCG diet. I know that I will have to be off the diet for 6 weeks, so does this mean I will stay on Phase 3 for 6 weeks or will I do 3 weeks of pahse 3 then go to phase 4 and then back to phase 2 for my second round? Hope that makes sense.
Progress: I started the diet 8/27, gained 3 pounds over the gorge days..and as of today I have lost 10.4 pounds which includes the 3 pounds I gained on the gorge days..so I’ve lost 7.4 pounds from my original weight. I’m so excited!!
Hello,
I just discovered a pasta substitute. It might have been mentioned here before. I am on Phase 3 and we got some fresh tomatoes from a friend, and made spaghetti sauce with just the tomatoes and Italian herbs, so we could freeze it and have it with pasta when we could have it. However, we decided to try it with Spaghetti squash and it was amazing. I am going to give up pasta and start using spaghetti squash in the future. Try it you will like it. I thought I read on here that you can have sugar free ice cream on phase three? is that correct?
Thanks
Jim
Can we have the spaghetti squash on phase 2?
I thought squash was a starch. If it isn’t yahoo! I love squash
Mkg,
Squash is a starch. It said that one cup is = to 1 carb. Sorry about the bad news. Jessica
Harvel,
Thank you for the info. I gained .2 today and I think it has to do with all the water that I drunk. I went thru almost 2 gallons of water yesterday. Live and learn….HUH
Here’s a great HCG recipe site there are some cool variations for our limited food choices 🙂
http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/other-plans/616126-hcg-diet-recipes-only.html
So Harvel- Are you going back on the diet after Phs 3 or are you guys done and have lost all your weight? Just wondering what is your next step.
Carol
Good Luck everyone for the Holiday and remember
You can You do You WILL!!!
Hello to everyone,
I will be starting Ph3 on sunday. I read the weight loss cure and pounds and inches. My question is: Does anyone know if almond flour is considered a starch? Is sprouted grain flour considered a starch? I am really missing a desert and want to bake something. I am confused about lactose in the milk is that considered a sugar? or is it only refined sugars that we need to stay away from? I was glad to hear Les say that 2-3% starch should be our stopping point, I was thinking the same thing. I found some great cookbooks that utilize almond flour I sure hope we can use it. I have lost 19lbs in the 26 day phase. I cannot believe how this loss looks different than other times. Anyone else notice a difference in shape?
Have a great evening, the 2 days without the drops have not been so bad afterall, but very very anxious to eat again.
Jane
Carol,
We will be going back into the diet in about 3 weeks. We did the long course and have to wait a full 6 weeks before starting again. Today was the first day of “freedom.” (Ph3 ended yesterday.) I enjoyed the first hamburger with a bun that I had eaten in over two months. Sure was good. We’ll see what the effect on my weight is in the morning. We each have about twenty pounds to go.
Thanks for asking, Harvel
Jane,
I looked the starch content of almonds on the following website:
http://www.kickas.org/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Number=146875
They have 2.7 grams of starch per 100 grams. I think that is probably low enough to be OK if you don’t get carried away with it.
Any grains are a starch, sprouted or not. And, lactose is a sugar to be avoided during Ph3.
Harvel
i need help i am just getting started and i really need to know all the things that everyone else knows email me at jokerzwyld38@yahoo.com thanks what works what doesn’t work . thanks again
Harvel or anyone with phase 3 experience,
My morning weight of last injection day was 125.8. On day 3 of no Hcg and 500 cal my morning weight was 122.8. My goal weight is around 120. During ph 3 and according to what I have read, when I go 2 lbs under or 2 lbs over 125.8 I have to take action. I want to stay more at 122. Can I use the 122.8 and do the 2 lb thing? Or will it mess up my reseting? And….. If not at what point can I continue my weightloss? I will be starting to work out again and I feel that will make me lose, will I have to up my calories to stay within the 2lb limit?
I appreciate any advice or experience anyone has had.
Thanks so much for your thoughts, and congrats to everyone on this.(I am only 5′ so 120 is not to low for any of you concerned *thanks*)
Jane,
You should use the 125.8 as your Ph3 baseline for the + or – 2 pounds. That’s according to Dr. Simeons. My wife wanted to use the lower weight also, and we had a few, loving, discussions on that point. You are 3 pounds under, so bump up the calories to get back within the 2 pound range. It’s important to use the last HCG day’s weight in order to allow your body’s metablolism to reset to the new weight. This thing is a pretty precise “medical” treatment. Even using the 125.8 number, you are very close to your 120 goal. If you did the short course of HCG, you can go back on the HCG-VLCD at the end of the 3-week Ph3. But, you may be able to get the last 6 pounds off with the increase in exercise and staying with the Ph3 diet. It’s hard to tell. One thing for sure, if you do the HCG-VLCD, you will lose the last few pounds and be able to keep it off. It’s worth the time and effort!
FYI, I couldn’t stop losing weight until I got my calories somewhere north of 2100 a day. I am a 230 pound male for comparison. (40 pounds down from the starting point–I’m so proud!)
Let me know how it goes for you.
Harvel
Harvel,
Thanks for helping me out with this. When you talk about getting the last 6 lbs off with increase in exercise and staying with the Ph3. I am confused, do you mean staying with it longer than the 21 days? And If I do then the 2lb rule cant apply? Is there a shorter course than the 23-26 course? I just finished that one. Thanks for the info on the grains. I am confused also about the sugar, isnt lactose in the same family of frutose that is in fruit?
Jane,
Sorry if I confused you. What I was suggesting is that you continue the higher Ph3 calorie intake but not adding in the starches and sugars while you exercise to get to the 120 pounds. (Your weight may increase as a result of the exercise from water retention and muscle mass build-up.) If you take that course in order to lose weight, the 2 lb rule would not apply after the 3-week Ph3. If you are not taking the HCG, you will need the 1500 or so calories in order not to throw your body into starvation mode. In starvation mode, the body hangs on to every calorie you give it. And, yes, I have heard of 15 day courses. Perhaps you could start the HCG-VLCD again and when you get to 120 pounds, do Ph3 again then be finished.
Remember, I am not a diet specialist. These are only suggestions. If you are working with an HCG diet counselor, see what they have to say.
Lactose? Fructose? No, they are not the same in the way the body utilizes them. Lactose (milk sugar) is quickly and easily digested and utilized. Fructose is not so easily utilized by the body. Except for the small amounts of fructose in the allowable fruits, it’s generally best to avoid anything ending in “-ose.”
Did I just add to the confusion? I hope not.
Harvel
Atfer completing a 40 day round I know that I have to stay off the diet for 6 weeks but I plan on completing a second 40 day round, my question is, will I stay on phase 3 for the total 6 weeks that I’m off of the VLCD or do I complete 3 weeks of phase 3 amd then complete 3 weeks of phase 4 and then go back to phase 2 when I start the HCG again?
Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.
Janell,
You will have to stay off HCG for a total of 6 weeks–3 weeks Ph3 and 3 weeks of a more normal diet (Ph4). The Ph3 will add calories and fats/oils to the diet. The more “normal” diet will slowly add sugar and starches to the diet. After the 6 weeks, you can go back to the HCG-supported VLCD. It would go: HCG-VLCD–Ph3–Ph4–HCG Gorging (first 2 days of HCG)–HCG-VLCD.
Harvel
If I have only lost 4 lbs. in 30 days, so I still have to mess with the whole maintance things, since the drops did not work for me? I did everything exactly, but apparently my body does not recognize the HCG.
Harvel- Good for the two of you. I hope you really enjoyed your Hamburger, you both deserved it. Now if it had been me, there would have been fries along with it…lol….Wish you two all the luck, hope this phase is true to it’s word on not gaining back the weight, course I’m sure we all know some common sense has to go along with it. That’s where my brain is fuzzy. lol..learning though! Good Luck and ENJOY.
Carol
Harvel – Congratulations on finishing Phase 3, that’s great! Now that you are on Phase 4 what is the rule about introducing the starches and sugars? Can you have so much per day or every other day? I’ve been wondering about the rules for the transition from Phase 3 to Phase 4. I hope to be on Phase 3 soon. I have 4 pounds more to go. Good luck with Phase 4! Also, please keep us posted. I know I am very curious as to weight stability on Phase 4.
Jackie
Harvel- I’m confused AGAIN. Actually I did the 23 day plan but didn’t use the vcld – What is that? Was I suppose to use that, I just bought the drops online and went for it. Lost 20lbs while taking the drops then have lost 2 more since then, am I doing everything wrong? Don’t want to mess up any more than I have, Help me, please! I do plan on going on it again after 3 weeks or so, or do I have to wait 6 weeks. Sorry to be such a pain, but you seem to definately have the knowledge. Thanks for all your help. Carol
Sandi,
I don’t know for sure, but it looks to me as though the HCG may have lost its potency, not that your body was not responsive. Were you following the 500 calories a day for the 23 days? Were you hungry enough to chew the leg off of a table throughout? Check with your counselor, but it may be that you can hold off a few days and go right back into it.
Carol,
I thought about the fries, I really did. You are right, not only is commmon sense needed in Ph4, but you will want to weigh yourself every morning and follow the 2 pound rule. After only two days, I find that I can look at a meal and guess pretty closely the calories on the plate. I have also learned to eat relatively slowly and to quit when I begin feeling full.
For your second posting to me, the “VLCD” is short-hand used on this site for Very Low Calorie Diet and refers to the 500 calories we consume while under the influence of the HCG.
If you did the 23 day course of HCG, three weeks off is considered to be enough. You can start over again at the end of Ph3.
And, finally, Carol, you are not a pain. This diet works. I am pleased to be able to help with whatever I have learned by study, personal experience and listening to others–especially on this blog site. For the past 9 or 10 weeks I have set aside almost all of the rest of my life just to steer my wife and I through this thing. If anyone else can benefit from what I have learned, they are welcome to it. Having said that, I am not a diet specialist, nor am I a medical practitioner of any sort. I’m just a guy who wanted to lose a lot of weight and found a way to do it.
Jackie,
One of the best pieces of advice I have seen about adding the sugar and starches for Ph4 is this: Do it slowly. Add one carbohydrate food per day in the first week of Ph4. The next day, change to another form of carbohydrate food, again just one a day. The second week of Ph4, eat two carbohydrate foods, but not in the same meal. In week three of Ph4, start combining the carbohydrate foods in the same meal. Use common sense and moderation. By then, your eating habits should have changed to the point that you will not overeat. Weigh yourself every morning and try to stay within the 2 pound rule, especially up. Finally, Try not to eat a high fat meal with a high carbohydrate meal. One or the other: high fat OR high carbohydrate. Continue to measure the foods and stay within the calorie range that allowed you to maintain your weight in Ph3. That is your individual and personal calorie limit.
The above comments about carbohydrate refer to the starches. So far as sugar is concerned, avoid it as much as possible and when confronted with sugary deserts eat only a small portion. Adults in the US, I read somewhere, consume about 22 teaspoons of sugar a day(!). Children and teenagers consume up to 34 teaspoons a day. Sugar is in nearly everything on the grocers’ shelves and in soft drinks and in … .
In short, there are no hard and fast rules for Ph4. You will be monitoring your weight for the rest of your life, now that you have learned how to control it.
I know, I did it again. Time to get off the soap box and give someone else a chance to have their say.
Harvel
Talk about confused-no one is more cofused than I am.I think someone needs to write an up to date book to help us out.
I am on my first day of p3.and just besides myself. I am a senior citizen,a woman and a type 1 insulin dependent diabetic.It took me 46 days and absoluty no cheeting to lose 21 pounds. I lost 2 pants sizes and am just thrilled! Everyone-take heart if I can do it any one can.
Now to my problem I made a salad for lunch and by the time I got thru counting carbs and calories I was way over my 20 carb count.It had blue cheese dressing[home made] one egg,one egg white,some cherry tomatoes
one fourth of an avacado.I also had one slice of nitrate free bacon and scrambled egg in butter this morning My husband of fifty plus years is giving me grief.Says its too much animal fat.
Can some one please help me?
Forever greatful.
Sandi how were you ever able to stay with the program only losing 4 pounds? The only thing that has kept me going for 23 is the weight loss. You are astronger person then I’ll ever be
Muriel where did you get the 20 carb count…I thought we only had to stay away from starches and sugar?
Mkg
I got this from Atkins and also from the Dr. that sold me the hcg altho she was not much of a help.
Muriel,
You didn’t say what your blood sugar readings have been. Did they go down during the diet and weight loss? Did your insulin requirement change? One thing that you need to do, if you haven’t done so already is to get information on the carb and GI content of the various foods. A good book that we use (my wife is Type 2 diabetic) is “The New Glucose Revolution” by Dr. Jennie Brand-Miller. The book has a comprehensive listing of the glycemic indexes of over 1,000 foods.
One error that I noticed is the cherry tomatoes. They are very sugar packed. I’m not going to argue with your husband, but I don’t think the animal fat is terribly important at this point in time. However, in order to keep peace in the family, you might consider using olive oil or coconut oil to get some of the calories you need. I especially like coconut oil for cooking.
A good website for complete nutritional values of foods is from the USDA. There you will find protein, carbs, fats and all sorts of other information on the foods we eat:
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/cgi-bin/list_nut_edit.pl
It’s tough to consume about 1500 calories and not go over the 20 Gram carbohydrate limit. I think the key is to look for high calorie/low carbohydrate/low Glycemic Index (GI)foods.
Don’t forget: During Ph3, add fats and oils to the your diet, but NO SUGAR OR STARCHES.
Congratulations on the two pants sizes. My wife and are old enough to qualify for a reverse mortgage should we want to go get one. We have both been successful. Who said old canines can’t learn new stuff?
Harvel
Hey All,
I am on day 10 counting the load days. Yesterday I thought I had lost 8 or 9 pounds today on 7. I thought you lost more on the first and second week. Was I asking to much? I am still thrilled to be down 7 pounds, just wondering if anyone thinks I need to adjust something.
Deb
Muriel,
Now, I am confused. I assumed that you were under Dr.’s care for the diabetes and that the 20 carbs limit came from that Dr. not your HCG provider. How are you getting your insulin if you are a Type 1 diabetic?
Harvel
Thanx for all the tips. Of course my insulin requirments were lowered. I control my insulin levels after all these years.
Hi everyone,
I have a question for anyone that can answer it. I am on phase 2 and have been for a week. (I have lost 11 pounds so far…thank goodness) But anyways my question is, What is the lastest that you should eat? My family and I did not get home until 8:15 tonight and I didn’t get to eat until about 9:15 tonight. Did I screw up on my weight lost for tomorrow because I did eat so late?
MKG,
I stayed with it because of all the positive talk on this site thinking it would eventually kick in. I was excited this am when I was down 1 lb. that makes 5 since Aug 15.
Jessica,
Trudeau recommends not eating anything within 3 hours of bedtime (and that’s the same rule I’ve heard from other doctors over the years). Honestly, though, I think the biggest difference you’ll see on the scale the next day will be due to the amount of undigested food still in your system (which will be gone by the next day, thankfully). Tell us how it goes!
3 hours before bed is the latest you should eat. If you were up late, and then got 7-8 hours of sleep, you should be fine
Stacy and Debbie,
Thanks for responding to my question and I learned the hard way not to eat late. I gained .4 today and I am so disappointed in myself. But I am getting back on track today. Wish me luck!!!!!!
Harvel,
Thanks so much for the helpful information on Phase 4. When you say you add a carb food a day, do you try to keep it under 20 carbs or some other carb count? Also, when you say not to combine a high carb food with high fat food in a meal, do you have a range for what is considered too high in fat for a meal? Thanks in advance.
Jackie,
I’m afraid I wasn’t clear. When I said “carbohydratess,” I meant to say “starches.” Although starches are carbohydrates, it is the starch we focus on. Things like potatoes, breads, cereals, pastas, and the like. There is no particular limit on the amount. You would want to avoid a meal that had both a greasy fried food and potatoes or an other meal with an oily alfredo sauce over pasta. You could have a fatty food at noon and a heavy starch for dinner. Eventually, I think it is after the third week of Ph4, you can begin putting them together. As with Ph3, the daily calorie intake is what you watch.
As an aside, the “20 carbs” limit is a restriction for people like my wife who have to manage their carb intake due to high blood sugar.
Harvel
Good luck Jessica. Stick with it.
Eating late can be reversed the next day. So don’t fret. Try not to do so.
Debbie
Harvel,
Thank you. So if I follow you the 2lb rule needs to be followed for 21 days then I can just try to lose the rest after that on my own. During the 21 days when I excercise and my weight increases more than 2 lbs because of water retention and muscle (which I build fast) do I take action? As always, thanks for your thoughts and ideas.
Thanks, Harvel! I’m so glad I won’t have to be limiting myself to 20 carbs.
I haven’t posted much on this site, but I follow it everyday and thank you Harvel and Les for all of your valuable information. I am on day 30 of VLCD and have lost 26.2 pounds. I am so excited to finally be losing my weight. I still want to lose another 30 pounds, so I’m almost halfway there and will require another round.
I have a question for anybody who can answer. I’ve read different things about continuing sublingual HCG drops after 40 days. I’ve heard some folks who have continued successfully past their 40 day round. And on the other hand, I’ve read about becoming immune to HCG and that’s why you should not continue past 40 days. I have the will power and determination to continue, but don’t want to mess up my program by continuing the HCG sublingual drops past 40 days. Can anybody give advise me on this? I am approaching the end of Phase 2 quickly. Thanks!
Hi guys
Here is a recipe I thought I would share in case any of you are lke me and have been missing your movie time snack.
Spinach chips (preheat oven to 350)
Place spinach on parchment paper on a baking sheet in a single layes. Sprinkle with the seasoning of your choice. Place the in the oven for about 10 minutes or until they have a dired paper thin look to them. Take them out and enjoy.
Nice healthy alternative to potato chips 🙂
Anica,
If I remember correctly, the continuation past 40 doses was using the homeopathic preparation. Just to be on the safe side, you might want to assume that resistance to the hormone is developing and follow the protocol of 3 weeks Ph3 and another 3 weeks of Ph4 for a total of 6 weeks off HCG.
Harvel
Jane,
Upon further reflection, I don’t think it is a good idea to increase your exercise until you have finished with Ph3 and the 2 pound rule that goes with it. The water retention and increasing muscle mass could throw everything off and you won’t know where you are with the stabilization of your metabolism to the new weight, which is the purpose of Ph3. If you gain 2 pounds or more, you won’t know if it is fat being redeposited or water or muscle mass and there would be no way to apply corrective action.
Just a thought, do you have a way to monitor your body’s condition with Body Mass Index (BMI) testing or similar technology? I think that might tell you where the weight change is coming from.
Harvel
Harvel,
That was my concern. I am glad to hear we are on the same page. I think that I will just walk every night and look for a more precise scale. I have seen them, just never priced them. I am really enjoying Ph3 and the addition of new foods. I will be ordering some almond flour since locally it runs about 13.00 a lb. On line I can get it for about 5 plus shipping, which makes it very reasonable. I am really missing my deserts. Last night I tried a receipe for coconut icecream. Was okay will look for a better one.
So, how is your journey going?
Thanks so much for your help.
Jane,
We bought a digital scale form Bed Bath and Beyond. The brand name is “Thinner” and it cost about 50 bucks. Well worth it.
Our journey has now taken us into the second 3 week period after HCG–Ph4 or more normal eating with some sugar and starches. I noticed when reviewing our menues for the past couple of weeks that even when we can eat just about anything we want, we seem to revert back to the Ph3 diet. Good food, healthy food, etc and with the olive or coconut oil, eggs and larger meat portions, it’s not too hard to get the calories we need. We are eating lots of eggs, maybe because they are easy to fix and we like them. AND, our weights are holding steady. Is this diet a miracle or what?
Harvel
Anica,
Harvel is correct, the immunity issue is with the homeopathic hcg and the injections. My Dr. prescribed the hcg in an ampule that I mix with saline and take sublingually. He said immunity would not be an issue. I have been on it since July 24th and my daughter has been on it since July 1st with no problem. I took 6 days off hcg to take my daughter back to college (with my Dr.’s ok) and then went right back on it again. If for some reason you do start to become immune, you will know right away because you will be hungry on the vlcd. Good luck!
So far so good! Second day on p3 at same weight.Words can’t express how thrilled I am! You are right Harvel-it is a miracle!
Anyone with experience with a drink or restaurants on p3? That is my next hurdle.
Has anyone seen this site? It seems to have a lot of detail about phase 3. Plus they have a food list attached and what not to eat. Could someone on Phase 3 check into it and let me know if it’s accurate or not? Sorry about the link.. I copied and pasted it, but it doesn’t link directly…
Thanks for the help!!!
http://www.hcginfoonline.com/maintenance%20phase.htm
Thank you Jackie and Harvel for your help. I have a goal to lose 10 more pounds before I start Phase 3 and it may take me a few more days than I thought, so I will probably only go another week or so past my 40 days. If I start getting hungry, I’ll stop my drops and go into Phase 3 as this will probably indicate immunity.
I am also going on vacation next week, and thought about a break, but I’ve come so far, and it’s just not worth taking a break. Wish me luck staying on VLCD during vacation. I think I’ll be fine so long as I go places w salads, which is almost anywhere and use lemon juice for dressing. I’ll be at the coast, so there’s lots of fresh seafood. I should be fine. I can do it!
well once again i have to go back to the fact that I really didn’t know anything about the HCG diet when I started this. I saw an add in a newspaper that advertised losing up to 30 lbsi n 30 days. I didn’t know what it was about. I just went in for a consultation. After I started the diet I googled HCG and found this website. That’s when I started learning about the HCG and Dr. Simeon’s protocol.
I said all that to say this. I didn’t know there was any option for homeopathic HCG, HCG mixed with Saline, HCG shots, or anything other than what my Dr. gave me. I dont know if mine is homeopathic or not. It is already in liquid form and I take it sublingually. I kind of wish I could get my hands on the kind that does not cause immunity because I would love to have just continued on the HCG until I lost my last 15 lbs and finished this all in one round.
But I definitely did experience the immunity factor. During my last 3-4 days on the HCG I was STARVING!
So how does one know if they have the homeopathic kind or not and how can you go about getting it?
Dionne,
If you experienced hunger, you probably have the homeopathic kind. The kind I mix has to be refridgerated. It is my understanding that the homeopathic does not need refridgeration. If you are on homeopathic, I don’t know what the rule is if you start on homeopathic then want to switch. I got my hcg from my Dr. Good luck!
I am on day 6 and feeling nauseated…. I have lost 9 pounds, however I gained 6 pounds during the load days… so that really only puts me at 3 pounds lost… Does anyone else have this awful feeling?
Well I was perfect on my HCG proticol. Tues was supposed to be my last day. All was going fine till Monday when I got a Hole In One. Then everything went south. Ate and drank and celebrated(it was fun).I decided to just end my drops a day early which in retrospect might not have been wise. I immediately gained 2 pounds. I was wondering do you think I should try and lose those 2 before maintaining my weight?
Harvel,
Yes a blessing it truley is. I have been in charge of the food choices and the “know-how” with my boyfriend and I. We both have been battleing hormonal issues that have stopped us from losing weight. I am 44 and he is 48. Funny how a person thinks that they can solve most any weight problem with correct excercise and eating habits. A lesson learned. I used to own a gym and train pretty heavily so I thought I could handle most anything. Well……………….. Hormones thought different. Until I had my full panel tested and this great diet I am afraid I was headed for the farm. I couldnt of made it with out you, les and everyone elso on this site. Many thanks to all
Crap I hit a flat line!! Help me please!! Who has the best advice to get my body going again?? This is so frusterating when you have followed every letter to the “T” the day before. Friends please help me!
How long is your flat line?? ! or 2 days is ok then you kick in again as long as you stay with the program
I stayed the same two days ago lost one pound and again today I am the same!
Holley,
I stalled over the weekend. I remained the same for two days and now I have started losing again. I think it’s normal.
Holley,
Yes, a couple of days of “flat-line” are normal from time to time. As I understand the physiology of the situation, empty fat cells are reabsorbed by the body and the vitamins, minerals, protein, etc are put to use elsewhere. But, until the fat cell destruction takes place, water is used to fill the now empty cells. Since water is heavier than fat, you will flat-line or maybe even weigh a little more. If the flat-line continues for more than a couple of days, your weight may have “plateaued” whch, according to Dr. simeons, should resolve itself in a few days if you stay on the diet. However, an apple day might break the plateau in about day 3 of the flat-line.
Harvel
Thanks Harvel for the explanation of why the flatline may occur. When this happened to me over the weekend I was so frustrated and had decided that if I got on the scale a third day and there was no change or an increase I was going to have a cookie…lol. I felt I was justified 🙂
Janell
Thank you guys!!
ok Harvel now I understand thanks I will keep plugging along
And Janell yeah I know I said the same thing but I have 2 wedding cakes this week and the chocolate cake that I had left over was my threat!!
Hi everyone,
I need help!!! Yesterday I followed the diet to the “T” and I gained 2 pounds. What is going on? Yesterday when I weighed in I loss 3.4 lbs and today I gained. Can anyone help me.
les will you email me thouse recipes ashley@fourthstreetclinic.org
Jenn,That site is awesome…it is just what I needed to get my mind in the right place. I WAS trying not to eat too much but everything on that site put it in logical perspective. Thanks so much for sharing
Help! I was doing ok on phase 3 and now all of a sudden a 3.2 lb. gain!!! DRATS!! It is my “TOM” as you guys call it, but I was not expecting 3 lbs. So I know I have to do a steak day but tell me this. . . DO I at least get fluids? Can I have coffee and iced tea and stuff? oh Lord! I knew this day might come but now that it’s here I am dreading it. I”m gonna be STARVING!!!
Dionne- I just came off two steak days in a row,and I broke it up, I had some at lunch, and then another one at dinner, and I was down the lbs gained this morning. I think the key with the steak day is to get your body into ketosis so that it is burning nothing but fat for energy rather than carbs, and such.
Good luck
Dionne,
Yes, continue your fluid intake during the steak day.
Harvel
I had a several days that I only lost .4 and days where I gained. I was starting to get pretty worried about it, but then I read on here not to eat past 7. Which I had been eating an apple late in the evening so I wouldnt be hungry at night. But I decided to try it. The past three days I lost 1.1, 1.5, and 1.1 again. I guess the eating past 7 has a huge effect of it. Thanks guys!
I will be starting sunday. has anyone done the cleanse before starting the VLCD? Did not see where anyone did it.
Lynda,
I did a 20 day cleanse and started eating all 100% Organic foods as part of Phase I. Over the 20 days I lost 7 lbs before even receiving my HCG.
-Stacy
I just tracked my HCG and it left Jacksonville this morning so I should be getting it any day now. I am going to follow Dr. Simeons Protocol. Should I be doing something these few days before my HCG arrives. Also since food has changed so much since Dr. Simeon wrote P & I, can I use Splenda, Sweet N Low, or Equal, or should I look for Stevia? Is there a substitution for Melba Toast?
Hi All, I thought this might be something that would set your minds at ease–I did the diet and the maintenance phase without any deviations and then the day after my maintenance phase ended I left for a trip to Italy. Needless to say, I was eating and drinking more than I normally would but when I got home after 2 weeks I hadn’t gained a pound. I was a bit worried about it while out there, but decided to put it out of my mind and hope that all the claims of “resetting your set point” were true. Well, it seems it’s true.
Ok guys I am hitting a low. I have again stayed the same and yes last night I cheated (lettuce wraps from PFChangs)
Anyway I need some motivation?! I am doing the drops and I have done pretty good except since Sunday. I need a pep talk plz!!
ps that is awesome Judy good job!! I hope you had a wonderful time!!
Holley,
I’m no expert on the diet but from what I’ve read on this site it might be time for you try an apple day. You should try that and see what happens,
Did the lettuce wraps impact the scale at all? Let me know how the cheat impacts your progress I’m just curious.
But keep your head up!!
Janell
I have had two days where I cheated pretty bad. The first day I was out in town and started feeling really weak so I grabbed a grilled chicken wrap from McDonalds. So I decided since I had already cheated I might as well go out to dinner that night with my husband and I didnt take my drops past noon that day. I only gained .4 the next day. The next time I cheated I continued my drops the whole day and only ate two pieces of boneless chicken wings that night and gained 1.8 the next morning. So lesson learned. Definately dont cheat, you WILL gain weight!
Holley…I too had really hard boring days where I wanted to quit. I didn’t but I totally understand. Try to keep busy and it passes. I read a lot, golfed alot and sometimes felt sorry for myself. Trust me it is worth it. I kept counting the days…I wouldn’t recommend that.My advice keep busy busy busy and it goes faster and Don’t get a hole in one.
The other thing find something you like..mine was shrimp and scallops…I have 2 great recipes if you are interested…started thinking of these things as a treat your mind is a an amazing thing…vary your menus and I found the best apples and I never was a fruit eater
This is a wonderful site. It has become my go-to daily motivation for keeping on this program. Today is my birthday and I treated myself to the zucchini with cinnamon and stevia. My daughter came over and put a candle in it! So – the first time in 54 years my birthday hasn’t been about food! What a switch for me! I’ve owned a restaurant for the last 10 years too, so I’m royally spoiled. Have lost 15 lbs. since starting this 8/15 – 27 days!
Thanks MKG and yes I would love those recipes jhathay10@msn.com
Maybe I do want a hole in one?!! j/k
but great job!!
Hey Janelle
no it didn’t change i stayed the same I think that is another reason I am so frusterated!!
I am thinking about just eating what I want tonite and then start again tomorrow!! but I probably shouldn’t.
Congrats and happy birthday Vikki!
Can you use splenda on this diet.
Debbie,
Thank you!
Looking for a good salsa recipe with no sugar. If a recipe calls for 1 c of sugar, how much Stevia is that? Also, what is a good cooking oil to coat a pan for scrambling eggs in phase 3? I tried olive oil and spray canola, but my eggs still stick.
Sandi…Time to buy a new pan LOL
Sooooooo cute, Mkg, my mind is so into what oil is ok, that I missed the obvious. Thank you for a great Friday laugh at myself!
Hello fellow HCGers,
I am in phase 3 and can not remember what the rules are about dairy. I know that I read it somewhere–where I do not know?! Oh yea did they tell you along with the weight you also lose your mind? Ha Ha just kidding. I love this phase, so far no problems.
I work in a physician’s office that has recently started offering the HCG diet for our patient’s. I myself have tried this diet with great success. My question is that the original Simieon diet states that the injections are to be given intramuscularly, however, many sites talk about giving subcutaneous injections which would be easier for patients. Any info on IM injections being superior to sub Q? Are there any studies on better weight loss with IM vs Sub Q? Let me know. Thanks. Also I’ve now counselled approx 35 patients on this diet since May 2009. I stick strictly to the original Simieon Protocol, where we’ve had great luck, where do some of you get the other food options such as broccoli, Pam non-stick spray etc.? Is there even another school of thought in addition to Simieon and Kevin Trudaeu? I’d love to hear back on this one.
I fell off the wagon and wow what an overwhelming guilt!!
This is so hard when you hit the brick wall and you don’t have any loss. It really makes you question why the heck am I doing this. I am going to jump right back on 2morrow but mainly just bacause the little success I have had…I don’t want it back. I am paranoid of everything I eat. And right now I am on a downer.
Sorry just needed to vent to someone that has been through it!!
Holley,
Ok, so you fell off the wagon for a day. So just jump back on. I started feeling down b/c I stalled weight loss for a few days. I wouldn’t call it a plateau, but I still did an apple day. I’ve done this before and the apple day kicked my butt back into gear and I started losing again. Why don’t you try an apple day to get you back on track. I know the protocol says the apple day is psychological, but according to my scale, it’s pretty genious. And, it will hopefully get you excited again about the diet. Good luck!
Holly,
OK, so you feel guilty and are on a pity party. All that does is make you want to eat comfort food. We have all (well, me in particular) have “fallen off the wagon.”
It’s done. Put it behind you and move on. Anica is right when she says that an apple day might help. It sure won’t hurt!
Keep On Keepin’ On, Harvel
Jackie,
Thanks for the response. The first HCG I got from mydoctor’s office was to be refrigerated. At least that’s what they told me. So I don’t know if it was homeopathic or not. When I ran out of that I purchased the HCG from the diyhcg website. Their instructions said it did NOT have to be refrigerated. But I was only on that a couple of days when the immunity set in. I hope it will stay good until I’m ready for my second round!
Judy
I had the same experience as you. I went to Italy for two weeks after finishing 3 weeks of P3 and 1 week of P4. I just got home and was dreading the moment of truth with the scale. I was so surprised that I was only one pound up. Tomorrow I’m starting R2. 25 to go!
Judy,
Thanks for the update on your progress. That is great news that Phase 4 does not cause weight gain. I have to say that I really believe in this diet. It is truly a miracle. I am almost done with Phase 2 and am looking forward to Phase 3. I can’t imagine how liberating it feels to be on Phase 4. Continued good luck with Phase 4!
Jackie
Greetings All,
I got my HCG today and I have a quick question…When do most people do their injections? Morning or evening?
I’m curious. For the people using the injections. . . where are you getting it from? Is this the homeopathic kind that is susceptible to immunity? Also, I purchased some HCG sublingual drops just before immunity set in from my first bottle so of course I did not get a chance to use it. My first bottle which I got from my doctor was supposed to be refrigerated. The bottle I purchased from DIYHCG says it does not need refrigeration. NOw I have no idea if either of these was homeopathic but I did experience immunity while finishing up my first bottle. I had to cut my 40 day course short because of the immunity and I’m wondering if my almost full bottle of HCG is going to be any good when I’m ready to go back on the diet. Does anyone out there know. It has not been refrigerated, just kept away from light as the directions state.
on to another topic. I’m having a hard time on phase 3. I was up 3 lbs the other day and did a steak day. I dropped about 1.5. I’m not sure if you’re supposed to do the steak until you get back to your weight at the end of phase 2 or if you just do it until you go under the 2 lb. limit. I went back to the phase 3 diet after I dropped the 1.5 lbs but the next day I was back up to 3 lbs over. So, was I supposed to do another steak day until I get back to my weight I was on the last day of HCG?
Dionne,
I’m pretty sure the injectable hcg is not homeopathic. It’s comes in a powder that you add saline to and then you can take it sublingually or by injection (and it has to be refridgerated). Regarding the shelf life of your homeopathic hcg, I would contact the place you purchased it and ask what the length of the shelf life is.
Regarding your Phase 3 question, maybe Harvel or someone else has an opinion, but I would suggest closely analyzing your food choices on Phase 3. Maybe you are unintentionally ingesting sugers or starches. I have been very surprised when reading labels that sugar is added to almost everything. The other thing to look at is the number of calories you are taking in each day and maybe make some adjustments.
It is my understanding that you have to do a steak day every time you go over the 2 lbs additional weight. Good luck!
First day of eat all you want except starch and sugar in Phase 3. Felt like I was eating all day and a lot. When I totaled my day at 8, I had only had 731 calories. Which is worse…eating under your calorie amount or eating after 7. I went ahead and ate some almonds and a grapefruit and got the caloies up to 983.
Hi all. I am Krystals older sister. I am so nervous about my first low calorie day. This diet is such a committment and i always gain 10 of the 20 i am sure you all know that feeling. I am more nervous of ph3 than i will have to stay healthy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what a concept LOL well i am going to do my best good luck to all of you.
Dionne,
The “steak day” should get you back within the target weight for Ph3. Jackie is right: If the weight didn’t drop, carefully analyze what you are eating: Any carbohydrates or sugars? We just came back from shopping. Tried to find bacon that didn’t have any sugar for Pete’s Sakes. There was none. Also, how many calories are you eating? If you are much over 1500, consider cutting back until you find a level that keeps your weight within the range. And, the range is up or down 2 pounds, so when your weight drops to 2 pounds above the end of Ph2 weight, you don’t need another more steak day unless you go over the limit again.
Sandi,
During Ph3, you need a minimum of 1500 calories, at least to start with. During the HCG-VLCD your body was burning calories at the rate of about 2000 a day. You were only eating 500. If you continually eat much less than 1500, your body is likely to go into starvation mode and it will hold on to every calorie it can get. The scales will tell you how much up or down to adjust. I finally settled at about 2100 calores (230 pound male). My wife got along fine at about 1350 to 1400. I would say that eating too little is more of a problem than eating after 7.
BJ,
Welcome to the beginning of a journey that will allow you to control your weight. Yes, it is a commitment–a tremendous committment. But then, those of us who make that committment are taking charge of our own health. Trust the process. Dr. Simeons worked with thousands of patients over the course of 15 to 20 years. It works.
Harvel
Hi guys,
I am on phase 2 and I have been on it for about 2and a half weeks and my husband and I are going out on a date next weekend and I was just wondering if I mess up and eat bad stuff how hard is it to get back on the diet the next day. And how much weight am I looking at to gain.
Hi All;
Just want to thank all of you posters- it’s been great for a newbie like myself! Although I had already lost over 100 lbs on my own, I finally decided to do something about those last 40-50 and started HCG on Sept 10- my birthday.
I have a question I haven’t seen – can you switch back and forth between shots and drops? I have to fly every month and I’m worried I won’t be able to take the injections with me -or they’ll confiscate then at the security checkpoint. Anyone switched back and forth between drops and shots?
Judy,
Judy,
Congratulations on your prevous weight loss! And I’m sure the HCG will help you with those last 40-50. Happy Belated Birthday! Sept 10 is my birthday too!
About the injections, I know the airlines allow diabetics to carry injection kits onboard. You might just look up your airline’s regulations online to see what their rules are. I’m using the cream, so don’t know too much about the drops and injections.
Good luck!14
Harvel
Trader Joes has delicous bacon without sugar or nitrates
I just discovered Vitacost.com has the liquid stevia in many flavors substantially cheaper than my local health food store. I’ve shopped with them before and been pleased.
These stevia flavors are getting me through the tough times. At night, I’ll just add Chocolate/Raspberry to a little water and it tricks my mind into thinking we’ve had dessert (sort of)! The Vanilla Creme is great in chai teas and orange flavor teas. Now that I see all of the stevia flavors – this could get even better! My mind needs all the help it can get with this program.
Thanks for all your comments.
And yes Harvel i am on a small pity party. this is so hard with a young family. I know I just need to be strong. I am trying my best to be strict today.
But you know once you cheat it is really hard to get back into HCG mindset.
Thanks again everyone!!
Hey there! I am on day 6 and have lost 7 pounds. My husband has lost 10. We both have at least 30 to lose. Is getting the prepackaged fish from Target or Walmart okay??? And, can you do the 40 days without taking a break?
Hey All,
Is there a typical stalling point on Hcg? I am on day 15 not counting the load days. I have lost 10 pds. I seem to have stalled the last 5 days has anyone else had this experence? I seem to remember reading about the fat cells in some way causing this.
Thanks everyone for your wonderful imput on this site, I follow all the posts!
Ok – getting ready for VLCD tomorrow- packing my food for work. But I am REALLY confused. It says :
3.5oz of protein – chicken breast 87 cal.
3.5 oz veggie – cucumber 12 calories
one melbe toast – 20 cal
one small apple – 55 cal
that adds up to 174 cal… times 2 =only 348 for the day.
How are you supposed to get to 500 without going over these guidlines?
Muriel,
Thanks for the tip about trader Joe’s. We shop at one of their stores here in the Phoenix area, I just hadn’t looked for bacon.
Holley,
I apologize if I was too quick to judge your situation. Yes, it would be difficult to do this diet with a young family to take care of–it’s difficult enough anyway. And, I do know how hard it is to get the mindset back. All I can offer is encouragement. Hang in there.
Harvel
New restaurant tip for those of you looking for dining out options… I ate at Chili’s last night and still had a 1.2 lb weight loss this morning. Here’s what I ordered:
Looked on the “Guiltless Grill” portion of the menu and ordered the Tilapia – it’s topped with pico de gallo (fresh tomato, onion, cilantro). It comes with seasonal veggies (which was broccoli) and rice, but I instructed to give me a side salad (just lettuce and tomato – specify “no cheese”) instead of the two sides. And I asked them to use no oil in cooking… the fish is cooked on a cedar plank, so that was easy for them. It was fantastic!
Good morning,
I have been following this site since August. I have read everyone’s comment from the beginning. All of your contributions have been tremendous help specially those of you who have shared concerns, cheating moments and encouragement. I am specially grateful for Les although I have not read anything about him lately and of course Harvel. Thank you for so willingly and selflessly sharing your experiences and advice.
I started this program with the drops on September 5th. After gorge days I was 188.8. Today is my 8th day on the VLCD and I am down to 179.0. I am sooooo very excited and happy. Extremely thankful for this diet. Coming from a small Asian family, where the women are petite and weight so little, i have always felt like a giant both in height and in weight. Being that I have always been bigger than my sisters even when they were pregnant!! This summer I was at my lowest point emotionally. Extremely depressed for always being the fat joke target in the family. But, I am sooooo thrilled with the results. I KNOW this diet is hard, but, even if it is only 2 oz that you are loosing, YOU ARE STILL LOOSING. I am very grateful. Stay encouraged.
Harvel-
No your good i really am on a pity party. You weren’t being mean. I appreciate all you have taught me. You are a great person. I am still the same, so I think i am going to do the steak day or apple day.
Does anyone have an opinion on which is best?
thanks again Harvel!!
Stacy,
Thanks for the tip on Chili’s. My wife and I have found that most restaurants are very cooperative when it comes to ordering special stuff, like no cheese or don’t use oil to cook the food.
For those of you in Ph3 and concerned that the salad dressing at a restaurant might have sugar in it (most of it does) go simple and basic with vinegar/oil or just lemon juice.
Harvel
KellyR,
Congratulations on your very good start on a journey that will put you in control of your weight, your health and your life!
I too have learned much from this blogsite. When you are first starting the HCG diet, some of it is counter-intuitive and lots of it doesn’t seem to make any sense. Trust the process–it will pull you through.
Harvel
Holley,
Thank you for letting me off the hook. If you are in Ph2, the HCG-VLCD, do the apple day. The steak day is for Ph3. It may be that you have truly hit a plateau. In the past, how long did you stay at your present weight? If it is a plateau, it may take a few days for your body to adjust and to break through the barrier.
Harvel
Thanks Harvel. You have been extremely helpful. 🙂
I was just wondering, when people plateau and have to have an apple day. How many apples will they be consuming? And is there an specific protocol as to how much time between each apple. Thank you.
KellyR,
Dr. Simeons lays it out in his book, “Pounds & Inches.” If you don’t have a copy, you can download it from:
http://www.hcgdietdirect.com/DrSimeonsProtocol.pdf
The manuscript is written in a way that makes it hard to find any specific information. I prepared an index that helps find stuff. If you would like, email me at hfalish@hotmail.com and I’ll send the index to you.
OK, to answer your question: Dr. Simeons said in his book (Pg 35 in my copy), “An apple day begins at lunch and continues until just before lunch of the following day. The patients are given six large apples and are told to eat one whenever they feel the desire though six apples is the maximum allowed.”
He goes on to say to only plain water is allowed during this time and then only what is needed to quench an uncomfortable thirst. No other foods or liquids are allowed.
Hope this helps, Harvel
Wow made it through the first day thought I was going to eat the couch….Or one of my small children……. But it was worth it I started out 168.6….gained to 170….now I am 166.6….as long as my two year dont start wearing steak sauce or chocolate I should be fine……….
Judy,
Go to the USDA nutritional database for your calories.
3.5 ounces of chicken (skinless and boneless)has 110 calories. 3.5 ounces of beef is up around 170 calories. Website here:
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/cgi-bin/list_nut_edit.pl
For my wife and I, I started with the meat, added a fruit and made up the difference in calories with vegetables. I used the Melba toast or breadsticks only to make up the last little bit if I needed to.
We would quite often get up to 8 or 10 ounces of vegetables and maybe 4 to 5 ounces of fruit to get to 500 calories. The only hard and fast guideline for how much in Dr. Simeons’ book is 3.5 ounces of meat two times a day.
Harvel
Stacy,
Are you on Ph 2 and eating at Chili’s? Was it OK to mix the broccoli, lettuce and tomato?
I’m Ph 2, day 31. 16 lbs down!
Judy,
I had the same confusion with the calories and ended up adding more vegetable calories to get it up to 500. It made a big difference and the weight is going off faster that way. Once, I added more shrimp to get there, too.
bj, I don’t have any little ones to munch on, but I have thought the peanut butter dog biscuits looked pretty good!
Vicki – I am on Phase II (Day 29 – 28 lbs lost) and eating at Chili’s. I’m a purist about the foods so I didn’t do the broccoli since it’s not on the list. I got the salad INSTEAD. However, I do put lettuce and tomato together for a salad – I haven’t found a problem with mixing veggies, as long as I don’t have more than 1.5 cups altogether. Also, as Harvel noted, the only dressings I use are straight citrus – in this case, lime.
I’m eating at restaurants a lot, however I’m always very careful and specific about how I want things prepared. The best thing is to go to a very fine restaurant, tell the chef my restrictions and have him create something amazing… For example, I went to my favorite restaurant, The Capital Grill, and the chef created a fabulous onion-crusted chicken (a perfect 3.5 oz serving) topped with whole crunchy basil leaves that he salted and baked in the oven until they turned crispy. He provided a side of very flavorful spinach with fresh lemon and pepper. For dessert it was fresh strawberries with finely ground Kona coffee grounds for dipping.
It’s great to let a fine chef loose – they really do have fun with it.
Stacey where do you live? I want to move there!!!!!!
This is my 2nd round of the 23 days of injections. Suppose to wait a full 6 weeks but starting on the 5th week. Hope it wont really hurt me that much. during my phase 3 i stayed with in a pound of the LIW and even during phase 4 i went to NY and had pretty much anything i wanted and only gained a pound and was still within my 2 pounds of my LIW. this time around it seems much easier. should be done the first week of oct. cant wait. hope everyone is doing great on the diet.
MKG – I’m in Boston. Come on over… I’ll take you out to restaurants where I’ve already trained the chefs… and I’ll cook a bit myself, too (cooking on this diet can be fun).
Judy,
I had the same question. When I added more vegetables and fruit, I could never get the ketone stick to change. I only lost 6 pounds in 34 days. I want to try again, but am not sure what changes to make to get better results.
Ok – getting ready for VLCD tomorrow- packing my food for work. But I am REALLY confused. It says :
3.5oz of protein – chicken breast 87 cal.
3.5 oz veggie – cucumber 12 calories
one melbe toast – 20 cal
one small apple – 55 cal
that adds up to 174 cal… times 2 =only 348 for the day.
How are you supposed to get to 500 without going over these guidlines?
Hi everyone,
today is my first day of the vlcd, and thank goodness it was pretty easy for me (I am so excited the loads are over as i was really feeling stuffed to the max). I didn’t feel very hungry today and i actually struggled to eat my meals. thing is i only ate 355 calories(thanks to my 72 calorie apple), should i be striving to eat the full 500 calories in order to lose maximum weight? FYI- i am doing injections at 150iu daily. Tomorrow i will hopefully see some loss as i gained 3 pounds on load days.
im so glad to have found your community here because it will be great to have some people to bounce questions and ideas off of.
Louisa,
Welcome to the world of true and lasting weight control!
You should be eating close to 500 calories a day. If you consistently fall much below that level, your body will think it is starving and will hold on to everything it can. 500 calories is just on the verge of starvation.
Harvel
Louisa,
I haven’t noticed any harm in being under the 500 cal. limit. As many here have noted, it’s sometimes hard to get to the 500 cal (especially if you mostly eat chicken and fish). I would say that I am usually between 384 and 430 calories per day. The only days I reach 500 (or close) is when I have beef, which is not more than once a week. I try to get to at least 400 by increasing my portion of vegetables (rather than the meat or fruit portion). I have been very happy with my progress (losing on average between .6 and .8 pounds per day). Even if I don’t lose for a few days (I just had a 3 day stall at the same weight), I feel like I have lost inches. My clothes are looser, etc. I read in one of the HCG books that you will lose weight a bit faster if you have chicken and fish instead of having beef. In any event, I’m thrilled with this diet. I feel great and I am happy with the way I look. So far I have lost 25 pounds and have only a couple more pounds to go. Good luck!
Stacey,
Thank you for clearing up the Chili’s and eating out question. I will try that for sure. I was hoping you lived in Houston where I just moved to in November. Would love to find folks to eat out healthy with. I see we have a Capital Grill here too.
I must confess I was married to a fabulous chef for 16 years – just divorced 9/4. You are right, when turned loose, they do love to create in the kitchen and do a fine job of it too! So, sadly, the marriage part didn’t work out after owning a restaurant together for the last 10 years. But….I did learn to have some fun cooking and have been experimenting a little with good results on this plan, too.
I bought a basil plant today and will try that roasting till crispy trick. Crispy is one of the things I miss the most. One evening I did rainbow trout on the grill with grilled asparagus & it was a bit crispy and wonderful.
Broccoli was on the list my Dr.’s office provided, so I’ve been doing that. Of course, my results are not as fabulous as yours. Congratulations!
Vicki,
Sounds like you have some background to create fabulous things yourself. I wish you lived close by too… we could cook for each other and try our best to impress! That would be fun! Right now I’m doing that only for my boyfriend (for whom I always give a double/triple portion and add a starch like pasta, rice or bread. He’s been enjoying the concoctions (especially my HCG version of my tortilla soup).
As to your results… I have no idea who put broccoli on the diet, when or why, but so many people seem to have gotten a list with it. Have you tried sticking to just the foods on Simeon’s list for a few days? You never know, it could do the trick for you to get you to a lb. a day.
Stacy,
Please tell us what is your version of Tortilla Soup? Or any other creative foods would be so greatly appreciated!
I finally got through my stall I think down one more pound today. Hopefully everything will keep moving now.
Chicken Tortilla Soup (this version without tortilla topping, of course. Also without corn and bell peppers and without the other toppings: avocado, sour cream, cheddar cheese)
Makes 10 Servings (remember, there’s protien in the tomato juice and chicken stock as well as the meat).
Ingredients:
-3 large chicken breasts
-1 bunch of fresh cilantro
-32 oz water
-32 oz tomato juice (I like Whole Foods 360 brand)
-32 oz chicken stock (I like Pacific Natural Foods Organic, Free Range, Low Sodium Chicken Broth)
-2 large tomatoes
-2 large onions
-2 cloves garlic
-fresh lime
The following ingredients make it (Medium Hot). If you want more or less spice, adjust amounts.
-3 jalepenos
-1 teaspoon cumin
-1 teaspoon powdered red pepper
-1 teaspoon black pepper
-1 teaspoon salt
-1 Tablespoon hot sauce
Bring water to a boil in a large soup pot. Add salt, chicken and half of the cilantro (tie it in string so it’s easy to remove). Boil for 10 minutes. Remove cilantro and discard. Remove chicken and place on a plate to cool. Turn down heat so that water is just simmering.
Chop tomatoes and onions into large chunks. Chop jalepenos into small chunks (remove seeds if you like it less spicy). Chop garlic into small pices (IMPORTANT – don’t use garlic from a jar, this will have been stored in oil!)
Heat a large frying pan on high. Put enough water in to cover the bottom and add a few shakes of salt and pepper. Throw in onions and jalepenos and saute until the onions start to brown. Then turn down the heat and add in garlic and tomato – heat just long enough to meld flavors together.
Take a ladel or two full of water from the pot and add to the vegetable pan to deglaze, then add all ingredients to the water.
Add tomato juice, chicken stock, red pepper, cumin, hot sauce, salt and pepper.
Chop the remaining cilantro and add it to the pot.
At this point the chicken should be cool enough to handle (and now this is the tedious part). Shread the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces (I usually cut the breast in half first so the shreads aren’t too long) and put the meat into the pot.
Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes.
Serve hot with a wedge of lime (trust me, sqeeze it on top and you’ll love it).
A serving is approximately 1 3/4 cups of soup. (I ladel it right into my liquid measure cup to measure.
Enjoy!
(It’s a bit of work, but it will keep in the fridge for a week and also freezes well. My pot only lasted 3 days because my boyfriend ate more than half of it… which is a good thing, because it means people not on the diet will enjoy it too. For those folks, serve the toppings mentioned at the begining of this post along side and they’ll be thrilled)
Hi Everyone,
I have a good recipe for the people that are on Phase 2 and if you like soup
3 1/2 oz broccoli
3 1/2 oz grilled chicken
2 cups of chicken broth
and then all the different spices that you like
I like garlic powder, soul food seasonning, onion powder, and fresh garlic. And just cook it until the broccoli is done. Hope you enjoy it. Jessica
Greetings all,
I am so glad to have found this website. It’s answered so many questions. I am going to follow Dr. Simeon’s Protocol. Today is my first day on the VLCD. I, like Louisa, am concerned because it doesn’t look like I will hit my 500 calories. Is this ok? Should I add more veggies at dinner? Can someone email me recipes for P2. Also, what are people using on their lips? I don’t wear lipstick and usually use Carmex. I read on a different website that Carmex was ok since it’s not absorbed. dnhobson@gmail.com
One more question…where do most people inject themselves? Also, do you have to inject in the same place all the time?
Tummy is where I inject no problems keeping it there for 2 1/2 weeks.
does anyone know if we can have yellw squash
BJ,
I really don’t think so because squash is a carb.
BJ:
You can have white meat summer squash such as zuchini, but winter squash has yellow meat and is more of a starch or higher carb food. You cannot have the winter squash on Phase 2. You can have it in moderation in Phase 4. If I’m wrong, would someone correct me? Thanks!
jesica and julie thanks i didnt think so but thought i would ask
I was at a conference dinner that only had starches and sugars as a prepared meal they brought to everyone. I am in phase 3 and needless to say my weight went up this am. I have to go back today, but will just not eat and do a steak and apple day today. Do you think that will put me back on track? I should have been better prepared as they usually have chicken on rice with a salad, which I could have left the rice, but they had lasagna, breadsticks and cheesecake. I have been so faithful on the food until yesterday. I feel so guilty, not to mention headache, tummy ache and a drug like fatigue. Should have gone hungry yesterday. Starch and sugar not worth the after effects.
Sandi,
Yes, I think a steak day will put you back on track. My wife and I are in Ph4 waiting to go back to the diet. My wife has to avoid starches and sugars because of high blood sugar and I am finding that I feel better if I keep my consumption of those things at a minimum.
Harvel
are we suppose to take a vitamin in ph 2…….at 161.6 yipppiiiiee
FYI – I posted the tortilla soup recipe but it’s marked “Your post is awaiting moderation”. Not sure if anyone can see it?
Good morning all,
just need your thoughts on something. I am on phase 2 and on my 10th VLCD. The only two sources of protein that I have been eating is chicken breast and shrimp. (both grilled) I have noticed that when I eat shrimp once a day, I don’t lose as much as when I just eat chicken for both lunch and dinner. I have stopped eating shrimp but, i really could use a change. Any thoughts? BTW, when I eat shrimp, i make sure that I am well within the 500 cal limit.
P.s. Can I have more than 2 cups of coffee a day?
Thanks
KellyR,
The protein sources we were given are: Beef (limit to twice a week), Buffalo (very good, not at all “gamey”), chicken, “whitefish” (including cod, haddock, halibut, Dover Sole, flounder and many others–avoid “oily” fish like salmon and tuna), Shrimp, lobster and crab (only one of these once a week), and veal. Make sure the beef and buffalo are very lean–under 5% fat, if you can find it. You might want to pick out a good lean rump roast, have the butcher trim off any visible fat and grind it for you. Ask him to clean the grinder first so you don’t get someone else’s fat.
You can have all the coffee you want. Remember to drink water on a one-to-one basis to make up for the diuretic effects of the coffee so you remain well hydrated.
Harvel
Sandi Jones,
Here is an amended comment I posted a few days ago. I think it will answer some of your questions.
Go to the USDA nutritional database for your calories.
3.5 ounces of chicken (skinless and boneless)has 110 calories. 3.5 ounces of lean beef is up around 170 calories. Website here:
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/cgi-bin/list_nut_edit.pl
For my wife and I, I started with the meat, added a fruit and made up the difference in calories with vegetables. I used the Melba toast or breadsticks only to make up the last little bit if I needed to. They are optional and are a source of starch.
We would quite often get up to 8 or 10 ounces of vegetables and maybe 4 to 5 ounces of fruit to get to 500 calories. The only hard and fast guideline for how much in Dr. Simeons’ book is 3.5 ounces of meat two times a day.
As to the keto stick: Many people lose weight on this diet and never see the stick change color. I wouldn’t worry about it.
Harvel
Hi Sandi,
You alternate the vegetables and fruit that you have.
For example, have grapefruit for breakfast, add asparagus to dinner. More calories. Takes a bit of planning but cukes are low.
Debbie
Thank you Harvel for your imput. I just realized that I was not giving the chicken it’s proper calorie point. I have been using the calories posted at the beginning of this blog that says chicken 87 so, I may have miscounted and possibly have eaten over 500 cals due to this mistake. But, I drink more than 3liters a day of water excluding tea or coffee.
Again, Thank you for the clarification. I am gonna talk to my butcher and try your suggestions. 🙂
Harvel;
Where did you find the directive ‘beef not more than twice a week’? I can’t find that in Simeons protocol- same with shrimp. I have been eating both with no regard to frequency. I also MAKE SURE I am eating at least 500 calories a day – everything I have read says DON”T go below this. Perhaps that is why some people are only losing .6 a day and I am losing 2 lbs a day ( so far)?
Judy B,
You are correct in that Dr. Simeons didn’t say anything about beef 2 times a week or the crustacians only once a week. Those restrictions were part of the instructions given us by the clincian who was supervising our diets. Dr. Simeons did mention that American beef had more fat than Italian beef and to be careful with the American beef, but that was all he said about it.
And, you are also right about the 500 calories. Much less than that for an extended time will make the body go into “starvation mode” and it will glom onto and keep everything it can. This is not a case of “less is more.”
If you are losing 2 pounds a day (“so far”) you’ve got to be doing everything just about right. Good go!
Harvel
Thanks Harvel – I was just checking. I do stick to very lean beef or buffalo for red meat.
How about Splenda? It wasn’t around during Simeon’s time. I have tried to stay away from it for now- same with Diet Pepsi… my great vice before this diet!
I’m glad I found this site- so much useful information!
Judy B,
With respect to artificial sweetners, we don’t. they are all the result of chemical formulation, and at least one of them was discovered when a lab was trying to develop an insecticide and one of the lab personnel licked his fingers! We like stevia, a natural substance with several hundred, if not thousands, of years of recorded usage. Of the many choices, we like the “Sweet Leaf” brand.
Harvel
Stacy,
I can see the tortilla soup recipe and it sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing.
I have found that deglazing technique to be one of the best for flavor on all things. I use a dried herb mix or Mrs. Dash flavorings while I saute my protein and/or onions in lemon juice which turns brown in the pan, then add a little more lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, broth, vegetable water from the veggie I’m cooking or just plain water till it evaporates again and just do that a few times until I end up with a “sauce” for my dinner. Tasty!
Too bad about Splenda – Stevia leaves a horrid aftertaste for me. So I guess it’s no sweet stuff!
Judy B,
My wife complained about the taste of stevia until we discovered that there are two “sweet” components in the leaves. One component is stevioside and this is the not so good tasting part. The other is rebaudioside which is more pleasant tasting. Look for a product that is mostly rebaudioside and I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Since the leaves contain more of the stevioside than the rebaudioside, it’s cheaper to use and stevioside is the more common formulation.
Harvel
I know i havent been here long but Iuvia it is like stevia with no after taste very very good………i also have been eating too much because of calorie count but caught it early this is my 3rd vlcd. I started at 168.6 I am now 161.6 so no problems so far……my big issue is people constantly saying oh no that is not enough food you are going to make yourself sick….well poo I dont think so and i feel great ..the first two days were rough but know i feel great today. Yesterday and today i forgot my last drops of the day….hope i see a loss tomorrow??????
truvia sorry
This Blog is the most helpful thing to keep you on track. “Others” don’t inderstand the whole philosophy of this diet. Don’t let their words sabatog your program. Keep on keeping on. It is sooo worth it!!!!
Hi everyone,
Hope everyone is doing ok and I ahve some good news for all the people that is bored with all the plain foods on this diet. There is a chef here in Branson,MO where I live that was on this diet and got tried of all the boring stuff that he had to eat so he decided to make up some recipes just for the HCG diet. He has lost over 85 lbs with this recipes and all the ones that I have tried is really really good. The cookbook also come with all the seasonings packets that you will need for a month on this diet. I paid 35.00 for the cookbook and seasonings but that was on sale (I think). So it may be more with shipping. But it is worth the money to have something different. It has beef,veal,chicken,veggies and soup recipes. And each recipe is for two meals and it IS Phase 2 food. The address is:
EZ-Weigh,LLC
1440 State Hwy 248
Suite Q-252
Branson, MO. 65616
ATTN: Cookbook Distribution
(314)881-9587
I hope that the people that do get the cookbook and seasonings will enjoy them. Just let me know what you think. Jessica
Greetings All,
I have another quick question…Dr. Simeon has one of the veggies listed as green salad…does that mean that we can mix lettuce and cucumbers on Phase 2?
Just one quick question. Has anyone heard about the Miracle Noodles? And if so do you really think it is HCG friendly. Please let me know. Jessica
Harvel,
I went to that USDA site, but could not find the info you were talking about on calories. I am missing something as to how to look up the info., but thank you for the suggestions. Why does this site and that site have such diff. calorie counts? Could be why I only lost small amt. of weight. Could you send me the calories you use on Phase 2 foods since you were so successful to jones_sandi@hotmail.com? Also, if you kept a log of each day, I might just try to follow exactly what you ate. Thank you.
Sandi,
The USDA site takes a little getting used to. After all, it is a government operation. If I gave you the correct link, the first screen should be mostly blank with the phrase “New Search” repeated twice on the right side. Click on one of those. The next scteen will be one that has a place for a keyword and a food group selection menu. Let’s use onion as the test. Type in ‘onion’ as the keyword and select Vegetables & Veg Products from the Food Group menu.
The next screen is a whole bunch of onion products. Mark ‘onions, raw’ and go to the bottom of the page to hit submit. The next screen will be a whole assortment of quantities and descriptions of onions. Mark the one you want and hit submit. I usually go for the 100 Grams (almost exactly 3.5 oz).
Finally, you’re there. The energy number you want (calories) is the entry for “kcal”. In the case of raw onions, there are 40 calories in 3.5 oz.
I don’t know why the two sites are so different because I don’t know where the data came from on this site.
I’ll be glad to send you the chart I developed for Ph2. I did keep logs, but they won’t do you any good. I had to work around my wife’s blood sugar issues so my menues are not “standard” HCG-VLCD although I stayed with the approved foods.
Hope this helps, Harvel
Hello, anyone know about this diet making you more fertile? thats what i read in a few other blogs?
hello all and thank you for the responses to my first entry.
Devrie, im glad you asked the question on injections as i was curious too. I have been injecting in my thigh and i wanted to switch it up but wasnt sure if i could. i hear the best place is upper butt cheek, but thigh, upper arm and stomach is good as long as you inject in a 45 degree angle. I am on day 4 of the vlcd and have lost 3.5 lbs already making it a total of 6.6 lbs after load weight. I am super excited.
Cooking has been fun, i am however mixing vegetables that are in the same caliber, like i am not using broccoli or cabbage but i am using broccoli rabe and bok choy as thier caloric value is right around the list of approved vegetables. it is only the beginning but weight is coming off at a steady 1.2 lbs a day, so im guessing the mixing of vegetables is okay as long as you stay within your caloric limits.
Does anyone know a good substitute for melba toast, i am having a hard time finding for some reason.
kelly, there is a wonderful array of approved protein out there that i suggest you try. Talapia is a great fish and its real easy to cook, (just add salt, pepper, garlic and throw in pan with some lemon slices on top. So meaty and not fishy at all you will love it, just remember to use some pam as it has tendency to stick. I have also found canned lump crab to be really nice< bumblebee started packaging it recently and its actually quite good.
fyi i was eating about 300-350 and increased my calorie intake to about 400 yesterday and this morning it appears i lost more weight. Harvel i think you may be right.
Amanda A,
HCG is often used as a fertility treatment. I find it funny that within 2 minutes of each other I take my birth control and then my HCG: Fertility vs. Infertility. It cracks me up every day.
I’ve been using extra protection just in case.
Louisa, I am injecting in my stomach. I was wondering is it ok to one day inject in the stomach, then thigh, buttock, etc…I am on day 3 of the vlcd and I am down 4 lbs. I am just thrilled.
Good Morning, Everybody,
My wife asked me to ask any of you who are post-menopausal if you are experiencing heat flashes after the course of HCG? We are in Ph4 waiting to start the HCG-VLCD in a another week or so. She is experiencing heat flashes and thinks that she might be going through a “mini-menopause.” We are 67 years old. All that stuff should be well behind us.
Thanks,
Harvel
Louisa-thanks for the info regarding the Talapia. I am going to try it. The problem is that I am not much of a cook due to the craziness of my job. But, thanks to this diet, I AM COOKING!!! my mom is blown away by that fact 🙂 so, I have been using the George Forman grill for my chicken and shrimp…but, I guess it is time to expand. What is second nature to most of you ladies, it is down right frightening to me. But, I must say, that I am impressed with what I have been able to accomplished in the kitchen even my mom has EATEN my protein. So, to all the newbies out there…if I can do it so can you 🙂
Jessica,
I’ve used the Miracle Noodles on the diet without any problem. I would use them no more than once a week. They have a texture more like an Asian-type noodle rather than an Italian-type noodle. But I tossed them with some hcg-friendly marinara sauce and it was a nice change of pace. My girlfriend liked them so much she is still cooking with them and she’s been done with the diet for quite some time.
Hi Jessica,
Your HCG friendly marinara, do you make it or do you buy it somewhere? If you make it, do you mind sharing the recipe and if you buy it can you please post the Brand?
If anyone else knows of any HCG friendly marinara I would love to know about it.
Thanks,
Oh, sorry Jessica, looks like Judy mentioned the HCG friendly marinara.
Judy, the above question should have been directed to you.
Janell,
I make a simple marinara with just a tomato. I heat up a small frying pan on high with a 1/4 cup of water in the bottom and a few grinds of sea salt – bring it to a simmer. I rough chop one large, organic tomato and throw it in the pan and then add fresh basil, black pepper, and freshly chopped garlic. (sometimes I also add a tablespoon of chopped onion). I cook this on the stove until the liquid has all been evaporated. It’s tasty and fresh and only takes 5 minutes!
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone here know if you can do the hcg diet while taking blood pressure medicine? One of my friends wants to go on the diet but wants to know if the blood pressure medicine will interfere with the hcg. Thanks in advance.
Harvel
FYI We were in Whole Foods today and they had many nitrate free bacon.Choice was amazing!
Muriel,
Thanks. I have seen the nitrate-free bacon at whole Foods. But, if you check the ingredients, all the ones I saw had sugar in them. The best choice for Ph3 seems to be fresh side which is bacon before it is cured or treated with anything.
Harvel
Lynne,
My Dr. told me that immunity is an issue with injections or homeopathic hcg but not the hcg he prescribes (which comes in powder form to which saline is mixed in). You DEFINITELY swallow the drops after you hold them under your tongue. Don’t spit it out. Good luck!
I have done 2 rounds lost 50 lbs gained back 20, my fault didn’t do P3 right. Now I am doing round 3 , I find losing on P2&3 much slower, and had problem with immunity in P2, and its been real slow this time. I still lose if only .2 I have never cheated and follow it to the letter with the exception of having the eggs acouple times. I never really cared for meat and always buried it in mashed potatoes. Now I have to really taste it and ugh, I really don’t care for it. But anything for the cause.
I have a question about sublingual, do you swallow it after after you hold it under your tongue or do you spit it out? Nobdy ever mentions it.
I thought Les said the homeopathic wasn’t supose to cause immunity and that someone has been taking it for 6 months? Did I dream this?
Another thing I suffer from severe chronic pain and when I am on the shots, my pain level decreases by at least 50% or more in some areas. Has anyone else experienced this? Wish I could stay on the hcg forever. I really enjoyed all the tips, I have learned so much, it was hard out there all by myself doing this. Thanks, Lynne
My sister takes a lot of prescriptions probably about eight. She wants to know if it is possible to do hcg? Anybody know? She suffers from fibromyalgia and other things. She know, how it has decreased my pain level., I got myself off all meds years ago, and I refuse to put all that junk in me anymore, but her condition is much more acute than mine and wants to give it a shot
Thanks, Lynne
Jackie ,
Thank You for your help. I am only going to do Round 3 another week and stop on day 23, as I always seem to go into immunity. I had to stop on day 30 before, I want to try the sublingual next time, I thought I amy have better luck. Just hope it works on the pain as well. Then I will do P3 and start again. Do you know if I go back on after P3, if I do the load. That would be awesome to be able to eat a little mashed potatoes and a cookie. but now I know I can live without it.
Thanks for your help, Lynne
Lynne,
Yes, after you finish Phase 3 and restart the hcg, you do the load days again. Good luck!
Hello Everyone,
I was wondering if someone could provide some insight as to my dilemma. I have read in the protocol that you should stop using the hcg once your menstruation begins. I am presently using the drops and I am concerned about stopping for 7 days as this is how long my cycle normally is. I have read in some of the posts that people have continued. Are there any negative side effects to continuing with the drops. I am particularly scared bc on my cycle I experience the most crazy cravings and I don’t want a set back. I am on my 12th day, 12.6 lbs down and 26lbs to go. I would appreciate any insight. Thank you.
In phase 3 can you continue eating grissini and melba toast?
Kelly R,
I am on the injectons and have contiued with the HCG through my cycle. I have not noticed any difference. My Friend however is on the drops and she continued as well, the only difference she noticed is that her flow was a little heavier.
I don’t really know the reason why we are suppose to stop but I was afraid to do so. My appetite typically increases when it’s my TOM and I too get cravings and I was afraid to have to deal with those without the HCG.
Janell
Harvel
Just checked bacon Pedersons has less than 1g of sugar per portion.Do you think that matters?
I will be on p4 soon. Any words of wisdom-or anyone want to share experiences?
Thank You
Mkg,
No. You cannot eat the Melba Toast or the breadsticks during Ph3. They are both starches.
Muriel,
First, my wife says that I am a purist. I try not to allow any sugar to pass my lips. Now, having said that, I doubt that less than 1 gram of sugar would be a problem. If you noticed on the same package, the carbohydrates per serving are listed as “0”. Of course, there are some, but the FDA lets the manufacturer get away with saying “none” if the amount is below a certain level.
My wife and I will be finishing Phase 4 the end of next week. We have noticed that we don’t want nearly as much to eat as formerly. We have also noticed a reluctance to eat starches, and when we do, it’s only in pretty small amounts. As with Ph3, keep the weight in the plus or minus 2 pounds and take corrective action if it goes out of range, especially if it goes up. I’ve actually lost a couple of pounds but it doesn’t seem to have hurt anything.
Harvel
HI ALL,
I started my VLCD on 9-13 I have now lost since the beginning weight 10.2 # I am sooo happy today i ate a huge bite of cake hope it doesnt hurt too bad…..I was at a birthday party that was the only cheating I did even though I made my Tennage daughter taste everything and tell me if it was good LOL………WEll it seem to help me.
Hi everyone..Today marks my first 500 calorie day and so far, I am doing pretty well. I had an apple for breakfast, tuna on lettuce and cucumber for lunch and strawberries and chicken breast for dinner. I am really full and still have calories to go… My only complaint is that I am tired, tired, tired…. how naughty is it to have a diet coke? 😉
SOS!!! Today is my 6th day on the VLCD and I’ve just gotten off the scale and for the second consecutive day there was NO loss. There wasn’t a gain either. I have lost 5 lbs to date but I keep reading about others losing as much as ten pounds their first week. I have NOT cheated once. Should I do an apple day today? Is it normal to stay the same weight for two consecutive days? I am getting discouraged!
Devrie,
Don’t be discouraged. It is normal that once in a while your weight will stay the same for a couple of days. To quote Dr. Simeons, “…women are more irregular in spite of faultless dieting. There may be no drop at all for two or three days and then a sudden loss which reestablishes the normal average. These fluctuations are entirely due to variations in the retention and elimination of water… .”
What happens is that the body will absorb the empty fat cells and use the proteins and other nutrients elsewhere in the body. However, the process isn’t well timed and the empty cells are filled with water while they are awaiting recycling. I’ll bet that your measurements are changing anyway. If the weight loss hasn’t resumed in another day or two, then an apple day would be appropriate.
While the scales are the final arbitor of our success; on a day-to-day basis, there are other things going on. Follow what your body is doing, not what others have done. You’re doing fine.
Harvel
Kelly R.
I continued doing the shots during my T.O.M., I wasn’t aware that I shouldn’t. The experiance I got out of it was that I felt kind of lousy. I’m usually a little crazy before it but I was feeling uptight and depressed during it. It’s over now and I feel much better, as I have felt better all around taking the HCG hormones from the beginning.
I am sure everyone is different but this has been my first week and I will show you what I ate to lose I also drank at least 2 liters of water and as much as 4 liters……day 1 green tea (about 32 ounces each day) lunch hamburger meat tmomato apple supper broccoli&cauliflower frapefruit chamomile tea later a pickle day 2 green tea chicken pickle orange broccoli and caul. hamburger melba toast(2 small ones)
day threee green tea grapefruit chicken tomato beef tomato with a small amount of canned tomato sauce 2melba toast diet root beer about 3pm i was so hungry… day 3green tea tomato chicken grapefruit asparagus(canned) the whole can fish 4 melba toast
day 5 green tea chicken grapefruit tomato hamburger grapefruit tomato
day 6 green tea chicken cucumber apple melba toast 1 egg w/2egg whites tomato 2 teas. of salsa 2 diet sodas today and 1 peice of surgarless gum
7 day green tea grapefruit hamburger lettuce tomato and pickle not full serving of each veg. very small piece of cake (oops) 4 melba toast apple 1 bite or lick of spoon of squash casserole 2 apples 1 diet soda and chamomile tea….weight loss each day…. day 1 170. gained 2 # during load days day2 166.6 day3 163.2 day4 161.6 day5 161. day6 160.2 day7 158.6 day 8 159.4 dont cheat at all!!!!!!
ps I am on the homeapathic drops in case that helps knwoing what I am on I agree with Harvel i have seen my sister stall and then lose a few ponds in one day….I also have felt great on the hcg….my sister said the hardest part was the 3 days without it and still on 500 calories
I keep hearing terms like “steak day” or “apple day”. Would anyone mind explaining this to me? Thanks.
Hi everyone,
I find that I’m having a really hard time on Ph3. I am on day 19 and this is my 4th time having to do a steak day!.
I dont understand because I have not really changed my diet much from the ph2 diet.
I will admit up front that I am not counting or tracking calories. But again, I’m not eating anything that much different.
The only things I have added to my diet are:
eggs
Non fat or 2% milk
turkey meat
low fat cheese
I have only had eggs 3 times since ph3. I dont really like eggs much.
I have only had milk 3 times in the 19 days. I do sprinkle a little cheese on my salads. I have also added turkey tacos to my meals. I use lettuce as the shell so basically it is just a little salad with turkey meat.
Other than being able to mix the vegetables, that’s all I’ve done. I usually still have coffee and an apple for breakfast which is what I did on ph2. For lunch I have a salad with grilled chicken or a chicken breast and small side salad or asparagus. . .just like I did on ph2. Dinner will be either one of those meals, or the turkey tacos. I allow myself to eat an apple whenever I want a snack or need to stave off a craving of some sort.
The only thing I have had that might have been off program was once when I went to PF chang. I had the tofu lettuce wraps and a cup of hot and sour soup. The calories were within the 1500. I checked before I went. I have no idea what the broth of hot and sour soup is made of so I dont know what rule I may have broken there but I did not exceed the calories that day. I did gain the next day but I figured it might be due to sodium.
So anyway guys, I have NO idea why I am having such a problem maintaining the phse 2 weight.
I don’t find that I’m eating that much more than when I was on ph2. I am no longer weighing my meat. I will have a whole chicken breast when I eat. Also, when I get my grilled chicken salad from Jack in the box I don’t remove the cheese like I used to. On ph2 I would remove the cheese and the bacon bits. NOw I just remove the bacon bits and eat the rest (grilled chicken, lettuce, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.)
Does anyone have any ideas. I’m moving on to ph4 soon but since I had so much trouble on ph3 I dont anticipate much success on phase 4.
Help?
Janell and Dina;
Thank you ladies for your imput regarding my questions. I guess the only way to find out is to actually go through it. I appreciate Dina your comment with regards to the mood swings/or low feelings. I will keep that in mind. It seems this process is much simpler on our male counterparts LOL They loose faster, no stalling problems, no T.O.M for them….I wish I was them LOL. I hope you all have a blessed Sunday…and continue to press forward in this upcoming week.
P.S. For those of you who are loosing .4 or .6 oz a day only…don’t get discouraged…keep going, hcg is like a little micro robot in your body and knows what is doing. There were days i only lost .4 or .6oz and wished it was more but, I took my measurements yesterday and the inches are coming off!!!! I am on my 14th VLCD down 14 lbs and a combined of 15 inches off my body. So keep going strong 🙂
BJ,
You’ve lost 10 lbs and you’re drinking diet soda and eating broccoli? I’ve been following Dr. Simeon and diet soda or broccoli isn’t a part of it. I didn’t read Trudeau’s book…is that what diet you’re following?
Harvel,
Thank you for your words of encouragement. Did you stray from Simeon’s protocol at all. I know that your wife calls you a purist. The only veggies that I’m eating is cabbage, romaine, iceberg, and cucumbers. Can we eat pickles? I’m only eating these veggies is because of all the veggies listed on Simeon’s protocol, these are the only ones I like. Have you eaten broccoli on P2?
Well, i was starving and the soda filled me up maybe not the best idea but i read it either on here or in the book that no more than two a day of soda would not hurt….I am trying not to make it a habit…When i was craving ice cream the diet root beer really helped…… look at the list of veggies at the top of the page maybe if you change it up some your body will respond better….like any thing each body reacts differently….good luck I think things will change for you if you start trying a few different things……have you been eating too much salt or hidden sugars in your spices maybe
during hcg days if you get stuck for 4 days you should only eat 6 apples that dy and then the next day you should see a huge difference
I only use Stevia (on my grapefruit) and I’ve been using garlic powder, sea salt, Crushed Red (in my cabbage, black pepper, and the juice from lemons on my seafood and chicken.
devrie………………………….sounds like your doing ok there maybe your body is adjusting are you walking…. i am not… i spread my food out i dont eat it all at once i eat one thing at a time when i am hungry then at supper i eat whats left to eat……not eating after 7….are you weighing as soon as you empty your bladder in the morning and naked….you could get false reading if you wait or eat…..be encouraged…..
Devrie,
We carefully followed the foods list given us by our supervising physician. That list differed from Dr. Simeons’ in that it included buffalo as one of the meats and did not include either chicory or fennel in the vegetable catagory. Otherwise, they were the same.
I reported to our clinican that we had eaten a few pickles. I figured, what the heck, they’re just cucumbers, right?. No, they are not “just cucumbers.” They weren’t allowed for us.
We were advised not to eat iceberg lettuce simply because it dosn’t contain much in the way of nutrition. We did not eat broccoli during Ph2.
Here’s the list of vegetables we ate for Ph2: Spinach, Green and Red lettuce, Romaine lettuce, Cucumber, Asparagus, (tried chard-didn’t like it), (ditto beet greens), Celery, Onions, tomatoes (except grape or cherry–too much sugar), and Radishes.
Harvel
Hi Everyone,
Your blog is most interesting & helpful. As I sit here drinking Cherry Flavored Stevita & reading thorough it. The best prices for all kinds & flavors of STEVIA are at http://www.vitacost.com plus shipping is low. I have a loaded shopping cart of STEVIA products I want to purchase in the next few days. So far in the two weeks the low 500 calories vcd I have lost 12 lbs. The drops I am using are GREAT! If your interested in them ask for ANN at hcgliquid.com I am two weeks into my 500 calories & Ann has been a very patient help to me. Answering all my questions & more. They give you a 12 day supply for FREE when you pay shipping. They are average price from what I have seen on the INTERNET. Plus I spent over a weekend doing lots of research as well. Let me know; if you want more info.
Karen
My doctor didn’t list cauliflower,broccoli,onions or radishes.
And I went to see a meeting hosted by a woman that runs a health and wellness clinic and sells the diet and she added zuchini.
And this is Doctor Simeon’s list of vegetables:spinach,chard,chicory,beet-greens,green salad,tomatoes,celery,fennel,onions,radishes,cucumbers,asparagus,cabbage.
I guess some are allowing other veges due to their own research that they would be ok for the process the weight loss. I’ve added broccoli,cauliflower,onions and zuchini. So we’ll see.
Hi All,
Harvel you have bit a great help as I read through the blog. You & your wife along with everyone else may want to check out Caroline Sutherland out of Bellingham WA. She is an expert on both Female/Male hormones. She has a website also has a Monday night free conference call. I would encourage everyone to check her out. She tells it like it is… Recently, I think she had a guest speaker on about hcg drops. Her name might of been Donna.
Regarding apples can we do that on the 500 low calorie for beginners?
Stacy, what phase is your Tortilla Soup for. It sounds great. Julie your soup recipe sounds good too!
More later,
Karen
Karen,
Thanks for the tip on Caroline Sutherland. We’ll go looking.
Enough confusion, already. Here is the complete list of foods for Ph2 (HCG-VLCD) taken directly from Dr. Simeons’ book. While I know others have been given different lists, this one is the original.
Taken from “Pounds & Inches”
By Dr. A.T.W. Simeons
Food List
HCG-VLCD
Breakfast:
Tea or Coffee
Milk 1 Tbsp/24 hours
Stevia (I added this, wasn’t on Dr. Simeons’ list.)
Lunch
3.5 ounces of: (Trimmed of visible fat and weighed raw)
Veal, Beef, Skinless-boneless Chicken Breast
Fresh white fish (Avoid “oily” fish like salmon, tuna, eel, herring and all dried or pickled fish)
Lobster, Crab, Shrimp
Vegetable
A choice of ONE:
Spinach, Chard, Chicory, Beet Greens, Green Salad (Lettuce), Tomatoes, Celery, Fennel, Onions, Red Radishes, Cucumbers, Asparagus and Cabbage
Breads (ONE of either):
Grissino Breadstick or Melba toast
Fruit (A choice of ONE for a single meal):
Apple, Hand-full of Strawberries, One-half Grapefruit
The juice of one lemon daily
Spices and Condiments
(Pretty much all spices and herbs can be used for seasoning. Make sure they don’t have any sugar, oil, butter or “dressing”—which contains oil in most cases.) A partial list would include salt, pepper, vinegar (watch for sugar), mustard powder, garlic, sweet basil, parsley, thyme, marjoram, etc.
Dinner
You may have the same choices and rules as for Lunch.
Eat only one kind of meat, one kind of vegetable and one kind of fruit at each meal—don’t mix different kinds of meats, vegetables or fruits in a single meal.
Hope this answers some questions,
Harvel
I am on day 8 of the drops and have lost 4 pounds. I was losing a pound a day since I started VLCD. Today I woke up and was exactly the same weight as yesterday. I used more seasonings yesterday then I had been and I had a piece of sugar free gum. Could that have made me not lose??
I am on day 4 of the drops (including the two gorge days) and have lost 5.2 pounds. It seems like the pounds are just melting off… I hope that it will continue!
Danielle, I had a piece of sugar free gum last night as well.. and it is so sad to think that I was “cheating” by having that 5 calories…. this is really a mind trip.
I seem to be doing ok during the day.. but when I lie in bed at night my tummy screams for a snack… will that get better? or should I be happy that it must mean that my fat cells are being gobbled up?!
Happy Monday everyone!
Danielle,
Two thngs: 1) Was there any sugar in the spices? some of them have sugar in them. 2) “Sugar-free” gum has artificial sweeteners in it. The gum is mostly calorie free, but, according to what I have read, the artificial sweeteners have a down side–a couple of hours after ingesting them, your might be hungry enough to chew the wallpaper off the walls. “Lite, Lo-calorie” beverages can actually contribute to weight gain through this mechanism. Also, “sugar-free” means “no sucrose.” The gum could well contain any number of “-oses,” like fructose, maltose, dextrose, maltodextrin, etc. As always, read the label.
Rebecca,
See my comments about “sugar-free” gum, above. If you are really hungry, and you haven’t eaten the full 500 calories for the day, you can eat more of ONE of the two vegetables you ate during the day.
Keep on keeping on.
Harvel
I’m experiencing the same thing as Dionne. I too have been eating very similar to PH2 but have added eggs, cheese,different legal veggies and cream(whipping) to my coffee. I have gained 3 ibs. and am having a steak day today. Hopefully it will come off but…geeez
ok i will never cheat again…………i gained another 2 oz on top of the 10 oz the day before i am craving everything…..so i am doing an apple day even though i dont have to somthing has to make the cravings stop…..nobody on here has done an apple day so i will take one for the team i will report back tomorrow
I am very tired today ….real weak feeling at least i am not at work
bj,
I have forgotten: Are you in Ph2 or Ph3? Are you taking any vitamin supplements? Especially Vit B-12? If you are in Ph2, you might want to talk with your coach/clinician and ask about increasing the HCG dose.
Mkg and Dionne,
I take it that both of you are in Ph3? What is the calorie level of the foods you are eating? If either of you are substancially below 1500 calories, your body might feel as though you are starving it and will hang on to everything you give it. I know, it sounds counter-intuitive, but you were burning about 1500 to 2000 calories a day above what you ate on the HCG-VLCD. You can easily boost the caloric intake with butter, olive oil and nuts, all of which are allowed in Ph3.
Harvel
Thanks Harvel! I appreciate your input! And it makes sense about the gum…. probably won’t be chewing it anymore! Day three on the 500 cal.. is going great so far… water , water, water! Potty, potty, potty… I feel like I am prego! 😉
Rebecca,
Whenever I had any hunger pangs on Phase 2 (it hasn’t happened that much), I’d drink another glass of iced tea sweetened with stevia and I’d be fine. I have read that stevia is known to relieve hunger pangs. I can’t say enough about stevia. I’m so glad I found out about it because it actually has many health benefits (unlike the artificial sweeteners). Once you get used to the slightly different taste, it tastes great. I also squeeze a slice of lemon in each glass I drink (that’s how I use my daily lemon), and I find it makes any suggestion of an aftertaste disappear. Good luck!
Rebecca,
I agree with Harvel about the gum. My daughter was stalled for days until we figured out she was still eating her “sugar free” gum (which, of course, is not really sugar free). That combined with her cycle really made things slow down.
Hi Everyone,
I am excited to report that today is the last day of the vlcd for me. I can’t praise the hcg diet enough. I lost 23 pounds in 30 days, took a break to settle my daughter in at college and then went back on it losing 10 pounds in about 18 days. On days I had no loss, I definitely lost inches. I went down 3 pant sizes going from a size 10 (that was tight) to a size 4 that fits comfortably. The inches lost are even more remarkable. I lost inches everywhere from my calves to my neck, losing a total of 40 1/4 inches overall. It’s just amazing! Tomorrow I start on Phase 3, and my husband is taking me out to dinner. I’m so excited! It really makes all the sacrifices worth while. There were times when I wanted to cheat, but didn’t (like when I was cooking great food for my kids and my husband). It makes me glad now that I hung in there.
Harvel – I’m curious about the 1500 cal. minimum you mentioned since my Dr. didn’t set a minimum or target. He just has given me a list of foods that are acceptable and not acceptable. For the most part, the list is consistent with what I’ve read here but, according to him, grissini sticks are still allowable on Phase 3 (but not more than 6 per day). I am still going to avoid them, however, because I didn’t eat them much on Phase 2 anyway. Did you start with 1500 cal and then adjust from there? Also, did you eat cream, butter and nuts on Phase 3? My Dr.’s list indicates you should have low fat dairy. I usually have low fat dairy anyway but I do have a few recipes that call for some butter and cream. Thanks in advance.
Jackie
i am on ph 2 and i am doing this on my own…..and i am not taking vitamins i asked a while back if i should be but i had n o reply i am sure nobody was on that day but should i be taking a multivitamin
I am done with phase 3 for a week. Everything was going great. Now, I am gaining every day. Up 5 pounds now.
I can’t skip meals to do a steak day. I get migraines from skipping meals. I did try an apple day today. Maybe that will work.
Frustrated. I still haven’t added back any starches.
Debbie
Jackie,
When my wife and I went into Ph3, we added fats, oils and cheese to the diet as well as increasing the meat, chicken and fish portions. We avoided sugars and starches. We no longer worried about mixing things up and have had some tremendous salads with dressing made with olive oil, basaltic vinegar and avocado.
The 1500 calories was a “jumping-off” place. Our clinician recommented that I go for 1500 to 1800 calories, while my wife should target 1350 to 1500. After a few days, I found I needed about 2100 calories or I would lose weight. My wife, on the other hand, had to pretty much stay a little below 1200 or she would gain weight.
Debbie,
What are you eating and how much? That much weight gain is unusual. Where are you with respect to TOM? Did you start a vigerous exercise schedule?
bj,
Yes, I think you should be taking a good broad multi-vitamin and Vitamin B-12.
Harvel
Just started day 3 after gorging and gaining. Have many questions…prescription medication? I cant be off them. Will it effect me? Tuna fish..ok? water based moisture cream?
I need recipes!! Please send. Is the $40 tskype book worth it? I thought you can only have 1 and 1/2 cup of vegetables..am I wrong? Please help as I dont want to sabatoge this. I must do this. Thanks all..where’s Les?
Hi Harvel,
I’ve been terrible about counting calories. I added milk, eggs, cheese, organic trail mix and peanuts.
I think the nuts did it.
Also, I struggled with constipation the entire time. Not fun. Not TOM for me 🙂
I am on a lot of muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatories. Having neck surgery Oct. 20th. No choice on those.
Not sure what to do to get back on track.
Thanks,
Debbie
Debbie,
Let’s you and I go “off line” and get into some detail. Send me a message at hfalish@hotmail.com
Thanks,
Harvel
Thanks Harvel. I am going to try to take the same approach. It sounds like being rigorous about keeping track of the calories eaten is the biggest thing besides staying away from starches and sugars.
Hillary – You really need to read Dr. Simeons article Pounds & Inches. It explains everything about the diet. You should check with your Dr. regarding the prescriptions. As you will see when you read Dr. Simeons article, tuna is not allowed and the only creams allowed are oil free. Dr. Simeons does not really put a limit on vegetables – you use them to bring your calorie count to 500 cal. Both Biore and Neutragena make nice oil free creams. I like the Tammy Skye cookbook. I love the Tomato & Basil soup recipe and it became a staple for me and my daughter this summer.
Thank you Harvel for getting back in touch with me so quickly.
Karen
Mkg,
I’m not happy you are having trouble but I am happy to hear that It’s not just me.
Harvel,
I have to admit I have not been strict on counting the calories unless I’m thinking about having something from a restaurant or something I have no idea what the calorie content is (like the PF chang meal). But I never really thought about the fact that I might not be having enough calories.
I am doing a steak day today and tomorrow. I will see what happens and then I guess I will have to be much more strict about actually counting the calories.
I’ll keep you updated. And thanks again for your input. It’s invaluable..
Good look Mkg. Let me know how things go for you!
Mkg, Dionne, and Others,
I’ve been thinking. I know–sometimes that’s dangerous. Anyway, here’s what I think after reading various things about this diet. What we call Ph3, other people call “maintenance.” I’m not sure why except that we are to maintain our weight during that phase. Our weight is the measure, the speedometer if you will.
But there are two significant things happening: 1) The body is adjusting its metabolism to the end weight that we attain and 2) we are learning what approximate calorie level lets each of us keep a given weight. So, counting calories during Ph3 is important. Eventually, as we move on to Ph4 and the rest of our lives, “counting calories” won’t be so important. By then, we will have learned to estimate the calories in any meal put before us and make good decisions about just how much of it to eat.
My thoughts, for what they are worth,
Harvel
thank you for the feedback. I am not under a doctors care as I bought the drops from someone on the diet.I have read much but did not realize I had to count calories. I was told just to weigh the portions and the cup and half of veggies. If I could add more, it would be great. I lost 4 as of this morning. I feel like if I add pam or anything with no calories it is a cheat. Please advise. This is something I must stick with. Has anyone gone out to eat and remained true?
I did my steak day yesterday and I’m on point today…I think I wasn’t eating enough especially protein. I had an 8 oz steak yeaterday and an apple and I lost my 1 day gain of 3 lbs. I too am going to start counting calories instead of guessing. I have never eaten that much steak in one sitting but it worked. Thank you Harvel!!! You better not leave this site b/c you are helping sooooo many people!!!!
Hillary Fox,
My wife and I will be going back on the HCG-VLCD on Saturday. I will do what I did before, that is, count the calories in two 3.5 ounce portions of meat, count the calories in whichever of the four choices of fruit we choose for the day, and then add enough vegetable calories to get up to 500 calories for the day. If we are still a little short, then I go with Melba toast or breadsticks (but only a limited amount because they are both starches).
Do you have a copy of Dr. Simeons’ book and/or Kevin Trudeau’s book? Essential information in both of them.
Harvel
I recently heard that you don’t wait…after you stall in the morning you need to start the apple or steak day. It boost your body right back in.
Hi All,
I have been reading just about every post on this site and congratulate everyone with their success and encourage everyone that is having setbacks or stalls – they do end! I am on my last day of HCG drops (39th day). I am a 40yo Male and have gone from 240 to 203 for a total of 37 pounds lost. I cheated REALLY BAD 1 day and lost about 4 days of progress because of it. Just remember that if you cheat, do it after 23 days into the program and try not to do it often or at all. Now I look back and know that it wasnt really worth the 4 day loss in momentum. We only get so long to do each phase of this program – take each day seriously! Each day in a 40 cycle is 2.5% of our time to do this – is that piece of gum, bite of cake, mixed vegetable really worth it. I keep telling myself to quit trying to find ways to add just another thing to this protocol. It is called a protocol and not a diet for a reason – PROTOCOLS ARE STRICT AND NOT TO BE CHANGED, MODIFIED OR AMENDED. Think if all the time you can enjoy those things latter in life if we can just sacrafice for this short time of our life.
I’m getting ready to start my 3 days w/o HCG tomorrow and then on to P3. I will do my 6 weeks off and then do another short 23 day round to lose the last 18 pounds to hit my goal.
I wish everyone sucess in every day and that while we take it one day at a time, remember that this whole process is only a blip in our time here and we get to live the rest of our lives as happier healthier people not to mention that it is probably saving the lives of a lot of us on this blog.
Good luck,
Bob
Mkg!
you lost 3 lbs from ONE steak day! I just did a steak day and lost 1.4 lbs! It’s going to take at least 2 more to get back to where I’m supposed to be!
Wow. I must really be doing something wrong.
But I think Harvel is right. I’d better start counting my calories. I must not be getting close enough to the 1500 or something because this ph3 is not going well. By Thursday I am supposed to start ph4. I’m scared to death to even smell some bread. I’ll be right back at 191 lbs in the blink of an eye.
I’m so tempted to just go back on the HCG ph2. But I will try to be good and let the 6 weeks run their course. I’m hoping for a better result on my second round of HCG. I only lost 15 lbs in the 35 days on my first round. If I can lose 15 more in 23 days on this round I will be really really happy.
Either way. .. . . best diet I’ve ever done!
hey all, ok i felt sick on the apple day however i lost 1.6 and i feel like all my cravings are gone again and my m ind know if i can get through an apple day i can do anything….my friend also gained 2 # and did apple day felt fine and lost almost 2# so better for her…..Bob i printed what you said for both of my friends they need that speech as much as i did thank you very nice to hear….can this diet mess with my mirena my body doing wierd things
Bob,
You summed up this whole process very well. Thanks for your input.
Lynne,
I use an Excel spreadsheet to track our calories. It’s easy to set up if you know how to set up formulas. I did run across a website for tracking. It is:
http://www.calorieking.com/software/ckdietdiarywin.php
It costs a little bit, but it looks like it has a number of useful features. However, I have not looked closely at it. Thanks for the hint about Ms. Prinster’s book. I’m going to check it out.
If the sugar in the yogurt is “natural” then it’s probably lactose or fructose. The protocol says “no sugar,” but at only 2 grams, I would say try it and see what happens. Dr. Simeons does say to be careful with high sugar fruits. That would include peaches.
Dionne,
Trust the process. By now, you will have learned how many calories you can eat to hold your weight steady. The bread and other starchy foods on Ph4 shouldn’t be a cause for concern–in moderation. My wife and I have found that we really don’t want to eat the starchy things.
Harvel
Hi everyone, Thank you for all the great tips I have finished P3 . This has been the 3 round for me and the easiest since I had all the help from you guys. I have to say kevins book really confused me the first Round. He just gives to much imfo , and wants you to do all this organic stuff I was better off following the book byLinda Prinster, HCG Weight Loss Cure Book”
which I found on Amazon .com
Harvel or Les:
I found in Walmart Dannon light and Fit Diabetic friendly yogurt with 45 Cal, 5 rams Protein, 2 grams Sugar, 3 grams Carbs. Do you think there is any chance it is low enough to use on P3? thought I could cut up some peaches in it for mid morn or afernoon snack.
Is ther any sites to keep track of our calories per day?
While on P3, I took some Chicken Broth Fat Free, low Sodium, and added 3.5 oz Chicken, Spinach or Zucchini, a little onion, or some cut up tomatoes and addedsome cajun spice. It was delicious and really warmed me up, while up here in this cold NYS,
time to head back to FLA.
I took injections in stomach all 3 rounds, so I am going to stop now, at day 23 because I always go into immunity after day 20, and start again in 3 weeks when I get back to Fla. If I do regular sublinual and not the homeopathic, do still have to go thru a Dr to get it. It cost me more than $1,000.00 to get a prescription from a place in Fla, saw some other people also got it from them too. I read where people found them very helpful, they never even answered my email about possible immunity and because I wanted to know if because I had a By Pass 7 yrs ago if it had any bearing on getting immunity. Seems like for the money, it shouldn’t go bad so fast.
Lynne
Tracking calories and weight.
I’ve noticed a few people asking about how to track and thought I’d share what I’ve been using. http://www.fitday.com – it’s absolutely free and allows you to track weight loss, weight goals, activities, nutrition, etc… it also tracks calorie counts of foods and I put mine in every day. Some of the things aren’t there so I’ve used the site’s “custom food” option to add in the calories/fat of specific foods I’m eating. It’s been easy and I like the site.
-Stacy
I have used the http://www.calorieking.com site also. I’m actually not paying anything and it’s been very helpful.
Finally reached a 20 lb loss after 39 days. Not an astonishing number like some of you, but I’m happy and it felt great to zip and button those size 16 pants this morning. It’s been a long time!
I just read on the 4 oz label of Dannon Light and Fit For Diabetics, that the 2 grams of sugar is natural and not added. What do you guys think? Is it ok for P3, It almost sounds to good to be true. But hey, you don’t know unless you ask. I don’t want to blow it now, that I only have 12 lbs to go next round.
almost forgot to eat mid morning snack, Having the By Pass, is going to be hard for me to get all the protein in. They said I would get sick from sugar, never happened, unfortunately I could eat all the cookies and cake I wanted and never got sick. I think because meat is so dense, and the junk is squooshy. Eating meat gets me all the time. U
anxious to hear what everyone thinks about the yogurt. It could be my saving grace.
Hey Lynn
I use Livingstrong.com you can put all your info in go to daily plate and it calculates it all
So, I am assuming that and apple day or a steak day is just eating your calories in just those foods? Would anyone mind explaining to me that process?
Rebecca,
No, an apple day or a steak day is not just eating your calories in those foods. First, an apple day is for when you hit the same weight for 2 or 3 days or even gain a little during Ph2 (HCG-VLCD). Second, A steak day is for when you gain more than 2 pounds above the benchmark weight during Ph3.
To quote Dr. Simeons, “A plateau lasts 4-6 days and frequently occurs during the second half of a full course…. A plateau always corrects itself… .” (However, an apple day is permissible.–HFA)
“An apple day begins at lunch and continues until just before lunch of the following day. The patients are given six large apples and are told to eat one whenever they feel the desire though six apples is the maximum allowed. During an apple day no other food or liquids except plain water are allowed and of water they may only drink just ehough to quench an uncomfortable thirst… .”
A steak day: Quote,”…the moment the scale goes beyond two pounds (up–HFA), even if this is only a few ounces, they must on that same day entirely skip breakfast and lunch but take plenty to drink. In the evening they must eat a huge steak with only an apple or a raw tomato.”
I am taking this directly from Dr. Simeons’ book, “Pounds & Inches.”
Harvel
Harvel,
Thanks for clarifying! I appreciate it so much… I have been lucky so far and have been losing steadily.. but I am only on day 5. So far, I have lost 6.8 pounds over the last three days… Beginners luck? I guess time will tell.. But I do appreciate your tips! You are very kind to be hleping all of us! Are you still doing this yourself?
DIONNE ..make sure you drink lots of water!!!!
Mkg,
I’m trying! Harvel said I’m supposed to divide by weight in half and drink that many ounces of calorie free fluid! I have to admit. . .I cant drink that much. That would be like 90 ounces!!!
I average about 76-80 ounces a day. I get most of my calorie free fluids from brewed iced tea with a little lemon. I usually have 2 30 oz cups a day and then polish off 1 or two 16 ounce bottles of water.
Honestly Mkg, I don’t know if I can drink much more than that. UGH!
Hi Lynne,
This is the best place to buy your drops at http://www.hcgdrops.com . Also call Ann & only speak to Ann as she will answer all your questions & they have a great drop program there. I spent almost one weekend solid & several lunch hours researching the drops. They also will give you a 12 day FREE trial when you pay for shipping. Then about 5 days later you can see what you think & purchase if you like. Tell her Karen from Seattle sent you. What part of NY are you in? I am originally from upstate NY too!
It sounds like everyone is doing so good. I got a really good tip today on a Protein day. I still need to confirm a few things so once I am clear on it I will let all know.
Karen
Only in America does the public place so much emphasis on water- do you know in most of Europe they do not drink water? Many of them consider tap water gross.
If you are eating fresh veggies- like lots of salad – you will get plenty of water without overworking your poor kidneys. If you are thirsty, drink. If you’re truly not- don’t. You’re not doing your body any good by drinking when your body does not need it – you’re just placing more stress on your organs. Just like hunger- on this diet hunger is a sign your body is not getting enough calories. Thirst is the signal it’s not getting enough water.
I enjoy my interruption-free nights much more now that I don’t have to get up 2-3 times to eliminate the excessive water I was drinking.
Rebecca,
Gee, and here I thought you were in trouble since you asked about apple and steak days. Beginner’s luck or not, you are doing very well. Not to throw a speed bump in your way, but don’t be surprised if the rate of loss slows down a bit. Even if it does, the diet will still be working and you will lose inches from just about everywhere.
Yes, my wife and I are still with the program. We did the long course (40 doses) and will finish the 6 weeks of “abstinance” this Friday. Saturday, we go back to the HCG and the gorging days Sat and Sun. We are doing the short course (23 doses) this time so we can enjoy Thanksgiving with our kids in Denver.
Harvel
Water: To drink or not to drink? I would go with the European way, but we can’t have that much wine or beer on this diet.
Thirst is not a good indicator that the body needs water. In fact, it is the last symptom of dehydration to show up.
I apologize, but I need to quote Dr. Simeons again. With regard to water, he said, “…if a patient drinks more than his body requires, the surplus is promptly and easily eliminated.” There are two other factors. One of them is that by drinking plenty of water constipation is avoided. Constipation can be a problem with this diet anyway.
The second one is that as fat is released, there are all sorts of toxins that have been bound up in the fat cells that are released. Water is needed to process the toxins and flush them from the body.
Have I convinced anybody of the need to drink plenty of water?
Harvel
Harvel,
Maybe everyone who wants to drink less water could drink at least 6 glasses & not more than 1/2 there body weight formula. This sounds like a good solution to those who want to adjust yet get the water in them to do the toxin, fat release & more. Also how do I stop the emails from overloading my email box? Is there anyway to not have to almost go the top of the blog page & scroll down fast to get where you need to be for todays day, etc.? After all Harvel you must know all the web short cuts for this blog, too! LOL
Thank you again,
Karen
Karen,
I think your idea about the water is a good one. My wife and I went round and round about how little water she was drinking at first. She’s still not drinking as much water as I would like, but we seem to have reached a compromise.
As to the overloaded mailbox, I haven’t a clue. David Wallace set this site up. (I thank him for doing it. I really appreciate the insights and knowledge people have posted here.) But, I don’t know how it is put together. I have to wait for the entire thing to load and then grab the right-hand scroll bar to get down to the newest entries just like you do.
Harvel
hi all
I am so happy to everyone doing so well harvel you are a great help and even though les has left us for a moment he is too….thank you to all the stories they help alot I am down another pound today…..i do have a friend having a problem with constipation any suggestions any one
Ok Ladies…
I am struggling with loosing during my cycle. How has it been for anyone? Did you wait it out? Did you stop during? Did you want to chew on everything bad like a huge chocolate bar covered in peanut butter…yum!! I am dying. HELP???
bj,
Constipation wasn’t a problem for us. In fact, just the opposite. About once a week it seemed our body was determined to rid itself of everything. OK, that’s probably more than you wanted to know.
Our clinician gave us a product called “Aloe Lax Supreme” made and distributed by Aspen Group, Inc., Lake Geneva, WI. Website: http://www.aspengroupcorp.com if you want to check it out. I don’t know if it works or not, we didn’t need it.
Of course, since it’s me posting this comment, I’ve just gotta ask if she’s drinking enough water?
Harvel
PS: I, too, miss Les. He left behind some great advice, tips and recipes.
Just a couple comments…I was constipated the whole time I was doing PH2. I was never uncomfortable..but I just didn’t go. I attribute it to not drinking enough water and not eating enough calories. I didn’t realize I wasn’t eatng 500 calories because I was never hungry and I just followed the 3.5 meat thing and 3.5 veggie with 2 apples. Most of the time I forgot the melba and grissani.When I stopped PH2 I drank some smooth tea and have been normal ever since. Next topic Water it is your friend use it. I lost 20 pounds in 23 days
Hi Holley,
I didn’t lose during my cycle either. I think it has to do with our bodies retaining water. So onece your finished and your body adjust I think you will see a loss.
Question: For anyone who is on or has done a second round of the HCG-VLCD. Does the weight seem to come off easier the second time around?
I have started on ph 3 (yesterday) and lost .2 today. I was thrilled!!! Afraid I would have gained a ton! I was really careful though. I thought we were supposed to count carbs but then everyone says to count calories…. What do you eat on phase 3? Have been following all of you throughout and appreciiate all the comments. Any advice appreciated.
Thanks
would love to have recipes to make the food more interedting. On day 9 including load days and am down 10 pounds!! Please e-mail me a y recipres you might have to anjs99@yahoo.com.
Thanks to all in advance
I am on day 3 of ph2. I am starving but I am committed. Any ideas or suggestions? I feel each and every minute. I want to get through this but it feels like each day is a lifetime. Please help
Hi Hilary,
My best reccomendation is to get some flavored stevia & put in your drinking water. Also the hunger will go away after the first week that you & your body adjust. It may take less time or more time each person’s metabolisim is different.
For Everyone
Also I found this really neat portion plate by mistake on line for all to check out.
Enjoy the 2nd day of Fall,
Karen
OOP’S I left off the website for the plate
http://store.ezweightplatestore.com/index.html
Thanks for the encouragement, Karen. I really need it. I hope you are right about the hunger. I keep saying to myself, I want thin more than I want….this piece of food. I am on the drops and was told to increase if I feel hungry. Any other ideas??
Hillary,
Being hungry on day 3 of Ph2 could be from one, some or all of the following:
1) You did not “gorge” adequately during the first two days. (It’s too late now, you’ll just have to ride it out for a few more days-sorry.)
2) You may not be consuming a full 500 calories.
3) You may be letting fat, sugar or starch slip into your diet. Reading lables is essential.
4) you may need to drink more water. The flavored Stevia drops really help take the “bland” out of water.
5) you may not be getting an adequate dose of HCG. Do you know what your dose is in terms of International Units (IU) (or equivalent if it’s homeopathic)? The maximum recommended for this diet is 200 IU, the minimum is about 125 IU.
6) Are you drinking “diet” soft drinks? I have read that the artificial sweeteners in them can make you hungry as a bear in springtime about 2 hours later. I wouldn’t know about this. I don’t often drink the stuff–I consider it an affront to mankind (personkind?) and a hazard to my health.
7) In some cases, hunger could be related to protein deficiency. Are you eating a full 7 ounces of quality protein (beef, fish, buffalo, chicken) a day?
I think it was on August 23rd (above) that Stacy posted a list of things to check if the diet wasn’t working. Take a look. She put a lot of research into that list.
Harvel
Hillary…ho;d on it will get better each day. Why don’t you try using your apple to munch on. Cut it in sections and just eat a few at a time when you need that “something”
Harvel, Checking the site, I read that your wife wanted to know if anyone was suffering hot flashes? Unfortunately I do, and I thought I was done with that years ago. I have done 3 rounds and not only that, but I also get rashes and welts. I know they say there are no side effects, but I am super sensitive to everthing.
Hilary,
Hang in there, someone said that maybe you didn’t load up enough, could be Round 2 I thought I was a matyr not asking my husband to take me to get the foods I needed ( unfortunately disabled so can’t drive) Stupid me, thought I would starve to death. Gained moxt of my weight back Round 2, because I didn’t load up and didn’t do Phase 3 correctly. This time I went to Outback, Chilis and had Molten Cake(unfortunately with having By Pass, I could only eat 2 bites) Should of just eaten the cake.Mickey D’s, and had apple pie, ice cream, and chips I did it all. and it was much easier this time. I didn’t lose Round 2&3 as I did the first round. But if I had done Round 2 correctly, I wouldn’t have had to spend another $300, on hcg, and I would still be at my goal. I never cheated not once, only stayed at the 5oo cal thru P3 and that was my downfall. I am much more educated thanks to all of you Thank You form the bottom of my heart. hope this time is a charm. Another 15lbs, and I will be done, God willing.
To All you girls who wrote about the sites that keeps utract of what you eat such as Fitday, calorie king, and livingstrong Thank You, Thank You.
Born and raised 90 miles north of NYC, Kingston-Hurley area, First Capital of NYS. Now happy to be in Fla, where there isn’t any snow. Can’t remember who asked, but that the story. Have a Happy
Lynne thank you for the encouragement. I ate some extra vegetables tonite and maybe it will be better tomorrow. I am wondering everyone out there, once we are off, does the weight pile back on? Can you keep it off and start to eat normally but wisely? Lynne: I dont know where you are getting your drops but I am paying 1/3 of that amount in florida…One more question: by eyedropper how much do you take? I was told 10 drops 3X a day.Any thoughts?
Harvel and MKG: I thank you for your hints. I may not have gorged enough but I felt sick of food and couldnt do anymore. I may not be doing the 500 calories but I have not added anything extra to the diet except Pam. I am drinking 2 liters of water a day plus some tea. I dont do the diet soda at all. I space the fruit for the morning and then half after lunch as dessert. I may start to take more to eat at lunch and less at dinner. Also, I must fast next week for one day. Will that set me back? thanks again for all your help, everyone
Lynne,
Thanks for the come-back about the heat flashes. My wife started experiencing them on Ph3 after the HCG use. When did yours start?
On Ph3 you can eat just about anything you might like except sugar and starches. That would include cheese and nuts (although there is some starch in the nuts so eat them sparingly), both good sources of protein and calories. You can add fats and oils to the diet–things like olive oil, mayonnaise and bacon, to name a few. Eggs are OK, too, and a good source of protein. My wife gets pretty innovative making 3-egg omlettes with bacon, cheese and salsa. I think our protein intake should be around 40 to 50 Grams a day.
Hope this helps.
Harvel
Hillary Fox,
One of the great things about this diet is that once we have attained the weight we want, we have a better than even chance of keeping it off.
First, if we go about it per the protocol, the body will “reset” its metabolism to the new weight.
Second, we will have learned by going through Ph3 and counting calories what it takes to maintain our weight in a narrow range.
Thirdly, by weighing ourselves every morning (yes, for the rest of our lives), we will be able to catch “scale creep” early and we will know what to do about it.
Bottom line, and you said it, “Eat normally but wisely.”
Harvel
It’s Lynne again
Everything I read says to use plain yogurt and add fruit on P3. I bought 4oz’s Dannon Light and Fit Carb and Sugar control 45 cals, 3 carbs, 0 added sugar, and 2 grams natural sugar. I thought I should go back to the store and check out the Plain Yogurt., everyone has been recommending, I Checked several brands and they ranged per serving 15- 35 sugars. I think I made the right choice, if I don’t gain I will stick with it. Hope I am not screwing myself up, I just love the vanilla, and adding fruit for snack. I am getting sick with eating all this heavy protein. Anybody have any ideas of getting protein in my diet let me know. Thanks, Lynne
Lynne,
Thanks for the information on the hot flashes. They seem to have quieted for mywife, at least she isn’t complaining about them any more.
I have in mind something that just might help your physical ailments. It’s not quite “mainstream,” but, I think, worth a look at. If you are even a little bit curious, email me at hfalish@hotmail.com and I’ll explain.
Harvel
Lynne,
I have left you a message I think. lol I got my drops from http://www.hcgliquid.com ask for Ann she is most helpful & will not get off the phone with you till all your questions are answered & more at 316 209-5818. Also I did a weekend of plus many lunch hours at work on research to find the right company & drops that would give me customer service.
Hi All,
What food scales is everyone using? And what are the pros & cons of each one. I like quality & long lasting & do not mind spending the extra $$ to get it.
Enjoy the eve,
Karen
Harvel
I started with hot flashes a few days after I started the shots. A day or so later the rashes appeared and the welts. Someone told me they thought it had something to do with all the vinegar I was eating, and thought it was from Candida. I don’t know. I just thought maybe it was allergic, since I am allergic to everything under the sun.
Hope she still isn’t having the flashes. My rashes are getting better now that I am off the shots , and not using the vinegar as much.. The weight loss was worth it, I just hope I have the moxie to do it again in 3 weeks to get the last of the weight off. I should be able to do 15lbs in 23 days, at least I hope. I wish I could stay n it forever, my chronic pain is half of what it use to be when i am taking the injections. It is such a relief, not to have pain 24/7
Hilary,
I didn’t take drops, I did the shots in my stomach, which my hubby gave me every morning. God Bless him, I couldn’t of done it. Keep the faith you can do it. i never thought I could do it, but I never cheated once, no matter how people pressured me to eat things. I screwed up royally doing P3, and that was why I gained back 20 out of 60. But I am hell bent on getting it right this time. I always saved my fruit for mid afternoon and night time, mornings just seemed easier to get thru as long as I drank coffee, and did all my chores around here to keep my mind off of things. I also screwed up because I thought the more walked the more I would lose. I did 7 miles a day, now people tell me thats why I had such a difficul time. You should only exercise 30 minutes a day. Could you tell me where you got your drops, I got my shots from Tampa, I saw other people got it from them also, and they said how helpful they were. They never anwsered me when I contacted them, when I hit immunity. I reaaly want to try drops next time. thanks, Lynne
Hey Everyone,
Just thought I would encourage everyone who is in Ph2. I am on day day 25 and down 17pds. I did hit a plateu for about 10 days with only about 1-2 pds during that time. Weight is dropping at about .5 a day again now. I was told that when you reach a wieght you have previously held for sometime your body thinks it should stop there for a while. Anyway not cheating and just taking it day by day. Feels great to be down a size and see the inches melting!
Keep at it everyone this is long term life change for us!
deb
Lynne: you can email me at hfox@broward.edu and I can give you the information. The person I got it from is not as knowledgeable as the one from Karen.
Hi all,
I have a couple of questions for anyone who can answer. I am doing the HCG lifestyle change through a natural doctor. I am set to go on to Phase 3 in two weeks. The doctor told me that it is ok for me to continue to lose weight during Phase 3 because I am not at my goal weight. He said I really don’t have to worry about maintenace until I reach my goal weight, does that sound right? He said it’s ok if I lose weight but to be sure not to gain. He has done the diet sorry, lifestyle change with tons of clients and they have had great success, but I just wondered if anyone else has heard the same thing.
Second question: For anyone who is on or has done a second round of the HCG-VLCD. Does the weight seem to come off easier the second time around?
What is amp
Hi Janell,
Unfortunately, I think the second time was harder to lose the weight (as you get closer to goal) and I didn’t feel fantastic like I did on round one.
I waited 6 weeks. Immunity did set in and made it difficult. Ended my round before I planned ( the 40 days).
In hindsight, I would wait longer than 6 weeks.
I never had starches in between knowing that i was doing another round.
So, my thoughts, the easiest round was 1.
Debbie
I have started ph2 and am losing weight I am losing about 1lb per day. I am in day 5 and have a long way to go.
My concern is with Yom Kippur, which requires fasting for a day and then breaking the fast in the evening after sundown. Does anyone see this as a problem if all 500 calories are eaten so late in day? Also no liquids until sundown.
Ellen
Hi Ellen,
I will celebrating Yom Kippur as well with you. LOL I checked with my person at the company I purchase the drops at who is excellent & she said to still take the drops at breakfast, lunch & dinner like normal. Also to drink water if possible. I am only in phase one on the drops the Simeone philsophy. What part of the country are you from?
To All,
What FOOD scales is everyone using & why? If there is a good one out there I am not opposed to spending the money especially; if it will last a life time.
Good Day,
Karen
&
What does this mean…it’s driving me nuts
Can you drink unsweetened instant green tea? I’ve been drinking the hot jasmine green tea but wanted to dry the instant and didn’t know if it was okay.
Karen,
I found a good set of food scales on Amazon. They have a section for the HCG diet. The scales I bought will weigh in pounds, ounces, grams and kilograms. They are accurate to 1/10 ounce. And, the nicest feature is that they automatically shut off after 3 minutes giving you enough time to weigh several things before having to stop and reset them. They cost about $30 as I recall.
Harvel
Karen,
I bought a Salter food scale off the internet. It weighs the same as Harvel’s. I like it because it’s modern looking and looks great on my counter.
To Curious Minds that Want to Know,
I don’t know what the “&” means either. But, here’s my best guess: I think it is a bug in the translation of a particular character from html protocol. I asked a few weeks ago and didn’t get an answer. So, I’ve just been ignoring it.
Harvel
I was a curious mind too – but I think Harvel is right. I notice it comes after the & sign everytime – which is the sign for ampersand defined in Wikipedia as: The word ampersand is a corruption of the phrase “and per se and”, meaning “and [the symbol which] by itself [is] and”. Seems to fit.
I have the digital Weight Watchers scale. Love it. Can place a plate, bowl anything and zero out the weight. Then it is ready to go. Don’t have additional things to wash.
A Special Thank You to everyone for your SCALE info. I will do some research & see which one works best for me as i now have some direciton.
Also from another FORUM I get on during the weekend a lady gave me a GREAT tip for measuring ourselves in the SAME SPOT EVERYTIME. Which I have not tried yet as i measure every two weeks. However, to get on track now that I have a better way to measure myself I may do it this Sunday.
Here it is…
A good way to make sure you measure in the same place on your arms and legs is measure from you shoulder to your elbow, then take half of that measurement and that is your mark. For my thigh, I measure down from my hip 6 inches and measure around that section of thigh. On my calf, I measure down 5 inches from my knee. That way I am always measuring in the same location.
Need to go eat before it gets too late…
Karen
Hi Everyone,
I thought I was stupid I don’t know what amp is either ?? Guess I am in good company. Could somebody please enlighten us.
Janelle
I found Round 2 much harder also, I don’t know how much of it was due to not doing the load the way I should. I know I did have immunity every time, I tried to go the 40 days, so Round 3 I really loaded up, not only was it my greatest pleasure, I also didn’t have the severe hunger. I decided to quit after the 23 days, because I was starting the immunity thing again. I will be doing Round 4 and I am going to use the sublingual this time and maye have better luck witht he immunity. All the money for those shots, they should cooperate a little better. Thats just my stab a humor, sorry. Good luck hope you feel less hunger as you go along.
Karen
I ordered a digital scale from QVC, Biggest Loser it was called after the show (About $39.00). While shopping at Job Lots they had a great digital scale just like the one Harvel talked about for $15.00. I called and cancelled my order from the Q. Its great I love it, has a nice size pad, and comes with a bowl to weigh veggies
Greetings Everyone,
Today is my 11th day on the vlcd and I am down 12 lbs and I’m very excited. I didn’t skip injecting the HCG on the 7th day? When should I skip now or should I?
Devrie
hi i am so new to hcg, i have been on it for 12 days and have only lost 7 lb the only thing i know that i have done wrong is water intake but i started getting 2 liters yesterday. i’m at such a loss i just want to cry…i’m not hungery i do the diet very well. any ideas?
Someone asked earlier if it was ok to continue losing on phase 3. I have lost just under a pound each day for the three days I have been on Ph 3. It’s scary eating “real” foods but seems to be workingok. My mom and I have been doing this together using drops (we ordered more on ebay). We both planned on going the full 40 days but started immunity at about 25 so went on maintenance. I’m so grateful for this site, I wouldn’t have known I was getting immune without you all explaining it. Thanks. Also, bought some Kool aAid packets and added Stevia. Tastes great!!!! Doesn’t seem to have any other sweeteners in it so I think it sh ould be ok.
oh, forgot to say, I have lost 19.6 pounds!!!!!!!!!! I feel great and people who don’t know I am on the diet have started noticing! That is very rewarding. Had to go buy new clothes to go to church, didn’t want my skirt to fall off!!!
Ann,
You are doing well. Most woman only loose 1/2 pound a day. We are all different in body, shape or form along with metabolisim. Also read a great way to measure which I POSTED last night. Remember it is all about inches & pounds. Also another gal mentioned yesterday that sometimes when we hit a plateau that the reason we stay there is because at one time in our life we were at that weight. So our body is use to it & does not know how to react.
My suggestion would be to walk briskly for 20 minutes a day or else a slower pace walk for 30.
Also check all ingredients on SPICES. Some especially mixed ones have SUGAR in them.
Enjoy the day,
Karen
Hi,
Can someone please explain what Immunity means both in the drops & injections. What if you are in menopause or beyond? How does IMMUNITY affect you?
Thanks,
Karen
Ann,
I did the same thing at the beginnning and didn’t drink enough water. Once I started drinking more, (actually 3 liters a day) I started losing. I also noticed I slowed down right before my cycle and did”t lose during. I also tried doing just a little bit of exercise (taking my daughter on a walk) and that helped. Don’t give up!!!! Also, think of how long it would have taken to lose 7 lbs. on any other diet. 7 really is great. It will start to add up and then you will realize you are doing it!!! You’ll do great keep it up!!! Relax and don’t stress, read a book, go for a walk, anything to keep your mind off of it and enjoy getting thinner!!! 7 lbs. is nothing to laugh at!!!
Karen,
I also noticed taht some spices have added sugar. I was so mad!!! I had been usign them at first and didn’t realize it. Usually the straight spices are the safest. (garlic, not a mix)
Immunity, as i understand it, is when your body gets used to the hcg. Some signs are hunger, slowed weight loss. I had been doing great and not hungry and then all of a sudden was famished!!! My weight loss also slowed to .2 a day.. Did an apple day (yuck!!) and lost 1.6 but went right back to .2 or less a day after. I have been on maintenace for a few days and am losing better now. Excited for the next round. AT least 20 more to go!! Seems much more attainable now@!!!!
Does anybody else worry they might miss the math problem someday?
I was on phase 2 34 days before I hit immunity. How many days should I do phase 3 before I start round 2. I know I have read it before, but I forgot. I was eating a lot of grape tomatoes as my veg and strawberries as my fruit my first round and then learned they have a lot more sugar than other things. I never turned the Ketone stick anything but tan. Hopefully round 2 will be a better wt loss after all I am learning on this site. Thank you all for all the info.!
thanks for the support i will up my water to 3 liters i also take my bc pills stright through so no cycle while on hcg. i just want 20 to 30 lbs in 40 days. i will no give up until 40 days. thanks again karen and shannon for that pick me up! (i needed it)
Just a general note:
1) Losing weight in Ph3. According to Dr. Simeons, there are three types of fat in our bodies; two of them are essential to the body’s functioning. He originally set the protocol to not lose or gain more than 2 pounds from the weight of the day of the last dose of HCG. He didn’t say why, but I expect the reason was two-fold: Any weight loss would be from the two essential fat deposits and if weight loss continues, the body is not readjusting its metabolism to the new weight.
2) Skipping a dose every 7 days. Dr. Simeons set up a “skip day” in order to avoid the development of resistance to the HCG near the end of the long course (40 doses). If you are going the short course (23 doses) it’s not that critical.
3) Exercise. A gentle exercise to “stir the body” and get it moving is a good thing. Again, referring to Dr. Simeons, he said that it is important to not change the exercise routine drastically. A major change in exercise, either more or less, will affect the muscle physiology and can interfere with the weight loss. This is especially true if the exercise is heavier than normal. The muscles will become inflammed and will retain water, a normal and necessary response to “getting in shape.”
Harvel
Harvel,
Thanks for the advice. If I don’t want my metabolism to readjust to this weight becuase I still want to lose 40 more lbs. I only quit because of immunity and will start again in about 5 weeks. What do you think?
I wanted to thank you for the tips on gum awhile back. I have found one that doesn’t affect my weight loss. It’s Trident sugar-free with 3.5 calories. I only have one stick a day and only if I have that many calories left after all my meals. I was wondering if any of you are having problems with water retention??.. I am drinking a gallon of water and day and sometimes a cup of tea also. Some days it seems to flow right through me and a couple of days it just seemed like I was getting bloated..on those days I didn’t lose as much weight?? Any suggestions??…the only thing I can think of is to not use so many spices that have sodium in them.
Shannon,
As I understand the process, it is important to use Phase 3 to let the body settle into the new metabolic level. It’s a step-wise process: weight loss(HCG-VLCD)-rest and stabilization(Ph3)-weight loss(HCG-VLCD)-etc. You will lose weight in the next go round of HCG, not to worry.
You’re probably getting tired of hearing from Dr. Simeons, but, after all, he did develop this form of weight loss. Anyway, he said that once immunity develops, it takes about 6 weeks of no HCG for the immunity to clear.
Harvel
I’m almost ready to start round 2 but have a problem…I can only string 17 days together…any body see a problem with doing proticol fo14 and off hcg for 3?
Danielle,
I think what may be happening on the “bloat days” is that the cells that have been emptied of fat are being temporarily filled with water. The body will destroy the no longer used fat cells and uses the nutrients (protein and such) elsewhere in the body. But, the process isn’t well timed. While the no longer fat containing fat cells are waiting in line to be recycled, they are filled with water.
Sodium? I intentionally dose the water I drink with salt at the rate of 1 teaspoon per gallon. The reason is that I am moving so much water through my system that salt depletion could become a problem.
Harvel
Thanks Harvel, I haven’t written anything on this blog until just the last few days but want you to know I have been following ever since the Les days. Where is he?:) Thanks for the advice!!!+
Interesting Fact: 2 Tablespoons of Ranch Dressing at Pizza Hut has 1.0g of sugar. An extra small apple has 10.5g of sugar, so if you are going to a family/friend event and can stick to the lettuce salad, you would not be in a lot of trouble with 2 T. of ranch to flavor your lettuce.
I am not one to complain… especially since I have lost 10.4 my first week; including my gorge days… BUT, for the first time today, I stayed exactly the same.. any clues as to why I stalled? Or is this to be expected because I lost so much the first 5 days? And another question,I am only going to do ONE round of the HCG…and then the remaining 20 pounds off by doing weight watchers (which I have previously done and found success) – this allows more exercise possibilities not to much a less restrictied diet… HARVEL… any tips or advice on my plan?
Someone please tell me about the HCG drops and a reputable source to buy them. I’ve done the shots and had great success. I lost 12 pounds in 21 days. I’ve only got 5 or so more to lose and would love not to do the shots this time. I’ve just read conflicting information about the effectiveness of the drops. I’d love to know how they work and who to buy them from.
I have some questions: I am on day 7 and lost 7.5 very happy but I still dont feel I look any different.
I am having trouble eliminating the water and am constipated. Can I take a colon cleanse during this phase? Sorry to be graphic but I want success. Also found another helpful website:
http://www.myweightlosscure.com/hcg-diet.html
thanks to all.
Hey everyone,
I found a great website that has tons of recipes for hcg phase 2. hcgrecipes.blogspot.com
Also, I just ordered an hcg recipe book from Green Valley Spa. I’ll let you know if it’s any good.
Anyway, I’m off to the store — I’m doing some cooking today!
I hate to always be the trouble child but I can’t help it. I’m having problems! I am very distressed and having a horrible time on phase3. Well, by now I’m supposed to be in phase 4 but I am failing on phase 3! I am now officialy up SEVEN pounds from my weight on the last day of HCG!
I no longer know what to do. I started counting my calories as Harvel encouraged. Since I started writing down everything I eat my calories have stayed somewhere between 1100-1300. If I get up near the 1300 range I find that I gain.
I STILL have not added much of anything to my diet because everytime I try to introduce something I gain. Then when I do the steak day I barely take off 1 lb. I’ll try adding a food group and then gain 2 lbs the next day but I’ll have to do 2-3 steak days in a row to get that weight off and it is really hard.
I am drinking about 80 oz of fluid daily. I’m exercisingabout 3 times a week.
I dont know what else to do and I am panicking. I only lost 15 lbs on my first round as it is. If this keeps up I will have obliterated any benefit I got from doing this thing in the first place.
I’m so depressed and I’m thinking about ditching the last 3 weeks of phase 4 and going back on the HCG. I’m so far from my ending weight now until it will be way too hard to get back to it.
What do you guys think I should do? I’m literally in tears here.
Do you think I’ve been off the HCG long enough to start another round now? (23 days)
Harvel,
Where can I find a list of acceptable P3 foods?
Thanks,
Sally
I am so sorry Dionne. I really don’t know enough to help ya out. Maybe try an apple day and lots of water. It is really hard when you see lots of diffrent people getting big results, when you hit a road block! Really the only thing I can say is don’t give up. This diet is such a sacrafice in so many ways. Hang in there. Hopefully someone will have some better advice!!
Dionne,
Have you gone to Happily Thinner After? It’s a great site and you could sign up for Bootcamp and Biz will work with you.. She’s awesome.. The fee for Bootcamp is minimal .
Sally
Sally B,
There is no Ph3 list per se. You can eat just about anything you want except sugar and starches. You will be adding fats and oils to your diet. Here is a website to learn which foods are starchy:
http://www.kickas.org/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Number=146875
So far as sugar is concerned, there are 50 or 60 different names for sugar. Here’s another website:
http://www.dietriffic.com/2009/03/26/names-for-sugar/
If you aren’t already leading labels, now is an excellent time to begin. You’d be suprised to see how many things in the grocery store have wheat or corn and/or sugar in them.
One last thing: Start with a caloric intake of about 1500 calories. Follow your weight and adjust up or down as needed to stay within plus or minus 2 pounds of your weight the day of the last dose of HCG. If the weight goes more than 2 pounds above, do a steak day that day. If you start losing more than 2 pounds, increase the calories.
Harvel
Dionne,
Don’t give up. I don’t know what’s going on, so I will ask some questions. Maybe together with some help from other folks we can figure it out.
1) How much exercise are you doing?
2) In Ph3 you have to avoid sugar and starches. Have you been eating either? You can add fats and oils to your diet, but Dr. Simeons says that if you also add sugar and starches during Ph3 you’ll get in trouble.
3) How long was your first HCG course? 23 doses or 40?
4) Are you ankles swelling? Are there other signs of water retention?
5) You didn’t mention other medications; are there any?
I think the best thing is to figure out what to do from here and accept the 7 pounds without trying to get them off. Something is going on–it’s just a matter of finding out what it is.
Harvel
Holly, Sally and Harvel,
Thanks for responding.
Holly, I dont mind a sacrifice when there is a benefit. Even though I wasn’t one of those that was losing a pound a day I was still very pleased with this diet. But the phase 3 is taking all of that progress away. But thanks for your encouragement.
Sally,
I’ve never heard of Happily Thinner After. What is it and what do they have to offer? What is the bootcamp? Is it an exercise program. I am training for another marathon so I think I have the exercise covered. Do you really think that could be the issue?
Harvel,
The only thing I’ve added to my diet in phase 3 was cheese, eggs, bacon, turkey meat, milk, pistachios, more vegetables and a lot more apples. I only had milk and eggs 2-3 times during the 3 weeks and I only had bacon twice. I regularly added cheese to my salads and my meat of choice for most meals was turkey. I think I had chicken burn out although I continued to eat it. With that, I still had a hard time maintaining within the 2 lbs and had to do several steak days.
I am 3 days into ph 4 but the few things I tried adding to my diet on ph3 resulted in weight jumps overnight and I am afraid to proceed. I am now within 8 lbs of where I started this whole thing almost 2 months ago!
I have not even been able to enjoy the part where I start adding back sugar and starches.
On my first course of HCG I initially intended to do the 23 days but when my loss was so much slower than others I read about I thought I would do the 40 days in hopes of wiping it all out in one course. But I started to show signs of immunity around day 30 and at a bout day 32 I stopped and started the weaning process. I stuck to teh 500 calories for the first 3 days off HCG.
I have not noticed any swelling in my ankles or feet (except that which occurrs from wearing high heels all day.)
I am not taking any other medications at this time.
So what do you think about just starting another course of the HCG a little sooner? I am really fearful about continuing to gain.
Thanks again everyone for caring enough to try and help me figure this out.
Dionne,
I am sorry you are having such a hard time, I am also doing P3, I am on day 5. I have been able to maintain. Here is what I have been eating.
Breakfast- I eat 2 eggs, with2 pieces of canadian bacon, a little fruit, 2 cups of coffee ( even went to Mickey D’s ordered two Egg McMuffins, thru away the english muffins and it was great to be able to go out to eat)
Snack 4 0z of Dannon Yogurt with 3 carb and no added sugar, and 45 calories
Lunch Low Fat low salt chicken broth with a T of spaghetti sauce, added basil, celery, garlic powder, throw in chicken, onion zuchhini,and a some spinach some times. or sometimes I just make a big salad added tomatoes chix, shrimp, or cut up steak, cheese, and veggies. Use sugar free dressing, Half a cup melon
Mid day snack I have some slivered almonds or pecans and either piece of fruit or another 4oz yogurt.
Dinner I eat a protein that I didn’t have during the day, small salad, and hot veggies with butter and seasoning( last night my brother treated my hubby and myself to lobster tails,Bless his heart)
Snack apple sometime a cup of coffee later in
evening. Hope this helps it works for me I eat the yogurt, because I haven’t been able to increase my protein, because of having Gastric By pass 7 yrs ago, it just makes me sick, it to dense. and yogurt helps with the protein.
Hope this helps Good Luck, Lynne
Hi Everyone,
I have been on the go all weekend.
Harvel, i have to ask Ann a few more questions about the Chicken Protein Day then I will get back with you on so I can give you all the correct info. This AM I came across a blog see below & posted on it as most of them did not seem to know enough about HCG. http://www.dietblogtalk.com/hCGClinic.html?find=hcg&KEYWORD=nia%20technique&cp=162#comment-67850
Have to run some errands & will get caught up on the blog later today. LOL
Enjoy your day,
Karen
Here is the post… There are a few more things I will ad in the next few days.
Everything positive everyone says about HCG is true. I have been taking the drops for three weeks today and weighted myself this AM. I might add that because of my planter fascitis I have walked very little. I am down 16 lbs in 23 days. The average for a woman is .5 pounds a day. Within 24 hours of taking I already felt better as the weight loss program had started for me. For the last two years loosing weight was on my mind constantly day in & out. Now that I have let it go my only demeanor has shifted instantly. I spent almost a full weekend & several lunch hours researching the drops to make sure I found a quality product, company and great Client Service. You can get a FREE 12 DAY sample at http://www.hcgliquid.com. Ask for Ann she will not get off the phone with you till she has answered every question & given you more than enough information. You can tell them Karen sent you. Also my recommendations are to purchase Linda Prinsters books, enlarge the info at pounds & inches(Goggle it) check out Green Valley Spa http://www.greenvalleyspa.com (they have some great recipes on their site too!) Along with a great recipe book that I will purchase soon. Also join the hcg forums at
https://www.davidwallace.com/2008/10/hcg-diet-calorie-counter/ or http://www.lowcarbfriends.com
Use stevia & flavored stevia in everything along with water this will be the healthiest thing you can do.
If any other ideas come up I will post & share here.
My best wishes to you as YOU will be happy you experienced the solutions & great results that I believe HCG will give you.
I have a question. Today is day 20 on the HCG diet (including the gorge days). My husband was looking at something with me today and realized that I mixed it incorrectly. I mixed a 5000IU with 30ML of the water (I should have only used 12.5ML of the water). I have more on order that should be here soon (hopefully less than a week). So needless to say, I’m only getting a 1/3 of the HCG of what I really should be taking.
As of today I have been taking .5ML injection per day.
Do I up the injection to 1.5ML until I get the new mix (and if so, do I inject it into one area)? I’m very upset that this happened.. My daughter is also on this with me, so her dosage is also off.
I am down only 10.4 pounds, but I have lost 13.5 inches.
PLEASE HELP!!!
Vickie,
According to my calculatiosn, the mix you made (5000 IU in 30 cc) makes it 166.7 IU per cc. The mix you wanted to make (5000 IU in 12.5 cc) would be 400 IU per cc. Did I do that right?
The important thing is not the volume, the cc’s, but the amount of HCG you want to take. The maximum for this diet is supposed to be 200 IU which would be about 1.2 cc’s of the mix you made. Again, check my math. (200/166.7 = 1.2 cc) If you are thinking of 1.5 cc, that means you have been taking 250 IU per day. Is that correct?
As far as how to inject it is concerned, that depends on your comfort. 1.2 or even 1.5 cc in one place, injected slowly shouldn’t cause much discomfort. If you want to go to a second site, put a new needle on the syringe to avoid possible contamination and maybe infection.
Harvel
Vicki,
I don’t know if this helps you. My mix for injections for 5000IU is 5ML(cc) of water. I inject 0.175ml which is 17.5 on the syringe. I never did the math but I’m guessing this is 175 IU. These instructions came from the doctor that prescribed my hcg. I’m on day 14 of R2 and I’ve been successful with this formula.
Also, Steve Sega on youtube has a video on how to mix hcg and he uses this same formula.
Hi all: Can anyone tell me the difference between the injections and the drops? I was told to take 10 drops 3X a day. From what it sounds like, the injections seem like more hcg. Please please let me know. I am on day 8 and lost 8 but I dont think I lost alot of inches. I seem to look the same and I feeling sort of stalled. Should I be taking more?
Hi Everyone,
I am on day 6 of Phase 3 and had to do a steak day yesterday. The second day of Phase 3 I gained .6, the third day I lost .2, the fourth day I gained 1.2, and the fifth day I gained 1. I don’t understand the gain on days 2 and 4 (maybe retaining water?) because I stayed within the parameters of the diet. On Day 5 I went to a reunion party so I knew I would probably gain. I ate the right food but I had 3 glasses of wine. In any event, after the steak day (which was not hard to follow) I lost 2.6 pounds. I drank iced tea with stevia during the day and really did not experience hunger pains. Then I had a big steak and an apple. Thank goodness it worked.
I do have a question, however, about yogurt. I noticed that lowfat plain yogurt has a huge amount of sugar (12 g/serving). I thought we were allowed to have plain yogurt. Could anyone let me know if this is true? Because on Day 4 I had yogurt with my fruit and I’m wondering if it would be better to have half and half instead which does not have sugar. I have decided that if I continue to have a problem maintaining my weight, I will go back to the hcg foods but just more of a portion (for example, 7 oz chicken and fish but without olive oil or sauces and salad and steamed vegetables). I definitely have been keeping at the 1500 calorie level. If anyone has any advice, I’d appreciate it. Thanks!
Jackie,
Was the weight you gained above the weight of the last day of HCG? If it wasn’t, then you were within the permissible range of plus or minus 2 pounds from that “last day” weight. If you are within that range, it’s not cause for concern.
Harvel
Hillary i am also on the drops homeopathic ones if yours are the same you can take up to 20 drops three times a day……if you are hungry increase your drops i am on day 15 and i have lost 12 pounds but i cheated twice i am 1 pound from being back to before i cheated so on day 10 i was down 11 pounds but m,an the chinese food was good…..well i hope i helped and didnt make you want chinese lol…..
Hillary,
No one can answer your question until we know how many International Units (IU) of HCG are in those 30 drops. Thirty drops, by the way, is approximately one cc of liquid. If you have lost 8 pounds in 8 days you are doing fine and the amount of HCG you are getting must be OK.
Give it some time for your body to begin changing its profile. The only way to know for sure if you have lost inches is to measure. Although you may notice that your clothes are starting to fit differently.
Harvel
Jackie
I read also that you could have plain yogurt, but I checked them out and they were all 15-27 sugars. I did find Dannons Light and Fit ( Vanilla or Strawberry) 40z only 3 carbs, 2 natural sugars and no added sugar. I am on day 6 of phase 3 and haven’t gained any weight and I eat one every morning for my snack. good Luck, Lynne
Well, I’m on Day 2 of Phase III and holding within a lb. of my final Phase II weight. I lost a total of 34 lbs in Phase II on a 40 day course… (I stalled for 5 days during my period, so next time around I’ll be taking my pills straight through to avoid that).
Pretty happy so far!
OMG, Please helP!!!
So, I am on my 22 VLCD. On friday i was 171.4 on Saturday 169.8, sunday I went up to 170.0 and today I weight 170.6!!!! What the heck is going on??? Also, during my TMO, i lost weight everyday…could I be stalling bc of that?? I finished my cycle on Saturday??? and since sunday i have been gaining!!! I think, I am eating a little below 500, but, although I am hungry i can’t seem to bring down the food. I am now eating just cucumbers and lettuce and chicken as my protein and two oranges. I am struggling to eat!!! What’s going on?? why am i putting weight back. Geeeeezzzzz…any thoughts?
I have been on this for a month now and I have not lost any weight…..i gave in to temptaion at a funeral and in the evenings….Les could you please e-mail some of the recipes that you have come up with. Phases what is that about?
Please help I want this to work…I know that I have to be strict.
jen very weird are you very much overwheight????? i only need to lose thirty and have at least lost some….you caaaaant cheat at all every time i do i gain for 2 or 3 days and then finally start losing again…… kelly maybe eating same thing all the time is bad?
i could not do this for a month and not lose jen is stronger than i am
Harvel,
Thank you for your response. Yes I wanted to be taking 200 IU per .5 CC’s. For this mix I will just take 1CC (don’t want to waste needles). Then when I get the new mix, I will mix it correctly.
Thank you again!!!
vickie,
Since 1 cc is, round numbers, 167 IU, you may find that that is enough, unless you have taken HCG at that dosage level and found that it wasn’t enough. I weigh about 230 and 150 IU seems to be a good level for me. My wife, on the other hand, seems to need about 180 IU. It really isn’t a case of more is better, but the minimum that works for each of us individually. If you begin to get really, really hungry, you may need more.
Harvel
Hi all: Harvel: I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there for all of us.You patiently answer every question and have a wealth of knowledge.. Thank you..So I fasted yesterday and took a colon cleanse and my weight stayed the same. It is very discouraging..really thought I would wake up to a one pound loss..at least. I feel lighter: does that count?
Kelly: I am no expert but it sounds like you are not eating enough..I remember way back when I was on weight watchers and I ended up eating just rice cakes and I never lost a pound. Sometimes your body just slows. So, be kind to yourself. Go back to protein and the 500 calories. Stick with the lower calorie crunchy vegetables for more satisfaction and spread the fruit out. Half for breakfast and then a half after lunch and then one after dinner for dessert. Good luck.
Quick note here:
If you are a regular commenter in this post, you will notice that we have broken comments up into multiple pages (50 per page). With 1,270 comments and growing, this post was taking way too long to load.
Hopefully this will help to better facilitate the fantastic ongoing discussion that is taking place here.
Now to return you to your regular programming (commenting) 😉
Hillery,
It sounds to me like you have hit a “plateau” where the body just wants to sit at that weight for a while. Stay with the protocol. Fasting on this diet doesn’t really help since 500 calories a day is right on the verge of starvation anyway if we weren’t taking the HCG. Dr. Simeons says that the weight can stay the same for several days. Take heart–if you feel lighter, then I would guess that things actually are changing. I’ll bet your clothes are getting looser.
Your advice to Kelly was excellent. I really like the mutual support we give to each other on this website. My wife and I just started our second round of the diet. Having been through it once, we are more relaxed and just rolling with it.
Harvel
SOS!!! Today is my 17th injection day and 15th day on the vlcd and I am only down 12 lbs. I have followed the protocol to the letter and I’m ready to throw in the towel. I’ve been at a stall since Friday. I don’t know if it’s because of TOM since that hasn’t started yet. It is VERY discouraging. I’m going to do the apple day today, even though Dr. Simeon describes it as Psychological. I’ve made sure to not repeat the same thing for dinner if I’ve had it for lunch. I stopped eating the breadstick a few days ago thinking the was the culprit. If this apple day doesn’t work I think I will just have to call it. I’m depriving myself so many things and maybe it just doesn’t work for everyone. I could probably lose like this on Weight Watchers and still have bread and sugar. I have 30 lbs to lose and I know that won’t happen if I’m having 5 day stalls!
Devrie,
Whoa! Don’t give up yet. On average, you’ve lost about a half-pound a day. And you’re almost half way to your goal. Not bad. In the same place Dr. Simeons discusses the “apple day,” he also talks about a plateau that lasts 4 to 6 days. I think you could be about there. Yes, it is discouraging and yes, this diet does prohibit some of the better things in life, like cream in my coffee. However, it is the only one I know of that does the job AND gives us a better than even chance of keeping it off.
Harvel
Thanks BJ, Hillary and Harvel:
I ate more yesterday and switched up on the veggies and fruit…and lost a pound today. I guess i freaked since I was gaining instead of just plateauing. I greatly appreciate your comments 🙂
Glad to hear it, Kelly. We need to keep each other going. The 500 calorie is a tough go each day. I hope you continue to lose. And I hope I didnt hit a plateau.
BJ,
I no tht cheating has not gotten me anywhere….yeah i have around 60 to 70 pounds that I want to lose I could be good at losing 50…but dang if I could just lose 10….lol….i know that its me and not the diet….i wounder if I did the apple thing what would happen….I am not at a plateau but i wonder if it will work…..any comments…..how do yall stay strong
Jen
Lynne,
Thanks for the info regarding the yogurt. I’m definitely going to avoid the “plain” yogurt for now.
Harvel,
The weight I was going off was the weight I was on the last day of the diet before I started Phase 3. I know that the protocol seems to refer to the last dose weight, but it also says that the hcg is in your system for 3 days so I’m using that to rationalize using the lower weight. I lost 1.8 pounds during the last 3 days of the diet and I had a little stall before then so . . . I figure that if it seems to be hard to maintain off the lower number, I’ll have a cushion to switch to the higher number. In any event, thanks for asking.
Jackie,
When I read your post about which weight to use, I had to chuckle. My wife used exactly the same arguement about using the weight the day before Ph3 started. She wanted the cushion.
Harvel
Harvel,
Thanks for your wisdom and your words of encouragement. I was so discouraged this morning but I’m better now. I’m on my second apple and I don’t feel hungry at all. Dr. Simeon said that we shouldn’t need a lot of water but I am finding myself a bit thirsty between apples. Maybe it’s because these last two weeks I’ve been drinking SO much of it. I pray I see a loss tomorrow!
Hi all,
Just wanted to check in. I too have done the stall. I stalled out for a week but refused to do the apple day just because the Dr.Simeon said that it’s psychological 🙂
So someone asked how do we stay strong for me it’s about losing any weight period. I know that if I weren’t on this “life style change” I would not be losing any weight. I would probably actually be gaining, so to me a little weightloss is better than no weightloss at all. That’s how I stay motivated.
Today is my 32nd day of the HCG lifestyle change and I have lost 23 pounds. It’s not a pound a day and I’m ok with that. I can go in my closet and where close I couldn’t fit this time last year. People have noticed the weightloss and I feel great! I no longer have borderline high blood pressure.
So to those of you who are stalling or feeling discouraged…don’t give up it’s so worth the hassle!
Janell
Hi all: Lifesaving website…allowing us to vent, question and seek advice. On a stall. Day 11 and gained .5. Here are some things I might be doing wrong. Would love some comments:
Using pam
Using minced garlic in a jar (water based)
Eating both melba toasts in the morning.
Sometimes mixing veggies. (onions and mushrooms or spinach and tomatoes)
Favoring spinach and tomatoes
Favoring apples and no other fruit
Any advice?
Also, do not see any real difference in inches. thanks to all of you for taking the time to answer and post. It makes a difference.
Also, how many of you have bought a cookbook? Has it helped?
Greetings All,
The Apple day may be psychological but it does work…I was down 3 lbs this morning. I didn’t do all 6 apples (I wasn’t hungry) I ate 3 large apples and 2 small and I hardly drank any water. I was VERY skeptical that it would work, but it did. Dr. Simeon was a genious.
Devrie
Hillary,
First of all, you may not be doing anything “wrong.”
You may have just hit one of the times when the body is slow to remove the empty fat cells and is filling them with water before it gets to them.
Second, while there are many ways to do the diet, I notice that you are straying from the “pure” protocol laid out by Dr. Simeons. The use of Pam may or may not be a problem. I doubt that it existed in the 1950’s when Dr. Simeons was developing the diet. He definitely prohibited the mixing of vegetables. And, the list of fruits he used (apples, grapefruit, strawberries) were intended to be eaten more or less in rotation, as were the vegetables. Mushrooms weren’t on his list. He also allowed the juice of one lemon daily. We have been using the lemon juice on our fish and salads. The Melba toast and the breadsticks are, in my opinion, optional, Dr. Simeons didn’t say. He did say not to eat the daily allowance all at one time. The garlic shouldn’t be a problem and it sure does spice up an otherwise bland meal.
There are several cookbooks available over the internet. We got a couple of them and, yes, they are a real help. I especially like “101 Worry-Free HCG Diet Recipes.” I don’t remember the website, but if you Google the title, it should pop up. the cost, as I recall is about $30. This book also has a wealth of information on ‘how to’ and ‘problem solving.’ And, no, I don’t get a cut for this unsolicited advertisement.
Keep on Keepin On,
Harvel
I did everyhthing that I was suppose to do yesterday and lost 2 pounds I am so excited…..although is two pound too much in one day…..i have also increased taking the medicine from two times a day to 3 times a day and I also take it every six hours. I think i might be successful on this
Congratulations Jen 🙂
I came home tonite and my significant other said he didnt think it looked like I lost any weight. It was and is very discouraging since I am following the diet and did not mix veggies today. I am hungry most of the day.It is frustrating. It really doesnt matter what the scale says it matters if it LOOKS like you lost weight.I thought it did but not one person said a word to me. Now, I think 8 lbs is noticeable so what is up? I am both obsessed and discouraged by the diet. I am going on a long planned vacation and have this question: Should I continue the drops even if I may have a cheat? Now that I am stalling I feel like I have lost all momentum…I wanted to go away lighter and I am but I am concerned about what to do. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. I hope when I get back I will start the shots (more effective?) and I did order the 101 easy recipe cookbook and the guide to following the protocol.thoughts? comments? And thanks…
Hillary,
Despite what other people notice, the scales are noticing. Eight pounds is significant. Your clothes should be fitting differently. I think you are looking fantastic simply because I know you are making the effort.
When do you leave on vacation? How long will you be gone? You will find it difficult, but not impossible to follow the diet. You probably will be eating in restaurants most of the time. If you want to try it, the statement: “I am on a medically supervised very low calorie diet. I have a favor to ask of the cook. Here’s what I need… .” and design the meal you need. Works for me. Try to stay as close to raw menu ingredients as you can. Eg, unbreaded grilled fish, chicken and other meats, green lettuces, tomatoes, cucumbers, grapefruit, etc. Lemon wedges have enough juice in them to make a decent salad dressing. Most fast food places (shudder!) now have pretty good salads and they even have grilled, not fried meats.
Now, looking at the other side of the coin, if you can’t get the foods you need for the diet, close it out with the three days of maintenance and just be careful until you get home and can reinitiate the process.
Does anybody out there have any ideas? Hillary’s situation with the vacation can’t possibly be the only time one of us has encountered this issue.
Can you adjust the dose of HCG? My wife was hungry, really hungry, to the point she just about quit. I convinced the clinician to up the dose all the way to the top (200 IU) and it solved the problem.
Harvel
Harvel – Yes, I totally relate to your wife’s position on what weight to use. So far my weight has stayed within .6 or .4 of the last vlcd weight (except for the beginning of Phase 3 where I think my system was adjusting and the night of my reunion party when I indulged).
Hillary – I did exactly what Harvel described when I brought my daughter back to college. I wanted to have a “mini vacation”, be able to eat out and not hassle with the vlcd. Dr. Simeons also recommends this approach. You should stop the hcg 3 days before you go (and stay on the vlcd for those 3 days). Then, when you are on vacation eat the Phase 3 foods (which are fabulous and you can easily get at restaurants -just stay away from starch and sugar). Then, when you get back, start the hcg. I also re-gorged for the 2 days immediately before re-starting the hcg as in the beginning of the diet. I would be careful here, however, because I gained almost 4 pounds on the 2 gorge days. In retrospect, I think it was because I included starches and sugar as part of the gorge. This was not necessary and I think I would have gained less without doing so. (My daughter re-gorged without starch and sugar and only gained 2). On the other hand, I lost 3 pounds in the first 2 days back on the vlcd. The reason it’s important to go off the hcg is because you don’t want all those extra calories in your bloodstream on top of the higher calories you are eating. Enjoy yourself on vacation. It is only going to put you back a little time, and you can continue the diet when you return.
Regarding people not noticing, I had that same experience. I decided that people are either too self-involved so they don’t really look at the people they deal with or they are afraid to say something in case it would offend. In my case, I lost 30 pounds and NO ONE said anything until I was on my last day of the vlcd. But I didn’t give them much choice because I wore my skinny jeans that day and it was pretty obvious. Anyway, 8 pounds is great and you will lose more on this diet. It really works. Hang in there and good luck!
P.S. Think about giving your significant other a swift kick in the butt!
Good Night All,
Harvel, Still missing one piece of info on the Protein Day.
Hilary, This Protein Day maybe helpful for you for your vacation time.
Devira,
If you or anyone have any questions feel free to call Ann at http://www.hcgliquid.com She will answer your questions for you plus she has some creative solutions for the hcg diet.
More another day,
Karen
PS Here is a good website for a few recipes that are all good & tasty. FREE TOO!
http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipes.asp?food=HCG+RECIPES&a=
This blog is the best thing since sliced bread..oops did I say that? Jackie and Harv thanks for your encouragement,support and sage advice. I am leaving on Saturday so I dont have much time to stop the hcg.I thought since I hit a stall, I would do an apple day today and then be that much lighter when I leave on saturday. Reading your ideas…now I am confused. Closing out with maintenance means phase three for two days? no drops?
I also need to know in drops how much is 200 IU..I do feel better when I up the drops but didnt want to overdo it. Jackie: Great stories..that is what keeps us all forging ahead. I cannot believe you lost 30 and no one noticed..I would never had had your strength to continue.Bravo to you! I guess no one noticing is a lesson that I need to keep my mouth shut and not announce I am on a diet.Lesson learned. Had I found this blog sooner, that might have been the case. Harvel, any further words of wisdom as always will be very very welcome. Thank you thank you . Swift kick in the butt? good idea!
Hillary,
Oops! You caught me. Closing out the HCG is by continuing the VLCD for three days after stopping the drops, not maintenance (Ph3) as I wrote. Go into maintenance after those three days. Mia culpa–Latin for “my bad.”
I thought about suggesting a swift kick in the butt, but didn’t want to be politically incorrect.
Have fun on vacation. Let us know how the weight situation goes for you.
Harvel
thanks Harvel:
Still have questions…how many eye droppers would equal 200 IU? Also, what are your thoughts on the apple day today? Instead, should I stop the drops and do the vcld alone? please advise. thanks
I’d love for someone to share with me there stories and success about using HCG drops instead of shots. If there is a product or web site that you can refer me to that would be a bonus. I’m really uncertain about the drops, but would like to find out if they really work before I purchase them. I was on the shots lost 12 lbs. I need to lose another 6 and I’ll be done. Please post any information you have. Thanks!
Hillary,
Given that you are leaving on vacation day after tomorrow, I would stop the HCG and finish out the course with the three days of VLCD. If you are planning to stop the HCG during the vacation, and it sounds like you are, an apple day will only prolong the process and not be worth the small amount of weight you might lose–my opinion.
I will be able to estimate the number of drops to make up 200 IU if you can tell me what the concentration of HCG is in the solution you are using (IU per cc). You’ll have to go to your supplier for that information. They might even be able to answer your question.
Harvel
Thanks Harvel again and again. I do not know the concentration of the drops so I will have to get with the woman that I buy them from. Did not even think to ask her so thanks.
Maggie: I lost 9 lbs in 11 days with the drops but I will tell you I have been hungry. I will be happy to share the person I get them from off line. If you want, please email me at hfox@broward.edu. You will get an out of office reply but I will check my email tomorrow. I paid $80 for the bottle. Very inexpensive. All the best to all…
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Ok, ok, enough, already. When did we get invaded by the non-diet commercials? Hair loss is not our purpose, Knock it off.
Please tell me about a protein day.
I am leaving for vacation exactly 10 pounds lighter. I am very happy. The apple day yielded one pound. I had hoped for more but…it is still very wonderful. This diet is very motivating although strict. The results are worth the effort. To all those thinking of it or doing it…keep going. It is well worth it!
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Maggie,
Many times I have suggested people call Ann at 636-634-2500 at hcqliquid.com she is great & will answer al your questions plus you can try the DROPS for FREE for 12 days. http://www.hcgliquid.com
Hilary,
I will post about PROTEIN DAY in a few hours. Plus you can call ANN I guarantee you she will help you.
636-634-2500
Be sure you tell her I sent you as she knows I am a strong believer in their DROPS & Great Customer service.
Les…how would I email you? Cant seem to get your email address from your post????
I would like to know about replacing fish/meats for 1 egg and 3 egg whites… Any one know?
I ordered my sub. HCG today and should get it on Monday 10/05. I have been searching the internet for foods…I love fruits. Does any one know what other fruits we can have besides the ones listed above? I read on a article that you could have watermelon.
Thanks
Angelica,
Looking at Dr. Simeons’ book, “Pounds & Inches,” I find this about the eggs: “Very occasionally we allow egg – boiled, poached or raw – to patients who develop an aversion to meat, but in this case they must add the white of three eggs to the one they eat whole.” From that, I would conclude that eggs can be eaten during the HCG-VLCD only in extreme circumstances.
With regard to the fruits outside of the three Dr. Simeons recommends (Apple, Srawberries or grapefruit),
he says this: “The most tiresome patients are those who start counting calories and then come up with all manner of ingenious variations which they compile in their little books. When one has spent years of weary research trying to make a diet as attractive as possible without jeopardizing the loss of weight,… .”
Now, having quoted all that, I have to say that there are folks out there who have modified the diet foods and who have, so far as I know, gotten along fine. In the final analysis, it’s up to you.
Thanks for getting back with me Harvel.
I also had another question. I did read that you take the HCG 3 times a day preferably 12 hrs apart. Is that right? I will be taking the oral HCG. I got mine from the same place that Les said he received his.
Angelica,
On the drops I am getting (SEE MY ABOVE POST FOR THE WEBSITE) you can have one egg a day. Since I was drinking protein shakes for the last five years every morning I am doing thE EGGS as I feel they will give me some of the protein I need daily. Also check out Green Valley Spa. They have some wonderful fruit shakes at the top of their recipes that are good with stevia. I have plain Stevia & orange mandarian & they were great in the drinks. I did blueberries & raspberries which are on the drops I am taking. Also I take the drops 20 minutes before I eat even if I am not eating for another hour or so. If you forget to take the drops before you eat just wait 20 minutes & take. I do them three times a day before each meal.
Karen
Angelica,
I can’t answer your question. My wife and I are doing the injections. My feeling is, right or wrong, that we have better control over the amount of HCG that our bodies get with the injections. However, there are lots of people doing the sublingual drops, both “straight” HCG and the homeopathic form who are losing weight per the diet so I can’t criticize.
The important factor is how much HCG in International Units (IU) you get in a 24 hour period. The range is from 125 IU to 200 IU. Everybody is different, but we will all be taking HCG somewhere in that range.
You will need to find out how much HCG is in each of the drops you are taking in order to find out if you can divide up the dose. The amount of HCG in a given amount is not standardized–each supplier seems to do it a little differently. Give them a call to find out what they recommend based on the strength of the solution they provided to you.
Harvel
Hi Hilary,
Here is the PROTEIN eating plan. If you or anyone have further questions feel free to email me at ksrosie2@verizon.net. I do not get on here everyday like I would like to. Where are you going? No one has notice my weight loss either. Maybe it is because the RESULTS show up differently on this HCG eating plan. Or is it because I have not switched to smaller size clothes yet & the ones I have been wearing daily are the same ones since before I started loosing weight. Or is it society does not compliment us; because they want to be careful what or how they say it. For example I am almost a year in a new job & no one has said a word is it because they do not know me well enough or what? Meanwhile, it is between our very own selves and our higher power. I have not been around any of my regular friends in awhile so maybe they will notice. LOL I still do have my stomach; however all my other body part look less. Also remember it is not always in the scale. This plan is called Pounds & Inches.
Please if you have any questions or feel like you do not have an answer feel free to call Ann at http://www.hcgliquid.com.
The Protein Day Suggestion from Ann at http://www.hcgliquid.com
If you have a special day from time to time or every few weeks here is what you can do to enjoy.
Continue to do your drops or injections as normal as well as DRINK your water like you are suppose to.
Day One (You can do just this ONE DAY before a CELEBRATION DAY) then REPEAT this the DAY AFTER YOUR CELEBRATION & then do DAY 2 & DAY 3
TWO hard boiled eggs at breakfast
4 oz. of chicken at lunch
8 oz. of chicken at dinner
My suggestion for flavoring is for the eggs put some paprika & a few other spices on them.
For the chicken I took the Southwestern Rub(what spices I had) along with paprika & poutlry seasoning or sage. This RUB was out of Linda’s Pristners book which is at Amazon for $19.95. Bake/Broil with the spices or steam then add spices.
Day Two
Eat your daily protocal with NO FRUIT. you can eat VEGGIES.
Day Three BACK TO YOUR PROTOCAL
Eat your daily protocal with fruit & veggies like normal.
If you are taking a SPECIAL DAY off for any kind of CELEBRATION(I did for Yom Kippur because we have a great light dinner every year at our Temple at sundown)
Then repeat the next three days of the protein protocal.
My experiecne was that the chicken with those spices tasted like stuffing; which I love. I was not hungry. You can also have the 8 oz. of chicken at lunch & 4 oz. for dinner. Or you can even have the chicken at breakfast(as I forgot to bring the eggs to work). While my weight seemed to stay the same from Sunday AM weigh in till Wed. AM weigh in my pants were looser between Tues. to Wed. Also since I fasted on Monday with only drinking water & still taking the drops I was never hungry on Monday. When it came time to eat evern though I was not that hungry I indulged. On Tuesday as I did the Protein Day I got a little tired(probably from the fast day) & did have an urge for chocolate. LOL Under mormal conditions; because I took a celebration day I would have gone off the eating plan. However, since I know my commitment & I had PLANNED for the Eating Celebration Day it was so easy to get back on track.
Let me know your thoughts,
Karen
Hi All,
I have not met Les yet. Have heard lots of great things though. I am curious who Les got his DROPS through. Please let me know.
Karen
karen, I cant find the page where he put what the company name but it is from DIY HCG. It’s the same place where I bought mine here is the actual website http://diyhcg.com/
I have not written in a while, and am not making any opinions, but hope someone can answer some of the questions I have. I did the HCG injections beginning July 22 at 142 and finished on August 20 at 124. today is October 2 and I maintaining between 126 and 124. The problem is that I am having severe hair loss and lumps under my arms and tender breasts as of today. I love the diet and would never not have done it any other way, yet now wonder if this is a concern or a norm? Does anyone else have a thought?
Karen: Thanks for the protein day. I appreciate it. I am out the door to Mexico. Take care and I will write soon. In the meantime,,,,stay slim. I agree about people. Jealousy who knows?
Hi all I hope everyone is progressing one day at a time 🙂
Harvel or Anyone else out there who can help:
I am on my 29th day of the protocol and 27th day of the VLCD… I am down 20 lbs. 2oz. I have been stalling for a couple of days…I know, normal but, i am fast approaching the end of phase two and as i was looking over my calendar journal i am unsure of the following: 1) the 40 days of HCG consist of counting the gorge days? meaning I started taking the HCG drops on September 5th (1st day of gorge days)I started my VLCD on September 7th… So my question is do I finish on October 14? or October 16th? and then begin my 3 days of non HCG and 500 calories? Please help for some reason my calendar journal says for me to stop on the 16th but, I have read some contradictory info. I am away and don’t have Dr. Simmons manual with me.
P.S. Last night was absolute torture late night at dinner with Friends and colleagues. But, I remained strong. I just had a cup of black coffee. But, was discouraged to not see any weight loss today…despite the sacrifice LOL but, better the same weight than going up.
I AM SCARED OF PHASE 3!!!!
KellyR,
I think the confusion on when to end the VLCD comes from the use of days to count when the actual count should be based on the number of doses (or days you take) HCG. The three day continuation of the VLCD begins the day after the last dose of HCG. You would count the gorge days since on those days you took HCG. You are on the long course (40 days of taking HCG and 3 days continuing the VLCD). That would make your end day 10/14/2009, day 40, the last dose of HCG.
Over 20 pounds in 29 days is excellent. Keep it going. My wife and I are on our second course. I cheated yesterday morning with heavy cream in a cup of coffee. Made me gain 0.2 of a pound. I almost, but not quite, think it was worth it.
Harvel
Harvel,
Thank you sooo much for your response. I am reworking my calendar journal. I appreciate the advice. Just one more question…I understand that once phase 3 begins, no sugar or starches does that mean, no fruit consumption (meaning the ones allowed in phase 2?) Thanks again.
I am forever endebted to you for all the help and advice provided.
P.S. awwwww only .2 oz…but, i am sure the cream was worth it…and you are allowed one indiscretion 🙂
Maggie,
I did sublingual drops from my Dr. (but not homeopathic). The hcg I took sublingually is the same hcg that could also be injected. It worked great, I lost 30 pounds in about 50 days. My impression from this site is that most people use the drops. It’s a good question. It might be helpful from a knowledge standpoint to have everyone list what kind of hcg they are on, where they buy it, the cost and their success. Maybe the hcg from one place is better than others. Just a thought.
KellyR,
Yes, the coffee cream was worth it.
To answer your question: Reading “Pounds & Inches,” I don’t see any prohibition agains eating fruits during Ph3, especially those we have been eating.
Dr. Simeons said, “…the patients are told that they may now eat anyting they please, except sugar and starch… .” I really think he was refering to refined, cane or beet sugar (also honey and anything else that would have sucrose in it). He specifically mentions sugar, rice, bread, potatoes, pastries, etc so far as the starches are concerned.
Yes, fruits have sugar in them, but it is fructose. It is important to eat the WHOLE fruit so you get the pulp along with the juice. Straight fruit juice is a no-no during Ph3, and, from what I have read might not be a good idea at any time.
You will be adding fats and oils to your diet during Ph3 which, when mixed with sugar and starches, makes for a bad combination while your body adjusts its metabolism to the new weight.
Harvel
Harvel,
It’s me Devrie again and I haven’t lost any weight since the apple day. In fact I gained a pound. I am SOOOOO frustrated. I don’t think it’s working for me. I am being VERY honest when I tell you I haven’t strayed from Dr. Simeon’s protocol once. I’ve even stopped eating the breadstick 2 weeks ago. 21 injection days and down only 13 lbs.
Devrie,
Since you are following Dr. Simeons’ protocol to the letter, we can eleminate a number of things.
That leaves us with cosmetics and lotions, additives in spices such as MSG, sugar, corn starch, oils, and the like, and then the HCG itself. Check your cosmetics and lotions for oils. Check your spices for additives.
I assume you are drinking plenty of water.
Here’s some other stuff to check:
-Are you doing your injections at the same time every day?
-Are you getting 8 hours of sleep?
-Are you not eating within 3 hours of bed?
-Are you coming into contact with oils some other way? Maybe handling meat without gloves, using furniture polish, etc.
If all tht checks out, we need to look at the HCG itself. How long has it been in solution? Our clinician told us that it has a shelf-life of about 2 weeks even when kept refrigerated and in the dark(limited exposure to light). You didn’t say, but if you are particularly hungry, I would suspect the potency of the HCG or that the dose isn’t high enough.
If none of that seems to be a problem, I am completely flummixed and we need professional help.
Harvel
Harvel,
I am NOT HUNGRY at all. It keep it in a small fridge that I have in my room that doesn’t have a light and I keep it in foil. I don’t get eight hours of sleep but I have NEVER slept eight hours. I works full-time and go to school full-time. Last Sunday was the only day that I handled meat without gloves to cook for my family. I drink about 90oz of water a day. None of my spices have MSG or sugar. DO you think I should mix my other bottle of HCG and discard this bottle?
Devrie,
If you are not hungry, I don’t have any reason to suspect the HCG. You are storing it properly. You did not say how long the bottle you are using has been mixed, but again, if you are not hungry, I think it still has its potency. Also, if you are not hungry, I doubt that you have developed any resistance to the HCG which, according to what I have read, would be unusual at this stage anyway.
I reread Dr. Simeons’ book, and found what he had to say about reaching a previous weight level that had been stable for a number of years (page 35 in my copy). He said that in this case, it might take as much as two weeks of no loss, in spite of HCG and diet, before further reduction is normally resumed.
Is this what we are dealing with? Are you at a weight that you maintained for a looong time?
Harvel
Harvel,
Maybe that is the issue but honestly I wouldn’t know. I’ve always had an aversion to scales and avoided them all the time. I’d only get weighed at my annual physical, which is what led me to try HCG this time. I weighed in at 194 at this years physical and I was SICK. I’m now at 175 and maybe this is where I was for a while, I’m not sure.
Devrie,
I think we’ve eliminated everything else, at least that I can think of. There may be some unusual facet of HCG that we don’t know about, but I think we’ve been pretty thorough.
Let’s assume that your weight was about 175 pounds for a number of years. That would suggest that you simply stay on the HCG-VLCD and see what happens. Do you want to try staying with it?
Harvel
I am willing…do you think I should do another apple day?
Devrie,
Good for you. It’ll take guts and determination to stay with it in the face of an extended period of no loss. Frankly, I’m not sure if I could do it. I get thrown for a loop with even one day of no loss.
If we are right about what is going on, I doubt that an apple day would do anything but eliminate some water from your body which you would just replace anyway. You could try it. I don’t see any harm in another apple day.
Harvel
Hi Les,
I’d like to email you with the HCG recipe exchange in the subject line, but how do i get your email? mine is rtinozzi@me.com if you happen to see this. thanks! im on day 14 and have lost 14 pounds. looking for some pizzaz in my kitchen– im a mom who cooks for the whole family every night, but need ideas for my lonely little plate.
thanks!
Rina
Hello all.
First of all, this has been a GREAT page to stumble upon – great work David, and all of those that contribute.
I have a couple questions.
-Is diet soda allowed in meager amounts? Some literature says “in small amounts”, others say “no”
-When the diet says ” melba toast”, does that mean 1 toast, or one serving? One serving on the box I have is 50 calories for 4 toasts
-Can you use mineral oil (baby oil) for skin moisterizer?
I just started HCG sublinguil drops on Thursday at 225.2 pounds, and today (day 4) I weighed 221.2, so I have lost 4 pounds so far.
Any other advice, suggestions would be welcomed.
THank you all – Jason-
Thanks for the words of encouragement Harvel.
Devrie,
I know it can be frustrating to be at a stand still but you said you lost 13 lbs in 21 days. I did a 36 day course (was attempting 40 but ran into HCG immunity) and I only lost 16. I know it seems like it’s not working well enough when you read about other people losing a pound a day but stick with it. YOu have done really well. Think of it this way, with other diets that you’ve tried, which one of them gave you a 13 lbs weight loss in 21 days? I can’t think of any.
I too started around 191 and ended up at 175. I was not able to maintain it on phase 3. After a little more than 3 weeks on phase 3 I decided to go back to the HCG VLCD. Hopefully I can get the rest of my weight off and then try maintenance again.
Anyway, good luck. Keep up the good work. You WILL do this!
Devrie,
You’re welcome. One of the great points about this website that David put together is the mutual support we give each other. Although I havn’t had any particular problems, my wife has had. People have come forward with good advice for her. I think that the encouragement we give each other is as important as the technical information.
My wife came up with a suggestion for you since we aren’t working with past weights. She asked, “Was there a time when Devrie kept the same sized clothes for a long time?” Her thinking is that would indicate a long-term stable weight–just what we think we might be dealing with.
She also related a story involving one of her co-workers that I think you might find interesting. I’ll call him “Joe” since I am telling his story without his knowledge or permission.
Anyway, “Joe” began the HCG diet somewhere around 354 pounds. He has since lost over 100 pounds, but that isn’t the point of the story. The point is that he hit two previous weight levels. The first one was during the first round of HCG and it lasted about 8 days. He just toughted it out and did not do an apple day. The second one hit during his second round of HCG. This one lasted almost two weeks. He did do an apple day toward the end and things seemed to go better.
If there is a lesson here, it is to trust the process and keep with the program which you have said you are going to do.
I’ll be here for you.
Harvel
Jason,
Welcome aboard.
Diet soda: The jury is still out on that question. Personally, I think diet sodas and the stuff in them should be considered hazardous waste. However, other people do not agree with me. A good substitute is to use sparkling mineral water and a few drops (to taste) of liquid stevia to make your own “diet soda.” We, my wife and I, like the Sweet Leaf brand. They have 12 or 13 different flavors including grape, valencia orange and root beer–all three of which make a pretty good soda. I sometimes make lemonade with the juice from the one lemon a day we are allowed and Sweet Leaf liquid Lemon Drop. The glass I drink from holds 1-1/2 cups so you can get a feel for quantity.
Melba toast: One piece. Actually, both the Melba toast and breadsticks are optional. I use the breadsticks if I need to get to 500 calories on a given day and I don’t want any more veggies.
Mineral oil: Kind of messy, but it isn’t absorbed through the skin so it doesn’t mess up the diet. It’t messy because it stays on the surface of the skin. Go through the posts on this site. There are are a number of mentions of oil-free lotions and cosmetics that folks have found to be good. I just don’t remember what they were.
Sounds like you are well on your way. Keep it up.
Harvel
Dionne,
Thanks so much. I am dedicated and I am going to tough it out. Good luck on your second round. I said that if I did well this time I’d do a second round after the holidays.
Harvel,
To be honest I haven’t bought any new clothes since I gained the weight. I mostly wear dresses and I’m wearing between an 8 or 10. I’ve always been curvy. I noticed the weight gain when I tries to get into my size 10 jeans and it didn’t work. Most of my weight is in the hips, thigh, butt area. I’ve never had a big stomach. People who see me don’t realize how much I weigh because of how I carry it. The thinnest I’ve ever been was 140 and that was after being ill, and most people said that was too thin. My goal is 150-160. I did decide to do another apple day today so we’ll see. Thanks again Harvel and thank your wife as well.
Hi Les, your words are ver truthful and motivational. Thanks for the reality checks you give through words of wisdom.
Stacey
Hi everyone, I have been reading a while on this site but has just decided to post comments. I have been on HCG injections for 7 days including the 3 load days and have lost 10 lbs. I only eat chicken and fish(chicken breast and talapia oven baked) along with apple, tomatoes, cucumbers, brocolli and grissini breadsticks. I have been having so much success with my food choices until I am afraid to switch right now. I will soon!!
Hi Jason,
I’m on my second round and I have one or two diet cokes every morning. I don’t drink coffee and the caffeine gets me going in the morning. I don’t know if this has slowed my weight loss or not but I’ve lost 35 lbs so far and I’m very happy with this result.
Down 3 after my apple day but I’m not as optimistic since I stalled and gained after my last apple day, so we’ll see.
Hi Everyone,
I just completed my second week on Phase 3. So far I’m very happy with the weight I’m maintaining even though I am eating generously of the Phase 3 foods. I do stop eating when I feel full and try not to overeat. I do not feel deprived at all. I am 1 pound less than my last dose weight and .8 of a pound more than my lowest weight (after the hcg stopped). If I gain a bit one day, the next day I’ll eat chicken breast or fish without oil (just a bigger portion of what I ate on Phase 2) and I’ll eliminate calories by not having oil on my salad or vegies. When I do this, I’m not hungry but the next day I’ll lose the .2 pounds I may have gained the day before. I am also careful about eating no later than 7 pm. I am even having pizza with my family. I just take a fork and pull the cheese and topping off. I find that it satisfies me just as much as the full high carb version with the crust. The point is, if I have to continue this part of the diet for more than 3 weeks, I would be fine.
I am also getting into making desserts using acceptable Phase 3 ingredients such as almond flour (made 100% from almonds) and fruit with stevia instead of sugar. I made an apple tart that had an almond flour crust (it had the consistency of a graham cracker crust but tasted WAY better) and used stevia with the applies instead of sugar. It was fabulous. My husband and the kids even loved it. I got the almond flour crust recipe off the internet. (If anyone wants the recipe let me know). For a few days I ate the leftovers for breakfast instead of my light omlet. I did not have any weight gain from doing this. In one week I will start introducing starches and sugar. Since I have found so many acceptable replacements, however, I think in many cases I will stick with the healthier alternative. That is my favorite thing about this diet. It has made me look at food in a different way. For example, last night I made the fake mash potatoes (made with cauliflower) and I found I liked them better than the real mashed potatoes. They are lighter, have more flavor and are easier to make. My 13 year old even loved them. If anyone wants the recipe, let me know. They were really good.
Good luck everyone!
Harvel, thank you for the advice/comments.
Another question though. To make your own soda, can you use carbonated water, rather than mineral water?
I was afraid that you were going to say that the Melba toast serving is in fact—-just 1 single little melba toast.! The “old” Jason would have been fine with eating that whole package, ha ha
Day 5, and 5 pounds less of me, so far so good !
Jackie,
Yes. My wife and I also discovered that we view food differently. We have also discovered how to stretch a 250 calorie meal out to 30 plus minutes and enjoy every moment of it.
Jason,
I can identify–I really like Melba toast with a cheese sauce. Use carbonated water. The old fashioned “seltzer water” or something similar depending on what you can find.
Congratulations. Looks like you are off to a fine start.
Harvel
I have been on the hcg injections a week and a day now. I have been in a two day stall. I am doing everything the same. I am beginning to get a little worried and discouraged. I know that it is to soon for me to try an apple day. Anyone with any helpful advice? Stacey
Stacey,
My only advice is to stick with it. None of us like to see a stall on the scales. But, the fact is that a stall is perfectly normal and happens to everyone from time to time.
According to Dr. Simeons what happens with a short stall is that the empty fat cells are filled with water while they are waiting to be resorbed by the body. Water weighs more than fat so no loss shows on the scales. But your body will continue to “resculpt” itself during this time. You may have noticed changes in your measurements.
You are absolutely correct: Not yet time for an apple day.
Hope this helps,
Harvel
Jackie,
Can you please post your recipe for your apple dessert? It sounds great.
On day 1 and 2 of “loading” do you drink allot of water? Or is that not till Day 3?
Debra,
The Apple Tart recipe (acceptable in Phase 3, not Phase 2)is as follows:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Almond Crust
2 cups almond flour (Red Mill makes it or you can make your own by grinding up blanched almonds in your food processor)
3 egg yolks
2 Tb soft butter
2 Tb heavy cream
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp cinnamon
Mix all ingredients well, then press into a 9″ pie dish (or an 8″ square dish).
Prepare Apples:
Peel about 4 Granny Smith apples (or some other good pie apple), cut them in half and slice into 1/4 inch “half moon” slices.
Toss apples with 1 Tb fresh lemon juice, 12 packets of your favorite stevia (or a similar amount of the bulk or liquid stevia). The stevia is meant to replace approximately 1/2 cup of sugar so adjust as necessary considering the type (and strength) of stevia you use.
Place slices on crust, overlapping and going in circles or in diagaonal rows, whatever you prefer.
Dot apples with 4 Tb (1/2 stick) of cold unsalted butter, diced. Bake for about 20 minutes until crust is golden and apples look done. It tastes great. Enjoy!
Harvel,
Thanks for the tip about eating slowly. I do think that makes a big difference. I have been very surprised in Phase 3 by how my appetite seems much more under control. I think it’s because I’m eating foods that are more pure or my brain has become used to seeing less on a plate. All I know that before I would be ravenous before each meal (so I would over eat). Now, when lunch or dinner approaches I feel slightly hungry, not ravenous. Then I seem to be satisfied with more reasonable portions. Even though I LOVE bread, I really don’t miss it that much. Anyway, I really thinks this diet is the best one out there.
Jackie,
We, my wife and I, too, have noticed a whole lot of changes with this diet. They include: not wanting as much to eat; eating more slowly and savoring our food; eating clean, fresh, pure (organic, non-processed) foods; not really liking “fast food”–the list goes on. I too miss bread. We have talked about grinding our own grains and baking our own breads so we have control over what goes into them.
Thanks for the Apple Tart recipe.
Many of us are nearing the end of the formal phases of the diet. What are folks using as guidelines for the “forever” portion of the diet? We have looked at the Mediteranian Diet, the Sonoma Diet and the South Beach Diet for ideas. They all have good points. Any other ideas?
Harvel
Thanks Jackie for the recipe. Can’t wait to try it out in phase 3.
To Harvel and anyone else:
I must be really honest with what’s happening and I don’t want to fall into a trap here but, I have been stagnant with my weight for a couple of days going up sometimes 2oz and losing it when I take the Smooth Move tea. Today, I drop 1lb 4 oz because I took it again. I have notice in the last week that the only time i lose is when I take the tea. I don’t want to form a trend but, I am afraid that in desperation i may become dependent on the tea. I am being honest here. Plus, I have a couple of more days on phase 2 as of October 14 I will begin my 3 days without the HCG. I would appreciate any thoughts. VEry, very scare to start phase 3.
One other thing on Saturday, I will be away and not in a position to prepare my meal, can I substitute and do an apple a day, just for that day??? cause I tried planning ahead and speaking with management and my other co-worker who is also on the diet ate what she order and got sick…(we guessed it was the oil) I don’t want to do that so, I thought just doing the apple a day for just Saturday??
I appreciate and welcome any thoughts.
Thanks 🙂
PLEASE HELP!!!! I cheated on Friday and gained about 3 pounds and now I can’t get it off. What can I do to get the weight off. On Sat I went right back on the diet and it is still not working. So if anyone can HELP me please do. Jessica
Jackie
Thanks for the recipe. It sounds wonderful. I’ll bet it seems good while it’s baking!
Debra,
It smells wonderful! It looks good too, but it is more “rustic” than the traditional tart because the crust is more crumbly than flaky. The flavor, however, is awesome!
Harvel, you words were very encouraging. Thanks alot!!!!!!!!!!! Stacey
Jessica,
I think you have to be patient. I think I read in the Protocol that it takes about a week to get back on track after cheating. Just keep plugging along, following the diet, and I’m sure you’ll start losing again. All you have lost is a little time. Good luck!
Harvel,
Regarding your question about what plan to follow after Phase 3, I think I’m leaning toward the Medditeranean diet (with moderation). I probably will avoid potatoes and limit carbs, but eat as I like at parties and special occasions. I think the biggest brake on weight gain will be getting on the scale every day because it makes it possible to nip any gain (quickly) in the bud.
KellyR,
Could you take a cooler with your cooked chicken portion and cut up cucumbers, tomatoes or salad, plus your fruit? If that’s not possible, I don’t see any problem doing an apple day. You’ll still be on the hcg, correct?
If you are almost done the diet, I wouldn’t worry about the Smooth Move tea. Once you are off it, constipation is not an issue. I was worried about Phase 3 also, but it has been easier than I expected. If you start to gain, just go back to the Phase 2 foods, but bigger portions. If I gained a little, I also made a point to exercise the next day – nothing intense – just taking a brisk 15 min. walk or something similar – and cutting back on calories like olive oil and butter.
Good luck!
Jackie,
Thank you for responding back to me. I am just hoping that you are right. It has been about 4 days and I still have not lost anything. Only time will tell. Do you think I need to do a apple day, and if so what do you have to do that day. Thanks for letting me know. Jessica
Does anyone know if soy milk is okay on Phase 3 (considering soy is a bean)? I also wondered about roasted soy beans during Phase 3. I am starting my second maintenance. I’ve lost an overall total of 53 pounds during the two rounds of HCG injections. I have 30 more pounds to go. I did run into a batch of 2,000 IU made into a mixture of 175 IU doses (11.5 days worth of mix) that didn’t do much at all. I did lose, just not very much. Anything’s progress in my mind’s eye. The other batches to get through the 40 injections seemed fine. So, there are bad batches out there…or should I say, not as effective?
Julie,
I would probably avoid soy milk. While it doesn’t seem to have any starch in it, even the plain soy milk has 6 grams of sugar per cup. And the beans for sure contain starch, over 4% starch.
To avoid an potential problems with the efficacy of the HCG mix, I ordered the dry powder and have been mixing it myself. That way, I know how much is in it and how fresh the mixture is.
Man, talk about stick-to-itivness (is that a word?). Two times around and another to go. That 53 pounds has to feel good. I think that was the situation that Les was in. Like any worth-while goal go for it. You know what to do and how to do it. I’m proud of you.
Harvel
Jessica,
If Jackie was planning to answer your question, I apologize for stepping into the middle of your discussion.
Having said that, I think now might be a good time for an apple day. On the other hand, you might start losing again tomorrow without it. Dr. Simeons’ instructions for the apple day are as follows:
“An apple day begins at lunch and continues until just before lunch of the following day. The patients are given six large apples and are told to eat one whenever they feel the desire though six apples is the maximum allowed. During an apple day no other food or liquids except plain water are allowed and of water they may only drink just enough to quench an uncomfortable thirst if eating an apple still leaves them thirsty.” –Pounds & Inches, Page 35
Hope this helps,
Harvel
Jackie,
Thanks for the come-back on the “forever” portion of the diet. Even though I spoke of baking our own bread, I doubt that we will be doing very much of that. This diet has almost completely weaned us away from breads and sugar.
And, yes, the daily weighing and the knowledge of how to nip any small gains in the bud are most valuable.
I am looking forward to being able to keep up with the grandkids for a long, long time.
Harvel
Hi All,
It sounds like everyone is doing well.
Jackie, I am saving your tart recipe for when I get to phase 3.
Jessica, Did you see my protein days protocal? That might help as I posted it last week.
Harvel, How about the ZONE Eating Plan? I have seen some good recipes on that eating plan. Let me know I may have saved them somewhere on my computer & can email you. Also a Diabetic eating plan might be good or a friend said something about loosing a lot of weight on a high glycemic eating plan. I know you will find something out there. Plus you can still eat the HCG meals as I see lots of good receipes on line etc that I have found. Once again I can email you some.
In one month as of yesterday I had lost 20 lbs. after exactly one month of being on the drops. Today I was up 2 1/2 lbs. I am not going to let this bother me as i am so pleased with the drops & eating plan. Plus I know the inches are down too! Here is a great way to measure yourself…
A good way to make sure you measure in the same place on your arms and legs is measure from you shoulder to your elbow, then take half of that measurement and that is your mark. For my thigh, I measure down from my hip 6 inches and measure around that section of thigh. On my calf, I measure down 5 inches from my knee. That way I am always measuring in the same location.
I just started using this plan for measuring & ONLY measure every two weeks so will not know anything for two weeks & will not ever know my true measurements from over a month ago as I was not measuring accurately9everytime was a different spot with in a few inches. LOL
More later in the week,
Karen
Karen,
I have not heard of the ZONE Eating Plan. Could you tell me a little more about it and where to get more information?
Harvel
Harvel,
Good for you & your wife thinking about your next steps & getting a plan in place. One of my ideas is to only eat out, at special occassions or at friends & then have the good high calorie deserts away from home. I do my best to keep the fun deserts out of the house 90 % of the time
I have stopped baking unless it is good & low in calories. Also STEVIA is a great for substitting(SP) some of the deserts. Let me know what you think.
Good night,
Karen
Here you go…
It is by a guy by the name of Dr. Sears. You can sign up for FREE to get the recipes.
http://www.zonediet.com/EATING/Overview/tabid/79/Default.aspx
http://www.zonediet.com/EATING/RECIPES/tabid/80/Default.aspx
Karen,
Thanks for the information on the “ZONE.” My wife is dealing with high blood sugar (although she tested at 113(!!) this morning–the 12th day, second go around with HCG. That’s down from the 180-190 range just a few weeks ago. Dr. Sears’ eating technique might have a great deal of value for us. I didn’t have the time this morning to go into it in any detail, but I did bookmark his site.
Also thanks to you and others who are answering my question about the rest of our lives. There are some good ideas coming in. Since this is a widely read site, those ideas should be of help to all of us. Most of the stuff we have for reference deal with the diet itself but don’t have a whole lot of guidance about “for the rest of our lives.”
Harvel
Has anyone done more then 1 round and the 2nd round in ph3, you eat the same things you did the first time but the 2nd time your gaining. this is happening to me. before i was eating whatever was allowed, not really counting calories and eating peanut butter everyday. now i have gained the 2.2 lbs and have to do a steak day. would someone be sensitve to the same foods during another round? i dont get whats going on..
amanda a,
You could well be sensitive to peanuts. Many people are. Another factor in your weight gain is that smooth peanut butter is 6.4% starch. Starch is a no-no during Ph3. Also, you really do need to pay attention to how many calories you are eating. There are two reasons: 1) You will then know whether to adjust the calories up or down in response to your morning weight. 2) By counting calories during Ph3, you will learn how much you are able to eat in order to maintain your weight when you are all finished with the diet.
Harvel
Harvel,
Thanks for helping me out with Jessica’s questions. I was out with my horse all morning and just got in. By the way, I bought the book recently, 500 Low-Carb Recipes by Dana Carpender, and she has a few interesting bread machine recipes made with healthy grains that are much lower in carbs. I’m going to try a few once I’m in Phase 4 so I’ll report back as to their taste. The book also has quite a few good low carb recipes for vegetables and other side dishes.
Jessica – The only thing I would add is that 2 or 3 times on the diet I stalled for 4 days at the same weight. I was on it for about 50 days. I didn’t do an apple day because it seemed Dr. Simeons was saying the stall was retained water and it would come off eventually anyway. The point is, an apple day certainly won’t hurt but it’s not necessary. Good luck!
Hi all,
I have a quick question for anyone who can answer. When immunity sets in when taking the HCG, do you still need to give yourself 72 before starting phase 3 or is it ok to just jump right in?
Thanks,
Janell
Harvel,
Thank you, i was eating organic crunchy peanut butter everyday with an apple for breakfast the first time around. this time i think i may be too sensitive to it, just weird how the first time i wasnt and this time i am. i will see if cutting out the PB will help. now i have to do a steak day, which the first time around i always stayed with in my 2 lbs even in Ph 4 and was eating pizza, Ice cream, drinking etc… when i went to NY for VAC. Just so weird.
Jackie,
Let us know how the bread recipes work out. Where did you find the cookbook?
Janell,
Even though you have hit immunity, the HCG is still in your body. I’d follow through the 72 before going into phase 3. You did stop taking HCG, didn’t you?
Harvel
Harvel,
Thanks for your response. I haven’t stopped taking the HCG as of yet. My partner convinced me that I was feeling hungry now becuase it’s the week prior to my TOM, which typically peaks my appetite. This happened last month but not to this severity. I have a little schedule that I have been following with my meals but for the past few days I have been forcing myself to wait until my “scheduled” lunch or dinner time . Tomorrow is day 40 for me anyway so I’m thinking I will probably make today my last day. I thought the hunger would get worse without the HCG so I tried to stick it out.
I have another question…I have been doing the program through my doctor and he has given me the ultra lite diet, minus the supplement packets, and told me to follow this and it’s ok if I continue to lose weight. He said that I didn’t need to worry about the strict maintenance because I have not reached my goal weight, does that sound right to you?
I was really excited to move on to phase 3 until he gave me his version of phase three,which consist of about 60 grams of protein per meal, breakfast, lunch, or dinner and protion controlled fruits and veggies. This is not much more than we are allowed in Phase 2, the only difference are the food choices.Milk and cream are not on his “ultra lite” list either. I’m a little disapointed, not really your problem 🙂 but I just wondered what your opinion is on this matter.
Thanks,
Janell
Janell,
First, you need to know that my wife and I were under the supervision of a naturopathic physician during the first round of the diet. He followed very closely the original protocol as laid out by Dr. Simeons. Because of that, I don’t have any way to judge any other protocol–I have no experience with anything else than what we did.
If you are already hungry, plan on three more days of hunger. The scheduled eating might be a problem. Dr. Simeons would allow the day’s rations to be divided up as meals and snacks. That really helps stave off the feelings of hunger–believe me, I know.
Losing weight during Phase 3. Again, refering to Dr. Simeons, he specifically stated that the weight must be kept within the bounds of no more than 2 pounds above or below the weight of the day of the last HCG dose (last day weight). The reason is that during the three weeks of “maintenance,” Ph3, the body has a chance to readjust its metabolism to the new weight. In my opinion, if you continue to lose weight, all you are doing is presenting a moving target to your body and it won’t be able to stabilize its metabolism.
The basic rules for phase 3 are simple: 1) boost your caloric intake to somewhere around 1500 calories as a starting point. You will be eating more protein in order to do that and low sugar fruits. 2) Add fats and oils to your diet–they are calorie laden. 3) You may mix your vegetables. 4) You must, repeat must, avoid all sugar and starches during Ph3. Read lables. For example “natural” can mean many things. Look to see what’s actually in the stuff. 5) Continue to weigh yourself every day. Adjust your caloric intake up or down according to where you are with respect to the last day weight.
I have a question about the 60 grams of protein: Is your doctor talking about the actual protein in your diet or is he talking about the weight of the raw meat? If he is talking about just the protein in the meats, then that would be about 10.5 ounces of raw meat to get 60 grams of pure protein rather than the 7 ounces while on the HCG-VLCD which amounted to about 40 Grams. (Most meats are about 20% protein as a rough average.) If he is saying 60 Grams of “meat,” then I would think that is not nearly enough–it would be only a little over 2 ounces.
This thing is getting to long. Write back if you have more questions.
Harvel
Harvel,
My doctor is a Naturopathic doctor as well and he followed Phase 2 of the protocol to the letter as well, that’s why I was shocked by his “interpretation” of Phase 3.
The list he gave me has the food broken up into portions and one portion of every meat is 60 grams, except crabmeat, which is 120 grams; and this is raw weight, a little over 2 ounces as you pointed out. This would be a whopping grand total of 6 ounces of meat per day.
He has done the diet this way for numerous people with great success. He also said that this process will also stabolize the metabolism..I know, weird right? I guess I will try it his way for the heck of it. I’m just afraid that I will put the weight back on when this pahse 3 is over. I am going to do a second round if phase 2 in November with my gorge days starting on Thanksgiving Day 🙂
I have lost 26 pounds on my 40 day, sorry 39 day round of HCG.
Thanks for your input Harvel!
Janell
Harvel,
One more thing …my schedule of meals on phase 2 consisted of me spreading allowable portions over the day.
10:30- apple
1:30- lunch
after work an apple or sometimes a piece of toast and then dinner if I did toast instead of fruit after work I would have the apple after dinner or a strawberry smoothie as dessert after dinner.
This little schedule worked fine up until a couple of days ago.
I will just prepare myself for my next couple days of hunger.
Janell
Janell,
If the naturopath you are working with has developed this process through working with many successful dieters, then who am I to argue. Go with what he tells you and see what develops. My guess is that it’ll turn out fine.
Gorge day on Thanksgiving Day? What planning! And leftovers for the next day, too. Wish I had thought of that.
Could you send me a copy of all his instructions and food lists? hfalish@hotmail.com
I have started a small library of information about this diet from various sources.
Thanks, Harvel
Thanks for your response, Harvel, on the soy milk question. I actually make my own and can use stevia to sweeten it, but will save it for Phase 4. I actually prefer making almond-cashew milk. That’s great in Phase 3. You mention HCG powder. Mine comes in a bottle and is a freeze-dried tablet. I do mix my own solution. Where do you get your “powder” from? This is my last injection day and I’ve lost an overall total of 54.6 pounds now! I have another 30 to 35 to go. I will do a 27-day round after this 6 week maintenance and will get to carb load Thanksgiving and the day after! Perfect timing, huh? I will more than likely need another 23 to maybe as much as 40 days on the last round, considering the closer you get to your goal, the slower the weight loss is. I’m loving the low carb life while on maintenance and am having lots of fun with it! Yep–lifestyle change is very good! I am not gaining my weight back. I feel too great!!! Good luck to all!!
Harvel,
I am curious with a few other cookbooks on the HCG eating plan why not buy a few of the books & eat some of the recipes. Like the one by Tammy Skye that is on the internet for download. It is a bit pricey however it sounds very gourmet or the one from the Green Valley SPA in UTAH. I am sure they are very tasty along with being gourmet. Your welcome on the ideas for the ZONE. Has anyone else found any good recipe books for HCG Eating? I do not know who he is however a Chef from MO.(I think)wrote a cookbook on HCG Recipes as he went on the eating plan.
More later in the week & I wonder how Hilary is doing.
Karen
I have a quick question. After this 1st round I was considering trying the sublingual HCG for my second round. I received my free 12-day sample and the menu and I was wondering why the menu differs so drastically from Dr. Simeon’s protocol. If anyone is on the drops and can answer I’d be appreciative.
Hillary
I got my one ounce bottle for $23 and I have seen 2 oz bottle for $40 or so. What does your bottle look like? Maybe I have the wrong one; I have Homeopathic Mediral HCG Detox 6x 12x 30x 60x. Hillary or Harvel, could you please let me know if you have found out how many eyedroppers equal 200 IU. The directions on my bottle say to take 15-20 drops 3 times a day. Good luck to all of you and have fun on vacation Hillary.
Harvel and Janell could you please share the instructions and food lists with me too. jenyjen200@aol.com I could use all the help i can get.
Thanks!
Jen
Harvel,
I will get both his phase 2 and phase 3 list scanned for you and send them over.
I was supposed to start the diet again the week before Thanksgiving but that didn’t make sense to me so, I’m actually adding one more week, making it 7 weeks off, just so I could have Thanksgiving as my gorge day :-). Now with the immunity setting in I figure an extra week couldn’t hurt.
Yesterday was a hard say because I was statrving. Needless to say I cheated, after doing so good I caved, and I was afraid to get on the scale this morning.
One piece of cake, Ritz naturals cheese cracker, and a serving of Enchilada casserole later, I still had a 4 oz loss. I could hardly believe it but I won’t try it again.
I gathered from some of the reading I did yesterday that once immunity sets in it’s pretty much like injecting water into your bloodstream it has zero effect, which leads me to believe that’s why I didn’t have a gain. Though I did eat unapproved items I didn’t over do it on my calorie intake but like I said I don’t think I will test it again and I’ll be greatful that I got off lucky.
Have a great rest of the day!
Janell
Janell,
Hey, thanks for making the effort to get that information to me. On the first go-round, we were doing the long course. Wouldn’t you know–day 39 and I was hungry as a bear. Figured it was immunity so I made that the last day of HCG. My clinician wasn’t real happy about it, but oh, well. I couldn’t see spending any more time hungry enough to chew the legs off a table than I had to.
I don’t see the extra week off will hurt anything, especially if Thanksgiving is planned for a gorge day.
Speaking of cheating, we drink reverse osmosis bottled water simply because the city water tastes so bad. The place where I go to get the water is part of a buffalo wings restaurant. Talk about temptation! I was able to get out of there without giving in. But, then, I wasn’t hungry either. That helped.
Harvel
Hello All,
I’ve so enjoyed reading everyone’s posts. Im on day 18 and am down 15 pounds. Im pretty excited! I sure am hungry some days, but I just tough through it for the most part. I found that little cheats just don’t pay off. Speaking of….. I have a confession and a cry for feedback. Has anyone had any experience with COFFEEMATE powder? I just can’t do black coffee, and coffee really helps me feel like I am “eating”. I am doing 1 tsp, 3 x a day– which is freaking 10 calories. Do you know if this is a big deal? I sure would love to keep it up.
Second question, immunity. Im on 175, even though Im not an overly heavy person. (150) do you think this is too much and can I lower it if i need to? Need feedback on that if anyone is up for it.
THANKS!
and for the record, i tried ONE shot of Vodka in sugar free vitamin water. if anyone’s tempted, it cost me 4 days of loss. just stagnated. i think that’s what it was, but much as i love a glass of wine or a little libation, i will hold off for the rest of the time. just thought id share that incase anyone out there is tempted. Can’t have your cake and be skinny too…
🙂
Rina
Harvel,
I ordered the book, 500 Low-Carb Recipes, at Amazon. I’m hoping the healthy bread recipes taste as good as they sound. I’ll let everyone know once I try them. By the way, I’m curious, what food did you introduce first on Phase 4? Pasta, bread, potatoes or dessert? Did you gain the next day?
Karen,
I got the Tammy Skye book and I think it’s very good. The Tomato & Basil Soup recipe is outstanding as well as many of the other recipes. I also got the 101 HCG Recipe book. I forget who wrote it. I searched HCG Diet on Amazon and found it there. Good luck!
The website http://www.diyhcg.com that sells those Mediral drops have their estimation of the number of drops on their FAQ’s in the website. The average person needs 15 drops 3 times a day. That is what I am doing now and it works just fine. Just started my 2nd round last Saturday and lost 6 pounds so far. I did the injections the first time (and lost 18 pounds) in august for 23 days so I am happy the drops are working so well. I decided to get them after reading Les’s posts here during the summer.
The maintenance phase for me was easy since so much of the restrictions were lifted. I cheated with extra wine and still did fine. I had 2 steak days if I really splurged. After the maintenance phase, I continued weighing in daily in the morning and only gained after really going all out for special occasion (drinking vodka drinks and sushi did it for me) but I was careful the following days and it came off. I stayed within 1 pound of my last injection when I started again for round 2.
I really feel my metabolism was reset after the maint period. I have referred many people to the Hcg diet now and to this blog!
Hi Everyone,
Just returned from NY, I have to admit it was an easier trip then I had anticpated. I didn’t think I was going to be able to find much to eat. P3 worked out quite well for me. Believe it or not I ate every morning at Mc Donalds. I ordered a Egg McMuffin, threw away the muffin, and just ate the egg and canadian bacon. I was surprised the eggs and bacon didn’t have on bit of grease. Had my apple and brought my cooler with water, my 4 oz of no added sugar yogurt, sugar free dressing and went back to Mc D’s for lunch ordered a side salad, and a grilled chicken breast, it was perfect. I had more problems finding someplace to eat dinner. I tried to stick to fish or chicken, salad, and brought some great NY apples. But around the motels in those areas were Rest not very diet friendly or healthy. We ate in Applebees 3 times, and twice the chix wasn’t cooked thru, I don’t like meat anyway so that really mde me sick. Thank goodness I brought extra yougart with me and I had a descent breakfast and lunch. Actually I was surprised I didn’t gain anything since I started P3. I actually lost 1.6 since I got home. Hope that is ok.
While in NY I made Chix soup with Low salt chix broth added a couple spoonfuls of spaghetti sauce added a little basil and cajun spice and thru in chix and veggies. It was delicious and very filling and I got everything in.
Now I am worrying that I didn’t eat enough and it will come back to hurt me. When I did do it right last time, I put back on a lot of weight. this time I was a lot smarter then when I did Round 2, I did the load days, and it was much easier. Well thats it I just wanted to let you all know how it was easy to get breakfast and lunch and stick to descent food. I just wish there had been more Rest around that served non greasy healthy alternatives.
Caught up on all the emails of how everyone was doing. Hope my travel experience help the people on P3 Finishing P3 Monday. Boy am I scared to put sugar in my diet. I pray that I don’t fall off the wagon, I never cheated once since I started. Lynne
Karen,
Can you please share where you ordered your drops from?
Thanks,
Maggie
Karen,
Could you please let me know where you obtained your drops?
Thanks,
Maggie
Jackie,
Thanks for the info on the cookbooks. My wife and I have been talking about how to handle food when we are where we want to be weightwise. We’ve pretty much concluded that we will go organic, sticking to low-fat meats and plenty of produce. Limited fruits will be included, as will very little sugar and starch. The assortment of cookbooks really helps. Let’s face it–fish and cabbage can get old after a while. With good recipes, there’s no excuse for us to get bored. This diet is really life (and life-style) changing.
When I went to Ph4, I added bread first. Actually, biscuits and gravy! I had a minor weight gain, well within the 2 pound +/- range.
Harvel
Harvel – Thanks for your response. I will probably introduce bread first also and then pasta. I’ve read that Dreamfields has a low-carb healthy pasta that is supposed to be good. I love to cook and have a library of cookbooks which I am scouring for healthy recipes. One of my cookbooks has a great (healthy) recipe for eggplant gratin so I made several and have been having those for lunch. They re-heat great. When I’m on Phase 4 I plan to continue having some sort of vegetable dish instead of a sandwich for lunch. The healthiest recipes I’ve found for Phase 3 and Phase 4 are in the Mediterranean, French and Italian cookbooks (some great vegie recipes). The Ina Garten cookbooks also have some nice vegie recipes. I can’t believe all the good vegie recipes I was missing before because I was loading up on the bread and potatoes. Good luck on the rest of your diet!
Rina,
I do not believe coffeemate is allowed in Phase 2. You are allowed 1 Tb of milk/day, however. I almost think if would be better to have more than 1 Tb of fat free milk than having the coffeemate.
That’s great that you are hanging in there even when you’re hungry. When I was on Phase 2 if I felt at all hungry between meal times (which wasn’t often), I had an iced tea with stevia. It totally controlled my cravings. Good luck!
Rina, I didn’t use cofee mate for my coffe, but I did use Fat free half and half. It had 2 sugars, and since low fat milk had 12, I thought I was better off with half’n half.
Doing some research tonight into new Akins diet called Eco Turbo ( Womans’s World feature this week Oct 19 ) I ran across this site that said eating yogurt because of the cultures and other things. If you eat one cup a day no matter what the imfo on package it is only 4 grams of carb of carbs you are gettig. Must be why, it never put weight on me. It was just my way of getting the protein I wasn’t getting from meat.
Harvel,
Biscuits and Gravy, yes, now I don’t feel so mad that I want a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich next Tues. But I am scared to death to go on P4, I did go out and buy some Ezekeial bread and stashed in the freezer for when I am brave enough. I was going to start Round 4, but our devlopement are all signed up for an Elvis cruise for a few nights, and I don’t want to start it and not be able to be off of it by Thanksgiving. I know some people start it and take a break, but I don’t trust myself to get back on it and things are going so right, I just don’t want to screw it up. Can’t believe I have actually lost a little weight on P3, and I am still within the 2 lb range.
Harvel Thank you so much for all your help and advice, that I have picked up from advice to others. I think being able to read how everyone else does things, sure helps. I gained back 20 after Round 2 just because I didn’t understand and didn’t have anyone to ask. I did the wrong thing back then, by forcing myself to walk 5-7 miles per day, ( I didn’t know you should only walk for 30 minutes.) God Bless you all for your help. Hope I can keep it off this time. I know I did it right this time. Lynne
Hi all: I am back but did gain during vacation. I probably could have done better as food does not hold the same appeal for me anymore. I made some good choices but I need to continue on my journey. My question is this: Should I restart the whole process with gorge days or just start back on phase 2? I am not sure of what to do. I came home to find the 101 recipe book I ordered. Will share the good ones and another book on the protocol that I will happily share as well. Thanks for everyone’s advice. In reading, I think I was always hungry because I wasnt taking enough drops. My plan is to be even stricter. But I am looking forward to it. I felt great and know that the end is worth it. I am looking at it this way: I could have gone away with the 10 pounds I lost and been in big trouble. Thanks to all..again and again.
Hillary,
Two questions:
How long did you go without taking any HCG?
How much did you gain?
Harvel
Lynne,
The cruise sounds like a fun time. Unfortunately, I think one of the major entertainments is eating. By now, you should know about how much you can eat without gaining. Just trust you body, chew slowly, and stop when your body tells you to. If anyone questions why you are not eating more, just tell them that you are under a doctors’s care. You don’t need to tell them what for.
Don’t be afraid of Phase 4. You don’t need self-control. Your body has learned–trust it.
Harvel
Jackie,
Thanks for passing along the veggie cookbook ideas. We are thinking like you are. The standard midwestern diet has pretty much gone the way in our household. I’m feeling too good to go back to the meat and potatoes that once were the mainstay of my diet.
Harvel
Harvel: I could always count on you to answer. Thanks. I gained 5 and was without drops for 7 days now. Your thoughts….
Hillary,
I think that it would be best to start over. The two gorge days and the whole thing. I don’t see the weight gain to be that much of a problem, but 7 days without HCG, I think, is just too long. The HCG is pretty well gone from the body by the end of the third day, according to Dr. Simeons. Of course, you will probably gain a little more those first two days, but it will get you solidly back on the path to slenderness. Plus, as a bonus, you probably made some good memories on the vacation.
Do you have someone with more experience in this thing than I have? If you do, you might want to get get their opinion.
Harvel
Hillary,
I forgot to ask how long you were taking the drops before you went on vacation? You might want to go into Ph3 mode and finish out the cycle before starting again.
Harvel
Harvel: I was on the drops for two weeks before vacation. I lost 10 lbs. I dont have anyone else to ask. I truthfully do not want to do the gorge days as I feel I had enough of that on vacation. What are your thoughts if I just eat right but not the 500 for today and tomorrow and then start fresh on Monday? I would do the drops starting today…Will not gorging hurt my chances of a serious loss? Please let me know.
I just received two books on HCG weight loss program from Amazon. The first is the 101 recipes. Some look good and some were available for free on other sites so I am a little disappointed. The other called the Pocket Guide to the HCG Protocol by the Prinsters had little information other than the foods you can eat at each phase. I am not knocking the authors, it is just that all of the info in the book is obtainable for free…anyway I am sure the book is useful in the next phases when you need to know what foods are okay but certainly not in the first phase.
Some new hints I found:
If you have the drops, they need to be refrigerated. I did not know that and I am hoping the vial I have still has some potency to it. Since I broke a brand new one when I started, I dont want to buy a third one right now.
The authors claim that you can use tuna in water, that was unavailable in Simeons time. I wonder if they are right. I am choosing not to deviate.
They also strictly advise to look at all spice labels.Many contain sugar and can halt your progress.
They also say you can eat a tangelo or a tangerine.
And yes to cottage cheese.
Anyone out there on a stall, it is sometimes caused by your body being accustomed to a certain weight. Simeon says that it will correct itself if you remain true to the diet. To be patient…and wait it out. He is emphatic about the success of this plan. Even with the holidays around the corner, I am excited to get back on track. Food just doesnt hold the same allure for me anymore. I hope that mindset continues.
I am confused on one issue.There are several different amounts out there on vegetables.Some websites say 6 oz a day and other say 2 cups. I dont know how much to have. Please let me know. Good luck to all
Hi Maggie,
I have not been on for the last three days. Here is the website for the drops http://www.hcgliquid.com. You can call them and ask for Ann she is the greatest help you can get on the drops.
More later,
Karen
PS Thank you to everyone who gave the pointers on the books & confirmed the Tammy Skye Book is good Thank You Jackie. I was sure it was good & will purchase soon. I have the 101 recipes & find it helpful for starters & basics to get us going.
Hillary,
what to do? What to do? I don’t know. We are in unchartered waters for both of us so far as you getting back on the program is concerned. On the one hand, I’m fairly sure that gorge days would put you back on schedule. On the other hand, you could just go back on the HCG-VLCD and see what happens. I think that if you do that and are very hungry, that would be evidence that the gorge days were needed. And, of course, the opposite would be true. With no hunger and losing weight everything would seem to be OK. In the end, it is up to what you want to do.
Here’s the way I handle the vegetable portions for my wife and me. I first figure the calories in the meat portions for the day. I then add in the fruit calories. Finally, I figure how much of the two chosen vegetables would be needed to take the total to 500 calories. I was not concerned about having a particular quantity of vegetables, 2 cups, 5 ounces, or whatever. Just whatever was needed to make up the calories. And, I always base my calculations on the weight of the vegetables, not a volumetric measure.
Hope this helps,
Harvel
Hi everyone–
Ok, big question. im on day 20. down 16 lbs. Day 26 will be a night where im going out for a cocktail party and dinner. i plan on cheating, then giving myself 3 days to recover and get back in line, and THEN doing my three hcg weaning days of 500 cal.
The question is- what do i do the day i know im going to cheat regarding the shot. do I skip a day? will that help? what’s the best thing to do- im at a loss. I will be as good as i can, sushi, vodka soda etc, but it’s a big night and i gotta go.
i dont want to quit before and then ruin the sinking in phase after the hcg shots, so i thought this was best–
thoughts???
thanks!
Rina
Thanks Harvel: I bit the bullet and regorged. After reading pounds and inches I knew I had to so as of this morning I am back up there…I hate the feeling and the pounds so I guess it does peak your motivation. Thanks for the vegetable advice. I was not counting before but I will be doing so now. I know in the next 3-5 weeks this will all be so worth it.
Hi Everyone,
I took the shots and I am wondering if next time I should do the drops, since I have done shots 3 times and ran into immunity problems all 3 times. Thought if I stretched out drops during the day I would do better? My question is: How do you keep drops cool if you are out and about all day?
I was shocked as I am right now stuck in my recliner most of day do to pain issues and still had a great loss. Guess I din’t need to force myself to walk 5-7 miles and endure all that pain. I think I actually hurt my weight loss by walking that much, as someone talked about starvation mode. I sure fit the bill.
Harvel, Thanks for the advice, about eating to much on trip. That usually isn’t my problem, even after gastric bypass. Sweets are supose to make you sick. They were the only thing that didn’t make me sick. Sure wish they did. It must of been, my body was just sue to them and not food. I am praying that my body has conqered the sugar problem now. harvel I have 2 more days on P3 and have lost 2lbs on this P, do you think that will hurt me. i didn’t try and loose the weight, I just can’t handle the density of the meat. The only way I seem to be able to get it down , is if I make a veggie soup with Chix broth and dump some meat into that. I bought the Veggie broth, but didn’t use it, because it had about 6 sugars in it. Do you think the Ezekial bread was a good choice, or do you know if there is a better one. It seems to be low in carbs. Have you tried any cereals on P4, I use to eat Kellogs Protein plus, I use to put 1/2 cup in my 4 oz 3 carb , no sugar added yogurt, do you think I could do that. I don’t want to eat any of those yogurts with 12-42 gr sugar yogurts. I don’t know how they can get by advertising them to be healthy?
I am almost sorry that I didn’t pass up this trip to finish up these last 15 lbs. Just hope I can maintain, until after holidays. I would hate to lose ground again. I gained 25 lbs after last round, because I didn’t understand about loading and exercise. Thats what I get for thinking I was being a matyr. Right. Thanks everyone. have a fgreat day. Lynne
Maggie,
Here is the info 636-634-2500 & ask for Ann. Please let me know you received the info, ok.
Thank you,
Karen
Hi All,
I keep seeing this on line & finally decided to check it out. I am only in Phase 1 so I am not sure how this would work for any of the phases. Or has anyone else heard about this? Harvel I know you & your wife are exploring different options for the future. What are your thoughts?
http://www.miraclenoodle.com
Please advise,
Karen
Hi All,
Has anyone tried this yet? Harvel, this would be another great way to enjoy food on Maintenance. Alot less than the vitamix & does almost everything like the vitamix. I think.
http://www.myhealthmaster.com
More later,
Karen
Hi All,
It has been so quiet here today. I have several post awaiting MODERATION. Maggie the website is there for you, too!
Today after 5 weeks
with about a 21 day loss from the drops I noticed I was getting some charlie horses in my legs. A few painful ones. Thank Goodness they only last for a
short time. I need to find out what mineral or vitamin I am lacking. Does
anyone know off hand? Also Today I jointed the link at yahoo for the hcg eating plan. I wanted everyone
to know in case you want to check it out. Here is the link. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/homeopathichcgdieters
Have a great week,
Karen
Hillary,
I’m glad you decided to gorge anyway. I think you made a wise decision.
Rina,
I would take the HCG and be as careful as you possibly can be. I’m sure they will have lots of vegetables available. See if you can find some sushi that isn’t wrapped around rice so you just eat the fish part. Other than that, I would say enjoy yourself and don’t beat yourself up over something that you have to do.
Lynne,
I think you are right about the exercise. Looks like too much to me especially if it is painful. The two pounds you have lost on Ph3 are OK, even allowed. Does the problem with the meat have to do with the gastric bypass? If you are keeping track of the calories during Ph3, it’s fairly easy to stop the loss. Just add calories. Since we can have fat and oil in PH3; olive oil is approximately 220 calores per tablespoon. Maybe use a little more of it on your salad. We can also have cheese, a great source of calories as well as other nutrients.
Phase 4 is simply a continuation of Phase 3 with some added starches. If you have been counting calories in Phase 3, you know about how much you can eat in order to hold your weight steady. It’s that simple. You can eat about anything you want, but in moderation, always moderation.
Actually, you don’t have to eat bread at anytime during the rest of your life. If you do however, go for the the whole grain breads (Not “whole wheat” since it is generally just white flour with coloring added.) Ezekial bread is a good choice. It starts with whole grains that have been spouted.
For you and anyone else out there who might be living under a lot of stress and (like I used to) goes after the sweet, fatty, starch-laden comfort foods, I have a possible solution. Send me an email and I’ll put you onto it. hfalish@hotmail.com
Karen,
I was going to try the miracle noodles. But, I went on-line and found a comment that they had been banned in Australia because of some sort of health risk. I did not verify the information. It could have been a hoax. I have also read on this website about folks who tried them and didn’t care for them. Lynn’s comment just above is one of them.
We have a VitaMix. It’s a great piece of equipment. I really hadn’t thought of incorporating it into our lifestyle. Thanks for the reminder.
It’s very possible the cramps in your legs are in fact due to some sort of mineral deficiency. Without extensive testing, it would be difficult to tell which one or ones are low. Have you tried a good colloidal mineral mix as a supplement?
OK. I think I have responded to everything. If not, you know where to find me.
Harvel
Hi Karen,
I have a whole box of the so called miracle noodles. They re going to go in the trash tomorrow. I thought , oh well something I can really get into. Put a little spag sauce on them or make chix soup. They smelled so nasty, I couldn’t get them down. Someone on here wrote to rinse them really well and the odor will go away. I rinsed them forever, maybe the smell was still in my head, but I thought I was going to be sick. They smell very fishy and I eat fish, but I could’t get past this smell.
What is the vitamax thing you were talking about?
Lynne
Hi Everyone
Has anybody else received an email from somebody named Andreas Dettlaff about a Pounds and Inches HCG weightloss website. I was wondering how she got my email address as I don’t give it out to just anyone. I Did give it to one person, but I know they wouldn’t have given it to anyone.
Can’t be to careful.
Harvel
What kind of bread do you eat on P4, I bought one that has 15 carbs, 1 sugar, 4 protein, 3 fiber, and has 80 calories per slice. Do you think I can do better than that. I am so nervous, I am supose to start P4 tomorrow, but may give it another day. I am worried because I lost 2 lbs on P3, and I don’t want to screw it up this time. Thanks for all your help.
Lynne
Hi Everyone,
Well tomorrow I start on Phase 4. As of this morning, I weighed four tenths of a pound more than my lowest weight. My weight seems very stable on the Phase 3 diet, often staying the same for 5 or more days. I’m going to slowly add low carb bread (instead of full carb), bananas and carrots (both of which I’ve missed).
Speaking of low carb bread, I highly recommend the cookbook 500 Low-Carb Recipes by Dana Carpender. Tonight I made one of her 7 low carb bread recipes in the bread machine and it was absolutely delicious. I had a tiny sliver of it just to try it. My husband loved it also. It’s called White Bread (but it’s a light brown color – very flavorful looking). Each slice has only 5 grams of carbs with 1 gram of fiber (for a total of 4 grams of usable carbs) and 24 grams of protein. The recipe (for a 2 lb. loaf) is as follows (cut ingredients in half for a 1 lb. loaf):
2 cups water
2 Tb olive oil
Equivalent of 2 Tb of Splenda, so use your favorite stevia (I used 3 packets (total of 3/4 tsp) of NuNatural white stevia powder. Each packet has 1/4 tsp and is the sweetness of 2 tsp of sugar. Thus, 6 tsp sweetness = 2 Tb.) The sweetness in the bread was perfect.
2 tsp salt
1/2 cup oat bran
1/4 cup psyllium husks
1 1/2 cup vital wheat gluten
1 cup vanilla-flavored whey protein powder
2/3 cup brown rice protein powder
4 tsp regular powdered yeast (not bread machine yeast or rapid rise yeast)
Put ingredients in bread machine in order listed (unless your bread machine calls for a different order). Use whole wheat cycle if your machine has it. Remove bread from bread case to cool on wire rack as soon as it is done.
I bought the ingredients (which, I admit, are not readily available at my grocery store) at iherb.com and off Amazon. I bought Jarrow for all of the protein powders, Bob’s Red Mill for the oat bran and vital wheat gluten and Barry Farm for the psyllium husks. I love bread so if I can make my own healthy low carb version, I’m thrilled to take the time to do it. I’m also going to try the Heart-y Bread recipe that has flax seed and rice bran. I’ll share the recipe if it turns out to be as good as it sounds. It has only 4.1 grams of usable carbs/slice. Good luck everyone!
Karen, Thanks for the link to the Yahoo Groups. I joined two last week when I started the drops and diet. There is one group that has some great links and other cool stuff. I can send the link if you’d like to check it out.
Also check and see if you are getting enough potassium. They are caused becaused you dont have enough potassium. You could try eating bananas (which I know arent on the list), dark lettuce-or romain lettuce will do, brussel sprouts.
Also you could be getting them because of a hormonal imbalance. If you dont want to check with your regular Dr. then I would suggest going down to your local drug store and asking the Pharmacist. I wk with several if you’d like I can ask one of them??? I wk for a Pharmacutical company so I am surrounded with Dr’s, nurse’s and Pharmacist’s.
Harvel, I will be emailing you shortly. It seems when I am not on a “diet” I dont crave chocolate or anthing sweet. However, this last week I am???? I know it is all in my head.
Drops,
I received my 12-day free sample of the drops. I was going to do my second round with the drops after the holidays. I was wondering if instead of going straight to phase 3 after I complete my shots, if I could use the drops to lose more weight for the 12 more days and then proceed to phase 3?
Devrie,
How long have you been taking the shots? If you are ending the long course (40 doses) you are probably close to developing immunity to the HCG and will have to stop taking HCG. If you are finishing the short course (23 doses) I don’t know any reason not to continue with the drops. Very important–how much HCG is in the drops and how much are you taking by injection? You probably should continue with the same level of daily HCG.
OK, that’s my opinion, right or wrong. I would go to the supplier of the drops, explain what you would like to do and ask them about it. After all, they know their drops!
Harvel
Thank you Harvel!!!!
Am I hitting a plateau ?/
Here is my weightloss progress so far:
1-Oct 225.2 0
2-Oct 223.8 1.4 (1.4 lost
3-Oct 223.2 2 (0.6 lost
4-Oct 221.2 4 (2.0 lost
5-Oct 219.2 6 (2.0 lost
6-Oct 218 7.2 (1.2 lost
7-Oct 216.8 8.4 (1.2 lost
8-Oct 216.4 8.8 (0.4 lost
9-Oct 215.6 9.6 (0.8 lost
10-Oct 214.8 10.4 (0.8 lost
11-Oct 214 11.2 (0.8 lost
12-Oct 212.8 12.4 (1.2 lost
13-Oct 212.6 12.6 (0.2 lost
If I weigh myself in the morning and I have only lost .2 pounds or less, like I did today, should I do an apple day???
I feel like my progress has been pretty good, but this morning worried me.
Thanks for any input. Jason-
Jason,
Your progess so far has been great. A slowdown from time to time is to be expected. You don’t have to be concerned until the loss has stalled for three or four days. I know it is discouraging to see it stay the same, but that’s the only harm that is done.
Here’s what probably is happening. As the fat cells are emptied, the body resorbes them and uses the nutrients (protein, minerals, etc) elsewhere in the body. The process is not always in sync and while the fat cells are sitting there waiting to be processed they are filled with water. I’ll bet your urine output has slowed a bit. But, like DMV, eventualy in a day or two the backlog gets worked off and your weight loss continues. Also, during this time, your body is continuing to “resculpt” itself and change shape. Not to worry–yet.
Keep doing what you have been doing.
Harvel
I am on day 31 of the sublingual drops. I have lost 14.8 lbs. I had hoped to lose more but I am assuming that I’m only losing an average of 1/2 a pound a day because I was not outside of my healthy weight range to begin with although I still have plenty of fat to lose. I’m having some real problems though. 6 days ago on day 26 I was 142.8, then day 27 142.4, then day 28 142.8, then day 29 142.6, so then I had an apple day and went to 141.8 on day 30 now today on day 31 I’m back to 142 even…what is going on??? I’m not doing anything wrong..I’m following the list and have not cheated at all the entire time. It was slow enough as it was and now I just can’t seem to lose anymore…I had hoped to lose 30 lbs in the 40 days which seemed plausible but I’m not sure I’m even gonna make it to 20 lbs at this point. Does anyone have any pointers????????? I’m incredibly frustrated and really could use some help.
Danielle
Good morning all,
just wanted to take the time to thank everyone for all their help specially Harvel who has been an amazing source of support. I am sure that I am not the only that feels this way.
Today is my last day being on the drops. I start my 3 day no HCG 500 calories tomorrow. As of this morning down 25 lbs 6 oz. When I first started this program i thought this day would never come. I am eternally grateful to this diet and to this site. Looking forward to phase 3 yet have my reservations cause I guess I now have to trust myself to keep counting calories,weight food and continue to educate myself with regards to my new life style. Just wanted to encourage people to stick to it and although you may be only seeing .2 oz loss, it is still a loss!!!
BTW,
1)Did anyone one out there begin an exercise regiment on phase 3 or would you all recommend waiting it out until phase 4???
2)Does anyone have good recipes for phase 3??? Thanks 🙂
3)Is anyone planning their meals for phase 3? Can anyone give me an example of what they ate on their first day of 1500 calories???
Thanks 🙂
Jason, What a lucky guy you have been to have such good wight loss, your body is probably just catching up . Gees, most of us if we had your with loss would of thought we died and went to heaven. Good job, I am so envious.
Harvel,
Started P4, ate a piece of bread with some soup, 2 minutes later I was sick as a dog, and this morning I was 1.5 lbs heavier. I wonder whats with that. Maybe coincidence, hear there are a lot of viruses going around. There goes my weight loss I did on P3. Harvel what would we all have done without you. Your wife is so lucky, to have someone that gives this doiet there all. Thanks again, Lynne
What a great web site. I have been reading for the past several days, when I have time, and have learned so much. I have been on the drops for 19 days and have lost 16.5 lbs. I have a couple questions: 1, what does your chart say for 3.5 oz of chicken breast? Mine says 87 calories but someone told me that wasn’t enough calories. I am weighing it before cooking it. Second, does anyone chew gum? I get a yuck tast in my mouth at times and that sure would help. I am planning to go the 40 days and hope I contunue to take the weight off as I have plenty to lose. I will keep reading…and thanks!
Joan
Joan,
You’re doing great! CalorieKing shows white meat, raw, no skin at 113 calories for 3.5 ounces.
I’ve been chewing sugarless gum to get rid of the “yuck.” Maybe one or two pieces per day. I just make sure I add the calories to my daily total. Doesn’t seem to hurt.
Hi all: I echo everyone’s sentiments about Harvel. It has been a blessing to have this website and Harvel has made the journey for us all that much smoother. Lynne: I would think that soup is very bloating and heavy. I am sure it is just that. I think our stomachs get used to lighter fare and maybe it was just too much for you. Keep on going.
Jason: I too, thought I was stalling and did an apple day. I would never disagree with Harvel but I did lose a pound doing so. I thought I was being so strict on the diet but on this second round after vacation, I realized a couple of things. I was not drinking enough water, I was mixing veggies, I was eating meat more than 2 a week. I am now sticking to chicken and fish. Also, dont eat the same every day.It does make a difference in all of the areas. Fruit etc.
Joan; I agree that chicken says a couple of different things. The HCG protocal book claims chicken is 127 for 3 ounces! As for the gum, there is something in the health food stores with stevia. Also, someone on this blog said that the starbucks mints are okay. Dont forget the taste in your mouth means fat is burning so that is a good thing. Good luck
Kelly: you came this far, you can master the next phase. Your life is changed and all that weigh is off.
Angelica: please send me the yahoo websites. hfox@broward.edu Thanks!
Debra,
Thanks for the info. I have been following the David Wallace calorie counter at the top of this forum and it says 3.5 oz. of chicken breast = 87 calories. If this is not the case, I have been going over my 500 calorie limit. Is anyone else following the same calorie counter. Do I need to up my calories for 3.5 oz of chicken. Glad you are chewing gum, I think I will try it but sparingly.
Joan,
When I was on the diet I ate Wild Harvest organic chicken breast and 3.5 oz is 88 calories. I found there is a great variation in calories for various brands of chicken breasts so you need to look at the label (or go to the company’s website). I loved the taste of the Wild Harvest brand – I thought the organic tasted better than the non-organic.
Regarding the chewing gum, it has some form of sugar in it (sugar alcohol?) and it is not good for you. My daughter who is also on the diet was having just a piece a day and the Dr. thought that may have been one of the reasons she went into a stall. Good luck!
Hillary I sent you the links in an email.
I am now on week two and have lost 8lbs including the 4lbs that I picked up on loading days. I didnt weight myself every day. I wasnt going to be stressing over any weight gains during the week.
Any one having head aches???
I was wondering if anybody know if I need to use a different dishsoap while on the HCG?
Devrie posted 3 days ago that she got a 12 day free sample of the drops. I remember seeing a site were that was available, but can’t remember. If anyone has info on that, could you post it? I am on day 16, and probably only have 5 days left of my drops, and I don’t really think I want to buy another whole bottle.
Harvel, FYI, relating to my last post were I thought I was stalling – well, the next morning, I did only lose .2 pounds, as well as the next morning, so yesterday, I did do an “apple day”, and this morning the scale showed I had lost 1.4 pounds. So, I have lost 14.8 pounds so far.
Thanks again for all the advice, etc !!
Kelly R,
I have been doing light exercise in Phase 3 (brisk walking, light weights, horse back riding). I don’t think there is any reason to wait. As far as recipes, I have liked the recipes in the 500 Low Carb Recipes cookbook by Dana Carpender. Also, I have scanned my many other cookbooks and made those recipes that fit in with a low carb diet (frittatas, crustless quiche, lean beef seasoned with homemade taco seasoning which I put over a salad, eggplant spread and eggplant gratin (both from one of the (Barefoot Contessa cookbooks), grilled steak, roast turkey, chicken breast piccata or chicken parm, cauliflower “mashed” potatoes, steamed broccoli, etc. For my first day, I ate the following:
Breakfast – Scrambled eggs & 2 slices of bacon (292 cal)
Lunch – Homemade Eggplant Gratin (300 cal) and 1 cup Tomato & Basil Salad (with light vinaigrette) (72) = 372
Dinner (my husband took me out to celebrate) – 8 oz Filet Mignon (406) w/ gorgonzola butter (202) and steamed veggies (32); berries & cream (40 + 104) = 784 cal
Total = 1448 cal
and Chardonnay (120) = 1568
The next day I had gained 6 tenths of a pound.
The next day I ate the following:
Breakfast – Fruit – 5 oz strawberries (46), 4 blackberries (1 ½ oz) (18) with ½ cup low fat yogurt (60) = 124 cal
Lunch – 1 cup chicken salad w/ 1/8 cup celery & ½ cup avocado (305), 3 oz of leftover filet (152 + 100 for sauce) = 557
Snack – apple (55)
Dinner – Chicken Piccata (made with skinless, boneless thighs, 40 cal/ oz) 6 oz = 240, sauce – 150 = 390, and Eggplant Spread (mostly vegetables, small amount olive oil) – 150 cal; Strawberries with half and half (24 & 40) = 64, glass of chardonnay (120) Total Dinner = 779
TOTAL – 1460
The next day I had lost two tenths of a pound. Overall, my weight was fairly stable on Phase 3. I made 4 gratins at a time and often had one for lunch with a salad or vegetables. Dinner is usually some meat, steamed vegies with a little butter or olive oil and fruit. Now I have just started on Phase 4 and, oddly, I’ve lost weight below my lowest weight. Let me know if you want specific recipes. Sorry for the long post! Good luck!
I just have to say that this diet has truly changed my life! I was able to lose 19 lbs and have kept it off for over 6 weeks! I have referred so many people to the diet and to this post so they too can get all the wonderful information that I got here! It was really my ladder to success on the diet! Thanks to all!
Debbie: Thanks for the encouragement. We all need it. I think this site has been so great for all of us. I started this 3 weeks ago and after 2 weeks went on vacation and even with this interruption, and cheating, I lost 10 lbs. I have 10 or so to go. That is going to be the real test. Thanks to all. I went out for dinner last night and was able to get grilled mahi mahi and steamed spinach. It was fine. Yes, the other food looked great but I kept thinking thin feels better than anything else. Thanks to all.
Does anyone know if you can use eggbeaters?
Danielle, first of all you should be very proud of the 14 pounds you have lost!!! Think of it this way, you could be 14 pounds heavier and gaining 🙂 I have been taking the drops for 31 days and I have lost 18 pounds. I’m aslo 30 pounds heavier than you. If you don’t have much to lose it is more of a challenge. I was feeling the same way as you. A co-worker started a few days after me and she has lost 24! Our bodies sometimes get comfortable at a certain wait and they stall. Here’s what I did to get my body going again. I added more water and for my meals I ate fish and shrimp for at least one of my meals, and chicken or beef for the second meal. Your body is trying to recaliborate and sometimes it just needs a few days. Stick with it you’ve come too far to become discouraged now. I was a faithful Weight Watchers member and it took me months not days to take off 18 pounds! You’re doing great, keep it up!
Sad to report… I entered Phase IV yesterday and immediately was up 2 lbs this morning. I’m going to stick to no carb a little longer, I suppose.
Hi Jason,
Your doing great! On around Oct. 11th at the bottom of page 28 I posted where to get the FREE DROPS for 12 days. So go look there & you will find out more about the FREE DROPS. Here is the info 636-634-2500 & ask for Ann. Please let me know you received the info, ok.
Everyone else I will get back on later in the weekend & catch up with all.
Thank you,
Karen
ok… so the cheat night was last night. I ate a lot, and drank, and was hung over, so had to eat today to function. Tomorrow I am back on HCG. didnt weigh myself today. worried. Does anyone have any personal experience how long this will set me back? I had gotten down from 162 to 142. im on day 33. Do you think there’s any way I can get to 139 in the next 7 days?
I have to say, while the trip was fun, and I knew i was going to cheat– i don’t know if it was worth it to have to eat like a bird for 7 more days just to put me back where i was. If you’re considering a cheat day- planned– I would say don’t do it. Now that I have!
anyway, any peptalk or feedback would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Rina
ps didnt take shot today.
Rina: dont beat yourself up about it. I went on vacation 10 pounds lighter and cheated gained 5 and today I am back down to the orginal 10.5 in one week. You will be fine. I may do an apple day if I were you just to get going. You will lose a pound or so I would bet. I only lost .5 yesterday and I know why. I had fat free coffee mate and didnt drink enough water. I was starving yesterday. There are good days and bad days but the resetting of the metabolism is what is keeping me going. Stacy: I am concerned with you. I hope that does not happen to all of us. Everyone is saying that you keep the weight off so maybe your body was not ready for carbs. Lets keep our fingers crossed. Rina..you will lose it again guaranteed…keep trying and dont lose the momentum. Anyone else wondering…WHERE IS HARVEL? DID HE LEAVE US LIKE LES DID? Harvel..check in. We need you!
Day 2 of Phase IV report… down 1 lb since yesterday.
So, I decided to do an experiment. Instead of going back to no carb I continued to eat normally, with carbs, hoping to see my body normalize. And this morning I was down 1 lb again – within 2 lbs of my stasis weight. All in all, I’m pretty happy. My supposition is that because when the body gets carbs it does a few things: 1. Stores them in the liver (and since mine was empty of carbs it had to replenish) 2. When you eat carbs your muscles hold more water hence holding more weight, 3. I also ate late that first night.
Finally, I learned to just trust it and keep going. 🙂 Hope this helps others who are afraid to go into Phase IV.
Hi All,
If you have a SPECIAL OCCASSION & know in advance here is a PROTEIN DAY with a protocal you can do.
Or from time to time or every few weeks here is what you can do to enjoy & take a break.
Continue to do your drops or injections as normal
Day One (You can do just this ONE DAY before a CELEBRATION DAY)and THEN ONE DAY AFTER YOUR CELEBRATION DAY
2 hard boiled eggs a breakfast
4 oz. of chicken at lunch
8 oz. of chicken at dinner
My suggestion for flavoring is for the eggs put some paprika & a few other spices on them.
For the chicken I took the Southwestern Rub(what spices I had) along with paprika & poutlry seasoning or sage. This RUB was out of Linda’s book which is at Amazon for $19.95. Bake/Broil with the spices or steam then add spices.
Day Two
Eat your daily protocal with NO FRUIT & you can add veggies back in.
Day Three
Eat your daily protocal with fruit & veggies like normal.
Drink plenty of water UNLIKE the apple day
My experiecne was that the chicken with those spices tasted like stuffing; which I love. I was not hungry. You can also have the 8 oz. of chicken at lunch & 4 oz. for dinner. Or you can even have the chicken at breakfast(as I forgot to bring the eggs to work).
Let me know how this works for all & your suppose to be able to maintain your weight loss by doing this.
Hi all,
I asked about charlie horses about a week ago that I was having. Thank You to all who led me in the right direction; as I thought I needed potassiumm & had forgotten about the minerals. I am going to order some potassium & minerals today on line. I prefer the liquid ones as I believe they work better & faster. I found a reasonable priced viatmin place on line so I will check it out. Also besides the Smooth Move tea has anyone found anything else good for constipation?
Angelica yes I would like those differnet web links.
Thank You all.
PS Maggie & Jason did you see my message about the FREE drops for TEN DAYS?
And did you try them? Or has anyone else tried them?
Let me know how they worked out for you; if you did.
Thank you,
Karen
Karen, yes, I did see your comment about where to get the 12 day supply of drops. I placed an order, but have not yet received them yet. Thanks again !
Hillary and Everyone Else,
I’m here. Karen sent me an email asking about us. I sent her a long answer and suggested she copy it to this site for all of you rather than retype the whole thing.
Thanks for asking.
The last few days, I haven’t seen anything that needed what little help I can give. Some tough questions and some very good answers. I sort of feel like a teacher whose students have overtaken him and you surely have. Good job, everybody!
Harvel
Here is Harvel….
Karen,
Thanks for checking. We are doing fine. We had planned on a 23 day course, but when I took a look at the HCG we had left, I realized that we had enough for another week. So, we will be taking the last injection this coming Friday or Saturday. That puts us on maintenance on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, which in turn, puts us on a normal diet (whatever that is) in time to travel to Denver to be with our daughter and her daughter over Thanksgiving and then on to Wyoming to be with our son and his family. I love retirement! After the first of the year, we will take a look at the situation and decide whether or not to go back to the diet. I have, as of this morning, lost 55.5 pounds and Leslie has lost 37.5.
What is really exciting is that Leslie’s blood sugar is below 120, often below 110. That has been a struggle for us. I think (unscientifically) that her weight has broken down through an important barrier.
So, yes, we are doing well. I am not getting new blog postings through my email, so I have to go to the website and check out what is there. I often forget to do that. If you would like you may copy this note onto the website so other folks will know that I have not gone away and we’re doing fine.
Again, thanks for asking about us.
Harvel
I only have enough drops to MAYBE get me through tomorrow. I am hoping that my other drops will be here tomorrow or Tuesday.
If they are not here, what do I do? I had planned on being on phase 2 for at least 12 more days before I want to start phase 3.
Any recommendations will be helpful. Thanks Jason
Good Morning All
I wish I had read your post before sunday Jackie!!! For some reason I got the email notification TODAY!!
So, let me report that yesterday was my first day of phase 3. I only ate 1170 calories and this morning gained 1 pound!!!
Did I do anything wrong??? This is what I had
Breakfast= 2 hard boiled eggs and black coffee
Snack= Polyo 2% mozzarella stick cheese
Lunch= lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, 2 tbspoons of grated cheese, avocado w one lemon wedge and 3.5 oz of grilled chicken
Snack=one apple
Dinner- same as above but instead of having avocado, I used a TBspoon of olive extra virgin oil and had one apple
So, I don’t know what I did wrong? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciate it??
Jackie, I am going to try what you did and see if things lighten up a bit 🙂
Karen,
I sent you the Yahoo links through email.
Any one else needing the Yahoo links? One of the groups I found had allot valuable links and information. They had food calendars and calorie counters. I found most of the information very helpful. Some had a sample menu for a day. I needed that one.
Hello,
I have been pouring over pounds and inches and Kevin Troudeaux’s book after watching the success of several of my friends on the HCG diet. I also spent some time picking through the posts on this site and have come away with some great information and the answers to some of my questions. I started PhaseII on the 15th. I have lost several pounds so far. I haven’t experienced the hunger I’ve read many people do. Unfortunately, I am one of those people used to a low calorie diet and that is why I’ve packed on 25 extra pounds this year. I was skeptical, to say the least, but with the success of several of my friends I went ahead and tried it. I am on the mail order sublingual since the very small town I live in doesn’t offer any other options.
I do have one question that I’ve gotten so many different answers for, so I’m putting it to the forum. For the sublingual dose how long do I hold it under my tongue? What are the instructions others have received and the strategies for success? I am holding strong at a .5 to 1.0 lb weight loss per day from what I read on the forum that is pretty average, although I’d like to lose more 1-2 lbs a day. I’ve given up what I feel comfortable with in terms of personal care products but there are some things I won’t compromise on. I am looking for more organic choices, but it is difficult.
Thanks in advance for your help,
Meg
Jason,
What part of the country do you live in? I would call Ann on Tues. AM at the company & ask her what to do. They usually take 2-3 business days. So you will probably get them on Wed. to Thurs at the latest.
Otherwise,I would stick on the low calorie eating plan & maybe pick up some kinda of supplement at your local Health Food Store to curb appetite. I would ask the Health Food Store what is out there as there are a lot of products with lots of hype out there. That is what I would reccomend doing.
Karen
Meg,
I think it is two minutes under your tongue. I have been on them for over 6 weeks and only lost 23 lbs. I was not measuring right & I figured out a way to measure about two weeks ago. In two weeks I lost 18 inches. So remember it is not only weight & inches are good, too!
Best wishes to you,
Karen
Karen, I received my drops in the mail yesterday when I got home from work (sigh of relief!) I only had enough drops to get me through last night, so it was right on time!
For the past 4 days, I have been only losing .4 pounds a day, which is steady, I guess. This morning I was down 1 pound. 16.8 total in 19 days. Giddy Up !!
KellyR,
I think the body definitely goes through an adjustment when you move to Phase 3. I don’t think it is unusual that you gained a pound the first day. It should settle down. I also think you should be having more calories. Your body may think it is in starvation mode. My Dr. said not to count calories, just to avoid starch and sugar. That said, many of the posters here have been advised to eat around 1500 calories so that is what I aimed for the first week or so on Phase 3. After that I stopped counting, but “guesstimated” the calories and tried to eat healthy. I make most of my food from scratch and it’s tedious to figure out a per serving calorie count with all the ingredients, etc.
I continue to be 6 tenths of a pound more than my lowest weight (1.2 pounds less than my last dose weight) so I am very pleased. The two most helpful things that I do to keep my weight the same (or a little less) from one day to the next are to finish eating dinner by 6:30 pm and to go to bed at 10 pm. I usually break the rule on weekends (my “splurge” time) but get back on track during the week. This diet is truly a miracle. I feel great and encourage everyone to hang in there. It is definitely worth it. Good luck!
Thanks so much Jackie.
I am going to up my calories today. question? are you sticking to the allowable fruit from phase 2?
Thanks again for your input 🙂
I need some help!!! I have been at the same weight for about a week now and can not get over it. What can I do to past the hill that I am on? If anyone can help please do. Thanks. Jessica
Meg,
The instructions that I was given from the company where I purchased my drops from states to leave it under tongue for 2 minutes and not to eat or drink anything for another 20 minutes for best absorbtion. Hopes that helps!
One question for any one. I have some herbal tea at wk, but how can I tell for her it really is herbal?
Jessica,
If you’re on phase 2 you can try an apple day. It helped me when I was in a slump. Also try switching up your foods, if you’re eating the same proteins at lunch and dinner.
Anyone,
I start Phase 3 on Monday and I was wondering since it’s like Atkins can we eat pork rinds as long as there is no sugar. I am desperately wanting something crunchy. Day 37 down 25…
KellyR,
Yes, I ate the same fruit on Phase 3 as Phase 2. If I remember correctly, my Dr. said all fruit is allowed on Phase 3 except bananas, melons and grapes. I really like strawberries, apples and grapefruit (and they are all very portable if I’m on the run) so I stuck with those.
I’ve been on Phase 4 for a week today and I still haven’t varied the fruit. I plan on trying bananas soon, however. Even though I’m supposed to be able to be eating anything I’m being very careful. The things I’ve tried (with no ill effects) are black beans, corn, & barley (all in the same homemade Turkey Chili), one slice of pizza (including crust), 1 slice of homemade italian bread, multiple slices of low-carb homemade bread, Kashi cereal, a grilled reuben from a restaurant, and homemade apple pie). I still haven’t had pasta, potatoes, rice or other starchy foods. I’ve decided I’d rather have apple pie and the occasional homemade dessert. The next food I’ll try will be pasta.
I am experimenting with baking with stevia (with mixed results). So far, including stevia instead of sugar in apple pie recipes works great. On the other hand, my chocolate cake with stevia and almond flour needs more work. Good luck!
Hello all,
thanks for the words of wisdom Karen. I surprised myself on the scale today with a full 2lb weight loss overnight. I had added in green tea so I think that boosted. I wanted to post another question since I can’t seem to find the information in the literature. I have organic green tea that I drink, but there are so many flavors of organic green tea. Would that be OK? There are no additional nutrients added like sugar, carbs, etc. So it still looks like drinking water. What do ya’ll think about adding the pomogranite green tea for a bit of variety?
Thanks,
Meg
Hi All,
All teas I believe would be fine as long as there is not any form of sugar in it.
Jason I am glad your drops came ok. Stevia seems to work well when you only need a little bit of sugar in something. I made homemade mustard last weekend & it called for a cup of sugar & I USED STEVIA instead. It came out to malty vinegary or too mustard tasting.
I have not used stevia in baking yet.
Meg, good job. I think scales jump around too much if we are baloated(sp) so I try to not get hung up on them. Maybe it is because i am not a PERFECTIONIST on the scale digital or old fashion scale.
Enjoy the day all,
Karen
Here is a TIP that came to me TODAY
TODAY, I “chill”.
Right now, go find cooler spot. It could be someplace in the room where you are, perhaps closer to a door of a window or even step outside. Once you’ve found you spot, take a deep breath in. Let the cool air invigorate you. Every moment of cooler temperature is a signal to your body to increase your metabolism, so you’re producing more energy and burning more fat.
Another Tip
TODAY, I practice mindful eating.
Take a deep, relaxing breath as you pick up your food. Look at it for a few seconds. Smell it. Place it in your mouth and feel the texture. Now bite and chew slowly. That’s mindful eating — to savor the look, smell, texture, and taste of every bite. And it works! It had a huge impact on curbing chronic binge eating in a recent study.
Need suggestions…I am cycling around the same weight now for about 2 days. It happens to be the weight my body seems to be comfortable at so I know it is a plateau that i need to break. I have stuck to fish and chicken, switched veggies, need to drink more water I know but anything else…I also continue to be very hungry even with the drops. Any help? It is discouraging when you wake up and you have not lost when you spent the day hungry. I feel lighter but the scale is fooling with the same pounds. The green tea is a great suggestion. I am thinking of another apple day…
Meg: To tell the truth, I have been having trouble concentrating at work. It does subside. I figure I can handle anything for three weeks and do not want to compromise the momentum. Maybe more stevia instead of sugar? Dont know. Good luck…
This is the first time I have EVER posted anything on the internet. Started my load day last Saturday and in the 3 days of the VLCD I have lost 12 pound YEAH!!. I have ALOT of weight to lose (120lbs) but this seems to easy. Of course I haven’t been on it very long but I am finding several products from Walden Farms that seem to make this manageable.
I look forward to participating in this forum for support and great suggestions!!! Thanks for all your thoughts and ideas.
I need some suggestions also. Today is my 7th day of taking the HCG drops and my 5th day of VLCD (down 8lbs but have only lost an inch around hips and an inch around waist). I became so shakey and spacy that I couldn’t concnetrate on anything. I ate a large boiled shrimp for some protien and drank the yerba mate tea, but the shakey spacy feeling didn’t leave. I ate a bit of low sugar peanut butter cookie I was making for a party tonight. I felt much much better almost instantly. I’ve never had problems with blood sugar, or blood pressure. If that situation arises again what should I do? What are the expierences of the forum?
Thanks,
Megan
Tip for Today
Health Tip of the Day
“Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time”
Many people suffer from chronic constipation. To keep
your colon clean, eat a diet high in fiber, drink plenty
of fresh water, and ensure your diet contains plenty of
whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables
Hilary,
I have been around the same weight for over TWO WEEKS. I do not let it get to me because the inches are coming off. So check your INCHES & see what the differences are.
Meg,
In the beginning I believe it is WEIGHT OFF. Some it is water weight, too! Then once you get into the HCG Eating Plan it seems to switch to INCHES off & lots less weight off. Your weight will vacilate up & down a bit. At least that is how it has been for me. What is important is your feeling better & MOST of all LOOKING better in the eyes of the BEHOLDER(YOU).
Also to get more water down buy flavored STEVIA’S.
Enjoy the day,
Karen
Hi everyone. I am doing the shots and I did a 40 day and lost 28pounds, I am feeling great. I am on phase 3 and am finding it hard to eat more, I know that it is important to eat 1200 to 1500 hundred calories. I too at first started to feel disconnected and I read some where to take potassium 99mg. I took maybe 3 of these and it worked great and I never felt that way again.I have enjoy reading everyones insights.Good luck to all!!!
Meg,
Also if your hungry you might want to take an extra dose of drops. Maybe even 1/2 the normal dosage to curb the hunger & keep the hcg working in your system.
Karen
Thanks Karen,
I took a nap and i feel soo much better. I was so cloudy earlier that I didn’t even reach for an apple sittig right in front of me. I’m going to hit there store and stock up on more supplies. Next time I get that feeling I’ll remember to eat my apple.
I wonder if I’ll still see weightloss tomorrow after my indescretion. Oh well, I’ve figured it out and I’m back on track.
Thanks,
Meg
Carrie,
Congratulations! Losing 12 pounds in 3 days is a great start. This diet is so great in so many ways. I found it very easy to follow and there is no other diet that allows you to lose so much weight, so quickly and to keep it off. Good luck and welcome!
Thanks Jackie, Day 4 and 14 lbs. My husband is impressed and wants to do this with me. He is a large man 6’3″ 367 lbs and delivers products which is semi physical should I increase his calories or start him out on 500 calories and see how he tolerates it?
Health Tip of the Day
“Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time”
A healthy substitute for soda pop is to combine some
fresh squeezed juice with sparkling natural mineral water.
Carrie – That’s a great idea to do the diet with someone. I did it with my daughter and it made it a lot easier because we supported each other. According to Dr. Simeons Protocol the diet is basically the same for everyone. The 500 calories stays the same but some people take more or less of the hcg (within a range). For example, my daughter was hungry on the initial dose the Dr. told her to take so he increased her dose. But I was fine on the lower dose. Good luck!
Meg – According to Dr. Simeons Protocol, turkey is not allowed. If you feel like a turkey burger, I’d just use chicken, which is allowed. Dr. Simeons did alot of research in connection with his protocol and found that certain foods (while a similar in calories) did not have the same weight producing effect (chemical reaction maybe?) I don’t know, but when I was on the diet I stuck precisely to the allowable foods. I lost 30 pounds in about 50 days (but I did take a week off towards the end of the diet which set me back some). Maybe others feel differently, but I felt I should follow the Protocol exactly. Good luck!
Hello All,
I have another question to put to the forum. In the literature I received from HCGDrirect I can have a turkey burger, but from the various websites I have noticed they say NO turkey. I was wondering if anyone has tried Turkey cutlets or ground turkey in Phase 2 the VLCD.
Thanks,
Megan
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Jackie – did you stay on the diet for a straight 50 days? Congratulations on your loss.
Also, what is being used for a laxitive? Is it unusual only to go about once a week?
One last thing. A friend and I are on this together. She is one week ahead of me and has lost 8 more pounds than I have. She has a job in which she is moving all day, and up and down stairs a lot. I have a desk job so sit a lot and must admit I sit a little too much at home on the computer :-). Would these lifestyles make a difference in weight loss? Wondering if I would start walking, or adding a little exercise would help. Any ideas!!!
Thanks
Joan
They now have indoor walking tapes. Actually, it looks like the indoor walking tapes have been around a long time. Also I am taking a NIA class. You can look up Nianow on the internet to see; if that is a class you might be interested in. They have them all over the country.
Enjoy the day,
Karen
Joan: Constipation is a problem. Right now I am drinking Smooth Move an herbal tea that was recommended here on the blog and in the books I bought. I am facing my final week on phase 2. I am somewhat discouraged as I have not at all cheated and have been hovering around the same damn two pounds. I was hoping to have a 20 lb loss by the end of the phase but I might not make it. Any suggestions aside from an apple day? Unfortunately I did not measure myself before I started or I might not have felt so glum. All the best..I still think this is the best diet around. One more thing…is it possible to be using too many drops?
Recipe: I took a chicken breast, soaked it in the tsp of milk we are allowed to have and crushed grissini bread sticks very fine. I breaded it and put it in a non stick pan. Delicious!!
Carrie: I would not sacrifice the weight loss for Walden Farms. With all that I read, I think you may be sabotaging yourself. Stick with what is protocol. I never used anything out of the way because you not only want to lose, you want to reset your metabolism. And, if you start adding different products and chemicals, you may be compromising the full effect of the reset.Just my opinion. Continued good luck to all.
I am writing again because I am both frustrated and angry. I have gained a pound since yesterday without cheating. It is beyond words. I feel hungry all the time and now this. PLEASE someone….any advice???
Hillary- wonder if it is a full moom. LOL! I was down a pound yesterday and up a pound today. Go figure! I did forget one fruit yesterday…would that have done it? Other than that,I have stuck to it very closely and my weight has come off very slowly and it is frustrating because my friend is loosing like crazy. I guess I just need to try to keep my spirits up and stay with it. Some weight loss is better that gaining like I had been before I started. As far as being hungry…how many drops are you taking? Some people add a couple more when they start to get hungry. Not sure what to do!
Dear Joan: I am thinking it is the water but not sure…I have not been drinking enought so I will make an effort today. I may be taking too many drops and that could be my problem, too. Anyway, the black cloud is not lifting today so far. I don’t know why yours is slow it should be fast in the beginning. Are you at the weight that your body has been comfortable for awhile? That could be it too. If by tomorrow, I have not budged, I will be doing an apple day. I baked alot of apples yesterday so I am prepared. Keep your spirits up…it is worth it….
Jackie,
I had read that no turkey was allowed in the literature, but was surprised when the HCG Company sent information stating that ground turkey was permitted. Got a little confused. Your advice was what I thought too, stick to the original protocol. Thanks for your thoughts,
Megan
Hi Everyone,
This is suppose to be a great FREE tele CALL. You do not need to sign up for the PAID class either….
Kathy does workshops all over the USA too!
It is at 7:00PM on Tuesday Evening October 27 2009.
You might get some good ideas from a PSYCHOLOGICAL POINT OF VIEW.
Enjoy,
Karen
http://www.inside-answers.com/classes/why-weight.html
Joan,
I was on sublingual hcg (but not the homeopathic) so my Dr. sayds it does not have an immunity issue. I was on it for 36 days, took a break of about a week or so, then was on it for another 20 days.
I was wondering if anyone has caught a cold while on the HCG injections, and if there is anything that you can take to help with a terrible night time cough, seems like everything has sugar
Good Morning, Everyone,
I figured that an update on where my wife and I are and what our progress has been with this diet would be appropriate. First of all, we started the first round (40 doses) on July 1st. We went through the entire process: HCG-VLCD, no HCG-VLCD, Phase 3, “Normal Diet,” and went back on the HCG-VLCD for another 4 weeks (We went solo and had enough HCG left for another week.). For the most part, we stuck pretty closely to the original Dr. Simeons protocol.
The most gratifying thing has been the drop in my wife’s blood sugar numbers. For the last 22 days, that number has been under 120 mg/dl—and it has been under 100 for 8 of those 22 days. I had read that obesity is a major contributor to insulin resistance (Type 2 diabetes), but did not believe it until I actually saw it. Just for comparison, her blood sugar was generally 160 or above with occasional spikes to as high as 210—truly dangerous.
Over the course of the last 120 days or so, my wife has lost a total of 31.3 pounds and I have lost 59.9. (Dang, I was hoping for a nice round 60!) In the early stages, we had difficulty finding the right combination of HCG dose and foods for my wife since we were also trying to control her blood sugar or her weight loss might have been greater. None-the-less, she is now wearing clothes and shoes that she could not even think of wearing when we started this thing. She’s wearing 12’s where she was wearing 16’s. I have seen my waist go from an estimated 49” (just to be kind) to almost 40”. My blood pressure has dropped to nearly normal and my pulse rate is down; and that’s without exercise.
We are on the last day of the VLCD. Tomorrow starts Phase 3. Cream in my coffee again, praise Heaven! Today I’ll go shopping. Avocados, bacon, eggs, cheese, cream… We will finish Phase 3 just a day or so before we leave for Denver to spend the holiday with family. We plan to take a look at the situation after the first of the year and decide whether to go back on the diet or not. We probably will since we both have more we can lose.
As usual, I get diarrhea of the keyboard. I’ll say a couple more things and then stop. What is probably as important as the actual weight loss is that we have learned what and how much to eat. We have selected the South Beach Diet to follow, more or less, for our “normal” diet in the future. Neither of us expects to ever have a weight problem again. And, if we do notice “scale creep,” we know what to do about it. Daily weighing has become a part of our lives.
Finally, I’m not writing all this to brag (OK, maybe a little bit), but to encourage all of you to stick with it. The darned thing works. I’m not going to try to tell you that it was always easy, or that we didn’t hit some rough spots. In the end, it all worked out.
Harvel
Would anyone feel like they could share a reputable source for sublingal HCG pills? I am a flight attendant and need to go that direction over the shots. Sounds like they are working for some of you. Also do the drops need to be refrigerated if not that would work?
Thanks for the help
Deborah
I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for the encouragement of this blog. None of you really responded to my questions when I had them but I still found a lot of useful stuff on here. I am on my first day of Phase 3 and had a cheese and bacon omelet for breakfast!!! Amazing!! I went from 156.6 to 135.2 for a grand total on 21.4 lbs lost! I feel amazing..I haven’t weighed this since i was a teenager. I agree with Harvel that there were some rough patches but in the end every single minute was worth it! Even sitting at my favorite Italian restraunt watching 12 people eat what I couldn’t have..lol. Keep on keeping on guys..it’s worth it!
I am grateful for the encouragement today. I am still stuck with the same two pounds that feels like forever. I am on an apple day today and I am hoping it will break the plateau and I will be on my way. I cant wait to finish. I know it will all be worth it in the end. Thanks to this blog I was able to see it through and not even think about cheating.
Awesome Harvel!!!
Great to hear from you again!!! We missed you 🙂
I am soooooo glad that you are back and congratulate you and your wife on an awesome journey. Thank you for all your help, insight and suggestions. I for one, would have been a complete disaster but, for your insight. I am too on phase 3 and trying to maintain equilibrium between the 2 lbs rule. Can’t wait for phase 4 and to start again this process for one more round.
To everyone else, please remain encouraged and continue to press forward.
Hi All,
Great news to Harvel & his wife along with Danielle. I just wanted to let Deborah Barron know where to purchase the drops. On around Oct. 11th at the bottom of page 28 I posted where to get the FREE DROPS for 12 days. So go look there & you will find out more about the FREE DROPS. Here is the info 636-634-2500 & ask for Ann. Please let me know you received the info, ok. No to refrigeration…
Everyone else I will get back on later in the week & catch up with all.
Thank you,
Karen
Karen, thanks for the reply. Where do you buy your flavored Stevia. I checked out the Nia video’s and it really looks like fun. I live in a very small town and have about 60 miles to drive to get to health food stores, classes, even a good grocery store. I am going to check to see if I can buy a Nia video somewhere.
Hillary, where do you buy the Smooth Move tea? How many drops are you taking? How did your apple day go? I am thinking about doing one. Still dropping very, very slow.
Thanks everyone!
Joan
Joan,
I got my Stevia at vitacost.com. You can go there to try different ones. They work great in water. You can buy the NIA DVD’s straight from NIA for a fair price. Hard to find them anywhere else except maybe EBAY. You might check at Vita for the tea or most health food stores, too!
Apple Day.
Eat normal breakfast.
Then from lunch thru breakfast the next day have 6 medium apples and only water when thirsty.
You might want to check out my protein day on here, too! Just follow day one, only. And drink plenty of water, too on a protein day.
Gotta run to work,
Karen
Apple day went fine…dropped one whole pound this morning. I hope I broke the plateau. I have done two apple days and I find it is easier to do when you are NOT at work.
Joan- are you near a Whole Foods Market? They have most of the flavored Stevia as well as the Smooth Move tea and have one other organic tea that works even better.
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/
I am feeling as if the last few days parallels the last few days of pregnancy. Restless to begin eating some food again yet knowing it is all worth it in the end.
Karen: Where is your protein day? do you remember the date and why did you do it?
Hillary-I hope you brode the plateau also. Keep with it. Checked out the market and there is one in Omaha-yeah I will be there in about a week. Will have to check it out. Thanks!
Karen,
Thanks so much for the info. I will be taking advantage of those drops and trying them next week on a trip I have to take.
Deb
Hilary,
SEE BELOW
I had posted this for you the eve before you went on your vacation. I wonder if you recall seeing it. Anyone who wants to can do this at Thanksgiving….
Karen
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Hi Hilary,
Here is the PROTEIN eating plan. If you or anyone have further questions feel free to email me at ksrosie2@verizon.net. I do not get on here everyday like I would like to. Where are you going? No one has notice my weight loss either. Maybe it is because the RESULTS show up differently on this HCG eating plan. Or is it because I have not switched to smaller size clothes yet & the ones I have been wearing daily are the same ones since before I started loosing weight. Or is it society does not compliment us; because they want to be careful what or how they say it. For example I am almost a year in a new job & no one has said a word is it because they do not know me well enough or what? Meanwhile, it is between our very own selves and our higher power. I have not been around any of my regular friends in awhile so maybe they will notice. LOL I still do have my stomach; however all my other body part look less. Also remember it is not always in the scale. This plan is called Pounds & Inches.
Please if you have any questions or feel like you do not have an answer feel free to call Ann at http://www.hcgliquid.com.
The Protein Day Suggestion from Ann at http://www.hcgliquid.com
If you have a special day from time to time or every few weeks here is what you can do to enjoy.
Continue to do your drops or injections as normal as well as DRINK your water like you are suppose to.
Day One (You can do just this ONE DAY before a CELEBRATION DAY) then REPEAT this the DAY AFTER YOUR CELEBRATION & then do DAY 2 & DAY 3
TWO hard boiled eggs at breakfast
4 oz. of chicken at lunch
8 oz. of chicken at dinner
My suggestion for flavoring is for the eggs put some paprika & a few other spices on them.
For the chicken I took the Southwestern Rub(what spices I had) along with paprika & poutlry seasoning or sage. This RUB was out of Linda’s Pristners book which is at Amazon for $19.95. Bake/Broil with the spices or steam then add spices.
Day Two
Eat your daily protocal with NO FRUIT. you can eat VEGGIES.
Day Three BACK TO YOUR PROTOCAL
Eat your daily protocal with fruit & veggies like normal.
If you are taking a SPECIAL DAY off for any kind of CELEBRATION(I did for Yom Kippur because we have a great light dinner every year at our Temple at sundown)
Then repeat the next three days of the protein protocal.
My experiecne was that the chicken with those spices tasted like stuffing; which I love. I was not hungry. You can also have the 8 oz. of chicken at lunch & 4 oz. for dinner. Or you can even have the chicken at breakfast(as I forgot to bring the eggs to work). While my weight seemed to stay the same from Sunday AM weigh in till Wed. AM weigh in my pants were looser between Tues. to Wed. Also since I fasted on Monday with only drinking water & still taking the drops I was never hungry on Monday. When it came time to eat evern though I was not that hungry I indulged. On Tuesday as I did the Protein Day I got a little tired(probably from the fast day) & did have an urge for chocolate. LOL Under mormal conditions; because I took a celebration day I would have gone off the eating plan. However, since I know my commitment & I had PLANNED for the Eating Celebration Day it was so easy to get back on track.
Let me know your thoughts,
Karen
Deborah,
I will be excited to hear how you do & be sure to let Ann know I told you to call. Her number is 636-634-2500. She is a great person & expert to ask about the protocal. Plus she will not let you off the phone till she is sure you understand any question you ask her.
An Update on Myself to share with all.
Keep telling myself….Remember it is INCHES too! About every ten days I have a day that comes up for something special. I just do the PROTEIN DAY;(see above post for) as I feel that once I get off the drops in about three months it will be a good way to approach my new eating style. The weight fluctuates and today I am down 25 lbs from starting on September 6th after my load days. What is really coming off is the inches. Mainly, I want to look & feel better. That is about .5 lbs a day so I feel like I am on track. At 5 ft today I am also now classified as overweight instead of obese. YEAH! So it is a Milestone Day for me TODAY. I am also going to invest in a class to get to the root of my eating issues. Like the Rewards & when I am not feeling good why I choose to eat. This will really help me once I get to my goal weight of loosing 60-63 lbs. I am not going to race through this plan either & do my best to not let the scale get in my way.
HERE is the website of the person who teaches the class. Her name is Kathy & I believe she does tele seminars worldwide. Wouldn’t it be fun to all do one with her together as we get to the root of our eating issues.
http://www.Inside-Answers.com
I believe our new style of eating & her Kathy’s tele seminar would be like a marriage of ourselves for each of us.
Meanwhile, everyone keep up the great work.
Karen
Hello everyone. I have been off this site for awhile, I hope everyone is doing well.
I am on day 31, and have lost 23.6 pounds; been using drops. I have been eating grilled chicken, cucumber, apple and melba toast for about 95% of those 31 days.
Coffee, tea and lots of water too.
Today I ate a piece of salmon, since a couple sites I have visited said it would be ok. I am thinking that this is false info, due to the high fat in salmon. Am I going to see adverse effects from eating the salmon? Has anyone eaten salmon on HCG?
ANother question: I am going to be starting phase 3 in about a week. Once again, I have been finding some sites that say that you can eat certain things that like this site say you can’t.
Does anyone have a good sample menu of foods to eat on phase 3??
THanks to all – Jason-
Another question about phase 3 –
It states to not eat any sugar, or artifical sweeteners, but a little stevia would be allowed. Has anyone used those sugar-free coffee syrups that use splenda? (da vinci brand, etc) or even diet sodas with splenda???
THanks again !!! Jason-
Harvel,
Congratulations on your and your wife’s success, that’s so great! Have fun with your family and please check back after the first of the year. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we appreciate your insights. I also agree that this diet really works. I feel confident I will not have a weight problem again. The weighing every day is important as well as the portion education received on this diet.
I have been telling everyone I know what a great diet the hcg diet is. I have been on Phase 4 for more than 2 weeks now and I find myself craving the healthy choices rather than having a desire to go back to french fries, etc. I continue to maintain my weight about 1 to 1.5 pounds less than my last dose weight. While I am cutting back on bread (I was a bit of a pizza queen), I have been able to have 2 glasses of wine with dinner with no problem. I find myself eating more vegetables and fruits than I did before.
Good luck everyone!
Jason,
You really should use stevia instead of the artificial sweeteners like splenda. They are not good for you and they make you gain weight. I love stevia and find it tastes really good. Try different brands so you can see which one you like best. I like the Sweetleaf Stevia Plus (in packets) and the stevia liquids (which come in different flavors). NOW brands also has a plain liquid stevia which is good. When I was on Phase 3 I only had stevia, and now that I’m on Phase 4 I also avoid sugar. Since I like stevia, (and it’s healthy for you) I find it is easy to do. Good luck!
Jason,
Good to hear from you again. 23.6 pounds in 31 days is Great!
From a purist standpoint (Dr. simeons’ original protocol) the salmon was a no-no. He specifies non-oily fish such as “whitefish” like cod, halibut, hake, red snapper, flounder and the like. Stay away from all smoked fish, salmon, tuna, trout and eel, among others. Shrimp, crab and lobster are OK.
When you get to Ph3, you can eat any fish you want. The changes for Ph3 are to add fats and oils to the diet. You can eat any vegetables (except the real sweet ones like carrots), all fruits except the real sweet ones like watermellon and other mellons, peaches and others. You can mix your vegetables. You can add cheese, butter, olive oil, coconut oil, bacon, eggs and heavy whipping cream. Oh, and nuts–but watch the starch content. We went for Brazil nuts, pecans, almonds, almond butter, and walnuts (less than an ounce total for the day)
Stay away from sugar and starches (basically anything made from cereal grains or potatos) of all kinds.
Sounds like what you are doing is working. I wouldn’t change a thing.
As far as the sodas are concerned, I think any commercial soda should be treated like toxic waste (personal opinion). Why would you drink something that can strip the paint off a car? We have fallen in love with carbonated mineral water and flavered stevia (Sweet Leaf Brand). It tastes good, it doesn’t have all the stuff in it and it’s all natural.
Harvel
Question…I bought some gum today at a health food store that is sugar free, non-gmo and gluten free. It is sweetened with 100% al-natural Xylitol. Does anyone know if this is safe to chew on any of the phases?
Joan,
For what it is worth, Xylitol is an alcohol that is derived from a particular form of sugar. I suspect that it would be metabolized as sugar in the body. I would restrict it’s use to Ph4 when you can eat sugar and starches.
Harvel
My natureopath said it was safe to chew the xylitol gum. I have been chewing it off and on. On my 60 day tpday/ Down 29 pds. I am 53 and take hormones which makes this a slower weight loss than many I have followed on this blob. I am still thrilled. My Naturopath also clams that you do not build an intolerance to the HCG. You will find many different thoughts on protocal out there.
Deb
I just started 5 days ago and have lost 5 lbs. My list does not include broccoli or radishes……I would love to have more veges to choose from. Is anyone eating these 2 veges and losing weight?
If you go over your 500 calories and exercise, will that help continue with weight loss?
Hi Jackie
I am on p4 with a weight loss of 20 pounds. After 6weeks on p 4 I am starting to crawl up l lb a week Why? I thought I had it licked! However I don’t want to discourage any one- I am a insulin dependent diabetic so that may be why-Any thoughts?Harvel? I thought I had it licked.
I just began ph3 yesterday.I finally broke my plateau and got down 14.5 pounds. I was really thrilled. So yesterday I ate 3 eggwhites and one yolk with a lean piece of ham an apple and then a salad with a drop of feta cheese and a small piece of fish. I am up 2 pounds. I just dont get it. Does anyone have any suggestions? I thought I would at least maintain. I dont want to discourage anyone but I really thought you could begin to eat normally and still maintain the loss. Please, someone, weigh (no pun intended) in on this. Thanks a million
Hello all!
It has been awhile since I’ve posted.
I did great. Lost 35 pounds on two rounds of the diet. Maintain that for 4 months.
Now I had cervical disk surgery. And this ruined all my efforts. Hard to say, because I am physically feeling so much better. Still home recuperating.
But, the ruined efforts came from several things:
Steroids – given in IV in hospital and then at home for 14 days. Yuck
Quit smoking – enough said
Only eat liquids and soft foods. No veggies or fruit allowed for 2 weeks.
Not moving enough. Housebound, Cautious to let this heal.
So, with all those things, gained about 13 pounds 🙁
I have already ordered the drops again. Wish me luck. Everything else in life is great!
Debbie
Dear Meg,
I was dreading those 3 days without the HCG but, one week before it I started talking to myself and prepping myself for it. Meaning…that part of this battle is psychological..you have held strong so far…so you can do three days without it. I had no problem with it because I kept up with my water and spread the food and fruits throughout the day. Also, my friend emptied the drop dispenser filled it with water and would give herself drops to i guess psych herself out. It worked for her too. Either way, you can do it. Hope all goes well.
Debbie,
sorry to hear about your recent health struggle and gain but, look at it this way, you have been through a lot and given your circumstances you could have gained more. So be encouraged and continue to press forward. We are rooting for you 🙂
Hello All,
I have another question. I am down about 11lbs, but stalled for about a week. Still, it averages about .75 of loss a day. I’ll take that with a big smile. I’ve got another 14 days on the VLCD and I would like for someone to tell me how they felt on the last 3 days of the VLCD when they weren’t taking the drops. I have noticed the drops seem to hold off the physical hunger so I am a bit nervous about losing that crutch.
Just to share this observation with those on P2. The more green tea I drink the more weight I seem to lose.
Good luck to all,
Meg
thank you Kelly!
I am new here and to the hcg diet.I loved David’s success story,tips and encouragement.Today is day 1 of the 500 calorie diet. Hoping I will do well cuz I have a lot of weight to lose (80-90lbs)and for once in my life I would like to be a success story.
I plan on doing a 40-day or 45-day round,however it goes, but I’m still not clear on the waiting period to start another round. After the 3weeks off/phase 3 can I start back the hcg or do I HAVE to wait the 6weeks b4 starting another round?
Kellly R,
Thanks for the words of wisdom. I’ve already decided to pre-cook my meals and leave them sectioned out for the day in the fridge. Strawberry here or piece of shrimp there when I get hungry. I also plan to hit my gym’s heat sauna since that makes me not want to eat also. The green tea and yerba mate also helps to curb hunger. I guess since I’ve gotten so used to this phase I’m worried about change. You are right. Ive done great so far and I’m the only person that can mess it up!
Thanks,
I appreciate the pep talk.
I am on my first round of the HCG and I am on day 17 and have lost 24 pounds. My husband is on day 10 and has lost 23 pounds. In the study it says the maximum to lose is 34 pounds and then go to phase 3 for a minimum of 21 days. Has any one stayed on it for 40 days even though they had lost the recommended 34 pounds?
This is amazing for the fist time in my life I feel like I can succeed at something.
Good luck to everyone!! Thanks in advance for the response.
Hello,
Hope everyone is losing on their HCG challenge. I am quite pleased. I just broke into the high 130’s! I haven’t been there since my early 20’s! I really only have 10-15 lbs to go. I just got a new scale that measures weight (of course), percentage of water, percentage of muscle mass, bone density, and percentage of body fat. I was wondering if someone knows about the percentage of water and bone density. Where can I go to find what a good range for my age is? There was no literature with the scale to indicate targets. I seem to be at a loss on Google. Just a nudge in the right direction would be helpful.
I am 19 days in and have lost 12lbs and my friend started same day is down 20! I have never had a more effective diet.
Thanks,
Meg
Hi,
It sounds like everyone is doing well.
Lisa, If you are on the drops I believe you can keep going. I have been on them since September 4th & loss about 27 lbs or so. I plan do be on them through the first of the year or longer as I still want to loose 33 lbs or so. I do not weigh everyday either. I take a special day out from time to time & do special protein days before & after my speical day.
Meg, your scale sounds interesting What brand is it? you might want to check with your Gynegologist for the bone denisty info.
Good night all,
Karen
Karen,
Taylor Health is the maker of the fancy scale. It was at Target for 49.99. Weight Watcher’s makes one as well for a bit less, but it wasn’t as pretty as the glass and stainless of the Taylor Health.
Does anyone have recommendations for constipation relief other than the smooth move tea? The tea works a little too well for me. I was wondering if there were any other suggestions out there.
I’m 15 down and only have about 8 more to go for this round. I see the end. Hopefully, my husband will do the next round with me. Although, I’m sure I will be jealous of how fast and how much he will lose.
I tried the warm cinnamon grapefruit last night. It was really good. I didn’t think I would like it, but it is my favorite!
I’m still amazed every day by how much I used to overestimate the amount of food I was eating. Now that I’ve gotten a scale and I fanatically weigh everything I have a MUCH better idea of how much I’m eating. To all of the new HCG’ers out there: I strongly suggest you make that purchase. I don’t think I’d be as successful without it.
Good Luck to all,
Meg
Harvel…thanks for the information on the gum…guess I will wait till Phase 4. Just a couple more questions. Can you have as much stevia in one day as you want or should you limit it? Has anyone thought about going on the Weight watchers diet? I lost 60 lbs on it several years ago but quit smoking 2 1/2 years ago and needless to say, have put most of it back on. This diet has been great for me. I am down 25 lbs and have another 35 to go. I am almost 60 yrs. old so it has been a real challange.
Meg…how do you fix the warm cinnamon grapefruit…sounds good.
Jackie…could you please post the Mashed Cauliflower recipe…sounds wonderful!
Thanks to all…..
Joan
I finished P2 on Tuesday, and am continuing the 3 extra days of the VLCD as instructed before I move onto P3.
My question is about milk. It says that you can drink milk now, but it doesn’t specify what kind. Skim, 1%, 2% or whole ?? Skim has more sugar in it. Do we have to drink whole them, since it is fattier??
Harvel, thanks for the info. I went to the organic store and bought some almond butter so I can eat some of that with apples for a snack.
I ended up losing 29.3 pounds in P2 (34 days). Thanks to all on this site for the tips, info and encouragement !!
Like Joan said, Jackie, could you post your cauliflower mashed recipe ??
Thanks Jason-
Joan,
I improvised a bit from what the cookbook said. I peeled the grapefruit and halfed it. I put a splash of water in the bottom of the bowl sprinkled cinnamon and stevia over the grapefruit (a little goes a long way) stuck in the microwave for a minute. Then eat! Remember a half a grapefruit is one fruit serving.
If you are a Trudeau follower then you have to bake it in the oven and not use the microwave. There are some things I just won’t give up, but I do use it much less than before.
Very Yummy!
Thanks All,
Meg
Hi Meg: The same thing happened to me. I got so frustrated I almost quit. I got more and more hungry too. I stayed the same for the last few days. I did an apple day and it did yield a pound. I would recommend it to jumpstart again. I found the apple day was better on a day that I didnt work. I also did baked apples that day. Little water and stevia and cinnamon. Tastes like apple pie.
I am happy to say I am on the maintenance phase. I have introduced lots of different foods and find I dont have the same cravings or appetite that I did before. A scoop of tuna and salad fills me for the whole day. I am going up and down a pound and then I lose and I am up and down a different weight.I am still losing inches like crazy. I feel great.So everyone out there, this is without a doubt the best diet out there. I have never ever lost weight like this and I have never lost inches like this. I feel 20 years younger. Good luck to all.
Hello,
I have another question to put to the forum, specifically the long timers. When I first started the homeopathic sublingual drops I was losing 1- 2 sometimes 3 lbs a day. Now, I am down to .8, .4, and .4 pounds the last three days. I know this is still more than I would ever loose on another diet, but I was wondering if I can jumpstart back to my more rapid weight loss. I’ve only got 8 more pounds to my goal. I’d like to get it done quickly. Is this when I should do an apple day? One more piece of the puzzle is that my time of the month is due. Should I just wait it out? I’d feel better if I could actually DO something.
Thanks for any advice!
Meg
I just started my drops friday…today is sunday and im down 4 pounds…i tried to read all these posts and just got overwhelmed with info…..my goal is to make it to the 23 days(although i have 40day supply)i found all this on my own and have no drs in my area that offer this…so…i need hcg for dummies book…what is phase 2, 3, 4..and where do i find them…please help…its going ok, my major trouble is the water..i dont drink coffee, and i only drank mdonalds sweet tea LOL….this stevia..man is a joke..id rather not have any..i think im going to have to find a glass of tea and cheat with a splenda..i must have some caffeine to keep me alive…again help me with the next phases, so i can get my 50 pounds off………….thanks in advance
Hi Meg,
Good job. You go gal! I would just keeping doing the drops. Remember it is inches too & how many pieces of clothing no longer fit you.
Hillary,
It sounds like your doing great! I am glad to hear your still loosing inches.
Karen
Kristi,
There are only three phases unless you do a detox program first. So you are in phase 1. Here is what Ann sent me for Phase 2 & 3 from hcgliquids website. Have you tried flavored stevias? I like the SweetLeaf brand best. They make a huge difference in water. Also consider adding fresh squeezed lemon, lime or orange to your water. Also they sell the wonderful LOCK IN DROPS at hcgliquids website too! They are out of MO.
When you reach your desired weight you stop the drops and immediately start phase 2. You will eat the same foods as you did on the HCG but eating no more cereal, bread or milk. You have no initial calorie restrictions. Your hunger should begin to increase about a half day after stopping the drops and you eat to satisfy that hunger. You may begin taking the Lock In drops, 9 drops under the tongue three times per day, avoiding meals and water just like with the HCG drops. Weigh yourself a couple of times a week and if you go up cut back on the calories you are eating. You may go down in weight with no calorie adjustment. You stay on the lock in for 23 days. After the 23 day lock in you gradually add in 1. fats 2. breads and pasta 3. sugar over a period of 2 or 3 weeks. You should weigh yourself once per week and adjust your calories according to your weight. Many people continue to lose weight on the lock in and you will worry for a couple of months after that period about weight gain but it rarely happens so try not to worry too much.
Best wishes to you Kristi & everyone else…
Karen
Muriel – The first week or so of Phase 3 my weight bounced around quite a bit but I usually could point to something that I did. For example, maybe I ate late (after 7 or 8 at night or I had carbs or bit of a dessert). If I had a weight gain I would exercise a little more the next day and go back to the diet food (but in larger quantities) and I would avoid carbs as much as possible. For example, chicken breast or lean steak with vegetables or a salad (no bread). It’s also important to have a big breakfast because it jump starts your metabolism. I usually have eggs and maybe fruit with cream or bacon (but I try not to have bacon more than 2 or 3 times/week).
Joan – the Cauliflower “Mashed Potatoes” recipe is below. It is really delicious.
1 head of cauliflower
2 to 4 tablespoons butter
salt and pepper to taste
freshly chopped italian parsley
Cut cauliflower and steam for about 5 minutes (or until a knife pierces easily).
Drain, then puree in food processor. Add butter and salt and pepper to taste and pulse a couple of times. Put in a bowl with fresh parsley sprinkled on top. Serve as you would mashed potatoes. It also reheats really well and tastes good reheated in oven with parmesean cheese sprinkled on top. Enjoy!
Hello,
Any quick tips?
I just had surgery, received a lot of steroids for healing, and quit smoking. After losing 34+ pounds and keeping it off over 4 months, I am up 14 pounds.
I rush ordered the drops. Did injections before.
Any tips? 5 drops 6 times a day or 10 drops 3 times a day? does it matter? Take potassium and B12? when? I’m a little nervous because i haven’t had much time to prepare. Worked hard on the load days, since many of these things I’ve given up for life.
Happy to be smoke free for 3 weeks now! Happy to have my cervical issues fixed and feeling good! Happy to still be down on my weight BUT I want it all and I want it off!
Any advice, recipes, tips are appreciated. Did my two load days and start the VLCD tomorrow.
Thanks,
Debbie
Hello Fourm,
I wanted to update my progress. I have decided to move onto phase III as my weightloss has slowed and I am getting too frustrated. I plan to come back to Phase II at the beginning of next year. Today is my last day of VLCD with drops, so I have 3 days of VLCD with no drops, then onto 11- 1500 calories with no startch or sugars. I have lost 15lbs total for 25 days of drops. I am quite happy with my progress.
As I go into the next phase I have a question to post to the fourm and I’d like as many opinions as possible. What is the difference between natural, all natural, organic, and certified organic? I am going to try to make as many switches as possible and would like to know what to look for in that label.
Thanks for all of the help and support,
Meg
Hi all,
I am on my second day of Phase 4! And I have kept eating like phase 3. Too afraid to introduce carbs. Anyone know where I can get a list of Glycemic index. I would appreciate it if anyone can direct me to a website. Thank you.
Meg,
Your best definitions will be found by looking on the internet & understanding it to the best of your abilities. Do know that in my mind & eyes I only consider something ALL Natural in a food or body care products that does not have any chemicals in it, no colorings, fake sugars, paraben, methyl paraben, petroleoum, alcohol, preservatives & more. We each have to define it to the best of our abilities & for what is healthy for our bodies on the inside & out.
Kelly,
I would put in a search on the internet for the Glycemic Index or go to the library or a book store. Or maybe check with a Doctor as well.
Enjoy the day,
Karen
karen, thanks alot i googled flavord stevia, came to amazon….so i just happened to go to the coop today..never thought id would step foot in a place like that…i got nustevia…much better same thing, no sugar and its a malodex something….gets rid of the bitter…and i bought a bottle of vanilla drops(not sweetleaf)the other popular brand..THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR the flavors..i would have never thought that existed..i went to the hcgliguid.com(i think thats where you said to go)..i noticed with there drops, they have 2…one is mediral..whats that…….and lastly cuz you seem to have alot of educated answeres…….has anyone noticed a great deal of hair loss…..nothing for me yet, but i was on a diet many many many years ago..and it was something that happened..thinning out………..and i thought about that in the shower this morning…the first time i notice it, i think that will make me call it quits….i have to get my hair colored in 2 days..on diet at that point for 6 days, and i know it will set me back on the scales, but its a chance i have to take
Debbie,
i do my drops 6 drops 6 six times a day..i was told it best to have drops more thoughout the day, than not….like instead of just 3 times a day….of course..it took me a day to find out what the size of a drop was..i have no kids anything so ive never had to give or take anything from a dropper…i think day one and two, mine were rain drops….lol
k so lets just it all out in the open…..friday my first 500 day…ate 8 ounces of cukes for lunch…threw up later..felt so sick….skipped dinner and slept for 12 hours…body prob rejected the color green..it only recalls green as in mountain dew…..today after reading recipes from i think les, i had some chicken with hot sauce and lettuce…seemed ok….for dinner while everyone is having lasagna..i had beef with very small amount of taco seasoning..no sugar and organic…and lettuce…im not eating all my veggies..not close…my stomach is doing flips and rumbling , im suprised yall cant hear it….can my body learn to process veggies…and this is from a person that only thinks mashed potatoes is a veggies…im getting discouraged….but not enough to quit, just not as happy as i was earlier today
harvel—-
what do i do after my 23 or 40 days of drops..what is my next food steps and for how long…..you can email me personally at n2uib@cox.net if its long..which is fine..i need help with my next steps…ive read so many diff things for the first 3 weeks after my initial drops…..AND where do you get reverse osmosis water………ive been dying for that..but cant afford to put that system in place at my household………..Jillian Michaels says that is the best thing ever…shes my hero…
Thanks Kristi!
So how big is a drop???
The only reason I don’t like doing the drops so often is not drinking 30 minutes before or after.
How do you plan to fit that all in?
Thanks!!!
Debbie
my instructions say no food water 15 min before and after..i only have trouble with one time slot and thats my 3 oclock dose……….i work for a large financial inst. so im at a desk all day…hate water, so i baby sip it all day, and im prob not drinking enough water really…..drops ..i just hold my dropper and squezze alittle and a drop just comes out…6 of my drops doesnt even fill the tip part of a spoon……….
Kristi,
Thank You for the compliments. It is http://www.hcgliquid.com. They are a different top of the line drop with 12 days for FREE. Ask for Ann she can answer all yor questions & more.
Long day & gotta get to bed,
Karen
Thanks Kristi.
My instructions say 30 min.
I got so used to drinking a lot for the diet, that I am so thirsty if I don’t.
Try a few flavored stevia drops in the water, see if that helps.
Debbie
Wow. First day, lost 3.4!
My story, lost over 35 pounds. Kept it off for months. Had surgery, steroids, and quit smoking these last three weeks. Rapidly gained 13 pounds from mostly steroids and a diet of liquids or soft foods only.
Going on a short 26 day plan. So happy that 3.4 are off 🙂 Want to follow the plan thru thanksgiving so I don’t gain! Most want to be done, I’d rater go thru the holidays and not have my annual gain. LOL
I did get a discount deal from the drops company. Wanted to share with all of you!
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Debbie
ok its a new day…..or night..lost 2 pounds this morning ..thats i think a total of 10 pounds since i started my first day of drops on gorge day last wednesday..so that 10 pds in six days..not bad, but im getting bored..
debbie, i did get the vanilla stevia last night…made a difference in water today..still didnt drink alot..maybe 4 bottles, but that was more than yesterday
does anybody have the breadsticks….grissini’s…did you buy them locally and if so whos willing to ship some to me,..
Hi Kristi!
Great on the water. Stevia also comes in orange, strawberry, grape, etc. nice for water. Helps
I ordered grissini from amazon.com! It is very good. Not sure where you are but that is the best I’ve found.
Congrats on the 10 pounds! Awesome!
Debbie
anyone ever heard of lipotrophic…we have a new weight clinic coming to town and they do lipotrophic..i googled it and alot says its hcg…humm, and its pricey…
karen
hey i went to the hcgliguid.com..i dont see anything about 12 days free. or lock it drops (or whatever they were called)….the home page for that site, has a basket of veggies and a scale….i thinks thats the right site..i clicked from ur above posted link
Hello,
Had some gain issues from steroids and went on the drops this time, for 26 days.
I have to say, after doing the injections, I was not so convinced on the drops. Well, the drops are awesome. Work great and much cheaper. The only inconvenience is waiting 30 min before and after the drops. At a few times a day, that isn’t so great. But for the money difference, it is awesome.
I am down 7.8 pounds in 3 days! I gained 14 from the steroids, so it is working quickly.
Anxious to be done and on maintenance again. Was so happy to hit my goal weight that the gain from steroids really upset me and I attacked it pretty quickly.
Good luck all,
Debbie
Hi all: I am in phase three and I too have gained weight. I am sure it is because I am not drinking as much water. The foods I have introduced are eggs, bacon, oils avocado and some cheese. Am I doing something wrong too? Please advise. Thanks for all the help and encouragement. Still the best diet around as I know I can lick these few pounds again. Also, on this phase did anyone continue with the melba toast?
Hello All,
I start Phase III tomorrow. I plan a spinach omelet with some feta. It will seem strange to eat food. I am a bit confused about the diet plan for Phase III. I understand that no starches and sugars, and honestly I’m fine with that. It is those in between foods that confuse me. Are beans considered starch? On both the south beach and Atkins diet you can eat beans during their lifetime maintenance. Can I start with a few beans and see how it goes or just wait. What have others done?
Since stopping the HCG I have gained 2lbs. I had a crown put on a tooth and since it wasn’t fitted properly the first time it caused a lot of pain, so I really wasn’t in the mood to eat food. I went just about 2 days with no food. Odd that I gained weight. I’m back on track for my last VLCD.
Thanks for any insight
Meg
Quick question: Is tofu allowed on the 500 calorie? please someone give me a shout.
I am just completing day 4, not counting the “load” days. The 1st day of the “diet” portion was fine. The 2nd day was difficult. After that, it’s been just fine. I, too, can’t eat all the vegetables allowed. However, I’m sure that will change. I realize that I can’t base anything, really, on such a short amount of time doing the diet. Up to this point, I’m really satisfied with the diet. My question is this, though: I’m doing the drops I put under my tongue, and I can only go about 30 seconds without swallowing them. Will this be a problem? I absolutely don’t want to go on the injections! The directions on the bottle state to leave them under the tongue for 3 minutes, which is absolutely impossible for me. Any ideas out there? Am I still okay with them?
Kristi,
I will call Ann & ask her what happened to the FREE DROPS.
I started the VLCD a week ago and have to admit I cheated today…BIG time. Stress is not a good thing. All has been going fabulous until today. Does anyone know what is going to happen now? Do I continue the HCG? Has anyone one else cheated? HELP!!!
This site is a great resource for those doing the HCG diet.My goal is to drop 25-30lbs. I started a 23 days protocol 7 days ago and has already lost 9lbs. Would be sharing my experience with all.
This site has helped me so much with the diet that I would like to help others.
MH: I am not sure if you should just start over but I want to share the mind set I had with the diet. I always cheated on every diet I was on. With this one, I felt I was RESETTING my metabolism and I was afraid to mess that process up. It wasnt so much the food as the chemical reaction in your body. I didnt want to throw away the previous day’s hard work. I think if you can integrate that idea, you will not want to cheat again and not be tempted. I went on the diet for two weeks, lost 10 and went on vacation. When I came back, I started again and lost another 5 or so. I keep going back and forth on the same pound. I hope what I said helps you to keep going. I have never been so happy or so successful on a diet as this one. It is not just pounds but inches too. All my pants are falling off and the legs and backs are so baggy. It is a motivator to say the least. You will also soon loose all your cravings. I cant say I really miss anything anymore including bread (which I absolutely love, and other starches). Keep going.
Anyone out there have a comment on tofu? I am trying to get the answer for a friend.Please help thanks
Hello all..
I can’t say enough positive things about the hcg drops. I am on day 5 and down 10 pounds! Now, I was on steroids which made me gain 14, and I’m sure that with the hcg, it is cleansing to get the steroids out, but WOW!
I lost 34 pounds doing the injections. Kept it off for months until my surgery, which required the steroids to heal then. And I felt wonderful! It is very easy to continue thru life and avoid a few things. Actually, I found new things that became my favorites yet were healthier for me!
Any recipes anyone could send me, I’d appreciate. I’m a little bored and can’t remember any recipes I loved. Send to debbie_holy@oh.rr.com
Thanks!
Debbie
Meg – When I was on Phase 3 I did not eat beans. I think they are high in starch.
Hillary – Your Phase 3 food choices (eggs, bacon, oils and avocado) were things that I started eating when I went on Phase 3 and I did fine. I did notice, however, that in the beginning of Phase 3, my weight bounced around a bit. I did not have the grissini/melba toast, but I chose not to have it on the diet either. I felt it was too much of a temptation and I thought it made me more hungry. I did better without having it at all. Drinking the water, however, is still really important because it speeds up your metabolism. I notice a weight gain when I forget to drink enough. Also, if I feel I ate too many calories in a day (splurged a little), I’ll make a special effort to drink a gallon of water and tea. It’s amazing because the next day I’ll either be the same weight (or often) have lost 4 tenths of a pound. Drinking the water really helps. Good luck!
LoyAnn – I don’t understand why you can’t hold the drops under your tongue. Tell yourself not to swallow. I do think it is probably important to hold it for 3 minutes. That is what I was told to do. Good luck!
Thanks so much for all of the great information! Les, can you give me an email at mistydhudson@gmail.com? I’d love some recipes and to be able to pick your brain!
Hello fellow HCGers! Greetings from OKC! Ive been reading this forum for days now. I started from the beginning and i only on page 22. Lots to digest. Im down 11.8 lbs (after load gain) as of day 9 of injections. im already playing with p3 menus to get at least 1500per day. i do have a question: On p3 we eat more of the same plus fat. Do we omit the current Melba or Grissini?
LES- cabbage rolls are awesome! Zucchini with cinnamon and stevia is the business!
Reading this really helps pass the time since it seems to move sorta slow when dieting. I dare not sway from the protocol as i am paranoid to say the least. however i did mix veg a little.
for you hungry folk-i wanted to punch someone the first few days. Finally, i tried half of my lunch for breakfast and its AWESOME. totally holds me over. i have the other half with bigger portion of veg at lunchtime. snack on cukes if needed.
Best Wishes Everyone!
Phur
ok so i lost a pound and a few ounces yesterday and 2 pounds today……..i have tweaked the diet, as im sure back when it was originated we didnt have alot of the stuff we have today…..i have tanned with an organic tanning lotion and used and organic vegan chapstick……no effect on my loss…….i got my hair colored and nails done earlier this week…no loss….i bought oscar meyer grilled chiken breast(like fajita style) from the meat section, many diff flavors…….and im using sweetner called nustevia..i could not stomach the stevia so i wasnt really drinking much…….i also cant handle alot of the veggies..i had cukes 2 days in a row for lunch and didnt eat again that day…i was so sick…..so i added broccoli…….still no weight loss issues…i havent had melba’s since thursdays dinner as it cracked a tooth LOL….seems to be the 3rd person recently with a tooth issue……….so far since 11/4 first day of binge w/ drops i have lost 14 pounds……not even 2 weeks…..
Day 9
Breakfast-chic green beans Melba
3 strawb w cinn and truvia
lunch-Chic gb Melba
1T milk 1/2lemom 3 straw slushie
dinner-3 cabbage rolls
Melba
Baked apple
I felt toooooo satisfied to be on a diet…
Hillary, THANK YOU for your encouragement. I think if I get my mind set right things will be great. I have lost 11.8 pounds before I cheated so let’s hope I stay on the right track again.
hi i have a question im on about day 11 on the hcg diet the first week i averaged like a 1kg weight loss per day,these last 3 days i noticed very little weight loss as you can see from the chart below
nov 10 100.8
nov 11 99.6
nov 12 98.5
nov 13 97.3
nov 14 96.8
nov 15 96.3
nov 16 95.9
nov 17 95.7
i havent cheated once and have been eating and drinking the same stuff every day,my protein being chicken,fish and top side steak.
the question i have is do you recommend i do an apple day to get things back on track.6 apples and about 2 litres of water,in 1 24hr peroid
feedback appreciated
Johnny: apple day will help break up the plateau. I lost a pound every time I did it. Found it was easier on my day off from work. I would not be eating the same thing everyday….that could be working against you. Also, skip the steak for a day. Hope that helps.
Johnny I would up the water also. By the way… The smallest loss I see is 0.2 kg which is actually almst 1/2 lb. That is NOT terrible. If u average the numbers above u r at 1.7 POUNDS or 0.8kg per day. Correct me if I’m wrong but I know some of the people on this site would kill for that. Just relax, have fun with ur food, increase ur water and don’t eat TRUVIA I had a slow loss with it and heard it has 5 calories per serving.
BEST WISHES EVERYONE!
phur
johnny
How tall are you? You don’t need to be on this diet.
Johnny
Pardon me. I just noticed you are not talking pounds!
I’ve been in maintenance mode for over 2 months now. I’ve found something very interesting. If I gain even 2 lbs, I’ll go back on for the drops for 4 days max and be down at least 5 lbs more without much effort. I’m really, really pleased! I wasn’t sure how easy my body would respond to the shorter spurts, but it has been better than my longer session. I’m looking forward to the holidays for the first time without worrying about weight gain. I feel like this is my secret weapon to get to January looking good. Everyone hang in there. This really works!
Maggie: I have been going up and down on the same pound on maitenance and cannot break the cycle. Tell me, when you did the drops for the shorter time, was it with the 500 calorie diet or just with a maintenance plan? I am anxious to lose another 5. Let me know and thanks for the update.
Hillary,
Yes, I go on the 500 calorie diet, but am not as restrictive on what I eat. For example, I’ll use fat free half and half in my coffee without limit or I’ll eat something not on the “approved” list. Last night I had 2 glasses of wine and was down 1 pound this morning. I know for sure I exceeded the calorie limit with the wine, but followed the diet strictly the rest of the day. I’ve been eating chicken and apples all week. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Thanks Maggie..one more question. Do you gorge each time you go back on? I would think not but wine and down a pound is fabulous. I just went alittle off tonite and it just doesnt feel good when you do. I know tomorrow I will be looking at a gain…thanks again.
Hi. Would you please repost the “cheat day” plan where you eat protein the day before and the day after? I remember seeing somewhere on this blog and would like to start anticipating Thanksgiving.
Thank you.
Hillary,
Yes. I do gorge each time I go back on. It makes it fun….I almost look forward to the diet days knowing the way I get to start!
Hi Joy & All,
With THANKSGIVING ALMOST here… This is what I am doing…I have been taking every Saturday as a special occassion…as we approach the holidays. It might slow my weight loss down a little bit. I started this whole plan on the Sunday before Labor Day after my two load days loosing 32 lbs. so far. I am going to do this plan see below on Wed. enjoy Thanksgiving follow on Friday with a protein day; then on Saturday I have a family gathering that I will enjoy. On Sunday I will do the protein day again. Starting on Sunday I will follow up with the three 3 protein days that follow after a special occassion. Please let me know how everyone does with this Preday Protein Day Plan, Thanksgiving ahd three day follow up plan after.
If you have a SPECIAL OCCASSION & know in advance here is a PROTEIN DAY with a protocal you can do.
Or from time to time or every few weeks here is what you can do to enjoy & take a break.
Continue to do your drops or injections as normal
Day One (You can do just this ONE DAY before a CELEBRATION DAY)and THEN ONE DAY AFTER YOUR CELEBRATION DAY
One or Two hard boiled eggs(I can’t remember if it is one or two) at breakfast
4 oz. of chicken at lunch
8 oz. of chicken at dinner
Plenty of water
My suggestion for flavoring is for the eggs put some paprika & a few other spices on them.
For the chicken I took the Southwestern Rub(what spices I had) along with paprika & poutlry seasoning or sage. This RUB was out of Linda’s book which is at Amazon for $19.95. Bake/Broil with the spices or steam then add spices. Chicken thighs are very tasty as they were on the Managers special last week. Usually I get chicken breast & was glad to have some tastier chicken.
Celebration Day Enjoy indulge in whatever you want to. Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, Birthday, Wedding, Work Party & more.
Next Day REPEAT One or Two hard boiled eggs(I can’t remember if it is one or two) at breakfast
4 oz. of chicken at lunch
8 oz. of chicken at dinner
PLENTY of Water
My suggestion for flavoring is for the eggs put some paprika & a few other spices on them.
Day Two
Eat your daily protocal with NO FRUIT & you can add veggies back in.
Day Three
Eat your daily protocal with fruit & veggies like normal.
Drink plenty of water UNLIKE the apple day
My experiecne was that the chicken with those spices tasted like stuffing; which I love. I was not hungry. You can also have the 8 oz. of chicken at lunch & 4 oz. for dinner. Or you can even have the chicken at breakfast(as I forgot to bring the eggs to work).
Let me know how this works for all & your suppose to be able to maintain your weight loss by doing this.
Does anyone know if you may eat pork tenderloin? I just finished my first two days (load days), and actually was not hungry at all – had to force myself to eat. Having trouble going to sleep though, I am still wide awake at 3:00 AM.. Good thing that this was on the week-end.
Hi Alice,
No pork, No turkey.
Surprised you are having sleep issues. HCG actually helped me sleep like a baby. Can’t stay up like I used to.
Are you taking an appetite suppressant? I never did.
Debbie
So, what are we all going to do on thanksgiving!
I am having the big family dinner at my sister-in-laws. I plan on taking my own meals but geez, i hope I survive ok. All the nagging from everyone won’t help either.
Anyone have advise?
so today is day 16 days for me on the 500 calorie..i did cheat once..i had a boiled egg and an xtra startch….i was feeling rough that day…i have not gained anything as of yet….im down about 19 pounds from the first vlcd day…..i got my grissini’s in the mail…………man i actually like those things…mite keep them around when im done…….i also got my grape stevia liguid,,what a difference..now im going to order the berry flavor…..thanksgiving for me, i am passing on it….ill just sleep that day away and catch up on some tivo shows ive taped the last 2 weeks….man do i go to bed early….i must say that on a positive note, 2 weeks prior to this diet i was using my inhaler everynite..i would wake up during the nite not able to breathe,…since ive been on this diet ive only used it once…..maybe its just a coincidence….i also sleep thru the night..no nites of restless sleep for me or bathroom breaks………im not missing my sugar or candy….but gosh when this is over im filling up my bath tub with cheese and sour cream, and its going to be a party in my tub…lol….gosh do i dream about cheese……thanks to everyone on this post…
I finished my first round 8 weeks ago – lost 34 lbs. Over the 8 wks I gained back 5 lbs (ho-humm). I’ll be starting my next round the day after Thanksgiving and using it and the day before as my load days. Hope all make it through Thanksgiving happily!
-Stacy
Maggie,
Could you give me your exact process for your mini-HCG diet? What you do every step of the way and the results you are experiencing?
I finished my VLCD a couple of weeks ago and have only gained about 2- 4lbs back depending on the day. I’d love to do a mini-HCG between the second week of December and Christmas/ New Years.
Thanks,
Meg
Alice,
Try the Yerba Mate tea. It helps you get water in, plus it is an appetite suppressant. I was fine the first week of the VLCD, but the second and fourth were very difficult. The yerba mate helped. They have a cocoa flavored one for the chocoholics out there. It isn’t sweet, but it is definitely cocoa flavored.
Also, stepping on that scale every day and seeing weight loss everyday helps enduring the VLCD. Keep a chart of your loss and glance at it throughout the day. Kept me motivated at my 3:00 snack time!
Thanks,
Meg
Hi All & Kristi,
Kristi,
They are no longer offering the free trial bottle for 12 days at http://www.hcgliquid.com. They do have a great HCG product along with great customer service just ask for Ann & let her know Karen sent you.
As far as the PROTEIN DAY Eating Plan for SPECIAL OCCASSIONS posted on November 22nd it is TWO HARDBOIL EGGS for Breakfast.
Everyone have a great holiday!
Karen
Thank you for the protein diet suggestions. I’ve been following it before and after Thanksgiving, so hopefully my weight loss will stay on track.
Here’s my primary concern right now. I had been receiving HCG drops from a nurse prctitioner/naturopath. They were from a pharmacy. I was charged for $300 for a tiny bottle. That ran out in about 10 days, so I had to order another one. That one ran out this morning. I tried to call my naturopath’s office yesterday to get more and they were closed. So I order them from hcgliquid.com. Those drops came today and I saw (this isn’t mentioned on the web site) that they are the “homeopathic” kind, not the kind from a pharmacy.
Have you all had success with this homeopathic version? It’s less expensive than the drops from my doctor, but I lost 21 pounds in 19 days with the “regular” drops. I am afraid to screw up and ruin all of the hard work I’ve done in the first 21 days.
Hi Joy,
The homeopathic work JUST as well! I had doubts, tried them and I am averaging 3/4 pound a day and I am 5 pounds from my goal weight 🙂
Well, how did everyone survive Turkey Day?
I did great. Brought my own food. Even helped serve dinner and dessert and sat with the family. Never felt deprived!
All I know, nothing tastes as good as skinny feels 🙂
Good luck all,
Debbie
Joy,
You got the same quality drop your getting from the Nurse Practioner/Naturopath. You have paid way too much for them. You will be delighted with your new drops, call Ann; if you have any questions the service Ann gives is the best! I am sure like Debbie says they work just fine & such a savings, too! In fact I would call the Clinic back you got them from & let them know. If they were suppose to last a certain amount of days & they did not personally I would call them back & ask for a free refill or adjustment. If they do not give you an adjustment or work with you I would dispute it on your credit card bill(if you paid for with your credit card) There are good drops out there & some not so good. I did a lot of homework before I bought my drops; along with the eating plan & I can assure you will be delighted with the results in more than one way.
It sounds pretty quiet on line here & those who stayed on the plan I believe it is great & I admire your will power.
I did the protein eating plan on Wed. & Fri. while I enjoyed a wonderful turkey day with friends & a family gathering with relatives this evening. On Sunday I will follow the protein day again, Mon. work veggies/500 vlcd back in & Tues. fruits/veggies/vlcd.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend,
Karen
i ordered my drops from online not an rx type…today is day 23 ..21 days of vlcd..im down 22 pounds…i did cheat on turkey day..still didnt have any adderd suegars, desserts or bread..few bites of taters and mac..salad with little cheese and dressing..lost about 8 ounces..lost pound and 2 ounces this morning..im sik and tired of this diet…im bored..last night the sight of my veggie gave me the dry heaves. so i had few bites of burger and my grissini and went to bed mad….my mind is set for 40 days of this, but after last night i will have to take it day by day. hope everyone is doing great, and keeps on trukin
Thanks for the info re: the homeopathic drops. I do plan to call the clinic tomorrow and discuss with my naturopath.
Kristi — one recommendation I can offer is Penzey’s Spices. They’re a company out of wisconsin with stores throughout the country and a mail order service. They’re spice mixes are awesome for meat, especially the Greek seasoning. Using their products has really helped me get past any monotony with the plan. The store offers recipes, too. For example, I’m making beef stew in the crock pot today, modified from one of their recipes.
Joy
My husband and I have started it. I broke down last night and cheated with 8 melba toasts and 3 marshmallows (I am only on the strict day 3 this morning). Did I set myself way back?
I keep seeing recipes from Les that mix the different veggies. I thought we weren’t supposed to do that.
I also see some posting that the veggie choices are in any quantity, are we not supposed to follow the 1-2 cup rule here (depending on the veggie).
I too would love your recipes Les
amybrookswhnp@gmail.com
I have not cut out toothpaste, facial wash, body soap (like Dove) shampoo and conditioner. Does anyone still using this have any trouble losing?
the one time i had more melbas and grissini’s than i was supposed to i gained more than i did cheating with anything else…i gained 4 ounces that day…but the day i had my chicken shredded in a salad with lettuce and red onions with tablespoon cheese and fat free dressing i actually lost………..those are teh only 2 veggies i combine together and then i dont have a veggie later with dinner………i am back to using my regular pro health toothpaste and every other day with reg deodorant..i never changed soap or shampoo…i also tan with lotion about twice a week..i also found a vegan chapstick that i use everynight….and the most i gained was 4 ounces,,,i didnt even gain on turkey day…….
I don’t use lotions or liquid makeup, but I still use everything else. I’ve lost 23 lbs in 20 days.
I am just starting the diet today. I have dieabetes,
does any dieabetics have any informatin that would be helpful for me?
Thanks in advance.
I got a few questions for you guys, if anyone could please reply- Phase 3, can we have beans? and also, can you do a steak day in phase 4/maintenance? And one more question, any feedback on doing short spurts (4 days) of HCG homeopathic to lose 5 pounds like someone posted here? Sounds tempting… Thanks!
Rina,
A few quick answers to your inquiries:
1. Avoid beans on Phase 3, they’re high in carbs
2. Definitely do a steak day in Phase 4, and as a tool for the rest of your life if you’re off track.
3. I haven’t done the short spurts, however, if you’re looking to get a long-term benefit out of the program Dr. Simeon says 23 days is the shortest amount of time for a course. Also, anytime you do a Phase 2 you need to follow it by 3 weeks of controlled calories and no carbs – otherwise you do not reset the hypothalamus and will gain it back as soon as a carb touches your lips.
Good luck!
-Stacy
Stacy, wow thanks for the quick and thorough reply. good to know. appreciate it!
Merry Xmas.
stacy, whats ur directions on phase 2 and 3…i didnt even think there was a 4…i dont remember getting info with my drops past the vcld…and my 40 days ends in 7 days………….if heard mixed things about the next phase..a coworker who visits a clinic(injections she does herself) she was told do 40 days of shots, 3 weeks no sugar, no carbs, 3 weeks normal smart eating and tehn back to 40 days of injections.basicallky she does 40 on diet 40 off over and over,,,,she has alot to loose,,,,,,,,,,,i dont know what to do next.;so i need specific info….
anyone can chime in, since there seems to be so many different variations of this diet…………please,,,
in september harvel posted the foods on phse 2..they are the same that im eating now on my 500 calories,,,am i on phase 2 and dont know it…his comment is exaclty wht im following now..duh im lost now
Kristi,
Have you read Dr. Simeon’s “Pounds and Inches”? He’s the one who originally created this. What people refer to as Phase 4 comes from Kevin Trudeau’s book and is what your co-worker is doing for 3 weeks of “normal smart eating”.
The basics on phases (short form):
Phase 1 – cleanse and begin eating organic (gets your body ready for increased weight loss)
Phase 2 – HcG + VLCD + gallon of water/day, and nothing else. For this I also do all organic foods, nothing artificial (meaning no “diet” foods), and no additional products with any oil content. (this is where you lose your lbs and inches)
Phase 3 – controlled calorie intake and no sugars/carbs (this is the part that resets your hypothalamus)
Phase 4 – normal healthy eating (these 3 weeks or longer gives your body a rest, allows it to reset, and helps make sure you don’t develop a resistance to the HcG before going on it again)
ok so is phase 1 my gorge days and phase 2 my drops and rabbit food diet…aka my 500 calorie 40 day diet..and phase 3 is that what im getting ready to do..increase my calories still not having sugars and carbs…i can add my nitrate free bacon and low cal or fat or something cheese..i didnt bother with kevins book..and no i didnt get pound and inches, as i thought it would be easy to follow, especially with the 500 calorie diet…should i order pounds and inches, if it will clear things up for me and tell me what to do next thnks
i think im just scared of what i can eat after the drops..i havent seen anything thay says you can eat this and dont have this like the lists that i have now for the 500 calories..maybe i need things spelled out for me..i know that i can cont to eat what im having now and even more , but i dont seem to catch what i can add back(except the outright obvious)..will pounds and inches give me specifics
Kristi,
Your recount is basically correct, except for one thing: The 2 “load” days are part of Phase II. Phase I is a 30 day period of cleansing that is supposed to take place before you start the HcG (many people skip this).
Pounds and Inches is free and is available all over the internet. A quick google search yeilded this adress as the top return: http://www.thehcgdiet.com/pdf/pounds-and-inches-by-dr-a-t-w-simeons.pdf
Within, here is what Simeons says about Phase 3:
“It takes about 3 weeks before the weight reached at the end of the treatment becomes stable, i.e. does not show violent fluctuations after an occasional excess. During this period patients must realize that the so-called carbohydrates, that is sugar, rice, bread, potatoes, pastries etc, are by far the most dangerous. If no carbohydrates whatsoever are eaten, fats can be indulged in somewhat more liberally and even a small quantity of alcohol, such as a glass of wine with meals, does no harm, but as soon as fats and starch are combined things are very liable to get out of hand. This has to be observed very carefully during the first 3 weeks after the treatment is ended otherwise disappointments are almost sure to occur.”
For more specific Phase 3 instructions I would purchase Trudea’s book, also, I know that people posted specific foods to add on this blog a few months ago so you can look back on that.
-Stacy
thanks alot,,that makes since about phase 3 how going straight to cards reaks havoc..i was thinkin that if im gonna gain 12 pounds if i have my normal size baked pot, to heck with this diet…i will check out kevins book..i kinda got the feeling his was more junk than anything…and i didnt do phase one..that makes things all add up to me…thanks for you direct help……..so are you on the diet
Hello,
I’m on phase 3 maintenance. I’ve gained a few pounds. 4 or so. How do I get them off!
This didn’t happen before and is the first time I did a short round of 23 days.
I’m excited. Got to my goal, went to the plastic surgeon, and I’ll be tight as can be again 🙂
Nice reward for all the hard work.
Debbie
Hi Everyone,
I’m just checking in. I have been off the diet for about 2 1/2 months. My experience has been very positive. I lost 30 pounds and I have easily maintained my weight. As of today, I am 1.2 pounds less than my lowest weight. The only things I avoid are prepackaged foods (all which have additives), and I enjoy homemade desserts sparingly generally and liberally during holidays. In addition, I have a bread machine so I make my own bread because almost all of the bread in the store has high fructose corn syrup added (which is very bad) or I buy the artisan bread which has only flour, yeast, and salt.
What I have noticed is that if I eat whatever I want (with the above exceptions) but I don’t drink at least 1/2 gallon or more of water, I gain weight. If I eat the same but I drink at least 1/2 gallon of water, I either stay the same or lose weight. My favorite thing about the post diet days are that I can eat as much as I want of good healthy food, and I can have 2 glasses of wine with dinner. I am never hungry and I never feel deprived. This is such a change from my previous experience with dieting. So for those who get discouraged, hang in there because it is definitely worth it. I feel great and love the fact that I look healthy and slender. It is also rewarding to share the diet with others who have not heard about it. I encourage everyone to spread the word. Dr. Simeons was definitely a genius, and I firmly believe his work is a cure for obesity. Good luck, everyone!
Debbie,
You say you gained 4 pounds. Did you do a steak day after you gained 2 pounds 1 oz? That is what the Protocol calls for. I have had to do a steak day about 3 times in the 2 1/2 months since I have been off the diet. In all cases, it was due to a special event where I over indulged and the steak day worked perfectly (taking off 2.1 or 2.2 pounds). It is my understanding that Dr. Simeons advised doing the steak day the day of the overage weight amount (for example a gain 2.1 pounds above the last hcg dose weight). If I am close to a steak day but not there, I try to cut back by eating a big breakfast, a light lunch (e.g. salad, no carbs or a 6 oz grilled chicken breast with a sliced up tomato) and a normal dinner but with no bread and only 1 glass of wine. I also make sure to drink lots of water (and tea). When I do this, I usually lose .5 or .8 pounds the next day.
Good luck!
Kristi,
I should give a disclaimer about Trudeau’s book – I have said the same in an earlier post on this forum…. you’re right, he IS a nut! When you get the book you will have to roll your eyes and bite your tongue through the parts when he rants about how the government, pharma companies and food conglomerates are all part of a secret and malicious conspiracy to make American’s fat! It really is over the top… and to make matters worse, he repeats this drivel over and over.
That said, understanding his approach to cutting out chemicals, preservatives, antibiotics, etc… and cleansing the body as a part of helping yourself to maintain a healthy weight — all that is really good stuff. And in his book he has lists of foods and products to use on each phase (which is what you said you were looking for).
So, now that I’ve recounted that… I still recommend reading the book.
Debbie – have you tried a steak day?
Stacy,
No I haven’t. Don’t think I could skip two meals. Maybe try the modified steak day
Debbie
Thanks Jackie.
I’ll give it a try. Down a pound today. So up 3.
Debbie
According to the calorie counter above I am only taking in 361 calories a day. Must I stay at 500 and not drop below and since I am not at 500 can I add more of something during meal time so I am not so hungry.
sample of intake below:
2litters of water or TEA
Halibut (3.5 oz) – 110 calories
Broccoli (3.5 oz) – 34 calories
Chicken Breast (3.5 oz) – 87 calories
Cabbage (3.5 oz) – 24 calories
Apple (medium) – 72 calories
salt and pepper to taste & sometimes redwine vinegar on my cabbage. My meat is actually 3.0 oz cause I cook a weeks worth then I measure and bag.
Meme,
The biggest mistake I see is that you are missing another fruit serving. Then, fill in calories with more veggies.
Debbie
Debbie,
I was also worried about being hungry during the steak day, but it wasn’t that difficult. I drank lots of tea with stevia and drank lots of water and that curbed my hunger. I also kept busy and ate dinner at 5. Anyway, it sounds like you’re getting back on track. Good luck!
As I finish up my 40 days and move into the 23 days of transition, I thought some of you might be interested in the FB note I wrote about the experience.
Here’s the link:
http://www.facebook.com/notes/joy-bertrand/my-hcg-journey/202062453743
Hello All,
Just wanted to check in. I have been sticking cloase to my 1500 calorie diet and have gained 4lbs over the course of a month. I am going to do a steak day on Monday and then really really watch for the rest of the week. I am starting a colon/ toxin cleanse on Monday as well, so hopefully that will help. I haven’t been as good with my water as I should have been, so I am really going to drink my 1/2 – 1 gallon per day. I will start another round of the drops in Jan. to get the last 15- 20 lbs off. I lost 15 the first time.
For those with hunger: You should try the Yerba Mate tea. It does curb hunger! They even have a cocoa flavored kind. I strongly suggest it, it got me through the VLCD.
I love reading everyone’s expierences, so keep posting. Also, if anyone comes up with some recipies, please post! It gets a little boring sometimes.
Thanks and good luck,
Meg
my phase 3 is moving in quickly….what are you guys adding back into your diet(other than the no sugar, carbs) are there anymore fruits i can add to my breakfast smoothies. butters-should i be looking for something special to not be on the ingredient list. same with dressings.. i found some that is sugar carb and fat free no gluten either….i havent had to do a steak day or apple day on the vlcd, i did go about 2 days and only loose ounces each day, so i just skipped my dinner meal(actually it was last night) got up this morning and lost 2+pounds…
i have read so many books on food and diets in the last several months, its all so much….i read kevins book the other day..i read jillian michaels book, atkins, south beach etc etc..i guess i will ask about the phase 4 when i get there…….oh here is what i8 meant to ask earlier,,,,,,,,,,,bacon….whos eating in on phase 3…and r u eating reagular breakfast bacon or canadian……..all the experts say canadian before regular bacon, even canadian before turkey bacon
Hello All,
I am going to try a mini run of the HCG. There was a post that I can’t find anymore describing using the homeopathic drops for a week at a time to drop a gain of about 4 lbs. Has anyone else tried this? I’d love to hear results.
I’m going to start today and go until Saturday. I’ll keep you posted.
Thanks,
Meg
What is the difference between Mediral Detox and Mediral Weight Loss Formula drops?
Hi Carol,
I don’t know what the difference is. I would call them directly & you can find them on the Internet. They can tell you the differences.
Karen
Hello all… Today is my last gorge day. Thank God! I am excited about starting the 500 cal diet tomorrow. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions for me?
Thanks.. Danielle
I am going to do the HCG diet after the first of the year. When I did it before, I ordered HCG drops from, yourhcg.com for 90 bucks for a 30 day supply. Does anyone know of a better/cheaper place to get the drops?? Thanks and good luck for those doing the diet through the holidays!!
Tonight I used a couple of pam sprays. I read that LES used pam with no problems. has anyone else used pam aswell? I also wanted to get some cottage cheese, but so scared I won’t lose if i eat it…anyone had CC? Thank you
Jason – I think the hcg at http://www.diyhcg.com is cheaper ($40/bottle, I think). Good luck!
liz
i use pam..i followed the diet exactly to a tea for about 23 days..then i got a little brave..i do use pam when i eat a scrambled egg…regular pam, not olive oil pam..it didnt seem to bother my weight..i have tried alot of stuff in very very small portions,,and its been a sucess…the only thing i have found that will actually make me gain is something sweet..for me, its the sugar that messes the diet up while i was on the drops..today is my last day of no drops with 500 calories…and then on to phase 3..thats where im worried..im not sure what to add back in..i got alot of stuff my waldonfarms online site…sugar free, fat free, and carb free..i got my dressing from there and dip….now it didnt taste like kens buttermilk ranch, but its better than anything FREE/LITE in my supermarket
Jason
healthyhcg.com is where i got my drops from.they do offer money back guarantee…i got a 40 day supply for 97 dollars..i dont think they charge shipping either
Hi Liz,
You can have Ken’s Buttermilk Ranch on maintenance. All the low carb, sugar free, fat free are all chemicals and not good for this diet.
Debbie
the no fat sugar carbs gluten that i have purchased have legit ingredients..i checked them out , they are more understandable than the other dressings i have…my bff is a registed dietician and said except for one thing(that is found in the others) is ok for me..no worse than the bacon some eat
Hi I really appreciate this website. I have heard to day that you should not eat beef two days in a row. We love tenderoin and like to have it often. Does anyone know if this is true making sure not to eat steak two days in a row?
patti,
i know this comment will go against the diet, but i think its process of elimination….the diet i followed says no broccoli, but i can have beans..A close friend of mine goes to a wellness clinic and does this diet…i followed hers…….i have beef mostly twice a day and many days in a row because that the only meat i really like..i cant bake a piece of chicken to save my life….and guess what, i also eat my veggies together…i have had lettuce and red onions everyday for lunch for the last 3 weeks…and i have lost just like i should…i will admit i followed the diet exactly to a tee for about 3 weeks before i tried other stuff that wasnt on my diet(meaning some itmes from the list of foods on this website).
i do have a qustion for the pro’s on this forum…recently someone posted that during p3 its VERY important to not have carbs during that 23 days again…that period is to reset my Hypo something…so does this mean it takes 2 months to reset it…because during the hcg phase you dont have carbs either…….and then no carbs for 23 more days…just wondering why it takes so long…ive been reading south beach diet(i think those are some of the food choices and recipes i will follow once im done) and he only takes his patients off white carbs and sugar for the first 2 weeks………….whats up with that
jackie,
if your still around and watching post ur recipe for ur fake mashed potatoes………mine were gross,, and what type of butter and oil is everyone using…my three days of vcld with no drops has ended, and then we got snowed in, so i havent really added much back this week..yesterday i cheated with brekfast and was sick all day,,,,i dont think my body could handle what i had..after i ate, i felt like i did after i had a form of the bypass surgery….i was sick all day…didnt eat or drink anything after i ate…alll day..today i got up and lost over 2 pounds…not good according to the rules of phase3..ive lost 5 pound since i came off the drops, 3 of those days was after the 500 calorie(no drops days).
Greetings I am on my 3rd day, the first day after the bindging ays. I am a vegeterian, what would you recommended for the protein. I do eat fish but for those days I don’t want to have fish, is there any other protein I can eat? I was told to use baby oil, but my skin is excessively dry, what else do you recommend for extra dry skin, DOn’t want to walk around dry.
Well I weighed in today and I stayed the same. No weight loss at all so I am wondering if it has something to do with the steak two days in a row. I had a busy day yesterday and was not able to squeeze in my second piece of fruit and my second melba toast. I could have had both melba toasts but I read that you can’t eat two together. I know not to eat fruit any less than 6hrs apart. 16 days so far and 12lbs lost. I was hoping to be one who would lose a pound a day but I don’t think that is me!
I havent written in awhile but I did want to encourage the new people. This is the best diet…it is very rewarding and I would say to all, stick with it. It is very worth it. I would also tell you that the inches are more important than the pounds. Although losing everyday is very motivating and intoxicating, it is the inches that make the difference in this diet. What kept me going is baked apples: cinnamon stevia and water and bake (fuji are my favorites) or you can use diet cola. It is great for breakfast. I also stuck with chicken or fish and watched the meat. It makes a big difference. I took pam and garlic and salt and papricka and practically lived on that..though I did try and vary which is very important not to eat the same everyday. I know that neutrogena and nivea both have products that are oil free for the skin. I would not cheat with that as the object is to have the right fat burning in your body. Stick with it to reset your metabolism. The vegetables they say are right…dont mix. The only cheat I had was the pam and coffeemate in the morning but I guess I could have lost more if I had been pure so think about that too. I lost 15 pounds in 3 weeks but the real difference is how small I got. Any questions, write at hfox@broward.edu. I read alot too. Good luck to all-please realize that I did not have alot to lose so the 15 did it for me. I do intend to go back after the 1st just to have some room for play…
oops the pam papricka etc was on chicken!!!
Hey all! I finished my first round of HCG with a weight loss of almost 50 pnds!
I have a question…Is there anybody out there who has or is doing a second round of HCG? I am getting ready to start loading for my second round of HCG and would love some advice. I heard it’s harder to lose on your second time around. Thanks!
Kristie
I am going to a sunny climate in a couple of weeks and would like to continue the diet but I will need suntan lotion. Can you forward to me the kind you have and possibly a website where I might buy some? I am very nervous to stop the program but have certain foods that I love while away. I am planning on using some of them in moderation and still stick to the program. I will be finishing my drops the day before we leave so I will have to do the three days with no drops to finish up. I am going to follow the next three weeks no sugar no carbs the best I can. I have suffered and worked so hard I hate to ruin a good thing. I did not hear about this diet until just a month ago so I did not have time to follow it correctly before we leave for vacation. Any good advice will be appreciated.
I have been off the HCG diet for about a month now and plan to go back on. I had almost a full bottle left and put it in the frig. Can any one tell me if it will still be good and if it is ok to use and not refrig any more while using it.
Hi Everyone,
I started Day One yesterday and went through MAJOR sugar and caffeine withdrawals. I had a migraine all day and felt nauseous. Has anyone else experienced this?? What do I do? I’m not sure I can get through many more days like that one.
you are allowed to take aspirin or advil. Dont go around with a headache. you will get discouraged. Drink plenty of water and it will pass. Good luck
Patti: I went on vacation 2 weeks into the diet. I figured it was better than going away with more weight on me. I got down 10 lbs and felt great. I came back and restarted the diet and lost another 5. Dont worry about it. You will be fine.
Does anyone know why we can’t eat turkey on this diet? I thought turkey was leaner than chicken.
To Jaclyn —
The no turkey thing has something to do w/ the chemical composition of turkey. Just use chicken instead — it’s only for 40 days! When you see your weight move, you won’t miss it.
Also to Jaclyn —
Why are you going through caffeine withdrawals? You are allowed all the coffee and tea you want.
patty,
sorry dear, i tanned indoors…i tanned indoors about 2 times a week while on the drops..and as for that part of the diet i didnt follow to a tee except maybe the first 2 weeks…i hate toms toothpaste and the deodorant was not working….so i went back to my crest pro health and secret..
now, someone tell me why i gained a pound overnight..yesterday was really my first true day of phase 3..it was technically friday, but i ate something that i wasnt supposed to and was sick as a dog all day xmas, lost 3 pounds probably from the throw ups..so yesterday i had a bluberry smoothie for breakfast with this dannon light diabetic sugar plain vanilla no added sugar………..huge salad with veggies and regular ranch dressing,with cheese and with the same grilled steak i ate with the drops. and for dinner i had store bought spaghetti sauce with beef and spices and no pasta…………..maybe it was the sauce…liquid intake was the same….
i mean the yogurt was for diabetics or diabetic friendly..no sugar added and 80% less sugar..sumthing like that..it was the lowest i could find
Hello,
I am loading this weekend (with drops) and starting the VLCD on Monday the 5th. This will be my second round. I lost 16lbs in 28 days the last round with a gain of 4 during maintenance. I am hoping to lose at least another 10 this round and I am prepared to go the entire 40days if I have to, but I’d like to get it done in January. I’d love to hear about a round two experience from an “old-timer”.
I didn’t notice the inches fall off, but I didn’t have help with measurements. I’d like to lose more inches this time. I carry weight evenly over my body so I have a feeling it is coming off evenly as well.
I still have a couple of weeks with my colon and toxin cleanse. Has anyone done both at the same time? I know if you are a trudeaux follower it recommends doing the cleanses first, but just wondering the forums thoughts.
Thanks,
Meg
Joy
I have no idea why I thought you couldn’t have caffeine. I SWEAR I read it somewhere in the papers my medspa gave me…but apparently I’m crazy and suffered for no good reason. 🙂 Today has been much better.
I appreciated your input Hilary, thank you. Let me tell you my story. My family and I started using a natural drop system but not the hormone hcg. It was to work very similar to the hcg and it did, however it did not help with hunger. I have a bakery business and being around the cookies was killing me so I ordered the hcg hormone drops so that I could adjust the drops to help me with my craving to eat the cookies. It did help. We are leaving for a trip January 16th and I will be gone for quite a few weeks, 7 weeks total. I need some help in deciding how to wind down the drops. I want to continue to lose while I am there but do have certain fun foods that we enjoy. Should I plan on finishing the drops three days before I leave for vacation and then just be careful not to eat starch and sugar for three weeks? Then after the three weeks I can jump back on the program where I left off? I will have only been on the hcg drops for 23 days if I do that. I have worked so hard that I am afraid to put it back on. So far 14 1/2 lbs with the combination of the natural drops and the hcg in 20 days. I really don’t mind staying on the diet while I am away but just would like a couple of cheat days in between. Can I continue to take the drops and have those few cheat days here and there even if it does not come off as fast as before? Really though eating out is always going to be a problem since they will be using fat to cook the food. It may be tuff to get that part just right. I am gone for a total of 7 weeks so that is why I am trying to make a good choice. I wish I knew about this diet early on in the fall. I am really beating myself up with the decision I have to make so I would like to get as much advise as any of you hcg pro’s can offer. What is the best plan for me??? Thank you so much for taking the time to answer……
I am currently using Releana drops, which I got from an expensive Medspa. Can anyone tell me how the drops purchased online (http://diyhcg.com)taste?
Les, can you please send me your recipes….and would love to know what “extra” foods you ate in P2, that are not on simeons protocol, but still worked for you and your family? thanks!
Teri
petmomofmany@gmail.com
Patti: I am no expert but this is what I did: I did the diet for two weeks very strict with the drops. As I wrote, I lost ten pounds. I then went away. I stopped the drops and enjoyed my time mindful of sugar and carbs. I really didnt want to ruin what I had accomplished too but wanted to enjoy my vacation. If I were you, I would not continue the drops and go on vacation. The drops are adding calories to your diet so if you want to cheat or eat more, I believe it will add more to your calorie count. You will probably gain about 2 pounds with cheating but you are already down 14 so you will still be ahead of the game. I would not beat myself up about it. I then came back and started anew. My original loss never came back. I still am between the same 2-3 pounds…so you will probably have the same 11 or 12 when you come back and then just begin again. To me, I was thrilled to go away with the loss then to have had all that weight and then gain on vacation. Good food choices away would just be stay away from sugar and carbs. In some ways, you wont want them but I did have an occassional bread and a drink and some dessert. You can always go back…you will not lose the mental momentum. I didnt. Good luck. Let me know if there is any other way I can help. this diet is the best and resetting your metabolism will take a little longer but you are well on the road. Enjoy.
Patti,
In my experience it is just easier to go off the drops and into the maintenance phase then pick up the drops when you get back. I had a similar situation and I wouldn’t lose weight because a cheat could make me gain as much as two pounds then I have to work twice as hard to break even which brought me to another cheat day then, again, twice as hard to break even. At that point more than a week is gone and my weight is the same, but my frustration level is through the roof while being tortured on the VLCD. My advice: just go on maintenance then go back on the drops when you get back from your vacation. Plus it sounds you are going to a beachy place and it is much much easier to eat maintenance in that climate since it is basically eating south beach diet style.
Also, drink a ton of yerba mate green tea. It really helps to curb hunger. I didn’t think that it would work, but I was very very surprised. They even have a cocoa flavored yerba mate green tea…pretty yummy when you are on the VLCD.
Meg
Les- I would also like the same information that Teri requested. Please email me at jescat1198@gmail.com. I was just going to email you, but can’t figure out how to find your addy…Thanks for all the ideas, recipes and INSPIRATION!!
Kristi- check the store bought sauce, it may have quite a bit of sugar in it, unless you specifically bought one that was sugar-free.
Thank you Hillary, that is the words I needed to hear. I have become obsessed and the idea of cheating or regressing is something unthinkable for me. Strange but I have never felt this way before. I guess because I see my body transforming so quickly more than ever before with dieting and I don’t want to lose that mental state. I am planning three days before I leave then to stop the drops and do the meal plan without drops as advised. Then while I am away I will stay away from sugar and carbs although going to Mexico and not having a couple of fish taco’s and chips and salsa will be a small indulgence I will partake in. I am not worried about the sugar since they don’t have really tempting sweets in Mexico. We do lots of walking so I know that will help. I do like a glass of wine maybe not having one daily will be a good idea. I am away for 7 weeks so I was thinking of maybe jumping back on but if I do now I have the suntan lotion issue to deal with. I have been doing lots of research but nothing positive. I am not sure what to do with that issue. I want something with a number 4spf and most I see that are oil free are like a 30spf. I called my health food store this morning and she has some natural ones but they have some sort of oils. So maybe worse case is just stay off for until I get back home. I may just continue to lose while away since we eat so healthy everything fresh there and we walk so much. I should maintain I hope. Thank you so much Hillary for your time in explaining your experience. It has helped me alot. If you or anyone else has any advise on the suntan lotion would you post a reply. Weighed in today and lost 15 lbs tomorrow will be three weeks on the program. Bad thing is I never measured my inches so I don’t know how many I lost but I know it has been alot. Sorry I did not do that now. Take care all………..
Thanks for the good advice Meg. I am happy now that you and Hillary have given me something positive to build on. As you said there is good food in Mexico. They have right on the beach a vendor who makes fresh red snapper, shrimp…all kinds of seafood right on a grill. I will omit the side dish rice that is served with every meal but they always have fresh veges too. I should be fine with the food….just a couple of days when I will have some carbs but I can keep that in check. Thanks for all the help….
Jaclyn
I have some friends that I get the drops from. If you have interest include your email and let me know. I will forward you their phone number. I bought a large bottle I think good for 40 days @ $120.00.
Patti,
Yes, please email me @ coconutde@aol.com
How do their drops taste?
my drops dont really have a taste………..i got mine from heatlyhcg.com i think…97.00 for 2 ounces, i had more then enuff for 40 days and still have liquid left over…….
Patti: I didnt take my inches either and was sorry about that but my clothes dont lie. This break I have been totally off and feel the difference. Cant wait to start anew. I would lotion with nivea or something like that and no suntan. I never use suntan and live in Florida and I do maintain a great tan.I think you have the right idea and the momentum and motivation on this diet is second to none. I will guarantee that you will not even want to eat what you think you will want. The mind is a funny thing. Good luck
yeah Hillary you are right about the mind. Mine is so deep into this program that I won’t even put a speck of rice in my mouth while I am cooking for my family. I am sure I will think twice while away in putting anything forbidden in my mouth. I bet you if I did I wouldn’t even enjoy it. This is the first time I have been in this mindset. It feels good to be in control.
I have been on the HGG diet since Dec. 24 loading days 24 and 25 so in 6 days since loading . I have lost a total of 6 lbs. However the last 2 days I have lost only 2 oz. trying to see if anyone had that experience. I have not stopped using face cream or make-up nor have I changed my deoderant. I did not weigh foodl as carefully and ate 3 10 calorie jello’s in one day. I don’t know. It seems I have stalled for 2 days. Guess it is New Years and I feel that I suffered for New yearseve
and no return. Now that I put this in print it sounds a little whiny and ungrateful…..Feeling a little sorry for myself ….Anyway any suggestions from fellow dieters.
Cheryl
Cheryl: I think the jello may have some sort of sugar in it that may have stalled you. Stay away from it. The makeup should be oil free which many of the makeup manufacturers have.I bought Lancome. I would definitely look into that because it is not worth the stall…if you have an urge for sweets, take apples and bake them with stevia water and cinnamon and it tastes like apple pie. Or use diet cola and bake in that with some added stevia for more sweetness. Keep going. Take it from me who has been off for about a week. I feel awful…carbs drinking and cant wait to get back on track. good luck
I have gone to the site diyhcg.com and there is one bottle that says Homeopathic HCG Drops (Mediral-1 fl. oz) detox………..
I have ordered Mediral homopathic weight loss formula
Is there a difference?
Can you drink wine on this protocol?
Hi Everyone,
I suffered my way through a family BBQ today. I didn’t cheat once!! It was really, really hard not to though.
I am on day 6 (not including my load days) and I have lost 9 lbs!! Woo Hoo! Only about 61 more to go!
I hope everyone had a great New Year!
Can someone please provide a vegetarian version of the hcg diet?
Also, can one substitute tofu in lieu of the chicken or beef and still have great results?
Thanks
Hello. I was also wondering about the vegetarian choices. I am not a vegetarian, but want to follow that version for a while. I am on day 8, and down a little over 8 pounds. I just see myself getting tired of all the meat. Has anyone tried this?
Also, about how many pounds do you have to lose before you see a noticable difference in your size? With 8 my clothes still feel the same (tight, lol!), so just wondering when I might notice.
Kristi,
You asked for the Cauliflower Puree (or “mashed potatoes”) recipe. All I do is take one head of cauliflower, cut it up into florets and steam it for about 5 minutes (or until done). Then add the cauliflower to a food processor with 4 Tb of butter, salt and pepper and pulse it until it is the texture you like. It’s really delicious and has a consistency very similar to mashed potatoes. I hope you enjoy it!
I think it was talked about in earlier posts but since I am lazy and need a quick answer. Was it confirmed that you can use coconut oil? You can use that as a suntan lotion and it has natural spf in it. Thanks
Hello Forum,
I am gearing of for my second round of VLCD starting monday. I am hitting the store today for organic food.
I would appreciate any recipies for the VLCD that anyone has. I need to keep it interesting since my dear husband is joining me this time. Feel free to post or email me directly at meganmarcheterre@hotmail.com please put HCG in the subject line so I don’t confuse it with junk mail.
I’m excited to loose the last 15 or 20lbs.
Thanks all,
Meg
So many questions…on my second day and taking the drops. Any help is much appreciated as I’m starving and didn’t realize the complexity of this diet:
Are any of the following approved?
Corn
Yellow squash
Carrots
Avocado
Pork
Any cheese (besides fat free cottage cheese occasionally)
I work in an office were I need to look very put together, do I really need to avoid what little makeup I use (mascara, concealer, and powder/bronzer, blistex chapstick?)
And seriously no deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, and facial cleanser? What am I supposed to use?
Any guidance or direction is SO appreciated!
Meg,
Where can I get the Yerba Mate Green tea. Also can some one tell me what was used for a laxitive.
Thanks!!!
I get my Yerba Mate tea online at: http://www.guayaki.com
I have used a tea once in a while to help me if I do not use the bathroom for a couple of days. It seems to help but you can’t abuse that. some have used a dieters tea but I have used a tea from the website: http://www.drnatura.com. It is called kleritea an herbal tea for regularity and detoxification. The results depend on how long you steep the tea. It is used with a cleanse but I use it when I am not cleansing. Hope that helps.
Racheal,
When I first started this program I searched everything I could on the internet. I found this website and it has been so helpful for me. It is so hard in the beginning but once you start to lose you will get a strong will power that you can not imagine. When you feel weak and down start at the beginning of the posts and just read. There are so many good ideas and help that others have given. I too was one who really took great care with my skin and now have had to make changes. You can do it. It is just for a short time. There are posts that help you with the kinds of lotions you can use and all of the other approved items. Review through them all they will help you. Get a mineral foundation which is in a powdered form. An oil free wash and moisterizer for your face. I got Neutregena brand which was totally against my regimine for my skin. All of my skin care is loaded with oils. Corn huskers lotion for your hands and legs. Toms toothpaste. Pantene for your hair or Herbal Essence. If you have to condition your hair just hit the ends not the roots. Rinse quickly. Ivory soap to wash with. I am not a real sweater so I have not been using deoderant especialy since it is winter. I just try to wash often. I used to faithfully shower each evening now I am trying to go every other day to save my skin from getting too dry. It is not hard to do just do your homework and go out and buy the things you need. The end results will be worth it! Belive me. I have been on this program for 3 1/2 weeks and I am down 18lbs. Wish you the best!
Patti- Thank you for the uplifting feedback. Looks like I’ll be heading out to the market to see if I can find any of these goods.
Can anyone tell me.. I am doing the homeopathic drops (Mediral- Detox.) After researching tonight I’m wondering if I purchased the wrong stuff??
What is the the difference between Mediral- Detox and Mediral- Weight Loss Formula? I have read because of it being homeopathic and not technically Hcg, it may not be as strong or could be a placebo all together. Should I up my dosage (currently taking .75cc twice a day) or purchase the Weight Loss Formula Mediral drops? I have read a lot of the posts and haven’t found this question??
2 days on VLCD and seeking a lot of advice… any help is appreciated!
This site is amazing and a great support. Thanks to all who contribute.
Rachael,
I’m not sure about the drops, I use a different kind. Have you questioned the company that you purchased them from? Maybe they can tell you the difference.
I know the original, hard-core HCG diet doesn’t let you wear makeup and lotions and all that, but the medspa that I got my drops from never mentioned any of that. I still wear my regular makeup and use all my regular products. I have lost 12 lbs in 10 days.
I don’t think any of those foods you mentioned are approved, but if you look at some of the earlier posts by LES and a few others, they use some unapproved foods in their recipes and have had really great results.
My favorite food is taco salad (minus the shell). I fry up lean ground sirloin and mix in a taco seasoning packet. Then I add fresh cut tomatos, cilantro, and salsa. I love it!
I think everyone is a little different. Some people can get away with a few cheats and some can’t. Good Luck!
Hello,
Rachael, I’d suggest reading the protocol It will answer all of your questions. Plus a list of approved food is on the main page of the David Wallace website. I continued to use my deodorant but I used mineral makeup and my hair regimen stayed the same. I also used Tom’s toothpaste and soap. There are some things I will not stop using! My hair products are one of those things.
Joan, I got mine at Kroger in their organics section. I’ve been using Smooth Move tea as a way to “keep things going”. You have to MAKE SURE you are drinking more water, but the tea works. I got that also at Kroger.
I have decided to start my drops and VLCD next week. I came down with the flu so I figured it would be easier.
Good luck to all.
Meg
Les, can you please e-mail me your recipe for the cauliflower soup? Also, is there a perticular type of marinara sauce that you recommend? I am doing the HCG drops. Day 3 down 8pounds! s.rappoport@comcast.net
I’ve seen several posts questioning on where to get your HCG. I have very good luck with healthyhcg.com ,which is homopathic hcg.I Am starting my 3rd round and have lost over 50 lbs.
Right now there is a bonus offer of a 2oz. (43 day) and a 1oz. (23 day for 127. There is also a code that can be used to get an extra 10% off if you use coupon code: 5212-84-tpd.
Wishing you all the best! I have enjoyed reading this blog throughout my protocal.
Jaclyn and Meg, thanks for the advice. Really! I don’t think I could keep going on with hcg without this blog. For that I am grateful.
This morning I weighed and I have to say I am completely discouraged! I started at 171 on Sunday and this morning I weighed in at 168.4. Most of you have been dropping at least 4 pounds in the first few days. What gives? I’m really wondering if I’m taking the wrong drops or they are bad…
Sherie- it sounds like you started when I did and you are already down 8 pounds?! Way to go!!! what’s the secret??
I’m still trying to figure out if there is a difference between the Mediral Detox and Weight Loss Formula. What what I can read on it, is the WLF has amino acids in it.
I’m drinking a little over a gallon of water each day and I don’t drink tea or coffee so those options are out. Should i increase my water intake?
I’m having a difficult time falling asleep the last 3 nights since I started. 2am is killing me. Is there an approved sleeping aid?
Any ideas… thanks and much success in your weightloss 🙂
Hi Rachael,
I would give it a few more days but if you still haven’t lost, then it might be the drops. Make sure to check your inch loss too. I looked at a website that sold both types of Mediral Drops and the incredients are different. Whatever they add to the weight loss formula might help speed up weightloss. (I really don’t know for sure)
Weight Loss Formula: 1 fl. oz (30 ml) Contains 16% USP Alcohol. Arginine 3x,12x,30x. L-Carnitine 3x,12x,30x. Ornithine 3x,12x,30x. Human Chorionic
Gonadotropin (HCG) 6x,12x,30x,60x.** In a tincture of purified water and non-allergenic USP alcohol.
Detox Formula: 1 fl. oz (30 ml) Contains 16% USP Alcohol **Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) 6x, 12x, 30x, 60x. In a tincture of purified water and non-allergenic USP alcohol.
Are you eating your full calories? I don’t think you need to increase your water intake. I’ve also slept extremely well on this diet. Do you think you can’t get to sleep because you are hungry? Sorry I can’t be more help. 🙁
I have a question. The medspa that I got my original drops from says that there has been no evidence that people become immune to the drops. They said I could continue taking the drops until I reach my goal weight, even if it takes longer than 40 days.
Has anyone else heard this? I really would rather not have to stop and start again if I don’t have to.
Also, I was told that HCG loses its potency if it is not refrigerated, but a lot of the online ones say it is not necessary. Does everyone here put theirs in the fridge? Thanks!
Rachael, did you do the two days of loading? I thought it was nuts, but did it anyway and that weight came off the first day actually on the diet so I don’t know if you would count those few pounds. I am doing the drops from hcgplatinum.com. Really have not been hungry, but still try to get in the calories. Anyone have any new recipes to share?
16 lbs in 13 days (loading days included).
A couple of thoughts on some posts:
-It seems to me that some of the protocols are mixing a cleans in with the diet (all the rules on makeup and hygiene products). While not bad I think it’s important not to confuse the two. My protocol is about weight loss and has none of these rules.
-I experienced some ‘stall days’ where I would lose little or none.
-I was a little tired and cold the first couple of days. Hungry as well. Now I am seldom any of the three.
-I put my HCG in the fridge. I wonder if some of the immune affect has to do with stale product. I also get mine from a doctor every 2 weeks, so we’ll see.
-I haven’t seen any ‘vegetarian’ version. This may be because it is hard to get lean source protein without carb content.
-If you have questions about something being allowed, check the original content of this blog post (at the top). Additionally, in my program, we’re allowed pickles and celery as ‘free’ snacks. I think they are essentially 0-0-0 foods.
-All artificial sweeteners, except Stevia, stimulate an insulin response from the body, like sugar. They should all be avoided.
-Braggs amino is great as well as Tony Catchers Creole seasoning.
Thanks all. I called Mediral headquarters directly and the gentleman told me a that the detox is not as strong as the weight loss fomula. The Mediral WLF includes amino acids and while the ingrediants are almost identical its meant for the person with a slow metabolism. So that could be my answer. While I have always thought I had a slow metabloism maybe this proves to be true in this case. I’ll look into purchasing the WLF and transition into those once received. Of course…silly ol’ me is here to pose more questions….
The information that I received with my drops included some recipes. One of which is Thai Scallops and allot of Tuna recipes. I was under the impression I could have those. However at the top of the posts it does not have those on the approved list. Has anyone implemented these into their diet and found to be successful?
Patti- Did you find a suncreen product you were able to use in Mexico? I’m headed to Maui on business for 10 days next week and I know I’m going to need it.
I was at Whole Foods last night and stumbled upon a few suncreens, but I’m not educated enough to know what ingredients to stay away from.
I found a product by nature’s Gate Mineral Sunblock 20. Your thoughts??
Here are the ingredients:
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 8%, Zinc Oxide 2%
Inactive ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diisopropyl Adipate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil,Glycerin, Polysorbate 80, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Wheat Bran Glycosides, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract, Viola Tricolor (Wild Pansy) Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Dimethicone, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Triethoxycaprylylsilane,Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Fragrance.
Racheal,
I am not really sure about those ingredients either but I do see one thing that I am sure is an oil it is the (Safflower) Seed Oil. I found pure coconut oil on ebay. I bought two bottles. There is no spf in it but from what I have read coconut oil has a natural protectant in it. If you are going to Hawaii you should be able to find it there. the folks I purchased mine from are from Hawaii and bring it back from there. I am going to try it. I am still not sure if I am going to proceed with the diet while away. I really would like to continue since I am on my way and don’t need to lose too much more. I hate to stop and then start all over again. should I decide to continue on then I will need the coconut oil. If not then it is my usual lotion. Hope this helps.
Thanks so much Patti. The way I look at it, why come all this way and go off the diet to be worrying all week while on vacation if it’s going to mess up your momentum coming back. I feel your pain though! Trust me I’d like to have a few pina colada’s and Mai Tai’s in Hawaii. Besides we’ve both come sacrificed this far. I’m going to give it all I have to stick to it while away. I’m here to support you through it. Mexico is one of my favorite places to vacation and I LOVE my chips and salsa. Here’s the thing though, you can have lobster, shrimp, beef, chicken. In my eyes those are all great options. Especially the lobster! Do you like cucumber and onions? Try the Cucumber and onions recipe that’s marinated in Apple Cider Vinegar and water with a touch of Splenda. It’s to die for! I was eating that before I even started hcg. Make some of that and pull that out of the fridge in Mexico everytime you want chips and salsa. It’s crunchy and salty. The other option is some pico de gallo (I bought the fresh packages from Walmart/ 2 TBL is 5 calories) and put it with cucumbers for the crunch factor. I hope this helps. I’ll look into the Coconut oil? hat brand did you find?
CORRECTION: Do not use splenda! Use STEVIA. 🙂
Racheal,
Thanks for your words of encouragement and your tips. I will try the cucucumbers and onions. I think the only problem I am now starting to have is the food options I have are getting boring. I made Ravioli last night for my family and the smell of the fresh sauce was killing me. I did not make a fresh pot but had frozen some left over sauce from another time. Oh the aroma but I did not cheat. I know there are a lot of good recipies floating around out there but I have not taken the time to try any of them. We do alot of walking while away so if I continue on to the 40 day mark then I will increase my protien portion by a little. I may have a couple of cheat days but I think that is better than stopping and starting all over again. I don’t know I have gotten some good advice from others on this site and may quit before I leave. Still not sure I hit the 20lb loss mark in 4 weeks today so that is a great motivation.
Here is the info on the coconut oil.
Item title: Hawaiian Pure 100% Coconut Oil ~ For Tanning ~ Hawaii
Web Address: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370185162575
Thanks again let me know if you need anything else.
Why is sugar-free gum allowed, but not other sugar-free items such as Crystal Light, Jello, etc…? Is it because the amount of artificial sweetener in the gum is negligible compared to the other items? Shouldn’t hcg dieters only chew gum made with Stevia and not aspartame, splenda or sucralose…? Any insight would be helpful. Thanks!
Hello Forum,
I’m glad to hear people are doing well on their diet. Some loose more weight than others, but to lose .5lbs per day is pretty great. It took time to put the weight on; it’ll take time to get it off. Just keep at it. One thing I have noticed (I’m on my second round) that if something doesn’t work for you it shows up the next morning you weigh. My friend can eat the Jell-O and she still looses weight, but I can’t. It makes me gain, but I lose faster if I eat grapefruit. She doesn’t. I think you just have to find something within the parameters that works for you and go with it.
I have learned that it is essential to eat the 500 calories and drink the water. I have also noticed that if I eat a couple of shrimp right before bed I loose more. You can try an extra serving of protein at night.
I’ve read that the actual hormone injections are what the body becomes immune to, but the homeopathic drops are made differently so there is not the problem with the immunity since they are synthetic. Although, I can’t imagine wanting to do the VLCD for more than 40 days. I took 6 week break and that transition diet helped cement good eating habits that I will have after I finally lose all of the weight. Plus, you get to do the load days before you start another round, and doesn’t that make it worth it?
If you are stalling or have hit a plateau during the VLCD try an apple day. It seems to get me going again, but I have noticed that every week or so I don’t lose for a couple of days and then like magic I have a 3-4 lb loss. If you average out your weight loss it should be about .5lbs if you are average. I’m not a lucky 1-2 lb a day person.
My favorite VLCD recipe is the mini meatloaf from this website (I use Bison for extra lean ground meat and sometimes tobacco to make it spicy) http://hcgrecipes.blogspot.com/2007/09/mini-meatloaf.html
There are several good recipes on this website. If someone comes across the cabbage roll recipe, let me know. I’m dying for some diversity at this point.
Mini Meatloaf
• 100g ground steak
• 1/2 t milk or sugar free ketchup
• 1 grissini (ground into powder)
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• 1/2 t dehydrated minced onion
• 1/2 t spicy mustard
• 1/4 t allspice
• 1/8 t sage
• salt/pepper to taste
• Any additional seasonings you like
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In small bowl, combine all ingredients and form into a small meatloaf.
3. Place in glass dish, cover, and bake 25-30 mins.
4. Uncover dish, or homemade sugar free ketchup to top, and bake 5-10 additional mins.
5. Serve immediately with a bit more of homemade sugar free ketchup for dipping.
My favorite treat is a half grapefruit microwave for .5 to 1 minute and sprinkled with some cinnamon and a couple sprinkles of stevia. I didn’t think I’d like it so much, but it really is yummy!
Has anyone tried any of the Walden Farm’s http://www.waldenfarms.com products? I saw a few items posted on here towards the beginning of the site, but was just curious. If we can really have these items on the P2 this could truly make this diet even better! Stores that sell the items are Albertson’s Sprouts, AJs and Bashes at least in Arizona. Please let me know if anyone has tried or heard about these products. Thanks!
I just found the catch to the Walden Farm’s products. They are sweetened with splenda. I did purchase the stevia packets, but does anyone use splenda and with hopefully such a small amount what do people think?
I have used Splenda packets and have lost 14 lbs in 12 days. I think as long as you don’t over-do it you will be okay.
Meg- It’s a great point you make about the salt/sodium. I’m a salt lover so that could be why I’m not dropping more than I’d like. I’ve already added it to my tomatoes today so I will start with no salt tomorrow and see if I see a difference on the scale. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Sherie and Jaclyn,
I have a diet coke a day and I used Splenda my first round of HCG and it didn’t slow me down. I was a .5 to .75 loss per day. My friend couldn’t use splenda at all. It made her stall. I think it just depends on your particular body. We would make just one change and weighed the next day if we found no loss then we made note. It shows up quick enough if there is something that makes you stall.
I would caution people against anyting with salt/ sodium. It does make you retain water which shows up as a gain or a stall. That is one thing that has been consistant with everyone I know on the HCG.
Good luck
Meg
Racheal,
That is why I love the forum! It has helped me a lot too!
Meg
I purchased a bunch of Walden Farm’s products last night after looking at their website. I did a tiny little taste of most of the things a bought and here are my thoughts. The strawberry jelly is pretty good. I put not even a teaspoon of it on a melba toast yesterday afternoon. The bbq sauce from the little taste I had seemed pretty good, but I have not really fully used it yet. The peanut butter… not so good, but worked a little better when I put it with the jelly on the melba toast. The honey dijon dressing is not bad, I added less than 2 tablespoons to my salad last night for dinner. I also bought the mayo, but have not tried it yet.
I week (including the loading days) and down 12 pounds! pants are feeling good and I am feeling great.
Question though, anyone on the drops find that after a few bites of food and they are really not hungry? I am taking 7 drops 3 times a day which is what it says I should do, but I don’t know if I should decrease the amount.
Sherie,
I have found that on this diet if you find something that works…keep doing it. Congratulations on your success. It keeps me motivated when I weigh everyday and find the scale lower than the day before. That is what gets me through my 3:00 I can eat the sofa feeling.
So the condiments you bought are recommended on the VLCD? This is my second round and it is harder than the first. I will check it out if it is allowed.
Here is a link to some noodles that are allowed during the VLCD. I haven’t tried them, but others on the forum rave about them.
http://miraclenoodle.com/index-2.html
Good Luck,
Meg
Meg, I read about those noodles, and in the past have used the tofu shirataki noodles which you also have to wash really well multiple times then dry extremely well. i loved to make them in a veggie stir fry, but had to add a sauce. How do you prepare them?
hey i forgot, when i started these hcg drops, did it tell me to do the drops during my gorge days….i cant remember………or did i start the drops the 3rd day, which for me i think was the day after my 2 heavenly gorge days
Hey Everyone,
Just an update…I just finished my second week and I am down 16.6 lbs and 9.75 inches. 2 1/2 inches were on my waist! Woo-Hoo!!!!!!!
Keep up the good work everybody!
Sherie,
I’ve never tried them, but was wanting to. The forum raves about them. I might pick some up next time I’m at whole foods or trader joe’s. I haven’t seen them anywhere else.
I’m down almost 5lbs on 4 days of VLCD! Better results than last time. If it stays at this rate I’ll get to my 15lb goal quickly!
Kristi,
You are supposed to do the drops during the gorge, but I forgot and I don’t think it made a difference to me.
Jaclyn,
Go with yourself!!! Awesome work!
Keep it up everyone!
Meg
Hello everyone. I absolutely love this forum. I just wanted to let you all know that I ordered my hCG from alldaychemist. I think I got a pretty good deal as compared to some other places I have looked. I got 10 15 day ampules. I mix the hCG for sublingual use myself. It has worked for me. I paid $99 plus $25 shipping and handling. This amount should last through three 43 day cycles. Just thought people might like to check that out before they order a new batch. Good Luck everyone!!!!!
Hey, I’m noticing that I do much better without the Grissini. Dr. Simeons says that patients “may” have one twice a day which makes me think they are not necessary and maybe even detrimental.
Also the Grissini seem to make me hungry.
Are we able to have the hebrew national 98% fat free hot dogs? I’m thinking they are probably similar to deli meat, but also not sure. Please let me know what you think.
Also, for all of you ladies, are your husbands/boyfriends on the diet? My fiance started a few days after me and i liked that I could tell him what to expect the first few days, but just trying to keep him positive about the diet is difficult. Please advise.
I made the “apple crisp” tonight and it is delish! Cut up apple into thin slices, I put a little lemon juice on it, cinemon and 2 packets of stevia. Baked on 350 for 15min and yum!
Just starting on the diet (the drops) is there any eye shadows, eye liner mascara one can use? Have the face powder and blush. Getting all the other personal products tomorrow. Deod, lotion, toothpaste, etc. And if you have any suggestion on which ones to buy. Please feel free to shoot me an email. jkweber@prodigy.net. Thank you – Johanna
One more thing I have misplaced our book and I am needing to get a copy of one. Can some one fax me a copy of it. It is the Dr. Simeons diet. the 43 day. it is like 8 pages long, give or take. Shoot me an email and I will send you my fax number. Thank you very much.
For men is there a specific shaving cream etc they should be using as well. Thanks again
Total Fat 1.5g
Hebrew National 97% fat free hot dog
Saturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 15mg
Sodium 400mg
Total Carbohydrates 3g
Fiber 0g
Sugars 0g
Protein 6g
Iron 6%
I would worry about the modified food starch that makes up the 3g of carbohydrates. You might try a little and see how your body reacts.
Nice snack to sneak into theater: Sliced apple, stevia and cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice in a baggie. You won’t even miss the popcorn.
All- First week on VLCD and noticed for my own body I lost 1-1.5 lbs if I stuck to chicken breast than eating lean beef or fish or shrimp which kept me losing .5 lbs. Now I’m getting discouraged because I remained the exact same weight from yesterday morning to this morning. How long should I wait before doing an Apple day?
I’m wondering if it had anything to do with the “extra” piece of gum I chewed for an hour. I tried it as I know many on this forum chew that gum and have no problems. But again everybody’s body reacts differently. I’m going to be discouraged if i cant have my gum 🙁
Also, I came across this site with some great recipes. I noticed they have recipes that don’t follow Dr. Simeons diet. You may want to try though and see if they work for you. http://mygreenvalleyspa.com/hcg-recipes/
I made a big batch of the cucumber and onion recipe to pair with my protein at lunchtime. I have a family recipe for it and mine includes dill, so I added that to it and it just gives that added flavor. Try it and let me know what you think.
Cindy- Couldn’t agree more with your Grissini dilemma. I struggle everytime I eat one. It’s my little slice of carb heaven, but it’s hard to stop at just one.I’ll have to try the apple with pumpkin pie spice tonight when I hit a movie. Thanks 🙂
Johanna- I read that most mascara’s are approved. I use a cheap mabelline one and haven’t seem to have an issue but it’s depends on the your body.
Any feedback for stalling would be great.
Thanks 🙂
Johanna,
I haven’t changed any of my personal care products aside from soap and toothpaste. My HCG provider authorized any of the mineral makeups, but I’ve been happy with my weightloss with out making those types of changes. I switched to Tom’s toothpaste and soap bars.
I’d try the protocol with your normal stuff and if you aren’t happy with the results then phase in the protocol approved products.
Good Luck,
Meg
I have started again for the 3rd time. was wondering if anyone has cheated on the diet and had a drink like vodka and soda water before with a weight gain? i may go out next week and it would really suck not to have at least one drink. anyone???? thanks
Amanda,
You can search for Vodka or any other word on this forum like this. Go to the bottom of a page and click on ‘see all’ to open all pages at once. Then on your browser, click on Edit, Find on this page, and type the work vodka. keep clicking on ‘next’ and it will take you to the next use of the word, about 15 in all. You could also try wine. I would love to drink wine on this but I think it has too much sugar. Also, it could lead me to cheats.
Couple of dillemma’s… From Saturday to Sunday I remained the same weight. This morning I weighed and GAINED .2 lbs. Should I do an apple day today??
Dilemma #2…..I leave this Friday for Hawaii. I now understand your hesitation of continuing the diet on vaca Patti!
Just wondering if I should take my last set of drops this evening and start the 3 day VLCD. Then implement the Phase 3 while on vacation and come back and continue my set of drops? I’m so indecisive and don’t have alot of time to decide. AS I would have to start tomorrow. I’ll be gone 10days in total. According to Dr. Simeon protocol I would need to start all over including the gorge days if I’m off the drops for longer than 4 days.
So two options:
Should I go to Hawaii and do my very best to stick with it and if I have a glass of wine and cheat 1 day I’ll work to bounce back from it? OR discontinue the drops starting tomorrow and start the diet all over when I return?
Thoughts about my gain? Thoughts about vacation? Ahhh….
Cindy- Thanks for the search tip. Very helpful to go back through posts quickly!
Racheal
I have decided to continue with my program. I am gone for 7 weeks so I thought going another almost two weeks to finish my 40 day mark is not too bad. I am going to try and follow my program like I am now but realizing that there may be a couple of times when I might miss the mark. You are gone only 10days in a beautiful place. I would stop the drops and enjoy yourself in moderation. You have learned a lot of good eating habits so that should not be too hard to do. Be careful but have fun. How often do you get to visit a place like that? When you get back home then start over again. I am losing weight pretty consistantly and decided to keep it rolling. I can do my maintenance while away and still have a couple of weeks to enjoy some of the forbidden things after I have completed the maintenance. When I get home then I can jump back in and finish up the 10-15lbs more that I may want to lose before summer starts. I am not going to beat myself up over a few cheat days. That is my advice to you. Remember too that the sun is very intense in Hawaii so depending on how much time you are going to spend in it you will need lotion with spf in it. The coconut oil does not have protection in it and you will most definetly burn. Another good reason to stop and restart. Let me know how you are doing, what you have decided. Hope this helped.
Rachael,
I had the very same problem. I decided it was best to do phase 3 while on vacation and start back with the drops once home. There is no need to wait the 6 weeks before re-starting the drops after on phase 3 since there is no immunity issue with the drops. I did it and it worked perfectly. Plus it will be easy to do phase 3 in Hawaii. Caution!! One glass of wine knocks me on my butt! I could easily have several glasses, but no more! My husband loves that I’m a cheap date. Seriously, ENERYONE I’ve talked to said that alochol really is different after this diet. Good Luck!
Racheal,
I would just stick to the diet until there is no weight loss for several days. Not to get too personal, but have you tried Smooth Move tea? I find when my weight loss stalls that means my insides have stalled. I’ve actually droped 3+ lbs by just having a cup and it seems to stimulate the weight loss again.
Good Luck!
Cindy,
The diet approved alohol is vodka on ice with club soda. I see that being ordered a lot now and I always wonder if that person is on the diet. I’ve had a glass of wine while on the VLCD and not had to much of a stall. I drink a gallon or more of water if I know I will drink alochol and skip my fruits for the day. Drinking that much water keeps you from retaining water..I know it doesn’t make sense, but my hubby (a doctor swears it’s true).
Good Luck,
Meg
Racheal,
Just rememberd. The protocol actually advises that sunbathing will help with weightloss, but sunburns will hinder any loss and actually cause a gain from water retention for the inflamation of the skin.
Personally, I’d rather use top of the line sunblock and not worry about absorbing oil from the product. You can loose weight, but wrinkles and skin cancer are forever! Just my thoughts
Meg
glad to see someone on here got tipsy after a very small amount of adult beverages…….i can carry my weight in adult beverages……but the other night i treated myself out to dinner with friends…first time ive been in a real sit down place since 11/05/09..so i ate light that day,,,no carbs that day , no breads pasta taters at that get together, i ordered a mojita and half way thru i was getting a lil flushed and warm
Kristi,
It is the strangest thing. I definately have a much much much lower tolerance for alochol now.
Kudos on actually going out. I miss dinner served by someone else.
Hey Forum. Here’s a question. Do people eat out while on this diet? How does everyone else handle this? My friends think I don’t like them anymore, but I just can’t figure out how to eat out.
I’d love to know what everyone else thinks about this.
Meg
so far I have gone out to eat once. I ordered a side salad and had them take out half the things in it and add tomatoes. I just told them I was on a special diet. I also brought my own salad dressing, the waldens brand. my fiance ate out once and he ordered grilled chicken not cooked in any oils, and steamed broccoli.
I don’t know about all of you, but I am getting tired of cooking so much! I feel like I am always in the kitchen.
i went out 2 times while on the drops..once a steak place..did very well..had steak an brocolli…the 2nd time with my mom to a cafeteria type place..we got lots of snow and i had bad cabin fever..had grilled chick breast and grilled onions..did fine both times…
now ive just got to figure out what my game plan is..ive kinda got my feet stuck in both stage 3 and 4..adding my white foods wasnt as bad as i thought..i have stayed under 2 pound allowance..actually lost about 4 pounds once i was done with the drops, im staying within ounces of that….ive had a few extra things, not like before..i had a croissant, cookie, mini reese cup, few spoons of mashed taters, and a lasagna noodle..about every other day i have my starch..its been fine..and im just totally shocked….im down 42 pounds…just not sure when i want to start my drops again…i want to do a 23 day round, while im still in the mood..id like to loose 12-18 more pounds…………..
Kristi,
Good for you! The hardest part for my first round was giving up the safety of eating only 500 calories. I was afraid of adding foods back into my diet, but it worked out OK. I plan to stay on the drops until my sunny mini-break to Cabo later this month. My goal is to lose 8 more lbs (i’ve lost 7 this week).
I’ve been able to eat out a couple of times. I went with a friend and we split a meal of grilled fish and subbed extra spinich for the rice that was offered.
The next time i went to a steak house and ordered the 8oz fillet and ate half along with aspeargus. Didn’t realize it was cooked with oil until it got to the table. I ate it anyway, but it didn’t seem to make a difference in the weight loss.
I’d still love to hear how everyone else eats out.
Sherie,
I do all of my shopping on sunday and cook a ton of foods. I have a flat griddle for my stove so I have that going with several portions of food while I am working on my george foreman grill. I pack the foods into individual tupperwares along with vegetables pre-weighed and cleaned. Then throughout the week I just grab and go. It eats up about 4 hours of my sunday for both shopping and cooking. Then I don’t have to worry about anything but my husband’s food during the week.
Meg
This is day 12 for me on the hcg and I have lost 7 1/2 lbs. I have stalled at that since day 10 and this morning I have gained 1/2 lb. Is this normal? I haven’t cheated at all. I’ve been really excited to see the 1 lb drop every day but now to have gained a 1/2 lb back I’m getting a little discouraged. Any suggestions or words of encouragement?
Hi Thanks David, very helpful info. I am on Day 9, 7 days VLCD and have lost 8 plus lbs. Today is the first day that I did not loose a lb. I lost about .4. I really don’t feel hungry, and have been doing well with cravings, the worst for me are the commercials on TV, but I keep telling myself that the food on the commercials looks alot better then if ever looks when you get it. I really expect to do pretty well on this diet as I am a person who does not get bored eating the same things every day, and lucky for me I love most of the things on the diet, especially chicken and vegtables. And the grissini breadsyicks which I just found are a real treat.
Ali,
This is pretty common during the VLCD. It is hard not to get frustrated whenyou hit a plateau. If you re-read the protocol Dr. Simmeons talks about it. If you feel you need to do something try the apple day. It is awful to restrict yourself soooo much and not even have the excitement of watching the scale go down. Keep your head up, it’ll catch up!
Meg
Hi — why can’t you have albacore tuna in water, drained. it has no fat and is less than 70 calories in the entire can. This an easy lunchtime protein for a working person. Thanks!
I think you probably could have it once in a while. It was never packed in water in Dr. Simeons day, so he couldn’t have really researched it. But, he does rule out oily fish which it is, co I wouold try it once and find how your body reacts. I have eaten it twice with no gain. The small cans come out to about 100g when drained and rinsed.
Cindy
Thanks, Cindy. How about Sparkling Mineral Water Lime Flavor? Does anyone know about that?? I would think if one can have diet soda, sparking water with natual flavor (no sugar) would be fine too?
Louise,
I would suggest reading the protocol because everything is pretty well lined out in that. At the top of this page is a fairly complete listing as well. Mineral water is fine as long as there is no artifical sweetener. If you are a trudeaux follower then no diet soda, but i allow one d/c a day as a treat. You find out quickly if something isn’t working because you don’t lose.
Good Luck,
Meg
I have red it over many times. I find it odd that one can eat (fatty) sea bass but not tuna. There are many things that simply don’t add up and I am asking for clarification from you winners for whom it has worked. Thanks.
Meg,
Now day 13 I lost a pound and a half after gaining 1/2. I feel back on track. I did realize that the garlic salt I had used had sugar in it. I guess that was the problem. I also gave up 1 fruit for the day. I feel so much better now. Thanks for the post yesterday. It helped.
Alicyn
Louise,
It is strange the foods that are on the list and aren’t. I was shocked that pork and turkey which are very lean are not on the list. Trust me I tried turkey and stalled for almost a week! I’ve decided to suck it up and stick with the restrictive list.
How much are you trying to lose? You may want to follow the diet to the letter and try water packed tuna for lunch. If you gain weight or not lose as much as you wanted at the next weigh in…there is your answer. I tried the canned shrimp and had no luck as well as the canned chicken.
I ate two pieces of tuna sushi yesterday for lunch and gained 3lbs. Try it and let the rest of us know if it works for you.
Keep up the good work!
Meg
Ali,
I find if I am stalling or not losing I keep a very accurate log of food. I found that sometimes I add something without thinking about it. I pop an olive while making my husbands salad or taste the sauce I’m making for him. Sometimes it is something small like that.
Good Work,
Meg
Meg, I’m glad you just wrote about the turkey. Although I know that on here it says you can’t have it, the person who I bought the drops from said you can and so I have been making ground lean turkey and wrapping it in lettuce multiple times during the week. It is my fiance’s favorite. He has stalled for the past two days and I have lost very little. Sadly, I think I am going to stop making it for a while and see what happens.
Anyone have any good chicken recipes? I am getting tired of making ours the same way most of the time. Please let me know.
Thanks!
Sherie,
Yeah It is amazing how things work differently for people. I am cranky and on an apple day since I gained after a couple pieces of tuna sushi. UGGGHH. i just need to loose 10 lbs before my plane takes off to Cabo San Lucas…so tired of this cold weather.
I stick to the basics when it comes to chicken. No help or imagination from me. Sorry!
Meg
Hi all- reporting back here after a stall over the weekend and Monday. Here to say I’m back on track. Meg, I went and purchased the Smooth Move Tea and also did and Apple day and weighed 1.5 lighter the next day. Yay! I desperately need that tea as it keeps things flowing for me. Where I suffer from Ulcerative Colitis and constantly struggle with constipation this really helped me! Thank you 🙂 I plan to use more frequently to keep me regular.
Getting personal in this post, but has anyone found to have tender breasts? I’m not close to menstruating so I wonder if this is a side effect?
Glad to hear what others are ordering while out in restaurants. Leaving for Hawaii Friday morning and really nervous to leave the comfort zone of home and my kitchen. But with these good ideas you have given me I’ll do my best.Thanks everyone!
Sheri — I bake it with garlic, italian seasoning and red pepper flakes then put my veg (usually fresh spinach) on top of it and sprinkle it with the seasonings too. Add a squeeze of lemon. The spinach looks lame but tastes great.
Meg — trying to lose 15lbs so perhaps I really need to be vigilant about the “can have” versus messing with it. Thanks.
Day 3 Crabby Louise
Louise
I’m on my third round and this time I’ve added tuna in water and have had no problems. I like taking it for lunch cuz it’s quick and easy in the morning. I squeeze lemon on it and added freshly ground pepper. Pretty good!
I have been on the diet for 5 days and have lost 12 pounds so far. Does anyone know if it affects more overweight people differently than thinner ones?
Miska, I have heard that the more you have to lose the faster it comes off. Unfortunately it becomes harder once you get closer to your goal weight. Either way it is the best diet I have ever done and I have done the yo yo thing quite a few times.
One thing I do with my chicken and so far my favorite is chicken taco salad. I found that I can use the La Victoria Salsa Brava and Green sauce because it does not have any sugar added. I just make sure not to have the grissini with the meal to balance out the calorie intake. I also do not add any taco seasoning mostly because I do not really enjoy that anyway.
Today I had Grilled Shrimp in Can’t Believe Its Not butter and Garlic. I made sure not to overcook the Shrimp. I loved that. Just might be my new fav!!
Thank you everyone for contributing to this blog. I love to come here and read when I am having a particularly hard time.
Louise,
Crabby Louise…HAHAHAHAHHAH. I was just commenting to my friend on HCG that I shouldn’t be allowed around people while on the VLCD. I was calling my self somthing stronger than crabby, but I’ll take crabby megan!
Love it!
Meg
Miska- I do tend to think those who have more weight to lose will drop quicker in the beginning. I have 30 lbs overall to lose so my weight has been slow to come off. Today is day 12 VLCD and I’m down 8. I was really hoping to drop at least 10 before I leave for Hawaii in the morning.
FYI…i’ve been on the hunt for Walden Farms products to bring to Hawaii with me and found no such luck. Their website has a store locator, but don’t stop there if you don’t find a store near you. I called the 800 # and the nice gal referred me to the west cost regional rep(who I then called) who told me of other stores I could find the products at that were not listed online. All for a little 0 cal dressing. The things we’ll do to get skinny 🙂
I’ll check in from Hawaii and let you know how things are going!
Rachel, some of the Walden Farms products are pretty good. You have to use your imagination a little, but i am a fan of the honey dijon dressing. My fiance likes the ceaser. The jelly is not bad and I mixed a teaspoon of the mayo with a teaspoon of the honey dijon dressing in with 1 whole egg and 2 egg whites with chopped celery and will be enjoying egg salad for lunch today.
Rachael,
Have fun in Hawaii, travel safe. Send some sun and warm weather back to us on the mainland!
Apple day for me today..again. Since I had an apple day all day yesterday, but forgot when I started cooking dinner and ate. UGGHH!!! Sometimes I wonder where my brain goes.
Has anyone else done an apple day? I’d like to know how it went.
Thanks,
Meg
Sherie,
Thanks for good idea for egg salad. I haven’t tried eggs yet to see if they agree with my body. But will give it a try. Chicken salad would also work I suppose.
Meg- I’ll do best best to shoot sunny rays your way 🙂 I did an apple day on Monday and finished Tuesday @ lunchtime. I resumed with a regular dinner Tuesday evening. Over the 1.5 days of apples and then the 1 dinner I lost 2.5 lbs. Honestly, I was dreading the apple day but it went by just fine and I thought for sure I would allot of water but I think I only drank about 1 cup. I cut my apples up into bite size pieces and sprinkle cinnamon sugar (stevia) on them. Its a good treat. I also find myself going to bed earlier so I don’t cave and cheat. That’s when my sugar tooth hits!
You’ll be fine, good luck and keep up the great work!
Hello everyone!
My friend and I are really excited! we will be starting the HCG diet next week. This message board is great!
Can someone tell us why we cant bake the meat oppossed to just gilling and boiling?
Thanks!
Maise — you can bake it. My HCG cookbook has most recipes baking in the oven. You can cook in a skillet as well as long as you use NO OIL. PAM is my new best friend…. Good luck!
Louise
Broiling shrimp in the over is the same as baking it — cooks in 5 minutes or less!
oven not over…. sorry.
Maise,
The only restriction I’ve heard is from the trudeaux followers not allowing microwaves. So if you aren’t trying to folow the trudeaux way I’d just cook like normal. Most recipies I have call for baking in the oven.
Good Luck on your diet!
Meg
Thanks everyone! we have done so much research on the HCG diet. We are both very excited to get started. I need maximum weight loss so i want to follow everything as instructed.
UGGHHH! Encouragement needed…
I am on day six of Hcg and day four of the strict 500cal. I gained four pounds on the gorge days and I am now actually three pounds heavier than when I started. I am following everything…the teas, stevia, water, no visible fat anything, measuring my meat,all organic!
I actually measured all my veggies today to make sure I wasn’t going over my calories. I am actually under 400! and eating everything on the list.
I am gluten sensitive so I am not eating the breadsticks or melba toast.
Could Chapstick be making me fat? My lips were so dry they started to bleed.
Any suggestions?
HI THERE ANYONE CRAVING SWEETS? IAM HELP!!thanks
Tammy,
Take a deep breath! Have you tried the smooth move tea? It helps keep you regular and that could be part of the problem. Also, you HAVE to eat 500 calories. That means more vegetables! For some reason if you go under the 500 you either don’t loose or you gain. I try not to eat the melba’s or the grissinis anyway. I’d look at the fruits you are eating maybe try the lower sugar ones
I didn’t switch many of my personal care products because there are some things I’m just not giving up.
Try an apple day or up your drops or both. I know you have been restricting yourself and it SUCKS to not see that scale dropping, but if you stick with it I bet there will be a huge drop all at once.
If you keep it up it will work. What was your diet like before the HCG?
Sonia,
I’m not much of a sweet person, but on this diet I have started to crave them. I started started my B drops from my HCG website and that has helped. I have some cocoa flavored yerba mate tea that helps with the craving. Or slice an apple into segments and sprinkle with cinnimon and stevia and microwave for about a minute. It isnt chocolate cake, but it is good for what we can have on our diet. You can also get some of the flavored liquid stevia drops and put them in club soda. I love the vanilla creme and the chocolate rapsberry. Yummy!!
I am even with last week now (those two pieces of sushi really threw me off). I’ve got 8.2 more lbs to lose before I go to cabo. My plan is to go into phase three while I’m there and come back to the drops for the last round of VLCD. UGGHHH!!!
Good Luck to all,
P.S. Post some recipes if you’ve got some good ones. I’d love to mix it up a bit.
Tammy – hang in there. I read that if you stick with it you will eventually start losing. Make sure you are getting 500 calories and no chapstick. It was recommended that we use caramex. I am not too fund of switching cosmetics but from all of the blogs they can sometimes be a huge staller. Keep us posted on your progress!
2 weeks today (including loading days) and have lost 17 pounds!!!! I have not changed any products except only using lotion on my hands when I really need/want it. Throughout the day I drink hot green tea with lemon, much more tasty than plain water. Lately for my first fruit I have a half of grapefruit. I peel it at home at least a night before and put it in a container, at work I add a half a pack of stevia on it and yum! Definately holds me over to lunch where my new fav is egg salad on a tomato slice. In the afternoon i alternate between either an apple, orange or strawberries and then dinner fish or chicken with some type of veggie.
Have a good weekend everyone!
Tammy,
Let me follow up my suggestions to up the dosage of the drops with, I am not a doctor. The advise was the same that was given to my by the company I purchased the drops from. They aren’t doctors either. It was just a suggestion, take it or leave it. Upping my dosage helped me keep off hunger and jump started the weight loss.
Just keep it up!
Meg
HI is anyone craving sweets Iam HELP! :(:(
meg.. thank you but i have tryed all that i do the hcg shots , this is my second round of 23days if the drops work cuz you can control by upping the dosage. konw iam on the shots 🙁
Thanks everyone. I am actually using the Hcg injections. Today, I still haven’t lost any weight but I put on a skirt that was terribly tight two weeks ago that now is very loose. I will try switching to Carmex. Is there a problem with turkey? I ate it the first few days because a few of the sites said it was okay. I only ate 60cal of lean turkey a day. Haven’t eaten it in the last two days. Thanks again.
Tammy,
That might be the culprit. Turkey made me gain and stall. It took a week after my last bite of turkey before I saw any weight come off. It is amazing how foods affect people differently on this diet. It will happen, just log everything that passes through those lips. Also, I’d log personal care products. Post what you eat/use for a day or two and maybe the forum can see something that stalled us. Just a thought.
I was really really good since the sushi earlier this week and still I gained .5 yesterday. Perplexing. I’m glad I have the fourm. It helps me stay motivated! It is really hard to eat what we eat and other people get to have actual food!
Good Luck,
Meg
WARNING: Long post….
Checking in from Hawaii. So I caved Thursday and decided to make it my last day of drops. The plan was to stay on the drops through Hawaii but I changed my mind last minute. I assumed Friday (traveling day) would be a 500 cal day. Let me make a recommendation. BRING YOUR OWN FOOD ON AN AIRPLANE. All the f0od being distributed just about killed me. I did have 1 diet coke which I never took while on VLCD so don’t know how it reacted in my body as I don’t have a scale this morning. Back to the food. They had nothing that would cater to an hcg taker. So be sure if you’re traveling to pack your own food. Protein and all. I checked after the fact and it is aloud through security. I should’ve checked beforehand and spared myself the suffering.
After coming off a 6 hour flight starving I went to Ruby Tuesday and ordered a steak with Broccoli and mushrooms. They were very good about cooking it without any oils, butters, etc. The steak was pretty fatty so i tried to cut around everything the best I could. I’m nervous how that also affected my weight. Overall yesterday’s traveling messed up my normal eating schedule so I’m worried that I gained. Also had a lack of water.
Can someone remind me how long I do the 500 calories without the drops before I start Phase 3 and go up to 1500 calories?
How have some of you made it through these 500 cal days? I want to eat my arm!
I also realized when I get home from Hawaii I will start my period and don’t want to wait another week (2 weeks in total off the drops). Couldn’t I just restart as I know some of you go right on through your period without breaking?
Do I need to do the 2 Gorge days again?
Ahhh, I’m so discouraged I’m about ready to call it quits all together and restart Feb 1st! But I’ll also be disappointed I didn’t finish and that the 8 lbs (whether it is only 8) would be gained back and then some.
Here’s another point. I have 30 lbs total to lose and I’m irritated that so many of you have dropped upwards of at least 10 lbs in 14 days and mine has been has been drastically slow to come off. 8 lbs in 14 days is discouraging!
Any advice and feedback on where to go now?
Rachael,
It is 3 days without drops and 500 calories. I didn’t stick to that I just kept to lean protien, vegetables, and no sugar as soon as I stopped the drops. I didn’t gorge, but you are supposed to. I felt my holiday eating was enough. If I were you I’d just eat low carb high protien until you can start the drops again. That is my plan if I don’t loose the weight before I go to cabo. Some people only lose .5 lbs a day, but still that is more than anyother diet. Keep your chin up!
Meg
Rachel,
Since the last you took drops was Thursday, it was day 1 of the final 3 days. Friday on the plane was day 2 and Saturday was day 3. This was how Harvel used to put it. (72 hours after last drop or injection)
Cindy W.
Hello,
Well I guess a non fat latte at starbucks has more than 2tbsp of milk. I am back up 2lbs I lost on apple day and that was my only non approved food. So now I am utterly disgusted with myself. I plan another apple day today to get me jumpstarted. I just have to make myself stick to the plan. I never realized what an emotional tie to food I have.
What are some of the coping stragegies that ya’ll use when your weakness food calls?
Meg
Are all Walden Farms products allowed on VLCD?
i used teh dressing from waldon..not everyday and a very small amount………….my local walmart sells waldon farms dressings………..i started adding back in my white foods around new years day …and am playing around with a pound or two,,,some days i loose 6-10 ounces, next day i gain a few ounce…so far so good…somedays i have a slice of whole grain bread for breakfast, and tonight i had taters…boy do they make me so full and bloated…….still not craving any white food or sugars, i just have to test everthing out
Racheal
You are not alone. I left for Mexico yesterday and did not want to pack my food because my stomach just could not tolerate anymore salad with vineger and lemon. Well we were able to get a cheap upgrade to first class and could not pass that up. They had pea soup and Burito. I picked at the chicken inside the Burito but the soup was so wonderful I could not stop. I have not eaten sugar but I have had some white death as we like to call it. I ate some of the soft tortilla and for dinner I caved and ate some yummy mashed potatoes. I also ate more steak for dinner and it was a ribeye which was also marbled with fat which I had to cut out. I felt so bad when I was done eating what I had for the day. I did not get full nor could I say I felt sick when I was done. this morning I did gain 1/2 pound. I am trying to stay on track today but it is very very hard to stick with such a restricted diet on vacation. I am just afraid to gain. I am still going to try to stick but if not I will stop and just wait until I get home. Just wanted to give you all an update.
I feel your pain Patti! Hang in there. I started eating Phase 3 foods, and have made sure to stay away from S&S (sugar and starches.) I haven’t had a scale since Friday so it should be interesting to see what I weigh in the morning. I had conceirge hunt one down for me. Way to go Grand Wailea! I went to a Thai food restaurant and ordered a dish called Ruby Chicken since they told me it had no sugar in it. It was delicious! Red curry, chicken, peanuts, zucchini, and onions.
Ive tried to read when I find free time for an approved list of Phase 3 foods. I found a fruits and vegetables list, and have read that all protein is acceptable now. I also read that I can have cheese and dairy. Is this true? What about nuts? So are oils and butter aloud in this phase too? Just so long as I stay away from sugar and starches right? So mayo, dressings, etc? I’m scared to even know what I weigh. It’s allot harder to track 1500 calories. Since I read that I can have all the fruits and vegetables I want I basically just graze on those all day. So I’m not really sure how many calories I’ve been consuming. Eek! Do I need to be sticking to 6 meals at specific hours or can I graze like I’m doing? This is a scary phase to be in!
Does anyone know how soon after you stop taking the drops you can start exercising?
Patti,
It’s hard to do on vacation isn’t it? I think it is always best to do the 1500 on vacation. Good luck and don’t beat yourself up. It is easier to loose a pound or two!
Rachael,
Phase 3 is pretty much the same as Atkins or South Beach diets. Lean protien, lots of vegetables, most fruits (less sugary ones like melons and more berries and apples)
Jaclyn,
As soon as you are off the 500 calorie part. You can walk for an hour or so during the VLCD, but once you hit Phase 3 at 1500 calories you can exercise.
I am having another apple day. Not doing to well on will power this past week. I’ve really got to kick it into overdrive to lose before I go to Cabo.
Good luck all,
Meg
Good Morning,
I weighed in today and lost the 1/2lb I gained yesterday. Now I am where I started when I left home on Saturday morning. I tried really hard yesterday to stick with the program. I drank so much water that I was up two times last night. I have about 10 more days to go to hit my 40 day mark so I am going to try to stick. Of course I am always stronger willed in the morning hours. If you talk to me tonight I will probably tell you I am going to quit! My sister is with me on vacation is very strong willed so I do have some motivation. Take care all talk again soon.
I mentally prepared for this diet for a month. I knew exactly when I was going to start and knew that I wanted a more drastic diet. we ate out twice this weekend and did great. I made applesauce last night yum! peel an apple cut into pieces put in pirex sprinkle with cinemon and a pack of stevia back covered for 25min then put in blender till mushed. tastes amazing hot! I made another one and put it in the fridge for later today.
Meg –
Hang in there! you are probably going to have to stay away from places that tempt you to the non-approved foods. For me – i am not going to do the milk at all. Any little thing can throw you off path so it is best to just stay away from anything that is not approved.
Go Patti! you can do it! only 10 days to go. How much have you lost so far?
Sheri-
You are correct. A lot of it is mental. I started my drops today so i have one more day of gorging and i will soon be out here crying for support! lol!!! i am really full. My friend and I thought we were going to enjoy eating the fatty foods but we could barely get our lunch down!
I am on day 8 of the injections and have lost 10 lbs so far. I have found that this diet is not that difficult, I still have some cravings, but am not really hungry and have to force myself to eat all of my protein.
I think that something that saved me is my George Forman grill. I cook everything on it, chicken, lean steak, shrimp and fish. I use seasoning like lemon pepper and garlic and it tastes so good my hubby is eating the same thing I am and he is not on the shot.
My weight loss has slowed down to 1 l lb a day. I am not complaining but losing 6 lbs in 2 days was amazing! I can’t wait until next week to see how much I lose!
Heather – 10 pounds in 8 days is wonderful! Keep up the good work. I am only on day one. I am looking forward to losing! i am so over due!
great job heather! I used our george forman last night and forgot how amazing it is! attempting to make soup now will let you know how it turns out. does anyone have any soup recipes??
Well… this has been a very interesting website blog! Thanks to David Wallace and Les. Start at the beginning and read all the posts. Very helpful. I wish I had read the blog before I committed 800.00 to the injections. The drops are cheaper.
As of today I am on day 21 of the diet. I have lost 17 lbs and inches 3″ from my chest, 1″ from my arms, 1″ from legs, 3″ from waist.
I started at 205 and I am at 188. I will be 160 at 5’9. I am curious how long I have to stay on it to reach that. We shall see.
I have lost 2 lbs in a day and had days when I only lost .2 lbs. Days 10,11,12, I stayed the same. Did not do the apple day. Got the smooth move tea and lost 2 lbs.I have tried to look and see a pattern between my eating 500-550 calories a day or if I was at 450-500. No pattern
On day 18 I gained a pound. Was expecting my period but it did not come….Still hasn’t..
So here I am, feeling good and hopeful. It is nice to fit into clothes I have not worn in 5 years.
I want to be doing some exercize, although I was doing cardio 45 minutes 4 days a week for a month and did not loose ANYTHING. I think I will walk in phase 3. I do ride my bike 3 days a week with the dog outside. More for him than me.
It has been nice to hear everyone’s posts and progress.
My tips:
Write eEVERYTHING down what you eat or drink.
Goto hsn and buy the Biggest Looser scale for the food. It does the weight and calories, carbs, sugar, etc. Love it.
I enjoy putting 5 chocolate stevia drops in a big 32oz glass of water after dinner as a desert. Also enjoy vanilla cream drops on strawberries.
Cucumbers cayan cilantro lime and 8 cooked shrimp (kirkland Costco) great.
Til we blog again….
Hi everyone!!!
Today is day 18 for me and I have lost 12lbs. I seem to stall at least once a week so far for a few days. I guess it’s normal. We shall see how it goes.
I have a question. Has anyone tried the miracle noodle? Just curious because it seems to be something we are allowed to eat.
Good luck to everyone!!
Maisie
Hi. I have lost 23 1/2 pounds so far. All that in 5 1/2 weeks. I am not a pound a day loser I usually only lost .5lbs a day. I have stalled out the past 4 days. That is counting my crazy travel days. Being on vacation and doing this diet is a challenge for sure. I did pretty good today we will see what tomorrow weigh in shows. Thanks for the encouragement. You will do great on this diet. The motivation you get losing so quickly is what keeps you driving forward! Best of luck to you.
After day 1 of eating fatty foods i have gained 3.5 pounds! Cant wait until the losing phase begins!!!
Patti – thanks! I’ll take 23 1/2 pounds in 5 1/2 weeks!!! That is more than i have lost in 5 years! I just cant seem to lose so i am really hoping that this diet works!
Ali,
I haven’t tried the noodles, but the fourm raves about them. You can find some recipes if you scroll through the posts.
Meg
As I near P3 I am wondering this.
How about doing 40 days injection, 15 days of P3, then start right up again on sublingual?
I’ve heard the Releana people don’t have to worry about immunity, but is it the same with all subl? I’ve only lost 22 on day 33 of R1, but I don’t want to go 6 weeks with under 25 pounds loss. Maybe I’ll change my mind when I start eating the P3 and P4 stuff 🙂
Soup recipes:
Chicken Bouillon Base (Used for the two soup recipes)
6 100 gram pieces of chicken breast
8 c water
1/4 t garlic powder
1/4 t onion salt
1/4 t celery salt
1/4 t poultry seasoning
1/4 t black pepper
1 1/2 t sea salt
combine the ingredients in soup pot and cook until chicken is done. remove chicken and refrig or freeze to use at a later time (6 servings). Also, you can freeze bouillon base.
Chicken Soup:
2 c chicken bouillon base (above)
3 stalks chopped celery
3.5 oz chicken
Cook on medium heat until celery is tender
Servings 1 protein, 1 veggie
French Onion Soup:
2 c. Chicken Bouillon Base (above)
1 whole sliced sweet onion
Simmer on low for 1 hour
Serving 1 veggie
I just had to write in and say this is a miracle diet! I am beginning day 5 of VLCD and have lost 5 pounds!!! This may not seem like much to some but I am so stoked.
I’ve studied exercise and nutrition for years and normally it would have taken me a month or more to lose 5 pounds with eating well and excercising.
Having a toddler, I just haven’t had time/ energy to exercise as much as I used to and am tired from working and taking care of my baby so I eat more for energy…and as a result gained weight.
I went up to 135, with load days I got up to 137 and now I’m 130. I’m just so excited! Lost 2 pounds 1st day, .8 second and 2.2 pounds this morning. I think the reason I only lost .8 the second day is because I had top sirloin (which has a higher fat content and because I washed my hair with usual stuff and used hair products).
The 1st two days were the hardest as far as energy goes but today I have the most energy since beginning. I am doing SubQ with 150 iu. Just had to share my thoughts because this diet is really amazing!
Susie – congrats! I am on my second load day. Cant wait to start seeing pounds and inches come off!
Maisie, enjoy your load days!!! Two days ago I wasn’t physically really hungry but I craved cheese, avacado anything yummy and full of fat…but that craving passed and the results on the scale will keep you going. And remember the first few days may be tough but hang in there and don’t cheat. That one bite of something off the protocol is not worth it. You WILL be amazed by the results. Hope you post updates.
Has anyone tried the walden farms dressings? I wonder if they are any good since they are zero everything. Please let me know if you’ve tried them and what u think.
Thanks,
Ali
Has anyone NOT had thier period on this diet?
I had a spinach salad, 3.5 oz fish, 1T red onion and strawberry dressing ( 4 strawberries, stevis cayan 2T lemon juice 2T apple cider vinagar, salt pepper in cusinart. Awesome 160 cal
i am takeing the drops. on a strict 500 calorie diet.
for soda i buy mineral water and then i add about 5 or 6 drops of flavored stevia…orange is my favorite…and also vanilla creme…taste like cream soda
Ali:
We just bought some Walden Farms products. The Honey Dijon dressing is pretty good! Ranch is not – tastes nothing like any Ranch I’ve ever had – almost flavorless! Their Original Barbeque Sauce is good – very normal bbq flavor.
Does anyone know if they make a taco sauce (not a salsa, a smooth sauce)? They should!
Faith,
It sounds like you are on the actual hormone injections. I’ve read those can mess with your cycle which is why in the protocol there is some rule about not starting within a certian number of days of your cycle. I didn’t pay much attention to that since I do the homeopathic drops. I’d ask your diet center if that poses a problem with your strength of your dose.
Susie,
Congratulations with your great losses! It really does make the VLCD easier. I’m less willing to cheat because I love seeing that scale drop everyday. I am more of a .5lb loss a day, so take your 1lb losses with a smile!
Good Luck!
Meg
Meg, I just weighed myself and had a .2 lb gain dad-gummit;-). Maybe it was the shrimp, I had pre-cooked shrimp last night and it has 300 mg sodium. So maybe it’s a water retention issue.
Even with my .2 gain on day 6 I am still stoked about the 2.2 loss the day before so I guess it all evens out. It’s funny because on the days I lose more it makes me more determined and happier yet a day like today I feel just as determined…if not more…kind of like I’ll show these fat cells whose boss. Now I’m laughing. Thanks for your reply.
PS. Is anyone using Ketone strips? I am using them to check my ketosis levels and my results keep staying REALLY low. As I understand it higher levels mean you’re burning more fat and that’s what I want…
Hi everyone! I am on day 9 of the drops and have lost almost 7 pounds so far…amazing results for me as I usually can’t seem to lose weight at all. I’ve been hearing a lot about these hcg noodles, has anyone tried them or know where you can get them? I looked at a couple of my local health food stores but haven’t seen them yet.
Also, is anyone else still having STRONG cravings for carbs and sugars this far into the diet? I’m not physically hungry, just want to have some sort of carb or candy so bad! Does it get better? I’m worried if I go into Phase 3 and still have these cravings, I’m going to end up gorging and gaining all the weight back!
Hi Susie, I am currently on day 27. I use the ketone strips every morning. I initially tested at slight on day 4 and then moderate on day 5. After that I have tested out on large (1) everyday. I do it daily to help monitor if I am completing the program correctly. If I don’t lose one day the strips help keep me motivated by showing that I am still burning fat even if I don’t lose weight. I am doing the injections. I have read before that if you are using the homeopathic drops that you won’t test as high or not at all with the strips.
Susie I just read your earlier comment. Since you are on the “real” HCG you are probably testing out on the light fat burning on the strips because you only weight 135. You probably don’t have a lot of fat to burn!
Hi Dawn, thanks for your reply. I was thinking that one of the reasons I’m testing low on the strips is because the times I have tested it was in the late afternoon and I was so hydrated. I’m going to test first thing in the morning and see if my results are better.
I’m just worried about burning more muscle if I’m not burning that much fat on the VLCD. My digital scale said I went down 2% fat in the last few days so that is good. And trust me there is fat to burn;-)
Congrats on getting through 27 days. Have you taken any days off the HCG so you won’t become immune? I’m trying to decide if I should take one day off a week to prevent it. I think it’s going to take me that long to lose last 15 pounds. I have @ 31 days to go…
Susie,
I was concerned about losing muscle, but my scale does muscle mass, water, bone density, body fat, and weight (of course). There was a heated discussion about the ketosis strips a few months back on the forum (you can do a search to take you to that thread), but the overwhelming advice was that it isn’t an accurate way to tell if you are losing weight/ fat. I am on the homepathic drops so it wouldn’t work for me, but I can see the muscle mass stay the same and the body fat percentage go down on my scale. I didn’t take measurements since I gain and lose weight evenly over my body so it is discouraging not to see tons of inches fall off, but I do have remarkable weight loss (for me at least) -5.9 lbs this week. I am a .50-.75 loss person.
Susie,
There are guidelines about immunity depending on the type of hcg you are taking. If you are on the injections I think (might be wrong) 40 days is the max with 3 week break. Then back on injections and vlcd after the gorge days again. If you are taking the homeopathic drops you don’t need to worry about immunity and can stay on it until you have no fat to lose. Most people still do the rounds since it is difficult to do the VLCD for long periods of time.
I am on my second 30 round of drops (I lost 17lbs the first time) I gained 7lbs over the holidays and now I am round 2 of the VLCD. I’ve lost 7.2 total this round 15 days and that is about.48 per day. I want to lose another 7-10 lbs and then I’ll break and start another round. It is easier for me to do smaller rounds.
Hope it helps,
Meg
Meg, my ketosis level was much higher this am so I think hydration levels play a role. I went down 1.6 lbs this AM, was so delighted to see that after my .2 lb gain. But during the night I had a few intense hunger pangs which freaked me out because it made me worry I was getting immune. That shouldn’t happen after 9 days though. I had the lowest energy of all days right upon waking, dove right into my 1/2 grapefruit at 6am and I usually wait till 10am. Don’t know what’s going on. It felt more like a blood sugar issue than hunger. Feeling better now. Have you experienced that in your rounds?
day 25… had a weightloss stall for 3 days. Wasn’t eating chicken. Had chicken and smooth move tea, lost a lb today. Down 18 lbs on day 25. Stll have had no period.
Susie,
I have felt that intense hunger. Since I’m on the drops I just up my dose abit, but I’m not sure how that works with injections. I was also advised that when you feel those “i could eat my sofa” type hunger that a bit of protien helps. I eat a few shrimp right before bed and that seems to help. Sometimes I do get that dizzy shakey feeling and a few bites of protien help almost instantly. I go over 500 calories on those days, but it doesn’t seem to hinder weight loss, in fact sometimes it bumps me into 1+ lb of loss for the day.
I also suggest yerba mate tea. It is a natural hunger supression and it seems to help me. I have an awful 3:00 hunger so I sip my yerba mate tea and grunch a grissini. I got liquid B vitmins with my drops and I can tell a difference when I take them. My energy levels are much higher. You may want to talk to your HCG vendor if they have that available to you.
I wouldn’t worry abour immunity until you hit 40 injections. Here it is straight from the protocol
Immunity to HCG
The reason for limiting a course to 40 injections is that by then some patients may begin to show signs of HCG immunity. Though this phenomenon is well known, we cannot as yet define the underlying mechanism. Maybe after a certain length of time the body learns to break down and eliminate HCG very rapidly, or possibly prolonged treatment leads to some sort of counter-regulation which annuls the diencephalic effect.
After 40 daily injections it takes about six weeks before this so called immunity is lost and HCG again becomes fully effective. Usually after about 40 injections patients may feel the onset of immunity as hunger which was previously absent. In those comparatively rare cases in which signs of immunity develop before the full course of 40 injections has been completed-say at the 35th injection- treatment must be stopped at once, because if it is continued the patients begin to look weary and drawn, feel weak and hungry and any further loss of weight achieved is then always at the expense of normal fat. This is not only undesirable, but normal fat is also instantly regained as soon as the patient is returned to a free diet.
Hope it helps
Does it really make a difference if you miss a drop cycle? I forgot to take my drops last night before dinner and realized it while eating. Is it best to still not take them or take them when you remember?
Thanks!
Sheri –
I didnt think you had to take it before you eat dinner. I dont recall reading that they have to be taken at a specific time. I think you should take it as soon as you remember.
Day four down 4 pounds! I sure hope i keep this up! I felt a little week and dizzy last night and i think it was because i didnt load up enough on day two. This diet is really not that bad! The drops are amazing! i cant believe i dont want to chew my arm off! this is the first time EVER in my life that i have been on a diet and not starving!!!!
Sherie,
It appears the directions for the use and dosage of the drops is different from every place you use. If I forget I just take the drops when I remember. When I get super hungry I take a couple of drops. Mine came with instructions that I take 5 drops 3 times a day. I end up now with closer to 20 drops 3 times a day and maybe once with 5 if I get hungry. I hold the drops under my tongue as long as I can, usually 20 minutes, but the instructions said 10 seconds.
Just my 2 cents
Meg
PS I log on and post when I crave or get hungry…that is why I post ALOT!
Meg –
The info does vary. I am learning that not the same thing works for everyone. The instructions that came with my drops directed me to hold under the tongue for 2 minutes. You also cant eat or drink 15 min before taking or 15 after taking. I wonder if there is a daily cap on how much HCG should be taken?
Today was day 2 of my loading day. I start the 500 cal diet tomorrow. I was really worried that I wasn’t going to be able to do this until tonight, when I found this site. It is so helpful!!! I’m motivated now and can’t wait to start. I want to lose 60 pounds! I could use any advice or tips that anyone has
Hi everyone,
I bought my oral HCG drops at the Dollar Tree and they did not come with instructions …. can someone please explain how the phases work and how long do I take the drops for 23 or 43 days?
I started last Friday, gained 9 lbs in the gorging stage (those were the good days, still holding on to the memories). Today is Thursday, and I lost all 9 lbs I gained in the first three days of eating everything in sight. I am not hungry but the cravings are killing me.
I am not too excited yet because I only lost all the weight I had gained.
I hope the weight loss continues.
If someone would be kind enough to hook me up with the diet directions, prferably from a doctor I would be most thankfull!!!
P.S I. really didn’t get it from the Dollar Tree I stole a perscription pad from Dr. Ray… no not really.
Seriously, I am self medicating help before i O.D. on placenta!!!
Also …. is there anything, anything at all to help satisfy cravings for chocolate?
Has anyone heard of the HCG spray that is completely homeopathic? Do you know if it works? Any advice?
Maise,
I have just been taking drops as I feel hungry. To me it looks like it is pretty hard to cause damage with the concentrations in the homeopathic drops. I still try to use as little as possible to make sure I don’t build up tolerance. I don’t know about the injections.
Kendal,
I have read about the spray and from what I understand it is Kosher as well, but what I have works for me so I don’t want to try anything else.
Good Luck
Meg
Meg, thanks so much for taking the time to look up immunity, that was really sweet. Feeling great this morning. So let’s see, I’ve been on the VLCD for 7 days and have lost 7.8 pounds…Yea!
Kristin, You really will find this diet amazing! I am still in awe. As I am sure you have read on other posts the first few days are usually the hardest. I’m beginning day 8 and I’ve gotten into a routine now and it’s pretty easy. I had so much energy yesterday that I cleaned my entire house whi;e chasing my toddler around (it’s usually like pulling teeth to get me to clean) and went for an hour walk with my Sketchers on.
Alli, I put Chocolate Stevia in my water and it really does taste like chocolate milk kinda;-). Anyway it helps my chocolate cravings.
I have ALL the liquid stevia flavors from Sweatleaf and they have been a life saver. Also love Lemon Drop stevia with lots of lemon wedges my water. Tastes like lemonade and I have no problem drinking a gallon of water a day.
Susie,
I’m glad you are getting into a routine. That is really all it takes. Hey, do you have those sketchers that tone your legs? I’ve got the rebock version and I love them! They actually make my legs work hards when I wear them (which is all of the time now). I’m glad you’ve got energy! I’m down with the flu…again. I just can’t seem to shake it, but it makes it easier to follow the diet. I have no cravings for food at all.
I like to put the chocolate raspberry stevia in my morning coffee. It makes it super super yummy, and decaf at night makes it a treat!
Hey keep up the good work!
Meg
Susie
I am having the hardest time today!! I know it will pass, and that the first few days are the hardest. I feel hungry and irritable. I know it’s because I am so use to eating all day. I really want to stick to this! I will have to try the stevia. I love chocolate milk! I’m glad to hear you say that you have energy. I was worried about that and wondering if I would feel really tired. Once I see the pounds dropping, I will feel alot more motivated
A couple of things that might tide you over, Kirsten. Try drinking 8 ounces water mixed with 1 tablespoon of ACV (apple cider vinegar) three times a day. Add stevia or saccharin if you don’t have stevia yet. This helps with cravings and helps loosen fat.
Also try sucking on cinnamon sticks for a distraction. Cinnamon is good for you in many ways.
Kristin, I understand completely where you are at! Truly for me the first day I felt light headed, spacy and irritable. I thought I am REALLY not sure if I can do this for 40 days but the next morning I had lost the 2 lbs that I gained on my load days and the next day 2 more pounds and there is a momentum effect psychologically.
Physically I can honestly tell you that after the first 5-6 days it is like I have always eaten this way. It becomes a new habit.
What really helped me is that the first 5 days I’d say, I would look at You Tube videos of other HCGer’s progress and it REALLY helped to keep me motivated. Just hang in there, you will love the results, I’ve tried every diet under the sun and this one is the real deal!
Meg, Sorry you have the flu!!! ;-(;-(. Yes, I have the Sketchers shape-ups, love them.
Kristin,
I feel your pain. Hunger and cranky, that is what I was for a week (along with an awful headache). Once I got into a routine it became a lot easier. Just keep at it and once the scale goes down it becomes soo much easier. If you are dizzy and shakey eat the sofa kinda hungry I’d take a bite of protien. I’ve had to split up my food so I’m eating all day. Piece of fruit in the morning, a few tomatoes mid morning, protien for lunch, vegetables for a snack, another piece of fruit, protien for dinner. and if I can’t take it anymore another serving of protien. I keep some peel and eat shrimp in my fridge for that reason. Quick easy and the leanest protien you can get.
If you are on the drops you may want to spread them out through out the day or up your dose of drops. That has helped me also. Look into the B vitimins that many of the HCG sites offer. That give me a TON of energy and helps me sleep at night.
Cindy,
I’m going to try that ACV trick. Good one!
Here’s to making it through the weekend!
Meg
I have the same instructions for my drops as Maisie. I take the drops 3 times a day. First when I wake up I take 6 because when I was taking 7 I was not hungry at all! I also try to hold them under my tongue for about 2min. That definately helps. Then I wait ~20min before I drink water/tea. I take my second drops 20min before I have lunch and then my third set 20min before dinner.
Meg, where did you find the chocolate raspberry stevia?! Any store have it or just online? I am a huge fan of stevia.
Day 22, down 20!!!!
Thanks to everyone for the great questions. I think I had strong cravings even into the 2nd week of P2 because I wasn’t taking enough of the drops frequently enough. I’ll increase my dosage when I restart on Monday.
Being in Hawaii has proven to be a challenge. I’m managed to gain back the 8 lbs I lost in the 12 days prior to my leaving. The good news is that I’ve enjoyed my vacation and I’m ready to start over with all the information I need to make my restarting this program a successful one and not as challenging as the first time.
For those approaching the P3 remember you must stick to the diet and eat 1500 calories for the full 3 weeks. If you cheat it’s much harder to lose in Phase 3 than Phase 2. Create a solid foundation in P2 so that P3 is second nature with a few added ingredients to the program. Bonus!
I’m actually excited to start again so I can maximize my weight loss even more now since I know what worked the first time. Cross your fingers I can get my husband to jump on board with me this go around. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK and keep posting. It’s very motivating!
Sherie,
I live near a fresh market and I got it from their wellness section, but there is a pretty good deal on amazon for a varity pack of flavors. I’ve heard that the root beer flavor is really good too, but I haven’t been able to find it. I’ve only been able to get the large bottles but have bought a couple I don’t care for.. a lot of ching down the drain. The big bottles are almost 30.00 where i live, but they last forever though. I use the valenica orange almost every day and I’m still not halfway through even after 4 months. I LOVE the vanilla creme in coffee and in sparkeling water. OMG!! Soo good.
You can look at whole foods, GNC, trader joe’s, any wellness store.
Kirstin – hang in there! it is tough for us new starters this week. I am on day 5 and have lost a little over 5 pounds. I got light headed and irritable on day 3. I think we will be ok next week.
Go Sheri!!! great progress!
Has anyone fainted while on this diet? I am on day 12 of P2 and nearly passed out 3 times at yoga last week. I miss it and am afraid to go back in case I do faint! It is Vinyasa not Hot Yoga. We do a lot of sun salutations and that is what sends my blood pressure plummeting. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Louise
Hi Louise,
You are really not encouraged to exercise while doing the diet, but if you want to keep doing it I would suggest increasing your calories a little bit. I have a friend who continues to work out and she does 700 calories instead of 500.
Thanks Susie, Chocolate Stevia did work somewhat.
I made iced coffee with a couple drops of it and it was pretty decent.
Another question, is the protocol different when on period?
Louise,
I haven’t felt that I get more cranky than lightheaded. The protocol and trudeaux’s book does tell you to limit activity so I’m not sure what to think. Perhaps save one of your fruit servings and eat right before class? Is that the only place where you’ve had this problem? That would freak me out! Are you eating at least 500 calories?
Meg
Meg — I am not quite at 500 calories so that could be it. My average over the past 12 days is 376. I went to 900 calories on my birthday but made up for it the following day. I will try the fruit or maybe protein before a class and see how that works. Thank you!
Louise
Louis scary! maybe you should exercise until P3. It may be a little safer. I dont plan on exercising until i reach this phase.
Thanks Maise!It is tough! I feel like I could eat everything in sight right now. I just want to go to bed. This is such a great website and it’s very encouraging. Good Luck!! 5 pounds is great!
What happens if you do eat over 500 calories one day? I read that one guy went out and had some drinks one night and gained 7 pounds! Can this happen?
i didnt have any hunger pains at first,,they came a week before the end of my drops…i felt the best ever from the first day i started 500..no headaches no nuthing…except heartburn the first day frum an alwful lot of cukes..,
It has been my expierence that this works differently for everyone. What slows loss is salt, and not enough calories. It is important to eat at least 500, but I average 550- and 600. That works for me. I keep a log of everything I eat and exercise and if I notice a dramatic drop then I try to replicate it. Celery for hunger pains works for me. I don’t count that as food.
Good Luck for the weekend (that is the hardest time for me to stick to the protocol)
Meg
Ann and Rachel,
Thank you so much for answering me!! I haven’t been online in a few days, sorry it took me so long to thank you! I am on my second week of this and have lost 27 pounds so far. I have noticed a few things that make my loss slow down, salt is a big weakness for me, but a friend told me about a salt substitute. Has anyone used this and are we allowed to? I ultimately have another 105 pounds to go, so I will be at this awhile. I have noticed that I have lost enough to not able to wear some things that I have been and that is very encouraging. I have noticed that ketosis is creating a breath issue. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Hi Everyone, gained 1.0 pounds today…and am following the strict protocol. Anyone have some gains of a pound or more…I’m PMSing and usually gain 3 pounds before my period so maybe it’s just water retention from the pms?????
Finally got my period… 365 calories yesterday and stayed the same weight today. I am debating trying to go longer on the injections than the 40 days. Or maybe take 3 weeks on phase 3 and get the drops. Has anyone done the injections and the drops?
I am starting my load day today. How important is it to eat a ton? If I eat my regular meals today but make them high calorie will I be fine? Monday I start the 500 calorie diet. Do i have to do 2 fruits or can I swap a fruit for a veggie? I prefer veggies over the fruit.
Rachel K,
They say the 2 loading days are of utmost importance for preparing your body so I would take full advantage and do exactly that!!! Eat everything you know ull miss throughout the P2 stage!
Im still trying to find out more about the Kosher Homeopathic HCG? Anyone know anything? Im hoping to buy some this Tuesday. There are a few videos on Youtube but not nearly as many as there are of the HCG videos. . . Im so looking forward to starting this diet!!!!
Miska,
From the earlier posts they recommend natural sea salt as a flavoring, but I am not much of a salt person. If you get the name of the salt substitute let me know, I’m always working towards finding new flavors on this diet.
Susie,
My weight fluctuates during my TOM (time of month), you could try an apple day but honestly I’d just keep at it and you will notice a big drop in a day or two.
Kendal,
I was going to try this one, but I have had such great results from what I’ve been using that I didn’t want to change and risk loosing momentum. I believe this is Kosher, you have to weed through the website to find it, but it’s there. http://www.myfatcure.com
Faith,
I cant stress enough how important it is to eat the 500 calories. I find I lose more when I do, and you proably find the same thing. Try it for a few days and I bet you will have big drop numbers!
Racheal K
I would try the diet exactly for a week and then start changing one thing at a time. Things on this diet really hit people different. I lose more if I eat grapefruit and my friend gains. i can eat steak every day and still lose, but she can only eat it once in a few days.
I didn’t lose yesterday, but I ate both lobster and steak for dinner and had a glass of wine. Oh well, there is always tomorrow to get back on track.
Keep posting it keeps me motivated.
Meg
Meg, Thanks!!! Ive been through that website top to bottom trust me :), thats how I found out about it and thats who I plan on ordering from I just want to be sure you know. It seems too good to be true. . .
Thanks again and keep up the awesome weight loss All of you!!!
Has anyone stayed on the injections past the 40 days? Has anyone done the injections and a round of the drops?
Hi everyone, well one full week in Mexico and I have gained and lost by 1-1/2lbs. I have been trying to stick to the vlcd with a few cheats. Today finally after one week of plateu I have lost that 1/2lb and maybe now I can continue on. I did not tell you all about a product I was originally using before the hcg hormone because I wanted to see if it was the best choice. I used it for 3 weeks and then wanted to check out the hcg hormone to see if it was better. Now I can finally inform anyone who wants to know about it. There are more choices with your food and less restrictions with your hygine choices. I can tell you for a fact that there is no difference between the two except that this product is less restrictive. I stopped the hcg 4 days ago and jumped on this again since it is too hard for me not to moisturize my skin while in the sun. Also having more food choices and alternatives makes me happier. Still 500 calories. Same concept in most ways. You don’t have to stop using the product but can keep going until you lose all the weight and the maintenance period is so much easier too. I have lost 24lbs in 7 weeks now. I am hoping to continue to release the weight. If anyone is interested just email me and I will be happy to share. dpswab@comcast.net.
Hey Meg!
One that is not listed as Sea Salt is Morton’s salt substitute, but the one I was looking at is called “Ocean’s lower sodium Sea Salt”. It has 70% less sodium and is supposed to taste the same. I love salt, but I have an issue with water retention. I would definately appreciate any thoughts on this one!
Wow! I am so excited about this diet! I have lost almost 10 pounds in the first week! The diet does take will power and I learned yesterday that while i have lots of energy it actually goes away quick when I am out and about. I had really busy days both friday and saturday and I was totally exhausted at the end of the day. I got a huge headache yesterday from being exposed to a really smokey environment. Cigarrette smoke doesnt normally bother me. I became really weak and irritated. Yesterday was an example that i am going to have to alter my life style a bit. I am a really social person and I decided yesterday that it will work best if I limit extreme activity and smokey settings.
On a positive note – I typically retain a lot of fluid in my feet. It is all gone! it has been years since i really saw my feet without the swelling!
Hang in there everyone! this forum is so great and has kept me on track and strong since i started the protocol.
Miska,
Here is something you may want to check out. http://www.alsosalt.com/
It is made with some potassium so if you haven’t gotten to the muscle cramp part it will help with that.
Faith,
If you remember the protocol states that immunity occurs after 40 days on the injections and after your 40th injection you move into phase 3 for 6 weeks and then you can start another round of injections. Immunity isn’t a problem for the homeopathic drops so longer courses are permitted. I would not know what to say about doing both at the same time. I just don’t see it as a good idea. I’d talk to the vendor of your injections before even trying that.
Maise,
The first week always brings wicked headaches for me. Congratulations on your loss. It is great to see something actually working. This diet does work as long as you follow the rules.
Keep it up.
Meg
I’m being lazy and don’t want to scroll through all the posts to find out if I’m supposed to take the drops during load/gorge days? Restarting tomorrow and really excited about it!
Rachel — according to my book, YES, you take the drops while you are fat loading.
Does anyone know why scallops are not listed on the okay to eat list??
Louise,
In the literature I received from my vendor scallops were inculded, but you must make sure they are actual scallops and not imitation (which is mostly what you find). I’d venture to say since it isn’t in everyones list of approved foods, I’d try it once and then note your weight the next day. If it causes a stall then you know to skip the scallops. Many foods you will find are specific to the individual.
Good Luck,
Meg
tomorrow could be my last day on the vlcd, but I am going to keep going for a little bit longer. I do want to start getting information on the next phase where you start to add in additional types of food. does anyone know where I can find a good list? I know you can have between 1000-1500 calories, but how much fat etc? I love avocado, but also know it is not the best for you. please let me know if you have info on the next phase.
thanks!!!
I live in the land of good seafood and am sure these are the real deal! Thanks, Meg.
If you reached a plateau and tried the “apple day”, did it work? I’m on day 5 of not losing weight and it is getting frustrating! Thanks
Just my two cents…seems like alot of people are looking for ways to “cheat” or do something different from the protocol. If you want to do that…DON’T do this diet. RE-READ THE PROTOCOL and Dr. Simeon’s Manuscript. Follow the instuctions exactly. Down 25 pounds and still dropping.
Sherry – if possible skip breakfast and lunch today – fill up on fluids and tonight eat a large steak and an apple. this should reset the weight loss according to the manuscript! good luck! if you have already eaten today, then do this tomorrow.
Carol – i agree – there is no way to cheat. if you do you will not see the expected results. This is my 7th day and i am almost down 10 pounds! some people are getting results with being created but i dont want to try it because i need to lose as much as i can.
Hi all
Just a quick qustion – Have most of you got a prescription from the doctor in order to get your “working” HCG or have you bought it off the internet or somewhere else? What did you pay plus minus?
Thanks guys and keep up the good weight loss!!!
Today is day 25 for me and have lost 14-15lbs. I am a slow loser so this is pretty good for me. I’ve never lost this much so fast. I am trying to make it to the 40 day mark. We shall see. Has anyone made it that long? Also, was anyone else nervous about starting phase 3? Does anyone know a good list of P3 approved foods? I know anything goes except starches and sugars, but if there were a list that would be helpful. Good luck to everyone doing this.
Ali
Kendal
I bought my HCG from diyhcg.com. It’s cheaper than the injections and you don’t have to get it from a doctor.
Ali
Maisie…Thanks. I did start the “apple day” today. So, I will try the steak night tomorrow! Do you know why skipping two meals and eating a steak restarts things? Just curious! Thanks again.
Sherry, Maisie,
In my literature and from reading the protocol I thought the steak day was for phase 3 and the apple day in phase 2. You may want to double check
Meg
Ali…A friend gave me a list of phase 3 foods (I’m still doing the drops so I haven’t looked that far ahead). If you have an email address, I will try to email them to you.
Sherry – not sure about why the steak works but dr. simeon assures that it will.
Sherry – Meg is correct – i just peaked at the manuscript and the steak trick is during phase 3. So sorry i know i read it but didnt realize that it was for phase 3.
Thanks Ali, Ill check out that website.
Can anyone else who has had great success tell me where they got their HCG from? The place that sells the homeopathic version is putting theirs up for sale 2mrw, they do a new batch every tuesday . . . I dont want to spend $77 until I know its gonna work. . .
Thanks for all your help guys I really appreciate it! I just want to get started already!!!
For those who are losing the will to live go on youtube, there are quite a few videos which will make it a bit easier to carry on when u feel u cant anymore 🙂
Sherry, can you please e-mail me your list for P3. My fiance and I will be starting it soon and we want to be prepared. My e-mail address is s.rappoport@comcast.net. Thanks! If anyone else has a list I would like to see them as well.
I got my drops from hcgplatinum.com and LOVE them! Would definately recommend them to anyone. This diet has been great and have not felt hungry.
Everyone – I agree with Kendal. I go on you tube all the time. I still have periods throughout the day where i am hungry but it goes away after a while. i think its phsychological!!!
Hey Everyone
I’ve ordered from HCG direct and haven’t had any problems. I am doing this with a few friends and we all have done really well. I’ve lost 15 lbs on my first 30 day round and so far another 10 on this round. I am looking to lose maybe another 10-15 more.
I’d love to hear from some other active posters as to their weightloss so far and how much they have left to go. Keep me motivated.
Good Luck to all,
Meg
Sherie
I would love to have your list for P3 also. I will be starting it in two days. I love this forum and have learned so much from it. I read it every day but am not much for being on it. Not a lot of time to be on the internet. Thanks to everyone who have answered my questions. My email is tjross@longlines.com
Sherry
My email is aligirl79@aol.com. Thanks for sharing. Cant wait to see the list.
Ali
Hey friends- I’m back from Hawaii and I’m SO ready to restart! I’m on my first load day and wondering what times of the day should I be taking the drops if I’m taking 3x a day? I normally did twice a day but think I’ll change it up this time and see if it helps with my cravings. I’ve read that it should be taken morning, lunchtime, and evening. By evening does that mean before or after lunch. Is there still debate over whether you should be waiting 20 minutes before and after eating/drinking?
Also, has the forum members who take the drops experienced taking b12 drops? If so, what brand do you recommend and how many drops and many times a day/week should I take them?
For those starting Phase 3 let me just say you MUST refrain from ANY sugar and starches. If you don’t you will gain and it’s harder to drop being off the drops. You will also experience difficulty keeping the weight off long-term. Here are a couple of links that I hope can be helpful. Some of the info is repeated. Thanks for all your encouragement, and keeps posting your inspiring results 🙂
http://www.hcgweightloss.com/kevin-trudeaus-hcg-diet-phase-3/
http://www.hellojody.com/2010/01/hcg-maintenance-phase-3-rules-and-food.html
HI Everyone!
So today is Day 30 and I have lost 27 lbs!!! That includes 5 inches off my waist!!!!! I am halfway to my goal weight…Woo Hoo!
I hope everyone is hanging in there.
Sherry, would you mind emailing me the P3 list as well? My email address is coconutde@aol.com
Thank you!! Happy dieting everyone!
I’m sorry, I got distract at home last night and forgot to scan the Phase 3 food list into my computer. I will email it to everyone tonight or tomorrow (I have tomorrow off of work).
By the way, the apple day took 2 lbs off! I hope now it restarts me losing weight.
Thanks Rachael, for P3 I saw one of these lists and I am confused as to why it says to eat so many organic types of foods. Does that really matter?
On one of the lists it says you can have corn? I thought that has a lot of carbs? Also, how much fat can you have? I know there is a lot of fat in various types of cheese? Do most people stick with the low fat types of cheese? Other tips and tricks are greatly appreciated. The more information the better for me.
Thanks,
Sherie
Also you can have melons and berries on P3? I thought this was not allowed.
to day is jan 26th I’ve been on this for 5 days lost 12 lbs! I’m just a little hungry through out the day but not that big a deal! and loosing 2.2lbs a day who cares about a little hunger anyways!!!!!!!!
Sherie,
P3 is very much like the Atkins diet or the South Beach diet. Lots of lean protien, vegetables and adding in sugar and startches SLOWLY! That means whole grains! You are still on a low carb diet so you can google plans and recipes that way also. Anything with higher sugar contents like melons, berries, corn, sweet potatoes are added in slowly. I’d read “The Weight Loss Cure They Don’t Want You to Know About” by Kevin Trudeau. It is hard to weed through the fanatic gov’t out to get you, but it give a good overview of the diet. He comes off a bit crazy at times.
Hope that helps,
Meg
Thanks Meg for this info. I will definately look into the book. I remember reading something that as far as slowly adding in sugras and starchs you do this after P3? Or do you do this during? It was something like every 3 days add in something new. Time to do my research!
One other question, do you have to do P2 for either 24 or 40 days or can you stop P2 somewhere in the middle? (Crossing my fingers that I can stop somewhere in the middle). I am on day 26 now.
I found a fantastic website with information about P3… http://www.hcgloss.com/diet-steps/phase-3-stablizing.html
Going to start P3 on Feb. 8th as long as I have enough drops till then.
Sheri could you please send me that list your friend sent you on P3 approved foods. I have done some research on this subject and am getting ready to start P3 and would love to see if I have missed anything. Thanks so much. abrookins@rocketmail.com
Amrra! wow! i think these are the best results yet!!! I really wish i could lose 2 per day! How much weight do you have to lose? If you keep this up you will lose 80 pounds in 40 days!!!!!
Sheri – that lists says to stay away from corn. There are two lists and the second list is the things to stay away from.
What is the average amount everyone is trying to lose? I ask because I have been on this for 2 weeks and only lost 4 pounds…. I am envious of all these “20 lbs in 10 days” success stories!
Louise Im trying to loose 30-35 lbs. Ill be happy if I loose 1 lb a day for 43 days. 4 lbs in 2 weeks doesnt sound right. If you are truely not cheating then I would suggest either trying an apple day or find a better product that will work for you?
I have bought the HHCG Spray from My fat cure.com and am waiting NOT so patiently for it to arrive +/- 17 days. I got into their private blog paige after buying it and boy oh boy are there tons of success stories! It seems I have made the right decision. Also it seems that with HHCG you dont have to worry about becomming immune. Whoo hoo one less thing to worry about 🙂
Hey Louise, I’m trying to lose 15-20 pounds, this is day 13 of VLCD and I have lost 10 pounds and I am so stoked about that!!! 4 pounds in two weeks does not sound right??? I am following Simeon’s protocol VERY strictly and using injections.
Hey Susie…do you mind saying how much you weighed prior to beginning the VLCD? I ask because I started at 191.5 lbs and I’m on day 12 and have lost 9 pounds. It sounds like you and I are kinda losing weight at the same rate. I get a little discouraged when I read how people are dropping a pound or more a day. Then I put in in perspective and realize I have lost 9 lbs in 12 days! Not so bad!
Jaclyn, Ali, Sheri, Ann and Joan-
I finally got the email out to you with a list of foods for phase 3….let me know it didn’t go through
Hi Sherry, I weighed 135. 9 pounds in 12 days is REALLY great! Average for women is 1/2 pound per day. I know some people lose a lot faster at first but in the end 1/2 pound/ day is the norm. You are above that at 3/4 pounds a day. As I mentioned in an earlier post I have studied nutrition and fitness for years and it would have taken me at least a month and a half through cutting cals and exercise to lose 10 pounds so to do it in less than two weeks is unbelievable to me, this is really amazing. Keep your spirits high, you are doing really great.
Susie – thanks for the motivation! it is difficult when you are doing everything according to the protocol and some lose 2 pounds per day and you lose 1/2 pound. For the last few days i have lost a little less than 1/2 pound per day. However, when i look at the numbers, i am doing great! 11 pounds in 9 days!
Susie- Thanks! I did read that “typically” the 23 day VLCD diet is for people who want to lose up to 15 lbs. I did set my goal at 15lbs, so I should be able to reach that in the 11 days I have left.
You girls are great…I always turn here when I need some motivation!
Today is day 27 for me and have lost 15 1/2 pounds. I stopped the drops today so I am now on to phase 3. I have 72 hours til I start the 1500 calories. I’m a little nervous going from 500 to 1500, but I’m sure it will be fine. Wish me luck! I still have more to lose, but I felt like now was a good time to reset where I am at. I will restart the drops in 3-6 weeks. Good job to everyone!
Sherie, those P3 links were ones I just came across. I do not know the validity of them. But I tend to compare some against others and then try and weed out the irregular info. I actually wondered the same thing about the organic push and the berries. If you find out be sure to post. Day 1 on VLCD and feeling great. More to come! Happy Posting…
Hello all….I have a couple questions. I am on day 24 and have lost 21 pounds so far. I have done this diet before, and followed it to a “T” with good success as well. Lost 27 pounds that time in 30 days. Anyway, Phase 3 for me would begin on Feb 6, but I am traveling to watch the Superbowl, and I know I don’t want to eat phase 3 type foods. I am going to be eating carbs and enjoying a couple beers. Do you think after 2 to 3 days of eating a little bad foods, then returning to the phase 3 type foods for 21 days will be ok??
Jason NO IT WONT BE OKAY! I dont advise that at all I am no doctor but I have seen the result of “cheating” while on P3. 1) ITS NOT WORTH IT, 2) You WILL pick up a ton of weight especially if you plan to eat something with lots of carbs and sugars in. My advice would be to pack food and take it with you that way you wont be VERY dissapointed when you get back home.
I was told that P3 is equally if not more important then P2 coz if you dont stick to your diet your bound to put all the weight you lost back on.
You gotto decide whats more important and what makes you internally happier as a person, is it the taste of food and the high of sugar or the scale going down in numbers and on over all better looking body.
Jason, If you have enough HCG or can get some more, you can take an “interruption of treatment” and come back and resume P2. Then later, you can go into P3. P and I discusses it on page 31, under “Unforeseen Interruptions of Treatment”. It says,
“If an interruption of treatment lasting more than four days is necessary, the patient must increase his diet to at least 800 calories by adding meat, eggs, cheese, and milk to his diet after the third day, as otherwise he will find himself so hungry and weak that he is unable to go about his usual occupation. If the interval lasts less than two weeks the patient can directly resume injections and the 500-calorie diet, but if the interruption lasts longer he must again eat normally until he has had his third injection.
When a patient knows beforehand that he will have to travel and be absent for more than four days, it is always better to stop injections three days before he is due to leave so that he can have the three days of strict dieting which are necessary after the last injection at home. This saves him from the almost impossible task of having to arrange the 500 calorie diet while en route, and he can thus enjoy a much greater dietary freedom from the day of his departure. Interruptions occuring before 20 effective injections have been given are most undesirable, because with less that number of injections some weight is liable to be regained. After the 20th injection an unavoidable interruption is merely a loss of time.
But I agree with Kendal. I wouldn’t stop and resume in P3.
Jason- Take it from me who just did what you’re contemplating doing. I gained ALL 10 lbs back plus some in 10 days while being in Hawaii. And I didn’t have full blown carbs (breads), desserts or beer. I can only imagine what would’ve happened had I really indulged! It’s entirely not worth it, especially since I had to restart the program this week. Try and be strong and plan to bring a tray of shrimp cocktail and some homemade “approved” salsa.
Wow, I am so happy Jason brought this up. My fiance will be going through the same thing, he will be in Vegas and we were just talking about what he should do about the diet. Today could be his last day on the VLCD. I am not sure what he does since he takes the drops.
He will only be gone for three days so does he stop taking the drops while he is gone and then start back up when he comes back for a few more days on the VLCD? How many additional days do you think he should take the drops when he comes back before going to P3? He is not planning on going crazy while away, but I think it is more for the just in case situation. Thoughts?
Thanks!
Jason,
I think P&I was referring only to the increase of P2-type foods during the interruption and not the addition of carbs and drinks.
Sherie,
The HCG should only be taken for 40 days at most. After taking it 20 days, it can be stopped at any time, but then the next steps must be followed (3 days/72 hours VLCD, then 15 days P3, no carbs or starches).
Jason – I agree with Rachel – its not worth it! all of your hard work will be erased in just one day! i have a few friends that tried to apply the peer pressure on me at an outing last week. I took my food and herbal tea. I can always drink after i lose my weight and get it stabilized! I think the stabalization stage is the most dangerous from everything i have been reading.
It is true – when you stall there is a reason good or bad! I just realized that i have been stalling because i am not supposed to have ground beef! urgghhh! I automatically thought it was ok because we can have beef. I learned today that it is a no-no on the VLCD!!! Hopefully, my body will reset itself!
question… what is the one food that you make that you have come to really like on this diet either p2 or p3?
I just made a fresh batch of hot cinnamon applesauce. yum!
Day 2 of no drops & 500 calories. For P3 are people following an Atkins Induction type of diet while also eating fruit? I heard that is the best way to tackle P3. I went to the book store yesterday to read all about the Atkins diet, great info. There are of course good carbs and bad carbs. The Atkins diet says for the induction phase to have no more than 20net carbs a day.
Net carbs are total carbs – dietary fiber = net carbs.
Are any of you using any of the Atkins products such as the shakes, bars etc on P3? Do you think it is safe to follow this type of diet on P3? Today is day 2 of 500cal. no drops for me and I want to be well prepared as I enter P3. Please let me know what you think.
Thanks!
Hello all, I am on day 34 and down 23 lbs with a 5 day stall. I am going to see where I am at day 40 and maybe try one more week. The last weeks the weight loss has avaraged 3 lbs. Not sure if it is worth it to stay on or try again in 3 weeks. I am not tired, on the injections. Love cucumbers with lemon braggs acv and braggs amino acids, cayan, cilantro, little chicken stock to marinate
Meg thank you from the note of 1-11. things are going GREAT. Did change some things up but not much. thank you again Johanna
Faith – keep the faith. i have to agree it is very discouraging when you stall for even a day! i can imagine how you feel after 5 days! try the apple day. it is supposed to work. good luck!
I have a question… I have been doing to shots and i am doing GREAT ! but was wondering about the drops..
do they work just as good?
Feeling much better that it’s Monday for dieting reasons but not from a work standpoint 🙁
I have the hardest time over the weekend. I stuck to the protocol but didn’t drink nearly enough water so I gained .8 lbs. Bummer! Fortunately I drank myself silly (w/ water) yesterday and woke up this morning 1.4 pounds lighter. Yay!!
I’m down 6lbs in little less than a week and feeling very good about it. Last time it took me 12 days to lose this much.
I started B12 drops this morning so I’ll report back and let you know how I feel later and if it affects the scale at all.
Best of luck losing his week!
Faith,
An apple day really does work. I have utilized the apple day twice and average a loss of 2 pounds or more especially after a gain or stall.
I just finished the drops and LOVED them! some are a little different but I got mine from hcgplatinum.com. never felt hungry and had to go from 7 drops to 6 for each dose. the drops are also a lot less expensive. good luck!
anyone else on P3? I started today so far so good I guess. we will see what the scale says in the morning.
PLEASE HELP, anyone know what if you DONT do the VLCD after injections, what will happen. Friday was my first day of VLCD off the injections and got invited to Ruth Chris, i was good for the most part but def ate more then the 500 calories. the next morning i gained .6 ozs the next day stayed the same, yesterday i was up a pound and as of this morning im up a total of 3 pounds. did i totally screw this up by going out on friday? i dont know what to do. i dont want to gain back the 10 i just lost in just a few short days. im so worried????? anyone ????? thanks
Hi Amanda, This is from Pounds and Inches, “The extra three days are needed because all patients must continue the 500-calorie diet for three days after the last injection. This is a very essential part of the treatment, because if they start eating normally as long as there is even a trace of HCG in their body they put on weight alarmingly at the end of the
treatment. After three days when all the HCG has been eliminated this does not happen, because the blood is then no longer saturated with food and can thus accommodate an extra influx from the intestines without increasing its volume by retaining water.”
So I think it’s mainly water weight. I’d do an apple day if you are still in the 3 days after last injection if not, then I’d do the Steak Day protocol suggested in P3.
Amanda – i am doing the drops but i think it works the same. Everything i have read including the manuscript tells us that it is very important to follow the protocol exactly for the 3 weeks and the 3 days after the HCG. Yes, you will gain all of your weight back if you dont. That is the part that i just hate!!! Try to get back on track.
Susie – thanks i wondered if she could do an apple day or steak day. speaking of apple day, i am doing one today. 3 days at a stall. i cant take it anymore. I will be really disapointed if the apple day does not produce results tomorrow.
Can someone answer this? For the melba toast is it just one piece of melba toast or a serving? i ask because if its just one piece of melba toast i would not be getting my 500 cals in per day. 3.5 oz of chicken or fish and 1 cup of veggies and a piece of fruit ranges from 228-230 cals per meal which would be shy of 500 by about 40 cals.
Hey Maisie, I’m kinda stalling too. Two days at same weight and .4 gain today. Was going to do and apple day tomorrow if no progress but decided against it. In Pounds and Inches Dr. S says that stalls always correct themselves so an apple day is purely for psychological reasons. So I am just going to continue on. Besides I like eating my meals, the thought of apples all day doesn’t thrill me. Regarding the melba toast, it just says 1 melba toast. So that’s what I do. I am usually at @ 450-475 for my cals.
Susie – i really hate i did the apple day! i havent even gotten two down! i am going to try to put some cinnamon and stevia on them tonight so that i can get them down. yes, i know it was for psych reasons but the stall days kill me! ok – i will reduce my melba toast. thanks – stay encouraged!
Jerry – i hope it works! i would love to see a two pound drop tomorrow!
Maisie,
Just make sure you limit your water consumption. It recommends only drinking if needed and in small quantities. I am also doing another apple day today.
Good luck!
Jerry –
Thanks! i did limit water. Wow it was really tough getting all those apples down. i have a belly ache! i hope i dont have to do this again!
Hi Maise, I hope the apple day worked for you. I’m at day 4 of stall…dadgummit! But I’m gonna plow forth and as my mom says “this too shall pass”;-). Sure hope it passes soon!!!
All – the apple day did not work for me. I am at a five day stall. I know that everyone stalls but i am very discouraged because normally people stall at the end of their 2nd week. I started stalling at the end of my first week. Is there anyone out there that has stalled and the pounds catch up and come off the next week? help!!!!
Maisie,
I just woke up from an apple day and lost two more pounds. This is my third apple day (not consecutive) on this program and I have always averaged at least a two pound loss.
I am day 28 and I am down 23.6 pounds. I am going out on a limb and taking a risk for this weekend. I have stopped the HCG and doing 500 calories through Friday then I am going to be a little more liberal for Superbowl Weekend. I will then get back on HCG Monday and finish out my 40 day program.
Maise-
Have u tried Smooth Move Tea? You can get it at GNC for any of u who need it. I drank it along with the apple day and dropped a couple pounds. Have u checked to see if any of your spices have sugar in them? I stalled the first week because I put garlic salt in something and it had sugar. It can be something very small throwing u off. Also, have u tried drinking more water? Hope that helps! I have stalled every week for a few days and it eventually catches up. Everyone is different. So keep that in mind. I stopped the drops at day 27 and had lost 17lbs. I’m in phase 3 and trying to stabalize. So far so good. I have to say though I miss the diet. Can’t wait to do it again. Everyone, keep up the good work!!!!
Les, can you email your recipes? My hubby is on the diet and gets tired of eating the same. Also, with each recipe can you include the calorie count.
Thanks,
Rhonda
So, I started my first day of the diet today. Had strawberries for first fruit of the day and made a salad consisting of 2c. lettuce, 2 radishes, 1/2 med cucumber, 3.5 oz chicken, 1 small tomato, 1 melba toast, and 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar. The calories for my first 1/2 of the day is at 247. The problem is that the weight is more than 3.5 oz. of veggies. Do I go by calories or weight. I would think that just sticking under 250 calories twice a day would be fine! any suggestions?
Hello All!
I’m back from cabo (enjoyed the weather and missed 7 inches of snow in nashville). I gained 5 lbs in 6 days, but I’m going to do an apple day and hope they fall off quickly!
Maise,
You’ve done great so far. It’s hard not to get discouraged, but keep it up. I’d start to look at what you are eating. Don’t do the grissinis, eat the lower sugar fruits, make sure you are eating the 500 calories! You will stall if you don’t get the 500! If you can tolarate the apple day go for it and the smooth move tea (but stick close to the toliet). I am sure you will wake up in a couple of mornings and notice a huge drop! Stay strong!
Marsha,
You really need to go over the weights and make sure you are getting the 500 calories. I’ve been going over the weights in the protiens to equal 500 calories instead of eating mountians of vegetables. You will figure out what works for you. Good luck!
Meg
Meg,
Did you just have a free for all of food while on your vacation? I am planning on taking the weekend (Superbowl) to enjoy the real reason we celebrate it…FOOD! Let me know what to expect.
Thanks,
Jerry
Jerry,
I did have a free for all. Chips salsa, alochol, tacos, the whole 9 yards. I find that the weight falls off easy while on HCG after an apple day. It just set me back by about a week in weightloss. I was willing to take the time loss.
Just my 2 cents
Meg
Meg,
So did you go off of the HCG prior and during your vacation. I have stopped the HCG, doing the 3 day @ 500 calories, and then was going to eat it up on Superbowl. I am debating whether or not to start the HCG load days in theory on Friday or just to wait until Monday to start the HCG. Any recommendations?
Thanks,
Jerry
I think I have figured out a possiable theory. I have had 4 small round melba toast a day. My hcg injection book said it was ok. I think it is not. Friday is day 40 for me of injections. I am down only 24 greatful pounds. I am going to do phase 3 for 3 weeks and the do a round of the drops for 40 days. I am going to load on Portillos Italian beef and Loumalnaties Pizza flown in from Chicago. I would like to have lost more but it is what it is.
MARSHA I was told not to mix the veges on the diet. Just pick one. Les mixed.
I did the apple day and lost 2 lbs and one came back on.
Jerry,
I did go off the HCG and then re-started once I returned ot the states. I’d just re-start the HCG after your celebration. I am on the drops so I don’t want to give advice if you are on the injections. I didn’t load since I had just spent 6 days indulging.
If I notice my weight creeping up once I start the 1500 calorie diet I just start the HCG again until I get back to the weight I want to be. I call it a mini run of HCG.
I am on my push to loose the last 15 (now 20 lbs).
Good Luck,
Meg
Meg,
Thanks for the information. I am using sub-lingual spray. Similar to drops, I’ll take your recommendation.
Jerry
Info needed on Steak Day – second time for steak day. first time did not go well. i was starving all day, only drank wanter, had a huge steak with butter and oil and spices with an apple. woke up the next day and only lost .2 pounds. any words on what works best. how soon in the day can you eat the steak? can it be for lunch or does it hav to be around dinner time like 4 or 5pm?????
Jerry – good luck this weekend. The apple day didnt work for me but glad it works for you! i read on one site that i wasnt supposed to start it until noon and that it goes for 24 hours. i started at 10:00am so maybe that’s why it didnt work. i also put cinnamon and stevia on four of them. I am also going to a superbowl party on sunday but unfortunately, i am not at a stage to cheat. I went to a party not long ago and it wasnt too bad. i took my lunch with me and drank tea!
Ali-thanks! i do have smooth move tea and have used it. however, i didnt know i was supposed to use it during my apple day. i dropped a pound today so hopefully, i am going to get back on track. i am ok with the seasoning but i am thinking that it may be the mineral oil or the oranges. i am going to stop those two and see what happens.
Marsha – you can only have one veggie per meal.
Meg – it is really hard to do 500 calories most of the veggies – 1 cup plus the meet, fruit and toast does not add up to 500 calories. it is about 450 – 475. i read that you cant add extra veggies to make up the calories – if i drop the toast i will be even lower in calories. i am going to stop the mineral oil and oranges and see what happens.
I am now on P3, but while on P2 both my fiance and I mixed veggies and had no problem at all. We did stick to the allowed veggies. We also sometimes went above the 3.5oz of veggies and noramlly had ~4oz of meat, this included ground lean white turkey. We were doing the drops and both lost 25lbs. I did the drops for 30 days and my fiance for 24.
So far P3 has been going great. You definately need to up your protein. Anyone else on P3 or has anyone done a round of P3?
It’s interesting how everybody’s body reacts to things differently. I gained almost a pound when I mixed my veggies last weekend in a salad.
I went out with friends last night and boy was that tough. I sipped on my allotted Diet Coke for the day while they were sipping on drinks. The aromas were amazing from their entrees and the dessert they ate looked incredible. I had a steak with salad. I woke this morning to gain .4.
Another thing, I stopped at the grocery store on my way home last night after watching friends indulge in toll-house pie to grab some veggies for the weekend and my local grocer restocked Walden Farms Chocolate dip & syrup AND the marshmallow dip. I rushed home and had a few strawberries with all 3 kinds and they were good enough to satisfy my chocolate cravings. I’m not sure if the gain was the beef, the salad, the dressing that the waitress assured me was only balsamic vinegar or the Walden Farm products. My guess is the beef. I’ve noticed that for me if I eat lean turkey or beef or any steak I either stall or drop very minimal amount of weight the following day. I share all this with you so that you too can indulge in Walden Farms products AND be aware of your weight following a beef meal. I just assumed it was okay because the literature said so but like I opened with everybody’s body reacts differently. Stay strong over the superbowl!
Amanda – the same thing happened to me when i did an apple day. i lost .2 pounds.
Sherie, I am getting ready to start P3 i have done the injection… and was wondering about the drops and also what diet are you following in P3 Aktins or South Beach… thanks again your all input .
Faith- I live in the Chicago area and LOVE Portillos and Lou Malnati’s butter crust pizza…maybe that is why I needed to diet in the first place!
So far, so good. Even though I have been mixing the veggies, still down 5 pounds from yesterday (probably happens that way in the beginning, huh?). I think I will mix for the next couple days and see if more weight comes off, if not, go to one veggie per meal. How do you cook something on the stovetop without using something to lube the pan? I used balsamic last night and it was good, but clean-up was horrible.
I’m wondering if there is anyway for the administrator of this website to re-sort the blogs so they read from most current to oldest. Just a suggestion…
@Jayda – It’s possible. Let me look and see if there is such an option…
Comments are now “descending” meaning the latest shows first. Hopefully that works well for other posts where there are much, much less comments. 😉
Hello everyone! I have been on the HCG diet for one week now and am down 9.5lbs. I am very thrilled and the weight loss is my motivation for not cheating. I don’t EVER want those lbs back again.
Les – a while back you posted a recipe for Lettuce Wraps. I didn’t write it down and now I can’t find it again. Do you mind sending it to me? Thanks!
My email is kathy@kathyemartin.com
Jayda – excellent suggestion about the sorting!
Kathy – good for you! my weight loss is still at a crawl.
Everyone! i am very discouraged! i have only lost 1 pound in 6 days!!!! I even did an apple day. I stopped oranges, stopped mineral oil and stopped the toast last night. I am very concerned because 1 cup of veggies and 3.5 ounces of meat plus the fruit is puts me no were near 500 calories. It puts me around 430. I really believe this is why i am stalling but what do you do????? HELP!!!!
Edie, I went to a book store and read all about the Atkins diet. Basically if you follow the Atkins Induction phase, but continue to eat fruit you are good. I started P3 4 days ago and have remained the same. It truly is not scary, but it is extremely important to add in at least double the amount of protein and add in fats. I also do not measure the protein anymore except for cheese. People say the best way to tackle P3 is to eat when you are hungry and stop when you are full. So far working great.
Breakfast:Chocolate Atkins shake and blend in strawberries that I froze the night before
Snack: 1oz of cheese
Lunch: protein, half of an avocado maybe some other veggie depending on if I am hungry for it or not.
Snack: Sometimes the Atkins Peanut Butter & fudge bar (with the Atkins bars you have to check to see if it is ok for All phases. Some are only ok starting at P2 for Atkins, not P3 for HCG
Dinner: Protein, last night had salmon cooked in butter and dill with asparagus.
Maisie- I think part of the problem might be that you are not eating enough calories. Also, are you drinking enough water throughout the day. One thing that I found helped me drink all the water is I have hot water with a green tea bag with lemon throughout the day.
Good luck!
Maise — if you have only 10-15 lbs to lose — it is not unusual. I had the same thing happen to me. I am at day 23 today and am down 9 pounds. Hang in there!
Sherie – i am drinking over the amount of water. i can i get enough calories when i restricted to 3.5 oz of protein, 1 cup of veggies and a piece of fruit. that just doesnt add up to 250 per meal???????+
Louise – i have waaaaaaaaaay more than 15 pounds to lose. Try 80!!!!
Maisie-
Try increasing your protein to 4oz twice a day (lunch & dinner) and 4oz of 1 type of veggie twice a day with your protein. Include the 2 pieces of fruit too. Drink the capacity of water and drink Yerba Mate in the afternoon and Green tea in the morning. If you love salt as much as I do, cut back drastically. I noticed I drop far more when I do that. Are you being strict about the products you’re using? Shampoo, facial cleanser, make-up, no lotion, no nail polish..
Here’s another thought how late into the evening are you eating?
Sherie, Thanks for the sample menu plan. This is very helpful. Keep posting samples. I’m petrified to start P3 and want to be 100% prepared. Thanks for giving us encouragement for P3!
Hi, Going through my second round, this time with my sister. She asked me about red wine vinegar, as vinegar is ok – is it ok while we’re on the shots? I didn’t know, so was hoping someone here could verify.
Rachel –
Love salt but havent been eating it on this diet. Not using Shampoo, facial cleanser, make-up, no lotion, no nail polish. I eat my dinner from 8:30as late as 11:00pm and take my drops late. I have been eating late all this week. Could that be it???
Go Maise, go! Stick with it and keep coming back here for encouragement! You can do it!
what about stretch marks and flabby skin, does your body adjust to it or is anyone left with those two problems?
Maisie- Eating too late might just be it.I was under the impression from the protocol that you need to eat no later than 7pm. If you are on the drops I would encourage you to change your drop intake times to the following perhaps that might work with your body better. 7 or 8am, 1pm, and then again @ 6 or 7pm.
Let us know if that works…
Maisie,
It is truly amazing to see how everyone reacts differently. I continue to use my personal care products i.e. deodorant, hand lotion, cologne, shampoo. and still average .5 to 1 pound per day. On occasion I stall and do an apple day which is rewarded by a 2 plus pound loss. I wouldn’t recommend eating after about 5 or 6pm. Even statistically speaking, you don’t want to be weighted down with food in your stomach overnight. Your body shuts down and goes into sleep mode with not much digestion during the night. It’s best to eat dinner a little earlier and know you don’t have the food sitting in your gut all night.
Maisie,
Sometimes a stall just happens. I bet one day next week you will wake up to a huge loss or your daily losses will start again. Just keep it up. Sometimes also, stress or poor sleep accounts for a stall. If you have read kevin trudeau’s book there are several things you can do, but I only felt comfortable drinking the chamomile tea. It seemed to help.
Keep it up, you are still doing great.
Meg
Hi Maise, I stalled for 4 days and then lost .08 yesterday and .04 this morning (didn’t do apple day), so that is just over 1 pound in 6 days. So I understand, but hang in there and remember that average is 1/2 pound a day for women. When you average your days is this happening? If so then you are right on track.
I just stared the HCG homeopathic sublingual drops….so far so good. Someone asked what to cook with for an oil substute. I have found that MCT oil, an oil without calories that helps dieters burn fat, is a nice way to cook food on this diet. Be careful though, because it has a low burning point.
I love to exchange recipies…and I love to get creative with my own. Here is one I loved last night.
3.5 oz. organic chicken breast
3.5 oz. cherry/grape tomatoes
2 tsp. garlic (2 cloves)
1 whole wheat melba toast
Mustard
cajun seasonings
salt/pepper to taste
Break up the melba toast into crumbs. Mix with cajun seasonings. Coat chicken in crumb mixture. Place in a backing pan with tomatoes and garlic. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.
This was just wonderful…hope you enjoy.
Ooops…amended recipe. I forgot the mustard.
3.5 oz. organic chicken breast
3.5 oz. cherry/grape tomatoes
2 tsp. garlic (2 cloves)
1 whole wheat melba toast
Mustard
cajun seasonings
salt/pepper to taste
Break up the melba toast into crumbs. Mix with cajun seasonings. Coat chicken in 0 cal/0 carb/0 sugar mustard (very light coating) and coat with crumb mixture. Place in a backing pan with tomatoes and garlic. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.
I keep reading about the apple day. Can someone give me details? How many apples and any certain time apart?
Hi! I started the hCG injections on 1/28/2010. My beginning weight was 136. Today I weighed in at 125! I have been following Dr. Simeons protocol. I ordered my hCG through Body Solutions Rx. They have been very informative. I have had no problems thus far. I have come down with a bad cold- began yesterday afternoon. Last night I became very hungry so I had an extra 2 egg whites- I still lost a pound! I was very worried I screwed up my whole day, but thankfully all was well. I appreciate all the information on this website. It helps to read how others are doing. Oh- one of the ladies at Body Solutions Rx is doing this diet. She recommended using Corn Huskers lotion- it is oil free. I bought some and I love it! It helps my dry skin (I have very dry skin) I plan to use it after the diet is over. My hopes with this diet is to reset my eating mindset. I used to try not to eat processed foods- however, in the past 10 years I seem to live on processed, convenience foods. Instead of eating at home, I have been hitting the drive thrus! Uggghhh! I hope this diet helps me to get back in to eating good. Good luck everyone!
We great people I am on day 41 of thid HCG injection diet.I was down 25lbs and gave into dirty martinis last night. Not a good idea, I know we all wondered…I gained 4 lbs. 🙁 Yes STUPID and did it to myself. Over all I am happy with the inches lost and the weight. I will start P3 on Wednesday and wait 3 weeks and Get on the drops from http://www.diyhcg.
I’m not sure who’s saying no shampoo, deodorant, etc. . . I don’t think that’s in the original Simmeons Protocol. The only thing he says not to use is cream/oil based makeup and lotions. I used shampoo, mineral based makeup, lipstick/gloss, anti-persperant, toothpaste, hair products, etc. on the first round and lost 26 pounds in 27 days. I would have lost more if I hadn’t screwed myself and cheated so much as Thanksgiving. It had nothing to do with giving up basic personal hygiene.
Even if a possible 1-2 pound additional loss may have happened, it’s not worth being miserable and gross for 40 days.
correction: that should be 26 pounds in 37 days lost round 1. . .
Laurie: Here are instructions for the Apple Day:
“An apple-day begins at lunch and continues until just before lunch of the following day. The patients are given six large apples and are told to eat one whenever they feel the desire though six apples is the maximum allowed. During an apple-day no other food or liquids except plain water are allowed and of water they may only drink just enough to quench an uncomfortable thirst if eating an apple still leaves them thirsty. Most patients feel no need for water and are quite happy with their six apples. Needless to say, an apple- day may never be given on the day on which there is no injection. The apple-day produces a gratifying loss of weight on the following day, chiefly due to the elimination of water. This water is not regained when the patients resume their normal 500- Calorie diet at lunch, and on the following days they continue to lose weight satisfactorily.” (Pounds & Inches, pg. 26)
Rachel – I think you were right. I didnt eat late last night and took my drops by 8:oopm. I dropped a pound this morning! thanks everyone! i hope the stall has ended at least for the next week.
Jerry – you are so lucky that you can still use cosmetics. I cant even use the mineral oil! I ordered sea salt as suggested by another HCG site. it is supposed to remove dry skin and leave skin moisturized. that way you dont have to use a moisturizer. I also ordered a natural moisturizer that was recomended for HCG dieters. I had to stop the bread also. is stopped the oranges but may try them again to make sure because they may not have been my staller. i really think it was the late night eating and not getting enough rest.
Meg – i have chammoile tea. i didnt think we could have it. I am going to try it tonight because i have difficulty getting to sleep before 12:30 am. i hope it doesnt make me stall again.
Susie – thanks for the encouragement!
Donna – it will definitely change your outlook on food and will certainly reshape – i havent been losing as fast as i would like but the inches sure are nice!
Joy – for some the shampoo will cause a stall especially if there is a form of oil in it. It just depends on ones body. It seems that any little thing is causing me to stall. I didnt realize how much of a life change the diet would be. I must admit that i have been miserable without my regular cosmetics. I ordered some HCG safe ones this week. I cant wait to get them!!!
Tiffany,
Thank you for clarifying the apple day part.
I will try it if I need to.
Hey guys! I am on my fourth week and am down 37 so far. I spoke to my doctor (I am doing the injections) and he said that since I am doing so well I would be able to do phase 3 for only 2 weeks before returning to phase 2. Has anyone else gone from phase 3 to phase 2 yet and can you tell me if the second round will have similar results? I travel alot on my job and have found that if I can convince my co-workers to go to a mexican food restaurant I can have a chicken fajita/lettuce salad with a little salsa for dressing and it doesn’t affect me. Any other dining out suggestions?
Hello all. I enjoy reading everyone’s success stories. I’m in my 14th day on the program and while I’ve seen results I’m a little disappointed. I started at 322lbs so I have a lot to lose. Week 1 I lost 15 pounds and as of today I’m still at 15lbs. I have religiously been following the 500 calories a day with no breakfast, protein, veggies, fruit, and melba toast at lunch and dinner and can’t quite figure out why I quit losing. I am a little shy on my water intake but not that far off. I’m not giving up as I know at 500 calories I have to eventually begin losing again. Any advice or reason why I lost so much week 1 and nothing week 2? Thanks Terry
I also have been at a standstill for the past three days. I lost 9lbs the first 3 days and haven’t lost any the past three mornings. Any suggestions? Also, when will I not be hungry anymore? It seems that all my time is consumed thinking about the next meal, please tell me this goes away, it is my 6th day on the 500 calorie plan.
Maise,
Yeah, there are some other recomendations in Kevin Trudeau’s book. He is a bit of a nut, but if you weed through the crazy rantings there are many many good suggestions for this diet during all phases. You should start the chamomile tea several hours before bedtime. The same makes of smooth move tea make something called nighty night tea. That is what has really worked for me. I have a hard time sleeping and have even lost an additional pound just by sleeping in an extra couple of hours!
I’ve not been good on my diet this week, so I am getting back to the daily weigh-in’s and following the protocol exactly!
It would be easier if I had someone to cook for me and just hand me food. Oh well, better play the lotto of I want that!
Jerry, How did the superbowl party hit your diet?
Meg
Meg
Meg,
The Superbowl free for all weekend was truly a disaster. I was expecting failure but really 10 pounds in 3 days? I am o.k. with that because I had pre-planned for failure I was just shocked that it was so significant.
Funny thing I learned though and glad I did… The free for all feast wasn’t as good as I expected. I was very disappointed in the taste of the food, the carbs upset my stomach so severe that I honestly couldn’t wait to get back on the HCG protocol and glad I’m back.
If you have time to waste for yourself, I would only encourage it so you can see for yourself that it ISN’T WORTH IT!!!
I will be glad when I start feeling better again. This protocol is truly a healthy alternative. The carbs and sugars just don’t do it for me anymore. Thank Goodness.
Jerry
Hi Everyone,
I just started the plan and today is my first day following the 500 calories. I have enjoyed reading the info from everyone, I am a little nervous about the injections but am also excited about the possible outcome. I will check back in if I have any questions,
Thanks !!
Marsha and Terry: I have found that if I do not drink enough water I will not lose the weight. When I have had about 64oz of water in the day, I only lost .1 lbs. The next day, I drank 100oz of water and lost 1.2 lbs. Water is essential for the fat being released by the HCG to flush from your body.
Marsha: If you are still hungry and are doing the sublingual drops you may want to try increasing a drop or two. Also, I have found that if I drink coffee in the morning, fruit at 10 (rather than with lunch), any hunger is grealy reduced. One other option if you are doing the drops — break up when you take them through out the day Take them 6 instead of 3 times a day, but just cut the number of drops in half. This has helped me. Alot of hunger pains are really disguised thirst — so drink up!
Another recipe I enjoyed making last night.
Bruschetta Chicken
3.5 oz tomatoes
2 tbs. red onion
1 tbs. crushed garlic
Fresh basil
2 tbs. balsamic vinegar (check label to ensure low sugar content)
salt & pepper to taste
To make the bruschetta, dice up the tomatoes and onion. Mix together with Basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt & pepper.
Grill up 3.0z of chicken breast (or any other meat). Place bruschetta mixture on top and enjoy. The Bruschetta is wonderful over you 1 piece of melba toast!
Jerry,
Just to let you know. When I indulge I find the weight I gain is actually water retention due to the salt content in alochol and carb laden foods. Try the apple cider “cocktail” for a few days and drink up to a gallon of water a day. I found that put me back to normal in a day or two. Plus it speeds up your weight loss. I have been using a maximum metabolizer and energy formula from my HCG vendor (HCG Direct) and I really believe that speeds things up, or at least gives me energy and helps me sleep at night.
Keep it up! You can do it.
Meg
I have been feeling the same way this week. I have been stress eating but today I go back on the wagon.
Meg,
What is the apple cider cocktail?
Miska – good for you! I really wish my results were that great!
Marsha – amazingly my first few weeks i was not hungry at all and didnt have that many cravings. However, after 20 days i started to get hungry during meals. As a matter of fact i have been hungry off and on today but it goes away if you drink water. I think mine may be because i stopped the toast because i stalled for so many days. i may have to pick it back up because i really cant take being hungy. I have lost 17.8 pounds in 22 days.
Wow, Superbowl party was WAY harder than I imagined it would be. My Dad puts on a huge party with everything you could imagine including fresh crab and shrimp. Naturally I thought I’d eat that and be content with my Diet coke. Oh no, not quite. I got there and all the shrimp and crab were gone. AHHH! Eveything left over was all the things we’re not supposed to eat. I was the closest I’ve ever been to cheating. But I stayed strong and grilled a chicken breast and cut up a tomato I managed to find in the back of his fridge. Thank goodness for that! It makes it even better waking up 1.4 lbs lighter and knowing I had total willpower. 🙂 Happy losing this week!
Meg – thanks for the tea suggestion – i have tried everything but my weight loss is at a crawl for the last 7 days. more sleep, no oranges, no mineral oil, no toast, and smooth move. since i stopped all of those things several days ago and still no drastic drop other than 2 ounces i wonder if those things were really the cause of the stall. I am going to go for 30 days and then stop for 6 weeks. I think i will do better doing 30 day sessions since i lose all of my weight in the beginning. Also, i have really been getting hungry since i stopped the toast.
Jerry – thanks for sharing – i am going to take your advice and not do it!!! I have 10 more days to go before i will be in the first 3 week phase. I am just ready for more of a variety of vegetables!!!!
Maise,
I’m sorry that you aren’t getting the results you want. Sometimes stalls do happen. In the literature I recieved from my HCG company I was told to add vegetables to get more calories. I could go past the oz measurements to recieve the 500 calories. Just a thought. Also, if you are on the drops you don’t have to wait the 6 weeks before trying another round of the HCG. With the drops there are no immunity issues, so you can break for as long or as little as you would like.
I’ve gained about 10lbs in the last couple of weeks. I haven’t been strict on my diet plus that all inculsive resort really did me in. I am renewing my commitment to the drops.
I hope that you pick up that weight loss momentum since you were so excited when you started and you did so great.
Keep us informed as to your status,
Meg
Meg – what is the apple cider cocktail?
Meg – thanks for the info. I think breaking for 6 weeks will do me good. My thought process about food has soooo changed. I think i am going to do well. Its just that all my life weight has been very slow to come off and it gets really discouraging. I am really hoping to lose more during my 6 weeks off as i will be working out.
Jerry,
If this is a repeat post, sorry had strange conneciton problem.
Apple Cider Vinegar “Cocktail” can help digestion and hunger and burn fat. Drink one before each meal. Use 1 TBSP in 3-4oz of water with a few drops of Stevia or a sprinkle of the powdered stevia.
Good Luck and let me know how you are doing!
Meg
I am just starting this is my first week of the injections & I am hearing from diffrant people things,I need some idea’s of ways to make my meals.
Just started drinking something new and good, wondering if it okay to drink? Take 1 cinnamon stick, 1/4 lemon with rind and peel, and about 6 pieces of fresh ginger cubes and steep them in water. Keep adding water throughout the day as needed. Really good and refreshing!!!
Marsha and Tiffany,
Here is a great site with recipes and ways to make meals. You’ve probably already seen this but just in case…
http://hcgrecipes.blogspot.com/
I’ve successfully done the homeopathic HCG drops and am holding my loss on the 4th day of P3. Yea! But I’ve seen some posts saying 3 wks and then can begin hcg again….I thought you had to do P4 for 3 wks more before beginning a 2nd phase!? I would like to lose the last 18 lbs sooner than later. Any thoughts on this????
Ladybeth,
You dont get the immunity issues with the homeopathic drops that you do with the medical grade injections. You don’t need to take a break. You can just order more HCG and keep going until you loose all of the weight.
With that being said, the break is beneficial for a couple of reasons. The 500 calorie diet can be difficult to do for long periods of time. Plus easing in the extra calories helps you introduce healthy eating habits that will follow you after the HCG expierence, but it is up to you.
Meg
Rachael,
Thank you for that website I have never seen it before & I was looking fro a good website. it’s when you first get started it’s kinda hard to know what works & what to really do besides the basic’s, I work early in the morning so I wanted something I could make the night before & have ready so I coould just grab & go, Also I was wondering what kind of shampoo & condioner do you use? I have Joyco but it has oils.
Marcia
Maisie,
Thanks for the encouragement!
I have almost 100 still to go to get where I want to be and am wondering if anyone else has that much to lose?
I have been on the HCG sublingual for 8 days (not counting the pig out days) I have not lost any weight for the past 2 days. I have stayed on the diet but have had to add some extra carbs (3-4 daily) as I am diabetic and Hypoglycemic. My extra carbs (fruit) probably account for an extra 200 calories. My calorie count is still very low, probably no more than 700 calories total daily. I have been doing this amount of calories since the beginninig of the diet and previously I lost 7 lbs., so that tells me that the diet still works with the extra carbs. Right now I am stuck and frustrated. Anyone experience this too? If so, what did you do to get the losing going again?
Momgaug – hang in there – i went for 7 days with very little weight lost just ounces and even gained ounces on a few days. In your case the only thing you will probably be able to do is – stop oranges to see if maybe they may be an issue as sometimes they are, make sure you are drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep and try switching the veggies and fruits around. I was happy today because i dropped 1.6!!! its been a while since i had lost that much.
Marcia, I was told Herbal Essence or Pantene ProV shampoo’s are approved. If you need to use conditioner only use on the ends of your hair and quickly rinse. I’m personally using Herbal Essence and haven’t had any problems with it. Good Luck!
I tried a new recipe last night and it was fabulous! I steamed 1 medium zucchini and had Teriyaki Cod. It doesn’t exactly taste like Teriyaki but it had wonderful flavoring. Go to your local Costco and pickup some fish in the freezer isle. I personally love Halibut but thought I’d try Cod this time. I buy the big bag for around $15. They are individually wrapped and each one is around 3.5 oz. so it’s all set to go. Take 1 out in the morning and it’ll be thawed by dinner. I used my George Foreman to grill and it turned out perfectly flaky. I know Costco also offers other types of white fish including Tilapia and Halibut. This meal took me 10 minutes to prepare and serve. Hope you enjoy!
Teriyaki Fish
100g whitefish
2 T Bragg Liquid Aminos
1 T rice vinegar (be sure to read the ingredients so that it includes NO sugar)
2 cloves minced garlic
1 t ginger (I used ground ginger)
1. Mix Bragg Liquid Aminos, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a ziplock bag or dish with lid.
2. Place whitefish in marinade and coat(Ziplock bag works great)
3. Seal and refrigerate for 30 mins – 1 hr, turning once. (I skipped this step, I’m sure it’s even better when you follow this step)
4. Grill 3-4 mins on the George Foreman until fish flakes. Or you can broil for 5-10 mins depending on thickness of fish.
83 cal for 3.5 oz Cod
115 cal zucchini for 1 medium steamed & sliced
TOTAL= 198 CAL
ENJOY 🙂
Rachael,
Keep those recipes coming! I have no imagination and these help me through meal time. No more eating over the sink out of the dish I cooked in…I actually enjoy these meals.
Meg
Here is a link to a 1 page weekly food journal that’s simple and cute. I’m printing off a bunch of copies and plan to use them during P3 & P4. It’s just one more thing to help in keeping the weight off.
http://www.theprojectgirl.com/2009/06/26/food-journal-free-download/
I should’ve put this in the last comment as I’m on comment overload. But I am creating a HCG binder. Get a 3 ring binder and make it your hcg reference. I have tabs in it and categorize the follwoing: Getting Started (the intro to the diet-Dr. Simeons protocol,) measurements and weigh-ins, before & after pics (although I didn’t do this,) recipes, journaling notes, and now I’ll add these food journal pages. You could even make it a small binder so you can lug it around with you. Either way it’s a quick reference and all in one place. Keep me posted if this tip works for you too!
Rachael-
Thank you for your help, today is my last day of eating everything! I love the chicken & beef recipes I found on that sight, so I went to Costco & picked up some Chicken & extra lean Meat because I do not eat anything seafood or fishy so I am sticking to those kinds of recipes, i am going to try the one you just posted but with Chicken, also I am going to go home & put a binder togather, so thnaks because I am getting excited to see a loss.
Does anybody know about eating a fat free yogurt for a fruit with lunch? I want to know if anyone has tried that because of the milk content.
Rachel – i have a binder also. it really helps because i keep forgetting stuff!
Marcia,
I havne’t heard that tried since it has sugar and some dairy. If a spray of olive oil makes me stall I’m not risking with yogert. My HCG company did say that some try the fat free sugar free jello and pudding cups with fruit, but just once a week. I haven’t tried it. I try really hard to stick to the protocol since it works if I do it like it is written.
That being said. Try it, if it makes you stall then wait to add that in in Ph3.
Good Luck,
Meg
Meg,
Thanks for that I am the same way I do not won’t to risk anything that’s why I wanted to know if anyone has or what they thought. I hope I will loose alot on this diet. I want to loose around 60 to 70 lbs.
Marcia,
It isn’t a fun diet, but if you do it EXACTLY you will get amazing results.
All,
I’ve got my last 15lbs to go, but this round is really hard. I need some encouragement. Every day right at 3:00 I feel like I could eat the house. I was in the middle of a phone conference (I work from home) and I could tell it was 3:00. Mind numbing urge to snack on EVERYTHING! Somehow my 1/2 grapefruit isn’t satisfying.
I’m just trying to keep my head down and push my way through the last 15. My best friend lost 45lbs in 2 months of HCG (she did the drops for a straight 60 days) and she looks fantastic. She hasn’t looked that good since highschool. I have lost 25 so far and I feel a lot better and I do look soo much better, but it is just hard when I want something yummy. I can’t even watch the colbert show anymore since all I can think about is my favorite icecream (americone dream by ben and jerrys).
I am at the point I just want to give up and dive into a pizza, cheesburger and fries, then bathe in a chocolate cake…
Someone…smack me back to reality. Be harsh, I need it.
Meg
Meg- I’m sorry but you didn’t work all this way to lose 25 and gain it back on greasy artery clogging food over night. It doesn’t matter if you will lose it in 2 or 3 days that’s 3 days you could’ve lost even more weight and made it to your goal. Think of the accomplishment you’ll feel when you step on that scale and see “THAT” glorious gratifying numbe. You CAN do this!!
Pop a piece of Extra bubblegum. It tastes surgery & keeps your mouth moving. Or try the Orange Julius recipe or put a diet coke in the freezer for 30 min and let it get slushy and cold and make it your 3pm treat! I have to do this most days and it definitely keeps me on track. This sounds sick but look at a motivational woman that is fit and you admire. It’ll get you in that mindset to keep persevering!
I believe you can do this and know you will succeed!
CLARIFICATION: When I just reread my post I didn’t mean for the sick comment to come across in the wrong way. By “Sick” I meant I’m sick in the head to make myself look at beautiful, fit, toned woman and wish I was. Not sick because I’m saying to look at woman. I wouldn’t want to offend anyone.
Rachael,
HAHAHA thats exactly what I need! Im going to cut and paste that and read it every day at 3!
P.S.
I wouldn’t take it wrong. We are all here to help each other.
Racheal,
Thanks for that. Im going to print that out and read it everyday at 3! Just what I needed.
PS
We are all here to help each other out, so that is how I take things
Meg –
It is sooooo not worth it to satisfy your cravings with junk food! you have done so well! you know if you eat that stuff you could potentially gain it all back plus more! then you will be really miserable while your friend is still looking fantastic! you can do it! it is hard! i started getting hungry last week and i am just on day 22. Mine happens in the afternoon also! Just think about the bikini that you want to get into – drink water, drink tea, suck on a cinnamon stick, read a book! do everything but eat that junk food!!!
Meg- thank you for your thoughts! (And follow your own great advice!) Now I’m wanting to get back on the HomeoHCGdrops/VLCD asap! Not knowing I could just keep going w/o risking immunity, I stopped at 29 days and have been on P3 5 days now (doing fine :)) but if I want to go back on the drops can I begin the drops & loading for 2 days and then continue on P2 for 23 more days?? Then follow w/ P3 & P4. Will that regulate my hypothalamus properly?
Hi all! I found this website looking for some HCG information. I started today.. It’s only 1030 and I have a headache.. I’m not tooo hungry but I am worried I won’t make it to lunch.
I didn’t do the loading with the drops because I have been pigging out on everything and anything I could get my hands on in the last week (let’s say I’m an emotional eater!). I gained 10 pounds in about 2 days so I think I’m loaded enough.
Can someone tell me if it’s ok to use Splenda (I know the book says Stevia but I’m (military) in Yemen and it will take at least 3 weeks to get here and I can’t go without coffee in the morning!
What about chewing a tiny piece of sugarless gum when I’m really starving?
I love reading everyone’s posts and know when I’m feeling troubled or stressed over the diet I can come here for support. 🙂
Hether,
I just started to & Everyone is so uplifting when you need a boost or advise, but I have been told no splenda or sweet & low, it needs to be stevia & don’t feel bad about it taking awhile to get it because i am in the state & I need it for my coffee too, but the stores were out of it I swear everyone I know is on the Hcg drops or injections & when I went to get stevia & melba toast last night I had to go to 2 diffrant stores & I still did not get my stevia.so today I am going black with nothing I hope I can handle it. Good Luck! but we can do it.
Sorry Heather, I guess when I was typing the A did not make it..lol.
Meg,
You can do this, I read you telling other people to keep going & don’t give up, & I have to agree with Racheal I to think off someone I would like to look like & remember I started this for a reason & I need to stick with it. Like last night I was making my food for today & I was looking @ it going you have got to be kidding, but you know I thought if all of those woman can do it that have been ginving me great advise then I can do it to, so you keep going don’t give up & remember we are all here if you need to be told to PUT IT DOWN. Remember the pay off & why you started this in the first place.
Marcia
Rachael,
what is the orange Julius recipe? I love all of your ideas & recipes.
Heather,
I was looking @ the web site Rachael told me about & you can use zsweet or tavuia (like stevia)you can get it @ any store. I hope this helps.
Meg,
When you are wanting something sweet, go to that website Rachael told me about it is down a few comments but I saved it as one of my favorites so I just click on it any time. They have some good apple idea’s that sound really good & I think just might help that crave or urge to cheat.
For all you women out there (sorry men), what have you seen with this diet and your menstrual cycle. I have stayed on my drops, but have stalled out. Any help?
So I was wondering I just thought about deodorant? mine has mineral oil & castor oil. also what is a good lotion to use today I am trying corn huskers lotion but I still feel dry skin?
ALL,
Thanks for the support yesterday. I didn’t cave to my 3:00 hunger and lost 1lb. Big loss for me! I drank over a gallon of water, and I think if I want to be one of those pound a day people I have to drink more than a gallon a day.
Marcia,
I felt dry the entire 27 days of my first round. I used regular deoderant (I’m a stinker if I don’t) If you are loosing without changning stick with it. If not, my friend used Tom’s Natural Deoderant. There is a crystal you can get at natural food stores that you rub under your arms.
Tiffany,
I always slow then stall around TOM (time of month), but there is a big loss afterwards. Plus my hunger is out of control!
Heather,
The point of the diet is to get off the harmful artificial sweeteners and processed foods. THat being said, all situations are different (thanks for your service) I would venture to say that as long as your calorie intake is 500 then you should be fine. Plenty of people continue to use splenda throughout this diet and not expierence any problems. If you stall or slow in your weighloss then you should wean your self off, but until then go for it. The headaches for the first week are normal for me (they are wicked)
Ladybeth,
You get to load again! Yeah! As long as you follow P3 after you do your second round of P2 you will make the reset happen. Good luck! Keep posting.
All,
I need to read this to keep me strong. My hubs isn’t as supportive as I get thinner and thinner. He is bringing my trigger foods into the house and eating in front of me! We started different diets this month and mine (round 2 of HCG) is working and his (low carb and execise) isn’t working. He needs to loose 50+ lbs and me only 15 to get to my goal weight. So I think he is subconsicously trying to make me fail. UGGGHHH!!!
Good Luck all,
Meg
I was wondering if anyone noticed a change in their breasts while taking HCG. I just went to my girlie doctor and she found some lumps (hopefully nothing)!!! I read that a change in hormones may cause fibrocystic breasts! Anyone have any info, I would really appreciate it. I am thinking of quitting the diet for the time being to see if there is any change. P.S. Fibrocystic breast is not a disease, I am just taking precautions to see if they go away without HCG before I get an ultrasound.
I think husbands are just slightly clueless to these things. My husband has been doing the SAME thing. I wanted to strangle him when he took me to a movie and ate all my favorite things while I sat chewing on apples w/ cinnamon sugar. Just know you’re not the only one experiencing this frustration. Hang in there! The best thing to do is lead by example. He’ll come around…
On your site, I see a list of foods, and calories that are on your HCG diet. Where did you get the diet, as the one that I was given from my Doctor doesn’t have alot of the same things such as yours lists such as braccoli and cauliflower and cube steak. Mine doesn’t include those and I have seen others that add turkey and lean turkey burgers. Whats up with these variances in the foods list?
Hey all
love this blog. everyone is so nice, informative and encouraging. i have been on this for 5 days, lost 5 lbs. could hardly believe my eyes looking at the scale. i did not get the headaches,(thank God) and i am still using antiperspirant, shampoo, conditioner and good ole Crest toothpaste. (i cant imagine NOT washing my hair and showering everyday) I have not been eating the toast either, but following it faithfully, otherwise. I have friends that i cannot even tell about this; they would automatically sabotage me or tell me i’m crazy. for all those of you being sabatoged by your spouses, use it as a challenge. It will help you deal with the outside world when you are at a restaurant or at someone’s home and do not want to be difficult by telling everyone how the food they are eating is bothering you. you would have already learned to deal with it. i forgot, i am also ‘cheating’ with artificial sweeteners- diet pop and coffee. still has not stalled me out….yet. stevia is ok but has a bitter taste to me.
good luck all, and thanks for all the ideas, recipes and fun. -to a healthier, thinner world!!!
Good morning all! I found out last night I could not post from home (gotta love Yemen!!) So I’m only going ot be able to post from work!
I did good last night, very proud of myself. There was a birthday party for a very good friend of mine. I made sure to eat before I went and took my water. LUCKY for me that my roommate here is very supportive, helped me shop for my food and cook it. She was my rock last night. I stood beside her while she ate and she told me what it tasted like. So I was strong. Very hard to do on the first night, let me tell you.
I got on the scale this morning and was shocked! I lost more than 2 pounds so I’m not sure if most of it was water weight or what. But even with using a splenda yesterday and chewing a piece of sugar free gum. It would be great if my weight kept dropping off like that but I doubt it. As long to steadily lose weight I will be happy! 🙂
Meg – I’m sorry that your husband isn’t supportive, that really has to make it hard for you. I can’t imagine doing this without the support of my friends here. Everyone knows I am on a strict diet and is very supportive of me. I know if anyone sees me eating something bad I would disappoint them, myself and most of them would give me a butt chewing for doing so good and then breaking it! Do you have a friend who can support you and be there when you want something bad? If not, we are here for you. 🙂
Thanks all for the support and everyone keep up the gret work!
Heather
Just started drops today! I’m a little concerned about hair products. With my job I’m in an environment that I have to wash my hair daily and use products to tame my wild hair or i’ll look like a troll. I’m sure that the silk extract (chi silk) is out of the question to use with my straightening iron.
Anyone have any thoughts……………………
I have been on the HCG diet for 10 days now, and I don’t even worry about what shampoo that I use. I even use cream rinse. I have now lost 11 lbs., and I am also on 200 more calories a day because of needing more carbs for my hypoglycemia and diabetes. The hand lotion is the thing that I have concerns about because my hands are totally dry and red and chapped. I went to the health food store and they didn’t have anything without oil, so I bought some aloe vera and applied it to my hands. It doesn’t soften, but would help soothe the rough and red patches like it does for skin that has been sunburned. Shampoo is the least of your worries, so don’t fret.
I would strongly encourage those of you who are new to this forum to start at the beginning of the posts and begin reading. Alot of the questions posted have been answered multiple times. It was very informative when I did it. If at the end the posts you still have questions please let us know.
If you do not want to read through everything go to the top of your web browser under Edit. Select “Find” and type in a keyword. It will go through all the posts and pinpoint your keyword.
Momgaug- Use Corn Huskers Lotion. It’s oil free!
Rachel – good suggestion. It does get tough repeating everything.
This questions goes out to those Phase 3’ers. I’m amping myself up to do Phase 3 in another week or so and want to be sure I understand it correctly. If anyone knows of a book that focuses on Phase 3/4 let me know. I know they say follow Atkins or South Beach but a specific book written to the HCG Phase 3/4 would be nice. Someone would make some good money if they wrote a book specifically for each HCG phase as it seems to be all the rave right now.
Anyway, in Phase 3 are we allowed to start using Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO,) Sauces, Mayo, Etc? I have read in previous posts yes, but want to clarify with those who have gone through Phase 3 already. Thanks! 🙂
Hello All,
Great day today. My hubby ate pizza and Ben and Jerry’s right in front of me and I ate my shrimp and cucumbers. Nothing else. Willpower, I finally have it back.
Rachael,
I was most successful with P3 when I ate the same foods as in P2 just in larger quantities for the 1st week except I added eggs for breakfast. Week 2 I started to incorporate foods ONE AT A TIME staying away from things with high sugar content like melons and corn. P3 is very much like Atkins and Southbeach. You can find great recipies by googling low carb menus. It is important to weigh yourself EVERY day and continue with your water. If you gain more than 2lbs then you must do the steak day (read the pounds and inches protocol). Some foods will cause gain some will not it just depends on your body (I could eat turkey but it caused my friend to gain). What you are trying to do in P3 to add in low carb lean protiens into your diet. By the end of p3 you should be able to eat complex carbs like whole grains and oatmeal. Throughout p3 NO SUGAR OR SIMPLE CARBOHYDRATES like fudge, jam, pickles, white sugar etc (you can do your own research about the differences).
P3 is scary at first because we get so comfortable with the VLCD and there isn’t room for error since it is spelled out so clearly. P3 tests your body and how it reacts to different foods. That is why it is so important to weigh yourself every day.
Good Luck,
Meg
Hello all,
I made it through another day yesterday. My headaches weren’t as bad. I had my veggies as a snack instead of actually with my lunch and that seemed to work better for me than eating my fruit. I did chew 1 stick of sugar free gum and also used splenda and still managed to lose 1.5 pounds. :-)I even deep conditioned my hair last night ( but I don’t think any of my shampoos/conditioners/body wash have oil in them). But I was SUPER EXCITED when I weighed myself.
So far today is going ok.. I had my coffee with a splash of skimmed milk and 2 splenda and I am drinking water. No headache yet so maybe today will continue to get better then the past 2 days.
I joined another group hcgdieters on yahoogroups and have been mixed reactions on how I started my diet (gorged before starting the drops and just started the drops with the VLCD), and also about my water intake (drinking about a gallon a day) and my tiredness. I was also told not to mix veggies.
Any suggestion from this group on mixing veggies, water intake. I think my tiredness was a fluke because when I laid down last night to sleep I couldn’t! So I think I’m back to normal! 🙂
Meg: WAY TO GO!! That is great! It’s very hard when someone eats normal food in front of you that you can’t have. But good for you for being strong!
Thanks for the support everyone! Everyone stay strong and continue the great work on your way to your desired weight! 🙂 🙂 We can all do it!!
Heather
YAY! My day is done (that that I did any real work today, I just tried to read through all the posts.. that was hard)… But I’m not going to be able to post until Tuesday since we are off on Monday. I will keep checking in though.
On a side note, I am doing much better today than the first 2 days of the VLCD. I don’t have a headache and I am not hungry, just kinda empty feeling.
I think the weekend will be hard for me to stick to the diet because of my crazy sleep schedule. Hopefully I continue to lose.. Will post again on Tuesday!
Good luck through the weekend everyone!
Heather
I use the crystal stick for deodorant and I think my body was getting accustom to it and wasn’t working as well as the first few weeks. I switched back to my regular deoderant yesterday and stalled this morning.Lesson to learn from my experience, everything little thing can make you stall so be aware of your products too. I hope I can lose tomorrow morning and this doesn’t drag on 🙁
Hi Everyone,
I have been on the plan for 6 days including the first two eating days. I have lost 6 1/2 pounds, which is awesome considering I really only need to lose approx. another 10 pounds or so. Although today was the first day I did not lose any weight. But the clinic I go to has me on injections for 6 days and then they said I get a day off. I don’t see anyone talking about having a day off. I was under the impression by them that I have a free day to eat and have a cocktail if I would like. Nobody seems to have been told this by their program. Anyone know anything about this?
Yeah!!! I’ve lost 5 lbs in the last few days (mostly due to smooth move tea). I feel good and I feel back on track. I see the scale lower and lower each time I step on it, that is my motivation. The hubs can eat whatever he wants, but I’m sticking with the HCG protocol.
Rachael,
The deoderant crystal didn’t work for me and neither did the toms natural. I have to use the degree clinical, oh well, I’ll take the dimished weight loss and not stink!
I am back to 1 gallon of water a day. I really feel that is key for me. I can’t just drink a couple of liters like some people can.
Maisie,
Haven’t seen you post in the last couple of days. Hope you are doing well and still loosing.
Meg
Meg –
I am here! I have to admit if it wasnt for you’ll i would have given up! I had a really slow loss for a week and 1/2 and got really unmotivated!!! I changed my tea to a cleansing tea and so far this week i have loss almost 3 pounds! i am back and hope that before my 30 day round is done i can at least lose 25 pounds! i am at 20 and counting – yeah!
Greetings everyone!
I am on day 7 of the program (2-load days), and have lost 8lbs. I have read all the data and still can’t believe I am losing this fast….I won’t say easy, I am so happy to find this site, because there are so many ideas and recipes to keep the food boredom at bay. Thanks David for this site!
Thanks Les, you and your ideas have inspired me to plow onward! (if you have a group of recipes you can send me, I would surely appreciate it! Thanks!)
kmoles@charter.net
k
Maisie,
I can’t remember if you are on the shots or the drops. If you are on the drops just order some more and keep going since you don’t have to worry about immunity. I’d love to see you reach your goals. I’m going to keep going after the 30 day mark until I reach my goal.
Tawn,
I’ve never come across any information about the way your clinic administers HCG. Have you read Pounds and Inches by Dr. Simeon? He is the man who literally wrote the book on HCG. It is on his work this diet is based. I would suggest giving the 30 page document a good read. Now, if it is working for you then GOOD FOR YOU! I’d venture to say the rest of us would love to have a free day. Let me know what you think after you read the protocol. (just google and you will find)
Meg
Just testing this post from my iPhone.
Thanks Meg, I was wondering about that, how strange. I noticed with everything I was reading nobody mentioned a day off. They gave me injections, appetite suppresents, etc. to take for 6 days, then a day off. Then start up again fpr a total of 28 days. So I don’t have the injections for a seventh day a week. I will read what you told me and go from there. Are you on injection shots?
Tawn,
I am on the homeopathic drops and have done really well on them, but when I started the diet I lived in a remote area and did not have access to any clinic. Since, I have moved to Nashville and there are TONS of clinics here, but the drops have been working for me so I don’t want to mess with that. I’ve become pretty superstitious when it comes to this weight loss method. I am constantly trying to re-create that big weight loss day.
Anyway, If I were you, I’d read the protocol from Dr. Simeons and at least try what your clinic is recommending. If you don’t like the results THEN change it up. I’d venture to say that the clinic is getting results otherwise they wouldn’t be open. Just count yourself lucky. Maybe even post where you are if there are forum members in your area they might want to switch if you are getting great results.
All,
I was wondering what the various instructions that everyone has received for Phase 3. My girlfriend with the remarkable weightloss didn’t have to do P3 just take some “lock it in pills” and she now has a pretty healthy diet but does indulge when she chooses. She’s kept every pound off plus lost a few extra. She is in Oklahoma City and she did drops from a doctor, but I don’t think they were homeopathic. I think they were prescription.
Just curious,
Meg
All- I’m feeling lightheaded and weak the past few days? I’ve already increased my protein to 4.0 oz at each meal.Any suggestions?
Rachael,
Are you on the injections or the drops?
Are you exercising?
Are you eating all of your fruits, veggies, protiens, and melbas or grissinis?
What is your weight loss like?
Do you have any medical conditions like a cold or diabetes?
Meg
I’m on the homeopathic drops. Eating everything I’m supposed too. Not exercising at all. No medical conditions and averaging loss is around .75 lb per day. Except for today was my first stall.
Rachael – consider spreading out your fruit if you haven’t yet. I feel light headed because my blood sugar has dropped, so I switched things up a bit. I have coffee when I wake up, piece of fruit at 10, lunch at 12, fruit again around 3 or 4, dinner before 7. Also, I have to make sure I am constantly drinking water. When I do this, I don’t struggle with feeling lightheaded. Good luck.
Hey everyone, curious if your weightloss from day to day varies significantly or if this is a sign I am eating something my body doesn’t like. I have not had a steady loss; instead, I lose 1.2 one day, .2 the next, back to 1, then .3. Is this normal for everyone else or should I be considering that there might be a pattern with my foods. Thanks for your advice.
Tawn – My mother did the injections and her Doc also only had her do 6 days of injections. This seemed to work really well for her. She lost 36 lbs. in her first protocol. I have heard the rationale for it is to keep you from becoming immune to the HCG. Good luck.
Meg-thank you, I think i will, with all the info, it gest confusing.
Tiffany-Thanks for responding, nobody seems to be on this plan that I could find. It is good to hear someone else is on the same program. It is working for me too but tomorrow is my day off, so I was a bit worried when nobody was talking about a day off. SO did your Mom still follow the program on the 7th day but without the shot, or just treat it like a normal day and eat what she wanted?
Tawn – I believe my mother stuck with the program on the 7th day. She was adding in a whey protein shake 1-2 times a day, it had low calories, no fat, and low sugar. I also believe she did no steak during the week, but would allow herself the steak on the 7th day. Everyone’s body responds different to this diet. You may just have to play around with it to see what works for you.
Thanks for the advice Tiffany, I am going to give it a try !!!
I was thinking that with Valentines day coming up, and all the chocolates treats that are around in every store, and probably in your home if you have little children. How hard it is to not sneak an M & M or chocolate or something else really yummy. The end goal for me of losing weight is worth staying away from sweets, however I have been thinking about something that is actually very close to this diet that would be a real treat, without causing much trouble. I am having a Valentine luncheon with my friends and for dessert I am making a meringue tart shell with a miniscule amount of sugar + Splenda. I will top the tart with fresh cut Strawberries, and a dollup of fat free sugar free cool whip. For my friends of course I am adding a piece of chocolate on top, but for me, nada! I most likely won’t even have the dolup of cool whip, even though each day we can have a tiny bit of milk to go in coffee. Here is the breakdown…. I know that there are slight variations on the HCG diet, but one that I read says that from time to time you can substitute egg whites for a serving of meat. Strawberries are on the HCG diet. Anyway… if any of you are feeling cheated for not getting any Valentine treats you could treat yourself and stay on the diet on Valentines. If any of you want the recipe to make the Meringue tart shell, let me know and I will post it. Actually this dessert would be relatively healthy for your whole family instead of the other oooey gooey, cholocaty, creamy and sugary things that you could choose for the special treat for dessert at your Valentines Day dinner.
I thought of one more thing that might be a nice treat for making Valentines Day dinner special and still keep on the HCG diet. I am serving a Strawberry Spinach Salad with strawberry vinegarette/poppy seed dressing. Of course this salad doesn’t contain the cheese, bacon, and nuts this salad usually calls for, but you can have a great salad using Spinach, Red onion, and Freshly cut strawberries. The vinegarette dressing is basically made from blended fresh strawberries, apple cider vinegar, Truvia sweetener, and poppy seeds. I also through about adding a bit of lemon juice too, but have to test that first. (Notice NO oil!) Serve with a lean 3.5 oz. steak or chicken breast and this makes a great meal and you won’t feel cheated.
Hey all! I am just starting this diet…I purchased the program and injections today. Do I do my first injection tomorrow or wait for a few days? I am utterly confused about timing. The only thing that will be difficult for me is not being able to exercise. I have been working out with my Wii Active every morning for 30 to 60 mins. That will be an adjustment. Also, no dairy is interesting…hmmm…no cheese for weeks…I really am part mouse. We will see what happens :>)
Hi All-
I love the encouragement that you all give here! This is my second time doing the HCG diet and the first time I found such great info here! I lost weight and kept it off and now am doing my 2nd round – this time is a totally different story though! I am STARVING, craving everything and not getting that empowering feeling I had last time that kept me from cheating! I lost 4 lbs then have gained 3 back! I am a mess. I am following the protocol BUT I have 3 small kids (one still home all day) and I can’t stop eating & cheating. The sweets are killing me! Any help on what to do is appreciated! I know this diet works and I know how bad it is to cheat when you have HCG in your system! I am stressed and frustrated and not sure what to do!
I just found a great source for many tools for dieters. It is a site called Nutritional data located at http://www.nutritiondata.com
It is a terriffic source for knowing all the nutritional information on the foods that we eat as well as the recipes we create. This has about everything you would ever want to know about food as well as much more. It is a FREE site too! Check it out.
debbie,
do you have the flavored liquid stevia? it comes in many flavors including chocolate. you can put it in coffee or tea to get that sweet fix. also, this may be hard with a family, but just get the bad stuff out of the house. your kids probably do not need the candy, and junk food anyway. you can get them to eat fruits, etc. instead and it will prevent you from cheating and get them to have great eating habits early. i don’t know where u live, but maybe take the little one and get out of the house when the craving hits. go for a walk, snowman build, or just drive to a store (not food) clothing and look at all the spring fashions you will eventually look great in. call a friend on the phone, get out of the kitchen, clean out a closet…just focus on something else…good luck
Do I have two recipes that are going to make you think you’re cheating?!
I tried Turkey Meatloaf last night and it was so wonderful my husband ate the leftovers for lunch today. This is BIG!
I stalled this morning but I stalled the last time I ate Ground Turkey too. I was in denial of the turkey theory so I tried it yet again. DANGIT! So I’ll use this recipe again with Lean ground Beef. But please be warned if you stall it could be one of the other listed products. I’m just not sure. If this is the case PLEASE let me know.
Mini Meatloaf
3.5 ground Turkey or beef
1/2 t milk or bbq sauce (I used Walnden Farms fabulous BBQ sauce I found at my local grocer. This is a must have for Chicken!)
1 grissini (ground into powder)
2-3 cloves minced garlic
1/2 t dehydrated minced onion
1/2 t spicy mustard (I use Gulden’s Spicy Brown)
1/4 t allspice
1/8 t sage
salt/pepper to taste
Any additional seasonings you like (i Used Italian Seasonings)
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In small bowl, combine all ingredients and form into a small meatloaf.
3. Place in glass dish, cover, and bake 25-30 mins.
4. Uncover dish, add bbq sauce or homemade sugar free ketchup to top, and bake 5-10 additional mins.
5. Serve immediately with a bit more of bbq sauce or homemade sugar free ketchup for dipping. (I use Oragnic Ville Organic Sugar Free Ketchup)
This includes your meat, grissini, and 1/2 t of your daily allowance of milk. I don’t use my dairy allowance each day. I used bbq sauce instead.
AND…saving the absolute best for last…
Lighter Chicken Salad (thank you Martha Stewart)
I tweaked Martha’s recipe to fit our HCG needs.
Serves 6 (Yes you will want to serve 6, it’s just that good!)
* Coarse salt and ground pepper
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (I used 6 Frozen Chicken Tenders from Costco thawed)
* 1/4 cup light mayonnaise (You kust go find yourself Walden Farms Mayo. I found at Target)
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (Gulden’s Spicy Brown)
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
* 1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Louisiana Hot Sauce)
* 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
* 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
* 1 TBL parsley
* I added a 1 medium red apple for a sweet and spice factor.
Directions
1. Bring 1 inch salted water to a boil in a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Add chicken, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 5 minutes. Off heat, let chicken (still covered) steam until cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from skillet; when cool enough, cut into chunks or shred with two forks.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Stir in chicken, celery, onion, apple, and parsley; season with salt (I skipped the salt) and pepper. Serve over greens. I skipped this and ate it without anything because I didn’t know if it would be okay to mix the celery AND the lettuce for a wrap.
Let me know what you guys think of these…
MomGaug- Great recipe ideas. Good luck on the luncheon. Sounds like a ball. Let us know if the tart affects the scale and then post the recipe.
Happy Weekend and Valentine’s 🙂
Hi all! I’m new to the site and I just read so many posts that my eyes hurt. Love the site and all the helpful and encouraging people.
I’m on HCG injections, on day 4 (only my 2nd VLCD day). I felt horrible yesterday, had a pounding headache and just felt bad all around. Feeling good today, except I was expecting to have lost SOMETHING this morning, but to no avail. So day 4 and I am up 1 pound due to 2 binge days. I hope that changes sooner rather than later.
I’m getting married in about 30 days so I’m cutting this diet thing pretty close, but it was a last minute wedding so I’m doing what I can. Does anyone know where I can find Grissini? I looked at Target and Kroger- but didn’t see them, so I bought melba toast instead.
Thanks- and I hope to have better weight loss news tomorrow! Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
Kelly
Momgaug- I made the spinach salad with warm strawberry dressing last night for Valentine’s day dinner and it was fabulous! Thanks for the great idea.
Rachael- I think I’m going to try the mini-meatloaf today too!
Keep the good receipes coming. I’m a pretty good cook myself so I hope to have something to contribute once I get used to the food lists and restrictions and have some time to experiment.
___________________
Michelle- I went to a clinic and they told me I could do all the cardio I wanted, so you don’t have to stop working out. They did say to stop strength training because of the way this diet works, you will just get unnecessarily fatigued and will not build any muscle. I’ve done a lot of research about this diet and also love cheese 🙂 but it is strictly forbidden from what I read. I wouldn’t risk eating any- you’ll only be cheating yourself. Start today if you haven’t started already! I’ve always found it better to jump right in and avoid the days of anticipation… GOOD LUCK and I hope to hear some updates!
_______________________
GOOD NEWS!!!
DAY FIVE: As of this morning’s weigh-in I lost 3 pounds!! I was so suprised I weighed myself twice. With only two days of VLCD under my belt, I think 3 pounds is pretty good!
Hello everyone! i am on day 29 of the HCG diet and i have lost 22 pounds! i lost 3 before the diet which makes a total of 25 pounds! i am very excited about my weight loss and looking forward to p3. i am ready for a variety of vegetables and eggs!!!! plus i am ready to start some real workouts! i am going to give it six weeks of working out and do another round. I am a little scared to stop now! the stabilization stage is worse than the diet! yikes!
Masie,
What kind of cleansing tea did you use? I am not a big tea person so I want to try one that will be good, I am on day 8 & I am getting frustraed on what to eat & what is good & filling. any idea’s. for p2? & can I drink a cleansing tea @ this time I know it says tea to drink does it matter what kind? And good luck you can do it..
Marcia – read the tea labels as some of them have sugar or sugar based ingredients. Green tea is always good. The smooth move is one that i use which is a natural laxative. you have to play around with the herbal teas to determine which ones you can use. this diet is sooooo individual based. for example i lose one day and gain a few ounces the next!!!
Hi everyone,
I have been following this blog for about a week now. I started on the HCG drops on Monday, February 8, 2010.. I lost a total of 6lb in a week.. but then.. sat night I drank and ate.. I am so mad at myself.. and i gained 3 POUNDS by Sunday morning. So I lost my average of 1.2 lb on Sunday so what do you think.. did I just lose two days worth of torture… and it will get back on track, is there something I can do to speed it up? Thank you.
Stefanie~
I have a friend that did the same thing she drank green tea I also know if you drink dandilion tes it really cleans your body & in 2 days she lost 7lbs. Good Luck, I am staying away from all that because I am going to have a really hard time when I get done & I am on my phase 3 I will be in Vegas…
Anyone~
I was looking around for some more recipes & this one was chicken fajita’s but it called for green pepper & onion it did not say for what phase but I thought we could not have those things on phase 2?
Hi, I am on day 9, day 7 of VLCD of this diet and have lost ten pounds and I am starting to get concerned about gain the weight back after phase 3 is over. Has anyone had long term weight lose with this and kept it off?
Needs some words of encouragement and/or advice… It’s day five and I’m struggling to break this number I’ve been held up on for 5 days now. It started with a stall then it went up .4, then down.2 then back up.5 and now back down .2! It’s frustrating me that I’m yo-yo-ing… I’ve stuck to the protocol and even switched up my fruits rather than with my meals. I’m not eating past 7 and drinking about 1 gallon of water…ugh! I’ve gone back through the protocol to double check I’m not breaking any rules…what gives??
Would coconut milk be okay on phase 2 and even phase 3?
Rachel – the same thing happened to me. it is going to do that until the stall breaks. there is not really too much you can do other than the apple day which did not work for me. on my 8th day i started to lose again. it really is frustrating but hang in there as i am sure you are losing inches!
Rachel-
Try an apple day. I stalled like that a few times and either did an apple day ( which is eating up to 6 apples in a day and water starting at noon ) or smooth move tea. Both worked for me to get the stall to move. Let me know if it works.
Kim-
Take 1 phase at a time. It will be ok. I did P3 already and was worried about gaining too. The first week I kinda went up and down a pound but by week 2 I leveled off at my last weight I was when I stopped the drops. You do still need to be careful what u eat though. Absolutely no starch or sugar.
Hope that helps!!
Ali
Rachel – no milk. you can have a tsp creamer per day with coffee/tea etc. i dont mess with it at all.
I have one more question. My mom was on this diet about a year ago and she lost 35 pounds and has kept it off. She continued to take the half dose drops throught P3 saying that it was still helping her lose inches but not pounds. I have read that your last HCG dose should be three days before you start P3. She is telling me that I should be doing the same as her. I am confused about this. I want to lose 25 more pounds.
Thanks for any advice!
Anyone know where I can get Braggs, I am not even sure what it is??? A seasoning???
Tawn – Bragg’s is a company. Here is their website: http://www.bragg.com. You can look up on their store locator if there is somewhere near you that sells their products. I have been using the Apple Cider Vinegar and the Amino acids.
Everyone else — I have hit the infamous stall in weightloss. I am starting to get discouraged. After a week of that time of the month and only 4 lbs loss last week, I have stalled to losing only .1 lbs a day for the last 4 days. I know 4lbs is great by any other diet, but with how much I want to lose, it is not what I had hoped for. If I say at .1 a day, I won’t even lose 1 lb for the week.
Today at work they had King Cake in celebration of Mardi Gras — I sat and watched. With such little weightloss, it is very tempting to cheat. But after 17 days, and 12.5 lbs is it worth cheating? Why is that other are seeing at least 17 lbs in 17 days? Sorry for the rant…just discouraged today.
Tawn
I found it at Kroger in the specialty section
Anyone,
I have been looking on line @ smooth move tea’s what is a good one, they have oragnic, chocolate, etc.
I have read many sites and this is my fav! Look forward to some great info and support. Day 8 and kinda sad I’m only down 5 lbs but can’t say I’ve been really strick with everything either. Not a fan of the Stevia and have been using splenda. Did eat after 7pm yesterday and to my utter dismay my period came a week early.
Read a little bit about the apple a day to get out off a stall can someone explain that in more detail or any suggestions to get out of what I’m considering a stall.
Tawn- You should be able to find any of the Braggs items at Whole Foods. That’s where I got mine.
Marcia- I use Traditional Medicinals brand also purchased at Whole Foods, but I saw it at Target too.
Rachel- Apple days are pretty straight forward. On the day you plan to start an apple day awake and take medication. Do not drink or eat anything until Noon. Take your first apple at Noon and continue eating apples throughout the day until the next day at Noon. Don’t eat more than 6 apples in total. I’m starting an apple day today. My plan is to eat an apple at Noon, 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm. Then tomorrow I’ll wake and have 2 more apples one at 10am and last one at Noon. Then I’ll resume dinner between 5-7pm.
Most do not need to drink water unless ou experience an uncomfortable thirst. If needed drink enough to quench thirst but that’s it.
Does anyone know if the red apples have to be those dark skinned red apples or can they be the semi red Fuji apples too?
Wish me luck…
I am getting ready to do round 2… my question is…for the people that are doing the injections where is the best place to get them at …
thanks
I have had incredible success with utilizing apple days to make a significant drop in weight especially after a cheat or stall. I change it up just a bit in which I eat an apple for breakfast, lunch, dinner, then next day for breakfast then lunch and eat a dinner. I also have done consecutive apple days such as now and in two apple days, I have lost 6 pounds. I find this to work for both me and my wife. I love apple days for that significant loss.
Tiffany – i know exactly how you feel. the same happened to me. i started losing again the last week of my 30 days. i lost 24 pounds in 30 days. hang in there you will start to lose again if you dont cheat. i promise!
Jerry – good for you. the apple day didnt work for me but i am not surprised because it is sooo hard for me to lose weight.
Tiffany,
I, too, have stalled out. 0.5 up, 0.5 down. my scale is not a .1 increment type, so sometimes it flutters back and forth. From what I have read, our stalls may be ok if we are still loosing inches. I hope it is because i have used more salt recently and am not drinking all my water. also, today i was *starving* and cold all day. i am on day 15- down 7 lbs. I am happy with this since it would take me 2 months to loose this the other methods and in the past i loose weight in my face, first. now it seems my face has not changed but my abs and waist have. no one has notice anything since i wear loose pants and my face does not look sallow and sunken.
I keep giving myself a pep talk. you have made a great loss of 12 lbs. do not reck it!!! i went out on sat and ate lettuce at a really nice restaurant while everyone else had ‘gourmet’ everything and triple chocolate dessert (my fav!) but i got thru it and was better for it. (the smells are the hardest) but you have to keep your eye on the prize…a better you! good luck.
My mom was on this diet about a year ago and she lost 35 pounds and has kept it off. She continued to take the half dose drops throught P3 saying that it was still helping her lose inches but not pounds. I have read that your last HCG dose should be three days before you start P3. She is telling me that I should be doing the same as her. I am confused about this and would like another opinion. I want to lose 25 more pounds.
Thanks for any advice!
I am in P3 and on day 10 gained 2lbs… I have done the steak day today. Has anyone had success with the steak day in P3?
Kim – i have not read where HCG is used this way. I really think you should break and then give it another go but that is just my opinion
Faith – i am starting P3 today. i am so afraid of gaining!!! did you eat anything different that may have made you gain?
Are most of you doing this under the watch of a dr or did you find the product on your own? I’m with a dr but trying to find a safe/real place to find the hcg for my next round.
Hello, everyone
Im also new two HCG diet.. I have a few question the food recommendation that you give like brocolli , cauliflower, lean ground beef….is this allowable food in phase 1 or phase 2….Someone asked where you get the GRissini stick from I order the off of amazon.com 1 box has 12 individual boxes of grissini so, i have plenty to share I didnt understand this when I order so, I have 2 box an im the only one on HCG….so, im stck with them
Hello, everyone
Im also new too HCG diet.. I have a few question the food recommendation that you give like brocolli , cauliflower, lean ground beef….is this allowable food in phase 1 or phase 2….Someone asked where you get the GRissini stick from I order them off of amazon.com 1 box has 12 individual boxes of grissini so, i have plenty to share I didnt understand this when I order so, I have 2 box an im the only one on HCG….so, im stuck with them
I completed the apple day yesterday and finishing today at noon. This morning I lost 1.4 lbs. Some is better than none..right?! I also happen to start my cycle yesterday, so I believe the stalls the past 5 days have been from that. I have decided to push through my cycle while continuing on hcg. However, my cramping is more than normal and I’m experiencing migraines. Has anyone experienced migraines during their cycle while on hcg? What did you take for it?
I’m hoping I drop another 1.5 lbs by tomorrow morning. That will get me back on track. Cross your fingers and happy losing!
I have not commented on my progress on HCG because I have not had any for 5 days, even though I have really stuck to the diet. FINALLY…. This morning I dropped 3.4 lbs all at once. I had been discouraged as my husband loses daily, and I have been stuck for 5 days. The same thing happened to me after my first week of HCG but for 3 days and then I dropped several lbs. then. All I can say is to just stick through this diet, nomatter if you get stuck as it will eventually drop. Today is day 20 for me and I have lost a total of 14 and a half lbs, which is under my expectations, but when I think about 14 individual packages of butter (you know with 4 cubes to a one lb. pkg) I have to cheer!!!!! I am going to start the phase three and then after that go back on HCG but this time probably using the shots. The negative with the HCG sublingual is that when I put it under my tongue, I immediately start my ‘Spit” making and because you can’t swallow for at least 10 minutes, I feel like it is diluting the HCG. This my only be in my mind because I have still lost 14 lbs. on this diet. I need to lose so much more and plan to stick with it. My comments for all of you is to just hang in there, be faithful in sticking to the diet and it eventually will work. I am dieting for my life, literally! I can get rid of my diabetes with weight loss, and my overall health will certainly change. I want to live and not have the same demise as my father who died from Diabetes and it’s complications. It has NOT been easy keeping my blood sugar stable, and I have had to test my blood at least 10 times a day and night, but it has been worth it to lose what I have up until now. I just hope that with the weight loss, it will get easier as my diabetes goes away and hopefully the hypoglycemia too. At this, I will end this epistle.
Hi,
I am about 12 days into the hcg diet and have lost about 12 pounds and the only place I notice it is in my face. I am just wondering where everyone else lost the weight first and when did the belly fat start going down.
Thanks
Hi All
I see there is no one else like me on this site so I can offer some valuable info. I am doing the My Fat Cure Homeopathic spray, thats right NO INJECTIONS! It comes in a ready to go tiny bottle and you spray twice into the back of your mouth twice a day as easy as 1,2,3 :)Today is day 5 on the spray and I am down 6.2 lbs!!!! The support site which you can access is amazing, hundreds of people on there its set up similar to facebook so you can see peoples before and after photos and their status and just about anything you want to really. You are able to make blogs each day and even add vlogs if you want its super great and helps ALOT!!! Anyway best of luck ya’ll
Kendal
Hi all! I haven’t been able to post for a few days. It was has been a crazy couple of days. Due to some military functions I had, a had a couple of ‘cheats’ but am back on the wagon. I only gained a few pounds. I just hope I don’t go back to having headaches and starving again now that I have some sugar in my system! 🙂
I hope everyone is doing well and sticking to their diet (better than I did the last couple of days!).
Other than that, I had lost about 12 pounds (down to 10 now) over the week and my headaches and cravings were minimal if non existent so I was feeling good. And honestly the cheating (kinda required due to a military function) was crappy on my body, gave me seriuos stomach issues.
Stay strong to those who are thinking of cheating! SO NOT WORTH IT!!! Take it from someone who just did it!
Heather
Kendal – I am going to have to look up what you are on. I am on the drops and like those pretty well but I like the fact you can carry the spray with you probably much easier than the bottle!
Amanda: The first place I notice weight loss is in my face as well. Do a measurement around your waist and you will probably be surprised. I did and had lost more than an inch. Sometimes you don’t really notice until you take a measurement. That would be my suggestion! 🙂
Shots verses drops? What is better? I need to lose 40lbs how long will this take? What happens after I lose the weight? Will I ever be able to eat ice cream or my favorite treat again?
hi
most women loose weight from the top down, face, arms, boobs, belly, hips and legs usually in that order unless you have thin legs and a heavy mid section. HCG is supposed to only go after the abnormal fat so there must be some extra fat in the face for it to look thinner.
arkyh,
you need to read about the 3 phases. they are specific and spelled out. you may eventually be able to have a treat now an then, but it is all those items that got us in this mess to begin with and this diet is not a ‘one stop, then go back to ‘normal’ eating’ type of deal. normal for most of us, was not good and would eventulally kill us. this promotes simple whole foods, sugar free, process-free, lifestyle even after the HCG. otherwise it will be a yo-yo weight gain life. good luck.
I am just about to start phase 3, and I have been doing more reading. I came upon some recipes from a site that included Chocolate Coco Bark. It includes unsweetened Cocoa powder and coconut oil. It says that it is for any phase. I am very confused! I thought we were NOT suppose to have any Oil of any kind on this diet. Am I right? What about the cocoa? I can’t imagine that those who are following Dr. Simeons HCG diet whould have that either? Here is the recipe and I would love for someone to clairify this for me….
1 Cup Cocoa
1 Cup Coconut Oil, melted
8 – 16 Stevia packets
Agave Nectar (optional)
Flavored Sevia ( Peppermint, English Toffee) Optional
Fluff cocoa wiht fork to break up any chunks. Add melted Coconut Oil. Mix Stevia adding more or less depending on your taste. Add a stick or a few drops of Agave Nectar and a few drops of flavored stevia to taste.
One Vblog that I watched put the mixture several cupcake cups and put it in the freezer to solidify. Others I saw put it on a paper plate and then into the freezer to harden. Then they would break it up into pieces.
Coconut oil is a medium chain triglyceride. It is as healthy as Olive oil, but the body treats it differently, coconut oil goes straight to the liver and is processed as energy.
This sounds like a good recipe for people craving sweets, but did it say anything about how many sevings?
I have some stevia (flavored) on order, I might try this.
Happy Sunday People,
I am in P3 on day 15. As of today I am the SAME weight that I had on my last shot day :)The thinng on P3 is NO sugar NO starches. I have been good on that. I had drank alot of wine one night and it caused me to gain 3.5 lbs. I did the steak day and lost the 3.5 lbs. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL on this diet in ANY phase. It is not worth it. I did the shots 1st time. Very expensive. I am going to try the drops on March 10th. I had 40lbs to loose. I lost 25 lbs on the shots in 42 days and I am excited to try the drops. I have heard http://www.diyhcg.com or http://www.pharmacyescrow.com is the place. Any help on that choice would be great.
Oh by the way, I used all my makeup, hair products, lotions all through the diet with no problem.
Thanks
Love the posts! my wife encouraged me to start blogging about my HCG experience.. Im 24 days in and around 24 lbs down.
http://mbitts.blogspot.com/
I have now ended the HCG 21 day diet, and I am starting the phase 3, but I had to report my results. I had hoped for better, but this is better than nothing. Keep in mind I am diabetic and had to have extra calories of Carbs to keep my blood sugar stable, so that is most likely one reason for not dropping more weight.
I lost 14 lbs and 8 1/2 inches throughout my body. I had hoped for better but that is what I was able to accomplish. I look at it as 14 one lb. butter boxes pasted all over my body and when you look at it that way, it feels really good to have that much fat gone.
I will keep doing this, but I think I will see if the shots are more effective, though I dread giving myself a shot. One real negative with sublingual is that you really don’t know for sure how much of the actual sublingual liquid you actually absorb because your saliva tends to fill in under the tongue and after 10 – 20 minutes you have to swallow. With the shots, they go right under the skin and disperse HCG throughout the day.
I’m on day 10 of the diet, including the load days. I started at 192, and I’m down to 180. So far so good. Cooking has been really fun, I’ve tried something new everyday.
Wow, well I’m convinced I’m doing something wrong with the protocol, I have less effective drops, or HCG isn’t for me. I read all your amazing results everyday and I get discouraged. I’m of course very happy for you, so keep up the great work.
I’ve been on the protocol for 28 days today. I have only dropped 14.6 lbs. I have been yo-yoing up 2lbs down 2lbs for the last 13 days. I was sure it was my cycle but to my dismay I’m stuck on this number and all I want to do is continue to drop the last 10 lbs. before I hit my 40 day mark. Sorry for the rant this morning definitely not the way I should start the day…words of encouragement or advice is much appreciated!
Hi Rachael, you are still very much on track. You have lost about a half pound a day…which is the average…a lot of people get discouraged that they don’t lose a pound a day or more but that is just not how it is for the majority.
The leaner you get the slower it goes. My body responded the same way. For about 2 weeks I only lost about 2 pounds. Yes, very frustrating but I stuck it through and then I began losing again.
I am on day 40 and have lost 19.4 pounds and my goal was 20. I haven’t weighed this weight for 10 years…YEAH!!! So just hang in there, stay true to the diet and more will come off.
rachael
14.6 is awesome!!! that is more that you could loose any other method in that time frame. try not to compare yourself to others…everyone’s body is different and like they have said it starts off quickly and tappers a bit. Make sure you are drinking TONS of water…that is how fat is eliminated from your body, through your urine, so make sure you are drinking…keep with it!!
Thanks Susie and Lissa for the encouragement! It’s just what I needed 🙂 I’ll keep truckin’ along with the diet and see how the last 12 days go.
Faith and you other P3-ers out there. Can you give us some samples of what a day’s worth of food consists of? From morning until nightime. I’d be interested to know at what times of the day you are eating and how many calories you’re consuming. Does the don’t eat past 7pm rule still apply?
Hi Everyone,
I am on Day 18 of the shots and have lost 11 lbs. First week I lost the most, the second week not so much. I really only need to lose another 5-8 lbs. to be at goal so I don’t have a lot of weight to lose, but last night was the first night that my heart was pounding fast and I could not sleep. Not sure if it is the HGC or the appetite suppresants. Anyone having that funny feeling. Kinda scared me a bit. Should I be worried.
I cheated! And idk what to do…drops? No drops? I ate a butter roll and a rice cake…only 30 cal, but what do I do?! Do I continue to cheat all day? Help!
Tawn,
Why are you taking appetite suppressants? I didn’t think we were supposed to take any of that…that’s probably what’s making you feel like that. I’m only on week 2 and by no means a pro…but my advice is lay off the suppressants!! If you are feeling hungry, drink water or eat your fruit & melba toast as snacks so that you aren’t going so long without eating. Good luck! 🙂
G-
30 extra cals is not that bad of a cheat. just keep going and try harder tomorrow. you could walk 30 cals off. JUST DONT DO IT AGAIN!! you may stall out for a bit, tho
Hello Everyone,
I was totally surprised when I heard about this diet and went the very next day to get started. However all they did was hand me a sheet and 40 shots along with 6 weeks of B-12 shots. I am starting my second week and have only lost 4 pounds. I am doing it by the book so I though, but I am looking at this site and the food I have been eating dosent seem to add up to 500 calories, could this be the problem? Not eating enough? Thank you
I would like to know if it says 1cup spinach does that mean cooked?
I found smooth move teas at all the big grocery stores like smiths walmart
Hi, Im On day five of hcg diet and I am using drops. Im down Six lbs. and feel great. Weekends here so thats always tough. Cook your meats ahead of time and portion them out, it is a great help to me to not have to think about meat potions. Also, invest in a good scale, I purchased mine at office max for around $40.00. Dont cheat it will really mess with you. Keep stong you can do this. Remeber, thin feels better than fat tastes. Visualize yourself at a thinner time and you can get there.
Les could you please email me some of your recipes? they all sound great, specially the lettuce wraps with the peanut butter. thank you! debweston@gvec.net
Hi all-
I have to vent, I’m on day 12 and have struggled for the last few days. Two days ago, I gained 2 lbs for no reason at all! No cheating, nothing, and it’s still here. So now, 12 days of suffering I have only lost 6.5 lbs. I’m on the shots and every morning that I don’t lose (or gain!) it gets harder to keep going… I’m going to head to the gym tonight but if the scale doesn’t budge, I’m not sure I can keep this up! Need encouragement or advice- PLEASE!
Kelly- Don’t give up yet! Make sure that you are drinking a gallon of water. I have found that if I don’t drink at LEAST a gallon, I don’t lose. Also, try mixing in green tea throughout your day, this will help the loss. Several of the days I don’t lose on the scale, the inches come off. Just stick with it for at least 4 weeks. You will see a change. You can do anything for 4 weeks…recognize the discipline will be good for all areas of your life. Good Luck!
hello everyone i just started the Hcg Diet on tuesday and already i am down 5 lbs… not to bad so far but then again i have only been on the diet 4 days!
HELP!! I am on day 12 of the diet with the injections and have been drinking all my water and not cheating. Have lost maybe 4 inches total and if I count from the wait I was before the gorge days i am excatly the same. I am getting very discouraged. I will list my weights below.
1 gorge 156
2 gorge 159
3 162 vlcd
4 159 vlcd
5 157 vlcd
6 159
7 159.8
8 156
9 155.4
10 158
11 155.6
12 156
any advice would be appreciated. if i take a water pill will this hurt anything, i read where this is the same as the apple day?
okay so i cheated already! i have a piece of sugar free bubble gum….:(
alex
if that is cheating, then i am guilty from day one!!! if it is not sugared, has no or little calories, then just count it in the total for the day and drink extra water. I drank diet pepsi max the entire diet with water and it did not seem to affect me. i figure it has no calories, i need caffeine (not off limits) and i could not see how it could stall me out (it did not seem to. to me, cheating is a piece of bread, pasta, rice, or plain old sugar and going over the 500kcals by a lot. i am not promoting ‘cheating’ but lets be realistic…i measured everything out as specified but i could find a pretty variable calorie count for what i eating depending on where i looked…i weighed my apples (but i did not eat the core) so was i off on the calories?? (im sure i was) did the lemon juice equal more than one lemon on my shrimp? who knows for sure what evaporated in the pan…what i am trying to say is just do it!!! you will be ok, dont beat yourself up…and btw i exercised the whole time. but i exercised before the diet, will do it after, so i did not think it hurt me…i was just more tired than when i used to eat a ton of carbs. good luck. (i am starting P3- kinda scary to me without the same structure as P2) 😉
Deb
not sure about your weight but 4 inches is A LOT of fat…really, think about how much of a layer you have to loose to add up to 4″ …
What a frustrating week for me. In the last 9 days I have lost .6 lbs total. I thought, as some have suggested that maybe I would lose inches during this incredibly long stall, but I lost less than an inch over my entire body. I am on day 29 and have lost 11.3 lbs from the first day, and 15.4 from after the load days. I whas hoping to be much further along in the process. I will continue until day 40 because I am so close, but am asking for a miracle to lose another 10 lbs. I have a total of 20 more lbs to go, and I was hoping this diet would put me much closer to my goal. Sad.
Hi everyone,
I have been on 0% alcohol hcg drops for 5 days now. I have lost 8 pounds so far. I am now 221 lb. and 5’5″. I want to lose 80 pounds. I have been following protocol to a “T”. I have been using sweet and low in my coffee in the mornings along with a little stevia. I dont like the stevia much, but it helps with my sugar cravings. I use it on my strawberries for dessert after dinner.
While on this diet, I have been a little hungry. My 5th day was the worst. I had to eat a little bit more cabbage and a bread stick for snack in between lunch and dinner. I am also using Mrs. Dash (all flavors) to spice up my meats and vegetables. Even my kids have enjoyed eating what Im eating. Im drinking almost a gallon of water a day. I think that is what is keeping from being hungry and losing the weight that I have lost. I am striving to lose 17 more pounds before the end of this bottle of hcg.
Good luck everyone!!
Tiffany
check your HCG- may be ineffective, expired, etc…might want to see if you can get more or a different batch.
Well I know how it feels not to loose and I am doing it by the book….not sure what is going on but I am going to continue on and hope for it to really kick in.
Hope everyone had a great weekend losing weight. I moved over the weekend so making meals was not doable for me. I grabbed what I thought was oil free/butter chicken kabobs. Clearly not…2.5 lbs gain the next morning. OUCH! Now I’m working to get it back off. I’ve had so much going on with moving that I thought I had 1 more bottle of Hcg and evidently I don’t! I’m fresh out this morning and I’m still 8 days short of my 40 day mark. I ordered some more online last night with a rush but it won’t arrive until tomorrow. Will I be okay without my dosage this evening and tomorrow morning?
As I gear up for P3 I have some questions:
1. Can we mix vegetables, fruit and protein in each meal now?
2. Is oils (EVOO, Canola, etc.) and butter still off limits?
3. What types of cheeses is everyone else eating and how much daily?
4. Eggs… Egg whites only??
5. Protein… nothing is off limits right? Salmon, tuna, pork, lamb.
Thanks for any feedback you can give me… happy losing this week 🙂
I have been on the Hcg protocol for 17 days and this is my 13th vlcd. I have lost a total of 16lbs, I am 5’6 and my starting wt was 228.4lbs ughhh. It’s working so far not hungry anymore at first it was rough and i truly was starving!!! Any questions let me know my goal weight is 180lbs… Hope i get there!!!
just found out i mixed my hcg wrong. when received the info did not tell to throw the saline water away so my mixture is diluted. It has been working but i am on day 17 and only down 6-7lbs which is better than nothing but looking forward to my next batch to be done correctly.
Can someone please provide a step by step process of mixing the HCG bought from Pharmacy escrow? It frightens me a little to do it…
When you start Phase 3 are you allowed to lose weight by exercising or just maintain the weight from last injection and still no exercise? The book says you lose muscle mass if you lose weight but if you are exercising won’t you even it out?
Hello everyone
I started the HCG diet about 10 days ago and I’m using the oral drops. It seems that I’m only loosing 0.4 lbs/day is that normal? I heard from other sources that you loose at least 1-2 lbs/day. I’m going strict by the rules! Does anybody have the same experience? I’m 5’4 and started out at 141.6 lbs.
Thanks & keep on loosing those pounds 🙂
Wondering if I can get some input on what scale I should buy. Mine is pretty outdated. Body…not food scale! LOL
Alexandra- Most woman average between .4-.75 loss per day. You are right on track. Be patient the loss will come.
Hello Everyone,
I think it would be good if we posted which type of HCG we were using and what website we got the stuff from. I am still waiting to hear if anyone did the shots one round and then the drops.
I did the shots from a natropath.. too expensive. I lost many inches 25lbs. I have been in P3 for 3.5 weeks. I gained 2 lbs one day from eating pasta. I did the steak day with tomatoe and went back to my last shot weight.
Rachael,
P3 is important no sugar no starches.
1. Can we mix vegetables, fruit and protein in each meal now? YES
2. Is oils (EVOO, Canola, etc.) and butter still off limits? YES OILS AND BUTTER IN MODERATION
3. What types of cheeses is everyone else eating and how much daily? WHATEVER I WANT 2-3 OZ
4. Eggs… Egg whites only?? YES ALL EGGS
5. Protein… nothing is off limits right? Salmon, tuna, pork, lamb YES EAT ANYTHING
I am going to start round 2 of diet on March 20th want to loose 20 more. Going to get drops from http://www.diyhcg.com
Hello! I am on my 13th day and lost about 9lbs… I am very worried because I am going on a business trip for 6 days and don’t know what to eat… Please help!
Hello-are we supposed to weigh the cabbage and spinach raw or cooked? Thanks!
everything should be weigh raw.
I exercised during the whole P2 because i have always exercised and figured it is part of my routine and should not affect anything. The thing i noticed is i did not have as much energy. i want to lose weight on the scale, but i am not as concerned with the numbers…if i loose fat and build muscle and the scale doesnt change as much, so what. a toned, lean body is better than just a skinny physique. i dont mind ‘bigger’ arms, shoulders if they are muscle. just my opinion…(i also think that back when this diet was developed, women were expected to have less muscle than we do now; it wasnt as acceptable)
seda,
it will be hard. salads with out dressing are your friend…chicken strips (may be able to pre-estimate the weight and cals based on the length/size) Plain shrimp cocktail (no sauce) just lemon. lots of tea and coffee…it will be hard to avoid pastries since they are usually every where at these meetings. bring calorie free flavors to add to drinks to satisfy the ‘cookie and donut’ attacks in the afternoon. some places have hard boiled eggs for salads, etc and you could ask for some and throw out the yolks. most restaurants have steamed veggies. ask for no butter. try in advance to figure out what 3.5 oz looks like after it is cooked (ie broccoli, asparagus) good luck…you can do it, keep you eye on the prize…
help iam craving sweets ,, its killing me 🙁
Did anyone try the HCG Spray[orally] and how did it work.
I am on phase three and I am absolutely exhausted. I have been this way for about 4 weeks now, and I feel like my get up and go, got up and went! I think I have turned into one of Snow Whites 7 little friends, and my name is “SLEEPY”. Oh and I should say that I have not gained any weight, but I have maintained. Suggestions???
I have several question:
Why so many variations pertaining to the fruits to eat and ounces of vegtables you can have per meal?
Some say ONLY apples and grapefruits with others saying you can have strawberries and oranges also.
How many ounces of vegatbles? Simeons say 3.5. Some say two handfulls. Where I purchased my drops, HealthyHCG.com, says 8 ounces. That’s a HUGE difference.
I’m by the book and want to do the right thing.
PLEASE HELP!!!
Why do they tell you to have a minimum of 2 Tsp of Coconut oil when its 130 calories a Tblsp. Thats a lot of calories.
Is it necessary?
Pam, I have been absent from this site for several months. My wife has completed three courses of the HCG diet and I have completed two. I lost about 60 pounds and the wife lost a little over 30.
Coconut Oil is good stuff. It is a medium chain fat and is not hydrogenated if you get the pure stuff. However, during the HCG VLCD you won’t be eating any coconut oil because you need to keep the fats to a minimum. during Phase 3, the “maintenace phase”, you will be adding fats and oils. At that point, your calories shoud be somewhere in the 1500 range so the calories for the coconut oil will be a small part of the total.
Fruits and vegetables: The selection we were given, which was almost pure Simeon, was pretty limited. One small apple, 1 small grapefruit, 6 strawberries, and 1 small orange. The vegetables were spinach, lettuce (not “iceberg”), cucumber, asparagus, cabbage, chard, Beet Greens (ugh), celery, onions and tomatoes (but not grape or cherry–too much sugar).
When I was planning our daily menues, I would start with the calories in the protein, add in the fruit selection for the day and make up the difference with vegetables. Often, we were up to 10 or 11 ounces of vegetables, sometimes more.
We tried to go organic as much as possible and we chose the dark colored vegetables.
I hope this helps.
Harvel
Amanada – i think this happens to everyone. my daughter told me the weight comes off the last place it came on. Usually we gain weight in our face lastly. Good luck on the 12 pound loss.
aryka – you will be able to go back to eating regular but you will always have to watch it. you will not be able to eat lots of fats and sugar. the diet is great. so far i have lost 28 pounds. i am doing ok. i am in phase 3 now. one more week and i can go back to normal eating. i dont plan on doing that – i have at leat 50 more pounds to lose.
Faith – i think it varies for everyone. I have been drinking vodka with club soda and lime juice in p3 and i have been maintaining my weight. I think the sugar in the wine is probably the reason you gained 3 pounds. i have been staying away from the wine.
Everyone who is losing gradually – dont get discouraged. My loss didnt kick in until my last week of the drops. It is very discouraging though.
I have found that when you travel the best thing to do is to take a small george foreman grill – it works out great in the hotel room. for dinner meetings the only thing you can do is salad with no dressing unless you take your own.
Momgaug try taking a vitamin. this should help with your energy level.
Momgaug
B12 D3 and iron all help IMMENSELY with energy. I was dead with out my D3. i take 6000mg yes 6000. i was deficient and it is a life saver…you can be tested for it if you are not sure.
iam on the gch shots and need to know if anyone on the gch has Muscle weakness? TNX you 🙂
I have 4 days left in Phase 2. I am taking the injections. I plan to do the Rx drops next. My question to everyone is: Can I do the first three weeks of Phase 3 and then start Phase 1 & 2 again with the drops,or do I need to do the whole 6 weeks first?
I had stalled in P2 for 13 days so I decided I would extend my intake for another week. However, is it absolutely critical not to extend beyond the 42 days? I gained 2lbs this morning and I’m racking my brain to what may have caused this. Now I definitely want to continue taking the drops for another week but I’m wondering if maybe I gained because I’ve been on it for longer than recommended?? I’m flustered.
I have asked this before but didn’t get many replies so I am going to ask again. I am on the begin of my fifth week of phase 2. I have lost 23 pounds and feel great!! My mom, who has been on this diet before, has told me to take 1/2 doses while on phase 3 because she said that when you do that you lose inches. She lost 45 pounds after 2 times of doing the diet. She has kept it off for a little over a year. I don’t see how that can be. If you are losing inches wouldn’t you end up losing weight while on phase 3? And you are suppose to maintain, right?
Thanks for any replies!
I am on day 14 of p2 and i have lost 13lbs! I am not as hungry as i was the first week. I’ve been eating sugar free jello to curb my sweet tooth addiction and so far that works!
kim
i dont think anyone is ignoring you, i just think we dont know an answer. where did she hear to do this 1/2 dose thing? i understand that if you take hcg and eat more than 500 cals you will gain, except if you have maxed out your abnormal fat loss, then you do 800 cal till you hit 23 or 40 days max. (injections) otherwise you risk immunity. sorry i cant help more…
Hi everyone, I have been doing hcg the oral drops and following the protocol since Febuary 22 so after the first two fat loading days I have been on the 500 calorie diet for 12 days and have lost only 7 lbs. Its been weird. Last thursday I was totally stoked because I weighed 179.5 and let me tell you its been a while since I seen that! then the next day I weighed 180! then back at 179.5 soooooooooo discouraging Im 5’8 and started at 186. Is this normal or has happened to any of you guys? It really brought me down. Im doing everything how Im supposed to and no cheats , Im getting married in august and want to feel good on my wedding day. Any tips ? anything HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you in advance and good luck to all!
opps forgot do you guys go buy the menu you know qualified fruit for breakfast meat and veggie etc everyday just like that or do you count everything?
HI all!! I hope everyone is doing great on their hcg – however you take it! 🙂 I am on day 29 and have lost 22 pounds and over 12 inches! LOVEN IT!! One thing that has really helped me is having a great support group. I joined homeopathichcgdieters group on yahoo. You don’t have to do the oral Hcg diet to join the group. It’s a great group of people who are there for support and advice if needed. I know many of the people in the group have saved me when I wanted to cheat or just want to share my excitement. 🙂
Have a great day all!
Jessica,
We counted everthing except the spices and lemon juice. If it had calories, it went in the log.
Twelve days? Seven pounds? You are doing good. Yes, you can expect your weight to fluctuate a little bit. Weigh yourself every morning just like the protocol says to. But, and this is important, don’t get too hung up on the day to day changes. Watch what happens over a few days or a week.
Keep on keepin on. You’ll fit in that wedding dress just fine.
Harvel
Sonia – muscle weekness is very common with the use of HCG. Dr. Simeone warns us about this. I dont think it is until after your 6 weeks that it gets better. I completed my first round 3 weeks ago and my muscles still throb but i still work out. I have 50 more pounds to lose!
Hello everyone,
It has been a while since I’ve been on the site. I completed 1 round with HCG drops from a medical clinic. I lost about 17 lbs in 30 days. Unfortunately, my first round ended right during the holidays. I blew it all over the place andI gained everything back except 4 lbs.
I’m trying again except this time I got the HCG on line. It’s not going as well as it did the first time. I am much hungrier and the weight is coming off slower. I have read things that say not all the HCG drops have the same amount of actual HCG. Has anyone else read this and if so, how do you find out how many “i.u.’s” of HCG are in your bottle.
My second question is, does anyone know WHY you are not supposed to take the drops during your cycle? I have read in several places that you shouldn’t but nothing tells me why. I remember on my first round I took it during my cycle because the instructions from my doctor didnt tell me not to. When I found the actual protocol from Simeon and read where he says to stop taking HCG during your cycle I was surprised. Well, this time around I want to do everything by the book. Nothing happened when I took them during my cycle the first time. My weight loss stalled a little but right after my cycle it fell off, just like any other time. So, can anyone tell me what’s supposed to happen if we take the drops during?
I need to know if anyone has cheated and if so, do I need to restart the whole program? I am taking the HCG by injection. I went to Las Vegas and although I didn’t go totally wild-I didn’t stay on my VLCD for four days. I did continue to take my shots. Now I am home and I am back on track but I am wondering if I have to restart everything. Anyone else been in this situation?
Maggie from Austin ~
Just get back on the wagon like you never fell off! I have cheated before and just continued on. BUT I am on the drops (hhcg) and it might be different than the injections. Might be more helpful to have someone who does injections respond.
Heather
Is there any approved alcohol in P3? Vodka and soda water perhaps?
rachael
i am on p2 and i have had vodka and diet 7 up a few times and have still managed to lose weight! Im on day 17 and i have lost 15lbs…so i dont see why it would hurt to have a little…
Rachel – I have been drinking vodka, club soda and lime or lemon juice and have been fine. Go for it! however, stay away from wine as i drank 2 glasses and gained a pound!
Dionne,
You asked why you are not suppose to take the injections while on your menstrual cycle. It is because women naturally produce the hormone we are injecting, therefore, if we take the shots while on our period we can become immune to it faster. Also, you are suppose to have 12 daysw of injections prior to starting your period. It is suggested that the best time to start the diet is the day after your menstrual cycle ends. If you go google ” hcg diet simeon” you can download the original protocaol and the information I have given you is in there.
abrennabear@aol.com
Momgaug,
Try taking sublingual B-12 while on the diet. This will help with your energy levels. I am also on phase 3 of the diet. I have lost around 100 pounds on the 1st two rounds. But then again, I continue the diet even though I’m not taking the injections, I just bump the foods back up to normal portions when i’m not doin the shots, no starch, bread, sugar, ect…
I did not do B12 on the 1st round. I had a very hard time the 1st go around. I saw an hcg kit somewhere on one of the web site which included B12 shots! So, I went to the local grocery store and bought sublingual B12 (goes under the tongue) I took 2 in the morning and 2 at lunch while doing the injections on the 2nd round and it made a world of difference! Also, I lost from the outwards of my body to the inward parts, 1st round I lost in my feet(2 shoe sizes), arms, legs and everywhere BUT my stomach! 2nd round took from extremeties and then a noticable difference in what I lost in my lower stomach. I’m excited to see what round 3 will bring!
Good luck to you all!
Hello Everyone-Has anyone tried the “Miracle Noodles” yet? They sound fantastic, but are we allowed to have them? If we are, how much of them?
Brenna,
Thanks for responding. I have read the protocol from Simeon. I referred back to it as you suggested and it says that HCG is ONLY present in our systems when we are pregnant. So, I dont see how taking it during the cycle will contribute to immunity.
Well, I may never know. I guess all I need to know is that it is working so far. A little slower than last time but it is working. I’m back on the drops and hoping the hunger will subside.
Thanks again for helping me out and continued luck to everyone!
Maggie,
I bought the noodles but could not eat them. I opened the bag and I swear it smelled of fish. I was instantly grossed out and let them slide right out of the package and down the drain! ICK!
I was wondering if anyone has had problems with drinking to much water? I have been on the protocol for 18 days and have lost 15 lbs. but yesterday I was drinking water like crazy and today I noticed that I was a little puffy and still very thirsty ?
I have lost 15 pounds in 19 days on the protocol. But yesterday I could not seem to get enough water? and today I am a little puffy and still very thirsty. Can you drink to much water?
Can You drink to much water?I have lost 15 lb. in 22 days I am wondering if I am drinking to much water? could I be washing the hcg out of my system ? I felt really dehydrated and was a little puffy today .
Jenn
This is for Jenn, you need to drink 100 ozs. a day or more. If you are drinking more than that I still think it would be okay. I am on day 3 of the diet, and have lost 8 pounds. If you are retaining water today, you will probably lose it tomorrow. I wouldn’t worry about it……
Hello Everyone, I have found a line of products by Walden Farms that is totally 0 fat, 0 calories, 0 carbs. -it’s all zero!! I bought the Honey Mustard dressing and it is great. I also am a huge lover of chocolate and they also put out a jar of zero everything chocolate sauce-it is fabulous especially when you dip in your strawberries. They have all kinds of products-peanut butter, mayonnaise, syrup, bbq sauce- I found them all in the diabetic section of my grocery-hope this helps someone who has a sweet tooth like I do!!
Hey everyone! I’ve been on the diet for 13 days and have lost 10 lbs so far…but after day 10 I have not lost anything…actually gained half a pound. I have not cheated so I don’t understand what is going on. Has this happened to anyone else?? Thanks!!
Maggie,
Can you tell us what grocery store you found these Walden Farms products at? Thanks!
Just a quick question, when you do an apple day and start at noon from one day until noon the following day, when do you resume eating normally? Do you eat lunch the next day at noon, then dinner? Help 🙂
Hey guys in regards to Walden Farms, I found them at Publix, and when looking at the ingredients on the back there’s alot of ingredients ending in “ose,” which I read not to eat on Liquid hcg. I had bought the bbq sauce, and it was good, I have just been too scared to use it that it was going to cause a stall.
Theresa,
Hello-I am living in Austin, TX and the grocer here is called HEB. On the chocolate sauce jar they do have a website-waldenfarms.com and the phone number is 1-800-229-1706. I have to tell you that I ate all my strawberries dipped in the chocolate and still lost 1.5lbs! So glad because it was so delicious. I am going to try the peanut butter today and will let you know what it is like. Oh and the price of the chocolate dip is $3.99 for 12oz. and the same for the Honey Mustard dressing.
Hi Everyone,
I noticed that Brenna mentioned that it took 2 rounds to rid herself of her stomach fat, which is really my ultimate goal, and the only real reason I’m doing this diet. I was just curious, has anyone else had this same experience? Also, I was curious when everyone started to experience a plateau in their weight loss and the weight started to redistribute, how far into the diet were you?
Thanks and Good luck everyone!
There is a huge selection of Walden Farms products at Sprouts, but be careful – a lot of them are sweetened with Splenda (the jellies & even the mayo). I was told no Splenda in P2…
does anyone use lemon or garlic when they cook…and if so, do you count the calories in the lemon or garlic against the daily total?
Can someone tell me if ‘cuties’ are acceptable as an orange? Thanks!
Rose – i used them daily and really didnt count the calories – they dont contain that many calories.
hi all ive been on the hcg diet for about a week 1/2 and lost 7 1/4 pounds i feel great does anyone know if salmon is ok to eat i keep hearing diffrent storys can some one let me know.
Debbie – no salmon allowed. Here’s a link to a helpful site with an overview to the original Simeon’s hCG diet: http://www.hcgdietinfo.com/HCG_Diet_Protocol.htm
Hi, I have many friends on the Weight Balancer Diet. How does this compare to the HCG diet? I don’t know which one to go on for sure. Plz help.
I’m about to start HCG sublingual for the second round. I lost a total of 17 lbs. the first round and maintained, so I am hoping that I will still have a good loss the second time through. Is that too much to expect or does the weight loss slow down considerably the second time around? I hope not, because I have alot more to lose and will have to do HCG many more times to get to where I want to be. Anyone have any suggestions or tips for me?
Thanks!
Les,
Could you send me the cauliflower soup recipe you mentioned early on. You and your wife have been such an inspiration!
Thanks!
kmoles@charter.net
I have been on the HCG diet for only 5 days and 2 of the 5 days were fat loading and I have lost 9lbs already. It was not easy at first but each day gets better. This is great, I’m looking forward to my new body and new life.
If you are someone who is just starting or thinking about it I encourage you to consult with your Doctor first and if it’s a go to get started right away. I wish I would have done this months ago, cause it could have save me from much disappointment in my weight and health as well as time and money. Just do it and pray before and after you start.
Hi Everyone,
I would like to know how you keep the weight off when you go back to eating regular food! I lost 25lbs in 42 days. Took 4 weeks for P3. Gained 2 lbs a couple of times. Did the steak day 3x’s and went back to last weigh in weight. I ate Mexican food last week and a few beers and pizza, nothing bad he rest of the week. Started on Tuesday and today…. I have gained 7 lbs!!!! This is very upsetting and frustrating. I am going to do steak day today and tomorrow and see if I can get it off. So is this what this is about? You bust your ass to get the weight off but have pizza, Mexican or drinks and you are done…
Anyone that has kept it off for awhile, I’d like to know how
Thanks
Paulette:
I have not heard of the weight balancer diet.
Momgaug
In all of the reading it says that rounds after the 1st one will not come off as fast. I still think it depends on the individual. Even if you lose 10 pounds per round that is still pretty good.
Faith – i have learned that i just cant eat certain fatty foods like pizza, fried foods and sugar. i just stay away from them until my weight balances because i dont want to gain.
Where can I get HCG drops? I would like a reliable website since this will be my first time doing HCG …THANKS
Liz – I got my drops from hcgplatinum.com. I did the drops for 30 days and lost 25lbs. On the 30th of this month I will have maintained the loss for 3 months. I was never hungry on the drops and never had any craivings. I can get you the drops for a lot less than what they are selling them for. Please let me know if you are interested and/or want more information. My fiance did the diet as well and lost 30lbs in 24 days… ugh guys! He has also maintained his loss. It is an amazing diet and I look forward to starting my second round in a few weeks!
Liz –
This is the site i use:
http://diyhcg.com/
Faith- I have learned that you have to pick and chose what you are going to eat and when you are going to eat it. For instance, if you know you are going to be “bad” one night stick to low carb/sugar foods the day before and as much of the day of as possible as well as the day after. Also, eat more protein on those days as well. I would try to not pack too many bad foods into multiple days in a row.
Walden Farms products are great. Just don’t smell the dressings 🙂 I used their honey dijon dressing, and ceaser. Also, I like their mayo and strawberry jelly. A little goes a long way and if you just use 1-2 tbls. you are good to go. You can buy the products at most whole food stores, and sprouts. I believe on the Walden Farms website you can do a store locator.
What fruits are allowed on the atkins part of this diet?
Kim – no fruit with sugar is allowed – stick to grapefruit and berries
I get my drops off of EBAY for $20 with free shipping! I have lost 16.5 lbs in 21 days so far. The seller is powermax_nutrition.
i get my stuff from ebay like theresa does for 20$ w/ free shipping..in like 8 or 9 days ive lost 10 lb already w/ a few days that i cheated a bit..so its definately workin great..cant wait to see how it keeps goin!!
I’ve been on P3 (maintenance phase) for almost a week now and fluctuated between 2-4 lbs increase from my last VLCD weight. Eek! I did a steak day yesterday and dropped 1.8 lbs. I’m still over by 1.5 lbs. Should I do another steak day? Could it be the sugar free candy I’ve been having? Are those off limits? Anyone going into Maintenance phase be very careful with cheese. I overloaded and gave myself a lil’ scare to the point I almost went to the ER with so much stomach pain. Since my body hadn’t had dairy for so long it freaked out when I put cheese back in it. Learn from my mistake and ease back into cheese. Oh how I miss P2, it’s so much simpler! I’m struggling with the felxibility and wonder what to eat? Those who’ve gone through P3 successfully, would you PLEASE share some tips and sample menu’s? Thanks!
So spring break came and went and so did my diet!! i ate whatever i wanted for 7 whole days and gained 6lbs back…but what can i expect! I started back this past monday and the lbs are coming back off! SO NOT COOl that i did that but hey im back on track!
hey everyone! Im on day 31 one and have only lost about 14 lbs. What gives? I havent cheated and I was definately a chubster when I started. I really shouldnt have had myself believe I was going to lose 40 lbs. Im totally bummed. I have lost some inches but not from my belly. I still have “dunlap disease” you know where your gut dun laps over your jeans. Aye yi yi. Anyone have any tips or mealplans , advice for the maintence period? Im freaking out. The 500 cals a day is no fun but at least its very simple and the food choices are very slim(no pun intended). I dont want to mess this up. Help me please! Btw I love this blog and reading all the entries so helpful and ya learn a lot. Oh whats this chili recipe I have been hearing about? Good luck to all!
I know I already posted a couple of days ago about weight gain in Phase 3, but I freaking out now. I have gained another 2 lbs in 2 days. What am I doing wrong??? HELP!
Sherie- I start round 2 in another 2 weeks. Was wondering if you would email me your pricing for drops? rachaelwlambertatgmaildotcom
Thanks!
Has anyone used this combination?
Hcg
pph
b-liq
Rachel –
Absolutely no starches and sugars in P3 – light on the milk and cheese. Even the natural sugars in fruit will make you gain. You have to stay away from all this stuff in P3. Also, i started working out during P3. P3 is harder than P2!!!
hello all
does anyone now if there is anykind of hot cereal that can be eaten or what about sushi ? would love to find out .
Debbie
Hey Everyone~
I have been doing this diet for about 30 days, and have lost 14lbs. I am very excited about it, but I have friends who’ve done this diet in the past with different results. One said she stopped losing pounds but started losing inches like crazy. I keep waiting for this to happen, but I am fast approaching my 40 day expiration date, with very little inches lost. Has anyone else had this problem? Just curious what everyone’s experience with this is…
Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Ok so I guess the trick is you can not eat or drink like you did b 4 the diet. I did 2 steak days with a break in between days and lost the 7 lbs I gained, I am back to last shot date weight. I was debating doing the drops for my second round. My sister inlaw did 23 days, lost 14 lbs. It is cheaper.
Hey YVE , How funny .. this is what I posted on the twenty fifth…hey everyone! Im on day 31 one and have only lost about 14 lbs. What gives? I havent cheated and I was definately a chubster when I started. I really shouldnt have had myself believe I was going to lose 40 lbs. Im totally bummed. I have lost some inches but not from my belly. I still have “dunlap disease” you know where your gut dun laps over your jeans. Aye yi yi. Anyone have any tips or mealplans , advice for the maintence period? Im freaking out. The 500 cals a day is no fun but at least its very simple and the food choices are very slim(no pun intended). I dont want to mess this up. Help me please! Btw I love this blog and reading all the entries so helpful and ya learn a lot. Oh whats this chili recipe I have been hearing about? Good luck to all!
Although no one has wrote back. I dont know what to do or think. I am so discouraged. I thought if anything would help it would be hcg. I could have done the 14 lbs myself and been able to work out. Im pretty sad. Looking for wedding dresses is going to be depressing still come april 5th thats when Im done.
I’m just checking to see if this will work
Okay, now that I see it works(it wouldn’t before). I started my load days last Saturday, I went crazy at McDonalds and also with peanut butter cream eggs etc and lost 1 lb, Sunday I gained the 1 lb back, so Monday when I started I was at the weight I was at when I started loading. As of this morning, since Monday I’m down 9 lbs. I am drinking my 1/2 gallon of water, plus my black coffee and measuring everything I eat. I’m also eating slow, putting down my fork between each bite of food. I do try and walk 1/2 mile or so a day, but not at a very fast pace. I have added a few things to my choices of food(like for fruit I’ll eat cantaloupe). I see a lot of you are doing your 21 or 40 days and going off for 6-8 weeks. My friend went to a very reputable OB/GYN here and he put her on this diet, she was told to stay on her drops until her goal weight. She started in November and has lost 71 lbs, and has never hit a plateau. She said she will stop the drops the day she hits her goal weight. I just ordered my 2nd bottle today(I get it off e-bay), I have to decided to do like her and stay on the drops!
By the way, my friend is on the 750 calorie a day diet
Jessica/Yve: I am part of another group on yahoo and some people have the same issue as you both are saying (on dropping .5 lbs a day or less). This is really quite normal. Women tend to drop weight less quickly than men do and also everybody is different. There are days when I drop a bit more than normal and days I drop less than what I want. Don’t lose faith, keep going. I personally do not eat the melba toast and I hardly eat the fruit. Only when I want something sweet.
I am using the HCG Detox drops and am doing fine on them. My suggestion to you would be tweak your diet (within the rules) and figure out what works. Fruit does ok with some people (I tent to drop less weight each day when eating fruit). Some people do ok with chicken some people do better with steak. Play around every couple of days and see if you can figure out what works best for you. 🙂
Jessica, how much weight are you trying to lose?
I keep a journal every day of what I eat, which if you’re not doing, I recommend doing that with the calories on the side of each thing.
Make sure you eat your veggie, fruit and meat(you don’t have to eat the melba toast). Make sure you do eat the 3 main foods as with that low of calorie diet, you need the fruit too. It will come off
Good luck
I got my drops on friday but won’t start ’til after easter. I am scared! do they really work? I was on some hcg cream about a month ago and did great, so I know HCG works! is there any type of immunity to the drops? Thanks 🙂
Licz, If I were you, I would start the drops Saturday morning and then do your two load days as Saturday and Sunday and start the low calorie diet on Monday.
I have been on the very low calorie diet a week today and have lost 9.2 pounds. I’m sure it will start slowing down, so am only going to start weighing 1-2 days a week from now on(weighed every day the first week). I write down everything I eat everyday, which seems to really help.
My friend has not quit the drops since she started her diet in November. She is down 71 lbs and has not become immune to them(although if you read they tell you to stop taking the drops after the bottle runs out). Good luck!
I have been taking the drops since Saturday and today is my first day on the 500 calorie diet. I am feeling very hungry today, although had a very had time “gorging” myself (as they put it) the first two days. Also can i have 2 diet soda’s per day or is there no diet soda allowed period? I couldn’t find any information about this in my booklet and have read conflicting things about it online.
Jessica,
I know what you mean, that’s exactly where I want to lose, is my belly! I’ve lost more weight than that without HCG, but not on my problem areas, which is why I turned to HGG. I lost another 3 lbs pretty rapidly though, so that made me feel better, but I am waiting for the weight loss to catch up with the inches lost! Good luck to you, and don’t get discouraged, I’ve cheated quite a bit as I am in the middle of midterms and moving, and you have done much better than me without cheating:)
Heather:
Thanks for the encouragement. I cut out the Melba toast as well (found it made me hungrier), and replaced it with a hardboiled egg white (17 cal) and 1 piece of chicken lunch meat (50 cal) and the extra protein has made a difference. I also stopped drinking diet soda when my friend reminded me that it raises your insulin, which tricks your body into thinking it’s hungry, and that has pretty much eliminated my hunger. Can you tell me more about this other blog that you’re on?
Sherrie, Thanks for your reply! I have a question…does it matter what type of drops we use. Are some better than others? I got my drops at diyhcg.com and was wondering if they work as well as what others are taking. For all other readers…. what drops have you used? Has anyone out there used the drops I will use and what has been your experience? Thanks guys…
lizc, I got mine on ebay, they were $33.50 and free shipping. My friend behind me said mine had a little more alcohol in them than hers, my daughter got hers through someone else on e-baby and hers she said had a sweet taste to them.? So, I really don’t know how to answer your question as far as this one being better than that one. They’re all working. My first week of my vlcd I had lost 9 lbs. My daughter has lost 9 lbs(yesterday) from last Thursday. I think the main this is if they work, and so far, the different ones have worked.
, if you read up above, David says moderate levels of 0 calorie sodas. I bought diet caffeine free coke, but haven’t even had one yet. I think I read somewhere else 2 a day. I just try drinking water and black coffee for now
LOL darn computer, the last paragraph was to say Kristy, I was re-typing and it took off before I finished
For those that are interested in another blog: I am part of Homeopathic HCG Dieters on Yahoo. It’s a great group of people who support and talk you through whatever. There are also tons of files that will help you with questions you might have. You don’t have to be taking the homeopathic version of the drops either, if you are doing RX or whatever you can still join. I really love the group, it’s like joining your girlfriends for coffee most days. I’m just on a different time zone than most people so I miss most of the daily (nightly for me) posts and catch up the next morning while everyone is sleeping then we catch up in my night. They are great.
Someone posted you HAVE to eat fruit. If you find something that stalls you, you don’t HAVE to eat it. I very rarely eat the fruit and I tend to release more lbs and inches versus when I DO eat the fruit. I also tend to eat 4 oz’s of meat insted of 3.5 and my body does better with that too. So the big thing on the yahoo group we always tell newbies is that you need to listen to your body. What works for someone else might not work for you. Some people do fine with fruit and melba toast. I do not, my body doesn’t like the sugar in the fruit and whatever is in the melba toast. Keep a food journal and if you stall for a few days you can look back and figure out what you might want to cut out and see if that helps. That is what I did and how I figured out what didn’t work for me.
So the other group is homeopathic HCG Dieters on yahoo groups, feel free to come on over and see what we are about. 🙂 We love newbies with questions!
I get my drops from http://www.evitaminmarket.com. I take the Mediral HCG detox and it is $18 a bottle. If I was at my address (they have to be shipped to my APO address since I’m at an overseas location with the military) they would get to me in 2 days.
can you eat carrots on this diet?
Alex – no carrots.
HELP!!! I’ve been doing Phase 3 for 2 weeks now and I’ve gained 7 lbs. I continue to do steak days and will drop .5-1.0lb then put food in my body the following and day and gain 3-3 lbs back. My stomach is growing back fast and I’m getting discouraged! So my question is..do I wait another week before starting round 2 on the drops or should I get back on them immediately to stop the weight gain?? HELP, HELP, HELP!
i seem to be straying off the stick diet but still losing weight? i have been eating carrots and peaches and have still lost 22lbs in 30 days? i wonder if i completely stuck would the diet if i would lose even more?
i was also wondering if i have to get off the hcg after 40 days or can i stay on it til i reach my goal weight?
Hey alex there have been some people who have continued on past 40 days but eventually your body will become immune to HCg in your system. in that situation your weight will plateau and if you continue on the 500 calorie diet your body will begin going into starvation mode, meaning your metabolism will drop and you will gain a signifigant amount of weight when you return to eeatting normally.
best advice is to do what the book says even though it takes patient give the apropriate amount of time for your body to be cleared from HCg being in your blood.
also the reason it is still working with peaches and carrots is because of the low calorie intake but there is a reason those arent sugested in the original deit and if you really want this to work dont push your luck.
Rachael – have you tried changing the things you are eating in P3? Try more vegetables & watch the fat levels in the foods you eat (if you are eating a lot of cheese it could be holding you back.) Try eating no more than 1500 calories/day. The original Simeon’s diet says in P3 to eat one grapefruit, one apple & 100g of cottage cheese each day. Studies say you should have at least 6 weeks until you start another round of drops so you don’t build up a tolerance. I know you are discouraged but you can get through it.
I hope some others respond to you as well…
Thanks for the advice Shira. I”ll go back to the original protocal and implement those fruits and cottage cheese daily. However, I heard different information about the length of time you should wait until next dosing begins. With drops I think you can start back up again in as little as 3 weeks.
Everyone- Quick question that I cannot remember…do I take the drops during load/gorge days? Thanks in advance!
Rachel,
Yes you do take the drops during the load days.
Allison,
I was wanting to go past 40 days as well… I have lost 19 in 29 days but then the past 3 days nothing and today I even gained a lb!! So now I am at 18 lbs in 30 days. I am wondering if I am already immune to it?? What do you think?
I utilized the program and foudn it difficult initially to stick to the calories but have now lost 32lbs. Has anyone done a second round?
I am planning a second round but wondered what time frame I should leave between doing my last round? I used http://www.hcglabs.com and they were very helpful.
thanks for the info! i only have 15 days left before i reach my 45 day period and i hope to atleast lose 30 all together! it is a bummer that i have to get off it for 6 weeks but all is good if it means i’ll lose more weight!
Rachel,
The diet states that if you go above 2lbs from your last wiegh in you should do the steak day. I noticed that you have lost 2 lbs or less on your steak days. I am not sure what you are doing. For my Steak Day. Drink pleanty of water. Eat nothing all day and I eat 12 oz filet mignon and a tomatoe. I have lost 3-4 lbs each time. I drank Thursday and gained 4 lbs, did a chicken and tomatoe day and lost 2lbs. So you have to see what things make you gain weight. I have been off diet for about 6 weeks. I am starting my second round tomorrow. I am doing drops this time from http://www.diyhcg.com. I will keep you all posted.
No Diet Soda either
HAPPY EASTER
I am almost to my 2 month mark and no plan on stopping until I reach my goal. I’m taking hhcg, not the real rx version. The yahoo group I am part of, people have taken the hhcg as long as 72 days.. The real rx you can get immune to because it’s the real hormone. However, with hhcg is homeopathic so there is little chance you will develop an immunity. All my friends that have gone longer than 40 days still continue to release weight and have only stopped because they wanted to go into P3 and get some variety into their foods. So I peronally intend to stick to it until I reach my goal, as long as that takes.
Heather,
I went to the website to see the hcg that you’re taking because I am concerned about the immunity factor and it was out of stock but the alternate version that has the same ingredients as the one that I am taking.
Here’s the thing… I have been on this diet p2 for a total of 34 days with a loss of 19 lbs on day 29 after doing an apple day on day 28 since I had stalled for 4 days. D30, 31, 32, no loss. D33 1 lb gain! Today D34 2 lb gain!! I don’t know what is going on! Also I was really hungry yesterday, I haven’t experienced that since I first started the diet. But I was craving sweets really bad and so I took some more of my drops to ease the hunger but it didn’t work. I even ate the melba toast because I was so hungry that I haven’t eaten in almost 2 wks.
Do you think I am immune already? Any advice to get back on track? I wanted to go past 40 days to reach my goal. Was thinking of doing another apple day tomorrow. What do you think?? Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
Heather,
One more thing, I am also in the military and had a baby 5 1/2 months ago…I missed not having to do my physical test by 6 lousy days and as of right now I am 2% over body fat. So I have 18 more days until the weigh in to lose it the rest of this baby weight! I am going to be 35 next month and gained 50lbs with my baby so I am thankful my friend told me about this diet and I was really happy to say 19 lbs down but with this 3lb gain in the last 2 days I am really frustrated!
Hey Theresa which site are you using? I used HCgLabs.com and that was the homeopathic drops whichyou can’t build an immunity to. I’m curious to what else is out there.
Tina,
I get mine from Ebay from the seller powermax_nutrition. It is the HCG by Professional Health Products. Ingredients HCG 6X, 12X, 30X, 60X in a 2 oz bottle.
the 16th is my last day of the 43 day diet every time ive gone i weight in every saterday and i only loose like 2 lbs a week does anyone out there know what i can do to loose more than 2lbs? help i would like to lose from 5-7 a week .
Theresa:
I have never done an apple day. I figured my body will work itself out. I’m still lsoing at least a pound a day (when I stick really well to the diet and do not cheat, it’s a problem working in an Embassy with functions I must attend). My advice to you would be to keep a food diary if you aren’t already. If you are stalled see what you are eating regularly and cut that food out. For me I know I can not eat melba and fruit. I also do better when I eat steak here (it’s very lean) than I do chicken (which is really fatty here). I keep track of all the food I put into my mouth and I know when I go up or stall for a few days it has to be something I’m eating or I’m not drinking enough water.
Have you done a lean test? My yahoo group recommneds it highly. Sometimes the longer you are on hhcg, you will slowly need to adjust the amount of drops you take. Some people go down and some people go up. If you are hungry, you probably need to take less drops, not more.
If you are craving sweets, try to get some Pau D’Arco tea. I drink it every night and it really helps my sweet cravings. I was a candy bar a day girl and the sweet cravings really got to me at first.
Have you thought of doing an interruption? It’s where you act like you are ending but go into P3 for a few days to a week and then go back into P2.
I don’t think you are immune to the drops, I’m at 55 days and still releasing weight. You just really need to analyze your food you are eating and how much water you are drinking, try drinking some tea to help control your sweet cravings.
I’m far from an expert, this is my first time doing the hhcg. If you have yahoo, you should join the group homeopathichcgdieters and ask your questions. The group is really really good and will give you honest answers. I love them. Great Great people.
Due to being in the middle east, I can only post messages to this site at work so if you want to email me you can do so at heathert28@gmail.com. But I really recommend going the group and getting information from the people who have done this diet many times. 🙂
Heather
Heather,
Thanks for all your great input! I did join the group after seeing your other posts. I am doing the apple day today and if I am still stalled tomorrow then I think I will go into P3 for a week like you suggested and then go back on P2 where I left off. Interesting about not taking as many drops, I was taking more to try to ease my hunger. I am going to try to find more info about the lean test you were talking about so I can do that. Thanks again!!
I want to start the diet this weekend….has anyone ever drank alcohol on it? What happens? Can you have any liquor?
No alcohol, I cheated a couple of times but not allot, just a glass of wine here or there… Check out http://www.hcglabs.com/ this is where I did my diet and they were helpful with tips and advice…
Tracy – I had some liquor once (tequila) and a couple of glasses of wine and I gained 2 lbs that day. I don’t recommend drinking while on the diet.
How do you read the yahoo group that you are on?
Tracy- I drank vodka and diet 7-up, Sprite zero or soda water and didn’t gain. Drink up! I Started round 2 yesterday and dropped 4lbs over night. Thanks goodness! I gained 6 during gorge days…
Happy losing this week!
Lucky for me, I didn’t gain any on my load days. I lost 1 lb the first night and then gained it back the 2nd.
you are allowed 2 diet drinks a day,although I hardly ever drink them
Alcohol is a no no, but the way I look at things is the alcohol was there before you started the diet, and it will be there when you lose the weight. After you get to your goal weight, then allow yourself some of that alcohol once a week, that’s what I’m going to have to do with my chocolate. I know I will never be able to eat it like I did before.
Good luck with your diet!
Vodka I think(even though it’s not on the list) can be drank. The only reason I’m saying this is because there is one diet where they mix vodka with purified water(not sure if anything else is in it or not) to make the drops. Myself, I just stay away from all of it
Hey all 🙂 Its been so encouraging as well as informative reading through all these blogs. I am on my 1st day of vlcd and WOW did I ever load the last 3. I gained 5 pounds thru my 3 load days bringing me to a total of 172 and am taking the drops although after reading this I realized I paid TOP dollar to a local distributor which is ok because well if it works I can’t imagine being able to put a price on health and well being. I look forward to not only sharing my experience but also reading more of yours. Take care and God bless us 🙂
I will be back for my 2nd round starting tomorrow with my first loading day. Looking forward to it! Last round I lost 25lbs in 30 days. Crossing my fingers that I can get similar results or better this time around. I will be doing the drops that are fantastic. Hope everyone has a good weekend.
H-E-L-P I’m from a small rural town in Utah and our little general store does not have grisinni,wasa nor melba and after adding in 4 3″ celery sticks my total calories for my 1st day on the vlcd is only 451 calories. Will this create a problem for me? is it ok to sub the celery for the bread fakes? if you’re only suppose to have 2 proteins 2 veggies and 2 fruit where does the fake breads come in on that anyway? OH MY HECK PLEASE HELP!!!!!! I’m fretting already and i’m only half way through my first 500 calorie day
Mary, don’t fret! 450 calories is fine.
You can eat more of the veggies at a time also.
I ordered grissini on Amazon.
Good luck!
Debbie
Thanks Debbie 🙂
Hello fellow HCG Diet bloggers.
I am on day 5 of my second round of HCG. I lost 25 in 42 days on expensive shots. I amd on day 5 of HCG drops, from http://www.diyhcg.com and down 7 lbs…;) 20 more lbs to go. Round 2 is way easier. You already know what to eat and how many calories are in everything. I just bought vit B 12 drops( 16.00 ) and hcg drops (24.00 ) on evitaminmarket.com I am going to try this brand it is less expensive and see how they work.
**** I would appreciate if anyone that has completed a round cad list the brand of drops they used and how much they lost in how many days. Thanks*******
I’ve used both the shots and the drops and I definitely think the shots are worth it.
The drops are a pain. Can’t eat or drink 30 minutes before and after and have to take them so many times a day. With all the water to drink, it is a pain.
and, I did better on maintenance with the shots. seems the drops were harder to flush from my system.
Well i’ve nearly made it to dinner on my first day of p2 the vlcd and i’ve got to say that I am feeling pretty light headed and have been since about 1 this afternoon. i did take a slice from my apple that is intended for this evenings snack at about 2 and I am just counting the minutes till the hunger(or habit),light head, and edgey part is over. Has anyone experienced this and if so how long does this icky last? i’ve read people say the first week is the worst part but would that be week of vlcd or would that week include the load days lol? being a stay at home wife i’m thinking it might be easier to sleep through the hard parts as much as possible 🙂
Mary, you can eat your fruit from lunch in between lunch and dinner. Just drink some water if you’re getting hungry. I also bought some of the stevia and drink a lot of tea or make lemonade with the stevia and lemon.
Debbie, my drops are take 1/2 hour before eating or drinking, I don’t have to not eat or drink 1/2 hour before. My daughters drops are nothing to eat or drink 15 min. before or after, they’re really not a pain, they are actually very easy. I have 2 bottles, one I keep in my pocketbook for when I’m working and the other for home is on the counter. It’s just preference. I don’t think I would want to have to go through a shot everyday. 🙂
I get my drops off e-bay. I have lost 16 lbs in 2 1/2 weeks. The only thing I’m still craving is pizza and my reeses peanut butter cups.
thanks Sherrie I actually had a wedge of my apple between lunch and dinner and saved the rest for after dinner snack. I can’t help but fret thinking I did my weights and counts wrong but I guess time will tell. I was told and also read that you see a weight loss in the first 48 hours on the vlcd do you know if thats true?
I only do my drops 3 times a day, are you supposed to them more? I’m releasing about a pound a day. I have a syringe (with no needle that came with what I ordered the first time) that helps me control that amount I get. Much easier than trying to count drops in your mouth. 🙂 I think it’s an insulin syringe.
For anyone that is hungry (I was all the time too)this is what I did and it really helped. I have some or all of my lunch protein for breakfast, then I snack on veggies til lunch (if I’m hungry) If I have any leftover protein, I will eat that and a salad for lunch, if not just the salad. Then I normally have another veggie (you could use fruit, I don’t eat my fruit every day, makes me not release pounds well) for a mid afternoon snack, then I have a normal protocol dinner. If I’m hungry later I will have some more veg. AS LONG AS you aren’t going over your calorie count, you should be fine. It really helped me spreading out my food because I wasn’t hungry anymore and it really keeps your metabolism going as well.
If you are having serious cravings it’s because Candida yeast in your colon is dying. One thing that will help kill the cravings (and the Candida) is getting Pau D’Arco tea. I drink it every night (cravings or not).
Hope that helps anyone who is having issues. Next week I do a mini interruption and go into P3 for 10 days. Nervous and excited at the same time. Wish me luck!
WOOHOO I made it through day 1 of the vlcd and woke to a 4 lb loss and 2″ on the waist. Although I gained 5 lbs while loading i’m just exstatic that the numbers are going the right way 🙂 I had a very fret filled first day and this has indeed passed. I’m still VERY light headed, does anyone know what thats all about and if and when it will pass? It kind of makes my stomach feel queezy. ALL I know is the numbers are in the right direction and if this continues I am going to be on a roll with this WOOHOO.
Mary,
I was light-headed and sometimes nauseous the first week. I started carrying my breadstick or melba with me and about 2 hrs after breakfast of fruit, I had the breadstick. It really helped……later I didn’t need it and only used the breadstick if I used it in a recipe.
Also, after the first week, I started adding 1 egg white from a boiled egg with my fruit (17 cals) I still lost and the protein helped me get thru the morning. Hope this helps. Congrats on making thru your first day !!!
I felt a little light headed my first 2 days after the loading days but it passed… Just a little body and mind adjustment to the diet etc…
Wow Tina and Karen thanks for the tips and encouragement. I love this blog 🙂 It’s nearly 8 pm here and dang i still have an apple to eat, i’m so not feeling it. Though its a must because even with the apple I think i’m only going to be at 447 cals for the day although I cheated and had 2 SIPS of mocha coffee w/stevia after 2 sips I started freakin out and ended up pouring it down the sink lol. Well will see how the scales are tippin in the morning
Thanks again ladies
Mary, when I started the diet I noticed I wasn’t feeling well so I started having some of my lunch protein for breakfast and not eating my fruit (made me hungrier I noticed). Then I would snack on veggies til lunch. Then lunch. Then my apple as a snack. Then dinner. It helped me to spred out my food but the protein at breakfast really helped.
Congrats on the first day!! I hope you are dropping weight like you want!
WOW my 2nd day is over. Yesterday was amazing that 4 lb drop just had me lifted the whole day. Todays is day 3 and weigh in was another 2.5 loss WOOHOO and although my waist went down almost an inch my hips were the big loser losing 2 1/4 off them big mommas.So aside the load pounds I am now 1.5lbs loss from my real weight. i did notice last night I struggled getting my last apple down so I will be switching my items around today. It seems that once i’ve had my dinner I am not at all hungry which is really weird because both days calorie count was under the 500 aloud. Today I will shoot to actually hit the 500 and see what that brings tomorrow.
Heather you’ve got a great idea to eat more for breakfast and I will be trying that. Is anyone eating more then 2 veggies? I ask because i’ve been eating 2 3″ celery sticks throughout the day along with protocal.It obviously isn’t stopping things BUT I am wondering if it might be prolonging bigger numbers.If I can continue at an average 2 lbs per day HOLY WOW I am going to hit my goal for sure. I’ve read about the apple or steak day and was wondering if thats done during p2 when you hit your first plateau? also with those magical days (apple or steak) are you suppose to NOT drink your 100 oz. of water?
Well I hope everyone is still going strong on our healthy new lives. Have a blessed day and I will be back tomorrow 🙂
The apple day is when you’re on your 500 calories a day, if you don’t lose anything(hit a plateau) for 4 days or so, then you eat 6 apples between lunch and next day lunch. You should start losing again. Myself, I don’t know if I would do it unless I hadn’t lost for about a week, as everything slows down, it has too. Your body would never be able to keep up with weight loss like this. My beauticians daughter lost 24 lbs the first week, but she is over 300 lbs. I will be on mine 3 weeks tomorrow and am down 17 lbs and have 41 to go. I think I will be happy with 3-3 1/2 lbs a week, but if I lose more than that, I will be that much happier. 🙂 I don’t know if you’ve read this blog above where you’re writing, but he has the answers to about everything. 🙂
The steak/apple day is when you’re on maintenance, if you put on 2 lbs(you want to stay in the 2 lb range once you hit your goal)then just drink water through out the day and then at night, eat a big juicy 12 oz steak and an apple, you should see a weight loss the next morning. If you hit a plateau while on the vlcd you only drink water (with the 6 apples) as needed. You don’t want to drink anymore than you have too that day.
You will hit your goal, but just remember, the weight loss will slow down. The first 10 pounds we all lose is mostly water weight. I don’t know how to answer about the celery, if you’re losing doing it like that, then I don’t see a problem. I don’t eat b’kfast, I eat my lunch and dinner. Sometimes I skip the fruit on one of the meals as I’m just too full for it or if I eat it, it will put me over my calories. I had a very hard day yesterday and was craving candy, well, I finally gave in(no not chocolate, lol) but I did eat some of those durkee fried onions. Oh man, that was BAD, I was awake all night with stomache cramps and in the bathroom 4 times. 🙁 Keep up the good work!!
Im looking to start on the HCG diet and have been researching online and came across this site. I figured you all here would know where I should purchase the drops from. There are so many websites and I dont want to end up buying from a site that is not legitimate.
I want to lose about 40lbs. Im at 181 now. I would appreciate some help.
thanks
Lisa: I buy my drops from http://www.evitaminmarket.com. $18 a bottle, they work great for me.
Mary: If what you are eating is making you drop weight, then stick to it. This protocol works differently for everyone. I eat extra protein but don’t eat melba, and only ocassionaly eat fruit. I also eat whatever veggies (protocol allowed) during the day I want. Mixing doesn’t affect me. I just eggs, tomatoes and onions for breakfast. Lunch will be lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Who knows what for dinner. Maybe cucumbers. The trick is figuring out what your body does and doesn’t like. I can’t do brocoli for example. Are you keeping a food diary? That really helped me. I wrote down everything I ate and if I stayed the same or gained, I looked to my food. I would play with my food a lot in the beginning to see what worked for me.
If what you are doing works, then stick to it or add some variety for some change but see how you react to it.
Everyone’s body reacts differently to different foods. So what works for me, might not work for you.
You’ll figure it out. A food diary will be of great help if you haven’t started on already! 🙂
Heather
thanks Sherrie i’m actually on day 7 (total days) and have lost 8 lbs which is good for me although that day after starting the vlcd really kicked my mental bum because I lost 4 lbs that day and wow was I ever on a high at that point then it started dwindling and today I am working on STAYING POSITIVE 😉 When I weighed in today I had lost 1.5 lbs which is my lowest loss so far and I felt myself wanting to get a little bummed BUT I WILL take any positive no matter the size and just thank the lord its not a negative.I have been REALLY close to cheating but have managed to pour out a PERFECT cup of mocha coffee after taking 2 sips, URGH!! and a glass of diet pepsi dang down the drain it went as well.I hope today is a much better day for you and i pray that the lord gives you strength to meet your goal 🙂
Hi Lisa I wish I can refer you to where I got my drops but after doing my research I realized that i paid OVER double what everyone else has been paying. If you go toward the beginning of this blog and start reading you’ll find alot of people going to the same places for theres. There is a couple of selections as you read. Good luck on your search 🙂
Hope everyone has a very blessed week with awesome results WOOHOO people we’re doing it 🙂
Mary
You can have up to 2 diet drinks a day. I drink diet Dr pepper as I love the taste of it.
I caved yesterday. It was my daughters 35th b-day. I bought her a cake, and that icing was so tempting that I finally gave in. Well after that, I ate chips, a little milky way egg and some other chocolate. I figured I had already screwed up, why quit. I ended up putting on 1.2 pounds, but thankfully got up this morning(after being in the bathroom 1/2 the night again) and started right back on the drops. I also put my scale up, I don’t like weighing everyday. If you see you go up even 2/10 of a pound it can be discouraging. If you’re staying on the diet, then once or twice a week of weighing should be sufficient. I have been on my diet 3 weeks today, and even with the little gain from yesterday, I’m happy to say I’m down a total of 15.6 pounds.
Lisa, I got my drops on ebay. They were $33.50 with free shipping. My daughter got hers on ebay as well and paid less than $20
Hope you all have a great day!!
Sherrie you’re awesome and you can do it even with a slip look at you go 🙂 I am so inspired. Thank you and keep it up cause it works
Hi,
Thanks for putting this list together. I browsed to it from the web. I recently started a 23 day cycle of the HCG diet and have dropped 12.5 pounds since I started (8 days ago). After going over your list and calculating calories I think I have actually been getting less than 500 a day. Its been in the 375-450 range. This is what I consume and was looking for suggestions on what I could add to bolster it up to that 500 mark.
Morning – 1 slice Melba Toast
Mid-morning snack – 1 orange
Lunch/Dinner – 2 cups of (Lettuce/Spinach/Tomatoes or 1 large onion (boiled)) – Of one type listed per meal
Lunch/Dinner – 100 grams of (Chicken/Shrimp/Very Lean Steak)
– Of one type list per meal
Dinner – 1 slice Melba Toast
Post Dinner snack – 5 large strawberries
and plenty of water or sugar free green tea/crystal light….
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Jason,
A few things…
Don’t eat at all after dinner, especially fruit. It should be consumed before dinner.
Also, crystal light or sf green tea (unless you made it and added stevia) is not on protocol. Too many chemicals. (i love crystal light)
And, you can add different veggies, like asparagus and broccoli, that have higher calories, or, make some of the recipes.
Debbie
Debbie,
Do you know of any good sites that have recipes for HCG dieters?
Jason,
I found this site that is nothing but HCG recipes, it is great!
http://hcgrecipes.blogspot.com/
Also, I always eat a piece of fruit after dinner, and it didn’t bother me, each person it different. I also added an egg white from a boiled egg with my grapefruit in the mornings so I wouldn’t get light-headed before lunch.
Sounds like you are doing great!
I found you can drink crystal light and I do drink it almost every day.
Jason, are you eating your 2 proteins every day? I didn’t see where you mentioned it. I don’t eat anything for breakfast, I do drink my coffee. For lunch I have one of my meats, veggie and fruit, then for dinner I do the meat/veggie and fruit again. If you get hungry after dinner, then drink some water, if that doesn’t fill you up, then have some celery sticks or more lettuce, something very low cal. As long as you’re at 500 calories or under, you’re okay. jason, you can do a search and put in hcg recipes, here is one site
http://hcgrecipes.blogspot.com/
Hi Jason,
I don’t. I bought a book of HCG recipes on Amazon. Try a “hcg recipe” search on google.
Debbie
I purchased Homopathic HCG for $125.00. Am I paying to much. They said many sites water theirs down is this true
Joyce, you are WAY overpaying, but I think almost everyone starting out overpays. You actually paid less than I did for my first bottle. I get mine from evitaminmarket.com and have had no issues with them at all. I buy the Mediral brand and they are the same ones that I bought for way expensive but evitaminmarket.com sells them for $18.00 a bottle. 🙂
Jason: sounds like your weight release is going great. Guys release more than girls tend to and much quicker. Sounds like your eating fine except for the green tea/crystal light.
Well today is day 8 and 5 on vlcd and i’m so sad to report that I hadn’t lost wait over night for the first time 🙁 does anyone know if after weigh in tomorrow I still haven’t lost should I do an apple day tomorrow? I also have had no B.movement for 4 days and i’m just not digging that at all. Being in a small town with only a general store I am SO limited on things available to me.
Mary,
Don’t despair, the exact same thing happened to me the first 2 weeks or so, once you have a b.movement you will lose a ton of weight! I have not done an apple day at all, have lost 19 lbs, have cheated quite a bit (I moved from one county to another, it was too difficult to adjust to a double commute time to get my food in order), and am approaching my 40 days next Tues. You’ll start getting into a pattern soon!
This is day 6 on HCG injections, day 5 on 500 calorie diet lost 2.6 lbs first day, but has been a tad over a pound or less than a pound the past two days. I have done really well sticking to it, but want to see a full 1-2 lbs a day. Any suggestions???
Yve, thanks for the info.I’ve actually done 2 water flushes today and i’m really hoping this will pass. kudos on your success although I think i’m pretty hard on myself and not losing really put me in a funk all day, no cheating which is a plus IF i can see it on the scale tomorrow. I’ve been very strick with BY THE PROTOCAL so i’m hoping after the 2 flushes i’ll see better results tomorrow.I was wondering if you ever became REGULAR and if so how long into it does that take? will I have to flush all the way through my 40 days just to go?Well keep up the good work and thanks again. I would love to hear how your final result ends up and also what you do for the maintenance 3wks
Mary
Mary
Are you eating apples in your diet? I’m eating a lot of lettuce and an apple a day, it should help keep you going. If the water doesn’t help, you may need to try a natural laxative.
I’m trying not to weigh everyday. Weight fluctuates and if you’re following the diet, and you see you haven’t lost, it’s too easy to give up. My suggestion is to only weigh once or twice a week. I wouldn’t do the apple unless you’re stalled for 3-4 days.
Bree, I’m happy losing 1/2 lb a day. How much weight do you have to lose? People who have more to lose are going to lose more weight. Losing 1-2 lbs a day every day is probably not going to happen, your body has to have time to adjust.
Everyone, try and stay motivated. It’s hard, I’ve been on mine 3 weeks and lost 15.6 lbs. I have 43 lbs to go. I did cheat Sunday, and I did get right back on the diet again yesterday. If we keep following the diet, we all will hit our goal!
Mary,
I suggest weighing yourself daily as the protocal says. And yes, apple days work and need to be done asap. It is also rewarding to weigh yourself daily.
I do have the same issue as you. I use Smooth Move. Works well.
Best wishes!
Hi Mary,
For the first two weeks, I would go anywhere between 2-3 days w/o a b.m., but then it would happen w/o any help and I would lose between 3-4lbs at once. Now it varies between every other day, and occasionally every day. I can empathize, in the beginning you shed a lot and it’s hard not to get discouraged when the weight loss isn’t as drastic. Try not to be too hard on yourself, remember we are our own worst critic! Also, I know how incredibly frustrating this is to hear, but it really does vary by the person the amount you lose and the rate in which it happens. It really is important to drink about 1 gallon of water a day, that has helped me a lot. If memory serves, the protocol says constipation is a completely normal occurence, and to not worry. If you’re physically uncomfortable though, it might be a good idea to take something as Debbie suggested, Smooth Move is really good, you can take it in a capsule form or it’s a tea as well. What has helped me is drinking a blend of sparkling mineral water and regular water. If I’m feeling hungry, the carbonation fills me up pretty quickly, and it’s just nice to have a change sometimes when the choices are so limited. Thanks for your encouragement, and I will definitely keep you posted on my results, and look forward to hearing about yours, and everyone else’s too!
Mary – I didn’t have a BM either for the first 2 weeks. I had to drink some smooth move tea to make me go, I just felt so uncomfortable. I don’t recommend apple days. I heard people stall around 3rd week and I know I stalled at my month mark for a week! I still didn’t do an apple day. If you are around your monthly you will stall or release very little. Don’t stress. 🙂 Your body is adjusting to a lot with this diet so sometimes you won’t release as much and then have a bigger releast. Listen to your body and go with the flow.
I do recommend weighing yourself every day. JUST DO NOT get depressed when you don’t release or don’t release as much. A higher power than yourself is at work. But it is nice to keep track of. It has kept me motivated seeing my number continually get smaller and smaller.. even when I stalled, I could look at what I was eating, seeing where I was during the month (as a female) and just kinda saying ok my body is adjusting and knows something I don’t.. so I’m just chugging along.
Make sure you eat your protein (that is the MOST important thing to get in daily as we are on the edge of a protein defiency) and drink lots of water (I wouldn’t say a gallon is necessary, I work out daily and drink about 3 liters and I’m good to go).
You are doing GREAT Mary.. Just don’t let stress, control the things you can control and let the rest happen. Stressing won’t help you any (TRUST ME!! Hello week stall!!) 🙂
Heather
I have read a few things on the water. A few sites have said 1/2 gallon of water(including your tea/coffee et) is sufficient enough. You can actually drink to much water. I have also read divide your weight in half and drink that much water(weigh 200, drink 100 oz of water, which I believe there is like 128 oz in a gallon
I weighed everyday for the first couple weeks, but I think it’s more exciting to wait a few days and see bigger numbers. My friend has been on this non stop since November 7th, is on the 750 calorie/day diet, has lost around 80 or so pounds and has never weighed more than 2 times a week.
Mary, I would NOT do the apple day, everything you read says to wait 3-4 days of being at a plateau, and even then you don’t really need to do that. Let the body adjust. I would just add the veggies with more fiber in to the diet. Good luck..Keep posting, you’re doing GREAT
Sherrie,
I agree about the water.
I like the instant pleasure of knowing I released weight the day before and also weighing every day keeps me on track. I think when starting out it’s very important to weigh yourself every day because this diet is hard and if you see the scale drop every day, it makes it so much easier to stick with it.
To each their own of course but Dr. S had a reason for weighing every day.. too bad he isn’t around to tell us what it is. 🙂
Hey everyone, great site so glad I ran across it. First time poster here but not new to HCG. I am on P3 of my 2nd round and will do 1 more round. I am going to break this up so it won’t be so long in one posting. But I would like to share some things with all of you since I did Homeopathic 1st rd and real HCG 2nd rd., 3rd rd will also be the real stuff. Please for anyone new to this site and the HCG diet start at the beginning and read completely every post. 97% of your questions will be answered over and over again with the exception of a 1 not answered and 1 not even brought up.
1st rd I did homeopathic for 23 days, lost 14 lbs and am very happy with the lose. I could use all of my beauty products with no effect of lose. I am one who does not cheat and don’t believe in cheating. I am 100% dedicated to my weight, it is for so short of time on this protocol I don‘t understand why anybody would cheat. So not worth it.
2nd rd I did after reading that the homeopathic has not been scientifically supported to have the same benefits of the real hormone. I’m not saying it doesn’t work, it does work for weight lose and I am not saying you shouldn’t use it, I personally needed to see the difference for myself. I was on the real HCG for 31 days, lost 17 lbs, not as much as I was hoping for but am still very happy with my lose. He is the biggest differences. I could not use any person products with oil, period or I would stall out. Shampoo, conditioner, facial moisturizer, anything on my skin with oil. I also again stuck to the food list and again never cheated on my foods. I find it disturbing that people cheat while on this diet. If you can not be 100% dedicated then try something else. This protocol isn’t for very long and the results are just so important to your overall health and weight lose. Get your mind wrapped around what you need to do and don’t stray from it even a tiny bit, you will be so much happier when you can say I stuck to my diet and see the awesome results.
Ok now for my take away. First, weight your self every day, every single day according to protocol, write it down. Drink your water, eat foods from your list and stick to the ones that work for you. Keep a food journal, this is a must. Be careful of beauty products with oils. Someone mentioned using Corn Huskers Lotion, love the stuff, oil free but for me in rd 2 found out it has “Sucrose” which is sugar, so that was a no no. Now again, don’t cheat.
One thing asked that wasn’t answered anyplace that I read was about skin flab. 1st rd I was flabby and it was noticeable…….icky. 2nd rd seemed to firm up some of that flab. Had a friend to hadn’t seen since I started 1st rd and said my faced and body looked 10 yrs younger (I‘m 48). I’m not saying all the flab is gone but it is less noticeable on the real HCG, so I know it is doing what it claims to. 1st rd I stayed in the same size 16, they were just looser. 2nd rd I went from that size 16 to a 10-12. So cool. People I worked with finally noticed I had lost weight.
Something never mentioned and I know the protocol say to never do is massage. But I have been having massages for the last 5 yr and am not willing to give them up. Without them I get sever headaches due to Arthritis in my neck. Anyway I have had no problems with the massage, we use mineral oil, then I go straight home and shower. No stalls, no bruising and no problems at all.
P3 is awesome, 2nd week in and have maintained my weight with the 2 lbs with no effort or trouble. I plan on doing a good cleanse before rd 3 and be done with my diet before summer is in full swing.
Good luck to all and happy weight lose.
Wow gang I look so forward to my morning coffee and this blog. Thanks for all the support. Todays weigh in I am SO HAPPY to say was a 2 lb drop bringing my total to 10 lbs in 9 days WOOHOO!!!!! I did do a water flush twice yesterday as I mentioned and although it wasn’t much it was somethin’:)after I felt so much better. I am drinking a gallon of water a day not including coffee and tea and I like Cindy am 100% dedicated. Very strick with the protocal. I do weigh everyday and well for now that seems to get me motivated first thing in the morning. I discovered after stressing half the day that I ate double scallops then allowed and just assume that might of been my 0 lb loss yesterday. Whatever it was today made up for it and I have taken a mental note of that. Also had I not been so freaked yesterday I would of seen that a niece had shared a devotion with me the night before about worrying and letting go and letting God. Our lord is great and I am back on track. Thanks be to God and to all my new found blogger buddies. May you all let go and let God, keep up the GREAT JOB, have a blessed day and BE A BLESSING 😉
Cindy, thank you for your post. I am on round 2, day 3 of VLCD with the drops. HUGE fan of the drops! I was thrilled to see your comment about your pant size dropping significantly on round two. Congratulations! I dropped 1 pant size on round 1 and would love to drop a lot more on round 2. I lost a total of 25lbs on the first round and maintained it fully when I just started again. This diet is amazing and worth however long each person puts into it. You truly realize what you are putting into your body and how your body reacts to various foods.
Sherie, That’s awesome weight lose for you, congrats! Also your welcome. I will admit with work and life it took me several weeks to read the entire blog. I didn’t want to post until I had finished. I’m really looking forward to round 3. I will be able to take my mistakes from round 2 with doing a cleanse to start round 3. I am hopeful that I will lose the remainder of what I have. I’m not going for my lowest weight but keeping it real, I will be happy with another 15 lbs. I had already lost 20 lbs before starting the HCG but that took me 6 months to do and why I will not cheat. My thought on cheating is that if you cheat in P2, what will you do in P3 when it is even more important to stick to the protocol? If you cheat in P3 well you just wasted everything you did in P2 and then some.
Sherie, what kind of drops are you doing? Homeopathic or the real hormone ones? I am doing the real hormone drops, so easy and convenient. Anyway keep up the good work.
Thanks Cindy. I am doing the homeopathic drops. What kind of cleanse are you going to do? For round 3 I always tried to have any carbs or sugar in the afternoon. If I did that I didn’t gain. The Mission brand makes a fantastic low carb tortilla that is perfect for round 3 if you are wanting to have some type of bread. For round 2 and 3 the best advice that I saw and definately did was eat when you are hungry and stop when you are content. I did not weight my food in round 2 and 3 and am glad that I decided to go this way.
OH NO !!!!!! I hope someone is out there I am desperate. I had a very normal 1st half of the day BUT about 1 oclock i started feeling just exhausted for no apparent reason so I took a dropper of the B total I was sold and told was for times like this. Well by 2 I took a 30 minute nap. When I woke up I was SO hungry so I did what I normally do around that time(although never because I feel famished,this is the first feeling like that) well as i’m getting a cup of tea and a piece of celery I took 2 of 3 bites from a hard boiled egg CRAP. This was not figured in my menu for the day and now the question is do I only eat half of my protein for dinner or do I completely cut it out and just go with the veggie CRAP!!!! I can’t believe that happen. PLease help a.s.a.p. thanks Mary
Sherie
Since I am still in P3 I am not eating any carbs or sugar yet. I have another week plus. Honestly I don’t miss them at all. Good advice on the tortilla I will see if I can find that brand and check it out when I can have some. I don’t weight anything anymore either. I can eye ball it and know its pretty close to a serving size.
I am getting a cleanse from the Swanson’s website, it had good reviews and takes about 2 wks.
Mary, calm down. If you are feeling that hungry and tired you needed something to eat. I would just continue with your normal meal with the extra calories for the day. Maybe drink a bit more water to help with the hunger. Trust me its not the end of the world. What you ate was something good that really doesn’t have a high calorie count. For a snack you did good. Have your planned dinner and forget it happened.
Hey Cindy Im not sure if you read my post just before your last one to Sherrie but PLEASE PLEASE read it and see if you can figure out what i should do I am desperate girl and DONT WANT TO CHEAT !!!!!!!! HELP !!!!
WEW I just needed someone to tell me how to fit them 2 bites in and you seem to be heading for the prize the same way I am planning to so with that said Cindy thank you. i really need to get my confidence level up but i get this way with new things and THIS TOO WILL PASS 🙂 thanks again
Mary,
You stayed within protocol by eating an egg. That is not cheating to me. 1 whole egg and 3 egg whites are within the rules and allowed, love them in a salad. So all is good as I can see.
I am a person who has dieted most of my life, so having low calories is not an issue for me. I never have to fight hunger, in fact I have to remind myself of the time and that I need to eat. Try hard to keep the calories around the 500 mark, if you go over a bit don’t worry about it. Its the going way under that isn’t good.
Oops I was meaning P4 for the carbs and sugar. I always forget the the two loading days are P1.
Mary- I agree with Cindy, continue with what you are planning to eat for the rest of the day you will be fine. I always figure that as long as I am somewhere around the 3.5oz – 4oz for each of my protein I am good.
Thanks ladies for the reassurance. I guess my biggest fret was that protocal says 2-2-2 and well today I did 2 fruit 3 veggie and 3 protein although my total calorie for the day is 498. I’ve never really read anything about going against the 2-2-2 but since my vlcd started I’ve snacked a 3″ celery stick counting the calorie of course but bringing my 2 veggie to 3 everyday and so far it hadn’t seem to do harm so I’ll see what happens tomorrow when I weigh and measure. Again you guys thank you so much for being there for me and for your patience boy I’d be a mess without you.
Mary
Everyone here needs to read Dr. Simeone’s actual work. Even the person writing this article incorrectly lists Cauliflower and Broccoli, but these are not allowed on the HCG Protocol in Phase 2. Wow, amazing how many people list incorrect recipes. Biggest flaw is preparing two veggies together. Protocol specifically states choose one and only one of the vegetables per meal. Don’t do this diet if you don’t have a copy of Dr. Simeone’s Protocol.
Cindy, Hi realitively new to site , just starting Homopathic HCG. What do you mean by real HCG? Is there a site I can research? I am on Thyroid meds and have battle weight for a long time. I want to make sure I get the one that works best.Thanks PS love this site everyone so encouraging
Joyce,
Write to me at clong612@gmail.com and I will give you a link that I have used.
The real HCG is the actual hormon that can be mixed to take either by injection or sublingual.
wowe John i’ve been eating cabbage softened in the microwave with 1/2 to1 tsp of my homemade salsa for a couple of days now. Are you on the diet?
I also mix my veggies and it hasn’t hurt me. I think if I’m not mistaken, the diet is 50 years old, I’m sure like everything else, some things have changed.
Mary, I never saw what you wrote until just now. I’m sorry you had a rough day today. I was told by the ER nurse that is on this to NEVER let yourself get so hungry, if you feel you need something, eat a little protein. I made me up a gallon of sweet tea(made with 2 cups of stevia). I had 4 huge glasses of it today, it actually helps me out a lot when I’m hungry.
Someone wrote about cheating and not to ever cheat, that it’s just a short time that you’re on this diet..? Well, I’m staying on the drops until I get my weight where I want it. I’m figuring I should have my weight off by the first to middle part of July(if I keep on like I am now), that to me isn’t a short time. I don’t think anyone likes to cheat, but, we’re all human and we all make mistakes.
Mary, I also eat cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. I actually had sauerkraut the other day. I also eat dill pickles but check to make sure there is no sugar in them(you can have cucumbers and vinegar(pickles). I think everyones body is different and maybe what doesn’t work for one works for another and vice versa
Joyce what is your email address? I will send you a link.
I agree this is a great website.
Cindy, Thanks use my business email joycereitz@remax.net
Good Morning , everyone is very informative, Thanks. I am also referring my son to this site. Does anyone have any suggestions for lotions, my skin is very dry. Only on day 4 of 500 calorie , but I lost 7.6 pds. [water weight I guess] still very excited.
The diet is very old and although you should not go off of it too much, combining veggies has always been fine for me. I also eat lettuce, broccoli, and cabbage as well as ground turkey. Everyone has to see how their body reacts to various things. I have not changed any of the hair, deodorant, toothpaste etc. products and have still seen just as great, if not better results than some others who I know did change the products. If this is your first round it does help to write everything down so you see what works. Keep up the great work everyone and don’t let this diet stress you out. It is extremely rewarding!
Hi Everyone,
I’m looking into buying the HCG drops to start this new lifestyle change. I am getting married on 10/10/10 (I know, kinda cheesy…but I like cheesy :0) )in Vegas and want to look good. I have looked at many websites and it seems the cost is anywhere from $75 and up. My question is for Heather, are your drops the same thing everyone else is on? I find it hard to believe that they are the same when they are only $18 and all the other sites are $75 or more. I guess I’m a little confused, can anyone explain?
Can I just say, this sight is FABULOUS! You are all very inspiring.
Cindy, where do you get your HCG? I have a very slow metabolism and need some good HCG. I’ve heard some people get bad HCG?
Hi gang I am very pleased that not only did I have a movement WOOHOO but I got a new big loser scale which seems to be very close in weight to my old school scale although it does 10ths of a pound and thank goodness because I am 2/10ths of a pound lighter today lol.
I find it so heartfelt that my comfort with all of you allows me to be so open and honest. I guess what i’m trying to say is “thanks for being here”. Hope everyone is having an awesome spring day today.
Mary
Michelle,
I got my HCG through: http://www.alldaychemist.com/
It does not come premixed.
Hi, I’m new, really new! My husband are on day 3 I think. Anyway I keep getting confused on the calorie count. If we eat 3.5 oz of chicken and thats 87 calories and a serving of broccoli at 35 calories how will we ever get up to 500 calories in one day? If we do that meal twice and add an apple and some strawberries it still only adds up to than 400 calories. HELP!!!
Hi Shar and welcome to your new healthy way of living 🙂 In order to get to my caolrie count each day I increase the amount of veggie I am eating. I too am still very new on my 7th day of phase 2 vlcd and I am always freaking out about one thing or another but this blog and these amazing people have truly been so patient with me and have REALLY helped me through my questions. Again welcome and can’t wait to hear of your progress 🙂
Mary
Sorry Mary my last post was for you.
thanks Cindy i’ll have to check that out
Michelle, I pay $33.50 for mine on e-bay and they work just as well as the ones that people are paying $75 on up for
Shar, you need to mix your meals up some. I never eat the same 2 meals in one day. I also read where chicken breast has 128 calories, so that’s what I count it as. A large apple has about 90 calories in it, and if you eat your fruit/veggie and protein for each meal, the calories will add up. I know sometimes by dinner time, I have to eliminate my fruit all together. You can also have one melba toast which adds 20 calories.
Sherrie, I noticed they have different brands on ebay , which did you purchase. I am seriously considering going to HCG that is not homopathic.
I also buy my hCG at alldaychemist. It is not premixed and is a lot cheaper. You can get 10 ampules for as low as $110.00. Each one lasts 15 days. So far that is the cheapest I have found.
Hey Joyce
I got from this seller. I bought one bottle(but was leaving it in my purse for the days I work), then bought another to leave on the kitchen counter. I’m doing 2 bottles straight and then if I still have any to lose, I will finish up on my own.
http://cgi.ebay.com/HOMEOPATHIC-HCG-WEIGHT-LOSS-DROPS-LARGE-2-OZ-BOTTLE_W0QQitemZ290418865430QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item439e503516#ht_594wt_1036
Hi ya’ll and “HAPPY FRIDAY” to you. My weigh in was awesome I lost 1.2 pounds WOOHOO. I was wondering what everyone thinks about crystal light and why? I read lots of yes and no on it and so I thought I would come to my very trusted blog and see what everyone thinks.
Also I would sure like to hear how everyones doing on our new healthy life style 😉
Take care and keep on keepin on
Mary
Joyce, you can buy non homeopathic HCG?? Whats the difference? Has anyone bought from http://www.rebekahspureliving.com? It’s $42 on her sight.
Yes I bought my first round of HCG from Rebekahs, not realizing it was Homeopathic. I did lose 14 lbs in 23 days.
The difference is that Homeopathic does not contain any actual Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hormone.
There is no way it can, being premixed or if it does is not as effective since it must be refrigerated at all times and stored in the dark.
Homeopathic was not around for testing when Dr. Simeons first set up his program. It has only been available the last several years.
I am not saying anything bad about Homeopathic, it does work for weight loss.
Cindy, I guess I’m just not getting it. I went to all day chemist and am not sure what to buy, can you help?
Michelle,
My email adress in is an earlier posting, write to me and I will see what I can do to help.
Mary I do use crystal light and it hasn’t hurt me at all. The only thing that did hurt me was last Sunday when I boo booed big time. I paid for it in more ways than one too, being in the bathroom all night and then stalling on weight loss for 3 days.
I have really slowed down lately, only losing about .2 a night. Of course, all in all, I’m still averaging about a 5 lb weight loss a week.
Michelle, I only pay $33.50 for a 6 week supply on e-bay and free shipping. I posted who I buy mine from on e-bay, just read down a few lines.
OK gang let me start by saying thanks to Sherrie and just start fresh,forget the past 🙂
I had a big scare earlier and ended up with an immediate heartburn that took me to my knees so after not finding an ingredient content on the baking soda box I put a tsp in some water and chugged that baby down. Its seemed to work, the pain is MUCH MORE bearable but do you think thats going to do something to my program?
Mary, the baking soda? No, don’t worry about it, I still take my tums when I have too. Baking soda is mostly just salty tasting, and you should still do just fine
I’m about to give up. I do good at eating what I’m supposed too, but I’m still having terrible cravings for things I can’t have. I got up this morning realizing that even if I get to my goal weight, I’m never going to be able to ever sit and enjoy the things I used too. I don’t know what to do. I do walk every day, and I have like 40 lbs to lose(that’s to the goal weight I had set for myself. It was so much easier when the weight was coming off fast, but its slowed way down and that’s when it gets depressing.
Sherrie, Check out this site, it might help to answer some of your questions as to why you are having cravings. http://hcgcoach.com/hcgFAQ.shtml
sherrie,
don’t be discouraged. after p2 it gets better. no, you probably will never be able to wolf down the unhealthy food you used to, but being fit and healthy is so much better. most of your cravings are psychologically based and literally mind over matter. time and practice will help you to replace the bad with good cravings. keep with it, this is only a speed bump. the weight did not go on quickly (most likely) so it will take a little time to come off. you can do this! and when you are closer to or at your goal, you can up your activity to more brisk walking, jogging, swimming, biking, etc (whatever you enjoy) and you can have a treat now and then and not get toally derailed. good luck
Michele, I agree , I veiwed the site for the non homopathic HCG , and it confused me to. But I am researching both. I am on the homopathic now. It seems to be working . Good Luck. Thanks to everyone, it gets quite fustrating eating such a limited diet. It nice to have others to relate to.
Michele , thanks for the site info. Have you been using this for very long? Do you feel its working?
I am sorry for causing confusion, that was not my intent. I was only trying to show the difference between Homeopathic and the true HCG. I guess some things are meant to be kept quite. But I am a believer that education on what is going into your body and what it is honestly doing for you is a right for you to know and understand. The only way to achieve that is by research, something you should never stop doing.
I am in my 2nd wk of P3, 2nd round, I have maintained my weight within 1 lb of my last day of VLCD. I have done the homeopathic and the real HCG, I have personally seen and understand the difference. I have 1 more round to do and will take my mistakes into that round for even better results.
I wish all on this site the best of luck in your weight loss.
Hello everyone,
I finished my last drop day on thursday and started my P3 today! i lost a total of 30lbs in roughly 45 days! Not too bad considered i cheated a few times i wish i wouldn’t have cause i probably could of lost an extra 10lbs but hey it is what it is… I only have one more round to do and hope to lose another 30! Im really nervous about p3 cause im not sure what to eat…i thought about doing a shake for breakfast and lunch and then having a nice dinner!? and keep an apple or orange in between those lunch and dinner areas…who knows i just hope i can keep the weight off! Thanks everyone for all your info on how to complete this diet!
Alex,
I love P3, its really awesome. You eat the same foods as P2 but you can now have more protein, a wider variety of vegetables and more fats. Just no sugar or carbs. You must up your calorie intake to at least 1500. I eat between 1250-1450 daily and have maintained within 1 lb. I don’t think you will get enough calories with doing the shakes. Not getting enough calories could cause you to gain and or lose more which you do not want to do. It is very important to maintain the weight of the last day of drops.
Cindy, correct me if I’m wrong. I know it says when you’re done with your drops, you stay on vlcd for 3 days. So, if I finish my drops on a Thursday, then I do vlcd Friday, Saturday and Sunday to make sure all the HCG is out of me. Then 3 weeks of everything I want to eat except carbs or sugar. How do you know how much protein then you’re supposed to eat? Also I have heard before to figure out how many calories you should eat a day, you take your ideal weight x 10. So if you want to weigh 140 you should eat 1400 calories a day.
I’m also wondering why pork isn’t on our P2, as pork is supposed to be the other white meat and it is also full of protein. Has anyone in here been eating pork?
Sherrie, It’s 72 hours. I took my last dose at 6:30 pm on a Tuesday, so I could have eaten after that time on Friday. I didn’t since I don’t eat after 6:00 pm anyway.
Yes to the 3 wks of P3, then you move to P4 and slowly start adding sugar and carbs.
I am not sure how to calculate how many calories to eat in P3, I just started eating (which was not easy) and watched what happened with my weight. As for pork not being part of P2 I really don’t know that either. Just that it isn’t part of the protocol. I do enjoy it in P3.
Cindy, I think I messed up by saying I was going to do 12 weeks straight. I bought 2 bottles(6 weeks in each one) and I said I was going to do it until it was gone, then finish up on my own. I had 58 to lose when I started. I have been on mine almost 4 weeks Monday. The first two weeks my weight dropped really well, now it has slowed down tremendously. Tonight I weighed(after drinking black coffee tonight and my sweet tea with stevia) and my weight was up over 2 lbs since this morning, so I have no clue how I’m going to have that off by morning. This is why I’m getting so upset. I haven’t cheated since last Sunday, and all I have lost all week is 2 lbs. if you can even say that. Last Sunday I weighed 179.6, I cheated that day and gained up to 181 last Monday(which is what day of the week I started my diet on). as of today, I was back to the 179 so, I actually haven’t lost anything. Sometimes I feel like going off the drops and wait a week then load again and start all over, wonder if that would work??
Sherrie,
This diet does not handle cheating well. It takes time to get back on track.
Myself, I’ve never cheated while on HCG. Not that I haven’t wanted to, just committed.
Debbie
I was really committed too, until my daughers 35 birthday. I know it said if you cheat, you will stall for maybe 3 days, but dang a week? I didn’t cheat that much.
Cindy please dont take me not understanding how to order from All Day Chemist a bad thing. I’m just not understanding what I need to order to mix and how much for 40 days etc. I will email you for some help.
Joyce, I have not started the diet yet, I’m very excited to though. I’m steering toward the real HCG rather than homeopathic so I will email Cindy in hopes of ordering the correct stuff. Thank you all for the great insight, it really is wonderful.
Cindy
I don’t have to mix anything with mine. I get it on e-bay for $33.50(shipping included). I started out at 196.6 4 weeks ago tomorrow. I’m down to 179. My beauticians daughter was 330 something when she started, she lost over 30 lbs in 1 1/2 weeks on hers and is under 300 pounds for the first time in a few years. You have to do what’s best for you. I myself just don’t understand why anyone would want to buy stuff to have to mix when you can get a 6 week supply already mixed for $33
Sherrie,
Quote: “You have to do what’s best for you”.
That could not be a truer statement. Which is exactly what I am doing.
Are you doing the Homeopathic drops that comes premixed?
I am not, will not ever again. I am doing the real HCG and it can not come premixed, if it did it would be worthless. The real and true HCG has a very short shelf life and must be handled very carefully in its mixed form. But the benefits are what is written in the Dr. Simeons Protocol.
Its OK to not understand, that is why everyone needs educate themselves on what you are putting in your body and what it is really doing for you. I want nothing but what the Protocol calls for so I can get the full benefits from it.
I don’t want to stir up anything here, but you asked and I have answered.
Again I will say taking Homeopathic HCG you will lose weight.
Helo all, does anyone know if I can continue taking my Omega 3’S [fish oil] and Q 10 plus [ good for cholestral] I have a heart condition [slight] and high cholestral which I am treating naturally. Taking a bunch of other stuff, but their OK. The diet says no oil. But these are of oil context. I went off of them and I really shouldn’t. But I really want to lose weight. On 7th day day and lost 10 pds. Any imput would be helpful.
Hey gang I’m back and happy to report that I’m 13 pounds lighter in 13 days. I take homeopathic hcg amino acid drops and although pricey (120.00 for 40 days) it is local and also produced in my state of Utah. What its all about I couldn’t give chemist detail but all I know is it works for me. I’ve been getting cravings for the last few days but with a 3″ celery stick and a cup of tea or my fruit given the time of day I’ve managed to pretty much stay on track.I’ve cheated twice now with a hard boiled egg but just adjusted my next meat serving and calories to fit it in, only cheating on the 2-2-2 protocol. With my celery sticks I’ve cheated the veggie protocol all along but it hasn’t seemed to effect me and it does fill in my calorie gap.
To all of you that have ended or are close to ending I have a question. Do you have sagging skin? I’m wondering what happens to all the stretched out skin once the filler is gone? the lady I get my drops from says because of all the liquid its not as bad as one would think but I would like to hear from my trusted blog what they think and know?????please let me know for this is a big concern to me being that I have LOTS especially in my belly area.
Thanks all and congrats to you guys that are coming to the end WOOHOO WAY TO GO LADIES :)SEXY MAMAS OUT THERE WOOT WOOT !!!!!
Oh and I think I’m measuring wrong because the pounds are dropping and the measurements are staying the same.Can anyone help me with that?
Crap it did it again- if anyones out there can you tell me if my message before this is showing up?
Cindy
My friend has been on the hcg drops since november losing 80 lbs now, hers comes premixed, as does the one my beauticians daughter is on(which she lost over 30 lbs in 1 1/2 weeks. How can you say it doesn’t work? I took some of mine and did what it said to do and put it on a pregnancy stick with a little water and it showed pregnant, so it must be working
Mary
I’m down 18 lbs now and I’ve only lost 1″ in my waist(that’s all I’m actually measuring). It takes awhile for everything to come together!
Hi Sherrie did my big post show up on the blog this morning about how much I lost and what I use and about the saggy skin???????? my computer says my comment is awaiting moderation
Question for everyone.What happens to the stretched out skin? my distributor had said that with all the liquid intake it renews its flexability, does anyone know if thats true or are we going to have a different issue once we’re done losing all our weight??????????? Anyone sagging like me and what are you doing about it?
Mary
Sherrie,
I have never said Homeopathic does not work for weight loss, I have always said it DOES work for weight loss. I lost 14 lbs in 23 days using it. I choose to not use it now.
To be honest I really don’t want to get in a debate about this. Since it is a matter of opinion, preference and nobody is wrong in having their own opinion or preferences.
Cindy, you said the pre-mixed is worthless. I’m saying I don’t see how it could be. I’m sure people have worked on Dr Simeons protocol for the last few years and have gotten it close to perfect. 🙂
Mary, No, I didn’t see that post. How are you doing? I walk every day, so haven’t noticed any flabby skin(well no more than what I had before). My friend that has lost the 80 lbs said she is losing in places she has never lost before and not even getting saggy. I think your distributor is right, the water should take care of it. This is one reason for plateaus, that’s why I most likely won’t do an apple day. How much are you down now, since I don’t see it anywhere?
I agree Cindy, but most of us, or should I say a lot of us are using the premixed and are doing great, so I really don’t think it should be called worthless. The nurse behind me, that actually gave me the get go on this diet since I had my doubts, got the one you mix, so I want to see how different her numbers are from mine.
Mary, e-mail me at stratman397@aol.com
I would love to keep up with you and your weight loss through e-mails since I really have no one backing me up here
Hey Sherrie, thanks for the input. I’m doing great. I’m on day 13 and 13 pounds lighter. i feel awesome although I noticed my cheeks were sagging this morning and my face is SO much skinnier then its been.
For anyone that might wonder I am on homeopathic HCG amino acid drops and my distributor is local and the product is made right here in Utah. Its pretty pricey @ 120.00 a 2 oz bottle but as far as I’m concern its working for me so far.
Congrats to all of you that are coming to the end and prayers for maintaining.
Mary
Sherrie, You took what I said totally out of context.
Are you taking homeopathic? That is very different from what I was talking about. Please I don’t want to do this. In fact I think I’m about done with the site.
I do wish everyone here the best of luck in yoor weight loss.
You’re doing great Mary! Are you going to do the 6 weeks then do p3 or are you going to keep on going? I got the 2 bottles $67 total for the 2 oz bottles and have realized I’ve just already hit a plateau. I’m going to keep up with it for 12 weeks, then will do p3 and then have to get the rest off on my own(if I haven’t hit my goal). I did get under the “obese” the other day and am now just considered overweight. LOL I have to get another 25 off to be at the high end of the BMI normal range. That’s what I’m hoping to accomplish in the next 8 weeks. Keep up the good work
Cindy don’t leave the site. All I ask is that you don’t make the ones taking what I’m taking(which are hcg drops) think they’re wasting their time. You had answered a lot of questions for me before, and I don’t want you to go anywhere. 🙂 We all need eachother. Believe me, I have no one here helping me, and without this site, I would have given up completely by now.
Sorry Cindy, yes, homeopathic is what I’m taking.
sherrie, well i’m doing the 40 day cycle and then i’ll see how i feel. congrats on your accomplishments i’m very proud of you
mary
Sherrie,
I have not put anyone down for what they are doing, if they are using homeopathic or the other stuff.
I have learned all I need to learn. I have never asked anyone to give me advice on what to do. I have done 2 rounds already and did them without any support. I researched for my answers and what I have discovered is really amazing. Its all there for anyone who is interested in looking for it.
Again the best of luck to eveyone here.
well, off to my sons for dinner. He’s making bbq pork ribs, so I made me another salad. My friend that has lost all the weight is doing the 750 calorie one and said she can have pork but not ham. I looked all over here and haven’t found anywhere where pork is allowed(remember I was asking about pork earlier).
Thanks Mary, but I’m finding 4 weeks tomorrow is really getting to be long, and want so bad to do the 6 weeks and then do p3 and p4, instead of doing the 12 weeks straight. I’ll let you know what I decide to do within the next 2 weeks. LOL It all depends on if I ever get through this plateau.
Mary,
I see nobody has answered your question about sagging skin. Your on Homeopathic right?
Ok then, In fact I was researching this very thing yesterday for myself. Yes we all have sagging skin that goes along with rapid weight loss. My findings were that eventually the skin will go back to normal. Keep up the high fluid intake. Do toning exercises to help the underlying muscle take up space. Depending on how much sagging skin you have it can take up to 7 yrs for it to all go away. I know not what you wanted to hear.
Good luck to all.
Hello,
Im on p3 and i have having the hardest time deciding what to eat! should i stick to the 500 cal meal plan just up the calories? or do i get on a somewhat atkins diet? Im just so scared to gain the weight back
On the sagging skin…
I did this diet over a year ago, and did well till I quit smoking. On it again, but not so much to lose.
I never had my face look sunken or “too thin” as I was always told. Never had sagging skin, EXCEPT, my stomache. Could never get it tight again. Talked to a doctor about it and this past January, had a tummy tuck and breast lift. I LOVE this look. Keeps me on track.
Alex,
My email address in on the previous page, I have a P3 Reference Guide I can send to you.
Also if you read this entire blog starting at the beginning there are several places that cover foods for P3.
It makes me think that i am eating a lot of food with too much calories.
Cindy, you have been a great inspiration and I always look forward to reading all your knowledge. I’m proud to say that i am day 14 with a 14 lb loss. I’m wondering though if you ever hit the plateaus that everyone speaks of and if so when and what did you do with it? did you ever do the apple day?
i noticed over the weekend working in the yard and picking up hay for my horses that I got tired so fast (unusual)and my thighs were killing me, got a take on that?
I always look forward to your responses of wise knowledge. Thank you for your help
Mary
Mary, I hit my plateau at week 3(unfortunately). I really think a lot of it depends on how much weight you have to get off. My one friend that has been on the drops straight since November said she hasn’t hit a pleateau yet. I walk everyday to help keep from getting the loose skin you were talking about, but it sounds like you keep busy outside with horses. You may be one of the lucky ones that never hit a plateau.
I read pounds and inches and they speak of plateau’s and what to do. If you haven’t read it, here’s the link. where it says search up above, you can type in plateau and it will take you down to the part where it talks about what to do.
http://powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
Hi all, I to felt the tired leg syndrome. Question? If I miss a meal[ too busy to eat] will that contribute to a weight gain. Yesterday I lost 1.4 pds., missed a meal. And today I gained .4 back. Thanks for all the insight!!
Alex, regarding P3, the best way I went about it last time was the atkins diet, but with fruit and veggies. You stick with the two fruits and I didn’t count the veggies. You up your protein a lot. I started my morning off with an atkins shake many times blending it with strawberries. I ate a handful of almonds mid morning and then a bunch of protein for lunch. I did not count the weight anymore for the protein and ate when I was hungry and stoped when I was full. This always worked for me and was the best advice I gathered from another person on a blog. When I just started this diet 10 days ago I was only 2 lbs above my last drop day. Enjoy P3 and good luck!
Advice needed…
My bridal shower will be taking place on day 29 of the vlcd. I know I could stop this phase on day 24 and then, but day 28 would be the first day on P3. I have heard that if you are to “cheat” it is “better” to do it on P2 than P3. I never cheated on my first round and I understand that this may make me gain and sadly stall for a few days. I don’t plan to go overboard, but be able to enjoy a few things that I normally would not be able to on P2.
Should I… continue on P2 and enjoy my day and then spend a few more days on P2 before going to P3 or should I have my last drop day on day 24, wait the 72 hours before P3 and then start P3 the day before my shower? Please let me know if anyone has been in a similar situation and what your thoughts are.
Thanks!
Sherie, I can’t answer that for you as I don’t have the answer. All I can say is I’m at week 4 today, it’s getting harder and harder for me, and I wish I would have quit at the 3 weeks, but have decided(since I got 12 weeks worth) to start going week by week from now on. I have cheated twice, both times I was sick and in the bathroom half the night. The first time I cheated last Sunday, I gained a little over 1 lb and stalled for 3 days, then hardly lost any the rest of the week. I cheated again a little lastnight, but still ended up losing a little. I had also hit a plateau, so, I’m hoping lastnight with the little cheating I did, it broke my plateau. Hopefully tomorrow I’m not up any, as I always get right back on it. Good luck and congratulations on your up and coming wedding
Sherrie, if you plateau, i would recommend the apple day, or if you have been on the progam at least 4 weeks, a protein day. substitute egg whites for one fruit and one veggie. one egg white equals 17 calories
Thanks Debbie, but I probably won’t do anything to break the plateau. I have always felt like you hit a plateau for a reason. I’m very happy with my 18 lb weight loss in the 4 weeks I’ve been on it. I have cheated twice, which I wish I wouldn’t have, but did. The thing is, I know now I have been on it long enough I can go to p3 anytime I want, so have decided to do one week at a time, this way maybe I won’t be tempted to cheat anymore. Hopefully this works
I do have a question on how everyone is figuring chicken breasts though. I have been figuring 128 for 3.5 oz. This guys blog said 89 calories I think, but every other website I find, it says 30 calories an ounce which would be 105, I just do the 128 as I figure I would rather be a little under on calories than over
Thanks so much everyone for the info on p3! I’m gonna give it a whirl and see what happens… my email address is ayvcomp@aol.com
Sherie,
On page 27 of this blog there is a process for anyone who knows they have a need to take a “day off” from the diet. Its call a Protien day and is something you can do to prepare for the day off. That is why I say and will say it again. Start at the beginning and read each and every entry. The knowledge to be found in this blog alone is amazing, all you have to do is want to know, it is here at your finger tips, use this tool.
Cindy, thanks for the page number. I have read through everything on the blog during my first round which started on Jan. 1st. Now on my second round I knew it would have probably been answered already, but I really could not remember where in the blog it was so I decided to put the question out there again.
Sherri and anyone else who might need it:
When my wife and I were on the diet, I used the USDA nutritional database for the calorie content of the foods. (Love them or hate them, sometimes our government does something right.)
Here’s the link:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=12-35-45-00
I bought some shrimp today, well, usually I make my sauce to go with it by using ketchup, pepper and horseradish. Well, I read the ingredients on the horseradish jar today, there is No calories, No sugar, No carbs, no nothing, so bought some of that and will just add pepper to mine. I was so glad as I need a change in my diet and love shrimp. It does say on the bag 4 oz 70 calories, I wonder if I can have 4 oz or still have to just have 3.5??
Mary,
In my first round I never did have a stall. But in round 2 I had a 3 day stall every week. Round 1 I was on the Homeopathic drop, round 2 I switched to real HCG. When the stalls happened I would look to see what I was using in the way of personal care items. In round 1 I was able to use all my personal care items with no problem, but round 2 they caused stalls. No I have not done an apple day, I was more concerned with removing the products I used that contained oil. I needed to know removing a certain item from use is what started my loss again.
You get tired because you are only consuming 500 calories a day.
Hi all! I’ve been looking at doing the HCG diet- would like to start ASAP. I’m still a bit torn between the homeopathic and the synthetic. I’m hoping some of you could answer/ give your input on a few questions I have. That may give me the last bit of info I need to decide which route to go and GET STARTED.
1) is “real” hcg (drops, not injections) available without a prescription? If so, anyone know of a safe, legit and result proven site to order from?
2) I’ve heard that alcohol in the mixing of the homeopathic is one element that causes the product to be inferior to the synthetic. However, I’ve looked at the mixing instruction for the drops @ alldaychemist.com and it calls for alcohol. I’m thoroughly confused!
3) are the results of the homeopathic method as long lasting as with the synthetic?
Any help/ info/ suggestions y’all can offer would be VERY appreciated!
Cindy, Ya I’m on the drops right now and well I only experienced 1 day where there was no change and I think that was due to the whole bowel thing and boy am I glad that’s under control.Another question, did your homeo drops have amino acid? just curious because my distributor raved about her stuff having that in it and well along with asking you I now have something else to research 🙂
Hey really thanks for sharing all your knowledge
Mary
Amity,
I ordered my HCG from All day Chemist, didn’t need a prescription. There are mixing instructions to mix for subliminal that do not contain alcohol , in fact David Wallace posted his recipe in a different place within this website.
It is as follows:
5000 iu HCG
13 mil Liquid B-12
2 mil Colodial Silver
This is good for a 23 day round. 0.5 m in two doses – 12 hrs apart
Hope that helps some.
Mary, I dont’ think they did. I dumped what I had left in the bottle as soon as I decided to go a different way. Sorry no help this time.
Hi Amity,
I have a product that I can talk with you about. I have lost 33 1/2 lbs using it so far. My sister has lost 42lbs in 14 weeks using it. My entire family practically has been using the product with much success. It is a natural product and you don’t have all the restrictions as you do with the HCG. If you have interest, just email me @ dpswab@gmail.com. I will forward additional information to you.
Patti
Cindy,
Thank you for the info. Did you order the infections or the sublingual drops? Do you know if there is a drastic difference in the results between the two?
Cindy,
LOL. I meant….did you order the INJECTIONS not infections. 🙂
Amity,
The HCG is the same for either, its all in how you mix it. I have only done the sublingual method.
I am on day 14 of the diet, including load days. Did this a year ago, quit smoking and doing this for the LAST time!
I am down 19 pounds. Hoping to lose 18 more and I’ll be at my all time low and in size 6/8.
Found some tricks. I don’t do things that aren’t on the original plan. And, I’m on injections (tried both, this seemed to work better for me and last)
To get all my water, and enjoy some change, I take some lemon juice (i squeeze it) stevia ice and fill the glass with sparkling water. Plain carbonated water. Nothing added. What a great change in the day. Also bought cherry and added stevia. 🙂
I keep a food journal. This way I can see what works for me. Example, I know when I eat fish, I will lose over a pound the next day. For others, they don’t see that. Watch what you eat, and when, and maximize it!
Good luck all!
Ok for anyone who might know. twice now I have gotten toward the end of my day to realize that I needed the whole grapefruit to make my calorie count of NEAR 500. After looking over many food lists for our vlcd i only see 1/2 grapefruit. my question is am I not suppose to eat a whole grapefruit as 1 of my fruits??????
WOW way to go Debbie 🙂 I too am on day 14 of a 40 day round although this is my first go around and I am on homeo drops. I’m hoping to lose between 30 and 35 pounds this round which should hopefully put me in a size 7 or 9. I look forward to seeing how things go for you :)So far i’ve lost 14 lbs in 14 days and I keep reading about the plateau which I must say I am hoping doesn’t happen to me but if so will definitely try the apple day deal.Any thoughts on that?
Mary
Thanks Mary 🙂
I have done apple days and they work. Another think I like about the injections, I have a support number to call.
They introduced me to all kinds of other days. I had a minor procedure and didn’t eat or drink for a day. They instantly told me how to get back on track with a protein day. Said if that didn’t work, a apple diet, which is different than an apple day. Starts with high protein, apples, and goes two days to end with high protein….
Only did the protein day to get me back on track immediately 🙂 Yay. This helps me. Lots going on and feeling a little left out. Friend’s parties, birthdays, my own bday… hard to manage this diet and a social life, so my social life goes on hold till maintenance. I am a strict follower!
Good luck to you! You are doing great!
Debbie
oh, and I do size 6/ 8 for the mature woman, LOLOL.
Some junior clothes I wear
Mary, I think the reason(I’m not 100% sure though)they say only 1/2 grapefruit, is they have more sugar/carbs.
I haven’t even had any grapefruit since starting, as I know I would have wanted more than 1/2. I do eat cantaloupe and watermelon.
I finally got off my plateau and lost almost another lb yesterday, so am down 18.8 now. I would like to lose another 1.2 pounds by Thursday and that will be 1 month from the day I started the vlcd.
Whoops, and that would put me at 20 lbs in the month. It would be great to lose 1-3 lbs a day but I know that’s not realistic. How you doing today Mary?
Hi Sherrie and a good morning to ya. Happy Tuesday :)and what a great day it is here in the basin. I am on day 15 and happy to say 14.8 lbs lighter today WOOHOO. This program seems to be getting easier and easier for me. Not only am I losing and getting MUCH healthier but I am learning more and more about the strengths and will that I never realized I had. Though I am getting ready to celebrate my 10 yr sobriety birthday in less then a month and that took much strength and will i attribute ALL of my experiences to our dear lord. I know that with him ALL things are possible and I am living proof of this. I meditated a bit this morning on where I’ve been, what I’ve done and where I am and I know I owe it all to the lord. 10 yrs ago I was coming to the end of a 28 yr drug and alcohol addiction and after dropping to my knees and pleading from the deepest of myself”lord take me or show me why I should stay” I truly got up from my knees and each day since things of the most amazing magnitude have continued to happen in my life. This healthier style of living is 1 of those things and the lord is my driver.
WOW this just flooded out with out stop and well ” THIS IS MY STORY” thanks for letting me share and may your blessings too be in abundence.
Have a blessed day and turn to the lord for all your needs, IT WORKS !!!! 🙂
You’re doing fantastic Mary. I have cheated twice in the 4 weeks, and am sure this is why I am only down not quite 20, but 20 in one month is great for me. I am now taking it one week at a time, this way I think will make it easier on me not to cheat. I have also found it to be true on what they say about harder to lose the older we get.
Congratulations on your 10 year mark!! Woo hoo!!
Have a Blessed Day
Sherrie- How much watermelon do you eat? I love summer fruit and if I could add this in to P2 that would be fantastic!
Also, regarding shrimp, I had it last night and as a general rule for myself I feel that as long as I am between the 3.5 & 4 oz I am good to go.
Hey Sherie, I eat a cup, which is 50 calories. It’s not on the original protocol, but I have read other sites (HCG) that say if you want a little bit of a change, you can have summer fruit. It’s actually on my friends HCG diet she’s on(she’s on the 750 calorie one). I also eat cantaloupe.
I’m just hoping I like the shrimp(boiled) without the ketchup in my sauce. I was happy when I saw the horesradish had nothing in it that would hurt me.
Sherrie OMG I was so selfish in our earlier conversation and I am so sorry I never mentioned how completely proud of you that I am. WTH 18.8 WOOHOO ATA GIRL :)You need to put your chin up, breast out, tummy in and girl stand proud WOOT WOOT.
🙂 Mary
Sherrie I wrote you a message but it has that awaiting modification thing again so keep your eye out for it. The 1 I was trippin on the other day finally cleared and posted so I assume this too will. Take care love and keep up the good work
Mary
Mary, I saw one where you had written earlier today, and I responded after that one. Did you get my e-mail address off here where you can e-mail me?
I did just eat a few durkee fried onions, there isn’t any sugar in them but there are a few carbs. Sure hope it doesn’t keep me up sick all night again. I guess there could be worse things to eat, like chocolate.
Other than that, I’ve done really good today, I had my salad with grilled chicken and an orange for lunch, and I think for dinner, since I ate those onions, I will eat another salad with a hard boiled egg on it. Maybe that will keep me under my calories for the day
I have been wondering, since we only get coffee/tea in the morning, why we have to take drops then, but until I find that out, I will continue doing that.
Hope you all have a great rest of the day. This is the hardest time of the day for me on dieting. 🙁
Sherrie,
I actually posted another 1 after apologizing for being so selfish and not recognizing your great news about the 18.8 and plateau. 18.8 is such a great accomplishment considering whats been going on. I am very proud of you for sticking it out.
As for the onion things I don’t think I’d do that again and your right about dinner and staying within your calories.Don’t forget to count the onion things 🙂
Mary
Sherrie,
It looks as though my missing message has now showed up hahahahahahaha. I don’t know what the hecks going on with that?????? lol
Mary
LOL Mary, you are a nut. You need to move to SC, we would have a blast together. I only ate a hard boiled egg and 2 bites of breakfast steak, I was afraid otherwise I would go over on calories(even though the durkee fried onions don’t have many calories in them). I figured I may get hungry later but oh well, I’ll just drink a big glass of sweet tea(with stevia) 🙂 I got my 1/2 gallon of water plus one 20 oz bottle of water that I put some lemonade (0 calories/sugar)in. Sometimes that’s the only way I can get all that water down me. I think I’m more sick of water than I am chicken(if that’s possible) LOL
Hi, everyone I just started the HCG diet It was hard to get through the Fatty foods for 2 days, cause I usually eat alot of Non fat foods and alot of bread LOL. So far I am on my second day of eating the 500 calorie plan, so far so good But I did have a diet soda today, I was reading some hcg sight that said it was ok to drink in small amounts, anyone else try this? and did it make a difference in the weight loss? Well congradulations to all of you on your weight losses I hope I get to be as successful as all of you. Keep up the good work and if you have any input for me please let me know
Also I was adding up my chicken 2 apples and 2 veg’s and Melba toast it only adds up to 418 calories what should I do add a bigger fruit and more veg’s and also when they say melba toast does that mean 3pcs, cause that is what the pkg says a serving is and is that what We are to go by Serving sizes? sorry for all the ?’s but I am new to this and have been reading several HCG diets and some say different things.. Thank you
Hey Robyn
I only eat 1 piece of melba toast when I do eat it. It’s 20 calories
Also, try doing one apple day and then for your other meal a different fruit
I read where you can have 2 diet drinks a day. I will occasionally have one, but usually just drink black coffee, sweet tea(made with stevia) or plain water or water with crystal light added.
You are okay as long as you stay below 500 calories.
Good luck on the diet
Sherrie
Alright what the heck happen to our blog??????
Welcome Robyn and may I just say you’ve made a good choice on this (diet) new healthier way of living. If you’re doing 2veggies, 2proteins and 2 fruits well and the toast thing and still aren’t reaching 500 I have been advised to up your amount of the veggie you are eating. It does end up lots of veggie but you’ll get use to it and you definitely need it.
Well talk to you soon and never hesitate to ask questions we are all in this together and we all started on day 1 just like you 🙂 hahahaha I am actually only on day 15 and still have questions all the time.
Mary
Good morning
Well, I have decided I’m going to do the diet 6 weeks instead of 12. I will take my drops until Monday(May 3) then stay on vlcd Tues, Wed and Thurs. Eat everything(starting friday) for 3 weeks(other than sugar and carbs), then start adding sugar and carbs after 3 weeks. My question is, when you start adding sugar and carbs, how many do you add and how gradually? I think I’m going to stay on a 1400 calorie day diet and going to try and continue eating my salads with no dressing, as I really don’t mind them like that. Now, to research to see how to do P3.
Mary, I’m down exactly 19 lbs today, tomorrow is my one month mark. I have decided after I’m done, I’m going to see if I can continue losing the weight I have left, which I’m figuring will be around 34 or 35 lbs. If I see I’m stalling in p3, will do the steak/apple day, and if I can’t continue getting it off by myself, I will go back on the drops for 6 more weeks. I think I would have been a lot less likely to ever cheat on it if I would have just settled with 6 weeks over 12 to begin with.
Hope you had a good loss this morning..
Good morning!
Well I am down another pound this morning 🙂
Sherrie, I would encourage you to only do 6 weeks at a time. Also, maintenance is NOT the time to lose. It is the time to set your metabolism and give your body time to balance out. 1500 calories is recommended. You will gain if you go too low or too high. This is the time to figure out what works. Adding good fat to your salad dressing, olive oil, or buttermilk ranch, is highly recommended.
Please, read the program again, so you maintain your weight for life!
Debbie
Hey Debbie
I can’t find where to go to see what to do for phase 3, nor can I find how to finish the 30 some pounds I will have left to lose. I also need to find somewhere on how slowly to start adding back starches, etc after the 3 weeks. This is getting harder and harder
Sherrie,
I’m really sorry for stepping in here but in P3 it is of utmost importance not to go past the 2 lb mark upper or LOWER. This is the phase that sets your metabolism according to protocol. You must maintain within that 2 lb range of your last dose weight. So if your last dose in Monday, that is the weight you must stay within 2 lbs of. Steak day is only for if you go over the 2 lbs. If you are losing you must increase your calories. Again sorry for stepping.
Thanks Cindy!
Absolutely Sherrie. That’s what I said earlier.
I am on the shots. The company I buy them thru provides total support on each phase.
Don’t you have any diet plan that came with your drops? You can find and reach the protocol online also.
Setting you weight, is the most important step! Now, after 6 weeks off, you can start another round of the diet. Then again, go thru maintenance etc. It’s all part of the plan.
Debbie
I found P3 the hardest and scariest.
For me, we have a green light food list. I follow that, watch the calories, add back in the good fats, dairy, etc.
But this phase has SO much leeway… makes me nervous. And, it is the most important phase
Hey ya’ll,
I am only down 14.4 lbs total and today is day 16 🙁 i’m not pleased with that at all although I do hold my expectations quite high.
On an up note, way to go Sherrie and like the others girl you might want to read up some more for p3 just to be safe.
Also congrats to everyone on all the success.
Cindy I haven’t heard much of you the last few days, I hope all is well with you. i was wanting to ask you if you ever did the 40 day deal and if so how much did you lose?
You know I am still not boweling regular and I mean to tell you THAT is indeed the only part of this I really am unhappy with. Also if I could be regular I know my numbers would be better. Does anyone have a take on that? I eat cabbage nearly everyday and before I started this I am sure it attributed to my regularity.
Hope your all having a blessed day
Mary
No Cindy, thanks for answering. I just have so many questions, and don’t know where to find the answers. So, if I have more weight to lose, do I do it after those 3 weeks, or do I have to do another round of this 6-8 weeks after I’m done this time?
Oh ya and does anyone know if there is an actual food list for p3 as well as a sample diet plan, if so where would I find that?
Thanks, Mary
Hey Mary, you are doing great. Remember, it’s not realistic to keep losing a pound a day, your body has to catch up. Besides, you don’t have all that much to lose, so it will slow down. Not having a bm is probably what is causing you not to lose like you want. Go to pounds and inches, and Dr Simeons says on there what to do if you get constipated.
Keep up the good work
Mary, your loss is great! Focus on the positive. What other diet would have you lose that much.
On regularity, you can take magnesium. Not too much, lol
On P3 food list, don’t you have any instructions with your drops? The company provide support??
I am on injections. We follow things to a T. And the plans are different, drop/shot. I’ve done both.
On injections, we need to wait 6 weeks in between rounds to prevent hcg immunity.
This round, I am also skipping my hcg injection one day a week.
Debbie
Debbie,
hi and thanks for the boost although I have a pretty high goal set for my 40 day journey.
As for much info with my drops well the distributor is local and no not much info. I do have her number but that doesn’t work for me nearly as well as this blog and all of you here. I had been hearing about pounds and inches but I assumed it was the original manuscript from Dr. S and well after Sherrie suggesting it I googled it and its not the manuscript I was e-mailed from my distributor which just thumbing through briefly seems like its going to be a great tool for me. Now the irregularity I’ve had since the beginning I correct with a water flush but thanks for the input. I am wondering if everyone has it. Some have said it passes and I’ve read its regular to not go for 4 days WOWE WHAT THE HECK is all I can even say about that. If I skip 2 day which I have since the beginning I’m flushing and just finding myself wondering if all that flushing is good for me.
Ah hell thanks for letting me vent I do find now that thats all I’m fretting about.
Well talk to you later
Mary
URGENT for anyone thats on here
I have some mocha coffee grounds that I got from Gevalia and although I dont know the ingredients nor will they tell me?????? weird but do you think I can get away with drinking it?????????
Mary
No, I got mine on ebay. I had asked them to send me some of the stuff I needed to know, so they sent it and I downloaded it. But somehow it got deleted from my computer so I’m lost
Mary, call their toll free number and ask them for the ingredients
the number is 1-888-438-2542
Hi Sherrie, was it you that said you knew someone that we could call with questions about HCG? if so is this a person also in the medical field? i believe the persons name was Ann and if so I took the number down and called it today but it was a fax machine line,If I am on the right track do you have another number for her?
Mary
I read toward the beginning of this blog where someone was eating zucchimi. Does anyone know if thats allowed?
mary
No Mary, I didn’t have a number for anyone to call and ask questions, I sure wish I did though, as I have a lot of questions on p3, and I need all the answers in another week 1/2.
I’m kind of confused, as right now we don’t do carbs or sugar, yet when we go on the p3, it says no starch’ or sugar. Is starch and carbs the same thing? I guess this is where a nutritionist will come in handy.
Sherri,
In an earlier post you had given your email addy to Mary. If you would like I can send you a Quick Reference Guide to P3. I don’t remember what website I downloaded it from but it explains P2 and any other rounds you might do, to include how long to go between each round.
Mary,
As I have stated in prevouse posts, I have done 23 day round on Homeopathic, lost 14 lbs and a 31 day round on real HCG, lost 17 lbs. In P3 now until Friday, start P4 and going to do a clease for 2 wks then start round 3. I’m not sure how long round 3 will be but I have enough HCG to mix for a 40 day round. I will admit I am starting to get tired of watching everything I eat and put on my skin. I really want to be free of most of that for the summer months.
You also asked about coffee, its coffee and it is allowed in all phases.
Keep up the good work everyone.
Cindy, what do you put on your skin. I have been looking , but everything seems to have oil, etc.
Joyce,
What phase are you in and what type of HCG are you taking?
Cindy , Day 10, first round, 500 calorie. I lost 11 pds so far . Last few days not do to well. But I am using homopathic this time. But I will be changing to real HCG on 2nd round [planning ahead] . I have 40 -50 pds to lose. My skin is extremely dry. Any imput would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Thanks Cindy. Yes, I would love that. If you can put something in the subject line like from Cindy as most likely it will go to my spam folder It’s stratman397@aol.com
Thanks again
Joyce
Sounds like you and me must have been about the same size. I have been on the vlcd for one month tomorrow. Today I was down exactly 19 lbs. I have 39 left to go now.
Cindy, when you do p4, that’s for 3 weeks, then you start adding back sugar and starch after that, then can you try and start losing on your own, or do you have to go back on the drops to finish the rest of the weight loss? Is this something each individual decides on?
Sherri,
My wife and I have been through the diet 2 times with injections–one 40 day and one 23 day. Phase 3 is confusing. I’ll try to help. First, the weight goal, as some of you have said, is plus/minus 2# of the weight of the day of the last dose of HCG (no matter what form of HCG you are taking). Maintain your water intake. The basic rules are you can eat everything you ate during the VLCD PLUS fats and oils. No starches or sugars. Sugar is anything ending in “-ose.” Dextrose, maltose, sucrose (common old table sugar), fructose, etc. Also, be aware that fruit juices, honey and the like have tremendous amounts of sugar in them. Watch out for wording like “refined cane juice.” The food industry goes to extremes to disguise the sugar content of their foods. I found a website with over 50 synonyms for “sugar.”
Starches and sugar are both chemically “carbohydrates.” However, starch is just long-chain, complex sugar. Starch is found in ALL grain products: wheat, rice, corn, quinoa, etc; ALL seeds: pecans, walnuts, almonds, etc, etc. Also, you will find it to be a mjor component of white potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes, and similar vegetables.
OK, So what does that leave? It leaves an increase in the protein component of your diet; it leaves green leafy vegetables; it leaves fermented milk products (liquid milk has lactose in it); it leaves all fats and oils (such as butter, cream -in moderation, olive oil, eggs, macadamia nut oil, flax oil, to mention a few. Stay away from margarine, or any hydrogenated fat–they contain trans fatty acids.
Finally, you will be taking your calorie intake to 1200 to 1500. Weigh yourself every morning, log what you eat and adjust as necessary. I might point out that most fats and oils are around 100 C per tablespoon.
Questions that I might be able to help with? Post them here. Although we are not on the diet at the present, I still monitor and read the postings on this blog-site.
Good lucK to everybody; stick with it. Harvel
Joyce,
I have found a shampoo and conditioner by Dove, go fresh therapy, cucumber & green tea. I didn’t see any “oil” added but some could be hidden so I do use sparingly. I also use Aloe Vera Gel mixed into my conditioner to get it some extra oomph. I use only Ivory Soap on my face and body. To moisturize I use sparingly a lotion called “Corn Huskers Lotion”. It has no oil, again I mix Aloe Vera Gel for added benefit. I found some store brand face moisturizer with no oil, which I added Pure Aloe Vera, not the gel this time.
In round 2 I found I stalled when I used products with oil but I didn’t in round 1. The first thing I did in P3 was to slather my body and face with lotion. I do so every day not looking forward to my next round.
I hope some of this helps.
Cindy, Thanks it does . I will look for those products. I am excited what I lost so far. I noticed , my slacks are looser around waist, Yeah
Sherri,
3 wks P3 and 3 wks P4. P4 is where you start to slowly add in sugars and carbs. I have not done P4 yet. I went from P3 of round 1 right back into the VLCD for round 2.
Joyce,
That’s great, keep it up. I saw my biggest difference in round 2 on the real HCG. In round 1 I stayed in the same size but round 2 I dropped from a size 16 to what I’m in now 10-12.
Harvel,
I read your take on p3 and was wondering, would it be safe to say in p3 you could be safe just eating the same stuff you were in p2 just bigger portions cooked possibly in real butter and maybe some eggs from time to time?
Also I’m on the 40 day drops plan so I was wondering, if I decided to do the 20 something plan after how would I do it? on this 40 day stretch I am done with p3 17 days before my 6 week layover ends. Do you think I could skip the 17 days and just start back up on drops and vlcd the day my p3 ends or do I really need to wait the full 6 wks?
Mary
Hi ya’ll,
I am happy to say that my hubby came home from work and looked over my numbers and found that I had made an error in my adding. Instead of 14.4 that I had shared this morning my actual weight lost is 15 lbs in 16 days 🙂
Between the fractions in weight lost and the counting of calories and the choice of foods and whatever else comes up I tend to get a bit scrambled. Thank goodness for my supportive blog buddies and my dear supportive hubby.
Thanks to all of you for everything 🙂
Mary
Thank you Harvel
I do have another question. I will be finishing my drops on May 3rd, so will do p3 on the 4th through 6th. The 7th I will start p4. I know to try and maintain my weight (within 2 lbs) for 3 weeks. After that I can start adding the other things(starch, sugar), but if I have 30 some pounds left to lose, do I try and do it on my own after p4 or wait about 6-8 weeks from May 7th and then do the drops again?
I read on one of the sites, where you can use any shampoo and conditioner you want as long as you rinse it out well. It also gives a list of makeups you can use. I do still use my mascara occasionally if I’m going anywhere.
Tomorrow is 1 month on the vlcd, I will post in the morning. Keep your fingers crossed, I have one pound to hit my 20 lb mark!
Mary, that’s FANTASTIC
It’s good your hubby is so supportive. Mine is in a way, he will go grill my chicken every 3 nights for me(LOL). I think he wants to support me, but he will say things like I can’t wait until you can eat what I’m eating again, etc. etc. The thing is, my hubby is built really nice, other than maybe 5 extra pounds in the stomache. But, he has never said anything about my weight, other than he loves me no matter what size I am. I want him to support me and say I need to lose for my health.
One of my internet friend’ hubby is a nutritionist, so she’s going to have him read inches and pounds in the next few days and then she will get back to me and let me know what he says about p4(as far as what I need to eat).
Cindy, I don’t know how you do it. I want to be able to get my carbs/ sugars added back in to my diet before I have to go back on the dreaded 6 weeks again. I’m hoping I can finish up on my own, if not, the next time around I will make sure I enjoy my loading days. That is another question I have, I loaded 2 days, I see some call for 3 days, what did y’all do?
Sherri,
Your P3 will start on May 7th until May 28th, then you will go into P4 for another 3 wks. P4 is where you start to add in sugar and carbs. From June 18th on you can restart the drops with load day and do the whole thing again.
Sherri,
I want to be done with dieting. I tried it on my own most of my life and ended up at my heaviest weight ever. I only plan on 1 more round then I am done. I will be very happy with my weight at that point.
OMG, I am so lost. I thought p1 was the 2 days of loading, p2 is what we’re on now, p3 is the 3 days of no drops and staying on vlcd and p4 was where we eat everything but the starch/sugar. LOL I give up! I’m so lost
I lost a lot on diet pills before(phentermine). I kept it off for over a year walking everyday and eating everything and anything. I lost 60 lbs in 3 mos on it. Well, once I quit walking all the weight started coming back on. I’m like you, I’m tired of dieting all my life, life is too short to have to diet all the time. LOL
Okay, I just re-read, I see now where Cindy said p4 was where you start adding in the other stuff. I guess you do that for 3 weeks then go back on the vlcd if you’re going to continue with the diet..??
I found it, YAHOO!!!
Remember I said the place I had gotten my drops did e-mail me some stuff I had asked for? Well, I thought I’m going to check my recycle bin, and low and behold, there it was. It has all the answers I was looking for and also pounds and inches, where I was even able to find my ideal weight! I’m happy now!!
Mary, if you need this, I can send them to you but they’re downloads and you’d have to send me your e-mail
Cindy, it sounds like you have been on this diet forever, and I can see where you would want to just be done with it. You are doing really well and sticking with it to a T. I commend you!
Mary,
Your idea of enlarging the vlcd portions and adding some butter and a few eggs is within protocol. Don’t forget, you can eat things like mayonaise and avocados during Ph3. and bacon to go with those eggs. But, remember, no toast. If you went the full 40 days on HCG, I would recommend going the full 6 weeks without HCG to be sure any resistance is gone completely.
Harvel
Sherrie,
I think you have confused the last three days of vlcd following the use of HCG with Ph 3. Those final 3 days of vlcd are still part of Ph2 are to get the HCG out of your system before you go to Phase 3. Phase 3 lasts for 3 weeks. Then you go to Phase 4 (Which, if you are not going back on the diet, will last for the rest of your life.).
Like the answer to Mary’s question, if you took HCG for 40 days, I would wait the full 6 weeks before starting again. However, I don’t know if there is any compelling reason to go into a formal Phase 4 (adding starches and sugars) for the final 3 weeks if you are planning to go back on the HCG/vlcd. Unless, of course, you might like a piece of toast to go with the ham and eggs in the morning; it’s allowed in Phase 4.
Harvel
Hey Harvel
I want to make sure if I have do go back to phase 2, that I can go to phase 1 first, as last time I didn’t eat everything I should have for my load days(I want pizza, I want chocolate). If I go straight from p3 to phase 2 again, then I can’t have loading days again, plus on phase 4, I really want to try to lose the rest on my own. I haven’t quite decided for sure what I’m going to do yet.
Mary, on the papers I got with my drops I looked under vegetables, and you can have 1/2 cup zucchini and also 5 oz of tuna, if it’s albacore and in water
I weighed this morning(it was one month ago I started the vlcd) and I’m down exactly 20 lbs
YAY SHERRIE, WAY TO GO GIRL !!!!!!!! I knew you could do it 🙂 20 lbs is amazing and now you should see a whole new strength within you. I am so proud of you but really wasn’t doubting for a second. Well my advice for you today is, chin up-chest out-belly in and work it girl WOOT WOOT lol
Mary
Hi ya’ll,
I hope everyone had a great weigh in this morning.
Myself I lost .8 lbs today which puts me at 15.8 on day 17.
You know I noticed that other then my face I’m not seeing much on the measuring end of things. I’ve lost pounds but not so much in the way of inches which seems odd to me. My face looks alot skinnier but the rest hmmm. I was wondering if anyone else has noticed that and would love some take on this issue.
Also as you all probably know by reading my posts the bm issue has been just that for me and so far I have been doing water flushes (enemas of warm water) to solve my situation. My question to that is, could that be harmful?
Well I hope everyone has a blessed happy earth-Thursday
Mary
Congrats Mary! I was also down .8 this morning, making my total so far, 21 in 71 days 🙂
Water flushes, omg. That freaks me out. I have this issue also but take a 1/4t. magnesium a day and it is gone. Or, can wait the days and then take smooth move. Both are VERY mild but work.
I’m surprised you aren’t noticing inches. I notice more inches, that the weight.
Hope everyone has a great day!!
Debbie
I meant 17 days, not 71. Thankfully!
You guys are doing great. I feel like 20 lbs is nothing compared to the 2 of you. Oh well, I’m sure you two haven’t cheated, and I have 2 times(maybe 3). I always get right back on it though, which is tough sometimes.
I haven’t noticed much anywhere on me Mary(losing). But I have measured my waist and it’s down 1 1/2 inches, even though I can’t tell that either. Seems like everyone can always tell on our weight losses except for us.
Keep up the great work!! I haven’t had any issues with bm’s. I don’t know if the water flushes are good for you or not, maybe once or twice, but not everyday. Can you not take metamucil? Read the ingredients, I’m not sure if there is sugar in it or not. Have you been drinking plenty of plain water? I don’t know what to tell you girl
Sherrie,
Yes, you have to go all the way back to Ph1–for three days you can eat to your heart’s desire. If it doesn’t eat you first, you can eat it. There is no need to indulge in moderation for those first three days of taking HCG. In fact, those days are very important since they assure that the essential fatty deposits in your body are stuffed full.
Losing weight in Ph4 would be normal dieting however you might want to do it. One suggestion I read by the doctor (a cardiologist) who wrote the South Beach Diet is to take your target weight, multiply it by 13 or fewer calories per pound and that would be the amount of calories for weight loss. Of course, you would want to remove as much starch and sugars from your diet as you feel comfortable with. I have looked at the South Beach diet and it makes sense to me as something to follow for the rest of my days.
For example, if the target weight is 140#x 13, the target daily caloric intake would be 1820 or less.
Wow, Harvel, my target weight is 138, that means like almost 1800 calories a day, I am afraid I would gain weight like that. The only exercise I get is 1-2 miles of walking a day.
I think I’m going to have to stay around 1400 the rest of my life. Not sure how I’m going to do my diet after this. I have done so well the last two days, that I would kind of like to keep on p2 until I hit another plateau. The less I have to lose when I’m done with this, the better.
I do wish my friend would have gone off the drops by now. She’s been on this diet(the 750 calories though) since November 7th, has never hit a plateau yet and is down I think 80 or more pounds now. I have told her before that she shouldn’t have been on those drops for almost 6 mos straight now, but she won’t listen. I’m afraid she’s going to have a hard time doing p3 after this.
Thanks for getting back to me Harvel, it’s always nice to get input from someone that has done this diet.
How much did you lose on this diet, have you been able to keep the weight off, and if so, how long have you kept it off?
Oh, one other thing. When I loaded before, I thought it was 2 days of loading(that’s what I had read somewhere), so I loaded on a Saturday and Sunday and then started the vlcd on that Monday. I wish I would have known then it was 3 days, I would have had that pizza and some donuts. 🙁
Hi All, wow everyone seems to be doing great. Mary I also have same problem { BM} big time. I just went and purchased Smooth Move. Someone in earlier discussion recommended it . Hope it works. Just to confirm P2 is VLCD . P3 Is higher calories , no sugar or starches for 3 weeks am I correct?
Joyce, that is correct. Then after the 3 weeks on p3, you go to p4 over the next 3 weeks and start slowly adding back the starch’ and sugar
Sherrie,
My wife and I started the end of last June. We went through a 40 day and a 23 day course. We used injcetable HCG because I felt the dosage would be more precise. We travelled over the holidays so we finished the second Ph3 the week before Thanksgiving. When we got back home the first of January we started in again. I lost 61 pounds, going from 268 to 207. I gained back about 5 pounds over the holidays. Then, 2 days into the third round, on Jan 2nd, I ended up in the hospital for cardiac issues at the age of 67 (a mild heart attack). The doctor sent me home with four stents in my cardiac arteries. Well, to make a long story short, if you want to gain weight: stop smoking, sit around the house feeling sorry for yourself and eating comfort food. That will do it every time.
On that “weight gain program” I have gained back about half of what I had lost. Not all that bad. I believe that had I not lost the weight, the cardiac thing could have been much worse and I would now weigh somewhere just north of 290. I still very much believe in the HCG protocol and when I get control of my cholesterol (either with diet or meds), I plan to do the whole thing again.
Harvel
You probably got more than you expected.
Hi Debbie,
It appears we are both on day 17 and dang it you’ve lost 21 lbs WTH? I’m on day 17 and have ONLY lost 15.8 🙁 If this is correct i want to know what the heck you are doing different from me? I’m doing homeo drops with amino acid 3 x a day and drinking 128 oz of water everyday along with a little coffee and alot of hot green tea. I do the water flush every other or every 2 days depending on how I feel. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me your details including average daily menu if we really are both on day 17. Also is this your first round and what are your inches lost looking like? I started at 173 the day before vlcd and am shooting for 135 OR BETTER by day 40, you?
Well can’t wait to hear back from you.
Thanks Harvel for the info.
Sherrie,
My email is chamorita63 @gmail.com and I would love to see what reading material your talking about. The pounds and inches I found yesterday on the web and I have Drs manuscript but anything else you might think would be helpful to me I would love to see. By the way I was short on calories for the day so as usual I up”d my veggie amount which just so happen to be zucchini and so i ended up eatind 4 cups of chopped zucchini, I hope I didn’t over due it. I’ve also had to do the same with grapfruit and eat a whole instead of half. Boy I hope I’m not pressing my luck.
and Joyce girl that bm thing sucks big time and I believe it is my lack of bigger weight loss numbers. Let me know what you think and how you actually take (amount, when, how often…)that smooth move because I am getting really nervous about the water flushes. It seems like it would be going against nature but at this point it is whats working. Also include your stats if you don’t mind like how far along you are, what your taking, how its workin’ for you numbers wise….
Wow sorry this was so long but I hope I didn’t miss anyone and i hope I don’t get awaiting moderation 🙂
Mary
I have a question , I am using homopathic . When the drops first hit under tongue I have a slight Burny/tingling sensation. Does anyone else have that or do I have something in there that shouldn’t be there.
Joyce,
I too have the homeo drops + amino acid and mine doesn’t do that, hmmmm
Mary
Hey Harvel
Wow!! Actually I did quit smoking almost 7 mos ago(with no help)after smoking for 20 years. My hubby quit the end of December on his own and he had smoked for 36 years. I’m glad you’re okay.
I worry about my 25 year old son. He’s 6’4″ but he weighs over 300 lbs. He does have some muscle as he works for interstate batteries and is lifting on batteries all day long, but, in his belly, he has a lot of fat. I sure don’t want him having a heart attack. I wanted him to try this diet, but his g-friend(who just finished nursing school for LPN said no way is he going on that. She’s one of these that knows everything and you can’t tell her any different. I would rather him be on this diet than to lose him at an early age from heart disease
Mary, On VLCD now for 11 days, I lost 12 pds. I am very pleased. Have tried everything under sun, but nothing worked like this. I stalled [ no BM fo a week ] for 2 days [0 pds 1 day and gained the next] and then I used a natural product [pills] Got me back on track. I will let you know how smooth move works. Its a tea bag , will use tonite and let you know. I am also taking homopathic. I was told by someone outside this site, that you [we]will lose on homopathic, but it will not help set internal clock. I don’t know if true. If anyone has info on that, I would appreciate.
Mary:
I had to laugh at what you wrote to Debbie. Everyone is going to lose at a different rate. The beauticians daughter is down 40 lbs in 2 1/2 weeks, but she started at around 330 pounds. You on the other hand don’t have a lot of weight to lose, so it is going to take you longer. 🙂 Look at me, I’m on day 31 and I’ve only lost 20. I think you will do better once you get yourself on track with the bm’s. I think on the zucchini and other veggies, as long as there is no carbs in it, you should be okay. The problem with the grapefruit is there are carbs and sugars in them, that’s why they only allow the 1/2 graperfruit.
Joyce
My drops did the same thing, some of them have more alcohol in them than some others do. I had the nurse behind me that is on the drops try mine, and she’s the one that could tell right off that was just more alcohol in it causing the burning. Mine don’t bother me as much anymore. I usually try and hold mine under the tongue for 2-3 minutes before swallowing also
Mary,
I will send you the info I got with my drops
Mary
I sent what I had on the diet!!
dang what is going on with this new blog thin? I can’t get to most recent posts to save my life unless I post something. its drivin me nuts and well I’ll probably drive ya’ll nuts cause I have to keep posting and things are going to get a little random hahahahahahaha
sorry gang but I want to see what everyones saying lol
Mary
Mary my blog does same thing. Sherrie could u send me info also I would appreciate any help.
joyce thanks and can’t wait to hear your take on it. i did research the water flush and it appears to be totally fine.
Sherrie,
Thanks for the email BUT as far as the some people have more to lose and do it faster thing NO I want to be the big numbers loser hahaha whine whine whine. i am trying to lose 38 pounds or more in 40 days thats pretty big numbers 🙂
Love ya girl your always there and I’m diggin’ it
Mary
Sherrie I eat an apple nearly everyday and if I don’t I have cabbage that day WTH? I actually just looked up the water flush and it appears to be find it also helps to hydrate you although with a gallon of water I can’t see that being a problem. So what else on our list has alot of fiber and please don’t say broccoli cause that makes me burp like a bar dude hahahaha I’m talking big, huge, loud , holy wow was that me kinda burps lol
Mary
LOL Sure Joyce, but I don’t have your e-mail so, where do I send it too? :)Humm, my blog isn’t doing that, I sign on to davidwallace.com/2008/10/hcg-diet-calorie-counter/
and it goes right to the posts towards the bottom of the page.
Mary
LOL I have 38 yet to lose and I just hit the 20 lb mark. Slow it down g-friend!
Love you too..:)
Mary
You are a nut. I’m responding to this blog as I read.
Anyway, are you leaving the peeling on your apple? If not, leave it on, you get more fiber that way. I really don’t know what foods we eat have a lot of fiber, remember, we’re not eating too much food and the ones that have high fiber, we’re not allowed to eat. Just drink water and eat them apples. LOL
Sherri, my email joycereitz@comcast.net. I have to lose about another 40. Our numbers are quite similar. Only, I lost 12 pds so far.
Joyce,
This is from a web site I found, you asked about homeopathis and reseting your clock:
I want to take this opportunity to alert you to the increased attention on homeopathic hCG of late. I have investigated this tantalizing concept, but, unfortunately, it just doesn’t seem to pan out. You see, the primary law of homeopathy is to use substances that would cause the symptoms one is experiencing in a healthy person, but will alleviate those same symptoms when given in a homeopathic dilution. For example, if my symptoms produce an effect on me similar to a tarantula’s bite, then tarantula venom would be my homeopathic treatment, even though I’ve not actually been bitten by a tarantula.
hCG is a hormone, similar to estrogen & progesterone. No one would think homeopathic birth control pills a feasible alternative! We know that the body requires a given quantity of molecular hormone to produce a given effect.
In addition, the measurement of success of hCG is not weight reduction, which
studies have shown that a VLCD without hCG results in similar rates as those using hCG, though I have yet to see consistent results from homeopathic hCG comparable to actual hCG.
The proven advantage of hCG is the body being prevented from consuming it’s own protein & structural fat during VLCD, meaning the metabolism stays intact. This
does not happen when one loses weight on a VLCD without hCG. Given the evidence, this is the touchstone of whether any other type of hCG administration is successful.
So please be wary of the promotion of homeopathic hCG. As tempting as the prices and simplicity may be, there is no real evidence that it will give you the same results as pharmaceutical grade hCG and I do not recommend it, especially since the most likely consequence will be to further skew the hypothalamus!
P3
Quick question for anyone that has been to p3, can we have yogurt coated raisins on p3??? I sure hope so!
Velma, thanks for the info. Can you share site where u found that.
Wow so I get all the posts on my blackberry although I have to use the real computer to respond and then I have to post something to see all the previous posts dang this is crazy hahahahahaha
mary
WOW Velma I just read your take on homeo and if you could just break it down a little bit so I can understand it I would be greatful WOW I am so interested in whatever that said but I didn’t get it at all. I too am on homeopathic hcg amino acid and would love to understand your take on it.
Mary
sherrie,
Ha we crack me up. when we finally get our lives in order girl were going to need to get together and ah hell have salads hahahahahaha.
I do eat the skin although I don’t like it I always eat it and well water is definitely not an issue. I’m going to see what Joyce thinks tomorrow about the smooth move and if it works and its fast working girl I will be all about that. On a normal note my whole life I was everyday unless I took iron pills, oh man those will kill me :0 but really everyday forever and this is not something I am willing to get use to. If I dont go for 32 to 48 hours I start feeling really icky, i close in like a snail and well I just feel full of sh.. hahahaha. I’ve read alot about the water thing and haven’t found any negatives but water thing for 40 days, oh man. They say a very healthy colon goes every time they eat now I wasn’t that healthy but everyday versus every week oh no thats not me at all.
Mary
Hi Mary,
You are too funny. This is my second time on hcg. I maintained my weight till December, when it began creaping back. I quit smoking Oct. 20th. Dieted while quitting for 6 weeks and had to stop that. Crabby all the time.
So, I gained some of the weight over that time, then a bunch on a cruise. What I have found with hcg, is the sooner you diet after the gain, the faster it comes off. If you’ve been at this weight a long time, it goes slower.n I believe that is the reason for the faster loss for me. It was not like that the first time. I am 10 pounds away from my lowest weight yet..
I can tell you my diet that I use most days:
I have 1/2 apple for breakfast, 1/2 apple for snack, for lunch (almost always cause I love it) i have the chicken soup with a breast of chicken (and the veggie varies) celery, cabbage, cucumbers etc, strawberries for a snack, and protein and veggies for dinner.
I have stuck to this from day one. I do like grapefruit etc but figure that till I am sick of what I’m having, I will go with that.
Now, for me, if I have beef at dinner, my loss is under .6. If I do fish, always over a pound, and if I have chicken, varies .6 to 1 pound. Odd, but I write everything down and I do notice.
I also add in 4 melba rounds and salsa on days my calories are below 450. I ideally like my calories at 475.
I always drink my gallon of water, and I never cheat. Never. I am so good at sticking to things though… not just diets. I have found sparkling water and lemon juice and stevia, or orange stevia, grape and awesome way to get some water down.
I do have some good recipes that I’ve used. Do you have those? Taco salad, salad dressings, etc
Oh Mary,
A bit more. Smooth Move is great. Gentle but works. Also magnesium. Good for you also.
I do take supplements. Vitamin E, Coral calcium and digestive enzymes.
Good for you too!
But, I was told that calcium is the most important of all. That the fat hcg uses, is disposed into our bladder and the calcium binds to it to sink it. All the water is to flush out the fat burned so we don’t reabsorb it.
The digestive enzymes are always good to take, a probiotic. Good on a tough diet like this to get the most use of the food we eat.
So, I hope this all helps. Do try Smooth Move. I’ve tried capsules (i take 2-3 at bedtime) and they have tea.
Good luck!
It was recommended to me about Calcium/Mag. and probotics, So I went and got some today. Makes sence if you think about what we are not eating. Went shopping today , first time since I am on diet. Boy was all the food vendors tempting. Proud to say , I just breathed in real deep, to smell the aromas . That doesn’t count, does it? Haha
What state are you in Mary? If we get together, you’ll have to come to SC unless you live somewhere really neat. LOL
I’m still not having any problems with going to the bathroom(TG). I feel I’m actually doing much better on this diet.
I really don’t drink all the plain water I should be. I started out doing 1/2 gallon a day(I did read you don’t need anymore than that). I got down 1 quart out of my 2 quart container of water today, but also got 2 more cups out of my bottled water(although I do put the wylers lemonade in that). I get way over 1/2 gallon though when I add my coffee and tea.
One question many people ask is, “Can’t I just take the oral (homeopathic) HCG drops for the HCG (Dr. Simeons’s or Kevin Trudeau’s) diet?” The answer is yes, you can but it is not real HCG that you are taking. Our HCG will test positive on a pregnancy strip and HCG drops will not. This is the best way to verify that you are taking real HCG
There is no such thing as Homeopathic (ORAL) real HCG – so if you are using it instead of REAL HCG on Dr. Simeons HCG Diet Protocol and are losing weight, it is because of the 500 calorie diet.
This means muscle is being lost, you are starving yourself, and will not enjoy permanent weight loss because your metabolic set point is not affected (you aren’t taking HCG!)
HCG is a HORMONE – So what is homeopathic HCG? Snake Oil!
Anyone can lose weight on a 500 calorie per day diet, but without real HCG you are losing muscle and structural fat. You will end up in a yo-yo diet cycle as your body makes adjustments for the reduced caloric intake by slowing its metabolism. Your weight loss will be short-lived, and you will put the weight back on with a vengeance.
Look: The HCG Diet works, but it works FOR A REASON, which is the effect that HCG has on your hypothalamus and other regulatory glands and systems (that, frankly, isn’t well understood).
Anyone selling Homeopathic HCG usually doesn’t understand this or they are just trying to get your money. If you are losing weight, or have lost weight with it congratulations, but don’t be surprised when you put all the weight back on.
Using real, natural HCG has the effect of burning ABNORMAL FAT while on the very low calorie diet and RESETTING YOUR METABOLISM when you finish Phase III of the diet protocol. We do not believe that anyone should buy oral HCG pills. There is no danger in taking them, but you should be aware of the other implications and results that can vary drastically from the injections. The reason is because the pills have to go through the entire digestive system to get to where they need to be. Up to 97% of the HCG can be killed by your digestive enzymes alone!
Sherrie,
Oh my heck S.C. girl thats real far i’m in Utah. hey so the weathers been real junk for 2 days so i’m not doing my outside chores and i decided tonight to ride my stationary bike, i was going to ride slow for 30 minutes till i realized I had only rode13 minutes and had gone 4 miles. Do you think thats over doing it?
Mary
VELMA, OH HOLY CRAP WHAT THE HELL ???????My distributor said the same thing you did but in a positive not negative out come backing her drops up. Girl I paid 120.00 for a 40 day and now my question to you is WHAT THE HELL DO I DO NOW ????? HOLY CRAP
Mary
Hey Mary, right there with you. Worse yet I paid $125.00 What DO we do now?
Velma,
Oh man I am freaking out. Is there an HCG in drop form that is the real deal? If the bottle just says HCG is it real because after I had purchased this stuff and took my first dose of what you say is actually snake oil I found another local lady selling HCG for 50.00 and her bottle did not say homeo on it. Girl please still be on here cause I am truly freakin the hell out.
Mary
CRAP would the fact that I’m possibly taking snake oil versus actual HCG be why I dont see much in inches lost? OH MY HELL someone PLEASE RESPOND AND TELL ME WHAT THE HELLS GOING ON
GANG SO SORRY ABOUT THE BAD WORDS I AM FREAKIN OUT
MARY
If what you are taking has a 6X 12X 30X it is not real hcg, you are not getting the true hormone and you are doing more harm than good to your body. It isn’t really snake oil but the results to your system are the same.
Real hcg does not come premixed.
Alright Velma, See if you can help me with this i have the bottle right here and it says the ingredients are human chorionicgonadotropin(hcg) 12x,30x,60x, panax quinquefolium 6x,12x l-leucine 6x, 12x, fucus vesiculosus 6x, 12x, arginine3x, 6x, 30x, l-carrnitine 3x, 6x, 12x, 30x, ornithine 12x, 30x, 60x, l-glutamic acid 6x, 30x, 60x. Its made in south jordan utah
Holy crap I’ll be up all night researching what the hell this is
I also called the distributor even though its late and her response was1st she advised to go to manufactors owners website ‘newhcgdrops.com’
then went on to say dont stress theres always crazy stuff that comes out once something is successful. competitors in the industry could have started this tidbit???????
Velma how do you know all this? I’ve heard LOTS of success on drops so whats your take on that?
Mary
Velma, Harm, what kind of Harm? Where do u get the “real HCG”
Mary, actually further back in blog, someone said something very similar
Well Joyce it looks like we lost her. I did send an email to the manufacture of my product and I assume I will hear from them tomorrow. I will indeed keep you posted also I will be researching all the ingredients in my stuff to see what they are. Man i hope this velma is legit and her facts are straight cause I woke my distributor up and live in a really tiny town. Also I am going to have a tough time sleeping without answers tonight. And dang it now I got a terrible headache.
Listen you get some rest and I will be following up on all this in the morning.
Mary
Check with u tomorrow
Can you use products on your skin that have oil? Lotions, beauty products or conditioners? Do you eat food items outside of the original food list? If you can then what you are using is not opening your abnormal fat cells to use as fuel the way real hcg does. Therefore you are not getting the extra fuel added to your daily calorie intake that is what makes this diet work. You will not get the sculpting benefits, inches lost or skin toning of the real thing. What is happening is you are losing structural good fats and muscle instead.
Anybody can eat 500 calories a day and lose a lot of weight, but for how long?
Sorry Velma, I have to disagree completely with you! That’s what I’m taking, I’m getting results, and mine does show up on the pg strips as “pregnant”. So, I know it has HCG in it. I think what you read is B.S. and since mine is working, I’ll be darned if I’m going to go pay 3-4 times as much for the stuff you say is “real”. Plus, I HAVE been on 500 calorie/day diets with using nothing and felt hungry and sluggish ALL the time(also dizzy) I have NOT ONCE felt like that using my drops!
Oh Mary, that is Hilarious, when I got in bed lastnight, I thought my luck she lives in Utah. Now talk about de ja vu.
The weather is always pretty good here!
Mary
Sorry Velma, but don’t believe a word of this. Some people are always trying to start things. I am having inch loss, I am NOT getting flabby anywhere. My stuff is working, I know from being on 500 calorie with no drops as I said before! the nurse behind me used the kind of drops I have, except from a different company, and she has kept her weight off. She just actually started round 2 again to finish getting her weight off. Don’t get freaked by the BS Mary
she probably works for the company that sells the “real” stuff. I think it’s hilarious myself. It doesn’t freak me out at all! Mary, we’re using the exact same thing, but I paid $33.50 for mine off e-bay
Now, today I stayed the exact same as yesterday. Think it had to do with drinking 3 big glasses of my sweet tea before bed? I did get up and pee twice during the night though.
Well, maybe tomorrow will be a 1 1/2 – 2 pound weight gain.
Oh Mary, another way to test your hcg, besides the pregnancy test that you can buy at the dollar store, try cheating even with a small milky way egg. If this wasn’t real hcg, then you wouldn’t screw up your weight for 3 days like I did. If I was on a 500 calorie diet and ate an extra (less than 200 calories), it would never have messed me up like it did while on this hcg
And one other thing, my friend that has lost the 80 lbs is taking real hcg, her list of foods has more on it than ours does(including Pork), more veggies and more fruits, she is using her normal makeup, deodorant, etc, she has still lost, so that’s more b.s
Anybody can eat 500 calories a day and lose a lot of weight, but for how long?
The answer is FOREVER, IF you continue to exercise. I did lose it like that before, and as long as I walked, I kept it off, it is when I quit walking that I gained it back, just like anyone that doesn’t stay on the HCG(Real or not) will gain it back if they ever go back to eating like they did. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that no brainer out.
Mary and Joyce, you are taking the right stuff, just remember, this diet was made up 50 years ago, they do do research and change things on diets just like they do everything else. Let all this mumbo jumbo go in one ear and out the other and continue what you’re doing, you’re both doing great!!
Velma,
I personally can a test that what you are attempting to do here will create problems on this blog. I tried to do the same thing on a smaller scale but was met with much resistance that I gave up. Trust me it isn’t worth the trouble and back lash you will get.
Good luck all on your weight loss.
I see what you mean. It isn’t worth it if that is the attitude you got here. I heard a saying once, “People are like cattle, they will follow the crowd and the path of least resistance, taking the easy way”.
So I guess all I can say is…………Wow and then whatever.
Well, maybe you don’t believe the drops work because you paid too much for your “real” stuff. 🙂
One other thing I would like to say Velma, is I have done the 500 calorie diets(without drops as I stated before). I have NEVER lost 9.2 lbs in 7 days before! The thing is, when you’re younger you lose easier than when you’re over 50(that’s a pretty proven fact). I did lose over 9 lbs the first week on this and I was probably eating more like 550 calories a day(if you figure in some of the no no’s I use). Anyway, when I was eating 500 calories when I was younger, I never went over the 500 for the day period, and the most I ever lost in a week was like 4 or 5 lbs.
I don’t mean to sound like a witch, but really, we don’t need people coming on here and stirring up problems for people that are doing great on their HCG drops. They are getting the results they’re looking for, and then people come on here and try to tell them they’re doing more harm to their bodies than good.
Hey everyone, lets not get our panties in a bunch. Everyone has an opinion and we as responsible adults, should and are able to express ourselves. We have the responsibilty to ourselves to research something as important as our health. Based on gleaning info from many resources, personal experiences from others and internet etc. , we must make the decision on what is right for us based on that info. What is right for one may not work for others. This is a great site , that is what is so wonderful about it , Many people from all over the country with similar problems, but with different takes on how to ,lets say repair the damage we did to ourselves. Lets continue to give our own personnel thoughts on this matter and then others can use it or research it more [ with web sites suggest from others etc.] and move on. Lets all work together cohesively, to make a better me and you. I appreciate all insites in the discussion of HCG overall. Thank You each and everyone for all the info you provide. To think that complete strangers can come together for this matter is Great. Thanks again
Exactly Joyce, but no one should come in and say this works and this is nothing more than snake venom. LOL
ALRIGHT VELMA,
Today’s a new day and after waking up people in the middle of the night because of the possibility’s YOU’VE put in my head. I would like to tell you that #1 I thank you very much but AM NOT INTERESTED in your “REAL” product. Being that every FACT that you were implying as OUR NEGATIVES I can completely turn into positive with my own as well as MANY other persons experience #2 it appears you have a lot of negative and the reason i entered this forum was because of all the positive people here so you might have stumbled on the wrong blog with all your negativity. If you would like I could do some searching for you and find a BASHERS BLOG where you would fit right in. As for this one my personal opinion is that it should be kept “NO NEGATIVITY ALLOWED” and #3 it seems to me that ANY person that has to bash another to make themselves or “THERE REAL PRODUCT” in this case look BETTER is really pretty LOW ON THE POLE IN MY BOOK and I believe there is something to BACK THAT FACT in the bible which I can guide you to if your interested.
Now with all that being said I thank you VERY MUCH for all the stress and VERY unnecessary actions your implications created me to have. You know it seems in this day and age that people should be more encouraging to others that are trying to better themselves. If you can SHOW actual FACT that the drops WILL cause HARM to my health then I would love to SEE IT otherwise God will not allow you to prosper while BASHING others to reach your goal. I am a firm believer in God and faith and with that I must say that he is my drive and I have the utmost faith that he will not allow me harm. Your implications created a reaction that is spoken of in the bible and not only were they able to cause me the issues I already spoke of but also to overlook my faith for a minute and well it does say that the devil comes to you in many forms.
I hope for you to reevaluate your goals and strategies because with out doing so any victory you may feel you have will be fraud and I would never wish that for you.
God bless you
Mary
Well it does seem that there are only a couple of open minded people on this site. The others are a rather nasty bunch.
Now back to what I really enjoy about our blog.
Hows everyone doing today? hope you all had a great weigh in this morning 🙂 I am down 2/10ths of a pound and inches in a couple of areas. As we approach the weekend I pray for everyone to have strength, have fun and have GREAT results
God bless you all and keep your eye on the prize 😉
Mary
Velma hunny there’s a bashers blog with your name all over it on the teen site my space.
God be with you
Hey all I know I haven’t been around much the last few days, life tends to get in the way of things. Not on Vacation any more. But anyway today is my last day on P3, tomorrow I start my cleanse for 2 wks then on to my next and last round. Yes I know P4 is 3 wks but since I only did 31 days on my last round I feel I can get away with it. I also don’t think I will be adding the sugar or carbs, or very much since I have not had cravings for them nor do I miss them in my diet. As I have said before I am just so tired of dieting. Where ever my weight ends up I will be happy with that and go into maintenance from then on.
I am really disappointed in people here.
Velma stated what she feels to be true. She provided the info. We each can accept that info or deny it but really, all the attacking, is disappointing.
If you don’t care for what she said, ignore it.
Me personally, have been on injections of Hcg and I’ve done drops. I have my opinions on it also but that’s for me.
Velma, thank you for sharing info you felt important. Like other things in life, people need to not overreact and be so sensitive.
Debbie
🙂 Happy Friday
Debbie,
Thank you for sharing your take things. I have learned a painful leason on speaking my mind and opinions in this forum. Trust me won’t happen again. It’s good to see that there are some that can be leave headed.
Thanks again.
Hi everyone, happy to report that I am down another full pound this morning after only loosing a few ounces for the past three days. I was concerned that I somehow ate something that I was not suppose to, but I have been extremely cautious so I don’t think that is the case.
Question for anyone who has done the diet before more specifically the drops, how much on average did you lose each day and week. I know everyone is different, but just curious since this is my second round, day 14 and I have only lost 9lbs. I am thrilled with that amount, but thought I would have lost more. I have definately been drinking enough water. Thoughts?
Keep up the great work everyone!
Velma, this is truly a great blog and I have learned so much. It has also kept me motivated and true to myself and this diet. I am proud to say that I have not cheated and part of it is because of the great comments on this blog so thank you everyone!
Debbie,
So sorry your feeling disappointed BUT the way it was taken by myself was not opinion but in a sense bashing. Perhaps I misunderstood but to say that I am like cattle and to say that I am harming myself when in fact its been medically proven that I am not and so on and so on was very out of line and defensive TO me. Although I did fall for it for a minute until I checked my own resources and it again wasn’t put out there as an opinion the way I read it. Yes we are in a country where we have a right to an opinion and I am all for that but that’s not the way I read it. I’ve never had a problem admitting my wrongs but just as you say she voiced her opinion well as did I.
Mary
@Sherrie,
Could you do me a huge favor? When you post, in the URL field, can you either link to a site or not? Reason I ask is most of your comments have had ‘http://hcgdiet’ in that field and as you notice, there is no ‘.com,’ ‘.org,’ or anything else. This creates a “broken link” on the site that our broken link plug-in finds.
I have since edited your comments to simply remove the incomplete URL. I don’t mind if you include a URL in that field but if you could just make sure it is complete. Example: http://hcgdiet.com.
Mucho thanks for your help as well as your many contributions here. 🙂
😉 sorry but this is the only way I can read current postings other then on my blackberry
Mary, the difference is… everyone jumped on Velma. I never saw her mention anyone by name.
And, having been on both drops and shots, I may tend to agree with her. I lost the same on both, but maintaining… that was definitely better and easier on shots. My experience. Which is why I would rather pay a little more this time and do the shots again.
What they are, or do. I have no clue nor time to figure out.
All I know is that each of you took and important step and kudos to sticking to making your life healthier! Best wishes for good loss and continued maintenance.
Debbie
It shouldn’t be about “how much you pay”, but more about what you are paying for and the quality of said product. If you are happy with what you are doing then by all means continue. Getting the real and true Human Chorionic Gondotrophin Hormone should be what everyone is all about.
I do apologize for stating my opinion, it seems that was the wrong thing to do here as it most defiantly wasn‘t wanted.
Sherie, you’re doing fine. Everyone loses at a different rate, depending on how much you have to lose and some other factors.
I lost 9.2 lbs my first week, then the next 3 weeks were more like 2-3 lbs. You will get there, just keep up the good work!
Cindy, welcome back, was wondering where you had been.
Everyone does have an opinion, all I ask is that no one tells all of us on drops they don’t work, they’re doing us more harm than good, etc etc. That’s her opinion, my opinion is that you are entitled to what you think, all I ask is you don’t tell the ones of us doing well on this that your product is the best. Heck, someone maybe sold you some fake stuff and told you it was real, never know these days
Sorry Dave, just saw the note. Is this right? I’m not too computer literate.
I guess it was a way to get you to come on and respond. Would love to hear how you’re doing, if you’ve kept your weight off etc. etc
I still need to lose about 25 pounds to get to what I think is my goal weight. Will probablly do another 21 day round here in the next couple of weeks. Other than that, been maintaining. Have definitely changed eating lifestyle since initially going on HCG year and a half ago.
Note: I just enacted “nested comments” so with that setting along with this new theme, you can now reply to others comments directly. Hope you enjoy this new feature.
Sherrie,
Honest I wasn’t sure if I wanted to post on here again. I must say my experience has not been the most positive, in fact just the opposite.
That’s great David! I hope I can continue to get mine off and keep it off this time(although I will still have to have my periodic pb cup).
That new feature will be great, as I usually have to scroll up to ask/answer questions.
Cindy, you didn’t come out and say our stuff we were using was like snake venom, you voiced your opinion in a completely different way. I’m glad you stayed!!
Well my friends today I turned another year and I ALMOST took a bite of a NO-NO and actually thought to myself “I’ll just bite, it taste it and then spit it out and wash my mouth.” OH AND PRAISE GOD I walked upstairs and jumped on the computer. Dang it I sure would of loved it though. I’m sure if I would of done that it would of made me want more but TODAY is really hard for me 🙁
Mary
Dave I love the new feature.
Mary
Let me see if I read this right. When I go on p3, I do it 3 weeks(I do remember that), now, if I have more weight to lose, I can do p3 the 3 weeks, then instead of going to p4, I can go back to the gorge days and start all over, correct?
Velma,
I apologize for taking your opinion the wrong way. I am real happy with what I am doing so far and if that changes then I will need to figure something else out. It is true that even I love hearing other peoples opinions and experiences.
Again sorry I tripped and God be with you and give you strength to reach your goal.
Mary
MARY:
Why didn’t you say today was your birthday?? HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLIE!
You did good, no you did GREAT! On my daughters 35th b-day I ate some frosting, then I ate cake, then I put on a little weight, was up all night in the bathroom and stalled out for 3 days. Just think of what I went through next time you get that urge. 🙂
I don’t think so depending on how long you are doing the drops. I say that because you have to get the stuff out of your system before starting again. Like in my case I need to be off a full 6 weeks before I do another round, I think????????
Thanks hun,
THIS DAY IS HARD FOR ME !!!!!!!!! 🙁 I WANT GOODIES !!!!!!!!!!!!! but I will gather my strength and JUST SAY NO URGGGGGGHHHHHHH
Hey Dave,
I’m sure its probably already on here somewhere but I’ll ask anyway.What form of Hcg did you use? how long did you do it? how much did you lose?
Mary
Dang not sure how this works on other peoples comp. so I just wanted you to know I wrote you a comment on your response to Sherries post 🙂
Mary
Hi folks!
I am about to start the HCG diet tomorrow (first time, yikes!); I’ll have the 2 load days and go on the 2x daily sublingual drops beginnning 4/24/10.
I have found this diet to be quite confusing with not much luck on finding good blogs and forums to discuss. I’m hoping people on this one can help me out. My confusion stems from the endless sites that offer strange information and ways to cheat. I’m interested in losing weight, and getting my money’s worth! I have several questions:
1. My list of foods that my doc gave me varies a bit from the original one listed in “Pounds and Inches”. It allows a few more vegetables. My major concern about this food allowance is A. I only like a few veggies on these lists B. I don’t eat any type of seafood so my protein will be limited to chicken and steak and C. “Pounds and Inches” says you’re supposed to vary your meals each day and not eat the same thing for lunch and dinner. I’m also planning on incorporating some cottage cheese and egg white a few times a week to change it up a bit. Everything I’ve read basically emphasizes the fact that in order to really succeed, you must stick to the diet 100% with no deviations. Any advice?
2. I’m a bit concerned about the no lotions / cosmetics thing. My makeup will be fine (I use bare minerals) but I have dry skin and need lotion! Has anyone stuck to their normal cosmetic routine (pre-diet) and been okay? I’d rather not buy all new stuff.
I very much appreciate any feedback I get; I hope to make this forum my new help spot. I will probably have more questions along the way.
Thanks to all!
Debbie,
Alright so tell me about these shots. How long? how much more pricey? and where do you get yours?
mary
Hi and welcome,
I am on day 18 of my first round. I too take drops(homeopathic HCG +amino acid) but I have to take mine 3x a day. I have an array of veggies I can select from although i stick to cabbage, tomato, romaine, celery and i tried zucchini yesterday. I am fortunate enough to be a pacific islander who loves fish. The egg thing I only did twice so far.
It seems as though everyone’s beginning info varies a little and I’m not sure what that’s about. I was told very little from the person I bought from so I just read and read and came up with my own game plan. A lot of sites emphasize on the 2-2-2 rule and even that I tweeked a little. I do 2 fruits, 2 proteins and minimum of 3 veggies. I needed to do that in the beginning to get my calories close to the 500 mark and because I watched over my journal I saw that it wasn’t affecting my loss so I kept doing it.
As far as the hygiene stuff I use what I’ve always used and this too hasn’t seemed to have an affect so I’m good with that too. I use mineral shadows, no foundation (never have), carmex on the lips and cocoa suave lotion. Hair is all suave products and Loreal coloring and moisture a couple of weeks ago, dang grays lol.
I have lost 16 lbs in 18 days and I am not sagging although the first time I noticed my face was skinnier I freaked out worrying about the sags. Since ,happy to report no sag. I couldn’t do it with out all the water, I drink a minimum of a gallon a day and this is very new for me because I always excused the need for water with the fact that coffees made from it so I figured I was good, ha.
I think your best bet is research. Find out who’s doing the same product that you are and see what they’re doing with it and of course ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOC.
This blog has been such a tremendous help for me and the people are amazing. I have found SO MUCH comfort in this blog, as well as patience, understanding and support.
Good luck and again” WELCOME :)!!!!”
I look forward to chatting with you
God bless you and give you strength you need
Mary
Thank you Mary, I appreciate your response. I will be keeping a food log and and a journal so I will hopefully find out what works best for me. I’m looking forward to this journey but am pretty terrified because of all this negative energy about this method of weight-loss out there. I think I’ll stick to this blog from now on and just call my doctor if I have questions that don’t seem to be answered. I look forward to reporting my success, seeing everyone elses’s success and losing weight 🙂
I was advised to do a few weeks of P4 before going back to P1. Your body needs to adjust to the change. I also thought it was nice personally to do it this way so I can see how I feel between the different rounds and how my body reacts to different foods in P4. I did P4 for about a month and a half before going back to P1.
Happy birthday Mary! Think of what a great birthday treat it will be to see the scale lower tomorrow morning! Enjoy the rest of your day and stay strong.
Brynn,
There is no need to be terrified by all the “bad” things that are said about the HCG weight-loss process. If your doctor is a naturopathic physician or understands naturopathic medicine, you should get good answers. In my experience, the majority of traditionally trained medical personnel will look down their noses at our HCG dieting. However, the diet worked for me and the only loss was weight from all the right places. While there may be some people out there that might have adverse effects to this use of HCG, I haven’t heard about it. Actually, HCG is used by traditional medicine for, among other things, retained testacles in young boys. For this condition, it is used in much higher doses than we use it.
Do be aware that the diet requires a major change to life-style and eating habits.
But, it can be done–I did it.
Harvel
Happy Birthday Mary!
Brynn
What kind of drops will you be taking? Homeopathic or the actual hormone?
I have tried both. I my cosmetics, lotions and person care items did not affect me in any way on homeopathic. But on the actual hormone they did big time, causing stalls. I can tell you what I used if your taking the actual hormone.
Cindy –
I don’t know! I would assume it’s the actual hormone because it was given to me by my doctor. I just looked at my little bottle, but the only thing on it is a label with instructions on how to take it (which is a bit strange now that I think about it).
Anyhow, in my packet of instructions from the doctor, it did say to avoid cosmetics and other such products with oils in them. But I was hoping that was a stretch and it wouldn’t make a difference…
Should I call my doctor and ask which type I will be taking?
Cindy –
I was just reading my instruction packet from the doctor and it says, ” …measure 1/2 ml of HCG / Vitamin B12 mixture…”; so maybe that means it is the actual hormone. So confused 🙁
Brynn,
I’m pretty sure that is the actual hormone. So here is what I have been able to use, now remember each person is different.
I found a shampoo and conditioner by Dove, go fresh therapy, cucumber & green tea. I didn’t see any “oil” added but some could be hidden so I do use sparingly. I also use Aloe Vera Gel mixed into my conditioner to get it some extra oomph. I use only Ivory Soap on my face and body. To moisturize I use sparingly a lotion called “Corn Huskers Lotion”. It has no oil, again I mix Aloe Vera Gel for added benefit. I found some store brand face moisturizer with no oil, which I added Pure Aloe Vera, not the gel this time.
You will do fine, I think most get freaked out by the unknown. But it really is easy if you just keep researching, asking questions right here on the blog and just believe in yourself. You are not alone with this, everyone here loves to help.
Make sure you get your 500 calories a day, drink as much water, tea and or coffee as you can stand every single day. I personally drink at least 1 gal of water per day plus coffee and tea. Yes, us on the diet do spend a lot of time going to the bathroom, just the nature of the beast.
Hey Mary, Tried smooth move, it worked but I think I will be sticking with the capsules I got from my natural remedy doctor. They seemed to work better.
Brynn, welcome I know you find good info from everyone here.
Brynn,what type of drops are u using that u have to mix? Mine are premixed. I am supposed to do 6 drops 6xs a day.
Does anyone else use that much?
MARY, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I hope it was great!
Mine are 10 drops 3 times a day(can’t eat or drink for 1/2 hour after I take them)
We just got back from McDonalds(my g-daughter wanted to go there). Guess what I got to eat for dinner?? NOTHING. 🙁 I did get a diet dr pepper and when we got in the car, my hubby said I feel bad you didn’t eat. Heck, I had forgot I had to do that tonight. So, I’m just getting done taking the last couple bites of my grilled chicken, and I did have some strawberries, didn’t feel like messing with the veggie.
Have I said lately how much I hate having to lose weight? LOL
Hey Brynn
Welcome! You know, I was like you 5 weeks ago when I started. I kept asking a good friend questions and the neighbor. They both said find a plan and stick with it. I didn’t know what they meant, but soon realized that there were so many different hcg diets out there and all had a little different things on them you could eat. My friend is on the 750 calorie diet, she started in November and is down over 80 lbs, but has never gone off her drops. I have a list I got with my drops. I do cheat, as I add some of the fruits(like cantaloupe) to my diet because my friends list says she can have it(it hasn’t seemed to hurt me any). If you eat cottage cheese, eat fat free, I have had a hard boiled egg before with my salad, and there are quite a few different meats you can have. My friends list also gives pork, but no bacon(try figuring that one out LOL) I have a lot of lettuce on mine, but also add a few onions, cucumbers and green pepper to spruce it up some. I also use my regular lotions, makeup(occasionally) and even my night cream(can’t afford to get wrinkles). None of this has bothered me. I guess the best thing to do is do like me(I didn’t use any makeup the first week), then after that I used it, it hasn’t seemed to hurt me. The first week I was down 9.2 lbs, then the other 4 weeks have been 2-3 pound loss, but I have cheated a couple times which did stall me out. The thing is, I’m starting to be able to tell now that I’ve lost 20 lbs(my first month)that I am losing inches, and I’m very happy with the results.
Good luck on your new journey!
Sherrie –
Thanks for the advice. I think I’m going to stick with the food list my doctor gave me. It allows for broccoli, which is huge for me. It’ll limit my veggies to tomatoes, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, lettuce and tomatoes.
I’m going to try my hardest to not cheat. I’ve made my first week menu and will hopefully stick to it! I paid 750$ for this stuff and maybe for that reason alone will fight this through to the end…!
Many thanks for all the advice and encouragement. It’s amazing how much it’s already helping.
Thanks for all the product ideas Cindy. I will add them to my grocery list for this weekend.
I will try my hardest to meet the water goals. I have recently majorly upped my water intake (I sometimes go 3 times an hour) because I just got back on my ADD medication and it gives me dry mouth. Maybe that will help this process out!
Joyce –
My drops are premixed, I didn’t have to do anything but put the bottle in the fridge. I didn’t know they came any other way. When I visited my doctor, I had the option of either the shots or sublingual (both 750$). I asked her if they produced the same results and she said absoutely. So I went with drops, as I HATE shots (but would have been willing to administer if it worked better 🙂 ) The drops are 1/2 ml 2 times a day, 12 hours apart. I start them tomorrow. AGH!
Brynn, are the drops u are using RELEANA. I thought perhaps they were due to the cost. I have to order more and I am looking for alternatives to the 1 I am using.
Joyce,
Thank you so much for the birthday wish 🙂
Mary
Joyce,
I am so glad it worked.Did you have to drink a lot or just a cup?
Mary
YAY YOU 🙂
You’ll love the results. As far as negatives I can only speak for myself and I LOVE IT. There are some downfalls but they’re very minimal and minor for me and each morning that I step on the scale I get a whole new charge. The fraction loss days I wish were more but I think I have that figured out 🙂
Do check with your doctor as much as possible on things.
You’re going to do grreat and you’re going to love it. Take care and may God give you the strength you need 🙂
Mary
I’d like to start off by saying, WOW! What a blessing this site has become for me. I posted my first entry just a few hours ago and already feel at home in this place because everyone is so nice and willing to help. I wanted to share my story of why I chose this diet option, it’s something I’m shy about, embarassed about…but maybe it will help to get it off my chest.
I’m 29 years old. I used to be a cute, “normal-sized” girl – had low self esteem for some reason, always thought i was fat. I am 5’3″ and had a stable weight of between 138-142 (about a size 8). I did weight watchers in college and lost a lot of weight, got down to 118 pounds. I was so skinny and full of confidence for the 2.5 years I kept it off! Unfortunately a few years later, I started eating Taco Bueno and Chipotle every day because of convenience to work and made my way back up to the 140 range. I was unhappy and felt fat, but now I look back at pictures and ask myself, was I crazy?! I wasn’t fat at all! I had a cute figure! Not skinny, not fat, just normal.
ANYHOW.
Fast forward a few years. I got out of a very unhealthy and horrid relationship in August of 2008. I think I packed on maybe 10 pounds by November because I was sad and lonely. but then I lost it for the most part just by eating better. Then comes November 17, 2008. I remember the weekend well, I was in New York visiting a friend and had to fly to San Diego for work on Monday. The entire week I had bouts of sickness, where I would eat dinner and go back to the hotel and be miserable for a few hours. not nauseas or diahreah, just ill feeling. And it was only at night.
I’m going to try to make this as short as possible…
I went to the doctor several times over the next few months but based on my symptoms, they couldn’t come up with a diagnosis. From November to March, I went from 140 pounds to about 170. Yep – 30 pounds in less than 4 months. By May, I was still getting my “spells” – I would wake up at about midnight and just be sick from 1-3 hours, it felt like an alien was in the center of my belly trying to cut it’s way out! I couldn’t relate it to food – sometimes it was red meat, but sometimes I didn’t even eat dinner. Finally in late April I had a sonogram and they discovered 2 enormous gall stones. On May 5th, I had my gall bladder removed. I weighed 175 right before that. The day after the surgery I weighed 184. They said I would lose that weight (gas injections for the surgery) so I was hopeful I’d go back to my normal size. Well…by July 4th, I weighed about 190. The surgery alleviated most of the stomach pains, but I still get them every now and then, much less severe and right after I eat, not at night. Anyhow, since then, I have gained about 10 pounds, stabalizing around 200. I am mortified – I am a recluse, I never hang out with my friends anymore (half of them don’t even know what a whale I am now). I refuse to be in pictures, etc.
Throughout the past months, since the sugery, I just haven’t felt “well”. The doctor never said much about my weight gain, which in hindsight was RIDICULOUS – who gains 60 pounds in 8 months?! So a few weeks ago, I did some specialized testing. I was diagnosed with PCOS (which can lead to the weight gain); I’m severly deficient in doth Vitamins D and B; my thyroid is on the very brink of being problematic. All these diagnoses and a slew of meds to take (I’m up to about 10 a day, mostly prescriptions), I saw the flyers at the doctors office for the HCG thing and decided to try it.
I am SO hoping this works and I can return to my old life. I used to be so judgemental of overweight people; I thought they were all lazy and ate too much. And then I became one. I try to watch what I eat, I joined a gym and went faithfully and nothing has seemed to help.
I hope y’all don’t mind me spilling my guts. This is a story thats very hard for me to recount to anyone I know, as not one person understands my struggle. They all assume I eat too much and don’t exercise, even though that is not the case. I’m not saying I should be stick thin because eat like a hen, because I certainly don’t. but I also don’t eat to where I feel like I should be at this weight. It’s like it just won’t come off.
I hope all of us acheive our goals; I hope we all have self confidence after the dieting; I hope everyone realizes that we are people too and just because we’re overweight doesn’t mean we’re lazy and not worthwhile. I’m trying to lose weight so I can once again feel good when I look in the mirror and also be healthy.
Thanks to all of you for being so encouraging and helpful. I cannot express that enough. This is the only site I have found where the reading structure is “normal” and not scattered and the site isn’t full of ads trying to sell crap.
My first day is tomorrow – all binging for 2 days – wish me luck and good luck to all of you. I’m here if anyone would ever like to talk about their struggles too. I feel like it helped.
Iwill call my doctor and find out on Monday. I have no clue since the bottle says nothing but my name and instructions!
Thank you so much for sharing and let me start by saying “you are not alone”
I am 47 and after 2 VERY abusive marriages I dropped to my knees and pleaded from my deepest being for the lord to take me or show me why not. At that point in my life I had 4 beautiful children who I lost to my 1st husband because of a very out of control meth addiction along with anything else I could get my hands on. At 1 point in my addiction I was up for a week and when I finally started to crash I realized I was 87 lbs. I am 5′ 2 1/2″ and had already been in my addiction 18 yrs. Once I lost my kids I met up with a dealer and long story short married him for his dope. More abuse as well as a lot more dope and finally after 6 yrs of that I was on my knees done with all the blood and bruises. The day after I surrendered I waited and within a week I had a great job at a big grocery store and exactly 1 week later a man in the neighborhood sold me a Datsun for $10.00, no kidding ,great car too and aexactly 1 week later I saw a gentleman who was part owner of a smog shop I was at and so my life had changed 🙂 since I am married to that beautiful gentle man, 10 yrs in May and I have all my kids back who are actually now successful young adults. Our reunion was 8 yrs ago.
Now when they say once you’ve recieved the miracle of sobriety you gain twice if not three times your weight back boy they aren’t kidding. I was always 120 to 130 and when i started this program 18 days ago I weighed 173 and am now 157 🙂
Believe me there are so many of us out there with a story and I praise God you are here to share yours.
God be your strength
Mary
Thanks for sharing , its nice to put a life with a name. I wish you the best of luck. If your having a hard time this blog is truely the place to get you up and going again.
Thank you all for the birthday wishes- it has been an amazing day and (sorry to any sensitive guys out there) I figured out what my deal was with the bite of a no-no today as well as probably the reason I have only lost fractions these past few days and not many inches, I HAVE MY PERIOD urgh 🙁 no fun at all but kind of anxious to see how this plays out with the program.
Again thanks for the wishes and may you all have a great weigh in in the morning 🙂
Mary
Hi Brynn. We can be buddies! I just started yesterday. I have gained 22 lbs in the last year, due to depression from losing my little boy in an accident in May 2008. I completely understand personal struggles and being dumbfounded with this weight gain. It’s not like I’m eating donuts and burgers! I was exercising moderately until I had back problems a few weeks ago, but even with exercising and diet, the weight just won’t budge more than 2 lbs, then it comes right back. Right now I am taking the drops until the shots come in.
Hi Sherri, would it be possible for you to post your food list? Thanks, Donna
“Breakfast”. Has anybody incorporated breakfast? Would one egg white with tomato do me in if I give up my fruit for lunch? I DO plan to stick with this diet totally and I’m not going to be one of those fools that try and incorporate foods not on the list. I just have “sugar” issues and I need to keep protein constantly so I don’t get the “shakes”. Thanks!
MonkeyMind,
Everyone has special needs, if you need to eat something for breakfast I think what you mentioned should be fine. Don’t skip the fruits, you will need the natural sugars from them to help keep you going. I would reduce your other meals slightly to account for the calories. Just make sure you stay at the 500 calorie mark for the day.
Welcome and good luck.
Thanks Cindy,
Do you stick at exactly 500? I noticed yesterday I did 519.
One more question, do you use a non-stick spray to cook or is that a no-no?
Thanks, Donna
Donna
Stick as close to 500 as you can., without going to far under. 519 is great. Non-stick spray that is oil free is a personal choice, others have reported using it with little to no effect. I personally use Coconut oil in tiny amounts. I also use the crap out of my George Foreman grill. Today is the first day of P4 round 2 for me, 1 more to go. It will be nice when I can stop this dieting and go into maintenance.
Releana is what the nurse behind me was on before, this is her 2nd time to finish losing and she was going to do the releana again, but decided to do a new kind that you mix with vodka
Mine are already mixed, but I did buy b-12 and one other vitamin I had read to take. You are going to do just fine Brynn
Cindy, they have on my list too, that I can use up to 4 T of coconut Oil a day, the one time I did try it, my weight went up a little, so haven’t used it since, but man it sure tasted good, and I’m jealous that you are able to eat it. I may give it another shot here in a week or so, as it’s supposed to be a good oil.
I am one of those fools that do incorporate foods, after I use one website I have that shows all kind of fruits/veggies and the carbs, sugars they have in them. I don’t do it much, but in the 5 weeks(Monday) I’ve been on this, it’s the only thing that can keep me going on somedays. Just like my one time of eating eggs, I ate one egg and one egg white. I still lost weight. I have now bought egg beaters and poured me 1/2 cup of those the other day and made me scrambled eggs(they didn’t taste too good to me though).
I also have sugar issues, and I have 3 1 gallon bags of reeses pb cups in my freezer that I’ve told myself after I hit my goal weight, I will allow myself one maybe 2-3 times a week. It’s about control, and that’s what I’m trying to learn right now
Good luck on your diet Donna
Okay, now to post my news this morning, then I have to get my g-daughter her b’kfast.
I am down 21 lbs even this morning, I will have been on this diet(well 2 loading days started 5 weeks ago today). I don’t count weight loss though except every Monday, which was when I started the vlcd. Anyway, another 8 lbs, I’ll be 1/2 way there. I know I have one more week of this, but told my hubby this morning, I’m going the 6 weeks, then playing each day by ear. I hate to go to the p3 phase if I’m losing 1/2 to 1 lb a day, and I would like to get down at least 1/2 way before I have to start the next phase.
I did buy some of our local strawberries yesterday, and they’re so sweet I don’t even have to put stevia on them
I hope you all have a great day today!
Sherrie,
I did say a tiny amount, just enough to keep my chicken or fish from sticking on my George Foreman grill, not 4 tablespoons.
Brynn,
Just an FYI if your interested. There are less expensive sources of real hcg out there (about $60 + shipping per 40 day round)(you will have to mix it yourself but that is so easy to do), but I understand if going with what the doctor has given you is what your comfortable with. I’m sorry you went through what you have but now your started on a positive thing here and will do great.
Brynn,
I am so sorry to hear of your medical issues and then weight gain. It is such a catch 22 cycle. I’ve been there. Had a neck issue that caused tremendous pain and headaches. Severe migraines. Went for 10+ years to every doctor. Last year they resorted to prednisone injections every 3-4 weeks, and every round of injections, I gained 10 pounds. Had it. And, they only worked well round one.
So, last year I went on HCG injections. Did great. Lost the weight and more. Kept it off. Did another round with drops. Lost a lot. Weighed 143 at 5’8″.
Then I had surgery on my neck and fixed those medical issues. YAY. And, I quit smoking the same day. Great!!! But, gained some weight back from it, the holidays and a cruise. Now, back on the plan with injections. My daughter’s wedding is in July and I wanted back to my weight. Doing great. 15 pounds away. Back on injections. I will say, injections are NOTHING to do. I hate needles… LOL
The lesson learned. Life throws you curve balls. This diet helped me fight back those curve balls…. The sooner you attack an issue, the easier and better you’ll do.
Good luck to you! Try to get some confidence back! You are the same person at 140 as at 200 you know. Unfortunately, this diet doesn’t give you a lot of socializing. To hard to follow then.
Debbie
Hi Monkeymind,
Coconut oil can be used but is a lot of calories. Use sparingly.
Egg whites, 17 calories. If anything, skip the melba or grissini.
Accorning to my plan, diabetics can add:
Diabetics need to add one helping of the following to their lunch and dinner meal for their daily starch requirement:
1cupofcorn
1cupofbroccoli
1cupofcarrots
1cupofgreenbeans
You will not lose as quickly! FYI
You’ll do great Brynn!!! How exciting. You will be SO happy.
And, on products. There was NO way I was changing any products. I am not a low maintenance gal either. So, all shampoos, conditioners, deoterant, makeup, face creams, cleansers, whatever. I use what I always used.
My point, I am giving up a lot on this diet, mostly social, but I am not giving up on how I look, take care of myself, etc. I’m not drying out my skin to lose weight. I have limits.
Me, on day 20 and down 21 pounds. I don’t think it’s affected my weight loss. If so, I am still pleased with the progress!
Good luck!
Debbie
Thanks Cindy! I did say “one more question” but i do have another one. I was in quite a hurry to start yesterday so I bought all non-organic meat and veggies at the local market. Will this affect my progress? I’ve been eating non-organic so far… Lunch today was chicken with baby spinach and one grissini bread stick. Yesterday I had regular frozen flounder with spinach, strawberries, then chicken breast with cabbage and an apple. I washed the fruits very well but the meat is just plain ol’ meat.
No, I’m saying my notes I got with mine said I could eat up to 4 T a day of that oil, but the little bit I used the one time did me in. 🙂
Donna, I usually fry with pam, or like with some of my meat(like breakfast steaks, hamburger), I bake it or grill it.
If you keep a food journal, and you see you put on a little, see what you did different. Since they do have the same diet done in 750 calories, I think if you go a little over 500 or a little under then you should be fine..
You will do fantastic on this diet!
Thank you for your input! It’s so nice to be on a board with great support! I’ve been struggling with this weight for a long time. I even hired a personal trainer back in January, paid a ton of money, only to have lost NO weight at all, and have my back injured while weight training (I had back surgery last year and he was oh-so-confident this would strengthen it–he was wrong). It’s terribly discouraging when you exercise and stick to a good eating plan and do not see the scale going down! And btw, let me note I have an electronic body fat measurer, and that wasn’t yielding any positive results.. so no, I while I may have gained a little muscle, my measurements were nothing to write home about. I even went to an endocrinologist to have my metobolism analyzed, and again, nothing! All he did was send me on my way with a huge bill and tell me to start taking depression medication. Jerk.
I’m excited to stick to this.. even if the food choices are limited. I can handle this after all the personal tragedy I’ve been through :-(. Thanks again, and I’ll be posting my success!
Started 4/23/10
5’1″, 138, today 136.
Donna
Sherrie, btw, egg beaters with a little hot sauce on it definitely makes them nore bearable! Haven’t done it on this diet, but I’m thinking Sundays will be the one time a week I have egg beaters.
Sure beats tea and a pickle for breakfast LOL. I found real kosher pickles.. all they have in it are cucumbers, vinegar and spices. No preservatives. Vinegar is supposed to curb the appetite, as well as hot sauce.
Donna, one other thing, I have never bought anything organic yet, I can’t afford the extra $ right now, and am still losing just fine.
I have tried the drops and had success. But, I got tired of doing them 3 times a day. I am wondering who has been giving themselves the injections. I would be interested in knowing where you purchase them and cost etc. There are so many internet sites out there and I want to buy from a company who is legit and not pay a fortune. Thanks in advance.
Missy
Sorry Donna, I just saw this.
I’ve heard hot sauce on scrambled eggs are good, have never tried it, but will have too, as I think for a change this evening, I’m going to have some eggs(I’m getting burned out on chicken salads after almost 5 weeks of having them once a day). LOL
Have you read pounds and inches yet? If not, you need to read it, it says you can have your fruit from lunch for breakfast and also you can have your dinner fruit before bed if you’re needing something. I also occasionally eat pickles, the ones I have also just have cucumbers, vinegar and I think salt.
You did great and really don’t seem to have much weight to lose, I am so happy for you. Keep up the good work!
LOL Mary, Glad those days are long gone for me!
Missy,
I have not done the injections but sublingually, the hormone can be mix for either when purchased in dry form. I bought from All day Chemist with no problems.
Hey Missy
I’m sure someone on here will see this and be able to help you. I am on the drops, but after 5 weeks, I’ve pretty much got it down pat on them. I thought the only way you could do the injections would be to get them from your Dr, but again, I don’t know anything about those.
How long were you on the drops and how much did you lose?
Sherrie
I have not used organic either, but I do eat only fresh vegetables and fruits now. So I find myself at the grocery store a few times a week………ugh. I really don’t’ know what the affects will be. I guess I will find out after my next round if I was able to get myself reset or not.
Hi Missy,
I purchased my injections from http://www.hcgmedical.com
I have to say, they were a great resource for the diet. Support. And, medically, track your status.
I would highly recommend them. Price, I’m sorry, can’t remember. Bought them a year ago. The follow up plan I am doing now, was $300
Debbie
Hi Monkeymind,
Coconut oil can be used but is a lot of calories. Use sparingly.
Egg whites, 17 calories. If anything, skip the melba or grissini.
Accorning to my plan, diabetics can add:
Diabetics need to add one helping of the following to their lunch and dinner meal for their daily starch requirement:
1cupofcorn
1cupofbroccoli
1cupofcarrots
1cupofgreenbeans
You will not lose as quickly! FYI
Debbie
Missy,
I went on this diet to be healthier, not just lose weight. HCGMedical was great about that. I think injections, because doctor’s do need to prescribe them, deals more with whole health and the drops more with weight only.
That’s why HCGmedical requires you to have bloodwork. They monitor hormones, blood count levels and prescriptions that you may be on. It is about health. When I ordered the drops, no one asked anything.
There are specifics with this diet also, especially for women menstruating. So, that’s my experience.
I seriously can barely feel the injections. Good luck!
Debbie
Joyce, when I was on the drops, mine did the exact same thing. Tingling for a little
Debbie
Hi all. just thought I would add that the diet I was given , they allow salsa. As llong as it as natural as possible. No sugar , no salt etc. My husband is using it and is doing great. Only 2-3 tbls. Adds a nice taste. They also allow a spray balsamic vinagrette . It hasn’t hinder my weight loss , down 14 pds in 13 days.
Cindy, was mixing time consuming. Also once mixed do they have to refrigerated and how long does that last. I have a feeling my homopathic HCG isn’t what it should be.
yuck yuck yuck. they were awful
Joyce,
No it is not time consuming at all, a matter of minutes if you have every thing you need, it also is very easy to do. There are mixing kits you can purchase.
Yes it does have to be refrigerated and kept in the dark. I put mine in an old butter container and keep it at the back of the refrigerator away from the light and also so the temp doesn’t change as much as it would near the door. I have heard that others wrap the bottle in foil to help keep the light out.
Will you be wanting to do injections or sublingually?
HCG comes in 3 sizes, 2,000 iu, 5,000 iu or 10,000. Mixing for sublingual take twice as much hcg as injection mixing. 5,000 iu of hcg will mix for a 23 day round taken sublingually. If you get the 2,000 iu and mix more often the potency stays stronger than if you mix 1 10,000 iu.
Cindy, was that the one for $60.00 you spoke about earlier. I may have missed it earlier , did you say which site.
Joyce,
The price I figured out was for 2 5,000 iu hcg @ $16.50 each and 1 45 day mixing kit. Hcg comes from All day chemist. The mixing kit can be purchased at hcg discount supplies for $24.00. I don’t know what the shipping costs would be so that would have to be added in. This is for sublingual mixing. Injections mix would only take 1 5,000 iu of hcg, mixing kit for 23-30 day round is $39.00 plus shipping, 42 day kit is $45.99 plus shipping.
Way to go Joyce. My weight has slowed down, but I’m still losing an average of 1/2 pound a day, so I’m happy with the 3 1/2 a week. I was at 175 even this morning, started at 196.6 (tomorrow will be 5 weeks). I still am trying to decide if to do the 6 weeks or maybe just go a tad longer. I want to get this weight off once and for all, and if I do the 3 weeks of p3 then go back to p2, I won’t get loading days, and there are some things I’m really craving, so just going to go one day at a time once I get the 6 weeks out of the way. I just don’t want to be in the 170’s still and have to stop for awhile(if this makes sense to anyone)
Sherri,
I’m confused but why would you not do the load days when starting P2 again if you only do 3 wks of P3? It was my understanding that the load days are the ones that help with hunger and cravings while on P2. The better you load the easier P2 will go. Have I missed something?
Sherrie,
If you do Ph3 , skipping Ph4, and then go back to the diet, it’s still a good idea to do the Ph1 loading days. It is important to be sure the structural fat in your body is full up when you start taking HCG again.
Good morning!
Hope everyone is having a good weekend and losing 🙂
Down .8 again today. Day 20 and down 21.2. Had a gain Friday and was disappointed, did everything right. So Saturday, just followed the plan and lost. I’m sure it was water retention.
Made another batch of chicken soup. I really enjoy that. Helps me stay on track.
Easy Homemade Broth
• 6 pieces of 3.5 oz of chicken
• parsley
• onion powder
• garlic
• one bay leaf
• shake of marjoram
• chicken seasoning (no sugar added!)
• salt
• black pepper
1. Fill saucepan with 8 cups of water.
2. Bring to boil.
3. Add chicken and seasonings. All seasonings I use 1/4 t.
4. Boil for 40 mins.
5. Strain out bay leaf & seasonings if desired
6. Let broth cool to room temperature. Split into 6 portions, dividing broth
7. Store in refrigerator or freeze for later use.
TIP: You can add on-protocol veggies such as 3-4 stalks celery, 1 onion for more flavor, cabbage (which cooked is very filling)
Tastes great and chicken is so moist then. I eat this daily for lunch 🙂
Enjoy
Debbie
Another great recipe:
Steak (or Chicken) Pizzaiola
• 3.5 oz steak (or chicken)
• tomato (diced)
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 t oregano
• 1 t basil
• 1/4 t chili powder
• black pepper
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Place 1/2 of the diced tomato in casserole dish.
3. Add meat on top of tomato and top with minced garlic.
4. In small bowl, toss the rest of tomato with the oregano, basil, chili powder, and black pepper. Place on top of steak.
5. Cover tightly with aluminum foil or with lid.
6. Bake 45-60 mins.
TIP: If using chicken, sear each side for a minute or two in a frying pan with a dash of salt/pepper (until just browned). Then follow with same steps as above.
This is one protein serving and one vegetable serving
this soup alone, is one protein serving (chicken breast)
Add a vegetable for one vegetable serving
Pace salsa is permitted on my diet. 2T equals 10 calories
Great with celery, melba rounds, or I bake my chicken with the salsa on top 🙂
This is my first post, even though I have been reading along for 2 months. I am about to start my 2nd 40 day round. I lost 21 lbs the first time. Wish it was more, but happy non the less. I had just opened a new bottle at the end of my first round. I thought I could use it for round 2. I bought a pregnacy test and it tested negative, so my understanding is that it is “dead” for lack of better words, so..got another bottle.. bought another prego test… THAT one is showing negative. Anyone else ever try testing it that way? that is what I had read to do to test for potencey. Thanks~ Keri
Debbie, Sounds great could you throw in some broccoli.?
I was told and also read, where if you want to do the load days again, you have to at least be into 3 weeks of p4 first. I don’t want to go from 3 back to 2, this is just getting so hard lately
Keri, where did you get it from and what does the bottle say for ingredients
Kerri , First Welcome! Second , I assume that is not homopathic, and I am getting ready to order online , may I ask where you got it, I do not know what that means [preg. test] but it doesn’t sound good.
Sherri, I heard the same thing. Once again it has to do with body reseting itself.
Joyce,
Whatever you like. I love the shredded cabbage because it reminds me of noodles!!! 🙂
Joyce, you heard the same thing as far as going at least 3 weeks in to p4 before being able to do load days again? Cindy sent me a website, and right on it, it says Because there is a possibility of developing immunity to HCG, it takes about a week pause before the HCG again becomes fully effective
Joyce, preg is pregnancy test
Sherri, I thought so. Which web site , I am always interested in rearch as I am in this for the long haul. Your doing great. I have another 35 pds to lose. I only lost about 1/2 pd today. I have 0 loses and then as much as 1 1/2 pds.
Talk about life’s ups and downs.
Is that important to do? And is that a way to know for sure.
Hey Joyce
Cindy sent me a website, but sent it as a download. I still have 37 lbs to go, and although I’m happy with my results so far, I sure wish I would have had more off by now. The thing is I’ve cheated 2=3 times on this diet, and then been up all night sick as a dog. I stalled out for 3 days the one time, the other two times, I didn’t eat too much crap and didn’t really do much damage(didn’t stall out). It’s not that I want to start eating junk food again, I just want to be able to go out to eat with my family and not have to be eating the same things over and over. I think I need to start doing p2 for 3 weeks instead of the 6 or more.
Joyce, if you want to know if the stuff you’re using is real, yes you can buy a cheap pregnancy test and make sure it shows up positive. It would be a good idea for everyone out there on this diet to do, if it shows negative, I would be getting ahold of the person you got your drops from
Sherrie,
P3 is for resetting your metabolic levels, which is why no sugar or carbs. P4 is for maintenance and yes so you don’t have immunity toward future rounds of actual hcg. But ( now just my opinion based on comments made by you) since you are on homeopathic and you personally know people who have gone longer than the 40 days. I think you should be able to go right into your load days and begin again after the 3 weeks of P3. Now I am not in any way saying this is fact but only my opinion based on comments. If I’m stepping in here I do apologize right up front. Plus I am so totally with you on wanting the whole diet thing to be over.
Cindy, yes, I do have a friend that has been on this stuff non stop since November 7th. I know she’s down over 80 lbs, and I guess it’s easier for her to stay on it, as she has no one to have to cook other meals for except herself(her hubby is in the National Guards and won’t be home until December).
Do I think it’s good to say on it for that many months straight? The answer is NO! I would like to stay on mine the whole 12 weeks if I could and then go off of them forever, but I’m not sure if I can handle it that long. I just don’t know what to do anymore, this kind of gets depressing! Also, my son and his g-friend are coming down for a visit in June(16-23). I don’t want to have to be on this 500 calorie diet while they’re here, as I’m sure they’re going to be wanting to go out to eat.
Sherrie,
Boy can I understand not wanting to be on this diet when you have company. In fact that is why I only did 31 days my second round, I was going to visit my daughter. And which is why I am only doing P4 (doing a whole body cleanse also) for 2 wks instead of 3. I think in the end it what is right for you and only for you to decided what is best.
Another question, if on p3, we’re not supposed to have carbs, then how can we eat almonds when there are carbs in those? This is what gets so confusing. Just like some of the things we’re allowed to eat now have(not a lot)carbs
Hi Sherrie,
It is NOT carbs that you can’t have, in fact, fruit and vegetables have carbs.
Starch and sugar are No No’s
Debbie
Debbie
Starch’s are carbs.
Sorry I sent that before I finished. On the diet, it says no sugar and no carbs on the p2, then it says for p3, still no sugar or starch’. With it being that confusing, I asked my d-i-l to be who is a nurse, and she said they are the same thing(she had to take nutrition classes). just like noodles, it says carbohydrates on the box, but we all know they’re starches. Now, tell me this isn’t confusing. LOL
But not all carbs are starches!
Sherrie,
There are carbs in everything we eat BUT protein.
Starches are to be avoided.
Breads, potatoes, pasta, crackers, cereal, etc
All starches are carbohydrates, but not all carbohydrates are starch
This just gets more and more confusing.
Sometimes we just over think things. It can be beneficial to step back, go with your gut. Eat what you know you can. Don’t fret on the things you don’t understand. The more you try to understand something the more confused you become. Look for a P3 food list. I know someplace near the beginning of this blog someone posted one. Sorry I don’t remember where it is now.
I did P3 within 1 lb either way. For me it was supper easy, I just did what I thought was best for me.
Thanks Cindy, I’ll go look for that list
Hey everyone I just ran across some information that I thought was interesting to replace a Steak day during P3 or P4. So I just wanted to share and get your take on it.
Eating apples and cheese should do the same thing as a Steak Day or a Steak and Cheese Day, but without the cost of the steak.
Eat three meals. Each meal consists of 2 apples and 2 ounces of cheese. Drink lots of water.
Results
3.2# loss for myself. Weight release ranges between 2 to 4 pounds, for each of the people testing with me.
Conclusions
Eating apples and cheese consistently produces results better than a Steak Day or a Steak and Cheese Day, but without the cost of the steak.
Okay, I couldn’t figure out how to get back to page one on here now, but went and did some research. I found 2 good websites to read
The one actually says why you should do p4 before going back to p2
hcginfoonline.com/maintenance%20phase.htm#Starchy_(High_Carb)_Vegetables0
hcgdietanswers.com/AskSheepra.shtml
I just copied that so I could put it as a reminder(in case I lose that). I know they have 3 different things I have found if you stall. One is the steak and apple or tomato, one is 6 apples and one is to have a protein day where you nibble on proteins all throughout the day, and then for lunch, you have a small salad and protein, and the same thing for dinner. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just do something like this every day and lose 2-3 lbs a day? 🙂
Cindy , can you send me same info u sent Sherri, I think any info to help would be great.
Sherri, i think it great you are determined to lose weight, but don’t push yourself to where yo get discouaged. I think these phases are to help with the transition periods. So we should keep that in mind. Extending a phase is OK if you do not get to discouraged. You are doing a great job. Keep in mind how great you will feel and looK.
Cindy, Thanks as I am not a meat eater. I will difinitely try.
Joyce,
Have you posted your email address someplace on this blog? So I can send you that file on P3 BASICS – HCG Quick Reference Guide.
Cindy, I did but hear it is again , you might have to search awhile. Thanks , for all your help. You have alot of good info to share. joycereitz@comcast.net
I agree. SHOOOO!
Hi Sherri, thanks for responding. I bought it online: Brand is- Professional Health Products. Ingredients are: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin 6x, 12x, 30x, 60x, Inactive ingredients are: Purified water USP, alchohol 20%. Homeopathic for sure. I just ended my load days and am starting today with my 500 cals. I wasn’t very good on my P3/P4 but planning on fine tuning this go around to maximize results…err.. IF these drops are not dead lol. Anything you know would be great!
Hey ya’ll,
I had a very struggling weekend but am happy to report a 2.4 loss this morning.
Welcome to all the newbies.
Hope alls well with everyone.
Mary
Hi,
Have a question for anyone who knows the answer. I started HCG 13 days ago, that includes 2 load days. I want to lose about 15 pounds. I gained about 3 lbs during the 2 load days and have lost a total of 9.5lbs. I have already stalled 2x’s. Once for 2 days, and then today is the 2nd day I woke up to the same weight as the day before. I only lost 1/2 lb during the 3 day stall I expreienced just 2 days prior to this. Yesterday I took communion at church a thimble full of grape juice and cracker about the size of the end of your pinky fingernail. Do yo think that really stalled me out? Also, does anyone know if flavored stevia is premitted? I used it during the 3 day stall, and when I didn’t use it I lost 1/2 lb. This stall I can only chalk up to the communion, which I’m willing to do and sacrifice a lb for if necessary.
Also, does anyone know how many calories FOR REAL 3.5 oz of uncooked chicken contains? I have read a lot, and I may be miscalculating calories.
Thanks for any comments you have.
Hey Janet
15 lbs to lose isn’t a lot, and you’re going to find, it will probably take a little longer than someone that has more than that to lose(you’re doing good, so keep it up). As far as the stevia, any kind of it is permitted. As far as the chicken, everything I’ve found is 30 calories an ounce, which in 3.5 oz would be 105 calories.
It’s hard to say what will stall anymore. I stalled one time when I cheated(for 3 days), the next time I cheated I lost .2 pounds. The times I’ve cheated, I have been in the bathroom sick all night though, which is not fun.
Good luck on the rest of your weight loss
You’re doing fantastic Mary
Hey Sherri,
thanks for taking the time to reply. I was wondering if you have a little more info on cheating 🙂 I am going to have company on day 20 of my diet. The book says if you cheat before 21 days you might as well not bother. Do you have enough experience to know if that is true? I’m planning on a steak dinner with some wine and maybe a pinch of bread, but I WONT if that one day is going to make a difference in resetting my hypothalamus, which is the main reason I am doing this diet. Sure, I want to lose weight, but I really want to reset the way my body wants and processes food.
Thanks again. Your first reponse was a big help. I guess my stevia just happened to fall on what would normally have been a “stall” time anyway.
Oh yeah, something I thought about…. I read in Dr. Simeons book that when you get hungry consistently hungry, while still taking the hormone, then you have reached your set point. I am definitely not hungry, but I’m wondering if maybe stalling is a problem with the potency of the drops I am taking???
Hi Janet!
Don’t do it! Not worth it and the day after you will regret it.
From my experience, 23 days is the bare minimum to follow the diet.
Debbie
Janet,
I’m stalling. I lost quickly then I’ve been fluctuatin between a pound. For days. Doing an apple day today. We’ll see. Not much left for me to lose either.
Debbie
thanks Debbie, I will follow your advice. It truly isn’t worth blowing it when you are at the very end!
As a wise friend told me, nothing tastes as good as thin feels 🙂
I remember that frequently
Can anyone tell me about the mixing of vegies? Some information I have says you can mix, others not. I’d like to mix the tomato, onion, celery and cucumber with vinegar and have a portion of it. Anyone tried this? Thanks!
Hey Janet
I didn’t cheat until my daughters b-day which was on day 22 (counting load days). I didn’t put on much, because I was up with diarrhea all night, but then stalled out for 3 days. The next time I cheated(I had some durkee friend onions(which don’t have sugar), and a few pieces of candy, I was up with diarrhea again, but still lost .2 pounds overnight, and luckily didn’t stall out. You can have a steak when you have company, just weigh it first. As much as I love bread, that is one thing I haven’t touched in the 5 weeks. You just have to ask yourself it it’s worth the stalling out.
I’ve got stevia that I make my sweet tea out of, would have to order the liquid kind. The only reason I haven’t ordered it yet was I don’t know what I would use it on..
As far as the drops, some say they’re not the “real” thing if they come already mixed. Mine have alcohol also, which some say the real ones have no alcohol. So as far as the potency of the drops, I really don’t know how to answer that.
Good luck with the last few pounds. Wish that’s all I had left to go. Chicken is getting old. LOL
LOL I don’t know about that Debbie, I was thin before(size 2 pants), and my chocolate still tasted pretty darn good.
I know, I’m bad!
Janet,
I doubt very much that taking communion was the cause of the stall. In fact, sometimes weight loss stalls for no apparent reason at all. The best explanation I have run across is that the body gets behind in processing the empty fat cells (absorbing them back into the body). When this happens, they fill with water–ergo, the stall–you’ve lost fat, but gained some water. As soon as the body gets caught back up, the weight loss continues. I’ll bet your body was changing shape anyway.
Yes, flavored stevia is permitted.
Harvel
Janet (and anyone else looking for calorie content),
Here’s the official USDA nutritional website. You need to know that 100 grams is 3.5 oz. It’s got nearly everything you might want to know about any given food.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/
Harvel
Leigh, I mix mine everyday, as I have a salad every day for lunch. I put green pepper, onion and cucumber on mine. I have also gone out to eat and just gotten the salad bar and used the hard boiled egg as my protein on it and then all the allowed veggies
I was using red wine vinegar at first, but now am eating salads without now
I think my drops must be working well. I am never hungry, and that’s what they are suppose to do… load you up with your own fat stores so you aren’t hungry.
I really love this diet. I just wish I would lose as much today as I did the first 3! Oh Well. Thanks for all the replies and encouragement. I’ll keep checking back as I’m sure i’ll have more questions.
Hi all. Anybody here switched from drops to shots, or 500 to 750 calorie diet? I’ve been taking the drops (which I think are worthless, they are like 9 months old). I’m on Day 4 and I’m STARVING! Once the shots come in, I’m wondering how I should handle it. Just quit the drops immediately? Also, what if I switched to 750 calorie.? They say not to switch, but since I’m switching from drops to shots anyway, well…
Hi all!
Well, today is day 3 of my first round…this diet is sooooo weird! I literally stuffed my face this weekend, my 2 load days. Sunday morning, I had lost 1.5 pounds. Then this morning, I hadn’t gained anything. I was 100% positive I was going to gain about 5 pounds, I would’ve put money on it. Today I was feeling very run down so I didn’t go into work. I took my drops this morning as I was supposed to. So far today, I have eaten an apple and some broccoli. I am not hungry whatsoever but am afraid of eating this little today. Any suggestions? Do you think it’s okay to eat that little? (I’m guessing I’ve eaten about 250 calories today).
Also, does anyone on here use “I Can’t Believe I’ts Not Butter” spray? I looked on the back and there are no calories, no carbs, no sugar. But it is made with some types of oils so I’m not sure.
Thanks for any help. Hope everyone had a great – and successful – weekend.
Leigh –
I’ve seen several posts on several blogs about people mixing veggies. I thought I read that you’re not supposed to do it, but it seems that it’s okay.
Don’t do it! You can cheat later and have some good food again in the future, but stick to the diet while you’re supposed to! I’m only on Day 3 (so day 1 of the 500 caolries) so I’m sure it’s easier said than done, but be a good girl! It won’t be worth it in the end 🙂
A couple of things to keep in mind about stalls.
Are you drinking enough water?
Have you used anything with oil on your skin?
Did you eat within 3 hrs of going to bed for the night?
Did you get a good nights sleep (8hrs)?
These are also some things that can cause a stall. Stalls are not to be feared, they happen. I had a 3 day per week on round 2. I may not have lost as much weight as I would have liked but boy did the inches fall…very cool.
I have heard of others using it with no effect, but I have not.
Time to vent… I have not cheated, and I will not cheat, but goodness I need to lose more weight! Today is day 16 and I have only lost 9lbs. This is my second round on the diet and I have heard that you do not lose as much the second time as the first and I was prepared for that. I just really didn’t think that it would be this slow. Trying to keep my head up and think 9lbs is great or at least something better than nothing.
I know that May 8th will be somewhat of a cheat day. It is the day of my wedding shower and I am still trying to decide if it is best to say on phase 2 or move to phase 3. One week from today will be day 23. Thoughts?
Sherie,
My day 16, rd 2 I had only lost 7 lbs…….lol so your doing great! But the inches I lost during rd 2 is what kept me going. Have you measured yourself to see if you have lost inches?
Brynn,
You need to follow the plan! You need to eat 450-500 calories or you will gain.
Also, protein (2 3.5 oz servings) is required and is what make hcg work.
Debbie
Hey Brynn
I did kind of the same thing when I first started. After work on the first day of loading, I went to McDonalds and get 2 mcdoubles, lg fry, lg vanilla milkshake, by dinner, I couldn’t get anything down me. I lost 1 lb the first night, 2nd day I put the one pound back on, so started at exactly what my weight was before loading. You have to eat, from what I’ve read, it says even if you’re full, you have to get the food down you. You need the proteins, and if you don’t get what you should eat, as soon as you do, you will probably put on weight. If you have too, eat your fruit that you would eat for lunch in between breakfast and lunch, but try and get your protein, fruit and veggie down you at lunch and dinner
I have not tried the spray, but I used to use it, that is 0 calories for like 5 shots of it, I used to use a lot more than 5 shots when I was using it before. I guess you can try it and if you don’t lose anything, then quit using it to see if you start losing
LOL Sherrie.
I don’t know, after losing and it feels so awesome, i don’t think anything tastes that good to gain
Sherie, that is a little over 1/2 pound a day, that’s great. My daughter in law to be that just finished nursing school said you should NEVER lose over 2 lbs a week, or it can mess up your gall bladder, guess I will find out on down the road, but you are doing good. One suggestion on the day of your bridal shower, take a piece of the cake, put it in a lock tight container and freeze it, it will taste just as good as the day you put it in there(when you take it out). I know how hard it is, and I have cheated, I don’t want too and I try not too, but I still have.
I guess you are going to have to make that decision on your own(the moving to phase 3), you are the only one that can decide what is right for you.
Good luck!
You know Cindy, I have read so many different things on water. I have read you can count the black coffee and tea towards the water count. I only drink 1 quart of plain water a day, probably 3-4 quarts more of tea and coffee and I try and drink a bottled water with crystal light during the day too. I hope I’m getting enough water, I just can’t drink plain water without gagging
You are very correct there are so many different takes on how much water to drink in a day. I try to have as close to a gallon of water, plus coffee and tea. I’m not much into tea, I only drink it for this diet. You have to find what works for you.
I know, I know. I should’ve eaten more today. It’s too late to eat my protein now, but I will tomorrow. I tried really hard to make myself want to cook up some chicken today, but I just couldn’t. I’ll keep eggs and cottage cheese on hand so I can at least eat those if I can’t eat the meat.
Thanks for the help Cindy, Debbie & Sherrie 🙂
Sherie,
I have no advice, but I feel your pain. I’m hosting my sister’s first baby shower on May 15th, smack in the middle of my diet. I’m SO dreading that day! I’m hoping that the weight loss at that point will overpower my need to want to cheat. AHG!
the last / next three weeks will be tough for me.
My birthday wednesday, my husband’s bday, two communion parties, a confirmation and my daughter’s bridal shower.
This diet isn’t easy with events….
But, i will stick it out. Want to look awesome for the wedding 🙂
Debbie
Brynn,
Tomorrow is another day, they will get easier. When you see results it is so worth everything you are going thru now. I have read, can’t remember where, that some time eating your protein before going to bed can be good for you. Since you have such a low calorie day you might consider upping it some, I don’t think it would hurt.
Debbie,
Try this on. In my first round a client brought in a triple layer chocolate cake with raspberry filling, dark chocolate frosting. The owner of the company where I work wanted to take some home to his wife who loves chocolate cake. Well he asks me to get some ready for him. Yup, there I was with chocolate all over my hands, now mind you, I love chocolate cake with raspberry filling and chocolate frosting. Did I say love…lol. I will have you all know that I washed every bit off my hands and didn’t not even think of taking the smallest of tastes. Where I work, there is always something around like that to tempt the most faithful. I has not been easy but I just stay away from the goodies, some of which I have to go buy for the others.
It’s all about your mind set and knowing what your goal is. Keeping focused on that goal.
thanks Cindy!
Guess I am guilty of this too. I’ve been baking a lot for the office. Seems like when I bake it, I never want it,
They tease me about making them bigger, Told them hey makes me look smaller!
You’ll do fine Debbie, and you will look awesome for your daughter’s wedding! Just don’t show up the bride. 🙂
your hubby and you have close b-days. My b-day is Dec. 20th, as is my hubbys, my middle childs and my nieces. Having a 9 lb 2 oz baby on your b-day is NOT a fun way to spend a day.
I
I love sweet tea, but this is regular luzianne tea made with stevia. It probably would do me better to get more plain water down me(at leas the other quart to make the 1/2 gallon), but hardly ever do I just crave water where I can just drink it.
Question for the ones of you who have gone from the p2 to p3
The p2 I’m on, I don’t get b’kfast, yet I see when you go to p3, you’re to eat b’kfast. Isn’t that kind of hard when you’re not used to eating b’kfast? What kind of b’kfast do you usually eat when you start out doing p3?
Yes it is hard to eat breakfast at first when you start P3, but it is very important since you have to up your calorie intake also. You should go for 3 full meals plus 3 snacks a day. My normal breakfast is a 2 egg omelet with cheese and some sort of protein with salsa, since I love salsa on my eggs.
I just noticed that lean ground beef is on the list above; has anyone else eaten ground beef on this diet in Phase 2? It would be a tremndous plus for me if I could eat a small lean hamburger patty. I only eat the 96/4 lean meat, so it wouldn’t be a change for me at all (except the portion size 🙂 )
Thanks for the help!
So, can I go to a restaurant and get a western omelet? Are things like grits okay to eat on p3 or no? How about like cream of wheat?
Yes, I do hamburger patties quite a lot, also cube steaks and breakfast steaks. Breakfast steaks only has 131 calories for 3.5 oz. I do the hamburger meat that is 93/7 I think it is.
Brynn,
The protein items my wife and I were allowed for the diet included shrimp and lobster and crab (only one of them and only once per week), lean ground beef, lean ground buffalo, chicken, whitefish (stay away from oily fish like tuna, salmon and trout, etc.) and egg white now and again. All protein portions were 3.5 oz, raw. The protein plus a few fruits and lots and lots of green, leafy vegetables gave us a surprising amount of variety.
Remember, along with losing weight, you are learning a whole new, healthy way to eat.
Harvel
Sherrie,
Grits and Cream of Wheat are both carbohydrates (starches) and not permitted on Ph3. Western omlets are good. Eggs and Veggies. Ask if they mix anything else into the eggs to make them fluffy.
Harvel
Mindset is EVERYTHING when it comes to doing this diet. I have not purposely cheated once in 2 weeks. I baked my huasband his favorite cake (all cake is my favorite) for his birthday on Sunday and didn’t lick my fingers, a spoon, nothing! No did I grab a chunk of coconut off the top of the cake and stick it in my mouth! I think in two weeks I have disocvered with this particular diet, cheating just isn’t worth it. You totally lose any craving for sweets and starches, and if one bite makes for 3 days of set back, why bother? I’m looking forward to stabilization faze where I can eat some crooked neck squash and a REAL salad with blue cheese dressing!(just a little though, I dip my fork in the dressing and then spear the salad… I’ve been eating salad this way for 20 years)
Sheri, let me encourage you wth this thought… no other weight loss plan would have you down 9lbs in 16 days except complete starvation. That’s what makes this diet so unique and so worrthwhile. Comparatively speaking, it would normally take an average person 5 weeks to lose 9 lbs. You are doing a great job. Keep on going and reach your goal!
ph 2 food question: I have been following very precisely Dr. Simeons menu, which doesn’t include all the vegatables that I am reading others are eating. Broccoli is ok? How about green beans? Cauliflour? brussel sprouts? I’m dying for some vegetable variety. Also, what about a real sald? Lettuce, tomato, red onion, bell pepper?
Thanks for your help.
Hey Debbie, how did your apple day work out for you? Did you find yourself craving something else? Let us know if it was effective.
Thanks
Hi all! Just wanted to let you know I was at my nutrientist yesterday. [ Trying to treat health problems naturally] He thinks it a great diet. He strongly recommended Vitamin E for skin. [ Earilier someone mentioned saggy skin] He said it helps give the skin the nutrients we are missing plus sagging.
CINDY, I decided to do another 1-3weeks. What do I look for in mixing kit [ mentioned earlier. Can you suggest.. Did it take long fror your order to come? So far I lost 15.2 pds in 16 days. I stalled since Sat. so tomorow I am going to try steak day or apple and cheese.
I am going on Thursday for my first wedding dress fitting. We put it off becaues I knew I was going to do a second round. I plan to have them measure me again so I can see the difference. I can definately tell that I have lost inches. Need to work on strength and tone in the next round.
Thanks everyone for your comments. I feel better today. Well, a lot better. I lost a pound this morning! I do feel great, and love this diet. I really have never complained except for yesterday. I agree, where else can you lose this kind of weight without starving yourself. Yes, some people think I am starving myself, but I am not hungry, I have a lot of energy, and really don’t crave anything.
Still trying to figure out what to do about when to move to the next phase. I guess I will see how this next week goes and decide then. The biggest thing I am thinking about is so many people have said that if you are going to cheat, it is better to do it on phase 2 than 3. I just don’t want to screw up p3 as I know that it does work!
Hi Janet –
My menu list includes broccoli & cauliflower. It does not have brussel sprouts, green beans or peppers. I’m wanting to incorporate peppers though, as I love them. I did a search on them and it seems they are low starch (which I think is what’s important). Though I’m not sure something can be “low starch” – maybe it’s a starch that’s low carb. Who knows anymore!
I think it all depends on which plan you get – maybe go do an internet search for low carb or low starch vegatables and see what comes up.
Remember about the “real salad” thing though – in the original “Pounds and Inches” (and in my diet plan) is specifically asks that you do not mix veggies in one sitting. So a salad wouldn’t work with my plan specifications. However, I’ve seen many people post on here and on other blogs that they do mix veggies and it works out fine.
Like I said, who knows anymore…? Good luck 🙂
Sherrie –
What is a breakfast steak, do they sell that at the store? I think I’ve heard of cube steak. I was planning on getting a filet, and trimming it to 3.5 ounces but if there is an easier (and cheaper!) way to get the beef, I’m all ears!
Hi everyone,
i am happy to report that the weight is still coming off, 1.2 lbs today (Sherrie I know I told you .8 but after hubby checked it he corrected me. Thank god he’s better at math then me 🙂 ) I struggled through the first 2 days of my menstral gaining .4 lbs both days but have certainly made up for it since.
Does anyone have a sample menu that they could share for p3? it appears that you eat the same thing just more, is that right?
I could do much better once I get there if I could see an actual samole menu.
Thanks in advance
Mary
OOPS I meant sample not samole 🙂
Thanks Harvel. I’m not a seafood eater so that cuts a lot of my protein variety out, right off the bat 🙁
Also, I’m a bit picky about my vegetables, so it’s another strike against me.
The thing I’m having the most issue with is actually forcing myself to eat. I’m only on Day 4 (including my 2 loading days) and food is just not appetizing, I’d rather go without. Well, I take that back – the food I am able to eat is not appetizing. I would love some salted peanuts right about now.
Anyhow, I’m going to force myself to eat the necessary protein, vegetables and fruit, but like I said, that’s actually the hard part right now for me. It’s not hunger, it’s selection!
Thanks for your help!
Hi Mary, I’m not on ph 3 yet, but Dr. Simeon’s book says you can add back fats, dairy everything except sugar and starch. This would mean no desserts and no potatos, rice, oatmeal, bread… not sure about the other veggies, but assuming they are ok. Perhpas a person on phase 3 could help us out as I will be starting ph3 in about a week and would love some feedback as well.
Thanks everyone.
just found this by googling ph 3 hcg diet… there is more so I will post it separately. can only cut and paste so much for some reason!
Things to avoid on PH3:
Acorn Squash Bananas Butternut squash
Carrots Corn Dried fruit
Mangos Parsnips Peas
Plantains Potatoes Root Vegetables
more foods to avoid on Ph3: a much more comprehensive list than above.
Bagels Beans Biscuits
Bread Breaded foods Brownies
Buns Cakes Candy
Canned fruit Cereals Chocolate
Cookies Cool Whip Corn chips
Corn meal Cornstarch Corn syrup
Crackers Cupcakes Donuts
Energy drinks Fast food Flour
Frosting Fruit juice Grains
Granola Honey Hot dogs
Ice cream Ketchup Kool-aid
Lentils Maple syrup Muffins
Oatmeal Pancakes Pasta
Pie Pita bread Polenta
Popcorn Processed Potato chips
Pretzels Pudding Rice
Rolls Soda drinks Taco shells
Tortillas Velveeta White flour
Yams
Brynn,
Maybe you just need some spicing up for your menu items. Here’s a website that may have some ideas for you:
http://mygreenvalleyspa.com/hcg-recipes/
In addition, there are several websites and books that have HCG diet specific recipes.
Look around to see what you can find. Start by Googling “HCG recipes”
Harvel
Hi Janet,
Lost a pound 🙂 on apple day. Actually I love those days. I love apples. It never phases me to do one and sometimes, not allowed really… I do them for convenience when I have all day work offsites. Easier for me.
Debbie
Good luck Sherie! I need to go for my mother of the bride dress fitting soon!
On P3 I always start my morning with an atkins shake. Many times I will blend it with strawberries. I am not one to want to cook in the morning and it is a great way to start the day with a great amount of protein.
Joyce, Your going to mix for subliminal correct? Make use the hcg you order has a rubber top. I wish I had know that when I ordered mine. Then the mixing kit would depend on how many days you plan to do your round. HCG Discount Supplies is a good site to find a mixing kit, instructions on mixing are also there. Or HCG Coach is another good site with a lot of information, mixing kits and instructions.
The way that I did P3 and plan to do phase 3 again is basically the Atkins diet, but with fruit and veggies. I did not increase my fruit. Eat whole foods so nothing low fat or fat free, don’t worry you won’t gain I was really worried and completely fine.
Great things to add:
Cheese
Almonds (have a handful as a snack when I get hungry)
Dressings
More protein
All Phases approved Atkins bars (great protein snack in the afternoon!)
There is a website that has a bunch of P3 approved recipes on it. You will have to google it and search a bit.
Hello,
I just wanted to say I’m so glad I found this site as it’s helped. I’ve been reading everyone’s insight to the hcg diet. I’ve personally been on the Hcd diet via shots and I’ve lost 31 pounds in 5weeks. The last couple of weeks have been really hard and I’ve cheated quite a bit causing frustration. This is my last week on 500 calories. Will go into the phase 3 for May and then start up again with the hcg drops/750 calories. My question is has anyone out there tried both? Are the results just as great with the drops vs shots?
Joe, When you say drops do you mean the real hcg or homeopathic?
I’m surprised everyone says cheating is better in p2 than p3. Why is that?
Janet,
P2 is for losing the weight, P3 is more important since this is the phase you are reseting your levels. If you cheat here, it could mean you have to start all over.
Hey Brynn
Yes, the breakfast steaks are sold at the store, they are a real thin slice of meat, and they’re lean and 131 calories. My diet also says I can have albacore tuna, but I only ate it once, if it doesn’t have mayo in it, I don’t like it.
The breakfast steaks are very reasonable. If you don’t see them out, ask the meat guy for some. I either fry mine in pam, or I put them in the oven and bake at 350 for 7 in of each side
Janet, I put all that stuff on my salads. The green beans I get are the french style, they haven’t hurt me at all, and I really do eat them a lot
I also eat peppers, infact, I usually slice some up and put on my salads every day. I use green pepper, onions and cucumbers on mine, I really don’t count veggies
I am having a VERY rough day today. I am totally lacking in energy, and I feel very weak. I have been trying to do some data entry all day and my arms feel like lead, my wrists hurt, I feel I can barely hold my head up. Anyone else experience this before? I’m not lacking in sleep, is it just something that happens once in a while?
Hi Janet,
I am tired today also! I do know that leg cramps, means take potassium. Are you taking Vit E? Calcium? Digestive Enzymes? B12? If you take these, you’ll feel better and get better results.
Good luck,
Debbie
Great job Joe!
I have done both. Shots first, later drops and I am currently doing shots again. I find that I lost the same on both… but I maintain the weight better on shots. I also think that 23 days is just not enough time for me to set my metabolism.
Debbie
Hello everyone.
One thing I’d like to state is that many people on this forum do not follow the true HCG Dr. Simeon’s diet.
While mixing vegetables, PAM, tuna, and others may allow you to continue losing, that doesn’t work for everyone and isn’t on the protocol. Meaning, you may be losing structural fat, not abnormal fat.
There is a reason behind all of this to reset your hypothalmus. This is also a cleansing diet, so products chocked full of chemicals and 0 calories are still not legal.
For those of you that want all the benefits of the HCG diet, I would follow things as written in Pounds and Inches.
Debbie
Hey Joe
Sounds like we started around the same time and are doing the same thing(cheating). Not good huh? I’m doing the drops, and did great with them the first 3 weeks, then started having a lot of problems. I do eat a salad every day for lunch(no breakfast) with a little green pepper, onion and cucumber, and then a fruit and meat and that seems to keep me full, but between 4-6 at night, I get the munchies, and have been grabbing chocolate. I know this is not good, and everyday I say I’m going to quit, but it’s hard. I lost almost 22 pounds in 5 weeks(by the way). I am going to go off my drops this coming Monday night, then will do the 3 days of 500 calories with no drops, then try and get through the 3 weeks, then go on my own and try to lose the rest of the 37 lbs. It’s so hard, but I think with walking everyday and continuing to eat a salad every day, in time I will lose the rest. If not, I will have a 6 week supply of these drops left.
I do think some of the girls/guys on here are on drops that have been on the injection, and vice versa
This is off pounds and inches site
White albacore tuna packed in water may be used.
It also says you can use 2 vegetables and no more at each meal, and also lists green beans on there that can be eaten along with some other veggies and fruits. If anyone would like this list, put your e-mail up and I’ll e=mail them to you
Huh, according to the doctor who has us follow strict dr. simeon’s protocol, no tuna, it is very high in fat. Good fat, though, I know that but fat. P3 I always have tuna, yum.
what? Where are you reading this and where do you see that?
No mixing of vegetables. Green beans, broccoli, green pepper, cauliflower are not on plan.
List the site.
Here is the protocol. not the company I go thru but the same diet: http://hcgdietinfo.com/HCG-Diet-Protocol.htm
Diet:
Breakfast:
Tea or coffee in any quantity without sugar. Only one tablespoonful of milk allowed in 24 hours. Saccharin or Stevia may be used.
Lunch:
1. 100 grams of veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp. All visible fat must be carefully removed before cooking, and the meat must be weighed raw. It must be boiled or grilled without additional fat. Salmon, eel, tuna, herring, dried or pickled fish are not allowed. The chicken breast must be removed from the bird.
2. One type of vegetable only to be chosen from the following: spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens, green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage.
3. One breadstick (grissino) or one Melba toast.
4. An apple, orange, or a handful of strawberries or one-half grapefruit.
Dinner :
The same four choices as lunch (above.)
Straight out of “Pounds and Inches” Dr. Simeon’s protocol.
1. 100 grams of veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh
white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp. All visible fat
must be carefully removed before cooking, and
the meat must be weighed raw. It must be
boiled or grilled without additional fat. Salmon,
eel, tuna, herring, dried or pickled fish are not
allowed. The chicken breast must be removed
from the bird.
2. One type of vegetable only to be chosen from
the following: spinach, chard, chicory, beetgreens,
green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel,
onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus,
cabbage.
3. One breadstick (grissino) or one Melba toast.
4. An apple or a handful of strawberries or one-half
grapefruit.
Sherrie,
Maybe that is why you are having a hard time. Try following the plan that I posted which is the original Dr. Simeon’s protocol.
I am never hungry. Don’t even think about cheating. It is pretty easy, just gets BORING.
Debbie
There are a lot of different food lists made up by doctors that don’t follow the original protocol. I only eat foods from the original and like Debbie am never hungry or have cravings. Yes it does get boring which is why I want this to be over. And to think I am going to do another round.
I have the pounds and inches on here, and that’s exactly word for word what it says. That you can have the albacore tuna
I have about given up Debbie. I am having a hard time not having sugar(at least a little here and there). It’s also hard when there is no one around to support me. I know exactly how Joe feels. I feel like almost 22 pounds in 5 weeks is really good, and I feel like if I continue eating like I have been(minus the candy), I will be able to get the rest off. Does your husband support you on your diet?
Sherrie,
What page of Pounds and Inches does it say that? I have nobody to support me as I am divorced and live alone. But I stick to the original food list and have no cravings for anything. I don’t get hungry, in fact I have to force myself to eat most days because I know I need the calories.
Debbie
Albacore tuna in water has 1 total gram of fat, no carbs, no sugar. I really don’t even know where the fat comes from as it says sat fat 0 g, poyunsat fat 0 and monusat. 0
Cindy, it is much easier when you live alone, this is why my friend is doing so well on hers, her hubby is in the reserves and won’t be back until December. It’s harder I think when you’re married and the spouse doesn’t support you(always says I love you just the way you are).
I am going to e-mail you mine, I think it’s page 65
I see the difference in what you Sherrie and Debbie are looking at. The Pounds and Inches I have is only 45 pages. Sherrie Dr. Simeon’s protocol stopped on page 62 of what you sent me. So what you and Debbie are looking are different. Some websites and possibly Doctors have changed up the original food lists and why there are so many out there now. This is just adding to the confusion of what can be eaten.
Janet
For the leg cramps take a calcium/magnesium combo. Your muscles are crying out for these minerals. I’m an OB nurse and that is what our patients take. Pregnant or not that’s what the muscles need.
Can’t wait to receive my hcg drops in the mail. I’m reading all I can to get ready. thank you all for your posts they are alot of help.
Kelly
Janet
sorry I realized I didn’t give you a dosage of the Cal/Mag. Calcium 1000mg & Magnesium 500mg. If you notice this doesn’t help after a week add another capsule.
Sherrie,
My husband is a big supporter… of anything I set my mind too 🙂 And I am very grateful.
That said, he is also tall and lean. So, I do try to make him all of his healthy favorites, which is tough. Also, have two kids…
Support is great. My best friend and business partner is on the diet with me. That is motivating. And a guy that works for me, was on it a year ago, and he is great support. You need to involve friends. Tell them you need their help/support. It is helpful in all aspects of life.
Good luck to you! Stay strong! (oh, the sweet cravings, should have been gone following the protocol. Try a yeast cleanse.. ) and/or B12 which gives you energy.
Debbie
Debbie
That’s my problem, my hubby is 6’1″ and 185, is built pretty much perfect. 🙁
He just says things like it will be so nice when you’re done eating like this so we can go out and enjoy dinner, or so you don’t have to cook extra meals. I’m glad he loves me for me, but wish he would push me a little more.
I’ve been taking B-12 since before I started this diet. Right now, it’s going on 10:00 pm and I’m sitting here with my stomach growling(this has just started recently, the hunger pains) and I’ve been on it almost 6 weeks. One way or another, I will get this weight off. It may take me longer than I wanted it too, but the main thing is that I get it off.
Thanks for the encouragement. I really don’t have many friends(the one that lost the weight, I never see, just talk to her through facebook), and then the nurse, well, it’s the same thing there. I’ve been down here for over 20 years, but grew up 800 miles from here, which is where my friends are.
Debbie, I was just reading the original pounds and inches, and under fruit this is what it says
An apple or a handful of strawberries or one-half grapefruit
No where is an orange mentioned.
I was just looking and the website where it just says the 3 fruits is on the website you use. Was going to put it on here, then saw where it’s the one you had posted.
Sorry, orange is not allowed.
I use http://www.hcgmedical.com
Thanks Sherri. I would love to check it out. joycereitz@comcast.net
Okay so p3 and me do not mix very well…. i have gained back 5lbs in the past 3 weeks and it is getting very annoying… do you think it would be okay if i just back on the hcg for another 45 days and then get back on p3 once i reached my goal weight?
Alex,
P3 is very important, this is the phase that resets your metabolic levels. Did you do a steak day the moment you went over the 2 lb limit? Depending on what type of hcg you are taking would determine if you can go back to P2. How long you were on your 1st round. You should do at least 3 more weeks so you don’t build up an immunity to hcg.
Cindy is right on this, you should do a steak/apple or steak/tomato day if you hit 2 lbs. (that night). I am getting ready to go to p3, then will try and at least get 3 weeks in to p4 before going back on the drops(next time I’m going to only do them 3 weeks over 6 though). You just finished up your p3(just re-read), which is 3 weeks, so I guess I would do your 2 load days and start over again. I did read where some people go back to p2 after p3. I myself, am going to try and get to p4 for at least 3 weeks before having to go back on the 500 calories
You can do it Alex, please don’t give up, we all know how you feel and where you’re coming from. Cindy is a great one to listen too, as are some of the others, as they’ve been doing this quite awhile now, and are on their 2nd and 3rd times or even completely done(like Harvel).
Just wondering if anyone know if there is another lotion thatcan be used besides Alba?
We only have one health store in our town and they were out of it.
Debbie – I have the exact foods on my protocol list. I have added broccoli and that is it. No cheating other than broccoli.
I am currently on my third round of P2 – very first one was last October.
#1 – lost 19 in 35 days – gained 4 during P3 and load
#2 – lost 17 in 31 days – gained 4 during P3 and load
Current round – down 9 lbs in 8 days.
I hope this will be my last!!
whoooohooooooooooo Carol! Awesome!
Well, today is tough, my birthday!
Having a rough week. Weight not budging. Did an apple day, lost a pound. Today, up a pound! So frustrating
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIE
I know how hard it is, remember this is coming from someone who has a hard time when it’s not even my b-day.
P.S. just remember weight fluctuates, that’s one reason Ive always hated getting on the scale everyday. My sister hates scales and has always gone by the way her clothes fit. She said the only time she gets weighed is when she goes to the Dr. Remember, it’s not normal to keep losing weight everyday without hitting a plateau, you have to give your body time to catch up!
Thank you Sherrie!
So discouraged. A week ago, I weighed the same. All week, lose a pound, gain .6, lose .2, gain 1. UGH
Called my support at hcgmedical. They recommend up’ing my protein to 4-4.5 and lowering the veggies. Also, limit water intake to no more that 3/4 of a gallon.
We shall see…………………
I hate this diet! (do it because of all the good things) BUT hate it. Biggest reason I don’t cheat. I hate it and want it over, so it has to work. So bored. No socializing really.
Debbie
Ahh Debbie, I’m so sorry hon, I know where you’re coming from. The site I was reading said not to over do it with water, said 1/2 gallon a day is sufficient. I literally gag lately when I drink plain water, so am only drinking 1 qt of plain a day, then having tea, black coffee and one water with the crystal light when I’m working. I started out the diet with the willpower, but, think I did it too long starting out. Have decided if I do it to finish up, I’m going to do the 3 weeks at a time, or maybe a month, but no longer than that. I would like to get down 1/2 way before going off, which is another 7 lbs. I am due to come off the drops next Monday.
Just remember, your body is catching up to the weight it’s lost and you’re probably still losing inches. Don’t get discouraged, remember plateaus are normal(just aggrivating). Do you walk? If not, try walking some each day, that’s what I do, anywhere between 1 and 2 miles. Sometimes I do a fast walk, and other times I do it slower. (Depends on my mood). You’re doing fantastic, keep your head up! Kudos to the ones of you who are not cheating(unfortunately, I can’t kudo myself) 🙁
thanks sherrie. i had a fun day depite the eating issues. hopefully tomorrow is better
Debbie, Happy Birthday!!!!!
Sheri, are you saying that some atkins bars are allowable on phase 2? I don’t see anywhere but would LOVE to add one or a protein shake instead of meat. What do you know about this as an alternative? I am longing to crunch something besides one little melba toast. LOL
Did you check your dressings to make sure they had no sugar, or did you just eat whatever dressings you wanted?
Debbie, I hope it is better for you. How much have you lost so far(and how long has it been) and how much do you have to go? Just remember, as you get close to your goal weight, it really slows down. Just keep up with what you’re doing
I think I found where I’m losing my inches, my mothers ring keeps sliding around on my finger. Dang, why couldn’t I lose it in my stomach?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIE i know how hard its been for you because mine just passed but I hope the lord blessed you with the strength you needed to get through it.
Mary
Are the only ones cheating or having the urge to all on the homeopathic hcg drops? I’m sure curious about that so please if you have or wanted to cheat could you please let me know what form of hcg you are taking.
Thanks in advance,
Mary
Hey Mary, I have my hand raised. I’m taking the exact same thing as you. I wasn’t this bad though until recently(well, other than the almost 3 weeks in to it when my daughter had her b-day). Lately, I’m hungry all the time it seems. Infact, I’m about to go to bed now so I don’t raid the pantry, the freezer or the refrigerator, or cupboards. 🙁
Mary I am on Homopathic, I did not get cravingings.
Also the group here locally recommends using a low fat, high protein shake once in awhile. I tried it once, did not affect weight loss. But I would not want to do it to often.
I wander if it may lose its potency quicker then what we realize. I orderd twice for a 3 week period because my husband was also using it. So ours did not last long. I know the other HCG , you have to be careful with because of that.
Thanks Mary. I did fine, just not as fun.
thank you for the bday wishes!
Mine is good(it has a date on it), until 2012.
Cindy(having been on this for awhile) said maybe I’m already becoming immune to it. She suggested maybe going in to p3, which I am supposed to start on next week.
Well, I’m off to bed, maybe I won’t be hungry when I wake up tomorrow.
Mary, I WAS on the drops, but I opened the bottle in Sept. I think it lost it’s potency. I switched to shots yesterday because I’ve been pretty darned hungry! But I’m P2D7 today and have lost 5-1/2 lbs so something it’s working at my losing weight, but the hunger, not so much! I hope the shots curb my hunger. I also looked at the drops I have and they have alcohol in it. From what i heard they aren’t as good.
Me too, if you don’t mind! donnaptak@gmail.com
Well, down another pound from yesterday, WooHoo!
Y A Y Y O U ,WOOHOO!!!!! Sherrie i am so proud of you just keep your eye on your goal girl 🙂
Fantastic! Me, still the same. Boo
Joyce its probably on here somewhere but I will ask anyway. Whats your stats like how far along? is it your first time? how much have you lost? and so on
Theres been talk of the homeo drops and I am just trying to find out all I can from people that are actually or have actually been on them.
I have found testimony of people that have lost a great amount and have kept it off for yrs doing the homeo drops but I would love to hear it from people i can actually have conversation with.
Thanks for your response
Mary
Debbie keep your eye on the prize girl. I had lost 2.4,1.2, and 1 then today it was .2 so just keep your eye on the prize. I haven’t been keeping up on this much and I am sure you’ve posted it but just with my own experience I know that if I don’t go potty for a few days I have very little or no loss. Just a thought 🙂
Congrats Sherrie!
The sad thing is I cheated the last 2 nights(thanks to my best friend telling me about the new werther caramelts. 🙁 So, I’m really actually surprised, but now that they’re gone, there wont’ be anymore cheating
Goood Morning Mary . I am on my first round and using homopathis. 6 drops , 6x a day. This is my 17 th day and I lost 15 pds to date. The last 3 or 4 days my weight loss has been 0 or fluctuating a 1/2 pd more or less. Very fustrating. As I do not cheat. I would realistically like to lose about 50. I have tried numerous diets , exercising , 1-2 hours ady , 4-5 times a week and never had these results. I am going to do another 2-3 weeks of phase 2 . My husband just started phase 3 of diet. As usual his weight lost is great, 30 pds. in 3 weeks. Which is to be expected for a man. He did not cheat either. I personally know quite a few people who have lost weight on this diet and kept it off. They are using same product as me. That is what keeps me going. I met a woman who owns the local Curves here , who lost like 80 pds last year and kept it off. she does not work out like a nut either. She is in her 50,s and is doing great. My brother in law lost 40 pds a few months ago and kept it off , he is starting his 2nd round. he was over 300. He was never able to lose weight before.
I think this site is great, when I get discouraged I just pop in here and read . How inspiring everyone is.
Good Morning Everyone!
I am on day 6 of Phase 2. Down 4.5 pounds total – a little surprising, as I wish it was more, but I’m totally okay with it. I somehow managed to lose weight during my load days which makes no sense (I feel like I would have lost more by this point if I had gained weight during those days). Anyway…
I wanted to touch base with a few people on the cheating and not losing enough issues. I had to go out of town for work yesterday and it was a HARD day. I had coffee for breakfast (coworkers ate McDonalds at the airport, so very tough to watch!) and then we went to a restarant for lunch. While everyone else was eating their salad bar, chicken fried steak and whatever sides, I was eating chargrilled chicken and steamed veggies 🙁 Unfortunately, my chicken was placed on a bed of rice! AGH! I could’ve shot myself, but I had to take a bite of the rice! And then I finished it all! I was SO afraid I was going to weigh in today and have gained, but I actually stayed the same – no loss, no gain – and I’m okay with that! 🙂
The point is, nothing is worth the cheating. I know, as you all do, how hungry you get and the desire to eat something besides this strange list of allowed foods. But always remember the goal you have in sight, and maybe it will push you through that hard moment.
One commentor on here, Harvel, always makes a good point – we’re not just on a diet, we’re also despretly trying to change our eating habits and cravings. We have to remember that food is meant for fuel for our body, not as something to pass time with and gorge in because something tastes good. So this diet should not just be looked at as a method to lose weight, but also as an oppurtunity to change our way of thinking about food.
I recently read 2 books – they’re actually what encouraged me to want to change my eating habits – that have helped me a lot. They’re called “Food Rules” and “In Defense of Food”, both by Michael Pollen. I saw him on Oprah and decided to buy the books. Try reading these and maybe it will help you too 🙂
Good luck to everyone!
Congrats Joyce, sounds like you’re doing amazing. Keep your head up and you’ll do great! I know it’s hard, but definitely don’e compare yourself to men – they always lose more! No fair! If you’re not cheating, everything should be falling into place. Good luck!
I got mine from the doctor, premixed. I take the .5 mL, twice a day, can’t remember the strength. Anyhow, mine are only good for 60 days from the time they gave them to me. Hope this helps y’all, I’m not sure if it will –
That is another situation Mary that I ALWAYS deal with and probably causing issues.
When i called hcgmedical, they said to up my protein to 4-4.5 and reduce veggies and fruit some, stay at 500 calories. 2 days. We’ll see.
Down 19.8 in 22 days so I’m pleased. Just tough with a one week plateau…
thanks a bunch guys.. i have started week 3 of p3 and im trying to stay away from all the sugars and starches!! i believe i have gained a bit of water weight do to the flow fairy…and hopefully that will come off once im done! i am taking the human chorionic not the homeopathic one and i am doing the sublingual drops. im gonna give it another week and if i gain more than 5 when i finish up week 4 i think im going to jump back on p2 for another 45 day cycle!
Fantastic Sherrie! I am down another pound too! 13 more pounds until I am at my initial goal weight.
Joyce, I am so relieved to here that there are actual people out there that are or have taken the homeo drops and have had long term success. There are some horror stories claiming that yes you will lose the weight but you will not reset your metabolism and most likely not keep the weight off. WHEW what a relief you have been to me 🙂
Good job on your success by the way WOOHOO
I am taking homeo +amino acid and take 10 drops 3x a day and well I am on day 24 and have lost 20 pounds as of this morning 🙂 Although I am a cheater I’ve licked a 2 knives of cake remnants, ate 4 semi choc chips and eat 3 veggies most days because I use a 3″ celery stick or 2 to get closer to my 500 calories per day. I noticed that my need for sweet was during the 1st 2 days of my girly cycle so although no excuse it did seem like the reason. I personally don’t see the big 20 pound loss much but my hubby, bless his heart always claims to see it. My pants aren’t as tight and you can actually see the difference between my breast and belly where as it use to just blend together and seem like 1 solid section lol. I wonder if when I get to day 40 I will be able to see a true difference.
Well keep your eye on the prize
Mary
Just checking in real quick, ready to go out and finish up my walk from this morning, sure hope the pollen doesn’t get to me again
had my salad for lunch, and it always fills me up, but about now is when I start getting hungry, so I fell like Cindy is right as far as me becoming immune(possibly) to the drops already. Anyway, just a few more days and I’ll be going in to p3(woo hoo), but am hoping to get around 6 more pounds off before I go in to it. most likely I’ll have to go back on drops in a few weeks to finish up with this dieting, but am going to try the last 30 lbs on my own first.
Sunday will be hard, grandsons 11th b-day, not sure if I’ll try a piece of cake or not. Maybe I can sneak off and stay away from it..
That’s great Sherie, you’re so close, sure wish I was. I had to break my goals up in 1/2, almost to the first one which will be my half way mark
Debbie, you’re doing great! You know you haven’t cheated, so don’t fret, it’s your body catching up. Heck, if you keep losing at that rate and you don’t hit plateaus, then all that lost weight would make you really saggy in certain places. You’ll get losing again, I was on a plateau too for about a week, think I lost like 2 pounds. Keep your head and chin up
I’m a loser! I just caved. I mean yeah, I’ve been cheating having a little candy here and there, but I’m so hungry tonight, and I just ate some almonds, a teaspoon of pb and chips! I’m so upset! I’m just so hungry
Sherri, ok so you cheated, you know it and now its time to move ahead. Put it behind you and tell yourself you WILL NOT do it again. I have been following you on this site and I find you to be a constant source of info, positiveness and energy. To cheat is one thing not to admit it to yourself is another. When we acknowledge it , it can help make you stronger. Good Luck!
Thanks Joyce. The damage was 1.4 pounds and it just makes me sick. Cindy has been e-mailing me(she’s a real sweetie) trying to help me figure out what’s going on. She has said maybe immunity, or it’s not as potent, she’s trying and trying bless her heart!
Monday night will be the last of my drops, next Friday I can up my calories, and I’m sure hoping that will help! But, what do you do when you get so hungry you feel like you’re going to throw up? That’s what I did lastnight(not throw up but felt like it), I ate durkee fried onions, chips, candy, all bad things, and I feel so bad now about doing it. The really bad thing is since I cheated 3 days straight(nothing before like lastnight), it didn’t even seem to upset my stomache like it did the first time I cheated. I know if I have to go back on this diet to finish up, I will only do the 3 weeks instead, and will go to my p3 this time, then p4, but then right before my son goes back to Illinois(he’s coming for a week visit in June), I will start back up with load days and finish this journey
Thanks for the words of encouragement Joyce.
Sherrie,
My wife went through a period of time where she could have chewed the leg off a table. We were on injections. We upped her dose to the max for injections to 200 IU per day. That solved the problem and the weight just melted off. Maybe upping the dose might help. One thing about the HCG diet–if you get it right and balanced, there should be no hunger. In fact, you might have to remember to eat.
Harvel
Thanks Harvel, these are the drops, I have been on them 6 weeks tomorrow(that started the loading day), I’m fixing to go off of them on Monday and start p3. I am sure I will have to go back on them 1/2 way through p4. I haven’t had to remember to eat, except the loading days, I wasn’t hungry at all when I first started taking these.
Sherri, you know what you can do as redemption? Empty the bag of chips, candy, bad snack foods in the garbage, and all the other things in your cabinet with ingredients you can’t pronounce. When I say EMPTY, I mean pour them into the garbage OUT of the container, and put your coffee grounds and other garbage on top of it. After all you’ve invested, it’s worth pulling a few things out of your cabinets for the next few days and purging the bad food out. This way if you do HAVE to cheat, you gulp down a big pickle or a few almonds. Try not to have the bad food accessible. The other day I was swigging down 5 calorie a cup chicken broth like a beer! I also took a huge tablespoon of vinegar, then some hot sauce on a spoon. It seemed to have helped.
I’ve been trying to convert my family into eating healthier and had my 8 year old daughter read the back of a couple of cartons today (remember the old pringles commercial?). She couldn’t pronounce it. So I asked her “do you really want to eat this stuff if you can’t pronounce it”. Even after the diet, you shouldn’t have candy, fried onions and chips around anyway so go ahead and do it. This way there will be no more temptation.
So off my soapbox, but I will tell you I switched to shots rather than drops yesterday. I was starving myself all the time. Seems to be working a bit better.
Hi Debbie, Just thought I’d let you know I’ve gone with the 4oz protein since day 1, and cut down on veggies and fruit. I need more protein! So far down 6 pounds in 7 days! Whahooo!
That could also be one of your major contributor’s to your hunger! I was talking to one of my Doctor’s yesterday about this diet and he said that you are NOT to do anything real physical while on the HCG. He said your calorie intake is so low and you are burning off even more calories by walking or working out. Your body will either feel like you are starving or you can become so weak from not enough calories to sustain you. Try laying off the walking until you are on more calorie intake it may be the difference.
I can’t do that Donna, my husband doesn’t have a weight problem and even though I feed him healthy, he still likes his snacks. I didn’t have a problem having any of this stuff around until just recently. But I do have pickles, and I have decided I am leaving my fruit off at dinner time, and if I get hungry, that will be what I eat tonight instead. I have to get through this. I am debating (since I have a little over 7 lbs to go to 1/2 way) if I should say on this another week. I think if I really do try harder, maybe I can make it to 7 weeks instead of 6..?
Sandy
I know I read somewhere if you’re used to walking, you can still walk up to an hour a day. I started walking back in October everyday, ( except for a break when I went to Illinois and it was too cold to walk). I don’t do speed walking, I just walk a normal pace. I just think it has to do with the drops, either not being as potent as they were, or me just becoming immune to them
I actually heard that if you stall for a LONG time or feel that your body is not taking the drops anymore if you have been on them for a long time then doing a load day can get your body going again. I am not sure if this is true or if it works but I hope it helps!
I don’t know either Sherie, but I’m so close to coming off the drops, and then after this I can up my calories, which should help. I’m just not sure how it would work on the drops, I do know if you’re dieting, you can do that, and even though you put on quite a bit for the one day, it comes back off real quick when you get going back on the diet again. I’m doing okay so far today. I had my hunger pain and it went away, I just took some drops and will eat lunch here shortly. I’ve got to get through this and be a little stronger than I have been
I’m very hungry today! My stomach has been growling since morning coffee, after an apple, after a melba toast, after chicken and spinach for lunch, after much water! I’m on day 18. Has anyone experienced this? Or am I at the end of my weight loss challenge? If so, I didn’t lose as much as I wanted. I’m only at 10lbs. Wanted at least 15 and expected to be at least 20 (that would put me at the lower end of the doctors heigh/weight chart).
Thanks to anyone who has an answer!
Janet, not to be nosey, how tall are you and how much do you weigh? Have you seen the news lately where they have been saying the healthies weight is 10% above your ideal weight? They said those people are having less health problems than people who weigh more and who weigh in the low end of their ideal weight.
It sounds like you’re going through exactly what I’m going through, and it’s terrible. Try spacing out your fruit, eat it in between b’kfast and lunch. This is hard, but I feel for you, as that is what I’m going through. I’m just now eating my lunch, and trying to figure out what I can have tonight at Ruby Tuesdays that will be good for me and keep me from gaining
Good luck, just know that we’re all here for you
After I posted I read and found everyone seems to be exeriencing this. Maybe it’s the weather LOL! Wonder if I should try upping my protein? Did I read right that if I do that I still need to stay at 500 calories?
Thanks
Sherri, thanks for the info. I am reluctant to give stats because so many people are really dealing with high weight loss and I feel for them. I don’t want to be the one that people say “why is she doing this”? or “I wish I was where she is”. I am at a “normal” weight according to doctors charts, but I definitely have fat deposits that could come off. And I definitely have a broken metabolism. I gain weight so easily, but losing it takes months! That’s why I tried HCG. I got sick last year and lost 7lbs. I didn’t put it back on until last month, but I put it all on in 1 week! And, I really didn’t over eat. I have said for years that my metabolism is broken. I work out religiously, hard, heavy weights and lots of cardio… doesn’t seem to matter.
Anyway, I wanted to get to the low end of the scale so that I would have some room to play. At any rate, everything says you have to stay on the drops at least 23 days and then p3 3 weeks in order to reset hypothalamus. I did do LOTS of heavy yard work yesterday. Wonder if thats making me hungry today? I’ll wait and see what happens tomorrow. So far, I haven’t cheated, not once, except communion (if you can call that cheating). I have only lost 2 lbs in the past 7 days. It’s depressing!
Sherrie, you are a loser, you have lost a bunch of weight and that is a great accoomplishment! Don’t beat yourself up over a cheat day. You know what to do and you are doing it. One cheat day doesn’t a failure make. Now, back to work girl, you have a goal to meet! And it will be well worth it when you get there!
It’s my understanding of how this diet works, the less you have to lose, the harder and slower it will come off. The minimum is 23 days even if you only have 5 lbs lose. There is no reason for you to feel bad for others on this diet or the reasons. We are all in it for the same goal and that is to have a better life from this experience.
thanks Cindy. I appreciate that. So many times people have said to me things like “why do you want to lose weight” you should be me! It bothers me because I don’t want to be anyone but me. And I have a particular goal to meet. Your words are a blessing. Thanks again. Do you have any ideas about why I am so hungry today? I’m about to run to the health food store for some b12.
I am SO craving a glass of wine for tonight. I’m wondering is cheating with alcohol is worse than cheating with food…or maybe if I don’t eat dinner, the wine won’t be so bad because I won’t go over my calorie intake. Any thoughts…?
Thanks guys!
Janet,
Just a thought -and one you have probably considered- but, what about your tyroid?
Harvel
I remember reading about someone else that was very close to her end weight. She had lots of good insight. Since the format changed it could be harder to find. But she wrote about her struggles, maybe when you have time to could see if you can find her posts.
5 lbs, 50 lbs or 150 lbs it really doesn’t matter. It isn’t for anyone to judge why we think we need/want to lose the weight. I know that my metabolism is totally screwed from years of dieting.
does anyone know why when you post to the site, leave it and come back, you can’t find your most recent posts? I keep coming up with the first day I posted. What am I doing wrong?
do you remember the name of the person whose posts you are talking about? Or perhaps how long ago since she posted?
This has been difficult getting used to. I’m not a fan of the new format, in fact I feel I miss so many posts.
I don’t remember her name. When I get home later I will see what I can find.
I completely agree. Dave is there a way to change it somehow? I like that people can reply to posts, but it is extremely confusing. Many times I read the posts in my e-mail and if i am going to reply then I click on the link.
I’m going to install a forum plug-in for WordPress on a new site we are developing – http://www.hcgtalk.com. I probably won’t get it done till next week some time but once I do, I’ll post here and let everyone know.
In the meantime, nested comments are going to stay as they serve a good purpose for regular commenting on posts. This particular post has taken on the life of a forum with regards to the comments which I think is great but a commenting system on a blog post is not the greatest facilitator of the type of ongoing discussion that has taken place here. That is why I hope al of you will join the forum once it is available.
Hi Janet,
I have been following these posts for about a month and haven’t posted anything yet. Like you, I don’t have that much too lose compared to others, but it’s enough that my clothes don’t fit or are really tight & I want to feel confident about myself again.
I have one week left (doing 23 days) to go and my weight isn’t down as much as I would like to see. I haven’t cheated & follow the plan exactly. I do think the less you have to lose the slower it comes off, but what I am realizing is I am learning how my body works. If I don’t drink enough water, I don’t lose as much the following day. If I take a bath, I seem to gain –weird I know, but it part of what I am learning with this process. As frustrating as it may be, I remind myself how far I have come and what has been accomplished in that short amount of time. Nothing else would have produced the results I am seeing – even if they aren’t the results I am hoping for.
Trust me… I still crave things (especially pizza) but I am realizing that it not a true hunger at least for my. It’s really in my head and it is forcing me to deal with breaking these old habits of eating. I mean how great is it that I am not putting “poison” (sugar, fats, bad carbs, etc) in my body right now? It preparing me for a fresh start on a new way of thinking & YES, it has been difficult. It’s not only physical but mental/emotional as well.
I thought I would share a few things that have helped me in this process:
– Drink water when I am having a craving. I keep it around me at all times.
– Drink Peppermint tea – it helps with cravings.
– If the cravings are really bad I will have a few celery sticks.
– I use my fruit as a snack. Lunch – Snack – Dinner – Snack.
– I cut my fruit into small bite size pieces and put into a small bowl (feel like there is more).
– Chew, Nibble, Suck on a Cinnamon Stick or Anise Seeds (limit amount).
– I wrote down the reasons I want to follow through with this & read it as a reminder.
– I look on-line at one of my favorite clothing stores to get inspired.
– I am giving myself a little reward when I complete phase 2 & the same with Phase 3.
– I have a count down of the days left written on a big board, that I get to change every day. To remind me how far I have come & how little I have left to go.
– I stay away from the kitchen and will change the channel on the TV if a food commercial comes on and I will even voice my craving(s) to my boyfriend just to get it out of me.
– I write everything down in a journal, what I eat, think, how I am feeling, if I do anything different that day, etc. That way if I need to alter something from the day before I can (example: I can’t take anymore baths)
– I read this site a couple times a day for encouragement & strength.
Try not to get too stress, it can affect your weight loss. If I get on the scale in the morning & it isn’t a number I like. I take a moment to get the frustrations out then I move on. Tell myself it is a new day & that I have come a long way & I am proud of myself for sticking with it – NO MATER WHAT! Not to mention, just think how you are finally getting to reprogram your metabolism. It is only a couple months of your life to make a life long change. And don’t forget to try on your clothes to see how they may fit now. It may not show on the scale but it probably is in the inches. It’s made a big difference for me!
I hope this helps, it is what gets me by everyday!
Frankie,
Awesome inspiration and some great advice, Thank you
Hey Brynn
I have seen where you can have some wine on the p3, not sure about p4. Look on the bottle and see what’s in it. Remember to check the sugars and carbs. I would NOT skip dinner though
I agree with Cindy. Can you come live with me for awhile?? 🙂
Janet, you can get the B12 at walmart, much cheaper and just as good.
How’s it going this afternoon for you?
it’s sugar. don’t do it. you can live 3 – 5 weeks without a glass of wine. think how good it will taste when you are 15-30 lbs thinner and you reached a goal that was very difficult. It will be a reward.
I have also been craving a glass of wine with my steak, but not giving in. The light is definitely at the end of the tunnel.
Frankie, great post! Thanks a bunch! I would really like to lose 10 more lbs, but probably 3 – 5 is more realistic for the next week. I have made up my mind that I’m getting off on day 23 reagrdless, and moving on to phase 3. My main reason for this diet is to reset my metabolism, secondarily to lose weight. If I accomplish the first goal, the 2nd will naturally follow.
Sherrie,
it’s been a tough day. I haven’t cheated, but boy have I wanted to eat something really rich and filling!
I am praying for a day tomorrow that is back to normal.
Thanks for asking
I was reading on one of the websites that a glass of wine every so often will not affect you, just make sure it is low in sugar. I attached what I read…
The HCG Diet and Alcohol
Recent studies have found that people who are under extreme amounts of stress or pressure may benefit from an alcohol drink at the end of the day, to help the body and mind unwind and relax. Even though the original HCG diet protocol does not account for alcohol, we have found that some of our clients whom have been drinkers, even those that are bordering on alcoholism, do surprisingly well on the HCG diet. If instructions are followed correctly, the HCG diet will get them out of their drinking routine. These clients have even said that they do not feel the need to drink while on the HCG diet. This may be due to the absence of the alcohol cravings (because HCG works with the hypothalamus gland which controls the emotional eating/ drinking part of the brain, along with other aspects.)
When on the HCG diet a user, who has been a drinker, may find that a relatively small amount of alcohol produces the euphoric intoxication feeling. While on the HCG diet, we have had many clients whom have had a small glass of vodka and mineral water with a bit of lemon (or vodka and 8 oz of fresh orange juice, this juice will count as one of your servings of juice) and still lost weight, during the initial weight loss phase. Dr. A.T.W Simeons does allow for a glass (8 oz) of wine with dinner during the maintenance phase of the diet (after you stop taking the drops). During the initial weight loss phase of the HCG diet be sure to check sugar content of alcohol, the less the better. Of course, we must say that if you do decide to drink while doing the HCG diet, just be aware that you may have lost more if you did not drink. If you do want to stop drinking what a time to stop it will be easier than ever according to many HCG Diet users.
Hi all. I am a 35 yo male. I started one week ago (not counting loading). I have a 25-30 lb goal. I paid 325 for an accelerated hcg/phentermine 30mg. I have been starving pretty much from day one. FYI this was through a local retail hcg diet shop, with Dr.s.
I have been unhappy so far, for the money I got a appt., I am doing 125mg plus the phentermine. I have been starving ever since. I have not cheated but have a few questions. I couldnt find any multi vitamins that do not have E or A at a minimum. I have grissin sticks and show they have a small amount of carb, oil, etc. I cant seem to get help I paid for because they seem to always be closed when I go. (couldnt even get my weekly injection or weigh in this week). Can someone please help me with what vitamins I can take and how many carbs and such CAN I have. I have been using truvia packets for my coffee and realized 1% carbs in every packet. I have NOT gone over 500 cal in any day so far.
i should probably clarify my drops are 125 hcg twice a day mixed with b12…
Michael, are you losing weight? I have the same grissini sticks and they seem to work out ok. I’m on Day 8 and have lost 6 lbs. I take a woman’s vitamin (Rainbow Light) and actually supplement with Vitamin E and still have weight loss. My average carbs per day has been between 37 and 60. Average fat between 5 and 10 a day. I usually only use 1 package of stevia a day and have stuck to between 500-520 a day.
Welcome Michael. First of all, you DO NOT want to use truvia, you either need stevia (which if you can’t find at your grocery store you can get from a health food store or online) or you can use saccharin, which is sweet and low. I use the stevia myself.
The first week can be tough. They have you on phentermine? That’s a diet drug that I actually used to take to lose weight and sure wasn’t taking anything else with it. I take B12 and some potassium that I got at walmart. The carbs even for me after almost 6 weeks is still hard as I have no clue how many you get a day out of the food you eat either.
Sounds like you kind of got ripped off, not just because of the price, but also because they’re NOT answering your questions, nor are they giving you the help you need.
Have you read pounds and inches yet? If not, read to page(I think Cindy said 40 or 45)
http://powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
Please keep checking back and hopefully one of the ones on here that has been on the diet longer will be able to answer the other questions. Good luck! We’re all here for you!
Michael, I just sent a message, but it’s also awaiting approval, I knew as soon as I sent it I did it wrong. Anyway, you don’t want to use truvia, but use stevia or sweet and low(saccharin) instead.
haha well I dont know. I was going to only do weekly weigh ins so as not to be discouraged by daily, but they were closed so the wife is picking up a scale this evening. I will check in the AM. My vitamins i settled on are actually a daily energy, vit,mineral, and herbal. It is western family daily energy support. if anyone wanted to peek at the label…
BTW I take 200 once a day.
ok I am going to try to find the stevia drops. what about drinks with aspartame?
I had not been able to find flavored Stevia locally but did find a web site that wasn’t to bad price wise if anyone is interested. Health super store is the name of the website.
Although people have much success integrating “unnatural” ingredients in the diet, my theory is in order to truly reset your metabolism I try and avoid any additives or preservatives. I have a hot sauce in my fridge and I can kick my own butt that I missed the “xanthum gum” added in! Lots of people love soda, my friend actually just used plain soda water, put lemon and lime in it and added a Stevia. I think it’s a personal choice how to integrate things in and you’ll see as you weigh yourself daily what works and waht doesn’t. I have tracked everything I’ve eaten, even a bite of chicken breast as a snack if I’m starving!
Can you tell if what the doctor gave you is homeopathic or the actual hcg?
Did you load really good?
Are you talking your drops at 12 hrs apart?
I used Truvia also until I realized it was causing me to stall. Now that I’m in P4 I am using it up but won’t waste my money on it again.
I was never told, although they did say to keep it refigerated so I am assuming it is the real stuff. They said it is the exact same as they inject me with once a week. I will ask to verify when I get in again. I do know there is a B12 label on the bottle with thier own printed label that only list the dosage directions. It does not specify either or.
Ok tell me this, do you use a dropper or a syringe to get our dose out of the bottle?
Dropper. Just to clarify It is a B12 dropper bottle and I think they add the hcg and place another label over the B12 label. The B12 brand is from Pure Encapsulations and the new label over it is 125 units HCG and 500 mcgs B12. I get them from Dr. Diet at http://www.drdietweightloss.com.
BTW thanks everyone that is answering. I have been overwhelmed by so much conflicting info on the web I am at a loss to decide what I should be doing. I feel like I paid these guys a ton of money and did not really get very good instruction.
No, not supposed to have aspartame. I actually have the bag of stevia. But, I know you can get the different flavors on the internet
I thought with the shots it was 6 out of 7 days that you had to get them?
I take B12 and potassium that I get at walmart
They told me they couldn’t do that anymore because of a new law. Don’t remember for sure but I believe it was a state law. They used to send people home with 6 syringes every week but now they do drops twice a day and once a week you come in for a shot…
You know what sucks?? I have a bottle of boonesfarm(LOL) in the frig and I had a bottle of reunite, I hardly ever have wine, but once in awhile like a sweet glass of it(maybe twice a year). Anyway, when my exchange student from Italy came back for a visit(hadn’t seen him in 9 years) last month, he and my hubby drank my good reunite and left me the boonesfarm
Well I get mine off the internet and it specifically says that air makes the hcg lose potency. I mix mine myself for taking as drops and have to have sealed containers. I use a syringe to get my dose. Maybe that is why you are hungry.
Vanessa, I remember reading that somewhere also
Also are you keeping it dark? You can wrap it in foil or put it inside a dark container to help keep the light out.
Michael,
First, if you don’t have a copy, get your hands on Dr. Simeons’ protocol, written in the late 1950’s. As far as my wife and I are concerned, that is the “bible.” I don’t remember which website I found it on as a free download, maybe someone else can tell you.
Secondly, did you mean 125 mg (millograms) or 125 IU (international units) of HCG? The HCG dose can range from 120 IU to 200 IU. I lost weight well with no hunger at the 150 IU level, but my wife had go all the way to the max. We used the pure stuff by injection. There were no additives to it.
Be sure you are taking a good multivitamin and B12 and drinking plenty of water.
If your dose of HCG is correct, you shouldn’t need the appetite suppressant effects of the phentermine. I don’t mean to throw rocks at the protocol you are following, but it sounds as though you are not being advised to follow the HCG diet the way it was developed and written by Dr Simeons.
My wife and I use Green Leaf Stevia for our sweetening. It is an natural product and not the product of modern chemistry. And, a little bit goes a long way.
The vlcd (500 C) portion -Phase 2- of the diet does not allow any starches or sugars except an occasional bread-stick or piece of Melba toast.
I think I covered about everything you mentioned. If I didn’t, come back to this blog. We’re not on the diet right now, but I do read it. Keep the faith. this thing does work. I lost 61 pounds over two rounds.
Harvel
Harvel, I just posted the protocol a bit ago, but it’s waiting approval from David. I knew as soon as I posted it, I shouldn’t have sent it like I did. Hopefully it will be up on here tomorrow. I got it with my drops through e-mail, but think Cindy was telling me the original only goes to page 40 or 45, so anything on the protocol I posted from pounds and inches is what other Drs have added since the original
Hey Janet..Sorry, Just spotted what you wrote tonight. I did better today. We went out for dinner. We were going to go to Ruby Tuesdays, but they were packed, so we went to this new sub place. I actually got grilled chicken pieces which was on pita bread with fries and salad. I asked them(she didn’t know what was on the salad) to keep the carrots and cheese off. I also got water to drink. The salad came with tomato and black olives, so I picked the olives off, then I att the chicken, 4 fries(gave the rest to hubby) and 1 triangle of the pita plus a little more of another(know that was a big no no). I came home and walked 2 more miles for a total of 4 or 5 miles today. Will let everyone know how tomorrows weigh in is. I have to decide by Monday evening if I’m going to quit taking drops Monday night or give it another week to try and get to my 1/2 way mark. I’m proud of you Janet for keeping on track today!! Woot Woot!
here is where you can get Stevia. I wonder what you would put all the different flavors in too, does anyone know??
healthyshopping.com/sweetleaf/
Michael, this is what I wrote earlier, I will fix it where it should go right through. This has pounds and inches on it
Welcome Michael. First of all, you DO NOT want to use truvia, you either need stevia (which if you can’t find at your grocery store you can get from a health food store or online) or you can use saccharin, which is sweet and low. I use the stevia myself.
The first week can be tough. They have you on phentermine? That’s a diet drug that I actually used to take to lose weight and sure wasn’t taking anything else with it. I take B12 and some potassium that I got at walmart. The carbs even for me after almost 6 weeks is still hard as I have no clue how many you get a day out of the food you eat either.
Sounds like you kind of got ripped off, not just because of the price, but also because they’re NOT answering your questions, nor are they giving you the help you need.
Have you read pounds and inches yet? If not, read to page(I think Cindy said 40 or 45)
powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
Please keep checking back and hopefully one of the ones on here that has been on the diet longer will be able to answer the other questions. Good luck! We’re all here for you!
Sherrie,
The flavored Sweet Leaf Stevia drops are really handy. With sparkling water, you can make lemonade, root beer, orange soda, etc. I really like the chocolate drops in my coffee. It helps make the daily ration of water easier to take.
Harvel
Harvel, so you just take the flavored ones and put them in your water? I have drank black coffee since I started drinking coffee, so that part doesn’t bother me, but now when it comes to the plain old water, I gag
Ok, this is amazing and I love it. Yesterday I was really hungry, all day. Thought about cheating all day. I was craving blue cheese salad dressing and a real salad. Last night my hubby and I went to dinner. I had steak, salad with blue chesse on the side. I cheated. I was dreading the scale this am, but I still lost a half lb. This is the first instance of the scale going down 2 days in a row in 7 days! Yeah. I am now so motivated to be completely strict and finish up. I can’t wait. If my body doesn’t start getting hungry and saying time to get off the drops, I’m not getting off till either my body talks or 40 days, whichever comes first. Maybe sometimes when your body talks about blue cheese you just have to listen! LOL. Anyway, interestingly enough, I am a sugaraholic. Or I should say I WAS. My craving wasn’t for a sugary processed food, but for blue cheese! I love that, and I can live like that.
All of you who might be struggling today, be encouraged. Tomorrow assuredly has great things in store!
Sherrie, if you like sweet red wines I know of one you will love, which will be an absolute treat when you enter phase 3. It’s from a Texas winery. The brand is LLano and the name of the wine is Sweet Red. It is sweet enough to not be bitter, but not so sweet you think you are drinking kool aid. Let me know if you try it what you think. If you have a central market where you live, Costco or Sams you can get it there really cheap. My local Walmart even carries it.
well, go to ebay and put in liquid stevia, there is one site that I can get 4 bottles for $10 plus a little for s&h. some of the other ones are free. I’m getting ready to order some
One thing I know for sure about gaining weight, if you let it stay on you a day, it’s staying until you seriously diet again to get it off. I would guess that’s the reason for the immediate need to shed yourself of 2lbs. Because it will quickly turn to 3, 4,5…. Alex, don’t eat starch and sugar during phase 3. The protocol clearly states not to do that. This is the time that your body is adjusting to your new weight. If you haven’t read pounds and inches you should go get it, for free. I have picked it up from the inet. just goole it and you will find a free ebook on almost every hcg support site.
Good luck. Keep the goal in sight.
I just ordered some on ebay. I could pick from 4 flavors, so got vanilla, chocolate(couldn’t decide on that and cinnamon), peppermint and strawberry. Hope I like them. Will have to put those in my water, hopefully I’ll be able to drink my water that way. 🙂
They had a lot of single 2 oz bottles too for $12.99 and you don’t have to pay s&h. I was going to order some different flavors of that as well, but will see if I like this first. If I like it, then I will try and continue to use the stevia even when I’m done dieting
The steak was fine, the salad was fine, you got lucky with the blue cheese dressing(I love that too, but have learned to eat my salads with no dressing). I’m a sugarholic too, that makes it very hard. Yesterday I boiled up 4 eggs(hard boiled), just so that if I got hungry lastnight I could eat an egg instead of candy, but I did good lastnight and didn’t cheat at all(other than the 4 french fries and the little bit of pita bread at the restaurant). I still lost .6 of the 1.4 I had gained the day before.
Well, off to work, hope you all have a wonderful day!
this is what I just ordered from ebay
cgi.ebay.com/Any-4-Bottles-Stevita-Stevia-Liquid-
then I wrote him and gave him my 4 flavor choices
Sherrie,
Yes, you use the flavored stevia to flavor the water. Plain water makes good lemonaid; carbonated water makes good fake soda pop. You have to experiment to get the taste right. I drink water from a 16 oz glass. It takes around two squirts from the dropper in carbonated water to make good root beer, as one example.
B-12 shots. Today I got a bunch of glass vials in the mail, I wasn’t prepared for THAT! I had to snap the top off and I found it very difficult to fill the syringe up, but I did the shot, all by myself! So… do I do this just once a week? How long before I see more energy? If you are a B-12 shot taker, what differences have you seen in your mood?
I’m just coming out of a two year funk after losing my child and gained 20 lbs in the process. Now I’m down 7 lbs in 8 days and on the road to recovery… FINALLY.
UPDATE
Again thanx for all the help. I got stevia in the raw and put the truvia away. No more aspartame drinks. I have been drinking drinks with that or splenda for years. After alot of reading last night I will never have it again. Apperently it could be a huge factor in why I have gained weight the last few years.
The hcg just says 125 units per dose. (.5mL) today I increased it to account for a little more but I was still hungry. I took my phentermine a few hours later and I just ate my first meal today of fish, brocolli and melba (had a apple a few hours ago). I am still hungry, this is what makes this so hard. Thursday was the only day I was not hungry and had to force my food down to still get 500 calories….
However…. I did weigh myself today for the first time since I started… my weights are as follows…
201.x when I signed up for the program on thursday (loading thursday and friday)
saturday AM day 1 morning weight 203.5 (after loading)
saturday AM day 8 morning weight 192.0 (today)
Since I don’t want to count loading weight I see that as just over 9 lbs in 7 full days…
I might be miserable but it seems to be working. I have read if you dont load the right way it can be somewhat miserable so maybe I didn’t do so well there…
with my goal being 25 to 30 lbs loss, I think I am on my way.
Again thanx for all the help. I got stevia in the raw and put the truvia away. No more aspartame drinks. I have been drinking drinks with that or splenda for years. After alot of reading last night I will never have it again. Apperently it could be a huge factor in why I have gained weight the last few years.
The hcg just says 125 units per dose. (.5mL) today I increased it to account for a little more but I was still hungry. I took my phentermine a few hours later and I just ate my first meal today of fish, brocolli and melba (had a apple a few hours ago). I am still hungry, this is what makes this so hard. Thursday was the only day I was not hungry and had to force my food down to still get 500 calories….
However…. I did weigh myself today for the first time since I started… my weights are as follows…
201.x when I signed up for the program on thursday (loading thursday and friday)
saturday AM day 1 morning weight 203.5 (after loading)
saturday AM day 8 morning weight 192.0 (today)
Since I don’t want to count loading weight I see that as just over 9 lbs in 7 full days…
I might be miserable but it seems to be working. I have read if you dont load the right way it can be somewhat miserable so maybe I didn’t do so well there…
with my goal being 25 to 30 lbs loss, I think I am on my way.
21 days to go on phase 2, unless I get there early I guess.
WTG Michael on the weight loss
My friend has lost 84 lbs since November on this, but she’s doing the 750 calorie one. Why is he giving you phentermine? That is to lose weight and you shouldn’t be taking that along with the hcg, sorry, but that just doesn’t make sense to me. I used to be on phentermine, they’re NOT good for your heart and I just can’t figure that one out at all
I copied the actual plan I am on from the website below. The phentermine is what was prescribed so thats what I take. Maybe I should try a day without it and see if it makes a difference… could the two work against each other? I am sure they will discuss this with me, the problem with the support is they are closed when I get off work and open for 3 hours on saturday but for some reason they were closed this saturday without notice so I missed my injection. I have called on my lunch break but dont get an answer.
Accelerated Program -Currently $325 (normally $375) Includes 4 weekly B-12 shot and weigh-ins, Dr. visit and HCG oral spray/drops. Each Month $80 after $199 for HCG spray/drops
I won’t be doing month 2 hcg but they think i may still need the phentermine again to maintain eating habits through phase 3 and maybe 4.
Michael
Read this
http://www.drugs.com/phentermine.html
I think the reason you’re paying so much is to cover the cost of the phentermine, that stuff alone is very expensive. The thing is, you’re NOT getting what you paid for, they aren’t open, they’re not answering the phone, etc etc.
I did it again. Sorry
Michael, please read this
drugs.com/phentermine.html
actually the phentermine was $30 at walgreens. I had to go fill that after the visit with the Dr. I have learned alot already tho, they wont get that much a second time, lol. I dont know if my insurance paid any of the phentermine or not, but 30 days cost me $30. This on top off the foods I have to eat has become quite expensive. It’s no wonder America is fat, most folks can only afford to be that way!!!
Hey Donna
I can’t help you as I just take b12 that I buy at walmart. I only got them because I read where I should, but when I was going to a diet dr years ago, they gave me B12 shots, and to be honest with you, I never did get energy from them, but everyones body works different.
So sorry to hear about your child, that has to be devastating!
Hey Michael.
It says phentermine right on it? Usually they run more than that, or they used too. Usually ins. won’t pay for anything that we use to help us lose weight.
I’m going to talk to my neighbor(an ER nurse that is also on this diet) about giving the shots and the phentermine. We’re supposed to maybe walk if she gets off work in time. I actually may shoot her an e-mail and see what she has to say about it
Michael- my doc prescribed me Phentermine too. I haven’t taken any but I would think that it wouldve curbed your appetite. If you’re hungry on it, I would imagine you’d be more so not taking it.
I went to a doctor too for all my stuff. You and I are a day apart on our plans. Today, my day 8, I’m down 7.5 lbs. Woohoo! Good luck to you!
I sent the nurse behind me the info on the phentermine to see what she thought.
Phentermine is very dangerous, and usually only given to people that have A lot of weight to lose. The HCG is supposed to help keep you from being hungry. My beauticians daughter lost 25 lbs her first week on hcg(she’s been on it 3 1/2 weeks now and down 45 lbs. She was over 330 when she started, she is just taking hcg drops, nothing else with them.
Michael,
At least half of the reason for going on the HCG diet is to learn to eat appropriate amounts of healthful, beneficial food. I don’t agree that a crutch such as phentermine is at all helpful in that regard. Most of us have (had) lousy eating habits and extremely poor choices in the foods we eat (ate). That’s why we ended up where we did (or are). You point about healthy, beneficial foods being pricy is all too true. Sugars and starches and junk protein are generally inexpensive, very filling and fattening. However, spending a little time with coupons and watching for specials can trim the cost. Comparison shopping can also help. Do you have a local farmer’s market? Usually you can find extremely good food at reasonable prices. That food doesn’t have the processing, packaging and shipping costs included in the price.
Harvel
Well, I asked the nurse about the phentermine, she said that some Drs do prescribe the phentermine when on the diet
Hi everyone, I have been studying up today on recipes, readying to enter phase 3. Want to get some input on coconut flour and stevia blend. It looks like these should be ok. Has anyone used these products to bake food, and do you know if there is any reason not to use them in ph3?
Thanks
I’m stoked. I’m going to change the way my entire family eats. My husband may lose his joint pain after I get him off wheat and gluten!
Janet,
Coconut meat (flour) is pretty heavy on both sugars and starches (carbohydrate). Here’s what I compied from the USDA nutrition website:
Carbohydrate, by difference g 6.70
Fiber, total dietary g 4.6
Sugars, total g 2.08
Probably don’t want to eat it until Ph4. No problem with the stevia in any phase.
Sorry, those amounts are PER OUNCE!
Thank Sherri for the reply! I’ll give it a “shot” (yes a pun was intended). Ya, life sure threw me some lemons. And according to this diet, I can only use one of them per day :0
Holy cow! 25 lbs in a week?! Amazing!
Way back in the Adkins day, I used almond flour. Is that an option for you? I also dredged chicken in parmesan cheese.
I am staring to think the b12 shot makes a ton of difference.I had it last saturday, and the next friday and today have been awful. I was unable to go in and get this weeks shot. I cant say for sure cuz I am a noob but I expect weekly b12 shots aren’t for nothing and I sure felt cruddy after missing mine.
Donna, Almond flour is an option, but I like what I have read about coconut flour. No starch., no wheat, no gluten. I am getting away from gluten. Seems that glueten really is contributing to making people fat along with high fructose corn syrup. Both of these ingredients are in almost everything you purchase at the local market. Despite the carbs it is not starchy carbs according to everything I have read. Probably the sugar is an issue, which I hadn’t really thought about. And, coconut has so many healthy benefits according to research.
I am planning on switching as many recipes as I prepare at home to coconut flour (I don’t cook a lot, but I might start).
Hey Janet
Actually the diet that came with my drops said I could have up to 4 T of coconut oil a day, they say coconut is really good for you.
The thing is it has to be better for you than all the other crap we’ve eaten over the years
I’m supposed to go off my drops tomorrow, but I think I’m going to extend it by one week. I’m still having a problem when I get home in the afternoons from work(with snacking) and I’m kind of at a stand still. I want to really try and put my mind to sticking with this one more week to see if I can get to my 1/2 way mark. There is no doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t have been there already if I hadn’t done all the cheating. I could just kick myself
Michael, can you not just get the B12 at the local walmart? I know it’s supposed to be included in what you get from the Dr, but it sounds like they’re never in anyway.
They may help you, like I said everyone is different. B12 never did give me any energy when I was getting shots years ago when dieting.
Yeah Donna, but remember, she was over 300 lbs. That’s why I keep saying to the ones that don’t have much to lose, you’re not going to lose as fast as someone that has a lot to lose. It took her the 40 lbs to be able to tell she had even lost any. She is only going to do 2 bottles that she bought(she hates this diet), then she is going to go to weight watchers to finish up
sorry Michael, I was thinking of the adipex I used to take, it was expensive
Sherrie, get to the 1/2 way mark. It will make it so much easier the next go round. You will know that it will be the downhill slide. Don’t cheat anymore. You have to control your eating, don’t let it control you. You really want this goal, I know you do. So you GO FOR IT. You can do it. You have everyone here to encourage you, as well as the many friends and family I’m sure who are helping. If they are not, don’t listen to them!
Blessings Sherrie. If we never challenge ourselves then we never grow. Growth is a good thing. Go for it!
I started the shots two weeks ago. First week I lost 7 pounds. The second week my weight did not move. I have followed the diet plan precisely. I have kept my exercise minimal 15-30 minutes per day (brisk walk, bike ride etc).
Starting to get frustrated with my results. Any suggestions?
Tanya, I can so relate. I’m on day 19 and have only lost an effective 8 lbs. If you include what I gained on load days, then it’s 11. I’m trying to keep my eye on the prize though, because there is no way doing any other program that I would have lost 8 lbs in 3 weeks. In the past it has taken me 3 months to lose 8lbs. This is much easier in the long run. I think our expectations run so high that psychologically the disappointment of not losing a lb a day is hard, but again, realistically, you would lost that much weight in a week doing anything else. So, keep up the good work. You will reach your goal if you stay focused and determined.
Hey everyone!!
So, I am on day 4 not counting the first two days. I have lost 6 pounds as of this morning, I feel good but I am afraid its just water weight and it wont continue. It is nice to read everyone’s postings, it helps a lot to read what other people are going through. I am fine Monday-Friday, but this weekend has been rough! My boyfriend is one of those people I hate he can eat and eat and never gain a pound, while I just look at a cookie and I gain a pound. I was doing really well before we moved in together, I worked out everyday and I was comfortable with myself. We moved in together last August and I have gained like 20-25 lbs! Its summer time and I am not swim suit ready yet. If anyone has any suggestions on what has helped them I would the advice.
I bought the B12 from the HCG diet and I can’t tell that it does anything.
Thanks Janet. Tomorrow, I’m suppose to measure, maybe I will see some results. Have a good evening.
Okay, well, wish me luck! I am going to go ahead and start p3 tomorrow. I don’t feel like I can go any further at this time on the drops and 500 calories. I will do the p3 at least 2 weeks, anytime after the 2 weeks I can go back on the drops and can reload. Don’t know if I’ll do the full 3weeks then go to p4 or just go back, will go one day at a time.
Tanya, If you don’t lose tomorrow, to an apple day.
If you weren’t working out before and started while on the diet that could be it. Make sure you are drinking more enough water and also you might want to up your protein some. I work out every day for 30 minutes BUT I was working out before I started the diet and I also stopped for the first couple of weeks of the diet.
Good morning!
Down 2 today and 5.5 the last 3 days!
Not sure if you remember but last week was terrible for me. I couldn’t lose for anything. So, I examined my food journal and found the issue! I got into such a routine of an apple weighs… that I just recorded the ounces. Well, to my surprise, my apple that week was huge compared to what i normally had. So instead of 75 calories, it was 123!! OMG, that gave me at least 100 calories I wasn’t counting. Made the adjustment, and the weight is pouring off again.
Point here is weigh. Daily weigh your food. Don’t assume.
Also, a pleasant addition is seltzer water. Plain old carbonated water. That with some squeezed lemon and stevia, is such a water treat! Same with any of the other flavors.
Journal. Weigh. Take calcium, potassium and digestive enzymes to increase potential and this does work.
Good luck to everyone today! Day 28 for me… 14 to go 🙂 Down 23 and only want 10 more.
Debbie
Good luck Sherrie!!
You did fantastic! Take your time. You’ll see that you can stay on P3 for 2 months if you’d like then start again. No rush.
I can’t wait for P3. There are so many options compared to now, you’ll find yourself content there.
Debbie
WTG Debbie. yes, remember last week was rough on you! Wow, 10 to go, must be nice. I have like 36 to go. But, I am starting p3 today(well, have to do the 3 days of 500 calories still, but I am off the drops). I think I may do p3 for 2 1/2 weeks, then reload and do p2 for 3 weeks again(instead of 6 weeks). Where did you get your drops you’re taking? They seem to be working much better than mine.
Hey Debbie, that’s great! Congrats! My weight loss has been so much slower than everyone else, and I have stuck to the diet religiously except the one day I had blue cheese on my salad, and it was a small amount, a small cheat. Anyway, I eat an apple almost every day, so I wonder if I’m going over as well. How many calories in 1oz? I have 5 more lbs to go. I was planning on starting ph3 this weekend, but it isn’t going to happen at my current rate of .4lbs per day. Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks
Good luck Sherrie. I know you are doing the right thing for you. You know how far to push yourself. You have done a great job, so be encouraged.
I didn’t know the drops mattered in your weight loss. I have been under the impression that as long as you are not hungry then your drops are working?? Am I wrong about that? Is that a possibility why my loss has been so slow? I know that the less you have to lose the slower it goes, but my average is .4lbs per day. I would like to get to at least .7 which is what it appears most people average, according to all I have read.
Vanessa, depending upon how much weight you need to lose, it may or may not continue to fall off as quickly, but stick to the diet, because it does indeed work. And even if you are only losing 1/2lb per day, that is more than you can lose on any other weight loss plan. Good luck and blessings on your journey to become healthier.
Hi Sherrie,
Thanks!
You are doing well…
I am not doing drops this time, i am using injections. I prefer them (i’ve done both) and I seem to maintain better afterwards. Who knows why…….. May be just me…
Debbie
Hi Janet,
Well we all lose at different paces. This is the quickest for me. But I believe it is because I’ve gained most of the weight in the last 6 months, quitting smoking, christmas and a cruise!
I am also on injections. Which seem to work better for me.
I would weigh you apples. 15 calories and ounce.
Also, if you aren’t, take coral calcium (binds to fat and helps flush it), potassium, Vit E. Digestive enzymes. These things will speed your loss. And, are healthy for you to take forever.
Good luck!
Debbie
Sherrie,
Save your fruit for your afternoon snack. I always do. In fact, have fruit for morning snack. Lunch is protein and veggie. Afternoon snack is fruit. Dinner is protein and veggie. Helps space things out, eating more frequently, and if you go long enough without, you won’t get cravings.
DON”T stop before 23 days or you will regain.
Debbie
Hi everyone,
Hope your weekend was successful.
Sherrie good luck with p3
I weighed in today .6lbs gain and discovered that my sweetener has aspartame in it. Can anyone tell me what the big deal with that is? I was as always trying to save some money and bought and off brand sweetener and after almost 2 weeks finally looked at the ingredient to find aspartame 🙁
I am on day 28 and have lost 21 lbs which I am not satisfied with at all. Last week I was very light headed all week with a headache each day and yesterday even got very nauseated ( ate 2 saltine crackers 🙁 ) I’ve also had heart burn the whole week. Has anyone experienced any of these things?
I still at day 28 can’t seem to b.m. on my own so since this began have been flushing with water every 2 to 3 days, any similarities you care to share??????
I have 13 more days till the p3 and if this weight loss doesn’t get any faster it looks like I will need to do a second round but of 23 this time instead of 40. Leaving me searching for the REAL stuff in drop form for VERY inexpensive. Do you use the REAL stuff and if so where do you get yours and for how much? my funds are SO limited and there is no way I will afford the couple of women selling local being that the cheapest 1 is 50.00 and I’m not to sure about its quality.
I’m still unsure of how p3 works to reset the metabolism, can anyone help with that?
I thank you in advance for any help you can offer.
Mary
Mary,
21 pounds in 28 days is great. What the heck?? I don’t know any other diet where you’d lose at this pace. And if you expected more, you were unrealistic.
I too have BM issues. As I said, smooth move works well and is organic.
The lightheaded and nauseated, that can be potassium deficiency. Try taking a capsule a day.
Heartburn. Odd. Organic vinegar works best on this diet. Helps you lose and helps get rid of heartburn.
Quit complaining and celebrate a 21 lb loss!!
Debbie
This is the site I have followed, it has veggies, fruits and fish on it
fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/FoodLabelingGuidanceRegulatoryInformation/InformationforRestaurantsRetailEstablishments/ucm114223.htm
fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/FoodLabelingGuidanceRegulatoryInformation/InformationforRestaurantsRetailEstablishments/UCM063482
Mary,
I am down 22.8 in 28 days and I am thrilled! that is by far the most I have ever lost on this diet this quickly. And I believe it is because i gained this weight in the past 6 months.
It is not normal for woman to lose at this pace. And, 34 pounds is the max on any phase…………
You need to learn to celebrate the good and quit dwelling on the bad.
Debbie
Mary, I ended up down 22 lbs in 6 weeks(this morning). I wish I would have done as well as you’re doing. That’s a lost of over 5 lbs a week, where else(besides biggest loser) would you be able to do that??
The nurse behind me has good results and she has used splenda the whole time as her sugar sweetener.
I got a headache the other day, but mine is from all the pollen right now, maybe it’s just allergies. I am taking zyrtec every day right now.
You sound like me Mary on the next time around going less days. The thing is, if we’re not using “real stuff”, I think this is why we’re able(or at least I am) to get by with cheating occasionally and not having it bother me too much(other than going to bathroom more often, but that’s only because I hadn’t had sugar in me for so long).
I will let you know how the p3 is working after I get started on it(which will be Thursday). I have to do these 3 days of vlcd still until then(am hoping I can lose 3-4 pounds in the next 3 days). You are doing great! Keep your chin up and continue what you’re doing!
Debbie, where did you get your injections and how much were they? I think I would be afraid to give myself an injection. How often do you have to do them, and where do you get them from?(price also)
LOL I don’t want to stay on p3 for more than 2 1/2 weeks as I still have weight to lose. If I was at my goal weight, I would probably stay on it a long time
But thanks for the encouragement, would have done a lot better if I never would have cheated.
Janet, I have read 2 different things. Some people say the drops make them not hungry, but according to the nurse behind me, this is why they do occasionally give an appetite supressant(such as phentermine) to take along with the drops. When I first started taking my drops, I did feel like I couldn’t eat as much, and that is why I think after 2 days of loading, I was right where I had started(weight wise). I just couldn’t get much “loading” in. I think my drops have lost their potency or I have just become immune to them, as I’m not doing anything, and I am wanting to cheat all the time. This is another reason I feel the need to move on to the next phase, I need more calories than I’m getting.
You don’t have much to lose, so you will lose slower. It’s just like when I’ve been on diets before, I never thought I would ever get the last 10 lbs off. You just have to give it time. At least you’re losing weight and not putting on! You’re doing great
Harvel
Could you give me your e-mail address or e-mail me at stratman397 at aol dot com
I need to ask you some things about p3 and what can be eaten, such as bacon?? The paperwork I got via e-mail with my drops said on p3 I could eat bacon and even a lot of regular dressing on my salads, yet I know dressing has sugar in it. This is very confusing to me
Thanks
good morning
can anyone out who has ordered the drops on line tell what it is they need to do
i have heard its alot of work to prepare is this so.
also can someone let me know what sign they were ordered
thank you
Debbie L.
Thanks for all the help and well although I am being a little critical on myself I do have high expectations due to funds available. I am ok with where i’m at right now in this program but I find myself always wanting more and I am very impatient 🙂
Again thanks for the help and encouragement
Mary
HA you crack me up Deb. Ya the thing about the b.m. that smooth move is pretty pricey so I just have been doing the flush.
As far as the potassium I take a multi vitamin everyday and i’m sure its in there are you suggesting maybe taking an additional?
Next time im out to the city I will check out the organic vinegar. Its not available in my general store 🙂
Thanks for the info
Mary
Hi Sherrie,
I got my injections from http://www.hcgmedical.com
I really like them, and the support.
I apologize, but I can’t remember the price. Call them.
I do shots once a day. It is SO simple. I was scared at first and it is nothing! Honest. Small diabetic needle.
Debbie
Well Mary, not sure with the money issue that any other option exists then. Try the magnesium.
Yes, additional potassium is needed. Water flushes it out quickly.
You’re welcome. Seriously, your weight loss is great. Crabbing doesn’t speed it up!
Debbie
Mary –
I’m sure that somewhere I’ve read aspertame is okay to use during the diet. I drink a diet coke every day I’ve been on it. If I remember correctly, it said it’s okay to drink them as long as it’s with a meal. So I would assume anyhing with aspertame would apply to this as well. I wish I could remember where I read this, but i can’t.
Also, just an FYI: I’ve spent the mjority of my diet days (today is day 10 including my 2 load days) eating lean beef for my protein and zucchini or squash or my veggie. I literally have had chicken only twice since I started. I have a BM every day and I feel fully flushed out. My BM’s have changed too, they’re much less hard and they usually come right out (hope that’s not TMI!). Anyhow, I also take Acidophilus pills, you can get them at any store. They help with digestion. I think it’s the bacteria found in yogurts and stuff. Like a probiotic.
One last thing – 21 pounds is awesome! Be proud of yourself! That’s like 2 big bowling balls of fat just gone from your body! 🙂
Vanessa –
I was afraid like you were that the dropping was going to cease at any moment. I am down 8.5 lbs. in 10 days. I wake up every morning hoping I haven’t gained, only to find that I have lost weight. I continue to be baffeld!
I’m not saying I should be gaining because of cheating or anything like that, but it just seems to incredible to be losing this much weight so quickly. I Love It!
Good luck to you –
Anyone want to give your thoughts on this… keeping in mind that I am a “letter of the law” kind of girl. I don’t mix my veggies, I weight everything (except my apples up till today), and I usually leave out either a fruit or veggie just to be sure. So, here’s my question:
I bought some organic chicken broth at the market today. It has cane juice in it. The label show 10 cals per 8 oz serving, 0fat, 1 carb = 1 sugar. I have seen where lots of people make their own chicken broth. Does anyone think the 1 gram of sugar is going to make a difference? There are no preservatives or any chemicals in this broth, but cane juice isn’t on Dr. Simeon’s protocol. All input and advice is welcome, as I have asked you to please respond. Thanks
You can get smooth move at walmart for around $4.00 a box. While that is a little pricey, it’s well worth it to solve the problem. For a less expensive, in fact cheap remedy, try 2 T of epsom salt in water. Disgusting, but it works!
Thanks Sherrie for the info. After reading that and going through my journal I believe I have found a sitch 🙂 Last night I did mix my veggies along with my fruit and a petite steak and well I hope that is where I went wrong but I won’t know till tomorrow. Today I truly stuck with 2-2-2 and did not mix them up and I will continue to do so till my times up. I went back to my first week and followed my menu-dang hope it works.
Well I hope you’re doing good I know this is the hardest time of day for you.
Take care and keep your eye on the prize girl 🙂
Mary
Janet,
i drank chicken broth and beef broth my entire 45 day cycle and still managed to lose 30lbs without a problem…
Hey ya’ll,
I did some research today and its been said that aspartame can cause m.s. and/or lupus. I’m sure thats after using for some time but i am happy to report I went down and got a big bag of Stevia.
Today for some odd reason I haven’t had any headache nor do I have heart burn so as of now I have no idea what that was about but I’m sure glad its gone 🙂
Deb,
I will be getting the smooth move tomorrow. Is it managable and how quick does it work, you know what I mean?should I plan to stay near a potty, how often can/or should you use it?
Well I imagine the box should have some of these answers
Well thanks again for your help and boost 🙂
Mary
I wouldn’t drink it Janet. Cane juice = sugar. There is organic broth (chicken and beef) that has nothing added and is 5 cal.
I make my own and it is great.
Mary, no need to stay near the potty. Works well. Mild
Good on the Stevia! The other stuff, will kill ya! Also makes people fat. I should know, i lived on it too. The body treats it like sugar
Funny on the headache. Big side effect of aspartame.
Yay for you!
I’m so confused on protein sizes! It says to strictly weigh 3.5 oz. of your protein. Eating chicken, seafood or fish obviously has less calories than steak. So do I up my portion of protein to get to the 500 calorie mark by end of day? Tonight I had 4 oz of fish and 1 cup of brocolli.
I’m on Day 10 and I’m absolutely starving! I must have drank 70 oz of water today, at least. I even “cheated” and had to have one extra oz of chicken before lunch because I was so hungry. But still at the end of the day, I totalled 495 calories. Please shed some light on this!
Donna, where was your fruit? That would have brought your calories up.
You’re right on some things having less calories, and when they do, up your vegetables, or eat a melba toast to add another 20 calories. Actually if you’re under the 500, that’s fine.
If you drank 70 oz of water today, that’s just a little over 1/2 gallon, which is what you’re supposed to drink. 🙂
Try eating your fruit from lunch between breakfast and lunch, and then eat your supper fruit in between supper and bed time, that may help you out.
I didn’t have any problems like that on Day 10, mine is now, but I was on it 6 weeks.
Good luck
Hi Sherri, I had strawberries and melba toast for “breakfast”. For lunch had chicken and cabbage inside of two lettuce leaf s(wonder if combining 2 veggies was bad?) Everything at the end of the day totalled 495 and I had to cut one fruit because I ate more protein and an extra melba. This is so hard because I’m so hungry and struggling to stick to this 500 calories without ripping somebody’s head off! So I thought adding more protein would help me.
Now for lunch today, I have 3.2 oz of COOKED talapia packed. I have no idea what it weighed before cooking. Is this going to screw me up? I wonder how much water you lose in cooking it?
Now for the big whine… I hope I’m not at the end of my losing streak! It’s been three days since I’ve lost any weight, but on Friday and Saturday I can blame ground veal and peppers. Peppers are not on the protcol but my co-worker said it worked. I know… just stick to the program. But I’m learning! I guess if I don’t show any weight loss by tomorrow I’ll have do an apple day?
Donna,
I was starving the first week as well so I feel you pain. Here is what I did that really helped me out. Some people say it’s a no no because it’s not protocol but the way I look at it is, I’m not eating bad or over the calories so I’m ok. I brought in my lunch every day and made sure I always had a lot of veggies with me!
I would have my coffee for breakfast. When I was hungry (whenever that was) I would eat some of my veggies. Everytime I was hungry I snacked on veggies. Then I had my lunch with mostly protein. I just used my veggies to snack throughout the day. I would eat my apple before I worked out (I worked out before I started and I stopped working out the first 3 weeks of the diet and slowly started back into it) and then had dinner later that evening. I personally do not eat Melba (bad on my stomach) and only eat one fruit (I don’t lose weight as well if I do 2). I found I could eat a ton of veggies and not go over or sometimes even close to the 500 calories. Recently I have started having a protein shake or my eggs in the morning as my protein, then just had salad for lunch, apple before workout and then a normal dinner. I also find when I split up my meals, I release better.
Are you doing rx w/ shots or sublingual (under the tongue)? How much as your taking, how many a day? You might need to adjust your drops. I started out at 15 drops 3x a day and had to drop it down to 10 3 x a day.
I have been on the diet since 15 Feb and released about 35lbs, I had a couple of 1 week breaks (due to various things) and also took a break for 14 days due to a work conference and vacation, and about another week of cheating (not a whole week straight, days added up to a week). Overall I’m very happy. Now that I’m back on P2.. I’m strict and NOT CHEATING!! I have to get to my goal my 15 June!
I ordered my drops (homeopathic) from http://www.evitaminmarket.com. I don’t know about the rx drops, sorry.
Heather, thank you for the info. And you’re doing so good! One quick question before I sign off. When you say you pack veggies, do you eat different veggies? Like can I pack sliced cucumber for a snack and have tomato with my lunch, and then have spinach for dinner? The combining of the veggies is confusing to me as well. I had broccoli yesterday because it’s listed above, and now I’ve come to find that’s a no-no.
I’m doing the shots. One per day, 2 ML. And I will confess… I had some older 9 month drops (I started last Sept but quit after a week due to some issues). So I took a few drops yesterday in addition to the shot thinking it would curb my hunger. Wonder if the increase in HCG is increasing my appetite? Ok, so I won’t do that again. Thanks for all your answers, I appreciate it!
🙁 Another bad weigh in. I’ve gained 1 1/2 lbs back and am just bummed about it. i had 1 cup of coffee this morning after weigh in and am wondering if I should do the apple day today beginning at noon???? QUESTION: if you are going to do the apple day are you suppose to skip all intake the morning of and just begin your intake at noon with the apples or do you do your normal morning intakes and begin the 6 apples in 12 hours as of noon?
Man with 12 days left this could not of happened at a worse time. I’m on my way to get the smooth move and some epsom salt to bathe in.
If noon begins my apple day could I drink a cup of the smooth move before noon?
Thanks for any help.
Hope everyone is having a great morning with great results
Mary
Mary
I think the apple day is very confusing. Some say to eat the apple and only drink water as your need it. You’re to eat apples between lunch time today and lunch tomorrow. Another website says you can have apples from lunch until bedtime tonight and that’s it. Some say 6 apples and some don’t say. I don’t think I would do the apple day yet, just wait a couple more days. Weight fluctuates and you will probably see a big change tomorrow. Stay off the scales for a couple 2 or 3 days and stay on the diet. I hate scales, and this is one of the reasons why. When you do good and you see a gain, it gets very discouraging. I still think twice a week like my friend is doing is the best way
Hi Mary,
I’m sorry!
Yes, do an apple day. Do this: 3 egg whites for breakfast. Apple for lunch, snack and dinner. Tomorrow. Apple for breakfast, snack and lunch. Do veggies for tomorrow’s afternoon snack. Eat a 3.5 oz steak and an apple or tomato.
Good luck. Get the smooth move.
Debbie
Donna, I know what they say about the vegetables, but I mixed mine everyday for the whole 6 weeks and it never hurt anything, I also ate the green peppers. Sometimes just cut up and other times I would boil them and put salt in them like how you make stuffed green peppers. The tilapia I would have just ate the whole 3.5 ounces. The only meat I ever weighed raw was the ground round/sirloin/veal, etc. never the chicken, I would weigh it after. I still think(after talking to the ER nurse), that things have changed so much over the 50 years since this diet was invented and this is why all the confusion/changes in the diet. People have tried different things and have seen they work just as well, and people are still keeping the weight off they’ve lost. I think more than anything it has to do if you get ahold of the real hcg or the fake stuff, and I’m just wondering if ones of us have the fake stuff, if this is really working right anyway, or we’re just eating healthier but still starving our bodies as we’re not getting he hcg in it like we’re supposed too..
I would not do the apple day. Just keep eating the way you were, you’re going to lose the weight at 500 calories, your body is catching up, it has to do that.
Donna, you can have broccoli if you’re doing okay on it. I eat broccoli quite a lot and have the whole 6 weeks.
Hi everyone, I haven’t been on for a while. I am having trouble . Day 22 , 1st round for me . My weight for the last week is up then down always within 1/2 to 1 pd. I don,t know what I am doing wrong . I try very hard to stick to protocol. Example. Coffe in morning using stevia and very little no fat milk. Apple later. Lunch my protein , usually around 2- 2.5 ozs. 1 1/2 cup salad or asparagus. Then same for dinner [alittle more meat.] OH I did drink Yerba Matte iced Tea off and on thru out day . Evening I have strawberries, I did mix a fewe blueberries in with them. I can’t drop down under 164. Iam getting very discourage. What am I doing wrong. Also 1 to 2 pieces of melba a day. Any ideas. Thanks
Hi Joyce,
A few suggestions that I see…
Milk. None allowed on most, some say 1 tablespoon a day.
Weigh everything. Like the apple. I found this out the hard way.
Protein. You aren’t having enough. 3.5 oz. Protein is what makes this diet work.
Strawberries in the evening. And adding blueberries. Not a good idea. Sugar in fruit. Stop that. And, nothing to eat 3 hours before bedtime.
Drinking water? My plan says one gallon a day.
8 hours of sleep? Best amount of time to lose.
Examine these things and you’ll start losing again.
I was in the same boat. Stick to the plan like glue. Realized I stopped weighing my apples and found out that i was 50-100 calories over what I thought a day. I also lose best if I stay at 465-475 calories a day. Journal your foods…
Since I made the change, in the last 4 days I’ve lost 6.8 pounds. My body thinks I started again I believe.
Really, I’m not sure why people don’t pick a different diet to follow if they don’t like how strict this is. Because not following it, is not successful. and it is a big commitment. Weight Watchers is great if you need the variety and can’t follow the plan.
Good luck!
Debbie
(funny, the first week or two was VERY hard for me. Now, it is a breeze. 13 days to go till maintenance) Down 24.5
Debbie
Sherrie,
I wouldn’t recommend mixing veggies, or weighing after or the others.
I think that people continue to lose when they have a lot more fat to lose. But for me, and I am getting close, doing those things makes this plan unsuccessful.
Follow the protocol and maximize your success!
Debbie
Good morning Dieters!!
I am happy to say I am down another 1.6 pounds!
Thanks to catching my mistake, and not weight my apples, I have turned things around. Down 6.4 pounds in 4 days!
13 days to go. Can’t wait for maintenance. 10 pounds from my goal weight. Yahooooooooo.
Have a successful day all!
Debbie
I mix my veggies and have no issues. Some people say no to mixing. It’s all about what finding out what works for you and your body. Even if you only eat one veggie a day, pack plenty of it to snack on all day long. This really helped me! I also had broccoli a couple of times and it didn’t affect me at all.
And if you are doing the real rx hcg, then the ones 9 months old might be expired. If you are really hungry, you need to see about lowering your drops, not adding to them. I am part of a group on yahoo (homeopathichcgdieters – you don’t have to do the homeopathic version to join) and they are the ones who told me about lowering the amount of drops. There is something called a lean test. I haven’t done that just played around and figured out what works for me. I know when I eat fruit, it always makes me hungrier which is why I eat it in the afternoon. But I do load up on veggies and I do go over my protein daily with no effect. I would really try spreading out your food throughout the day and I really think that will help. 🙂 Keep us posted!
OH evitaminmarket (website) has some pretty cheap (but good) appetite suppressant drops if you are interested in trying those too.
Joyce,
I never weigh my fruit so I can’t help you there. Are you close to your monthly? I always fluctuate really badly the week before and the first couple of days?
Definitely up your protein. Make sure you are drinking water. Also I have noticed when you get to the weight you were stuck at for a long time, you will fluctuate there for a while.
Also, I drink a spoonful of milk with my coffee with no issues. You want to check the sugar content in milk. I use skim milk, I find it better than low fat. I also eat strawberries occasionally but never blueberries. I would also try cutting out your melbe toast.
Good luck!
THanks Debbie and Heather, Will lose fruit and melba toast. How much shoud apple weigh. I will also up protein. The group I get my HCG from, said strawberries/ blueberries fine. But I want to 100%. So goodbye fruit!
Strawberries and Apples are fine!
apples are 15 calories per ounce. Strawberries are 9 calories an ounce.
Hey Deb, thanks for the help. Now as I am doing these apples today and tomorrow obviously the calories are not going to make 500 but after 12 tomorrow do I then need to make sure to drink my normal daily intake of water or just as needed till day after?
Mary
CONGRATS DEBBI!!! That is a great release number!!! WAY TO GO!! I had a large number as well today (2.4) and am praying as I go to bed that hcg was good to me today as well and I release again. I’m 34 pounds from my goal. I have been releasing an average of 1.5 pounds a day lately, so I hope it keeps up!!!
Congrats to you again!!
I just started the hcg diet and am down 4lbs in 1 day YAY! Is it okay to chew gum on this diet if so does anyone a good kind & what to stay away from?
Joyce, are you weighing your food and ACCURATELY counting calories? This diet is so scientifically designed, one thing off protocol can send you up and down. Your protein needs to be at least 3.5 oz according to protocol. Recently, I dropped a veggie and upped my protein to 2 4.5oz servings, which has kick started my weight loss. I was losing an average of .4lbs a day, but since upping my proteins I am down 2lbs in 2 days. Ihaven’t seen that since the first day.
Now, my explanation for this is that I am a blood type O which requires high protein anyway. And, on other diets when I have stalled, upping my protein has always kicked it in gear. So it goes on hcg. I have not cheated in that I keep my calories no more than 500. I am not eating any forbidden foods, and I weigh everything, absolutely weigh and measure everything.
I’m not sure if Dr. Simeons would approve of my increased protein, but its working, so I’m sticking with it. I have 4lbs to goal weight. Looking forward now to phase 3.
Good luck. I will pray that you find the answer. One word of encouragement and reality, BE HONEST to yourself about what you are doing. Don’t be unrealistic.
Blessings
I think I know where your 1.6 pounds went..:(
It says not to chew gum or eat mints Charise, but I do chew the sugar free gum as I can’t live without my gum.
4 lbs in one day is great! WTG
I have read Dr. Simeons book cover to cover. I have read the part that he wrote specifically for physicians with patients on hcg protocol. From all I have read, if you are taking HCG and you are hungry, and you are past the first week, then 1 of 3 things is going on. You have bad hcg, you have acquired an immunity (this should not happen for at least 3 weeks) or you have reached your body’s statistically correct weight. There is no other reason you should be hungry.
I am guessing, if a lot of you are like me that your hunger isn’t really as physical as you think, but more of a mental “wanting” food because you are used to eating whatever, whenever.
I would encourage everyone struggling with hunger to go with it for a day or two and see if it doesn’t taper. I would not recommend mixing veggies, skipping proteins, adding shakes or any of that, unless you have sought a physicians advice. I would imagine you will not get optimal results unless you follow the plan very strictly.
Now, I’m not an authority, but I wanted to share this because I have been reading everyone’s menus and I am surprised. I think the more weight you have to lose, the more you can get away with. Eventually, it will catch up with you. So, to get the max benefit, follow the protocol exactly. And, I am the “pot calling the kettle black” because I have uped my proteins without a doctors advice/input, and I am losing more now than I ever have except day 1. So, in the end, everyone must do what feels best for their own body. But, I hope my thoughts might help someone.
Hey Debbie, I think you and I are a lot alike, “letter of the law” on this diet. After I read your message it reminded me that I didn’t want to put anything in my body that wasn’t protocol, so I put the broth in the cabinet.
Thanks for your input. You are helping me stay on track. I have 4lbs to go. I hope they are off by the weekend. I am really wanting to eat some nuts and have some salad with lots of veggies and dressing. I bought a greek vinigairette today that has not sugar, no HFCS, nothing artificial, just good organic ingredients. I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks again.. The light is shining and the tunnel is short.
you shouldn’t have to take appetite suppresants with hcg. The whole point is your body is being fueled by it’s own energy stores. There may be something wrong with your hcg, or you have built an immunity. If so, take a break and start up again in 6 weeks. That’s what the original protocol says to do.
Janet,
I completely agree. I am in week 2 of Phase 1 and it took me about 5 or 6 days to get past the “FOOD!” stage. In my head, I knew it wasn’t hunger, it was boredom and routine speaking. I think many, many people mistake this craving for food for hunger. Most likely, none of us truly knows what it feels like to be hungry until we go on this diet. At least I didn’t.
I am trying to stay as true to the protocol as I can. However, I up my protein to 8 oz. a day but stay below the 500 calorie mark. It is working for me 🙂
I think it helps to go back and read “Pounds and Inches” once a week or so to reset the trigger in your brain as to why this diet is working and what exactly needs to be done; I’ve read it twice in the past 2 weeks and rereading it this last time clicked with me again.
Good luck to everyone – skinny here we come!
My plan says I can chew gum, but it has to be sugarfree and you have to count the calories. I try to only chew one stick a day. I’m notorious for swallowing my gum (I can go through a pack in like 5 minutes) – I know, I know, it’s crazy – but I haven’t been while on the diet. It’s weird, I chew for about 10 minutes (sometimes less) and then feel the urge to spit it out and get it out of my body…maybe that’s a mental thing!
Hope this helps 🙂
Congrats Debbie and Heather! That’s awsome for both of you! 🙂
Sherrie – it seems as if you might have gained a bit? Keep your head up – it will get better!
Does anyone else notice that they’re more irritable than usual while on this diet? I’m realizing that in the last 4 days I have been so crabby with certain people. I feel bad, it’s like I bite someone’s head off if they rub the wrong way (which can be nothing). My poor friends and family! 😐
You sound like my twin and I do the same thing with my gum..:)
Ha! Lord help me if it’s a pack of sugared, fruity gum…I can go through a pack of that in no time! I have to stay away from that.
I find all the new flavors. Today I opened a pack of cinnamint that had 14 sticks in it, I’m down to 3 left. If I counted all the calories in the gum though, I wouldn’t be left any calories for the real food. I’m the same way, spitting it out after 10 minutes, even when it still has flavor. I love the gum “5”.
Yes, I am more irritable(actually am anytime I’m dieting though). But, it doesn’t help when you have certain people pushing you and making your more irritable.
Debbie, the steak is for when you’re on p3 and maybe p4. It’s actually a big steak and either tomato or apple. this is what Dr Simeons says about the apple day(myself I wouldn’t do one).
In such cases we consider it permissible, for purely psychological reasons, to break up the plateau.
This can be done in two ways. One is a so-called “apple day”. An apple-day begins at lunch and
continues until just before lunch of the following day. The patients are given six large apples and are
told to eat one whenever they feel the desire though six apples is the maximum allowed. During an
apple-day no other food or liquids except plain water are allowed and of water they may only drink
just enough to quench an uncomfortable thirst if eating an apple still leaves them thirsty. Most patients
feel no need for water and are quite happy with their six apples. Needless to say, an apple- day may
never be given on the day on which there is no injection. The apple-day produces a gratifying loss of
weight on the following day, chiefly due to the elimination of water. This water is not regained when
the patients resume their normal 500- Calorie diet at lunch, and on the following days they continue to
lose weight satisfactorily.
I’m having a hard time reaching 500 cal. a day i have a meat,veg.and fruit at each meal and I only come up with 345 cal. or 400 cal. a day
The discussion of not having a BM comes up allot on this diet and for some is a major concern. But here’s a thought for you. What goes in must come out. So in saying that. When you are consuming 3000 to 5000 + calories a day the “out come” is rather large. When the “in” is restricted to 500 calories a day the “out” becomes even less. This is normal. It is the way your body will function. You are not constipated, you just don’t have much “out” to be put out. Your body is using the foods you are consuming so the waste is very minimal. Lots in, lots out. Little in, little out. If you are drinking your daily water, you don’t have a potty problem.
I went a full week without “going”. When I did finally it wasn’t much and I certainly wasn’t constipated. Once you go off the 500 calorie a day restriction, things will slowly get back to what you consider normal for you. If your worried your not losing weight because of it, well your still losing but its just not showing on the scale. You are still losing the inches and that is so much more awesome than the poundage.
Keep up the good work everyone.
Sandra,
It’s OK to up your vegetable to reach the 500 calorie mark. Harvel gives this advice, calculate your protein and fruit, then add your vegetables to get to your 500 calories a day. Good advice, do this and your shouldn’t have any problems.
Some days I am, but most of the time I feel great. I have experienced some lack of energy, but only on the days I’m digging holes to plant trees, transplanting 15 year old shrubs and in general doing hard manual labor. I have really decreased my weight work out too this past week. I’m down to my starting weights of 25 years ago, and a slow job pace on an incline for cardio, 20 mins. That’s about all I can handle. But otherwise, I generally, overall, feel great.
Today I was trying on clothes for fun. Had the best problem, the size I usually buy is just too big! The next size down, looks great! While I don’t get wrapped up in numbers, this was very encouraging. 4 more lbs and counting.
Sherrie,
The directions for the “apple day” came directly from the doctor I get the injections from. And, I have to say, I love having the support of them available at any time.
Mary, you can drink water. don’t worry about the calories, you will be below. On the 2nd day, have the apples, veggie snack, and 3.5 oz protein and an apple or tomato.
I believe this works better cause you get some protein. All an apple day does is release water. A water pill would work also.
It’s a little different than the original protocol, mainly because protein deficiency can cause further issues.
Debbie
Sherrie, are you still on 500 cals a day?
Dr. Simeons orginal diet plan in his book “Pounds and Inches” allows for 1Tblsp of skim milk per day. Not sure what other diets people are following, but I understand that there are many variations these days. I choose to follow Dr. Simeons plan, as he is the originator of this weight loss method and my motto is “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Good luck Cindy. Be sure to count everything. You may just be at a stall, which will break loose. Just takes patience.
Hi Janet! Congrats!! You are doing awesome 🙂 I think we are a lot alike, but I feel it is not may favorite thing to do… so I am doing it right and being done!
You’re welcome… thank you also! It helps to have an online buddy 🙂
Good luck on the 4 lbs!! I can’t wait for maintenance either. Getting so bored. I have 13 days to go of the 42. I’ll get there!
Hi Mary,
I understand! But, you have to be saving money on the little we eat!
You are doing great!
Debbie
Janet, Good Luck? with what? I’m in P4 of my second rd. Just waiting for the rest of my supplies to start rd 3 on Saturday. If your talking about the “not going for a week” LOL trust me that is all in the past. I have no issues at all in that department. And when I didn’t go I still didn’t freak out over it I know my body and what is going with it.
Mary, be sure to weigh everything you eat, and I do mean everything. Make sure you write down everything correctly and count those calories. If you don’t go over 500, and you stick to the preferred foods, you will lose weight. I’ll be praying for your success. You have done great so far, so keep it up.
you will get there! You are determined and mindset is everything! If you are looking for a way to get around the rules, then the protocol isn’t going to treat you well in the end. You know this, you have kept me reminded of it every time I want a little cheat. If you are a praying girl, pray for me Friday. My sis is coming to town and we have a big dinner night planned at her favorite restaurant. I know I’ll have steak and salad, I need to remember not to blow it with blue cheese dressing and a glass of wine! I am hoping Friday is my last day on the drops. If I keep up the 1lb a day then it will be Saturday. I am ready!
Thanks! My problem is even before this I have this incredible appetite! I have no idea why and it was always a struggle to stay satisfied even before this diet. I’m 5’1″ and started at 138, I was 131 today. I’m hoping to get to 123(ish). I’m not caving or quitting though! I’ve made it 1/2 way through already (thanks to all your tips here) and just have 12 more days to go. I can do this. Hopefully I can lose at least 6 more lbs in the next 12 days!
I bet the guys on this blog are really enjoying all the conversation about BM’s. LOL
It definitely sounds as if you have built up an immunity. You might want to stay off them a full 6 weeks before starting up again. That will give your body time to adjust to your new weight, not having the drops, and just a nice break from the 500cal a day monotony. Good luck Sherri. Don’t ever give up. You are going to achieve your goal, and when you do, you will be so stoked! New clothes are a wonderful reward, especially ones that make you feel really sexy!
Just have to respond to the comment about the guys enjoying the conversations about BM’s.
Hey, guys have the same difficulties. We just don’t talk about it so much. I would sometimes go for 2 or 3 days. My wife and I did the diet together. In order to track our BM’s because they were so erratic, I went to a teachers’ supply store and bought a sheet of gold stars. I would put a gold star on our log for the day if we had a BM. A new phrase has entered our language in this household: “I had a gold star!”
It’s not something to really worry too much about. Remember, you’re not giving your gut very much to work with in terms of volume.
just started hcg drops. Not much instructions on dispensing except for quantity of drops. They are homeopathic drops. Are they supposed to be held under the tounge for some time? Or are they just swallowed? Don’t want to do it wrong.
Help. Im on my 3rd week and a few days ago, I developed a rash. It is in the underarm area, front of upper thighs and my stomach and some on my back. I wonder if this could be a side effect?
Rita, I hold them under my tongue for about a minute and then swish them around under my tongue and mouth and then swallow. Hope that helps.
Heather
TO HEATHER!
What are the names of the appetite suppresant drops you are referring to? I went to the website and all I can find is HCG diet drops, and I definitely don’t need more HCG! Thanks, Donna
Hi everyone
thought I’d join your site today. I’m on the shots and this is the end of my first week. Wow. 10 pounds! I’ve been sticking to the 500 calories and feel pretty good but have to admit I’m hungry all day and night. It’s not enough to make me cheat but I thought this was suppose to curb your appetite. Last night however I had a 4oz moose burger, an apple and a tomato and I couldn’t finish the tomato. I started last week with 67 pounds to loose. On June 28 I turn 50. I want to wake up that day and throw away my entire wardrobe and go shopping for my birthday. That would be the nicest present I could ever give myself on that otherwise dreaded day. So wish me luck! I’ll keep ya posted on my progress.
This message is for Brynn. My husband says I’ve been biting his head off for two days now. He starts the diet today and I told him I’ll remind him of the same when it happens to him. Lol. I told him to get over it. I drink wild blueberry tea with a little stevia. It seems to have a calming affect. Especially right before bed. Good luck. Us diet psycos must stick together! Lol
There are two different kinds I have: Both are called Weight off. One is linked to the front page (at least mine) Weight off Drops. The other, if you click main page, Dr. Nelson’s Preferred Customs (Mediral) and scroll down to the bottom to the weight off. Both are about the same as far as I can tell. The Merdiral is $18 and the other is $24.
🙂 Heather
Ha! I’m glad I’m not the only one! maybe I will add some tea to my regimen and hope that helps. I feel better today mentally than I have in the past week. Woohoo!
Good morning all! Happy to report another 1.2 loss 🙂 Gotta love it. 7.6 in 5 days and only 12 to go. YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. I am ready to go on maintenance. Injections for 42 days is long and boring.
Hope everyone had a negative weigh in this morning! Good luck
Debbie
Diane!
First of all, welcome and good luck!
Secondly, BIG CONGRATS! 10 pounds in week one is amazing! I am on Day 13 and am down 9 pounds. Woohoo! I have a remaining 58 pounds I want to lose, so it sounds like you and I are right on track with each other and in the same boat
Keep your head up and be strong through this diet! This message board is a great way to get tips and encouragement.
Good luck Diane!
Good for you Janet! That’s the best feeling ever, trying on clothes and realizing you’ve gone down a size. CONGRATS!
I realized yesterday I now weigh less than I have in almost a year. I went through a serious of illnesses and put on 60 pounds in about 8 months. So having dropped this 9 pounds has put me down lower than I have been since last July 4th…woohoo! A few more weeks on this diet and maybe I can get down to my starting weight from November of 2008.
Keep up the good work, you should be very proud of yourself. I am proud of both of us!
Well let me start by giving a big CONGRATS to all my blogger buddies. Great job!
I did an apple day yesterday and am pleased to say I lost 1 lb at weigh in 🙂 also thanks for all the advice on smooth move I actually had a B.M. this morning with ease (2nd 1 in 30 days without water flush WOOHOO). I am down 21.4 in 30 days which I am pleased with. After spending most of yesterday doing some mind adjusting I feel much stronger today and am excepting what I have as a victory 🙂 I have 11 more days till I am done with these drops and will be pleased with my outcome. Not sure about a 2nd round yet but kind of hoping that all this new knowledge is going to be enough for my future.
Again CONGRATS TO YOU ALL for sticking it out
Mary
You are rockin it, GOOD JOB 🙂
you’ve been an inspiration and I thank you for that
You’LL want to research that, google hcg and rash and you should come up with some info. I remember reading something about that so I’m sure its out there. I think its an alergic reaction but please do your research
YAY Mary!!
Congrats on your apple day and the BM! lol
But, the biggest congrats is on the mind set. You are doing awesome! You should be feeling wonderful and proud, not fretting over what you wanted to achieve. Expectations can play such a game with our mindset.
Glad you were happy with the smooth move….
Go out today and strut your stuff. 21.4 is wonderful!
Debbie
thanks Mary! and you are welcome!
I think my week of no loss because I was so over in calories not weighing my apples, that my body thought I loaded again.
Yes, hold the drops under your tongue for 1-2 minutes before you swallow. Its what I have been doing all along and have felt great and lost well. Good luck!
Well my apple day is over although instead of snacking on a veggie after lunch I chose to eat a few slices of pickle and an egg white sure hope that doesn’t mess things up. I’ve about had it with apples 🙂 I have decided to take 1 day at a time and do a couple of more smooth move teas and wait for my outcomes.
Hope everyones having a blessed day and keep your eye on the prize
Mary
Deb, you are so right and today my mind is made up 🙂 Thanks for the boost
Mary
ps KUDOS to you as well
yay for you Mary.
As far as what you ate… I think I’d total the calories for the day… making sure you are under 500 still.
waiting for your outcomes, HAHA
Good luck,
Debbie
Thanks and well even after my steak and tomato tonight I will be at the 450 range so I should be good. I usually do best between 475 and 485 on a normal note. the smooth move so far has been A COMPLETE BLESSING 🙂 I was able to go twice this morning WOOHOO
See, perfect! Can’t wait to hear how you do tomorrow!
Debbie
yep thanks to ya boy how nice it was to just go lol
as we get closer to p3 are you set on what to eat and how many calories you will stick with?
if i remember correctly we were both looking for the 130 range to settle on. i will probably finish this in the low 140s which i will be happy with but wont be done till i get in those 130s
question regarding yogurt
Okay I read during p3 you can have plain organic yogurt and you could add some stevia or fruit to it, but I looked in the store today, and they all have sugar in them. Has anyone else on p3 ever had yogurt and if so, what kind?
I’m shooting for the 130’s. 138 actually(I think, maybe less). I’m 5’6 and still have 38 lbs to go. It’s never ending
Sherrie, I had greek yogurt on P3. It has a lot of protein in it and is fantastic with fruit or just plain. I purchase mine at Trader Joes.
Round 2, day 26, and as of this morning this round I have lost 15lbs 🙂 10 more lbs until I am at my first goal, but I am not sure if I will hit that by next Wednesday when I have decided to move to P3. Either way, I am very happy.
WTG Sherie! I had about 8 pounds to get to my first goal(after 6 weeks). I just went off my drops Monday and was going to start eating tomorrow(p3), but I messed up and had a very bad day yesterday and ate and ate and ate, I ended up gaining 2 lbs. and I think I had to do that to get me motivated to finish this diet up. Anyway, I’m doing the steak and apple day today, and my steak is about ready now. I will start my food tomorrow for p3 and am hoping it goes well for you and me both. Next time around, I’m doing 3 weeks instead of 6 weeks of the 500 calories. I’m trying to find some orgnaic yogurt tonight with no sugars, I haven’t had any luck on that one yet
I saw greek yogurt in the store, but it had a lot of sugar in it. 🙁
Mary, I’m 5’8″ tall and 52 years old. I’m aiming for 145. I would think about 1500 calories.
Can’t wait
Nice hcg diet recipes! Thanks for sharing
Hello everyone. This is my first post, so I figured I would share my story thus far. I was 365 pounds in November 2009 and started a “regular” diet and exercise (not MUCH, but some..) on December 1st. I lost a lot at first and then it slowed down a bunch. I was below the 300 pound mark in early April 2010 but the weight loss had slowed to a crawl. I decided to try the HCG drops for the 46 day session. After a 4 pound gain for the load days (I ate EVERYTHING I possibly could. A medium meat lovers pizza, 3 double cheeseburgers from BK, a whole gallon of chocolate milk, a jar of Nutella, and about 20 slices of cheese so I wouldn’t have to throw it out) I was at 297. Now I’m down to 264 on day 22, which is a 33 pound loss! I’m very excited with how it is going so far! I’m really getting sick of the food already, but I bought a few Walden Farms products to spruce things up a bit over the next half. My goal is about 215, which would be 150 pounds lost from when I started. I will probably do this 46 day session and then take the break and do it one more time for the 23 days. I’m thinking that will bring me to my goal. I’m amazed at how well this really works! I feel hungry SOMETIMES, but I haven’t cheated other than making a 6 ounce burger one time when I was starving (which I could barely finish and I felt sick after). If anyone wants to know, I will update again as it goes! Thanks for reading!
That is really great! Way to go Wayne!
Wayne, awesome! You will reach your goal if you stick to the plan and keep the prize in mind.
Sherrie, try Oikos greek yogurt. I think it has no sugar.
I am happy to report that I am 1.2 lbs away from goal! Yes! This site has been so helpful for me in getting answers to lots of questions and being encouraged. Thanks evryone. I will probably stay on the drops another week. I actually thought I would get to my statistically correct weight, but I’m still not hungry, so I think I’ll see if I can get to that point. I don’t think it can be far away since I am close to the bottom of doctors recommendation for my height and weight. I’ll keep you all posted. And to EVERYONE a great big congrats! You have all done so well. I want to encourage you with this one thought: Do what the plan says and weigh every day, and if you are up 2lbs, get rid of it fast. If you let it sit on your body, that’s when more comes on top of it. You should never have to do this again once you reach your goal! Blessings everyone!
Sherrie, where are you readiing that? Is it in Dr. Simeons book? Ph3 is confusing about what you can eat. Dr. Siemons says everything is ok but starch and sugar. I’m guessing that means added sugar. So, if the sugar is naturally part of the food maybe it’s okay. I don’t know, but maybe someone who is under a physicians guidance could tell us what they recommend. I am about to enter ph3 and I would love to eat some yougurt. It’s one of my favorite foods.
Janet,
You are such an inspiration to all of us here, keeping us encouraged, offering advice and support. Even though I don’t really comment much on here I do read every post that comes through my mail box. Your result have been fantastic and congratulations on your success.
Saturday I start rd 3. My first round was 23 days on homeopathic, lost 14 lbs. Second round was 31 days on real hcg mixed for subliminal (drops) lost 17 lbs. 3rd and final round doing injection, I am taking everything I have learned from round 1 & 2 to make this last round my last.
P3 and P4 are great as long as you don’t go back to the old habits that we all had before this diet. I really enjoyed both phases with only 1 time having to do a corrective measure.
Keep up the good work all
Congratulations Janet!!! That is fantastic!
Down another .8 today 🙂 WOOOOOOOOOOOT!
As far at P3, yes, no added sugars. Fruits and Vegetables have natural sugar.
Have a great day!!
Debbie
Woohoo Wayne! You’re doing great Sometimes, when I hear stories like this, I wish I were male so I could lose weight that fast!
Congrats and keep on trucking!
Fantastic Wayne!! You have to be so proud!
I would love to keep up with your progress. Please let me know what’s happening.
Best of luck to you!
Debbie
Woohoo Janet! That’s awesome! Just think, only a couple more days on the diet and you get to start the maintenance portion. Good for you, you deserve it!
Keep on sticking to theplan and you’ll be there in no time! 🙂
Just a tip for everyone. Follow hungrygirl on FB. She is a famous author, dieter, etc.
Offers good tips and recipes for dieting. Not for us till P3 and P4, but worth it.
Hello everyone –
I need some encouragement / advice I think. I have been going at a steady pace – I lose about a half a pound a day. Unfortunately, my scale only goes by .5 pound increments, so I never know if it’s more or less than that. I do know that I’m on Day 13 today and I’m down exactly 10 pounds.
I know these results are good and I wouldn’t have lost this quick any other way, and I wake up every day happy to have lost anything at all – I’m actually living in fear that I’m going to wake up and have gained a pound or more for no reason, but that has yet to happen. The only negative I’ve seen so far are 2 days that I maintain instead of lose anuthing. But I so wish it was more like a pound a day. I follow the diet strictly (as to what i can eat). The only place I deviate is that instead of having a protein/fruit/veggie at both meals, I do a fruit at lunch and double my veggie and protein at dinner (i.e. yesterday I had an orange at 10, coffee at 1, 2 hamburger patties, 2 melba toasts and some asparagus at dinner). As I’m typing this, I know y’all are goingt to stay split up my meals…to not have more than one thing per meal is clearly stated in “Pounds and Inches”. I don’t even know why I’m asking y’all this stuff…maybe someone can tell me it IS okay and I’m losing the weight normally!
Hmm. I wonder if I do break up my meals if it’ll work better? I eat dinner at 5:00 every day, so it’s not like I’m eating the big meal too close to bedtime (I usually go to be at 9:30 or so).
The thing is, I’m never too hungry at lunch. I’m in this evil mindset that I’d rather wait until I’m actually really, really hungry to eat and then be really satidfied when I get to fully quench that hunger. Like I said above, I’m so terrified that I’m going to weight in in the morning and have gained weight – even though I stay very close to the 500 calorie mark. Am I going about this all wrong? Maybe this diet is making me mental.
Please Help!
– Depressed in Dallas 😐
Hi Brynn,
You know the answer! It is important to spread out your food. Protein is what triggers hcg. And, eating so little all day, your body doesn’t expect to eat… that’s bad. I think that is what got me into a weight issue to start with!
I do coffee for breakfast. fruit for am snack. protein and veggie for lunch. fruit for pm snack and protein and veggie for dinner. NOTHING for me after dinner. and I always finish WAY before the no eating 3 hours before bedtime. I think this diet was great at breaking that evening snack!
Keep your metabolism going by eating what you should and spreading it out. It is easier to get down the smaller portions all day than eating a big meal. Good luck!
Debbie
Cindy, was just doing some calculating. If you lost 14 lbs in 23 days on the homeopathic, and only 17 in 31 days on the real drops, then you did better on the homeopathic. I was thinking you were doing the real stuff to lose better.
I can’t find the old posts to see why you said you wanted to do the real instead of the homeopathic.?
WTG Wayne, and welcome!
I did the 6 week my first round(which I just got off of). I found I started cheating on it after the 3 weeks, so am on p3 now, then 2 weeks from this Saturday, I’m going to do 2 load days and then will do 3 weeks instead. I will have to do 2 or 3 more rounds of it as I still have 36 lbs to go.
Yes, please keep posting regularly. We’re all pulling for you, you’re doing GREAT!
Sherrie,
I actually did much better on the real stuff since I lost so much more in inches and body sculpting than I did on homeopathic. I took my misconceptions from the 1st round into my second round. That being that I could use my normal soaps and lotions. I have learned allot about those mistakes and will not make them again. 1st round I stayed in the same size 16. 2nd round dropped to a size 10-12. To me that alone speaks volumes, but that is just my opinion. Each person needs to do what they have to for themselves.
Okay here goes.
Last Thursday I was at 173. Well, then between then and Tuesday, I was up to 176.6 so thought (since I actually put on 2 lbs in 2 days, and was off the drops), I would do the steak/apple day. I’m happy to report I lost 2 of the pounds yesterday. I’m on my p3 and will do that for 2 1/2 weeks, then will gorge then do 3 weeks on my drops before going back to p3. I will continue going back and forth between p2 and p3 until these last 36 pounds are gone for GOOD! I am more motivated now than I have been in awhile. I got burned out so quickly on the 500 calorie diet.
I’ve never been a bkfast person, but got up this morning and ate a plum, 2 scrambled eggs and 3 pieces of bacon(the precooked) and had a total of 245 calories. I’m shooting for 1400 calories. My nephews gfriend used to be a fitness instructor and she said if you want to weigh like 150, then 1500 calories, 130 =1300 calories, so even though I’m wanting to be 138, I’m going to go for the 1400 cal. just to see what happens. This is going to be easier, but still going to have to figure out what to be eating, etc. I am going to continue my salad/lunch days as I think everyone should eat one salad a day(they are great for you). I also bought some packages of the almonds(100 calorie packs), some organic dressing that is sundried tomato and garlic and no sugar. I’m still trying to find plain yogurt that is sugar free and have NOT had any luck.
I did measurements yesterday, I’m down 3″ in my waist which I was like shocked when I saw that. I measured the first day, but have only measured one time again up until yesterday.
So, even though you lost more weight on the homeopathic, you lost more inches on the real hcg. Okay, gotcha!
I went from a mans 34 tight fitting jean into a lose 32 now. I don’t have a butt or hips, so don’t need to lose from there. The only places I need to lose is my waist and my back, which the back I’m broad and don’t see nothing happening in that area.
🙁
Unfortunately Janet, my friend is under a physicians guidance, and he is letting her stay on the(750 calorie diet/day) but also non stop off the drops since November. I can’t remember where I read the yogurt, but it had to either be in simeons pounds and inches or the other thing I got with my drops. It said get plain yogurt(organic) and you could put your own strawberries or stevia in it. But, the only plain I saw still had 6 grams of sugar in it, and I would LOVE some yogurt.
Also, a girl (the one that I told you has lost like 45 pounds in 3 1/2 weeks), she’s on p2 and under a physician also and she can have yogurt, and I’m going in to the beauty salon today, and If I remember, I’m going to ask her what kind of yogurt her daughter got.
I just started p3, I ate breakfast for the first time in I can’t tell you how many years. 🙁
Hi ya’ll and a big WELCOME to our newbie. Sounds like you’re doing great. Keep your eye on the prize and stick with this blog of buddies and you’ll do great 🙂
I am happy to report that I lost .8 lbs at weigh in and a total of 6 1/2 inches on my waist since the evening before my load days, only being 1/4 inch different the morning after load days, which I measure at the b. button WOOHOO. I am doing homeo drops and am really anxious to see how the resetting goes in p3 because as I continue to read this is where the problem lies with the homeo drops.
Where does everyone measure?
I have 10 more days in p2 counting today and am so excited to see what the last day will be.
Hope you all had a great weigh in this morning
Have a blessed day
Mary
YAY YOU I am so proud of you for sticking it out 🙂
LOL I only measure the waist. WTG Mary. You are doing GREAT
Debbie and Heather , Thanks for the advice the other day. Finally saw a 1 pd weight loss. Made the changes and it worked. Everyone is doing so great! Hello to the new ones. I am on week 4 ,round 1 , phase 2 on day 24 and lost 17 pounds. I am so excited. Still have 23 pounds to go. Trying hard to do 500 calorie for 6 weeks, but its getting tougher.
Thanks for the replies everyone! I got on the scale today and I’m down another 2 pounds to 262.5. Now that summer is really close to here (in Texas anyway), I find it MUCH easier to drink 100 oz of water or more. Yesterday I drank 140 oz and didn’t even realize it. Also, for anyone wanting a tip from my experiences of what works, if you feel you need to cheat (which I did once), pick your favorite of the meals (for me it would be a burger) and just make a larger portion of it and throw a couple extra condiments on it that maybe you shouldn’t have, rather than decided to cheat by eating 2 slices of pizza or something like that. My cheat day was the only day I didn’t see over a pound lost, but I still lost a few tenths that day. I only expect to cheat maybe once or twice more in the next 22 days, and I save it for the burgers which are like my “reward” meal. Also, check your Walmart for good prices on 96/4 ground beef which is verrrrrrry lean! It works wonders!
WOW way to go girls.
I personally am on homeo and have lost 6 1/2 inches along with 22.2 lbs in 31 days. I had higher hopes for more lbs but am real pleased with the inches.
Where do you guys measure your waist? i know crazy right? but I know that I always measure my button and thats where my 6 1/2 inch has left from, is that where I should be measuring?
AH HA after speaking to hubby who measured me the 1st week and a half and verified that he measured up about an inch from the button. My 1st day after load was 41 1/2 and after measuring just now in that spot it is 34 1/4. WOW what a day to rejoice I am completely stoked. HOLY WOW thats 7 1/4 inches WOW 🙂
WOW GOOD JOB DEB Keep your eye on the prize 🙂
Have a great day
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I crack myself up sometimes 🙂
Now that I know where my friggin waist is HAHAHAHAHA things are even looking better then I thought 🙂
Have a super great p3 day my friend
you’re welcome! Glad to hear you lost
Congrats Mary on the loss! Glad you are doing so well.
Hungrygirl is fantastic, you can sign up to receive e-mails daily, but actually you can not use the majority of her recipes until you are on P4. The foods and facts are for the Weight Watchers diet which uses low fat/fat free foods. Those foods have higher carbs and sugar content. I would definately recommend following that type of diet a few weeks into P4, but not before. I was scared to make the switch the first time I did P4 before I started the diet again. I was not sure how it would react with my body. My fiance only did the HCG diet once and then went to a weight watchers type of diet. He has continued to lose, but obviously not as fast. Thankfully switching to the low fat/fat free diet which has higher carb/sugar counts did not hurt him.
Hello all,
I’m about to start the diet on Saturday and I’m kinda nervous… I’ve tried to read as much as I can but does anyone have any starter advice for me?
Thanks!
Naomi:
The best advice I can give you is to faithfully follow the diet protocol and believe that it will work for you. It worked for my wife and me. Procedurally, weigh yourself every morning at the same time and keep a log of everything you eat and of your weight. If you don’t already have a sensitive food scale, I found a good one on Amazon.com.
The best of luck to you.
Harvel
Hey thanks everyone for contributing. I read every post and it’s been awhile since I’ve personally posted. Just wrapping up my 2nd round and will hit P3 beginning Monday. Last time I tried P3 I gained back 7 of the 19 lbs I had lost. I’m hoping for a different outcome this time. Someone on here mentioned they use the Atkins shakes and bars during P3. When I was looking at the bars they had some sugars in them. If you’re still following this forum can you let me know how it’s been going continuing to use them? Also, what other items are people eating on P3??
Thanks for all you sincere support and keep up the fabulous work. There’s no greater reward then to finish something to the end…
Debbie,
Thanks! Today I am .4lbs away. I am so excited that I can’t stand it. I have tried on everything in my closet and it is all falling off me. I love it that clothes shopping is coming next, but my husband isn’t liking that part too much LOL!
I’ve been bouncing back and forth between a few more lbs or not. But, after measuring, I think I’m moving on to phase 3. I’m thinner than ever in my life, even though I weigh a bit more.
I want all of you to reach this same type of success. It is so exciting to set a goal and actually attain it in the time you expected. The only deviation I made from the diet was upping protein from 3.5oz to 4.5 for fish and 4. for all other meats. It kicked things in gear and my daily losses have increased.
Anyway, I’ll let ya’ll know how phase 3 goes. Thanks for all the encouragement.
Congrats Rachael!
I tried protein shakes. Bought the protein powder at the vitamin store. No sugar ones. I used milk and fruit. They were great.
Good luck!
Debbie
Good morning!
On day 32 of the injections and lost another 1.4 pounds! Down 27.8 and 5 pounds from my goal! Wooooooooohoooooooooooooooo.
Hope everyone had an awesome weigh in!
Debbie
WAY TO GO JOYCE!!! That is really great! Really proud you stuck it out, made some changes and found it worked for you! 🙂 That is really really awesome! Keep it up girlfriend!
Mary,
I measure my arms, bust, ribs (where my bra band would be), the smallest part of my waist, right above my hip bone on my waist (that is where the Air Force measures), my butt and my thighs. 🙂 Those were my areas of concern when I started the diet so I wanted to make sure I was losing inches from them.
Heather
Good morning blogger buddies and a big WOOT WOOT to all the successful weigh ins this morning.
Myself, I lost .6 lbs and another .5 in (after a cup of coffee) on the ACTUAL waist 🙂
Thanks Heather for the input on the measuring this morning. I know I have been doing it wrong BUT I have been dong it in the same spots. My hips have been at a stop for quite some time but thats ok. I drank smooth move for 2 days and am going to skip it today to see if those 2 days may have woke up the dead, if not I will do another cup before bed like the directions say.
I have 9 more days counting today and am so weary about p3. Anyone thats on it and having success feel free to post what your eating so us p3 newcomers can get an idea. It would be so appreciated 🙂
Yesterday was pretty tough, I was famished all day and couldn’t figure it out but have high hopes that today will be different.
Keep your eye on the prize and have a blessed day
Mary
YOU ARE ROCKIN IT GIRL OMG I am so proud and happy for you
WOOHOO DEB!!!!! 🙂
Hey Rachael
I started p3 Wednesday. Well, I had put on 2 lbs over the last 2 days of vlcd, so the first day of p3, I already had to do a steak day and lost the 2 lbs. Yesterday was my first real day of the p3. I had 2 scrambled egg, a plum and 3 slices of the pre cooked bacon for breakfast(and of course my black coffee), for lunch I had a salad with a hard boiled egg, a pack of the 100 calorie almonds and some strawberries with stevia and my crystal light water(I also have sweet tea made with stevia throughout the day). Then for dinner, I had 2 veal patties(no bun) and spinach. I put on .2 lbs but, I am sure that was from the peanut m&m’s and little piece of chocolate cake. My downfall is chocolate, and I was fine until my hubby left the peanut m&m’s sitting out, and the cake, well, he can finish it tonight as it’s in a box and just a little piece left
I think I actually would have lost a tad bit yesterday if I would have stayed away from the no no’s. I did read lastnight where if you lose during the first week of p3, it’s okay, that you will put back on what you lost, but it’s just an added plus.
I am only going to do the p3 for 2 1/2 weeks and then going back to p2(I need my load days). I will do the p2 for 3 weeks this time instead of 6..Good luck!
You can have everything but sugar and starches on p3. But if you get to a 2 lb gain, do the steak and apple day. I did it the other day and lost 2 pounds exactly
WELCOME Naomi 🙂
WEIGH WEIGH WEIGH and stick with your new blogger buddies are the 2 best pieces of advice I can offer. The people on here are amazing and the advice is endless. You will find that this blog will be your biggest comfort. Don’t hesitate to ask ANYTHING because everyone here is or has been going through the same things.
Keep your eye on the prize and truly work the program because it really works.
I myself am doing the homeo drops and am on day 32 of 40. I’ve lost 22.8 lbs and ALOT of inches. I have struggled the most with bowels but after FINALLY listening I got SMOOTH MOVE TEA and girl it is a must have for me on this program.
Well again keep your eye on the prize and good luck you WILL love love love it.
Mary
WOW YAY Sherrie- stick with it girl
LOL Mary stick with what the peanut M&M’s?? I guess I just screwed this up. I didn’t realize until Cindy was nice enough to e-mail and let me know. She said in p3 thats when you can’t cheat, so guess I screwed up the whole blessed 6 weeks of dieting. I’m just glad I’m starting p2 over in 2 weeks again. This time I’m going to load right and maybe I won’t get the cravings I’ve had this time. I guess now just to try and keep everything off that I worked hard on getting off over that 6 week period
Protein Shakes
I did a search on them, and found this article, which I thought was interesting. Actually tells you how to figure out how much protein you need a day. If you get too much protein, it’s not good for you either
health.msn.com/fitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100166349
Thanks Mary!!
FYI to all, that I am losing at this pace…. this is the first i’ve lost at this pace on the diet.
Last week I held steady all week. After examining what I was doing, i realized i wasn’t weighing my apples. When I did weigh it, it was 50 calories more than I counted!! Apples are much larger now.. than during the winter. That put me over 50-100 calories a day!
This week, staying around 460-470 calories, it has been falling off!
Don’t get discouraged… if you spread my loss over 2 weeks, it is more reasonable
Debbie
I love this diet in six days I have lost eight pounds still starving though so trying to figure out how to overcome that my mom said to use a supplement but need one that doesnt make me shake anyone have and advice? I havent lost many inches but hoping that will change does anyone know of any good recipies that work with hcg protocol?
I had a hard time with p3 as well i gained back 5lbs of the 27 i lost!! i only stayed on p3 for 4 weeks and jumped back on p2 wed and have already lost 3lbs! i hope this round goes great! Keep it up!
WOW… I’m doing it. I’m starting HCG on Monday. It should come in the mail today. My goal is 35 pounds. I’ve continued to repeat in my mind “I am strong. I can do this!” My niece told me about this blog so I’m excited to share stories and offer and receive encouragement. Thanks to you all in advance for your support!
Jennifer –
Good luck! This blog has proven to be such a blessing while on this diet. I am on Day 14 of my first round, and I am loving every aspect (except my new irritability) 🙂
Ask as many questions as you have and share your successes with us – we are happy to help 🙂
Hello Naomi!
I was nervous when I started too. I am now on day 14 – I’ve lost 10 pounds. I’m super happy with it. For me, the toughest past was in the first week realizing how much I ate out of boredom rather than hunger. So as I was used to just grabbing something to chomp on, I could no longer do that. It took about a week for that urge to go away, but now it has diminshed and I am happy eating what is allowed on the VCLD, and I only get truly hungry when it seems appropriate (like after 4 or 5 hours of not eating). I fortunately have not gotten bored with the menu somehow, though I literally eat almost the same thing every day 🙂
Remember your goal always, and let that be a helper for you to stick to the plan! Also, keep a jourmal to document your weight everyday and what you eat, it will help. And always come to this forum for advice and help, this site has done wonders for me.
Best of luck!
Hi Rachael, I am the one who posted about the Atkins shakes. I personally never had a problem with the Atkins shakes on P3, but that was me. Every morning I had a shake blended with ice and strawberries. I initially was trying to decide between the protein powder and the Atkins shakes and decided this worked best for me. Mid morning I had a small handful of almonds, buy the big container from Costco. The other main items that I had during P3 is the pre sliced cheese from costco, the munster is my favorite. Ate avocado, salmon, tuna, regular dressing, and healthy oils. I tried to keep with a standard routine on P3 and just changed up what I had for lunch and dinner time. I also ate the Atkins bars in the afternoon. As long as it says All Phases on the box, it was fine for me. I will be starting P3 in a week and plan to do it this way again. Between P3 and P4 which together I was on for 2 and a half months, I only gained 3lbs. My best advice is see what works for you, eat when you are hungry and stop when you are full, but not too full. For me I didn’t weigh my food on P3, I think it would have drove me crazy thinking too much into it. Best of luck and enjoy this phase!
Hi Sherie,
I am 9 days from p3 on my first round and I thought that the atkins shakes and bars had sugar? also did you ever have yogurt in this phase? if so which brand I have yet to find any with out sugar. Also the regular dressing, I just checked our general store here in my town and ALL dressings seemed to have a form of sugar in them, which were you using?
Way to go on your success and keep your eye on the prize
Oh ya and you had said you gained 3 lbs back- did you ever do the steak day or were you just ok with it?
Also what form of hcg were you doing?
Thanks for the help 🙂
Mary
thanks ya’ll 🙂 the measuring part confuses me but atleast when I measure myself I always pick the same spots WTH hahahahahaha. When hubby does the measure I know its the actual place thats to be measured so since he did them the first week and a half I will be sure to have him do them on my last day
Hi Mary and everyone else on P3 or starting to think about P3. So I don’t have an atkins shake handy, but I feel like it only had ~1g of sugar. I am looking at the Atkins caramel fudge brownie bar that I have handy (but can’t eat for another week) and the info on that is:
Calories = 170
Total fat = 9g
Protein = 10g
Sugar = 1g
Total carbs = 19g
Dietary fiber = 10g
So this is how you figure out how many carbs something truly has…. P3ers this will make you smile if you don’t know already. Take the total carbs and subtract the dietary fiber so in this case the actual total carbs is only 9g. I can’t remember where it was that I read it, but someone posted how many carbs you could have, eventough you really shouldn’t.
As far as yogurt, I ate greek yogurt. Great way to get in protein! I purchased it at Trader Joes and I believe it was their brand and I think the 2% one. I remember standing there and comparing the stats on the label. Ate it either by itself or with fruit in it, yum!
Regarding dressing, I just read the labels. I found one that was a creamy ceaser and a ranch. Those were the two types of dressings that I stuck with and also used when I ate out on P3. Most of the dressings had ~1g sugar. Like I said, this is what worked for me.
I never did a steak day, I think twice I gained 2lbs and was very careful as to what I decided to eat the next day. The up 3lbs was at the very end of P4 when I decided to do the diet again and didn’t want to stress. I also have never done an apple day although a few times the first time I did the diet I was up 2lbs, but then was able to lose it within a few days. Apple and steak days just make it faster.
You have to do what works for you. Definately as you said, keep your eye on the prize and you will do great.
I am doing the homeopathic drops, both this round and the first time I did the diet.
Keep up the great work everyone!
So one of the days I have been waiting for and food wise having a little anxiety over is happening tomorrow, my wedding shower. Mentally, I have been telling myself that this one day I can cheat a little and enjoy myself. I have not cheated either time that I have done the diet. I decided to stay on P2 because of tomorrow knowing that if you are going to “cheat” it is “better” to do it on P2 than P3. I am not planning on going crazy tomorrow, but I know that I am more than likely not sticking to P2 foods tomorrow afternoon. I feel bad that I know I am going to cheat which I guess is a good thing that I feel bad, but at the same time tell myself that ok for the past 5 months aside from the 4 loading days, two for the first round and two for the second, I have been EXTREMELY good.
I guess I just needed to vent.
I know some of you have mentioned that you have cheated. So here is my question.
Q: If you cheated on P2, how much you gained the next morning after your cheat and then how long did your weight loss stall for? Also, did you do anything to get back on track, an apple day?
Thanks!!!!
Here is a great part from the article regarding how to figure out how much protein you actually need. Very interesting….
Deducing your protein quota
An easy way to calculate your needs is to multiply .36 by your body weight in pounds. So if you weigh 180 pounds, you need about 65 grams of protein per day, or about 47 grams per day if you weigh 130 pounds.
If you consider that the average chicken breast may contain 30 grams to 60 grams of protein, one slice of cheddar cheese has 7 grams, and even one cup of chopped broccoli has about 5 grams of protein—it’s very easy to get what you need from the meals and snacks in your day without making an extra effort. In fact, the average American takes in around 100 grams of protein a day.
I haven’t cheated, as i’m only 14 days into this. But from what I read you can expect to stall about 3 days, and maybe gain a lb or two, which will likely come off in 3 days. They recommend that you drink LOTS of water the next day, no bread sticks and up your protein a bit, while decreasing veggies. I think you’ll be back on track just fine! I think you deserve it! I hope somebody else has some advice for you!
Ok, two things…
Dried seaweed, BLECH! It looked good on the Asian Grocer website. All natural… dried seaweed, 1 calorie each stick, no fat, no carb. Maybe it takes some getting used to but at least it’s enough to kill my appetite.
Roasted chicken. I’m getting tired of cooking all these separate meals! I’m hoping this is ok to eat tonight. I pulled all the skin off an entire roaster (except the wings), put seasonings on it, put some apples, oranges, garlic, onions and lemons inside of it to keep it moist. I put it in a cooking bag. I don’t plan on eating the fruit.
I have to admit making the food for my daughter is the killer. Today I noticed I dropped a big ol’ wad of peanut butter on the counter. Talk about temptation. Then I had to make her grilled cheese before her softball game, and it looked so good. But I didn’t cave.
I’ve lost almost 4″ around my waist and 8 lbs already. 120s here I come!
I think I’m going to have to go longer than another week. I have 7 more lbs to lose and I doubt it will come off in a week.
I have cheated. Many times. I work a job where I’m expected at official functions that were catered and I couldn’t request food. I would only cheat at that meal and I would keep it within limits. The most I ever gained was I think 2 pounds. Here is what I can tell you from my experience, if you cheat all day you will probably gain a lot. If you pick something you really want that will satisfy you for a while and only have it at one meal that is so much better. If you are on drops or rx shots, I would still do 2 doses and miss your 3rd – or however you do it, miss one dose. You are putting more calories into your body and your body doesn’t need that extra dose of hcg to release more calories (does that make sense)?
Also, you might not see the pounds come on that very next day. Sometimes it’s a day or two down the road and you most likely will fluctuate for a few days as well.
If you are having cravings now, you might have candida and you might need to do a candida cleanse drink or something. I drink Pau D’arco tea which helps kill candida and it really helped with my cravings.
I would tell you not to cheat but I also know that cheating helped keep me on track (as weird as it sounds). Once I cheated I was able to stay strict for a while.. but then you always want to cheat again.. especially if you don’t gain a lot.
Best of luck, keep us posted on how cheating affects you.
Hey Sherie
Who better to ask these questions to than me, as I’m probably the “worse” on here with the cheating.
Okay, the first time I cheated, because I hadn’t had sugar in 3 weeks I had diarrhea, the next day I had put on a pound. Well, next time it didn’t change my weight at all.
Most likely, since you haven’t cheated before, be prepared to be in the bathroom.
No, I didn’t do an apple day, I went right back on the diet until next cheating day(I know I’m BAD). Anyway, just get back on it, I did stall out for 3 days afterwards too though
I am prepared for the possible 3 day stall which is why I have not cheated thus far haha. That is also why I am staying on P2 until at least Wed (hopefully my drops will last that long) so my body has time to get back on track. Heather, good idea about skipping one of the doses of drops tomorrow. I have not had any cravings thankfully even being around bad food. I just think about the stall if I am a little tempted.
I will let everyone know how it goes.
Alex, did you load again before you went back from p3 to p2? I know I am going too. It says if you’ve been on p3 for more than 2 weeks, you need to reload
Hey Mary
I know this is for the other Sherie, but I’m going to butt in. 🙂
I did buy a dressing that is organic(sun dried tomato and garlic and it has no sugar in it. It was okay, but I have become accustomed to no dressing and today, even though I’m on p3, I ate my salad without the extra 100 calories and liked my salad better than yesterday with the dressing.
I did do the steak day as soon as I hit that 2 lb gain and I lost both pounds by the next morning
Sherie, I would stay on plan a week or two after cheating. You want to reset your metabolism
I would probably avoid all starch and sugar.
Not sure what else, never cheated and I’ve gone thru my birthday, my daughter’s birthday, communion party, confirmation party, mother’s day this week and my daughter’s wedding shower.
I guess it is about the event now, not about food. What’ important is not food. Enjoy your day. See how it goes.
Good luck Jennifer! It’s tough the first week I think, after that, a breeze! Make a few meals ahead to have for lunch or dinner. HCG fast food 🙂
I am down 28 pounds in 32 days! OMG that is the best I’ve done and I am 10 pounds from my goal! WOOOT. Today, got at least 3 if not more, compliments. Everyone keeps asking about my diet. How can they get on it…
I am at my high school weight and I am 52 years old! I have my daughter’s wedding in July and I can’t wait to be seen in the awesome dress I got 🙂
You’ll do great! (i never cheat. never. But I have found that seltzer water with stevia and lemon squeezed – awesome to drink, or seltzer with flavored stevia. All kosher pickles. yum. cukes with vinegar and seasoning. no sugar )
You have support!
Debbie
p.s. down from a 12 to a size 8 🙂 and I am 5’8″ tall
Sherie,
Yes, the Atkins bars do say “all phases.” However, it refers to the phases of the Atkins diet which are different than the HCG Diet. However, if it works for you and they don’t have sugar or starch in them, it should be OK for HCG Ph3.
Mary, love ya girl! I told you the smooth move would make you one happy lady!
I also have terrible issues with bm’s. Smooth move is organic and mild. Dieters on here with issues, should definitely try it!
and no, I do not work for smooth move, LOLOL. But I do like being comfortable.
Debbie
p.s. funny but when i travel, i always have these issues to, so smooth move came in handy for me on all my trips now too
Hi Janet! So proud of you! How is P3 going? What have you found to do well?
thank you so much Mary!!!! Decided instead of 5 more, I want 10!! Loving my smaller size and loving all the compliments. Seriously, everyone is asking what is up…
I have a feeling that we will be having a lot more hcg’ers soon. 🙂
Hi Sherie , this is my 4 th week on phase 2, up until today I did not cheat. But today I fell off the apple cart! I did cheat, I did skip an extra dose of HCG. I also did not eat dinner, I do not know if that was smart or not. Hopefully I do not gain to much. I could kick myself , after all that time and I blew it. Maybe I should do apple day just in case, or maybe wait to see how it affects me. This can be very confusing sometimes. Oh well, just wanted you to know you are not alone.
Sorry Joyce that that happened. Crossing my fingers for you for tomorrow! Kind of sounds like me today. I decided not to have my 2nd fruit today to help with tomorrow and I had such a small dinner tonight, partially because I need to buy more protein and also because I didn’t like the few bites that I did have in the house. I was also so hungry when I got home today that I forgot to take my drops before dinner. So, we shall see what tomorrow morning says on the scale and then Sunday morning after tomorrow afternoon.
Sherrie, thanks for your comment, I am SO scared of the possible bathroom problem! Ahhh I can’t imagine how bad that must feel. I just really hope that it doesn’t throw me off the track especially because I don’t have many drops left, well I could open another bottle, but I would hate to do that and waste the rest of them. Crossing my fingers and I will update everyone either tomorrow at some point if I am able to get on my computer or Sunday.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Sherie – I did forget to mention that, I also had bathroom problems the first time I cheated. For more than a day, I think it was 3. I don’t know if the sugar hung around in my system or not. I also had bad stomach cramping (probably from all the diarrhea). Expect it to happen. Have some stuff on hand in case it does. It didn’t take long after I ate – I think it was cake- for my stomach to start hurting and then a couple of hours later the diarrhea started.
Oh also, eating like and skipping stuff the day before does not help you the day prior. All you are doing is depriving your body of much needed food.
I also don’t think it’s necessary to go another 2 weeks after cheating before going to P3. If you gain, set a goal to be at and get to that goal, it can be 2 lbs.. But I do agree.. DO NOT add sugar and starch in until P4 or not even then if you can hold out. Putting it into your body will be a shock to the system, and then once you start doing that regularly your body will get used to it and crave it again. I recently went on vacation, did a planned interruption, and I had some sugars and starches.. then I came back and started P2.. and it was soo hard for me to not have sugar and starch. My body really wanted it. 🙂
I hope it works out for you.. your body will be the one telling you afterward if you can continue P2 for a day or week or whatever or if you need to go to P3. We can’t tell you the right answer, it’s different for everyone. But you will know it cuz your body will tell you. 🙂 That is one thing I have learned with this diet.. listen to your body, it will tell you what it needs and wants.
H.
Good morning everyone!
I got 2 hours of sleep last night. No clue why, I am so tired. Only down .2 today but I’ll take it.
Hopefully better tomorrow.
Have a great day everyone. Hope today’s weigh in was good to you!
Debbie
SPAMMERS please take your ads elsewhere. Thank you.
Good for you! I’m finally just under 130! I wish I had .5 marks on my scale.
FOR THOSE WHO HIT PHASE 3: Did you gain any weight back? I’m trying to be realistic in setting my goal. If I’m going to gain any weight back, I’d like to account for that in Phase 2. I’m hoping I can wrap Phase 2 up in less than 2 weeks. I’m only losing about .5 day, but I’ll take it. I have 7 lbs to go.
There’s a few things I haven’t done to protocol. I haven’t been eating all organic food, only drinking around 64-70 oz of filtered water a day (plus about 2-3 cups cups tea/decaf coffee), and haven’t discontinued using my normal shampoo, conditioner, soap or makeup. Has anybody noticed a difference in truly switching all those?
I’m on p3 now, have been for I think 4 or 5 days now. I’m actually down a little over a pound, and I’m doing something I’ve never done before, eating bkfast. I’ve been eating 3 pieces of bacon, 2 scrambled eggs, strawberries or another piece of fruit, and coffee. This morning, I added a small glass of milk(I’m not a big milk drinker) and a cheese stick.
My paper said 1/2 gallon of water a day is sufficient(I don’t even drink that much plain water, but make it up in tea and coffee. I also use my shampoo, and the paper I got with my drops said you can use your regular as long as you get it rinsed out of your hair good
Donna – I haven’t been in P3 yet but I do know in P3 you are only supposed to fluctuate +/- 2 pounds (some people find 4 to be more realistic with their bodies). So if you gain, you aren’t doing P3 right, just the same as if you lose in P3 you aren’t doing it right. There is where you body is resetting the hypothalamus and it’s new ‘set’ weight (which would the weight on the last day of your drops).
Keep that in mind. 🙂
H.
I have been through P3 and P4 as of today I am up .06 from my last dose weight of P2. I feel it depends on what type of hcg you are using if your personal care items will affect you and your weight loss.
Good job Cindy!
I am down some, but I’m cool with that, as I’m still up .2 from the lowest weight on the p2. I am eating breakfast everyday(been having the same things though as I don’t know what else is good for breakfast).
I’ll be able to compare the real stuff against the homeopathic next round as I will be getting some of the real stuff to try.
Probably why you’re only down .2, it says you need at least 8 hours of sleep, that I have no problem doing as I take a sleeping pill every night. I’m sure tomorrow it will be down more
I did read the other day it’s very normal when going on p3 to lose more weight for like the first week after the drops, that it’s an added plus, but most of the time the next week, it will start going back up again.
I’m satisfied with what I’ve been doing, I have never been a b’kfast person and I am eating 3 meals a day and still maintaining really well. 2 weeks from today I’m back to loading and another round of p2(back and forth between p2 and p3 for 3 weeks on each until this weight is off once and for all)>>>
Sherrie, I’m sure, and I’m ok with it. A loss is a loss 🙂
Also had prednisone for 2 days. That’s what got me on the gaining cycle to begin with but I had a laser procedure on my face to get rid of sun damage. I am coated in aquaphor. not the first day either and I’m losing just fine!
Down 28.2 on day 33. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a good one!
Debbie
Hey everyone!
This is my 10 day mark on my first round of the shots. I got up this morning and found myself 2 pounds lighter. That brings the total to 13 pounds in 10 days. Hubby Scott is down 8 pounds in his first three days. For both of us the first week is a struggle. I was tired, crabby and hungry. But week two is very different. I have more energy than I know what to do with. I’m in a good mood and not hungry anymore. I found that the water is really the key for me. I drink it all day but I really suck it down before bed. I drink about 2-3 quarts before bed and I keep steady at 2 pounds a day loss. I’m sticking to the 500 cals a day but now seem to have to force my dinner down cuz I’m just not that hungry. Seriously. I think this diet is so cool. Hubby was 307 at the start. Now at 299 this morning. He is so stoked. His blood sugar has been stable an he doesn’t need that short term insulin shot now. That cuts him down to 2 shots a day from 5. Whoo hoo! That alone makes it worth it! I’ll keep ya posted. Oh and Brinn! Mr crabby kicked in. I reminded him and he just looked at me funny. He’s better today lol!!
Debbie, way to go Girl!!!! High school weight at 52, that’s awesome! Last night we went to my sister’s favorite rest. Remember I told you about that? Well, I caved on the blue cheese dressing (one food I just can’t pass up). I don’t think I overate calories, but I did have a few sips of wine, a spoonful of mushrooms that had been sauted in butter and sherry and a 2 veggies together.. green salad and asparagus. Today I was up .2 lbs, placing me .6 lbs away from my goal. However, I expect to be up another .4lbs tomorrow simply because last time I ate blue cheese dressing I lost 1/2 lb the next day, but the day after it was right back! anyway, I am feeling great regardless, and since my little indiscretion I will probably not hit phase 3 till Monday. I’m good with that. I’m doing an apple day today to try to avoid a gain, enhance a loss, and still be ready for phase 3 Monday. But if it doesn’t work out, I’m okay.
Anyway… that’s where I am right now .6lb from goal. And, I have never been thinner. I have wighed less, but never been thinner. This is the greatest aspect of this diet, so anyone reading, be encouraged!
Thanks Debbie for your encouragement. You have done great never cheating! That is a huge accomplishment. I wish I could say NEVER, but overall, I have done pretty well. 2 small cheats.
Bottom line as of today… 26 days, loss of 15lbs. and 16 inches!
Diane, great job! Stick with it all the way. The results are fantastic! I went into this 26 days ago wanting to lose 15lbs. I have lost 15lbs and 16 inches. I feel great. Starting phase 3 very soon. You will find the time goes by pretty fast and the diet is very easy. You and your hubby, get healthy! Overweight isn’t good for us, and it’s great that his insulin shots are already reduced more than 1/2!!! You guys go. You have lots of encouragement here, so keep checking in.
Advice: Don’t plan a cheat, and don’t cheat! It just sets you back and can cause a feeling of defeat. NEVER GOOD!
Sherrie, great job, especially with the addition of breakfast. Everyone says breakfast is a must in order to maintain a healthy weight and energy sufficient for the day. You keep that up and your next round is going to be so great for you!
I’m so glad that you are doing well. Keep up the good work!
Sherrie, aren’t you suppose to wait 6 weeks before starting phase 2 again? Seems I read that in pounds and inches?
Sherie, just don’t do it. Don’t cheat! It really isn’t worth it. You have come a long way so don’t stall out now! Keep working, plan to NOT cheat. Plan it. Take a melba toast and a piece of fruit and have that while everyone is eating. You still are having the food together, just not the same as they. Do anything, but don’t cheat!
janet, the thing I read said you can go back to phase 2 anytime you want. If you wait at least 2 weeks, you can reload, if you go back before 2 weeks, then you don’t reload, I want to reload. Some say you can go back sooner some say no, but I think with the homeopathic, things are actually a little different, since when Dr Simeons invented this diet, the real stuff is what he used. Now, I am on homeopathic, but I’m getting some real hcg in a couple weeks, and so I will let everyone know what my feelings are on the 2 of them.
This is what mine says that came with my drops
You can continue this Stabilization period longer or cut it shorter and jump back into the hcg/diet again, but 3 weeks is a
good length of time for this. If you begin the diet again before 2 weeks, you do not need to gorge again, but just begin low
cal diet.
I have done both, the hcg injections (prescription) and the drops.
I know that it is recommended on the injections to wait 6 weeks to prevent immunity. And, allows you time to maintain.
The drops, 3 weeks.
Good Luck!
I agree with Janet! Not worth it. It’s your shower… and you are doing this for the wedding.
When I think I’ll feel deprived or it is just too difficult to take my food with me.. I do an apple day. I LOVE apple days. I am always full, feel like I have a treat, and I slice a bunch, toss them in cinnamon (which is awesome to control blood sugar levels) and snack on them when I want.
Don’t feel bad or deprived, you opted for this to LOOK awesome! It is only food, not the main event.
Debbie
Well, mine is only going to be almost 3 weeks in between(think I’ll be 2 days early, but want load days on the weekend, and I’m loading good this time). Papa johns, and then this donut shop about 1/2 hour from here, OMG, they have the best cream filled tiger paw donuts, and I think I may eat 6 of them. I sure hope I don’t gain the 23 lbs I’ve lost in those 2 days. Also going to go to DQ and get a big old shake!
Harvel,
Thanks for your reply! I did get a scale and it seems to be what I need. I’m going to follow the diet faithfully because I only want to do this once!… I need to lose another 25-30lbs so I’m excited! Thanks for the advice!
Na
Hi Mary,
Thank you! And I’m so happy for you! Your weight loss is very encouraging and I hope to lose 25-30 lbs. so we will see…. I’ve already lost 54lbs. on Adipex but I hit a plateau so I needed something new. I knew about the smooth moves tea from my mom, she uses it now so I’ll have a supply at hand 😉 I started my drops today so I’m trying to eat but it really is hard… (as crazy as that sounds) Thanks for the advice!
Na
Hi Brynn,
Thanks for your reply! I hope to have the same experience as you because i want to lose this last bit of weight and then maintain. I will def try to remember why i started this diet and my goal weight! And I’ll try to get on here as much as possible for the support. You all sound like great advice/support givers and I think I will def need it 🙂 I printed out some food journals but sounds like i need to do the same for my daily weighing. Thanks for the advice!
Na
Hey Janet
thanks for the support can you tell me how these phases go? Is phase 1 when you pack on the food for two days before you start your 500 cals a day? Or is it the 500 cal period? Thanks. Hubby was really suffering with this the first few days but he seems to be rolling right along now. He’s telling everyone about his 8 pounds. He’s so happy now. Finally, something that keeps the incentive going and a big smile every morning just by jumping on the scale
Hey Diane
I’m not Janet, but this will answer the question you asked Janet
ezinearticles.com/?Phases-of-the-HCG-Diet-Explained&id=4243786
Thanks Janet. I’m hoping I have no problem wanting to cheat the next time around, but I honestly think only going 3 weeks over 6 is going to be so much easier, plus, I never cheated until the 3rd week last time, and also, I lost 15 lbs the first 3 weeks on p2 and then only lost a little over 7 over the next 3 weeks. I’m hoping 2 more p2’s and I’ll have it whipped, otherwise, I’ll have to do 3 or 4 more times of it and I really don’t want to have to do that. 3 times more I can handle, 4 times more I can’t.
I’m already writing down what I’m eating on my next load days. I have the donuts of course(LOL) and dinner both nights, and of course donuts for b’kfast and snacks, but trying to figure out my lunches. Maybe bbq ribs
Thank you so much. I will go there now
Thank you so much sherri. I will go there now
I hit my 10 lb mark! This is my first major milestone! It’s been 15 lonnnnnnnnnnng days on this diet. So glad I lost weight because I was ready to do a small cheat today.
You know what’s strange though? I was feeling extra powerful yesterday at the Gap. I tried on some new jeans and I still had the big ol’ muffin top. I’ve lost 4″ around my waist and I’m still not ready for a new pair of jeans. Ho humm… 6-7 more lbs. then maybe I’ll be able to splurge on those 69.00 jeans.
Happy to report a successful apple day! Down 1lb, am now .4lb BELOW goal weight!! Now motivated to lose about 3 more lbs. I’m stoked! I love this diet!
Donna, don’t cheat! Stick with the plan. Those new jeans are waiting for you!
What a hoot when we get on the scale and smile! Did we ever think we’d see the day? Oh yeah!
Happy Mother’s Day Everyone, I have a huge problem here. I left home and was gone for 4 days without my shot. I had been on the shot for only 8 days. I did really well loosing 4 ounces everyday without it, until today, I am up 2 pounds. I lost 16 pounds so far in 10 days. I want to go back on it, but what do I do? PLEASE HELP…
Hi everyone: Havent checked in in a long time but I have been following the posts. I started the diet last October and lost 15 lbs in record time. Now, I have gained about 3 and want to start back. Funny, I cant eat the way I used to anymore and I tried going back a few weeks ago but blew it right away and stopped. If I can give any advice, you should think of cheating as losing the time that you are resetting everything and that is the real issue..not the pounds. I found the inches to be more gratifying and if you cheat you lose the momentum of the reset. That is what kept me going. Anyway, without scrolling my life away, I need the site where I can get the REAL HCG. I dont want the homeopathic anymore. Can someone chime in and help? Good luck to all…it is so worth it.
I use all day chemist and have recommended it to other that I know have gotten their real hcg from it also. It will take a couple of weeks to get it and you will need a mixing kit that can be purchased at different website based in the States.
I personally have done the homeopathic drops, real hcg mixed for drops and just started “load days” yesterday with the injections.
Good morning.
Well, the prednisone must have kicked in. Up a pound 🙁
Hopefully since it was only 4 pills, today will be fine. Should I do an apple day? Hate to do that today with a house full of people coming.
If you have read anything from me, you know I don’t cheat. I weigh everything, and I journal it all. SOOOO, just one of those days or the prednisone.
Hope everyone had a good weigh in! Happy Mother’s Day!
Debbie
Hey everyone “HAPPY MOTHERS DAY”,
I hope there were many successful weigh ins this morning. On Friday I was at a 22.8 lb loss and today happy to report at 24.4 and on my 34th day. I will be finishing the last drops this Saturday the 15th which kind of bums me because I think if I had enough drops for 1 more week I would of been much closer to my goal. I will be trying to maintain through p3 my LWI and then there after I will keep calories fairly low and be on an exercise plan 🙂 Ideally I am shooting for 130 and am at 148.6 SOOOOO I hope I’m not setting myself up too high as far as losing after p3 with out hcg help.
I’ve read where there is a big difference with the real versus the homeo drop and am curious if people taking the real get cravings all the way through like I am? boy I would give the world for something sweet and pastry like and I got to wondering in the advanced stages of p2 does that happen to everyone with a sweet tooth or is it just me and is it just homeo takers?
Well I hope all you mothers or mother types are going to have the most awesome mothers day and keep your eye on the prize
God bless you all
Mary
Janet, I’m not hooting yet. I’m just maintaining, which although I have to say it’s nice to be able to eat, I hate not seeing the scale move. But, in two more weeks, I’m going to see that scale go way up, and then hopefully way down real fast.
I have to say, I’m doing really well on the maintenance, but when you still have 35 lbs to go, it’s no fun
Good morning Mary and congrats! Remember, I started my cravings really bad where I did cheat at 3 weeks, thus the reason why I’m only doing p2 for 3 weeks at a time from now on. Last time I lost the most of my weight in the first 3 weeks.
It’s hard on p3 too, as I have the same things over and over for dinner. I have added milk to my diet(I’m not a big milk drinker, but drink 2 cups a day now), and I had some cottage cheese yesterday(it has a little sugar in it, as it was 2%), but boy it was good.
I’m kind of looking forward to using the real stuff just so I can see the difference in the 2(as far as cravings, etc) I will give my honest opinion after I’ve tried them both
I hope you all have a Happy Mothers Day!
WTG Mary. 🙂 You’re doing great hon!
I wouldn’t do the apple day, but I’m not crazy about doing those anyway. I know that if you’re not cheating, it’s going to come off again anyway. Remember, weight fluctuates and you are on meds.
I did do a steak day on p3, but I had gotten to 2 pounds up, and I wanted that back off, but on p2, I wouldn’t do an apple day, just keep on doing what you’re doing Debbie!
Hey Hillary, am glad you came back and gave us your feedback.
I have been using the homeopathic drops, but the ER nurse behind me has been ordering from All day chemist(the one Cindy mentioned). I’m going to be trying the real drops on the next round(may have to start out with homeo and then switch to real if it’s not here in time). If the real doesn’t get here by 1/2 way through my 3 weeks on the next p2, then I’ll just do the homeo again and start the real hcg on the July p2.
If you have only gained 3 lbs since October, you’re doing good still, and one apple and a big juicy steak should get 2 lbs off you overnight.
If you feel like it, try an apple day. You will be glad when you step on the scale tomorrow! I have taken prednison and if definitely makes you retain water. That’s all it is, so don’t get discouraged! You are doing great. A short way to go now!
Blessings
Sherrie, glad to hear maintenance is going well. Ok, so you have 35lbs to go,… try looking at it this way… It’s not 60, which is close to where you started this last round, if I remember correctly? You are doing great. Be encouraged! Don’t give up. You will reach the goal. If it takes a little longer, so what. The important thing is that you get to a place where you are healthy! Blessings on you fellow dieter. I will keep you in my prayers! And I may need phase 3 advice very soon.
Hey Janet
Thanks! Yeah, I know, and I could have 100 pounds to lose, so I try not worrying too much about it. I really can’t tell I’ve lost anything, but sometimes when you’re heavy set all your life, you always see yourself as heavy.
I think. I have been doing well so far on the maintaining. I guess the last day of my drops was last Monday and as of this morning, I was down exactly 1 lb. so guess I’m doing okay, but sure wish I was losing instead of maintaining. I’m just counting down the days until my next load days(13 more to go). 🙂 Then I can start losing again
Hello everyone,
I’m waiting for my kit to come in the mail (any minute now). I want to congratulate you all on your success of losing weight and it really motivates me however, i’m so scared to do this. Has anyone suffered any crazy side effects at all? Apart from the diarrha? Anything of major concern?
Also, i don’t really understand the apple days and/or the ‘gorg’ days. Is it the first 3 days you eat whatever? I ordered my kit through the Celeste Pure H202 for Health website (i heard from several nurses who have done it with success) but it doesn’t really give you a break down. I would really appreciate anyones help. I’ve looked everywhere and their website isn’t very specific.
Out of the 500 calories, can you eat fruit? I thought you had to avoid sugars. Doesn’t fruit have sugar in it?
Please help!!!
Thanks so much 🙂
The first thing you need to do is read Pounds and Inches by Dr Simeon. This will outline what you need to know.
Then you can ask whatever questions you have after that.
I use Truvia, it states on the package that it is stevia. It tastes good, I use it in my coffee and green tea and I have sprinkled it on my strawberries if they are a little sour. The best price for it that I have found is at WinCo, it comes in a green and white box with 40 packs, for $3.18.
Sherrie:Thanks for answering me. I went to alldaychemist.com and could not find HCG. Could you please give me the URL and also where to get the mixing kit? Thanks..I really want to try the real ones. All the best.
Thanks for the reply Cindy.
I have read Pounds and Inches and still feel a little confused. I wouldn’t have asked for the help otherwise. I guess i’m a little slower than others in understanding all the protocols.
I’m moreso confused with the phases. I have purchased the 30 day kit. Is P1 just the preparation phase before starting the diet? And do you start taking the drops when you start the loading days? I’ve looked at a lot of websites and some say that you do 2 days of loading and others say 3 days. Which is correct? How may days do you do the diet in P2 if i have the 30 days kit? What is P4? After you’ve completed the treatment?
Sorry for all the questions. It’s enough the website doesn’t provide that much customer support, which is why i’m asking you guys.
Tania.
Hi Tania, You gorge for the first ”2 DAYS” while taking the drops, you can eat anything and everything, the more fat you can cosume the better, so you do not get as hungry for the first week of the 500 calorie diet. I gained 6 pounds in the 2 days of gorging. After the 3 days of drops and the 1st day of the 500 calorie diet, the 4th morning weighing I lost 4 lbs, 5th morning I lost another 3 lbs. I am almost 61 yrs. and it is harder for me to lose the pounds, so I am very excited about being able to lose the pounds and inches. I bought a diet scales to help me calculate the calories, and to be sure and eat the 100 grams of meat & fish, required per meal. Has anyone had trouble finding the “grissini breadsticks”, I found them at Safeway, in the bakery dept. next to the fresh bagles. I only found one varity, seasoned with sea salt, 2 bread sticks = 45 cal. You are suppose to have one at each meal. I save it for one of my snacks inbetween lunch and dinner, I save my fruit for the other snack. I do the same thing for after dinner, so I have something to nibble on in the evening, when I’m having a cup of green tea or more water. Hope some of this helps, I know some of the comments I’ve read from everyone else, helped me. Good luck everyone, Joyce “Gramma”
Ok everyone nevermind!
I had someone break down the phases for me and it now makes more sense. I’m feeling more and more confident as people give me their advice and insight to the diet and it’s details.
If other questions come up i will be sure to ask through this website. It’s awesome!
Thanks and good luck!
T
Happy Mother’s Day to all of you moms out there!
Thank you to everyone who posted and gave me advice regarding yesterday. I had a beautiful shower, but yes, did cheat. I am happy with the choices that I made as far as the food I ate. I know I definately could have done much worse. Thankfully, have had any after effects and although I did gain .6lbs this morning, I was expecting a greater gain. I am back on the diet now, feeling good and plan to see if I will stall now for 3 days and then depending on that, will see how soon I can move on to P3. Definately looking forward to P3.
Congrats to all of you who had a great weigh in this morning! Keep up the great work. Enjoy the rest of your day.
Hello Joyce,
Thank you so much for taking the time to help me. This truly is a great website. It just got a little confusing because there are so many websites with similar but slightly different information.
I was wondering, are you supposed to avoid the cosmetics, shampoos etc throughout all of the phases? I can’t imagine not washing my hair for that long! That can’t be right? Can natural mineral water be sprayed on the face to at least subsitute the facial creams? How about mascara??? (i’m sure it’s allowed but just want to double check). Mineral cosmetics are ok as stated right?
Thanks again!
Mary, congrats on the weight lose, you are not the only one. I am on day 17 and I crave, the same things as you do. Plus I’d love to have some Kettle chips and the Ritz/Pretzel crackers. BUT…..I want to be slimmer and trimmer and not that fluffy, Gramma, any more. Even though my precious granddaughters, say that they like me the way I am and that I am not fat, just a little plump. How sweet is that for 11 and 9 year olds. I want to be around for many more years so I am doing this for all of us.
Hope all of you have had a mom’s day filled with love.
Joyce “Gramma”
OH NO! Today I went to my cousins and forgot my scale. The only one available was one of those crappy plastic ones. I weighed some cooked filet mignon carefully and thought it looked big but went with 3 oz. it anyway. I brought the scale back home and tested it. Looks like it weighed about 5.7 oz. I had broccoli with it and skipped my fruits today. So that brought me to 601 calories today. So if anybody has experienced an overage of calories, what’s the damage? I’m “a-scared” for tomorrow’s weigh in! Thanks. Donna
Hi Tania,
I agree I love this website also, I put this one on my desk top so I can open it quickly. There are 2 real important things to watch for when buying any products for your face, body, hair etc. If the ingredients state “OIL or the word ends in OSE”, do NOT use that product. For shampoo, I am using Johnson’s baby shampoo, the calming lavender. It is gentle on the hair and smells good. Don’t use the baby shampoo with conditioner combination, it has a word ending in “ose”. I am not using mascara for now. Any face make-up just make sure there aren’t any ingredients with the word “ose” on the end of it. I am using Tom’s Natural toothpaste for now. For Lotion I am using “Corn Huskers Lotion”, you can also use St. Ives Swiss Vanilla, I do not care for vanilla lotion so I gave it away to one of my friends. You can use your lipstick, they state in the safe list products page. For bathing I use Dial bar soap, the Tropical Escape, for my face I have the Dial Cranberry & AntiOxidant Glycerin Soap, so it doesn’t dry out my skin. Dial is on the safe list and do not have any words with oil or end in ose. Good Luck , talk to you later.
Joyce “Gramma”
I used to go over occasionally, I still lost. I had filet mignon tonight, but I’m on p3 and didn’t even weigh it, so clue as to how many oz it was, but it sure was good. I had a salad to go with it..Yummy!!
Tania, this is exactly why my 2 friends that do the hcg told me to find one plan and stick with it, as they’re all different. I honestly think that the homeo drops, it’s not going to matter like it does with the real hcg. I was on the homeo for 6 weeks and cheated quite a lot 3 weeks in to the diet. I just didn’t lose as fast but still lost. I use my regular shampoo, lotion, and everything else and did all along. The first week(which I did use makeup and wash my hair and use lotion, I still lost 9.2. The first 3 weeks I was down over 15 lbs. After the 3 weeks, it’s when I started cheating that I wasn’t losing as fast.
I will be trying the “real” hcg on the next round(if it gets here in time), and I will let everyone know what I think the biggest difference of them is.
Good luck on your diet
Hillary, my neighbor, the RN is the one that is ordering for us from alldaychemist. Cindy gets hers from there and would be so much more helpful.
Joyce, I read somewhere do not use truvia. My sons fiance works at the grocery store and had said at first to also use truvia, as it was supposed to be stevia, but it’s not the same thing. I buy the big bag of stevia, it’s a little over 9 oz and is around $8. I don’t think it tastes bitter.
Look on the bags, It has 3 grams of carbs and the Stevia has less than one gram. Here are a couple sites
truvia.com/news/media-resources/faq/default.aspx
ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/is-truvia-stevia-ok-for-pcos-diet.html
Mail on a Sunday?
The apple a day, some people do if they are stalling out, myself I never did, as I figure your body needs time to catch up to the weight you’re losing
You should bet something with your drops explaining everything.
If you start the drops tomorrow, then start loading tomorrow for 2 days, eat everything and anything you want, load up good. Yes, you get 2 fruits a day, either an apple, 1/2 grapefruit or handful of strawberries. Some of them also say you can have an orange.
Hi again everyone!
I’m really appreciating the prompt responses! You’re all so wonderful!
@Sherrie – Thank you for sharing your information with me. I’ll try and be as strict as i can with the cosmetics. I have oily skin so most of my facial cosmetics are oil free. Got to stick with regular toothpaste though! I ordered the kit from the Celest Pure H202 for Health website. They sell the HCG that you have to refrigerate? It’s not the homepathic HCG apparently. My best friend is a Doctor and she said her nurses went through this website and lost a lot of weight successfully. I’ll give it a try and see what happens and let everyone know. They’re not easy to contact when you have questions which is why i’ve been researching everywhere else, but i’ll definitely try and stick as close as possibly to their requirements so i don’t get too confused. Thanks again.
@Joyce – Thank you for the tips on what to use and what not to use as far as the cosmetics go. I don’t know if i can stop using real toothpaste though. I didn’t realise toothpaste had oil in it! Everything else i can manage and what you listed seems quite accessible. Thanks!
Hillary,
HCG discount supplies is a good place to get mixing kits. If you would like to know more you can write to me clong612@gmail.com
You’ll do fine Tania! I am kind of anxious to try the “real” hcg since I’ve been on the homeopathic. may not like the real, as I probably will continue losing my regular lotions, shampoo, etc. I can go 3 weeks without makeup, as my job is doing in home health care for a woman with dementia, and she doesn’t care what I look like.
Please continue coming on and letting us know how you’re doing
Thanks Sherrie,
I meant to say any “day” now. I anticipate receiving it tomorrow afternoon so i’ll definitely start on Tuesday.
Can you eat the fruit at any time of the day? And when you take your drops is it always before you eat? As for your vitamin supplements, do you take them with the hcg or just whenever you feel like it? I’m going to take a bunch of extra vitamins for hair-loss etc because i’ve heard it’s a common side effect. I also bought the B-12 through the website that is also sublingual so i assume i’d take it with the hcg and maybe mix it?
I’m going to be as strict as possible. If i can do the Atkin’s diet for 3 months then i’m sure i can do this. It does seem hard though…
Thanks for all the help! Seriously.
Again, I reach out. I need to have the website for the real HCG. I cannot find it on alldaychemist. When I go to the drug index for “H” there is no HCG there. Please someone weigh in…I dont want to go searching and get it from some unreputable place. Looking for help…Hillary
Hi there. Up on the top there are three tabs, Equivalent, Generic, Search. Click Search and tupe in Hucog. All day chemist has Hucog 2000 i.u. and 10000 (Premixed Vial). I’m no expert, but I believe the 5000 gave me 3 weeks worth and the 10000 gives you more. I heard it’s better to order the lesser number so the solution stays potent, but I can’t guarantee that’s accurate. Looks like the Hucog 5000 is out of stock. Is everybody on a diet now?
I got mine from www (dot) reliablerxpharmacy (dot) com. It’s called “Hucog 5000 i.u. or Ovidac 5000 i.u”. I see it’s out of stock. Maybe you could email them? I got mine in about 10 days. From what I read, do not order highly purified. I did injections. Along with that, I had to order basotronic water, insulin needles, and a sterile vial. I also ordered B-12 shots.
That’s not bad! No back on track Missy 🙂
Hillary
Use the search tab and put hcg in and you will find it. There are many different generic names for it. Do you know how much to purchase? Its best if you purchase it all at the same time. If you plan on doing multiple rounds it will be cheaper to get all the hcg you will need to do all rounds. Also how will you be mixing it, for subliminal drops (takes 2x’s the hcg) or injections?
I put my email address in my last message to you but it may not have posted yet.
clong612 at g mail.com
Tania –
I was confused and terrified when I forst started too. No worries! We’ll help you get through. Remember “Pounds and Inches” has answers to lots of your questions, so reference back to that often.
I am on Round 1, Day 17 and am down 12.5 pounds, Yippee 🙂 I take the real stuff, got it through my doctor. I just strated taking vitamin shots from my doc last week. As for hair loss, I haven’t noticed that as a side effect nor have I heard anyone mention it. hopefully that’s a myth. I haven’t changed my xhampoo / conditioner (I use head & Shoulders), I still use the same moisturizer & lotion (both Aveeno) and am still using my makeup (Bare Minerals). All of this has proven to be okay for me, I’m obviously still losing, so I’m not worried about. I did look at the back of all the bottles to make sure there was no oil or at least if there was oil, to make sure it was low on the ingredient list (usually that means that there’s not too much of something in a product).
Make sure you stick to the calories allowance – that’s probably the toughest part. I noticed my first week it was tough to get past the wanting to eat out of boredom thing and not because I was hungry. Now this far in, I only eat when hungry and only crave random things every now and then. Like last week, I wanted peanuts so bad. One day I wanted a Reese’s peanut butter cup. And one day it was cherry sours. It all depends on what day you talk to me.
Good luck on this diet – you will succeed if you stick to the plan 🙂
Don’t forget to always come back here for encouragment and questions, we’re happy to help.
down .2 today. Now .6 under goal. Decided to stay on the drops another day. Really want to get down another 1.5lbs before going off the drops, but I had my mind made up today was my last day. Having trouble overcoming the mindset. Since with this diet, mindset is everything. I have been thinking about a big spoon of peanutbutter since yesterday! LOL! Anyway, I am on drops for another day. Praying for at least a .5 loss. From here it will be day by day.
does anyone know if its ok to do an apple day as your last day on drops? I was so successful with my apple day, if I did that today, and I was down 1lb tomorrow, I would definitely be off the drops. Anyone who knows or has experience, please chime in, and thanks! Oh, keep in mind that I just did an apple day on Saturday!
Janet, if today is the last day of drops, remember, you have to still stay on the 500 calorie day diet for the next 3 days(the hcg will stay in your system for up to 72 hours).
I haven’t had pb on p3 yet, as mine has sugar in it, so you would have to get sugar free pb
I wouldn’t do the apple day, just let your body get down like it should naturally now.
I never do the apple days, but have done the steak/apple day on the p3 one time. I have been on p3 for 1 week, eating 3 good meals a day and am down 1.6 lbs since my last drop day. Believe me, that one pound is not going to make a difference in your clothes or anything else for that matter, it’s all psychological. You will get that pound off, let your body work normal now. 🙂
Fruits
Awhile back we had a discussion on here(of course, can’t find the old posts). Anyway, someone said you weren’t supposed to have oranges. Some say yes and some say no. Anyway, I just went and read “pounds and inches” page 30 and this is what it says for fruits
4. An apple or an orange or a handful of strawberries or one-half grapefruit.
So, just wanted to clear that up for some that are still not sure on fruits. (believe me, I know there has been a lot of things added on to the original, but Cindy has the original and think she said it went to page 35 or something like that, to where the one I got with my drops was way over 35 pages)
Sherrie, definitely natural peanutbutter. My son eats so much peanutbutter that if I wasn’t giving him natural he would have had a heart attack by now from all the added partially hydrogenated oils in the regular peanutbutter! Anyway, your post is encouraging and I appreciate it. I am just so impatient now to get the last lb off and move on to phase 3. As I said, mindset is everything for me!!! Debating on the apple day as apple is all I have eaten so far this morning. I think lunchtime will probably make the determination as my last, only apple day was VERY difficult. I was really hungry all day.
do you know if that 500 calories can consist of any foods that are acceptable in either phase 2 or 3 or does it need to be phase 2 foods until the 3 days is up?
Morning Everyone! Hope you all had a successful weigh-in this morning. I just wanted to wish my Auntie (Jennifer) good luck this morning as she is scheduled to start the drops today. Remember, this is the beginning of a new lifestyle. Be true to yourself and know that we’re here to support you through this. You can do this!! Love you.
On a side note, I started P3 this morning and after doing the 3 days of 500 cal (and maintaining the first 2 days) I gained 3.4 lbs overnight. I’m feeling discouraged that I’m already starting my first P3 day out with a steak day. Can someone PLEASE tell me how I’m going to make it through the 3 weeks maintaining?? I’m doing a triathlon in 2 weeks and I’m just now starting to train as I couldn’t while on P2. Saturday I did the bike and yesterday I ran and did yoga. Needless to say I’m sore! But I’m wondering if I’m okay to start working out during maintenance? Would I have gained because of built of lactic acid perhaps? Any words of wisdom or encouragement is welcomed! 🙂
hi fellow bloggers,
I hope you all had a great mothers day as well as weigh in this morning.
As I enter my last week of the fake hcg drops I find myself so depressed over the fake versus real drop issue. I have resigned myself to (after reading and hearing over and over)the fact that I will be failing my 40 day attempt very soon which has put me in a depression I haven’t felt in many years. So with that being said I will be leaving this forum but will wish you all great success and many blessings.
Mary
Mary –
How have you failed? I thought you were down some pounds…? It seems to me that if you lose some weight, you have acheived your goal, even if it might be smaller than what you first thought.
Please don’t be depressed, but take it as a big lesson and try again. That’s all you can do.
Good luck –
Hey, Everybody:
I’ve been seeing a lot of angst over small losses or some gains on a daily basis. Look at your bathroom scale as you would the speedometer in your car. It’s an indication of speed (rate of change) and trend. While we weigh ourselves each morning, take it in stride and keep your eye on the overall goal–overall weight loss, no matter how much. Setting a target at the beginning is OK, but remember, your body is going to do what it is going to do. It probably won’t pay any attention to where you want it to go. This diet is not only a great way to lose weight and thereby get healthier, it will serve as a means to retrain yourself to eating healthier foods in more appropriate amounts for the rest of your life. Getting upset over a half-pound gain or so or a stall of a day or two is really counter-productive. Follow the protocol as faithfully as you can and let the pounds fall where they may. It’s ALL in your attitude.
Good fortune and a skinnier self to all of you,
Harvel
Mary – What do you mean by fake? Do you mean the homeopathic version? I have been on the homeopathic version since Feb and lost over 30 pounds. So if you are concerned.. you shouldn’t be. I would have lost more but I did cheat and took some breaks. So if I was you, I would keep going and don’t be depressed about it. But I’m sorry to hear you are depressed and giving up.
All the best,
Heather
Sounds like water retention to me. Especially if you have just started training.
Keep up your water intake, take some potassium (help with soreness trust me) and watch your salt intake as well.
Hi Brynn,
Thank you so much for your advice! I’m feeling much more confident and excited after finding this website and getting help from all of you!!!
Speaking of calories, does the fruit count for the 500 calories that you have to consume throughout the day? And which website do you go off with calculating your calories? If we consume 200g or protein per day that have x amount of calories out of 500, we are to use the cals left over for the vegies and fruit correct? It says a handful of this and a handful of that, but for me i’d rather cups or TBS because i believe i’d be tempted to grab a handful too much if you know what i mean?
Thanks so much for all the help again! CONGRATULATIONS on your huge weight loss! I’d be stoke to even at least lose 10. That’d be a major accomplishment for me.
Cheers!
Mary, if you are still listening then it’s time for you to hear some truth… Did you or did you not lose at least 20lbs? I believe I read that you did. That is HUGE! Mary, on what other diet have you ever lost 20 lbs in 40 days or less? And “fake” drops. If you lost that much, doesn’t sound like they were fake.
Mary, attitude and mindset has EVERYTHING to do with any undertaking such as this hcg diet. Your attitude will cause the weight to come back on you as quick as it fell off if you allow defeat and self-pity to set in. Please don’t do that, you worked to hard to get where you are today! Take a break. Go on phase 3 for the recommended 3 weeks and then do what you feel like next, but don’t throw away 40 days of hard work. THAT would be depressing.
Rachael, I know that sometimes after I work out especially hard, I will retain water. That is probably what you are experiencing. Don’t fret! Do the steak day and enjoy it. But DO IT. The protocol says if you are up more than 2 then do a steak day. Get it off immediately. The longer it sits the more used to it your body becomes, stores it away, and it’s much harder to get off at that point.
Be encouraged because you have a plan that is proven to work. It takes 3 weeks for your body to get use to your new weight, so be sure and give yourself that entire 3 weeks to settle in.
I will be starting phase 3 very soon. Maybe even as soon as tomorrow. I’m sure I will be fretting if I experience the same thing, but I’ll try to remember the words of wisdom I have left her for you. Blessings. You will be fine, your weight will stabilize, and you will be enjoying the benefits of all your hard work.
Tania –
I see what you mean.
First, yes, you eat 100 grams of protein twice a day. So that leaves you with 300 grams which is supposed to be comprised of 2 fruits, 2 veggies, and possbly that stick of bread or melba toast.
When I first started, I had my list of foods I could eat (only certain ones are allowed, this is outlined in “Pounds and Inches” or maybe whoever you got the drops from has a slight variation on the menu). So i made an excel sheet and the first tab was my list of foods I could eat (I only put the ones I would actually eat on there) and the amount of calories they have. For instance, I found a website that says 6 spears of Asparagus is 20 calories, 1 medium zucchini is 30 calories and 1 cup of caluiflower is 20 calories. I did the same for fruits and meats. My plan lets me deviate from the original diet a bit – I am allowed blueberries, broccoli, etc. I’m not sure how yours is. I found this list by searching fruit calories, vegetable calories, etc. in Google.
So – with all that in mind, I usually plan out my meals in advance. Because I’m so picky, there’s not many options for me. But I know if I cook a lot of broccoli at once, I’ll be having it at that particular meal and possibly for lunch the next day. I also use my fruit as snacks so I won’t be starving in the interim of eating.
A typical dayfor me could be: Breakfast = 1/2 cup of Bluerries (30 calories), Coffee (25 calories with my teeny skinny milk allowed); Lunch = Hamburger patty (I use 96/4 beef which makes 3.5 ounces about 115 calories), 12 spears of asparagus (40 calories); Snack = Orange (80 calories); Dinner = Hamburger patty (115 calories), 2 medium zucchinis (60 calories).
That adds up to 465. At that point, knowing I am under by 35 calories, I’ll either add in a little more veggie or not worry about it.
I know this doesn’t sound like a lot of food but you’d be surprised. After the first week, it seems to go down so easy and you really do get full after a course. Weird how your body changes so much.
Does all that make sense? Let me know if you have any more questions 🙂
Got the answer to my own question from my hcg suppliers support line… NO. The last 3 days is part of phase 2, only ph2 foods allowed. Hope that helps for any others getting ready to start phase 3.
Seriously Mary!
First of all, ignore all the real, fake, drops or shots. Who gives a flying fig. You chose a path, you followed it, and you are beating the odds by dropping the weight.
That is a huge success. And it was all you. Not fake Mary, or drops or shots. It was Mary, who set her sights on the prize.
Don’t give up on yourself or listen to others. See what results you can get. And stop feeling bad and celebrate! You are pounds skinnier!
Please smile and feel successful. We think you are.
Debbie
Ok, so me today. A little frustrated. Up a pound. Followed the diet to the T. Never cheat. On day 35. Ready for the break soon 🙂
But, i think, can it be the prednisone? Sleep? Whatever. And in the big scheme of things, it doesn’t matter and who cares. You keep doing the repeated behaviors that got you into size 8 or 10 Tall, and it will keep me there. I am really proud of how I look! And how hard I worked for it!
So, today, cheers to my bump in the road. We’ll be on our way again soon.
Debbie
URGENT ADVICE NEEDED!!!
Hi again!
Ok so i just received my kit in the mail (finally). It’s after 2pm on this beautiful Monday and i was wonderinf if it’s possible to start today or is it too late? Should i just start first thing tomorrow morning? I know you’re supposed to take the hcg during the first 2 gorg days but maybe i could double up on what i’ve missed today already?
Should i just start fresh tomorrow? I feel a little anxious right now, maybe i should wait so i can calm down, relax and be mentally prepared rather than rushed? What do you all think???
P.S. BRYNN – Thanks for the calorie tips. You have no idea how much this is helping me. You have all been really wonderful! I’m really excited now!!! Loving the support from everyone!
T
Mary
If they’re fake they’re fake, the thing is, you have lost weight, just as I have on them. The thing is if you eat right afterwards, you will NOT gain it back. Look at me, I’m following p3 and am actually down almost 2 lbs and that’s with me EATING. I even cheated lastnight and had some chocolate chip cookie(you know the big bakery ones) that my sons fiance bought for me and told me I had to eat!!! You will ONLY be let down if you let yourself be let down.
I’m going to try the real hcg drops, heck, I may not like them as well or may not lose as good on them and go back to the homeo.
Keep your chin up, keep posting and keep on doing what you’re doing, you’ve done good, don’t give up!
Rachael, what did you have to eat? I started my first days out on a steak day too(been on p3 now for a week). But mine is because I cheated big time when coming off and put the 2 lbs on. If you’re drinking a lot of fluid you could just be retaining. If you weren’t exercising before, this could be another reason why. I have been walking all along, but not doing strenuous exercise like you.
You’re doing good. Do your steak day tonight and make sure you’re eating b’kfast now. I eat 2 scrambled eggs, 3 pieces of bacon, strawberries with stevia, a glass of milk, coffee and sometimes a cheese stick for b’kfast.
Good luck, you can do it!
Tania, Start tomorrow. Load up on the fats ( you will need them). For 2 days gorge just like the protocol says. This will give you the right beginning! And blessings on the journey. I personally have loved this diet. Starting phase 3 some time this week.
Debbie, you are doing great. I feel sure it’s the prednisone that is causing you the gains. Keep doing what you are doing and you will be fine. I am proud of you too! I bet you do look great! I’ve always wanted to be tall and thin! Sounds like that describes you. I am now short and thin. Can’t complain cause the thin part looks great!
Yes Tania
I know you’re excited, but do your drops starting tomorrow morning, eat donuts, ice cream, pizza, and anything else you want for 2 days(Tues and Wed) then Thursday you will start your 500 calorie day diet. ENJOY tomorrow and Wed. Plan some meals out in advance and we’re all here for you if you need ANYTHING
Debbie, I do think it’s the prednisone. All I can say is UGGGGG. I’m sure it’s frustrating. How long do you have to be on it?
Thank you both. Thankfully, only the two days. Done with it now. I hate that drug!
Tania,
The best source for calorie and other nutritional content of foods is the USDA nutrition website. Quantities are measured various ways. The meats have a 100 Gram quantity, which is 3.5 oz. Go to:
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/cgi-bin/list_nut_edit.pl
You are correct: Start with the meat portion, add in the fruit then make up the difference with vegetables. Spices are “free” count and you can have the juice of one lemon each day without counting it.
Hope this helps. Harvel
PS: Doubling up on the HCG won’t help. Start taking HCG tomorrow morning. That will also count as your first “gorge” day. It takes a couple of days for the HCG to kick in. That’s why you take it during the two gorge days before you start on the vlcd.
Hi all,
I am so new to all of this and now I am so very excited to have found this website! I found out about this about a month ago and just decided to give it a try. Today was my first “load” day and boy I though hmm I could get used to this 😉 I ate everything in sight and now i feel like a full cow. I only purchased enough to do the 23 day program, as I wanted to try it first to see if I would have any luck with it. Ive been reading about this everywhere and feel kind of like I am obsessing over it. I read about it all day at work and come home and try to read up some more. I got very scared about the leg cramps that can happen so I already bought some Potassium supplements. I also bought some B-12. I want to do everything right and I really want this to work for me. This website gives me hope! To hear all of you who have had success with this is making me so excited!
Hey Jenni and good luck! I’m glad you said what the potassium was for. I knew I had read when I started this diet 7 weeks ago that I needed potassium and B12 so got both, but didn’t know what the potassium was for until now. LOL
One more load day, do it up good! I get more load days a week from this coming Saturday and am really looking forward to it again. I was on the diet the first time(p2) for 6 weeks, after 3 weeks it just got harder and harder. I lost most of my weight in the first 3 weeks. I am going back to p2 and will stay on it 3 weeks this time and next time(I have 35-36 pounds to go.
We are all here for you if you need anything. Fill up tomorrow!
GOOD LUCK Jenni! I’m 2 days behind you!!! I start my gorg days tomorrow and i’m excited to get this show on the road! You can do it! You all can!!!
It’s best to learn as much as you can, so don’t feel as though you’re obsessing! I’ve been a little like that too but i prefer to hear it from people who have actually done it! But again, it’s great that you’re educating yourself!
You’re going to do fabulous!!!
OMG thank you all for the support! You’re all so awesome!!! Ok now i’m getting really excited and i’m feeling more motivated by the hour! Today i bought all of the groceries needed, weighed everything and put them in zip loc bags so i can get right into it after my two gorg days!
With my kit came acai berry pills, glandular support pills and B12 Complex which is taken in drops like the HCG. My question is, should the vitamins be taken with the HCG. Or should i space it out? Also, how long prior to eating do you take the HCG? Do you hold it in your mouth before you swallow it? I’m supposed to take 6 drops, 6 times per day. So they should be taken before meals right? What times should i take them? Are any of you even taking multi-vitamins as well? Sorry about all the questions and i hope it makes sense.
You guys are the BEST!
Good morning everyone!
Just wanted to put another message out there and hope that someone will be able to help me. I’m starting the loading days tomorrow. I received the HCG in the mail and it says to take 6 drops, 6 times per day? When is the earliest i can take it in the morning and what’s the latest time? Do i take them before i eat? There were no instructions as to when to take it all so am i thinking too much about it?
Also, i’m trying to take vitamins with this so would be it better to take the hcg first, then the vitamins or??? I want to do this perfect so i apologise for the several messages with the tonne of questions. I just want to know what to do in the morning when i wake up and start!
Thanks a bunch!
T
GOOD MORNING HCG LAND!
After my few days of struggling, gaining, and an apple day, I am THRILLED to report that I am down 3.2 pounds today. You heard it, 3.2!!! WOOOHOOOO
Stuck to the plan for day one and two, and yesterday, did an apple day.
So excited. Down 29.8 and 7 days to go. Wow. This is the best round yet.
Have a great weigh in!
Debbie
Debbie, today is my day to be frustrated. I knew it would come, just didn’t think this soon. I was planning on going off the drops today, but I’m up .2lbs today. I know that is “nothing” in the grand scheme of things, but I don’t want to go off on an up day. And a word of advice to all of you reading this, I cheated last Friday night, today is Tuesday, follow me on this…. Saturday after the cheat I was up .2, so I did an apple day. Sunday, down 1lb. Monday down .2lbs, Tuesday up .2lbs. I’m thinking Friday really jacked me up, so today, I’m doing an apple day. Yep, it’s psychological, but I need that before I go off the drops. Doing an apple day today, plan for it to work, be down 1lb tomorrow and go off the drops. Whew! The mindset on this is killing me, but I tried on all my skinny clothes today to remind me why that 1lb makes a difference! So, pray for me, wish me luck. I’ll report in tomorrow, and I’m sure I’ll comment somewhere along the line today.
Oh yeah, the word of advice is DON’T CHEAT!
Debbie, woo hoo! I’m very excited for you. What a great way to start summer! Skinny jeans and bikinis.
Tania, there are actually serveral ways to take the drops, so however you plan to do it, try to space it out evenly and try to do it so you take them the same time every day. That’s not critical, but I think it keeps a balance going. I actually took my drops 3 times a day and have done fine. 12 drops, 3xs a day.
Hope this helps. Also, there are several websites that sell hcg that have great free info about how to start out. one of those is healthyhcg.com. That’s where I ordered and they have been great.
Tania, Hold the drops under your tongue for 1 to 2 minutes. Take your vitamins then your drops. You are not suppose to put anything in your stomach for 15 mins after taking the drops, but you can take the drops right after you have eaten or drunk something.
Hey guys!
Can anyone explain why I’ve been at the same weight for 3 days now? Getting a little worried!
Good morning Diane
A couple things, how long have you been on the diet? how close are you to your goal?
Are you doing everything the same as you’ve been doing? Most likely you’ve just hit a plateau, which is perfectly normal. Myself, I don’t worry about the plateaus as they’re normal. If you’re close to your goal weight, then your body could be happy with right where it’s at. I would just continue doing what you’re doing(as long as you’re following the diet to a T). I hate scales, and next time around, I think I’m going to cut back to weighing 2 times a week. A lot of people like to see the loss, but I’m one of these if Put on weight, I get upset and find myself eating more.
Good luck!
Janet, I love you from the site, but you’re too obsessed with the weight thing. It’s just fluid retention. Going on p3 you just stay within 2 pounds either way. If you’re doing an apple day today because of 2/10 of a pound, most likely you will be doing a steak day in a few days too, because the apple day just brings it down for the day pretty much, that is why I don’t do them! Eat your meals today, and stay in the 2 lb range.
Tania, mine were 10 drops 3 times a day, I actually like that way better. I had to take mine, then couldn’t eat or drink for 1/2 hour. Myself, I would probably do them the way I did, as I wouldn’t want to be having to do them that many times in one day. Make sure you look in the mirror when taking them.
I do my 2 vitamins with food(so either with lunch or dinner since you don’t get breakfast. You’ll do fine sweetie, and we’re all here to answer questions.
I also have a lot of informative websites, if you want to send me your e-mail I can send you some of them to read
Sherrie, you crack me up because you are right on one hand, it does look totally rediculous to be worried about .2lbs. Okay, so I feel the need to defend my thinking… It’s not necessarily the .2lbs, but that my real goal is still 1lb away. I really am goal driven, but I am also sooooo ready for phase 3. The apple day will get me there, to the goal. Okay, I admit it, I’m way over the edge! I’ll lighten up though, I’m just so excited! I’m one of those that Dr. Simeons warns not to be too enthusiastic and stay on the 500 after the drops. I WON’T do that, I know better. But if I hadn’t had the warning, I would probably try!
Thanks Sherrie. You are a great encourager!
Diane, I did that the very first week I was on the diet! Turns out I was overeating by about 10 calories a day, no kidding! It really does make a difference. My apples were larger than I was accounting for. Some great advice here I received was “weigh your apples”. Anyway, it could be that, water retention, just a plateau…. You will see the scales move again. Be encouraged. Probably everyone who blogs here has experienced a stall.
Hi Sherri
I am on day 13 of my shots and following this diet to a tee. I started at 187.6 and am now 174.0. I set my goal for about 125 but being a farm girl I have a pretty good size muscle structure yet small boned. So really, I’m not a hundred percent sure what my final weight should be but I just kinda threw the 120 out there based on my 5’4 height. This always happens to me with every diet I’ve been on and it’s frustrating. I know I have at least 35 minimum to go yet. Should I drink more water? Eat more apples? I did have marinated chicken the last 2 days
Diane,
Sherrie made a couple of good points. There is another possibility that you should consider. Is your weight at a level where it remained for some time (months, years) in the past? If so, you may have reached a former “set-point.” If that is the case, it will take a few days for your body to move beyond this point. Not to worry, it will.
Diane
First check the ingredients on the marinade. I never put anything but salt and pepper on my chicken then would grill it.
You are probably just retaining fluid right now, just stick with it, and I think I would use hot sauce before I would put marinade(I’m thinking there is sugar in it). I drink 1/2 gallon of water a day and that is sufficient, not sure how much you’re drinking. I would only do one apple a day and a different piece of fruit for the other meal. Just count the calories and stay on track.
Janet, my dear sweet friend. 🙂 This is what I’m dealing with right now, so maybe you’ll see what I was trying to say. My phase 3 I’m fighting to keep from losing more than 2 lbs. I am eating breakfast, lunch and supper and still losing, so lastnight I ate a lot of my cookie my sons fiance had bought for me for Mothers Day just to put on some weight. I was down 1.6 yesterday and so gained a pound yesterday. I don’t like having to cheat to gain weight, it kind of sucks. So what I’m saying is you will find you can still go down a couple pounds on the p3, which will put you at your goal weight.
What I’m trying to tell you about the apple day, is if you lose the 1 lb from it, it’s usually temporary, which means, you’re going to be really pissed when you go up in weight instead of maintaining. If you’re up .2 most likely in a couple days you will be under your goal weight. go read Dr Simeons pounds and inches really good, he explains this very well
Thanks Sherrie and Janet for the tips 🙂
Sherrie,
I have some B12 Complex that is to be taken sublingually. When do you recommend that i take that? After i eat? If it were to interfere with the HCG i’m sure they would’ve mentioned it, but they haven’t.
Also Sherrie, how much weight did you lose on this treamtent and how many days did you do it? I’m just curious.
Thanks again!
Tania,
B-12 is often used to mix real hcg in, so taking the B-12 will not interfere with it in any way. I personally would take it just before.
Thanks Janet! Already have the skinny jeans and bikinis!! Can’t wait. In Ohio so I need some heat
Debbie, I’m originally from Ohio, grew up there and spent my first 3 years of the military at Wright Patterson AFB. Where do you live?
Stuck on a Steak day, help! Alirght everyone I’m here to report back on my first P3 day and the fact that I had to start it with a steak day. I weighed this morning hoping to have shed the 4lbs that I gained overnight the night before and I didn’t weigh anything less. What’s going on? Am I doing something wrong? Could it be the workouts? I’m just baffled right now and discouraged. This is not how I wanted to stat my 3 weeks out on P3 with an automatic increase of 4lbs on the scale. Geesh…. what do I do next? Give it a day and do another steak day?
Hi Rachael and Everyone, back for round two. AND I cannot believe I am here AGAIN.
I am writing to tell you to be very careful in P3 and stick to instructions. I am 5’3ish and on my first round got down to 115…SWEET! Lost 20 pounds in 42 days. Then The 1st day of P3 went out to dinner (German food) thinking I could stick no carbs/ sugar…then I saw the french fries my son was eating and it was down hill from there. Felt guilty so I had a milk shake to top it off and gained 4 pounds overnight. I was so mad at myself but could handle 118..which I stayed at for awhile and then I guess the scale kept going up. I was too afraid to weight myself. Silly I know. I ended up gaining 13 of the 20 pounds back in 9 weeks;-(;-(.
So here I am again. Anyway, just wanted to give a heads up to others going into P3 and then P4. I have realized that I cannot eat what I want all the time and not gain. I did the math and gained about a pound a week which makes sense since I was eating around 2300 cals/ day and only burning 1600ish.
I’m on day 2 of 500 cals and lost 2.6 pounds, yeah…but still cannot believe I gained most of it back!!!! and did that to myself and my body, it can’t be good to lose and gain. Live and learn;-) This time it’s staying off!!!
Nice Heather! I know the Dayton area. I am northeast of Cleveland, along Lake Erie. Love the area.
Oh Janet, don’t be. This is a journey, and it too shall pass! You look awesome, will do awesome, and stick to the plan?!
Good luck!
Hey all!
I have been on HCG for 24 days now and down 16lbs. My friend and I are doing this together. She is down 22 lbs (but has more weight to lose).
I have a few questions. I hear you talk about P2 and P3. What is that? How long should we stay on the HCG drops? What’s next? After we finish, but not reaching our goal weight? I am 10lbs away from reaching my goal weight and my friend has about 40 more. She said after day 40 she will take a 6 week break and do the cycle again. Is this healthy?
Also, I read about the potassium. That is correct. It helps with muscle cramping. I take the potassium magnesium which helps not only with muscle cramping but hunger headaches (or headaches from being used to caffine *diet cokes* daily). Also taking l-carnitine with helps with the brain fogs/memory.
Any advice you can give on this will be great! Thanks for this blog… It’s been the most informative yet!
Take care!
Hi Guy’s, I’m doing the injections, but I’ve been reading all of your comments and sounds like the driops work just as well. Are both diets the same? If so you will probably be hearing from me lot’s with questions that I may have, if that’s OK?
Carmen,
Yes the drops work just as well as the injections. I have a friend that has done BOTH! She says the drops are less painful. 🙂 They are both the same diets.
Day 2 of my ‘stuff-as-much-in-as-possible-day.” Not as enjoyable as I’d hoped. I don’t know if it’s cuz the HCG is not making me as hungry but I’m actually having a harder time eating than I would have thought. I mean it’s over-eating that got me here in the first place right so I never thought I’d have a harder time doing it now. Anyway, was actually down 1 lb today but I’m sure it will be up tomorrow. I actually start the 500 calorie diet tomorrow. I’m so excited to start this and to never say I weigh _ _ _ pounds ever again!
Jennifer, I can soooo relate! Are you familiar with a restaurant called Fogo de chow (sp?) or in Texas de Brazil? On my load day I went there to stuff myself like never before… could only choke down 3 small pieces of meat, 1 bowl of lobester bisque and a few pieces of cheese! Really! The hcg starts doing it’s work pretty quickly! Keep in mind that the first 3 – 5 days of 500 calories is hard, so stuff yourself as much as you can. You will want those fats to help you along.
Keep us posted as to your success. Soon you will be saying “yes I am thin, don’t I look great” instead of “I weight ___ lbs” and thinking I hate that!
Yeah, you go girl!
Susie, now you know what NOT to do. Phase 3 is THE ABSOLUTE most important phase and you MUST NOT cheat on this phase. So, keep in touch here and we will all help you along. Debbie is a great one to get on your band wagon when you want to cheat. She has NEVER cheated. I love that about Debbie. I cheated 2 times, small cheats but never the less, they messed me up.
Stick with the plan. The time will go by quickly and you will be able to enjy 115 again and stay there. Remember, don’t let youself gain more than 2lbs. Do a steak day immediately if you gain 2 or more. The longer you let the weight stay on, the harder to get off. And you will mess up your metabolic reset, which is really what you want ot accomplish in the end. That way weight will never be a ball and chain again.
Rachael, did you do the steak day immediately following the weight gain. This is very important and the reason Dr. Simeons stresses you must weight yourself every day. Never let yourself gain more than 2lbs. If it was 4 overnight, so be it, but get it off. Do another steak day if you have to, but get it off fast.
Love you to Janet!!
You rock also.
Cheating is not allowed in my program 😉 I just never let myself consider it. And I hate the stalls, gains, delays. I want progress! I think I’d go to confession if I cheated!! LOL. I’m like that about everything. Control. Actually, because of that, I wish that P3 was dictated and planned out. I would do awesome!
Good luck.
Jenni,
Hi i am also new to this! Today is my 11th day on Hcg, and i have already lost 13lbs!!!! Its not the easiest thing to do, but it really works, stick to it and good luck to you!!
Ok so I’m back! This was my second load day and I know alot of people say they dont feel hungry once they start the drops but by late afternoon around 5ish I was just starving! I think I am so nervous about starting the 500 cal diet that I want to eat, eat, eat!!!! I wish you all good luck!
Well Jenni, you want to load well. I also wasn’t hungry on my load days, and the first day I lost a pound then gained it back the 2nd load day. Anyway, right now I’m on p3, but will be starting my 2 load days for the 2nd time on the 22nd. I’ve been writing down everything I want this time that I didn’t get last time, like these good cream filled donuts, spinach calzone, pizza from Papa Johns, milkshake from Dairy Queen. LOL Heck, I hope I don’t put everything back on that I lost this last time.
woo hoo, off of the drops since 5:30 yesterday afternoon. Looking forward to starting phase 3 at 5:30 Friday, or Saturday, however you are suppose to look at it? I did an apple day yesterday that wasn’t as successful as I hoped, only down .6, but I’m okay. My mind is made up that it’s tiime to get on to stabilization and maintenance. I’m thinner than I have ever been in my life, and NOTHING in my closet fits. That’s enough, it’s actually more than I hoped for.
Everyone just starting out, be encouraged. This diet works! I know it works in all phases, especially if you REALLY FOLLOW the plan, because I have done my homework. Right now, I have phase 3 to deal with, but I think it is going to be okay since I haven’t craved sugar or starches at all on phase 2, have they have been my weakness from the beginning of time, and what has made me gain weight over the years.
I’ll keep ya’ll posted. Anyone have any advide for the 3 “no drop” 500 cal days? Did anyone get hungry? I have never been hungry on this diet, so hoping that these last 3 days will be just as easy.
I am thankful I am coming back off the p3 a week from this Saturday. of course, I have 35 lbs to lose and so am ready to get losing again. I’m doing great on maintaining on p3 and have eaten done big no no’s and ate one of those big chocolate chip cookies with frosting on it(over a couple days) and still am staying the same. Other than that, I’ve been doing pretty good at staying away from sugars, but have to admit, I’m getting tired of the same breakfast pretty much everyday. I was just telling Cindy, p3 is actually kind of depressing because I’m only eating around 1400 calories a day and still maintaining when any other time I would have been losing weight on that many calories, then I got worrying that if I’m maintaining eating 1400 calories and hardly any sugar(except the cookie) then how am I going to maintain when going to p4(which luckily won’t be for awhile as I’m going p2 to p3 and back for at least a minimum of 2 more times). Well, enough rambling. LOL
Gl Janet, have fun and enjoy the food, and if you see you put that .06 back on, don’t get too depressed, it probably wasn’t as good time for an apple day. 🙂
Thank’s for your reply Val, I think that having this site to go to will really help me.
Here is a FANTASTIC webiste for tips and tricks!
http://www.hcginfoonline.com/Tips%20and%20Tricks.htm
Like:
-If you are experiencing muscle twitches, you can try taking some extra magnesium
-If you are having trouble going to the bathroom, you can try Smooth Move Tea (available at GNC); follow the directions on the package, but only drink half of it. Drinking only half prevents loose bowels and cramping.
-to inject or not to inject
I learn something new everyday! 🙂
Ok so this is my first day on the 500 diet and I feel like I am starving! I have some questions I hope someone will be able to answer. My first concern is that I know the program states that the use of any lotions or creams with oils is absolutely prohibited. What about oil free lotions? Are these ok to use? Now what about hair conditioner? Or also chapstick? I am a chapstick junkie and imagine it would be quite hard to give that up!
Another thing, the melba toast that I bought was a sourdough flavor. Dos that matter?
I know the protocol mentions it is ok to use certain seasonings, but are all zero calorie seasonings ok to use?
I am currently doing the 6 drops 6 x a day, I know alot of you have had success doing 10-12 3x a day. I am thinking I want to switch to that because it is fairly hard for me to remember to take them during the day when I am at work.
Any help would be great! Thank you all so much for your help and support!!!
-Jenni
Sherrie,
you are so funny girl! MMM a calzone sounds so good I wish I would have thought of that during my two days!!! Thank you for all of your support! xoxxo
Jenni, the first 3 days of 500 calories is a bit hard because of the adjustment in your food intake, times you eat, the whole nine yards, but after those first few days it is a breeze! I would also encourage you to ask yourself if you are physically hungry, or is it just in your head? You know, most people who need to lose weight are use to eating wherever, whenever, and sometimes don’t know when they are physically hungry. So be sure to check that out. At any rate, stick with it because it’s a temporary thing for most folks!
You will do great if you have determination and a plan to stay on track.
Your melba toast is fine as long as you stay in the 20 cal guideline per serving. One thing I did that kept me full is I ate fruit and melba toast for breakfast the first week. It helped me overcome that feeling of being hungry until I got used to the 500 cal adjustment.
Try to guard against boredom. Use the recipes listed here and on other sites to keep your tastebuds interested. google hcg phase 2 and you will get a myriad of help for recipes as well.
Blessings
Sherri, LOL, probably not. In fact this morning I regretted it! But, a short term regret. On to the next phase. And my clothes fit like I weigh 5lbs less (according to past history) than I actually do, so I’m quite pleased!
Debbie, that is also why I have been so successful with this diet. Everything spelled out is easy to follow. I’m a “rule keeper” for sure! I did some checking with the support group where i purchased my drops and they confirmed that “added” sugars it what we need to stay away from in phase 3. So, for those wanting to eat yogurt, as long as the ingredients do NOT list sugar it is okay. Your nutritional facts are going to list sugar because milk products have some natural sugars, but these are not “added” sugars. The best yogurt I know of that has no added sugar and has LOTS of protein is Oikos, greek yogurt, non fat, plain. You can add your fruit or flavored stevia. This is a delicious, thick creamy yogurt that most body builders eat when they are leaning out for a competition.
Dr. Simeons says for phase 3, don’t add back starch, don’t add back sugar… but add back fruits and veggies and be careful of the high sugar fruits. That is saying that it’s okay to add back fruits that weren’t allowed in phase 2 and veggies that were not in phase 2, but no starchy veggies, and easy on the high sugar fruits.
I found some wonderful sald dressings at Central Market that have no sugar or additives, that I will be trying Friday night or Saturday.
I won’t be eating breads, starchy veggies or any desserts, or anything else now allowed on phase 3 until I am out of phase 3!
Okay, enough for now.
Hi Girls,
I just wanted to know, When I’m done p2 and start p3 and still have more weight to lose do I then go back to the begining of p2 and the two days of binge eating?
Thank you!
Hello everyone, I like how there’s a little forum going on, it’s very useful! I’ve been on the diet now for 8 days. Today is the first day I didn’t release any pounds :/ I’m hoping that this does happen, and that its normal. Gotta think about the positive, and keep up what I’m doing. I have the 1 fl oz (30 ml) dropper, so I’m hoping that will last me as much as I need. I think I started at about 178 pounds and now I’m about 170 or 169. I need to get a better scale though. Anyways, stay motivated 🙂 This is a good way to let out what I have on my mind 🙂
For phase 3, told to follow the following….
Green Light foods for PHASE ONE:
(Low in glycemic and/or starch) Examples….
Dairy
Milk
Dairyland light sour cream, 2T: 25
Yogurt, light and fit, nonfat vanilla, 80 calories
Light ‘n Fit Carb Control Vanilla Cream, 6oz, 60 calories
Activia, 6 oz. 65
Cheese
String: 60
Cheese cubes: 7 pieces: 90
Parmesan: 1 cup: 431, 1serving: 20
Mozzarella: 1 oz: 72
Laughing cow: 35 per wedge (light garlic and herb)
Lowfat cheddar or Colby: 1 cup, cut in cubes, 228
Cottage cheese, 2%: 1 cup: 205
Pepper jack: 1 oz. 110
Provolone at subway: 2 (1/2 circles): 50
Kraft 2% Milk Reduced Fat Mild Cheddar or Colby: 1 serving: 80
Snacks (use caution)
Almonds : ¼ c: 210
Almond Butter 2 T: 170, Earth Balance brand
Pecans : 1 oz, 201
Pumpkin Seeds: 1 1/3 c shelled: 310
Walnuts: Diamond, shelled whole, ¼ c: 200
Protein
Hemp Protein Powder
Pea Protein Powder
Eggs Extra Large: 85, egg white: 17
All Meats
Chicken: 47 calories per ounce
Ground Beef: 46.5 per ounce
Steak: tenderloin, 3oz. 185
Top sirloin: 158 for 3 oz.
Turkey: oven roasted. 2 slices: 45
Ground turkey, 4 oz, 150, turkey burger: 1 patty: 150
Tuna, canned in water, 2 oz: 57, starkist packed in water pouch, 2 oz: 90, tuna fresh, 3 oz: 156
Salmon, wild, fresh, ½ fillet: 280
Crab legs, red lobster, 1 serving: 262
Shrimp, fresh, 3 oz: 80
Staples
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil , 1 T: 120
Mustard (check ingredients)
Hot Sauce (check ingredients)
Fruits (Fresh, not dried!)
Cherries 1 cup with pits: 74
Plums 2 medium: 80
Grapefruit* 1 medium: 85, 1 half: 42
Peaches* 1 medium peach: 40
Peach, canned in natural juice 1 cup halves or slices: 59
Granny Smith Apples* 1 apple: 80
Pears 1 cup sliced: 96
Strawberries* 1 cup: 49
Prunes
Cranberries* Craisins, Ocean Spray, 1/3c: 138
Raspberries* 1 cup: 64
Blackberries 1 cup: 62
Blueberries* 1 cup: 83
Cantaloupe* 1 cup: 60
Honeydew* 1 cup balls: 64
Tomatoes* 1 small: 21
Vegetables
Artichoke
Avocado
Asparagus* 1 cup cooked: 40, 4 spears, ½ base: 13 calories
Bamboo Shoots
Bok Choy
Broccoli* 1 c chopped: 27
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage * 1 c chopped: 22, 1 cup shredded: 18, 1 head medium: 227
Cauliflower* 1 c: 25
Celery* 1 c diced: 19, 1 cup strips: 20, 1 stalk medium: 6
Chilies
Cucumber* 1 cup sliced: 14, with peel, 1 cup: 16, medium cucumber: 24
Eggplant
Fennel
Greens
Green Beans* 1 cup: 34
Herbs
Jicama
Lettuce* (Romaine, Mixed Greens)
Mushrooms* 1 cup: 15
Okra
Onions* 1 cup chopped: 64, Ic sliced: 46, 1 med: 44
Radishes*
Sea Vegetables
Snow Peas 2/3 C: 40 calories
Spinach
Sprouts
Summer Squash
Tomatoes* 1 small: 21
Zucchini*
* = Negative Calories
Aim for 1200 calories
I’ve been doing the shots but my friend wants to order the drops. Questions:
1) Does she need to order anything (in terms of kits) to go with the drops?
2) Do you have a suggestion on where to get them? I’ve found a few on the net but would like a reliable source.
3) Are you taking sublingual B-12? I’m doing injections also and she doesn’t want injections.
Thanks so much. Phase 2 for me, day 19, down 12 lbs. I’m so ready to hit Phase 3, wish I didn’t have to lose another 5 lbs.!
she can get the drops at yourhcg . com or healthyourselfsite . com
she doesn’t need anything but the drops
great job on the weight loss! Stalls are perfectly normal. if you stick to the protocol you’ll see a release in a few days. if you want you can do an apple day but some feel that it brings on stalls, me too (only because i witnessed it with my mom!) I lost 20 lbs on HCG. I needed 2 bottles (mine were 1 oz i think?) I did it for the 23 days that you have to do minimum. GL!
Depends on what type of drops she wants to do. Homeopathic, no mixing needed. Real hcg, yes a mixing kit will be needed along with the real hcg.
I have posted in earlier postings about how to go about getting the real stuff.
Actually some of these calories are wrong. The almonds don’t have that many calories in them. I buy a box with packages in them and they’re 100 calories, but also very good for you. I eat them every day on phase 3 with my lunch.
Also on the aim for 1200, that is not enough calories. I’m eating around 1400 to 1500 and still having problems keeping from losing weight, I have to fight to keep it on, and 1200 calories isn’t enough. I think if I’m not mistaken on pounds and inches, it says not to really worry about calories, to eat until you are content(not being super full but not still being hungry. 🙂
Hey Yara. Congrats on what you’ve lost. First thing I would buy a good scale(get one at walmart that weighs in 2/10’s. I think they have ones that weigh to the 1/10 also(maybe a weight watchers scale) and you can also find them at some of the walmart stores.
I never do an apple day, I feel your body needs time to catch up to the weight you’re losing and also sometimes an apple day gets the 1 lb off but then people get upset when they gain that one pound back. I think those are actually for long stalls like maybe 4 or more days(apple days). Or so Dr Simeons pounds and inches states that
Continue doing what you’ve been doing!
LOL My big fear is putting on all 23 lbs in just 2 days of loading
Jenni, what did you eat on your load days and how much weight did you gain? Sometimes if you don’t get enough on the load days, you will be hungrier when you start the 500 calories. When you’re hungry, drink a full glass of water or a big glass of sweet tea(I used stevia for sweetner). Also you can break up your fruit and have a piece in between breakfast and lunch and then don’t eat one for lunch then between lunch and supper or supper and bedtime you can eat your supper fruit and don’t eat it at dinner. The hunger pain usually goes away within 4 or 5 days. It’s really important to load good to help with this problem
Hey Carmen
Yes, if you do the p3 for over 2 weeks, then you can do the load days again. I’m on p3 now and after almost 3 weeks, I’ll go back on p2 and load good again
Just checking in on here. I’ve been reading posts via e-mail and decided I needed to post. Really not sure why, but today has been the first day that I have actually felt hungry on the diet (for both of my rounds). Felt it this morning before lunch and now again a hour after I had my second fruit. I have been drinking A LOT of water today too trying to hope that that would help. I just ate a melba toast so I’ll see. I thought posting might mentally help me as well 🙂
So now that it has been a few days since my little cheat day I thought I would post. Yes I did it, I cheated. I didn’t cheat too bad on Saturday, but I have to admit, that I cheated on Sunday too. I gained 3lbs total between those two days. Monday morning I was back on track on the 500cal and this morning I lost 1lb. Depending on how tomorrow morning is I might stop the drops tomorrow or Friday and do the 3 days 500 cal then move on to P3. I am definately ready for P3! Today is Day 33.
Keep up the great work everyone! I am back in the game 🙂
Hello all. Hope you had a good day!
Today is day 37 for me. Down 30.4 pounds!! OMG i cannot believe it. Trying to decide if I stop the shots on day 40, or go two extra. I actually skipped an injection twice… to help prevent immunity, so i have two extra. We’ll see. I am in the groove and it is not phasing me, at the moment.
But when that hits, yuck. Then 3 days of the vlcd and no shot.
As far as aiming for 1200. It’s a starting point. Eating that much more, isn’t easy. It’s the minimum. And you add one item at a time to see how you react. I’ll be religious on maintenance also!
Debbie
1200 may be enough. Depends on your weight. Use it as a starting point. DO NOT go below that
Sherie! 🙂 What can I say other than YOU’RE human. Not everyone of us on here can be perfect and not cheat. It’s great if you can, but sometimes it’s hard! The main thing is you got back on it. Heck, I’m on p3 and have cheated on it, had too, heck, I was losing weight eating around 1400 calories a day. The one day I would have lost around 3 pounds since the last drop day and I didn’t want that. Those 3 lbs will come back off and you will lose again. Remember when I cheated the one time on P2, I did like you and cheated twice. Did you end up sick and in the bathroom like me? It did take about 3 days of stalling, then got moving again on the weight loss. I am going back to p2 a week from this Saturday and am going to eat all the yummies I want, then hopefully can go 3 weeks on p2 without cheating again. You can do it too!! How much are you down total in the 33 days now?
Janet & Sherri,
You two are surely becoming my HCG angels! I am at the end of day one, its 7:45 Central time, and I think I did ok 🙂
Sherri, on my two load days I really really gorged! I gained 3 pounds!!! I ate everything under the sun and then some! I think my body got so happy about it so today it really missed it haha!
Janet, thanks for answering my Q and for the recipe tips! I never thought I would absolutely love Melba Toast 🙂
I am going to try doing the drops three times a day tomorrow and see how that goes, with my work schedule its really hard to keep taking bathroom breaks to try to get in the 6X!
Another question: should the fruit/veggie servings be 8oz=1cup or 3.5 oz as I am seeing on this page for servings? I am kind of confused on this?
Thank you all again for all of your help! Good luck to everyone! XOXXO
I think people mistake P1 load days as gorge days. Not so. The diet specifically needs high fat / good fat on those days. And yes, you should eat till you can’t hold any more. Important to note though, you need fats on those days.
I just finished my loading days, and now starting phase 2. Sharing my story in hopes all your storys will encourage me to succeed. Also maybe i could be an encouragement to others. Thanks to my friend, I heard of HCG, she is having great success.
p1 is not load days, p2 includes the load days. Someone posted a really great site for tips on loading. This is the advice it gives, and it’s really good advice. Here is the website again if anyone missed it. Great info
hcginfoonline.com/Tips%20and%20Tricks.htm
Eat foods that you crave that are especially high in fat such as Dairy Queen, cakes, cookies, custards, creams, pastries, chocolate, etc. as it has a psychological effect of saying good bye (for now!)
May I ask where you got all this info?
Keep checking in Jenni with updates! I hope all I gain on my next load days is only 3 lbs. but I have a feeling it will be more(I’m making a list of everything I’m going to eat).
I agree with the 3 times a day on the drops. What I did was buy 2 bottles of the 40 day supply, I kept one in my pocket book so I would have it at work, and the other bottle on the counter in the kitchen for here. I work doing in home health care, so it was pretty easy to go in the bathroom, look in the mirror and start dropping. 🙂
Hopefully tomorrow it will be easier for you..Good luck
Hi guys. Help me out here. Hubby and I are on our first round of shots. We will not be at our goal weight at the end of our first 40 days of shots. What happens then? I have read several things.
From what I understand. If we are not at our goal weight we should do 2 more “pig out” days and then do another 40 shots and keep this going till we reach our goal. Then go on the 21 days of eating but no sugar or carbs. Now if this is wrong. Someone please let me know. What’s this immunity I’ve now read about? Thanks
Hey everyone. I posted here a little less than two weeks ago so I thought I’d give an update. I’m on day 30 and have lost 41 pounds so far. 16 more days left! I’m hoping to drop another 14-15, since I seem to be losing an average of a pound a day still. Then it’s on to P3 for three weeks. I think I’m going to do the HCG one more time after that for the 23 days and that will put me around my goal. I started HCG at 297 (started a regular diet at 365 a few months before) and now I’m at 256. My goal is around 215, for 150 pounds lost. I think I can accomplish that if I can keep P3 as a steady pound or two loss a week and then back to HCG for one more session.
I wanted to cheat the other day, but instead I went through my closet and tried on all my old fat clothes which weren’t even CLOSE to fitting anymore. That made me forget about cheating! I boxed up the clothes and gave them to a couple friends which was a GREAT feeling!
I’ll update again when the 46 days are up!
That’s incorrect. Some people skip P4 before returning to P2 but this is the guide:
Round 1 – 6 week break (3 weeks of P3 and 3 weeks of P4)
Round 2 – 8 week break (P3 and 5 weeks of P4)
Round 3 – 12 week break (P3 and 9 weeks of P4)
Round 4 – 20 week break (P3 and 17 weeks of P4)
Round 5 – 6 months (P3 followed by P4)
Thanks Ashley. I’ll check it out and pass it on! How about B-12, any suggestions? She won’t do injections.
Good for you! I am stalled for today. And I know why. Didn’t drink enough water yesterday. Constipated for 3 days now (TMI!). I don’t know if having an extra veggie did it yesterday but I was hungry and had some left over kale “chips” (below). And I had to dip my finger twice in homemade bbq sauce see if i put enough seasoning in it (made ribs for my hubby and didn’t have any).
Which by the way, really this is deceivingly good! Take washed kale and spread it over a cookie sheet. Break off stems and break it into big tortilla size pieces. Spray with Pam and sprinkle with seasoned salt and bake 350 for about 15 minutes or until it’s completely dry and crispy but now brown.
Wayne, you shouldn’t plan to lose weight on phase 3. Phase 3 is for stabilizing the current weight once you end phase 2. You are doing a great job, so keep up the good work. And definitely, DON”T CHEAT
What is happening to all the posts? I can’t find any from 2 days ago and was hoping to see some responses? Can anyone tell me how to navigate this site so that I can pick up the posts from the last few days?
Hey Wayne
Congrats on the loss, but on p3(which is what I’m on now), that’s maintenance, you try and stay within 2 lbs of the weight you were the day you take the last drops. I was at 174.6 my last drop days(10 days ago) and am now at 173.2. You don’t want to lose anymore than 2 lbs on p3 and if you gain 2(the first day you hit 2 or more pounds over), you only drink water/coffee/tea all day until dinner(no food until then) ad then you have a big juicy steak and an apple or tomato and that’s it. I had to do a steak day, and I lost 2.2 lbs that night
P3, is good, but getting ready to go back to p2
Diane
Everyone has different rules that come with the drops/shots, as everyone has changed the rules some over the last 50 years. This is what I got with mine for p3
You can continue this Stabilization period longer or cut it shorter and jump back into the hcg/diet again, but 3 weeks is a
good length of time for this. If you begin the diet again before 2 weeks, you do not need to gorge again, but just begin low
cal diet.
Donna, if someone stayed on it this way, it would take some people years to get done losing weight.
My friend has been on this diet(non stop with drops and 500 calories) since November 7th. I haven’t said anything to her, but I honestly think she will have a harder time keeping it off since she hasn’t done a p3 yet. To be honest with you, p4 doesn’t bother me not doing it right now. I think myself that p2 and p3 are the most important. I’m going to have to do 2-3 more times of p2(3 is the maximum I will do it), but I’m doing it for 26 days on p2, then almost 3 weeks on p3(I like my load days)
Hey Janet, hit previous comments, that will take you back to the page before this.
Actually other than counting calories in my head, I don’t even count them(I just know it’s around 1400 to 1500). I of course, lost a few more ounces yesterday, which doesn’t make sense. I eat quite a lot during the day. Oh well, I can lose another .6 before I go under the 2 lb mark. I’ve been staying pretty close to my last drop day
Thanks for the advice. I never read Dr. S’s book. I heard about this diet from a friend who was going through one of our local doctors. This Dr has a seminar every Monday so we went to that. The cost was way to high for the program so we decided to do it on our own. I work for a physician who ordered me the shots and is monitoring our progress. The spoksman at the seminar told us just to eat alot of fat after the first round and keep the shots and 500 cals going until we reach our goal? There really are alot of ways people are doing this.
Diane
Go to this website, and you can have the whole Pounds and Inches(original) e-mailed to you
Good morning! Down .2 Decided I am ready so I only have a few more shots, then a few days of vlcd and I am on to p3 🙂
As far as p3, I’ve done this before, there is no set calories for everyone. It is based on your current weight and exercise. 1200 is a good starting point for those done on this 🙂 and plan no more loss. It’s not easy!
Sherrie, you keep losing because your weight is still up there and you want to do another round. I bet 1700 calories is more appropriate for you. IE. not unusual for 170 to need 1700. 120 to need 1200.
Good luck all!
Debbie
p.s. Janet, how is maintenance going?
Awesome Wayne!!
Keep up the great work. Cheating isn’t worth the effects on this diet. If that’s the mindset, do a different one. Think that way and the thought NEVER crosses my mind 🙂
Here’s to a new waredrobe for you 🙂
Debbie
Yes, but usually the 1200-1600 etc is to eat that to get to that weight 1600 to get to 160 lbs. You have to remember, my g-friends hubby is fitness instructor and my nephews g-friend was also a fitness instructor. I’ve known about how many calories, but like I said, that’s to get to that weight and not to maintain it. 🙂
I’m not like losing much anyway, I am down almost 2 lbs in a week and 1/2
I’m seeing comments that treat “Phase 4” as just another phase of the HCG Diet. Well, it is if you are planning to go back on the HCG-VLCD. If, however, you are at the desired weight and don’t plan to go back to the diet, Ph4 is FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. You can eat anything you want — in moderation. Actually, having gone through the HCG-VLCD, you will have trained yourself to eat healthy foods. That’s really what it is all about — eating healthy foods in moderation.
Good dieting to everyone.
I haven’t seen the p4 comments, but you are right, and p4 is “for life”. Moderation is what it’s all about once you add the sugar and starch back in to the diet
Harvel, I do have a question for you regarding meat. Do you think it’s okay to touch uncooked meats, or do you think the oils from them could absorb through the skin and keep you from losing as much?
Sherrie,
A purist would not touch any raw meat with their bare hands and not just because of the fat/oil in the meat. To answer your question, yes, fats and oils can be absorbed through the skin, a problem similar to that with cosmetics. However, the meats we are eating on the HCG-VLCD are exceptionally lean. For example, I made hamburger patties (97/3) with my bare hands and didn’t notice any problem. OK, I can hear another question: Where the heck did you find 97/3 ground beef? I didn’t find it, I had it made. I asked the butcher at the meat market to take 4 pounds of extremely lean grass-fed rump roast, trim ALL the visible fat off of it and then grind it up for me. I asked him to clean the grinder beforehand. Very seldom can you find 97/3 in the cooler. Usually the best you can do is 96/4 or 95/5.
Thank you Sherrie!
Hey Debbie,
not there yet. I’m on the 2nd day of 500 cals without the drops. I was down .2lbs this am, so that was a nice little surprise. I am a bit confused however, so its a good time to ask a question. What’s the big concern about losing weight on phase 3. To me, that would just be a plus! I’m done as far as weight loss, but a few extra pounds never hurt anyone.
Anyway, I’m wondering about when it is right to start phase 3… I took my last drops on Tuesday at 5:30pm. I did that thinking that I would be able to go to dinner with my hubby on Friday night and not be so restricted, since 72 hours is officially over at 5:30.
Any thoughts other than if I do make sure I stay low calorie all day Friday so as not to over do it at dinner, which I wouldn’t do anyway because it’s just going to be an extra veggie and maybe a few more ozs of meat?
Way to go Debbie!
Well after the first day of the VLCD I was down 3.2 lbs. Woo Hoo!! I was so nervous to step on the scale because I know how hard it is for me to lose weight and how my body reacts. I was shocked and needless to say very happy!
Question… I read somewhere that we shouldn’t mix veggies. Is that true? When I make a salad can I add cucumbers and tomatoes or does it just need to be lettuce. As long as I keep the calories down can I have them? Still learning all the tricks!
Well, when you get to 120, you can decide then.
Depending on age, activity and foods, each person’s metabolism is different. It’s a guideline.
We all need to use our noodle to figure out what is good for us!
Debbie
Hi Janet!!
Thanks!
Congrats to you also.
P3 should be maintaining a weight, resetting your hypothalmus. Well, in my opinion, figuring out ideal weight, not a big deal to lose a few pounds, just not many. It will lose structural fat… which doesn’t look as good. Any many times, dieting – bad habits, got us into the weight rollercoaster.
If I were you, I’d wait till Saturday. Only because you want that stuff out of your system. Or, go to dinner, and do things wisely 🙂
If you go Friday, maybe fish… or chicken. up the ozs. and more veggies (ask to have them without butter). Salad…
You’ll do great!
Debbie
Janet,
I personally, would purchase a cleanse also. I have mine already. Liver and kidneys specifically. You will do better on maintenance.
I did this for a cleanse to begin with… to get steroids out of my system. Well, it helps to get the hcg out too. that’s the 3 days of vlcd after last shots/drops. It isn’t always gone.. I tend to keep things longer 🙁 So, at the vitamin shop, you can get organic cleanses. No effects like bowel cleanses, lol
Debbie
I was anticipating the worst and actually did not get sick! I feel like I almost made myself sick thinking about that possibility, but ended up being fine. In the 33 days I am down 14lbs. I was down 15 before the cheat, but I know I will be able to lose the extra pound. Between the two rounds now I have lost 40lbs which I am extremely happy and proud about.
I decided to stop the drops and took my last dose last night before dinner. Looking forward to Sunday morning and P3!
Good luck Sherrie!
You have to do what works for you. Since the beginning I have been mixing veggies. My advice, see how your body reacts and go from there. Good luck!
I know on P2 you are not supposed to work out. What about on P3? I worked out a little the first time I did P3, but I just signed up for a bootcamp program (ahhhh) that will begin May 24th just over a week into P3. I have talked to the person who runs the bootcamp so she knows that I am just coming off of the HCG diet and regarding the phase that I am on. I am doing it more so to tone and gain back muscle. Thoughts?
I mixed veggies in the beginning. Stopped as I got closer to my goal weight.
Also, all the talk of creams, conditioners and the like. Throughout the entire diet I used my products. And, I have dry skin so I slapped on the moisturizers. It has had no effect on me. And, I figure, this is how I will live the rest of my life anyway.
In fact, last week, I had a laser peel on my face and chest. Had tons of oil based moisturizer. Didn’t have any effect and my skin looks awesome!
To me, what good is dieting if I don’t look good!
Debbie
my dermatologist says your body DOES NOT absorb oil into your blood stream through the skin. She probably knows what she is talking about. I have used my creams as well.
Sherrie, thanks! Duuuhhhh, never noticed that key before!
Congratulationst to everyone who has lost weight and completed the treatment successfully! You’re all very inspiring!
Today is my first day of the LCD and i’m feeling totally fine! Actually, i’m overdue to have lunch and i’m not even hungry (but i will eat). I put 3.8lbs on from the gorg days which just blew me away but i know it’s all going to come off. The funny thing is that i gorged, but it wasn’t like over the top gorging. I basically ate what i normally eat (with extra fat) and it made me realise how quickly you put weight on when you don’t watch what you eat, so it was a real wake up call for me!
I noticed a lot of people concerned about the whole cosmetics thing. I refuse to give up normal toothpaste. Seriously, i can’t imagine life without it. I’ll do everything else but the toothpaste. My skin is oily so i use oil-free skin care and makeup products anyway. I’m a licensed Aesthetician (mainly working as a Makeup Artist) and i can tell you that the skin DOES absorb whatever you put on it and i believe to the point where it could end up in your blood stream. As to how much and to what affect? I really don’t know, but I don’t think it will play that big of a part as to whether or not it interferes with the HCG treatment. I just don’t think the skin absorbs EVERYTHING because if these products were 100% absorbed into the blood stream then we’d be poisoned if anything and it’d be extrememly dangerous, maybe even death threatening. I even hear that the whole paraben thing being related to cancer and such, hasn’t even really been scientifically proven, so i think it’s totally harmless. Maybe to be on the safe side for the treatment, I would still at least use oil free cosmetics at least on the face and body and maybe use normal shampoo etc and toothpaste at least for P2.
Has anyone out there lost the weight and still used normal cosmetics and hair products? If so, then i guess there’s nothing to worry about. Here is an interesting website i found anyways. There’s quite a debate about it actually. Check it out! http://www.greatcakessoapworks.com/handmade-soap-blog/index.php/how-much-does-the-skin-absorb/
Hope this helps! LOVE this website!!! 🙂
WAYNE, WHERE ARE YOU???
So many questions! That’s AMAZING! Congratulations!!! That’s a lot of weight in such a short time. Here are some questions i have if you don’t mind answering.
Did you suffer and side effects?
Did you take multi-vitamins? (I was told you should but then other people say the oils and binders in them will interfere with the diet)
Did you use normal hair care products and soap that had oil in them?
How many drops do you take a day? Or do you take injections?
That’s all. Again, great work! Amazing!!! Awesome that you didn’t cheat!!!
I guess I’m not “planning” on losing weight on P3, but for a 250 pound guy to eat 1500 calories a day, I know I’m going to lose a few more. That’s more what I meant basically! Like I said before, I was on a regular diet for a few months before I started this, so I’ll go back to something similar to that for 3 weeks and then do the 23 days one final time (Hopefully!)
I’m here! Ok, I will answer your questions the best I can..
1. No side effects except a random mild headache once in a while. It only happened maybe 2-3 times and it was during the first 10 days. I did get lightheaded a bit one time, but it was after doing 2 straight hours of yard work when it was 90 degrees outside so I don’t consider that a major deal haha
2. I take the One A Day gummy vitamins and it hasn’t seemed to slow anything down. I take them in the morning when I have my first glass of water, then 20-30 minutes later I take the first set of drops.
3. Well, I have a shaved head, so I don’t have to worry about the hair care part haha But I use regular body wash stuff I’ve always used and everything seems to be fine.
4. I do 15-16 drops 3 times a day.
Yep, it is pretty amazing! I took some before and after pictures and it’s like a totally different person. It’s nuts!
Would someone on this site who has done this diet all the way through and maintained your weight loss for at least 6 months please comment on your experiences through phase 3 and how you have eaten after and maintained.
Thanks
Debbie, are you saying it’s hard to eat 1200 calories a day because that is too much or not enough? That use to be all I could eat in any day without gaining weight, but lately even that became too much, which is why I did this diet.
Hi again everyone.
I’m on my first day of the LCD and i’m a little confused with the food portions. After i added the 2x 3.5oz protein and 2x fruits there was about 148 calories remaining. Now i know i’m supposed to use that for the vegies. The thing is, even if i cut that in half and had 74 cal worth of vegies, that’s quite a lot of vegetables! 74 cal worth of baby spinach is about 12 cups! Are you allowed that many vegies? I was going to eat tomatoes for dinner and 74 cals worth of tomatoes is quite a lot too. Is this right???
Please help! Thanks! You’re all so wonderful!!!
Tania, I would first be sure you have the correct calorie counts, especially if you are eating apples. Apples should be weighed. They are 15 cals per oz and can pack a lot more calories than you think. Secondly, check the calories in your meats. It is my understanding that 1 cup of raw spinach is 21 calories, so you couldn’t eat 12 cups. I usually eat 3 cups of spinach or a cup of asparagus.
Check the very first post here and it lists some of the main foods you eat on vlcd and their calorie counts. For the most part, I have found these to be pretty accurate.
Hey Harvel, thanks for getting back to me on that. I get the 96/4 on the hamburger meat and sometimes 93/7, I check more on the calories for the day. I do have a market not too far, but it’s still like 25 minutes away, so don’t go there too often.
Thanks again!
Thanks Janet!
I actually did refer to the top listings on this webpage. It says 3.5oz spinach has 20 calories which i weight out today and it comes to approx 4 cups if not more. So if i ate 12 cups that’s only 60 cals. I just at the 4 cups (3.5oz) which means i still have 120 calories left of vegies to eat for dinner. I ate a med apple which on this site it says it has 72 calories.
Just want to make sure i’m doing it right.
When I get to 120?? Why would I want to be underweight? LOL I’m 5’6″ and 53 years old, 138(which is what i’m going for) may even be too small for me with my bone structure. No way would I want to get go 120, I would look like a walking skeleton
Wayne,
Thanks for the quick response! Helps a lot! You said you take 15-16 drops? Total or literally that many drops 3x per day. Right now i’m doing 4 drops 4 times per day (total 16 drops per day).
I’m struggling with the vegies portions. I get about 120 calories left over after the proteins and fruits and i find that 120 calories worth of vegies is A LOT! How did you portion/weigh out your vegies!
Again, great accomplishment on your part! You must be really proud of yourself!
Thanks again!
Hey Janet
My understanding is 72 hours which yes is 5:30 Friday night..have a nice dinner and good luck.
Janet, your body needs so many calories otherwise it thinks you’re starving it. I used to think the only way to lose weight was to eat 500 calories, I would lose it fast and then put it back on twice as fast. Now I’m eating more calories than I’ve ever been able to eat and still maintaining. I would do a search on the internet, you will be able to find how many calories you can eat a day. It also depends on how active you are. If you sit around a lot, you will have to eat less, if you walk or do any other kind of exercise you can eat a little more. You’ll do fine!!
Hard to consume that much.
my friend who did this 2 years ago, and has successfully kept the weight off, told me to add on one food a day or two. That way, you see how your body reacts. if you gain, its on the red light list. Her red light food was ham. I think that varies person to person. That’s how I’ll approach p3.
This was a life change also. Eat healthier. Organic. Vitamins. Raw veggies and fruit. All great things.
At 5’8″ i look great at 140! And I am 52.
Got fitted for my mother of the bride dress yesterday and WOW I was happy 🙂 Even the store owner commented.
that’s great Debbie, but at 130 and 5’6″ I look deadly, and I would rather look healthy(for me anyway).
To each his own! That’s why this diet is so great. i have an awesome shape now and quite pleased. I couldn’t look healthier. 🙂
I have been lifting low weights to tone my arms and shoulders throughout the diet. Low reps, low weight. Needed to do that for PT.
Did anyone drink diet soda on this thing? Just curious.
Tania,
Diet soda is not on the protocol. I actually gave it up a year ago and feel so much healthier for the change. Even though it is a sugar substitute, keep in mind that the body senses sweet, and treats it like sugar. Most also contain a large amount of salt.
I have however, used seltzer water (carbonated water), squeezed in Lemon, and added stevia. YUM. Very refreshing.
Debbie
I did at the beginning because my paperwork from my doc said it was okay. It said that no more than 24 ounces per day and it needs to be drunk with a meal. BUT, I was just reading an article by Dr. Oz today and he said avoid diet drinks in general because when taking in aspertame, your body reacts like it is taking in real sugar. To me, tht kind of defeats the purpose of avoiding sugar. I’m sad without my diet cokes
but will live. And be skinny 🙂
Hey Tania
I did a few times, as some of the diets say you can, but pounds and inches says no. Again, I think it depends on each individual. I think I had like 3 diet dr peppers and a diet a&w rootbeer and still was losing weight, plus I chew sugar free gum everyday and didn’t have a problem.
Good luck
so im on only day 4 of VLCD and i cheated 🙁 had a burger & fries. i am SO beyond upset 🙁 what do i do???? keep going w/ diet tomorrow and just get back on track? will this REALLY mess me up? any advice would be great!!!!
If you read above, David wrote you can have moderate levels of 0 calorie diet sodas. That’s what I was saying, every diet is different, and I also think a lot of it depends on if you’re using the “real” hcg or the homeopathic. In my honest opinion, I think the hcg and homeopathic work equally, but I think with the real hcg, you have to be more careful on things you do and use than on the homeopathic
Danielle, wow, 4 days, I went 3 weeks then did the no no, cheated and eded up in the bathroom all night sicker than a dog. You may not as you weren’t on it that long, but I did, and I put on a little bit, but then stalled for 3 days. Get back on track tomorrow and don’t cheat anymore. If you’re going on the diet 3 weeks, that’s not long. You are human, and I’ve never met a perfect human yet. Chin up. !!!
I’m with Janet on that one and the only reason why I say is because when I had to put lice treatment on my daughter’s hair and was worried about the toxicity, y dermatologist confirmed the head could not absorb the lice mixture. Well here we are 8 months later, and she doesn’t have 3 arms or 8 nostrils. I’ve been using my usual eye creams.. these wrinkles aren’t going to disappear on their own!
Rub it in! LOL Seriously, good for you!
Morning everyone,
First day of the VLCD and i’ve already got the hunger pains! I’m determined though so i’ll be fine. I think i’m not eating enough! I am a little confused with how much vegies i can eat. Everyone is telling me that after the protein and fruit calories have been added, to make up the difference with vegies. I’m not doing the bread sticks or melba toast, so there’s about 150 calories left over after everything else. Technically that’s a lot of vegetables (150 cals worth). 3.5oz of celery is 15 calories, so does that mean i could eat 60 calories worth of celery if i wanted to? Or can we only eat 3.5oz of vegies regardless? If i only ate 3.5 oz of vegies that means i’m only consuming barely 350-400 calories per day. Is this correct? Is it max 500 calories or are you supposed to eat 500 calories worth of food? Can someone please give me the specifics on this? I want to make sure i’m doing this perfectly. I’d appreciate the help… again. Thanks so much!
Thanks for the help! I think i’m just going to break up with diet soda for now 🙂
Speaking from experience, I have only hit 400 calories once or twice so far. I’m usually around 350-400 like what you are saying you will be. I never thought much of it and it’s working for me, so I stuck to it. I’m a lifelong meat and potatoes kind of guy, and it’s near impossible for me to sit there and eat 100 calories of spinach or something. There’s only 4-5 things on the fruit and veggie list that I can even eat without gagging haha So, it’s a bit more repetitive for me than probably most of the others, but again, it’s working. Oh, and the hunger pangs will go away soon. Sometimes I find it hard to even eat 350-400 calories on this and I’m 256 pounds. I’m just NOT hungry most of the time. If I do feel hungry, I took the advice of another post I read on here and I brush my teeth. It sounds weird, but it really works for me.
As for the soda: I bought a 12 pack of Coke Zero on the 3rd day of the diet and I have 2 cans left. So, I guess I’m having one about every 3 days on average. I will usually have a nice piece of steak every 3 days, and I have a Coke Zero with that usually. I don’t drink coffee or tea, so I needed SOMETHING with some taste to it to have once in a while. I also have a glass of Crystal Light a couple times a week, even if you aren’t technically supposed to I guess.
Oh, and a little tip: Pick up some Walden Farms zero calorie items from a local specialty store or online. The melba toast is boring on its own, but when you can dip it in a little chocolate spread, it makes a world of difference! I also use it with strawberries for breakfast and I use the caramel dip for apples.
Hi all…I have just started the diet. I finished the two loading days today and will start the 500 calories tomorrow. I’m going cold turkey off diet coke and I’m a bit worried. But I only had maybe three sodas a day. And I switched over to selter water. I’m noticing that I’m thirstier now and find myself drinking more water. I am really hoping that I can stick to this diet and that it won’t be as much as a struggle with only eating 500 calories! Wish me luck!
My first apple day… SIGH. This is day 22 and down 11 lbs. I’ve stalled for four days.
SO… please help me from going insane. Those who have done apple days… has it helped over the long run or do you think you would have had the same results if you rode the wave out? I’d like to know before I deprive myself of food all day. Also, no tea all day right? Even if it’s decaffinated?
Yesterday, although I only had 502 calories, I did have some extra ground chicken because I was simply hungry. I’ve been constipated and now I’m grumpy. Somebody tell me to hang in here!
Hi Donna,
An apple day worked great for me. After the few stall days I did one, and lost 3.2 pounds the next morning. I continued to lose, at a good pace, the remainder of the days.
Today is day 39 on the shot and I am down 1.4 this morning. WOOOOHOOOO. One more shot day…
Good luck all
Debbie
Thanks Debbie. Can I tell you how jealous I am? I’m getting so anxious to end this Phase 2. Five more lbs to go and I’m on to Phase 3. I just have get over this plateau hump and hang in there.
So are you getting ready for Phase 3? They say 100 calories per pound of your weight.. do you think that’s accurate? I can’t wait to have peanut butter and cheese!
You can do it Jay!
It’s good you are thirstier. First diet coke has lots of salt. Your body needs the water. Second, I drink a gallon of water a day. So thirstier helps!
Good luck,
Debbie
Hi Donna,
Well… anxious I’m not sure. I am stuck in the routine now and like the simplicity of that. And, I have done this before. P3 is scarry to me.
I will take it slow. Add only one new food ever day or two. To identify its impact on me. I did this particular diet to cleanse my system, be healthier and lose the “quit smoking’ weight. I want it to be for life.
Debbie
Hey Donna
In my honest opinion, the apple days aren’t for me. People get too obsessed with numbers. If you’re doing the diet to a T, plateaus are common and are good. The thing is, you’re still losing inches, don’t worry so much about the numbers. I have a sister that has always hated scales and always went by how her clothes fit. She was always in a size 8, but if the pants got tighter she would know she needed to lose a couple pounds or whatever. Myself, I feel plateaus are very good for you. I would rather stay at a plateau and be losing inches than losing weight and not the inches.
You can read Dr Simeons protocol on the “apple day”. I think it’s a quick fix. Just get going again and you can do it, eat your apple, but one a day I say. 🙂
Donna
The 100 calories per pound can be used to a certain point. Too many people follow that guideline and are actually starving themselves and you do that, when you start eating more, you will put weight back on
Try this website Donna, it will tell you how many calories you need. You can put in your goal weight for your actual weight and it will tell you how many calories to maintain that weight. I did it with what I weighed now and with goal weight
women-workout-routines.com/how-many-calories-should-i-eat-a-day.html
Donna,
It’s ten (10) to fifteen (15) calories per pound of body weight–depending on your level of exercise.
I don’t know how you’re not getting enough calories. I have mine written down, and had a hard time staying at 500, which is what Dr Simeons said you should eat, they said not less not more, but 500!! A lot of times I would have to keep melba toast out of mine to keep me from eating too much.
Here is an example,
Apple 95(I had a big one and I don’t weigh oz, but go by the size of small, med or large
spinach(can) 60
grilled chicken(3.5 oz, as there is 30 calories per oz). 105 calrories
melba toast 20 calories, so right there alone is 280 calories, and most meats have more calories than chicken(except fish). I would be eating lean ground beef to make up the calories
Wayne, check sugar and carbs on the package, you see the words in the ingredients that end with ose? OSE at the end is the same as sugar.
Can I be blunt without TMI? It’s been 4 days now since a BM. I’m hoping the apple day will help that with all the fiber with a really good walk today (I’ve been ultra lazy lately). I’ve actually gained a lb. so I’m hoping this apple day thing puts me back on track. I’ve always been obsessed with the numbers… I hate it.
Thanks for all your responses! I appreciate it!
LOL Yes Harvel, duh, 100, we’re talking over 10,000 calories. I’m not used to being up that early, but had to have dogs in for grooming early. 🙂
Well, this was really strange, but I do eat about the same thing on p3 everyday, sometimes I include cheese/cheese stick for breakfast or a different fruit, and I eat the same thing for lunch, and for dinner I’ll change out meats, etc. Well, I’ve been maintaining within the 2 lb range everyday. Lastnight for dinner, I actually added an orange in with my strawberries, had a pork chop(grilled) and a big helping of cottage cheese, later on got hungry and ate some yogurt raisins, which I think is a no no, but I figured it was better to crave my sweet tooth than chocolate, got up this morning and I had lost 1 1/2 lbs. I was way up on calories, probably around 400 more than I’ve been eating, which i was doing figuring, and I’ve been eating around 1450-1475 and lastnight I ate a little over 250 more for the day.
Donna, that’s one reason I wouldn’t have done the apple day, not having a bm for 4 days, you will put on weight. You need to get some(I think it’s called) smooth move if I’m not mistaken. Are you drinking at least 1/2 gallon of water a day? That helps to keep you flushed out.
So excited that tomorrow morning I will have cream in my coffee instead of skim milke, peanutbutter with my apple for breakfast, and non-sugar sauce on my chiken. Looking forward to adding back the good fats. Don’t care a thing about sugars and starches. That is a big change from my regular eating habits. Praise the Lord! I believe so far, hcg has done for me exactly as it should. Now I pray that I keep this weight off forever!
Sherrie,
I have trouble kick-starting my brain in the early morning hours also. But, you gotta take care of the dogs. I enjoy reading your posts. They are well written, often funny and pretty darned accurate. I remember struggling with the diets for my wife and me. It takes a while to get it all sorted out. Weekend’s coming up. Have a good one!
Harvel
Hi Donna,
I actually did two apple days, not because of stalls but because I cheated and so made up the difference with an apple day. I lost 1lb the first time and .6 the 2nd. Overall, I believe the apple day is worthwhile. It is definitely a psychological boost, and for me personally, that really helps.
If you are close to your goal, it may also help to jump start you to the finish.
Danielle,
I want to encourage you and warn you at the same time… You MUST be committed to this protocol or you will end up accomplishing exactly the opposite of what you want. You will gain weight. Okay, you cheated, now put it behind you, get back on track and stay on track till you reach your goal. Always keep the goal in front of you!
This diet calls for a very strong mindset, patience and determination. Something everyone has the ability to have and do.
This diet will work for you guaranteed, IF and ONLY IF you follow it correctly. You will read here many have cheated, even I cheated. Cheats make you gain weight, stall out your weight loss and in general cause discouragement. If you plan to cheat you probably should find a diet that is less restrictive.
Now, let me assure you, you CAN do this. Many have done it with great success. YOu found this forum which is a great place to ask questions and get tips. So please, stick with us. We will encourage, help and spur you on to success.
Stick with the plan exactly. Think of where you will be in 30 days. Maybe 30lbs lighter than you are today! There is no other diet that allows you to lose that much weight that fast. It is so motivating and worth it! But, YOU CAN”T cheat and have those results.
Blessings on you fellow dieter. Keep us posted and know we all want to help.
Tania, good plan. I’m a bit of a legalist, so I believe that the more true to protocol, the better your results. I put lemmon and a cinnamon stick in my water. Let is sit overnight in the fridge and then add stevia when I’m ready, It is a refreshing drink that I enjoy all day long and one I will stick with for the rest of my life. I have never been a soda person, but love propel water and other flavored waters. But I’m off the fake sugar, high fructose corn syrup and glutens for life. They make you fat.
Re-posting my request from yesterday hoping someone will chime in…
If you have done this diet and maintained your weight loss for at least 6 months will you please comment on phase 3, how you added foods back in, what type of weight fluctuations you experienced, did certain cravings return… I am looking for someone to give a brief chapter on how they have maintained. I never want to put the weight back on that I have lost, so hearing someone else would be helpful.
Oops, I meant to ask one more question….
I’m on day 3 of vlcd without drops and still have not been hungry. I expected to be starving! Is this normal? When do you get hungry? I sure don’t want to start eating just because I can. I’d rather eat when I’m hungry and my body needs fuel.
Hey Harvel, yeah weekend is coming up, but I have to work all weekend. Remember, next weekend I’m starting all over with p2 and loading again. YUMMY, still working on my menu. Think I may gain about 10 pounds that weekend. LOL
Hope you have a good one!! 🙂
p.s my job can really bring you down, so I have to have some place(here) to go to read, laugh and keep my sanity!
On my dogs, LOL..yes, have to take care of them. Have 4 little ones in the house(of course I always have a way of picking out the dogs with problems). My 4 lb yorkie is 14 lbs. my 12 year old shih tzu has a terrible overbite, my $3000 biewer terrier never had his ears come up, and I think I got ripped off on him because I think he’s probably a morkie from an unreputable breeder, and my last biewer terrier will be 2 years old June 8th, weighs 2 lbs 10 oz full grown, and her ears that I taped and taped to get to stick up for 6 weeks, fell down and never would come back up either. I had a shepherd also who had one ear up and one down. I keep telling hubby we need to try for one more to see if we can get what we pay for. He keeps saying no, so then I threw in, well, another dog or a hot tub(I really want the hot tub)
Sherrie,
I think I would go for the hot tub. Maybe that way something would stand up???!!
Actually, the counselors from hcgmedical who provide me the injections, indicated that you will do best at 460-470 calories. Can go up to 500, not below 450. Now, I use real hcg and inject… not sure if there is a difference. This time, i maintain my calories at 460-470 and I’ve lost more than I ever planned. In fact, I’m at my goal weight, have one more injection tomorrow and still lost 1.4 today. Over 33 pound loss now.
I would weigh apples always. That got me… in fact, several were 122 calories.. Since I weigh them, my weight has significantly dropped. 15 cal. an oz
Debbie
LOL Harvel. I really want the hot tub, that’s why I threw in “another dog” Figured it wouldn’t take long for him to make the “right” decision
Hi Donna, when I cheated last Sat. and Sun. I definately did stall and gained a little weight. I was also trying to decide if I should do an apple day, but in the end I decided not to and knew that eventually the weight would come off or so I hoped. Today I am finally back to the same weight as I was the day I cheated. It took me a week to lose 4lbs. It is up to you. Definately buy smooth move tea. Good luck!
Your body is used to only getting a certain amount of food. I was not hungry when I stopped taking the drops. One suggestion, be careful with the peanutbutter right away. I heard almonds are the best to start with for P3 and go from there. I ate a lot of almonds during P3 my first round. Good luck! I start P3 on Sunday and can’t wait!!!
Janet, I did not change any of the products that I use and lost a great amount of weight or at least I feel that I did. The only thing I tried to cut back on is lotion. It is up to you. Good luck!
Hello,
I will stop my HCG on May 17, and I will start going up in my calories on Friday. Friday, May 21, I will start 750 calorie diet. What can I eat. there is no list of what I can eat. Can anyone give me a list of what I can have for that week and for the following weeks to come. Friday, May 28, I go to 1000 calories and the following Friday I goo to 1200 calories. I don’t know what I can eat. I know I can have 1 egg, low fat/ no fat plain yogurt. What else??? Also I ordered the flat bell diet cookbook for after the hcg diet is complete just to maintain a heathly life style. I hope this will help. It is VERY hard to cook food for myself and cook great food for my family.
please help
thank you
The apple day “plateau. For the ones of you just starting and getting upset when you hit a plateau, this is what Dr Simeons says. Remember, it’s psychological, and you will get the weight off by just being patient. I think stalling and continuing to lose inches is what’s important.
In such cases we consider it permissible, for purely psychological reasons, to break up the plateau.
This can be done in two ways. One is a so-called “apple day”. An apple-day begins at lunch and
continues until just before lunch of the following day. The patients are given six large apples and are
told to eat one whenever they feel the desire though six apples is the maximum allowed. During an
apple-day no other food or liquids except plain water are allowed and of water they may only drink
just enough to quench an uncomfortable thirst if eating an apple still leaves them thirsty. Most patients
feel no need for water and are quite happy with their six apples. Needless to say, an apple- day may
never be given on the day on which there is no injection. The apple-day produces a gratifying loss of
weight on the following day, chiefly due to the elimination of water. This water is not regained when
the patients resume their normal 500- Calorie diet at lunch, and on the following days they continue to
lose weight satisfactorily.
Janet, you may not get hungry, there are times I’m not hungry(right now), but it’s lunch time and I make myself eat. That’s what you have to do, you have to eat those 3 meals a day
Harvest, why will you start 750 calories on Friday. Your body has been living on 500 plus pulling from the hcg another I think I read 2000 plus calories a day. You don’t want to be losing weight(more than 2 lbs) on p3 and eating only that many calories you will..Good luck!
Here are some foods for p3
hcginfoonline.com/maintenance%20phase.htm#Starchy_(High_Carb)_Vegetables0
also, go to pounds and inches original site and read what Dr Simeons says about the protocol
powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
After my first day on the VLCD i can proudly say that i got on the scale this morning and i was 4lbs LESS! I know this is probably water weight, but it’s still something!!! Still have a looooooong way to go!
I eat almonds about every day for lunch too Sherie. I buy the boxes that have the little 100 calorie packs in them(even some cocoa ones). 🙂 I haven’t even tried pb yet as it has sugar in it and oils. I could buy some of the natural, but I know hubby wouldn’t eat it. I am having tuna fish with a little mayo in it right now, an apple, almonds and green beans..This is totally a different lunch than my normal lettuce salad, but I’m off work today and needed a break. 🙂
Janet, every morning for breakfast, I have 2 scrambled eggs(most of the time I make in microwave, a glass of milk, fruit, sometimes cheese or cottage cheese, milk and pre cooked bacon. You will love p3
May 17th I stop the HCG drops so Friday May 21st I will start P2. The first week I suppose to do 750 calories, second week of P2 1000 calories, and 3rd week of P2 will be where I max out to 1250 calories of P2.
Woo Hoo Tania, wtg. That’s a big loss for the first day. My first p2(fixing to go on it again) I lost 9.2 the first week. You go girlie
Harvest.
If you have been on the drops(the days you’re on them is p2), then you go to p3 for 3 weeks, which is where you maintain your weight within 2 pound up or 2 pounds down from you last day of drops. I have never heard of this before..??
Is splenda allowed on phase 3? What are the effects of splenda on the body? Is it like High Fructose Corn syrup that makes you crave more, therefor eliminating the benefit of a low calorie product because you eat more?
Janet
There is dextrose in splenda, it’s another no no. Anything that ends in ose is NOT good, as it is another name for sugar. I still use my stevia on p3, and will only use it from now on out. I actually like the taste of it now since I’ve gotten use to it.
I was wondering if any type of beans (pinto, black, etc.) are allowed on phase 3? Thank you!
I just started the HCG diet on Monday May 10th. When do you stop feeling hungry? Yesterday I thought I was going to take my husbands head off because I was hungry. I have to say today was much better but still have some mild hunger.
WOW there are tons of posts all day. Am I the only one at work! LOL
Sherry, the first week is tough. Not sure it is true hunger, or breaking habits. I say that because the diet becomes a routine and I’m not hungry!
Best wishes to your success!
Sherry, did you get enough on your load days? If you’re eating fruit with lunch, try eating your fruit between breakfast and lunch and then your dinner fruit between lunch and dinner or between dinner and bedtime, see if that helps until you stop feeling so hungry
Amanda, the only beans I’m eating on p3 is green beans, the other beans are loaded with carbs. You can have them on p4 or on your next load day(if you have to do another round)
Update…. yesterday at 5:30 was my “official” phase 3 start. I had eaten very light all day according to the diet and planned to eat reasonably for dinner with my husband. So, I had a piece of grilled chicken that had melted cheese and sauted veggies (bell pepper and onion, and it was yummy). I also ate steamed broccoli. The chicken was probably 5 – 6 oz vs the 3 1/2 I have been eating in phase 2. I also had a piece of jalapeno pepperjack cheese. ( I have been craving cheese the last week). So todays weigh in showed and increase of .8lbs. Actually, .4lbs from last drop day weight and .8lbs from yesterdays weight. I feel pretty good about this, but would have felt better if there had been no increase at all. What’s to be expected here? Someone with some experience would you please chime in? Appreciate your comments. I will say I’m happy that I’m not having to do a steak day right out of the gate!! Although that wouldn’t be so bad since I love steak! LOL
Debbie,
I missed your posting yesterday. I figure you probably have some answers to my questions. Please catch up today. Your experiences are appreciated. How dare you take a day off from hcg obcession! LOL
Someone mentioned Walden Farms products, which are all zero calorie, but they all contain splenda. I really want to get off and stay off artificial sugars and the like. Guess I’ll google splenda and effects of splenda on the body and see what they say. I wouldn’t mind a tiny bit when I’m done with phase 4, but this is really about feeding myself and my family healthy foods, changing eating habits and becoming aware of the emotional attachments I have to food. My family is very thin… they have metabolisms that just crave more to burn more (not fair!)
Janet,
Add things slowly. I’m sure the increase was due to you eating new and more, later in the evening. See what happens tomorrow.
Sorry, I don’t have time at work to read all the posts. And yesterday had SO many. I own a business and life is hectic.
I did realize last night that most people are sabotures (not sure the spelling). There is not a person around that says can’t you cheat just once. I really believe those people want you to fail. They couldn’t do something about their weight, that they don’t want you to succeed either. It is terrible. Kept telling them, it doesn’t bother me in the least, so why do you want me to cheat.
Anyhow. I was down .2 today. Last shot day 🙂 According to my shots, it days 2 more days of vlcd, but I’m doing 3 like the drops said and starting my cleanse.
Good luck all.
Debbie
Janet,
I do not believe it is allowed on P3. for that matter, p4. Again, everything in moderation. Many sugar and sugar substitutes got us in this situation to diet.
Me personally, try to be more healthy and eliminate chemicals. So, Walden Farms… read the label, nothing but chemicals. Which is not permitted on the diet either.
FYI. Last night I saw my cousin’s husband. He did 3 weeks, lost 36 pounds. He looks awesome! Best I’ve seen him in years. Took him shopping for pants. Went from a 44 waist to a 36 🙂
Debbie
Yay for you! 🙂 Be glad, add slowly. It will return
Debbie
Janet,
I believe you said you are at your goal???? Getting to our final weight, will not permit us to eat as much as Sherrie at breakfast. I will tell you that. And, that’s not a normal daily meal for us. I would try to have protein at breakfast. Another good protein souce is Kashi Go Lean that is awesome. Not for maintenance though.
Debbie
Basically, here is my mantra in life:
When a winner maks a mistak, he says “I was wrong” When a loser maks a mistak he says “It wasn’t my fault” Winner makes commitments, a loser makes promises. Winner goes thru a problem, a loser goes around it & never gets past it. Winner feels responsible for more than his job, a loser says “I only work here”. Winner sa…ys “There ought to b a better way to do it”, a loser says “Thats the way its always been done”
Amen. LOL
Debbie
Hi Sherry, I’ve been on this for 3 weeks and I’m hungry every day! I think I just have that kind of metabolism. But not hungry to the point where I’ve ever had the shakes or headaches. I’ve just learned to space my food out more. Apple and breadstick for breakfast, protein and veg for lunch and dinner, then my fruit as “dessert” at night. Good luck!
Janet,
My wife and I have fallen in love with stevia in its many forms. Some people say it has a bitter aftertaste, but the Sweet Leaf brand seems to not have that problem. Stevia is the natural product of a South American shrub. It is not the result of “living better through chemistry.” Check it out. It may be the answer to your quandary.
Harvel
Debbie,
Great advice! At the young age of 67, I have learned to walk my own path and disregard what others think I “should” be doing. Temptations abound. But folks who try to encourage dieters to “cheat, just a little, what can it hurt?” aren’t living in the dieter’s body, nor are they living the dieter’s life. Walk your own path. Those “friends” who would have you do something different probably weren’t friends to begin with. True friends will understand and support your efforts.
Harvel
Well, I’m a winner, and I’m also human, and humans make mistakes! No one(unfortuantely) is perfect. Just because we want to do something and we make a commitment, doesn’t mean it always works. Some people are NOT as strong as others.
Janet, you’re fine! When I started p3, I actually started it pretty much with a steak day. 🙁 I had a lot of stress after the drops(like 2 days in to the vlcd off drops) and put on 2 lbs. got right on the steak and got 2.2 off, but I didn’t do it until I hit the 2 lb mark. I got up pretty much the first day on p3 and started eating 2 scrambled eggs in the microwave(no butter, no milk), strawberries, glass of milk 3-4 pieces o bacon and cottage cheese or string cheese every morning for breakfast(almost 2 weeks now) and I’m actually down around 3 lbs since last drop day. Just eat what’s on the list and you’ll be fine. If you hit the 2 lb mark, get your big juicy steak and tomato or apple for dinner, other than that, don’t worry so much. Just keep an eye on that scale..
Debbie, agreed. I am only 5’2.5″ tall. I probably will only be able to eat a total of 1500 calories a day and maintain my weight. For breakfast a 1/2 cup of greek nonfat yogurt, 1/4 cup almonds, 4 strawberries and 1 T cream in my coffee. I loved breakfast this morning, but I am stuffed!
LOL I don’t like to cheat, I have cheated. 🙁 but, I don’t like to ever see ANYONE fail, and I have lost..??
I love my stevia. LOL At first I didn’t, as there was an after taste, but all fake sugars to me have always had after tastes, you just have to get used to them.
The nurse behind me on the diet has always used splenda, but I think splenda has sugar in it if I’m not mistaken. I think I looked it up for someone on here lastnight and posted what it had in it. Try the stevia. I ordered some on e-bay(cinnamon and then vanilla) and I love them! I make sweet tea with the big back of stevia(2 cups in a gallon of tea) and then even though I drink my coffee black, I’ve been switching out between the 2 flavors of stevia in it.
Sorry Harvel, but I still can’t drink water with it in it. I tried pretending it was a soda, but no could do. 🙁
My breakfast(believe it or not) only comes out to about 500 calories or a tad less. I’m just getting sick of eating the same thing every morning 🙁 I am so ready to go back on p2 next weekend.
Remember, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that’s the best time to get the calories in. I do my daily walk first thing in the morning, then come home and eat my breakfast, and sometimes, I go back on an evening walk about 1/2 hour after dinner.
Sherrie,
Yes, I kept a spreadsheet keeping track of all my calories. I actually ate so much that by the end of day two I was sick of the site and smell of food. I will try or suggestions and see if that makes a difference.
Thank you!
Donna,
I have had a few minor headaches but I think its from the change in diet and missing my starbucks coffee. A friend suggested I take caffee pills and they seem to help my headache.
Thanks for you help and good luck to you as well.
Debbie,
How long have you been on the diet? I agree with your comment about not being true hunger but rather breaking bad habits. I have noticed after dinner last night, I felt satisfied and actually forced my self to eat my fruit. I think it will be easier once my husband starts the HCG diet.
Sherrie, That is awesome for you. For me, I cannot consume 500 calories at breakfast. So, I add good fats (necessary) and wholesome things. I need to be more careful since I am at my low. Remember, you want to do another round. Well, you won’t be able to eat all of that daily when you get there. So enjoy 🙂
I know Bfast is important, and I will never skip it, NOW. Never ate much of breakfast before.
Reread. It says NOTHING about cheating. And everything about mindset.
Debbie
This is all about those that encourage you to cheat and say it is ok….
It’s not ok. Not for me. I’m committed. If you choose to do so, it should be your decision, not those that want you to…
I don’t feel it is ok on here to encourage anyone to cheat. You all know the effects. You should support them and encourage them to stay on track! That’s a support system.
And what are you frustrated with, my ability to stay on track and have support?
That’s what everyone should have. This diet isn’t that long. It is intense. Make the short term commitment and help each other.
And, I’m not pointing fingers on here so lighten up. These were my friends that were pushing. I think it is good for people to know they are not alone. And people will push. But there are always reasons they do.
What reason would anyone on here encourage someone to cheat? Seriously. I look here for support. Not failure.
Life does NOT revolve around food. Unless you let it. You won’t have any less fun if you don’t pig out at some event. That mentality got you here. And me.
Debbie
Debbie
I am doing the shots vs drops. Does anyone know which way is better? Also, there is so much reading material and for the most part everything I read appears to say the same thing. Only thing I found is some sites say to use artifical sweetners whiles others say to only use Stevia. Not sure what is the best site to get all the right information.
One more question what does vlcd mean?
I have to say I was very happy to see this site. I love reading everyones posts and it is so nice to be able to ask you pros questions when I have them. Good luck to everyone and I hope I don’t drive you all crazy with my questions. I look forward to learning and achieving our goal wieght together as a team!
Janet,
Try a healthy breakfast. One egg, two whites. Turkey bacon. Fruit. I did fantastic in life after I did this diet, till I quit smoking!
Always did protein shakes. etc. Fruit and yogurt with protein powder. Organic peanut butter with apples 🙂 I love
P4 gives you more options.
I’m not new to this, just doing another round after losing a year ago because I quit smoking and my metabolism went haywire.
Debbie
Hi Sherry!
Shots vs. drops. You’ll get a million opinions on here. It depends on what you like. Cost, convenience, effectiveness. Me, I like the shots more. And, it does seem to work better for me. I’ve tried both. That could strictly be my reaction…
vlcd means very low calorie diet. the 500 calorie portion.
I would recommend to you to use Stevia. It is natural. This diet is about natural. Organic preferred. It does cleanse our systems of chemicals, which is a great thing. That is what helps get our systems back on track. I would highly suggest that you avoid chemicals. You will do better, diet wise and health wise.
Good luck! If we can help, just ask!
Debbie
Here here Harvel!!! Those that really care, care about what you want and need. Not what they think.
So, newbies… listen to this. Cheating will cause you to gain. Stall. Feel sick. Take away valuable time from this diet that is short to begin with. Do your best, ask for support here and avoid cheating if at all possible.
We want you to reach the success YOU want by going on this diet.
Have a great day!
Debbie
p.s. Here’s hoping to see less of you! that you lose tomorrow
Sherry
I personally have done all 3 now. Homeopathic, real hcg mixed for drops and now injections. I have been on injects for the last week. Including what I gained on “load days” I am down 9 lbs in that time. If I have the need in the future to do this diet again it will be injections only. I know for a fact that my dose is correct each and every day.
VLCD = very low calorie diet
I have use Truvea but stopped using that my second round and now only use stevia.
Janet you rock! You have the plan. Healthy wholesome foods. You’ll do great! Sounds like one of my breakfasts 🙂
Enjoy. Three more days from me of the diet and then P3 <3
Sherry,
You’ll do great! Support does help. Unfortunately for me, my husband is thin and can eat anything he wants. I do try to have him eat healthier…
This is day 40 for me. My last shot day. I did this diet two rounds a year ago. Lost successfully and kept it off successfully till I quit smoking at the end of last year. That hit my metobolism hard. So, did another round of shots. I felt it was harder to get going this time. Probably because I knew how boredom sets in for me, but I’ve lost the most I ever have and reached my all time adult low 🙂
Happy. You will be also. I have been such an inspiration that half my office is on the diet. Half my family and many friends.
Commit yourself to the short timeframe. Be strong. You’ll do awesome and you will keep it off!
Good luck,
Debbie
I know this is going to make a person or 2 mad, but so be it. I’m calling it as I see it. It seems to me that there is quite a bit of bickering between Debbie and Sherrie. This forum is for encouragement and to help eachother. I must say I get sick of reading the 2 of you go back and forth. I understand that everyone has there own opinions but really, we are adults not in grade school.
Congrats to all those who have mad mistakes and those wh have not….you are all winners!! You have choosen to make a lifestyle change for the healthier and thats all that should matter. Good luck to each and everyone of you.
So quiet here today.
I am getting WAY too much exercise today. So tired already.
I’m planting flowers, moving furniture outside, opening the pool, etc. Usually I get the lighter work and my hubby does the heavy stuff, but this year, he had surgery a week ago and can’t lift anything heavy. He feels fine so it frustrates him. I have to guarantee he won’t cheat!
I just come in now and then and collapse. Need to catch my breath and get something to drink.
It is a beautiful sunny day here in Cleveland area, Ohio. A little cool, low 60’s. So great for outdoor work 🙂
Debbie
Like Mary, this is the last post I will be posting also! Michelle, you are so right, there was bickering going on. Believe me, I tried to be nice to this woman, but she is one of these that has this attitude that NO ONE is as good as her. So she’s never cheated on her diet, well, not that any of us know of anyway! The thing is, people do cheat and no one is perfect! Some people have more stress in their lives than others. I do in home health care. I work for a woman who had lung cancer and had surgery and still chain smokes, but to make matters worse she has dementia. Do you know how stressful it is to take care of someone and answer nicely every 5 minutes the same question you had just answered. Someone who can be happy one minute and crying the next?
I’m sorry I am NOT perfect, like some others are!
Cindy, I am so very proud of you! You are doing great on your diet! To the other ones of you, keep up the great work and if you have a down day and happen to be like me, stressed and occasionally cheating, please do as I did and get right back on it! I’m not a quitter, and I will have my weight off in a few months. My suggestion would be don’t worry so much about the weight as the over all health. The Drs are saying now, it’s healthier(and women have a lot less change of getting osteoporosis) if they’re about 10% over their ideal weight.
Take care and God Bless
Thanks for the encouragement Sherrie! I hope i can beat your 9.2lb loss lol! That’d really make me happy!!! When you say your first week do you count the 2 gorg days?
Thanks again! Very excited!
Hello happy weekenders!
So i’ve been on the VLCD for 3 days and i’ve lost 5lbs!!! I’m so excited! Yesterday i met up with a friend and we went to a mall and the movies and i did not cheat at all! I’m one of those people who always HAS to get popcorn at the movies and a diet soda, but i just bought a water! I wanted to cheat so bad! I even met up with another girlfriend in the evening and we went to this really great Italian restaurant and i watched her eat her meal!!! I just drank coffee and water (had my stash of Stevia in my bag) and got through it. My friend felt so bad. She didn’t want to order at all because she wanted to support me, but i begged her to not think that way and insisted she order! She orderd a plate of muscles. She knows me that well that i hate muscles so that was her way of supporting me so i didn’t feel the urge to cheat. She really didn’t have to. (They actually smelt good even though i hate muscles lol). It came with fries and the waiter even accidentally placed the fries right in front of me because there was no room on the table!!! HAHA! My friend and i totally cracked up because i was like “OH NO HE DIDN’T!!!” I was truly ok with it all. I want to be able to go to a restaurant and not indulge and over-eat. I need to be able to watch people eat all those unhealthy foods in front of me and not feel the urge because whether or not i’m on this diet, i’m going to be surrounded by those foods for the rest of my life and those are the kinds of foods that got me into this unhealthy mess in the first place. With the money i would’ve spent at the restaurant, i went over to Nordies and bought makeup which was so much better because i least i can wear the makeup and feel good about myself and have something to show for it, rather than eat fries and stay miserable!
I’m glad i didn’t cave in and cheat, because i came home last night proud of myself for staying committed and making it through a very tempting situation. Not only do i feel so much better, but i lost weight! If i would have cheated, i would’ve gained and felt so terrible and guilty and to me, it’s just not worth it in the end. I’m still a rookie in P2 and i know that cheating is always possible, but i’m going to constantly remind myself of how i’m going to feel “later” and is it worth it? I’ll remind myself how good it feels to make the wiser choice and how it’s going to feel so wonderful when i step on that scale and receive that life-changing reward called – WEIGHT LOSS!!!
Stay strong everyone and have a great weekend!!!
That is awesome Tania! And you should be so proud. We’re proud for you.
You took a tough situation and made the most of it. Isn’t that what changing our diet and habits is about?
Not using food as a crutch.
Hey, I have those same situations. Things that trigger the thought of food or tempt me to get off course. It is hard. I’m human. But I try to make the best of it or some that are so bad, I avoid. Like a rib cookoff! Nothing good can come of that for me.
Good luck tomorrow morning!
Debbie
My attitude is that everyone should have the support to stay on track, like I have and do.
Life is rough. Not just for you. Owning a business in this economy, had major spine surgery this year, quit smoking, have one daughter getting married and a son moving on to a house he bought. My life is hectic, full of challenges every day. So I look at it as this, if I cheat, I’ll do it again. Every day brings the next with the same habits, temptations and struggles.
So I don’t allow it. If I did cheat, I’d say so. Read my mantra, I admit mistakes. I need support to correct them.
I’m sorry Sherrie if you felt it is bickering. My thoughts are this. This is an hcg forum. We are here, and come here for support. Do we know cheating is an option, lol, of course. Do we come here for support to hear why we shouldn’t from those that have? Yes. The only one who cares if you cheat, is you. You are the only one that suffers.
I’m proud to hear how others get past situations. That’s success. Changing habits.
Debbie
Ok fellow bloggers, here’s one I haven’t seen posted on this forum. What happens when you cheat on your steak day? Do you eat the steak that night or start over with the steak the next day?? Thanks!!
I’m sorry Michelle.
There are new people here. I think they need to hear what is allowed, what happens, what experiences, etc.
I don’t think people’s opinions on how much to eat, what to eat, is a good thing. What works for one person, is another’s failure. This diet is successful at taking off weight. It’s not an easy diet. Adding non protocol foods is not ideal. While some foods may help others to lose, it may not for others.
Follow the word’s of Dr. Simeon’s and you won’t go wrong. Stay on track. Be accountable only to yourself. Do this diet to make you happier, healthier and thinner.
Best wishes. I’m done here also. Met my goals and on to better things.
Debbie
Hey Janet, you can reach me at debbie_holy@oh.rr.com.
Sorry. Enough of this. I came on here to help support people to be successful. Like I had when I found this forum. And Harvel, you were one of them! Thanks. Wanted to share the positives.
I don’t want to visit a forum of confessions. The now what’s.
Life is full of that. THis diet should be about changing habits. Not turning to food as a crutch, etc. Not stress eating. We’ve all done that. I am happy to hear the comments from my husband, the people at work. My family.
I like having a ton of energy. Sleeping well. Doing things I couldn’t or wouldn’t. Like my bikini that looks awesome 🙂 Like having my blood pressure at 115/70 🙂
Healthy, happy and have a great group around me.
Best wishes to all of you,
Debbie
I just made an awesome discovery for phase 3,
I checked the glycemic index for cocoa powder… it is 0 Yeah! and it has no sugar..and only. 3 carbs per Tbl spoon
HCG diet approved chocolate ( I made this title up)
2 T butter
1 T cocoa (unsweetened 100% cocoa powder)
Stevia to your taste
1 T milk (your choice)
Mix it up and dip your strawberries in it for a nice dessert that isn’t cheating! But, remember butter is all fat, so don’t eat too much! This little mixture will cover about 12 sm to med strawberries! You could probably use it for other things as well, but I love choc covered strawberries and this was so awesome!
Rachael, don’t cheat on your steak day! I don’t know what happens when you do that but you are re-setting your metabolism. The whole point of steak day is to get rid of extra weight immediately! If you cheat, you are putting off immediately. The longer weight stays on you the harder it is to get off. I would imagine you would be messing up your metabolic reset totally.
Ladies!
This forum is supposed ot be fun and encouraging. everyone is allowed their opinion. I have personally been positively effected by both ladies threatening to leave. Please don’t go…I need the help and read the posts every day when they come into my mailbox.
I feel like this is turning into high school! We can all get along! 🙂
On that note, I hosted my sis’s baby shower today. I unfortunately cheated a bit. not really by how much i ate but by my food choices ( I didn’t eat very much at all but everything I ate was to be strictly avoided). i don’t expect to have a good week because of it. I’m so disappointed in myself – and I can wholeheartedly say, DO NOT CHEAT. It’s not worth it. Did I mention I’ve been crazy sick to my stomach because I introduced all that fatty crap that I was so good at avoiding for the past 3 weeks? 🙁 Anyhow, back on the HCG train tomorrow and 100% will not cheat again. Good luck everyone. Be strong!
My fabulous Thai masseuse and nutrition advisor/cohort turned me on to this hCG diet. I should mention that I am the chef on an oceangoing vessel, and I have seen my share of people dieting, and most of them fail. My masseuse had me at a weak spot. I am 5’10”, weighed in at my heaviest 195 lbs with a 36″ waist. As it happened, I busted my belt twice in a row. I am not overly vain, but tall, dark and handsome just does not look good with a pot belly. I was ready to listen Ms. Masseuse and embark on this hCG wonder plan as her diet buddy. Today I can report that I lost 10 lbs in 5 days, while working 14-16 hour shifts on a bouncing ship, while cooking “full monty” breakfasts, lunches and dinners for the past 5 days at sea. I was totally surrounded by food, yet still managed to stay on this 500 calorie a day diet. However, I could not stick to the two meals per day, but instead divided it into more manageable smaller grazing meals, psychologically more in line with the three meal periods I needed to cook. The most amazing discovery was that, knowing that my food intake would be scarce, I savored and cherished every single bite. Wolfing down food is almost an occupational hazard in my business, because so much hinges on precision timing the clock all day. I did have a problem with believing the suggested VLCD food tables. I thought they lacked information and sounded dogmatic, e.g. why Hamburger but not Filet Mignon? Why grapefruit, but not pineapple? etc., etc. In time I am sure I will find the scientific backup for the prescribed diet. Until I find out, I can report that I am steadfast on the diet. It is working for me. My massage therapist diet-buddy loved the new me, told me I had the body of a young boy. How cool is that? I am 68.
It is not my intention to have people leave the forum. I’m just pointing out the obvious, and at times it gets to be more discouraging than encouraging. You both have great things to say, I just think it can be done in a non-confrontational way.
Michelle I agree with you. We are supposed to support eacah other and you see ppl arguing.. over who is right vs wrong, it’s more discouraging. If you are interested in a really good hcg support site go to yahoo groups homeopathcichcgdieters group. They are a group of wonderfully supportive people whether you stick to the strict Dr S protocol or one you Dr gave you that is different or if you cheat (they have supported me when I struggle with it) and you don’t have to be taking hhcg to be a part of the group. They are more than my support group, they are my friends and a vital part of my daily life, so much so that when I finish my tour in the Middle East I am planning on meeting a few of them in person! I really agree with what you are saying though.
Klaus,
Filet Mignon or lean ground beef? This diet is the result of years of experimentation by Dr. Simeons in Italy in the 1950’s. The foods we can eat were found by Dr. Simeons to be the most successful. He operated a very exclusive clinic in Rome (I think) “treating” thousands of people over the years. There probably is a scientific basis for the food selection, but I doubt we will ever discover what it is. My wife and I are just thankful that it works. Good losing to you. I’m not sure I could remain faithful to the diet surrounded by all the good stuff like you are. We also are 68.
Harvel
Hi Everyone!
I’m on day 4 of the VLCD and i’ve lost 7.2lbs! Very exciting!!! Ok so my concern is multi-vitamins. I really want to take them and today i bought some and took my first dosage for the day. The thing is, i read in the booklet that you should avoid fat soluble vitamins – A, D & E. Well that’s great because the vitamins i took today obviously have all those vitamins in them. Is there even a multi-vitamin out there without vit – A, D & E??? Please help!!!
P.S. Are you allowed balsamic vinegar? I heard you are, but there’s calories in them and sugar!
Tania,
great job. You are losing quickly.
You can find balsalmic vinegar without sugar in lots of stores including Walmart. Looked for those that are aged in oak.
Most health food stores are familiar with what is allowed vitamin wise on the hcg diet, so I would recommend you talk to someone there.
Harvel,
how long have you and your wife kept your weight off? What was your weight fluctuations like when you first entered phase 3? I am on day 3 of phase 3 and up 1.4lbs. Not a lot, but I would like to plane out before I hit the 2lb mark. In fact, I’d like that 1.4 to come off. Can you help me with what to expect on phase 3?
Thanks
Michelle,
sometimes pointing out the obvious is not necessary. Unfortunately, we lost 2 very insightful women with experience on this diet. While my personality is more like Debbie, I loved knowing that Sherrie was there with a pat on the back. Kind of like a grand mother. I miss them both already.
HI,
I think people need to think long and hard before choosing this diet and perhaps consult their doctor. I was so excited to start this diet as I’m a chronic pain patient and on numerous medications for neuropathy and TMJ, and have gained quite a lot of weight, even though I don’t over eat. I also had acupuncture for pain the day before I started this diet, so perhaps this also had an influence in my not tolerating this way of eating.
I tried this diet for two days, to the tee, and became so violently ill that I spent sixteen hours in bed and was very nauseous as if I had the flu. I think the combination of my medications, the chronic, unbearable pain I’m in, and the addition of this substance in my body really made me very, very sick.
I very much wanted this diet to work, spent the money on the HCG, purchased expensive Stevia, and all the foods I could eat, and still lost two days of my life because of weakness and nausea.
This diet is NOT for everyone, and I wish everyone the best who is on it. Unfortunately, it made me very, very sick, even though I had loaded up on fats for two days and did everything correctly.
I think if I would have continued, I would have ended up in the Emergency Room. Please be aware that “one size does not fit all”, and if you’re under any doctor’s care for anything at all, please consult your doctor first.
Just please be careful. I’m going back to Atkins again. I did lose weight on Atkins and wasn’t sick.
God Bless.
Tammi
Harvel,
will you please comment on your phase 3 experiences? How did your weight fluctuate, if at all? How long before you leveled off? Did you ever have a steak day? I have gained 1.4lbs since starting phase 3 2 days ago. I didn’t want even 1/2 lb to return, but I am holding off since I haven’t reached 2lbs. However, a steak day is looking inevitable.
What do you think about cocoa on phase 3? I checked it out and it is 0 on the glycemic index. You can buy pure, 100% cocoa powder, unsweetened. I mixed it up with some butter and stevia and dipped my strawberries in it. Since Dr. Simeons says add back fats, dairy, veggies, not starch or sugar, it seems that this should be ok… Wonder if it is making me gain weight?
I would appreciate your input.
Thanks
Tammi,
maybe you really were sick. Have you ever been pregnant? Did you get sick when you were pregnant? Maybe that is the cause. You are the first person I have heard of who had a side effect other than a mild head ache, and believe me, I did my research well before I started hcg.
So sorry it didn’t work for you, but I would encourage you to try again before you totally give it up.
Hi Tami,
There is a product that is able to be used for people who can not use the hcg for whatever reason. It is designed for people who are even on medications for different health conditions. You may want to check out the website and you can have direct contact also with the Dr. who created the product. The protocol is almost exactly as the hcg diet but is less restrictive. The nice thing about it is there is a money back guarantee and you also can talk to someone about your personal conditions. Email me if you have interest and I will forward to you the website. I don’t want to post it here in case there is conflict of interest somehow. dpswab@gmail.com.
Tammi,
The reason you were so ill when first starting the hcg diet is that hcg releases trapped toxins that are stored in your bad fats. Your reaction was very normal for some who has been through what you have. It is a good idea and recommended before starting the hcg diet to do a good liver / whole body cleanse first. Not everyone has such a violent reaction but mostly see it in a acne type of break out. In fact it seems with each round I have done ( my 3rd ) my scalp breaks out and I have never had that problem before and it goes away once the hcg is out of my system.
Janet,
My wife and I finished the second round of the diet before Thanksgiving and Christmas last year. We knew we would be travelling over the holidays and didn’t want to fuss with the diet. Maybe the holidays weren’t the best test for lasting results. Your question RE: Ph3. We were able to hold our weights at the plus/minus 2 pound limit. I didn’t need a “steak day”; my wife needed one. The real problem comes with Ph4 when there are no limits and the temptation is to return to old habits. I gained back 7 pounds of the 61 I had lost and stabilized there. I was pleased. My wife gained back about 5 pounds of the 33 she had lost and that stabilized for her. We started back on the diet on January 1st. I had a heart attack (67 years old) and went off the diet, for obvious reasons, not the least of which was 4 days of hospital food. My wife continued the diet and dropped another 7 pounds in 3 weeks. She is very close to her minimum weight, although she still has a “fat” image of herself and insists that her body do what she wants it to do. I, on the other hand, gained back about half of the 61 pound loss. If you want to gain weight, here’s how to do it: have a heart attack, get 4 stents installed, stop smoking, sit at home feeling sorry for yourself and eat lots of comfort food. It’ll do it every time. I really feel that having lost all that weight made the heart attack less serious than it otherwise might have been. So, the answer to your question, in my experience, is to expect to gain a little after Ph3 and then stabilize–assuming you don’t return to pre-diet eating habits. Hope my brief history helps.
I doubt the cocoa is the primary cause of your weight gain. I suspect you are simply taking in too many calories. The initial target for Ph3 is 1500 calories per day. That has to be adjusted up or down for each individual. I needed 1900, my wife needed between 1100 and 1200. Keep a daily log of calories and weight and adjust accordingly.
Harvel
Thanks Harvel. I’ll count the calories and see how it goes. I have been eating between 1200 – 1500. Before hcg I gained weight on 1200, which is why I did the diet. That simply wasn’t enough food for me in a day, although I was eating a lot of the “wrong” foods. I was hoping to replace those with good foods (which I am doing in phase 3) to really change my metabolism as the diet says, and the whole reason I did this diet. The weight loss is great, and needed to happen, but the metabolic change is really what I am after.
I have decided if I’m up any more tomorrow I will do a steak day. I really liked my final weight before starting phase 3. I am short so even a lb makes a difference.
I’m glad you are feeling better. You know, at 67 its a big deal to lose 61 lbs. That is a great testimony of determination to live a healthy and active life.
Thanks for your input. Blessings on you and your wife!
Janet,
Remember if you don’t eat enough calories in a day your body goes into starvation mode and keeps all your calories eaten that day. When you eat more calories in one day your body will get rid of what it doesn’t need and not store unwanted fat.
Eating too little in a day is how I gain weight, now after 30 yrs I have figured out that if I feed my body the right way it will keep only what is needed for fuel and not store all that ugle fat.
Wow – 5 days on VLCD and down 9.2 lbs. So excited. Didn’t drop as much yesterday but I think I had a little too much fruit. I made this fabulous asian lettuce wraps for my family party and didn’t indulge. I saved some of the chicken and cooked it up with onion and seasonings and put that in my lettuce wraps. Not quite as good but still tasty. And I didn’t have rice or dessert. Wasn’t hard to pass up either. I was very proud but wish I’d stuck more closely to the fruit. Oh well, can’t complain with 9.2 lbs gone. I’m wearing a pair of pants today and I wouldn’t have worn a week ago. Feels good!!
Hey Cindy,
have you done phase 3? What have your experiences been?
Janet,
Yes I am on round 3, I loved P3 and P4. Watched my calories and only did a stead day 1 time and that was my own fault of miscounting calories.
Cindy, would you share with me your weight fluctuations on phase 3? Did you go up immediately after starting? How much? How much weight did you have to lose in the beginning? Were you close to your goal? You only did a steak day one time? What kinds of foods did you eat? May I ask how tall you are and what you weigh? I know that’s personal, but I only want to know for analytical reasons. But if you are not comfortable sharing that I completely understand!
Thanks
Now I’m wondering if I’ve been doing something wrong with the injection for the last three weeks. I bought the Hucog 5000 and I still have a lot left even after three weeks! Probably a good 1/3 of the small vial. I’m wondering if I put too much water in it and that’s why I’m hungry all the time!
I’ve been losing a little slower because I’ve had to adjust my protein intake every day because I’m so friggin hungry! I usually eat about 4 oz and a little less veggies/fruit. Thirteen pounds in 25 days. It’s got to be working because I’ve lost almost 5″ in my waist, right?
For those that had to mix it themselves, how much water did you add when you mixed it?
Janet,
Write to me at clong612 at gmail.com
Donna,
How much did you mix? and how much are you injecting? I have been a bit hungry in the mornings so I have been increasing my dose a little bit every couple of days to see if that will help. So far I have not been overly hungry and drinking lots of water helps me stay on track.
Cindy, I’m pretty sure I added 25cc of water. Could I have screwed up? Maybe I didn’t do 25cc?!! Geesh.
I take 20iu every day, today I did 25iu, and still hungry. I wonder if I wasn’t looking when I mixed it and put in more water than I should have? I should see how much I have left and that would be a good determination of how much water I put in.
WOW you added 25ml/cc’s???
thats too much! IF the sample came lypholized- meaning freezed dried that meant you were to add the ampule(2ml) or 1-2mls of either sterile normal saline or sterile water, and mix, then add an additional 8mls in a seperate vial combine with the bottle you just mixed, to make a total of 10ml!! The daily amount was supposedly not to exceed 200 or 40units, BUT sounds like you over diluted the HCG so for you to go over may not be necessarily a bad thing!!
Then that makes me a complete dope. I just followed the directions on hcgdietinfo and I just went back and looked and there it says… 25cc of sterile water. Now what? I’ve survived 3 weeks on this low dose and hungry the whole time! Should I double up then and do 40cc? I guess what I’m worried about is from all I’ve read that people who take HCG vs. not don’t have the long term results. Now that I’ve been taking this diluted stuff, am I going to get fat all over again? ARRGGGGHHH. I’ve lost 13 lbs so far in 25 days and almost 5″ around my waist.
Donna,
If you added 25cc of water to a bottle containing 5000 IU of HCG, the concentration would be 200 IU per cc. If that’s what you did, that’s OK. However, you said you were taking 20 and 25 IU which would be about a tenth of a cc. That isn’t nearly enough. No wonder you are hungry. According to Dr. Simeons, the dosage by injection of HCG is a minimum of 125 IU to a maximum of 200 IU per day in one injection. At the dilution you think you used, 200 IU/cc, that would be between 0.63 cc (just above the “6” mark on a 1 cc insulin syringe) and 1.0 cc.
Hope this helps clear up some confusion, Harvel
Hi everyone
has anyone tried those Miracle Noodles on this vlcd? If so can you tell me how they were and what you did with them? Thanks
Donna,
Your solution isn’t weak. In fact, it’s about right. I don’t think you’ve been taking enough of it. How much are you putting in the syringe? Doubling to 40 IU won’t be enough either. Yet, you have lost about 1/2 pound a day which is about to be expected for a female. Even if you’ve been hungry all the time, I gotta hand it to you for sticking it out.
Harvel
Dawn,
I haven’t run across the term “40 units.” What is it? The only measure of potency I have heard of for HCG is International Units.
Help, Harvel
Thanks Harvel! Wow, you think I would have gotten the basics of mixing straight before I started this! No wonder I was never a fan of chemistry and it’s now no wonder I’m hungry! Starting tomorrow, just above the 6 mark it is! I actually ate a few spoonfuls of plain quinoa tonight, I couldn’t stand the hunger. Wow, maybe I can finish this last 5 lbs off in a week and just get ‘er done now without this hunger! I’m excited to wake up tomorrow! Thanks again!
I have actually eaten the shiratake yam noodles from asianfoodgrocer dot com (they ship very slow thought), which are similar. I’ve got to say, they aren’t bad! I’ve had them twice on P2 now. I rinsed the heck out of them and drained them well. I put some chicken broth in a pan, added fresh garlic and ginger and sauteed it, added the noodles in it and then added a little soy sauce Pretty good!
Thanks Donna
I just made some. I sauted 4 oz of shrimp, onions and garlic in a little garlic oil. Then added the noodles with a lttle tiger sauce. Hubby and I split a 14 oz package. I feel so stuffed I could die. But yet ate only about 150 calories. Since hubby liked them (he’s on the diet too) they may just take the place of pasta later. Hope they are scale friendly in the morning. Lol
I am wondering if any one else has experienced major hair loss on this diet? This is my second round and I can’t believe how much hair I have been losing. I have been taking a multi-vitamin and everything.
Day 4 on phase 3… happy to report a loss of .4lbs at weigh in. That is after 3 days of gains .8, .6, .2. Didn’t reach the 2 lb mark, but figured today would be a steak day. So happy the scale went the other way! What did I do differently? I made sure I ate mega protein, 2 apples, and I did count calories for the day. I ate the same foods I ate on days 1&2 with the exception of my homemade choc sauce for strawberries. It is gluten, starch and sugar free, very low calories, but maybe cocoa just isn’t part of the plan. Not sure, but I will add it back tomorrow and see what the results are. It could of just been my body adjusting to more/different food. I’ll keep you all posted, but needless to say, I am so stoked. So far, I’m not really craving anything. My mind wanted chocolate which is why I made the choc sauce. I have never felt better in my life!
Yes, a friend was just telling me this the other day. she has been on the diet since November. She said it was researched and proven that you can experience hair loss. She said she has lost quite a bit of weight and is now trying to decide if staying on longer is worth her losing all this hair.
Hope this helps. Wished I could offer more info on where she got her answers.
Hi Amanda,
This was my primary concern before starting the diet. I’ve been on P2 for 5 days and so far nothing major has happened. I think it’s maybe more long term. Anyways i was told to take 5000 micrograms of Biotin tablets per day. I’m also going to take magnesium tablets as well which has also been clinically proven to assist with hair loss.
Any rapid weight-loss results in major hair loss/thinning for some people. It happened to my friend who did a similar diet but without the HCG. Technically it’s unhealthy to lose weight so fast. Not so good for the body however, it’s a risk i’m willing to take.
Hi everyone!
Day 6 of the VLCD and i’ve lost 8.2lbs! Woohoo! Ok so here are some major concerns i have and i hope someone can help:
1. Are any of you taking multi-vitamins? You’re not supposed to take vit A, D & E but where can i find a multi-vitamin without them? I went to all the stores and they have no idea about the HCG diet.
2. I’m curious to know how many drops people are taking per day. I started on 36 (6×6) total then was told to do 16 (4×4) because i felt taking my dose 6 times per day was crazy. But i heard one injection is equivalent to 30 drops.
3. Has anyone completed P2 then basically ate crazy ‘illegal’ foods in P3? Was all the weight put back on entirely? Curious.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Lets shed those pounds people!!! 🙂
I wasn’t going to come back on here, but there are some questions being asked that I can answer from my own personal experience.
First of all Tania, congratulations on the weight loss, you’re doing awesome!
I take B12(from walmart) and potassium glocosamine(also from walmart and very cheap). Those were the ones on my sheet to take.
I do 10 drops 3 x a day(1/2 hour before I eat).
I am on p3 now, will go back to p2 with loading starting this weekend. I have lost 3.8 lbs since last drop day, but am eating. I don’t count calories and I have continued walking anywhere from 1.25 to 1 1/2 miles a day, then sometimes if it’s nice out in the evening, will go for another stroll. You don’t want to eat illegal foods on p3. I am eating very healthy, and believe it or not, the foods I was planning on eating this weekend for load days don’t even appeal to me anymore. I was always craving chocolate before, and now the only thing chocolate I eat are my cocoa covered almonds with 100 calories in them. I hope and pray you continue to do so well
Amanda, I wish I had the website(a Drs website) that I had found about a month ago on the hair loss. It did say some people experience that. The hair will grow back. My beauticians daughter was also losing hair, so the beautician changed the shampoo for her daughter and it slowed down. It’s really nothing to be concerned about.
Sherrie –
I am very happy you have returned 🙂
Well, I’ve come back with a whole new attitude, and no chocolate cravings.
Brynn, how are you doing on the diet hon?
I have 35 lbs to go. Will do the load days again this coming weekend and then 3 weeks of the 500 calories. I have some of the real hcg coming, but it won’t be in for a couple weeks, so will use that on the next and hopefully last round.
Hi everyone 🙂
I just wanted to give a quick update on my progress on this diet. Round 1, Day 25 for me. I’m down 17.5 pounds, woohoo! It’s about a .7 pound loss per day. I am estatic! 🙂
I have not been on my drops for the past 3 days because of my TOM. I don’t feel like my hunger has risen or anything. So I think my last day on my drops will be next Monday; then I will start Round 2 of this diet in hopes of losing another 20 pounds. I am excited and hopeful to get down to my goal weight soon. Ideally, from right here and now, I have about 40 more pounds to lose. I’m hoping to lose 5 pounds in the next 5 days so that I can then hope for a 25 pound loss on my Round 2…all wishful thinking 🙂 Whatever happens, and however much I lose, I will be thankful. Every day that I step on the scale I am so grateful for what I’ve already lost and kept off!
One question – for anyone that has done a back-to-back round of this diet: Did you notice in the second round that the weight comes off more slowly? I’m wondering if I should prepare myself for that.
Thanks everyone – good luck on the scale today 🙂
You’re doing AWESOME! I’ve lost 12.5 lbs and we started almost the same time. Good for you! Whoot! Whoot! This will be my last weekend on this because I am off to Boston next Sunday, so my last drop day will be next Tue or Wed!
way to go Brynn!!! I wish I were there to give you a {hug}. You need to go to p3 though for about 3 weeks up to 6 weeks. The sheet I got with my drops says
You can continue this Stabilization period longer or cut it shorter and jump back into the hcg/diet again, but 3 weeks is a
good length of time for this. If you begin the diet again before 2 weeks, you do not need to gorge again, but just begin low
cal diet. So please go to p3 for at least awhile(stabilization).
I will let you know how I do on my next p2, but I have been told by ones that have done p2 again, that it does come off slower. My guess would be it has to do with maybe you not having as much to lose. But that is just a guess
Okay, I asked the RN behind me about the hair loss(I’m thinking what I had read, and this may not be right), but something to do with something that would have happened on down the road anyway, and the hcg just sped it up.
The nurse said she only knows one person that had happened too, and that the lady stayed on it anyway until she was done losing all her weight. Her hair did come back to normal
I’m on day 7 of the vlcd and have lost 9.2 lbs. It dropped really quick at first and yesterday was .4 and today nothing. Staying positive though because I know it will continue to come off.
Can someone explain to me exactly how the phases work? After I finish this first round of drops, how long do I wait to start them again and what can I eat? I hear people talking about on p3 and going back to p2. I just don’t understand how all that works. PLEASE HELP!! 🙂
Jennifer, you lost exactly what I did on my first week. My first set of load days I ate, but the first day I lost a pound and the 2nd day gained it back. I ended up being the same weight on load days as I was the day I started the vlcd. If you need me to look for you, I will look and see how I did after the first week, but I think after that I averaged around 3 1/2 lbs a week
You’re on p2, after your 26 or 40 days, you go on p3 where you add back everything except sugar and starch. Some things say to stay on that 6 weeks, my paper with my drops said I could go back to p2 anytime, even though 3 weeks is better. If you go back to p2 before 2 weeks, you don’t have to do load days, if it’s after 2 weeks you can do load days again
Woohoo Sherrie! Thanks for the response. I was just curious because, my mum is coming to visit me for a month in June and i will just be transitioning on to phase 3. I haven’t seen her in 3 years (I’m Australian and married an American so it’ hard to see/visit family). I know for a “fact” that i will eat foods i’m not supposed to however, i will try my best to stay on track and/or at least eat in moderation. I’m of Italian heritage so mum is even bringing a pasta maker!!! I’m doomed! But it’s ok because i love the diet and whatever happens i will go straight back on it when she leaves! Not that i’m making excuses but, food is a part of our culture and i really want to enjoy being with my mum… even if i just have a mouthful of something for the taste. I’m going to do some walking too to help with any weight gain.
One other thing, did you ever eat “imitation” crab in P2???
Hi Brynn, I did P3, then P4 for about a little over a month before returning to the diet. The first round I lost 25lbs in 30 days and this past time I lost 15 in 33 days. I have yet to hear from someone that they lost just as much the second time as their first. I didn’t change anything that I did. I knew going into my second round that more than likely I would not lose as much, but I am happy with what I have lost. Good luck!
Tania, have a great time with your Mother. My son and his g-friend are coming for a visit in June also. I will just be going back to p3 when they get here, so I know I will be fine.
Phase 3 is very easy, but you don’t want sugar or starches during that phase. You have done so very well, and you could take a chance of putting everything back on that you’ve worked so hard to lose, and I would hate to see that and you would be so disappointed if you did.
The pasta maker you can use on p4. Try very hard not to cheat, it’s so hard getting going again..You know in your heart you can do this..!
Sherrie,
Welcome back. I was sorry to see you go.
Harvel
Hi There:
Day 1 of 500 cal (Phase 1) today and was amazed how full I could be on just 250 calories. a lettuce wrap with turkey, stone ground mustard, cherry tomatoes and sprouts. Also had an apple and some strawberries for desert. I also snacked on celery sticks and drinking green tea with mint plus water water. Good to see some folks results here, gives me an idea of what the average expectation might be. I did see a comment about multi-vitamins. Are we supposed to avoid those? Also, I was taking fish oil but stopped it for this diet. Was that necesssay or a good idea? Thanks
Hey Britt, actually you are on phase 2 🙂 Phase 1 I believe(and correct me if I’m wrong) is the cleanse. Some people do it and some don’t. Also you don’t want to have 2 fruits with dinner, nor are you supposed to eat more than one vegetable at one meal, although some will mix some of the veggies, I know I was, but not going too the next round of p2.
I wouldn’t do fish oil myself while on the diet, but maybe someone else will chime in that knows for sure
Good luck on your new journey
Thanks so much Harvel. I’ve missed you too buddy! I had a question for you earlier, but of course forgot what it was. If I think of it I’ll shoot it to you~
Dr. Simeons would say not do do the fish oil during phase 2. That is added fat that you shouldn’t have during this phase. Add it back during phase 3.
And Sherrie, glad to see you have returned. Blessings on you!
Tania, your decision on how to eat during you Mum’s visit is going to depend entirely upon your goals for yourself and your emotions regarding your weight and dieting in general. If you don’t mind re-gaining what you have lost and starting the 500 cals all over again, then you won’t mind eating what you like when your Mum is here. If you are emotional, get really discouraged when you gain weight, making you want to just go ahead and eat the kitchen sink, then my recommendation would be DON’T CHEAT! You can enjoy your Mum and the foods you are suppose to eat on phase 3. There are some great ways to enjoy phase 3 that don’t include starch and sugars…..
I have been making my own chocolate sauce:
2 Tbl coconut oil or butter
1Tbl cocoa powder (unsweetened with nothing added, pure 100% cocoa powder)
Stevia to taste…
Mix that up and dip your strawberries, apples or nuts in it for a great chocolate treat.
Non-fat greek yogurt is a staple ingredient for phase 3. It can be used to make up just about any food.. I have used it in my homemade peanutbutter, salad dressings and even the chocolate sauce mentioned above. Add flavored stevia to it for a nice fruity dessert.
Whatever you decide, it is up to you. My personal recommendation is DON’T CHEAT ON PHASE 3. This is THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE WHOLE DIET. If you cheat, you will basically be starting again from scratch. Again, that’s up to you.
Blessings on you whatever you decide. And no matter what, enjoy your Mum.
Let me know how friendly the scale is!
Hello everyone. Hope you are doing well 🙂
Well I am down 3 more pounds since my last injection and tomorrow is day one of P3 for me.
Funny, I have an awards dinner tomorrow night (my company won) and I am hoping there is something I can have on P3 to eat. Otherwise, I’ll pack two apples to have with me, just in case.
Missed everyone. Sorry I take things seriously and my personality is to stick to something like glue. I only want to be sure we share legitimate advise. Not our best guess as to what that is. I am hoping that everyone here is as healthy and successful as I have been so far. No one should feel this is a confessional to ask forgiveness or ask permission, to cheat. Do we understand, yes. Would we support you, yes. But I hope that you all have the strength to get through this well.
My reasoning. I hate dieting. I hate how limited this is. I want to get through it and I want it to work so I don’t have to do it again. Plain and simple, that’s my attitude and maybe it will help one or some of you.
Have a good evening!
Debbie
Harvel, I have a question for you:
What are your thoughts on having ground turkey(26 grams of protein) on p2 instead of the ground beef?
And let me clarify, I mean the jennie o ground turkey
Sherrie.
I don’t have any particular thoughts about lean ground turkey during Ph2. Dr. Simeons didn’t include turkey in his list of permissible foods, so we avoided it. My wife and I talked about including turkey. While we guessed that there just wasn’t that much turkey in Italy during the 1950’s and that was why it wasn’t on the food list, Dr. Simeons didn’t say we could so we didn’t.
On another point, unless you can find organic (better yet, organic AND range-fed) turkey, much of the commercial turkey meat available in the United States could be suspected of having a lot of additives in it.
Debbie: I appreciate your “tough love” attitude in dieting! But I’m a “hold no punches” kind of gal and I’m the same way. I like your mindset and diligence in getting ‘er done! I’ve found on many boards I particpate in that sometimes when you put things in words, it’s taken in a tone that’s completely different from what somebody intended. I know you intend to be helpful and I like it! Quite frankly, while some people may cheat (and I’m not talking an extra oz of protein), they have to understand it is going to adversely affect their dieting. You really have to start this diet knowing you have to give it all up for at least 3 weeks. Years ago I went to weight watchers. They went around the room and one gal said she couldn’t exercise because everytime she got on the floor, her dog wanted to play. The audience consoled her. The other guy was a chef and couldn’t diet. The audience consoled him. The other girl was doing a neighbor house hopping party that weekend and over indulged. The audience consoled her. And finally another girl worked all day with no break so by the time she got home she was starving and binged. Again, the audience consoled her. And I’m sitting there like “what the???” and never returned! So that’s my take.. I like your style and I’ll leave it at that.
SO… with that here’s my whine which I’ve put off now for awhile. Let me recap when my little boy died 2 years ago, I packed on 20 lbs. I was normally around 120ish. I’ve been bouncing between 126-127 now for 5 days!! NO LOSS! I’ve done an apple day and went to 126, and have stayed. I need to lose at least 4 more lbs and I don’t care what this body thinks is right! I’m only 5’1″ and don’t want a muffin top!
The other thing is thanks to the people here, I found out I was not injecting enough HCG. So yesterday I bumped it up.
WHAT DO HERE folks? I’m drinking Smooth Move (which tastes like crap btw). I’m giving up my melba today. The things I’ve done “wrong” in 5 days are as follows:
-replaced melba with .2 oz of that Eziekiel bread (which is allowed) twice
-had 2 spoonfuls of quinoa (which is allowed) when I was starving BUT I already had 2 proteins that day. That still kept my calories in line though.
-mixed lettuce with tomato and onion on my burger. I actually bought my own round steak trimmed all the fat off and ground it myself!
-not eating organic chicken
-eating 4 oz of shrimp rather than 3.5 because I needed the calories
Signed, frustrated in CT
Hi Donna,
First and foremost, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Nothing like grief, depression and loss to cause weight gain. Not moving and eating comfort foods. I’ve been there. I’m so sorry.
On your dieting… I am not sure if you are doing anything wrong. Our bodies do tend to plateau. I’m not sure what day of how many you are on but now that you are injecting properly, I’d give it a few days and see what happens. HCG does more that make you not hungry. The principal behind it is that it goes after the fat stores. In effect, you are burning 2500-3000 calories a day. Well, we know our intake! Basically, burning that much, makes you feel full. So, if you weren’t taking enough, and you were hungry, my guess is that things will kick in and it wasn’t working like it should!
Stay the course a few days and let me know. Best wishes!
Debbie
and Donna, I take smooth move capsules, not the tea. I didn’t like it either
Debbie
STEAK DAY 🙁 Hope this sets me back 2lbs and I don’t ever climb back up the ladder again!:)
Donna, I agree with Debbie. Your body probably needs a couple of days to get in the groove now that you have figured out the right amount of hcg. I would also recommend a strict adhereance to Dr. Simeons protocol while you are getting back on track (don’t mix your veggies, etc.) I am also short, and I know just a few extra lbs makes a huge difference. Actually, I weigh every morning, but I always know before I get on the scale if it will be up or down. I can tell by the way my middle feels.
Your determination will get you to your goal. Just hang in there. If you don’t budge in a day or two, do another apple day. It should be easier with the right amount of hcg in your system.
Keep us posted as to how you do. I am betting that you will get on the scale and there will be a substantial loss!
Hey Donna, something I thought of to encourage you about what your body thinks is right… Dr. Simeons says that as long as you are not hungry while taking hcg, you have not reached your statistically correct weight. Therefor, you really probably are just on a plateau that will break soon. Hang in there!
Also, I wanted to say how sorry I am for the loss of your son. No words can express how deeply that must hurt. I don’t know you, so I will just throw this out and you can do with it whatever you want… I am a follower of Jesus Christ, and I know, no matter what the circumstances, even when it makes absolutely no sense to us, He has this entire world under control. If you want to talk further about that, send me your email and I’ll be happy to chat with you.
Blessings on you today dear Donna!!!
This too shall pass! I’m sorry you have to do a steak day! Best wishes. Those first few days of p3 are tough.
Debbie
Thanks Harvel. I watch the Biggest loser and the one they always show is Jennie O’s ground turkey and it’s 99% fat free. I was just thinking with being able to have chicken and it being poultry, that the real lean turkey would be okay too. I need to go see if I can find a website for her and see what the ingredients are in it.
I’ve never actually had a turkey burger and so don’t even know if I would like it.
I did eat veal sirloin last time and it was pretty good..
Good luck Janet. I did steak day one time right when I started pretty much on p3.
I lost 2.2 lbs that night.
Dear Frustrated in CT –
I feel your pain! I hate when I get to those stall periods, but my body always seems to make up for it. I’ll stay at the same weight for 2-3 days and then lose 3 pounds. I have found that my body seems to react by being at least a day, if not 2 days, behind what I do on this diet (i.e. if I eat fewer than 450 calories and drink lots of water one day, I lose more not the next day but the day after).
My suggestion – drink a TON of water today, and I mean a ton (where you’re peeing at least twice an hour {TMI?!}). Maybe that will help flush your system a bit. I find that the days I go way over my water intake are the ones where I seem to lose the most. You’d think that would make me drink like that every day, but some days I’m just not feeling the 2 gallons of water!
Good luck – we’re all here with ya!
Signed,
Determined in Dallas 🙂
Sherrie & Harvel –
I just had a few tidbits to add.
For one, I am not eating organic meat…eek! I know, I know, I should. But, it seems to be working okay. I’m eating very little chicken on this diet (I’ve only eaten it twice in 26 days) and I eat all beef (96/4). Which leads to me to next point…
Right before I started this diet I was reading a book called “In Defense of Food”. It’s basically about how all manufactured food is bad and has all these additives and whatnot. I had changed my diet before starting the HCG plan by eating fruits for snacks and no more boxed meals (like macaroni, cups of noodles & such). There is a section in the book that says how we all need to eat organic everything and protein is a big hot spot. Which leads me to my next point…
The author says there very few limitations on what can be called “Organic” when the food people package something. So when looking for beef, chicken and eggs, it must say the following in order to truly be organic with no antibiotics and additives:
Chicken / Eggs: “Pastured”
Beef: “100% Grass Fed” or “Grass Finished”
Having those notations are the only way to truly get the organic and free roaming that we think of in our heads. There is a website called http://www.eatwild.com with a directory of store in each city/state that sells these types of meat. Unfortunately in Dallas, there are only 2 stores even remotely close to me. And they’re both still about 30 miles away.
Anyhow, just wanted to let y’all know, I’m not trying to be bossy or nosy or whatever. it’s just frustrating to me how we assume that when a package says organic, we can no longer assume that we’re bing told the truth.
There’s my soapbox.
2.2lbs would be great! Praying for at least 2! I hope that at the end of phase 3 I am truly stable. I think yesterday there must have been some sugar in the salsa I ate at lunch. ( I used it for salad dressing). The server said no sugar, but spoke little English, so not sure if she understood! LOL
Does anyone know, if I accidentally get a starch or sugar during this phase, am I doomed to put all the weight back on? Or do I just extend phase 3 a bit? I really want stabilization to do its job. I want a re-set metabolism, not just a tempoarary weight loss!
Way to go Debbie! Keep up the good work 🙂
Also, very glad to have you back. And I agree, I hate dieting too. Not really because of the menu that’s allowed on the HCG plan, I’m not bored with the food yet. But I want to be be social and go have a beer with my friends or eat a really, really good big, fat salad and mix a ton of vegatables! But I will wait until all this fat is gone! We shall succeed!
But just think – soon enough, you’ll be finished with Phase 3 and onto being able to eat “normal” again – albeit in smaller portions 🙂
Janet, as everyone tells me, quit worrying, you’re over thinking things. LOL
I do eat some sugars on p3, even though we’re not supposed too, I do eat my yogurt, and although I look for the one with the least amt of sugar, it still has some(yoplait fat free). I started p3 2 weeks ago from this last Monday, which was my last drop day). I was actually down almost 5 pounds, and believe me, I’ve been eating. Right now, I have 2 scrambled eggs, a yogurt, glass of milk, strawberries and cantaloupe. I’m not trying to lose, but I feel right now if I lose a little, I won’t complain,as this weekend I start my load days, and I know the scale and I will be having some words. LOL
Thank you Donna, Sherrie & Sherie. I’m feeling great. Of course I would love to be losing a pund a day – but down 17.5 in 25 days is fine by me! 🙂
As for P3 – the clinic wher I’m going for my HCG allows for back-to-back sessions. So my plan is to finish my drops on Monday (I think that’s when they might be done) and then head right into another P2. I initally planned on going onto P3 for the 3 weeks, but then my doctor said it was fine to do them back to back. All the nurses in the clinic are on their second round of P@ and none took a break. I’m confused as to what to do. I want this weight off NOW. I’m tired of being fat and I’m so much happy with the slimmer me and I just want to get to a decent size. I’m veryhard on myself but as I told y’all in the very beginning, I gained 60 pounds in 8 months so this fat me is not something I am used to yet. AGH!
Anyhow – I will discuss it further with my doctor and see what she thinks about the back to back rounds. Then I’ll go from there.
Also, I was talking to a friend yesterday and told her I was doing this. She said her mom had done it and lost a lot of weight but then she gained it all back. I’m hoping she just veered off the protocol and that won’t happen to me. I am so terrified of gaining any weight back 🙁
Brynn, I’m not going to tell you what to do sweetie, but I would still do a p3 for at least a couple weeks and give your body a rest, unless you’ve only been on the diet for 3 weeks, but if you’ve done 6 weeks, I would take at least a 2 1/2 – 3 week break and do p3. I feel that you need to stabilize for a short time. Heck, I’m still losing an average of 2 lbs a week on p3 and not even trying too. I just feel this is important for your body, and also to gain control over your life. My friend has stayed on the drops(750 calories) since November 7th, she is down close to 100 lbs. but I have a feeling since I’m sure her body is actually immune to the meds by now, that she is going to be in for a big let down when she does come off the drops. If you take a short break, you can also see how your body is going to do on the stabilization. Please think about it. 2 1/2 – 3 weeks is not much time.
And you will also continue to lose inches over that time also
Sherrie, there are yogurts available that do not have “added” sugar in the ingredients. I’m sure you are aware, but for everyone else reading this who may not be, your ingredients and nutrition facts ARE NOT THE SAME. The nutrition facts lable shows sugar, which comes from the milk in the yogurt. The yogurts without added sugar are allowed foods on phase 3. Have you ever tried the non-fat greek yogurt? It is thick, like sour cream. You can add stevia to it, or flavored protein powder with your stevia, whatever you like. The greek yogurt is VERY high in protein, and you can get the non-fat variety.
I love yogurt, and didn’t think I would like this. Put it is so much more filling and satisfying than pre-mixed fruit yogurts. Try it and tell us what you think. You will be cutting the unwanted sugars and gaining a protein boost. Oikos brand is the best I have found for high protein. There are others, but this one is truly the best for nutritional value.
There are also many other things you can use this yogurt for: I make salad drsssing with it, I add it to my home made peanutbutter for a smooth, creamy texture, I have put it in my home made chocolate sauce, I mix it up with some dill pickle juice for a home made mayo for egg salad and tuna salads… this is a great versatile staple product for us hcg dieters!
THANKS SHERRIE!
That makes sense. I appreciate the info.
We have greek yogurt, but everyone of those I looked at had more sugar in them than the fat free yoplait, so I got the one with the least amt of sugar in it. The one thing that has always thrown me is the nutritional facts and the ingredients. Never knew which one to follow for sure. My bacon on nutritional doesn’t have sugar on it, but the ingredients say sugar. So Janet, the answer is NO, that has been confusing to me since day one! 🙂 So, you look at the ingredients and not the nutritional facts? I know a lot of people are picking the greek yogurt up, but when I looked at the nutritional label and saw all that sugar, I put it back down and got the lowest as I said above
Good Morning, Everyone,
Some short comments on things you have been saying:
1) Stalling. If you stall out at a particular weight, it may be that that weight is one where you were for quite a while at some time in the past . The body actually has “set points” of weight and you may have found one of them.
2) Stalling. This diet empties fat cells pretty quickly. So quickly, in fact, that the body gets behind in the process of destroying and recycling the empty cells. The body will use water as a temporary space filler. Water weighs more than fat–no weight loss for a little while. Dr. Simeons said that a stall can last, sometimes, as long as a week.
3) Water intake. The formula I used for my wife and me was to divide our weight in half and drink that number of ounces/day. Eg, If I weigh 220#, half that is 110. I would try to drink 110 ounces of water.
4) Sherrie: We like turkey burgers and I think you will too–for Phases 3 & 4.
My advice to all of you: Don’t stress. Follow the protocol. Don’t cheat–it’s only for a few weeks. Have faith. This thing works!
Harvel
Sherrie –
On Monday, I will be exactly 31 days into the diet, minus 4 off the drops because of my time of the month. So that’s 27 days on the drops. I’m assuming the next round would be identical, so it would mean a total of 54 days on the diet (52 of them being the VCLD, accounting for the first 2 initial days of gorging in Round 1).
So with that being said, does that change your opinion?
Harvel –
You’re the wise man on this site. It’s like a treat when you post 🙂
Harvel: another question.
This isn’t good. I have been on p3 for a little over 2 weeks(last drop day was 2 weeks ago last Monday). Well, I was up and down in the first week and think I ended up down a pound the first week. Well, when I weighed this morning, I was 4 lbs down from last Wednesday. I am eating a lot of calories, infact close to 500 just for breakfast alone. What could be causing this??? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated
Brynn, I did the 6 weeks the first time, it got really hard on me starting the 3rd week in to it, and that’s when I failed for the first time. I just think the body needs a little rest, and yes I still feel this way. I have a problem of losing too much on p3 and as much as I want to finish getting the weight off, I was wanting to maintain better than I am. I just calculated and as you probably saw above, I have lost 4 lbs this week and yet am eating a lot of calories.
It’s going to have to be your decision, but I still think I would wait at least 2 weeks if I were you. You won’t have to do the load days over again unless you just want too. Whatever you decide, I’m here for you. Just keep up the good work!!
hey friends, im trying to post from my phone as im sitting trying to see the dr. after a week long sinus infection. I apologize in advance for spelling and grammar 🙂
thank you for sharing daily. I read every post and am thankful too you for taking the time to share.
sherrie- after seeing what you eat for breakfast alone, im beginning to think im not eating enough calories in the day. I have noticed my cravings are minimal which is nice. but has shifted into new cravings like a big chicken salad for lunch and dinner. im struggling not too overdue the salty mixed nuts as those are very high in calories. anyway, thanks for posting your food intake. its a perfect reminder and just what I needed.
Janet- I love greek yogurt and love your creative ways too use it. im going to try the mayo idea for sure. I buy the plain flavor with 60 calorie and 7 grrams sugar. lowest ive been able to find. I mix with vanilla stevia, sprinkle almonds and sliced strawberries for breakfast. its only about 150 calories so I should probably have more cal. for bkfst.
dr just stepped in! thanks everyone 🙂
Rachel, yes, if you’re on p3 you need to up the calories. I am probably eating around 1400-1500 a day and really enjoying the food I’m eating. I do still eat a big salad for lunch with onions, green pepper and cucumbers, plus the cabbage and a few little pieces of carrots they put in with the mix. I also have fruit and my almonds(the 100 calorie packs) for lunch and then dinner I’ve been eating tuna fish with mayo(I prefer miracle whip, with less calories, but there are carbs and sugar in that), more veggies, more fruit and sometimes I add cottage cheese or a cheese stick. Usually I’m so full it’s hard to finish eating what’s on my plate. I don’t know what I’m going to do when our SC strawberries are done for the season the end of next month. 🙁
Sherrie,
If I read correctly, you are continuing to lose weight on PH3? If that is the case, I have a couple of suggestions:
1) Are you drinking enough water? You might be getting dehydrated.
2) How many calories are you consuming? From what I have read elsewhere, to maintain your weight you need somewhere around 13 +/- calories per pound body weight. You might want to play around with intake. Maybe add some good oils to the diet–olive oil, macadamia nut oil, coconut oil, for example. They pack a lot of calories into a tablespoon.
Harvel
Thanks Brynn!
That’s my main reason for hating dieting. I love the social life!!! And summer, is all about that in our house.
Keep up the good work Brynn! Thanks for the welcome back. Decided to be back in a limited way. Offer advise when I can, and shut up the rest of the time 🙂
And, I am great at control. Have to be. I am President of a company! People count on my tenacity!
Have a great day!
Debbie
Harvel, yes, I have lost exactly 4 lbs in a week, and I don’t like that(well I do, but you know what I mean). I don’t hardly ever drink plain water as I gag when I try, but I drink a lot of black coffee and sweet tea(with stevia), so am getting over 1/2 gallon a day. I will also on the days i work, drink 16 oz bottle of water.
I’m eating around 1400-1500 a day(3 meals) and I know with my sheet I got with my diet, it said I could have up to 4T of coconut oil a day even on p2, but my weight went up a little when I tried that. I did make my eggs with butter this morning, so will see what the scale looks like tomorrow. Usually I make them in the microwave. I am eating a big breakfast, infact this morning, had a hard time getting the yogurt down. For some reason, I’m filling up faster on p3. The things I was so looking forward to eating this weekend(load days again) that I was craving 2 weeks ago when I was making my load day list, well, lets say they don’t sound so good anymore. 🙁 I will get my tiger paw cream filled donuts, pizza and spinach calzone and milkshake, and hope I can eat them. Where has my sweets craving gone??
Sherrie,
I don’t know where you craving for sweets has gone. Bow three times to the East and thank the powers that be that those cravings are gone from your life. The reeducation of your eating habits is one of the major benefits of the HCG diet. I used to be a chocaholic (spelling?). Not anymore.
Harvel
I dont’ know where they went either, and I’m not complaining. I just hope I never have the cravings again. I do eat my cocoa flavored almonds, but those don’t taste anything like my pb cups. LOL
Awesome on the sweet cravings. That is based on yeast in our systems. Being off of starch and sugar help with that!
As far as water, caffenated coffee actually dehydrates you. Try the flavored seltzers with stevia. Great treat!!
I wouldn’t worry too much about losing still. A friend of mine dropped 10 pounds on p3 and went back to p2 for her next round. It all works itself out.
I would add healthy oils. A big part of this diet is to be healthy. Good oils are necessary for good health. Especially the heart!
Where do you get the cocoa almonds. Sounds yummy
Debbie
Sherrie, in phase 3 you should be focusing on ingredient labels. Oikos non-fat greek yogurt has NO Sugar in the ingredients, which means there is no table sugar, no “loses” of any kind added. The sugar you see on the nutrition facts label is the sugar that is naturally in dairy products. Read your milk carton and see how much sugar is in your daily cup of milk. The flavored yogurts generally have lots of chemicals in them, which will be detrimental to the re-setting of the hypothalamus. The greek yogurt is definitely allowed. I have checked it out with my hcg provider. Dr. Simeons says “add back dairy”, not sugar. That means no added sugar in the ingredients section of your foods.
If you like tomato sauce, be sure and check the ingredients label, almost every one I found has added sugar! I was making soup the other day and finally gave up because I didn’t have one can of tomatos in the house, or tomato sauce that didn’t have added sugar. Again, it’s the ingredients label that carries all of the info you need for what is in the foods you eat.
Anyway, hope this helps clarify.
Okay, I will look again. I don’t think we have that brand of greek yogurt, but I think I saw 2 different kinds of greek. I wanted to get a plain yogurt and add my strawberries to it, but when I looked at the nutritional value it had so much sugar in it, so went with the lowest sugar I could find. I will probably be going to the store later this evening and will check for sure!!
As far as tomato sauce, I haven’t had any since I’ve been on this diet, as I only use sauce like that for spaghetti, which I can’t have. Usually when we get our tomatoes out of the garden, I boil them and get the skins off then freeze them, so used to only use those for the most part.
My milk is 2% and I’m not a milk drinker, but have been making myself drink one 8 oz glass of milk in the morning.
Now, let me get this straight. nutritional label not to worry about right now, it’s the ingredients part of the label, if there is no sugar showing in that, then don’t even look at the nutritional part of it??
Thanks Debbie
The weird thing is the cravings just stopped in the last few days, so that’s why I’m kind of dreading making myself eat my donuts this weekend, but I know for this to work, I have to load right.
I do drink caffeinated coffee and pee like 2 times an hour. I will try and make myself drink my plain water today(gag). And to think a few mos ago, I was craving water and would get so thirtsy right after we got in bed that I would get up and have to drink some to quench my thirst.
Did your friend gain the 10 lbs back right away? That’s what I’m afraid is going to happen since it’s coming off so fast all of a sudden.
LOL The cocoa almonds are the “emerald” brand. I get mine at the store, but am sure walmart probably carries them too. They have boxes of I think 6 packs of 100 calories in each) and I take those with me on my work days. They are really tasty…
i don’t see mahi in the list of fish. wouldn’t it be ok?
also, can someone explain why fish oil is ‘ok’ , but salmon is not?
Mahi mahi is a white fish, therefore I would think it would be allowed.
Not sure why salmon is not allowed, maybe because it’s not white fish. I really don’t know the answer to that
Brynn, I don’t really know how to reply to this one, although I do know what you’re saying. I have to admit, I don’t get organic, and I do eat a lot of chicken(grilled). Occasionally I will pick up a head of organic lettuce, but as far as organic that’s about as far as I go. We are on a very strict budget these days since hubby took a pay cut, and organic runs you up quite a lot in grocery food bills
Walmart does carry the cocoa almonds, but in reading the ingredients they have starch added to them, probably to make the cocoa adhere to the nut.
Sherrie, right. Think of it like this: an apple has natural sugars, if an apple came with an ingredient label it would read: apple. However, the nutrition facts label would read: Serving size :1 oz, calories: 15 fat: 0 sugar: 35. But, the sugar is not added to the apple, the apple naturally contains the sugar. Like milke, if you look at the ingredients it will read something like :Grade A pasturized milk, but nutrition facts will show sugar at around 9 grams. See what I mean? Ingredients are VERY important.
steak day, I’m starving! It’s 2pm and I have a headache, I’m tired, I’m mad and I’m hungry. I am starving! Did I mention that I really want to eat? LOL Okay, I have now whined. Dinner isn’t that far away, thank the Lord!
Mahi actually is much like Salmon in its fat content, which is why it is not allowed. Too high fat. I did it albacore tuna out of a can while on phase 2. It was one of my biggest weight loss days.
I would think since it was a white fish it would be allowed. I looked on the protocol and it said white fish, so looked it up online and it is classified as white. I know tuna isn’t allowed, yet my friend who is on the 750 calories is allowed tuna, and I am eating it for dinner with mayo right now for the last 3 nights(the little can). I also get the albacore with water
I feel your pain Janet! I am also doing a steak day today…drink plenty of fluids. That’s the key to the loss. I’ve got a severe sinus infection and have been on antibiotics for a couple of days which might be why I’m over by 2lbs. Went to the Dr again this morning and he thinks it’s developing into walking pneumonia. I sure hope all the prescriptions don’t throw a wrench in my p3. I ahve a little over 1.5 weeks left until I hit p4. Do you make your own steak or go to a steakhouse and splurge on a nice steak? If you make at home what cut do you use and how do you prepare it? Hang in there… you can do it!
Rachel, when I did my steak day I had hubby grill out. I got 3 ny strips and I ate 1 1/2 of them and an apple.
The problem about going to a steak house, is you get all the other stuff with it, which makes it harder, and you would have to take your apple or tomato in with you. 🙂 plus it’s more expensive. 🙂
Hope you get better and you don’t have that turn in to walking pneumonia.
When I had a sinus infection(I didn’t know they were contagious and found out that it was). Dr gave me prescriptions too. my hubby and son went in to another Dr in the same complex and he said they go away on their own and couldn’t figure out why my dr prescribed drugs for it. My hubbys did go away on it’s own about as fast as mine did with prescriptions.
Sherrie and Everyone- remember everyone’s body reacts differently. Some things may work for one person that may not work for another. It’s trial and error with this diet. If you’re one of those readers that hates the people that cheat or don’t follow protocol than skip over this and go about your business. Everyone has their own way of doing things, especially this diet. If someone wants to try turkey, that’s their business and not yours. Haha, got that one from my shrink. And no I’m not crazy…
I tried Jennie O’ turkey on round 1 and that was the one thing that stalled me out for at least a week. It’s up to you Sherrie. Let us know, if you decide to try and how you react 🙂
Rachael, When I had a sinus infection and was on meds (both antibiotics and sudafed) I gained about 3 lbs and didn’t drop until all the meds were out of my system. Make sure you drink lots of fluids (I’m sure you are). I have a friend on different meds for different reasons and she also struggles to lose weight. Keep your head up, they will come off almost as soon as you are off the meds! 🙂 I hope you feel better soon!
I’m nervous even posting this as there are a few of you who get offended when people make suggestions outside of protocol. I apologize in advance that we don’t see eye to eye on that.
Here are a few things you may like, that I found worked for me: Remember the rule it may not work for everyone!
Walden Farms products- They have 0 cal, 0 sugar, gluten free products. The ingredients label is legit. They are pretty good actually. You could even add some stevia to the peanut butter. I’ll have to try that 🙂 I bought a few dressings, jam, peanut butter, mayo, ketchup, bbq sauce, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, chocolate dip, caramel dip and marshmallow dip. I hunted down a few different places. But since HCG is all the rage in Utah right now, more stores even since January when I first started are caring HCG friendly products. Anyway, try Walmart, local grocers, Target.
Emerald’s 100 calorie pack nuts (p3/p4 only)- These are great because it’s so easy to grab a handful of nuts, but that’s allot of calories just in that handful. I buy mine from Walmart for $2.58. They keep me on track with exact calorie count.
Salad dressing alternatives- Balsamic vinegar or ACV, and Cholo’s hot sauce. I use hot sauce because it has 0 eveything. Never stalled on either. Watch the label on balsamic as some have sugar.
Crystal light Popsicle (P3/P4 only)- I just recently tried these the last couple days because of my sore throat. Great for soothing the throat with only 15 calories. I read the ingredients and didn’t appear to have any “ose” included.
Laughing Cow Cheese (P3/P4 only)- These little packets are great for on the go snacks with an apple. They are 35 calories and I eat them with my organic apple for a snack.
ALRIGHT, so I bought coconut oil today and thought I’d implement that now. What’s the best way to use it? It’s hard when you buy it, so just wondering do I use it to replace oils and butter when cooking? Maybe with meat or something?
Could I put it in with a protein shake?
Sherrie- What brand of potassium do you buy from Walmart? Does it seem to be working for you?
Thanks everyone!
YUCK!!!
Feel better. Drink more. Keep busy. I dread a steak day.
Debbie
Hi Sherrie,
She did not gain it back, over 2 years for her now.
A good spaghetti sauce is Little Italy brand. No sugar added. I read the labels on over 20 brands. I use it with chicken 🙂
Debbie
(swamped at work. don’t have time to read all of these!)
Rachael – I’m confused. Are you suggesting using all those Walden Farm products during the VLCD phase 2…?
Hang in there Janet! The day isn’t too much longer! You can do it –
I know that there is a “protocol”. I also know my friend that is on the 750 calories is allowed albacore tuna on her diet no more than 3 times a week. I was always bad at mixing my veggies, plain lettuce got really boring, but since I’m only going to do it 3 weeks this time(p2) I’m going to try very hard to follow the original protocol just to see how I do on my weight. If I’m doing about the same as last time, I will probably mix a little with the lettuce
Rachael, when I used the coconut oil(it’s expensive isn’t it, lol) I found I put on a little bit of weight and it splattered grease more than the kind I used to use, but has a fantastic flavor to it.
The potassium I use is spring valley brand from walmart. It’s very reasonable. I got 2 huge bottles(there were 2 in a pack). I haven’t had any complaints. I haven’t even had a toe cramp which I just now got thinking about. I hate those things as there is nothing you can do to get rid of them.
I also do the emeralds packs of almonds, and you’re right, if I have a big container of them, I keep grabbing handfuls. I love the cocoa ones as they’re not really sweet but have such a good flavor. I noticed you don’t get quite as many in the packets of those though for the 100 calories as you do the plain old almonds.
I just got back from the store, and I did check out the greek yogurts. The one brand that is hard to pronounce, well, they were out of the plain so I couldn’t compare anything to the dannon greek yogurt or yoplait, but I picked up one of the dannon as it had a little more protein and less sugar in it than the yoplait. I didn’t even look at the calories. 🙁
Brynn, I think some of the do eat the walden farms on p2.
One of the most important factors of this diet that people tend to forget is that chemicals make you gain weight. Make sure that Walden Farms and any other 0 cal products don’t contain chemicals. These fake foods make your body crave sugars and starches and actually have the reverse effect of what they were originally intended.
Brynn, thank. I can and will do it, but I am definitely hungry. I have actually fasted food for a total of 4 days before, so this, in reality, is easy. But after a month of vlcd, it’s quite a bummer! Can’t wait till dinner. About 1 1/2 hours and I’ll be piggin out on steak and apple. Hope I can wait that long!
Well, I got back from the store a few minutes ago. They had the chicken breasts on sale again(buy one get one free), so picked up 4 more packs to throw in the freezer with the other 2 packs. I’ve got enough chicken to get me through my 3 weeks. If anyones up for chicken next week, or the next 3 weeks, you’re welcome to come over. LOL
i have read conflicting opinions on massage. some say it is good because it increases circulation and others say ‘no’ because of the massage oil (i use organic massage oil).
comments please……
Kendell, I think most likely that’s why it probably says not to do the massages, because of the oils. I know some people have always gotten the massages and still do and still continue to lose. I’ve only had one in my life and that was a few years ago. My son was going to school to be a massage therapist, and he can really give a good back massage, but I just couldn’t get comfortable enough to strip down for my son to give me a massage, so had to have him give me one once with clothes on. LOL
Kendell,
I get a massage every other week. I am not willing to give them as I have them to keep headaches from over taking my life. I use Baby oil that contains Mineral oil. I have had no stalls due to the massages.
can someone explain why the ‘steak day’ works? seems that it would be too much fat.
does it really get you to lose the 2 pounds you gained?
I don’t know how it works, but it does. When I gained my 2 lbs I had 1 1/2 ny strip steaks and an apple and was down 2.2 lbs the next day, have never gained it back
ah, steak day. A love/hate relationship. I wasn’t able to hold out any longer, so at precisely 4:36 pm I had the largest piece of steak I have ever eaten in my life at one time (probably 10 to 12 oz) and the largest apple I could possibly find! This was the best meal I have had all day! LOL
So, I love steak, I would like steak day to go like this: eat as much steak, at any time during the day. Of course, that’s my dream world! If I ever have to do a steak day again, I’m buying a filet instead of sirloin. Much richer in flavor. Sirloin I purchased for vlcd, and it was extremely lean, but still quite tasty and satisfying! I’m not stuffed after all that meat! Go figure
is ‘steak day’ only effective when on the hcg? or maintainence too?
Janet, lol go to bed!!
I just read get the biggest steak and enjoy and although I didn’t get the “biggest” steak, I wanted good and tasty, and 1 1/2 of the nY strips and apple filled me up. Start drinking a lot of water, that should help fill you up(me saying drink water, lol)
Let us know how it works in the morning
Kendell it’s for p3, so not when you’re on the hcg. You shouldn’t put 2 lbs on while on p2 unless you’ve cheated, which you don’t want to do. Sometimes you will stall on p2 which some people will do an apple day then, I don’t do the apple day, I just kind of go with the flow, but I did have to do the steak day right after I started p3 and I’ve never gained any of it back
i and my wife just started the hcg diet.I have lost 16.5 lbs in the first week. maybe some one can inform us rather we can eat tuna in a can if it’s in water. thanks
Chobani greek yogurt is the BEST! Yummy!! I can’t wait to have yogurt again!
Chobani, that’s what the other greek yogurt they had was called but they didn’t have any plain in, just the kind with fruit in it. I usually like dannon, so will see if the plain tastes alright. I do have strawberries to put in it if I need be. Heck. I just got a gallon of strawberries yesterday and only have enough for one more meal. I really think with diverticulitis, should be avoiding the seeds, but how can I give them up when they’re only in season a couple mos? LOL
I know I’m aging myself here.. but I can’t help but think back to the 80’s episode of Saturday Night Live with the Whiners — Doug and Wendy, where they had diverticulitis and all they would eat was Macaroni and Cheese. Ahhh.. Macaroni and Cheese….
Thanks for all your replies!!! I drank more water today, about 80 or so ounces. I couldn’t get any more in because of work! I’ll find out tomorrow.
LOL thanks Donna. 🙂 I actually had it for the first time 1 1/2 years ago. I actually felt like I was dying. I had to have an(I think, MRI). Anyway, that’s what it was. I had to be on the nasties meds ever. The one would leave a terrible taste in your mouth and ruined the taste of food. I found a way to take it, I would eat a banana, put the pill in the banana when it was chewed up and then swallow. Well, (flaygle is what the anti-biotic was)I ran out of bananas and didn’t have any for my last pill. I thought well, I’ll eat a saltine cracker and then put the pill in there. Dumb dumb me wasn’t thinking and bit down on the cracker with the pill in my mouth. OMG, makes me sick to this day to think about it. I’ve had diverticulitis once since then and back to the nasty meds, so I really should be watching those seeds, don’t you think?
I will say, the entire diet, I had massages at least two to three times a week. with mineral oils and arnica…
Necessary for my recovery from my surgery.
And I had fantastic losses.
SO…. not sure. If it is part of your life (like it is mine for awhile), I’d give it a try
Debbie
Al,
yes, if it’s Albacore tuna. Don’t eat the chunk lite.
Good luck to you and your wife. I personally love this diet. I had 15lbs to lose. Lost 17.5 in 4 weeks and am ready for summer. On any other diet it would have taken me 6 months to lose that much weight because of a sluggish metabolism. That’s why I did hcg, to change my metabolism. Now in phase 3 and praying for the real change.
Steak day, love hate relationship. Well I AM FEELIN THE LOVE! Down 2.4lbs after steak day. Now below where I was on the last day of vlcd without drops. Praying for stabilization to happen quick!
Steak day was hard, I was sooooo hungry. But soooo worth it. If it is necessary to ever do it again, I won’t complain, as it does its job!
Rachael,
I made my own steak so I could eat as much as possible. I lost 2.4lbs on steak day. Yeah! How did you do?
Hey Rachel, I love coconut oil. I added it to my homemade peanutbutter and homemade chocolate sauce. (by the way, I would try that instead of purchasing large quantities of 0 cal products as it does 2 things, you know exactly what you are getting and you only make enough for your current snack, no overeating!)
You can put coconut oil in your protein shakes. It adds a nice creamy texture and a very pleasant taste. You can also fry foods in it… eggs, if you don’t mind a little sweet flavor. I used to love to fry 2 eggs and eat them on toast with maple syrup. Now I fry the eggs in coconut oil. No toast right now, but really don’t want or need it, and certainly don’t need the maple syrup!
My only “sweet” craving has been chocolate. And it has just been my mouth wanting to taste it. So, I made choc sauce and dipped my strawberries, apples and nuts in it. Great snack, but it might be what caused me to need a steak day. Not sure about that just yet. Coca is gluten free as is 0 on the glycemic index… so that doesn’t make sense.
Anyway, get on the internet and google cooking with coconut oil. You will get lots of great recipes. While you are at it, try coconut flour. This is one of my discoveries since hcg and I love it.
Awesome Janet!!
I bet you start to balance off now. YAY
Debbie
Al, do you have pounds and inches downloaded?
This is what he says to eat on the original protocol. By the way, I am eating albacore tuna, but I’m on p3 right now. 🙂 You are going to have to decide yourself as to follow Dr Simeons plan or add. I didn’t follow it to a T last time, but I’m starting p2 over again this coming week and I’m going to follow it to a T. Good luck to you and your wife
Lunch:
1 100 grams of veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp. All visible fat
must be carefully removed before cooking, and the meat must be weighed raw. It must be boiled or
grilled without additional fat. Salmon, eel, tuna, herring, dried or pickled fish are not allowed. The
chicken must be removed from the bird.
2 One type of vegetable only to be chosen from the following: spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens,
green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage.
3 One breadstick (grissino) or one Melba toast.
4 An apple or an orange or a handful of strawberries or one-half grapefruit.
Dinner :
The same four choices as lunch.
my sister was on a program that included 3 weeks of purification/detox–primaritly fruits and veggies, then add protein at day 11. i just got my hcg in, and the pamphlet does not mention this phase, just 2 days of high-fat foods, then into the 500 calorie diet. any comment on the difference? suggestions?
Al, Sherrie, you are right about Dr. Simeons, straight from the book. Nowhere does it say Albacore Tuna. I’m not sure where I got that from and I did eat it 1 time on phase 2. However, being a letter of the law kinda gal, Al, DON’T EAT IT! Stick to the protocol for the very best results. Especially if you are looking to reset your metabolism and have a lift long change and not just temporary weight loss.
Blessings on you and your wife Al. Keep checking in and we will all encourage you and help you out if we can.
So, today, after steak day yesterday, I feel so stuffed. I want to eat small little meals (which I know is a good thing), but am stuffed after just an apple with a little bit of choc sauce on it. Wow! Now this could be good everlasting change. I hope the scale is good to me tomorrow. I have eaten very reasonably today. We shall see. One thing that has change for sure.. in the past I would have eaten the entire serving of sauce on my apple, because it tasted good and it was there, and it is low cal… however, today I didn’t do that because I was just too full and didn’t want it! That means, it wasn’t an uncontrollable craving! Yeah! Did I ever say I love this diet? If what I am seeing lasts, I’ll be the best spokesman for hcg. They will probably contact me and want to pay me LOL!!
LOL Janet. When I started my diet, I had 2 friends already on it, one is on the 750 calorie one and the other was on a different one. My one friend said, Sherrie pick a plan and stay with it. Well, I was very confused as to what she meant by pick one and stick with it. Well, when I got surfing, I did see different ones (where you buy the meds) say you can have albacore(my friend can have it 3 times a week). I want to try it “by the book” this time. I don’t know if I’ll have as good of results, but I’m going to try. I do know this time no cake, no cookies and no chocolate.
Kendell, I have read some programs that start with a detox, but it is not necessary and not part of the original protocol written by Dr. Simeons in the 1950’s. I think the detox came into being with Kevin Trudeau, who is much more restrictive than Dr. Simeons.
Belive me, you will be detoxed after 21 days of no carbs and sugar. My system was so cleaned out, well, too personal to say in a public forum, but suffice is to say it was obvious in all sorts of ways.
I am an impatient person, so if I were you I would jump right in with the load days. What have you got to lose? Only excess weight and a broken metabolism. Those are good things to rid yourself of.
Keep us posted on how you do.
I think p1(If I’m not mistaken) is a cleansing process. I think Cindy knows something about it and maybe she will chime in. But I know that the 500 calorie diet is p2, then stabilization is p3 and maintenance(where you add the sugar and carbs back over the 3 week period) is p4. I haven’t sat and read the whole pounds and inches, but I think that’s what they refer to a p1
one thing i read i the brochure today was only TWO veggies or TWO fruit for the entire day do NOT mix. any ideas why….ie stir fry…….??
Kendell, I don’t think any of us have a clue as to why it says that. This is just the way Dr Simeons wrote it up. I did mix some and still did good on weight loss, but this next round I’m going to follow it to a T to see if I notice a difference in weight loss.
You also want a different vegetable and fruit for lunch than you do dinner. If you get hungry in between meals, you can have your lunch fruit either at breakfast or between lunch and dinner and you can have the other fruit during the evening. Good luck
So Janet, LOL I’m still looking. There has to be a 1, I mean who would ever start off counting starting with 2? Anyway, I was thinking it was some kind of cleanse, although some people refer to the load days as p1 when they’re actually p2.
I been on the 500 cal part a week and am going nuts for a change. Im loosing weight nicely now. Can I eat frozen diet meals inder the 250 cal range without messing anything up?
Hey Sam, no those are not allowed. Most of those meals have carbs and even sugar in them, and those are the 2 things you’re trying to stay away from.
I know it seems like it’s going to take forever(are you doing the 45 days or 23 day diet). I did it the first time for 6 weeks and it was very hard. I have decided this next round starting next week, I’ll do it for 3 weeks instead, it’s so much easier. You can go back and forth between p2 and p3 for as long as it takes you to get the weight off. This diet does teach you the right way to eat. Just make sure you continue eating the things that are allowed, you’ll do fine.
Sherrie
Sherrie, I am so impressed with you! I wish you the best of luck on your next round!
Today is 2 days off the vlcd. I am down 1.6 from my last shot day. So far, pretty easy.
Debbie
Thanks Debbie, I am going to do this!! I know it’s going to take probably at least 2 more rounds, maybe 3. I just looked on e-bay and the place I got my drops has gone down $4 in price, but oh well, have enough drops for this round and then have some of the real hcg coming for the next round(I am wanting to see if I like the homeopathic or the real stuff better). Earlier I realized that as much as I’m looking forward to “load days”, in a way I’m not, for 2 reasons
1) I will probably put on 5 lbs or more this weekend and that’s going to be upsetting, even though I know it will be a temporary weight gain) and
2), We will never ever be able to eat again like we do on the load days
I will be keeping you all up with the progress as I go through this next 3 weeks. I would love to see a 15 lb loss this time, but doubt I’ll see that, although I’m going to keep the positive thoughts this time and know in my heart I can do it.
I actually hit 169.8 yesterday but then was up .4 this morning. It sure felt good to see the 160’s even though they were short lived. 🙂
WTG on the 1.6 weight loss!
You will do it!
I never lost this much on a round before. I am thrilled. Lost even on load days. You can load with healthy fats. Peanut butter, ranch dressing, burgers, etc. Doesn’t have to be all bad stuff.
I lost 34 pounds and I am in a size 6 tall. I am thrilled. 52 and at my high school weight.
Part of why I didn’t cheat, was when things were tough, i knew it would pass, and then I never wanted to cheat. No desire, no cravings. It was easy. Finally easy.
Best wishes.
Debbie
DRUM ROLL!!!!!!!! 168.8 this morning!! WOOT WOOT! down 1.6 from yesterday and this is the last day of p3. I have 33.8 to go for my goal!
I stayed the same my last load days, but this time I’m sure I won’t. I want to load really good. Of course, I say that now but come tomorrow when I bite in to that first donut, I may change my mind real quick. I’m only doing 3 weeks so I’m sure I will have another round after this but I’m going to do it!!
Thanks Debbie
I meant down 1.4 from yesterday..sorry
Yesterday down 2.4, today up 1.2. I know that many of you will probably say 1.2 is nothing to worry about, and you may be right, but keep in miind I am short, and 1.2lbs on a short person is like 5 on a taller person. 2lbs on a short person is like 10 on a taller person. It shows up. Oh please let me reach a stable place, and help me be patient while I get there Lord! I have told you all I am impatient, and today only marks 1 week since beginning phase 3, but I am really all over the map. Up, up, up, down, up (steak day), down, up. No, I’m not jumping the gun and doing another steak day at just 1.2lbs, but again……I question…..
Someone with phase 3 experience, tell me if you fluctuated like this? Everything I am reading you all lost weight on phase 3, didn’t gain. What’s different with me? I know that Dr. Simeons says it takes 3 weeks to stabilize, so again I’m probably being impatient, but right now I feel like the scale is driving my life and I’m a bit tired of it.
HELP!
Janet, try staying in the 2 lb range mark on this phase. I’m not trying to lose on p3 but was trying to stabilize. You are doing what you’re supposed too. Remember, I have 33 lbs to lose yet, you’re closer to or at your goal weight, right? If not, then it’s someone else that is. My first week of p1 I bounced around more too, I’m a little over 2 1/2 weeks in to p3 right now. Maybe you drank more and peed less yesterday. I think you drink a lot more water than I do, if I’m not mistaken, and so it could be water retention. Weight fluctuates!! Just hang in there girl
Sherrie, good job! You are on the road to the end of the weight loss journey and the beginning of the life change journey. You can do it. 33lbs to go must look a lot better than where you started. You should be proud of yourself.
Thanks Janet. I was 196.6 when I started this journey on March 22nd. So I have 3 lbs to lose to be 1/2 way there. I’m hoping by this time next week I can say I’m over 1/2 way. 🙂 I will get there though! Anyone can lose, it’s the keeping it off that is tough for everyone. I plan when I get it off this time, that I can always keep under the 2 lb range, and will continue to do the steak/apple or tomato day the rest of my life. Before it was oh well, you gained 5 lbs. don’t go over 10, then it was don’t go over 20..And, I’m sure you all know how it goes from there. So, this has to be a life long change for all of us.
Wish I had an answer! I’m a shorty too (5’1) and know how it feels to gain a lb. or two. What a way to rain on your weight loss parade.
I’m up 1.5 lbs today too and I’m only on Phase 2. I didn’t budge for ONE WEEK and now my weight is up. SOOOOO frustrating isn’t it? One more week for me on Phase 2 and I’m done… I fear that once I hit Phase 3 my weight is going to drastically go up so I’m watching your progress to see how you do! I’m impatient too!
Good luck!
I’m jealous… and PROUD of you!
Hello everyone! Today is day 12 on the HCG, I have lost 11 pounds so far and 3 inches off my waist! Monday I go for my 1st offical weigh in since I started the diet and I can hardly wait (hope my scale is right). I notice the constant hunger is gone and I find it hard to finish my meal without being full. My goal is to to lose 30 more pounds. I am just afraid from all the stories I have read and heard that I may have to do another round of the HCG to do so. I know that I cannot afford another 500 dollars so hopefully I can pull it off.
I have not cheated at all. I did make one small mistake, I was getting saltine crackers for my son to help ease his upset stomach (this happened a week ago), out of habit I took one cracker and stuck it in my mouth and started chewing. I realized what I did and spit it out!! That was the one and only time I messed up, LOL. Well good luck to everyone and I will check in again after my visit 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sherry
I am new to the whole hcg diet. Today is day 2 of the 500 calorie diet, I was down 4.7lbs this morning. Yesterday wasn’t bad at all, but I did not get my full 500 calories in. I am also a little confused about the eating schedule, like what time should lunch and dinner be, when do I have to stop drinking water in the evening? All advice to make this a successful journey is appreciated.
Donna,
I am at my goal weight. Will you be at goal when you hit phase 3? I wonder if it’s different when you are at goal? Or if you are still going to lose???? I have noticed that those that have a little more to lose seem to lose more, faster, in every phase. That makes sense because I know the body slows down once you get to your “statistically correct” or close to the statistically correct weight. I’m sure there is a good reason for 3 weeks on phase 3. And somewhere I think I read, in fact probably in Pounds and Inches, that you can expect wild swings during phase 3. I guess I’ll go back and re-read. That may just be the encouragement we both need.
Sorry you have gained. You must be retaining water. If I were you, I’d do an apple day, simply out of frustration. I did an apple day on my last day of drops. Not sure if you should or not. Maybe that’s why I’m not stable on the scale? No, that can’t be it, I do remember we are suppose to move around during this phase.
I’ll go read and get back to you.
You have done great so far, so keep up the good work. Remember, muffin top only looks super appealing on …… a muffin! LOL
Sherry, awesome! You are doing fantastic. Keep up the good work.
Hi there. No I’m not at my goal weight. I’m 127 now and wanted to be 122 by next Friday (which puts me at the high end of my weight range). Today is already Day 28. I’m stopping the drops on Tuesday.
Ok, close your eyes and picture this… me having a tantrum like a 2 year old screaming “I don’t wanna do an apple day!” I did an apple day last week and I did lose one lb. I stayed steady all week only to have gained 1.5 lbs. now. I still have incredible hunger, although today seems to be a little better. Yesterday I went off protocol a bit and had a little more protein and 30 extra calories, so I’m sure thats the reason for the weight gain (today anyway). It just seems like I keep struggling to get down past 125 and it’s just not happening. Wah wah wah. Nothing for a whole week now, just more weight. My new jeans from the Gap aren’t going to expand on their own so I need to get less junk in my trunk LOL.
Janet,
Thank you 🙂
Sherry
Hi Brandy. There is no schedule, you eat when you want to. I split up my meals throughout the day, that works best for me. I tend to snack on my veggies throughout the day rather than eating them at a meal. t keeps hunger at bay (again for me). I drink water through out the day as well. I tend to stop about 1 hour before bedtime so I’m not up all night going to the bathroom. Are you doing the homeopathic drops, rx drops or rx shots? I have found that the longer I am on the protocol (I am going until I drop all the weight I want) I tend to need less drops through out the day. I started at about 15 drops 3x a day. I’m down to 10 drops 3x a day. Listen to your body. If you are on the protocol for a while and tend to notice you are hungry, you should think about lowering your water. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and water in. I notice if I don’t get enough of either I will go up weight or stall.
what is the feedback on how long to stay on hcg at one time?
Have you read Pounds and Inches Sam? The protocol is VERY strict. No processed foods. The idea of the diet is to reset your metabolism by ridding your diet of all the crap food. It’s one protein and veg. per meal with no additives other than what’s listed on the protocol. It’s necessary due to the chemical interaction the certain foods create. If you want to do frozen diet meals then HCG diet is not going to work for you. Weight Watchers and Nutrisystem do allow them, but you won’t get the same results. Good luck!
I personally am staying on hhcg until I drop all the weight I want/need to. I know several people who have stayed on for long rounds as well with no adverse side effects, other than dropping unwanted weight. It takes a lot of determination to stick to P2 for a long time though.
i read about developing an immunity toward it without going off. is that unusual??
Ladies, I love all the support and great tips you give. I am on day 4 of the 500calorie diet and I have to say its not too bad. I am down 5.2 pounds. The hardest part for me is the no soda or gum. I am Not a coffee drinker so I have been having green tea and water every morning. Can we have the flavored green tea that Lipton makes or is there something I can add to my water for something different?
Angie
I am taking the homeopathic version and I don’t think you can develop an immunity when there are very little hormones. I just know as time goes on you need to less drops to accomplish the same weight loss.
Brandy,
The only “rule” I know of is not to eat within 3-1/2 hours of going to bed. But, then that is good advice whether or not you are on a diet.
Harvel
Welcome Angie. Everytime I see your name now I’ll be singing the song “Angie, Angie… When will those clouds all disappear?” Or maybe i’ll change it to “When will my big booty disappear?” I think the green tea is fine. Blech. I hate green tea. Sometimes I put a dash of pure vanilla extract, cinnamon and Stevia in it. Now I just drink Chai with Stevia and pop a Green Tea capsule.
Heahter, please don’t do that. Once you go over 6 weeks on that diet, your body will get immune to it, hence, another reason for p3. Once you’re immune to the drops, you will lose weight, but you are losing muscle not fat. You don’t want to do that. I had almost 61 lbs to lose(originally 58, but changed my goal). My first 3 weeks I did good on the diet, but then I did a big no no and got the urge to cheat and I did, so my last 3 weeks of the 6 weeks was not good. I have been on p2 now for 2 1/2 weeks and have lost 6 more pounds. I will start load days again tomorrow and then stay on p2 for 3 weeks before I go back to p3 again. I know how you feel, but I also know what’s best for you. Please don’t stay on it until you get it off. I myself feel that if anyone goes past their 6 weeks, they’re going to be afraid to go off the drops and when they finally do, I think that the chances of failure are going to be higher(if this makes sense) Just my opinion
I am on day 2 of loading…. I am sooooooooooooooo full. I have homeopathic drops and it says 3 days to load? So I guess thats what I’m gonna do
Milisa, actually 2 load days, yesterday and today, tomorrow start the 500 calories. I’m on homeopathic also and was last time. I will load for the 2nd time again tomorrow and Sunday
Donna you crack me up. Thanks for the laugh and tips.
Hi everyone!
So great to read about all of your successes in weight loss. It’s so inspiring and i hope to lose just as much weight in the very near future. With that being said… *deep breath* i had a cappuccino, 2 corn chips with 7 layer dip and now i’ve almost gained 1lb. Now i’m not crazy upset or dwelling on it because i put myself in this situation to begin with and i’ve accepted it. The thing is now, should i do a steak day or an apple day? Which is best? I’ve been on the VLCD for a week and “had” lost 9.2lbs. My brother and law came to visit and we went to the beach and i didn’t bring my food with me. I hadn’t eaten anything until 4pm when we got home. I almost let go and bought a burger when we stopped to get the boys food, but i didn’t and i’m glad i got through it. When we got home they wipped out the 7 layer dip and i just could bare it anymore with the smell of the burgers, the fries… so yeah. I’m disappointed in myself however, i’m so glad i didn’t do the burger thing and do major damage.
Anyway so yeah. I guess i cheated and that’s that. But i want to stay on this thing. I have 2 weeks left. What should i do? Get back on track, or do an apple or steak day?
Thanks everyone! (Feel free to go as hard on me as you want. I need to and WANT to hear it). I’m one of those types who can handle constructive criticism. So no hard feelings on my part 🙂
Hey Tania, I remember you, as I had said I had also lost 9.2 my first week(I’m getting ready to go in to load days again tomorrow). First of all bend over and let me kick you in the rear! Then I will bend over and let you kick me for cheating 3 weeks in to mine last time(I’m doing it 3 weeks this week and I’m not going to cheat)
Don’t do a steak day, those are for p3 and p4. I wouldn’t even do an apple day, as this weight will come back off. You may stall for 3 days, but just get right back on the horse and you will do fine!
It’s hard, any time you’re trying to lose weight it’s hard, but you will get your weight off, and the better you stay on it, the quicker you will lose and hit your goal.
OMG SHERRIE!!! I’m such a knob!!! (Aussie slang for idiot). I got my numbers totally confused!!! Technically i gained .4lbs which is still disappointing but way better than a full one pound!!! Phew! I feel like such a fool to not have read it properly. It’s not so bad, but i’ve learned my lesson!!!
Ok so Sherrie, how much weight did you gain when you went outside the protocol in your 3rd week? How far did you go??? Were you able to lose it again? Did the foods you eat make you sick? I’m so curious. Either way you’re still doing so well on this treatment. You’re very inspiring and you should be really proud of yourself! It is definitely an intense diet plan. To go from thousands of calories to just barely 500. It’s great to have even gotten through 3 weeks worth. I think sometimes to fall off track the first time around isn’t so bad because it’s very hard to do and you learn from your mistakes. Look at you now! You’re so close to your goal weight! Regardless, i still need that kick in the butt so go right ahead hahahahaha! I’ve seriously learned from my lesson! I have a theatre degree, so i’m defintely no mathemetician!
Hey Tania
Well, .4 is heck of a lot better than 1 lb. I just went and looked in my journal, I went up a little over a pound, but then didn’t lose anything for 3 days and then I went down just a little the 4th day. My problem was after I was up all night after eating b-day cake with diarrhea all night, you would think I would have learned, but I didn’t. I cheated a few times on p2 and that’s why my weight slowed down so much. I ended up going the whole 6 weeks, but never again. I know I can go 3 weeks without cheating, and although I think I could go 6 this time and be okay, I don’t want too. I like doing p2 then breaking it up with p3 for 3 weeks(which I have been losing still on p3). I always loved sweets and I haven’t even craved any for maybe 1 1/2 to 2 weeks now maybe. I do have to admit I’ve been bad on p3 about eating the same things(like tuna fish with a little mayo the last few days), so next time on p3, I’m going to eat a little differently and add some different proteins. I’m also going to make up my menus for a week at a time on the p2 this time, which I may just work on some tonight so I can get my stuff Sunday night. I’m just hoping my 2 load days this weekend don’t throw me in to the bathroom again. 🙁
Wow i guess it does mess with the stomach when you go off track. Thankfully i’m feeling ok. How much weight did you lose the first time? I think any weight loss is an amazing accomplishment because of the fact it’s so hard and not to mention when you go on VLCD’s such as this one. It’s just not easy to rid yourself of a habit. Excessive eating is an addiction just like drugs and alcohol so to go cold turkey and eat barely anything, that alone is very impressive and anyone who does this should be proud of themselves for even wanting to get on board so it’s understandable that sometimes people “cheat”. It’s hard not to because that’s what we’re used to. You seem to be doing just fine regardless of the little bumps in the road. Good for you Sherrie! And thanks for helping and supporting everyone. I’m going to do the plan again in July. This seems to be working for me, even with the mishaps.
Did you ever eat imitation crab? Are we allowed to? I bought somet the other day and haven’t eaten it yet because i wanted to make sure.
I think, without running in there to look at my journal again(LOL) I lost around 22 lbs on p2. The first 3 weeks was 15 of it, but would have done a lot better I know if I would have stuck with the protocol. I have lost 6 more since being on p3, which I’m elated about, although, my 160’s will go bye bye again this weekend. 🙁
No, never had imitation crab, infact, I didn’t even eat any of my shrimp or crab meat, as with crab I need my melted butter, and with shrimp, I make a mean shrimp sauce, but it has ketchup, horseradish and pepper and I knew the ketchup was a no no. I think this time, I’m going to be eating mostly chicken again and hamburger meat or some other lean beef. I will be elated if I can get 15 or close to it off this time and then I’ll have one more round starting the weekend of July 4th(load days) again.
Sweetners
Okay, I had just gone on pounds and inches as I was wanting to look up some stuff as far as veggies go on the original protocol.
When it says 1 T of milk allowed in 24 hours, it also says this
Saccharin or other sweeteners may be used.
Now, I was told it said only stevia or saccharin(sweet and low). So, now my question is if he says saccharin or other sweetners, why have we all been told otherwise? Also, it says no gum, but, back 50 years ago, there was no sugar free gum, and so therefore, if we can have the sweetners, I would think we could have sugar free gum if the calories were counted as there is no real sugar in it..What are all your thoughts on this?
Hi All,
Sherrie, you’ll do great. I hear you know and laugh… See why I stuck to the plan. I really wanted to accomplish the weight loss and be done. Not sure we are ever really done.
Hope everyone is doing well.
My first week of p3 is going ok. I need to count calories and I am bad at that. Need something simple to look them up in. I was up .6 today. Still down 1 from last shot day. I’ll see how I do tomorrow. Part of my issue today was NO sleep. It was an awful night. I had a cramp in my foot and my calf for 3.5 hours! I was miserable. Finally took potassium, and felt better in a while.
Too tired to function today and tonight.
I’ll check in tomorrow. Sunday is my daughter’s wedding shower. 🙂
Debbie
Had the fitting for my mother of the bride dress 🙂 I love it! And, the salesman said how skinny I was. Wow, that was a change. LOL
So, the first episode of Dancing with the Stars, Brook Burke had my dress on! Couldn’t believe it! If you’d like to see, http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/episode-guide/season-premiere/404188
Now, I am having the front stitched up to an appropriate spot!!
Debbie
Debbie
I haven’t counted calories at all on p3, it says that’s not necessary, just to eat until you’re comfortable and stay away from the sugars and straches, then weigh yourself every morning. I have no written down one thing this time nor have I counted one calorie. I guess if I would have put any weight on then I would have started. I pretty knew pretty much in my head what I had for the day. I knew my b’kfast was always anywhere between 450 and 500 and I was losing still(as I know I’ve said, YEAH). :)I have all kind of sites that have calorie counters and I keep them on my favorites.
I’ve been taking potassium since right before I started loading on this diet. I’ve luckily not had any cramps, not even toe cramps, which is unusual, but nice for me
Have fun at the shower
Five hundred dollars? I think I spent less than $90 for everything. I got the HCG, alcohol swabs, needles, mixing syringe, and vial. Once you do the first shot yourself, it’s cake. I watched a youtube video on mixing and injecting. EASY PEASY.
Thanks.
I was trying to post the link to my mother of the bride dress. After I ordered it, saw it on Brook Burke on Dancing with the Starts episode one. Checking it out, google the show and search for episode one of this year.
Had my final fitting. LOVE my dress. They are stitching up the “neckline” to an appropriate spot.
Debbie
Hi Heather, I am doing the shots. I havent really had any hunger problems, other then I waited to longto eat dinner this evening… I am hoping that the lemon water will help settle my stomach tonight. I am looking forward to tomorrows weigh in =)
Harvel, Thanks for the info… I had been told that I couldnt eat or drink after 7 pm. I understood the eat part of that but was confused about the drinking. I thought I could drink all the water I wanted any time I wanted.
Brandy, you can drink all the water anytime you want. With my drops, I do have to wait for 1/2 hour after the drops before I can eat or drink anything, but that’s the only time I can’t have anything
Is it the black dress? The first picture was a little skimpy outfit, I knew that wasn’t it. LOL
I pulled that site up but still couldn’t find it.
No. Champagne metalic, This season premiere, show number one.
Debbie
Sherrie,
Thanks for your opinion, but that is your opinion. I know SEVERAL people who have gone over the 6 weeks and had no issues what so ever. Stabilized great and are doing wonderfully. They have done this protocol many times and not had any issues.
I’m at 102 days. I took 3 – 1 week breaks, and a 10 day break for vacation and several cheat meals due to my Embassy work functions I had to attend. I have lost 35 pounds so far. I know people will see 35 and think that isn’t a lot in 102 days but with all my breaks and such it comes out to around 50 days which I’m very happy with. I plan on going until I release all I want to or until July when my vacation is.
But thanks fy
Debbie,
the dress is awesome! You rock!
Ok Tania, here is the deal…. DON’T DO IT! You did it, now you know what happens. Here is how I feel about cheating on this diet, hope it helps you evaluate your goals… If you want temporary weight loss, brief feelings of euphoria and maybe a slight, temporary change in the habits that got you on this diet in the first place, then by all means, cheat away. But, if you really want lasting change, a permanent sense of feeliing healthy and a physical appearance that shows good health, and sense of accomplishment in knowing that you are doing something really good for you, then DON’T CHEAT AGAIN! I’m not yelling, I’m emphasizing. I know how hard it is, I really do. I cheated on phase 2 but found that I was defeating myself! We have enough challenges in this world and outsiders, people and issues that want to defeat us. We are only in control of our own actions, so why would you want to defeat yourself???? You don’t! No one wants to do that, but that’s what we do when we cheat.
So, I hope that this will help encourge you to really think about why you are dieting with hcg, what do you really want to accomplish and is it worth it to you. In fact, I would pose this to anyone on hcg. This diet challenges your will and determination.
If you meet your goal then you have “won” so to speak. But if you only meet your goal and then go right back to what you did before, you wasted time.
Okay, my sermon for the day. Tania, keep checking in, I really only want to help and encourage you to stay on track. Don’t get discouraged if the scale isn’t friendly to you the next few days. Just reset your mind and keep going!
Today is a good day, and hopefully a beginning. It is the first day since starting phase 3 that I am the same weight as the day before! Yahoo! I am up .6 from my last drop day, and up 1lb from my last day on the vlcd. I can live with this. And, knowing that steak day is very effective, if I ever reach that 2lb mark again, steak day and I will be friends!
And the surprise in it all, even though my weight is up a little bit, the inches are still coming off! I LOVE THAT! My hips measured 1/4″ less than a week ago, waist 1/2″ less, thigh 1/4″ less. I’m telling you all these measurements so you will see it is REAL losses. That is a 1″ total loss (and that’s just all I told here” but up 1lb. This diet is seeemingly proving itself again and again with me. If it works for me, I know its working for all of you as well.
Everyone, keep working at your goal. It is sooo worth it. Someone once said, and I am a believer now “nothing tastes as good as thin feels”. Last night at dinner, I was eating steak, feeling really full, pushed my plate away, rubbed my “gut” like I use to, and guess what? It wasn’t there hanging over my pants as it was just 1 month ago! In fact, I don’t have a gut anymore. (For the first time in my life, I have a flat stomach! Wished I hadn’t waited till I was old to look this good!) I had the rest of my steak boxed up, hubby and I left the restaurant and well, todays result was positive.
Two of my friends are starting hcg in the next week. I’ll keep you all posted how they do if they keep me posted. Plus I’ll keep posting my own experiences.
Sounds to me Debbie that you look good enough to leave the front where it is! Brook Burke, watch out, here comes Debbie! LOL
Thanks! Sherrie, LOL. I actually do, thanks to a “lift” but I don’t want to be on display at my daughter’s wedding.
My husband says to put a zipper in!
Debbie
Debbie, I have never watched that show, and when I click on that link, all I see are all the contestants standing there. I’m lost! Try to find another link for me. Heck, I don’t even know who Brook is. LOL And, I’m dying to see the dress
Awesome Janet! All of it. I said the quote, but it didn’t originate with me. A friend told me that and I always keep it in mind.
Honestly, I am 52 and never felt better in my life. Obviously, this is a good comfortable weight for me.
Now, I am up today. Watching the fat today… If not, steak day here I come.
And, I too have the flatest stomach I have ever had. This diet works! Really works. The more dedicated you are to the short time frame (i did 42 days) the better. It is 42 days of my life. I can do anything for 42 days! It was like a challenge. And I won!
Debbie
Sherrie, watch a little bit. After Buzz dances. Brook is the hostess that talks to them after they dance.
I meant Janet… with the zipper. LOL
It is a gorgeous dress. I was so depressed looking for my MOB (mother of the bride dress) dress because they looked like things my mom would wear, not me! and not me after this diet! I worked too hard!
From the most awesome little dress shop. My new favorite place.
Debbie
Sherrie,
Sweetners.
Stevia has been known for years in South America as the leaf of a shrub. It wasn’t available like it is now when Dr. Simeons developed the diet in the 1950’s. So far as I know, Stevia is the only non-sugar sweetner that hasn’t been brought to us by the “miracle” of modern chemistry. And, Stevia is the only sweetner my wife and I consume.
Thanks Harvel. That was very confusing reading that though, especially when I wasn’t even looking for it.
anyway, Stevia is all I use also, although out of strawberry, peppermint, cinnamon and vanilla, the only ones I like in my coffee occasionally(I usually drink it black) is the cinnamon and vanilla. I also use the big bags of stevia for my sweet tea. I was more or less very confused when reading what was on the original protocol, as my sugar free gum is what’s always hard for me to give up, but I’m going to do it for these 3 weeks starting Monday
I have 34 lbs to go, and I’ve decided I’m only doing 2 more rounds of loading(including this weekend), and then after the July round of 3 weeks, I’m calling it quits, so am hoping I’m close to my goal weight. If I have 5 or so lbs left to go after that, I have confidence in myself that I will get that off. This dieting is already getting old. LOL
Brandy,
I think you can drink as much water any time you want to. It’s the eating shortly before going to bed that can cause the problem.
Harvel
Debbie,
I’m with your husband on this one. No reason to waste a good thing, what with the flat tummy and all.
My weight hasn’t budged in one week. I’ve toyed around with increasing my HCG injections but it seems to have made me even more hungry. Could that be right? The apple day didn’t help. The 1 lb just came back. I’ve tried Green Tea caps to curb my hunger and nothing works. I’m 6 lbs. away from my goal but I have to end Phase 2 by next Friday. I’m going away all weekend and there’s no way I can eat out in restaurants for 3 days on Phase 2. I can totally stick with Phase 3 being away.
So with that said… Providing I don’t lose any weight in Phase 3, 6 lbs is too little of weight for me to start Phase 2 again, and frankly I’m sick of Phase 2! Sick, sick, sick! I’ve lost 12 lbs so far, my goal was 17. I really wanted *at least* 4 more lbs by next Friday… there’s still hope I guess!
What to do?
Harvel,
Of course you are! LOL
Debbie
Do not increase your injections, try decreasing a tiny bit. you are close. Stick to the plan it will budge
Debbie
Donna,
everything I have read by Dr. Simeons says that if you find yourself hungry while taking hcg and your weight isn’t moving, that means you are at your “statistically correct” weight, and it’s time to stop. Now I’m not telling you what to do, but if you are at that point and you force yourself to continue losing, most likely you will put those extra lost pounds right back on as soon as you start eating normally again.
It might now be worth it in the long run. I do feel your frustration, and I will pray for you. That’s all I know to do.
Debbie,
me too, never felt better. I have more energy and more motivation for my work and every day chores since doing this diet than I have had in months. I didn’t realize 15 extra lbs dragged me down that far. But obviously it did!
I haven’t had my cholesterol checked, but I’m guess it’s down as well. I have always had low blood pressure, so that is not something I check.
Last time I went to the doc I wouldn’t let them weigh me. I told the nurse I knew how much I weighed and seeing it again would just depress me. The doc got so mad at me and told me next time let her weigh me. Can’t wait for the next time!
Debbie,
seems like the first week on phase 3 is going for you like it did for me. I’m not willing to declare totally victory just yet, but it is looking much closer than the first 4 days.
I know you aren’t worried, but don’t worry! Just do the same things you told me, you will do great.
Okay, my load day
2 donuts for breakfast(had to take a break in between, as the first one was kind of burning the roof of my mouth..??)
Lunch strawberries(stevia)
pbj sandwich with butter included
sweet and salty bugles
milk
Now, I didn’t really want to eat, but I made myself. I have 2 pb cups sitting out and a butterfinger egg, but neither one even looks appealing to me. Now you have to remember, pb cups are like my all time favorite candy. I’m also NOT craving my milkshake anymore that I’ve been looking so forward too on these load days. What’s happening to me?? LOL
Janet,
I am already down the pound and more today. Odd. Think it was a bathroom issue. Still having issues there.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Debbie
Guess what today is? STEAK DAY! AGAIN! Yesterday I was working all day helping install a fence. Ate small meals all day. Sunburned, didn’t sleep well. Up 2.2 lbs. Yikes. I knew it wasn’t safe to declare victory.
Janet, that is ALL water retention. Sun burns will do that to you, even if you’re outside sweating. That has happened to me before too. I know if you’re on p3 you have to do the steak day, but if you were drinking your water yesterday you’re just retaining and it probably would have been off tomorrow
Now, I was up 3 lbs even this morning after my first load day.:( Now, that’s depressing, but again, it will come off fast and I’m not too worried about it. Sure did hate seeing the 170’s again though. Back to 500 calories for me tomorrow. This weekend sure is going by fast.
Janet,
Sunburned skin, or any similar injury to the skin, will cause it to swell with water. The weight gain could well be from that and not a change in the fat content of your body. I don’t see any harm in a steak day. I’m suggesting another cause of the weight gain for you to consider.
Harvel
Janet, were in the same boat again. Im doing a Steak Day too, after doing a triathlon yesterday and ravaging everything in sight. I kept thinking my body can have that after the work its done. not so much. up 3 lbs! ouch!
Here it is day 6 of my 500 cal diet. I gained a .2 and haven’t cheated one bit. I was very disappointed. Could I be drinking too much water? Is that possible?
Angie,
This diet does not lead to weight loss every single day. There will be fluctuations. 0.2# up is within a perfectly normal range of fluctuation. You’re not doing anything wrong if you are following the protocol. Not to worry. I’ll bet that tomorrow morning will see a gratifying loss. Watch the average daily loss as well as the individual daily changes. If you are drinking too much water, you’ll just spend more time in the bathroom. Your body doesn’t hang onto the excess.
Harvel
Rachael,
Wow, a triathlon? And you weighed more the day after? I’m not suprised. In addition to the stuff you ate, your muscles are somewhat inflamed and swollen with water as a result of the exertion. You did well, I hope?
Harvel
I have a question. I am about to go on a road trip and I wanted to know if it is okay to prepare my meals in advance and freeze them and then when it is time to eat microwave them? I had read somewhere to stay away from the microwave but I am scared of not taking prepared food with me for the drive… It is a 14 hour drive one way. I do not want to gain anyting back. Please let me know any advice. Thanks =)
i have read to avoid vitamins a and e. is that because many are oil-based? if so, seems that any oil-based supplement like coq10 should also be avoided….?
Brandy, I tend to cook all my meat (which lately has just been shrimp) on Fridays for the week. My week starts on Saturday. I have had no issue with microwaving. I think you should be ok. 🙂 Have a safe road trip.
Brandy. Yes, you can use the microwave. I used it the whole time I was on p2. I take my meals with me to work, and if my spinach needs heated up, it goes in the microwave. I also reheat my chicken in the microwave if I want to get the chill off of it.
That’s very wise of you to take your meals with you! Have a safe trip. Where you headed too?
Thanks Sherrie. I am going to Kentucky to visit a friend. It is going to be hard though. I havent had a White Castle burger in years and I am already craving them knowing they are every where along my drive there… I am hoping that I can stay strong and not cheat… They just remind me of when I was young and my grandpa use to take me there..
=) Thanks Heather and I will be sure to be safe.
Rachael,
we must quit following each other in this fashion!!! LOL. You know, I ate a lot yesterday too, but I didn’t over eat. I did eat a yogurt and spoon of peanutbutter late, around 9pm, because I was hungry. Throughout the day I ate every couple of hours… Oh well, I learned last steak day that the morning after is quite satisfying. I do have a graduation to go to this evening that involves a reception… I’ll eat my steak right before I go. This time, I’m cooking to 8 oz steaks for myself. Last time I had about 12 oz and I was still hungyr. The protocol says get the biggest juiciest and enjoy. I’m doin that this time!
Sherrie, stuff all the fat you can today, don’t regret that you didn’t tomorrow! If I were loading today, I’d drink a dairy queent chocolate malt though a funnel attached to their machine! Yep, typical steak day… I’m starving and it’s not quite 2pm. 4:36 is waiting for me!
Thanks for that Harvel. You are such a practical voice here in this weight loss arena. Us girls tend to get a little emotional!
Kendell, yes, you should avoid those oil based supplements while you are taking hcg and on phase 2. Add them back in phase 3.
How are you doing by the way?
My sister lives in Kentucky, Newport/Ft. Thomas area. Where are you going?
Yes, where in Kentucky are you going and where are you driving from? My brother and sister live in Bowling Green, KY. I’m in SC about 6 1/2 hours from there. If you’re going down Interstate 85 and have to go through SC, let me know as I’m about 15-20 minutes from Exit 11 in South Carolina..Maybe we could meet up or you could come use my microwave or just take a short break
Well now Janet, does three pounds gain not look like I stuffed myself full of junk food? LOL Today I had an english muffin and strawberries for breakfast and then I wasn’t hungry at lunch time, but a few minutes later, I ate another one of my donuts and a bowl of 1/2 the fat coffee/fudge and brownie ice cream(sorry guys)
and tonight, we’re having Papa Johns pizza(sorry again, close your eyes). Back to the grind tomorrow. 🙁 Everyone keep your fingers and toes crossed. If it’s possible, I want to lose 17 lbs plus whatever I put on in these 2 days, then if I can do that again on the next p2 in July, when I’m done with that round I’ll be done for good(I hope). I sure don’t want to have to do this 3 more times! I figured if I’m close when I get done with my p2 in the July round, then I won’t go back on it, if I’m not, then I’ll wait and do one more round maybe in September or October to finish up. I’m NOT going to cheat this time, I KNOW I can do it!
well, i just started the low cal phase 3 days ago. been losing 1/2 pound per day. saturday i was doing very hot, sweaty, physical work of clearing a lot and still lost 1/2 pound. thought sure that day would be 1 pound…….at least i’m losing. thanks for asking.
Janet,
Thanks for the kind words. But, it’s not just “us girls” that tend to get emotional about this diet and weight in general. I have the advantage over most of you in that I’ve been through it twice and will be going through it at least two more times. You wouldn’t believe how I agonized over a drop of 1.5# on a given day only to be up .5# the next day the first time through. After a while, I quit worrying about it because the third day in that sequence, I dropped another 1.5# for a three day average loss of 2/3 pound (.667#). That pattern was pretty consistent for me. I figured if I could hold that average for the 40 day course I would be down about 26 pounds. Actually, I did a little better than that with an average daily loss of close to .75#– 30 pounds taking me down to 238# and 44 inch pants.
Good enough for me. The next round was a short one and it took me down to about 212#. I don’t know of any other diet that can give this kind of results.
Harvel
Sherrie, your determination will keep you going. Remember when you want to cheat, you said those words and meant them! They are true. “You can do it”. You will not cheat. You will be so proud of yourself when you don’t. That will just roll you into your last phase 3 knowing you will keep you weight off forever, and your physical health the best it can be. Not to mention how great you will look!
I am going to a town called Pine Knot. My friend is incarerated there and he hasnt had any one from home visit him in about 3 years so I am making the trip. I am a little excited, I was born is Louisville Ky and have not been to KY in years.
Sherrie, I am going to Pine Knot Ky to visit a friend who is currently incarcerated. He hasn’t had any visits from home in 3 years so I am taking his daughter down to visit him. To be completely honest I have not even printed my map quest yet so I have no idea what highway I will be on. We are traveling from Kansas. It will be about a 14 hours drive one way for us to get there but to see their faces when they get to see each other is all worth it. I will look and see what the interstate is and let you know tho. Thanks for the awesome support. It is greatly appreciated.
Well, I looked but you won’t be coming through this way. You just have a fun/safe trip. That’s so sweet of you to be taking his daughter to see him! You let us know when you get there(if you have a computer with you) and when you get back. How old is his daughter?
Angie, I just went and looked at my journal, it’s kind of funny you gained .2 on the 6th day, as I hadn’t cheated on my 6th day, and I was up.8 that day, I went back down over a lb the next day. Just keep up the good work, and don’t let it get to you. Weight fluctuates. Sometimes you drink more than usual or pee less. If you read pounds and inches, Dr Simeons says this happens
His daughter just turned 18 so she is soooo excited to go see her daddy. I am thrilled to take her. Him and I are very good friends so it will be nice to see him as well. Yes I will be taking my laptop with me and I will keep updates. I really am nervous about all the traveling so early into my diet. As long as I do my best to stay on protocol… Wish me all the luck i the world I am gonna need it. =)
You’ll do fine, and if you go out to eat somewhere, you can make healthy choices. Go somewhere where they have grilled fish, a good way to figure 3 oz is think of a deck of cards on the palm of your hand. Then instead of getting potatoes, get an extra helping of broccoli with no butter, or some tomato. They usually have things at a descent restaurant. Just stay away from the fast food places. You’ll do fine, can’t wait to hear about your trip. How long you going for?
Well, I’m done with Phase 2. I think I’ve hit immunity. I’ve found myself incredibly hungry the last week and picking a few things here and altering my proteins to curb my hunger. Also for the last week I’ve had to exercise, which I know is a no-no to start if I wasn’t exercising before. I got a pinched nerve in my back several weeks back and the chiro was on my case about not getting some type of walking or low impact exercise in daily for 20 minutes. Ever since then, my hunger has skyrocketed. I even had a teaspoon of peanutbutter tonight (bad I know) and an extra breadstick, I was ravished. I’ve tried miracle noodles, green tea capsules, a shot of vinegar and nothing. Still hungry all.the.time.
So for the next 3 days I’ll have to fight my way through. I can only hope I can lose a few pounds on Phase 3 by increasing my exercise and following it through!
Donna
I started walking the day I started p2. I usually do around 1 mile or a little more first thing in the morning before it gets hot and muggy out and to get my metabolism going.
I just walk a good pace, not too fast but not too slow. Walking is really good for the heart along with a lot of other reasons, and I think even on this diet it’s still good to walk. I think myself when they say exercising, I don’t think they meant walking.
When you get hungry, have you tried a big glass of water? When I worked for an exercise place years ago, we used to tell people if they got hungry to drink a big glass of water. In 10 minutes if they weren’t hungry then it was just a habit of eating and if they were, then they needed food. Are you eating your fruit with your meals or in between(you’ve maybe said and I’ve missed it)?
Today I only had one fruit because I increased protein (I had 2 egg whites with spinach for breakfast thinking it would fill me up some). To make up for it, I popped Vitamin C and 2 fiber caps. I should go drink my smooth move tea but I’m not in the mood for it tonight (blech).
I’ve been juggling things around which are not to protocol just trying to keep from not giving up. But I’m sure it’s made me stall all the more. So it’s time to say Adios Phase 2 before I go on some kind of binge!
Yes, I’ve tried water, no good. Oh well, really I shouldn’t complain (but I am!) as I’m only 5 lbs short of my goal. HOPEFULLY, I can *probably* do it the old fashioned way (crossing my fingers!).
Thanks for listening to my vent Sherrie! I could always count on you!
Hi everyone. Exhausted but had fun at my daughter’s shower. I believe I made great food choices, but we’ll see tomorrow!
We had a blast!
Janet and Sherrie, you’re awesome. Janet, things will work out. Too much sun, exercise, etc for you.
Sherrie, good luck tomorrow! You will manage, and you won’t cheat. You’ll be so pleased with the results and know the effects of cheating! You’ll do fantastic!
Goodnight,
Debbie
Donna, you know I love ya sweetie! But, let me tell you something!! Remember, when I went on p3 I ended up losing 6 lbs in less than three weeks and I was eating, so DON’T YOU DARE give up and mess up, or I’ll be hunting you down!
Now, you wanna hear how much your weight fluctuates. Well, I was told by a very wise woman to weigh first thing in the morning and only once(my scale doesn’t bounce around) write the weight down and stay off the scale. Well, tonight, after reading your post, I went in to take a shower. Well, I weighed for the heck of it, got on twice and got the same reading twice, got in the shower, got out and weighed again(it was a hot shower). I was up .8 and I weighed again to do a double take and it showed it again. So weight does fluctuate. I bet you look fantastic and so close to your goal! Pat yourself on the back and YOU stay on that protocol and finish up! Also wrap your arms around your chest and consider it a big hug from me
From Pounds and Inches:
As soon as such patients have lost all their abnormal superfluous fat, they at once begin to feel ravenously
hungry with continued injections. This is because HCG only puts abnormal fat into circulation and cannot, in
the doses used, liberate normal fat deposits; indeed, it seems to prevent their consumption. As soon as
their statistically normal weight is reached, these patients are put on 800-1000 calories for the rest of the treatment.
Debbie
Glad you had a good time. When is the wedding? I know you’ve said but seems these days I have so much going on at once.
Believe me, after weighing this morning and being up 3 lbs from the load days and Lord know how much more tomorrow, I can see what the bad foods do to you. Makes me want to work that much harder on this. I just hope I can see some nice numbers in this 3 weeks. I know this sounds stupid, but I’m actually looking forward to the next 3 weeks.
Harvel, did you slow down in weight loss on your 2nd round of p2? That’s what I’m getting really worried about, but I did load good this time, and I think I’m donuted out. 🙁 Never did get my milkshake, although Steve said we could if I wanted. But I had 3 pieces of pizza(did pizza hut instead) and then I decided to eat the rest of my donuts, since Steve was so good about driving 1/2 hour each way to get them yesterday. 🙂
Sherrie,
Yes, both my wife and I had a slower rate of loss the second time around. I think it slows the closer you get to the “ideal” weight.
Harvel
Debbie,
congrats! On the daughter’s upcoming wedding and the great handling of yourself. Let us know what tomorrow brings.
I loved steak day today. I was hungry part of the day, but not like first steak day. However, I did eat 16ozs of meat at dinner! Hope I don’t regret that, but Dr. Simeons does say get the biggest, juiciest and he even says to slather it with butter (I didn’t do that). So, it was a good meal.
Well, then I’m going to change my idea weight. LOL I want good numbers again. I sure hope I can get off 18 lbs in this 3 weeks, but it’s probably not realistic is it? 🙁
And, did you have an apple or tomato?
Sherrie, you’ll do great! I lost the most on this last round. So it doesn’t always get less. In fact, I’m at my lowest weight in a VERY long time, lol
The wedding is July 17th. Can’t wait. SO fun.
Debbie
Thanks Debbie. I sure hope I do good, if not, it’s sure won’t be from not trying!
Heck, I’m even craving water tonight, probably from all the white fattening cream that was loaded in the donuts
Donna,
I think you are doing the right thing. I’m not sure if you should up your calories for your last 3 days without injections. Maybe ask your hcg provider. I’m guessing its okay since Dr. Simeons has you up calories once you reach your statistically correct weight. Even if you are still on the hcg.
Blessings on you Donna. You have done very well. You reached a place that your body says enough. I could have kept going and didn’t but I am happy with the goal I reached. I hope you are ecstatic. You are where your body says is right. Hopefully it will be easy to stay there.
Let us know how you are doing.
apple, a super sized apple. I was actually full after this steak meal! I wasn’t the last time.
Brandy, I really hope you have a safe trip. Remember to take your breaks while driving! I wasn’t aware of how important they are until I drove from Spokane WA to Tippecanoe Ohio straight through, stayed in Ohio for 2 days and drove straight back to Spokane. I hardly took any rest stops except to fill up the tank and by the time I got back to Spokane my feet were swollen and BLUE! Very scary. I have elevate my feet for I think 2 days before I noticed!! LOL! Talk about impatience!
Since you are taking your food and seem very determined you will do fine on the diet and driving. Just stick to it and if you do have to stop to eat, remember to eat salads even if there is tempting food! Salads are everywhere and can be a lifesaver with chicken.
Look forward to your posts that are you getting there safely!
Thank you ALL!!! I did my last shot today. My original plan was to quit Tues. but I did it today.
Janet/Cindy… Thanks! I could use some blessings! I’ll probably up my calories by around 100 or so till Thursday. I don’t have an HCG provider though. I went on the advice of a guy I work with and here (and I thank you ALL for that)! I saved tons of money! His wife originally spent $1,200 going through a doctor.
Oh Sherrie.. (another great song) I only weigh myself first thing in the AM. I don’t dare torture myself weighing any other time because my weight fluctuates so much.
SO… I should wait till Thurs to post this but (drum roll), here’s where I’m at so far. So YES, I am incredibly happy with my “pounds AND inches”:
Weight: 138 Now: 125.5 (according to my scale, but I think I’m “really” around 127)
Waist: 33 7/8 Now: 28 1/4
Tummy Area: 37 Now: 31 3/4
Hips: 39 1/4 Now: 36
Chest: 34.25 Now: 34 (I guess my girls don’t want to slim down LOL)
i donna,
how long were you on the program to lose the weight you did?
results of 2nd steak day not as good as first, but still down 2lbs. Can’t complain. Wonder if that extra 4oz of meat was the difference in the extra .4lbs I lost on last steak day????
Hope this week brings some real stability. I would actually love to get rid of the extra 1.2lbs that I am keeping from last day of vlcd without drops, but just staying within the 2lb mark is proving to be enough of a challenge right now. Perhaps when I level off I can get rid of that???
Does’t really matter, but a nice idea.
Blessings on everyone today. Sherrie, you are about to walk down the end of the road! Good for you. I’m believig for you to get closer than you could ever believe possible.
Donna, be proud of yourself today. You have done a great job, stayed the course. Take a break and if you want to try for that extra 5lbs, do it when your body has had time to rest. I’m sure you look and feel awesome! Enjoy it.
Debbie, well you thin tall “older” chic! You go girl! You get to look 2nd best only to the bride at the upcoming wedding!
Today is day 5 of my vlcd and this morning I am up .4 …UGHHHH I know that I havent really been sleeping well for the past 2 nights..Is this the cause of going up? What am I doing wrong here??? Help nAnd I got my trip coming up… I do not want to gain weight back this is so discouraging
Good morning!
LOL Janet.
Well, happy to report after the big shower, I was up .8. Not at all concerned. I have found, for me, if i gain a little, I start my next day with a big bowl of fruit, greek yogurt and some slivered almonds (did I say YUM) and it seems to flush it all out and I end up back to my weight.
Hmm. I’ll let you know tomorrow.
This is the easiest time I’ve had maintaining.
I am doing a colon, liver and kidney cleanse (capsules). I fully believe that is helping also. I think flushing out the hcg is a good thing….. and I’ve done the best at maintenance this time…
Good luck all!
Debbie
Brandy, relax! That’s normal. I looked yesterday for someone else on here that had the same problem, day 6 I think it was, they were up .4(I believe that’s what she said). I went and looked and I was up on day 6 and without going to look in my journal again, I think it was up .8 or something like that. I knew I hadn’t cheated, so I was fine with it. The next day I was down over a pound! Quit worrying so much. Just remember weight fluctuates by water intake, not sleeping, etc. You need 8 hours of sleep a night! Now shhhhhhhhh….:)
LOL Janet, you are too funny. 2 lbs is good and wasn’t that steak DELICIOUS??? I loved my steak day 3 weeks ago. I have no idea how much steak I even ate at mine as I had 1 1/2 New York strips. I was going to get a tbone, but I wanted the meat to chew and didn’t want to have to cut around a bone. 🙂
I am having to walk down the road at least another time after this, as I’m only doing this p2 for 3 weeks. I’m kind of working around the schedule of when my son and his g-friend will be here and also July 4th weekend I want my hopefully LAST load day. If that time doesn’t work, I will take a break and try and work the rest of the summer on my weight and then do one more round in the fall time. My drops don’t seem as “potent” this time. I don’t get the burning I got from them last time, and I had them stored up in the dark cupboard. Oh well, I’m not buying anymore as I have enough left for 6 more weeks of vlcd. I have some of the real hcg coming and it will be here for me to try on the hopefully last round of p2 in July.
Keep up the good work Janet!
The damage from load days
up 4.2 lbs 🙁 Oh well, it’s temporary. I knew the 160’s would be short lived but I’m cool with it. I’m looking to the 150’s now, heck with the 160’s right?? You all have a great day and happy dieting.
That’s great Debbie(not that you gained, but your attitude).
Now, where did you get the liver, colon and kidney cleanse in a capsule. Could you give me the name of the capsule and maybe it’s something they sell at walmart?? Is it expensive? Could I take it on p2? Thanks!!
Brandy, don’t stress! Everytime I don’t get enough sleep and don’t drink enough water my weight goes up the next day. Stressing about it will only keep the weight around longer. Just fix it today and tonight and you should be fine tomorrow! 🙂
sherrie, can you please tell me where to order ‘the real thing’? i have plenty for now, but found it very hard to know where to make my firt order from. the site i got from said NOT to order the homeopathic:
http://www.pureh2o2forhealth.com/freehcgdiet.htm
Sherrie, Thanks for the info.. I have been doing ok with my water intake but sleep has been rough for the past 2 nights… I am not gonna stress myself about it today.. Heck who has time I got some packing to do =) Have a great day
I bought mine from an herbologist. I will and would, go to the vitamin shoppe and ask them. They definitely will have it.
Sherrie, Well I sure loaded on more then you.. My first load day I went to bed 7.8 lbs heavier then I woke up… That was the most excruciating pain ever.. It was so hard to eat the 2nd load day, but I was up 5lbs on load day 2… I sure cant wait to get to where you are in this.. I wish my scale would say 160..LOL Well you will do GREAT!!! Keep up all the good work and thanks for all your kind words, they really are encouraging
Heather, Thanks I am trying not to stress but this trip has me frazzeled =) in a good way but still frazzled. Im anxious and nervous and excited which all = no sleep. I think I have gotten about 4 hours of sleep each nite for the last two days, and I dont see sleep coming any easier in the upcoming traveling days.. I am just gonna do what I am suppose to food wise and water wise and hope for the best when it comes to the scale.. I mean if im eating right it eventually has to come off right??!! Well Im off to pack everything up so I am prepared for tomorrows trip =) Have a great day!!
Well mine only got to 168.8 then to 169 the day I started loading, but those will come back off(would be great if they would all come back off by tomorrow morning). LOL
I will keep you all updated every day on my progress though, as the kind words and the ENCOURAGEMENT on here is what keeps us all going I think
You want one of my ambiens? 🙂 You be careful going tomorrow, take a short break every 2 hours even if it’s to just walk around the car a couple times.
So most likely GNC would have it then. You don’t think walmart would carry anything like that?
Brandy I know exactly how you feel. I was up. 4 yesterday and another 1.5 today. I haven’t cheated not one bit and am very disappointed. I know I have to keep going and just hope for a loss tomorrow. You can do it too 🙂
Angie, thanks for the encouragement. I am not aoing to fret about it.. I am just going to stick to the protocol best I can and I am going to ride this out.. Good luck with the weigh in tomorrow.. I have my fingers crossed for both of us
Sherrie, Walmart – probably. Not sure. I have a vitamin shoppe close by and found it cheaper. And, i can ask what they recommend. Not sure if the Walmart folks have enough knowledge to recommend.
Debbie
Sherrie, I would love one..LOL.. I will make sure I get out and move around.. It will only be for a quick walk around the car tho.. 14 hours is a long way to go stopping that often.. I will be traveling to my girl friends house whichis only 2 hours away tomorrow and then on Thursday morning we will be leaving for Kentucky. I am staying hopeful =)
I’m on day 13 of the vlcd and as of yesterday I was down 13.2 lbs and now today I’m up 2.2. WHAT THE HECK!! I’m drinking plenty of water. Have had some bowel issues (sorry for having to notify the world about that) but could that be part of the problem. Is there something I can take to help regulate me a little more? I’m staying positive but this was frustrating this morning.
Janet! We are one in the same girl! I was down 2 lbs from the Steak Day this morning. I was really hoping for 3 but that would put me below my last day of VLCD, which really wouldn’t make sense and is against the protocol. I will be finished with p3 a week from today.
I noticed with my 2 round on homeo,I didn’t drop anymore lbs. than the 1st round which was really trying on my patience. However, my inches drop significantly. I will do one more round mid July and do the real hcg shots. I’m hoping to maintain my weight or ideally drop until then. The goal with my 3rd and final round is 15 lbs putting me at 140lbs at 5’10”, size 4-6.
Me, my 2 Sisters and 55 yr. old Mother set out at the first of the year to do a triathlon. But as luck would have it I became very sick with walking pneumonia 10 days ago and my doc told me I’d better not to do it. While my family has been training all year I have not because I’ve been on and off hcg since January as well. I wasn’t about to miss out on this opportunity to race in a triathlon with my family! The weather in Utah right now is horrendous. We have a horrendous snow storm this morning. It’s alomst June! What the…
Saturday (race day) was 30 degrees so they canceled the swim portion of the race leaving me to run 1 mile, bike 13 miles, and run another 3.2 miles. At that point all I cared about was finishing the race since I was sick and all. I’m happy to report I finished the race, and will begin training this week for the Women’s Nike Marathon in San Francisco in October. I will be running in Memory of my Grandfather who died from Leukemia. I am running with an organization that raises money to support research for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, through Team In Training. I will personally be responsible for raising $4800. Wish me luck…
Thanks for everyone’s support and may you be blessed with encouraging weigh-in’s this week! Keep up the great work everyone!
Brandy,
Forgive me for butting in, but I have something to add. At one time, I was a professional truck driver. The “take a break” every couple of hours is good advice. It will get your blood flowing again and keep you alert. Long hours on the road staring at the white line can be mesmerizing and you forget to pay attention. Second, long hours sitting in one position can lead to circulatory congestion in your lower legs. Not a good thing to have happen. (The same thing is a hazard on long airplane flights.) Stop the car and get out and walk around a little bit. The few minutes lost on the trip are well worth it.
Harvel
Rachel,
I would like to help out. How do we contribute to the $4800?
Harvel
Morning everyone! I haven’t been on here a little while… Great to see you all doing so well and keeping up the support and encouragement! My weight has been fluctuating the last few days. The last time you heard from me i had cheated on 2 corn chips and some 7 layer dip and put on 1lb, then lost .5lb, then put on a little more until recently i ate 2 slices of pizza and popcorn. Yes i know, i know – bad kitty! (Sherrie again, you have my permission to kick me in the you-know-where!). The thing is, i lost 2lbs. It’s so weird… Then i weighed myself this morning and i’m down another pound. My schedule has been so off. I’ve been eating lunch at like 4pm, taking drops at 1am (crazy hours). I’ve been doing a fair bit of walking too. Maybe that could be the reason for the weight loss? All the running around etc? I really though my late night lunches and dinner would make me put on weight… strange.
This happened a couple days ago (eating pizza) and even this morning i weighed myself and i’m down another pound. Of course i’m not going to cheat again. I feel so lucky to have even lost anything at all after what i did. I think i may plateau soon because of this; once that pizza gets stored. I still can’t believe i cheated. It’s so not worth it and it’s messing me up mentally even though i lost weight. I’m so disappointed in myself, but i’m going to keep going! I really love this diet and it truly works. I have until November to reach my goal weight (I want to lose 60lbs+) and this is the only way. My mum arrives on Saturday (from Australia) and will be here for 3 weeks. I’m going to do the drops until Friday then take a break, however i’m really going to watch my weight. I don’t want to put everything back on. I initially went on this diet to look good for my mums arrival. I just wasn’t aware of all the phases. I promise to really watch myself because i think i’d be really depressed if i put it all back on. I even have to go out and buy new jeans already! I really promise to be careful and not over-eat. I hope you all understand.
Sherrie, can you please forward me the link of where you bought your drops from? I’m going to pre-order some so i can start over on July 1st. No excuses!
Jen- grab some chocolate flavored Smooth Move herbal tea from any grocer (Whole Foods, Target) and that will get things moving just fine. Remember, it’s not “IF” you stall but when. I’m willing to bet it’s the bowel movement issue. Not to fret it will come down!
Harvel, Thanks for the info. I was doing a bit of researchon it today… So I am guessing my trip will be about 16 hours with the walking breaks.. Oh well it my best friend and I going and I am taking my friend whomI am visiting’s daughter. I am sure we will all want to get out and move around. =) Thanks again for the advice
Rachel,
Did you really mean that pun??!!
Brandy, I completely agree with Harvel. I drove across country (WA to OH and back to WA) in about 5 days.. with little stopping. From a little above my ankle to my toes were swollen and blue.. It was sooo painful!! And you can’t do anything. Make sure you take those breaks!! You don’t want to go through that!!! And it does help keep you alert!
That’s what I was wondering. Knowing Rachael (she’s my niece), yes… she meant it!!
No fair Jen, you can’t call me out like that 🙂
No pun intended, but it’s sure the truth 🙂
Actually my neighbor ordered it, and it’s taking about 2 + weeks to get it. They were out of whatever it was the neighbor was waiting on, but she did place the order. It’s the same place Cindy gets hers from.
alldaychemist.com
Okay, I’m eating dinner and my calories are only coming out to like 370 for the day. 🙁
Never had that happen before and I even had a melba toast for lunch and one for dinner which I hadn’t been doing. Tomorrow will be better as I’m going to have hamburger meat.
Hi Kendall,
I get my drops from pureh202forhealth.com and haven’t had any issues with them.
Sherrie,
I did some research on the website you get your drops from and the reason it takes so long for the orders to arrive is because alldaychemist.com is a company based out of India. So any international shipping usually takes a min 2 weeks. Not sure if you already know (thought i’d share).
Out of curiosity what do your drops taste like? How do you know what to order from the website? Which one do you order? There seems to be quite a few options.
Yeah, I knew it took a couple weeks already, but when the neighbor went to order it a couple weeks ago, all day chemist was out of something that she orders. I have no idea what the drops taste like, I know the neighbor mixes them with vodka. Humm. 🙂 I think if Cindy sees this she could answer the questions as that’s who she orders from. All I know is for a 20 day supply I have to pay the neighbor $18 and that’s with the s&h included. I think a few of us get them and then split the cost of the shipping and handling
Sherrie how bad is it if you dont get your 500 calories? Today I barely made half of that. With all the hussle and bussle of the day b4 vacation things going on I just was not hungry. I ate a lite lunch (just tilapia) and strawberries for a snack. At dinner time I was not hungry, bu I ate about half of the chicken cabbage soup I made and was full. I hope this will not hurt me tomorrow on the scale
I don’t know Brandy, I’ll find out tomorrow. I always got real close or barely over 500 before. I really am not happy at all that I was this far from the 500, and will make sure tomorrow I get closer to that mark. I had cucumbers for dinner and lettuce for lunch for veggies, and those 2 veggies are nothing when it comes to calories. 🙁
This is what confuses me also. I was told that you should only eat a handful or 3.5oz of vegetables (which is what i’ve been doing). The thing is, when you add everything up, 500 calories doesn’t even come close! You can’t make up the difference with the protein so your only choice is the vegies. 100 calories worth of vegies is A LOT! But can you even eat that much? Today i ate spinach as a vegie for lunch and 3.5oz was like a ridiculously huge bowl! I got paranoid and narrowed it down to 2 cups worth.
I don’t measure out the veggies unless I’m eating canned spinach, but I’m having that for dinner tomorrow night, so will eat the whole can if I have too. LOL
So then what is your portion size for each serving of vegies?
Well, I know I don’t get as much lettuce as what they call for, heck if I did, I would look like I was 1/2 rabbit. But, the canned spinach has a little more calories in it than the fresh spinach. It says on the can how many servings and the calories, and if I have to eat the whole can to up my calories then I will do it. I am also going to eat an apple tomorrow instead of an orange, and hopefully that will be more calories. A lot of them have said on here, get your protein weighed and the calories first then the fruit then the veggie. If you do up your menu the night before(at least one night before), then you will know what you’re looking on for calories. I also added the melba toast this time again. Last time I only ate them for maybe a week, then had to stop eating them as it was actually putting me over on calories some. I’m glad I still have my journal from the first 6 weeks so I can see what was running me more calories. I know the cube steak has like 160 calories, so maybe make some of that for one meal. Hope we both do a little better tomorrow.
Sherrie, well I hope for both our sakes it is not that bad. I cannot handle another gain… WEll Im off to bed so I can get up and finish gtting ready to go.. I will post in the a.m and let you know how my weigh in went. Nite
Brandy, I always found that not getting to 500 cals made the scale a very friendly place to go the next morning :).
I had 2 days in a row that I only got in 1 meal a day and they were the best 2 loss days of my entire phase 2.
angie, check your calories and make sure you are not going over 500. One thing that happened tome was not weighing my apples. That caused me to go over a couple of days in a row just by 10 or 20 calories, but I didn’t lose anything those days. It’s always good to check your cals when nothing is happening on the scale, just to make sure.
Rachel,
you are doing great! That last 15lbs may be a little tougher, but well worth it. You are going to be soooo skinny! 5’10” and 140. WOW!!!!
So tell me please, how many steak days have you done on this phase 3? I’m barely into week 2 of phase 3. Week 1 included 2 steak days. Today I weighed exactly the same as I did yesterday (the day after a steak day). This is only the 2nd time I have weighed the same thing 2 days in a row. Up .2lbs from where I was last time. Don’t want that to be a trend.
What has your experience been?
Hey Debbie, how are you doing today? Curious to know how the scale treated you this morning, the day after the day after!!!
Tania, I see no one has given you a good tongue-lashing just yet! LOL. Well, you know that you can’t cheat and succeed, so I guess you don’t need to be beat up here, now do you???
Tania, I would encourage you to simply keep the goal in mind and be determined to do whatever it takes to get there. Come here for support. We’ll help you get through it.
Good morning!
I am only up .8 from my last shot day 🙂
Janet, I wouldn’t worry too much about staying the same. My weight always fluctuates. .4 up or down is nothing. I never expect to stay exactly the same.
So far so good on maintenance. Finally getting warm, no hot, in Ohio. My neighbors were all in awe seeing me…. That felt good and encouraging.
My MOB dress is ready to be picked up 🙂 yay!!!
Debbie
Well, after gaining 4.2 on load days, I was only down 1.4 of it this morning, but I’m okay with that. Had 2 cups of coffee before going to bed, drank more water yesterday(yeah) didn’t get quite 8 hours of sleep and was up twice going pee in the middle of the night. Am hoping for a better weigh in tomorrow, but heck, I’ll take it!
Hi Sherrie,
How did you do????? Excited for you
Debbie
And make sure you take the core out first. I use a wedger on mine. I know on here it said 15 calories an oz on apple, but actually, it’s 16.25 calories per oz and it’s better to figure a little high as to not go over what you can have for the day
only lost 1.4 of the 4.2 I gained on load days. I wrote on here this morning. Oh well, I’m still thinking positive. Remember I didn’t even get 400 calories in yesterday either, and I really think that has something maybe to do with it. Today, I’m going to get right up around the 500 mark
Hi Sherrie,
We must have been posting at the same time 🙂
Hey, that works! You’ll drop it quickly.
I found for me, eating between 460-470 a day, I had my best results. And, getting enough sleep. Wow how I abuse that and wow how I see it affect my weight.
Try taking calcium with the hcg………
Don’t get discouraged!
Debbie
LOL I posted 1/2 hour before you. 🙂 I don’t like this set up, it’s hard to find posts. I know you can look on the side, but that only shows the last few. I’m trying not to get discouraged, I was just hoping I would be back to where I was before load days by tomorrow, since it took me 2 days to put that weight on, was hoping for the same amt. of time to take it off. My only cheating was 1 piece of gum(sugar free) yesterday. I wasn’t going to chew that, but I had too for a minute as my mouth had a horrible taste in it. But, remember I use to chew a pack or more of gum a day, even with the last time I was on p2.
I haven’t decided if next time I’ll do load days or not. I don’t like the outcome of them. 🙁 or maybe I’ll just do one load day on July 4th, just have to wait until the time gets here and see how I’m doing by then.
Sherrie, Well I guess it was ok not to have all the colories. I am down 1.6 this morning =) YAY!!! Well I better finish getting things ready so I can be highway ready at 3 when my friend gets off work. Have a great day and I hope the scale is good to you as well this morning.
Today I weigh exactly the same as yesterday, the day after steak day. Last steak day I went up 1.2lbs and then stayed at that weight for 2 days before I had to do another steak day. I’ll let you know if tomorrow ends up following the pattern. I’m thinking NOT, but we never know until the morning weigh in tell us!
Rachel,
please share your phase 3 experiences. How many steak days, how has your weight fluctuated?
Thanks
I know when I did my steak day, I lost 2.2 and kept it off and ended up going down to where I was 6 lbs lighter than the last drop day.
Janet- Not too be worried. If you are not up or down 2 lbs. your weight will fluctuate daily. ONLY if the weight drastically changes from day to day should you be concerned. Keep on doing what you are doing. DO NOT follow my bad habits…
I am on another Steak Day today, because I seem to go through self sabotaging. You’d think since I’ve come this far I’d knock that crap off, but I don’t learn. Yet! If you are good about counting your calories and staying within p3 protocol the process works. If you cheat (and you REALLY should NOT- take it from me), you are messing with the resetting process. Don’t do it! I learned the hard way the first time I did this. Learn from my mistake and be true to yourself.
I need a kick-in-the-butt right now! I have until Monday and I’m in p4. Why, oh why would I want to screw it all up now! Ugh, the things I do to myself. If I can come this far, I can make it until Monday. I realize I’m talking to myself, but I’m putting that affirmation into the universe.
Rachael,
Sometimes I feel like I’m getting in the middle of a private conversation. If I am, forgive me. But, I don’t see any reason to be beating yourself up over this. Of course you shouldn’t “cheat.” But we all have in one way or another and it still turned out OK. Perhaps the most difficult part of the HCG diet is the breaking of old habits. Kinda’ like stopping smoking: There’s all sorts of triggers in our lives that make us want to eat things we shouldn’t. Spend a little time thinking about what it is that makes you want to eat something “off diet.” Then, figure out something to distract you for long enough to forget about eating. Exercise, a glass of water, whatever. But, don’t think about not eating…it’s like not thinking about a monkey or a pink elephant. Can’t do it can you?
An experienced dieter, Harvel
Good news is so far on phase 3 I haven’t even wanted to cheat! My sugar free chocolate sauce curbs any cravings I have for dessert. I find myself reaching for apples, cheese and peanutbutter whenever I am hungry. Stabilization is suppose to get your body use to its new weight so you aren’t constantly having to steak day. That’s what I’m counting on!
Good night all. Blessings. Post to you tomorrow!
Hello again! I’m just checking back in and posting an update and also a question. I ended my P2 a couple days early since I was having some friends come and visit for a few days and I wanted to be able to eat again. I ended up losing a little over 50 pounds in 41 days. I’m now on P3 and things aren’t going quite as well..
The first day I ate 1000 calories (3 pieces of bacon, 2 eggs for breakfast – big egg white omelet with ham for lunch – 7 ounce 96/4 cheeseburger with 5 cherry tomatoes for dinner) and I had a couple Weight Watchers cheese sticks for snacks. The second day I did the same breakfast, almost the same lunch, and had chicken and tomatoes for dinner. I think I was around 1100-1150 the 2nd day. The problem is, I got on the scale the 3rd day and I was up OVER 3 POUNDS! I don’t get it. Am I doing something wrong? I didn’t eat any sugars or starches (that I know of) so I’m not sure why I went up so much in just a couple days. Should I do a steak day already? Should I cut back calories a bit and wait a couple days? Any advice would be helpful!
Good morning!
My turn. Steak day today… maybe.
I was sick yesterday. Still feel lousy. Grazed all day instead of meals. Ate a ton of fruit, pineapple, grapes, cantelope and apples at 10pm last night. Bad mistake. Up 2 pounds total exactly.
Heart isn’t into it since I feel so lousy. Changed my muscle relaxer and I feel awful.
Debbie
Wayne
first of all congratulations on your 50 lb loss
2nd of all(in p3) the first day you get up and you’re up over 2 lbs of what you were on your last drop day, you have to have nothing all day but your coffee/tea or water and then for dinner eat the biggest, juciest steak and either a tomato or apple and that’s it.
I hit a 2 lb mark real quick between after I was done with my drops and as I was getting ready to go in to the p3, did a steak day, lost 2.2 of the 2 I gained and never did put it back on(until this last load day last weekend).
I kept my calories on the p3 around 1400/day
good luck.
Debbie, it’s probably from eating right before bed. I try and never eat within 3 hours of bed time.
Hope you get feeling better
Wayne, one more thing(I was thinking while walking), did you stay on your vlcd for the 72 hours after your last drops?
Ugh. I’m frustrated today. I weighed this morning and was up 1 pound. For no reason! No cheating, drank all my water, have been getting plenty of sleep 🙁 Maybe it’s just a fluke and tomorrow I’ll be down significantly.
In the last week I’ve been staying pretty much the same but no gains until today. Maybe my HCG has lost it’s potency – but even then, I’m still eating so few calories, you’d think I’d still be losing. Oh well. Here’s to high hopes for tomorrow!
Wayne,
Just the opposite may be the case. You might need more calories, not less. In Ph3 start at the level of 1500 and go from there. I needed around 1900. At the low level you are eating and without the HCG, your body can go into starvation mode and hang on to everything you give it.
Harvel
Debbie,
so sorry you are feeling bad!This is not a good time for a steak day. Times like these I would really like to have Dr.Simeons handy. Maybe you could just really cut your calories today, make sure you have plenty of proteins and liquids. If you lost 1 lb then you would be okay. I just don’t know how it fits into the whole reset of the hypothalamus, which is really what we are all after, right?
Praying blessings for you today friend!
Wayne, the only thing I can think of is what Sherries said, did you wait the 72 hours before getting off the VLCD? And, did you have a bun with your cheeseburger?
If no to both those, I don’t know what to tell you. Good luck – and a BIG CONGRATS on the 50 pound weight loss, that’s awesome!
Day 13 of phase 3. The last 2 days (following a steak day) I weighed in exactly the same. Good, I like that and kind of expect it as part of stabalization. Today I am down 1lb. Now, I’m not complaining at all, but this is what I did last week. I’m just keeping ya’ll posted, but the end result last week was steak day. 2x’s. I love steak day, for the steak, but I am wanting to see lasting change here. And, I do in many ways. I don’t think I will ever let myself go back to regularly eating sugary desserts when I have discovered so many deliciious, non-sugar substitutes. I do have a concern, and hope that I am truly stable by the time I take my boys to disney world this summer. It will be a full week of eating off schedule and out of habit. I won’t take my scale because airlines charge for baggage these days. Anyway… a little about my diet journey. I’ll keep posting.
Hey Brynn,
if you have eaten off schedule any time in the last 3 days it could be showing up. However, this seems to be pretty normal from everyone’s experiences I have read. so try not to be too frustrated, take a deep breath, eat PERFECT today and drink more water than normal. You will probably see a substantial loss in a day or two. Remember plateaus happen, and sometime that means going up before you go down again. It’s okay, normal and healthy.
You know, I just thought of something that encourages me, so hope it encourages everyone else who is frustrated about steak day. Dr. Simeons told us about steak day because he KNEW we would all need one. It IS part of the overall process. No way a body can lose a substantial amount of weight in a very short time frame without trying to put it back on. The research he put into this diet is to enhance and ensure success for those who will adhere to the protocol.
It takes 3 weeks to break a habit??? 3 weeks on phase 3. I think he knew exactly what he was doing, and how this would all work, physically and psychologically.
Blessings on all of you today with a steak day in your future. I think I just got myself settled that I WILL stabalize, and I will never again have to go back to worrying about being fat.
Wayne, you need more calories! No MAN (MALE) can live on that low amount of calories, even a small man. Men generally need a minimum of 2000 calories a day to maintain a healthy weight, unless you are totally sedentary.
Add proteins, lots of them and veggies. You need more veggies. Let us know how you are tomorrow.
Wayne, one other thing… DO A STEAK DAY, IT’S PROTOCOL AND IMPORTANT TO YOUR OVERALL PLAN.
Brynn,
Are you close to your monthly or ovulating? Are you close to a weight you were previously at for a long time? That is normally the cause for me. Just keep chugging along you are doing great. Plateaus and stalls happen, sometimes for no reason at all. Just keep doing your thing and it will all work out. 🙂
Thank you Janet and Heather. Unfortunately, I’m not near my monthly cycle so that’s not the cause. And maybe I was around this weight for a few months about a year ago. I guess that makes sense. Hopefully it will drop soon! There’s nothing more depressing than knowing you’re doing everything correctly but not seeing the scale move!
I’m down 20.5 pounds in 33 days which is about .6 pound loss per day – so as long as I keep that rate, I’ll be happy 🙂
Thanks for your help ladies!
Okay, frustrated today!! Up 1lb on day 17 of P2. It may be for a couple of reasons. I’m at the weight I was at for a long time and my body doesn’t want to let it go. Another is that I think I’m eating too much veggies and fruit. I absolutely love fruit and it’s really hard for me to have 2 a day. When I have strawberries, I know I take more than I should but my mind tells me it’s only fruit – what can hurt? Stupid I know. I need to go back to weighing exact portions of veggies too. It’s all about discipline and determination. I’m 47 years old and it’s time I gain control of this part of my life! I have this vision in my mind of a slimmer, trimmer, healthier version of me and I love it so I’m going to stay motivated. I’m so grateful for this blog where I know you’re all there to support and encourage. THANKS!
Brynn
I am in the exact boat You are in. I feel your frustrations. I am only on day 11 and the scale is moving very slowly. I even gained 2 pounds over the weekend with no cheats. Its hard to keep going but when you think about what you have done so far Its not worth quitting. I am going camping this weekend and praying I can resist all the yummy treats. And 20 pounds lost for you is awesome!!
Hi,
Just started on Saturday and when do you start seeing the weight loss and does anyone know where to go to see what foods are ok and not ok to eat? I know not to eat carbs.
Thx,
Arlene
Thank you. I believe I have a sinus issue. My ears are blocked. Feel queezy, just yuck!
Debbie
Janet,
Thank you for the blessings!
Well, 4pm here. Getting very hungry now finally. Did the steak day 🙂 ready to eat!
Thank you all for your support!
Debbie
Skyked, go to http://www.yourhcg.com/poundsandinches.
You will lose weight starting on day 3, first day of 500 cals.
Best thing I ever did for myself.
I’m glad you felt well enough for steak day. Up 2lbs, steak day is a must. You have worked too hard not to follow protocol now. No matter what the reason.
Syked
You did your loading days this last Saturday? You should start seeing results as soon as you start on the 500 calorie diet. Did you not get any instructions with your drops telling you what to eat and how everything works?
Jennifer
You can’t eat more than what’s allowed, or you will not lose what you can lose if you follow the protocol. I don’t take a handful of strawberries, you can have 5.3 oz for 50 calories, that’s how I figure my strawberries. When I weigh my orange, I take the peeling off then weigh it and 14.54 calories per oz and an apple, I core it then weigh it and it’s 16.25 an oz. Keep those calories where they need to be and you’ll lose
Brynn, to see how much your weigh fluctuates, weigh yourself a few different times and you will see different numbers all through the day. Don’t be frustrated, it will go back down. Heck, on day 5 or 6 of my last p2, I went up .8 one day and the next day was down 1 1/2 lbs. Give it time, we can’t lose everyday, that’s not how our bodies work(unfortunately
Hope I do well tomorrow 🙂
So, how much steak and how much apple? Never did one
Debbie
Debbie:
How you feeling tonight? The steak says on the protocol, the largest juiciest steak you can find, and an apple or tomato. I didn’t measure anything out when I did mine. I had the apple because I like tomatoes out of our garden, and I had 1 1/2 new york strips. I lost 2.2 lbs of the 2 I had put on when I had to do steak day
Thanks Sherrie!
I feel a little better. Sudafed is helping
I had a porterhouse.. it was good. only one and one apple. i’m not the biggest meat eater. I’d like more apple.
Hope I’m as successful as you were!
Debbie
I like meat, but after having all this meat the last few weeks, it doesn’t even sound appealing right now. Chicken sounds worse to me yet. 🙁
Well, yesterday I was down 1.4 of the 4.2 I had put on during load days, today another 1.8 pounds, so still have to get another pound off to get down to where I was the day I started loading. Why does it take longer to get it off than it does to put it on?? 🙁
I hear ya Sherrie!
Just crazy. Stick to the plan and things will pick up!
Debbie
Debbie,
No restrictions on the size of the steak or apple. I ate 16oz steak the other day, and the biggest, fattest apple I could find at the store. it was yummy! My husband was jealous!
I lost 2lbs that steak day. Previous steak day lost 2.4 and only ate 12oz of meat. Do you see a .4lb correlation there???LOL
Today I was down 1lb from the previous 2 days, of which I weighed the same. Can’t wait to see the scale tomorrow. I really love the weight I started at today. That 1lb makes such a difference in how my body feels overall. Not my clothes, just my body. Weird, but if I could keep it off, I would. We shall see.
Hi Janet,
Interesting!
But a .4 weight fluctuation can be fluid… that is so small.
We’ll see on the steak. Not sure on the weight and it was porterhouse so there is a large bone…. and my biggest apple 🙂
Glad you feel good. I understand that.
Debbie
Anyone use the hcg drops from http://www.yourhcg.com? If so DO THEY HONESTLY WORK? I am nervous to use them. I heard its a scam but I already purchased and recieved the drops. I just dont want to go on the 2 day gorge if they are worthless.
Phase 3 people! Tomorrow I start Phase 3…finally. If you recall, the last 4 days I increased my calories due to my week long stall. I’m reading all your statuses about being up 1 to 2 lbs. My concern is since I’ve been off protocol now (caloriewise and minus the handful of Bugles I had today, bad bad bad), I’m curious as to who is exercising and who isn’t. If you are what are you doing for exercise and how long?
I’m going to try and avoid gaining weight as much as possible and will stick to the protocol (I have no choice, since I fed my dog the rest of the bugles) BUT since I’ve had increased calories lately I’m curious how that’s going to impact tomorrow when I increase to 1400 a day. I’m so SCARED of weight gain!
Donna, I’m on P2 and I exercise almost daily. I was exercising before I started hcg and stopped for the firth month due to complete fatigue. I slowly got back into it. I CAN NOT do more than 40 minutes of working out a day or I retain water really badly and cause a stall or gain. I tend to do 30 minutes a day and do really good with that. I also double my water intake when I work out. I am supposed to drink 72 ounces a day (1/2 my body weight) and I tend to drink 150 on the days I work out. If you are going to start working out, go about it slowly. I started at walking 15 minutes, 6 days a week. I slowly added onto that. Your body will tell you what it can and WON’T want to do. 🙂 Also you want to start taking potassium if you aren’t already. I take 5 potassium pills a day, I think the dosage adults are supposed to get is 2000-2500 a day.
As with this diet, listen to your body. Good luck.
Heather, thanks! 30-40 minutes a day is PERFECT for me! Anything longer and I’m completely bored out of my mind or disinterested. I just started exercising regularly for two weeks now on P2 (about 25 minutes). Today I start P3 and wondering how much exercise I should do to maintain or lose the last 4-5 lbs.
I’ve been seeing people are taking Potassium for P2, but is it suggested for P3? I do take a multi and I take B-12 shots once a week (which I’ve noticed are a HUGE help).
I’ve learned this isn’t the kind of diet you go into blind, that’s for sure! It’s best to read and understand the protocol. Pounds and inches is huge reading but it gives you a good understanding of what you NEED to eat and why. It’s 500 calories a day (without deviating much either way), lots of water, no substituting foods, taking drops/shots, and carefully planning out your meals by weighing and charting EVERYTHING, and I mean everything! It’s important you eat the right combinations (can’t repeat the same foods during the day, must get 2 proteins, 2 fruits, 2 veggies and optional breadsticks). Weight fruits fruits after you’ve removed the rinds, seeds, cores, etc. Many people think they can just “start” but you have to be stocked and prepared otherwise you’ll set yourself up to quit if you don’t get enough variety, calories, etc. Good luck.
You’re doing great! I’m dreading steak day myself… I need FOOD all day long!
20 lbs, wowie!! I lost a total of 13 on P2 so you’re doing awesome!! Keep us updated on how the weight fluctuation goes.
Hello!
Happy to report a 2.8 loss after the steak day 🙂
It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Didn’t get hungry till 4….
Back on track and happy 🙂
Debbie
Donna:
I’ve been walking since the very first phase 2 and haven’t ever stopped. I walk over a mile a day(sometimes I do it twice a day), but I always get my walks in.
You trying to kill your dog? 🙂 Bugles aren’t good for dogs!
I never once counted any calories when I started phase 3 and the only time I had to do the steak day was the first day of upping my calories last time, as I had a bad day and ate like a pig, things I shouldn’t have. I did the one steak day and never did gain after that, infact lost 6 more pounds on p3
Well you really shouldn’t lose more weight on P3.. but if you aren’t going back to P2, you will just have to listen to your body. Everyone is different. I haven’t worked out for weight loss in a while. I work out for piece of mind and stress relief!!
You should continue to take Potassium. I tend to get really bad leg cramps if I don’t take it.. I will continue to take the potassium whether I’m on hcg or not.
A lot of people have lost weight on p3 without trying. I am back on p2 right now, started load days again last weekend.
I take potassium every day and have not once had a leg or better yet toe cramp
I can’t say too much about P3 because I have not been on it. I do know that P3 is supposed to be about stabilization, not going more than 2 lbs ABOVE OR BELOW your LDW. So if you gain or lose more than 2 lbs, then you aren’t doing P3 correctly. This is something that is discussed in length in my other support group and I believe it is also mentioned in pounds and inches.
From Pounds and Inches:
Losing more Weight
An ex-patient should never gain more than two pounds without immediately correcting this, but it is equally undesirable that more than two pounds be lost after treatment, because a greater loss is always achieved at the expense of normal fat. Any normal fat that is lost is invariably regained as soon as more food is taken, and it
often happens that this rebound overshoots the upper two lbs. limit.
Gaining weight (under skipping a meal)
As long as their weight stays within two pounds of the weight reached on the day of the last injection, patients should take no notice of any increase but the moment the scale goes beyond two pounds, even if this is only a few ounces, they must on that same day entirely skip breakfast and lunch but take plenty to drink. In the evening they must eat a huge steak with only an apple or a raw tomato. Of course this rule applies only to the morning weight. Ex-obese patients should never check their weight during the day, as there may be wide fluctuations and these are
merely alarming and confusing.
Hello fellow HCG dieters! I am stuck at the same weight, no weight loss for two days :(. How long do you wait before doing an apple or steak day? This is my third week on the diet.
Thanks
Donna,
I am on phase 3. I exercise 4-5 days a week. 2 days I lift weights, getting back into heavy lifting which I stopped during vlcd because of lack of energy. I do at least 30 minutes of cardio every day.
On the days I lift weights I seem to be down on the scale the next day???
Let us know how you do. Increase calories slowly would be my recommendation. Write down everything you eat so you can evaluate what’s working and what’s not.
Mia,
yourhcg is suppose to be one of the better. In fact, a friend who owns a vitamin store carries that product, he thinks its the best. I think you are safe.
Debbie, I’m curious… how much did your steak weigh?
Sherrie, wow you really get your exercise in. Yeah you! You’re doing awesome! My dog has injested tylenol, chocolate bars, grapes, sheetrock, gummybears, sticks, shoes, and her own BM’s. Wouldn’t that be amazing if the bugles were what did her in? LOL She did LOVE the bugles! But I won’t be buying them again. My daughter hated them!
Thanks Janet for the tip. Today I’m trying to do 1100 calories and will increase by 100 for the next few days. I had some homemade hummus today with ezikiel bread and I’m not clear if chick peas are even allowed. One guy I know said they were but I’m not finding alot about beans.
things to consider:
– Are you around a previous set weight that you were at for a while? This can cause a stall
– Are you close to your monthly or ovulating? – this can can cause a stall
– Are you drinking enough water
– Sometimes they just happen. Pounds and Inches say that stalls happen after the first couple of weeks. Your body is releasing a lot of fat and maybe needs to stop for a minute and adjust itself.
You would do an apple day if you are on P2, steak days are for P3 only. I personally have been stalled for a week at a time and chose not to do an apple day. I figured my body was working itself out and let it do its thing.
Donna,
I think you are suppose to stay away from all of that until phase 4. Check the glycemic index of chic peas. Just google it and you will find info. If it’s higher than 20 I would stay away.
Janet,
I’m not sure. I didn’t pay attention. Had only one, but more meat than I like. I also brushed it with butter like I read. Eh.
And a HUGE apple.
Debbie
Well, today I am doing my best to avoid a steak day tomorrow. I seem to be following a pattern… every 4 days and then steak day. yesterday I was down 1lb. The 2 days previous I was down 2 lbs from steak day and maintained that weight. Today I am up 1.4lbs. .6llbs will put me right at steak day weight. I have a lake outing tomorrow and really need to be free on the food. I have eaten very sensibly and low cal so far today. praying for a drop on the scale tomorrow. UUUGGGHHH…. when does this level out? I know, 3 weeks, 3 weeks, 3 weeks. It just seems like it ought to happen quicker. I haven’t cheated 1 time on phase 3. Nothing, nada, NOT!
LOL Donna..A little more than a mile is nothing, I should be getting twice that, but I do go for a walk occasionally after dinner, if it’s not too hot out.
Dang girl, what kind of dog do you have that you haven’t killed it off yet? I love the caramel flavored bugles, heck I have a full bag sitting in the pantry, I should check the date on it, as I can’t have any until my next load day(If I do load days again).
That all depends on how much I’m down after this time.
My dog is a lab mix, whom I affectionately refer to as our “house wrecking beatch”. She’s a nightmare! Turn my back and she can rip apart a tylenol bottle, raid easter baskets, chew through walls and blinds, break into my daughter’s lunch bag and steal the grapes, chew through a metal dog cage, eat markers and crayons… all completely toxic stuff to a dog. And she’s still kicking LOL. Stomach of steel I say. It’s no wonder a little cornmeal and coconut oil doesn’t affect her.
Guess what, today is NOT a steak day! YEAH! Down .4 today. 1lb away from steak day! I’m so happy.
Sherry,
I am a huge fan of apple day, probably because the psychological effects for me are huge. I did 2 apple days during phase 2. I always lost and never regained. And, if you really like your apples, it is pretty easy.
Steak day is for phase 3 if you gain 2 or more lbs.
Thank you Heather and Janet, I will probably do an apple day on Sunday. I didn’t know the steak day was in phase three so thank you.
I have a camping trip this weekend and i know I will gain. Just from being in sun and being off schedule. I am going to do an apple day Monday. I have read a couple different ways to do this. What is the best way to do this?
Stupid question…if lunch and dinner consists of fruit, 3.5 protein, veggie and you cannot mix fruits and veggies. How does everyone get 500 calories? I am finding I am falling short most days on calorie intake :(.
Thanks
It is hard Sherry. I didn’t even quite get to 400 yesterday. You can get cube steak which I believe is 160 calories, and of course your apples/oranges will be more calories. I know they say to get your 3.5 protein, then your fruit and then add the veggies to get the calories up. Well, a whole had of lettuce has like 15 calories, and I don’t get no where near having a whole head of cabbage. Don’t forget you can also add the melba toast or grissini bread also which melba(one slice) is 20 calories. Not sure how much is in the grissini as I’ve never bought it before
I just wanted to post an update. I have been traveling since the 25th and I am down 2.8lbs. I am so excited because I honestly expected a little gain, so I am exstatic with my results. I hope the rest of you are having good results too. Have a Great Day!!!
Angie, apple day is easy, especially if you like apples. 6 apples in 24 hours. Start at noon and eat your 6 apples anytime between noon the day you start and noon the following day. Then back to the regular vlcd. I always ate 4 apples in the same day and then started the next day at noon with vlcd. Always had success.
That is great Brandy!!! Obviously your determination to do well at this diet is more than you give yourself credit for!!! Be safe on the roads!
Yeah Janet!
I am up today. 1.2 no fun. But I was terribly ill with the flu today. I am sure tomorrow will be better.
Debbie
Heather, Thank you so much.. I did cheat today and had my white castles. Funny thing is I felt bad about cheating. Heck the burgers I ate took all my calories for the day 🙁 So I will be over jus a lil because I am gonna eat a chicken salad for dinner tonite… Hopefully the scale will be nice to me in the morning again.
Brandy, oh white castles.. I have such bad memories of white castles (salt and slugs.. ugh).. LOL.. But now you made me crave a burger!! I sometimes have burgers on P2, I just don’t eat the bread and I do ok.. I hope the scale is nice to you as well.
That is the funny thing about cheating. The food you eat is NEVER as good as you remember it, you don’t get the same enjoyment from it and then you feel bad. I normally end up a little sick after I eat something I shouldn’t.
I am .6 lbs away from releasing 40 lbs and 20 lbs away from my goal. I hope I can get there by the end of June so I can go through P3 and start P4 before vacation.
Stay safe driving. 🙂
Hope you are feeling better today. It is not fun to be sick, especially on a holiday weekend when you are trying to be very careful with your weight.
Today I got up at 5am, my normal time, weighed and was depressed. Today was a steak day. But, I went back to bed immediately, got up again at 7am ( I never do that, it’s almost noon for me) and I was down .8lb, not a steak day after all and almost the same weight as the day before. Yeah!
Trying to eat sensibly today so that tomorrow is NOT a steak day.
Sherrie, where are you? You haven’t posted in days? Are you doing okay? Are you staying true to the protocol? Has something happened?
Hey sweetie, I’m still alive and kicking. Did mess up my back though. YES I’m doing great on my dieting. 🙂 No cheating, except 3 pieces of sugarless gum in a week, but considering I usually chew a pack a day(or did last time I was on p2), that’s good for me! I hit my 1/2 way mark and am down 30 lbs now. I put on 4.2 lbs last weekend on load day and have now lost 7.0 since Last Monday(including the load days). It took me 3 days to get off what I had put on that weekend. I still have 2 weeks before going to p3 again and am hoping I can get another 10-15 off in the next couple weeks. Don’t want to have to do this more than 1 more time, although, I think that’s inevitable
Sherrie, sorry to hear you hurt your back. Backs are such important body parts! You will do great. I’m so proud that you aren’t cheating. You have the prize in sight, now run the race till the end! And remember what you told me, 15lbs isn’t that much to lose, and it will probably come off more slowly than someone who has more to lose……
don’t get discouraged if the time is slower. So worth it!
Thanks Janet. I wish I only had 15, I have 30, so am hoping I can lose 15 this time, as I know I have to at least do one more p2 after that. I’m just hoping I can get 15 and 15 in each time. LOL I will probably be on p2 3 weeks this time, as I have company coming in June for a week, and I want to be eating my food from p3. Right now, I’m just playing it by ear, will see how I’m doing in a couple more weeks, then decide.
My back has gone out a lot of times, so am kind of use to it. Usually 3 days and it gets better.
Trying not to get discouraged, 31(actually) pounds is better than the 61 I had to lose..Right?
Hi people!
I’ve been reading about everyone’s progress on the hcg plan. I’m in P1–day #15. I have read the books cover to cover and am following this plan religiously. No cheats.
I gained 4 lbs. on my 2 gorge days, and began losing on day 3. On day 5 I was down 4 lbs. and back to my pre-gorge weight. On day 11 I hit a huge plateau that lasted until today–day 15. To date I have lost a total of 7 lbs. (I don’t count the 4 lbs. I gained on days 1-2). Most days I have trouble getting up to 500 calories. Why have I lost so little? I’m doing the shots, drinking lots of water, and following the diet rules to the letter. I have no issues with monthly menses to interrupt loss.
The Medi office I am reporting to, tells me that I can have all the Walden’s Farms dressings I want, and that there are no limits on Truvia or cinnamon. They also said I could drink club soda. Hmmmm…..I am wondering if any of the above were responsible for my plateau. I have dropped the club soda, and cut back on the cinnamon. Something is holding me up here. Any thoughts?
Also, if you read Dr. Simeons’ book “Pounds and Inches” he has a section on Injecting. Here is a quote “We use very fine needles that are 2″ long and inject deep intragluteally in the outer upper quadrant of the buttocks. The injection should if possible not be given into the superficial fat layers…..” What? My syringes are only 1/2″ long and I am definitely not getting into muscle with my injections. When I called my Medi office to ask about this they seemed clueless and pissed off that I would ask about this(maybe they didn’t think anyone would actually read the book). They told me to just ignore it. ?????
Sorry this is so long, but I wonder if anyone else has questioned the injection depth or placement? Also, what can I be doing so wrong that I am not losing a pound a day on average? Too little food? Too many so-called “freebies” as discussed above?
This is a lot of sacrifice on my part for 7 lbs. Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Deb
Hey Deb
I can’t really answer this right now, as I’m off to work, but the only sugars allowed are stevia(not truvia) and saccharin which is sweet and low.
Something isn’t adding up. What kind of drops did you get and from where? I’ll try and answer more on this after work. You are doing the injections?
Deb,
I inject into my thigh. Make sure you are getting your 500 calories a day. I don’t use anything that isn’t on the original protocol. I know times have changed but this is my 3rd round and I don’t want to do this again.
Are you using any lotions? What about times you are eating? Do you eat 3 hrs before bedtime?
Hi all,
I am new to the HCG plan! Just to give you a little background, I recently packed on 25 lbs in the last 6 months, while dieting! I went to the endocronologist and was told my thyroid was slow (borderline hypo but not enough to put me on synthroid) and I was borderline diabetic. My A1C was 5.7! He said that I am genetically predisposed to obesity and diabetes, and if I don’t lose the weight, I am a ticking time bomb. That scared the bejesus out of me, and I decided the only way to lose a good amount of weight in a short time is HCG. I researched and read about it as much as I could. I went to a doctor on Thurs, got the HCG injections and will be doing a 37 day plan (can’t do 40 b/c I am going on vacation and can’t travel with the injections). Fri and Sat were my 2 loading days. To be honest it was hard to do! I watch everything I eat. I forced myself to go to the Olive Garden w/ a friend, eat pizza, 3 breadsticks and I ordered alfredo sauce on the side (which I hate!!!). I ate salmon, macademia nuts and peanut butter like there was no tomorrow. Today is Day 1 of 500 cals. I am having a hard time. :/ I hope that the hunger pangs go away. I had a few slices of oranges this morning (I bought it sliced at whole foods), and just had 100g of egg whites mixed w/ spinach. I didn’t finish my plate because it seemed like so much. Plus, I won’t eat dinner until 6pm (it’s 1130am now). So I am saving half of my plate for an afternoon treat. Do some of you do this as well? I am conditioned to eating throughout the day.
Also, I’ve heard about the apple day for plateaus, but what is steak day for? My problem is that I don’t eat ANY red meat whatsoever, so how will that affect me? I will be sticking to chicken and fish and having egg whites every few days. I was a vegetarian for almost 2 yrs so it’s hard for me to eat so much chicken/fish. I also bought cottage cheese, which I’ve never had, so I hope with some stevia it will be ok.
I would love feedback and tips for this journey. I am incredibly thrilled and just pray that this actually works for me LOL.
Meredith!
Hi, I’m Deb. I’m new to this diet as well. I’m a little ahead of you as I am on day 13 of 500 calories per day.
The first few days can be challenging. Try to drink water and distract yourself the best you can. I found that after 2-3 days the long breaks between meals did not bother me much at all.
There are other folks on this site who have much more experience with this diet. We can both look to them for help with our questions. Like you, I’m using shots. It’s is surprising how easy they are!
Deb
Meredith,
You can space your meals through out the day. I have my fruit around 9 am, lunch at noon dinner at 5 then my snack fruit around 6 since I go to bed around 9 pm. If I am not going to be able to get dinner until later I will have my fruit to tide me over until I can have dinner. Spacing your meals or eating only parts of a meal is fine as long as all of your calories are accounted for.
Steak day is for P3, there is an alterative and it is a apple and cheese day. 2 apples, 2 oz’s of cheese for breakfast, lunch and dinner, drinks lots of water as always.
Thanks for the help and insight, what a great website! P1, day 11 and a stall. I measure meat exactly but a little looser on fruits and veggie. Didn’t know couldn’t have same food in one day, truvia was not stevia and there is a smooth move tea. That has addressed some of my issues. So, from reading it seems that 500 is more important than food measurements, ie- 3.5 chicken is less that 3.5 beef. Can you make those cal up in fruit and veggie? I was following measurement vs. calories- 3.5 protein (no matter what it was), med apple or orange, 2 cups veggies and breadstick. Can someone give me some better guidelines on this? Experience with shots vs drops? Shots now but are drops more effective.
Thanks so much! Have a great weekend.
Cindy & Sherrie,
Thanks for coming to my rescue. I am doing the injections and have switched from injecting myself in the belly to my thigh (maybe nearer to a muscle?). I use no lotions & have changed all of my personal products to oil-free stuff (including toothpaste and deodorant!). Trust me, I’m not looking too terrific.
I am guilty of eating later at night, and did not know that I should eat 3 hrs. before going to bed. Since starting the diet, I am going to bed earlier to avoid temptation.
Under eating is something I wonder about. Is this the culprit to not losing as much as I should? I have tea & water for breakfast + half an apple. Mid-morning I will have a breadstick (should I only have the breadstick w/the apple?). Lunch is chicken/lettuce/other 1/2 of apple. Dinner is fish/lettuce or cucumber/grapefruit half + melba toast.
Under eating and not spreading out calories during the day? I was given a pre-printed card at the Medi office and told to buy what was on it at the grocery store. The card says I can use Truvia or Stevia. Maybe I should switch to Stevia?
What is your take on the paragraph from the book about injecting yourself in a muscle? Yipes, I’m not looking for a 2″ needle, but I wonder what has changed to alter this thinking (not to inject yourself in subcutaneous fat–clearly what I’m doing).
I have stayed away from beef. Should I add super lowfat beef to up the caloric intake? Someone on this site is eating eggwhites. They are not on my “list”. What do you use for a salad dressing? Anything?
Thanks so much for helping. This diet is very complicated. I wanted to give my weight loss program a real kick start & this is the reason I chose HCG. I’m willing to do the work, but feel frustrated by the fact that the slightest thing can hold up weight loss.
Deb
Susan,
You must weigh and measure everything you eat. Fruit could have more calories that you are accounting for. 3.5 oz of protein, 1 fruit per meal (weighed) then make up the rest in your veggies.
I have done homeopathic, real hcg mixed for sublingual, and now the injections. Injections are by far the best I think. Once a day dosing, you know for a fact you are getting your full dose. I am at day 23 of my 3rd round and down 16.4 including what I gained on load days. The closer you get to your goal weight the slower it comes off.
Deb,
I used Truvia my first and part way thru my second round until I figured it wasn’t giving me the results I wanted so switched to strictly Stevia.
My needle is the half inch one. I tried injecting into my belly but didn’t seem to have the same rate of lose per day as I have with injecting into my thigh.
I don’t eat the melba toast unless I need to make up calories or seem to be supper hungry. But usually drink several big glasses of water really helps with that.
Every once in a while I will have lettuce with 1 whole egg and the whites of 3 with some balsamic vinegar (watch the sugar content).
The longer your on this diet the more it becomes routine.
I have finished one round of injections, and done 6 weeks of maintenance. I started back on a 3 week round of shots Friday. I lost exactly 30 pounds during the round of injections, and 5 more during the six weeks off. I still have about 30 to go, but don’t want to worry about dieting too much during the summer. It is by far the best diet I’ve ever tried, and believe me…I’ve tried lots! I drink unsweetened tea all day long, and sweeten it with Truvia. I don’t think this is the reason for not losing. I still cook for my family, and don’t find it hard not to cheat. I tell myself it’s only for 6 weeks, and I can do anything for that long. Strawberries sweetened with truvia are great, and hit the spot if you’re needing something sweet. I also love to cut my apple into bite size pieces and sprinkle truvia and cinnamin over it and cook in microwave for 2.5 minutes. Delicious!
I have a friend that used them instead of the injections and she lost as much as I did. 30 pounds total. She looks and feels great!
Debbie
Truvia is not supposed to be used. You can use stevia or saccharin(which is sweet n low). Truvia has calories and carbs in it
I have tried the stevia and cinnamon once and yes it’s good
Cindy,
Thanks so m,uch for the tips. I had to go to dinner tonight for a relative’s birthday. How crazy right? I ordered grilled chicken breast, no butter, no oil, no sauce and steamed asparagus. I also asked the weight of the chicken pre-cooked. I ate half of my plate, even though I was still hungry. All the while, my family is eating themselves into carb coma. It was challenging but I did this. I am in it to win it right? I came home, had 5 strawberries, sliced them up, sprinkled stevia on them and 1 tbspn of SF choc syrup. 2 tbpsn is 15 cals, and I know this is not on the list, but I need some kind of chocolate flavoring to tide me over. I hope this is not something that hinders my loss. This is definitely not easy. I am drinking mint tea now and trying to get used to having a cup at night.
Quick question….do you find you go to the bathroom a lot more? I feel like my bladder is out of control now. I haven’t stopped going to the bathroom all day, almost 2x an hour! Is HCG a diuretic??
Cindy,
Thanks for the details about where you inject, etc. I have switched to injecting into my thigh, and also have replaced Truvia w/Stevia. Plus, I ate my dinner a few hrs. ago (am I on EST and you are on PST?) so my last food intake should be well over 3 hrs. before bedtime.
Calories today are 474. Can’t think of what more to add and not go over 500 (except several heads of lettuce).
You said this is your 3rd round? When did you start? How much have you lost? Do you do 23 day cycles for P1 or 40?
Glad this is working for you. It would seem that it takes much of the first time using HCG to work out the kinks in this very sensitive diet plan. Agreed?
Thanks for your help. Your tips are very valuable to me. I have about 8 more injections. I’d like to make the most of them as HCG is expensive stuff. I’d so hate to think that I didn’t do all that I could to maximize my loss, especially in P1.
I have hope for tomorrow’s scale reading!
Hey Deb
It’s hard to get right at 500, most of us get around 470, it’s better to be a little under, as you don’t want to go over 500. Yes, a whole head of lettuce only has like 15 calories, what all are you eating for veggies, etc? You want to make sure when you eat an apple, core it first, then weigh it. There are 16.25 an ounce in those, and the same with my oranges, I peel then eat them.
This is FDA’s fruit calorie counter, it’s what I always use. I also weigh my strawberries, I know I can eat 5.3 oz for 50 calories. I put stevia on them and then set them in the frig. Pretty darned good! 🙂 Good luck and hope you get some good numbers tomorrow. My first p2, I lost 9.2 the first week, I just went back on p2 last Monday and am down almost 8 lbs since then. Check in tomorrow and let us know how you do
fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/FoodLabelingGuidanceRegulatoryInformation/InformationforRestaurantsRetailEstablishments/UCM063482
Meredith, all the extra water is causing you to go to the bathroom.
On the strawberries, I always weigh them and eat 5.3 oz(which is 50 calories)
Look at the ingredients on the chocolate, there is probably some kind of sugar in it(anything that ends with ose), or it has carbs in it.
Good luck on your diet
Sherrie,
Thanks for the advice. Is it me, or are these posts hard to find? Do I click on the side or where?
For veggies I eat lettuce (tons) & cabbage & spinach (all raw). I have not been measuring my fruits. I have just been using the calorie guides for a small/med/large apple or orange or grapefruit. I have only had a cup of strawberries once. I have never gone over 500 calories, and feel that I am so far below 500 that any calorie mistakes would be ok.
So, you have kept yourself on P2 for several times in a row? I’m so darned uninformed. I went to the clinic, paid my money, got weighed and measured, instructed in how to do injections, handed 2 books & off I went. I guess I thought that after P1, all the other phases were leading up to maintenance. And, if a person did not lose all the weight they wanted to lose after P1-3, they then had to start all over again with another round of HCG on P1 to lose again. No? I thought that without HCG my weight loss would come to a stop. No? Are you using HCG in P2?
Yikes! It’s a durned good thing that I read every page of both books AND found you people. There is not enough information in the books. Plus, it seems that Dr. S saw HIS patients each and every day to go over every tiny detail of their plan. Not quite the attention I am getting for quite a lot of money paid!
Can’t tell you how much I appreciate the information you and Cindy have shared with me today. Maybe the few, simple changes I have made (like injection site, switch to Stevia, eat earlier before bed, etc.) will make all the difference in my weight loss. You have lost more weight on P2 since last Mon. than I have after 16 days of injections in P1.
I’ll check in tomorrow. Thanks again!
Hey Deb
The posts are hard to find. I look off to the side and click on the name of the person who posted. But, if there are a lot of posts, it’s hard to find the one again that you seem to be looking for.
P1 is actually considered a cleanse, I never did one before I started. P2 is the low calorie diet that we’re on, p3 in stabilization and p4 is maintenance. I haven’t done p4 yet, as I have more weight to do, so last time I did p2 for 6 weeks, then went to p3(where you add everything back to your diet and try to stay 2 pounds within your last injection day. When you stop the injections, you stay on the same very low calorie diet for 72 hours before adding back everything but the carbs/sugars. You do it for 3 weeks(can be a little longer is you want). Then go back to your 2 load days and start all over again with p2. p4 is what you do(after p3) if you have your weight where you want to be. Over 3 weeks of being on p3, you gradually (over 3 weeks) start adding back the starches and sugars in to your diet. When you’re on p3 or p4, if you ever put on 2 lbs from last injection or drop day, you have nothing all day except your water/coffee, tea, then at night for dinner, eat a big juicy steak and either a tomato or apple and that 2 lbs should be gone the following day.
I do the homeopathic drops(they cost me $33.50 on e-bay).
Good luck and if you have any more questions, ask, most everyone on here is here to help
Deb,
My first round (started Jan 3rd 2010) was 23 days on homeopathic, lost 14 lbs. Second round (started Feb27th 2010) was 31 days on real hcg mixed for subliminal (drops) lost 17 lbs. Third round (started May 8th 2010) lost 16.4 so far. I will be going this round until I am out of hcg which will be on June 20th, I learned more on my second round than I did on the first. Most the differences between homeopathic and the real stuff. The things I learn I have taken into my third and final round. I can’t do another round at this time even if I had a bunch of weight. If I chose to do another round it will be in Sept.
Deb hcg is only expensive when you go through a doctor to get it. Otherwise it can be very inexpensive.
Meredith!
How did you make out on your first day at 500 calories? This will get easier. When you see the pounds start dropping off that will create huge incentive for you to stay on track! You can do this!
Today is VLCD2 and I am down 4.6lbs!!! I got on the scale this morning and was screaming. I haven’t seen a loss like that in a long time!!! I have to admit I woke up starving. I sliced 2 strawberries and put them in a 1/2 cup ff cottage cheese. No offense to the cottage cheese lovers, I just couldn’t do it. It tastes gross to me. After 2 bites, I had to toss it away. It was enough to stop the hunger pangs at least. I will count it as 40 cals for the cottage cheese and each strawberry is 6 cals. So 52 cals for breakfast. It’s very hard for me to wait until lunchtime to first eat. I might have to have a hardboiled egg white for breakfast from now on to tide me over until lunch.
I just posted a comment Deb. We must be telepathic. 4.6 lbs! Yay!!!
Cindy,
OMG! You have lost 47.4 lbs. overall? That’s wonderful!!!!
When you say a “round”, do you mean Phase 1 – 3, or just Phase 1, or do you mean the actual time you were on HCG? I paid $440 for 23 syringes of HCG at clinic with little or no advice given to me–just books. I was told that there was 24-hr. support, but my calls to the clinic with questions were met with rushed answers by a person who answers the phone/weighs/measures, etc. She has no time for real explanations.
Where is a trustful place to get quality HCG to inject? Do you mix injections yourself with powdered HCG, etc. Yikes! What if I got air into a syringe? Might be ok if just injecting into fat/muscle.
Today I was down a lb. on the scale. After my long plateau, I was hoping for a larger drop. Not since days 4-5 have I ever had a drop bigger than 1 lb.
Still, I’m going in the right direction!
Oh, and this weight loss was with injecting my belly but I injected the right side of my right thigh this morning. It’s less painful than the belly. I think my needles are 1″. I have a fear of needles but I am getting over that fear quick with the weight loss!
Deb,
I actually started dieting a year ago, June last year in fact, on my own but had only lost 28 lbs, gained back 8 over the holidays before starting the hcg. I will never use anything else, this works.
I have not been to a doctor to get my hcg. I buy it from All day Chemist, then put together my own mixing kit since I now know what I need. It isn’t very expensive at all if you buy all the hcg you will need for every round you want to do.
A round is P2, P3, P4 and then if you go another time P2, P3, P4. For me round 1 was homeopathic, round 2 real hcg drops, round 3 injections.
Air in your syringe, well you will learn how to draw your hcg so you don’t get air or learn how to get it out. Its all very easy, anything new is until we just do it.
Cindy,
I apologize in advance for my many basic questions and for taking up so much of your time. What is Phase 4? I thought Phase 1 was 2 days of gorging, then 21 days of eating 500 cals.–all days with injections. Is this what you are calling Phase 2?
I am thinking of extending my 23-day cycle into a 40-day cycle if I can get supplies in time. It has taken me 17 days into my first ever HCG trial to get all the information I need to do this diet plan correctly.
Also, how much HCG are you injecting? My syringes seem to indicate I am using 15cc’s.
You’re a sweetie!
Hello,
Wow I’ve had a tough weekend. Exhausted. Working like a dog to get my son’s house in order, cleaned, and ready to go for him to move in next weekend.
So, I have hardly been eating and drinking (no appliances yet, nothing) and I gained 4 pounds on phase 3!! Wow, did a steak day yesterday, lost 2.5 of it. Now, watching.
I think all the manual labor, and hard, plus not drinking enough, or eating enough. Hopefully the next few days I slowly get the 1.2 off.
Hope everyone is doing well!
Debbie
Deb, I’m not Cindy, but p4 is when you are in maintenance, where you gradually add back sugars/starches to your diet over a 3 week period. I haven’t done a p4 yet, as I still have 29 lbs to lose, so I go back from p2 then p3 then back again to p2. I think I wrote this morning for you on the phases. The p1 is a cleansing process, and I don’t think Dr Simeons had a p1, I think Kevin Trudeau is the one that came up with p1
Meredith!
Great job! Gosh, on my list of items that I can eat on this plan I am not allowed to eat any cottage cheese or egg whites. It’s interesting how different areas of the country seem to offer slightly different eating options. The only dairy I am allowed is one tablespoon of skim milk a day.
4.6 pounds is great. Isn’t this great incentive to keep going? After a few days on the HCG and eating very low calories you won’t be so hungry.
Deb,
As Sherrie indicated P1 is by some considered the cleanse phase. P2 is the load days plus however many days of VLCD you do, 23 or 40. P3 is the time frame 72 hrs after your last injections. This is where you increase your calories to about 1500 per day. You may add in slowly dairy, different fruits, different veggies and more proteins. You must not go over 2 lbs of your last injection weight or under 2 lbs. If either should occur corrective measures must be taken. P3 is to stabilize your metabolism. P4 is a rest period and or maintenance for life.
Here’s my email I have some information I can send you that might help: clong612 at g mail.com
How much you are injecting would be determined by how it was mixed, which I can not tell you, only the doctor you received your hcg from can do that.
Deb, that’s how most of them are, the cottage cheese really should be for p3, although some people are vegetarians, and are allowed cottage cheese and one egg plus 2 or 3 egg whites(can’t remember which) for their protein. I did the cottage cheese once I got to p3 last time, and I didn’t do the fat free, I did 2%. 🙂
Sherrie,
Your help is invaluable to me. I can’t soak up enough information! I did notice on other websites that some folks did a 10-day cleansing cycle before starting the shots. So, I guess that is what I am calling a Phase 1?
So, for the sake of clarity, I was wanting to know what people were referring to when they mentioned the different phases. Am I now correct if I call the 23 or 40-day cycle Phase 2 (gorge days and then 500 cal. days + injections AND the 72-hr. post injection period)? Then Phase 3 is 1-3 weeks after stopping the diet (eat all foods with the exception of starches and sugars). Phase 4 is 4-6 weeks of maintenance and start to bring back starches & sugars? Is this correct?
Do you also use All Day Chemist for supplies? Do you inject 15cc’s? Meredith is using a 1″ needle. I’m very impressed with her bravery. This will get her more into muscle tissue. What size needle do you use and what amount of HCG is everyone using?
Thanks soooo much.
Hey Deb
You’ve got the phases down correctly. I was hoping I explained them well enough.
I just haven’t done the p4 yet, as I want to get my weight off and it over with for good, before starting my p4. The sheet I got with my drops said I could go back from p3 to p2 anytime(preferably 3 weeks). That is I went back on it before 2 1/2 weeks, I wouldn’t have to do the load days again. Well, I waited so I could load good this last time(the first time I did load days, I lost a pound one day and gained it back the next), I started at the same weight as I was when I started load days. I did it 6 weeks(it got very hard, and I did cheat after the 3 weeks), and then went to p3 and did lose another 6 lbs even though I know I wasn’t supposed too, but I was eating. Anyway, just went back to loading days a week ago. I am doing the homeopathic drops and will do a 3 week p2 this time, then back to p3, then load up again on the July 4th weekend and then hopefully will be close enough to my goal by the time I do a p3 again to go on to p4. I really, like Cindy am just getting tired of dieting and am so ready for this to be over with. I have 29 lbs to go, but that’s much better than the 61 I had when starting out back on Mar. 22nd. You will do fine.
Cindy uses all day chemist. I do have some real drops from there that I ordered from the nurse that lives behind me, but haven’t gotten them from her yet. I thought I may try the real ones for my last round of p2
Cindy,
I have left an email at the addy you indicated. Hope you got it.
So, is All day Chemist a local shop? Or is it an online site? Meredith is using the drops. If I switch from injections to drops (in an effort to extend my 23 days into a 40-day cycle) I am fearful that I will lose continuity of care type and screw up my loss. Thus far my loss has been slow at best. Not sure if this is just me and my slow metabolism, or it can be helped with all of your great advice on diet changes. Time will tell. My loss of 8 lbs. after 17 days on the plan is very discouraging for me. Still, it’s 8 lbs. in the right direction.
The good news is that both of you are losing on either the injections or drops and that is great!
Deb,
Yes I did get it and responded with websites and info for you. Hopefully with the adjustments you have made you will see results soon. Don’t get discouraged.
As for changing to drops it would depend on what kind of drops your taking about.
Wonder if 2 steak days in a row will work, or maybe do an apple day to get rid of the extra? I have wondered this just if you want to get an extra few lbs off quick, going below the weight of the last day on vlcd.
I have managed to avoid steak day for a full week. Have been inching close, but always drop back within .2lbs. This seems like a stable place, but I REALLY like myself 2.5lbs lighter! I guess I can live with it. What do ya’ll think about steak/apple day?
Hello Everybody!
First I want to thank you all for the information that I have just read. I ordered HCG drops a couple of weeks ago. They took forever to get here and did not come with any instructions so I have been surfing and surfing the net to find out exactly how to do it. I THINK I am understanding most of this, but reading this forum I now wish I had gotten the injections. I really should have done more research first, but I didn’t so I am going forward from here. I started P2 today. It was kind of a crazy day to start because I was out of town, drove for 5 hrs home and had to go shopping for the food, before I ate anything. So I did get a little hungry but not too bad. I just had my lunch and feel quite satified. We’ll see what night time brings. That is ususally my downfall. I did have some questions about medications and stopping during your menstrual period. I am on thyroid meds and when I read Dr. Simeons original article he said it’s not allowed. I can’t imagine not taking these meds as doing so in the past has wrecked havoc with my health. Does anyone know anything about this? Also, what about this stopping the HCG during the period? How important is that? I had a procedure last year that stopped me bleeding, but I still cycle homronally so I have only a guess as to when those days should be. Help??
Thanks everyone!
Diane
Hello Meredith, Deb, Susan, and any other newcomers whom I didn’t see your name. I’d like to chime in with a few tips for all of you, from my own experience. I am on the last week of phase 3. So I’ll start with phase 2 ideas and move into phase 3.
First and foremost, no matter what, count your calories and NEVER go over 500. Count every calorie of everything you put in your mouth. Secondly, do not, under any circumstances, eat anything outside of YOUR diet plan allowed foods. If you do, you will experience stalls in your weight loss, and most probably weight gains. Not as motivating as the scale going down daily:) Thirdly, come here for support. On the one day I was really hungry during phase 2 (vlcd) I came here and talked about it. It helped, other people chimed in, and I got through the day. You will achieve the greatest success if you stick to your plan precisely, religiously.
I only had a small amount of weight to lose, so my experience was a slower moving scale, but hey, I have never ever been able to lose 17lbs in 30 days, so that really wasn’t so slow right? Another point, when you get frustrated, remember this, there is NO OTHER DIET PLAN that will allow you to lose as much weight as you will with hcg AND keep it off. It’s not an easy plan, but it works. I’m here to tell you.
My phase 3 started off a bit rocky. I was up and down, just like Dr. Siemons said. I did 2 steak days within 4 days of each other, in the first week of phase 3. However, I am happy to report I am in the last 4 days of phase 3 and I haven’t had to do a steak day since the first week! Yeah. I have stayed within the 2lb range, yep, on the higher end but not at or over 2lbs, so I can live with that. I have thoroughly enjoyed phase 3… I am eating meat, nuts, peanutbutter and tons of fruit and cheese. I have never allowed myself these proteins in the past because of their fat content. Little did I realize my body was screaming for more protein and less carbs. In fact, I don’t think I will ever go back to carbs as a regular snack. I am going to try not to let them even enter my diet again. I’m not craving desserts and I have created some great sugar free chocolate recipes, baking with coconut flour and coconut oil and stevia, and sugar free dressings. This is where most of the high fructose corn syrup enters our diets that make us fat and keep us hungry.
So ladies and gentlemen. Keep up the good work. And keep coming back here. We all love to talk and help you through your daily routines.
Diane,
I have had a partial hysterectomy, so still cycle but don’t menstruate. I did nothing different during what would have been those days. It might have shown up in stalls ( I had 2 periods of 4 days with no weight loss), but hey, a stall just means when the scale finally moves it is usually a pretty good loss.
Not sure what others are doing for this so hopefully someone else will chime in.
go to http://www.yourhcg.com/poundsandinches for a full reading on the original protocol by Dr. Simeons, foods allowed on the diet and other helpful infol.
Debbie, that should come off easy. Sounds like your body thought you were going to starve it. Let us know what tomrorow holds and be sure to take your water with you. You must be feeling better if you are doing all this manual labor?
Diane,
You should not stop your medications but see your doctor when you have lost the weight as your dose may change with you lack of weight.
What type of drops are you taking? Homeopathic? Real hcg mixed for drops? I have never stopped taking hcg during my monthly and have had no problems.
Cindy,
Thanks for the info. Yeah, the drops I got are Homeopathic so I’m kinda not shooting too high with my expectations but like I said I already have them so I’ll give it a shot. But if I find the diet do-able next round I will buy the injections. I am really happy to hear that your cycle didn’t throw off the program, now I won’t worry about that either!
Hi Janet,
Thanks for the insight. I followed everyone’s good advice and I am down 2 lbs. this morning. Yea! Critical component that my doc didn’t mention is the 500 calories EXACTLY piece. So now I’ll pick my protein and supplement from there to reach 500 and only 500. Stopped chewing sugar free gum and didn’t have a calorie free drink yesterday and injected into thigh not stomach. All such good tips. What about same menu for a few days running? I am great with chicken, bag of Costco organic apple slices and spinach or asparagus to make 500 with a breadstick if needed. Any thoughts? For me, it’s easy to prepare and I really like it the best. Will it stall my weight loss?
Also did you do p1 for 23 or 40 days and how was maintenance? Thanks again. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Susan
Deb,
Another place to order shots from is ReliableRx.com we ordered ours from there and even though it was from India, it got here in about 10 days, its called Corion and we are doing 40 units on a diabetic syringe daily! Both of us are down 12-15 lbs in 15days!! NOT BAD! :))
(and yes we have both had a moment of weakness) but stayed on the diet plan descibed in the website hcgbasics.com, it has a link to the Reliablerx website to order, and it also has the complete book by Dr Simeon there which was extremely helpful to understand how and why this diet works.
My question is…. Does anyone have a meal plan for P3??
We are a few weeks out but I have heard MANY conflicting stories on what to eat and not eat and for how long to stay on P3 before starting up on P2 again.
Diane-
I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism right before I started the diet. I take Armour Thyroid and it hasn’t hindered my weight loss at all. Yoi should be fine 🙂
good luck! This diet will chang your life in so many ways!
Today was a little easier I admit, but I am hungry now. Going to family BBQ soon, and I prepared my own tilapia to have grilled along with sliced cucumbers and strawberries for dessert. I will let you girls know tomorrow how I do. I actually have TOM right now. It started last night, so 4.6 is pretty good for my first weigh in. I just want to hit 30 lbs. I am going to be doing this for 35 days of injections.
Hello.I’m new 3rd day 1st real 500 cal. day:)
Hello again. This is so nice to have somewhere to go to. I think I am bothering the HCG Experts way too much…but I need help. I am vegan and I was told I can have for my protein 2 scoops per meat substitute of brown rice protein which only has 55 cal. per scoop and 12 grams of protein…so 110 per time I use it in my smoothies..It’s so gross tastes worse than chalk:( But I need to do what I must do to lose at least 30 lbs. They started me on the 23 day and I’m only on day 3 1st day of the 500 cal. I am not hungry at all…I ate 1 small grapefruit and green tea w truvia. (p.s. are you guys stating you switched cause it counts as 3 cal. each?) Then for lunch I did shake w 1 cup of strawberries ice n protein then later on snack on cucumbers in vinegar….1 melba toast circle…dinner 1 mel toast citcle..protein shake w no fruit…..I was worried cause this wasn’t enough calories….so I called the expert they said as long as you dont go over 2 same fruits and 2 same veggies you can eat more of that fruit or veggie at night..2 I was so happy..just had 2 cups of strawberries w 2 packets of truvia and h20 w lemon and green tea n H20 throughout the day……does this sound ok to you guys..I’m still at 480 cal.? Ty, Danielle
Hey Danielle
First off, you want to get rid of the truvia(well, don’t use it):) and use stevia or sweet n low instead. I use the stevia. If you look, truvia has calories in it plus carbs, and those are 2 things you can’t have while on this and in order for the diet to work right. What they told you at the clicnic is not right, you want 2 fruits and 2 veggies, and preferably a different one for each meal of the day.
480 calories is fine, just don’t go over 500 and try to get as close as you can to the 500.
Weigh out your protein first, then add the calories for the fruit, and then try to get enough veggies to up your calories as close as you can to get near the 500 mark. Sometimes that’s hard as veggies are so low in calories. I eat quite a lot of spinach with vinegar on it, but I use the canned kind as I have to have lots of goodies on fresh spinach that I can’t have right now.
Did you read the original protoco pounds and inches by Dr Simeons, the inventor of this diet?
For strawberries(why I’m thinking of it), I just weigh out 5.3 oz and that’s 50 calories. 🙂
Does anyone know if the calories posted here are correct? I always used fitday to track calories before and when I tried to do it today the numbers seem very different then what is stated above. It might have to do with cooking methods. I have cut all visable fat out and am using my George Foreman grill for cooking.
Also if anybody doesn’t know. They now make Stevia with Benefiber which will help anybody with that problem!
Diane
Hey Diane
I use the fda’s website for the calories fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/FoodLabelingGuidanceRegulatoryInformation/InformationforRestaurantsRetailEstablishments/UCM063482
I didn’t know that about the stevia having benefiber in it. I am wondering if I could just take some plain benefiber or metamucil
Sherrie,
I have used benefiber for the last year or two and it’s really great. Put a spoonful in anythng you drink you’ll never know it’s there. Metamucil tends to leave a gritty taste.
teaspoon or tablespoon?
I would start with a teaspoon, it can be pretty potent if you are not used to it. But whatever works for you. I usually do a tablespoon.
Thanks. I just don’t understand this, was on p2 for 6 weeks before never a problem and this time I’ve only been back on it 1 of 3 weeks. 🙁
You didn’t say, where did you find stevia with benefiber?
I got it originally at Vitamin world but now I think they sell it in some food stores.
I just was looking up nutritional value on the benefiber. It has carbs and I’m not sure about taking it. They also had them in chewable orange cream flavor, but those have more grams of carbs yet.
The box says 1g of Carbs per packet.
Thought I’d share two things- went to Bed Bath & Beyond and bought a kitchen scale. OMGosh, it is amazing. It is a Cuisinart® WeighMate™ Digital Kitchen Scale and it is $39.99 (less $8 if you have one of their 20% off coupons). Weighs in grams and ounces, let’s you put a bowl on and it deducts the weight. Okay seriously, I am too excited about this darn kitchen gadget! The website I use for calories is http://www.thecaloriecounter.com and I use http://www.metric-conversions.org when trying to convert (grams to ounces or visa versa).
Hope this helps–off to weigh some chicken 🙂
Janet,
Share some of those P3 recipes with me please!
Today, was down 2.something. so tired, can’t remember. another day of work. tired.
hopefully, tomorrow is ok…
Debbie
Hi Janet,
Not sure what to do…
Just did my regular thing since today was another hard day of labor. I hope tomorrow is ok!
I did hear that you should never do an apple day after p2. maybe the protein thing??
Not sure
Debbie
Diane,
When my wife and I were going through the diet, I used the USDA nutrition list. that’s the one dietitians and commercial firms use. The website is:
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/cgi-bin/list_nut_edit.pl
And, yes, I did find some differences between the USDA data nd the listing on this website. Nothing outlandish, but different.
Harvel
My family and I are starting phase 2 tomorrow. During this phase, we will be eating only in restaurants due to a cross country move. Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated. Also, my teenage daughter wants to do it with us to get rid of a few extra pounds before summer camp which starts in 13 days. What are your thoughts on this? Can she just do ph2 for 13 days?
Hey April. If you’re going to be eating at restaurants, try to go to one that serves grilled chicken, fish, salads, etc. Actually if it were me, I would wait until getting moved before starting, but that’s just my opinion.
The protocol says you have to be on the low calorie for three weeks minimum, so I would say no on your daughter right now. After the p2(vlcd) then you need to be on p3(stabilization) for another 3 weeks or more.
Where are you moving from/to?
We are moving from Las Vegas to Georgia. I feel the need to do this asap while my husband is motivated, and before we settle into bad habits in the new location. My husband has never taken an interest in healthy living or weight loss at all, even though it is much needed. So I must act before his interest fades.
Cool, where in GA? I’m in SC but 20 minutes from the GA border.
If you start, just go over the food dos and don’t’s and then really stick with it.
We will be in Augusta. You must be In Aiken?
No. Actually Augusta is 2 1/2 hours from me. We’re in the western part of SC, 10 minutes from Hart, GA or 1 1/2 hours from Atlanta. I usually fly in and out of there. I’m closer to Greenville SC airport, but they don’t have any low cost carriers there yet. Supposed to be getting one next May(southwest).
I know where that is. It is a small world. Thank you for your advice, it is truly appreciated.
I’m actually in a little town called Seneca, it’s right by Clemson.
Beautiful area. I can’t wait to see green again.
Yes, it is beautiful. I grew up in Illinois, then we went to Tennessee, then Oklahoma and then here. Have been here for almost 25 years and absolutely love it. I think you can see one of the lakes in our area on line at
lakekeowee.com
Good morning everyone!
Well, I got through my first VLCD day. Weighed in 3lbs less this morning. I know that was alot of water weight because I spent the entire day in the bathroom, lol. But it doesn’t matter. It was still 3 heavy lbs out of my body.
Have a great day all!
Diane
Am totally frustrated! Every morning I get on the scale and, I guess, I’m just not one of those people who can not lose 1 lb. a day on this plan. Never have I gone over 500 calories (closest I have come is 470), I have changed all of my makeup & toothpaste, soap, face creams, etc.
I have read the book, am eating my 2 fruits, weighing my 3.5 oz. of raw meat (chicken or fish) each day, eating lettuce for veggies & my loss is very slow.
After 17 days on P2 I have lost 8 lbs. I keep searching for something, ANYTHING that I could be doing wrong, but am at a loss to come up with anything. Is this just me and what my body does?
Yesterday I ate:
tea w/stevia no dairy
1 apple
1/2 grapefruit
lettuce
cabbage
3.5 oz. tuna in water
3.5 oz. chicken
1 breadstick
water – lots
1 Tbsp. skim milk
All of the above was weighed, measured, etc. No loss today.
I am all ears. Anything anyone can suggest to help will be great! I have no intentions of giving up. Will just try harder if I can.
Thanks!
Deb
First of all, tuna is not allowed on the original protocol. I also never have had any dairy at all on the p2.
How much do you have to lose? Tell me again if you’re using the homeopathic drops, the real drops or real injection. There are so many on here it’s hard to keep up. I am on my 2nd round of p2 and lost 8.8 pounds the first week on the 2nd round. Are you eating within 3 hours of bedtime? To be honest, I’ve never heard of anyone not losing on this diet. I would also take away the breadstick. some can handle them and not gain, and some can’t eat them without gaining.
Deb,
Do not dispair. Half-pound a day is good progress. Relax and enjoy what is happening to your body. I’ll bet you’ve lost some inches.
Harvel
Deb?
Are you using any kind of seasoning? Check the ingredients, they may contain sugar.
Harvel is right any lose is better than a gain like I had the last 2 days….lol
I missed you all! I’m back from the weekend away and gained 1.3 lbs. I guess it could have been worse but you think you’re being good by making good food choices, exercising and walking lots, then THIS! Went to a red sox game and all I snacked on was $3.75 bottled water and peanuts. Seemed like every 5 minutes they were trying to shove sugary lemonade, cracker jacks, ice cream, hot dogs, popcorn, and soda at me. Went to dinner and waited FOREVER. It looked good on the menu… hibachi steak with mushrooms and peppers. I didn’t even think to ask if they added anything. After a one hour wait, they put a dish down swimming in this teryaki type of sauce. Ugggh. I should have sent it back but it was already getting way to late. Went out to breakfast yesterday and had an omellete with veggies, fresh fruit, and 1/2 piece of rye toast, almonds for a snack, then lunch had a 4 oz bunless burger with salad. So really the only thing off the diet was the 1/2 piece of rye toast. It was a a tough “angel anniversary” weekend, as it marked 2 years since I lost my 4 year old son in an accident. Two more weeks on Phase 3 then I have to see if I can lose 5 more lbs without having to go back to Phase 2.
Dawn,
I’m so clueless about syringes. When you say that you and your hubby are doing 40 units on a diabetic syringe–can you be clearer about what you mean? Do you mean a 1/2″ needle on a 1/2 cc Sure Comfort syringe filled to the 40 mark? Filled with what strength hcg? 125 iu or higher?
Wondering if my lack of loss (after pristeen behavior and NO cheats) — 8 lbs. in 17 days is due to the fact that I need a higher strength of hcg.
Any thoughts….anybody?
Sherrie, Cindy & Harvel,
Tuna in water is on my list of ok foods, but I will drop it NOW! The dairy I have is only 1 Tbsp. of skim. I will eliminate the skim as well as the breadstick. How people can cheat and lose is beyond me.
Yes, after your great advice I eat no later than 7 p.m. and have been following this practice for several days now as well as changing my injection site from belly to thigh. Despite the changes I have very sluggish loss.
The things I can’t control are whether or not the New Beginnings clinic I am getting my hcg from is selling me saline only in these syringes, or if the injections are not at a high enough strength for me. Could this be possible (injection strength)?
Thanks for your help. Am truly at my wit’s end.
Hey Deb
the original protocol says you can have that much skim milk a day, you can have a grissini or melba toast, just no tuna. I’m just looking at what you had to see if you make a change if it would help. Some people do okay on the melba toast or grissini and some don’t. The only way you can tell is by eliminating and see if that helps. Some people do use tuna(albacore), but the protocol has been changed from the original. Good luck, even with what you’ve lost, that’s better than not losing at all. Keep is up!!
Deb,
Don’t fret. When you are off protocol, it can take more than a week to kick it correctly.
Tuna and milk. Avoid. Breadsticks or melba are ok. do them by dinner time for more effective results.
No eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
Not sure on what is in your syringes. I did injections also but I had a prescription from a doctor. Mixed the HCG myself with saline and filled my syringe.
A misconception is taking more, losing more. Not true. I lost the best I ever have this round. 35 pounds in 42 days and I am at my goal weight. I reduced my injections as I got closer and that kept me going well.
Good luck. Have some patience. Everyone loses differently and this time was my most successful ( I do believe it is because I gained a bunch after I quit smoking, so it came off fast. wasn’t on me long…) They do say, the longer you’ve carried that weight, the longer it takes to come off.
Debbie
Well.. another steak day.
I so am not overeating, but I was over working this weekend.
Let’s see what happens!
Debbie
Go to your local Walmart and get some Ketone Sticks, these will messure if your hcg is working for you.
They will show the level of hcg in your system.
Cindy,
I’m so pissed off! On my printed diet list from New Beginnings clinic there are many things on it that are apparently not on the original protocol for this diet. This means that by consuming these “allowed” foods I have not followed the original diet, but have wasted more than 2 weeks of injections (at a high price) because of bad information from this clinic.
Tuna in water is allowed, Walden Farms salad dressing (as much as I wanted, but did not partake of more than a few Tbsps.), Truvia, and God knows what else is on the list that could be holding up my loss.
I have 8 shot days left to use to my best advantage. Now I want to know exactly what to eat. A meal plan that I can follow for the next 8 days…don’t care if it’s the same thing each and every day.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Take deep breaths…..
Oh, have some old Ketone Sticks (years and years old), and I tried one 2 days ago and showed no ketosis at all.
I’ll get newer sticks. Oh, also I have used no spices. I’m sure at the clinic they will think I am cheating and a liar. Not so!
Deb,
Yes get some new Ketone Sticks as they have a short shelf life. Get a copy of Pounds and Inches if you don’t already have it and stick to the foods listed there. I will keep my fingers cross that you have great results the next 8 days.
Hi Everyone,
Thanks for putting up with my major rant this morning and talking me down off the ledge. Thank God for you people. Without you I would have kept on eating tuna and all of the other foodstuffs on my New Beginning “allowed” list.
I did get some new Ketostix, and the good news is that I am at least in between “small and moderate” ketosis. From now on there will be no tuna, no -0- anything Walden Farm’s dressing, no Tbsp. of skim milk, no breadsticks or melba toast….and I will inject into thigh and eat 3 hrs. before bed.
I have eaten nothing today but tea w/Stevia. I’m about to make a lunch of 3.5 oz. boneless/skinless chicken breast heated in a pan w/water, 1/2 of an apple, and some lettuce + water with lemon.
If there is anything in my lunch I should avoid, please let me know.
Thanks so much!
Sherrie,
Meant to answer this ques. this morning. I want to lose 30 lbs. I am using real injections.
Thanks for your patience!
Debbie, so sorry for another steak day, I know they are tough days, if not for watiing all day to eat, then the disappointment of having to do it is painful. If your phase 3 goes like mine has, week 3 will be the place where you see true stabalization. I haven’t done a steak day since day 8 of phase 3. I am 3 days away from phase 4. I have fluctuated .8lbs up and down since that time. I am happy. I do wish I had lost a little more during phase 2, because I wanted to be at the weight I was on the last day of vlcd without drops, but that was 1.8lbs ago, and it looks like my body doesn’t want to stay there. My body is staying within .8 lbs of my last day of vlcd with drops. It’s all good. I love my new body and my friends are amazed at how I look.
You will level off. I believe this diet truly works exactly as intended. I am a bit apprehensive about adding back in sugar and starch. Part of me says I need to add back whole grains, another part says why? Done fine without it this long….
I need my psyche to have a little more time, for sure, before I do that. Right now I think my will power would cave if I started on the sugar and starch. I am going to try to never go back, but I’m wishy washy from day to day! I hate that. That is food controlling me instead of me controlling food. OK, so I’m NOT going to let food control me. Whooo! glad I got that talk out on the table LOL!
Janet!
HAHA. the whole mind discussion. Long term, to maintain good health, need to add back whole grains. Kashi cereal is great for that. Sweet potatoes. Whole grain or oat bread.
Yep, steak day was upsetting. Eating it as I type. Then back to my son’s for more hard work.
I wouldn’t trade any of it!
My 23 year old’s friends are telling me how awesome I look, in a bikini, which I haven’t worn since I had the kids….
and, people are always looking at what I eat… to eat that way. Pretty funny in P3
🙂
Debbie
Help!
O.k. so yesterday was only day 2 of my VLCD and I fell off it big time. I know this is just and excuse blah blah blah, but I was having some severe kidney stone pain. Now I know it sounds weird, most people stop eating when they are in pain. For me it’s just the opposite. I don’t know why but I’ve been that way all my life. Why I think eating will dull the pain is beyond me but I become like a crack addict. So enough blah blah blah…. my question is can I return today to the VLCD? I did do the HCG yesterday. Anybody have any clue?
Wow Diane. I’m sorry you are not feeling well.
You can return to the vlcd… but, I think you should consider if the time is right. If you are having medical issues, I would wait. Taking hcg and not following the diet strictly, you will gain anyways.
Best wishes either way! Let us know. Have a nice day and feel better!
Debbie
Debbie,
Thanks. I got on the scale this morning and I didn’t do any preceivable damage. At least it didn’t show up yet. My weight is the same as it was yesterday. The kidney stone thing happens from time to time. I am chock full of them and I never know when one is going to cause me trouble. I can’t live my life in limbo so I will just move ahead. Thanks for the advice.
Good morning.
Down the 2 pounds from my steak day. Hope the rest of the week balances out now. Last week of P3.
Good luck on this mornings weigh in everyone!
Debbie
Morning everyone,
Oh poor Diane w/her kidney stone. Ouch! I can understand eating when you don’t feel well. It’s as if you deserve it. It’s a reward for feeling crappy. Of course, the “reward” ends up on your body and eventually you feel guilty about it. Some reward. Oy!
Hey, I was down a lb. yesterday and down a lb. today. Yay!!!!!!! And, I am in definite “moderate” ketosis. Where should I be on the ketone scale?
Thanks to all for giving me a bag to breathe in and calm down. Is there sucha thing as Diet Rage?
I almost ate nothing yesterday. Had tea w/stevia for breakfast, went out to a few appts. (I’m an interior designer), came home and boiled some chicken in a pan which I ate w/lettuce and half an apple for lunch. By the time I got home from late appts., it was after 7 p.m. so I skipped dinner.
Woke up with a headache today. Ya think?
D
Deb, you have to get your two meals in. I don’t eat dinner until 7:00 some nights, but then I don’t go to bed until 11:00. You probably have a headache because your body needs more than that. You need to be following the protocol. If your body doesn’t get the right amts of foods, then the diet won’t work right. I fix my lunch as do a lot of other women/men on here and take it to work with me on the days I do work.
Good luck
Deb,
I don’t know that there is a specific, “should be”, point on the ketone scale. But, if it shows even a slight ketosis, you are going the right direction. The headache? You probably didn’t eat enough and were actually hypoglycemic. Boiling the chicken? I actually prefer to steam it. It’s quick, easy and I think you retain more nutrients. Plus, the chicken is dryer than when you would take it out of the water.
Taking your meals with you is a great idea (Thanks, Sherrie). I would prepare my wife’s lunches. The veggies and cooked meats are easy to package and carry. I would often prepare a batch of meat patties, pieces of fish or chicken, package it
and then freeze it. That way, it stayed cold until lunch-time and I could just grab what I wanted from the freezer and toss it into her lunch bag–a real time-saver during hectic mornings. A small picnic cooler would be good if you leave the food in the car during the morning on your travels.
Harvel
Sherrie, Harvel,
You’re right. I do need to get in my 2 meals, and Sherrie’s idea of taking meals on the road is an excellent one.
Yesterday just got away from me. I am often in people’s homes for installations of various items (crown molding or kitchen cabinets), or I’m waiting at a home for a piece of furniture to be delivered. If I have a cooler in the car, I might be able to sneak a meal in. It is so durned jungle hot in FL this time of year, I’m lucky if the cooler doesn’t melt.
I’m taking in all this information like a sponge. Thanks for the advice.
For a full week now I have maintained my weight bouncing back and forth with only a .8lb difference. I am actually within 1.2lbs, with the fluctuations, of my weight on the last day I took drops. (that is the right way to measure, correct, not the morning after the last day with drops?).
Anyway, 2 more days then on to phase 4. Yeah! The most exciting thing about that is not having to ask the server, sometimes who don’t speak english (mex rest) if there is sugar in the marinde? LOL
I’m so stoked. Now if you like peanutbutter, a little treat for you on phase 3: add a spoon of peanutbutter to your greek yogurt in the morning, chocolate stevia drops and a serving of strawberries! YUM YUM YUM. It is my new all time favorite breakfast, and very very filling.
Also, last night decided to have 1/2 glass of wine after dinnner…. 1 sip and I was so full I could drink any more! Wine is a great digestive aid, and also a good monitor to where your body is on the hunger scale ( I have noticed this in the last few months). If you get full easily on wine with your meal, you have had enough, so stop. If you can drink your glass, eat your food and drink some more… add protein, not more wine, which is high sugar and will eventually make you fat if you drink too much.
Well I am on week 4 and doing good so far. Last week was very depressing because I didn’t lose anything (didn’t gain either). Then on Monday all of a sudden I started losing again. So far total weight loss to date is 16.6 pounds. I have 19 more days of the HCG shots (not including the 3 days after) before I start phase 3. I really hope I can drop 10 more pounds before then (22 would be better).
Thanks for all the support everyone.
Sherry
Hey Sherry, glad to see you check in. That’s great that you started losing again. Remember, our bodies can’t continue to lose everyday(unfortunately). Have to give it time to work. I know it gets depressing. I’m on my 2nd round of p2 and lost .4 yesterday and was up .2 today with no cheating. But my body is going through a lot right now. Had to go to the Dr yesterday. I will get there though, as I know you will.
Just checking in again for some advice. I lost 51 pounds in 41 days on the drops and ended a few days early about 10 days ago because I was going away with some friends and I wanted to be able to eat somewhat normal. I didn’t have access to a scale, but I kept track of what I ate. I think I’m eating right, but after getting home and getting back into the routine, the scale says I’ve gone up 4 pounds since then. I took the advice here and did a steak day and lost almost 2 pounds, but then over the next couple days, it all came back on a little bit at a time. I haven’t gone over 1500 calories yet, and I’m avoiding all starches, so I don’t know what the problem is.
For example, here is what I ate yesterday:
Meal 1:
4 Pieces of Turkey Bacon – 60 Calories
2 Egg Whites as Scrambled Eggs – 60 Calories
1 Orange – 50 Calories
Meal 2:
6 oz. of Boneless/Skinless Chicken – 175 Calories
5 Cherry Tomatoes – 15 Calories
Snack 1:
Weight Watchers Cheese Stick – 50 Calories
Meal 3:
7 oz. 96/4 Burger w/Low Fat Cheese – 300 Calories
6 Cherry Tomatoes – 18 Calories
Can of Coke Zero – 0 Calories
Meal 4:
Egg Beaters Omelet (3/4 cup) with Low Fat Cheese and Half Slice of Ham – 250 Calories
1 Serving of Broccoli – 50 Calories
Snack 2:
Weight Watchers Cheese Stick – 50 Calories
So that comes out to about 1000 calories. I’m also drinking about a half gallon of water a day. Sometimes a bit more, and usually not less. I find it hard to eat more than this unless I totally stuff myself on a giant burger or steak or something like that.
Does anyone know why I could be gaining? To be honest, I’m not TOTALLY concerned with it that much because in 3 weeks I plan to do the HCG again one last time, but I would like to know why what I’m doing isn’t working NOW so I can use that info for P3 the next time at the end of July.
In case you need the info, I’m 34 years old, male, and weigh 249-251 now with my fluctuating P3 weight. I started HCG at 297 after the load days.
Any help/comments would be appreciated!
Wayne,
This is an easy one. You are not eating enough calories. Up them to at least 1500 per day. Under that and you body goes into starvation mode and keeps everything you consume. Are you watching sugar content?
That is kind of what I figured. Yes, I am watching sugar content. I’m eating as little of it as possible.
Ok, now for upping calories, how should I do it? Going by what I ate yesterday, should I be eating something like: 8 pieces of turkey bacon and 4 eggs for breakfast? 4 pieces of chicken for lunch? A 10 oz burger? More snacks? So almost like DOUBLE the portions for at least 2 of the meals or something like that?
I guess I’m not sure how to get closer to 1500-2000 without just eating what feels like a LOT at each meal. I’m already eating 4-5 full meals a day, so I don’t think I could increase the amount of meals very much.
Wayne,
For one thing you can add more fats to your diet to make up calories. The only thing in P3 to be careful of are added sugars and starch/carbs. So eat your eggs with the yokes. The dairy products also don’t have to be weight watchers but normal dairy as long as you watch the sugar/starch/carbs.
Wayne, you did great! 51lbs is awesome. Now, I agree with Cindy, up those calories and do it with your proteins/fats and be sure to add lots of fruits and veggies.
I am a very small girl and I am eating more than you and maintaining. I eat peanutbutter (a lot), all the meats that I love (chicken, steak, pork roast), at least 3 servings of cheese per day…. 4 fruits a day, lots of fresh veggies…. usually a handful of almonds and I am eating at least 1tbls of coconut oil (mixed in cocoa powder with stevia for a delicious chocolate dip for fruit) every day.
I do work out, buit I have NEVER in my life been able to eat like this without gaining. I think because I am finally regulated (hypothalamus reset, just as Dr. Simeons says). I would recommend you work on figuring out what calorie count keep you at a stable weight… You don’t want to go off ph3 until you are truly stable.
Hope this helps.
Sherrie,
Dr. Simeons says that when you repeat phase 2 that you really need to take a 6 week break in between the first 2 rounds, and that break increases each time you go for another round. That may be why you are experiencing the weight fluctuations, or lack thereof.
I know you really want to lose the rest of your excess and get on with your life, but you may be defeating the whole purpose of resetting your hypothalamus by doing these phase 2 rounds right in a row.
Maybe you should try weight watchers or something else after this round of ph2, ph3 and take the recommended break from hcg. Then after 6 weeks or so if you still want to lose, go back on it.
Only you know for sure what is best for you, but I realy would hate for you to have worked this hard and not get the full benefit. You have come way too far for that.
Hey everyone,
hope ya’ll aren’t getting tired of my daily reports. I was so desperate for experienced phase 3 people when I started phase 3, and there are very few out there, so I really want to keep people posted that are in phase 3 or getting ready to start. Hope that’s okay 🙂
Anyway, today is my LAST day of phase 3. I was down .6lbs this morning. Haven’t changed anything, but I have to tell you all I like it! Haven’t done a steak day since the first week, which was a hard week as I did steak day 2x’s. But since then I have never gone over 2lbs, in fact, I have only gotten up 1.8 and that was only for 1 day. I have stayed within 1.2 lbs of last vlcd weight since then. I believe my hypothalamus is reset, my metabolism is definitely increased (I can tell by the abundance of energy I now have, that I didn’t have before and the amount of food I can eat :).
I have no plans to change my eating habits for phase 4. The nice thing will be not having to worry about added sugars in dressings and marinades, being able to take a bite of a chip at a mex rest, and maybe having a bite of my favorite oatmeal cookie. But as I said, I’m not sitting around thinking about eating these things, in fact I’m thinking about NOT! I’m not craving anything. :).
Oh and something I have noticed: even though I am through losing weight, my body is still moving fat around, and that’s a good thing. My middle which was a little lumpy from having kids is flat and smooth like a teenager! That just happened this past week. YEAH!
Everyone, keep with the plan. You will achieve your goal if you stick with it. I, and many before me, are living proof!
Janet,
What a great job you are doing! WOW you have a flat tummy! That’s pretty amazing.
I’m approaching P3 and more than a little concerned. I’d like to keep losing, as I’m pretty sure I won’t meet my goal during P2. Seems like P3 is more about maintenance, or getting on the road to maintenance.
Anway, I’m down another lb. today (thanks to everyone’s great advice!), and have high hopes that this will continue. Since dropping tuna, breadstick/melba & my Tbsp. of skim each day, I have lost a lb. a day for 3 days now! I have six injections left. Only thing I notice is, now that I have my metabolism running well, I have headaches.
Keep posting Janet. It helps.
Wayne,
Fifty-one pounds! Take a bow, now that you can. Cindy is right. Add fats (healthy fats). They pack a lot of calories into a small amount. For instance, olive oil–not just any old olive oil, but Extra Virgin, cold pressed–contains 119 calories per tablespoon. Coconut oil has 117 (it also has the advantage of being a medium chain fatty acid that the body uses directly for energy without much storage) and macademia oil comes in at 120. Macademia oil also has the advantage having the highest “smoke point” of any of the oils, which means that you can cook with it and it is less likely to form trans-fatty acids from the heat. Butter is also OK. Just don’t cook with it–very low smoke point. Salted butter weighs in with 102 calories per tablespoon.
Avoid any oil that is “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated” (read lables).
This is probably more information than you wanted. But fats and oils, carefully selected and used judiciously are good things. My source for calories is the USDA nutrition data base.
Harvel
Deb, phase 3 is actually about stabilization. Getting your body used to its new weight and keeping it there. You need to stabalize even if you intend to go back to the diet in the future to lose more and reach your goal. Dr. Simeons says 3 weeks to stabilize and 3 weeks of maintenance. That’s after your first round of ph2. You will do well. Not sure why you have headaches, I never did, but heard it was a possibility.
I’ve read many of the comments and searched on the web, but I haven’t found the answer to this. Can you have sugarfree/very low calorie drinks (like Crystal Light, Diet Soda, etc)? Also, can you chew sugarless gum?
Thanks, I appreciate any thoughts on this question.
Oh, I forgot to mention I was asking about the reduced calorie (500) phase.
Thanks. 🙂
Welcome Kelly
You’re not really supposed to have the diet sodas or crystal light or the sugarless gum, or so I’ve been told. My first time of p2 I did use the crystal light, I have a hard time drinking plain water, and I had 2 diet sodas in the 6 week period and I chewed about a pack of sugarfree gum a day. Like I said, you’re really not supposed too, and this time on p2 I haven’t had any of it, except the gum, but nothing like what I was chewing. I have maybe had a 1/2 pack of it in the last week and 1/2. I haven’t noticed a difference between using it last time and not using it this time. It doesn’t say anything about being able to drink this stuff on the original protocol, nor do I think it says not too. All the diets(hcg) are different and some say you can. So, I would say use your better judgement. If you happen to have one occasionally, make sure you count the calories on the crystal light and I wouldn’t have more than maybe one soda a week, but if you can go without, try it. The 3 or 6 week(s) you’re on this diet, I’m sure you can do without
Hi Janet,
I am struggling this week on P3. No issues before but all the manual labor i’ve been doing (and not used to) and traveling now for business. I’ve done two steak days, and then i bounce back up to .2 over. i don’t know if you can do two in a row???
Congrats to you! I also have the smooth and flat tummy! Love it!!
Debbie
You aren’t supposed to take any of the above that you mentioned, and no gum. Take the plan as black and white for the most part which make things easier. That’s why you may not have found an answer on the web to your question.
I’d highly recommend you buy stevia – you can get it on Amazon, very cheap, that has many flavors or at your supermarket that most likely wouldn’t carry all the flavors. When I did this diet I bought – regular, strawberry, orange, peppermint – etc.
For drinking water I put equal plus some lemon and it was very nice to drink. I also put a few drops of strawberry stevia with a packet of equal to water and it was also very nice.
I’d also recommend buying on of the on-line recipe books – they are fantastic and provide you with many recipes to try. The difficult part of this diet is being organized and having all the extra things like stevia that makes it easier for you.
Hi Wayne,
WOW! Impressive weight loss! Could you share with me the website that you purchased the drops from?
Thanks.
Harvel
Okay, see if you can help!
I’m on p2 for the 2nd time. Monday I was at 164.4(32.2 loss total since I started). Goal is set around 135 but I’m not too big on numbers as I’m more interested in just feeling good. Anyway, Tuesday I was at 164.0. Tuesday I had to go to the Dr for my back and being constipated. Anyway, she’s put me on fiber, stool softeners and said to drink 64 oz of plain water a day(which before, I was drinking that much fluid, but not all in water). Anyway, ever since the Dr visit, I have been putting on .2 a day the last 3 days. I’m drinking, but not peeing as much as usual. HELP! This gets so depressing when I’m sticking with the protocol to the T this time..
Sherrie,
Not sure if I can help, but I’ll try. First, what is in the fiber and stool softeners? Could be some pretty potent carbs, maybe sugar. Second, you went in for a bad back. Did the Dr. give you any prescriptions and if so, what were they? Typically Drs. will Rx steriods and/or muscle relaxants. Finally, has anything else changed than what you mentioned?
By the way–Congrats on your progress to date.
Harvel
Hey Harvel
Sciatic nerve. She gave me a prescription for lorabtab, but I have oxycodone here already and I don’t take those. I try not to ever take pain meds, other than occasional asprins. (well, except when I cut my finger off). Anyway, I’m taking gummy fibers, there are 15 calories in the 2 I have to take a day(i have to stay on those), and there is 1 g of sugar in them). The stool softeners are colace and I think after today, I will (cross your fingers) be off of them. I have been drinking coffee before going to bed and also water. I’m just retaining fluids for some reason. Not going to the bathroom that much for drinking as much as I do. Cindy said something today though in an e-mail that kind of hit me. She said when she drinks late at night, she’s up going to the bathroom all night. Well, bingo, I’ve been getting up 2-3 times a night to go pee, and I’m thinking now, maybe (even though I get 7 1/2 to 8 hours of sleep a night) that the not resting as well is what’s causing it. ?? So tonight, no drinks after 8:00 for me(I go to bed around 11:00)
Sherrie,
Sounds like you might have a handle on the situation. Keep us posted.
Harvel
Debbie,
hang in there. I think you may be retaining water. Thats what it sounds like. If you are only .2 over maybe just eat lower cal than usual, drink more fluids and eat more fruits, especially high fiber, high water fruits, like apples.
Let me know how you are doing tomorrow. I’m praying for your success.
The last 3 days I have been on a downward trend. Weird. Yesterday I ate sooo much, I was hungry all day. Had a big steak and salad for dinner last night, got up this am dreading the scale and was down yet another .6lbs. I’m not complainig, just waiting for the other shoe to drop!
Today I begin phase 4. I definitely need potassium. My feet have been cramping like crazy! Going to buy some at the health food store. Don’t think I’ll jump right into the new foods, but might eat a piece of toast with an egg tomorrow for breakfast when I cook for my hubby. I’ll keep you posted. I am sooo anal about not putting this weight back on, but that’s how food controls. I WILL NOT LET FOOD CONTROL ME.
Valerie,
keep in mind that men tend to lose more wieght quicker than women. Totally not fair, but hey, we still do pretty well with hcg.
I bought my drops from healthyhcg.com. They have a money back guarantee, though I didn’t need to use it.
Debbie, after posting my first response, I thought about it. If it were me, I’d do another steak day. I dont think 2 in a row will hurt. And, it is following protocol. He never says not to, and did say up 2or more lbs, steak day. Let me know how you do, whatever you decide.
Sherrie,
Oh, so sorry your back is killing you. And, the constipation thing, etc., doesn’t sound like any fun either. I can totally relate to your following protocol and not losing, or gaining. You, however, are much less dramatic in your frustration than I am. Patience is not one of my virtues.
It does sound like you have a few tricks up your sleeve to try and solve this situation. Meds and whatever sugars might be in the colace are surely the culprit. That is what has changed in your life, so that is likely the culprit.
People!!!!! I need advice!!!
Today I went to the clinic to be weighed and measured. The good news is that after all of you folks’ great advice, I have lost 5.5# this week. Strangely, my measurements are exactly the same as last week.
Here’s the big question. I have lost 14.4 lbs. so far on P2. I have 4 more injection days & then the 3 days of after-injection vlcd. The clinic, for an additional $100 will provide me with another 17 days of 150 i.u. hcg to extend my 23-day plan into a 40-day plan. Should I do it?
Should I do it? Can I do this plan for 40 days? Now that I know what to do & not, will I have better luck with loss? Did you folks lose that much more by doing a 40-day plan? If I do not opt for the add’l 17 injections, will I lose on P3? What has been your experience? I have not cheated once on this plan, and would not cheat if I continued. Clearly you can’t answer the ques. of whether or not I can do P2 for longer, but your advice is very important to me.
Please weigh in!
Janet, I really only had a headache for 1 day. After getting excellent advice from everyone here, I think what happened is that my body finally went into ketosis and the transition brought on a headache. Also, I should have consumed more water that day. Dehydration factored into the headache situation. All solved.
This fat tummy thing is fascinating. Not sure what your tummy was like before, but I can’t imagine a flat tummy. Since menopause, much of my weight has loaded on in my mid section. How dramatic a change in your tummy did you see?
As always, thanks for the advice. Please help me with my decision of whether or not to extend my P2 into a 40-day cycle (see separate post on this). I value your opinion.
Valerie,
Equal is allowed on this plan? I thought just Stevia, or Sweet n’ Low.
Deb –
I started this through a clinic and would ideally like to lose about 60 pounds. My first round I lost 24 in 35 days (the drops went longer because of not using the HCG during my cycle). My clinic offers a back to back program, so I did that. I paid less than half the 2nd time and went straight into drops again. I figure if my cycle is the same, I will be on Round 2 for another 35 days which would be 70 days of HCG drops total.
I am doing this and would recommend that you do the 40 day. If you’re losing and you’re happy about it, keep at it! I know the original says don’t do it past 40 some-odd days. But since I get mine through my doctor, I’m listening to them and am happy to still be on it and still be losing.
I am curretnly at Day 42 and am down 27.5 pounds, woohoo!
Good luck – and if I wasn’t clear, I’m saying YES! Do the 40 days 🙂
Hey Deb, just posted a long note for you, but it is awaiting moderation. I hope that it gets through. If not send you an email if you send me your address.
Deb,
you know what your tummy looks like after having babies??? kind of lumpy and ripply? Well, first of all, that is all gone, but it didn’t happen till this last week of phase 3!!??? I also lost a little more of the “upper” body, if you know what I mean, which I need to do. I have always been a little weighty there, and frankly it looked matronly. But even that didn’t really reduce till this past week of phase 3???!! I don’t get it, but I love it! And, all that after 40 fat a girl tends to put on between the top of the rib cage and the top of the leg, it’s gone too! No more muffin top or bulky top bulge! And my tummy is truly flat. Turn sideways and it doesn’t look like a little ball stuck on my body! No kidding.
Today I begin phase 4. Well, I can, but there is nothing I haven’t been eating that I really want, except maybe a yogurt covered peanut! So, I’m just happy to be really thin. I dropped 3 sizes. Now, I’m a pretty small girl anyway, med frame, short…. so 17lbs on me was quite a bit extra.
Now, if I were you, I would go through 40 days. You are on a good losing streak, so keep it up. But, if you think mentally you can’t do it, then take a break and start again in 6 weeks. Go through 3 weeks of phase 3 and 3 weeks of phase 4 and then start again. Really, I don’t know how long you have been carrying extra weight, but a few more weeks probably will be okay unless you have some big event coming up for which you are trying to reach a goal. If you get into it and decide you just can’t take it, go into the end of hase 2 (3 days of vlcd without injections) and then move into phase 3. You can always start up again.
Hope this helps. Phase 3 has been so good for me. I am loving my diet, my body and the energy I have. I have NEVER felt better in my life.
Yes equal is allowed.
Thank you! 🙂
Equal has sugar in it. The only sweeteners that are allowed are stevia and saccharin, which is sweet n low
Brynn,
Thanks for your thoughts. Wow, you have made excellent progress. You keep at it and you’ll look fantastic in no time!
I think I’m leaning toward the 40-day cycle. I haven’t had quite as much success as you. Have not cheated at all, but had my progress held up by unexpected errors due to my clinic’s “updated” food list. Stuff like canned tuna, Truvia, Walden’s Farms salad dressing, were on the approved list, but really screwed up my loss. The nice folks here showed me the error of my ways.
I think now that better information has come my way, I’d like to keep the momentum going. The biggest problem is that I can’t think of how to go out to a restaurant and eat anything. Do you ever eat out?
Does anyone on here eat out?
Janet,
Thanks for the great advice. You’re so right. I can extend my P2 and, if I can’t do it, I’ll just do the 3 days of vlcd w/out injections and go into P3. I’m made of some pretty strong stuff. If I could just shut my front door and not go out I’d be able to do this for as long as it takes.
My biggest problem is with clients and friends who want to go out for dinner.
There has to be a way to go out and not fall off the wagon. I’m ok with iced tea or water with dinner, but getting a restaurant to steam/dry grill my chicken is way harder. If you have any advice I’m listening hard.
I have to make this decision quickly because I only have 3 more shots before I start winding up P2 (lol, clinic screwed up and put in an extra injection). The clinic I get my injections from, offers clients the option to extend their 23-day plan into a 40-day plan for $100 (my 23-day plan was $430, so starting over would be pricey).
Tell me if this other scenario is just all whacked out. I come outta P2, go into P3, and then into 4. Do we have to do a 4? Anyway, with 18 shots I am not that far from another cycle of P2 (does it have to be 23 days?). Is there a serious flaw in this plan?
Oh, and here’s another question. In P2, am I supposed to be in ketosis all the time? I ate about 2+ hours ago. Just did a ketostik….no ketosis, nada. Should I review my last meal and not repeat whatever may have thrown me off (that pesky tomato)?
So jealous of your smoooooth, flat tum! You must be loving it too! Amazing. And it took until P3 to get it. I’m green.
Hey Deb
I’ve gone out to eat on p2 before and still lost. I get the grilled chicken, no potato, salad(no dressing), and I ask them to just leave it plain. I’ve also gotten fries and just given them to my hubby. Also have done grilled fish at a restaurant and then taken my orange with me and again had a salad. Kind of use your hand on the chicken and pretend like it’s a deck of cards, cut it in half as most of them weigh more, and take the other 1/2 home. Eat slow too. I have found now that I’ve slowed down on my eating(it takes 1/2 hour to eat my little bit), I’ve been filling up longer.
LOL No flat belly here, never will be. 3 kids and 3 surgeries where I’ve been cut in the same spot knocked that chance of ever happening out. But, that’s okay, my hubby loves me like I am. Heck, he didn’t have a problem with me when I was my heaviest at 214 lbs. As long as you feel comfortable in your clothes and with yourself, that’s all that matters.
You’ll do fine!! Good luck
Sherrie,
Good restaurant ideas. If I extend my 23-day plan into a 40-day plan I’m going to have to deal with this eating out issue. Bringing your orange is brilliant! I’m just going to have to do the best I can to get grilled/no oil stuff. I’ll keep the deck of cards in mind for portion control.
Heck, if I mess up by accident at a restaurant (food tainted with some sort of oil or seasoning I can’t dab off) I will still be eating better than I was a few weeks ago.
Thanks again!
That’s right, you’re learning to eat healthier. My friend has lost 100 lbs now, she goes to Ruby Tuesdays(she is on the 750 calorie a day and has never gone off p2 in 7 mos now). She gets the petite sirloin and 2 helpings of steamed broccoli every time she goes. If you like Zaxbys, hubby and I go there once in awhile, I get the grilled chicken zalad, without onions(there durkee fried ones), and no cheese. I give hubby my dressing and my texas toast. The salad that way is only 200 and some calories, and a huge plate of it. Very filling.
Thanks Janet! I’ll see how I do tomorrow 🙁
Just got home from a few days of a business trips. Let’s see how I did. Tough eating..
And just got home from urgent care. Hurt my elbow cleaning my son’t house! UGH
Debbie
I just finished week one of the 30 day plan and lost 6.5 lbs. I did not cheat. My first discomfort is tonight – I have a very bad headache, therefore am up and typing this email trying to put me to sleep.
I am totally committed, as a very special person in my life got me started on this – wow – what a role model she is!. I want to be thin to enjoy my first grandchild (due in late July), go shopping for cute, “fitted” clothing like I used to do, be able to walk without my joints hurting, but most of all – be healthy on the inside.
After I make my beautiful daughter’s drapes tomorrow, I am going to write some HCG recipes based on old cooking experience and will share them here.
One week down and whatever it takes to get to my goal of 115 lbs!
I got my drops from Powermax Nutrition on eBay. I think it was around $39 for two 2 oz. bottles and they arrived in 3 days!
Well, I’ve taken all the advice here (with the exception of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil.. haven’t gotten to that yet) and I’m up another pound or so. So, almost 5 pounds gained back after 13 days of P3. I’m planning a steak day tomorrow (can you do 2 in a row?) and hopefully that will take some off. Like I said before, I’m not totally concerned with it now since I’m doing the drops again in a couple weeks, but I’m trying to find out what works and what doesn’t for when I finish the drops and go to P3 again.
I was wondering if anyone has tried the Weight Off, either with the HCG drops or on P3?. I’m thinking about trying that next time if it helps out the results at all.
Also, I’m taking at least 3 weeks between starting P2 again (probably closer to a full month) and I was wondering what the typical results are the second time around. I know I lost more than the average person with 51 pounds in 40 days, and I don’t think I’ll repeat that, but should I be expecting 30-40 next time?
Thanks for any advice! This site is a lifesaver!
Wayne, I was on p2 for 6 weeks, I did bad and cheated starting the 3rd week(not often but once in awhile) and ended up being down 22 lbs in 6 weeks(the first 3 I had lost 15 of it. I hadn’t gained any on load days that time. I went to p3 for almost 3 weeks and not trying, lost another 6 lbs, then put on 4.2 with next load days. I’m doing p2 again 3 weeks now, started back on the load days 2 weeks ago today. I’m down almost 10 days including load days and have a week and a half to go yet. It is just a little slower going this time around. Also read pounds and inches, on the 2nd time around, you’re more apt to hit plateaus more often and I found this to be true
Harvel
Well, I quit drinking by 9:00 lastnight(still was up going potty 4 times during the night), and I was down 1.6 this morning, I’m elated. I went in and read pounds and inches about the plateaus lastnight and he says right on there that the plateaus seem to happen more frequently on p2. I just get discouraged very easily. So, I’m happy to report I skipped 163 and went to 162.6.
Sherrie,
Way to go. I suspect that you will never see 163 again. Despite the “ups” and “downs” along the way, the HCG diet is gratifyingly successful.
Harvel
Congrats Momma! 6.5 pounds in 1 week is amazing 🙂
keep up the good work-
I’m happy to report that I am offically in the 160’s! Woohoo! As of today I have lost 28.5 pounds in 43 days. I’m pumped 🙂
I’m going to see “wicked” tonight with some friends. Luckily they know I’m on a ‘diet’ and we’re going to have dinner somewhere beforehand that I can order reasonably (probably a salad with hot sauce for dressing).
Happy weigh-ins to everyone today 🙂
Deb, I have found most restaurants to be very accommodating. If you ask them to simply grill your chicken with just seasonsings, generally they will do it. Order your veggies steamed with nothing on them, they usually will do that to. By now you can eyeball the size of your meats and know how much to eat. Another idea is to direct your clients to coffee instead of a meal. Starbucks is always a comfortable setting for a business meeting.
I found when I told people I’m watching sugars and starches instead of telling them I was dieting, it was received better and they were more willing to accommodate me. You will know when you even need to mention it.
I didn’t go out to eat but 2x’s while I was on phase 3, but that was only because I had so much energy that I stayed at home doing things like cleaning closets that I had put off for years! But on phase 3 I have eaten out lots, still ask for dry grill and dry steam on many occasions and always get a favorable response.
Keep up the good work. You will get there. And, I don’t know if I am normal, but the last 3 days I have been dropping about .4lb a day. I have been saying I wanted the extra 2.5 lbs off me where I left off on the last 3 days of vlcd and I am within .2lb of that. Hope it stays but if not i’m ok.
Blessings on you today. Keep the prize in sight!
I ATE EVERYTHING I WAS SUPPOSE TO FOR LUNCH AND DINNER AND MY FRUITS AND MELBA TOAST AND MY CALORIES ONLY ADDED UP TO 405 SO WHAT DO I DO NOW I WANT TO DO GOOD ON THIS DIET PLZ HELP…..
Stop yelling LOL. I’ve done that before too, and sometimes haven’t even gotten to 400, you’ll be okay, just try and plan out your meals and try and get the calories up. I always core my apple and then weigh them, as they’re 16.25 calories an ounce. You’ll do fine!!
Sherrie & Janet,
Thanks so much for all the great eating out tips. On Monday I’m going to go to the clinic and get me my add’l syringes and extend my original P2 plan to 40 days. I’m not ready to go into P3 yet, not ready to stop any hope of fast loss.
I’ll be ok with chicken and plain salad at restaurants. Trust me, the minute I do not order a glass of wine or a martini at dinner my friends and clients will know I’m on a diet. In my neck of the woods here in Florida, my friends/clients come to Florida to party. For most, their Florida home is their second or third home and Florida = fun! The trouble for me is that I live here year ’round. Year ’round “fun” = fat!
Good job on losing weight on P3 Janet! You must be very pleased with yourself. You should be!
Sherrie, Janet, Wayne, Brynn, Harvel…heck, everyone,
Gosh, you folks can really drop the poundage on this plan! Wayne, when you ask if you can expect to lose 30-40 lbs. on your next P2 my jaw drops! Like Amy, I often have a very hard time getting my calories up to 500. Unlike you people, I am just plodding along here. Day 21 of P2 and down 10.5 at home (strangely down 14.2 at clinic?). I’m very committed, not cheating at all, but clearly I’m a durned slow loser.
Deb, the more weight you have to lose, the faster it comes off.
Do you have a good reliable scale you’re using?
I’m going to have tomatos tonight for dinner, first time on this diet, since I like them fresh from our garden, and we don’t have any yet. There are more calories in tomatoes. 25 calories for 5.3, so I will eat a whole one tonight(they’re over 9 oz each) and that will add some calories for the day. If you can get to around 470 calories, that seems to work pretty good..You’re doing fine, keep up the good work
You did good danarose! Keep it up.
I have 2 more g-babies due 4 days apart(one Aug 8 and one Aug 12), both girls. That will make 1 g-son and 4 g-daughters for me, those g-babies are great!!
You’ll get there, just keep it up. It can get really boring eating the same things, but this time around, I haven’t craved any sweets, and really there is no food at all that even sounds appealing to me at this time.
Woo hoo Brynn, way to go!! I’m nearing the 150’s, just 3.6 more to go and I’ll be there. You’re right behind me.
I just went shopping earlier and bought a mens levis(31×30). The 32’s seemed to be getting a tad big, and I like those tighter fitting. (love mens jeans).
Have a good time tonight!!
Deb, about .5lbs per day is a good expectation for females and seems to be the average. You are right in there. I lost 17lbs in 30 days. That included 3 lbs gained on load days.
Keep up the good work and keep the goal in sight. That’s what I tell everyone. Never lose sight of the goal, when you do, your race is pretty much over.
Harvel:
Well, first off, down another .6 this morning, so am happy with that, but I have another question. As Cindy can tell you, I’m a thinker, I try and figure out things, and if they don’t make sense, well, then I keep going until I can find the answer. But this one really has me, and I’m going to see what you think.
Okay, I know it says when going on p3, to not go higher or lower than the 2 lb mark on that phase. Well, it doesn’t make sense to me to do the 2 lbs from last drop day. I mean you’re still on 500 calories for 3 days after. I think it would make more sense to figure the 2 lbs from the last night of your low calories. So, say my last drops are next Sunday night, it makes more sense to me to figure the 2 lbs from what you weigh that thursday morning, not Monday morning.
Cindy said she thought you had written something about that, where you did it one way and your wife did it the other?
What are your thoughts on this? I mean if you’re on 500 calories after last drop day, most likely you’re still going to lose weight for those 3 days..??
Sherrie,
Your question was the source of considerable domestic untranquility in our house-hold. I held fast that we should follow Dr. Simeons’ protocol: “As long as their weight stays within two pounds of the weight reached on the DAY OF THE LAST INJECTION, (emphasis added)–drops in your case– patients should take no notice of any increase but the moment the scale goes beyond two pounds, even if this is only a few ounces… .”
My wife thought like you do, that the weight should be measured from the last day of the VLCD, the third day after the last dose of HCG. She was equally adament, but I won the battle. Actually, from a logical standpoint, I agreed with her, and I agree with you–it just makes more sense. But, Dr. Simeons devoted years to developing his protocol and, Simeons says… . So I went with what he said.
And, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Good losses to you. Harvel
LOL I knew you would get back with me. That just shows you how much more women think the same compared to MEN. Remember, Dr Simmeons was a man! That just shows women are more “logical” So, I guess Dr Simmeons was probably figuring you may lose another 1 1/2 lbs in those 3 days, so he’s actually allowing you 1/2 pound gain is all
Hello everyone!! Well I am here with questions today. I am almost at the end of my shots (Day 18 vlcd) but have not lost the weight that I would have liked to. I have ordered more HCG injections but I am pretty sure it will not make it to me in time to just extend my shots (I am doing the 3 week course). So what do I do? Do I move on to phase 3 and when my hcg gets here start at the begining again? Do I have to reload (UGH)? I really wish I could have avoided this by ordering sooner but I wasnt sure if I was going to want to continue, so now I am stuck. Please HELP
Hey Brandy
Well, my advice would be when you’re done with p2(if your injections aren’t here), to go on to p3 and stabilize for the three weeks. The paper I got with my drops (I’m on homeopathic) say that you can stay on p3 as long as you want, but 3 weeks is a good time. It says, if you have more weight to lose and go back to p2, if you are on p3 for less than 2 1/2 weeks, you don’t have to reload, and if you’re over 2 1/2 weeks you do need to load again. You actually need those load days to get fat stored up. I was at 169 the day I went back to load days 2 weeks ago, I loaded and put on 4.2 lbs which put me up to 173.2, it took me 3 days to lose what I had put on, but by the end of the week, I was down 8 lbs. Good luck in whatever decision you make
Sherrie, Thanks for the info =) Hopefuly I will get my hcg in time so I do not have to reload, but you seem to have great results after reloading. On your second load di you load any differently then the first time?
Hey Brandy. I have found for me(after doing 6 weeks on p2 the first time) that it’s much easier for me to do the p2 for 3 weeks instead of 6. But, that’s just my opinion. I have one more load day/p2 after the p3 this time. It was getting too hard for me last time to stay on it, and after the 3rd week is when I started having problems. the first 3 weeks I had lost 15 lbs and last 3 only 7. The first time I loaded I lost a pound the first day and put it back on the next, so started at 196.6 and got down 9.2 lbs the first week.
This time, I loaded well and put on 4.2 pounds, it took 3 days to get them off, but then ended up being down 8.8 the first week.
Yes, definitely loaded completely different this time, can you tell by how much I put on? LOL But I sure enjoyed it while it was going in to my mouth. I wanted to load up on fats this last time, which I definitely did. Even had 5 of my favorite donuts in those 2 days. I just read though where that donut shop is closing next Sunday, so hubby is going to go get me a lot of those donuts to put in the deep freeze. I may have one a year for the next 20 years. LOL
Sherrie, I also am a believer in “follow the plan” even though I would rather follow your idea… But, I agree with Harvel. Dr. Simeons put countless hours of reasearch into this diet, and he says the weight of the last day of drops!
Funny, since my last week of phase 3, I’m at the last day of vlc + .2lbs anyway. Don’t know if I will stay there, but I do like it and will enjoy as long as possible.
You know, in the grand scheme of things it really doesn’t matter. Get to a place where you are comfortable and happy, no matter what the scale says.
Blessings on you!
ok – So today is my first actual day of 500 calories. I spent Friday thru Sunday ‘loading’ and to be honest – it wiped me out (physically and emotionally) – of course the Fried chicken was fantastic ;o)
I do have a few questions for you. I am trying to just keep this simple.
I am doing:
Water: 120oz a day
Breakfast = Apple
Snack = raw brocolli or celery
Lunch = 3.5oz grilled chicken, 1/2 cup blueberries and some more brocolli
Snack = raw brocolli or celery
Dinner = 3/5 oz of chicken, 6 strawberries and some sliced tomatoe
Am I missing anything – it seems that I am.
Also – I leave for a 2 week business trip on July 9th. I am a bit nervous about that, but I think I can still eat basics of grilled chicken, veggies and fruits.
Any other thoughts of feedback would be greatly apprecaited!
Byrnn, that is wonderful. My husband starts the HCG this Friday. I am so excited for him and I cannot wait (I think!!) He can be a bear if he cannot eat what he wants LOL.
Good luck 🙂
Very informative! Keeping a daily log of all food consumed and a good workout plan is key to a healthy lifestyle. I use the free Calories Counter at http://www.fitclick.com to calculate all my meals. If you are looking to monitor your calorie intake fitclick is the way to go!
Hello everyone! Today was my four week weigh in and I lost 18 pounds so far. I have two more weeks to go and I really would love to lose twenty more pounds but I would be happy with just 10 more pounds.
This past week I have noticed I have been extremely tired and I am eating everything I am supposed to eat. Any suggestions?
Keep your fingers crossed for me 🙂
Sherry
Hey everyone. Ok, I’m getting really frustrated with P3 here and I have some questions I desperately need answers to.
I took the advice here and upped calories to at least 1500 but I’m STILL gaining. After 14 days of P3 I’m up almost 6 pounds now. The weight is fluctuating like crazy (one day I’ll be 249 and the next I’ll be 252) and I don’t know how to fix this. I did two steak days and lost 1-1.5 pounds each day, but then the next day or two, it was right back on again.
My question is, am I doing this wrong? I’m eating similar foods to P2, but just more of it now. Should I be eating much more fatty stuff now on purpose? Like, is it good to snack on peanut butter and lots of regular American cheese? Should I be eating a lot of red meat like cheeseburgers and steaks? Should I somewhat be avoiding chicken and fish and sticking to stuff with more fat in it?
I’m doing P3 for about 10 more days and then doing P2 again, but I’d really like to know what I’m doing wrong and I should be doing differently for when I come off P2 again, hopefully for the last time.
If anyone can maybe give me a “sample” of what I should be eating in a day, it would be GREAT! I feel like I’m doing everything right, but I’m just amazed that I’m gaining so fast here.
Wayne,
Are you eating sugar, starches or carbs? That is a huge no no in P3. How about your water intake?
I would still think 1500 is too low of a calorie intake for being a man. I maintaned great at 1250 – 1450 and was able to go up to 1700 without a gain and I’m only 5’2″.
Les,
Keep the fruits too only 2 per day with at least 6 hrs apart. If you need to make up calories to reach 500 use your veggies to do that.
Sherry,
Bing tired in normal, get some B-12 if you don’t already have some.
Snack
melba 20
1/2 grapefruit 50
Lunch
Chicken breast 150
3.5 oz celery 15
Snack
melba 20
Large apple 75
Dinner
hamburger rolls 125
3.5 oz broccoli 35
490
Plus coffee, green tea and WATER! This is a sample day for me.
Cindy,
Yes, plus every two weeks I received the B12 shot (rec’d on today) from my physician. They informed me that B12 is very hard for the body to absorb so I am increasing my B12 vitamins to two a day instead of one.
Thank you 🙂
Hi There,
Can anyone give me the conversion for iu to ml.
sorry got cut off before I could finish my question, I have 3ml suringes and want to inject 175iu. how much hcg would I messure to on the suringe?
Thank you
Hey Les
First off, I can already see one thing wrong. You are supposed to have 2 fruits, 2 3.5 oz servings of protein and 2 vegetables. The only other thing that can be added is melba toast(1 at each meal, and 20 calories each) or grissini bread.
It’s fine if you have an apple for breakfast, but you don’t want to be eating more than you’re supposed too during the day.
Good luck with the diet
Hi All,
I’m on day 27 of the vlcd and I’ve lost 23.2 lbs. Woo Hoo! I had a set back on Memorial Day when I had some homemade salsa with only tomatoes, green onion and cilantro and of course tortilla chips. I also had some grilled veggies that aren’t on the list and 2 bits of ice cream. I expected a couple of lbs weight gain but it was actually 6. I almost fell over. I couldn’t believe it. I can, from first hand experience say, DON’T CHEAT! I will surely not do that again. I want to lose another 15. I’m going to have to stop 1 week early from the full course since my husband surprised me and is taking me away for our anniversary. I want to be able to indulge a little more than the vlcd on our getaway. I will definitely still follow the plan but want to be able to eat a little more. I’ll stay on P3 for 3 weeks and then plan to do P2 again to drop whatever remaining I need to. I can’t believe how I’m just not nearly as hungry anymore. The first week was torture but it’s gotten so much better. I am so determined to follow this all the way through and finally be at a weight that I can maintain.
Thanks all for feedback!
I will adjust my fruit intake.
Do I have to be doing the melba / breadsticks… or can I add in more veggies for my calories?
Hey Les
You don’t have to do the melba toast or breadstick, that’s entirely up to you, but it’s an option. 🙂
Always weigh your protein first, then add your fruit calories, and last but not least the veggies. I keep a journal of my meals, and try to plan them out the night before, although, a lot of times, I don’t do it until I get up in the morning.
You don’t want to mix veggies, so say for lunch(and remember you can have your lunch fruit for breakfast and your dinner fruit later that evening)you have
chicken
lettuce
strawberries(I weigh out 5.3 oz of those for 50 calories
then for dinner you have
hamburger patty(I buy the 96/4 on that
orange
celery
You can add extra veggies to get the calories up, although, most veggies don’t have many calories at all. I’m always falling pretty short of my 500 calories, so that’s where the melba/breadstick come in. If you’re hungry you can have 1 for each meal. Hope that helps
I just began my mouth hcg shots that I drop under my tounge and let sit for about 30 seconds before swallowing on Friday and did overload until yesterday (Sunday). I really did not overload because I already do not eat a whole lot of food, I am more of a junk food eater. I am having a hard time figuring out what to eat now that I’m doing the 500 calories. I messed up today, it was my first day of eating 500 calories. For breakfast I had a boiled egg with no yolk, and one slice of turkey bacon. I had a lot of water throughout the day. I had a salad for lunch with yellow pepper, it was very small, and I just put black pepper on it and some distilled vinegar. I also had 1 slice of lean beef with no fat (broiled). So now dinner is here, I don’t know if I should still try to do this or give up and start over tomorrow. Eat some cabbage and call it a night? I know this is less than 500 calories. I bought a food scale and I am having a hard time calculating STILL. Can anyone reccomend what I should buy from the grocery store to get through a whole week? I bought a grapefruit and a couple apples that I will of course peal and take the core out, but what else? What about canned organic chicken? Should I grill the meat on the Foreman grill? I never heard of the toast or breadsticks I seen in earlier posts….Also are the injections better than the drops? I notice I’m not really ungry but my stomach feels empty…and I really am missing a chocolate bar. HELP:)
Hey Shyla
Did the place you get your hcg drops from not give you a diet to follow? Here is a website, pounds and inches by Dr Simmeons. go down to page 30 and it will tell you how much and what you can have to eat. Good luck
powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
By the way, I was a chocoholic too, not anymore. After doing 6 weeks of p2 and now being on the 2nd round of it, I don’t crave anything. Just don’t give in and cheat, it’s so not worth it
I am just starting the hcg plan day 1 But I don’t know what p2 or p3 is all about,and
don’t know when and if I should load up . I am doing a 6 week plan.Can anyone tell me or lead me to were to check out that info?
powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
this is pounds and inches by Dr Simmeons, the one who came up with this diet. It’s actually p2, p3 and p4 there is no p1 except what some consider a cleanse before hand.
I would read this good, and you will find the answers.
Good luck
And yes, you want to load on the first 2 days you take the drops. You need the fat and calories and it usually helps you from getting headaches. That weight will come back off fast
I’ve been on Phase 3 for over 2 weeks now and next week I’ll be back to Phase 2. Only I have to 6-9 lbs this time. I think I’m going to be a guinea pig with the “revised” plan. 800 calories a day, 30 minutes of exercise and homeopathic drops. I did the real protocol last time and lost 13 lbs with hardly any exercise and injections. I need to get my daily dose of 30 minutes in due to my back problems so I figured I’d give it a shot… or drops… Any experience with using the “revised protocol”?
Sherrie are you around? We should trade emails. I’d like to get your opinion on this!
Are you exercising 30 minutes a day Wayne? How’s your water intake? I have been following a South Beach Phase 1 type of diet since I’ve been on Phase 3 and have stablized quite nicely. http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com/shoppinglist_p1.htm
I even have small “cheats” but I mean VERY small (had about 6 fritos the other day). I also eat whole grain bread (VERY small slice) that I make with oats, wheat flour, 5 grain cereal, etc. , hummus with chick peas that I buy dry and soak, edamame beans, bulgar and buckwheat salads (but very small portions).
American cheese is processed, go for a reduced fat cheddar. “Lots” of peanutbutter… it really does have alot of carbohydrates in it, is it organic? I try and limit it to 1 spoonful and not every day (I am a peanut butter freak).
Could you post the last couple of days of food? I put my husband on a diet and to lose weight he has to stay at 1700. He is 225 lbs. I wouldn’t recommend increasing at once. Try 100 calorie increases gradually over the next few days.
Donna, yes, I’m around, but, lol it’s 750 calories not 800 girl. That’s the one my friend has been on since day 1 and never has gone off p2 since she started in November.
She’s down 100 lbs, but I feel like she should have done at least p3’s in between. I’m afraid when she gets to where she’s supposed to be, she’s going to gain back by not following the protocol better.
my e-mail is stratman397 at aol dot com
just put from Donna in the subject line so I’ll know it’s you. 🙂
I’m confused, I thought if you wanted to repeat phase 2 you had to wait six weeks before starting the HCG again, is this not true?
Sherry McP.,
There are several variables regarding how long you would wait before starting the HCG process again. Dr. Simeons was working with injectable HCG. He discovered that if a patient was on HCG for the long 40 day period, resistance to the hormone was very likely. Thus, he advised the 3 week “mainenance” to allow the body to stabilize at the new weight and another 3 weeks to let the resistance to die down fully before starting again. I have read here of people going for months without a break of any sort (I don’t think they were using the injectable form.) and others who turned around after the 3 weeks of “maintenance.” Again, I think they were using the drops, either the pharmaceutical HCG or the homeopathic HCG. I don’t have any hard and fast advice other than that the 3 week “maintenance” is very important for success.
Sherry, when I started this diet, I was told by two people on it to pick one and stay with it. The plan I’m on says
You can continue this Stabilization period longer or cut it shorter and jump back into the hcg/diet again, but 3 weeks is a
good length of time for this. If you begin the diet again before 2 weeks, you do not need to gorge again, but just begin low
cal diet.
Ok so I did a oopsy, I had a funeral this week and camping this weekend. II did not take my drops… at all 🙁 and I ate very very bad. So can I just start back up like normal tomorrow? Or do I need to start all over and load and everything?
can anyone tell me if a normal sexual relationship is ok on the diet ii have been on it for almoest a week and have lost 6 pounds so far so good
LOL Sorry, that put a grin on my face. Yes, Sex is fine 🙂
For all phase 3 or about to enter phase 3: A long post, sorry for th length:
Stabilization works, but you have to figure out how much is right for your body, and what types of food your body likes best, because everyone is different. You also MUST be sure to follow the protocol just as you did for phase 2. That means make it a point to keep added sugars and starches out of your diet. It takes 21 days to break a habit, so 3 weeks on phase 3 makes very logical sense.
I have discovered that blood type plays a huge role (at least for me) in how your body metabolizes food. Since doing hcg, which is really foods for my blood type anyway, I have completely and totally changed what I eat, what I want to eat, and how my body metabolizes. Just like Dr. Simeons says the diet should do! I have maintained a weight now for the last 17 days that is below the 2lbs limit, and is actually at or below my last day of vlcd with drops. I stayed up around 1lb for awhile, but then dropped back down and have stayed there with an average .6lb fluctuation up or down. I did have 2 instances of 2lb or over increases, of which I immediately did a steak day as Dr. Siemons’ protocol states, and immediately lost the weight.
Yesterday, I was absolutely starving. I ate a lot of food yesterday, the foods that I have been eating since hcg… guess what, didn’t gain weight! Prior to hcg, I would have been up at least 2lbs today, but since my metabolism is faster, it was simply telling me it needed the food, so I fed it. I worried all day I was eating too much, but I was truly physically hungry.
Anyway, I again want to encourage you all…. this diet does EXACTLY what it says it will do. If you don’t know your blod type, I would encourage you to find out what it is and then read the book “Eat right for your type”, and use the info there to supplement your new, healthy eating habits learned doing the hcg diet.
Truthfully, if you did hcg just to lose weight, you are going to need lots of will power to keep it off… but if you were truly wanting to change your metabolsim and the foods your body craves, you should find that you accomplish just that. You do have to have a mindset to change…..
Okay, so I preach today. I’m just so happy to have finally found the answer to changing the metabolism. I worked out for years, pumping heavy, pumping light, more cardio, less cardio… as I aged I still gained weight, no matter how little I ate or how much I exercised. HCG changes that… it resets your metabolism. Reverses what aging does so to speak. I am still working out, some days I pump heavy because it just feels good, but I don’t feel like I must just to maintain a weight and a look I didn’t really like anyway. My cardio, I do around 30 minutes a day, but not killing myself like I did before, only to be frustrated that I had to increase more to lose weight, and never lost!
40 fat… not me! Yep, it was me, but since hcg, all the fat a woman tends to gain around the middle is gone! You can do this ladies! And men, so can you. That little pot belly you get around 40 – 50, you don’t have to live with it if you don’t want! HCG rearranges your body, gets rid of unnecessary stored fat.
Okay, I continue to preach. So now, I go away for the day, leaving you all with many blessings!
Good post, but not all true. I have lost 36 pounds now and still only 3″ on my belly. Actually the first place you put on at is the last place you lose it. I’m still at a 38″ waist and am at 160.4 lbs now with only 23-25 pounds to go. my waist isn’t going to be gone (unfortunately).
terry, if you are married and have a healthy intimate life, I’d say go for it.
Sherrie,
yes, your middle fat can be gone… to the extent that your body has stored excess. Everyoone is different, I understand that, but you will find that middle excess continues to melt away even after you are off phase 2. However, there is also a choice in it… some people don’t care to be that lean.. and there is nothing, absolutely nothing wrong with that! For me, I’m just sayin… you can get as lean as your body will allow… I could actually have lost more according to Dr. Simeons, but I chose not too… I’m still extra lean and lovin it!
You have to remember, there are a lot of things to look at. Age, children, surgeries, etc. etc. I was 128 at one time, I looked like a skeleton, I did crunches every day(100 of them), I also had a tummy tuck, and the waist was still there. I don’t need to be a skeleton ever again, nor do I want to be. Actually my hubby likes to see a woman with a little extra weight, he said thin women are turn offs. LOL
At 5’6″ my weight should be 135 to up to 154 (you also figure age in to it). 🙂 I’m 53 now and when you get over 40 or 50(can’t remember which) you add 5 lbs to that weight range. But anyway, some people no matter how small they get will still have fat in some places they don’t want to have it, and the only thing you can do is surgery, which after what I went through with it, that’s not even an option
Terry, Mary(one of the members who can’t post from her blackberry said to tell you
she had wild sex all thru every phase and it never interfered with the program. You technically lose having sex hahahahahahahahahaha
so go for it!! You’ll find you actually get more in to it knowing you’re becoming sexier
Harvel/Sherrie,
Thank you both for the information. I am taking the HCG via the shot method. There is so much conflicting information from different sites, it is so hard to know which site is right! I just want to be sure I’m doing it right so thank you to everyone for all your very helpful information 🙂
Sherry
Sherry McP.,
You are probably using an insulin syringe with a very fine 1/2 inch needle. The HCG needs to go in a muscle. The best sites (muscle closer to the skin) are the back of the arm about half-way between the shoulder and the elbow and , the other is the top of the thigh about in the middle. You probably already know this, but you didn’t say.
Harvel
done to the last day of drops and others havent arrived yet any advice cause i really want to see this through until treatment ends thank you
sherrie Thank You for the info. today is my last day of loading up.So I hope that I should start droping some pounds by this weekend. One last thing how many times can one take the b-12 drops in a day?
Quick question –
Since everyone seems to have different menu’s for their HCG Diet’s, does anyone’s allow for green beans? Mine doctor prescribed menu adds in things like broccoli, but didn’t list green beans. I know they’re a bit high on the carb side, but was just curious.
Thanks y’all 🙂
Hey Luis
I take 1 B12 tablet with one of my meals each day.
Yes, you will have a loss the morning after you start the low calorie, but don’t do like I’ve done in the past and gotten on the scale at night, as it has been up 4 lbs at night from all the water. Try and get your drinking done early enough(maybe 2 hours before bed) so you’re not up all night peeing. Also eat your last meal within 3 hours of bedtime. Please come back on Friday and let me know how you did..
The sheet says I can have them, I get the french cut ones and have had them a few different times and still lost. The original plan doesn’t list them.
Just follow whichever diet you got. 🙂
This site is a God send…so lucky to have found all this great advice.Thank you. So here is my question….today is day 21 of p2 (I am doing 40 days) and I see a naturopath and am doing injections. I have lost 20.5 pounds and just like you Sherrie…53, 5’6″ and want to weigh about 145 as that is a great weight for me and as thin as my husband likes me(less weight too skinny and not worth the ridiculous exercise). Went to my dr today and she did body fat/lean muscle and compared results to same numbers before hcg and I gained fat and lost lean muscle!! She was baffled (actually shocked) and said she had never seen that before. Only viable explanation is original reading was faulty. Thoughts?? I love losing the weight but don’t want to lose lean mass.
Thanks for any help or insight and the wonderful encouragement.
Susan
That’s good that you went to the Dr and had your body fat/lean muscle checked, I never thought to do that. Makes you kind of wonder when that happens, it doesn’t make any sense.
I may get to 145 also and call it quits, never know. I’m kind of getting tired of eating the same foods over and over. 🙁
I have one more week of p2 then to p3 before going back to p2 again(would be nice if it were the last time I had to do that).
Are our hubbys brothers? LOL Mine doesn’t want me skinny either and he’s not wanting me to get to 135, I’m playing it by ear. I just want to get back in to my 4 and 6 pants again, which means 135.
What did your Dr say about it, besides being baffled?
Good luck Susan
So tomorrow is my last injection (well for 3 weeks anyway) and I am so nervous about gaining the weight bac. What are some guidelines that will help me be successful in phase3 of the diet. Please any advice is appreciated.
Brandy, I was on p3 once and about to go back on it again next Thursday. I would eat 2 scrambled eggs for breakfast, 3 pieces of bacon, glass of milk, sometimes cottage cheese with it and a fruit, a big salad(no dressing) with eggs, and anything else I wanted for lunch and dinner, and only gained 2 lbs one time(right after I got done with my drops(p2) because I had a lot of stress. If you hit 2 lbs up, make sure you do a steak apple or steak tomato day, nothing else to eat that day. I actually lost 6 lbs on p3 and was eating around 1400 to 1500 calories a day
Sherrie, Thanks!! I am just nervous. I was told to avoid all starch and sugars during this phase. Do you know of any other restrictons during this phase?
Hello.
Well, P3 has been a struggle for me. Up 4 pounds! I am doing another steak day. This has been so rough.
Any tips?
Debbie
Brandy, that’s right, no sugar or starch, those are for phase 4, and then you add them back gradually over a 3 week period. I haven’t gotten to p4 yet, I’m on my 2nd round of phase 2. Will move to p3 next week for almost 3 weeks then go back to p2 for hopefully just one more time.
How much have you lost and how close to your goal are you?
Debbie
Sorry to hear that. I don’t think you’re going to like my tip though. After talking to the nurse about what’s going on, she seems to think your body doesn’t want to be at the weight you have it at. I know you feel good, and I’m not sure of your age, but as we get older, our bodies change. You may need to be weighing closer to 145 or 150 for your height and age. What I should have been at the age of 30 is not the same as it is at 53. I would have loved to have gotten down to 135(I’m 5’6″) and I can wear a size 4 or 6 pants at that size, but I will probably end up more in like a 6 or 8 as 135 is not a realistic weight for me anymore.
Maybe… BOOOO
I’ll keep on the plan and see what happens. Thanks Sherrie!
I’m 52.
Debbie
Debbie,
I have to agree with Sherrie on this one. I have watched for sometime now your struggle with stabilizing in P3. I have done P3 2 times now and have never been over or under the 2 lb range. I think your body knows what is a health weight is. Trust me I understand wanting to be just as small as you possibly can be but it does state in pounds and inches that when you take your weight too low you are losing structural fats and lean muscle.
Good luck with stabilizing.
Sherrie, I have lost 14.4 lbs have twice went up from cheating =( .. I just recently had a 2 lb gain which was a bit discouraging but I am going in the right direction again. I honestly didnt really start with a # goal for loss, I just want to feel better when I am doing things I want to do. Wether it be chasing my first grand baby that is due in January or having some special time 😉 with my man. I am guessing that I would like to lose another 20 lbs tho. I have reordered my injections but my guess is they wont be here for another 2 1/2 weeks at least so I can do p3 then repeat p2. Now will I have to reload?
Brandy
Wow, your first g-baby. I have 3(11, 7 and 16 mos) I have 2 more g-daughters due within 3 or 4 days apart, and due in August. One lives here in SC and one is up in Illinois.
I started out with a goal, everyone should set one, but if you get feeling good before and your body is doing good(you find out when you do p3) then that should be a good weight for your frame. I don’t do p4 as I still have at least around 20 to lose yet(although I have 5 more to lose before my bmi is in the high normal weigh range)WOOT WOO(obese to normal in a few short mos). Anyway, all the diets are different. Mine says I can go back and forth from p2 to p3 and then back until I get to my goal. It also said they recommend 3 weeks to stay on p3, but you can go back to p2 anytime. They said if you go from p3 to p2 within 2 1/2 weeks, you don’t have to reload, but over 2 1/2 weeks you should. I go just above the 2 1/2 as I like the load days. I’m really hoping this next time is it for me. I really don’t want to go more than 3 times on p2..It’s NOT an easy diet with the food choices, and 1/2 the time I don’t eve want to eat
Debbie,
do you know what your blood type is? I’m guessing you may be an A. A’s need more carbs to metabolize foods properly. Not sure, but check it out. The book “Eat Right for Your Type” has proven true for me. I’m an O. It took about 8 days into phase 3 for my weight to stabilize, but I am stable. 1 full week now into phase 4. Haven’t really eaten anything different and have been losing .2lbs a day, steadily for the past week. Phase 2 and 3 follow my blood type plan which is why I think I have reached this point.
Something else I have done you might try…. Some days if I feel I may have eaten a little more than I should, at dinner I eat a small steak and apple. (not a steak day because I have eaten throughout the day). Not sure if it makes a difference, but my weight always goes down. Something about that steak and apple for me just seems to work.
Not sure but you will figue out whats right for your body. I know you look great! regardless.
Debbie,
one other thought…. Are you getting enough calories? Your metabolism should have sped up through all of this, and perhaps you are not feeding it enough?
Hello
can u mix vegies
do u try to get to 500 cal. or just close.
my 4th day of phase 2 and did not lose any wt.can that be normal.
should u weigh fruit?
Hey Tom
The first time I was on p2, I did mix veggies, but you’re not supposed too, and this time I’ve not done it!
If you can get close to 500 that’s good, you just don’t want to go over. Around 470-480 seems to work best.
That doesn’t seem right that you haven’t lost anything. Usually you lose the first day you’re on the very low calorie diet.
Yes, you weigh your fruit. I core my apple first then weigh it, it’s 16.25 calories an ounce and I peel my orange then weigh it also. those have 14.54 calories in each ounce. Strawberries I always weigh out 5.3 oz which is 50 calories. I use stevia on those.
Have you been drinking at least 1/2 gallon of water a day?
How much are you trying to lose? Like I said, something doesn’t seem right that you haven’t lost anything
That seems strange to me Janet, as I’m A+ blood type and I didn’t have problems on p3. And on p3, she can’t be having carbs, so there is something else causing this. I know Mary is on p3 and is probably one of the only people I know on here who hasn’t had to do a steak day(this is her last day of p3), and has stabilized within 1 lb all the way through.
I honestly believe the RN behind me is right on this one. She’s been on the diet for quite a few mos. now and feels this happens because you’re down lower than what your body should be. You have to take Debbie’s age in to consideration too. A good weight at the age of 30 is not always a good weight in your 40’s, 50’s and on up.
Hey all – I have really loved this site and the information you have all shared. I have a few direct questions.
#1 – I have been on the diet p2 since Monday (fat loaded Fri-Sun). I am already down 13lbs… that just seems like alot so quick. On Sunday night – I weighed in at 265.3 and this morning at 251.6
#2 – I am eating pretty much the same stuff. Is this menu ok.
Breakfast – black coffee
Am snack – 3 0z of celery or broccoli
lunch – 4 oz spinach greens, 6 cut up strawberries & 3.5 oz grilled chicken
Dinner – same as lunch – or 3.5 oz of chicken with 3.5oz tomoato & 3.5 oz of a veggie.
I am doing 100 to 150 oz of water a day
#3 – can you use splenda in your coffee
#4 – I have read that tabasco in any quanity is fine – is that true
#5 – fresh galic – I sliced up a few cloves and put on my baked chicken (no oils or anything) – is that ok?
#6 – if you plateau in P2 – should you still do a steak or apple day?
Thanks so much and good luck to you all!
Hey Les
Wow, lots of questions LOL
The more weight you have to lose the quicker you will lose it. My beauticians daughter had lost like 25 lbs the first week but was over 300 lbs when she started.
No, that menu is really not alright. 🙂
You’re supposed to have 2 veggies a day and 2 fruits and 2 servings of 3.5 oz protein.
How many calories are you eating?
3) you’re only supposed to have stevia or sweet n low on this diet, and then yes of these 2 you can have it in your coffee and on your strawberries or in your tea, etc etc.
4) I actually used tobasco sauce the other day on my shrimp, it was quite tasty but a little hot. 🙂
5) I think the fresh garlic would be fine
6) steak and apple or also can do steak and tomato day are for p3,not p2. I have hit plateaus, and you can do an apple day, but I prefer not too. Your body will break the plateau on its own, give it time, it’s trying to keep up with the weight loss. As you can tell by that, I’m totally against the apple/plateau thing. I like nature to take it’s course.
Keep up the good work and read this, it has all the answers, even how to do an apple day if you hit a plateau and aren’t a patient person. Good luck on the weight loss and keep checking in
powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
Tom,
What kind of HCG are you taking? (pharmaceutical drops, pharmaceutical injections, or homeopathic drops?) Are you sure they are any good? HCG will react with pregnancy test strips–available at your local pharmacy–if you are taking one of the pharmaceutical forms. I don’t know if the homeopathic drops will react.
sherrie
I did not explain so well. phase 1 was sun and mon. phase 2 started tues. I had lost 7.5 lbs. by thurs. today i was still at 7.5 I just was wondering if no loss some days was normal my start wt. was 208.5 i want to lose about 35 lbs thank you for the quick response earlier
tom
Tom
There really is no p1. That would be Kevin Trudeaus’ thing(which is actually a cleansing). P2 is the load days and vlcd. 🙂
I actually didn’t have that problem, but I only lost 9.2 lbs my first week that I was on p2 the first time. See how the scale does tomorrow for you. If you’re drinking plenty, maybe you didn’t go to the bathroom as much yesterday. Weight fluctuates and you could have a good loss tomorrow. There will be days where you can maintain for a day or longer and then sometimes actually go up(like I did last week). Also, make sure you’re not eating within 3 hours of bedtime and that you’re not drinking much within about 2 hours of going to bed. On this diet you need to get a good nights sleep and around 8 hours a night if possible. I am sure by tomorrow, you will have another nice loss..:) Please let me know..Don’t forget to weight the fruits
I am getting in the 500 calories – just mixing up the times I eat some of the vegtables. I may pick a lower calorie vegtable so that I can have an additioanl vegtable for a snack in moring. Does that not work? and I guess I get confused on artificial sweetners as many sites so ‘NO sweet and low’ but splenda is ok – and others say only Stevia.
Thanks for input!
So between my nerves about moving to p3 and stress from life’s happenings I managed to small snack myself up 3lbs at this mornings weigh in. I know that I stress eat but I guess I rationalized it to myself every time I ate something it was just something small; a piece of melba toast, 2 strawberries, couple cherry toatoes, and more melba toast. Well it isnt so small on the scale this morning =( So I am hoping to have a much better day today as this is my last injection day.. I can not believe I cheated like that yesterday… Anyway I am going to stand strong today and do well.. Happy dieting everyone!!
you said that you’re having a veggie in the morning, then one for lunch, then one for dinner, which comes out to 3 veggies. 🙂 My suggestion would be eat a piece of fruit for morning snack(if you’re hungry), then don’t eat the fruit with lunch. You can have your dinner fruit in between lunch and dinner or after dinner if you want, but again, then don’t eat one with dinner.
You are allowed stevia(which is probably the best) or saccharin, which is sweet n low. I buy the 9 oz bag of stevia at the store(make sure not to get truvia, as it is completely different). It’s kind of expensive(like $8 for the bag). I use it to make my sweet tea and have gotten use to it.
Brandy, we all make mistakes a long the way. You will probably stall out for a few days, but it will come back off. Next time DON’T do that!!! I’m here for you kiddo
Sherrie
thanks again your awsome.
Thanks Tom! You will do fine! Good luck on your journey, it’s not an easy one, but one that will change your life forever!
Sherrie, Thank you!! You do not know what it means to hear that. I just have to get my stress under control. As I said the other day I have a grand baby on the way now which is so scary for me. My daughter is only 16 so I know that this is going to be a challange that Im not sure if I am ready for. Im also a full time student so stress from school has been a little crazy lately too… I am just greatful for this site and for great people like yu that are always willing to reach out and help. Thank you Sherrie for being such a wonderful person =) Your the best
P.S. I wont do it anymore, well I promise I will try real hard not to anyway
Brandy,
Maybe you didn’t overdo… you don’t mention if you ate regular meals. If you don’t eat enough, you will gain also and if you only picked like you said… that could be an issue.
I don’t calorie count, but I approximately know what I am having.
You can do it!
Debbie
Hi Janet and Sherrie,
Yes, A+ blood type. 52 years old.
Good news. I did a steak day yesterday and dropped 4 pounds! 4. couldn’t believe it.
Maybe I’m not having enough. Going to start to log my meals. Also having lots of chicken, and a salad with ranch (lowest in sugar) but omy on the fat…
I’m going to try my own dressing with hidden valley ranch in the packet and add it to greek yogurt. sounds good.
Later ladies! Hope you both are doing great! I’ve been so swamped at work and home, hardly have time to be on here.
Debbie
Debbie,
Check for sugar (any “-ose”) in that dressing mix.
Brandy
Stress can cause the munchies for someone that has always had weight issues. The job I have now is the most stressful job I’ve ever had in my life. I’ve been really lucky this time on now grabbing something sweet, infact, hubby went to the donut shop yesterday(they’re closing the doors this Sunday) and got me 20 cream filled donuts(I wanted them for my next load days, plus so when I get to my goal I can have one occasionally). I froze them and didn’t realize what I was doing until last night. Instead of licking the frosting off my fingers and then washing my hands(while I was putting them in containers, I washed the gooey off my hands. If you get stressed and feel you have to grab something, grab a piece of celery. I have all the faith in the world in you.
As far as your daughter, well, I was 18 when I had my first child, and the thing is, that baby is going to pull at your heartstrings. I know it’s not the best of circumstances, but everyone makes mistakes
I make a mean spinach salad dressing, and next p3(next week), I’m going to make it, but going to use stevia instead of sugar. It’s 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup sugar and 1/4 cup of virgin olive oil. It’s to die for. Just hoping the stevia in it will taste as good as the real sugar.
Debbie, that’s good you got the 4 lbs off, but you definitely need to see why you’re having such a hard time stabilizing.
I’m down 37 lbs now with 20 or less to go. I had originally said 135, but I feel for my age that’s too small and I don’t want my face drawing in, makes you look older, so probably going to shoot for around 140 or 145, am playing it by ear. I know I don’t want to have to do anymore of this diet after the next round(load days July 3 and 4th) as that will make it the 3rd time. I may have to extend the last one past 3 weeks(no longer than 6 weeks), but I know I will get there.
Sherrie, Thanks!! i was 17 when I had my fist I was just really hoping for something more for my kids. I know I will love the baby to death =) I just dont want my daughter to settle because of this one choice. I do not want her to be 36 and just then making it through college. Those are the sources of my worries.. Just wanting better for her. Thanks for listening and advising =)
My way of looking at things are
Things work out the way they’re supposed too, and they always happen for a reason. Sometimes we see why they happened as they did, and other times we never do find out. But, things always work out!
I’m here for you whenever you need me. And if you ever need to e-mail, well feel free(just put something in the subject line so I won’t delete it from the spam folder
it’s stratman397 @ aol dot com
Hello Debbie, yes I ate my regular meals too. I know it was all the melba toast I ate. I probly ate 12-15 little rounds all day yesterday. I think I am going to go buy a bag of ice from Sonic so when I want to crunch on something I can just grab a glass of ice (which should help with my water intake not that I have a problem with that). Maybe that would satisfy the ‘crunch craving’ and eliminate the snacking. I was a chips and salsa girl before this diet so I miss the crunch. Hope this will help me out. Thanks for the encouragement =)
Thanks Sherrie! I’ll try that recipe.
I think i need to see what I am eating that is making me gain. My guess, almonds.
On the drawn face, that is what I love on this diet. I always got that look. Not this time. I look the best I’ve looked in years, face too. People don’t think that I am 40, let alone 52. 🙂 Yahoooo
Debbie
Brandy!
I did the same thing when I first started the HCG diet. I would eat 4 or 8 melba Toasts (there are 4 per serving size). It got to the point where I couldn’t stop myself. So you know what I did? I stopped buyinh them 🙁 It was the only way I could and would control it. Shame on me!
Now, 5 weeks later, I know I would have more self control and not attack the box because I was hungry and they tasted good.
You might want to take them off your grocery list – there’s no shame in defeating the problem by avoiding it (in this case at least) 🙂
Good luck!
I honestly doubt it’s the almonds, unless you’re eating too many. I bought the emeralds packs (100 calories) so I wouldn’t eat too many. I eat the regular ones(did every day on p3) and the cocoa flavored ones. Infact, I need to go buy some so I’ll have them for next week. I still lost 6 lbs on p3.
I’m lucky also, at 53 I have no wrinkles.
Still confused a bit with Calories (based on calories count at top of this page).
if I eat:
2 fruits each day (a med apple – 72 calories and 12 Strwberrys = 72 cal = 144 total)
2 Protiens (2 servings of 3.5oz chicken breast = 87cal each or 172 toal)
2 veggies (3.5oz spinach for salad = 20cal & brocolli or tomato – both around 37.5 calories or 57 cal total)
Total for day would = 144 + 172 + 57 = 373 calories.
That is why I am looking to fill with some additioanl veggies or ????
Help please
Hey Debbie,
I am doing terriffic! I have maintained my weight, in fact back to losing steadily. I’m a size 2, my husband LOVES the new me. I have confidence and energy like never before! And, all my friends say I look much YOUNGER now! They are all guessing me in late 30’s, early 40’s. LOVE THAT!
Glad to hear steak day was successful. 🙂
Keep an eye on the calories. Sounds like you may really have been too low. Also, there are some great sugar free salad dressings you can purchase at central market (if there is one around your neighborhood).
If you ever get time, read about blood types, food and metabolism. It has proven true for me and also my husband and sister. While I understand that you don’t add carbs and sugars in phase 3, my suggestion was perhaps since you added more calories back into your diet that your body might be wanting those different foods for metabolic purposes, now that hcg is out of your body and you hypothalamus is re-set. (times like these we need Dr. Simeons for a few ???’s). Also, since you didn’t have a lot of weight to lose, and were not a life long heavy person, you may truly see a difference. Don’t know, but it can’t hurt to at least read about it if you continue fluctuating with that 4lbs, and if steak day doesn’t work and you get to where you hold steady… Dr. Simeons says that while taking hcg, if you become hungry, you have reached your “statistically correct” weight. I could keep losing according to Dr. Simeons, and even now I am losing, without hcg. I’m not trying I am quite happy where I am today, so NOPE, not a reason for me to keep going, but if my body keeps doing it on its own, I’m not going to get excited one way or the other.
When do you start phase 4?
Blessings on you.
Sherrie,
I think it is too many. Almonds. need to know where to get the cocoa ones. mmmm. I love them, and overeat them
I lost when I did p3 before. now i think it’s the weight i got too. wouldn’t mind losing 10 more now…
At 5’8″, wearing a 6 or 8 tall and loving every minute of it!
Debbie
Debbie
Emerald makes them, you can find them at the grocery store and I would imagine walmart
Debbie if you’re 140 and 5’8 you don’t need to lose another 10 lbs
I’m not saying this to be mean, but don’t get obsessed with this weight stuff or you will end up putting on because your body doesn’t want to go there. I still agree with the nurse that this is what’s happening
Be happy with what you’ve done. Remember your hubby loves you the way you are, and he’s the one you have to make happy and yourself!
Most guys our age, like a woman with a little bit of meat on their bones. My poor hubby doesn’t want me losing anymore, and I still have 20 maybe 15 to go. I may settle with 144-145
Les, don’t go by what’s up there. Weigh the fruits. use this site
fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/FoodLabelingGuidanceRegulatoryInformation/InformationforRestaurantsRetailEstablishments/UCM063482
You don’t ever want to eat the same things for both meals. I don’t do 12 strawberries, none of them are the same size. just use the food scale and measure out 5.3 oz of strawberries, 50 calories, and you can find the calories/oz on that site for the others.
Chicken for each oz has 30 calories, 3.5 oz is actually 105 calories. You can have 1 melba toast for each of the 2 meals, which is 20 for each one of those. Weigh your protein and get the calories(remember, raw weight) and then your fruit, and then you can add more of the veggies to make up the difference. I myself do the canned spinach as when I have a fresh spinach salad, I want good dressing on it. Lettuce I eat with just some salt on it now.
Hope that helped. If you have anymore questions, ask away
Hi everyone,
I’ve been reading your posts and it has been extremely helpful. I’m in phase 2 of the diet and think I definitely need to join in the discussion and get some sage advice from all the experienced dieters here.
I’ve been following up the posts here but have never been able to post myself. Let’s see if it will work for me now.
You got it Lisa! Post away
Hey Sherrie
Thank’s again for the info,I had my B12 with lunch, Had my last meal & drank all my water 3 hours befor bedtime. Day 4 (today Friday)Got on the scale in the morning & I droped 4lbs. GOOD Start .only 36 more to go lol. I just hope I don’t get board of eatting the same food all the time.
WOW!!! I cant believe it went through finally :>)
OK……I have a real dilemma and I need some real help!!! I did my first round in Nov I lost 28lbs in 39 days GREAT! no problems no cheating…..I did maintenance for 9 wks it was a breeze very successful at stabilizing.
Now R2 was a VERY different story. I started and restarted R2 three times (for varies reasons). The last time was on Mother’s Day wknd and since then things have not been going well for me at all. The vlcd is not a problem for me but the craving for sweets (especially CHOCOLATE) is outrageous. I’ll do fine throughout the whole day but come evening/night, I have to have my chocolate. Then every morning I dust myself off & start fresh but cant get thru the night w/o my sweets. I want this weight loss REAL BAD & I have done so many things to stay positive,motivated,inspired but nothing.
So my Q is this…since this has been going on for 5wks now (while still taking drops) WHAT SHOULD I DO??? IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR ME?? IF I CAN GIVE UP SWEETS COLD TURKEY, CAN I JUT CONTIUE WITH DROPS & VLCD? AND MOST IMPORTANTLY~~~WILL I LOSE??? CAN I STILL LOSE???? Where do I go from here????
WOOT WOOT, WTG Luis! I’m so proud of you! Keep up the fantastic work!
You’ll have that 36 pounds off before I get my last 20 off. 🙂 Please keep posting your progress!
Lisa! Now, I don’t mean to sound like a drill sergeant, BUT stop giving excuses!
Let me tell you about a person and their sweets! I too loved chocolate(ask my hubby), I could care less about food, but give me a bag of candy and that was breakfast, lunch and dinner, that’s why I’m doing this diet NOW! I did the p2 the first time for 6 weeks, I cheated after the 3rd week, and only dropped 7 lbs the last 3 weeks. This time I’m doing it for 3 weeks(end my drops this Sunday and have not cheated at all, other than my occasional piece of sugar free gum. You have to want to give up the sweets. Do you know this time around, I have not ONCE eaten anything sweet? I don’t even crave them anymore. Hubby bought 20 of my favorite donuts yesterday, as the place is closing its doors this Sunday. They are a tiger shaped paw filled with white cream icing. I’m going to freeze them for when I get done dieting, I can occasionally have one! Do you know when he brought them home, I was getting ready to walk out the door for work. Well, I wanted to get them froze to keep them fresh, So, I was putting them in the containers. I didn’t realize until last night that in between each donut and getting icing on my fingers, I never once licked any icing off my hand, instead just washed it off(can’t stand stuff on my hands). Last night I thought Dang I did that, and before I would have grabbed 2 or 3 of those things and gobbled them down. So, don’t tell me you CAN’T give up the chocolate for a few weeks. You can do this, and only you can do it. Do you want to live a healthy long life or feel miserable the rest of your life? When you get it off, you can have that piece of chocolate every now and then, but don’t let it run your life like you and I have both done! Try a 3 week instead of 6 week. Buy stevia and drink sweet tea. You and only you can take the step in the right direction. Remember what got you to the weight you’re dealing with now! Yes, you screwed up, but you can straighten this out! Now be strong and go get those pounds off. When you want chocolate get on here. AOL Says you’ve got mail, and if I’m close to my computer(I live on it) then I respond right away!
I have been doing very well and losing 1 lb a day for 2 weeks. I have been eating egg whites and broccolli and canned tuna in water as my protien and vegetable.. Is this bad. It says no subbing but its working for me. any comments. The portion is bigger than 3.5 oz, but the calories are right.
I have also been doing stair climber for 45 min a day. burning 550 calories per day. should i eat more or what. eating 500 to 600 and then burning 550 at gym seems like where is my energy coming from.
Michael, all the diets are different, on the original protocol, you’re not supposed to have tuna fish, but can have it on the p3. I eat a lot of tuna with mayo, but when I do the p3, not on p2.
Were you doing the stair climber before you started? All I do is walk, and I started doing a mile or two a day when I first started, but that’s the only exercise I do
why do they say no tuna if I use no mayo. same as chicken i would think. Also what about pure egg whites. no fat and all protien. I would think its better than chicken. What is more important the calories or weight of food. Because egg whites are less calories but more volume.
I was already doing stair climber. will i lose quicker if i burn more calories.
Micheal,
Every once in a while I see a comment from someone indicating that they may not fully understand the dynamics of this diet. The best thing you can do is immediately forget everything you ever read or knew about dieting. This is not a diet, per se, but a medical treatment. (Dr. Simeons considered obesity to be a medical condition.)
The basics: Under the influence of HCG, your body will be burning between 2,000 and 2,500 calories a day. Your intake will be 500. The rest comes from the so-called “resistant” fat–the ugly surface stuff. As for exercise, Dr. Simeons advised that the HCGer maintain the same level of exercise as before going on the treatment. If you were a couch potato like I was, you stay a couch potato. If you were running a mile a day, you keep on running a mile a day. The basic rule for Ph2 aka HCG-VLCD is 500 calories a day made up of a very precise list of foods that was selected to provide basic nutrition (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, etc). BUT, no fat/oil and no carbohydrates, including sugar in any form. Tuna and other oily, dark-meated fish such as salmon are very oily and not to be eaten during the HCG-VLCD portion of the protocol. Get a copy of Dr. Simeons’ manuscript, “Pounds and Inches,” read it and follow it. That is my best advice. As a male, you could easily be losing 1.5 pounds a day. A pound a day is good, but I think you can do better.
Harvel
Hi Lisa,
if you sit down and really analyze what is going on, food, like many other habits, is just a habit and something your mind wants more than your physical body needs. Right now, with hcg, your physical body doesn’t need chocolate, but guaranteed your mind and your mouth want it. Here is where you have to have determination and a strong will, and well….. “just say no”. Instead of eating chocolate, gulp down a big glass of whatever you drink… One thing I found that works great is water with lemmon and cinnamon. Put a cinnamon stick in your water bottle and let it soak overnight, then keep refilling all day. It is quite refreshing, a bit sweet and allowed on this protocol!
You can also add a flavored stevia to it if you like, for some extra flavor.
Some people on this blog will surely come in and tell you something different because we all have our own experiences and opinions. Some things off protocol have worked for others, but the thing to remember is your are not just dieting, you are re-setting your hypothalamus, thus resetting your metabolism, really the way your body, your physical body analyzes and processes food.
I have been through phase 2 and 3, followed strictly, religiously, and have been extremely successful. Everyone else I know who has followed the plan religiously has also been extremely successful. You are not just dieting, you are changing your mind. Just check out everything to line up with the protocol “Pounds and Inches”.
Blessings on you. I pray your will be stronger than your desire for chocolate and great success comes your way.
Once agn I am having difficulty posting
Thank u soooooo much Janet and Sherrie. Yu ladies are both right all the way. It really is about discipline and determination. I know this diet works cuz I did it before. But what puzzles me is why did it work SO well for me the first time around…i mean i had NO HUNGER NO CRAVINGS & NO CHEATING but this time around is much more difficult. Anyway, I know that i have to be strong, no… stronger!
I kinda feel like an alcoholic or drug addict but my addiction is chocolate (mainly candy). I even go thru withdrawals….man thats sad….i am pathetic 🙁
But what i REALLY need to know is can I continue with the drops & vlcd (no cheating of course) after 5wks of messing up AND still be able to lose weight or would i have to take a break for awhile and then start all over agn :((
Hello,
Having a tough day with a migraine. First one since my neck surgery last October.
Happy to say that this morning i was down another 2.5 pounds. Almonds. My new no no. Everyone has a food that won’t work for them. Identify that!
Did my steak day, lost 4.x then ate NO almonds yesterday and actually felt like I overate. Down another 2.5. Lower now than my last day of shots. 🙂
Tried Fit n Free Pizza today. Pretty darn good. Now that maintenance is OVER! Healthy. Check it out on the web.
Have a good day everyone!
Debbie
Lisa, you really shouldn’t go more than 6 weeks straight on the diet without going in to stabilization. Try going off the drops, then wait 72 hours to make sure they’re out of your system(or this is what I would do anyway), and then wait a couple weeks and start over. This next time NO CHEATING. If you have too, do it only 3 weeks at a time, that’s what I do, it’s much easier and much easier to handle the same old boring food for less time. Good luck and keep posting. If you get hungry, drink a big glass of water, that always fills me up
I hear you Sherrie……especially the NO CHEATING :)>
But being that I really haven’t been following the protocol the full 5wks~~~like some days not eating full protocol meals, a few days of not taking drops, not totally off but not totally on either you know what i mean~~~~~~~do u still think i should stop…..i know its just ur opinion just curious
Well, even though I would do what I suggested, as I said that’s just my opinon. I guess you could stay on the drops and stay on the diet. I would try three weeks though(you should be able to do it this time again without cheating) and then do the p3 for 3 weeks, then go back on the p2 with load days. It took me starting back on p2 this time before I realized I don’t still crave/need chocolate. Good luck!
I appreciate your input and encourage.
I think I’m gonna keep going and give it another try. And when i have the withdrawals and the urges i think im gonna get on my laptop and POST POST POST!!!!! I need all the support I can get right now!
I gonna do the 3 wks only but if I don’t see the weight coming off after about a week-10 days (it may take that long cuz of all the cheating), then I’ll stop. take a break and then start all over.
Keep your fingers crossed……..say a prayer (or 2) for me…….
I CAN DO THIS 🙂
Lisa,
It’s tough to break a habit. I am addicted to smoking and working on being a “clean air breather.” It’s not will power. The habit will win every time. And, please don’t get down on yourself. Relax and find something to do for the few moments the urge has you in its clutches. Like slowly drinking a glass of water, like walking down the street a little bit and back, like just standing in the sun and marveling at the majesty of the universe, like… . If you are of a religious nature, just “Give up and give it to God.” And then quit fussing about it. Let God (or whatever name you attach to whatever it is that is greater than we humans) take the burden from you.
Harvel
Can someone who has purchased the HCG injections online and been successful tell me a good source. I am currently taking the homeopathic drops. I have no complaints but my next round I would like to try the shots and would prefer to order them myself but don’t know where to start. Please send me an email and let me know which site worked best for you, fast shipping, reasonable price, good product etc. darby_trenton@hotmail.com
odd. not one posting today??
Debbie
Good Morning: I am just starting HCG (today is my 1st 500 calorie day). I just need to ask a couple of questions. 1. We are limited to the 4 fruits mentioned above, correct? Or, can we add a fruit not listed, as long as the calories don’t go over for the day? 2. I know you are not supposed to exercise, but I have to do 2-3 bike rides a week to train for Iowa’s RAGBRAI. I started this about a month ago. Is this going to totally mess up the program for me? I assumed that once RAGBRAI is over (July 31), that I will probably need to do a second round. I will be on RAGBRAI for my first week of maintenance, but that is a totally different subject, which I’ll address ask about when it gets closer. I’m excited about this blog and getting encouragement from all of you. Blessings, Louanne
Good morning Louanne and good luck on your journey. The 4 fruits are what Dr Simmeons said to eat. Make sure you weigh your oranges after you peel them and your apple after you core them, as there is 16.25 calories in an ounce of apple and oranges I believe are 14.54 an ounce. Some of the revised diet plans have other fruits(like berries) included. I also weigh my strawberries(I don’t do the handful). There are 50 calories in 5.3 oz.
I didn’t realize until the other day that there are carbs in cantaloupe, but I tend to find out more things every day(thanks to my sons fiance going through nursing school)
As long as you were working out doing that before you started the diet, you’re fine. I started walking a mile a day the day I started this diet. I have done it every day(except a couple days where I only got 1/2 mile in). That is good for everyone and also gets the metabolism going.
Good luck on your journey. Please keep us updated on your progress
Sherrie: Thank you so much for the quick reply. I will stick with the exact list. I’m better off with having to make fewer decisions, so this is good for me. I would never have thought to core the apple first, so that helped. One final question. I have to go to a restaurant tonight, so I thought I would get a chicken breast and broccoli. Will they usually know the raw weights if you ask them? Thanks again, and have a great day. Louanne
I’m here for ROUND TWO! Today is day 1 of the 750 calorie diet. I’m wondering if anybody else here has done it. The only resource I am finding is at buyhcgdietdrops (dot) com/750-calorie-plan (dot) html. I had 1 cup of cheerios for breakfast and I’m very hestitant it’s going to work! I’m so used to the 500 calorie plan but I only need to lose about 7 lbs this time (more would be nice but 7 is minimal). Any feedback?
Donna
I just came off my drops lastnight. I will have to do one more round starting sometime in July(depending on vacation). Other than my friend who is on 750 but she’s not allowed any cereal. Cheerios for one cup have 21 grams of carbs in them and 1 or 2 grams of sugar. Make sure you check the boxes. 🙂
I can’t remember where she got her drops from, but she’s down 100 lbs. although she’s been on the 750 calories straight since November, which isn’t good. She should have gone to stabilization. If you only have 7 pounds to go, I would have done the 500 calories for the 3 weeks instead if it were me, as you slow down the closer you get to your goal weight anyway.
Good luck
Hey Louanne
The other night I went out for dinner, I had broccoli and a chicken breast. Usually they’re 6-7 ounce chicken breasts, so you could cut it in 1/2. I ate all my chicken breast the other night as it was so good, but didn’t have my fruit to eat. I ended up losing I think .6 that night.
Bah. Figures. I just won’t do any more cereal from here on out. I’d like to try the 750 because I exercise every day and need more protein. If anybody has any references to another 750 calorie diet, please let me know.
Donna,
How about you just up the meat portion of your diet? It wouldn’t take but a few ounces of meat, fish or chicken to get the additional 250 calories. Actually, if memory serves, meat is about 25% pure protein and we need (under normal conditions) only about 40 grams per day.
Harvel
Easy calculation to find out how much protein you need when you get your weight to where you want to be, is x’s your weight by 3.7 this will give you an idea on how much you need
So today is my first day off the 500 vlcd and I am soooooo nervous about eatting the wrong foods. I was so nervous that I am eating breakfast at noon lol… So I made a omlet with 1 whole egg and 2 egg whites with green bell pepper, onion , and mushrooms sprinkled with just a little bit of cheese 2 sausage patties and a glass of 2% milk… Is this ok?? I feel as if it is to much just looking at the plate. Please tell me this is ok….
hi,
going to phase 3 this thursday, and would like to know how many calories i should increase to, and what fats i’m allowed to introduce.
thanks!
Cynthia,
There is no special level of calories for the “maintenance” phase, aka Ph3. Depending upon your size, work up to 1200 to 1500 calories over the next couple of days to see how it goes. Remember, for the next three weeks you must keep your weight to within plus or minus 2 pounds of your weight on the last day you took HCG (that’s a 4 pound range). If you lose more than 2 pounds, increase the calories; if you gain more than 2 pounds, cut back.
You may eat any healthy fat or oil. Generally stay away from the common commercial oils and fats. Avoid anything with “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated” on the lable. Stick with olive oil, macadamia nut oil, coconut oil, pork fat, butter or others that have not been processed. Margarines have been highly processed. I loved my first breakfast with eggs and bacon.
In Ph3 sugars and carbohydrates (starches) are not allowed.
Harvel
Dang it I didnt even eat one of the sausage ptties because after I cooked it all and then started adding up the calories I was shocked… I am eatting in one sitting what I hae been allowed all day previously… Now I am really scared that I am messing up…UGHHHHHH So dropping one of the patties off my plate my breakfast total was 506 calories OMG is this really right?? Is this really ok?? I feel lost!!!
Brandy,
P3 can be really awesome if you use your head and don’t go overboard. You do need to eat around 1500 calories per day in order to maintain your loss. Maybe just scale back your portion size a small amount. Keep eating snacks between meals. Yes it seems like allot of food from what you were used to on P2 but you must do it or you will gain.
I found I did great with 1400 – 1700 per day, never went under or over the 2 lb range. Stabilization was very easy for me and I loved the experience.
haven’t posted my progress on my 3rd round yet so I thought I would take a moment to do so. I’m on day 38 and have lost a total of 25.2, that includes what I gained on load days. I am now at a normal BMI for the first time in more years than I can remember. This experience since I started my journey back in January with my first round has been the most positive thing I could have done for myself. Just a few more days and then back to P3 and the rest of my life in maintenance. My weight goals are not unrealistic at all. My age is 49, I’m 5’2” and am at 134.8, I will take whatever loss I have in the next few days and walk away a very happy woman for the first time in many years. I know P3 is going to be great since I have done it already and how easy it really is. P4 and life time maintenance will be a breeze with all that I have learned about myself, how to eat properly and taking care of my body, feeding my body not letting my mind/emotions control what I consume.
Trust me, if I am able to do this program, anyone who puts their mind to it can also do it and succeed with great loss. Good luck to all of you out there.
thanks for the input. i’m 5ft 3in. have lost 13.5 (YES)…
another question about introducing fat…are you limited to introducing it a serving per day, or can you have more than one serving per day? (example: bacon at breakfast, pbutter snack, avocado at dinner)…also, is cheese allowed?
thanks!
Hey Cynthia
you’re going in to p3 the same day as me(this is my 2nd time of it though). I usually ate around 1400-1500 a day. good luck
Yes, you can have cheese, as long as it’s not pasteurized cheese. I ate cottage cheese(2%) and cheese sticks last time, and lots of fruits and veggies and you don’t have to weigh your meats. Last time on p3 I had a lot of tuna fish with mayo.
Not miracle whip as there are sugars in that
Hey Brandy
You need to eat breakfast in the morning. I didn’t do the egg whites extra with my p3. You can eat 2 or 3 whole eggs if you want. Yes, what you ate was fine..
Can I have peanut butter on celery for a snack?
I don’t do pb on p3 as there is sugar and carbs in it. I’m not sure if natural has that in it or not..
=( I have such a taste for it .. Im a little sad now ..lol Well guess i’ll find something else.
Brandy,
From your questions, I think you are looking for hard and fast rules for Ph3. there are only three:
1) Keep your weight to within 2 pounds, up or down, from your weight on the last day you took HCG.
2) No sugars in any form, except what is naturally in fruits, and then in moderation. Look on the lables for anything that ends in “-ose.” That’s a sugar.
3) No starches (carbohydrates).
Some guidance:
1) Your calorie intake will probably be somewhere between 1200 and 1500 per day. Keep track.
2) Read the Lables vis a vis sugars and carbohydrates.
3) Enjoy your expanded menu.
4) Ph3 is to reset your hypothalamus and give you time to get used to a sensible way of eating. Isn’t a nonsensible way of eating how we got in this fix in the first place?
Harvel
my wife has asthma is it ok for her to use her inhaler still plus we are on day 10 have lost a little over 20 lbs between us this is a great diet and not really that hard to stick to ty
plus i love the calorie guide i printed from this site its been a wonderful help plus is there any guide for phase 3 out that anyone knows of if so please point me in the right direction and thanks for such a wonderful friendly site
Harvel Thank you for the words of wisdom =) I am keeping a food journal so I can see what foods do not agree with me. I am excited and nervous to be at this point. I am hoping this will help me from cheating when I do my second round of shots… Funny thingis I never use to really eat at all but now I feel as if I am starving so being able to expand the diet is very pleasing to me I will be watching my scale closely tho
Hi Cindy, i am so so happy for you. Just curious tho, how much total weight have you lost in your 3 rounds?
I had lost 18 lbs on my own and taking about 6 months to do that before starting HCG, since Januray being on HCG I have lost 53.2 so far in 3 rds.
I had somewhat of a better day today. I still cheated with the chocolate but i didnt have as much of it as i usually would, plus i ate it earlier in the day instead of when going to bed with my big bag of M&Ms right beside me. Now I know this may not seem like much of a better day to some but if you only knew………this was a baby step to me and 2morrow im looking for my day to be even better.
One other thing that was different this time was even though i ate less chocolate, i felt sick to my stomach when i was finished like really BLAHHHH. That usually DOES NOT happen to me when it comes to my chocolate but i felt like the Good Lord had His hand in this…..you know what i mean. He was doing His part (by making feel sick), letting me know that He IS there for me now i have to do my part………………Thank you Harvel your reply to me was very deep and an eye opener I am so grateful
Thank you all for your encouragement…….this has not been easy for me but things are gonna get better :)>
WOWWWW!!!!!! THAT IS AWESOME YOU MUST BE VERY PROUD OF YOUSELF
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Lisa, if you’re going to eat any chocolate, then don’t waste the money on the drops. I told you, I used to live for chocolate, ask my hubby. He even said the other day, my meals consisted of chocolate. Now the other day as I was freezing my donuts, I didn’t even lick any of the frosting off my fingers, I just rinsed my hands.
You’re letting candy take over your life! I bought 3 gallon size freezer bags of reeses cups at Easter time, I have them in my freezer. I took 2 out for load days, along with a butterfinger egg, I ate one reeses and put the other 2 things back in the freezer. Was it hard? hell yes it was one of the hardest things to do, but I wanted to show I was in control, plus it didn’t taste as good as what I remembered. I’m happy to say that since I started, I’m 1.4 lbs away from hitting my 40 lb mark with 23 pounds left to go.
Can you please help me understand portions? All the literature talks about 3.5 oz. for protein and veggies. But sometimes those portions don’t have high enough calories. For example, if I had the following menu, I wouldn’t have enough calories for the day (Apple – 72; Chicken breast 3.5 oz – 87 & Asparagus 3.5 oz. – 20; Tilapia 3.5 oz. – 94 & Broccoli 3.5 – 34; Strawberries – 80 = Total of 387). Can I increase the any of these items so I reach 500 calories? Thanks.
Lisa
I’m sorry if I act as though I’m coming down too hard on you! BUT, you don’t sound like you have your heart in to going in to this full boar! I admitted I cheated on the first round of p2. If I wouldn’t have, I would have been much closer to my goal weight instead of having 20 more to go! I have a new way of looking at food, and have NOT craved any sugar this time, infact, I’m about 99.9% sure I could finish these last 20 up on my own!
I have gone from a size 34 mens jeans(I had to lay on the bed to get them up) to a 31 waist in just the last few weeks and feel so much better. I don’t know how much weight you have to lose, but if you don’t get rid of that candy(and I don’t mean by putting in in your mouth) you will keep failing! Your body does NOT need sugar. I have a website and I want you to read it! You are going to have to take control of your life, but if you’re not ready to give up the chocolate, then you’re not ready to be on your journey to being healthy. Put that candy in a freezer bag, put it in your freezer and forget about it. When you get to your goal weight, allow yourself one piece a day, if you even need it. Most likely, once you get losing and feeling good about the “new you” you will see that it was ruling you before! As I said before, if you’re going to continue to cheat, then the best thing to do is just go off the drops until you hit rock bottom and decide you’re ready to go full boar with this diet. Here is the website
annecollins.com/diet_tips/eat-less-sugar.htm
Sherrie,
I took a look at the website you suggested. Wow! It has a trememdous amount of information all in one place. I didn’t look at everything, but I did bookmark it for future reference. Thanks,
Harvel
Thanks Harvel
I have all kind of places saved as my favorites for future references. I also have the one that has you put your weight in and then it calculates how many carbs you can eat a day. I know now, that we’re allowed about 10 grams of sugar for every 500 calories, and the outcome of eating too much of it. When my hubby picks up a pop now,I look at it totally different. I told him the other day, hon, that can of pop has more sugar in it than you should be having in a day
Lisa,
I agree with Sherrie except for one thing: don’t put the chocolate in the freezer…THROW IT AWAY. You are not addicted to chocolate. It is a cop out and an easy way to make yourself feel okay with cheating. It’s exactly what got you – and all of us – here in the first place. I would love nothing more to shove my mouth full of sugared gum or jolly ranchers or lifesavers or pizza for that matter…but I don’t because I want to lose weight and be healthy and I am commited. You can be too.
If you are not willing to give yourseld 100% to this diet, it WILL NOT work for you. Kappesh? So stop the cheating, jump back on the bandwagon and no more excuses. You’re either in or out!
Best of luck – I know it’s hard – but it is doable. Period.
good morning.
Weight appears to be staying the same now. finally.
Hope everyone had a great weigh in.
Debbie
WooHoo Cindy! You’re doing awesome. What an inspiration! 🙂
Brynn, the thing about the freezer, is that YOU are in control. I love being able to open that freezer and not have that chocolate bother me at all. Plus, this way when the g-kids are here, or my hubby wants a treat, I have them. Will I ever eat another pb cup?? Sure I will, I will limit myself. You can’t not ever have something you want once you get down. The thing is knowing when to put it down.
Sherrie –
I completely agree. But think about how long it took you to get to a place where you could say that. I think in the beginning, it’s all about learning what you can and can’t eat & learning that you usually eat out of boredom. So once you get to the stage where you are in control of you’re eating, definitely keep the candy in the house for a treat from time to time. I just personally found for me that it took about a month to actually get to the point where there could be mouth watering food in front of me and I could “easliy” pass it up. Know what I mean?
I HEAR YOU GUYS LOUD AND CLEAR!!!!!!!!
But Sherrie, I have to say that i would agree with Brynn about NOT having it in the house, just not buying it at all. That’s where i have to start because i’ve been down that road MANY MANY times. I cant even go down the candy isle in the stores in the beginning, then when i feel that i have some control going down those isles won’t even phase me. So there is no more chocolate candy in the house AND i don’t plan on buying any more, no im NOT gonna buy anymore! I am in this to win this!!!!!! TODAY WILL BE A NO CHEATING DAY!!!!! I know yesterday should not have happened but in a way im glad it did cuz i was actually feeling disgusted about chocolate and when i woke this morning, i was so glad it was a new day, a new/good feeling, a new mind set.
I realize that when i have control over this, dont let things get in the way of me keeping that control. Dont give in or give it up so easily.
So thank you for coming down hard on me cuz you all are so right.
I will be checking out that website~~~~~thnx
BTW……i was also disgusted with myself so i guess i had to get to that point to get a grip on things…………….I am so glad that i came here cuz i was too embarassed to talk about this on the other site where i would post and i really needed to talk about it, be honest and just get it all out in the open.
I really dont want to be this same person I want to change and I KNOW that this HCG Protocol can help me if i just do my part 🙂
day 11 and when i started this diet i weighed 287lbs i am happy to say i weighed this morning and i now weigh 270.6
oh and by the way was wondering if anyone posted help for my wife and her inhaler
HELP!!!!!! Okay so the last day of my shot I weighed 186.8 the next morning I ws down to 184.6, the next morning I was down again 184, but then the up trend started I was 184.2 the next morningand then this morning the first morning after getting to eat breakfast I am back up to 186.8…. So What did I do wrong? And since this is a gain of 2+ pounds over night does this mean today is steak day?? Or is steak day if I go 2 pounds above the last shot day? I am lost and confused!!! Do I eat breakfast or steak???? PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brandy,
You’re ok. 2 pounds OVER the last shot/drop day and you do a steak day.
Try to watch calories somewhat. Don’t add too many new things at once.
Debbie
Hi everyone
it’s been awhile since I’ve checked in so I thought I would give a rundown on my progress. I’m doing this diet according to the protocal set by a Dr here in town that has very good results. It’s basically the same except there are no brakes in between. I finished the first 40 days. Had 2 load days over the weekend and am now on day 2 of the next 40 days. Hubby is doing it this way too. I started this diet at 187.6 and at the end of my first 40 days was down to 159.0. I have been following the food protocal to the letter and never cheated one time. I found I would go for almost a week sometimes and not loose a pound no matter what I did. The Dr says the body will retain water to make up for the sudden empty space from the rapid fat loss. I can live with that. This load weekend was the most horrible thing
I’ve ever done to myself. Bar none! I gained 8 lbs in 2 days and felt sick the whole time. This is really the way to change eating habits for the better. I couldn’t wait to get back to 500 cals a day. I felt so good. Today I’m back down 2 lbs and hope I get rid of the next 6 soon. Yuk. My goal is to get to 140 in this next round. I discovered miracle noodles which really helped if I got hungry. I want to caution those who buy the shots online. Be very careful where you get it from. I have heard reports of places that are selling monkey hcg instead of human hcg and the results can be fatal. Just know your supplier and make sure it’s an American company. I will keep checking in cuz you guys are the best support group in the world. I’ll keep ya posted.
Hey Brynn, yes for some people,throw it out! For me, it doesn’t phase me at all. I’m in and out of that freezer all the time. You have to remember, this is my 2nd round, the first round was hard, this one was easy. Heck, my hubby even ate a donut standing next to me lastnight. No bite for me. But, for Lisa, yes she needs to give the candy away(not throw it away, it’s too expensive and I know I don’t have money to just pitch things). I won’t allow myself not to have things here for other people that come. Just because I’m dieting doesn’t mean everyone else is. 🙂 I’ve been doing this almost 3 mos now, so the urges I had before are gone
Debbie, Thank you!!! I think the problem was I started eatting late yesterday and was trying to still fit in eatting 6 times..LOL.. Guess my greed got to me. No more I am gonna get back on track. Thanks for the help this morning. I wasnt sure to eat my eggs or go buy a steak and I was hungry..lol So I was greatful for your fast response. Have a great day!!
Hello everyone.
I did my first apple day yesterday (last week of P2 and no weight loss last week at all 🙁 ) anyway can I just say…..I HATE APPLE DAY!! I did; however, love it this morning when I was down 2.5 pounds.
I am so scared about going into P3. Also, I still want to lose another 20 pounds but I hear it is very hard to do the 6 week P3 then go back to P2…is this true? I also noticed that Diane is doing P2 back to back without a six week break?? From everything I read, I thought your body needs the break so it does not become immune to the HCG, what is everyone else think?
Have a wonderful day everyone!
Sherry
Hello,
Saw this on http://www.hcgmedical.com site. Concerns me. All the people doing homeopathic. Including me! I found the injections SO much better. But that comes with a price tag.
Check this out
$100 HOMEOPATHIC HCG BUYBACK PROGRAM
We are offering a $100 account credit for mailing in your Homeopathic HCG kit. Empty or not, mail it in with your story about your experience with it, and we will give you a $100 credit on your account with us. It has recently been discovered that Homeopathic HCG can be very dangerous, and the public should be aware of the risks of “Homeopathic HCG.” Some online websites are even going as far as selling Water & Alcohol blends as “Homeopathic HCG.” Simply package it up, mail it in to HCG Medical 6616 S Memorial Dr Tulsa OK 74133, and we will apply a $100 credit to your account.
Debbie
Terry,
Asthma is nothing to mess around with, with that being said…. YES keep taking the inhaler.
Sherry
Sherrie thats good to here that your cravings are gone.
And it just goes to show how different every body is…..im the total opposite of you….my first round was so so easy for me and i started Nov. 1st until about two wks into Dec. which means i went thru Thanksgiving…..no cheating at all…i had my son taste everything i cooked 🙂 But these 3 attempts with R2 has been very difficult right now, if things had gone as planned, i wouldve been finished or just about finished with R3 🙁 But i cant blame nobody but myself (and possibly cuz i purchased hcg at different site than the first time)
But no use crying over spilled milk, right…….
Anyhow, im back on the right track now and i just need to keep moving forward on this journey.
hello,
not sure if my earlier post is showing.
saw something this morning that really concerned me about homeopathic hcg. i have done both, shots (pure thru physician) and drops. For me, the shots were so much better.
check this out hcgweightlossfacts.com
I did this to be healthy, not just thin. A little upset.
Debbie
A few more questions and THANKS!
1st off – thanks for this website and everyones posting – it makes such a difference to hear from real people, going through the same things I am and not just reading scripted testimonals. You are all very much appreciated!
Now for some questions:
#1 – I started taking a vitamen B12 dissolve tab about 3 days ago – and my weight loss slowed down. It says it has no sugar in it – but it is sweet in flavor – could this be part of my issue and should I stop taking it?
#2 – Food. I am doing pretty well – but still struggling with figruing out the balance. If I plan my meals out – can I have celery as a snack in the morning or afternoon as long as I am not going over my calories for the day. To be honest – I am having a hard time getting in 500 calories. I also use A LOT of tabasco – is that ok?
#3 – I officially started my load days on the 4th of June. I am trying to figure out when I need to go off to begin phase-III. I leave for 2 week business trip on July 9th and will be living in a dorm and eating cafeteria food. I am not sure how to balance in my foods for this. If I do no oil egg, cheese and ham omletes for breakfast – chicken breast and salad (with a little fruit) for lunch and not sure what to do for dinners other than no carbs or sweets or starches. Am I missing anything?
Thanks!
Hi Sherry,
Can you remind me of how apple day works? I would like to try today.
thanks.
Hi Sherry
I wanted to give you a little info that I got when I went to this Drs seminar in April. He has had patients on this diet with the shots for a year without the breaks. These people are in the 350-500 pound range. Nobody ever mentioned immunity at the seminar but I suppose it could happen. I’m not going through him because I have the ability to get the shots on my own as I work for another physician. Since I’m not in his program. I obtained most of the daily information from this site. I’m going to keep going on this until I reach my goal. However if I do experience what I think might be immunity I will take a break. I only have about 35 more pounds to go. My husband has about 75 more. I will just wait and see what happens. They said at the seminar that there are several versions of this diet practiced world wide with the basic 500 cals. 21 days of no carbs or starches after shots are done and then slowly introducing them after that. So far the way we’ve done this has worked great and the info on this site is very helpful. I’ve seen the results this dr has had and they are remarkable.
Brandy,
The losses for the two days after taking your last dose were because it takes about three days for the HCG to clear your system. You were still on the 500 Calorie diet and you still had HCG working. Perfectly normal and expected. Debbie is right–it’s 2 pounds over or under the weight of the day of the last dose of HCG and after you go on Ph3, maintenence. You’re OK.
Harvel
I’m contemplating doing HCG, and am trying to figure out the best way to start this. Of course the $150.00 drop suggestion online sounds the most attractive, but should I just go ahead and spend the extra $ and go to a Dr.? Also, I was wondering if any of you know a young woman who has done this and had success? It looks like most of the testimonials I’m finding are from women/men ranging from like 30+? I’m 23, 5’5″, 156lbs and would like to drop 25lbs… Is that realistic? I’d love for you guy’s input!!! I’m tired of being “pleasantly plump” and let’s face it – I’m in my prime and need me a husband! 😉
Thanks!!
Hi Ali
Diane here. I have seen lots of young people on this diet with great results. The best advice for starting this diet is as follows.
1. If you have any medical problems it’s always best to consult a physician who does this program. That way they can monitor your medications if your on any.
2. If you are basically healthy with no problems then you need to figure out if shots or drops are best for you. Alot of people like the shots better. I’m one of those. But if your needle phobic the drops are best.
3. Make sure you get your hcg from a reputable company. American companies are the best because you never know what your getting from overseas. Do your research and know where your hcg comes from. Make sure you can call the company directly in the us if you need to.
Good luck. Keep us posted on your progress!
So I just started my injections, so am i not suposed to have any starches at all like in a lean cuisine meal?
Tami, welcome. This is the type of diet that works best if you read and understand everything in Pounds and Inches. The only food allowed is what is posted above. All those little additives, preservatives etc are not allowed.
Thanks Diane!
I will absolutely keep you guys updated! I’m like super eager to begin! Thanks for your input! xoxoxox
Does anyone have any suggestions to help with extremely rough, dry hands (im on the vlcd)
I’ve tried Corn Huskers and 100% pure aloe vera. I cant seem to find johnson & johnson creamy baby oil………..HELP PLEASE!!!!!!
Lisa – I have been using Jason brand lotions. Found at rite aid and Walgreens. It works well and is organic.
Lisa. Try Eucerin cream. It comes in a white jar or a lotion. The jar has much thicker cream in it and it works wonders
Well doesn’t that just figure. I just started round 2 on drops. But I’m not liking the drops. Too much of a pain. I may just chuck them and do the shots, so much easier! Once a day and get ‘er done!
I’m going to check out that site! This diet is definitely not for the faint of heart! And it’s not “easy”, meaning you really can’t pop a dinner in the microwave, have lots of options when you’re on the road, or go anywhere winging it in Phase 2. Inasmuch as I tried to make it easy to throw together a quick lunch, I find I still spend alot of time calculating calories and measuring. But it’s all worth it!
I did peanutbutter! I skip the celery though and go right with the spoon. All natural. I think it was the first thing I ate! Ahh, I’m going to miss pb, back on Phase 2 again.
Harvel, I decided I’m not going to indulge in all that crap on their 750 plan. I’m doing what you suggested and just upping my protein, like tonight I had 5 oz chicken and I’m fine. I’m doing the 750 but with 1/2 hour exercise per day and I’ll see how it goes in a week. If I don’t drop a few lbs then I’ll know it was too good to be true. I’m too lazy to go check but I think on the 500 calorie plan I was getting around 60-70 g protein a day. Does that sound right? If I don’t have more protein Im hungry all the time!
Ok so I am here with yet another question.. I have seen on a few sites that they recommend eating gluten free. I went to a whole food store today and there was a whole isle of gluten free products many of which were pasta. Now on the nutritional data it still says it has carbs, 46g to be exact, so how is this okay? Or is it now ok? I am missing my pasta something terrible… So I am hoping that it is ok so I can go buy some tomorrow and enjoy. Please any info concerning gluten free food in this diet is appreciated.
Diane, thank you for your post. I wanted more information about the above mentioned Dr and his information if possible. I am in desperate need to get this weight off. I am close to the weight range that you have mentioned. I am recovering from Graves Disease. My thyroid was stopped my medication for over two years. Unfortunately I am one of the rare cases of hyperthyroid that didn’t loose weight. I have ordered my HCG but it has been lost twice after leaving Hong Kong, and it is very frustrating, but if I can keep taking the shots (that is once they finally arrives then it might be worth it) Thank you in advance for your reply.
Hey Debbie,
my local vitamin shop sells the hcg produced by yourhcg.com. I personally know the man that owns the shop, and he personally checked out hcg manufacturers very thoroughly before he began selling a product in his store. He chose yourhcg because of their laboartory reputation, purity in product and reliability for customer service. His store is how I found out about hcg, but I didn’t purchase from him because of price. I did however take the homeopathic drops, purchased from healthyhcg.com. You know my story, but for some who don’t, I’ll make it brief:
I had about 15 lbs I wanted to lose. I am a former sugaraholic, starchaholic, poor eating habits in general. I started the drops, did the load days and followed the poundsandinches protocol to a T. I lost approx .5lb per day. I did not lose structural fat or muscle mass (that is obvious in the muscle definition I have enjoyed since taking the weight off ( I did continue my exercise routine while taking hcg and doing the vlcd) and the fact that my face didn’t become sallow and sunken, and my skin didn’t begin to sag… I’m in my late 40’s, so these 2 side effects of losing weight the wrong way would definitely show up if they were evident in my body. Also, I wasn’t hungry, and the protocol worked exactly as is stated in pounds and inches.
My hypothalamus is reset. I no longer crave sugars and starches. I am in 2nd week of phase 4. I have yet to add back these two elements. I have no desire for them.
I had been a yo-yo dieter my entire life, always fighting the last 10lbs. When I was in my early 20’s I was about 35lbs overweight. I lost that weight and kept it off until I hit 40, then the fat started creeping up on me, just like it does everyone at 40+. But, the hcg diet caused me to lose the 40 fat and keep my beautiful muscle mass and skin. So… perhaps there are some face hcg manufacturing companies. I’m not sure about yourhcg.com. I trust my local vitamin shop provider. Anyway, I am a living proof example of a successful homeopathic hcg dieter.
I’m sure there are less than reputable companies on the internet selling an “hcg” product that isn’t the real deal. People must do their research.
Bottom line, I think homeopathic is okay if you find it is working for you. If the hcg purchased is filled with ingredients other than the hcg hormone, the 500 calorie diet will in fact cause you to lose the structural fat and muscle mass, and it will be obvious pretty quickly. Also, since the hcg hormone releases fat stores, it will also be evident in the way your body is changing.
People will have to be their own judge on how their homeopathic hcg works for them. They will also have to be VERY true to themselves, meaning…. know the difference between mind hunger and physical hunger… know your body and and be able to admit if you made a mistake…
Hope this helps anyone stressing about homeopathic hcg. Any time you do a 500 calorie diet it is stressful on your body, even with hcg. It is always a good idea to check with your physician before starting any diet and/or exercise plan.
Ali,
you will lose the weight, if you stick to the plan. One word of caution for you, if you want to lose weight simply to attract a mate, most likely you won’t keep the weight off. Make sure that you have a desire to be healthier, not just thinner for a period of time. Mindset is a key factor in all of life’s situations. If you go with hcg and want to take the homeopathic drops, I reccomend healthyhcg.com. That’s where I purchased mine and had great success.
Blessings on your journey.
Sherry, I also did an apple day my last day of phase 2. It all went well. On phase 3 add back dairy and fats slowly. This way you can monitor how your body reacts to different foods. Also, depending upon your height, monitor your calories. Too little as well as too many will cause your body to gain weight. So, yo should write down everything you eat and slowly increase calories. For women, 1200 calories is a good average place to start. I am 5’3″ and need about 1600 calories a day. I do exercise vigorously. Many people I know can eat lots more than me, so you just have to figure out your body and your metabolism.
Don’t be afraid of steak day. I did 2 the first week of phase 3, then leveled off. I actually lost weight the last week of phase 3. Yesterday, however, I did a steak day. Haven’t yet figured out what caused the gain. I think it was probably just water retention, but I’m sticking true to the protocol. Actually, I was only up 1.4lbs, but didn’t want to get to 2 since I’m getting ready to leave town for several weeks!
Anyway, you will do fine if you stick to the plan. Keep coming back for help. It is a good place to quell “weight gain anxieties” LOL!
Blessings to you.
Janet, if you were only up 1.4 you shouldn’t have done steak day, that is for a gain of 2 plus pounds in one day. Your body fluctuates in weight(depending on water intake, heat, etc). most likely it would have been off in the morning. Follow that protocol 🙂 Mine would fluctuate all the time like that, I only did one steak day last time, and I had gained exactly 2 lbs. That was right in the middle of being off my drops and staying on vlcd and actually starting p3. So, in all of p3, I never had to do a steak day, and actually lost 6 pounds in those 2 1/2 weeks before going back to p2
Donna,
I don’t think your are overdoing it with the protein. The scale will tell all.
If you are not hungry with the increased level of protein, then that is your body telling you what it needs.
Brandy,
Even though the pasta is gluten-free, it still is a starch. Not OK during Ph’s 2 or 3.
I’ve just finished a fascinating short-course on Functional Medicine. The premise is that the foods commonly available to us comprise a nutritional junk yard. Lots of carbs and little nutrition–read: deficient in fiber, minerals and vitamins. For example, the US population consumes over 100 pounds of sugar per person per year. Anyway, I learned that glutin in grains, especially wheat, and casein in milk products are the two most potent allergins we can consume. That leads to metabolic and physiological malfunctions. I am not shilling for either Dr. Mark Hyman or his program to deal with “diabesity.” But, if you would like more information, email me at hfalish@hotmail.com.
Harvel
If anyone could help with some of these questions – that would be great…THANKS!
1st off – thanks for this website and everyones posting – it makes such a difference to hear from real people, going through the same things I am and not just reading scripted testimonals. You are all very much appreciated!
Now for some questions:
#1 – I started taking a vitamen B12 dissolve tab about 3 days ago – and my weight loss slowed down. It says it has no sugar in it – but it is sweet in flavor – could this be part of my issue and should I stop taking it?
#2 – Food. I am doing pretty well – but still struggling with figruing out the balance. If I plan my meals out – can I have celery as a snack in the morning or afternoon as long as I am not going over my calories for the day. To be honest – I am having a hard time getting in 500 calories. I also use A LOT of tabasco – is that ok?
#3 – I officially started my load days on the 4th of June. I am trying to figure out when I need to go off to begin phase-III. I leave for 2 week business trip on July 9th and will be living in a dorm and eating cafeteria food. I am not sure how to balance in my foods for this. If I do no oil egg, cheese and ham omletes for breakfast – chicken breast and salad (with a little fruit) for lunch and not sure what to do for dinners other than no carbs or sweets or starches. Am I missing anything?
Thanks!
Hey Janet!! How are you? Saw your earlier post about the steak day. I’m that way too. Won’t let it get the best of me.
On the homeopathic, thanks for the info. I received that in email yesterday and it was very concerning. Like I said, I’ve done both, drops and shots.
I’m doing well. Staying right on top of my number 🙂 I have added back Kashi go lean crunch cereal. That’s about it so far. It is organic, whole grain and high protein. My doctor said a diet lacking grains, will cause other physical problems in the long run. Short term it is ok. I don’t crave it. Also, on sugar, said you can give that up for life. No value.
Have a great day!
Debbie
Hi Sherry,
Started apple day yesterday at noon; scale shows .6 weight loss.
I will continue apple day until close to noon today – should i expect a greater drop tomorrow morning? -thanks.
Thanks Janet!
I’m mainly kidding about the man thing! I absolutely do have a huge desire to be a healthier me. In fact I’ve lost 30 pounds in the last 6 months by eating well and working out about 2 hours a day. Getting a new job that travels me around the country every week has been a bitter sweet moment in my weight loss journey! I’ve plateaued and haven’t been able to get this extra weight off, especially since My exercise is highly limited while I’m away from home!
This seems like a good option for me at this point. I really want to do the drops, but everyone is suggesting the shots (that really freaks me out).
And a question about the loading the first couple days: How much loading is loading? Could someone give me an example. I read that if you don’t properly load, it will affect your hunger pains the next week. Is it like just eat fast food all day? Or like uncomfortably eat?
Also, If I get the drops online, does it come with an instructional book, or is the Pounds and Inches protocol what everyone is going by?
Cynthia,
On the apple day you are eat 6 apples in one day, cut back on the water a little. I started eating my first apple at 10:00 and finished my last apple at 8:30 pm, I tried to eat them every two hours between that time.
Good luck 🙂
Sherry
Diane,
Thank you for the info. I see my physician on Monday so I guess I will discuss with him on the next step, my only issue is the cost. I really don’t have the money to do 2 rounds of HCG right now.
Have a great day!
Sherry
Janet,
Thank you so much for the information and support. I am 5’6″. I started out on HCG weighing in at 183.6, I am currently at 164. My goal is to get down to 140 but that will mean another round of HCG; however, I cannot afford it at this time (I take the shots). I am looking forward to starting P3 but scared at the same time because I have always been a yo-yo dieter, lose a few gain double etc.
My other issue is I am going on vacation July 14th so a little worried about the dreaded vacation wieght gain I always seem to experience in the past :(. I know I love the results and I really think I have a different perspective on food. I love using spices over sauces when cooking. I never thought I would like balsamic vinegar as a salad dressing over the creamy style type dressings. I still think I will want sweets once in a while but only once in a great while.
I feel great and my wonderful loving husband has been a great supporter and I am sure he will be sure to keep me on track in the future too.
All in all I think deep down in my heart I will be ok but I just cannot wait until I can get this last 20 some pounds off.
Thanks everyone for listening to me and being a wonderful support group 🙂
Sherry
Ali,
congratulations. Losing 30 lbs is a big deal and you are to be commended. And, the desire to be healthy always is a driving force that is more lasting.
The drops from healthyhcg.com come with a book and a limited recipe book. The poundsandinches you can read online at http://www.healthyhcg.com/poundsandinches.
Load days should consist of as much high fat food as you can possibly put in yoru body. This does help overcome the first few days of 500 calories, which can be difficult. And besides, they are pretty fun days of a food free for all!
Let us all know what you decide. One word of caution, if you travel frequently you need to be sure that you can follow the protocol while traveling. Some people find that difficult. Others have no trouble.
I was a little worried about the fact that I’m traveling, and started to brainstorm about different foods I can bring along with me…
I’ve read the pounds and inches protocol and I’m concerned about the meat, and not really having a way to cook while I’m at a hotel… and also the issue of not having a fridge in some hotels… Of course I could keep things on ice, but I’m just not sure what I can do. Most restaurants have chicken breast, which I could order specifically prepared, and salads, of course with no dressing; are there any other suggestions of which you can think? Or like deli suggestions? I of course will have my scale with me at all times!!!
What things keep well without being refrigerated? Just the fruits, I guess?
I ordered my hcg drops today on the site you suggested!!! Very excited!!!! Totally pumped! Yay!!!
I don’t remember who was asking about the apple day. I never have done one, but Dr Simmeons says if you do, to drink water only when you are thirsty.
Ali
I’ve gone out to eat on p2 before. Get grilled chicken(cut it in 1/2) and a side of broccoli if that’s all they have, or grilled fish. You can have a salad and no dressing. That’s the only way I eat mine anymore(no salad dressing). I didn’t think I would like it, but I do now.
Cynthia,
I started the apple day on Monday at 10 ish eating all six apples on Monday. I resumed eating my 500 calories the next day at lunch time. Did you eat all six apples on June 15th?
Sherry
Sherry,
No, my apple day started at noon on June 15th into almost noon on June 16th (today). I resumed the vlcd today at lunch. I guess I’ll see what happens tomorrow. Thanks.
Hi Harvel,
I am on day 28 of p2 and will finish this phase at day 40. Thanks for the post to Brandy on p3, it certainly cleared up a few things for me. So is my last hcg shot on day 40 and do I start p3 the first day after the last shot? I know, 2 # from last day of hcg…just reduce calories if weight goes up? I am nervous for p3. I am going to do another round of p2 as I still have a good amount of weight to lose. P3 for 3 weeks or 6 weeks?
I am doing injections from a dr (naturopath), she is great but I am getting much better advice from this site.
Thanks to all for being such a lifeline.
Susan
Susan,
First, if you are doing the 40 day series, you will be on Ph 3, “maintenance,” for three weeks to allow your body and hypothamus to “reset.” Then, because of the long-term course of injections, you will wait another 3 weeks (for a total of 6) before the next gorge days and resumption of the HCG-VLCD. During the second 3 weeks, if you wish, you can slowly add starches and sugar to your diet (Ph4). Many people find they can easily give up these foods however. Why the extra 3 weeks? Because by the end of the 40 injections, you will have developed some resistance to the hormone. In fact, I developed resistance at about day 38. I woke up that morning hungry as a bear. Sudden, extreme hunger is a sign of resistance. The full six weeks gives enough time for the resistance to abate.
Second, you will continue the 500 calorie diet for three days after you take the last shot. Why? The HCG takes about 3 days to leach out of your body. Don’t be surprised if you lose some more weight during those 3 days. BUT, and this is important: your weight during Ph3 should not go over or below 2 pound from your weight ON THE DAY OF THE LAST DOSE OF HCG.
Third, don’t be nervous about Ph3. After almost 6 weeks of HCG-VLCD, you will have completely changed your eating habits, both in what you eat and how much. Trust your instincts. Over the first couple of days of Ph3, gradually increase your calorie intake to somewhere between 1200 and 1500 and measure the effects with your scale. Don’t try to “game the system” by keeping the calories low. Your body will go into starvation mode and keep everything you give it–weight gain!
I think I’ve covered your questions and concerns. If not, ask again.
Harvel
I have just entered Phase 2. (this is my first day of increasing calories) I stayed on the VLCD for 25 days plus I had 2 load days. I cannot stress too highly, how important it is for you to read Dr. Simeon’s “Pounds and Inches”, which is free and online, before you prepare for this diet. If you started without reading, please do! hCG can make you gain weight extremely fast if you don’t know how to do it properly. I don’t understand why the food list on this site has so many foods that Simeon’s does not allow. For me, it was quite easy to just stick to the real protocol and eat from his list. I lost almost 17 lbs in the 27 days. Most of those lbs, I lost the first week or so. I began to feel hungry on some days towards the end, so I decided to go off in case I was becoming “immune”. I have at least 15-20 pounds more to go after I wait for 6 weeks. I have been using real hCG sub-lingually. This diet really really works!! I’ve had energy and felt great. The second and third day I may have had a slight headache, and I got a rash, but even though it was pretty much covering my upper chest, upper arms and thighs, it wasn’t terribly itchy unless I scratched it first. I am 63 and female. I know I loved all the testimonials I read when I was beginning, and wanted to offer the same for all those seeking real life experiences on the web.
Good morning, I am on day 29 of p2 and will finish this phase at day 40. Harvel,thanks for the post to Brandy on p3, it certainly cleared up a few things for me. So is my last hcg shot on day 40 and do I start p3 the next day? I know, 2 # from last day of hcg…just reduce calories if weight goes up? I am nervous for p3.I’ll have to plan a menu and strictly adhere. I am going to do another round of p2 as I still have a good amount of weight to lose. P3 for 3 weeks or 6 weeks? Comments?
I am doing injections from a dr (naturopath), she is great but I am getting much better advice from this site.
Thanks to all for being such a lifeline.
Susan
I finally hit the 20 pounds lost mark!!!
I have a question, I keep reading that everyone has so much energy…I have been extremely tired these past couple weeks. I have had some stress in prior weeks but now the drama is all over with, should I be concerned?
Thank you,
Sherry
Cynthia,
How did you do on the apple diet?
Sherry
was wondering if there is any kind of suger free candy or anything to take while at work kinda hard carrying water and trying to quench a dry mouth ty
I have to say I am impressed. I ordered my HCG on June the 5th expecting to wait at least a month (allowing time to get thru customs) to receive it, but the mailman came a knocking today and my medicine is here =) YAY!!!! I will be starting this round after I get back from my trip to Kentucky for the 4th of July.
Now I do have a question about p3… I keep hearing if you go ABOVE or BELOW 2lbs of the last shot day to have a steak day. Well I had the couple days of going up (never 2 pounds over my last shot date weight) but since then have still lost. I am down 4.2 pounds from my last shot. So is it not okay to continue to lose during this phase? I am eating all the calories… have even had a late dinner twice and still lost. I do not want to be doing this wrong, but I can not see how still losing could be bad.. I am a little confused.
Brandy, It’s perfectly normal to think that losing more weight is a good thing. However, when you come off the HCG-VLCD, the three weeks of mainenance, Ph3, are to stabilize your metabolism. In that situation losing more weight is not necessarily a good thing. Up your calories. Maybe not to gain back to the last day minus 2 pounds, but to hold your present weight.
Harvel
Good morning everyone (i live in NY)……………..things are going well for me so far its only day 5 since i got back on track but i am seeing the results already.
Just wanna thank you all for the encouragement and sternness it really made me come to my senses.
I will check in agn and report my loss of #s……….gotta run 🙂
Blessings and happiness to all~~~~~~~~~
I am getting mixed stories on whether to do an APPLE day in phase II. I seemed to of stalled in the past few days and I have seen some internet sites say that I should eat 6 apples and others say to not do this until Phase 4 – I only brought apples with me today – so I am not sure what to do?
Any help of anyone who has done it in phase 2 – if so, what happened or should I make it ot the store and get something to eat?
Les please read this site
go to page 34, apple day is for p2, which is what you’re on. After p2 you go to p3, where you add back fats and dairy(stabilization). P4 is maintenance(you are at your goal weight).
powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
I myself don’t believe in the “apple day”. as your body has to slow down and go through plateaus, it can’t keep losing every day. I stalled out for a few days, even was gaining .2 a day for 3 days, then dropped over a pound after that. If you’re eating the way you’re supposed too, it will start ocming back off on it’s own. I’m not really obsessed with the numbers(weight loss) as I am with the outcome of the inch loss. If you do an apple day, then you want to only drink when you’re thirsty. Don’t be over doing the water, but myself, I would wait a few more days first. Please read the pounds and inches I sent, it explains EVERYTHING
I will read – thanks!
Also – can you tell me if my diet sounds right.
Breakfast – tea or coffee & water
Lunch & dinner – 4oz fish or chicken (grilled) – spinach salad (sometimes add in red peppers or tomoatoes) and either an apple or strawberries
I am drinking 100 to 140 oz of H20 a day.
I also read that I should not be mixing my fruits or veggies in the same day – is that true?
last question – I am on the homepathic drops. I am tempted to switch to getting the real stuff for my next round to see if that makes a difference. I have heard there are also dissolvable pills out there. ANyone know of these?
Thanks so much – this site has been a true blessing
Les, you need to be eating 3.5 oz of protein for lunch and dinner.
Breakfast you’re right on! you are only supposed to have one fruit and one vegetable(different ones) for lunch and dinner. If you have one apple for lunch, then you can have 1/2 grapefruit, orange of strawberries for dinner. Weigh those out too.
I have used the homeopathic drops and they are great too. the RN behind me uses the real stuff, but she said since what I’m on is doing so well, she wouldn’t even switch. She told me what it is you DON’T want to be on, but it’s not homeopathic it had another name(homeo something).
Haven’t heard of dissolvable pills
Please go read that pounds and inches, it tells you also about mixing veggies, fruits and like I said, everything else you want to know about. 🙂
Hi everyone,
I am starting tomorrow. Looking forward to the loading days!!!! Planning my meals in advance. Going to stick with Chicken and Tilapia. Steaming and Pan frying in non stick pan. I will season chicken with herbs overnight. Tarragon goes a long way regarding flavor!!
Pray that I don’t knaw my arm off!!!
Any suggestions on hygeine? What to use for lotion, showergel and toothpaste. Deorderant I will use the crystal.
Harvel,
I am down another 1.6 lbs this morning and I am eating alot of calories. I eat every 2 hours I am getting about 1500-1700 calories a day. I do not want to mess this up. I have recieve my shots, so should I maybe just go back on the shots for a few weeks since my body is obviouly not done losing? I do not know what to do at this point. I just know I do not want to gain this weight bac 🙁
Brandy,
Are you continuing to drink plenty of water? If not, you might be getting dehydrated. Hold the 1500 to 1700 for a couple more days to see what happens. My guess is that your weight will begin to stabilize. I don’t think you should turn around for Ph2 just yet.
Harvel
Labone,
Try this receipe I found on one of the HCG sites.
Lemon Oregano Whitefish Packet w/ Asparagus
• 100g whitefish
• asparagus (allowed amount)
• juice of one lemon
• 1 t oregano
• salt/pepper
1. Preheat the oven to 400F.
2. Snap off woody ends of asparagus and discard.
3. Tear off a large sheet of non-stick aluminum foil.
4. In the center of this sheet, place asparagus spears and sprinkle with salt/pepper.
5. Place whitefish on top of asparagus.
6. In small bowl, combine lemon juice & oregano, and pour over fish.
7. Fold up edges and completely seal packet on all sides.
8. Bake 10-20 mins, until fish flakes.
9. Serve.
It is so good and easy to make.
Sherry
Harvel,
Yes I am keeping up with my water. I am drinking at least 2 if not 3 or more liters a day with it being so hot. I have not had any cheating incidents tho and my last week on the shot I had 2 days that I cheated.. so maybe this is the weight I was suppose to lose then but didnt cause of the cheating… IDK I know I am confused.. happy the weight is coming off but confused if it will hinder me later in this process. I will post again in the morning after I visit the scale and see what she has to say. Maybe thats why my #’s are going down.. I have a female scale..lol
Well happy dieting to everyone and Harvel thanks for the input and I will keep ya posted =)
Labone –
I was really worried about the oil-in-healthcare-products thing before starting. However, I just checked my curent products and didn’t find any oils them. I use Bare Essentials make-up, Arbonne moisturizer, Head & Shoulders Shampoo and Contioner and Aveeno lotion for my body. None of these things have seemed to make me lose less or anything.
Good luck on your diet – we’re all rooting for ya! 🙂
Hi everyone! I haven’t given my stats in a while so I just thought I’d give an update.
I’m on Round 2 – I did Round 1 and then with no break started Round 2 (I’m being supervised by my docor and get all my stuff from their office). Anyhow, I am on Day 56 and have lost 34.5 pounds. WOOHOO! I’m so excited 🙂
I get all the posts from this site via email, and think it’s great how everyone is so supportive. Thanks for all the help and tips and advice.
I have just a few weeks left until I go into Phase 3 – I’m going to miss the ease of deciding what to eat at that point 🙂
Happy Friday to everyone!
Brandy,
I don’t think you are doing any lasting damage. Others have lost weight during Ph3 and it doesn’t seem to have been a disaster for them.
Harvel
I didn’t change any of my products and have lost 25 lbs. I have 3 more days of the drops and then go to P3 for 3 weeks before doing another round of P2. I would still like to lose another 12 lbs.
Brandy, you are doing the exact same thing I did. I was on p3 for 2 1/2 weeks last time before going back to p2 and lost 6 more pounds and was also eating quite a few calories. I agree, on not going back on p2 right away, wait at least around 3 weeks before going back on the injections
Hello to all………so far things are going well for me im on day 5 of getting back on track of vlcd i really wasnt expecting to see any loss for a few because of how badly i messed up, you know……..but i have been losing and it is so wonderful to see:) I will add up my #’s after i’ve completed 1 week…….it feels so good to have my head on straight going in the right direction.:)
BTW…..has anyone here ever substituted their protein serving for a protein shake? (the ones that are HCG friendly)……..i wanna know how did it affect your losses…
Sherrie,
Thanks for speaking up =) Alway nice to hear your thoughts on these things. I have another trip planned for Kentucky for the 4th of July holiday weekend so I am going to extend my phase 3 out past that. I do not want to travel and be on the 500 vlcd again. I did ok last time but it was alot of extra work. I figure that eventually I will stabalize. I am going to continue eating the healthy foods that I have been eating and get bac on p2 when I get home. I will update on any other progress =)
Hey Brandy
I’m extending my p3 by one extra week too because of vacation
then one more round of p2 and I’m through. 🙂
getting in trouble at work for going to get a drink alot any advice as to if there is any sugar free candy or anything i can use to combat a dry mouth. im entering week 2 and down 20.5 lbs. and shooting for 36 by the end of the drops great site you have here
Well I am down another .8 this morning… I am jus going to keep doing what I have been doing and see if I stabalize. I think having an extra week on p3 before returning to p2 will give my body a chance to stabablize. Got my fingers crossed anyway =)
Brandy
Last time I was on the 2 1/2 weeks, I think I already said this, I lost 6 more pounds and sure wasn’t trying. This time I’m trying harder not to lose, and yesterday and today I was at 157.2, so am happy with my results. Lastnight for dinner I had a filet mignon(grilled), cottage cheese and some tomato slices. I haven’t counted calories at all. The only thing is last time I was eating a huge breakfast every morning, and this time I can’t seem to get breakfast down like that. I have been eating fruit and a yogurt. As much as I would love to lose this time, I know not to try too. I still have 20 lbs left to go, but have decided at this time, I’m only going to do one more round of p2, I’m really fed up with having to do the 500 calories(getting old). If I do end up doing another round(which I’m not even thinking about right now), it won’t be until sometime this fall after being on p4 for awhile.
Good luck to you! Try to up those calories some
Terry,not supposed to have any sugar free candy. Although I do occasionally chew a piece of sugarfree gum(another no no). Better than losing a job though. 🙂
Sherry
I’m always tired too. Are you taking B-12? If not, get those(I buy mine at walmart and take one a day), they don’t seem to do anything for me, but some people do fine with them. We’re not getting enough calories is the reason(I feel) that we’re so tired)
Susan, when you’re done with injections, then the next 3 days you stay on the low calorie diet. You can’t go to p3 until 72 hours after your last injection.
I did my first round of p3 for 2 1/2 weeks, then reloaded and started all over, this time I will be on p3 for 4 weeks because I don’t want to be limited to the 500 calories while we’re on vacation for a couple days. I will load one last time on July 17th and 18th.
LOL Sorry Harvel, didn’t see where you had answered until now. 🙂
Hi Everyone!
Well, still enjoying my weight loss 🙂
One down side, i got the worst sunburn on my tummy in the pool today. It hasn’t had that much sun exposure in awhile!
Wooohooo. Fun.
Debbie
skin cancer, not fun! 🙁 My hubby and my sister were diagnosed with skin cancer, I never go in the sun. Even take my walks around 7:30 a.m just to avoid it. put lotion on!
Sorry if this has been addressed, but my mind is swarming with all kinds of information I’ve read from a lot of sources. I read somewhere that the breakdown for the calories should be 300 protein, 120 fruit, and 80 veggies. Then I read it should be 3.5 oz. of protein and veggies, and then even heard veggies should be 2 cups twice a day, and not ounces. Can someone help clarify? I’m losing weight, but have been going over the 3.5 oz. in order to get enough calories for the day. Thank you!
Sorry, one more item. I am going to a wedding tonight. I ate lunch at 2:00 to help tied me over, but figure I will probably not be eating anything tonight, except maybe a salad. I have no idea what they are serving. If I can, I’ll ask for something special, but am a little embarrassed to do that at a wedding. If we get home late, should I still try and get my calories in, or just have less than 500 for the day and start over tomorrow?
yeah yeah I know. My husband has had it also. I typically don’t burn so I didn’t worry. Always coat my face with sunscreen, not helping get wrinkled there!
Debbie
Eat your protein and your fruit before you go, then eat a salad(no dressing) there
As far as your first question, I never got in 500 on the 2nd round of p2, I would get sometimes 460 or 470. Keep your protein at 3.5 oz, then do your fruit(remember to weigh them) apple without the core and orange without the peeling. I would weigh out 5.3 oz of strawberries(50 calories) then make up as close as you can to the difference with the veggies
Thanks Sherrie! I’ve been lucky and lost, R1P2D8 – lost 9.5, but wonder if I’d kept the protein down to 3.5 oz. just how good I would have done! No worries, we’ll start it right again this point forward. Question – my D8 includes my 2 pig out days. Is that the correct way to count?
I’ve had melanoma, and it’s frightening. Luckily, I’m almost 11 years cancer free. I load up on sunblock. I just read something interesting this afternoon that said if you get a bad sunburn, you might have a slight weight gain the next day because of water retention. I’m sure it’s just temporary, but thought you might like to know in case that happens tomorrow morning.
My first p2 I lost 9.2 my first week. I didn’t gain nor did I lose during load days. The 2nd time I did p2, I gained 4.2 pounds and it took me 3 days to get them back off. I would do my load days on Saturday and Sunday and then do all my figuring starting my first vlcd. So, every monday I would do my calulating. I’m hoping one more time around will do it. The 2nd p2, I only lost 8.8 lbs(including what I had gained). Next time I’m hoping not to gain that much on my load days, but I will eat a lot of fats and then keep my fingers crossed. I may have to do it closer to 6 weeks to finish up what I want to lose, but I really don’t want to have to do more than 3 rounds of p2
My health food store guy had me buy “sublingual” B-12 (drops). I put it under my tongue like the other drops. It absorbs better in the body. I also take some extra prior to my bike rides for extra energy. So far so good on these.
I didn’t gain either on my load days. I was worried that would cause me problems. I just wasn’t hungry. I will be doing R2, so good advice on loading up on the fats. I too may end up having to do R3, but we’ll see how R1 and then R2 go. Thanks again for all your help.
hi i am on day 15 with 22 lbs plus lost. i have been sticking to the plan to the letter and have no complaints but was wondering why on some days i have 2 plus pounds lost and the next were i lose a few ounces coulld i be doing something wrong or is that normal
Hi Terry,
That is absolutely normal. You are doing very good. Also the further you get into the diet, your weight will probably slow and you will need to do an apple day to break the plateau.
Ruth
Plateaus will break on their own. I’ve been on this for 3 mos now, and have even hit a plateau where my weight has gone up .2 a day for 3 days straight. Your body has to adjust and you should never have to push it along, just be patient. On my 4th day I lost over a pound by eating what I had been eating.
Terry, it talks about the fluctuating weight in pounds and inches. It’s normal. 🙂
Hi and Happy Father’s Day to all Dads on hcg and those that support their wives that are getting healthier too! All goes well on day 33 of p2-down 29.5–yippee! (after a very long and tempting four day plateau–out to a bar last night with friends to hear a band and tons of food and drink. Hard not to partake especially when frustrated by a plateau but it all paid off and down 1.5 this morning).
Quick question–do I remember reading that creamy baby oil is ok? If yes, then too good to be true.
Enjoy the balance of your weekend and thanks so much for the sharing and support.
Susan
I am soooo sad 🙁 My scale has turned on me.. I am up 4.4lbs this morning… I am so confused.. I have been steady still going down and then to jump up over 4 pounds… I am still under my weight on my last shot day.. It just hurt my feelings to see the increase.. I was only a pound away from the 170’s =( Hopefully it will fix itself tomorrow because I do not want to see any more gains…
I am soo bad, I am on day 34 of the phase 2 of the VLCD. I cheated so bad, I couldnt resist my Grandmas yummy food 🙁 I have gained 3 pounds. I am down only 16 pounds now with this weight gain. My question is, should I just start phase 3 now and give myself a break or get back on track and contiue through 40 days of VLCD. I considered doing an apple day today. Any thoughts?
Need some input as to what to eat on phase 3. Just started it on Saturday.
I have no cravings at all; nor really hungry.
thanks!
Hi,
Can you give me an example of your menu on phase 3?
I’m not really hungry, so, I’m a little lost with how to proceed.
Today is day 3 on for maintenance. I’m 5ft, 3. (medium frame)
thanks.
Brandy,
did you order the injections, if so do you mind me asking were they reasonable in price. I am looking to start my second round and I am looking for quality as well and $$$$. Thanks
Bev,
Yes I did order the shots. I used PharmacyEscrow.com to oreder mine. That is where my cousins and my aunt order from. I think it is reasonable. I ordered 2 rounds and with shipping it cost me $106 ( I ordered two Hucog HCG 5000 I.U. and 1 Bacteriostatic Water) I will get my needles from Walmart whichis what my Aunt did for me this last time. I was very peasantly surprised that it only took 12 days to recive my HCG. I hope this is helpful to you. Have a great day!!
I have a question and it is not about diet procedures. I have done two rounds and lost 40 pounds and am finished now but I was wondering how long HCG stays in your system? My last dose was May 20 and I have been doing low carb since then and maintaining very well. Anyway I got a positive pregnancy test today! I can’t believe this because we have been trying since Jan 2009! My cycle has NEVER been very regular at all so I can’t rely on that. Any help is appreciated! I am in disbelief! Thank You!
And if I did get pregnant while on this diet will everything be ok? I am kinda worried about that. Because 500 calories is not enough to be eating while pregnant.
Amanda, I’m kind of confused, you said you got a positive on the pregnancy test, but then said if I did get pregnant. First of all, you can get pg on this diet easier(with the hcg) than if you weren’t on it. If you have been off the hcg for that long(may 20th), then the hcg is out of your system, so if you’re getting a positive reading, then my guess you would be Pregnant, so congratulations. If you are, go to the Dr and no, I would not stay on the diet, just eat healthy, stay away from the extra carbs/ sugars and you should do fine!
Brandy,
106 dollars….really!! Wow that is great. Did you have to mix it? I went to my doctors so they did everything for me so would you tell me or is there instructions on how to mix it?
Congrats on losing 40 pounds 🙂
Sherry
hi day 16 and down 23.3 lbs and feeling great but my wife is also on the diet is starting to get disguriged dont know if i spelled that right. i see she is fitting into cloths she hasnt been able to wear in a long time and i can see it in her over all appearance so any words of encouragement would be deeply appreciated
plus thinking about the apple day please explain what all i need yo do for that day how many how long in between and drops or no drops thank you
Well today is my last day for the HCG shot! Wish me luck everyone, I really hope I don’t have any issues during P3 🙂
Sherry
Brandy,
I looked at the website, which pharmacy did you choose, North Indian or Singapore?
Thanks 🙂
Terry,
Congrats..you are doing great. Tell you wife that I only lost 20 pounds however I did lose inches and feel great. My husband tells me how wonderful I look and even though I would love to lose 20 more I am very happy with my results 🙂
Just tell her to hang in there and don’t give up!
Sherry
So this is my first day on the VLCD and feel knawings but I am ignoring it. Did notice on my first load day, the next morning I gained 6 pds. Then had my second load day yest and stepped on the scale this morning and lost 4 pds. Is this normal? Forgot my breadstick at work and I could use it right now. Think I will have a cup of tea and that might help the hunger pangs. Wish me luck!!!
I am day 8 of vlcd and have lost……..10 lbs!!!! WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
you just dont know how happy i am to be losing agn because of the BIG, LONG screw up i wasnt sure what would happen but im glad its working for me
gotta continue the journey 🙂
Is this an ok salad dressing for phase II :
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic minced
some seasoning (sugar free) – like ms dash
red pepper flakes for spicyness?
Best of Luck!!!
Sherrie,
All of my family uses singapore.. ( I recieved mine in 12 days it’s usually a month.) It is very easy to mix yourself. It is more affordable if you buy in the bulk but with my funds being limited because of my travels to and from Kentucky I was only able to order 2 rounds, but I am hoping that I will not need any more than that. This morning was a bit discouraging but I know what I ate and how wrong it was.. Now it’s my price to pay 🙁 I am excited to get bac from Ky and restart p2. I am just ready to get out of these 180’s… I was soooo close and then I messed up.. Hoping that as long as I stay on track that it will not be that bad.
Is fresh mango ok in p3?
Brandy,
thanks for the info, so does it come with instructions and what all do i need to get cause the first injection sI got came already mixed in the needles from my dr.’s pharmacy.
Thanks
I need some serious help. I started loading 2 days ago and I wish I could say that I had the same problem as many of you with loss of appetite. On the contrary, I was eating like it was my last day on earth! I never felt so guilt free. Now day 3 comes around and I started VLCD but I failed miserably. I had green tea on my way to work this morning and all that made me do was pull over to the side of the highway and throw it all up. I came home, took a nap and by the time I woke up it was almost 1. I ate my tiny little portions of chicken, cucumber, melba toast and apple. It was… ok, I guess. The feeling of wanting more and craving food didn’t go away. About 3 hours later I caved and went to Burger King. Now I feel just AWFUL! My boyfriend and I are doing this together and I feel like I’ve failed him and I don’t want him to feel he’s in this alone. Oh and I’m doing the injections which by the way they have caused bumps and redness at the injection site.
Has anyone had this much trouble?? Everyone seems to stick to their guns. Am I just not mentally prepared or am I to weak to do this??
Hi Letie,
Please don’t be so hard on yourself, we all make mistakes. I myself have cheated on this diet but I have always gotten right back on track. If you are feeling hungry maybe you should test your hcg to make sure that it is the real stuff. Go and buy a pregnancy test and put a drop of the hcg on it. It should come back as positive. It also could be that your dose is either to low or to high. It is not easy to follow any diet, I am learning this the hard way. Everytime that you cheat on this diet the pounds come on very quickly. So don’t beat yourself up, just tell yourself that this is only for a short time and that you can do it.
Good luck!!
Today is my first vlc day. I was starving so i ate all my food for the day already except for my apple. Not all at once but through out the day. I probly didnt load properly but for some reason i felt really full while trying to load which surprises now since today i was starving. I feel slightly depressed since i failed already but tomorrow is another day. After loading day I started today at 181. Im hoping to get to 150
Bev,
All I had to do last time was break the top off the glass containter, which is perferated for a clean easy break and draw the hcg and put it in the bottle with the powder. You swirl it gently while the powder is disolved by the liquid then you draw that out of the bottle and mix it with the bara. water. I mix it and then just draw my needle (a new needle everyday) to the 25 line in the mornings. There is a lot of video on youtube.com that will show you how easy it is to mix. I hope this was helpful.
Hey guys, i am feeling so left out here 🙁 🙁
Did anyone read my post from earlier today??
Weight Balancer Diet – http://www.mylovingworks.com
NO HORMONES
CONGRATS LISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAy to turn it around!!!
Hello!!! Umm I was wondering if anyone knew if we could have turkey bacon….cause if we can that would be so awesome
Tea
Not on p2 you can’t, only the meats that are allowed. You can have bacon/turkey bacon on p3 and p4
Sorry Lisa, I’ve had company all week and haven’t been on much
That’s great! I’m so proud of you! I knew you could do it once you set your mind to it!
See what staying out of the candy jar can do for you?
2nd day of vlcd and I am down 5pds!!!! Yesssssssss
Hi I have been on the hcg diet for almost three weeks now. I used to have at least 2 bowel movements a day. Now I noticed that I am not have any bowel movements. Is this normal? Please help me out. Thanks!
Sonia,
Yes this is normal. Your body don’t have that much food to process so you will definitely see a decrease in your bowel movements.
Sherry
Way to go Lisa! Sorry I didn’t see your post until today.
I have posted several postings as well and no one answers. I don’t think it’s because we are being ignored, I think it is because the postings get buried during the day.
Sherry
Congrats!!! It is a great feeling to step on the scale and see those numbers drop.. Happy dieting =)
Thank you, I am very proud of myself!!!
The only thing, is that I am still fight the hunger pangs. Didn’t eat enough fat on my loading days. Any suggestions?
What is the reason that turkey is not included in the meat-list?
is turkey allowed on the diet and if so does anyone know how many calories in the 3.5 ounces thank you
104 calories for 3.5 oz and it’s not on the original protocol but I have had some once in awhile.
THANK YOU GUYS SOOOOO MUCH!!!!!
You all gave me so much encouragement and harshness(thank u Sherri) when i came here to turn things i just wanted to make sure you all knew about it and i have you guys to thank…i really thought i was a lost cause but the belief you all had in me gave me the strength to fight off temptation, focus on my goal, get my act together and believe in myself 🙂
My knew motto is: ‘Resist the Temptations and You Will Reap the Benefits’
ok let me start by saying down 25lbs. since the onset of diet and was wondering on apple day how many apples and how far a part should you eat them. should i continue with drops on that day or not. plus we are waiting for our drops to get here so we cut back to 10 drops at a time will that hurt us or not thank you
I wish I could help with that but I dd not experience that issue… I LOADED real good when I did it. Drink more water maybe so that you will feel full more often. I hope you find something that works for you.
I stopped taking the hcg on May 20 and I have had two positive pregnancy tests yesterday. Is the test right or is there still hcg left in my system from being on the diet?
From what I understand, the levels aren’t high enough for a OTC preg test. You can get your beta levels tested at the doctor’s and if the levels keep rising, then you gonna be a momma! Congrats!
I can read from work, but can’t post because of firewall issues! I’ll look for your post Lisa!
YEs Les, perfect!
Congrats! Keep with it Lisa. And it’s easy for posts to get buried here, it’s a hard format to follow.
Good luck!! I only gained 1 lb in Phase 3 and didn’t go crazy jotting everything down. Just went by the scale. If it was up the next day, I did a mostly protein day (no fruits). I didn’t do a typical steak day, just would just have 1 egg+2 egg white and a sprinkle of cheddar for breakfast, or a fat free greek yogurt, chicken breast for lunch and steak or shrimp for dinner, cheddar for a snack, and lots of water.
Congrats! Have you gone to the dr.? I know I was trying to get pregnant for awhile too and when I first started the diet last Sept did wind up with a BFP. I think the diet did help my fertility. Unfortunately for me it was an ectopic, totally unrelated to this diet. I do know one thing… you should adjust your diet and vitamin intake accordingly for pregnancy, especially during the first few months where you need good nutrition. Let us know what the dr. says!
I got mine from reliablerxpharmacy DOT com. I think it took a couple of weeks. Not bad. I’m doing drops now. I preferred the shots for some reason, maybe because I didn’t have to wait or stick to a schedule.
O.K. Today is now day 14 of my 21 day program. I am down 17 lbs. I have 7 more day’s to go . I would like to know if I I can do another 21 day’s after this program is over and if so how long do I need to wait?
That didn’t come out right, HCG levels from the diet aren’t high enough for an OTC preg test after the HCG has gone through your system…. very exciting!
Very new to this. I use drops. Did the 2 days of pigging out and one day of protocol. OMG, I’m hungry all the time. I’ve read this is normal and just need to make it through a few more days. Correct? Also, what is this about an “all apple, or all steak” day?? How does that work and why would one do that?? One last thing, anyone try those Miracle Noodles? Are they freebies?? Thanks for the help.
Jo
Transition into Phase III –
So – Friday will be 21 days for me. I am down (25lbs from highest weigh on last of load days – and 22 from 1st weight after load days).
I would like to stop Phase II at 30 days, so does that mean at the 27 day mark, I should stop taking my HCG (so next Thursday would be my last dose) and then wait through Sunday before I go into Phase III)
Hey Donna thanx for the words of encouragement and thanx for tidbit about the posting
My goal for this round is to get out of the 200’s I cant wait to see the number 1 in front so i am hanging in there
ok i think im leveling out havent lost but 3 ounces in three days i want to do an apple day can someone plz tell me how many apples how far apart and if i take drops or no drops in that 24 hour period
thank you so much for a wonderful web site
Quick question…. I’m just starting P3. Do you do a steak day if you gain 2 lbs from the last day you took the drops or from the last day you did the vlcd? I keep gaining a little every day since I stopped the drops and think I need to do a steak day but wasn’t sure what I compare the 2 lb gain too. Thanks!
I use drops. Did the 2 days of pigging out and one day of protocol. OMG, I’m hungry all the time. Few questions please:
1. I’ve read this hunger is normal and just need to make it through a few more days. Correct? How long do most stay hungry?
2. What is this about an “all apple, or all steak” day?? How does that work and why would one do that??
3. Can we not have a slice of tomato with lettuce and a few pieces of broccoli at the same time-like make it look like a salad instead of just lettuce??
Thanks for the help.
Do you know what a steak day is and if so, could you explain how it works. Also, is there an apple day too?
Thanks,
Jo
I’m new and wondering at what day did you start to level out??
Jo,
If you did your load days properly you should be minimally hungry on the VLCD if at all. Some have reported being hungry though so it is not out of the ordinary. Of those who said they were hungry it usually did end after a few days so hang in there.
If while in P2 you reach a plateau where you are not losing weight for several days having an apple day can help you break the plateau and begin losing again. An apple day consists of taking your regular dosage of HCG and eating only 6 apples during the course of the day and enough water to quench your thirst but don’t overdue it on the water. Eating the apples will actually help quench your thirst. The next day you generally will have been kickstarted back into weight loss and see a nice loss of 2lbs or so. Others just wait the plateau out.
You cannot mix vegetables if you are following Dr. Simeon’s protocol so unfortunately its just lettuce. It’s boring but effective. I’m going to try to answer a few more comments before signing out but if you have any other questions feel free to email me as I am not on regularly darby_trenton@hotmail.com
The steak day is if you go over 2lbs from the last day you took the drops. So when you think about there’s a nice little cushion there before you have to correct your weight because most people lose a few more pounds after they stop the HCG and begin transitioning into P3.
Steak day is for Phase 3 and consists of eating nothing all day and then having a the biggest juiciest steak you can find for dinner and an apple (or tomato if you prefer). The next day your weight should be back down. Steak day is a cure most of us steak lovers can live with easily.
6 apples. Space them evenly throughout your waking hours to avoid hunger. Take your normal course of HCG that day.
I think your honesty is really admirable. We’re all pulling for each other which is what makes this site so great. Good luck on your goals and keep everyone posted. There are a lot of people like me that read but don’t comment so it really helps when people post their frustrations and successes.
jo im on day 19 now im down a total 27lbs but still not half way through treatment yet so im looking at losing all i can and this diet has helped me see better ways of eating and preparing the foods i do eat. stay with what the folks here have to say as i have and i hope you have the same results good luck
thank you angela for that info on apple day will let everyone know how it went
is that 27lbs from your highest weight after load days?
yes after the 2 days of loading up i weighed 288lbs and now im down to 261lbs and i follow and listen to everyword on here cause it works and there have been days when something for the rest of the family is cooking that ive been real tempted but i go look in the mirror and tell my self that its worth it
Interesting becuase I am also on day 19 and have lost 26 lbs. (265.8 start & now 239)
I am going to continue through next friday and stop the drops and move into Phase III on that Monday. And then begin another cycle the first Saturday in August (this time doing the shots).
Someone sent me an amazing 100 page cookbook for phase II – and it is awesome and really helping.
Good Luck to you Terry!
Thanks for the clarification. That makes me feel a little better. I did lose more weight for a few days after the drops but am putting some back on. But I’m not to the point yet where I need to do a steak day. I’m loving this diet/life style change.
les, any chance on finding that same cookbook some where lol
I noticed that a lot of you all here do short breaks/maintenance in between rounds and i was just wondering why is that?
id be more than happy to email it to you.
email is harshterry@yahoo.com and ty very very much and good luck on the rest of your plan
I read a post regarding recipes. I know that a lot of people are getting bored with the limited foods on Phase 2, myself included. There are cookbooks out there, but there are also tons of recipes on line. I found a site that has quite a few of them compiled for you. I don’t know if we can place links on the board, but if you simply search scribd HCG phase 2 recipes it should be the first thing that comes up in your search. I just read through them and I liked what I saw. It appears compliant, but of course if you find a place they have strayed you can alter it to ensure compliance. Here is a sample recipe:
Shrimp Stuffed Tomato
Shrimp 3.5 oz
juice of half a lemon
1 T parsley (or any addtn’l seasoning you prefer)
Tobasco (optional)
1. Place cooked shrimp in food processor. Pulse a few times to chop up shrimp. Or, simply chop with a sharp knife.
2. In a small bowl, combine chopped shrimp, parsley, lemon juice, salt/pepper.
3. Cover and refrigerate 30 mins-1 hr.
4. When ready to serve, cut off the top of a tomato. Scoop out inside of tomato.
5. Chop & combine inside of tomato with shrimp mix. (You may discard seeds if you like.)
6. Fill tomato with shrimp mix.
7. Top with a couple dashes of tabasco (optional) and/or crumbled grissini or melba toast and serve.
I don’t want to clog the board with P2 recipes if its not what you want, but if you guys have come across great recipes please share them. I know I would like to see them. If you want me to share more, just ask and I will.
Les,
Any chance you might share some recipes on this board? Or make a file so we can obtain it maybe? Any help/encouragement is appreciated. I too have started out at 264 lbs. I am only on day 4 right now, but down 5 lbs. I’m already a bit bored and wanting recipes. Good luck to you and Terry and all of us out here.
Jo
Wow, 27 lbs down. That’s fantastic!! I started at 264 (only 5′ 3″) and on day 4 (counting the 2 fill up days), I’m down 5 lbs. I do have to go out of town on July 12 and worried about bringing the drops which have to stay cold and also how I will eat when there on vacation….Uggh, hoping to lose enough so that I don’t need a seatbelt extender!!! Small goals work for me…Thanks for the advice and I’ll stick to the advice here too.
Thanks,
JO
Hi guys,
quick question.
So i am almost done with my round of shots, I know I keep the vlcd for 3 more days then what? Also I dont think I was given the correct info for my first round where can I find the exact protocol to follow for when I start again in Aug?
Thanks so much
Les,
could you email the cookbook to me?
sherry_mcpherson2002@yahoo.com
Thank you 🙂
Sherry
Here is every bit of info that you need. There is a lot to read, but it’s very important you read it all. 🙂
hcgdietinfo.com/HCG_Diet_Simeons_Manuscript.htm
I go back and forth between p2 and p3 because I still have weight to lose. I did the p3 last time for 2 1/2 weeks and then reloaded. This time it will be 4 weeks on p3 as I’m going on vacation, next round will be my last round of p2. If I don’t hit my goal then, I may do one more short round in the fall time, but I’m thinking I will be real close after next p2
Hello!
Question… I wanted to know if any has tried the HG3, the local health store is offering this oral drop, it is suppose to be hcg and vitamins. I had ordered the shots but my order has now been lost as well as the reshipment has been lost as well. I was not sure if I wanted to try waiting one more time for the order to get here when it takes 10 to 18 business days. If anyone has heard of this and can give some feedback it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time.
Jo, I was hungry the whole time I did round 1 and I think it’s because my HCG injections weren’t potent enough. Now I’m doing these cheap cheap drops I found on ebay (I only have to lose 6 lbs this time total) and my hunger seems more controllable. I’ve been doing Round 2 now for 4 days and down 3 lbs. I had to end Round 1 because I think my body hit a setpoint so rather than frustrate myself because I had to lose 5 lbs. at that time, I decided to just give myself a break and start back over this time.
Veggies… you’ll talk to some people that say they mixed veggies and lost weight just fine, some people will tell you to just stick with the protocol. I don’t find much of a difference in mixing veggies. I love a spinach “chopped salad” with tomato and cucumber and basil chopped up very fine. Doing these little things help keep me on track for the variety. I love making a shrimp soup with broth spinach and tomato. I just make sure I write ALL my quantites down to the “t”. I’ve been known to sneak a few mushrooms in also once a week with some onions (I cook them together in chicken broth) and do an omellete for brunch and skip lunch. I need variety!
Apple day… IMO it’s psychological to break the plateau. Yes it works but I found if you just wait it out a couple of days you’ll most likely see the same results. If I was up some weight, the next day I’d try and mix it up a bit by doing my own “mini steak” day. Increased my protein by having steak that day, and did lower carb veggies and fruits. To each their own. Sticking to the protocol after 30 days just got incredibly boring for me so I had to figure out what it took to make it work. Wish I could figure out how to sneak in peanut butter though!
Thank you for responding. Today will be day 4 after the 2 days of loading. I am still hungry all the time…lol. Not cheating, but hungry. The more water I drink, the hungrier I get. I did add some fresh broccoli tops to my salad…oops, but considering what I had been eating, how bad can that be? Or is it?
My twice daily drops are prescription and cost about $90.00 as insurance does not cover it; thanks govt. I have seen much cheaper drops and wondering what the difference is.
One last thing and maybe helpful to some that dont know. WALDEN FARMS has a variety (about 12-15) types of salad dressings, dips and sauces that are all zero cals, carbs, fats everything is zero so I have used them and some are not bad. The pharmacy that I use (a compound pharmacy that is an hour away) carries a line of WALDEN FARMS products but they are $5.00 for a 12oz bottle so I try to add water or balsamic vinegar to a few of them. They make great marinades too. I even do a “stir fry” using the Asian dressing(which is the best one)….Been looking around the internet for lower prices but shipping is high.
Oh, I should have said…after the 2 loading days and then 3 protocol days, I’ve lost 6 lbs. Is it 2 liters we should be drinking per day? I fill up an old coke bottle and drink it before the day is over; hope that is enough.
thanks for all the encouragement from this forum. Are there more forums supporting us HCG users??
Jo
Haven’t heard of that, I get my drops on ebay and they’re like $24.88 with no shipping cost, for 45 days worth
Sherrie,
Would you mind sending a link or ebay store name that you use? Wow, $25.00 vs the $90.00 we are paying for each of us (hubby and myself) for only 20 days worth of drops. And I guess your drops work well. wow…big savings.
Jo
How do you stabilize in under the first 3 weeks of maintenance?
Also, how does this affect your weight loss with each round?
I will have to do multiple rounds myself to reach my goal
VLCD day 12 down 12 lbs. 🙂 Had a slight gain of .2 this morning 🙁
Hey Josephine
Here is the link, these are good drops! The auction ends in 8 hours, so if you don’t get this in time, check to see the relisted item.
cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290439294831
you just up your calories and eat 3 meals a day. My weight loss on the 2nd p2 was about the same as the first time
Nice! Great to hear you are losing well. I wouldn’t worry about the .2 gain. That’s nothing compared to your 12lb loss and in 12 days no less.
Hello everyone TGIF!
Well today is day 2 of P3, so far so good. I had a heck of a time eating 1500 calories! One I was too full, Two I felt guilty for eating :(.
No weight gain so far. My total weight loss is 23.5!!! I only have 16.5 more pounds to go so I am hoping that exercise will do it.
I hope everyone sees my post, there are so many people who post now it seems my posts get buried.
Have a wonderful LIGHT weekend everyone.
Sherry
Lisa,
Don’t worry, I had ups and downs as well but the overall end results are great!
Hang in there,
Sherry
I’m on day 3 of P3 and need to do a steak day already. I’ve gained about .6 – .8 each day. I’m 47 years old and am 5’10”. Started P3 at 176.6 and was 178.4 this morning. I’m eating about 1300 cals a day. I rode my exercise bike for 30 minutes yesterday so I can start getting back into exercise. What am I doing wrong? Still drinking lots of water, eating lots of protein. I refuse to put this weight back on but it’s happening. I do take quite a bit of medication for arthritis and neuropathy. Any suggestions?
Congrats Sherry! I am so afraid of going on P3, I’m terrified of gaining the weight back. Sounds like you’re doing a fantastic job!
I am on Round 2, down a total of 38.5 pounds today (including Round 1). WOW! I love this diet 🙂
Thanx guys i appreciate that i keep telling myself just stay true to the protocol and it will all work itself out:)
Thanks Sherrie,
My hubby is skeptical cuz they are not doctor prescribed, but I seriously wonder how many people on here are doctor prescribed vs. over the counter (or internet). I keep seeing people be successful, so I am with ya on buying them from ebay…just gotta convince hubby.
Jo
I scoured the internet looking for ways to curb my hunger. It’s tough! Sometimes I pop green tea tablets. Sometimes I have a spoonful of cider vinegar or hot sauce. That will usually kill it for awhile anyway. Sometimes I just kick the dog (just kidding).
There is a group on Yahoo! health.groups (dot) yahoo.com/group/HcgDieters/. It’s VERY active and very good! I’m totally digging the Walden Farms ketchup. Our grocery store sells them too. AND I also just found the balsamic dressing for $1.50 yesterday at Ocean State Job Lot.
Water, they say 64 oz minimum or 1/2 your weight in ounces, whichever is more.
The lady that is going to the dr here is on the same kind of drops as I take, yet she pays a lot more for hers. Believe me, those Drs are getting a big chunk for you to get them from them
Jennifer, the reason for the weight gain is you’re not getting enough calories. Up them to about 1500 and see what happens
I just started hcg today. I will finish this phase and will be one week into the next phase before I go on vacation. While on vacation, I can stick to fruit, veggies, fish, etc easily…..however, what about alcohol? Will that ruin everything? Can I have more than just one glass of wine? Any help would be great, would love to have a margarita with my friends! Thanks!
no sugar and no starch, alcohol would not be a wise decision. 🙂
Another newbie question….
I am unsure of how you can go off P2 and onto P3 and not gain weight if you are increasing the calories to 1200 a day. Do we take our drops on P3?? If not; how do we know what or how to eat? I would just rather stay on P2 and just keep repeating it. Can we do that? Why take the break in between? With our stomachs shrinking, eating three times the calories we eat now, would only seem to make our stomach grow again and gain weight. I’m so nervous about getting off the drop and also off P2.
Is there somewhere I can read or any advice would be appreciated.
Jo
The drops you’re on pull 2000-2500 calories a day from what you have stored. I’ve put the link for pounds an inches on here a few times, not sure how far down you will have to read to find it, but it explains everything. When you do your drops and then stop, you stay on the 500 calorie diet for 3 days. I’m on my 2nd round of p3 right now, and am actually down about 4 lbs in the last 2 weeks, and I’m eating 3 meals a day. You still don’t eat sugars or starch on this phase. Your body has to have food to lose weight, and if you don’t get enough calories on this(remember, it’s used to getting 500 plus the 2000-2500 from drops), so actually you’re eating less calories on p3 than you are getting on p2. You do NOT take drops on p3. If you read pounds and inches, it will explain everything. You never should stay on drops more than 45 days(max) or you will become immune and you will be losing muscle instead of fat. Please read this, you WILL find all the answers
powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
Thank you for the reply…
Yes, I read and now understand alot better. I am in that “overly enthusiastic” group so I need to take heed and slowww down some, not panic with calorie increase and not defer from the plan.
I haven’t had a problem yet with my 2 p3’s. The first time I did, but that was right at the beginning and if I wouldn’t have gotten upset and ate chocolates right after coming off the drops, I wouldn’t have ever had to have done a steak day. I watch it very closely on p3(ever since that one time). I don’t mind the steak days, but I would prefer not to have to get out of control where I have to have one. You will do fine. I have dropped almost 42 lbs now with 20 left to go. 🙂
Hello everyone.. Well I am bac with another question. I have one week left on p3 before I return to p2. I have done well on p3 lost an additional 6lbs even. My fear is now that I am use to eatting things again to go back to the very boring, limited diet of p2 is going to be difficult to do. I dont know tho because those last load days were excruciating for my I ate so much food on day one it was hard to eat on load day 2… I am looking forward to dropping another hopefuly 18 pounds. Anyone with advice on going bac to p2 please feel free to pass it on to me =) Thanks everyone!! Happy Dieting
Good Morning,
My last P2 injection is on Wed so I start higher calorie on July 4 (Independence Day…ironic?) and I am going on a 4 day vacation that same day. I need some help with menus and recipes. I have read and reread Pounds and Inches and need some clearer direction than no starches and sugars. I need a list of foods I can choose from. I can calculate calories to reach 1500 but not sure how literal to take “no sugar and starch” beyond the obvious. Thanks so much for all your guidances. Have lost 32 pounds on P2 and still have one more round for sure.
Susan
I will be going back to my 3rd round of p2 in 3 more weeks. It’s not as hard to go back as you think, and one more round will probably do it for you. Do you do the p2 for 6 or 3 weeks? I’ve done it both ways and will go back to the 3 week one, as it’s much easier. You’ll do fine
Susan, always look at ingredients, if there is any sugar or anything in the ingredients that ends in “ose”, stay away from it. You know what starches are, potatoes, rice, etc.
I eat everything I want right now except the starches and sugar on p3 and do fine. Infact, this is the 2nd time I’ve been on p3, last time losing 6 more pounds and this time in 1 1/2 weeks, so far another 3 lbs without even trying.
Hi guys,
So I was reading about P3 and maybe I am reading the wrong material but it says not to even use the microwave? is that correct? and it seems stricter than the P2 portion, check out this link and let me know, please…..
http://www.hcgfatloss.com/hcg-diet-phase-3.htm
Sherrie I will be doing the 3 weeks again. It was hard enough not to cheat for that length of time so I am not willing to push myself. My downfall will be my cheese. I love the fact that I can have cheese now =) Green apples and colby jack cheese cubes are a favorite snack of mine. It will be worth it in the end tho. I just cant have the cheese in my house cuz I would eat it… Sure am going to enjoy it this last week =) The more I think of it the less stressed I am because to be honest outside of adding my 2 egg omlet and my cheese I have not changed from the boring old food.. Out of fear of gainingf I think. I just increasedthe amount as to increase my calories. So it shouldnt be to hard. Thanks
things will be just fine. I know I’ve completely changed the way I eat. Tomorrow night we’re having ny strip on the grill(yummy) and then I will find a fruit and veggie for me to go with. Will give my hubby a big baked potato and strawberry muffin with his. I do wish at times I could have a piece of chocolate cake, but that will come when I’m completely done with my weight loss(which I hope and pray is after the next round of p2). I will start back on p2 with load days 3 weeks from today. I’m giving myself a little longer break on the p3 this time so I can at least not be so limited when we take the g-kids to the beach for a couple days
Of those that have done multiple rounds of the diet. What has been your experience with the amount of weight lost. Do you lose about the same amount each round or is the weight loss less each time? I have a few rounds to do and I am trying to set realistic goals for myself. I haven’t seen a lot of information on how Round 2 and Round 3 go.
I agree with Sherry 100%. I am just nearing the end of my first P2 however I have multiple rounds to do and I know it will be easier as I am learning so much. The first week or so, I ate pretty much Foreman grilled everything and it got to be oh so boring. However as I did more research I found more recipes that really livened things up. I began making strawberry lemonade (haven’t tried making lemon sorbet yet) and delicious soups and experimenting with more allowed spices. Here’s a good source for some free P2 recipes http://hcgrecipes.blogspot.com/. Spice up your P2 this time. Also if you’re a soda drinker the Zevia (made with Stevia) is pretty good. Its expensive but if you only drink it occasionally not so much.
hey les still gonna send cookbook will be a big help thanks
Angela
Usually you don’t lose quite as fast on p2 with each round. My first time, I didn’t gain anything on my 2 load days, and the first 3 weeks on p2, I lost 15 pounds. I went on p3 for 2 1/2 weeks and lost 6 more. Then went back to p2, gained 4.2 during load days and then lost 15 again in 3 weeks(but remember, that’s not adding on the 4.2 from load days), so actually only lost about 11 in the next 3 weeks of p2. I’ve been back on p3 now for 2 weeks and have lost an additional 2 lbs. I won’t go back to p2 for almost 3 weeks yet. I am hoping last time is the last time I have to ever do p2 again. I am less than 20 lbs now from my goal weight and have decided if I get close enough after next p2 then I will be happy with myself where ever I end up. You have to remember, the smaller you get, the less quickly you will lose.
well apple day has come and gone and for me and my wife it was a good thing she lost 2lbs. and i lost 2.6 lbs and i finally fell below 260. i was kinda stuck at the 260 to 262 mark for a few days thanks for the info
Question:
Should we weigh everyday?? I am on P2 Day 6 and have lost 9 pounds as of the 4th day; yesterday and today, the scale says I weigh the same.
Should I be discouraged? The only thing different I did was when I boiled my chicken, I made a broth out of the water, removed ALL the fat and added the chicken back into it with spinach, but it was a bit salty. Could this have an effect on no loss in the 2 days?
Oh and also the day before I had beef for the first time. But again, no fat at all.
I know I shouldnt be discouraged yet, but no loss? I have been drinking at least 2 liters of water a day.
Advice??
Yes Jo weigh everyday.
No, don’t be discouraged, wow, 9 lbs in 6 days is good. I did 9.2 my first week the first time around too, that’s fantastic!
The chicken was fine as was the beef, just make sure you weigh the food out first(as I’m sure you already are). Most likely, it’s just water retention. You’ll have another big drop, just be patient and keep up the great work!
Two more questions on P3–lotion, oils, massages okay in P3?? Dying for a pedicure-it’s finally summer in Seattle. If anyone has cookbook and can email it to me, I’d really appreciate it. susanmsutherland18032@gmail.com.
Thanks for all the support. Susan
Water retention?? From the broth maybe?? I’m afraid to have the “soup” again. How do you get rid of water retention? Thanks for all the help. I really appreciate it.
When you eat something really salty, you retain fluids. It will come back off, probably within a day or two you should have another loss.
Tami that site is pretty strict. You won’t have to be that strict to do well on P3 . For example it states to limit the use of air conditioning. I’m sure we all work in air conditioned settings so that is unreasonable for most. P3 is basically no sugar or carbs. There are some things like avoiding hydrogenated oils which will be expected as a general lifelong decision. If there are things on the list that you want to incorporate into your healthy living choices in addition to avoiding sugar and starches, feel free but don’t stress about hitting all those things as they aren’t all part of the original protocol. As for the microwave, you can use it as a convenience if you choose, most people agree that eating raw or lightly steaming vegetables is the best method for preserving the nutrients. So steamed veggies are better than microwaved, but microwaved veggies are still better for you than french fries. I usually steam mine but I also sometimes reheat in the microwave.
Susan, I have gotten my pedicures on p2 and p3 without any problems. Infact, I have always used the same shampoos, deodorants, etc. I’m on homeopathic drops, and I really think you’re able to do more on those than the real hcg. I’m down 42 lbs and finally hit the high end of a normal BMI. I’m so excited. I started at obese, then overweight and finally normal weight range. I have 19.2 more pounds to go.
Susan,
I get a massage every 2 wks. I have done 3 rds including P2, P3 and P4’s. I make sure to use bady oil that contains Mineral oils while in P2 and P3. Only on P4 do I allow her regular massage oil.
Ok, I’m officially sad and need encouraging words. People said to weigh each day and post a daily weight chart… Here goes.
Help…
June 20–Drops and Load Day weight 264
June 21–drops and Load Day weight didnt weigh
June 22–drops — didnt weigh
June 23–drops — didnt weigh
June 24–drops — didnt weigh
June 25–drops — 255 pounds lost to date = 9 pounds
June 26–drops — 255 no change
June 27–drops — 255 no change
June 28–drops — 255 no change
I’ve drank all my water(over 100oz each day).
I have followed the protocol precisely.
Had only boiled chicken all week and beef one time-no fat and 3.5oz twice a day.
Lettuce everyday or raw spinach …sometimes a mix
Exact on fruits-only strawberries, orange, 1/2 grapefruit, apple
Had one bowl of soup which tasted a bit salty but not much and that was on June 25.
I want to cry as this is June 28 and although 9 pounds is great for one week total, its not what its supposed to be. What do I do at this point? Change something?
During first few days I was starving, now I am hungry, but not all the time…its better.
Please help.
Jo –
First off, I would recommeand weighing everyday. It shows your progress and you can also kind of track what works and what doesn’t work.
9 pounds in 9 days is excellent – I’m not sure what you’re so concerned about! I know it’s nice to see it fall off every day, but you wouldn’t even be able to tell if that was happening anyway since you’re not weighing…
For me, every week goes the same. Sunday I generally gain a half pound or pound. Monday – Wednesday I stay the same weight. Thursday I lose usually 2-3 pounds and Friday and Saturday I’ll lose like .5 or 1 pound each of those days. This almost always results in me losing between 3-4 pounds per week. Now while I would love to see the scale NEVER go up, and always see a slight decrease, I’m also super happy losing any weight, so the flow of my loss is just fine with me. All of our bodies are different and they all respond to losing differently.
Don’t be discouraged – I just looked at my log and on Day 9 I was down only 7.5 pounds. You’re doing fine –
Do not give up and do not get upset. Some will suggest an apple day, but I myself have never nor will I ever do them. The body works the way it’s supposed too. It sounds like what you’re doing is right. Do you weigh your apple or orange, strawberries? I always weighed out 5.3 oz of strawberries(50 calories). You are just maintaining right now. Keep weighing everyday and don’t get upset. You will have a big loss overnight soon. I have never done 100 oz of water, I do 1/2 gallon a day, and that’s all I can handle. The protocol says 1/2 gallon of water a day is fine. (64 oz), and that’s what I follow. Have you read all the pounds and inches yet? If not, please read it. We’re all here for you and rooting for you! You will get there. You didn’t gain all that weight over night and you can’t expect to lose it all overnight! Are you eating at least 3 hours before going to bed?
Jo,
I was on the diet 16 days and only lost 10 pounds but I hung in there and I lost a total of 23.6 pounds to date. Hang in there and weigh yourself every day and you will be fine.
Sherry
Hello everyone!
Well today is day 5 on P3 and I have to say I am very happy. I have only bounced up and down by .5 pounds. I have to say it is VERY hard to get in 1500 calories a day. My husband just finished his first week and he has lost 15 pounds already, but I tell you he is a BEAR LOL!
I really don’t know what I should be eating on P3, I have just been eating the same type of stuff just increasing my portions and adding cheese and bacon to my diet.
Anything else I should be doing?
Thank you everyone for all your suggestions and support, I couldn’t do this without you!
Sherry
Brynn- Thanks for responding. Yes, I will weigh everyday. Originally my doc said to weigh once a week, but I’d rather weigh each day.
Sherrie- Thanks also for responding. No, I wont give up. I guess it’s just a bit hard for me not to see the scale move when I feel hungry alot of the time. I didn’t want to do the apple day either as, in my mind, I think later on in life, I really won’t be eating 6 apples in my normal day. I haven’t weighed my strawberries, so I will do that. Haven’t read all the pounds and inches yet, but will continue to read and try not to get myself more confused. Actually, no I’m not eating at least 3 hrs before going to bed. In fact, I notice that I wake up more frequently and stay awake for about an hour here and there from a hunger feeling, drink water and go to sleep. I also feel tired during the day. I assume the tiredness comes from not sleeping through the night(potty breaks) and I do find myself taking hour naps here and there. I am a stay at home wife(no kids left at home), so its easy(probably not good) for me to eat, drink, potty, sleep/nap, eat, drink, potty, sleep/nap during my days and nights. Sometimes the vinegars make my stomach upset but then what do you put on salad to get it down?
One thing hubby noticed we are doing differently maybe is that we are only eating 2 times a day. One paper we have(from doc) says to eat 2 times a day; the pharmacist papers say eat 5 times…bkfst, snack, lunch, snack, dinner. Using a fruit and melba toast as the snack. Maybe if we ate more thoughtout the day, I wouldnt feel so hungry all the time?? dunno…but will hang in there.
Thanks again,
Jo, Although I have just started, I have done a lot of research on the diet. There are several variations but according to Dr. Simeon’s original protocol you should follow his only. He has spent years researching which foods are ok, even if the calories are the same, something in the food itself can affect your weight loss. One other thing that I read was that you should switch up your protein with every meal and not eat the same fruit or veggie either. It’s the same concept as cross training! Your body assimilate’s specific foods differently, if you are eating the same thing over and over your body gets used to that. So switch up your diet!And one last thing, eat 4 meals instead of two. My practitioner suggested drinking coffee, tea, water in the morning and then eating at 12, 3, 6, & 9. It has helped me from feeling hungry. And even though I am eating a fruit at nine, I am not waking up during the night. Hope this helps!
Thank you Debbie….
I appreciate the advice. We have only been eating chicken breast(one time beef) cuz neither of us like any kind of fish/seafood. So I guess I should get to cooking up some beef. And yes, we eat the chicken the same way every time. With lettuce and tomato in a bowl and no fat/no sugar(Walden Farms) dressing. Ok, this morning I ate the apple with coffee and will do the eating 4 times a day. I am trying to drink more water in the day hours and not so close to bedtime. Also, living in Texas doesnt help with it being so hot outside and the AC going constantly. Doing errands in this heat is not fun, but much go on. Thanks again!!! I’m not giving up after spending $85.00 bucks for this prescription!! LOL…
on the drops, you do coffee, water or tea for breakfast, then the protein, veggie and fruit for lunch and supper. It’s when you get to the next phase that you eat 3 meals and snacks.
You need to get 8 hours of sleep a night also, my weight never drops as much when I get less sleep than that. Start eating at least 3 hours before bed(I usually try and eat 4-5 hours before, and also no drinking within 2 hours of bedtime. I’m bad about doing that and then also up 4-5 times a night.
after re-reading this, I’m sure you are down more than you thought. You would have probably gained some more on the 2nd load day, but you didn’t weigh. So, more like you’re probably down at least 11 pounds
Debbie, the protocol says 2 meals a day(Dr Simmeons) while on the p2 phase. That is really what Jo needs to eat and then stick with it while she’s on the p2.
Jo, I would eat lean hamburger meat 96/4 and 3.5 oz has 135 calories, I also ate breakfast steak and cube steak(I do those up in the oven). You need to eat something besides chicken for both meals. 🙂
What you can do if you’re getting hungry, is have your lunch fruit for a mid morning snack, and then take your dinner fruit and have it before bed, or when you get hungry. Just make sure you don’t eat more than what Dr Simmeons says to eat. If you read the pounds and inches, can’t remember what page it is, but it will tell you how you can split up the 2 meals. Please don’t go to 4 meals, that is not on the protocol
hi everyone im on day 25 of ph2 and i just reached the 30lbs. lost this morning. Im alittle concerned though i have been finding myself starting to get hungry the last couple days to were as before i was doing good. Istill stick to the game plan though and have increased my water to 2 1/2 liters a day that seems to help some is that ok or should i drop back to 2
Oh, I thought that’s what she meant by 4 meals…breaking up the fruit and maybe the melba toast. I did buy breakfast steak and other steak and trimmed every bit of fat off of it or tomorrow.
thanks so much.
Hello everyone, I have 5 days left of the drops, and I have lost a total of 14 pounds, I too can say I get frustrated easily with it. I feel like with as little as I am eating, I should be losing 10 pounds a day. I also feel like with loosing 14 pounds, that people should be noticing that I am loosing weight. When nobody has even really noticed except me and my husband. I still want to loose 15 more pounds to get to my goal weight and I am scared that in 5 days when I get off the drops, that I won’t continue to loose any more. Would any of you suggest me to stay on the drops until I get to my goal weight, or just go to the maintance phase. Also in my readings, it tells me to eat a fruit in them morning, with coffee or tea, and I can have another fruit, but i have to wait 6 hours before I eat the other fruit. Am I doing this wrong? Is there any other fruit that I can have besides, oranges, apples, strawberries and grapfruits? Thanks for the help everyone
Great, now I am UP .5 and hungry too. I know I’m not over on the 500, I ate the beef, sticking to the protcol and 2 liters now of water. UP .5 Now what do I do? 🙁
This morning the scale shows I am Up .5 Ugggh
Jo, send me an e-mail, I would like to correspond with you and try to help you one on one through e-mail, that’s easier than trying to find posts on here.
it’s stratman397 at aol dot com. Just put this is Jo or something in the subject line so if it’s in the spam folder I don’t delete it.
Are you using an accurate scale?
Jo, you didn’t weigh either of the days after your load days. I gained 4.2 lbs on my last 2 load days, you could have gained more than that even, and the weight you would have wanted to start at is the one after your 2 load days.
Krista
Did you put on 10 lbs a day when you weren’t dieting? You can’t expect to lose that kind of weight that fast, do you know how saggy your skin would be if you lost that much a day? Your body has got to adjust, that is why we hit plateaus, and another reason why when I do hit a plateau I don’t go nuts and start doing apple days. The weight does eventually come off.
You don’t have that much to lose, your body is not going to lose as fast as it would if you were 100 lbs heavier. Dieting is a lifelong change, and it doesn’t happen overnight!
I’ve been on this diet(between p2 and p3) for the last 3 months, I’m very happy with my results. I know I will have to do at least one more round of p2 as I have 19 more pounds to lose. If I’m not close to goal after that, then I will have one more round yet. Do I like doing this? NO, I’m doing it for myself though, and I will finish it up. It gets hard, it gets aggrivating, but you do get results if you stick with the plan
Are you talking about any other fruits when you go to stabilization(p3) or now? If now, the answer is NO, but on p3 the answer is yes.
I have been back on the p3 for a little over 2 weeks now and have lost an additional 4 lbs already. That’s not recommended, but I am watching what I eat and eating plenty
Ok, did anyone see my post yesterday at 8:19 am 🙁
I need help with P3, what am I allowed to eat besides increasing my protein and veggies. I am doing great so far but cannot seem to get to 1500 calories.
Thanks everyone,
Sherry
Sherry, you can have anything your little heart desires, except sugar/starch. I have been back on p3 now for a little over 2 weeks and am losing still about 2.1 average a week(without trying). I eat tuna fish with mayo(not miracle whip), my cocoa almonds(love those things), scrambled eggs, steak, anything I want pretty much. I usually have a yogurt for breakfast(last time I was eating bacon, scrambled eggs and cottage cheese or cheese for breakfast and still losing). This time I haven’t been that hungry for breakfast. You can also eat different veggies, fruits and of course meat and fish. Like I said, anything you want, except the sugars/starches. No potatoes, rice, etc. and no candy bars. LOL
Hi Sherrie!
How are you doing?
I am having so much difficulty holding to my weight after p3. I am up 4 pounds! Frustrating. May do another round after summer and wedding.
2 1/2 weeks till my daughter’s wedding 🙂
Debbie
Hey Ms Debbie
I’m doing fantastic. I’ve gone down from 196.6(March 22nd) to 154.4 as of this morning(gained .2 from yesterday), but am still continuing with the loss on p3.
Are you holding around 140? I know you said you were 5’8″ if I’m not mistaken, which 140 would be a great weight for you. Did you do your steak day when you hit the 2 lb mark?
No candy bars….LOL, what is cocoa almonds? Did you make this up or can you buy them that way. Ok, so I was not sure about yogurt, some sites say yogurt but only the Greek plain kind; is that right.
I did buy some avocados (love them on my salad) and cottage cheese (was not real sure if could have it so didn’t eat yet).
I have not gained over .5 pounds, I have stayed steady between 160 – 160.5, would really like to get below 160 :(.
I weigh every Sunday on my WII and it tells me its worried about me because I lost 23 pounds in 40 days, LOL.
Thank you Sherrie and have a wonderful day.
Krista,
I know exactly how you feel when no one notices the weight loss. I was expecting everyone to make comments at work when I loss 15 pounds and same thing; no one said anything. However, the moment I stepped into my mother’s house she noticed immediately which made me feel great. Trust me at some point others will notice and will want to know your secret. I am still wearing a lot of the same clothes as before they are just baggier. I think that makes it more difficult to see the weight loss too. Today is my last day of the drops and I did not lose as much as I had hoped. I should be ecstatic as I have never lost so much in one month but alas I was hoping for a bit more. I considered staying on the drops longer, but I think I’m tired of the diet. The P3 break will do me good and get me ready for a fresh round. If I stay on P2 much longer I fear I may cheat and regress. I planned P2 so that I would end before the 4th of July holiday. If you feel you have it in you to stay on the drops longer perhaps you should, but if you have 5 days left of the drops and then another 72 hours of low cal diet, you may just hit your goal anyway. As others have mentioned there is a chance that while you are stabilizing you may also inadvertently drop a couple more pounds before you find the right balance. In P3 you can add more exercise as well, so that may shape you quite a bit, allowing you to appear even leaner than the scale will show.
Angela, the reason no one noticed is because they see you everyday. My hubby can now tell I’ve lost, but I’ve also lost 42 lbs. It’s hard when someone sees you everyday!
Okay… I’m frustrated. I’ve been on P3 now for 7 days now. I had to do a steak day on day 3 and lost absolutely nothing. Maintained that weight until today when I was up another .6 lbs. Don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I upped my calories from 1200 to about 1500. Do I need to take them back down again? I do think I need to drink more water. I’m eating lots of protein and fruits and could use more veggies probably. I’m just not sure what to do. I am going to do another round of P2 in 3 weeks but want to maintain where I’m at until then. The rate I’m going, I’ll be up another 3-4 lbs and I will not let that happen!! I know meds I’m on aren’t helping but what can I do?
Humm, never heard of not losing by doing a steak day. yes, up the calories, sounds like your body is going in to starvation mode, and still keep the veggies coming, you can have other veggies now, try making up some summer squash(the yellow kind) if you like that. I wash it, slice it, put it in salted water and boil until tender, then drain, add butter, salt and pepper..It’s yummy and goof for you. I am on almost 2 weeks of my 2nd p3 and am down 4 lbs from my first day of eating on p3. I eat a lot of tuna fish with mayo, fruits and still try and eat a huge salad at least once or twice a day. Also try eating at least 2 apples a day on p3
Good luck
Im new to this but need some help! I have been on the diet since January I started at 142 pds and since then I am down to 193 pds. I am still on phase 2. I am getting married in August and so excited at the 7 dress sizes I have lost, but I started to cheat. I was down to 183 and now I am having a hard time staying firm with saying no to things like I was before. I am very happy with my new body and was ready to go on to phase 3, but now that I have cheated I fear gaining it all back! I start over everyday trying to get back on track and when I am at work I don’t have a problem, but when I get home it is all down hill from there! What can I do? Please help!!!!
No candy bars….LOL, what is cocoa almonds? Did you make this up or can you buy them that way. Ok, so I was not sure about yogurt, some sites say yogurt but only the Greek plain kind; is that right.
I did buy some avocados (love them on my salad) and cottage cheese (was not real sure if could have it so didn’t eat yet).
Sherrie,
I have not gained over .5 pounds, I have stayed steady between 160 – 160.5, would really like to get below 160 .
I weigh every Sunday on my WII and it tells me its worried about me because I lost 23 pounds in 40 days, LOL.
Thank you Sherrie and have a wonderful day.
Sherry 🙂
Sherry
I get the cocoa almonds already done up in 100 calorie packs, I love those things and eat them everyday for lunch. I get mine at the regular grocery store(made by Emeralds).
I also eat yogurt I shouldn’t be eating, but have not had any weight gain. I more or less watch my calories, and I don’t eat anything else with sugar and I make sure I eat my yogurt at 8:00 a.m after getting my mile walk in
I think avocados are just fine on p3.
You have a great day too Sherry. 🙂
LOL it shouldn’t be telling you that(the WII) as all those contestants on biggest loser lose more than that in that amount of time.
7 dress sizes wow!
That is to be applauded Tessa. This is just my opinion, but I think its time for you to move into P3. I can’t imagine being on P2 since January. If your body has allowed you to continue losing you haven’t developed any immunity, but it sounds like those internal voices are telling you its time for a break. You don’t want to cheat with the HCG in your system. P3 will allow you so much more variety that the cheating urges will be minimal. It will also give you a chance to stabilize and make sure that you can maintain your new weight. Once you find that you can you will feel more confident that your achievements will be lasting. Then, if you decide to you can either do P4 or do another fresh round of P2. Multiple shorter rounds may be easier for diet adherence. If you decide to stay on P2 get rid of whatever you have in your house that is non-compliant. I find keeping my idle time to a minimum and getting to bed early also helps. I don’t know you, but I already feel so proud of you. Getting below that 200lb mark must have felt wonderful. I am sure you are going to be a gorgeous bride.
Help!! I’ve used your calorie counter on my first day , after 2 days of loading, SHOCKED to find that 3.5 0z of chicken is 87 cal. lge cucumber is 34 Melba toast is 12 apple is 72 that adds up to 228 cal I’m not gettingenough calories What do I do!
I’m getting 205 calories for what you’ve listed. If one of your meals is 205 calories you can eat more of the vegetable, or you can balance it with dinner. For example, lean beef has more calories than chicken so if you had chicken for lunch and beef for dinner you’ll be close. Perhaps eat one of the fruits with a higher calorie count for your dinner like strawberries or pink grapefruit.
Example Dinner: Cube Steak 160, Melba Toast 12, Asparagus 20, Pink Grapefruit 92 = 284 calories. This puts you very close to 500. If you want to be exact throw on a few more asparagus spears. Since you cannot eat the same foods twice in a day, having some of them lower in calories balances your overall calorie intake pretty well. Just try not to eat the lowest calorie choices in each category for each meal or you’ll come out under.
Judy, 3.5 oz of chicken is actually 105 calories not 88. Melba toast has 20 and a medium cucmber has 45 calories. .Apples are 16.25 calories per ounce and you weigh it after you core it. You have to eat 2 meals a day, so you should be able to get your calorie count up. A lot of us do better on 460-470 calories
Hi all, its been a few days since ive been here ive been a bit busy
but things are still going well for me…..currently im on day 17 of vlcd and down 15.4 lbs
YIPEEEE!!!! ive lost everything i gained from being ‘bad’ and am now 1.4 lbs under my LDW from R1 so even though it feels like im starting from scratch its all good as long as the numbers keep going down 🙂
Thanks Angela and Sherries, However I am basing the calorie count on David Wallace’s calorie counter which says 3.5 oz is 87 cal. Also do you have to use a postal scale? I’m using a digital food scale that measures in 0z. I won’t worry so much, just trying to clear up some things, & gettin’.g advise from some of you pros. Thanks for your help
Judy, those are wrong numbers up above. Google it. There is 30 calories in an oz of chicken. take that times 3.5 and that equals 87
also, weigh those apples, there are 16.25 calories in an oz.
The problem is when people don’t listen to ones that have been on it, and they give the wrong numbers, then people can’t figure out why they can’t lose the weight. Well, a lot of them are actually going over by following the numbers up above.
you figure 87 calories when you’re getting 105 you’re only hurting yourself!
Jennifer,
Did you stay on P2 for over 40 days or after loosing 34 lbs? Dr. Simeons says in his book, “Pounds and Inches”, that if you stay on the VLCD after your body has become immune to the hcg, then the weight you were loosing toward the end there, would have been good fat that your body needs, and he says that it will come back on immediately when you begin to eat normal calories. He says that if that happens, you must adjust to it and not use the weight at the last hcg, but figure out what your weight would have been if you stopped when you should have, and use that weight (for the two pound limit).
Krista, I know lot’s of folks say eating an orange is alright, but Simeons said half a grapefruit…and purposely left oranges out of the diet. I am just wondering if you would loose faster if you dropped them?
I had that experience, but in the book, Dr S says that you are using the stored up fat and it is temporarily being replaced by water retention. And it was true for me…in a few days you will urinate extra and will drop sharply! hang in there. Also, not to eat oranges nor to mix your veggies. One vegetable at a meal only. He actually speaks directly to that issue.
Sorry if this is repeating other people’s questions but I just found this site and don’t have the time to scroll thru all thousand reponses. I did see that some people have gotten the hcg from alldaychemist, but I am confused as to what to get. My other option is celeste’s. Does anyone have opinions on which one works better? My husband is seriously doubting that the drops work but I don’t know what to get for the injections. Any help would be appreciated I really am excited to get the ball rolling!
Thanks for your help!
Sorry for the long post but thought I’d publish Dr. Simeon’s Pounds and Inches section on P2 Diet to answer some of the questions. Hope this helps.
Breakfast:
Tea or coffee in any quantity without sugar. Only one tablespoonful of milk allowed in 24 hours.Saccharin or other sweeteners may be used.
Lunch:
1 100 grams of veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp. All visible fat must be carefully removed before cooking, and the meat must be weighed raw. It must be boiled or grilled without additional fat. Salmon, eel, tuna, herring, dried or pickled fish are not allowed. The chicken must be removed from the bird.
2 One type of vegetable only to be chosen from the following: spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens,green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage.
3 One breadstick (grissino) or one Melba toast.
4 An apple or an orange or a handful of strawberries or one-half grapefruit.
Dinner :
The same four choices as lunch.
The juice of one lemon daily is allowed for all purposes. Salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard powder, garlic,sweet basil, parsley, thyme, majoram, etc., may be used for seasoning, but no oil, butter or dressing.
Tea, coffee, plain water, mineral water are the only drinks allowed, but they may be taken in any quantity and at all times.
In fact the patient should drink about 2 liters of these fluids per day. Many patients are afraid to drink so much because they fear that this may make them retain more water. This is a wrong notion as the body is more inclined to store water when the intake falls below its normal requirements.
The fruit or the breadstick may be eaten between meals instead of with lunch or dinner, but not more than than four items listed for lunch and dinner may be eaten at one meal.
Sharyn, Dr Simmeons says…orange, apple, 1/2 grapefruit and strawberries!
It’s the 2nd fruit he mentions
Lunch:
1 100 grams of veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp. All visible fat
must be carefully removed before cooking, and the meat must be weighed raw. It must be boiled or
grilled without additional fat. Salmon, eel, tuna, herring, dried or pickled fish are not allowed. The
chicken must be removed from the bird.
2 One type of vegetable only to be chosen from the following: spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens,
green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage.
3 One breadstick (grissino) or one Melba toast.
4 An apple or an orange or a handful of strawberries or one-half grapefruit.
Dinner :
The same four choices as lunch.
Diana. Some on here have used the real hcg, I have used the homeopathic drops and have gotten great results with those. I paid $24.88 on ebay for mine. I’m off the drops right now as I’m on my 2nd round of p3 but have lost 43 lbs now. You have to remember, if you do order from all day chemist(which a dear friend of mine gets hers from), it does take awhile to get them, as they do come from overseas. If you’re wanting to start now on it, you could order the homeopathic while you’re waiting on the real stuff to get here, and could at least get 3 weeks in with the homeopathic to get you started on it, then the next round(if you have to do more than one round) you could switch over to the homeoptathic. My friend started out with homeopathic, then went to the real hcg drops, then last round real hcg injections. She has lost a lot of weight and looks BEAUTIFUL(I’m very proud of her as I’m sure you can tell)
Diana,
Sherrie………….you goof…LOL………..damn girl I’m proud of you too!! You have come so far on this diet.
Write to me at: clong at gmail com
It does not have to be confusing nor costly to get real hcg.
Diana, yes, e-mail Cindy. She’s a “rock” and has gotten me to where I am today. Cindy has done exceptionally well on this diet and she can help you(she sure did me). 🙂 Love ya Cindy Lou!
Sherrie,
Sorry if you already answered this question (this thread gets so confusing sometimes and I cannot always find my old posts) but where did you buy cocoa almonds or did you make them.
No problem Sherry
Yes, of course I answered you. I bought them at our grocery store, they are made by emerald. I looked in walmart, my sons fiance works at walmart up in Illinois and said they have them but their not by the nuts at their walmart. I have looked there and can’t find them. I buy the single packets(there are 6 or 7 packs in each box) and they’re 100 calories packs. They have them in the big container too, which in the long run is cheaper, but that would be too easy for me to cheat and eat more than I need. 🙂
I’m glad you posted that again Susan, I have posted it before too. Some people come on here and say not to eat oranges, and they’re steering people the wrong way. Oranges ARE allowed! Thanks again for posting, now hopefully everyone WILL read it. 🙂
whoops, glad I re-read that. I meant to say while waiting on the real hcg, you can do the homeopathic, then switch over to the real hcg when you receive it. E-mail Cindy, she gets hers from all day chemist and can tell you exactly what you need to get.
Sherry, Mary, another great friend can read posts but can’t respond to these on her iphone, but she e-mailed me and said walmart carries them on the potato chip isle. 🙂
Sherrie,
Thank you and thanks for all your words of encouragement, support and useful infromation 🙂
Sherry
You’re more than welcome Sherry(dang girl I love your name). LOL
I just finished the homeopathic drops. I did 30 days and lost 21lbs. I followed the diet pretty strictly (cheated by using a non approved lotion a couple of times). 21 lbs is significant for 30 days, but definitely not a pound a day. I’ve been reading the posts for a while and notice that some are losing more in that same 30 day time frame or should based on their reported losses thus far. I am therefore considering the injections. If anyone has a reason why they think the injections are better, please let me know. If my weight loss was about what I should have expected, I’ll probably just keep using the homeopathic drops for the next round as they are cheap and convenient. I just want to make sure I’m not cheating myself out of a bigger loss. The other thing is that I’ve noticed some people who take the injections mention hunger, or some doctors prescribing appetite suppressants with the HCG which seems odd to me as I experienced no hunger on the homeopathic drops (just a little mental hunger early on when others were eating delicious food around me). So, please weigh in with your opinion of which product you think is best and why.
Looks like this has been asked. I didn’t really get what I was looking for in the answers though. If anyone has any ‘I 30 pounds on injections versus 21 pounds on homeopathic drops’ that’s the kind of thing I was looking for even if it is your observation and comparisons of others on the injections versus the drops.
Angela,
I took HCG by injections for 40 days and lost 23.6 pounds, I want to lose 20 more pounds but the injections are expensive so I need to wait. Everyone is different and experience different results. I can tell you that some people at work are on HCG drops and their weight loss ranges from person to person. One person lost 15 pounds, another only 10 while someone else said they lost 25 pounds. My husband has been on the HCG shots for only a week and a half and he has already lost 16 pounds. So there really is not a good answer to your question, it really depends on each person on the results they will see.
Hope this helps a little.
Sherry
Angela, you don’t have to be as strict I have found on homeopathic. I lost 22 lbs on 45 days first time, I started cheating though after 3 weeks. If you read pounds and inches, women don’t tend to lose as much as men. I lost 9.2 pounds my first week of p2(first round), then I lost 15 in 3 weeks. The bigger you are the faster it will come off. You won’t lose anymore (no pound a day) on homeopathic or the real stuff period!
How many other diets could you have gone on and lost that kind of weight in 30 days?? I did one more round of p2 and now on p3 again, and most likely will have to do 1 more round of p2. I am down 43 lbs and haven’t been this happy in a long time!
Don’t fret, be happy you have lost what you have!
Cindy has done all three(homeopathic, real hcg drops and injections). She likes the injections I think the best, and I like the homeopathic. We all have a favorite as in everything else.
Hi Susan,
I went back to see if I could have missed that, and in the copy of his book that I got (on the Web, so who knows?), the orange is not there. To see that supposed copy of the original book/protocol, you would go to myfatcure dot com. That is where I got if from. So someone may have changed either your or my source of the book. Whatever, I LOVE this diet!
Did you read pounds and inches?
Fluctuations in weight loss
After the fourth or fifth day of dieting the daily loss of weight begins to decrease to one pound or
somewhat less per clay, and there is a smaller urinary output. Men often continue to lose regularly
at that rate, but women are more irregular in spite of faultless dieting. There may be no drop at
all for two or three days and then a sudden loss which reestab1ishes the normal average. These
fluctuations are entirely due to variations in the retention and elimination of water, which are more
marked in women than in men.
The weight registered by the scale is determined by two processes not necessarily synchronized
under the influence of HCG fat is being extracted from the cells, in which it is stored in the fatty
tissue. When these cells are empty and therefore serve o purpose the body breaks down the cellular
structure and absorbs it, but breaking up of useless cells, connective tissue, blood vessels, etc., may
lag behind the process of fat-extraction. When this happens the body appears to replace some of the
extracted fat with water which is retained for this purpose. As water is heavier than fat the scales may
show no loss of weight, although sucient fat has actually been consumed to make up for the deficit in
the 500-Calorie diet. When then such tissue is finally broken down, the water is liberated and there
is a sudden flood of urine and a marked loss of weight. This simple interpretation of what is really an
extremely complex mechanism is the one we give those patients who want to know why it is that on
certain days they do not lose, though they have committed no dietary error.
somewhere on there it also states that women will usually average around 1/2 a pound a day
Well, Sherrie, I certainly don’t mean to “steer people the wrong way”, and the on-line book I found, which says it is his book, does not say oranges! Tell me where to find the copy of the book you are reading…I would love to eat oranges.
Terry, I had the same thing happen to me. Though you have done twice as good! I had only lost about 16.5 lbs when I began to feel hungry. I take the real hcg, but prepared for sublingual use, rather than shots. Congrats on your loss! It is a sign that you may need to take a break.
Hey everyone. Just checking in again. I had some problems with fluctuating in P3, but I found a way to stabilize it and ended up being within a few ounces of my weight on the last day of the P2 drops. I did the P3 for 25 days then went back to the drops again for (hopefully) the last time!
I started P2 again for the second time and have lost 22 pounds in 13 days so far. I reeeeeeeally did the gorge days to the extreme and I think that is the key that a lot of people overlook. I went to KFC and got 3 double downs (deeeeeeelicious!), then later to BK for 3 double cheeseburgers, then a jar of peanut butter that night. The next day I went to DQ and got a triple cheeseburger meal, then got a medium meat lovers pizza later, and then a jar of Nutella at night. I ended up gaining almost 7 pounds! But, I lost that 7 after just two days and now I’m at 22 pounds lost total. For anyone getting ready to do this diet, they are called gorge days for a reason! DON’T SKIMP! Eat 5 times what you would normally eat on a day you would consider pigging out and you’ll have better results.
So, adding up both P2 sessions so far, in 53 days I have lost 72 pounds with it. I’m now at 232 and planning to do the drops until I can’t take it anymore and hopefully see the scale hit 199!
I had one question that I haven’t seen an answer to. Can you make hamburger meat with taco seasoning? I figure I could make 1/2 a pound of taco meat and eat it in 3 oz servings. Of course no shells or toppings, just the meat itself. Has anyone else done this?
Thanks and I’ll check back later!
poundsandinchesaway.com/about-hcg-protocol.html
angela, click on this and go all the way to the bottom, it will tell you average for women/men to lose on this diet
go to “the diet”
http://www.hcgloss.com/pounds-and-inches.html?start=4
you can also go to the pounds and inches website and have them e-mail the whole pounds and inches book
hcgloss.com/pounds-and-inches.html?start=4
you can also go to the pounds and inches website and have them e-mail you the whole thing
pounds-and-inches.com/
Sherrie/Sherry,
Thank you so much for your detailed reply as to which form of HCG is better. That is exactly the type of information I was hoping to get and it answered all of my questions. You ladies are a godsend.
Sherrie, you are so right. I need to just be happy with my loss which was great and cheap to accomplish. I’m going to do a little celebratory shopping this evening. I too will probably need 3 rounds. I think I’ll just stick with the homeopathic drops.
I am so glad you ladies are around. There are people on this diet that pay counselors to give them the same advice you guys are nice enough to share for free.
Wayne, those are awesome results. I’ve never heard of a KFC double down! I found it hard to gorge my first time around. I gave it my best shot though and the next time I do it I actually have things in mind that I’m going to be sure to include.
As for the taco seasoning, most of them have sugar so you won’t be able to use it without it being a cheat. I only looked at the two I have at home. So you can check the other brands, but I’m guessing they all have a little sugar. Of course once you read the ingredients you can buy the same spices and mix it yourself without the sugar.
So what finally helped you stabilize in P3?
The KFC double down is 2 pieces of fried chicken with a ton of cheese and bacon inside it to make a sandwich without the bun. The first one was so tasty, but by halfway through the third one, it was getting a little disgusting haha But still, I finished it off! I’m guessing three of them had to easily be 2500 calories, if not more.
Ok, I wasn’t sure on the taco seasoning. I still may give it a try and see if it affects the results. Mine seem to be different than a lot of people that post here, especially in P3.
As for the stabilization, people here were telling me to eat more calories (1500-1900) but that just wasn’t working for me. I kept gaining, and was up 6 pounds at one point. I ended up going back to the regular diet I was doing before HCG, but just upped the portions a bit.
On a regular day I would have something like:
Breakfast: 4 pieces of turkey bacon, 2 eggs, and an orange
Lunch: Egg Beaters omelet (usually 3/4 of a cup to 1 cup), with 2 pieces of cheese, and 2 oz of ham
Dinner: 6-8 oz 96/4 burger with a slice of cheese and a handful of cherry tomatoes
Snack: I wasn’t really snacking much, but if I did, I would have 3-4 pieces of the garlic Melba toast (it has some fat, but its waaaaay better than the regular stuff, and I’ve been eating them occasionally on the HCG with no problems)
Drinks: I was probably drinking about 2-3 cans of Coke Zero a day and 4-5 20 oz bottles of water.
All that would add up to about 1200 calories or so. If I went much higher, I would gain. But honestly, eating this much made me full and I wasn’t craving anything else. Coming from someone that was 365 pounds in December and was 250 during the P3, that is saying something as I used to just eat everything and I was ALWAYS still hungry. But, P3 was different for me than most people I think.
I wasn’t TOO concerned with the gains/losses of P3 then because I knew I was doing the drops again, but the first P3 I was using as a “test” so I knew what would work next time when I come off the drops and don’t have any plans to go back on them.
Thanks Angela
I’m really hoping I don’t have to do another round. I’m really not supposed to be losing right now on p3, but so far, I’m still losing 2 lbs a week, so if I can keep this up, I may just finish up on p3. 🙂
Wow Wayne, that was A LOT of food. LOL
It took me 3 days my last p2 to get off the 4.2 lbs I had put on during load days.
You are doing great, and I hope and pray for you that one more round of p2 will be it for you! Keep up the great work
Wayne, I only did taco seasoning when I was on p3. I probably wouldn’t use it. Look in the ingredients I guess and see what all is in it
Wayne, the original double down only has 540 calories each, if it was the grilled one, it has 400 and some calories. If I load again, I want you to come do it for me. LOL
well today i stepped on the scale seen what it said and said wow havent seen that weight since my highschool wrestling days and im 47 lol that should say something. i started this diet weighing 287lbs. happy to say that after 26 days im down to 255i see 1 more round after this i really want to reach the 200 or less mark not much less though unless you think that goal is reachable this go round
plus is there to much water you can drink in one day
I think I am doing something wrong…Someone please help!
I average about 8 oz of loss daily. However here the last week or more I’ll loose one day but nothing up or down the next day. On top of that I have had only 1 BM since starting the diet 26 days ago. I drink all my water so much so I dream about drowning (just kidding). I weigh all my food do everything according to the directions and I seem to be having some un-read of difficulties. I am down 19 lbs so I am pleased about that life changing drop…I am just concerned… Thank you so much for your time and help!
Donna
Hey guys,
Wow this is a neat site! I have been searching but hadn’t found any site whose blogs where current. Which makes me happy to have come across this one.
@Donna- Don’t feel bad I haven’t lost/gained in almost 4 days but I am told that you are meant to hit a plateau stage so just keep up the good work and push through I’m sure it will pass soon 🙂
@Wayne- Congrats sir that is awesome so encouraged by you and proud of you!
Well i would love to have a pin pal a.e. a email buddy who could share things/thoughts with me and vs. so if anyone is up to it just post back.
God bless everyone and Happy losing 🙂
You can drink as much water as you want. I can barely get down my 1/2 gallon. WTG on the weight loss
you’re fine Donna, that happens where you hit small plateaus. You are doing excellent, as women usually don’t lose as much as men.
Remember, your body has got to catch up, you can’t expect to lose that much everyday.
SHERRIE,
Hey you seem to be google on here and i have some questions.
1. I have been on the VLCD for 16 day have lost 16.4 pds, but i feel like i am eating wrong along I follow the protocol it is difficult to know the amounts because as you say the ones above are wrong, therefore what do you use/
2. I seen on a comment that you made to one of the post that you were eatting almonds, was that in p2?
3. Are the none calorie, non high fructose, pretty much none everything flavored GV carbinated waters permitted?
4. Is it best not to eat after a certain time?
I’m sure there are many more questions but thats good for now
Hey Sherrie,
This is my first time blogging so for give me as i blindfoldedly find my way though. I realize now that I could of left a comment here for you but even now I’m not sure if it will be connected to Donna’s post. Therefore for I left a comment for you above of some of the questions I am having while on my HCG. So I hope to here back from you soon.
Sincerly,
Sherri (like this blog needs another one of those…at least we all spell it different…lol 🙂
Hey S(not sure of your first name). 🙂
I searches whatever food it was and nutritional value to find calories. I have a good website on fruits and calories
. http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/FoodLabelingGuidanceRegulatoryInformation/InformationforRestaurantsRetailEstablishments/UCM063482
where it says the calories(like apple, large 130 calories), then on the side right under apple it will give you for how many oz. take the calories and divide by the oz they give you and then times it by how many oz your apple is you’re eating. same for the other fruits. I weighed out 5.3 oz of strawberries and would count those as 50 calories.
2) no, I only eat those on p3(this is the 2nd time on it).
3) plain water, black coffee, tea with stevia or plain unsweetened tea is all permitted. You can have the juice of one lemon a day and add either stevia or sweet n low(the only 2 sugar substitutes allowed). I’ve been drinking lots of lemonade lately.:)
4). Yes, do not eat within 3 hours of bedtime and try to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Try to get your fluids in within 2 hours before bed, or you’ll be up all night peeing.
Good luck you will do fine
Hey S(not sure of your first name).
I searches whatever food it was and nutritional value to find calories. I have a good website on fruits and calories
. fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/FoodLabelingGuidanceRegulatoryInformation/InformationforRestaurantsRetailEstablishments/UCM063482
where it says the calories(like apple, large 130 calories), then on the side right under apple it will give you for how many oz. take the calories and divide by the oz they give you and then times it by how many oz your apple is you’re eating. same for the other fruits. I weighed out 5.3 oz of strawberries and would count those as 50 calories.
2) no, I only eat those on p3(this is the 2nd time on it).
3) plain water, black coffee, tea with stevia or plain unsweetened tea is all permitted. You can have the juice of one lemon a day and add either stevia or sweet n low(the only 2 sugar substitutes allowed). I’ve been drinking lots of lemonade lately.:)
4). Yes, do not eat within 3 hours of bedtime and try to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Try to get your fluids in within 2 hours before bed, or you’ll be up all night peeing.
Good luck you will do fine
LOL Just saw this with your name, Love that name. We all spell our names differently though. 🙂
S.
I am also looking for a email partner. I’ve got several rounds of the diet to do and having someone to talk to daily or at regularly would really help. I post here but I don’t want to clog the post each day so if you are interested, I’m your girl. darby_trenton@hotmail.com
Hey Wayne,
Thanks for the explanation of the KFC double down. I explained what it was to my husband and he said he was going to go get one right now! I’m sure he’ll be nice enough to eat it outside of the house. He’s got those lucky genes where he doesn’t gain weight no matter what he eats. I think I may try one my next round.
WOW Tessa,
A size 7 I can’t imagine being that size. Currently I’m 266.4Ibs and I’m a size 18 so for me just getting down to a 12 would be remarkable. And it would be Heaven if I was were to get to a single number digit. so i want to say Tessa YOU ROCK!!!
You say that you have been in P2 from January to June, Do you realize what you have accomplished? Girl that is 6 months you can say 25 weeks even 181 days or 4344 hours that is 260640 minutes or 15,635,400 seconds of complete and total commitment and resistance, and that, that deserves a pat on the back, round of applause, hand shake and whatever else one can do. You have truly remained strong though your diet.
Therefore don’t be afraid to move to P3 I am sure you’ll be fine, especially since you have now retrained your body to want/crave the things that are good for you. Now is the time to just trust you. Also know even if you do “cheat” (which you should on your honeymoon) now and again it’s ok, because that isn’t what made us obese, it was when we gorged “again and again.” I’m just taking a stab in the dark here but did you want to lose the weight for your wedding? If so trust me even without seen you I know on your going to look great in you dress and to draw on the words of my aunt, “Girl, you gon wear dat dress, it ain’t gon wear you!” 🙂 lol
Seriously though what you have persevered through is truly amazing and I am SOOOOOOOOOOO proud of you. So even though you don’t know me I want you to get up, go to the closes mirror and say to yourself “PHASE 3 HERE I COME!” and know that it has been you and God through P2 as you lost weight and it will be you and Him in P3 as you maintain and continue to lose. So again congrats
Sincerely,
The girl who can’t wait to be in your shoes (Sherri)
Sorry Angela I read that wrong 🙁
Sherrie,
You rock! Thank for the info will look that up. BTW my first name is also Sherri (just spelled different) which i see is a popular name on here…lol
How long have you been on the program? and How much have you lost?
sounds great Angela lets start ill e-mail you asap. its from a yahoo
No problem haha It’s one of the best things in fast food!
They say it’s 540, but there are tons of people investigating it because there is just NO WAY two pieces of fried chicken, cheese, and bacon is only 540. It’s estimated at over 1100 actually. Do a Google search and you’ll find it. Either way, they are delicious! haha
Yep, it was a LOT of food! I felt like I wanted to barf after a while, but I kept it all down!
And yeah, I still may try the taco seasoning once and see what happens. I’ve also been eating turkey patties this whole time and that’s not on the list and I’m fine with that too. It should be alright for me I think.
Hi all…
So much good advice coming off this blog; it’s amazing to read and learn from each one.
I still cannot figure out why I am hungry often throughout the day and hubby says so also. Eating right at the 500 give or take 10. Lots of water w/lemon. Our food plan list is very short as we do not eat any seafood at all. So it’s chicken or beef or beef or chicken. Only so much you can do with that every day. I did read one post saying they’ve eaten turkey patties. Would ground turkey be ok? I really feel that if I wasn’t so hungry all the time; this would be easier. Our veggie list is short also because other than lettuce, tomatoes and celery, there isn’t much else to make a meal with. We only eat apples, oranges, grapefruit and strawberries(but not often), so our meals are identical day to day as I am run out of ideas to change anything up with such a short list of veggies and protein to use.
Also, question…my talked to my doc today and he had originally filled my prescription for 20 days with one refill. He says he does this to give the person a choice to take a break from P2 after 20 days and if we want, we cant continue and refill immediately to be on P2 for the full 40 days or we can wait on it. Has anyone only done the 20 day plan? How long do you break in between if you do the 20 day plan? With such a repetitive menu, we are thinking of taking the break at 20 days(it’s plus a few days).
Advice?? and Thanks….
Thanks Ladies for your help and I am off to email Cindy right now. Thank you so much for sharing your vast knowledge of this diet! You will see me again for sure!
Cindy for some strange reason the email address didn’t work clong@gmail.com
Wayne dear, I’m afraid all that grease would throw me in the bathroom for days straight. 🙁 I don’t handle grease too well.
Hey Sherri
I started on p2 March 22 at 196.6 I stayed on the drops for 6 weeks, but started having a hard time with staying away from the sugars after the 3rd week. I lost 22 lbs the first round, then went to p3 for 2 1/2 weeks(lost another 4 lbs while on p3) then back to p2 for 3 weeks and now have been back on p3 for 2 1/2 weeks. I’ve lost 4 more pounds on p3 again and am down to 154. I’m 5’6″ and want to get down to around 135. So, down almost 43 lbs and have 19 more to go(maybe less, haven’t decided yet). I won’t let myself get below 135 as I’m 53 years old and I think when you’re older, you need a little meat on your bones. 🙂
You will do fantastic Sherri. I am thinking one more round of p2 maybe. Beginning the middle of July. Haven’t decided for sure yet. Heck, if I can continue losing an average of 2 lbs a week on p3, I may just stay on this phase. LOL I don’t really like eating on p2 but gotta do what you gotta do. 🙂
Hey Jo
20 days then same low calorie for 3 days afterwards before going in to p3. The minimum amount to be on p3 is 3 weeks, but you can make it longer. It can take a few days for your body to adjust to the low calories which can cause you to be hungry.
Well, did you lose anything this morning? I hope you did, I know you’re trying very hard.
I myself prefer the 3 week plan over the 6 week plan as there isn’t much food choices and you find yourself craving the no no’s more I think on the longer plan. I guess it depends on you and your hubby, if you want to take a break, go for it, but make sure you keep a close eye on your weights everyday once you go to the next phase. If you hit that 2 lb mark(above last drop day) then nothing to eat all day until dinner, then it’s a huge steak and either an apple or tomato.
Turkey is not on the original protocol, but everyones body handles things differently.
Good luck in whatever you decide!
hi……..two different times i did the “injections” and was VERY successful .for some reason i did not follow thru and do phase 2 which i understand now is critical…….so this time instead of going and getting a script i thought i would try the drops…….celest has a very interesting website and so i decided to NOT go the homeopathic way…….i have been on the drops now for two weeks and i have been floowing dr. seimeons diet to the letter.i do not eat any of the veggies that are not on his list b/c he says it is not only calories but the chemical composition of each one of them……….and,i have not lost much weight at all. i have been strick about eating 500 calories and so what lkittle i have lost i contribute to that!!!!!! but i do know that losing weight like that is not goodi feel i need to make a change but at this point don’t know what or where…any advice?
lorna
Lorna, p2 is the vlcd, p3 is the stabilization. I have only used the homeopathic and am down almost 43 lbs. I have never tried the real drops. Cindy I know has done the homeopathic, then the real drops and last time she did the injections. I believe she liked the injections the best of all 3, myself, I have done only the homeopathic drops and have been very pleased with my loss
Good luck to you
What does VLCD stand for??
Very Low Calorie Diet
Since the cost is minimal, you may want to go ahead and get the homeopathic drops and see if the weight begins to fall. That will be a good comparison. I don’t believe there are any downsides from switching mid course as they both accomplish the same thing. You mention that you have not lost ‘much weight’. Can you be a little more specific? From my understanding the weight loss may be less with each round. Did you wait enough time between rounds?
Hi Lorna,
I wonder if you are still immune? Simeons says between first and second rounds you must wait 6 weeks, Then between the second and third round of hCG, you must wait (eek, it is either 8 or 10 weeks). Between the 3rd and 4th round I believe it was either 12 or 20 weeks. You can go read it in his book to check. If you guys are still immune, you are not doing yourselves a favor to stay on the hcg at all!
It is also possible to get bad product. So if you have done the waiting (phase 3) correctly, it could be you are not getting the real thing, or it has not been stored properly, or whatever. It must be refrigerated.
I have hit on some good recipes of my making that really helped me not be hungry, and would be happy to share with you. I go strictly by Simeon’s book. There is a Sherrie on here who has found another book with his name on it, but there is no way to say which is authentic…mine does not allow oranges, hers does. I do not know if there are any other differences in what she and I have both trusted was the true protocol.
Many people have changed the diet a bit, and then published on the web, what they think is allowed.
I may be confused about what phase 2 is…isn’t that the VLCD part? Phase one being the 2 days or loading??…by the way, my book says “Loading”, not “Gorging”! Whatever, I think hCG works on everyone, so if yours is not using your excess fat, and therefore, keeping you and your husband from feeling hungry all the time, I suspect that you are either immune and need to wait the period Dr S says to wait (otherwise known as phase 3), or you got bad stuff.
Donna,
Betcha when the BM comes, you’re gonna drop 2 +lbs! hahah you are doing much better than you think. Best
Hey Sherrie,
I can agree eatting on P3 is the worst but you just kinda gota bukle down and do and keep reapeating “This to shall pass”…lol SO wow you currently past my goal weight which is just 167…I am black so my race tends to have big hips and thighs which I find to be really beautiful. That why I wana keep my nuber there (plus thats realistic for me). But congrats lady at the 43Ibs you the Wo-men. oh ok so thanks for the website about the fruits very helpful but do you have one about the vegs and meats as well?
Wayne,
Wow thats awesome that you have lost 72 Ibs so far. Now tell me where did you put all that food on your load days…thats crazy how much you put it. I seen you said hopefully you’ll see the scale at 199, sir at the rate your going 199 it just around the corner. Thanks for the post your experience is so encouraging to me and I’m sure many others. Congrats again sir
Sherri
CIndy,
Can you help me too 🙁 pleeeeeeease! I just started the diet about 17 days ago I’m doing ok but have ALOT of questions as far as the differences the non approved items, how P3 works and many more. just let me know and I’ll email you too if its ok
S.garnett July 1, 2010 at 2:01 pm
CIndy,
Can you help me too pleeeeeeease! I just started the diet about 17 days ago I’m doing ok but have ALOT of questions as far as the differences the non approved items, how P3 works and many more. just let me know and I’ll email you too if its ok
I started out at 365 so I’m no stranger to eating a TON of food hah I guess the “trick” is just eating the meal as fast as possible so you don’t realize how full you are until it’s over. I must have eaten the 3 double cheeseburgers from BK in about 5 minutes tops. Also, I didn’t drink ANY water those two days either. Water makes me feel full really fast, but it also disappears overnight so it’s not good for making you feel full for a long time.
And yes, 199 seems right around the corner to me as well! I got on the scale today and it said 229.9, which is 4 pounds less than when I posted a couple days ago. I really think being in Texas where its HOT is making it much easier to drink 2 gallons of water a day and that is keeping the numbers up much more than a couple months ago when I did this diet and struggled to drink 1 gallon.
Good luck and you can do it!
I’m the one eating turkey and it’s been working for me. Don’t get the ground turkey as that has a lot more calories than the cutlets.
This is what you want: http://www.citysackers.com/images/Honey%20Suckle%20White%20Turkey%20Breast%20Cutlets.jpg
They have it at most Walmarts and it’s about the same price as chicken breast. Basically all the calories/fat/protein numbers almost match chicken, so I’ve been getting it since day one. It’s just another way to mix it up a bit.
You also might want to try bison steak when regular cube steak gets boring.
OK complete honesty here…
I am 44 yrs old and have always had a slight weight problem, but in 2006 my youngest child was on her way to scholl with some friends and she was killed by a train. Depression took over and the eating began. The weight just kept pouring on which has let to more weight gain. I started the drops but 27 days ago and I am down 19.4 lbs. I am becoming very dependent on my scale…no loss depression…depression leads to me wanting to rekindle my relationship with the fridge. Up until today I was able to resist. I cheated…I cheated myself and I feel horriable! It was a cold hot dog and just a bite (didnt taste very good either…lol) What impact is that bite going to have on my daily loss and how do I deal with the depression eating taking over? If anyone has a suggestion I’d love to hear from you! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. **Donna**
Hey Donna
Again, I am so sorry about your daughter, that had to be devastating.
One bite shouldn’t hurt your weight at all, but DON’T do it again. 🙂 You are doing fantastic if you’ve lost 19.4 lbs in 27 days. If you get like that again, grab something like celery or a fruit. Also a walk when I’m feeling down always seems to pick me up. If you ever need to talk, you have my e-mail. Hope tomorrow will be a better day for you
{hugs}
Sharyn, the drops I got said that a good time between p3 back to p2(if you have to go back on p2) is 3 weeks, but you can go less than that in between. If you go 2 1/2 weeks you can reload, if anything less than that, no need to reload. I went on my drops after 2 1/2 weeks(loaded again), put on 4.2 lb on load days and then lost that plus 11 more pounds(in the 3 weeks).
p2 is load days included(you’re on your drops during those 2 days). With Dr Simmeons plan there was no p1, but there is a p1 with Kevin Trudeaus plan
A lot of times people are hungry more so when close to their “goal” weight and there body is not wanting to get any smaller
Dear Donna,
Your depression is certainly understandable. I don’t know if you get anything for it, but I take Fluoxatina which is the generic for prozac where I live. It will be a little different name in the U.S. It has been a godsend to me.
I think that the extra calories from the bite of hotdog might make it look like you have gained for one day. I too cheated and had a single reeses piece. Dr S says that the extra calories will make you produce more blood in order to accommodate the extra, and what that means is water weight of another kind. It will pass! When you “don’t loose weight”, but you are sticking to the protocol, you must tell yourself, “Yes, I am loosing a bunch of fat today, and the cells have filled with water, and in a day or three it will all be gone as the cells and veins etc are re-cycled into my body”. That is the only thing that makes a non-loss day bearable to me…and the Prozac;). By the way, when all is said and done, the average weight loss for women is half a pound a day, so you are doing extremely well!
Woo Hoo your in Texas too…what part I am north North Texas approx. 2 hrs north of dallas
Has anyone tried the crabmeat in the can? (near the Tuna). The entire can (2servings) only says 70 calories. No sugar, nothing and the sodium is low too. I could eat that; wonder if we are allowed. Not seeing it on the list so I’m guessing not. Did ya’ll know there is a salsa that has no sugar in it?? Pace I believe was the name, I’ll double check, but read ur labels ladies. We havent used it yet cuz we are still on P2….and still hungy during the day. I think it’s the water making my stomach feel empty. I can hear hubby’s stomach growling when he’s sleeping…lol
I’m on day 11 of P2 (I count the load days in the 11) and am down 12 pounds 🙂 Feeling better about the losing, but not happy with the choices on this P2
Sherrie,
I WANT to reload…LOL… I’ll probably ask you 10 times if we decide to take the break after the first 23 days of drops, how many days do we continue on the P2 without drops and how many days do we stay on P3 before we can relaod…lol Is one way better than the other? Reload vs not reloading? We decided to take it one day at a time. I told hubby, as long as I see a new number on the scale each day(lower of course), I can make it thru another day of the miminal choices of P2
Hey!!
I’m in Texas too!!! I am an hour and half northeast of Dallas….
Small world and Texas’; such a big state and yes, very hot these days and lots more to come.
One of my doctors tried this and I would like to offer some helpful advice to all you fellow wannabes (want to be skinny as I do, that is lol)She did the drops first,then injections.She says that the injections work much better.I’ve followed her progress and research,and also done my own. If you feel bloated I have read you can take corn silk and dandelion tea on this diet for that. Also….if your system is overloaded with toxins and preservatives you might feel really bad at first, try Vitamin C and charcoal to help with that.For those of you that don’t seem to be losing the weight try eating nothing but 6 apples throughout the day.You should show a weight loss the next day then continue with the normal expected weight loss. Like I said this comes from checking the program out from head to toe. My injections coem tomorrow and I hope to join the rest of you with an awesome weight loss story. Good luck to you all and hang in there.
thanks for replies……sharyn, the last time i was on injections and that was about one yr ago so i am sure i am not immune. i got up this morning and put on another lb.and i am doing exactly what i am suppose to be doing to the letter. i am so concerned that my product is not good ! i ordered from celeste and i guess b/c i did not order the whole package (i go by kevin trudeau) i got no directions……..a flyer that says to read directions on the bottle and there are none except to refrigerate ! i do also have some homeopathic in my fridge maybe i should start using that one. lorna
Hey Jo
You stay on very low calories for 72 hours after your last drop. So, if you take your last drop on a Wednesday night, then stay on the vlcd Thur, Fri and Sat and start eating everything but starch/sugars on Sunday.
If you go back to p2 within 2 weeks of p3, then you don’t have to reload, if it’s over 2 /12 weeks you should reload. I reloaded after 2 1/2 weeks last time, if I have to do this again, I will reload again, as I’ve already been on p3 for close to 3 weeks. I still haven’t decided if I’m going to go back to p2 or if I’m just going to try and finish up losing on my own.
Jo remember, you didn’t weigh after load days, so you’re more than likely down more than you would think. 🙂
When you get hungry, drink a glass of water. Wait 10 minutes, if you’re still hungry then you’re body is needing food, if not then it’s a habit of eating. Maybe you and your hubby should talk to the Dr about doing the 750 calorie day diet of this instead of the 250.
Shauna
Everyones bodies are different. I did fine on the homeopathic, some do good on the real and some do good on the injections. My neighbor is on the real hcg drops, and I’ve had a better weight loss than her and she finds herself hungry all the time, so, the drops/injections don’t work as well for some as others.
I myself(and I’ve been on this over 3 mos and HAVE it plateuas) don’t believe in an apple day. Your body hits plateaus for a reason, and if you leave it alone and continue on the diet, you will have a nice loss after a few days. If I lose a pound overnight, it’s not going to make me look smaller than I did the day before. 🙂
Sherrie and Sharyn.
Thank you so much for your time thought and advice!
Its great to know we have this site for support.
Thanks again!
You can bet I’ll be back! HA ha ha
Have A Great Weekend!
Donna
Hi Lorna,
I too purchased from Celeste and the flyer that accompanied states the following: ‘5 drops, 4 times a day. If you miss a time, just double it the next time.’ Doesnt say when to take them, nor does it say how long to hold the drops under the tongue. I’ve read elsewhere that its supposed to be held under the tongue for up to 2 minutes, then swallowed. So…. I guess thats what I’m gonna do. This is my first time trying HCG and my biggest fear is that the drops wont be potent. There’s really no way to confirm this that I know of. My load day starts July 3rd. (Great way to do the 4th!). I have 50lbs to lose. Man I hope this stuff works!
I also wanted to thank everyone on this blog because I know I would have quit last week if it hadn’t been for reading all the comments, advice and kind words of encouragement.
Thank you….
I am moving into Phase III today. I am a bit frustrated as my weight has leveled off for 3 days now.
I go on a 2 week trip next Wednesday and am not sure what to do.
What happens if I dont do well on phase III. How detrimental is that?
I am restarting Phase I on August 7th – but I dont want to lose a lot of ground between now and then.
Also – if anyone still wants me to email them the HCG recipe book – just shoot me an email at les.boothby@elevationscu.com
Les
Hi there,
My name is Donna too and I’ve been on here for a few months now. My heart sunk when I read about your daughter. I lost my 4 year old son in a tragic rollover accident in May 2008. Depression also lead to weight gain. I’ve lost 14-15 lbs and have been able to keep it off. This diet has been a God send! After all we’ve gone through, sticking to a diet for a few months is “nuttin”! My very good friend whom also lost a daughter in a tragic accident July 2008 is starting the diet this weekend. I’ll be chiming in and checking on here! Good luck and sending you peace through your diet journey.
Hi all!!!
I’ve been able to read all the comments from work, as they are emailed to me but I am blocked from the site! Boooooo. But! I had some things to mention and wanted to update you all on my progress. I was worried at first because I thought my weight loss would not be as fast seeing as I don’t have a ton of weight to lose but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. I’m doing the homeopathic drops and am on vlcd day 9. I’ve lost 13 lbs. People at work are already noticing!!! Today is a fourth of July party and I can’t indulge in all the yummie desserts, and tonight I have a bachelorette party I’m throwing for a girlfriend, so I have a couple mountains to face today. I’m going to Orlando for a week on Sunday and am packing a large amount of my own food… I’m going to have lots of chicken breast lunch meat!!!
I wanted to ask a couple things: the first place from where I got my drops said to take 6 drops six times daily but then I went to myhcgplus.com and they said to take 10 drops 6 times daily. I freaked out, bought another two 2oz bottles from them and doubled my dosage. Luckily I caught that on my first vlcd day. The site claims that because the homeopathic drops are diluted you should have 250 iu a day instead of 125, because it is not as potent as the injections. Maybe that is why some people have not had great results with the drops? And are feeling hunger pangs. I’m never hungry and often times can skip a fruit, and I haven’t even eaten the starches at all.
Also, the protocol mentions to drink 2 liters of the allowed fluids, not just water. Just a note about water: if you down like 32 oz of water in like 5 minutes it does you no good. It has to be throughout the day… I am loving things like chia tea and freshly squeezed lemonade, and last night I did a yummy strawberry smoothies. Froze my own fresh strawberries, added some water, two packets of stevia, and blended.
Also a yummie dessert treat is taking our sliced and cores apple, sprinkling some cinnamon on the slices and one packet of stevia and sticking it in the microwave for 50 seconds. This literally is like apple pie!!! So when all of these other hoochies are loving them some crudely shaped sheet cake and frosting, I’ll be just as happy with my easy low calorie dessert!!!! Yay!!!!
Love reading what you guys post!
And I represent the big tejas as well!!! About 20 southeast of Dallas!!! 🙂
Lorna,
Thanks for clearing that up…My doc confirmed that the shots are more readily used by our bodies. A shot has 125ius of hCG, and so do the drops…the thing is I take the drops twice a day and a shot is a once a day thing…Anyone who wants to see an amazingly terrific hCG journey should go to youtube and search for: mamaclok
She had LOTS of weight to loose, and she made a vlog (video log). I found her so very helpful and inspiring…as are all of you.
So you are clearly not immune, so something is going on. If the other drops worked for you and are less than a month old, I think I would switch. Best of luck.
Sharyn
I ordered from Celeste and I actually emailed her to ask her about the drops. She says 4 drops 4X daily. I guess it would be ok to increase number of drops if you are feeling hunger pains. I just hold the drops for a couple minutes too and then swallow. I considered injections but I am too much of a baby to give myself the injections. I ordered the whole kit from Celeste and got the vitamins, glandular support, acai, and b-12. I have never done the HCG diet and I am on my 2nd loading day. The loading days really do make me sick to my stomach. However, I had been eating real healthy and had actually dropped 30 pounds since January. I think my body was just not used to eating so bad. Unfortunately I hit a plateau for a couple of months after losing the 30 pounds which is why I decided to try the HCG. I still have a lot of weight to lose. I don’t think the VLCD part of HCG is really going to be hard because I had already cut back on calories quite a bit before starting.
i was wondering if you can make stiffed peppers on the diet with out the tomatoe sauce and stuff and if not can you do them and not eat the green pepper thank you
Cindy,
Could you please tell me your email address again? I have some questions and I am hoping to get some of your awesome input but the email address I had didn’t seem to work. Is it clong@gmail.com?
Thanks
Diana
Has anyone done the Celeste’s regime and had good success? I am wondering if it is worth all the extras or if I should just order the Hcg off ebay?
Hi I’m taking the hCG injections and I am about to get my menstual period. Am I supposed to stop taking the injections while I have my period? If so why and how will that affect my weight loss? Thanks for your help.
Sherrie,
I’ve been MIA. Share your stats girl! How you doing?
Diana
It’s clong612 at gmail.com
Hey Donna
I’m doing good girl, how are you? I’m down 43 lbs as of today and been on p3 now for a little over 2 weeks and have lost 5 lbs since on it. 18.6 more to go for my goal, maybe less, that I’m not sure about 100%.
How are your stats??
Ok I know most of the post on here are question or concernes but I want to tell something funny…but good! I hope yall dont mind!
Im sure many people on here are in a texting circle and have received the text of the nude heavy woman (n0 Face) and it was either call homer simpson or a frog. the way her rolls layed it really did look like both. Well before i started my HCG program I came home from work tired and sore and decided to soak in a hot bath. I looked up and noticed my reflection in the faucet and “she” homer simpson or the frog look a like. It was me! OMG I was devistated! But…since i started HCG I have lost 19.4 lbs and Homer Simpson has disappeared!!! Thank you all for the advice and help in the success I have obtained thru HCG and you!!!
Donna
Thanks! You rock!
just checking again to see if bell peppers or green peppers are ok on the diet
Terry, the answer is no, not on the original protocol. I did eat some my first round of p2, and they never hurt me, but the 2nd round of p2, I stayed away from everything that wasn’t on the list. I do eat them now on p3
Hey Jo
I ate canned crab all the time. I still do. I serve it with or in a hollowed out hot house tomato and some balsamic vinegar or just lemon juice. It’s not as good as fresh but it’s easy to put together. Expensive though. To date, I went from 187.6 on April 29 and today I’m at 150. I also had many stretches where I would go up to a week and not loose any weight but I was and still am monitoring my ketones with the strips. If your still burning ketones but not dropping the weight you know your retaining water but still burning up the fat. Just FYI. They help to keep you in check. If the strip lightens up to much you know your doing something wrong.
Hi Tina,
Just a couple of things your posting reminds me of…a load day, as I understand it should be a day of eating plenty of fats…but that does NOT mean you have to eat things that are disgusting or terribly bad for you. For example, you can have salad dressings with olive oil or other good for you oils; and some cheese, mayo on your sandwich, salmon, that sort of thing. That will work fine, and if you have any doubt, you can have a bowl of ice cream on both days. I don’t know what (the lawyer who saw a good thing and went for it.) Truedau (?) says, just what Dr Simeons said, and he is the one who studied obesity for 20 years…this diet came out of his studies. No need to become sick to your stomach. He just wanted us to eat plenty and to include high fats for those two days.
For what it is worth, my doc has me taking .50 ml of liquid solution with 125 IUs twice a day. So far, it looks to me like it is working. The way you are doing it may be good for hunger supression if your stuff is good.
Jo, re: canned crab
Yes! I got mine from Costco. It was refrigerated even tho’ it was in a can. Boy did I enjoy that! It was very expensive here in Mx, but I think I bought it once in a Calif Costco and it was reasonable enough.
Sharyn
HOLY COW! 43 lbs! Congratulations! Amazing! Whoo hooo!
I’m still hanging at 124. I think I’ve really screwed up royally though! I started the drops a couple of weeks agao and fell off P2 with all this summer food BUT I’ve stuck pretty much to eating P3 foods (again, while taking the drops). A few off things here and there but no weight gain. Even though I haven’t gained any weight back, I don’t know what’s going to happen if I stop the drops all together and eat “normal”. I don’t know whether to start again full force or what since I only have about 4 lbs to lose. Arrrrgh. I’m completely off protocol here. Any advice?
Thank you. I did eat it and it wasnt bad and not too expensive becuz I bought the cans at our Big Lots for under 2.00. Our grocery bill has been cut in half, so the little bit extra here and there is ok with me.
You have had a great journey also in losing. It’s good to hear others stories and their ups and downs so we know we are all on that similar path.
Not sure I’ve seen this question here so here goes:
When you take ur sub-drops, is there any *rules about how soon to eat or drink afterwards?
Typically 30 minutes before and after, some claim 15.
ok ty sherrie for the info on peppers
Sherrie
They didn’t mean an apple a day,just apples for one day.It was on the FAQ’s section for someone that was following it to the T and wasn’t getting a weight loss.
Have you taken a break in the 3 months? I was just wondering, because the the info I read from the original diet by Dr. Dr. Siemons says that you have to take breaks between cycles and the breaks get longer the more cycles you go though. The reason he says it that you can become immune to it and your body will flush it toofast for it to work Has anyoneone had problems with this?Thanks everyone for sharing.It helps up noobs know what we’re in for and what to do. 😀
Mine said 30 minutes after. I always drank right before.
Yes, I did 6 weeks of p2, 2 1/2 weeks of p3, 3 weeks of p2 and I will do 6 weeks of p3(which I’m on now). Some people don’t take breaks. I have a friend that has been on it straight since November, I don’t really think that’s the right way to do it.
I know about the “apple” day. But if you read it, it also says that some people get impatient when they hit a plateau, and the apple day, can break it, but if you don’t do anything, within 4-6 days(I believe is what he said), it will usually break on its own, which it does. 🙂
So today’s morning weigh in made my day. I have been on phase 3 now for 3 weeks and I have lost and additional 7.4 lbs in phase 3. I have been holding steady at 180 to 180.4…UNTIL this morning… 179.4 YAY!!!!! I was so excited to see the 1 7 9 that I screamed a little bit =) I will be going bac on phase 2 for one more round. I am completely dreading the load days… but I know it all works out in the end (as my scale is continually showing me). I hope everyone else is having a great day as well.. Happy dieting Everyone =)
hi all…i have just started with the hcg diet….i started wednesday and have lost 10 lbs…i am taking the homeopathi drops (6 drops 6 times a day)….i am NEVER hungry and have to struggle to eat 500 calories a day…my question is: is it normal to be constipated??
good luck to everyone on this diet!!!!!
HEy Jelly BEan =) Congrats on the loss so far.. and unfortunatly yes the slow bowles are part of the process 🙁 I was always regular and now it is only twice a week maybe 3 times… Im not real sure why other then we are consuming less…
Keep up the good work!!!!
thanks for the info….it sounds like you are doing wonderfully on this diet….because of my high blood sugar i have to do lots of fiber and it has 3g of fat….will this ruin the diet…i have to do the fiber twice a day….
So today is my last day of the 2 day beginning stage so the crappy eating stops tomorrow! So my question is…is “cod” fish ok to eat tomorrow? I don’t really know the differences between fish and what’s allowed and what’s not on this diet….? Please help!
Jelly bean
I went to the Dr the last round of p2(my 2nd round), she had me on miralax, colece and fiber. I do 2 gummy fibers a day, and now that I’m on p3 hardly ever have to do colece anymore. This is very normal as your’re not eating enough food to keep regular. Wow, great numbers on weight loss
Josh
You can have cod on p2, but grill or bake it. After you’re done with your drops today, stay on p2 food for 3 days until the hcg is out of your system. You can begin p3 eating everything but sugar/starch in 72 hours after your last drop. I wouldn’t do this until Thursday morning
Happy 4th of July!!!
i only lost 1 lb yesterday…….(stage 1)
i am going to a birthday party for my daughter and they are serving prime rib for dinner and i am bummed…it is my favorite….can i cheat and have a little bit of it?? they will have shrimp also so mostly i will eat that but i would love a bite or two of the prime rib…
any input would be appreciated…have a nice day..
Stick with the shrimp if you can. If you must have a bite of the prime rib, keep it to just a nibble. I hear the fat content is pretty high which is why it is so succulent. It won’t be worth regressing as your motivation will come from your losses. You’ll be able to have prime rib in your maintenance phase so be strong during your VLCD. The more events you attend the harder your diet will be. I know its your daughter so you have to go, but if there are invitations you can decline in future, it will make the VLCD phase easier. During my second day of the VLCD I went to a ballgame. I wasn’t hungry but watching people eat chocolate ice cream and philly cheesesteak nachos was really hard on me. During my next VLCD phase I will be sure to watch where I go.
Way to go Brandy! I thought it was funny that you said you screamed a little bit when you hit 179. I am very happy for you.
Sonia,
Yes, you are supposed to stop taking the injections during your cycle. Taking the HCG injections during your period may cause a much heavier flow. If your flow is already heavy this can be problematic or even a little scary. If your flow is very light you may not even notice a difference. Some have reported the heavier period, while others have reported continuing to take the injections and continuing to lose. It affects each person differently. I took the homeopathic drops so I took them throughout my period and loss with no problem. If you do continue to take the injections, just stop if you notice any difference in your cycle. Even if you stop the injections you will still have HCG in your system and you will still be on the 500 calorie diet so you may continue to lose either way (or of course you may temporarily gain a little). Let us know what you decided and how it went.
Ok, folks…please pray for me…. I’m at 250 today and started out 14 days ago over 265 pounds(didnt weigh till day 3 of P2)… I just want to see that 249 number sooooo badly!! I havent weighed under 250 in YEARS!!!!! Maybe in the morning???? Ohhh, i hope so….
wow you are doing great!!!!!! you must be proud of yourself…….keep up the good work….sending prayers that today you had lost more weight….
i was very good yesterday….i ate shrimp and salad with red wine vinegar….i did have two bites of the prime rib though but that was all….i am amazed that my blood sugar this morning was 82 instead of 120 which it normally is….
Tomorrow my husband and I will be starting the HCG injections (Phase 2). I am reading all of the comments posted and they are boosting my self esteem. I am going to the grocery store tonight to get the foods we will need for the two days of gorging and then the healthy foods that will lead us to success. It will be more difficult for my husband considering he works shift work…month of days and then a month of nights. I previously tried the hcg diet and had to remove myself from it due to unbareable migraines. I checked my ketone levels and they were off the charts high. I later realized that I was only consuming about 300 calories a day. I am ready this time and I know my body better and will listen to it. I can wait to fill y’all in on our progress. I do have a few questions though:
1. Can I eat canned peas on phase 2 (they are my favorite!!!)?
2. Is it two or three gorging days with HCG in your system?
3. Is anyone on more than the 500 calories a day regimen?
4. Is frozen spinach acceptable…I really can’t bear to eat fresh spinach leaves?
5. Are eggs ok to eat?
Hi,
Just thought I’d reply as I am still new, but think I know these answers…LOL
1. No peas at all on P2
2. Two gorging days of high fat foods WITH YOUR HCG meds
3. Some do, but according to the Protocol…no more than 500 cals a day
4. The protocol prefers fresh, but yes, frozen spinach is ok; no butter, sauces or sugars in it.
5. Eggs are ok but the protocol says 1 whole egg plus 2 egg whites only (makes a small amount, I’ve tried this) and this replaces your protein and shouldn’t be subb’d for your proteins too often.
Everyone will jump in here to tell you to read the section called Pounds and Inches which gives you every answer to every question you have….lol
When I started I was using Crystal Light in my water, Splenda in my teas and Walden Salad dressings. While I still lost, I had 3 days when there was no change and I wondered why cuz “I was doing everything right”….read the Protocol. When I cut out these things totally, I started losing again and haven’t stopped yet. 🙂 I use fresh lemon juice in my water and was using Sweet n Low before I could get hold of Stevia (which is the best and on Protocol).
Stick as close to that Protocol as you can and don’t go by the list above cuz I know the chicken calories are wrong on it(way too low) and you should do fine.
Hope that helps and good luck to you.
I am on R1 D14 P2 and have lost 15 pounds. Like I said, it would have been more, but I didn’t realize what I was doing wrong until I read and reread the Protocol and Pounds and Inches 🙂
Jo
YAY!!!! 249.5 Well was hoping for the 249 alone, but tomorrow is another day 🙂
It’s working!!!!
Good luck to all and keep going!!!
Sounds like you have it down pat Jo. 🙂
I do use canned spinach also though on p2 and just read and see how many calories for 1/2 cup or sometimes to make up calories, I use a cup. 🙂
Hey Brit
Some people get the migraines because of the toxins that are in your body. 🙂
No, you can not have pea, they have a lot of carbs in them.
2 days of gorging, if you start your drops tomorrow, then gorge tomorrow and Wednesday, Thursday start the 500 calorie diet. When you’re done with your injections, remember you have to stay on the low calorie diet for 72 hours afterwards.
I only did 460-500 calories a day, my friend is on the 750 calorie/day diet.
Yes, you can have frozen spinach, I eat my spinach canned and use the chart on the back for calories/size
Yes, you can have an egg periodically, but if you eat an egg, then eat 2 egg whites with it to get the protein you need. Each egg white has 17 calories
good luck
LOL…I’m learning from the best Sherrie. Learning from the best.
Alot of these changes will be lifelong changes here in our home so I view it as an education and store it in my memory bank cuz I will need it always 🙂
Jo
You’re learning from the best? LOL You are doing great, and I’m so very proud of you!! I’m fighting it to get these last 18-19 lbs off, but it will get there(I hope)
you are all an inspiration to me!!!! so thanks to all of you
Thank you so much for the calorie count on all of the above foods. I just spent last 1 1/2 looking up the exact same information. Was not aware of the Louisiana hot sauce though. Good to know. This is day 3 VLCD and doing well. Thanks again,
Cyndi
Does anyone know if it’s ok to mix veg’s like cucumbers, onions and tomatoes with your protein? Or spinach, onions and asparagus with say your chicken breast? I have read that you shouldn’t mix your vegtables but also that it’s ok to mix with each meal. Thanks
Cyndi
some of those up above are wrong. Chicken is actually 30 calories an ounce which makes it 105 calories for 3.5 and you need to weigh out the apples(after you core)they’re 16.25 an ounce and oranges after you peel(14.65 oz) and strawberries I would weigh out 5.3 oz which is 50 calories.
Good luck on the weight loss
Good Morning, Everyone. I hope you all had a great Holiday. My wife and I have been through the diet two times together. She has been through it three times by herself and I am planning to hit it again. I am seeing a number of comments about the calorie content of foods. I use the USDA data base (it’s not intuitive, but it doesn’t take long to figure it out). I have also seen comments here that there is an FDA data base that folks are using as well. Here’s the USDA link:
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/cgi-bin/list_nut_edit.pl
So how are your losses going jelly bean?
Well July 14th ends P3 for me and so far I am doing great! I have not gained over 2 pounds since my last HCG shot and really I am under the weight of my last HCG shot so I am extremely happy.
I was worried when I got on the scale this morning (bad food weekend), but I had only gained a pound. But I also worked out this weekend so….
Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th!
Sherry
Hello All – Thanks much for sharing all of your testimonials and comments. They have been helpful as well as encouraging. I started the hcg platinum drops from GNC on 6/29. July 1st was my first VLCD day. I weighed in at 178.8 (gained 3 pds on 2 loading days). On July 4th I weighed in at 171.4 (I exercised for 30 min on July 3rd). On July 5th I weighed in at 171 and today still I’m at 171. However, yesterday I did 60 minutes of cardio on the treadmill. The only difference in my eating on 7/4 and 7/5 is that I had some lean ground turkey with taco seasoning. The taco seasoning had 2 grams of sugar. Do you think that’s why I stalled so early on after losing 7.4 pds in 3 days? Also, I am PMSing. My breast have been a little swollen the last couple of days as well. Did other ladies stall during PMS or do you think it’s the 2 grams of sugar from the seasoning or both? Regardless, I won’t be eating the lean turkey with the taco seasoning again. I would appreciate your feedback! Thanks and have a blessed day!
Nikki,
You sound like you are off to a good start, and will do sooo well on this diet! Turkey is not allowed according to Dr Simeons in his book, “Pounds and Inches”. He stresses that chicken breast is the only fowl one can eat. As far as taco seasonings, no. Nothing with sugar in it is allowed even in the next phase. I noticed a couple of days of sore breasts on my first round of hCG and it did go away. I also lost an inch from my bust during my first week on the vlcd!
The book is free and online. I found it on someone’s site…I ignored his stuff because he is trying to sell, but the book is the original protocol by the man who did the 20 years of study! It was inspirational to me and helps me to mostly not cheat. I am too weak willed to be perfect, but it almost always shows on the scale when I cheat at all! All the best. I think you will love the diet!
Sharyn
Nikki, I forgot to mention the site where I found the book: myfatcure.com (I think) If that doesn’t work, let me know and I will search for it. S
Hi Cyndi,
You are not supposed to mix your vegetables. 🙂
as of this morning i have lost 11 lbs….i am thrilled beyond words!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i am on my 7th day of phase one!!!!!!! it is exciting to get on the scale every morning now instead of dreading it..
WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!
Sharyn, Based on your response, “I forgot to mention the site where I found the book” I think you may have posted another response to my questions prior to this one. However, I only see the reply from you about the book. Can you please repost your first response. THANKS much for your reply!!
Thanks SO MUCH Sharyn! Not sure if I overlooked your first reply or not. So that’s where I messed up, with the groud turkey. Argggh :-(. I read somewhere that you can use lean ground turkey but I will stick to what’s in Dr. Simeons book. You are correct, the free copy is on myfatcure.com THANKS again and have a wonderful day!
Excellent job Jelly Bean! Keep up the good work. I have lost a total of 23.6 pounds.
I want to lose sixteen more pounds but I will see how I do with diet and exercise for a while before I attempt another round.
I actually wore a bikini yesterday and I felt wonderful 🙂
take care,
Sherry
My whole brain glazes over when I think of ever getting into a bikini again! That is awesome!
hi all im just about to finish up on phase2 and heading into p3 in 6 days. so far i have lost 32lbs and feeling great even though the hunger is getting a lil stronger as the days tick away. My question is on p3 what is the rule of thumb as far as ounces of meat you can have? My wife Donna and I plan on sticking close to the same foods just upping the portions but wanted to know like i said if there is any rule of thumb or any good recipies for p3 out there thank you
Thank you Sherrie and Jo for those words of wisdom. 🙂 I have a few people at my work who are also going to be on the diet at the same time as my husband and I. It will make the lunch conversations more interesting. I had to mix all of our injection stuff today and will be officially starting tomorrow. I love this blog and hope that I can share the good and the bad with y’all.
Thanks again.
WTG Sherry. It’s bee 3 weeks and 2 days since my last drop day, and I’m down 5 lbs since then. I still have between 15-18 to go. Toying with the idea of going back on the drops one more time. I just am dreading it. 🙁 I did go to walmart today to buy some shorts for our beach trip this weekend, am in a size 8 now. 🙂
Terry, I eat anything I want except sugar and starches on p3. You can add back fats, dairy and if I’m forgetting something, forgive me..But, p3, there is no more weighing foods.
You go girl!! I am going to San Diego next Wednesday for five days and I cannot wait!
Have fun 🙂
Have a good time Sherry! How much you got left to lose now?
Hi I’m Martha, this is my first entery and I enjoy so much reading about everyones success on the diet, and has helped my so much with mine. Congratulations to all!
I’m into my 16th day of vlc diet and loss of 13lbs so far. The end of my second week of Dr. Simeons diet I found myself craving to eat more varieties of veggies and fruits, even though I mixed it up and changed how I prepared them I found myself unsatisfied and wanting more. I found this website at hcgdietomaha.wordpress.com/ (Omaha Med Spa). It’s just wonderful! I found the answer I was looking for, the doctors at that clinic have a different approach to the hcg diet that really makes since and they present myths about Dr. Simeons protocal, and reasons for they’re difference, also the food selection is wider and much more satisfying.
Take a look, I’m glad I did!
To the person inquiring about taco seasoning. Think about it, what is in taco seasoning? Mexican Chili powder, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, cilantro maybe. All you need to do is just design your own seasonings, all these seasoning are safe for the diet, so go for it!
To add to my resent entry. The Omaha clinic still holds true to the “No Sugar, Starches, Fats or Oils” the same as Dr. Simeons protocal, however they do give a little higher calorie allowances do to feeling that it’s a much safer approach to this diet, with high success rates.
Hi Terry,
First, YAY!!
As for what to eat on the stabilization diet, what I’ve heard is: stay away from all root vegetables, beets, carrots etc. No starch and no sugar. Some fruits are still on the ‘no’ list as well. (can’t find my list) But in general, you can eat more variety of fruits and vegetables. Simeons even said a small glass of wine with dinner is okay.
Sharyn
Wow, that is doing so great! you get an A+
Sharyn, wine has sugar in it.
Question for all of my inspirational friends:
is there a protein powder i can use instead of the meats that are on the lists???? i am sick of them and would like something i can drink but am not sure if there is such a thing that would be compatible with the hcg diet….
I used muscle milk light (any flavor) and still lost around a pound a day.
hello all i think this will help with the questions on taco seasoning i found this and hope it helpshere it is and you add a half cup water once you put it in the meat
Things You’ll Need:
1 Tbl. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 – 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. salt
1/2 – 1 tsp. black pepper
hi,
i have just finished a successful run with the drops, losing 16 pounds. today is my first day not having to be on the 500 calorie diet. am having some anxiety about regaining weight and how to eat on this maintainence phase. no weighing of food, no restrictions except no starch or sugar–that leaves a lot open. can anyone give me guidance or tips? as i said, i am a bit apprehensive……
wow i have 4 days to go on drops and im almost 5 lbs from the 40 lbs lost and have gone from a size 44 jeans down to a 36 going to do p3 then back to p2 again cause my goal is 200lbs or less so i will have another 40 plus lbs to lose the next go round or do you thing that is to high of a goal should i halve that and maybe do 2 more rounds
Kendell, you will do fine. I’m on p3 right now for the 2nd time. The first time I stayed on p3 for 2 1/2 weeks then went back to p2 again. I would eat 2 scrambled eggs, bacon, milk and cottage cheese or cheese or yogurt for breakfast that time, this time I eat a yogurt as that’s all I want(infact I’m eating it right now). I lost 5 additional pounds last time on p3 and this time I’ve been on p3 3 weeks and down another 5 lbs. I eat a big salad with all kind of veggies for lunch(I have gotten so use to not using salad dressing that I don’t use it anymore), my cocoa almonds(100 calorie pack) and fruit, then whatever I feel like I want for dinner, usually rib eye and veggie and fruit or scrambled eggs, bacon and veggie. I kind of get hooked on things and tend to stick with them now. You’ll do fine. Just make sure if you go up to 2 lbs over your last drop day to do a steak day that day. Nothing to eat until dinner then a big juicy steak and an apple or tomato, that should take the 2 lbs back off overnight.
Terry
How tall are you??
i am only 5-1 1/2″ and weigh in this morning was 123 1/2–up 1/2 pound from yesterday. i have done a steak day and lost 1 pound.
wow, that sounds like a lot of food!
is there any certain ‘chemistry’ that needs to be maintained–ie. protein, fruit and veggie combination?
like i said, these next few days will be nerve wrecking. i will see how it goes. my sister also lost more weight on maintainence–that amazes me. guess we shall see. just gun-shy because at my height i gain very easily……..thank you.
Kendell, why did you do a steak day? Those are for p3 and only when you put on 2 lbs from last drop day.
The food was still within about 1500 calories a day. I walk a little over a mile every morning to get my metabolism going. I’m usually up 1 1/2 hours before I eat my breakfast.
Just remember to look at sugars, etc. But look at the ingredients, as servings may say it has sugar, but the sugar may come from milk, which that sugar is fine. I eat a yogurt everyday, and they have sugar in them, and it hasn’t hurt me at all.
Thank you Sherrie I plan on it. I want to lose 16 more pounds.
I have started exercising last week but started out slowly (only toning exercises three times a week). This week I plan on moving it up to 4 days and adding more cardio.
I think that if I keep at it as well as stay away from anything with high frutose corn syrup I should be able to obtain my goals.
Once I have completed P3 I plan on sticking to a modified Atkins and South Beach diet.
Chat with you soon!
Sherrie, I know that the alcohol turns to sugar in the body…but I was just saying that it is in the book “Pounds and Inches”. Not as a requirement, of course! The exciting thing is you can add back foods with more fat, like Salmon and roast beef, etc.
Hi Nikki,
Yes, I saw a post from someone who gets away with using ground turkey. I think the restricted diet is the result of lots of record keeping and trying many different things. So some people will loose perhaps with turkey…but who knows if they would loose even faster without? I have gotten away with a few cheats, but won’t post them, because maybe I was just plain lucky on those days. And maybe I would have lost twice as much if I hadn’t cheated! Oh, and you did not goof up. My original post was delayed for review, so they were out of sequence. Keep up the terrific work!
Fantastic. I am so afraid I won’t do as well as you all seem to do. I am loosing on P2 just fine, but a lifetime of eating the wrong (along with the right) foods has me worried. It is very inspirational to hear others say they are keeping the weight off!
Sharyn
Sharyn, you can’t find the original protocol anywhere on the internet. People have taken the original and added to it, that’s the problem. I think the only way to get the real protocol is by buying the book
im 5ft 11 in and i started at 287lbs and down to 252.8 some 36 days of p2 and lost 8 inches off the waist
Okay. my hubby is 6′ and should weigh around 175, he’s around 185-190
ok, you caght me. that was my ONLY deviation during the diet. i had read ‘pounds and inches’ and been battling a plateau–had already tried the apple day. did loose a pound, but gained a half pound the following day. i was crabby come the end of the day too. so when i was again battling a plateau, and it was 4th of july weekend, my husband (who was not on the diet, but has had to eat the same proteins anyway for several weeks) had a hankering for a steak. i had just gained a pound and said i was going to do a steak day jsut to see what happened. as far as i am concerned, it worked as good as apple day. down one pound the next morning.
i wish i could wait 1 1/2 hours before eating breakfast and walking before eating is great. i do walk a lot.
you say some sugars are fine…..how do i know which ones?
seems that i have seen a formula for how many calories for height/weight. do you know what it is?
The thing I never did do was an apple day. If you wait 3-4 days, then you will usually lose more weight again. I feel that plateaus(even though they are aggrivating) are good for you, your body has to catch up. I try and be patient when I hit them, and it always pays off
I have a chart on my pounds and inches that was figured in by someone else.
as far as sugars, refined sugars are bad for you, natural sugars are much better for you. 🙂
You should weigh around 115-129 for 5’1 and I know you’re 5’1″ and 1/2 so add about 2 1/2 lbs to each of those weights. If you’re 5’0 a good weight is 105 lbs, then you add 5 lbs for every inch you are over that. (I used to work at slender you). 🙂
Hello,
I started HCG on July 5, 2010 and I have lost 2 pounds. My question is: I did 2 days overload without taking the drops. When I started the drops that is when I did the 500 calories. Is that OK?
hi sherry,
do you keep a log of what you eat during maintainence?
You’re supposed to start the drops on the first day you load
I don’t know about the other Sherry, but for me, no I don’t keep a journal on p3, but really kept up in my head with what I ate last time so if I would put on, I could try and pin point what it could be
Im looking at a website that offers Celeste Pure HCG drops, Does anyone know if that is the real stuff?
someone on another blog said it was water….but i have no idea…
HEy Carla… Nice to see you found your way here.. There are a lot of people on here with tons of info and advice. Feel free to ask any questions you have =) Talk to ya soon.
Hi Everyone! For those of you using the drops, that lost at least 15 pounds or more your first time, can you please tell me (a) where you purchased your drops (b)the cost (c) and how long did one bottle last. I purchased my first bottle from GNC on 6/29 and completely ran out today. Based on the way it’s advertised on the bottle, you are led to believe it will last for 30 days. The directions are to take 7 -10 drops 3 times a day. I did as directed but ran out in 9 days which was diappointing, especially considering it cost $77.00 with my GNC card discount (regular price is $89.00) When I weighed in on the 4th day (7/4), I’d lost 7.4 pounds but have only lost .8 pounds since. Also, I just found out this evening that GNC just started carrying the HCG drops a few weeks ago so I wonder if they are as good as some of the others out there. Your responses would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks for the info on the taco seasoning.
i bought mine from amazon, natural health labs, homeopathic hcg…..it was 18 dollars for 2 ounces….i only started this 8 days ago so i don’t know how long it lasts but it looks like i have used about 1/4 of the bottle…..and i have lost 12 lbs…
Thanks Jelly Bean! The homeopathic hcg at GNC is only 1 oz. and cost $89.99 at regular price. I will check out amazon now. Also, you are doing great, I’ve been reading your posts! Thanks again and much continued success!
Hi Nikki,
I’ve been told about this website and it looks very credible and has excellent information. I’ve just ordered from it.
http://www.diyhcg.com
i bought celeste pure and it worked for me. they do try to sell you packages of other things/vitamins, supplements, so watch that. i spent more than i should’ve on the first order. if you say i sent you, you’ll probably get a discount. like other brands, it didn’t last as long as they say. they did recommend buying a ketosis kit which you can get at the drug store. i would recommend this to everyone. to keep my levels more elevated, i used more drops. the first bottles lasted longer. the last bottle lasted me one week. ebay is cheap, but not sure of all the quality differences. it is quite confusing without knowing what to look for and what not to get. watch on ebay as many do not specify the size bottle you get.
Sherrie,
Thanks…I will start the loading days today and then continue…thanks for the advice!
I am taking the drops this time with my loading days!!!!
Nikki, I don’t trust the homeopathic stuff, but that is not based upon my own experience. Once the hCG is mixed with whatever you happen to be mixing it with, it is supposed to have a shelf life of one month. Could that be what they were saying on the label? Does it come already in liquid form?
I think it is best to buy the powdered hCG and mix it yourself. There is a lot of info on the Web about other people’s experiences and brands they liked or felt were frauds. I gained a lot of confidence watching on youtube a gal called “mamaclok”. She even shares how to mix it and everything. She talks about different brands, etc. I am buying mine over the counter in Mx so cannot really compare one brand to another personally. Only one available where I am.
my wife and i was wondering what the deal is with peas and corn and is there a differance between canned and fresh if so plz let us know. my wife donna has posted on here a few times and i want to say ty for your advice and support shown to her and she really looks great. We are gonna do our after pics this weekend to see how far we have come should be really neat. We are starting day 1 of vlcd without drops today getting ready to head into p3 wish us luck
I am inspired reading all the posts!! I had an emergency Hysterectomy in January (hemoglobin down to a 6!!) I never in a million years wanted a this horrible surgery. That being said I have noticed a large amount of fat accumulating around my belly, which I never had before. I have gained 15 lbs since February. I have gone from a size 8 to a 12 in 5 short months, with no change in exercise or eating habits. I have racked my brain trying to figure out the problem. Last night I googled “weight gain after hysterectomy” and I was flabergasted at the results! No one ever told me that weight gain was a very common side effect of a hysterectomy (maybe, I am just uneduacated). I did however find that a couple posts recommended the HCG diet to get my hormonal balance back. I just now have began my research on this diet. Can anyone tell me if the HCG diet helped after a hysterectomy?
Terry,
I think it is because Peas and corn are higher in carbs and sugar. The reason you cannot eat veggies from the can is due to the sodium levels in canned veggies.
Hope this helps.
Sherrie/Kendall,
I kept a log during the P2 and the beginning of P3, but this week I have been lazy. I know what I have added to my diet so if I have a weight gain I will be sure to eliminate it from my diet. Fortunately for me, I have not had an issue with gaining. I even created my own excel spreadsheet that calculates everything for me, it is very basic and easy to do but if either of you would like me to send you a copy let me know and I can email it to you.
Have a wonderful day!
Sherry
I had a complete hysterectomy a few years ago and over those few years I have gained about 30 pounds. I started the HCG diet a little over 7 weeks ago. In my first round (p2 and p3) I lost a total of 19 pounds. On July 4th I began my second round I am hoping to go down another 15 this round. Good luck with what ever choice you make.
Way to go Brandy, 19 lbs is awesome!!!! I am excited to get started, I do feel I better wait until after our family vacation in a couple weeks, I think my new diet might by tuff on the road!!
Hi Terry,
I think you stay away from legumes (beans) and grains (corn, wheat, rice, anything with flour) for the 3 weeks that you cannot have starches and sugars. After that you only add those things slowly, a little at a time, so you can see how your weight does when you do add things. And no root vegetables in this 3 weeks either.
Hope this helps.
Sharyn
Jelly Bean,
With those results, I might start trusting homeopathy! Good going.
I just want to weigh in that I used the homeopathic drops. I bought them off Amazon. They work! I did a 30 day round (and will do two more). The bottle said it would last 35-40 days. Based on the amount I had left, that appeared to be true. GNC is ripping you off, plain and simple. But hey, they gotta pay for those flashy commercials. If I were you I’d let someone else fund their ads. Look through some of the older posts and you’ll see that the people using the homeopathic drops and those who are using other forms got about the same results. In general, the weight seems to come off easier for guys on this diet but that is true of most diets. Those like myself and jellybean who have used the homeopathic feel they are great. Like you I was skeptical but personal experience and the experience of those who have actually used it have me convinced. Hope this helps.
peas have carbs, and corn isn’t even a vegetable, it’s a grain. 🙂
You will do fine
Terry, I would not do the diet(p2)without drops. Your body will not be getting enough nutrition without the drops. Those drops pull 2000-2500 calories from your stored fat and you really need those. Please don’t just do a 500 calorie diet without.
Sherry, I do eat canned spinach and never had a problem
I bought the HOMEOPATHIC on ebay, it cost me $24.88(no shipping) for 45 days(2 oz), it worked fine and I’m now down 44 lbs with 17 more to go.(I’m on p3 and will do one more round of p2(3 times total).
do we take the drops the three days before moving on to p3 if so i misunderstood then and i will be on them
Terry, you do drops starting your load days, then after 2 load days, go to vlcd and stay on the drops. You have to be on the diet at least 21 days(2 days load, 18 days of drops and vlcd, and then 3 days of no drops and vlcd. so say you start loading today (on the drops) then you would load today and tomorrow, then Saturday you would stay on drops and eat vlcd for at least 18 days, which would be until the 27th, then stop drops but stay on vlcd for 3 days, then start p3 the next day. Hope you can understand this, it’s complicated to explain
I never add corn or any kind of beans(other than green beans) on p3. You still can not have starch/sugar until you go to p4
we have been on p2 for 40 days and we are going into p3 starting today so no drops but still vlcd right
Thanks Angela and congrats on your weight loss thus far!! What brand do you buy from Amazon? Was it the same as Jelly Bean, natural health labs? I can return my new bottle (bought a 2nd bottle when I ran out yesterday) to GNC for a full refund regardless of how much is left so that’s what I will do. It works in regards to suppressing appetite, no headaches, cravings, etc. but $90.00 for 1 oz lasting only 9 days is not cost effective at all. I have lost 8 pounds since I started VLCD on 7/1. I stayed at the same weight for 3 days but I think it’s because I experience a lot of water retention during PMS. Thanks again and please let me know the brand you purchased from Amazon.
so what is the rule of thumb to stay on p3 before starting ove at the beginning again
Thanks for your response Sharyn. Yes, it does come in liquid form. I did a lot of research prior to purchasing my first bottle. Many people have been very successful on the homeopathic drops. Is your mix for oral or injection use? I called place here in Atlanta today that has the mix. It was $550 and injection use only, which I prefer not to do. Based on my results thus far, I think it’s working but not happy about the cost for 1 oz. and wonder if it more diluted then some of the other homeopathic drops available.
Thanks for your response. I think I will end up ordering from Amazon
I traveled for memorial weekend from Kansas to Kentucky.. It was a little rough but I did pretty well. I did allow myself one cheat while I was on the trip… Best of luck with your HCG journey
Yes, vlcd for 72 hours after you stop the drops..good luck!
The sheet that came with the homeopathic drops I use says, that the best time is 3 weeks, although you can go back to p2 anytime. It says if you go back within 2 weeks, you don’t have to reload, if you wait 2 1/2 weeks, then reload. I waited the first time for 2 1/2 weeks then reloaded. This time it will be almost 5 weeks. I’m planning on loading again next weekend, and then go for the last 15-17 lbs. I’m dreading it though. 🙁 I have lost almost 6 lbs in the 3 weeks I’ve been back on p3
I have ate canned asparagus (not as good as fresh) as well as canned green beans without an issue. I think everyone is different on how their body reacts to certain foods. All I know is this has been the best diet I have ever been one 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend everyone 🙂
Nikki,
Sounds like you are on the right track. I am convinced that I have been a bit harsh on homeopathic drugs (in my mind). What turned me against them was this guy here in Mexico (a really good physical therapist) thinks he is making the homeopathic drug by magic. He puts water and alcohol in the dropper bottle and puts it on a “special” computer, and types in certain numbers, and voila! it is now homeopathic hCG!! Personally, if I go to him, I want to give him a pile of rocks and have him turn them into gold…think that will work? 🙂
Wonderful weight wise, but a pain in the royal behind as far as choices. LOL
Nikki, mine say right on there, alcohol, water and HCG with the hcg being the first ingredient
quick question are black eyed peas ok on p3 and i think i read somewhere that a certain brand of peas are ok if not plz let me kniow dont want to mess this up
Terry, I would stay away from them until p4, as they have A LOT Of carbs in them.
Hi yall.
Just found this site, its great. On my way to grocery store to start p2 today. Very nervous and excited as well. Going to Hawaii in 21 days so hope to lose a tleast 20 lbs. I will continue to read as this will help. You all are awesome!
I did edamame beans, they are actually pretty good! Find them in the frozen section. One oz 3 g carb, one of the lowest as far as glycemic index.
That is the same brand my husband and I are using. Today is our 2nd day. It seems to be working.
So far so good. I am a little hungry after fish and asparagus for dinner. Should i eat my fruit or save it for later tonight?
Dawn, if you’re hungry, go ahead and eat it now, if not, save it for later
David – thank you very much for the food list and calorie breakdown, I have been looking for something like this everywhere!!!
Kuddos David! This IS the best website. I’ve had it on my favorites for a year now and reference it every time I do the diet. Just started again today – loading day 1. Very excited and looking forward to (me and the diet) being successful this time around!
well today starts the first day on p3 kinda scary though but will stick with it. Since ive started this diet ive gone from 287 down to 249 from wearing a 44 jean to a 38.My wife donna and i plan on p3 for 3 weeks before going back to p2 and a question found some p3 foods but they call for molassus and or honey are both no nos or are they allowed the reciepies seem to be right on target but was wondering about those 2 things
welcome to P3. Your weight loss was awesome. I’m jealous. I’m pretty sure no molasses or honey in P3 but there are tons of great things to eat now that you are off the more restrictive diet. I’ve been in P3 about two weeks now. Its nice to see that the weight stays stable if you avoid the starches and sugars. I’ve done no calorie counting at all and I’ve been fine which is nice to know. The hard part for me has been not losing. P3 is about stabilizing but once you realize that you can continue to lose a few pounds in P3 if you play it right, you start to fall into that trap, but don’t. Play it straight; eat what you want within protocol without weighing and measuring and stressing and just keep your eye on the scale. How much are you hoping to lose?
Jayda,
How many times have you done the diet. Can you let me know your weight loss each round if you don’t mind. I’m curious if for most people each round produces roughly the same loss. Happy loading.
well i kinda fell short of my goal of 40 lbs this go round but i hope to reach that mark before the end of p3 i only have 2 more lbs to lose then i want to lose 40 more lbs the next go round. my over all goal is to lose a total of 88 lbs which will put me just under 200 lbs. it might take a total of three trys but im bound and determind to get below 200
Having a tough time with the Melba Toast.
How much am I supposed to eat? A serving witch is 60 calories (on the box I finally found after 4 stores) or 3 or 5 grams only witch is quite a bit less?
Hi Angela and anyone else who knows the answer to this:
I am wondering about why it is bad to lose more on P3? Would it be non-fat loss or what? I just have never seen an explanation…and yes, if I keep losing when I get to P3, I am afraid I will need a compelling-good-sounding-reason, or I will fall into that trap…Thank you all, and Angela, for any information you have…I know it is supposed to be “stabalization”, but if you know any reason why one shouldn’t be happy with more loss, please spell it out like I am a 5 year old, so it sinks in! Thx Sharyn
I am so excited!! i started HCG Diet on Fri and have lost 7 lbs just over the weekend!! What great modavation!!
started p3 yesterdat and found it very hard to get in 1500 calories and i was up a few ounces kinda worried me a bit my wife went down 4 ounces any golden rules outside the no carbs and sugars
Relax and enjoy the variety.. As long as you dont go over 2lbs your fine… I can not wait to get back to p3.. I lost an additional 7.4lbs on p3 my first round. Best of luck to you and your wife
I lost 10 lbs. on the first day!!! The most I ever lost on this diet was 6 lbs.! I find out how much I loose tomorrow morning…second day on the diet!
21 days is not enough to complete the diet correctly. Wait till you get back. You cannot prepare the food on vacation unless you have a kitchen and even so you need 23 or 40 daysto do it right and do phase 3. You may lose approximately 14 lbs which is average unless you are over 250 lbs.
You can do it. You need 20 days on the drops(including the 2 load days) and then 3 days after that you stay on the very low calorie diet). Then you can add back everything except sugar/carbs. My first time I lost 15 lbs in 3 weeks, 2nd time on it 11 in 3 weeks. Of course, I had 61 to lose to begin with. Have fun on your trip
You can have 1 melba toast with both meals. 20 calories each
Tomorrow ends P3 for me. I am happy to say I never had to do a steak day!! Tomorrow I leave on vacation so please keep your fingers crossed for me :).
I honestly think I will be just fine but just in case!
Have a wonderful day everyone.
yes sherrie,
i would be interested in seeing the spreadsheet. thank you for the offer.
Hello everyone!!!!!
It has been awhile since i been but I just wanted to update you guys…………….Today is day 31 vlcd R2 and I have lost a total of 22.4 LBS YEAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!
I am SO very glad that things are going well for me especially after my downfall. I feel GGGRRREEEAAATTT 🙂 I am 5.4 LBS away from my goal for this round and only a week n a half left….keep your fingers crossed for me 🙂
Congrats Lisa. That’s wonderful!
Here is an update: I have followed everything to the letter and only lost 7.5 lbs in 3 days. Is my metabolism stubborn or what? Maybe not enough water? Any ideas?
Dawn,
Do you not think you are doing fabulously by loosing 7.5 in only 3 days?? The average weight loss for a woman is half a pound a day!! Your metabolism rocks!
Sharyn
Thanks, I was getting worried.
hi all been on p3 for three days now and have gained about 7 ounces in those 3 days im following everything to the letter and no carbs and no sugar starting to get a little worried wondering if the less water i have been drinking might be playing a part in it.im eating the same foods as p2 but stretching it out to as close to 1500 calories as possible should i cut back on my calorie intake to see if that works any help would be greatly appreciated
Ok Expiernce needed… I started p2 again 10 days ago and I have not lost a pound.. Im not gaining weight but I am not losing either… What can be going wrong? I know that I didnt really load properly, not even close to properly.. So my question is shold I reload for 2 days and load GOOD to take myself out of this slump, or should I stop the shots and move bac to p3 for a couple weeks and then retry? I really dont want to blow this.. I am down over 19 pounds so far so I really would like to see the same or at least close to the same type of results. Any advice please.
Thanks Everyone
Brandy
HI, It is my 5th day on P2. Did not lose any thing today. I only ate what was on the list for P2. DID I do any thing to cause this? Any suggestions? I feel that I am doing a lot of work for nothing.
Ok, thanks for the answer on the Melba Toast the other day. Wow, I was eating way to much of that.
Now, I need to replace those calories with something. Should I up my veggies to get to 500 cal or up the fruit? I upped the fruit yesterday and wound up eating about two small apples and just over two small naval oranges and left the veggies at 3.5 oz each.
does anyone know why peanuts and cashews are discouraged on p3?
I’ve been wanting to inform you, u r right on. I clicked on this blog from someone else’s search and am really interested in this topic and learning about this. Do you mind if I link to this info from my fan page?
I’m going to tell you something that will be very hard to do; stop stressing the small gains in P3. If you have gained 7 ounces you are right on track. Your body will retain and release water in a variety of ways depending on what you eat and it will be almost impossible to calculate how to prevent this and there is no need to if you are under the 2lbs. I know its scary to gain any ounces after your wonderful success in P2 but the 2lb fluctuation allowance is there for a reason. 1500 calories may or may not be enough, but it is definitely not too little. Re-read Pounds and Inches (I have to often) it specifically warns against trying to stick to the P2 menu in P3 and just eat more of it. Resetting your hypothalamus in this phase is key. If you avoid the carbs and sugar your body will be able to handle anything you eat with minimal fluctuation, definitely not past the 2 lbs and you will be able to see how reintroducing different foods affect you which is also key so that when this diet is done you are no longer dieting at all. I know its hard but ‘do not’ attempt to lose weight in P3 and ‘do not’ stress if you are under the 2lbs. Your reward will be a body that allows you lots of eating freedom.
I’m still in P3. Its been about 14 days. I’m not counting calories, not weighing any foods, eating whatever I want that’s allowed whenever I want it. I have not exceeded the 2lbs but I do fluctuate depending on how much water, how much salt, what time I ate last, how early I got up and a variety of other normal life factors.
I hope that helps. By the way your P2 loss makes me really jealous. It was great and I do understand why you are keen to make sure its maintained but you’ll do fine if you follow the guidelines in P3 as well as you did P2.
Chris I can’t tell if you are a guy or a girl since I know Chris’s of both genders but even if you are eating correctly and taking in enough fluids you still may not lose each and every day. It is definitely frustrating though. Make sure you are measuring in addition to weighing because sometimes you will lose inches without the scale moving. The other thing is look at your average. In the 5 days total that you have been on the diet have you lost 5 lbs (or 2.5 if you’re female). If so, although your weight doesn’t change every day you are still losing at the expected rate. The losses may be in a bit of a stair step fashion. Feel free to include some additional information as to your losses thus far and how the first 4 days went. I haven’t read through the older posts if you already have. This diet has been successful for most everyone who has done it, so I’m sure you will do great.
No Melba toast or grissini on this phase…you can eat a wider variety of fruit and vegetables. No roots. Sometimes people add too much fruit and that extra sugar comes into play. You should be adding back some fats…olive oil, salmon, etc, but it may be good to count the calories. Otherwise, that’s why you have a 2 lb cushion for fluctuation. Easy for me to say…I am scared of what happens when I go off the hCG.
Sharyn
Brandy,
It sounds like you are immune (not waited long enough between phases), or you got some bad stuff. S
Best explanation I ever read!
=( I was on p3 for 4 weeks and I went back on p2. This morning I was down 2 lbs … I have been a little more stressed then usual and not really sleeping well either. I got this medicine from the same place I got my first round from and I lost over 19 lbs… I amgoing to just keep chugging along and hope my body catches up…
I have to agree with Sharyn.. Thats the best answer I have read. BEst of luck Terry.. Relax and enjoy it!!!
Have a great vacation!!! Congrats on the no steak day!!!!
Your daily caloric intake cannot ‘exceed’ 500. If you are getting the recommended amounts of food each day you do not have to increase to hit exactly 500 each day. Depending on the foods you choose from the list some are a bit higher in calories and some a bit lower, but you should be getting close to 500 with that food list. Generally, eating the allowed beef during one of your meals keeps you close to the 500 without changing the portions. If you still feel obliged to hit exactly 500 each day, up the veggies not the fruit. Do not eat two small oranges or two small apples. You can only have one piece of fruit per meal (even if the caloric value of two small ones is the same).
Hi Kendell,
Peanuts are not actually nuts; they are legumes. They actually grow underground, unlike nuts like walnuts and almonds that grow on trees. Peanuts belong to the same family as peas and beans. 1 oz of dry roasted peanuts has 6.1 grams of carbohydrates. I don’t like cashews so I’m not sure about those. In general, nuts are healthy but high calorie so if you have them eat raw or dry roasted. All nuts are not created equal so pick the ones with the lowest carb content. I am going to send a link separately as the posted link may get delayed for moderation.
http://www.naturalhub.com/natural_food_guide_nuts_common.htm
I accidentally attached the link to Richard on 7/14 the site won’t let me post it again but it will be under Richard when it clears moderation.
Richard, you do not want to eat more than 2 fruits a day. I would always get around 460-470 when I was on the p2. I never weighed out my veggies. It would take a whole head of lettuce to even get 15 calories.
Hey Chris
A lot of times on day 4 to 5 you will hit a plateau, just go with the flow and it will start coming back off. If you read pounds and inches, it will explain about this
Brandy, when I did the 2nd round of p2, I only went 2 1/2 weeks in between. I do the homeo drops and have been very pleased with those. The first time on p2, I didn’t load properly and still lost 15 lbs the first 3 weeks, the 2nd time I loaded and lost 11 pounds the first 3 weeks. Something doesn’t sound right. How close are you to your goal weight? If you’re real close to what you should weigh, your body isn’t wanting to lose anymore.
Terry
as long as you stay in the 2 lb range, you’re fine. You need to eat some different things now, mix things up, add more veggies to the salads(if you’re eating those). You still need to try and drink at least 1/2 gallon of water a day. I wouldn’t cut back on calories, try adding some to get around 1700, see how you do, if you still go up, then bring the calories back down a little at a time
does anyone know if durring the detox you can have garlic vinegar?
i am so pleased with my self….i just completed the first 2 weeks of my phase 2 and i have lost 16 lbs….and i think that one of the reasons is that i don’t like fruit and have not been eating any….i do a protein drink for lunch with a veggie…it has 104 calories, 0 fat and 1 g carb, and no sugars….i can mix it with water….also i gave up tomatos altogether and that helps too….anyway i am enthused about the hcg diet…oh and i do a fiber drink twice a day….it has 54 cals, 3 g fat, 7 g carbs but it doesn’t affect the diet and regulates my blood sugar..
what kind of protien drink did you drink and fiber drink did you use. Diana
Jelly Bean, although it doesn’t affect the diet, or you don’t think it is, it could be. When you drop your calories as much as we do in p2, then you’re going to lose anyway, you could have lost more by now. We are NOT supposed to have carbs on p2, so it really isn’t a good idea. To any of you starting, follow the protocol. There is a reason why Dr Simmeons wrote it like he did.
tomatoes are allowed, and again, there is a reason why he has down the certain fruits/meats and veggies
uh oh, I gained a pound on p2 first week! Not enough water also had lean roast 2 meals this week. I heard something about an apple day. What do i do? Also, no BM in 2 days.
the protein drink is fruit blast isolate and the fiber is nopalina….i am doing everything i can as a diabetic to do things as best i can….maybe i should give up the diet altogether if this screws everything up…the fruits make my blood sugar soar….
do you think i should give up on the diet???? i agree that dr simmeons had a reason for everything but i like not having to take insulin at least for the time being…
Jelly Bean,
One thing I read in Dr. Simeon’s Book, “Pounds and Inches” is that you can leave out anything from the list that you don’t feel like eating…so I wouldn’t worry. For instance, there are many vegetables that I have not eaten, but what I do eat, I choose from the list. I love tomatoes, greens and cucumbers, which are on his list, so eat them a lot. I have added broccoli out of boredom, and hearing that others have added it. If you are diabetic, or have certain health problems with blood sugar, I would just follow a doctor’s advise about the fiber and protein drinks. Sounds like it is working for you?
I have also experienced no BM for 2 days. Is this ok?
yes thats to be expected chris you are not taking in as much food so less will come out its nothing to be worried about cause your body is burning the food you do take in up
It is very normal for you to have less BM’s
I know that some people are using homeopathic hCG and others are using Rx grade injections. I use the homeopathic. I am not going to attempt to sway anyone. Whatever works for you..great. However, for those of you who are interested in trying the homeopathic hCG for the first time I wanted to make sure you are clear that the homeopathic formulas show a series of numbers on the label such as 6X, 12X, 30X and so on. These numbers refer to the formulas dilution. The LOWER the number, the stronger the mix.
Most of the formulas start at 6x or 12X and just a few at 3X (the strongest).
3X are the best. Be sure to check for this number on your brand of choice before purchasing (unless for some reason you prefer the more diluted formula).
David, thank you for providing this comprehensive breakdown. Simplest i have stumbled upon!
I am wondering if it ok to be creative and stray from the 3.5/3.5/bread/fruit formula occasionally, so log as you stay within the 250 calorie limit?
Thanks,
Jim
I am new to this. But here is the question. Define salad. Lettuce only? Or can one add celery, tomato, cucumber to make it a real salad? But they say not to mix. So which is it?
The protocol in P2 is one vegetable per meal. Some people mix the allowed vegetables in the proper quantity without an issue. If you choose to mix them wait until you get a good idea what your daily losses are like. In that way you will be able to notice if it changes based on mixing the veggies or if your losses stay consistent. If you feel there is no change in the consistency of your losses and it is something that you feel would greatly help you adhere to the rest of the protocol, then have at it. Otherwise its just you and lettuce…all alone. You can mix different types of lettuce together though (exciting huh?).
Hi Jim,
You don’t want to stray from that combo per meal. You may leave out anything you wish, but you may not increase any of the quantities even if you omit something else. The calorie count is important, but the specific foods, in that specific combination is also important. Dr. S. got the diet down to a science so follow it as strictly as you can for best results. Be sure to vary the protein, veg and fruit each meal. That being said some people have made adjustments without negative consequence that they could discern. If you don’t follow the protocol exactly you will never be sure that you would not have lost ‘even more’ though. Men often lose far more than women and lose it far more quickly on this diet. Suppress your creativity and you will make out like a bandit on hCG.
Hey everyone. Just another quick update: I’m on my second round of P2 and have lost 40 pounds in 30 days so far. The first time I lost 51 in 40 days, so I’m pretty much right on track with the first time which is great! I wasn’t expecting the same type results as the first time, but so far so good.
I’m at 215 now, and if I keep up this pace for the last 16 days, it looks like I could get below 200 for the first time in.. well, 20 years! The food is getting really dull but I’m sticking with it for another couple weeks and giving it my all since this SHOULD be the last time I have to do this. For my body type, being in the 190’s will be perfectly fine with me!
Speaking of weight, I found a cool site that is much more accurate than the typical general BMI that doesn’t apply to everyone. Here is what they have to say:
———————
Many of the current techniques for body and weight analysis such as the standard Body mass index do not take into account the different body frame sizes of people.
One easy way to determine your body frame size is to wrap your thumb and major fingers around the smallest part of your wrist.
If the fingers overlap you are a small frame.
If your fingers just about touch your are a medium frame.
If your fingers don’t touch you are a large frame.
Add 10 percent for a large frame size, and subtract 10 percent for a small frame size to the ideal weight calculator.
———————
For me, my fingers don’t touch and there is an inch of space in there, so I am a large frame (which I already knew). BUT, the major factor here is going by the general BMI charts, they say I’m supposed to weigh 135 pounds (which isn’t happening!), but using this method, the healthy weight jumps up to 170-180 which is MUCH more reasonable.
I know it doesn’t pertain to the HCG at all, but I thought it might be useful to some people stressing over numbers that they think they are “supposed” to weigh.
I’ll post a final update in a couple weeks when this is done. I can’t wait!
Jim,
Angela has it right on. And please read the actual protocol. It is free on line. It is a bit dry, but only 39 pages long and invaluable to helping you understand what is REALLY in the protocol. I found it on someone’s site, you can ignore his sales pitch and go straight to the original book: my fat cure dot com without the spaces.
Sharyn
Jim, the only thing I weighed to 3.5 oz was my meat, everything else I would weigh and see how many calories, such as strawberries have 50 calories for 5.3 oz. Actually just don’t go over 500 for the day, they don’t have to be 250 for each meal. I usually would stay between 46-=470/day on the p2.
I’ve been on p3 now for almost 5 weeks and am still averaging a loss of 2 lbs a week. I love it and probably will finish on up on the p3(even though we’re supposed to stabilize on p3). I will go on to p4 when I get the rest of my weight off(15.2 more pounds). I’m down a little over 46 pounds now, did the first p2 for 6 weeks and then one more time for 3 weeks.
Good luck on your loss
LOL I could have told you the finger thing Wayne, I used to work for slender you, and the place you lose the least amt of weight is in your wrist. 🙂
Most of the sites I go too do tell you a good weight for small, med and large frame and even tell you how to measure. But that’s good you posted this for ones that didn’t know this.
I can’t remember if you said you were 5’10 or 5’11, but I know with my pounds and inches, there was a weight/height/frame size included, and for a man 5’10 large framed it’s showing a good weight is 158-180 and for 5’11” it’s showing 161 to 184
I appreciate all the responses to my question about substitutions. Many thanks to all of you. Or course I was crossing my fingers and hoping for a different answer, but the truth will work I suppose. I made a surprisingly delicious dish with shirataki noodles, chicken, and peanut sauce (1 tbsp pb) for under 200 cal by cutting back a little on the chicken. It was great but I think it did slow down my weightless to 1/2 lb over a two day period. It also seems to have kicked off certain cravings that I have not had during this process.
I would recommend this diet to anyone. My wife and I have both lost over 10lbs in just a week. I thought it would be so much harder.
We are using the sublingual drops. Not positive they are the real deal though and can’t tell if it’s just the vlcd alone, or if they are really contributing.
Jim,
You may be craving stuff, but if you are not actually hungry, the drops are working.
I just started the HCG diet, My question is,When are suppose to take the drops, before each meal or after???
We have been on P3 for 10 days now and i have lost no weight. not one ounce up or down. Am i doing something wrong? if so could someone please advise me as what to do differently?
I am still following the same guidelines as P2 with a few minor changes. The amount I eat is greater due to the calorie increase. I have added a few more vegetables and fruits and i am not “enjoying” melba toast at this time. No sugars, no carbs and fat free. PLEASE HELP ME!
Thank you so much for all past and future guidance!
Donna
Donna
I am switching to P3 tomorrow and I have some instructions from the site where I bought my drops. Eliminate pasta, beans, potatoes, breads, rice, cakes, cookies, chips, crackers, pies, candy, BBQ sauce, catsup, sodas, desserts, bananas, peanuts and cashews (aspartame).
Eat small meals (grazing not gorging) and you can eat every 2 to 3 hours (snacks). Eat meats, cheese, cream, oils/butter, nuts (small amounts), soy and small amounts of low carb ice cream (on occasion). You can eat an omelet with cheese and veggies for breakfast or fruit and cottage cheese. For lunch and dinner you can pretty much pick anything as long as you stay away from sugar and starches. Good luck!
Donna,
If you are in P3 a stable weight is a good thing. About how many calories are you taking in during P3? Be sure you do not take in too few calories in this phase as it will work against you. The no sugar/carbs is perfect, but you should be incorporating fats. You need to reintroduce the fats during P3. Healthy fats serve a variety of very necessary purposes in your body. If you don’t introduce fats and as many new foods as allowed, you won’t get a chance to learn how your body will handle them. You also will not know if you have truly stabilized. Although I would not encourage you to ‘try’ to lose weight in P3, some people have managed to lose a little each week in P3. If you were to restrict calories ‘some’ in P3 this would happen just as it does in everyday life, but as mentioned if you restrict too much your body is going to hold on to that weight for dear life.
P3 is just like atkins but with fruit…..LOL
Donna, you can have fats hon. I’ve been back on the p3 for 5 weeks now and have lost close to 10 more pounds, which is great for me, as I have 14 more to go, and if I keep doing like this, I won’t have to go back on the “dreaded” p2
Mine you would take 1/2 hour before you eat or drink anything
Jim, I used to only be able to lose weight by not eating hardly any calories. Well, back last year, I was eating 500 calories a day, and it took me 4 mos to get around 20 lbs off(all of which I put back on). I did the p2 two times, and I’m on my 2nd round of p3 and still losing. I have gone from 196.6 to 149.4 this morning, so getting close to my 50 lb mark. I started this back on Mar 22, and did 6 weeks the first time. I lost 15 lbs the first 3 weeks of that round and the last 3 only another 7 lbs. but I was getting aggrivated and cheating on it. The last round of p2, I did it 3 weeks and lost 11 more pounds, the rest of it I have taken off on p3 both times. I did eat alot of goodies(pizza, ice cream cones, and quite a few more no no’s while at the beach for 2 days last week, and when I got home, I was up 5.8 lbs. I did get right back on p3 and knew that most everyone, even if they’re watching what they eat will put on weight when they fly or even just drive anywhere(you tend to retain fluids). Well, within 2 days that weight was back off, and haven’t slowed down on losing yet. So, as far as the vlcd, I really would have thought before that was true, but not anymore. I’m eating between 1200-1500 calories a day. WTG on the weight loss to you and your wife
Donna, I think you are doing better than you give yourselves credit for. Add good fats like avocado, olive oil, salmon, a few nuts. It is only gaining more than 2 lbs that is a problem, and cause for a steak day.
I am starting Wk 2 of P2 (VLCD) today. So far so good, lost 1/2 my goal already (12 lbs.). But can’t find the Grissini Breadsticks anywhere. Anyone have an on-line spot they can be ordered? Something crunchy would be so good right now. haven’t had a single toast/stick all week.
One tip for those wondering if the HCG is working. By some KetoStyx at your local pharmacy (diabetic section). These measure the amount of Ketones in your urine. If HCG/VLCD is working and you are burning fat, you’ll register very high on the ketone scale. I checked after a 2-day stall, say my ketones were off the chart, and it calmed me down. May help you to know that things are working, and just need to be patient.
Whole Foods sells the Grissini Breadsticks. If you go to Amazon and search Grissini Breadsticks it will pull up lots of online retailers also but they will be sold in a larger quantity.
Congrats on the 12 pound weight loss.
Angela,
What website do you recommend door the 3X homeopathic drops? I have been doing injections under a natureopathic doctor’s care but may want to try my second round with the drops.
Thanks!
Eileen
Eileen
I always got my homeopathic drops on e-bay, if you want the guys site on there, let me know. I am down over 46 lbs and 15 lbs from my goal
Sherrie,
Yes. Please send me his site. Thank you.
cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300441092482
There are several good places to buy. You won’t go wrong with Sherrie’s suggestion. I’ve been gathering information on those using the drops versus the injections and so please keep us posted on how you do when you start them. How was your first round?
hi all ive used the drops going on 10 of p3 when i started the drops i weighed 287lbs and happy to report im down to 248lbs. I have been hanging right around the 249 to 248 range with no problems so far except finding smaller cloths thats for sure. my wife Donna and i will be going back for our second round of p2 in 3 weeks. Ive been hearing for me being 5ft11 inches i should be between 160 and 180 so i still have a long way to go lol but i will get there with my wife by myside and with this site as help.Anyone can do it with the help of the people behind this website so good luck to all will keep you posted
1 more thing should i hang right around where im at or try to lose as much as possible before restarting p2
sherrie, the ebay listing for the drops doesn’t look like it is the stronger (3x) type…..
I looked at that packaging when I went in, and the packaging was different than mine. Mine says 3x that I have, but I’ve boughten 3 bottles from them and am doing fantastic, or should I say did fantastic. Right now, I’m still debating on whether to stay on p3(I’m averaging about 1 1/2-2 lbs loss a week on that) or go back for one more round of the p2.
Maybe try this one instead
cgi.ebay.com/2-Oz-HCG-Homeopathic-Weight-Loss-Oral-Drop-Dr-Simeons-/270552951795?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3efe366bf3
Terry, you should be stabilizing right now, trying to stay within the 2 lbs of last drop day. I do eat and am losing on p3, which probably is not good, but I’m really not trying too. You will do great on your next round. I’ve been thinking seriously about doing p2 again, but after already doing it twice, I really dread having to go back. I still have 14.6 to hit my goal..Good luck to your and Donna. How is she doing on it?
Eileen,
Go to Amazon.com. Search Homeopathic HCG drops. You will see quite a few options but only one company has the 3X prominently advertised as most of the others are the weaker dilutions. The other dilutions have worked fine for some as well. I just figured I’d start with the strongest. Read the reviews (one brand has 46 reviews for it). Make sure you only take into account the reviews that say ‘amazon verified purchase’ which is the majority of them. Their company doesn’t pay me a promotional fee so I don’t give them any free advertising by mentioning their name, but you’ll find what you’re looking for easily if you follow the steps above and will be able to make an informed choice. I generally read the negative reviews of a product first and there are a few although the majority are extremely positive and in line with my experience. Here is my favorite negative review for homeopathic HCG. I have to post it because they broke all the rules and then claimed the product was worthless when they didn’t lose.
“My wife and I tried this brand of HGC with high hopes. Unfortunately, we were very disappointed. Cathy is 59 and eats very healthy. She works full time and also instructs cardio kickboxing twice a week and yoga and an abs class too.
After 2 weeks of using hgc she saw no results. Didn’t help with hunger, didn’t metabolize fat……..didn’t help with weight loss.
I tried it for the remainder of the bottle and got the same results.
Neither one of us went on a 500 calorie diet or even a thousand calorie diet because there was no hunger suppression. However, I cut back and ate better food. Cathy already eats well. I still expected some weight loss due to the physiological effects that hgc is purported to have. I take no pleasure from posting a negative review. I would have loved to have shouted from the mountain tops that I had found the “magic bullet”. Sadly, not the case. ”
Ok, so the wife is doing regular strenuous exercise and neither of them could be bothered to follow the 500 calorie diet at any point. Uh duh..the fact that they lost no weight shows they read absolutely nothing about the protocol or disregarded everything they did read. I’d be willing to bet my dog that neither of them bothered to load either. Nice!
It’s very selfish I know, but I’m sure we all want you back on P2 Sherrie. Your advice and experience is invaluable. If you decide to stay on P3 or transition into P4, please do not disappear from the board. I’m still on P3 but I’ve got at minimum 2 more rounds of P2 in my future. Believe it or not I’m looking forward to it. The break has recharged me and I’m very eager to start losing again.
LOL Angela, thanks 🙂 I won’t know until the last weekend in July gets here as to whether I’m going to go back to p2 or not, I just feel like what I’m doing now on p3 is working so well, and I’m still losing, but I think it’s because I’m getting the nutrition my body needs and keeping the sugars to a minimum(actually only eating the sugar in my yogurt). I’m not going anywhere Angela, sometimes, I don’t check in as often, but I still do try to come on and read. You will do fine, and you will hit your goal. I don’t look forward to p2 at all, I literally get sick to my stomach thinking about having to go back to p2 again. But, I will do whatever it takes to finish up with this weight loss
If I want to make a shake will my fruit in the morning is it ok to add soy protein?
Thanks, Angela. I found the website and read the reviews. After I complete my 30 days of injections, I will take the 2 day off HCG and try out the drops for an additional 10 days for a total of 40 days. That will give me a chance to compare the two. During P3, is it possible to do an Atkins instead of the recommended HCG maintenance since Atkins is also no carb/high protein, etc. What is the recommended calorie intake for P3? Thanks for all of your help!
tomorrow i end p2 and stop taking the drops…after my days without the drops i am going to atkins….i lost a ton of weight on it in the past and i know for a fact that it works really good….
I don’t remember Atkins completely. P3 and Atkins are very close if not exactly the same. If you compare the two and they are exactly the same you are good to go. Otherwise, I would stick to P3 as Dr. S. outlines to ensure your hypothalamus resets properly. At that point if you want to use Atkins as your lifelong plan versus P4 that’s probably a great plan for long term success. There is no calorie counting in P3. You will find that you’ll be almost bulletproof against that more than 2lb gain if you avoid the sugars and the starches. P3 has really proved to me that carbs are truly the road to destruction. I would say eat three healthy meals according to protocol each day and a couple of snacks. Don’t be surprised if you find it hard to eat normally at first. After having eaten so little those first couple of days you’ll have to take it slow. Keep a food log and watch the scale. The fluctuations within the 2lb range you will experience can be influenced by a variety of factors like water and salt intake so its hard to get it down to an exact science and I wouldn’t try. Whatever you do, once your normal appetite returns do no eat too ‘few’ calories. I would not go below 1200. I end P3 this week. I didn’t count any calories at all. The only time I came even close to the 2lb mark was when I cheated with cookies and even then I did not go over at any point. On Monday I was up 1.5lbs total from my ending weight. Technically, I was still within the 2lb allowed fluctuation but I wanted to see for myself if steak day was the real deal. I had my big juicy Ribeye and a tomato. However, I didn’t lose the reported 1-2 lbs.
I lost 4.2lbs! I was ecstatic. Good luck on your P3. After completing 40 days it will be a very welcomed change. Be aware that on any form of HCG weight loss can slow towards the end of your round. Generally, the biggest losses are early on.
Wow… so the Steak day really worked! Regarding grissini breadsticks… I read that you can lose faster if you exclude the breadsticks… if that is so, why do they include the grissini in the first place? On P3, are the grissini allowed? I love them for the crunch but would be more than willing to give them up if it helps speed up the weight loss.
Very well written, but the only thing is you really don’t want to do the steak day unless you hit that 2 lb mark. 🙂
I’m officially on a plateau with less than 15 lbs to go(on p3). I hate plateaus, but have always decided when I’ve hit them before to stick with the plan and not going to change anything to get me going again. Usually 3-4 days you start dropping on your own again, and this has been going on 3 days now, so maybe tomorrow the scales will start moving again. It really wouldn’t bother me except that I wanted the last 15 off(maybe 13) before I go home next month to meet my newest g-daughter(have 2 new g-daughters coming next month, one here and one in Illinois and both due 4 days apart). 🙂
We’ll see. If next weekend I’m still about where I am now, it’s back to p2 🙁
Well I returned from San Diego (unfortunatley 🙁 ). I have to say I gained 3 pounds while on vacation (on P4); however, I already lost it all by this morning! I am so happy and totally sold on this HCG!
I have a question…everyone here is doing a second round on the HCG (drops) and I am told they are having a hard time with losing wieght. Has anyone else have the same issue? I don’t plan on doing a second round until next year. I have 16 pounds I want to lose but I am going to exercise and my diet will consist of Atkins and South Beach diet to see how I do first.
Missed everyone and hope all is well.
Hey Sherry, my 2nd round I lost 11 in 3 weeks compared to 15 the first round. I have 12-14 to go and went ahead and stayed on p3 since I’m having great results with being on that. 🙂 I’m kind of playing the back to p2 by ear right now. I’m going home to Illinois for a visit the end of next month and would love to be at my goal weight by then. I will wait until the last weekend of this month to decide if I’m staying on p3 until I get the rest off, or going back to p2.
Hi everyone: I have been around for almost a year but silently observing. I want to purchase real hcg drops. Please let me know where I can find them, the cost and how quickly they can be shipped.
The last dose of homeopathic was ineffective. I appreciate all responses. Thank you.
Sherrie,
Thank you for the information. I am wondering if their results is due to not sticking to the diet then second go around rather than the diet failing. I hope you meet your goal before going home, I am sure you can do it! Even though I am on P4, I still weigh myself everyday and I was down 2 pounds today. So now I am down below my weight pre vacation.
Have a great day.
I am on my 2nd round as well, day 36 to be exact. I lost 37 pounds in the first 30 and plan on losing about the same on the 2nd round. I feel great, no hunger the diet works!!!
Hi there 🙂 My Daughter and I just finished our first week of P2, She is down 9.5 lbs and I am down 10.5lbs. The inches coming off are amazing though!!! We are using the homeopathic HCG drops (12x, 30x, 60x)…it is definitely working! We only had one cheat and that was a small piece of cup cake at a get together. Didn’t lose as much that day. lol I do have a question…I noticed on the list above that it included Broccoli and cauliflower. These were not on my list of approved veggies in my “loser’s manual”. Has anyone experienced any stalls with those? And What about brussel sprouts??? Anyone know if they would be okay? Thanks for any help!
Dawn 🙂
Hey Sherry
The 2nd time I stuck with the diet all the way to the T. It was the first time of p2, that I started cheating after 3 weeks, which you could tell by me losing 15 pounds the first 3 weeks and then only 7 the last 3 weeks. 🙂
That’s great that you’re down..woot woot
I got my HCG here. http://www.discounthcgdiet.com If you use coupon code newcustomer10 you get 10% off!
Eileen, you can’t have the grissini in P3. I too have heard that you may lose quicker without it in P2. They probably include it for a little variety. If you are creative there are tons of things you can do with it (like crush it for bread crumbs/or sweetened with Stevia for fruit toppings etc.). I used the melba toast and I did nothing creative with it. I took no great pleasure in a little piece of hard bread so I cut it out just for that reason. I don’t recall losing any faster once I stopped eating them though. It may vary per person.
And Sherrie is right the steak day shouldn’t be an experiment like it was for me it should only be when you hit 2lbs. I’ve been really good in P3 except for a few chocolate chip cookies, but sadly this week I started gaming the system. I’ve lost about 8.5 pounds this week in preparation for my loading tomorrow. I won’t get into how because I don’t want to trip anyone up, but for my own personal knowledge there were some things I wanted to experiment with. Unfortunately, I have only myself on which to experiment. I plan to do my best to follow the rules strictly this next round. I’m sure my fellow HCG partners will help to keep me in line if I don’t. I’m hoping my losses will be the same or better than R1, but I’m preparing myself that they may be a little less like I’ve been warned.
Angela, if you’ve done that, lost that much in that short amount of time, I would go back on the drops tomorrow, but I don’t know if I would load. I don’t know what kind of experimenting you did, but it doesn’t sound good losing that much in a week, and you’ll most likely find that from losing like that, when you load over 2 days, you’re going to really pack on the weight
I have been reading about what strength to look for in drops, and I am feeling a little foolish. I found this website after starting my drops and it looks like I got a weak concentration 12x, 30x, 60x. I have not even completed my first week of P2, today is day 5 of vlcd and I have lost 7lbs. My question is, should I toss them and buy stronger ones, or maybe increase the dose? Your suggestions are appreciated, thanks.
The thing is, my experiment was nothing drastic. I did stop though. Yesterday I ate as I normally do in P3, no weighing no calorie counting. I take in quite a bit of healthy fat now. Not as much as loading obviously. I had two eggs for breakfast, went to a work luncheon that served roast beef and green beans with almonds sauteed in olive oil and I also had a piece of chocolate cheesecake that was off protocol (I know, I know), and a grilled pork steak for dinner. This morning down another 1.2 pounds. I will not start loading today. I am going to eat as I normally do. Today I’m starting the morning off with a veggie/meat filled omelet with sugar free salsa and sour cream cooked in clarified butter, then I’ll have a lunch and dinner not sure what yet, but regular P3 allowed stuff. If tomorrow I have gained I will remain in P3 until stable. If I continue to lose while following the rules, I will be more than fine with it. I’ll just hang out in P3 until the losses stop. My assumption is that there will be no loss tomorrow. I am a firm believer in loading. I had 0 hunger in P2 and I want to keep it that way R2 as I am not as strong as some who can handle several days of feeling very hungry. It would make me cranky. If for some reason my system goes haywire and I pick up what I lost and then some, it would be own fault so I’d just have to suck it up and move forward. Keep an eye out for tears next post.
7lbs in 5 days?? I wouldn’t dare toss those drops. It sounds like they are working very well and that your dose is fine. There are plenty of people that do fine on the concentration you purchased. Homeopathic drops are sort of the black sheep of the family when it comes to this diet; expectations of success are low for those who are firm believers in the Rx version and they assume it doesn’t work as well so I always recommend that people start with the strongest, but it does not mean that you won’t do fine on yours. If you have not experienced hunger thus far you probably won’t experience it later in the diet, but if you do, it is fine to add a couple of additional drops. Congrats on a successful week 1.
If you’ve been reading the posts you know that I’m a fan of the homeopathic drops, however before deciding on them I researched and gathered information from people I trust who have used the Rx version with success in case I later decided to try that route. I figured one of the current users of Rx would answer you so I stayed silent, but if you still need a source I’d be happy to share a recommendation. Email me at darby_trenton@hotmail.com
No Penny, you got good ones. That is what I used and am down about 50 lbs.
Why would you think the 12x 30 x60 are no good? WTG on the weight loss
Also the real stuff comes from over seas, and I’m not about to take anything that comes from over seas myself. I could have gotten some of the real stuff, but opted not too. I don’t see any better results to be honest with you with the real drops than I do the homeopathic. Also, you have to be more careful with what you can/can’t use like with make up, deodorant even shampoo with the real hcg, and the homeopathic, I never changed a thing. Am also doing well on p3 after using homeo..
I loaded good my last time and still had hunger.
I have stayed on p3 so long(almost 6 weeks now) because I was doing so well on it and still losing about 2 lbs a week. Unfortunately, I have hit a plateau, so today I changed around my breakfast, instead of strawberries or another fruit and my yogurt for breakfast, I had scrambled eggs and a big slice of ham, needless to say, I’m not the least bit hungry right now, and may just eat a piece of fruit for lunch. for dinner I’m having porterhouse steak and that may be it, or if I’m still hungry, will eat more fruit or some salad with it. I sure hope I can get off this plateau tomorrow so I don’t have to even think about going back on p2 next week. 🙂 I’m so close to my goal, that I’m sure that is another reason I’ve slowed way down, but I have done a lot of reading, and most likely, I’m still losing inches even if I’m not losing weight.
How much do you have left to lose?
I’d like to do two more 23-30 day rounds before the new year and hope to lose a total of 40+ with those two rounds. I’ll then reassess how much cash I have to keep buying different clothes. If I lose the 40 I’ll probably stop for a bit. Right now I can’t even imagine what a 40 pound loss is even going to look like so its hard to plan past that, but I know I won’t be done. P3 is a comfortable place to be. I hope things work out for you as planned. I haven’t measured in P3. That would have been a good idea. It must be very nice to be close to your goal and see that light at the end of the tunnel. Porterhouse..yum
I started the HCG homeopathic drops on Tuesday. I loaded (big time) on both Tuesday and Wednesday, but by Thursday morning, had dropped 3 pounds! I was shocked. I didn’t intend to lose any weight after the loading days, so it was a surprise. I ate everything I could get my hands on: cheeses, Mexican food, fatty steaks, butter, sour cream, philly cheese steaks, etc. Even though people said you don’t have to make yourself sick, I seriously almost did. That’s why I was so surprised that I had lost the weight. Did anybody else have this experience? Anyway, by this morning, I had dropped another 3 pounds. So, since Tuesday, I have lost 6 pounds. I feel okay… am a little hungry, but it’s bearable. I started at 178, am down to 172, and am hoping to land between 135 and 142.
LOL I hope the porterhouse is yum.
I still haven’t eaten my lunch, not hungry, but may grab a piece of fruit or yogurt here shortly. I hate trying to eat when I’m not hungry
How much have you lost all together? When I get done, mine will be right around 60 lbs. but to me, I still see fat. But, I have found, once you’re over weight, you never see yourself like others see you
Hubby told me yesterday, You look nice! I told him I had hit a plateau, he said I think you don’t need to lose anymore weight. 🙂
LOL
My first time of loading, I ate McDonalds and a lot of other stuff. The first day, I had lost a pound, the next day had put it back on, so started my low calories at the same weight as I was after loading. I lost 9.2 lbs the first week.
Last p2 I ate pizza, 5 cream filled huge donuts and a lot of other bad fats, well, I put on 4.2 and only lost almost 8 the first week, (without subtracting the 4.2 I had put on). That is great you’re losing so fast. Keep up the good work
I started the HCG drops on July 19th (two days of loading) and have lost 6.2 lbs. I am following p2 of the diet and feel great. I just finished reading all the comments on this site and want to thank you for the wonderful information. Will keep you posted.
I just keep seeing post where people have said make sure is 3x, and mine isn’t. I am pleased with my loss, but was worried about the coming weeks if I didn’t get the right stuff. Thanks everyone for your comments/support.
in a week i will be able to be on p4, i am interested in hearing other’s experiences on this phase. i would love to be able to have starch for 2-3 meals per week……..(sugars are not a big weakness.) we live in a tourist town and dining out is great.if you do have a starch, does the wieght register immediately/next day? all feedback is appreciated………..!
don’t worry about it Penny, the ones you’re on are fine
Hi all: Please let me know what the hcg homeopathic should say on the bottle and what it means…12X etc. Thanks!!
I went to a wedding last night, I have been worried about cheating on my diet at this wedding since my diet started, and I am sorry to say I cheated. I had good food all around me, two kinds of cake, 10 kinds of candy, drinks, and I finally gave in to temptation…..I ate….. 2 extra strawberries………yay! I am rocking this diet! Okay, technically I still cheated, but………
Good luck to all!
I have not lost any weight in 4 days. Then this morning I gained 2oz. Is this normal. I am eating right and not cheating in any area. I have been on P2 for 16 days now. Lost about 15 lbs. Could I be at my normal weight? (place were I will not lose anymore)
LOL I have NEVER counted my strawberries, I would weigh out 5.3 oz for 50 calories when I was on p2. WTG on not cheating
How much are you down now?
You have hit a plateau. Some people would tell you to do an apple day, me, well, I always preferred to keep doing what I was doing, and it would come off. In pounds and inches, it says you can hit a plateau, and usually after 4-6 days it will break. 15 lbs in 16 days is a lot of weight, think about it. You can’t continue to lose like that everyday, or everything you have lost would just turn to flab. Keep up the good work, and don’t worry so much about the scale, you are gaining muscle and losing fat and muscle weighs more than fat. 🙂
I am on p3 and hit a plateau for 5 days. I was finally down .8 this morning
7.5 in 6 days, (may be a bit soon to be bragging huh?) But I have know this wedding was coming for a while, I even debated postponing the diet till afterwards. The cake was the hardest thing to say no to. I was happy I was able to eat at the wedding at all, I packed an apple and a breadstick just in case, but they had approved food from all 4 groups!
This is where I’m at today (Homeopathic HCG)
Started at 178 (I’m 5’6″)
175 after two GOOD loading days
172 after 1st day of VLCD
170 this morning after 2nd day of VLCD
Feeling a little lethargic last night and morning. I’m not sure if it was because I got in the pool last night, but I am feeling better after some coffee and tea this morning. Anybody have any other recommendations for lethargy? This is what I was afraid of when I lost weight after the loading days. Does anyone take any over the counter energy supplements?
Anyway, my biggest motivation now is that I just loked at pictures from my vacation last week to Laguna Beach. It’s funny what you can see in pictures that you don’t see in the mirror. I’m sticking to it the diet and hoping that it (1) gets me to a new setpoint; (2) teaches me that healthy and homemade foods CAN be good (made a great shrimp and tomato with garlic and lemon juice dish last night – my family liked it even though they aren’t on the diet); (3) encourages me to engage in an overall healthier lifestyle; and (4) empowers me by proving that I CAN exercise self-control, even though I have chosen not to for the last 4 1/2 years.
2 days of VLCD down, ONLY 38 to go!
My family is loading up to go out on the boat, and I would really like to have a beer. In what phase of this diet might I have a beer (or two), and ditto for wine?
Appreciate you all, and all the good advice!
Believe me Penny, cake was and still is the hardest thing for me, well that and cream filled donuts. I have been on p3 for I think about 6 weeks this time around. Could be on p4, but since I continue losing on p3, and I like this part of the diet, then I stay with it. I will break it tonight, I’m getting a DQ ice cream cone. I also bought some 1/2 the fat ice cream with cake pieces in it, but have yet to try it.
I have 13.8 lbs to go, so not sure if I will go back on p2 next weekend or just keep plugging away with p3 until I’m finished up. I did p2 twice and that actually was 2 times too many. LOL
I’m also 5’6″ but only going for 135-137. I’m a 53 year old g-ma and I’ve weighed 132 before, and looked like a skeleton. Actually for our height, we can weigh up to 144, but I still am aiming for at least 135-137.
You’re doing great
When you’re completely done with the diet and are on p4.
13.8 lbs. you are so close! Good for you. The hardest thing for me to give up has to be the wine and cheese I love to have in the evenings, and the sweets, not just cake and ice cream, I pretty much love all sweets (although I have never heard of an ice cream filled donut). You are awfully dedicated to be sticking with it for so long, I have done this for one week today, and today I am doing some serious wining.
Can you have immitation crab meat or does it have to be the real thing?
Penny, lol, I didn’t say ice cream filled donut, it was a cream filled donut and then I also bought some ice cream with cake pieces in it. 🙂 I also love chocolate, reese pb cups are my all time favorite, along with almost every other kind of chocolate. 🙂
That I couldn’t answer for you as I’ve never tried imitation crab meat. Guess check the ingredients and make sure there are no carbs or sugar in it
Make sure you take vitamin B-12! The protocol I am on instructs a liquid B-12, and it definitely helps with a boost of energy:) Way to go!!!!!!
You’ll need to use the real thing Mandy. Many ingredients are added to the imitation to give it form and and texture. Sugar, sorbitol, wheat or tapioca starch, egg whites, and vegetable or soybean oil to improve the form and texture. Natural and artificial crab flavorings are added, and some of these flavorings are made from real crab or from boiled shells. Carmine, caramel, paprika, and annatto extract are often used to make the crab’s red, orange, or pink coloring. I can’t recall where I got that, but when I wanted to try some there were no ingredients listed on the package so I had to go home and look it up.
Hello this is day 4 on phase 2, I am starving. I have lost 21.6 lbs in that time (I really think this is a great deal of water weight but it is off and I am excited). I used the mixing directions off of a Dr.s Web video on Youtube. I purchased vials of 5000 iu and mixed with 5 ml of the water and inject .25 cc but I just realized that it equals out to 250? is that correct? Shouldn’t I use less or something, I have always been good at math but I could not find a conversion table. I thought that I had read that if someone uses too much then it will cause them to be hungry. Does anyone know about this? What is the correct mixing for a 5000 iu bottle, for the smaller doses. Any direction would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
been awhile since i posted thought i would drop and and give an update. we are my wife donna and i are on our 3rd week of p3 my last weigh in day was 248.9 and im down to 247.8 so i have stuck within the 2+ or – so im happy and eating lol. We plan on going back to p2 after our 3rd weeki want to hit the 200lbs or less mark but i wont be disappointed if i dont make it cause i figured 3 rounds total.to get to 175 to 185 lb mark before its all said and done
Have enjoyed the back-and forth on the site, so thought I’d contribute in case it helps anyone. Just finished Day 12 of VLCD w/Homeo-HCG, and have lost 17 pounds (from 194 to 177), within 5 pounds of target with 9 days to go. The weight and inches lost are tremendous short-term feedback, but thought I’d mention another benefit. The primary reason I went on the diet was a hope that the ‘reset’ of my Hyothalmus would also assist me with decade-long insomnia (2-3 hrs daily tops), as the Hypo plays a major role in sleep. After NO noticeable change the first week, the last 3 days have been phenomenal. 7hrs each for 3 days…haven’t done that in forever. Even the WAY I’m sleeping is different, a ‘glide’ into sleep rather than a collapse from exhaustion. It is delicious.
After initially reading the protocol, it was clear that I needed the diet/reset, was 20 pounds overweight and a slave to all of the symptomatic cravings. I hoped I would find that other functions controlled by the Hypothalmus might also improve, and now there is some hope that it might. Very excited. I wondered if any others have seen noticeable changes is sleep patterns on the protocol?
Thanks so much! I accidentally bought the immitation and wasn’t sure if it mattered, but you are right it has sugar, etc. in the ingredients. Back to the grocery store I go.
Duane,
First, check your scales. 21.6 pounds in only 4 days is a bit much.
As to your question RE: mixing the HCG and the dosage, it isn’t rocket science, but you do have to keep track of what you are doing. The daily dose of HCG (by injection) is 125 IU (international units-a measure of potency) to a max of 200 IU. Therefore, if you diluted 5000 IU in 5 cc’s of water, the resulting mix was 1000 IU/cc. Using an insulin syringe to get, say, 150 IU per injection, you would draw 0.15 cc’s into the syringe. Insulin syringes are generally 1cc in a long, thin barrel. The major markings on the syringe are 1/10 cc. Check yours to be sure–some are marked differently. Basically, divide the desired dose by 1000 IU (for 200 IU, divide 200 by 1000 IU to get 0.2cc (the “2” mark on the syringe). If you are giving yourself 250 IU, that’s probably too much.
Day 1 of the VLCD. I am starving to death! I ate lunch at 11:30 am–chicken, asparagus, grissini breadstick, and an apple. The chicken tasted too plain–I guess I will add Louisiana hot sauce to my growing grocery list (my acid reflux is having a field day already with what I’ve eaten so far). I plan to have an orange at 2:30 pm as a snack then at 5 or 5:30pm have dinner–more chicken, brocolli, grissini breadstick, and an apple.
Yeah, 🙁 Unfortunately, I’m having to go to bed instead of after 11:30, as I can’t sleep past 5:30 or 6:30 in the mornings anymore, which I would love to be able to still sleep in until 8:00
Harvel, it depends on how big he is. I’ve known a couple people who have lost 25 lbs the first week, both of them were over 300 lbs. If Duane is bigger, that’s probably why the quick loss.
Mandy, you don’t want to do 3 fruits in a day. If you have to eat a fruit in between, then eat either the lunch fruit in between when you get up and lunch, or between lunch and dinner. Also, not 2 of the same fruits in the same day, same with meat, and veggies.
Thanks, Angela. I found the website you recommended by reading the reviews and ordered the 3X. I just completed day 30 on the injections and will begin the drops tomorrow for the final 10 days. Could you give recommendations on the drops and how best to take them? Do you refrigerate the bottle as you do with the injections? How often and how many drops do you take per day and when exactly? Thanks for the info!
I also started on the HCG drops on July 21st – today (7/25) I am down 6.5 lbs. Day 2 was tough, a little hungry, but worked through it. Today is better, especially after seeing my weight down 6.5 lbs!! This is not going to be easy, but I decided I just can’t keep carrying around an extra person inside me (I need to lose 100 lbs!!). Nice to read all these comments, very encouraging.
Thank you for the reply and it is Daune (sounds like Dawn), female here. I stared at 324. I have been sick for 3 years had graves disease, but it was unusual because I started that at 350 got down to 265 (it is where your body attacks the thyroid. I was on meds for awhile to stop the thyroid, now it is going better, I can gain 20 lbs in a weeks time and drop it is as well depending if I am holding fluid.) This is now day 5 on vlcd and down to 298.0, so I dropped more fluid. As long as I keep dropping the weight then I will keep going. I know it is not rocket science. I figured it out last night, I was told by a nurse that had tried the program that she was told by her Dr that it was the .25 on the injections, and I was starving. I had not been that hungry in years. I have not cheated any. I ordered my HCG from Pharmacy Escrow and they sent me 4 vials of expired HCG. I was not sure if it was the injection amount or the fact that the HCG was not working. They said they were very sorry and have another shipment on the way. I just didn’t think I could wait any longer, seeing that they have already lost my order 3 times. Thanks for the assistance.
hi! i’ve been on the diet for 11 days, and its been pretty effective so far…i’ve lost 9 lbs and my clothes are fitting looser! i have all this info from the clinic i’ve been going to, but i’ve been obsessing on the interweb and reading all kinds of conflicting stuff… for instance, my clinic says crystal lite is ok, but i keep seeing that its grounds for stalling the weight loss. i have been good and havent done it, but i REALLY want to! they also say that i can drink up to 2 diet beverages a day, which i also have not done. anyone know about this firsthand?
The first time I was on p2, I did drink crystal lights and I probably had 2 diet sodas. the problem is, you’re to only have 2 kinds of sugar substitutes, sweet and low and stevia. The crystal light has a different sugar substitute, and if you read the package, there is 10 calories in the whole pack of it. Also diet pops have a different sugar sweetener in them also.
I’m on p3 now, and continue to stay on it until I get my weight off before going to p4. I was going to go back to p2 for one more round, but not eating starch/sugar, I’m still losing on p3. I do drink crystal lights now, and also a diet tea that is hard to find out as it’s still fairly new(it’s called c4 or something like that). I would just drink water, tea (either unsweet or with stevia) and coffee either black or also with stevia until you get to the next phase.
I still lost weight using the crystal light, but the 2nd time around, I wanted to do things the right way
Congrats on the loss so far
Still looking for someone to direct me to a site with real hcg with price and time for shipment. Also, the homeopathic..someone tell me what your bottle says and if it was effective. I got a bottle that appeared to be water and alcohol with no other ingredients so I am a little skeptical. Please help!!!
Hillary,
I can’t help you much, but I can tell you what my bottle says Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hcg) 12x,30x,60x, cell salt mixture 12x, purified water and 20% usp alcohol. I am loosing with it, but this is day 8 and as of this moring, I am down 7.5lbs. I think some others have lost more, but also, I am 22 lbs from what the charts say is my “ideal weight,” which by the way, I think is too low for me. From what I have been reading here, the heavier you are, the faster it comes off. I have not cheated at all (except two extra strawberries at a wedding). Good luck, and I hope this helps.
Alldaychemist dot com has the real stuff. Myself, I don’t want to order anything from over seas. I use the homeopathic and have done excellent on it. It usually takes anywhere from 2-3 weeks to get your stuff if you do get the real
i would like to hear input from folks who have experienced p4…..addition of starches specifically…….
Penny, how tall are you? Age? Bone structure? To find if you’re small, med or large framed, take your middle finger and thumb and wrap it around your wrist, if it doesn’t meet, you’re large boned, if it touches, med boned and overlapped you are small boned. For my height, I’m about 5’6″, I should weigh no more than 144(high end). I am under the “overweight” BMI charts now. Went from obese, to overweight, and now normal BMI. Just go by how you feel. I know I want to lose 10-13 lbs more
Sherrie,
I am 5’5,” age 44, currently 147lbs. According to the wrist test, I am small boned, but have always considered myself med. I have always thought I “should” weigh 125, but I think 135 is better for me (and easier to maintain).
Penny, you should weigh anywhere between 127 and 141 if you’re med. boned
I’m almost 5’6″ and 135 is what I want to get down too, although I may be happy at 137 or 138, which would give me 10 more to lose..
Hey everyone! Ok, I ran out of drops early so I ended on 40 days again for the second time. First time I lost 51 in 40 days and second time I lost 44 in 40 days. Overall, pretty successful! I didn’t quite get to my goal yet, but I’m at 210 now after being 365 in December. I plan on P3 and then possibly doing the drops one more time to get to around 190 or so.
I’m a large frame person (and a BIG large frame at that being there is over an inch between my fingers when I do the wrist test.. and I’ve been able to palm a basketball since I was like 12 to give you an idea it’s not because of small hands!) so much less than 190 would be TOO small for me I think. But another 23 day session in 5-6 weeks should be more than enough and we’ll see where I end up.
It sure feels nice to go from a tight 3XL shirt to a new Large shirt fitting fine in 8 months! I’m so glad I found HCG as it made the journey a LOT easier and a LOT quicker. To those of you just starting on it, STICK WITH IT and you will see results!
Thanks for all the help and suggestions provided here and I will continue to read this page and chime in occasionally and when I start P2 again!
Way to go Wayne! I did have a question… what type of drops are you using? My husband also wanted to ask did you mix your veggies? And you it ever feel like you were starving? My blood sugar yesterday night was 67. Thanks in advance! Daune
I’m used regular drops I got off eBay from powermax_nutrition. I don’t exactly know how potent they are, but they were effective for me!
Nah, I never mixed veggies. To be honest, I hate most of them and just ate minimal ones with my meals. I never got over 400 calories on the diet, and usually hovered around 350-375 or so, depending on the meats.
I never felt like I was starving really. I really only cheated one time when I ate a bunch of peanut butter, but that was it. I somehow lost weight the next day, although I don’t know why.
Hi All,
Has anyone notice an increase in acne? Does anyone know if this is a side effect of the HCG? I was on HCG last year and finished in Sept, from Dec 2009 until now I’ve had major acne and I’m someone who NEVER had acne. I’m wondering if the HCG and the hormone fluctuation had anything do with this. Anyone?
Wayne, that’s the same place I got my drops from
Daune, you’re not supposed to mix veggies, 3 weeks is a short time, leave the mixing veggie on p3
Thank you Wayne, my husband was talking about he would try this if he didn’t have to take a shot, but he also didn’t want go through what I was going through. He weighed the other day 246 and he was really upset, he said it was only 4 lbs less than the most he has ever weighed. I will check out the drops.. Thank you , Thank you.
Thanks Sherrie, My husband was asking because he is the one doing the cooking for me on this diet. He wanted to see if there was any way to get the calories in to help with the hunger I was having, and the low blood sugar. Day 7 on the vlcd and down 28.2 ldbs. I know it will slow down in a few days to come but, I also think it was the right timing because my body was trying to start working again. My thyroid went from very high 3 years ago to the very lowest on the scale and I almost started taking meds for it, I had no messurable patuitary, and then it went on the high end it was trying to get my thyroid working again. I knew I had so much weight to loose, but the main reason for doing this diet was to reset my hypothalamus. I am very excited and have great will power, so I will just work through the massive hunger pains. They finally do go away once my blood sugar is above 70. Have a great day.
I am so frustrated, I have been so good about following the diet precisely and I am not losing. I didn’t expect to lose on the gorge days, so since the vlcd days, today being the 10th day, why have I only lost 8 lbs. I lose 1/2 lb. or nothing for 6 days now. My book says do an apple day, or a steak day, but I am already starving I don’t have the desire to give up more. I have had incredible cravings, and all I can think about is what I can’t have…..still no cheating…….still not losing, ugh!
WTG Daune..How much are you trying to lose? Most likely, it will slow down, but keep up the excellent work! Try eating your lunch fruit between breakfast and lunch, and your dinner fruit between lunch and dinner or between dinner and bed time. The proteins is what fills you up the most. My friend lost over 100 lbs on this diet, but she did the 750 calorie/day diet, so it did take her a little longer to lose. Are you doing the drops or the shots? Maybe you’re not getting the right amount if you’re doing the shots. Also, when you’re hungry, drink a big glass of water, that usually helps with the hunger pains, or try doing something to keep your mind off the food…
Please keep up and let us know how you’re doing
Also, if you want, e-mail me anytime, just put hcg diet or this is Daune or something in the subject line so I’ll know it’s from you, then will save as a friend so it will only go in spam folder once. I would love to work one on one with you and hear how you’re doing
Sherrie
stratman397 at aol dot com
I am pretty hungry, yesterday I was fine until the afternoon and then I started to feel hungry and haven’t stopped. It’s my second day on the VLCD. I was told I wouldn’t feel hungry so I am a bit confused. I am taking ten drops 3x a day, I should be taking 8 but when I started feeling hungry I thought I would go back to 10 still not feeling much better. It’s good to see I’m not alone but it makes me wonder if the drops aren’t really HCG. the FDA put out a warning that HCG can’t be homeopathic. Anybody here know anything about that?
This is my third day of vlcd, phase 2. I feel much better today than the past two days. I was so sick on the first day from the diet and was seriously ready to give up and ask my doctor for my $280 back! My sugar dropped way low and I had to eat an extra orange and breadstick, which didn’t help much at all. Had a terrible headache as well–so much so that I couldn’t sleep so I took tylenol pm. Yesterday I was out of work b/c I still felt dizzy and “drunk” from my sugar being so low. Today is so much better. Yesterday, I went to the grocery store and bought some boiled shrimp, salad mix, balsamic vinager, crystal light, and more apples and oranges. I’ve lost 10 pounds since Sunday (three days! Went from 172 to 162). I wonder if a lot of that was water weight. I can tell that my pants are fitting looser. Hopefully the diet will continue get easier from this point.
Sofia,
I was hungry for the first week. The first week was very tough for me; however, after that I was no longer hungry.
Penny, I’m a little confused. If I read this correctly you said you lost 8lbs in 10 days. If so that’s right on target. You’re losing more than 1/2 a pound a day. A lot of women do not lose 1 pound each day like the men do and the weight loss isn’t necessarily consistent each day but generally averages out. Apple day is for P2. Steak day is for P3 (unless you are a vegetarian then its apple day in P3 too). It doesn’t sound like you’re stalling though. You should not have a feeling of starving especially after 10 days. If you are seeing a dr. discuss your hunger if you are going it alone, if you put up more details some of the tenured dieters here will probably be able to offer some advice.
Hi Sherrie. Thanks for the info as I really need and appreciate it. I am hypoglycemic so if I have to cheat, I’d rather do it with an extra fruit than say a snickers bar. LOL Hopefully my body will adjust to this diet soon when it comes to my hypoglycemia. Also, I do not eat red meat and will implement chicken in my diet for supper. My doc said no breakfast so I don’t want to eat a fruit before lunch. So far today, I’ve had 2 cups of coffee, for lunch had shrimp, salad w/ balsamic vinegar drsg, and an apple, and two waters with crystal light in them. I didn’t want my grissini breadstick as I almost throw up smelling the garlic off of it (I will get them just plain next time). I just got back from the grocery store and forgot to get the louisiana hot sauce for my chicken. I’ll go again later on today. Thanks again!
I noticed an improved sleep pattern. I’ve never been able to go to sleep unless I was absolutely exhausted. This usually meant I was up until 2-3am unless I took a sleeping pill. I’d be tired the next day and still unable to go to sleep on my own at a reasonable hour. Even when I cut out all caffeine except in the morning, I’d still be up planning stuff in my head in the middle of the night. It’s a whole new world now. At 10:30 each night I am ready for sleep and I fall asleep within 10 minutes of turning off the lights. If I have to wake up to go to the bathroom, I can easily fall back asleep as soon as I lie down. This is amazing to me and I love it.
If you can make it past the first few days, you’re pretty much home free. I’m on my 3rd day of the VLCD, phase 2, and I am doing well. I have lost 10 pounds since Sunday–which is a total surprise as I didn’t think I’d lose weight quite this fast. I’m not sure about the FDA/homeopathic deal. I went to my gynecologist and he has the hcg already mixed there, but it is more expensive than if you bought it online (charged $50 copay and $230 for the hcg). He lost 40 something pounds while on the diet. I’m 5ft 6in and want to get down to 120 pounds (right now I am 162 lbs, size 10). I’d be happy with 130 lbs b/c that would put me in between a size 4/6 misses size. Anyway, if you find out about the homeopathic hcg, let us know. Good luck and don’t give up!
No, I havent’ noticed acne…yet. God, I hope I don’t! Try either Clinique’s 3 step program or Proactive’s 3 step program. I use Clinique’s 3 step twice per day and it works pretty well except for the occasional breakout around my chin area.
Thanks all for the very useful information. Yesterday I logged on and found the calorie counter which is a blessing. So far I’m doing well and lost a total of 5 pounds/5 days on the vlc diet. Does anyone have any information on the hygiene aspect of this diet. I bought the Jason products but did not receive all items ordered. Any ideas of how critical this is to the diet? Does anyone knows if the diet helps with cellulite?
Finally, I’m impressed so far on not reading any real negative comments about the HCG diet. I’m a skeptic by nature and wondered for a while was this really safe but so far so good. Comments from anyone would be appreciated.
hi. after 13 days on p2, i have lost 9 lbs, but seem to have hit a stall…ive been very diligent with following the plan, but have noticed that i’ve been constipated…no movement in 2 days (which is when i stopped losing, i was dropping each day prior when i was regular). i’m also pms mode. can i just take some milk of magnesium to clear this up? i dont want to get discouraged especially right before my cycle. i just bought some smooth move tea which ill drink tonight, and ive been pounding water. so bummed right now.
I am so happy to have found this site. My friend started this diet over a week ago and has lost over 10lbs. I have made the commitment to do the same. I want to lose 30lbs. I have done it before with the Atkins and South Beach diet W/phen & b-12 shots. I ordered my sublingual hcg on Sunday and I can’t wait to get started. Congratulations to everyone for doing so well. I was diagnosed a year ago with Diabetes when I was actually at my lowest weight since 6th grade, I am 5’8″ and I weighed 158. After starting insulin a year ago, I gained almost 20 lbs, I lost all but 5. Then about 2 months ago, I ran out of insulin and could not afford it as I lost my Cobra, I had to order it from Canada because it is 1/2 the price. My goal of course is to get off insulin.
Hi all,
Wanted to thank you all for your help. Today is my last day on the drops. Overall this was a success. I have lost 15 lbs in 21 days. The only thing is that was all in the 1st 12 days. I have lost nothing for nine days. It is weird my husband and I are doing this together. He has lost everyday 210 to 188. He is staying on for 5 more days, want to drop another 5 lbs. For me I am off P2 Friday. Sat to celebrate a friend and I are going to an organic restaurant. I can’t wait to eat something besides chicken or beef.
I have been looking everywhere for this info. The search is finally over, great post!
I have a question about “mixing” vegetables. I have read you are not supposed to but many of the recipes for example have chicken and onion wrapped with lettuce or a taco salad with tomatoes and onions. Is that considered “mixing?”
Not counting the 3 lbs I gained on the loading, I have lost 9 lbs in 16 days of drops. That is less than a lb a day. I was expecting to lose a bit more in the beginning. I am sticking strictly to the diet, drink 2 L of water daily, do no exercise, I’m not hungry, get about 7 hours of sleep a night, and take 10 drops 3 x daily. Why is it not a one or two lbs a day? What am I doing wrong? Should I just keep taking the drops after 21 days of drops until I lose the 20+ lbs I was expecting to lose?
Good luck Paulie! I think this diet will work very well for you. Here’s hoping your insulin will be a thing of the past very shortly.
The diet most definitely helps with cellulite. If you haven’t taken photos of yourself and you are brave enough to do so, snap those areas with cellulite so you can compare your before and after. I think you’ll like what you see. I personally continued to use most of my same hygiene and cosmetic items except those that were loaded with oil like my lip glass/oil of olay but I didn’t go all out with a change of shampoo/deodorant etc. As to whether I would have done better if I had, I can’t say. I’d say stick to the protocol as closely as feasible for best results. Congrats on the weight loss.
My book says there are two options for plateau breakers, 1) apple day: drink nothing but water and eat up to 6 apples. 2) mini steak day: all allowable drinks, eat nothing till dinner, then eat a 3.5oz. steak and an apple or tomato. I just keep reading how so many other people have lost so much more, I wonder if my drops are strong enough (12x). I find myself watching the clock for when I get to eat again, then after dinner, watching for when I can go to bed so I don’t have to think about eating anymore. I weigh first thing in the morning, then get discouraged all over again when I feel like I am giving up so much and not losing. I am thrilled with the 8lbs. but if I can’t lose more, I feel like I should just go off the diet and eat <1200 calories and try that.
Thanks Mandy. You can’t use Clinique on the diet, right?
Go to the website http://www.diyhcg.com. It is the MOST comprehensive website I’ve seen on HCG and the products and services they have are excellent! You can even order pre-portioned meats!
Way to go Wayne! You must feel like a new person!!! You are an inspiration!
Penny
The apple day is for p2. The steak day is when you’re on p3, if you go 2 lbs over the last drop day. It’s not a 3.5 oz steak then, it’s as big of a steak as you want.
Today is Day 9 of VLCD and I am down 12 lbs. The last few days have been rough because I’m battling a severe chest cold. I am hating sticking to this diet, when all I want to do is have some comfort food. It’s been kicking my you know what; between the body aches, lethargy and not being able to eat, I have been SO TIRED (had to leave work early yesterday). Last night, I broke down and took some TheraFlu Honey Lemon tea because I couldn’t stand the cough anymore. I was not happy about it as it contains sugar and starch, but I did it anyway. Does anyone know an acceptable medication to take for chest congestion?
Thanks for the input, I am over my crabiness from yesterday. No weight loss again, so I am doing an apple day and crossing my fingers for tomorrow.
sorry Penny..I’m there too, so feel your pain. I have never done the apple day, but that was just me. I hit a plateau during p2, just kept doing what I was doing and it broke on about the 4th or 5th day. I’m on a plateau on p3 so I know how you feel. I thought it had broke, but I was back up again today..It does get aggrivating, but the closer you get to your goal the more frequent plateaus are, unfortunately
Thanks for the encouragement! How have you done??
Store bought cold medicines aren’t really allowed, but I would say go for Diabetic Tussin DM Suppressant/Expectorant Maximum Strength. It does not contain any sugar, sodium, alcohol, fructose, sorbitol, codeine or dye. Read the label carefully to make sure you are ok with all the other ingredients but the diabetic section for medicine is your best bet for avoiding sugar. Here is a recipe people also seem to like for congestion:
Tomato Tea
Add 1 cup tomato juice (squeeze your own)
1 tsp chopped fresh garlic (or as much as you can stand),
1/2 tsp of hot sauce, (or as much as you can stand)
1 tsp lemon juice,
and a pinch or two of celery seasoning and a little salt for flavor.
Heat, drink, then sleep.
Hope you get well soon.
I’m doing well. I just started the low cal part of Round 2 yesterday. R1 I lost 29lbs total. I’ve got several rounds to do though. I was actually eager to start this round. It’s hard to sit on the sidelines while everyone else loses.
I think it really depends more on if you’re on the real hcg or if you’re on homeopathic. I do homeopathic and always used the same things
Success! I was down 1.5 lbs from yesterday, so the apple day works. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be as I wasn’t feeling hungry yesterday. I hated being stuck, hopefully that scale will keep moving now.
Hi all,
I don’t check here much anymore as I have completed the diet and been on phase 4 for 2 full months. But, conincidentally I saw someone asking about adding back carbs/starches on phase 4, so I thought I would share…since I was desperate to find an experienced phase 4 dieter when I hit that part of the plan.
First off, if you really want them, carbs that is, then add slowly. Try one food at a time, a small amount and see how you feel. My first venture back to carbs was 1 slice of whole grain bread… I felt bloated and terrible all day. Next thing I tried was a very small serving of BBQ beans. They tasted so good, and I didn’t feel bad. And the best news is that I found the very small servig was just enough. I didn’t want anymore. I left most of the portion on the plate and didn’t save it for later. I occasionally eat bbq beans now when the meal plan calls for it. I have eaten a bite of breads when at restaurants, have eaten french fries (again a very small serving), and have indulged in a coockie on about 4 occasions. I drink wine about 2x’s per week with dinner (4oz) and most sugars that I eat only come from things like sauces, dressings and spices. I use stevia to sweeten drinks and other foods, I make my own choclate fondue to satisfy my terminal choclate addiction, and I have never been happier with my diet, weight or appearance. My self esteem is through the roof.
The truth is, I never want or crave carbs anymore since the hcg diet. I have maintained my weight loss and lost even more inches within the 1st month of being off the drops and vlcd. I no longer am a slave to calorie counting or non-fat chemical filled foods. I am very careful not to purchase anything that contains high fructose corn syrup or added starches. No gluten! Ever again!
I eat all the meats and dairy products I want, lots of nuts, raw veggies and fruits.
I have more energy than I have ever had in my life and I wasn’t extremely overweight. I lost a total of 17lbs. I am well within recommended weights for my size…. just proof that any amount of extra weight makes your body perform less than optimal.
Hope this helps. And by the way… When you are thorugh dieting, check out Eat Right for Your Type. It’s all about eating according to your blood type. I naturally eat this way since hcg and I’m sure it has added to my overall sense of wellbeing.
Everyone, you are doing great. Keep up the good work. I’ll check in again when I have reached the 6 month mark on maintaining my losses.
Janet,
Even though I am back on phase 2 and have another 10+/- lbs to lose, I want to thank you so much for this posting. It is exactly what I need to know about life- after- the- diet- maintenance. I hope I can be so good when I get there! I hate artificial sweeteners, especially in hot drinks, so will have to deal with that when the time comes. Also, Italian foods are my all-time favorites! I hope some pasta is do-able.
You are an inspiration. I am so glad you will be checking in now and then in the future.
Sharyn
Good luck Sharyn. I have 12 more to go, but I continue losing on p3, so have decided not to go back to p2, it literally makes me sick to think about having to go back on that.
I have found just eating a lot of protein, 3 meals a day, lots of fruits and veggies, I can lose 2 plus pounds a week. When I get to my goal, then I’ll move on to p4. I give you credit on doing one more round. I did 2 round of it already, and that is the only part of the diet I don’t like. 🙂 Good luck, you will have it off real quick.
I know there’s mixed feelings on the shots vs homeopathic drops,but I was told by a doctor that did the program and specializes in hormones/women’s health that the drops don’t contain HCG.That you lose from the 500 cal and risk doing the yoyo thing when you get off them. It works for some,but I didn’t want to take the chance. I got my shots from trimnutrition.com.I checked them out with the BBB and no complaints.A doctor runs it. You can get the 26 day protocol for about $130 shipped.(ask for a 15% discount) They ship it next day.My doctor is also set up for all this now….Gretchen Clark Jones mylivit.com.She’s also on Facebook.I lost 30lbs in 3 weeks,so I’m going to do the longer protocol. I’m glad I found all of you here.I love all the advice from the ones who have done it before us. This really works and I’m going to do it this time!Good luck everyone.
Thanks Sherrie, I hope so. (“…have it off real soon”).
Well, yesterday I was at 147, I thought my plateau that I had been on the last 2 weeks of staying around 149 had broken, but this morning, back up to 149. I’m weighing tomorrow, and if I don’t have that 2 lbs back off, then I will load tomorrow and go back on vlcd starting Monday. I wanted so bad to be close to my goal weight of 135-137 by the 25th of August when I go home for a week visit. I’m thinking a lot of mine right now is
1) I’ve been drinking close to a pot of coffee before going to bed(up all night using the bathroom
2)not getting the sleep because of the bathroom times and also because of my sciatic nerve or disk in my back, so am on ibuprofen right now, which I guess the inflammation of that and then using the 800 ibuprofen twice a day I could be retaining fluids. Whatever it is, I’m going to have to get this plateau broken.
Please keep us posted Sharyn
Hello all
Since being on phase 4 for 2 months, the last two weeks I’ve been gaining. 🙁
daughter’s wedding, mom’s major surgery, i may be buying another company, etc. the stress eating has me out of control.
I will be starting the diet again sometime soon.
Question I have is… does anyone know a diet or calculator site?? One where I can say, I want 1400 calories, give me options. Or put in what I am eating to see where I am at?
I have never, in my life, counted calories. How do I do that? To see what I am eating?
Help
Thanks,
Debbie
fyi. Congrats Sherrie!! Remember when you said you would never go that low in weight, haha… it feels wonderful doesn’t it??
I am so excited, I started my sublingual drops on Thursday and my VLCD today. I weighed 175 this morning, I’m hoping to see a reduction tomorrow. I only recently gained about 13lbs. I have been on insulin 1 year which caused me to gain about 20lbs., I was down to within 4lbs., until I ran out of insulin for a month and gained the weight back. I am hoping to get off insulin. I feel terrible at this weight. I am 5’8″ and want to with 145-150.
debbie
calorieking.com is awesome for calulating calories by a ton of measures; oz, gram, serving, piece, you name it. also, fitday.com has a tracking area to put in all your food by day. weigh your food since it looks diff than it really is sometimes. eventually, you can eyeball it and guess pretty closely.
LOL Debbie
I don’t want to get down below 135, that has always been my goal, I’m down 50 lbs as of today, but still have 11.6 to go, and still feel fat, but won’t go any lower than the 135.
How much have you put on?
You can go find any calories you want by doing a search and putting in like dairy queen blizzard an nutritional value.
You can also do that for meats, etc. I’m still on p3, never did go in to p4, as I’m happy on the p3. Try just doing the p3, I’m sure you’ll get the extra weight back off on that alone. That’s how I’m losing still. I really don’t count calories except in my head
Hi Sherrie,
You are doing awesome! I hear you on feeling fat! Geez… I put on 10. The more I tried as I inched up, the more that came on, and fast.
Now what? I hate to, but I’m ready to, go on another round. YUCK.
So, on P3, what are you doing? Nuts? Dairy? I seem to have issues with nuts.
What do you eat for lunch?
Debbie
Thank you Lisa!
I’ll give it a try
Debbie
Hello, I know I’m about a year late :), but wanted to know how everyone is doing on the HCG. I started about 14 days ago (including loading days) and have lost 14.3 lbs. I haven’t lost anything for the past 3 days. I don’t want to do an apple day, but may have to resort to it. Any thoughts…? Additionally, has anyone cheated and if so, how did you correct it?
Hey Debbie
What you should have done is to have done a steak day as soon as you hit the 2 lb mark. That’s what I know I will have to do the rest of my life if I go to over 2 lbs of my goal weight.
for breakfast I’m eating either scrambled eggs and bacon, or yogurt and a fruit(and usually do the yogurt/fruit) as I’m not usually that hungry in the morning. I just get the low fat or fat free yoplait(I love almost every one of those).
Lunch, well, it depends. Most of the time I always have a salad(and still don’t use any dressing), my cocoa almond(100 packs), sometimes tuna fish with mayo, fruit,, etc. I usually have about 600 calories in by the time dinner rolls around. Then for dinner, I just do the meat, veggies/fruit, whatever…I really don’t count calories except in my head.
Last night we went to Zaxbys, and I had the grilled chicken zalad(about 1/2 of it is all I could eat), and I actually ate 1/2 of my piece of texas toast.
I was going to go back on p2 this morning and was all ready for it(well, not really, but knew I would probably have too), as I have been on a plateau for 2 weeks. But, when I got up and had dropped 2.2 lbs since yesterday, decided well, good, don’t have to do that again.
If you’re up around 145, that’s where you really should be for being 5’8″, and I’m still sure you look fantastic. I think that’s probably where your body is wanting to be.
Try doing p3 again(just leave out most sugars(I have sugar in my yogurt) and most carbs/starches and you should find you’ll level off or lose a little. I love p3 myself. 🙂
Carmon, I never was one to do an apple day. When you hit a plateau, it’s very normal, and it usually corrects itself within 3-5 days. If you cheated, then that’s probably why you haven’t lost any, eating no no’s will stall you out, I did do that a few times the first 6 weeks I was on the p2(after 3 weeks) and then went right back on the diet. I did put on a little and did stall, but kept plugging away.
I would give it a few more days. As I said I really don’t believe in the apple day, but that is just my opinion. Try mixing up your foods a little more(like if you’re eating the exact same things everyday, change them out to something else.
14.3 lbs is great in 14 days(congratulations). Remember there is no other diet where you could have done that, and you can’t expect to lose every single day. Your body has to catch up or you will just have a bunch of saggy skin.
Also, I suggest walking. I know it says you don’t have too, but I started walking March 22nd when I started the diet, and I still continue walking every day. I was doing a little over a mile a day, now somedays I just get in 1/2 mile(sciatic nerve problems) I do make myself go out and go every morning though. 🙂
Hi Sherrie,
I know on the steak day. I have done those. Only thing is, the steak day would have been my daughter’s wedding day, so not so simple.
Then drinks, cake, desserts, compounded the problem.
And it is all history.
No, I am up 10 more than that. Boo. And, I may look ok, but feel lousy. Much happier down the 10 in how I feel.
Thanks for the suggestions. Wonder if I am gaining now from worrying and not eating enough???
Debbie
That could be it..Stress will cause you not to lose, or to even gain. Stop stressing girl! I think mine was from(the plateau)the sciatic nerve and the swelling and I do see I do better when I get a few extra calories. About how many calories are you getting? You need anywhere from 1200 to 1400 to lose. I try and keep mine around 1400 most days. The thing is since you’re on p4, if you gradually over 3 weeks added in the sugars and starches, you really should have been able to keep the weight around where you want it.
Try a steak day and see what happens. I did one the other day to try and break the plateau(you know me and apple days, totally won’t do them), but I didn’t lose an oz overnight, stayed at 149.2, then the day after is when I dropped to 147, then the next day I was at 149(yesterday) and then today 146.6(which was my 50 lbs mark). Just keep with it, and try to get to around 145 and stay there. At your height you would look great there. Heck, I have people telling me not to lose anymore, but I have my goal set and that’s where I want to be. Of course, look at where you were when you started, pat yourself on the back for accomplishing what you have and then get going again on it. Lots of fruits and veggies and proteins, and lay off the sugars/starches right now, and you shouldn’t have to go back to p2 at all, and if you’re like me, you DON’T want to have to go through that again
Also, don’t forget at least 1/2 gallon of water a day. I can’t stand drinking plain water, so I’m buying these flavored teas now(no calories, no nothing) made by 4C and I love them(but very hard to find)…good luck Debbie
Debbie, e-mail me at stratman397 at aol dot com and put this is Debbie in subject line. I don’t get updates in here and so a lot of times I miss when you post.
Hi Carmon,
If you are a year late, so am I. Your weight loss is phenomenal. Apple days are just for psychological reasons, so if you feel you need it for quick results, go right ahead, but know that you will self correct without one. In the end, you will lose the weight anyway. I cheated for two whole weeks and did my load days over and began again…then I just cheated badly for about a week…I know I didn’t have to do load days, but I felt the need to do it that way…(I just was not done cheating). So I am back on the VLCD now, and in the last two days I lost a little over a lb. I am at a place where I look and feel so much better than before, but have definite belly fat that I want to lose before I move on. So my advice is, if you have been cheating for a couple of weeks, start over. If you cheated one day or two, just resume. All will be well. Best, Sharyn
thanks so much!
Just wanted to let ya know been on hcg now for 5 days. I’ve lost 7lbs. I luv this stuff. It’s amazing and it’s teaching me how to eat right. I was on it last month but got off because we were going on vacation to Mexico n before I left I had lost 11lbs in 6 days. If u stick to protocol this hcg is amazing.
Can anyone tell me from experience if the belly fat will go away? I have lost weight very well, and continue to do so. A few things worry me. The main one is…will this big old block of fat on my tummy really go? Right now I have to wear size 12 jeans just to accommodate the stomach area. The rest of me would like to be in a 10, and my goal is an 8. I measure much smaller around my middle, but the ugly stuff is still there.
Sharyn, in the 50 lbs I’ve lost, I’ve only lost 6″ off my belly. The first place you gain is going to be the last place you lose. If you have never had any surgeries or children, you can do crunches everyday(I was using an ab shaper, until I started having problems with sciatic nerve, so had to give it up). My problem was I had lost a lot of weight before and had a tummy tuck(the Dr screwed up on me bad and even left fat). The thing is, I had had 3 surgeries where I had been cut in the same place(bikini cut) and surgery was my only option to get the fat off. Good luck
Also, I do walk everyday, that is good for the overall body
Sherrie,
Thank you for sharing. You are confirming what I am worried about. I had a bikini cut for a surgery a few years ago. In my late 20’s I also had two 9.5 babies, only 16 months apart, so my body didn’t get back into regular shape before doing it all over again. I am 63 now, and I am not sure what is possible as far as reshaping. I suspect I will need to either live with it or have surgery. In the meantime, I still have cellulite and I think a few more pounds of fat will come off before I am through. I am just so tired of not being able to cook for friends and go out to restaurants….because when I do I cheat!
I am on week 2 of the VLCD and an starting to struggle with hunger in the mornings, does anyone have any suggestions how I can get through the morning?
Also, I am a little unclear about the three weeks following the completion of the HCG drops, I understand sugar should still be avoided but carbs and fats can be reintroduced. Could anyone confirm this or have advice about this phase of the diet?
Hi Shair. If you are starting to experience hunger add a few extra drops if you are using homeopathic. If you are using injections ensure that your dose is correct and increase if allowable. Increasing your liquid intake can help with hunger. You can either drink more water straight, make a lemonade or make a hot garlic and herb broth. The hot broth will seem more like soup than water and has a psychological feel of having a meal. If you have not done this already, try eating one of your fruit servings for breakfast. Although some exercise is ok, make sure you are not getting too much as that can also increase hunger. One or a combination of these should do the trick. After you have completed the VLCD phase of the diet, you may slowly reintroduce fats (not carbs or sugar). You will mainly be eating all meats of your choice, a wider selection of fruits and a wider selection of vegetables (no potatoes). You can also add eggs, cheese, real butter, olive oil etc. During this phase it is just as important that you get on the scale every single day. Expect your weight to fluctuate a bit as your body adjusts to the varied food items and increased calories. It is good to keep a food log so you can remember which foods caused a gain but do add at least one new item a day. This is the only way you will know that you are truly stabilizing and what things to have only in small quantities. As long as you remain within 2lbs of your last injection/drops day you are fine. Do not use the weight after the 3 days of VLCD after the HCG that helped you to wean off, it should be the last injection/drop weight. If you go over 2lbs then you’ll need a steak day to bring you back down. After at least 3 weeks you may then slowly reintroduce carbs.
Angela,
Thank you for this advice it answers everything for me! 🙂 After reading your suggestions I can only see that I am maybe doing one thing wrong… walking my dog every day. Unfortuntaly, although I can cut back on the walks I cannot completely eliminate them (it’s not fair to punish my dog) so I guess I will just have to bear the morning hunger. Once I get past lunch I seem to be fine.
Hi Shair,
I too am on week 2 of the VLCD. There are many hours that pass from dinner the night until morning. I too feel hungry in the a.m. I find that drinking cups of Oolong Premium tea help. (I purchased 100ct on ebay for $9.00). It is a natural appetite suppressant. The hot water feels like I am putting food in my stomach. I try to drink a gallon of water each day. I also eat my apple in the a.m. I have had great success so far, 14.8 lbs. in 10 days, which keeps me 100% on track. Every morning, its like X-mas every morning getting up and seeing how much weight I’ve lost. Good Luck!
I have lost 60 pounds on this diet in 5 months and I have ALWAYS had a fruit and melba toast and herbal tea for breakfast. I get up, weigh, take my drops, wait the specified amount of time and then have breakfast of fruit toast and tea. I’ve never combined the fruit and toast with a meal. I like to watch one hour of TV in the evening and I save my 2nd fruite toast and tea for TV watching. It’s worked for me!
Thanks for that suggestion Margo, i think that will help me tremendously. 🙂
I posted this morning, however, there must have been a problem because its not there. So sorry if it shows up later.
I am going into my 4th week on P4 and I have being doing great so far. I lost a total of 23.6 with 16 more pounds to lose. I will probably wait until next year before I attempt the HCG again. This past weekend I felt it was safe to purchase a couple pairs of pants in a smaller size!! I have dropped a whole dress size and lost several inches. I am so happy with my results and I feel better about myself.
For those of you who are new to HCG…hang in there, it is so worth it.
Shair, I have walked every day since I started this diet back in March, walking is good for you. I used to do a mile a day, but with the humidity, I have cut back to 1/2 mile or a little more.
WTG Sherry. I’m still on p3, although I occasionally treat myself to something on p4. I am down to 146.2 as of this morning with 11.2 more to go. I can’t wait! I have gone from a mens 36 waist jean to a mens 30 waist and also in a size 7 jr pants now. I too am very happy with my loss. I am now down 50.4 lbs
by the way, the reason I never went to p4 is because I still continue to lose 1 1/2 to 2 lbs a week on p3(even though it’s stabilization). I have done well on p3 both times now
One last question; can anybody explain to me the 4 phases of the diet?
Thanks.
Phase 4 is where you gradually add back sugars and starches over a 3 week period. That’s when you can have everything and anything you want, but just watch your quantities and keep an eye on the scale every day.
I have a question.. when on this diet do we eat once a day or twice? i have been told only once .. can some one please help me , can u give me a diet to follow?
I have a question.. when on this diet do we eat once a day or twice? i have been told only once .. can some one please help me , can u give me a diet to follow? I am doing the injection
Shair,
Phase 1 is only on the Kevin Trudeau plan, that is the cleansing phase.
Phase 2 is load days and vlcd diet days.
Phase 3 is the 3 weeks where you increase your calories to about 1500 with out sugar or carb/starches.
Phase 4 you can slowly add sugars and carb/starches back into your diet if you are doing another round. Or phase 4 becomes life time maintenance.
You can spread your foods out through the day, just don’t go over the 500 calories.
You don’t eat breakfast, you can have all the water, tea(if you like it sweet, use stevia) and black coffee. Try and get at least 1/2 gallon of water a day, you eat lunch and supper. Did you not get any directions with your drops?
Diana, here read this, it tells you how to eat on this, and also gives you answers to about any question you could have. Page 30 is where it tells you how to eat(this is from pounds and inches)
powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
You can have a fruit and melba toast in the morning for a snack if you get hungry. Most anyone who has done this diet successfully always spread out their daily foods to last all day. It makes it easier and teaches your body how to react to eating small portions many times a day as is now recommended for any weight loss and weight maintenance.
Excellent job!! I wish I would have stayed on P3. Because this has been the first time ever on HCG I followed the program as directed. Next time I think I will extend the P3 as you did. I would be so happy if I could get down to 145…I would be totally happy with that weight.
Keep up the good work Sherrie 🙂 Have a great day.
This is my second go around with HCG. I was doing great the first time and got lazy. I am 9 days into P2 and down 19 total. I have more energy and the cravings for the bad stuff are very little to none. I love this diet. What diet can you loose this much and not feel hungry ?
Hi, I have been on P2 for 25 days and have only lost 14 lbs. Not sure what is wrong. A bit discouraging. Should I go 2 more weeks and buy more HCG or will I continue to lose weight on P3? If I move to P3 am I suppose to continue losing? Most people say they do. I sort of need to know soon, so I can order more if that is what you suggest.
Jeralie,
14lbs in 25 days is more than a half of a pound a day. 1/2 a pound a day is average so you are just slightly above average. I know the diet advertises 1-2 pounds a day but if you read the small print the 1-2 pounds is the average result for men. As on most diets men lose far faster on this one. Their losses are more consistent each day and they have fewer stalls. What can I say, women are more complicated creatures. If you wish to continue losing until you hit your first round goal, continue P2. P3 is the phase for stabilizing not losing so that you can reset the hypothalamus and be able to maintain the losses from P2. When you move to P3 depending on what you eat you may lose weight as some find it difficult to include a huge variety of foods, or simply return to a calorie count higher than the VLCD but still low enough to cause losses. Also some lose because there is a slow buildup to an increased calorie count and you will find your appetite has been lessened by P2. But, as I mentioned losing weight in P3 should not be the goal and most people stabilize at 1 to 1.5 pounds over their last injection/drops day.
Jeralie, girls do not lose as fast as men, you’re still losing over 1/2 lb a day, that is fantatic. You could never do that on any other diet. I love the p3, as although it’s stabilization, I continue to lose an average of 1 1/2 to 2 lbs a week. I have been on the 2nd round of p3 now for 7 weeks and LOVING it
Losing weight on P3 is against protocol and should never happen as you are not resetting anything at all. It should never be encouraged.
My wife is on PS and I am off the drops and Sun begin P3.
My wife wants to know if she can do toning excessive on p2? Yoga or something else.
Thanks
Velma, there is nothing wrong with losing when you’re eating the right amount of calories. A lot of people have lost on p3 and kept it off for years. Everyones body is different, the main thing is when you get to your goal, not to ever go over 2 lbs above that goal weight, and if you do, do a steak day. My body will know when it doesn’t want to go any further. For now, I eat very healthy, I eat my calories, and if my body is wanting to still lose on the foods I’m eating then that’s great. Even the RN behind me that has been on this diet said there is nothing wrong with losing on p3 if you’re eating healthy and enough food
Richard, the only thing I have done on p2 since the day I started it, has been walking, as that is one of the healthiest/best exercises to do. Good for the heart and every part of the body. I probably would leave anything else other than a daily walk for p3
I don’t agree with you or the RN. But to each their own. I don’t care for the mixed message being put out there that it is alright to lose weight on P3 which it is not. If you wish to lose more weight then do another round. No wonder so many who do this diet have so much trouble understanding it.
Why would I want to do another round and go under my goal weight? If you’re eating right, not going nuts on things not good for you, you’re going to lose weight PERIOD. How do you think people lose weight when they’re not on the hcg diet? So you’re saying, eat more and get so full I feel sick? I don’t over eat anymore, I eat very healthy 3 meals a day and am losing 1 1/2 to 2 lbs a week. Everyones body works differently. I guess you can agree to disagree…:)
Eat more, no. But maintain to reset like what is written in the protocol, yes. Bad advice is bad advice no matter who is giving it, even you.
I don’t agree to dissagree with you. I just plain don’t agree with bad advice that seems to be given on this site.
So anyway, today is Friday thank goodness! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and is able to avoid temptation while out and about enjoying the last of summer. It seems like everyone has been doing so well on the diet average losses for some and enviable above average losses for others. I think new people to the board will be greatly encouraged by your successes.
Happy losing.
I’m only on day 4 and im struggling…does anyone have any suggestions
Struggling such as in?? Being hungry or wanting to snack?
Yoga and any light impact exercise for no more than 30 minutes a few times a week should be fine as long as this is something your wife has been doing already. If she is wanting to start a exercise program it might be best to wait until later phases as the calorie intake is too low to feed her body properly and it could cause a stall or even a gain.
I recently started the plan and I have a question regarding alcohol……I have been told it is ok to have alcohol as long as no sugar is added. Flavored vodka and sparkling favored water. I started on Sunday and I am down 6 lbs……..I entertain clients and it is hard to just sit there and not have a cocktail with them.
Lori,
Here is my opinion and others will probably weigh in. A shot of vodka has roughly 60-70 calories. So right off the bat, my answer would be no from an additional calorie standpoint that contains no nutritional value. Since you are only allowed 500 calories I don’t think you would want to replace 60-70 of them without getting some nutrition out of it. If you have just plain sparkling water, they probably won’t razz you. They’ll just think you’re on the wagon, or like most women; trying to watch your figure. The protocol I use does not allow alcohol in P2. If however, you are using a doctor and he says its ok, then I guess on your plan it is. Congrats on the losses thus far.
Hi everyone! Thanks so much for the info regarding my last post. I do have a question regarding the next phase. So, I’ve decided to let today be my last HCG day (day 28); however, I’m somewhat nervous about gaining weight. I understand this phase is identical to Atkins, but has anyone experienced weight gain once they started? If so, did it go away in a couple of days? I fear gaining during the first couple of days. Please help:(
hi carmon….i stayed on the hcg for 21 days and went directly to atkins……i have not gained any weight at all….also i saw on the news that a low carb diet is better for your heart than a low fat diet…i love the atkins diet….i actually had better luck on the atkins diet in the past than the hcg…..i have lost 27 lbs total now and am enjoying a healthier lifestyle…
When you first begin P3 you will probably notice that your appetite is still decreased. You may have difficulty raising calories at first. As you slowly increase your food intake and vary your food choices there may be some fluctuation on the scale or none at all. Rarely, will you find yourself above the 2lb fluctuation allowed. So yes, you may eat something and go up 1/2 a pound and then the next day be back down. A lot of it has to do with simple water release or retention and is nothing to worry about. Introduce new foods one at a time so you can remember which foods had an effect on your weight as you may be more sensitive to certain things. If by chance you do go even slightly over the 2lbs the ‘steak day’ works and you will be down the next day. So with that particular ace up your sleeve you have nothing to worry about because you will always be able to self-regulate. You are correct that P3 is similar to Atkins and people who used Atkins as directed rarely gained weight so fear not.
Just had a new g-daughter this morning. 7 lbs 1 oz. Lots of hair. Can’t wait to meet her tonight
wow…congratulations!!!!!!!!
I am in 14 days to P2, down 22. I had a question about a couple of items. Splenda ? I use it, i don’t like the taste of Stevia as much, and seem to be losing fine. What are others thoughts? Second green beens? One of my low carb favs. Not on the list but eat and still lose, any ideas?
thanks!
CONGRATS Sherrie!!!
Thanks..wish there was a way to post pictures on here. 🙁
Have another g-daughter due anytime now too.
hi mike!!! i don’t like stevia either and used splenda….as far as the green beans, i would continue doing what ever you are doing as long as you keep losing weight….you are doing wonderfully!!
Well last day of “loading” and starting the VLCD in the morning…so very nervous about it, not sure I can do it but am going to give it my best shot…any pointers are greatly appreciated!
hi all my wife donna and i are into our first week of p2 part 2 lol. She has lost alot this first week better than i and i am so proud of her. I lost 38 lbs the first go round and looking for atleast 35 this go round. That would put me around 210 which would leave me 1 more go round for p2 cause i would love to get to 175 before its all said and done. As far as my p3 go i didnt weigh anything lol but never went over or under the 2 lbs range nor did i try. I just went with it without thinking about it cause ive been told thinking gets me in trouble lol. I didnt stress it i stayed away from carbs and sugars and had a blast with the rest.So good luck to all the first time dieters the main thing dont stress the small stuff stick with what is layed out on this site and before you know it you will notice a big differance
Hi, I lost about a lb per day for 20 days. I was excited about that! I was really getting into a good groove. Then I started getting dizzy and feeling really sick. I went in to see my doctor. She consulted with another doctor and told me to stop the diet. She said I was in protein deficiency. She told me to stop the diet immediately and start eating at least 1500 calories a day and mostly protein. Has anyone ever heard of this or experienced this? Thanks!
Jay, you get plenty of protein on that diet, heck, I was eating more protein on p2 than I ever had in my life. If I were you, I would have kept on the diet one more day, then gone off the drops and stayed on the vlcd for the 3 days, then moved on to p3. A lot of Drs are not educated on this diet, and don’t realize how it works. You can get too much protein too. Sounds like your Drs are like the ones we have around here. Most of ours are quacks
Hi,
I just ordered the drops yesterday and am anxious to start loosing weight! my only concern is I just had a baby five weeks ago…. is it ok for me to start the drops?
I would talk to your Dr first. If you’re nursing, my guess would be no, since you won’t be getting much food for 3-6 weeks(which ever way you’re doing the diet). If you’re not nursing, then there wouldn’t be a problem.
Or I should have said shouldn’t be a problem if you’re not nursing. But when nursing the baby takes so much from you, that you will need more than those 500 calories a day
I’d be curious what the dr’s diagnosis would have been had you not told them you were on the diet. On what did they base the diagnosis of ‘protein deficiency’? I have felt light headed before on the diet. I took a good multi vitamin which helped. I’m not sure if it was the diet or the heat as I tend to get lightheaded in extreme heat anyway. As for sickness, I have gotten nauseous before again I don’t know that it was diet related as it went away on its own. For those who are not sold that the diet is safe I think whatever problem you point to they will say its because of the diet. Odd that they would want you to eat mostly protein up to 1500 calories a day. That’s a lot of protein. Exactly how long are you supposed to eat mostly protein. Please keep us updated how things work out for you and let me know if there was some type of test they performed to diagnose ‘protein deficiency’.
Melissa, I hope you got off to a great start. My advice would be to ask lots of questions if anything confuses you. Hopefully, you’ll have some large losses early on that will get you motivated. Go easy on yourself though. Do not expect to lose 1-2 pounds each day. 1/2 pound a day is the average for women. I’m sure you’ll do great and we’ll all be here to support you the whole way.
It’s really funny Angela. I went to the Dr today for sciatic nerve problems, she said you look really good! I had told her before i was on this diet and she had asked if I was taking the drops or injections. Anyway, she told me to keep up the great work. I told her I only had 10 lbs left to go
I’ve been on P1 for 21 days and so far lost only 16 pounds. Stuck on the same weight for 5 days now even after an apple day. Oh well I’m trying to be patient since I realize that women don’t lose same as men. Can I color my hair as long as I don’t use the conditioners?. I’ve the Jason conditioner which is organic. Please advise.
My doctor is the one that told me about the diet, she is very knowledgable about the diet and has used it to help other patients with loosing weight.
Hey everyone! Glad to see everyone is losing, loving life and NEW ADDITIONS TO THE FAMILY! I started on 7/14 at 192 before gorge (196 after gorge). I am pleased to report I’m down to 174.4 yay me :). I really wanted to keep going until I reached day 40, but my cycle started today (sorry fella’s). At any rate, I wanted to know if anyone contined taking the drops during their cycle. I read somewhere that you could continue the drops during, but couldn’t on injections. I’m taking the drops and was just curious to see if anyone else tried it. I WANNA FINISH THE DROPS lol. My co-worker said I was an HCG junky lmbo. Any ideas?
Mike – I cannot stand the idea of using Stevia yuck yuck yuck. I never stopped using my liquid splenda (sweet freeze), which I purchased online for $19. It’s expensive, but REALLY good and there are NO CARBS! Splenda packets contain .5 carbs per packet, which can surely add up. I also ate green beans 3 days and still had a loss. Good luck!!
Carmon
My daughter quit her drops when she started her period, and unfortunately she never went back on them. She just flowed heavier, but I wish she wouldn’t have gone off. She has probably close to 100 lbs to lose, and I worry about her, you will have to decide for yourself how you want to do it. I’m so glad those days are over for me.
As far as stevia, I love it and now will not use anything else. You are only supposed to use stevia or sweet and low. That’s the only thing I use in tea or anything else I drink. You have to acquire a taste for it just like you would anything else.
Congratulations on the loss
ps. there are carbs in green beans, I also ate them maybe 3 times, the first time around, but bought the french style ones as those don’t have hardly any of those little beans inside the bean
Carmon,
You don’t have to stop taking the drops during your time of month. That only applies if you are injecting the real hcg and are concerned about becoming pregnant during that time frame. My last round was 44 straight days of injections, I had 2 periods with no trouble at all. They have stayed the same during all of the 3 rounds that I have done and I have not once stopped taking whatever form of hcg I was using at the time. My rate of loss did slow down but didn’t stop all together.
Remember 1 very important thing…………..not everyone reacts to this diet protocol the same way. What works for one person may not work for someone else. I could use all my person care items during my round with homeopathic, but when I changed to real hcg in drop form then injections for rounds 2 and 3 that went out the window and I had to drastically change what I was doing.
I have been on P1 now for 25 days and I’m finally passed my plateau. This morning the scale registered 135.8 as compared to yesterday’s 136.8. That’s a total of 20 pounds in 25 days. I’m now on a new mixture of the real HCG(I’m injecting) since I believe the old one was loosing its effectiveness(about 70 days old). My current concern is morning bloating/gas which has always been a problem for me. I always ate in the morning to minimize this problem but of course I can’t eat till lunch time with HCG. I would tremedously appreciate some advise on this. The bloated belly is terrible on my desired slimmer image. Thanks
Why can’t you eat until lunch time? In all of my 3 rounds I ate my first fruit around 9:00 am to help keep hunger away. Spread your daily foods out so the diet will be easier to stay on.
Hello everyone.
I have a couple of questions…One being when you are eating apples is there a certain kind of apple you can or can not have? I just purchased some called pink ladies and they are way sweeter than red delicious so i was just wondering if there was a difference in count.
Second…We are on day 15 od our second go round of P2 the loss was WONDERFUL… however were are now barely showing a daily loss and the hunger is just crazy… is there somethiing else we should be doing…or any suggestions at all?
Thank you so much for all the advise in the past as well as in the future…you know we will be back…he he he
No, I peel them, core them and weight them and then figure the 16.25 calories per oz.
I love those pink ladies, wonder if we have any at the store yet. YUMMY
Are you drinking all your water? Sometimes the drops start losing some of their potency if they’re bottles you had used from before. Also, how close are you to your goal? The closer you get the slower it’s going to be be to get the weight off.
Good luck. How much have you lost now Donna?
I am close to starting P3 before i do one more round. I had a question. I plan on eating basicly a Atkins diet during my P3. My question is do I eat lean meats? Or as on true Atkins that does not matter as much? Or do I just play it by ear and see if I gain or lose on what i eat and just adjust?
Thanks,
I am just over a week into P3.
I am still a bit confused about what I can eat on P3. For example, can I eat plan Oatmeal or is that a starch? It says no sugar but, has carbs.
Also, I have eaten green beans and pinto beans also. Now, I am wondering if they maybe considered starches. How do I tell?
I am very interested in starting this diet. Where can I purchase homeopathic HCG drops that work? There are so many websites and not sure if they are legitimate. Please advise.
No oatmeal, no beans. No carbs. Natural sugar only, no added sugars during P3.
I left the peels on my apples for the added fiber.
You will lose slower on each round that you do. Not sure why but that was my experience in 3 rounds. Look more to the inches lost.
You can add back fats…healthy ones are best of course, like those found in Salmon, olive oil, almonds, etc.
It is so helpful to read the book “pounds and inches”. No grains yet. Oats are grain. No legums, which are beans of all kinds, until this phase is done.
I don’t see mushrooms on the list… or strawberries.. are they ok? P1>?
Sherrie,
So far i have lost 53 wonderful pounds!!!! 2o to go…
Ummm probably a little short on the water…maybe thats the problem, ill have to pick up on that! Yes mam the pink lady apples are AWSUM if you fix them in the microwave with a little stevia …yummmmmmy! (no peels)
Thanks again for the advise!
Donna
Thanks,
I have read Pounds and Inches like 4 times.
I did not know Oatmeal was a grain and I have no idea what legumes is. , till now that is.
I have not had that oatmeal(almost) but, I have had beans twice. I have had no problem maintaining my weight. However, have totally blew P3?
LOL I eat lots of apples, and I did go up in to the mountains today to buy some but they only have a few kinds out right now for about another week. We can only buy pink ladies in the store, and I haven’t been there to see if we have them yet.
I actually eat the peeling, but I have made them like that before (in the microwave, but I added cinnamon too). 🙂
That is awesome. I started March 22 and have lost 54.4 now with about 7.2 to go. I’m so very proud of you. I only did the p2 twice and that was enough for me. I have actually been back on p3 now for going on 9 weeks and have lost 16 lbs from where I ended after last drop day. I love it and eat so much healthier now. Keep up the great work and keep in touch. 🙂
Confusion. In the P3 stage, aren’t we suppose to stay within 2 lbs of our weight at last drop? So many people say they continue to lose in this phase. Thought this stage was about training your body to get used to that weight. Staying within 2 lbs helps you to not gain back what you lost I thought. I’m confused. I would love to continue losing on P3. Keep losing or stay the course, that is the question.
No losing weight during P3 is wrong and not part of protocol. Reseting is more important.
I have been between p3 and p4, you are supposed to stay within 2 lbs, but I continue to lose eating healthy and more than enough calories and still losing, so will continue what I’m doing. When I get the last 7 lbs off, I will stay strictly on p3(with no yogurts, since they have sugar and carbs) for 3 weeks to set my weight. Everyone is different, some have continued to lose weight(like myself) on p3 and some don’t, but I’m NOT going to go past 1400 calories a day just to maintain at this point. I’m staying around 1400 and I guess my body just isn’t done with the losing yet. I am only averaging 1 1/2 to 2 lbs a week at this time, but thats fine with me. Just remember, everyones body works differently. I have spoken to people who have had their weight off now for 2 years(just spoke to a woman the other day) and she did like me. She has maintained now and couldn’t be happier. Good luck on your journey, I’m just about done with mine, in a size 6 and 7 pants and a whole new person.
Mushrooms aren’t included in the protocol for the VLCD. Strawberries are.
If you’re maintaining your weight it doesn’t sound as if you’ve blown P3. I don’t think the good Dr. was specific about legumes in P3. The P3 specifics that I use say to eat them with caution (similar to nuts) and see how your body accepts them. For some people it causes a gain and they need to cut them back or out, for many lucky others having them in moderation works just fine for them. Its really amazing how we all learn so much about the food we eat when we start doing this diet. Those who think its some weird quick fix obviously aren’t aware how much we all end up sharing and researching. I too had never really looked into what counted as a ‘legume’.
Hi Kristen,
Most people are happy with the drops wherever they purchase them. There are a lot of good companies. I would recommend that you go to Amazon for your purchase. That way you can read the reviews of those who have used it. I would also recommend the 3X dilution which are said to be stronger (they cost just a few bucks more). Just type in HCG 3X and you’ll only get one choice on Amazon. They must be getting more popular because it looks like they’ve just raised their price a bit.
I didn’t mean I peel them, I was meaning oranges..I would core and weigh my apples(sorry I have a lot going on in my life right now)..
Hi Angela,
I have been reading this blog from time to time for about a year now and have (95 percent) decided to go for it. I just want to make sure and get the real thing. I will try Amazon.
Thank you for your help.
Richard, No, you haven’t blown anything! You are doing fine. The fact that you are maintaining your weight tells you that your body handled it just fine. None of us does this absolutely perfectly.
HELP! I am 10 days in phase 3, and I am struggling to keep weight within 2 lbs. So far i’ve had to do 3 steak days, 2 of them right in a row. I’m bummed, today up again 6 0z bringing my total weight 2.6 oz over last day of drops. It has been a roller coaster. I’m drinking my water, yesterday I had 1 hardboiled egg and 2 small pieces of melon, snack 1 mozzarella stick lunch was later that expected, this was about 1-1/2 cup stir fry -veg @ chicken then dinner was 4 0z hamurger with string beans w butter. Snack was 4 flax seeed(homemade) crackers wit smeer of blue cheese and 2 sundied tom divided on top. What am I doing wrong. P.s I’m diabetic- under control b.s. 98-no meds at all! Steak day leaves me with a hugh headache after I eat, I think its too much of a rush!
I’m with Cindy. I couldn’t function if I didn’t spread my food out over the whole day.
I have about 1/2 of my lunchtime fruit for breakfast (6am) and finish it up before lunch. I usually have my protein and vegetable at lunch (noon) and my starch for my afternoon snack (3pm). Dinner is around 6pm and is my protein and vegetable, sometimes my starch. I keep my evening fruit for a smoothie )using ice, flavored Stevia and my 1 T of milk (almond, unsweet vanilla)). I also “treat” myself to a mineral water (Perrier) w/Root Beer or Valencia Orange flavored Stevia, every couple of days.
Judy,
Please send me an email so I can correspond with you one on one and see if I can help. I have some other questions for you though. darby_trenton at hotmail dot com Use a subject line with something about HCG.
This is to Judy, but there is no “reply” below her post.
I am wondering if you lost a bit too much weight on the hCG? He talks about this possibility in the book. Says if someone looses some of the necessary fat in their body (not just the extra fat), that fat will need to come right back on. He says then that you need to pick another weight to try to maintain. If you are sticking to the protocol and still gaining, that could be it. If you were loosing the ‘wrong’ fat on the hCG, you might have been fighting hunger?
My almonds..oh how I love my cocoa almonds that I still eat about everyday(on p3). I get the 100 calorie pack ones, and love them. Mike, I eat pretty much everything I want on p3(have been on it 9 weeks now) except sugars/starch, and well, I have had a little of both of those(eat a yogurt for breakfast with fruit every morning) but since I can be on p4 now, I have had a little bowl of ice cream, and the other night a sliver of 2 different kind of pieces of pie), but I do so well on p3 and love it so much and the way I can eat, that I think I could live my life out on this phase…Good luck
Hi, I just started taking the HCG drops now for 2 days. I got on the scale the first day after starting and my weight stayed the same 245. 🙁 I was a bit disappointed to say the least, however I’m not giving up just yet. I have been having trouble in the gorge phase these two days. I find that I’m really not as hungry most times and have to force myself to eat. I’m only supposed to gorge for 2 days, right? Any helpful suggestions and encouragement I would really appreciate.
Kimberly
So you loaded yesterday and today? And the scale was the same as when you started, and you’re disappointed because you didn’t gain from the load days? The first time I started p2, back in March, I lost a pound the first load day and gained it back the 2nd, so was the same weight after 2 load days. The first week of vlcd, I lost 9.2 lbs.
The 2nd time I did 2(with load days), I loaded really good and put on over 4 lbs. Tomorrow you will start the low calorie, you will do fine..Eat everything and anything you want for the rest of your load days, it will be awhile before you get that kind of stuff again. 🙂 Good luck
Hi Sherrie,
Can you please direct me to where I can get exact information as to how to transition into phase 3 & phase 4?
Thanks!
Lori, here is pounds and inches, everything is on here. I think the technique is on page 30. Good luck. I love p3
The other g-daughter was born today!! 6 lbs 12 oz and 18″ long. Get to fly home next week to meet her..
Kimberly: It will take discipline to stay on the protocol, but the discipline to manage expectations is perhaps the biggest key to success. You have been taking HCG for two days, and LOADING…as in LOADING fat stores for the HCG to access on day 1 of your VLCD. You cannot expect to lose weight during LOAD days, in fact you would probably be at some risk if you did. YOU WILL BE FINE!! Manage your expectations, orient your goals to following the protocol, and ONLY following the protocol. The wight loss will happen if you do, pure and simple. Don’t live weigh-in to weigh-in. Good Luck!
Kimberly,
I suggest making some of your favorite foods you will not be able to enjoy, I too have hard time on gorge days but have found by eating things I love that are not allowed during drop phase I get through the time frame and get the correct amount of fat then.
For example I just finished my gorge days and found myself enjoying peanut butter rich in fat and protien. If you enjoy currie get it in know with coconut cream these are good ways to induldge now that you can not have on phase. Don’t give up this is my fourth round after a 3 month break and I feel great and I feel the work is definitely beneficial.
Lilli
As for the two days of gorging I found that I had to also force myself to eat lots if fatty foods. Realized that I needed all that in order to have energy for the next couple of weeks. I’m on my second round of p2 due to getting off for a trip to Mexico. I began again when I came back and since my first try at this I have actually lost a total of 23lbs. That has been done in one month. I have 10 more to go n hcg is phenomenal. Could not b happier with the results. My only advice is to follow protocol and truly eat as much as you can the first 2 days.
Good Morning!
I enjoy reading all the comments and replies. It certainly has helped me on this journey. My husband and I are on Ph2 D12. I gained 2 lbs on my load days and now I am down 13.5lbs. In the first few days of the vlcd I lost it fast it furious. I have leveled out now and am loosing any where from, .02 to 1 lb a day. My husband has not lost as much or as fast. Which is weird because we heard men loose much faster. I think he is still needing to drink more WATER. WATER consumption is VITAL and key to this diet. Even for me I think those first few days on vlcd, I was so hungry (or at least my digestive system told me I was) that I think I drank more water trying to fill that void. And maybe thats why I lost so much at first. My first advise to anyone starting out is drink LOTS AND LOTS of WATER. I can tell you that now, I am typically very satisfied on the vlcd and have a hard time consuming all that we can have. My biggest problem is wanting what I can’t have and watching all the food commercials, omg!! Dangerous, very dangerous.
I bought a 2oz./44days bottle on ebay for about $26 w/shipping. I have been using
the dropper measured amount twice a day, am & pm. I have
lost 8# in the first 3 days. I bought from the golf lady.
I received it in 3 days.
Mine I got on ebay I took 3 times a day(10 drops each time), they’re for 45 days.
That’s a great weight loss, keep up the fantastic job you’re doing
Hi I would like to know what is the difference between homeopathic hcg drops WITH alcohol and WITHOUT alcohol. Is there a difference between the results/ taste?
Also, does anyone recommend the Yavonae hcg drops? I see they are very recommended on the internet. Thanks for yourhelp.
-Sonia
Does anyone know how many calories green pepers and red pepers have in?
http://www.foodanddiet.com/NewFiles/calories-vegetables.html
Thanks so much sherrie, That is a great website… It will help out alot:)
You’re welcome Cassandra..Here is another one for fruits, this way you can figure out how much you can have of each fruit and the calories. Like strawberries, I would clean them and then weight out 5.3 oz for 50 calories. Remember to weigh your apple after you core it and the orange after you peel it..
http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/FoodLabelingGuidanceRegulatoryInformation/InformationforRestaurantsRetailEstablishments/UCM063482
Help!!!!
Ok … I messed up!! I had a danish on my first day of no drops. What should I do? Have I botched the entire thing or what? Do I start over or what ??? HELP!!!
Amy,
I have done similar, so can speak from experience.
Just get back strictly on the protocol. You may or may not find a couple of days here where you appear not to be loosing, but have no fears. Stay on protocol and you will be fine. The most you did was to set yourself back a few days. You may not even see that. Best of luck.
Can you have any cafeine free diet coke during P2? That is the main thing I crave. I’m so tired of water or water w/my allotted “juice of 1 lemon daily”. This is day 8 for me and I’ve lost 13.5lbs! Only 11.5 more before I reach my goal. I am an avid runner but have had to tone back considerably because of fatigue while running. I’m guessing no carbs and low cal. When I’ve reached my goal weight and on to p4 then I will introduce a little carbs so I can start running again. Couldn’t lose the weight with running alone because honestly I was a horrible eater! This has kept me disciplined and motivated.
Hi everyone, its good see read all the tips and the successes everyone is having. I’m on day 4 of VLCD and am still feeling really light headed and dizzy. From eveyone’s experience, will this go away? I see the nurse tomorrow (doing this through my doc’s office) to get a B-12 shot, so I’m hoping this will help. Any tips out there?
My favorite drink is brewed ice tea steeped with mint leaves. It tastes so good that I don’t even use the Stevia.
Hi Sonia,
I recommend the Yavonae drops. It is what I use and what I generally recommend to others as they are one of the few companies that make the 3x dilution. They ship quickly and were just recently picked up by Amazon for distribution. So shipping is free. The alcohol is preserves the drops so you don’t have to worry about a ‘fresh batch’. They don’t expire for a realllly long time. The alcohol will have no effect on you. Some people don’t want any alcohol because they think that because they can’t drink liquor that having alcohol in the drops is counter productive. Its not, but the company makes a version without the alcohol too. I’ve also contacted the company and they respond quickly.
Thank you so much for that response Angela. I will order the drops and see how it goes.
Hi, I’m very interested in the HCG drops. My question is if I’m taking pills for hypothyroidism is it safe and will I loose weight. Also I was told that the HCG containing X3 X4 X6 means it is watered down and the alcohol kills the hormone and you are buying all water. I have been scammed by other products and really am terrified of getting something not worth its price. So many web sights to buy from and others put them down. Can you help? Thanks. Kat
What are pink lady apples?
53 pounds? WOW! WOW! WOW! I a so excited for you.
Please give any easy recipes you have and any advice you have too.
I met a lady that lost 38 pounds and now reading about your 53, so exciting!
Did I read on another post that you are about 3 #s from your goal?
YOU GO GIRL!
I am going to a the weight clinic, B Ki.
We are allowed breakfast…..either a fruit or melba toast w/ water
and no sugar coffee or tee (can use splenda)
Where do you get your mixture of HCG? I got mine from B Ki.
20 lbs in 25 days? That sounds exciting. How are you doing now?
Hmmm, B Ki never mentioned stopping the injections if we start our cycle. They just said do the injections for 21 days and come back in every 10 days to weigh and get measured. I’m thinking they said to use Splenda over Stevia. I’ll have to double check. Not sure why?
They are a great apple Darlene, but right now our mountain apples are out. I am going to go up to the mountains when I get back from my trip and get some more from the orchards. I don’t really watch much what I eat, other than the sugars/starches.
Hi Everyone,
Today is my first day of the VLCD. I was wondering if you could have pork loin as the protein for lunch or dinner? I thought I had seen it listed somewhere, but then other lists do not include it. Thanks!
Hello all~
HELP! I need suggestions of things I can bring for a trip I am taking tomorrow.
Now, I am bringing a cooler. Driving. Long weekend in Charlotte, but not easy for me to eat out… unless you have suggestions.
Can anyone help me deal with the 5 days??
I am on round 2. Doing well. And I never, and i really mean never, cheat. I think out of fear more than anything 🙂
Debbie
Debbie,
I would pack lots of salad and take either apple cider vinegar or balsamic. You could cook chicken breasts and/or hamburger/cube steak ahead of time in 100 gm and if you are unable to heat up at least you could add it to the salad for a good meal. Another thing you could do is a fresh tomato with 1/4 c of cottage cheese.
It was recommended to me that if you need to eat out then order a grilled chicken breast or a lean hamburger or lean steak ( you know what 3.5oz looks like by now right?) and just eat a salad with balsamic on it.
Oh and don’t forget you could do grilled shrimp. And you can probably find restaurants that will serve fresh asparagus or spinach this time of year. Some may even have veal cutlets. Take a lot of fresh vegetables with you cucumber, radishes and take seasoning so you can season them and eat them. Just wash and cut them up into servings ready to go. If you have ways to heat things up (microwave) the ideas could be limitless. Take some Perrie and some of your flavored Stevia for a treat and last but not least remember to drink lots of water
I hope this helps even just a little bit. Good luck!
Susan,
No pork on this diet. Let me know if you need some resources to help you. But the main thing I always go with is Dr. Simeon’s POUNDS AND INCHES manuscript. If you follow that as close as possible and pick up a few hints here and there you should have no problem.
Good Luck!
Thank you Stephanie!! Leaving tonight
Debbie
I am wondering about exercising. I have not read whether it’s better to exercise or not to exercise. I like to walk about an hour every day and just wondered if this is good or not.
Jeanene, you should be able to maintain your same level of moderate exercise while on the diet. Do not add any extra exercise to your routine. Exercise may increase hunger or may also trigger temporary water retention. If you notice those impacts, cut the exercise down or out until P3. Otherwise, walking during the diet is great.
Jeanne, I’ve walked 1/2 to 1 mile every day since the day I started. I think it just helps you along and helps to keep the skin on the legs from sagging as much
I started the restrictive portion of the diet 5 days ago. I’m not sure what’s wrong but I wake up hungry and go to bed hungry every day. So many people say they aren’t hungry but I haven’t stopped being hungry. I’ve been light-headed, have no energy and am quite “cranky” feeling. This has been the hardest 5 days I’ve ever encountered!!! Any suggestions?????
That’s awful Tina. If you are using injections be sure to check your dose. I would suggest a good woman’s multi-vitamin each day as well. This should help with the lightheadedness and energy. Also, make sure you are drinking all the recommended water. Try making strawberry lemonade with some of your fruit serving. This somehow fills me a little more than water. You can also freeze it so that you get the sensation of eating. Also, try making a garlic broth to drink hot, or make soups with your allowed food. Because broth is all water and soup is mostly water you will have more. This not only ups your water intake but also allows you to put something in your stomach every couple of hours. By all means split those meals up and make sure that your days are not too long (some people get up at 5am and don’t go to bed until midnight, not good). If you are exercising, stop until your hunger is under control. I hope one or more of the things above help. If you are hungry the diet can be difficult. On the bright side of those who experience hunger its usually within the first week so it should be subsiding soon. The crankiness will go away with the hunger I’m sure.
Hi,
I keep reading different things about the food. I strictly follow Dr. Simeon’s protocol- this would include NO sauces (even if they have no calories- with the exception of mustard, becasue his protocol allows it), NO brocolli, and NO cottage cheese/dairy. You ladies are talking about eating some of that? What makes for the best results? I would LOVE to have some tasty, 0 calorie sauces and/or brocolli!!
Thanks!
Hi Brittney,
His protocol allows for DRY mustard and other spices, no sauces. I finally broke down and added (1.5 cup raw) brocolli, and found that I kept loosing the same as before. One T milk in 24 hours, no cottage cheese, though he said if someone is really averse to meat, it could be substituted with 100% fat free Cot. Cheese on occasion.
Hi my name is sherry
i have been using the hcg diet drops and dont know if im doing it right or not! I have been told to take it the first two days and eat everything then on the 3rd day eat the 500 calories, how long do i do that? And em i suppose to take the drops before or after i eat, is there any difference? Im just not sure if im doing this right can somebody please tell me how to do this whole thing i feel im not doing any of it right!
Sherry,
You are right. The first 2 days you start the drops, you need to gorge on high fat foods….and I mean gorge. If you don’t, you will be starving the first week you cut back to 500 calories. Take it from someone who knows. I thought I was eating enough but I guess it just wasn’t high enough in fats.
It says to take the drops between meals…before “breakfast” (although you don’t get breakfast), before lunch, before dinner. The most important thing is you need to take them 15 minutes after and prior to any food or drink. They need time to soak in. Do them under the tongue. I have forgotten a couple of times and just waited until 15 minutes after eating…no biggie. Doesn’t seem to have affected anything.
Good luck!!!!
hi can you have horseradish
Bruce,
Not horseradish “sauce”, but I had real, fresh, grated horseradish…used just a little at a time and considered it a spice, which is allowed. S
can we have balsamic vinegar
Technically no because there is sugar in it. You would be better off with apple cider vinegar and add a little bit of sweetener, or some of the juice from your orange.
hello i am on loading day 1 still but was wondering how strictly do i need to follow the “right” foods thing or can i have just the 500 calories thing i eat alot of salads and fruit as is and maybe have a fish day once or twice a week. i also seen carrots werent listed here so am just wondering as i want to lose the weight but hard to have just mommy diet food as i have a large family and alot of small kids to feed an they get into it all. i can do the 500 healthy cals no real big issue i just dnt happen to like alot of what foods are ok please help as i want to lose the max weight also i eat fat free yoguart is that acceptable or no?
Jessica,
You need to follow the diet. That’s how HCG works. It is not only about the calories but the right things and protein is one of them.
If that is too difficult, I’d suggest another diet. This one is quite restrictive and to lose the “maximum amount of weight”, you need to stick to the plan day in and day out.
Debbie
Jessica,
I would recommend reading the entire manuscript “Pounds and Inches”. Dr. Simeon researched all kinds of foods and it came down the ones that were proven to be the best for this diet. Many other variations could cause stalls, low weight loss, and even gain. So it is really important as Debbie said to stick to the diet exactly. It is worth it! I promise.
There are lots of resources for recipes on the Ph2 so that it doesn’t get mundane and unexciting. Many people I talk to say that most of what you can fix for yourself can be served to the entire family with just a few additions for them, like for instance potatoes or rice.
Let me know if I can help you with those resources.
Good Luck!
Debbie is right. If you think you can lose it another way, then maybe try the other way, as you have to follow this protocol from pounds and inches the way that they say. The only thing I allowed is Pam, as I don’t think that was invented yet when Dr Simmeons wrote the protocol.
Tina, if you are feeling this awful, perhaps your hCG is “expired”. My first vial of hCG expired before I was through my 21 days. I started feeling awful 2 weeks before I was supposed to be finished with my first round! I knew the protocol “worked” so I started investigating why I felt the way I did. Although I bought my hCG from a local compounding pharmacy, I discovered they had mixed my hCG over 30 days before I purchased it. On the vial it had an expiration date later than the dates where I was feeling quite terrible (they had set the days to expire at 60). My point is, although I thought I was getting the best hCG from a local source, I did not control when they mixed it, how they mixed it and how long it was stored before it was purchased. Needless to say, I buy my hCG off the internet and mix it myself. Also, the previous commenter mention dosage. This will make a different too. I am sorry your experience is not turning out to be good. From reading your comments, your loading days may have been too restrictive too, meaning you didn’t eat enough fats and calories.
Ive been on the 500 calorie diet 2 days, and I have been doing well so far. But i am wondering about alcohol? Would Fresca and vodka (0 cal/fat) would be ok on occation?
Emily,
From my readings, alcohol is not allowed on this diet. Fresca should be OK.
I’ve been on hgc for seven days now and staying with the diet but the past two days I haven’t lost any thing. Is this right? Or do I need to do a steak day?
Hi, my name is Dee and I will be starting the HCG diet next week and wanted to get some more feedback from you all. I have purchased both the HCG drop along with the B12 Supplement. Can anyone tell me exactly when you are to use the B12 Supplement? Thanks in advance.
Bobbie,
Steak day is for maintenance, apple day is for the diet.
Given early on, I would not do an apple day. Give it time, and, be sure you are following things, not mixing veggies, no sugar in spices, etc.
You’ll do great,
Debbie
Dee, I started on my B-12(from walmart) along with a potassium pill every day a few days before I started the diet..Good luck on your loss
Hello to Everyone,
I would like to give a special thanks, to all of you that have made a choice to become healthier. I wish I would have come across this sooner. It came to the point of me getting tired of everyone thinking my husband was my son. Im 47 and hes 52. But as I’m larger than he, I guess that is why I might have looked older. I was at 289 lbs. and he at 150. But I am so grateful for my son coming across these drops HCG. I was unsure of the whole thing, I got confused with all the negative talk I found on internet, and all the wrong advice. So I decided to try it for my self. I purchased my drops at a vitamin store in the mall and started on August 26 at 289 lbs. My gorging days were very torturing for me because I had become usto not eating except one good meal a day. I didn’t have an appetite i guess because of the hypothyrodism. But I did my best, and I did not gain any weight, why I don’t know. But I went from 289 to 285 on the first day. I am now at 13 days in and i am weighing in at 272.6. I can’t believe the results. Eating has become better for me. I look forward to each meal, knowing how important it is to eat. So thank you for your reports. All the questions and comments help us because sometimes we don’t feel secure to ask them ourselves. I have never felt better. I even desire to start walking and just being able to do so now is awsome. Thanks for all you help. Keep up the good work.
Hey Kat
Welcome and congratulations on the weight loss. Yes, eating is so very important. I had done many times what you were doing(eating one meal a day) and hardly ever lost anything. I started this back on March 22(I’m 5’6″) at 196.6 and did 2 rounds of the p2. I have been on p3 now since June(sometimes I eat a little more since I could be on p4) and love this phase. I am now at 138.8 and just about to my goal(which was originally 135). I eat, but continue to lose a little bit(about 1 1/2 to 2 lbs a week) doing what I’m doing now. The diet is a great one to follow. Again, congratulations and you will do fine, and before you know it, people are going to think you’re dating a much older man. 🙂
This reference guide just proves to me how crazy you have to be to go on HCG. I firmly believe in eating right and routine exercise. Its cheaper, healthier for you and actually has lasting effects. But that’s just me.
If yours is a caring opinion, based on something specific that you find ‘crazy’, please detail it for us and let’s have a discussion. If, on the other hand, it is a knee-jerk response based on little-to-know research, (have you even read Dr. Simeons’ work?), then THAT is what i consider crazy. Countless people have been substantially and permanently helped, indeed in some cases saved from a life of hopelessness, by a disciplined approach to the protocol. That deserves some modicum of respect. Tread lightly, and with an awareness the YOU COULD BE WRONG. At a minimum, comment in a thoughtful manner, and foster an intelligent debate. Spewing doubt without substance is the height of arrogance
Nicely done John!
hi i have found a salad dressing walden farms that is –sugar free -fat free – carbohydrate free- gluten free – cholesterol free – no preservatives – calories are o – sodium 260 mg—–what do you think it tastes great
Lots of people use the Walden Farms dressings and it is recommended as part of some of the medically supervised HCG diets. I use it as well. It does have an artificial sweetener but it had no effect on my losses so I use it as I see fit. The Asian stir-fry sauce they make is great too. Some very strictly adhere to the protocol but see how it works for you.
And so does this diet have lasting effects and teaches you how to eat right. It was also invented by a DR..Are you a Dr?????
Maybe it’s not for you because you know you can’t stick to something like this???
Also a lot of people have come off of meds they have been on forever because of this diet. Also has helped a lot of people(including myself) to have a more positive outlook on life)…Am I crazy?? Well, if you ask anyone that knows me personally, the answer would be no…
This is a VLCD plan. I used it about 6 mos. ago to kickstart a longer program. I am an over 40 woman who had 25-30 lbs. of excess weight to lose. I am 5’6″, started at 170 lbs., and hoped to end the program weighing 130 lbs. I followed the protocol exactly–no cheats. A medical clinic provided my shots and monitored my loss. My counselor advised me that women lose more slowly than men. I was made aware of this issue after paying my money to join the program. Before paying, I was given the standard line of 1 lb. per day guideline.
As stated, I followed the diet protocol exactly. Zero cheats. My loss was 1/2 lb. per day. So, after 40 days on the Plan, I lost 20 lbs. This loss got me closer to my goal, but I wonder if I would have arrived at the same loss on a 500 cal./day plan of my own making and w/out the $400 expense.
D
Hi Dee,
I honestly believe that you can do the HCG diet without supervision if you are willing to do your own research and have no extenuating medical issues that require close monitoring. I lost 25lbs in 30 days. My only cost was the nominal fee for the homeopathic drops. This is my third round (I have a lot to lose) and I continue to have great success. The clinics are often good, but out to make a buck and generally overemphasize the losses for women and leave out key pieces of information that your personal research or forums would turn up. Your counselor should have made you clear that half a pound a day is normal for women upfront. Some people feel better having a counselor or MD walk them through the program which is fine too, but not necessary and expensive. $400 is actually a lot cheaper than I usually hear quoted. Had you simply eaten 500 calories of your own choosing each day you would have lost weight, but you would not have gained the many benefits of the HCG such as resetting the hypothalamus and maintaining muscle and structural fat. One of the biggest lessons for me that I would not have learned otherwise is that the food I choose to eat is the cause of the cravings I could never shake. It got rid of those cravings. Doing this diet has taught me so much about nutrition and what works for ‘my’ body for life not just for the protocol period. If you had done your own 500 calorie diet, the question is would you know how to keep it off for life once you reach your goal without more dieting. Other diets like Atkins work well for people too. I’m not saying HCG is the only one that works. Its all about doing something you can stick to for life and the HCG diet’s life plan is ideal for me.
Hey Sherrie, I think you’re crazy, awesome crazy!
You should be SO proud how fantastic you’ve done and how great you look!
Kudos to you!
Debbie
hi this the 4th day with no loss no gain what should i do thanks bruce
That is also how I have almost lost 60 lbs now Angela, is on the homeopathic. I bought mine on e-bay for $24.99 and it works just as good as the real stuff. I never felt hungry when taking my drops, and then you follow the same diet from pounds and inches. The homeopathic drops also have hcg in them,
I would never pay $400 from a Dr.
Thanks Debbie, but look at you g-friend, you look fantastic too..:)
Bruce, how long have you been on the diet? I’m sure you wrote it somewhere, but it’s kind of hard to find older posts these days.
I had maybe 3 times where I stalled on my diet and never did a thing to correct it. Dr Simmeons says in pounds and inches you can do an apple day and they explain how to do that, but if you’re patient, it will start coming off on its own again. I think my stalls usually lasted about 4 days (on the 500 calorie diet). One stall was my own fault for cheating, I learned after that no more cheating, but the other 2 times, it was just my body catching up. You have to remember, losing 1/2 to 1 lb a day unless you have a lot to lose, is a lot on your body. I always say be patient and sooner or later, you’ll have another nice drop..
hi i do have a lot to lose i started at 420 4 weeks ago today now at at 380 but 4 days with no lose thanks bruce
Wow, that’s fantastic to be under 400, bet that made your day..Just hang in there, if you want to break the plateau quicker, you can do the apple day where you just have 6 apples and nothing else but water(and keep that at a minimal). I think you pull 6 apples out and you can have one when you’re hungry, starting at lunch one day and ending the next day at lunch, if I’m not mistaken. But, you’ve lost 40 lbs in 28 days, and that is FANTASTIC!!! So proud of you. Are you getting your 1/2 gallon at least of water in a day?? Are you eating a variety instead of the same things over and over? If you would like to one on one me, my e-mail is stratman397 at aol dot com. Just put hcg diet or this is bruce from hcg blog or something in the subject line, then I will save your address, as it will go to spam first time..
Sherrie
Hi everyone.
I just started the hcg diet 3 days ago and it says to have one serving of vegetables but not how much that is does anyone know what is aloud? Also I heard you could have watermelon as one of the fruit, is this true?
Good Morning Susan,
I know it is rather vague when it talks about serving sizes. But for the vegetables, I had read in the Red Book that it is 2 cups of most and then a large handful of lettuce or spinach.
And watermelon is definitely not on the protocol. In fact when you get on maintenance All the melons, especially watermelon is a “caution”. I think because they have a lot of sugar content.
I am going to include a link to the manuscript “Pounds and Inches” by Dr. Simeon.
And if you do not have the Red book by Linda Prinster. You should definitely find it either on line or on Amazon. My HCG consultant sells them for $25. Kind of pricey but it is a Must Have for this diet. I reference it every other day even though I have read it cover to cover a few times.
http://desiredreflections.com/pounds.pdf
Good Luck Susan!
Thanks Stephanie that really helps me out. Also on your list of calories for the grapefruit is that for just the half that we can have or is that for a whole grapefruit?
Keep in mind that the above Calorie Counter is for the measurements that it says. However the protocol says just a 1/2 at a time. So what you would eat would be 1/2 of the calories it mentions above. It says 8 calories for a cup of lettuce but I don’t know about you but I can fit more that a cups worth in my “handful” LOL.
Hi everyone…..this is a great site and very informative. I just started the HCG diet 3 days ago and was wondering about sweeteners. I know that Stevia or Xylitol are recommended, but I have heard people say that they still use Splenda with great results. I know that resetting your hypothalmus is an important goal on this diet, but the Stevia is so bitter to me! Do any of you have any suggestions and do any of you still use Splenda?
Actually you can have sweet n low or stevia. I used the stevia all the time and love the taste of it. Splenda is not allowed during the p2 stage
I have been on the diet now for 11 days and have lost 13 pounds … I have more energy than ever .. and am excited to see what the next 4 weeks hold as I opted for the 6 week diet. My question is .. I have a 14 year old son that is very overweight that I would like to start on the drops .. I am using the injections myself but do not think I could get him to try them. Has anyone heard of teenage kids using this diet and know if it would be safe? ………..
I would think the homeopathic would be better(the drops). That’s how I’ve lost all my weight. Does he want to lose weight though? He has to be able to decide for himself if he feels he can do it.
Hello everyone, today was my first day of eating healthy (3rd day taking hcg). Everyone keeps saying they lose 1-3 lbs in one day but if anything i have only gained a pound. I know i just started but i just want to make sure this is normal? Ive only eaten 3.5oz of chicken breast for lunch and dinner and 3.5oz of tomatoes and cucumbers as well. Am i doing something wrong or just need to learn to be patient 🙂
Thanks!
Kylani, you want to eat different meals, if you have chicken for lunch, have something else for dinner. Also, don’t forget, you get one of 4 different fruits(either strawberries, which I would weigh out 5.3 oz for 50 calories, and apple which I would core first then weigh, 1/2 grapefruit or an orange, which I would peel then weigh out. You need the fruits too
Thanks sherrie, i am eating fruits too i just forgot to mention it above. As far as the meats go, the only ones on the list i like are chicken and steak. Im not sure how cooking steak will turn out for me being that i never cook until now 🙂 and last thing, will this constant hunger eventually fade as the diet continues?
Thanks!
Sherrie ~
Thanks for responding .. I think he knows he needs to lose weight .. I am constantly telling him how worried I am … he really does not eat more than any kids his age — I remember my other son eating a lot at this age too. He has been thru all the medical testing to see why he is heavy .. thyroid, adrenal glands, they even thought he had prader willi syndrome at one time .. ( a genetic disease ) but that was negative. He is 5′ 9″ and 275 pounds … a big kid. He has other medical setbacks as well not allowing him to be active as he should be. Thus weight not being able to come off. I would use the drops .. I just have not heard of teens using the diet yet. As for me …………. discouraged today …. only cheated one day in two weeks tomorrow and have remainded the same for 3 days now. No more and no less ……….. cannot figure it out. Patience ~~~
Hi Kylani,
Of those who experience hunger its usually during the first week and then it subsides. You may want to try things like making a seasoned broth to sip between meals. This will both increase your water intake and make you feel as if you are eating something. Also if you use any of your allowed foods to make an actual soup you can add plenty of water and seasoning to make larger portions without increasing your calorie count. It is important that you not have the same meats for both meals. The weight loss comes from not only the low calorie count but the chemical makeup of the foods. As for the steak, try simply slicing it and tossing it in a pan with a little water and seasoning. I toss in asparagus with mine for a quick stir fry. You also can’t go wrong with grilling. Season and grill up a bunch of 3.5 ounce skewers so they are ready whenever you want them. Smoke adds a lot of flavor. One thing to be aware of is beef is generally recommended occasionally during the week as it is the highest in calories of the allowed meat. If you must incorporate it often you may want to scale back a few ounces. Also, this is my third round and I generally do not have a major loss at the beginning so its not out of the ordinary that you didn’t lose 3lbs the first day. Most people don’t gain though. I would say if you are sticking closely to protocol you will lose just fine and at the end of your round your average will fall into normal range.
Ellie,
I want to weigh in on this one because I have two goddaughters who are very overweight and unhappy about it. I agree with Sherrie that the homeopathic drops would definitely be best for a teen. I don’t believe they recommend the injections for such a young person. The big thing as Sherrie mentioned is he has to be ready. I have found in trying to help my goddaughters that they were not mentally ready. They really wanted to lose the weight but were not actually ready to make the commitment to do it like so many other people. They still very much wanted the chips and cheeseburgers. Had they lost the weight they would have regained it as this is a lifestyle they very much enjoy. If your son has shown any signs on his own of truly beginning to make changes (eating more fruits and veggies avoiding junk food) he is a prime candidate. If these are things he loves you’re probably fighting an uphill battle and may want to start smaller like just having him eat more whole foods. That being said the diet is great for those who are not in a position to exercise the pounds off and men seem to lose far faster than women so he’d begin shedding the pounds about twice as fast as you are able to. You sound as if you’ve hit a plateau. If you’ve been good then its probably no fault of yours. Everyone hits it at some point. If you are patient, you can wait it out. I am not the patient sort and break every plateau I’ve hit because I enjoy the mental boost of seeing that scale moving. The methods to break the plateau that Simeon’s recommends works. If you are eating beef try taking that out as well or dropping the Grissini if you’ve included it. That helps sometimes as well. If you have not been regular, getting things moving will also generally show as a decrease on the scale. 13lbs in 11 days is way above normal so it sounds like you are doing fantastic. Good luck and congrats on the great losses.
Hi Tray,
Only Sweet n Low and Stevia are protocol but I know of others who use other artificial sweeteners ‘minimally’ without issue. Some of the medically supervised diets allow diet drinks and don’t specify which sweeteners must be in them. I think each sweetener is an acquired taste. I hate Splenda and Sweet n Low. In fact, I’m not too keen on Stevia but I’ve gotten used to it. If you begin using it you will acquire the taste. If you choose to use Splenda be aware that despite the lack of calories (generally 3 per serving not 0) it can cause cravings. If you notice that you feel more hungrier or crave more of it, then cut it out. If your losses remain the same and you feel no effects you may be fine to use it if you absolutely have to have it. I’m going to assume by your name that you are male. In my research men seem to be a lot less sensitive during this diet to most things. Little affects their losses except outright cheating. I’m not saying you can do anything, just that one pack of Splenda vs Sweet n Low will probably have little impact. Please let us know how it goes.
Be patient. It will come. I am on day 5 and have now lost 6lbs (I have about 97 more to go) but it is a start. Keep going girl!!!
Can you add mustard to your salad? I make and awesome mustard and vinegar dressing that is oil and sugar free.
Ellie
I worry about my son too, he’s almost 26, 6’4 1/2″ and weighs probably around 300. I wanted him to go on this diet, and he was going to try it, but with his job, there was just no way he could do it. He and his fiance were supposed to start a diet yesterday, I hope whichever one it is that they succeed.
When did you cheat? I cheated the first time around too(not a good thing to do) and it set me back for 3 days, plus a gain on top of the not budging. Just hang in there and it will start coming back off again. Use this as a lesson that it does not do any good to cheat, just causes you to stall out and that in itself should be enough punishment..Now back to it girlie!
Hi, I’m on my 35th day, I’ve lost 25 lb, but I have not lost any weight in the last 10 days. I don’t have the book, have not seen a doctor, and cannt affort one! I have had a small peach, handful of grapes, or about 3 oz of watermelon each day. I love fruites! I have done without the bread, suger, and fat. I have substitiuted fat free cottage cheese once in the last 10 days. Can you tell me if these have caused my loss to stop. My second question is how long should I be off the hcg before I could start to take it again. thanks so much
Fran, are you on the p2? If so, you are totally off on what you’re supposed to be eating PERIOD. First of all, peach, grapes and watermelon, bread, sugar and fat are not allowed, and 2nd of all, you need protein, and you’re not getting the foods you need. I need to know more of where you’re at on this diet. You’re starving your body, and it will not lose by eating like that. Did you read pounds and inches? Where did you get this diet? This is not even the HCG diet, period
There should be no problem with regular mustard its all spices and vinegar and 0 fat, 0 calories (which of course in America means extremely little not actually 0). INGREDIENTS:
Distilled Vinegar, Water, No.1 Grade Mustard Seed, Salt, Turmeric, Paprika, Spice, Natural Flavors and Garlic Powder. This is from the back of the French’s Classic Yellow mustard container. Don’t do the dijon’s and other mustards.
I,ve this from a we site a friend used to shed 45 lb in 45 days. Now, I think I confused you on what I eat. I eat 3.5 oz of while meat chicken and 3.5 oz of either steamed or raw vegtables like broccoli, sparages, tomates et. in the afternoon is when I cheat! and have a peach or other fruite. For dinner I’ll have broiled white fish and the vegtable. I WILL stop the fruite! Is there anything else I’m doing wrong?
Hey there,
This is a fabulous site… I am on day 14 of the 23 day hcg diet. I was looking to lose 20 lbs. However. I am only losing a half a pound at most per day (9lbs down). and two to three days a week I don’t lose anything. My diet consists of 3.5 oz of chicken or shrimp for the meats. the veggie is usually lettuce, tomato, radish, or asparagus, The fruit is either 2 apples one in between each meal, and two melba toast crackers usually with the fruit.
I run/ hike 45 min most I take one to two days off / week. I usually nap for an hour in the afternoon due to wake up time being 4 AM. I only have a week left of the shots and I would like to reach my goal anyone have any suggestions on how to get to the 1lb per day .
Thanks Jodie
Sounds good, other than the no no fruits and broccoli.
Jodie, if you only had 20 lbs to lose, then you’re close to your goal weight, and the closer you get the harder it is. Now, if you’re losing 1/2 lb a day, that’s great, as women tend to average out about 1/2 lb a day is all. If you had more weight to lose, you would be averaging more. Also if you’re jogging or hiking, your’e building muscle and muscle, as you know, weighs more than fat. If you eat an apple for lunch, do one of the other fruits for dinner, mix things up a bit
Thanks so much for the response Sherrie.
Look at the sodium in the amount of mustard you are using.
I am very sensitive to that and have got hung up a day or two.
I drink 3-3.5 liters of water a day and still got hung up.
You’re welcome Jodie..Good luck on the rest of the weight loss, keep up the fantastic job!
Ok, tomorrow is my first 500 day and I am confused. Do i need to count all the calories up or can I just follow the 1 apple, 3.5 of meat and 1 toast and then I see you mentioned about 2 cups of veggies or a handful of spinach/lettuce. Would that suffice or do I have to actually weigh all the veggies and apples and count them up, because that is just to much for me. I’m getting overwhelmed.
Hey Sherrie,
do you know if I am suppose to take the shots for 21 or 23 days. Simeons book says 23 staying on the diet for 26. The place that I ordered from says 21 with a 23 day total. I don’t know if Kevin Trudeaux(sp) book had some new information on how long to take it.
The only thing I measure is the meat and so far I am doing great. In fact I leave the ammount of veggie to whatever makes me full. I didn’t really know you were supposed to measure in the beginning and my brain wanted to think that if I truly felt hungry I could eat all the veg from the list that I wanted. I did, however, limit it to one type of veg. So I would only eat tomatoes, or only eat cucumber I didn’t combine veg. And the green salad I only ate lettuce I didn’t add cucumber or celery to it.
Hope that helps.
P.S I have lost 8 lbs this time and lost 24 the first time I did the plan.
I found that exercise worked great for me. If you exercised before I think you should continue to do so. It will help the muscle tissue as you get further into the diet. I would also say in the same breath if you are tired because your body is working hard take a nap or just sit and relax for an hour or so.
Thank You. I have been mixing mustard, dried chives, red wine vinegar, squeeze of lemon, and a pack of stevia and I love it on chicken salad. I find it good as a dip for celery and cukes as well.
Hey Tracy..Apples and oranges weigh differently, so when I would eat an orange, I would peel it then weight it, with an apple, I would core it then weigh it. You don’t want to exceed your 500 calories for the day. The lettuce I would always count as 10, which was high, as a whole head of lettuce only has like 15 calories in it.
An apple has 16.25 calories in an oz and an orange is 14.54 calories an ounce. Don’t get overwhelmed, you’ll do fine
Hey Jodie. You do the shots the 2 load days and then I believe it’s 21 days of the shots, then 3 days of no shots, but very low calorie, that’s where the 26 days comes in that you’re on the diet.
2 days of shots plus load
21 days shots vlcd
3 days no shots and vlcd
I did the homeopathic, but I’m thinking this is what I was told
So I have a quick question, tomorrow if my first low cal day…my aunt who has been doing this for five days now says she found a dressing, salad dressing, that is no cal. Is this oksy to use?
Hey!! I am on my phase 2 day 4, and start getting tired of food selection. Can i use the taco mix seasoning?? I read the label, there is 0% in saturated fat, sugar and carb. So i am assuming it is ok to use it to make chicken taco.
Probably the waldens one. I just did as the plan said and no dressing for me. At first I would use red wine vinegar, then decided to eat it with nothing, and now 6 mos later and 3-4 lbs from my goal, and being between p3 and p4, I still don’t use dressing. It’s the best way to do it, in my book, as later on down the road, dressing is what causes all the extra calories in the salad
Nope, there are hidden things in those, and check out sodium. How can you get tired of the food selection. Have you tried veal as well as very lean hamburger meat, yummy shrimp, cubed steak, brakfast steak? There are all kind of things on there you can eat
I didnt found in my city de melba toast or grissini sticks i can replace that or other thing? i found a crispbread the brand is wasa an have only 35 cal per cracker i can do this?
Yes, you can use wasa bread….. I use it too along with the others
I can send you somes recipes to spice of the limited selection… which is strictly towards the hcg diet no add-ins
Ivy, go to pounds and inches, I’ll include the link. Go down to page 30 and it will tell you what all can be used as far as spices
powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
if you could send me some of the recipes that would be great thanks a ton!
Wow, I hate plain lettuce although an allowed vinaigrette can do wonders if you want to stay strictly protocol. I do use the Walden’s dressings. Some are good some, not so much. For those who need more variety it can really help to spice things up not just for your salad but for your meat as well. I’ve made things like buffalo chicken using hot sauce and their ranch dressing and their Asian dressing makes a delicious stir fry for shrimp or chicken. Sherrie is right in that you rarely get something for nothing though so keep an eye on the sodium content. I’ve never considered that going without any dressing in P2 would help make a lifelong choice of foregoing the dressing calories later in life. That’s a good point. I generally eat a full fat dressing in P3 though without fluctuation. Permanently saying goodbye to the croutons seems to be what helped me the most. I do miss them though.
I just have a quick question. Is it 10 drops 3 times/day or just 10 drops total per day?
I never dreamed that I would love salad without dressing, but after doing it a few times(started out with mixing my grilled chicken in with it), I found it to be really tasty with a little sea salt and pepper on it. It’s kind of like the sweetners, etc. They don’t taste the best at first, but you soon learn to acquire a taste for them.
Hey Becky
It’s 10 drops under the tongue(I would hold it under there about a minute before swallowing) 3 times a day. I did it first thing in the morning, then would wait 1/2 hour(which is what my drops said) before drinking my coffee, then 1/2 hour before lunch and dinner do the same thing..Good luck
Thanks for answering my question. one more question, i know we should be losing the extra fat on the body instead of muscles, but my legs are getting sored. Is it normal?? i didn’t do any heavy workout.
I’m sorry Ivy, don’t know what the word sored in your legs means.
Hi guys,
I’m back!!! lol. I am about to start my second round of shots but i want to buy the injections online. I have found a website that came highly recommended from people on this site who have used it,but I am not sure of the amount to order, meaning the unit size or how many vial and the solution to mix it with, can anyone help me??
thanks
Hello, the drops I use say take 4 drops 4 times per day. They are Celeste’s HCG I got at http://www.pureh2o2forhealth.com/freehcgdiet.htm. You can erase that if you want, but has anyone heard of or used this product. It is premixed but not homeopathic, kept in fridge type. Just wondering. Today was my first vlcd day and I did pretty good.
Hey Ellie your fourteen year old you mentioned had other medical issues. I would take a look at all side effects of any medication that he may take. If he takes anything like prednisone. Medications like that can cause a weight gain. Some medications also may also make him eat or crave sugar and carbs. That and since he is 14 he may be in a growth spurt and sometimes they grow round and then up. I know this won’t account for all the weight you spoke of, but maybe a start.
Jodie
Hey everyone! I haven’t checked in for a while so here’s an update with a question..
Finished my 3rd round of the drops and lost 34 pounds in 23 days. I was finally pretty close to my goal weight. Here is what I did so far..
Round 1: 51 lost in 40 days
P3: Up and down a bit but stabilized near the end
Round 2: 43 lost in 40 days
P3: Went on vacation for 3 weeks and soooorta ate whatever I wanted and gained 12 pounds back. I knew I was doing it one more round so I didn’t really worry or care.
Round 3: 34 lost in 23 days
P3: Only been on P3 for 4 days now but I’m up almost 5 pounds. I’m eating enough calories, lots of protein, fruit, and veggies and NOT cheating. I’m doing a steak day tomorrow to try and get back down. It’s somewhat annoying because I was at 197 at the end of P2 and now I’ve jumped back up over the 200 pound threshold. It’s purely psychological, but it’s frustrating.
Ok, now my question… I recently found the beauty of fruit smoothies, and I’ve had a LOT of strawberry smoothies in the past 3 days. I’m just using water, strawberries, and some Walden Farms chocolate sauce or strawberry sauce to spruce it up and make it a little thicker and tastier. Could this be the problem? On P2 I basically ate NO fruit at all and I’ve never really eaten it in my life anyway. I did apple days to jumpstart the loss and I’d have an occasional strawberry or two, but I don’t like eating fruit unless its in smoothie form now. Is the natural sugar in strawberries causing me to gain? I have had two full medium size packages of fresh ones from Walmart in the past few days. With this comes a LOT of water too, so could I be retaining water from it?
What I ate yesterday:
Breakfast: 3/4 cup egg beaters omelet with mushroom, sun dried tomatoes, and 1/4 cup of cheese
Lunch: 6 oz of boneless skinless chicken, 5 oz of shirataki noodles, Walden Farms marinara sauce, couple sprinkles of parm cheese
Dinner: 4 pieces of turkey bacon, 2 eggs, and a small piece of ham. Small salad with lettuce, tomato, and some Walden Farms dressing
Snack: 8 oz of fat free milk, a cup of protein powder, and a handful of unsalted mixed nuts
Drinks: At least 1 1/2 to 2 gallons of water, most of it as part of strawberry smoothies. I probably used 12-15 strawberries or so.
Anything here not look right? Any feedback would be appreciated because I’m done with HCG and I want to stabilize before I start doing P90X and have to eat more stuff with carbs.
Thanks!
well it’s the morning of my fourth day (including the 2 load days) and I have lost 3.8 lbs! woo hoo! If I stay at that rate, I will be wearing my seven’s and citizen jeans in no time, unless I have to buy new ones, which wouldn’t be so bad!! heehee
LOL Tracy..good luck. I went from a size 18 womens and am now in 5,6 and 7 pants, and I still have about 5-7 lbs to lose yet. It feels good to be this small, but wish I would have taken it off and kept it off years ago.
Wayne, Wayne, Wayne. I am so jealous of your losses. Those numbers are great! I’m sure HCG would love to have you as a spokesperson. As for your question, I’m obviously no expert and others will hopefully weigh in with their opinion as well, but based on what you have said here’s my take on it. The foods you described seem perfectly fine (including the strawberries). The first week of P3 is usually the most volatile as your body is going from very few calories to 2 or 3x more calories. It is often advised that during the first week you eat the same foods as P2 only increase the amount of it to slowly let your system acclimate and then introduce new foods one by one so you can closely track how your body handles each one. Based on your P3 diet your body is probably holding on to a bit more water too which accounts for some of the gain and why the steak day at the first sign of a 2lb+ gain always helps to bring you back down. I don’t think you have much to worry about, it usually all evens out by week 2 and definitely by week 3. Any reduction in your current overall calories will bring you back down and then you can add things back slowly once you are maintaining as you like. I personally would start first cutting the dairy and nuts but like I said any restriction will do it. How much you choose to restrict will determine how quickly you drop the 5 again. Now, if each of your previous P3s you were able to immediately jump into any and all P3 foods while maintaining perfectly then it sounds like fruit would have to be the culprit. It’s generally the new kid on the block that’s responsible for the change. If you follow your steak day with a second day of just a protein for dinner and nothing else, you’ll probably lose all 5 in two days. Whatever you choose to do, please check in and let us know how it went for our future reference.
That is very inspirational Sherrie.
Thanks Angela!
I would have done the steak day right away, but the only problem was I went up about a pound and a half over 2 days, then I did that day where I listed the foods I ate above, and jumped another 3 pounds that day, so I’m at 5 over. Actually, waking up today, I’m up almost another pound again!
So I’m doing a steak day today, and I like that idea of a protein day for the day after as well. I will definitely do that as well.
My question for the protein day is should I basically eat say 7 oz of meat each for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? That would be doubling the protein and just drinking water. I have noooooo problem cutting everything else out for a few days and just doing the protein, so if you know what works best for that route, let me know!
Wayne, you should have done the steak day yesterday.
I don’t believe in doing a protein day myself. This is the 2nd time I’ve been on p3, and this time I’ve been on it since June. 🙂 I do occasionally bounce back and forth between p3 and p4, but prefer the p3. I did 2 steak days. The first one was when I came off p2 the first time, I went nuts one day and it sure did a number on me, I did the steak day and never had a problem again. This last time I did it awhile back and actually didn’t lose anything the next morning, but the morning after that is when I was down the 2 lbs. I just think really to watch what you’re eating. I do more calorie counting than anything and try to stay around 1300-1400 a day.
I’m afraid if you do protein days, then when you eat normal the 3rd day you will just run in to problems again
My suggestion would be do the steak day today(even though yesterday would have been the best) and then the next day, really watch closesly as to what you’re doing. I still continue to lose very slowly now on p3, but I also watch very closely what I eat
I know I should have done the steak day yesterday, but I woke up and had a whole day of tasty foods planned (I’m also getting into actually cooking more than just plain food now) and I couldn’t resist haha
I did a steak day twice before and I lost 3 pounds one day and over 4 the next time. So I’m hoping that works like that again tomorrow!
As for the protein day, if that works as well, I will probably SLOWLY add in other foods instead of just jumping into it like I did. So steak day today, protein day tomorrow, and sort of a protein day Sunday, but also like a half gallon of a strawberry smoothie in there too. Then if all is well, Monday I can work in a small salad with dinner or something like that and continue from there.
I’m counting calories too and writing everything down. I will add slowly and see if theres a certain thing that is causing me to gain. The first P3 when I got it to stabilize, I was eating turkey bacon and eggs for breakfast, chicken and shirataki for lunch, and a cheeseburger or fish for dinner basically every night for 7-10 days and I dropped 5-6 pounds to get back to my weight on the last day of the drops.
But, this is my final time with HCG (HOPEFULLY) and I really want it to stabilize eating a mixture of different foods, so I will have to take it slow and experiment. I think I’ve eaten 1500-1700 calories each day since Tuesday, so maybe that was too big of a jump for me personally.
Today is my fifth day, and I’ve lost 4 lbs so far. Yesterday, i had 2 extra Melba toasts and it reflected on weight right away this morning, i gained 0.2 lb. Since i started this diet, i feel hungry everyday. On my phase 1, i did eat a lot on my first 2 days but i didn’t start the drops till the end of phase 1, could it be the reason? Also the protocol i have, it says 5 drops/ 6 times a day. I am wondering if it is easier to do 10 drops/ 3 times a day. and i am so confused with “do not mix” veggies thing.
For example: I ate 100g of chicken breast, 100g of broccoli, 100g of mushroom, 6 six strawberries and 2 small round Melba toast (only 12 cals each) for lunch. And 100g of halibut, a cup of spinach, tomato, 2 melba toast and an apple.
Am i doing it right?? should i do the apple day right away when i gain?
and is it ok to add konjac to the diet plan?
Thanks
Hello, I attempted hcg 3 weeks ago and ended up stopping because i found myself to be so hungry the first few days since i didnt gorge in fatty foods on the load days. I was wondering since i still have my hcg pills when can i start back up? do i need to wait for it to leave my system first? also i heard some people that are on hcg are following a 1000 calorie diet and getting the same results, do you guys think thats true? i am only looking to lose about 30-40lbs.
Thanks in advance!
hey i’m so happy i found this site. my husband and i just started the drops and tomorrow is my first day only eating 500 calories. my husband’s is sunday. i’m so excited but unsure how this will work on me since i’m diabetic. i’m drinking my last soda right now. that right there is the hardest part for me. i hope everything goes okay. my husband bought snow pea pods. can he eat that?
Easy question this time ……… even though I am still 3 weeks away from P3 …
what is a steak day? ………… also my doctor had me eat 3 egg whites for breakfast or a muscle milk 100 calorie shake … to start the day off with protien. Anyone else heard of that? …….. I’m down 14 pounds in 13 days … so it must work.
Enjoy reading everyone’s posts ~~~
Ivy, I used to do mine 10 drops 3 times a day, not to eat or drink anything within 30 minutes of the drops and 30 minutes after
No, you can NOT have mushrooms or broccoli on this, and only one veggie for each meal. Again, you did the same thing for dinner, eating 2 veggies. The apple day is not for gaining, it’s for breaking a plateau.
Did you read pounds and inches?
First of all, hcg does not come in pills. it comes in drops and injections. You are hungry, but usually about everyone is. You have to load properly and make sure you’re following th diet from pounds and inches to a T. If you read pounds and inches it will explain Everything in it, why you’re hungry, what to do, everything. And if you want to follow a 1000 calorie diet, then probably best not to do the HCG, as this is for 500 and there is one site that does do 750. Remember, protein fills you up. I promise you the ones on 1000 are NOT getting the same results. they may be losing weight, as on 1000 you will lose weight, but they will NOT lose at the same averages a day
Hey Ellie, steak days are for p3. You continue to weigh yourself every day after you’re done with p2. If you ever go more than 2 lbs over your last drop day, then don’t eat anything all day, and for dinner, eat an apple or tomato and as big of a juicy steak as you want. You should take the weight right back off
wait, my hcg is in pill form. i am suppose to stick in under my tongue in the morning and it dissolves. I got this at a weight loss spa, and they said it was hcg? so what you’re telling me is that they didnt give me hcg?
I’ve heard(as has my Dr) of 2 forms, injections and drops
I just went in and did a search, they said they’re new and they’re not as effective. I get my homeopathic drops on ebay for a 6 week supply for under $30 and no s&h cost
Hey I just wanted to throw this out and I hope it to be helpful. I did the hcg with a doc supervision.. Hcg does not just come in shots and drops it is also a pill known as a sublingual. this pill is placed under the tongue and dissolves you take once a day.. just as effective.
as far as weight gain and weight loss.. after two days of no weight loss you are to do a apple day which means you eat 8 apples a aday.. i have found no skin on the apple works best.. also i would try the chocolate smooth move tea..works awesome! and on maintence if you go up two pounds you do the steak day.. you eat nothing all day until 6 and you eat the biggest steak and a tomato or apple and that should reset your metabolism again.. if you loose 2 pounds than increase your calories.
it is very important for you to stay in the two pounds so that your body can set a new set point for itself. also the original protocol insists that you do not loose more than 34 pounds or do the diet more than 40 days .. your body can build immunity and soon will not work on hcg.
I really hope my information was helpful if anyone needs any advice i am here!
Rebecca
Actually the pill is not as effective, I read and read on that last night
Also, the apple day is for when you hit a plateau. If you read pounds and inches, the orginal protocol, it says 6 apples on the apple day, if you do it(the apple day is just for people who are not patient). You need to read that over going what the Dr says. Too many people/Drs are trying to change the original protocol.
Also, on the steak day, it says for dinner, there is no certain time that you have to have your steak day.
I need some questions answered about hcg diet. Will you help?
Dena, you can e-mail me at stratman397 at aol dot com
Just put hcg diet in subject line, as it will go to my spam folder
Wayne,
Can you email me please. I have a comment for you but I don’t want to confuse others. I also have a question darby_trenton@hotmaildotcom
My husband is interested in the diet, but he dips snuff. Will he need to stop dipping for the diet to work?
I am on my second round of the program, haven’t cheated one bit and have only lost 20 pounds, averaging only about a sixth of a pound a day, what am I doing wrong? Has anyone else had this problem? I sit here and read all the wonderful weight losses and its so frustrating, I had such high hopes.
Nope, he won’t..Just needs to stop that more for his health
Sam, at least you’re losing. How much more weight do you have to lose? You have to remember, when we first start out, we have a lot more weight to lose, so therefore, we lose it quicker. A sixth of a pound a day(loss) is better than a gain). You’re doing great
Well if I want to get where I’m going I need to lose another 25 or more pounds, and at this rate won’t make it that mark thru the second round and can’t afford the price I’m paying for more. So this was my shot, just can’t figure out why I’m not losing, I walk everyday at least a mile or two. I am glad that I’m losing yes, just sucks that I go thru all this for such a small loss.
I’m doing this thru a clinic, I notice several sites that you can buy HCG without having to go to a clinic which is quite expensive, do you know of one that is legit and that you know that it works? Of course when you talk to them, they say its not as good as the kind that you get from a Dr that the holistic is not as good. Can others out there tell me where you get yours from so I can look into it when this is done?
Hi Sam,
I use the homeopathic drops and I buy them from Amazon. And you are correct in that everyone has a ‘favorite’ and swears that what they use is the only thing that will work. They are wrong. They all work. Save yourself a huge amount of money and do this on your own now that you have the basics. I prefer the homeopathic because its simple to place the drops under my tongue, I can get it in just a few days or overnight if I want versus waiting for it to ship from out of the country, it requires no other supplies and is just as effective. But I think you’ll do well whichever form you choose. I’d need a lot more information to know what you may need to change to maximize your losses. You can email me if you want and we can take a look darby_trenton@hotmaildotcom. Otherwise, as Sherrie says it looks like you are having consistent losses even though they are not quite what you had hoped for and you should feel good about the progress you’ve made.
Hey Sam
I get mine from ebay, they’re under $30 with free s&h for a 6 week supply. I am completely 100% satisfied with the ones I got
cgi.ebay.com/Homeopathic-HCG-Weight-Loss-Diet-Drops-Dr-Simeons-New-/170533371072?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b494bcc0
Hey Sam,
I’m doing the shots myself and I got the HCG from http://www.alldaychemist.com and i know lots of other folks have done it that way. I am losing about a lb a day. Also, read up on Pounds and Inches–this article here has foods that are not allowed, like broccoli. Get your other supplies from http://www.hcgonyourown.com and there is a great HCG support group associated with http://www.hcgdietinfo.com.
One secret I got from a friend was to order sodium chloride solution for mixing instead of the Bacosteric water because the water stings? I don’t know, but all the sites and youtube videos talk about the water, but used the same amount of sodium chloride to mix my hcg and my shots do not sting. Either way, be sure to order it at the same time you order your hcg!! You can get it at either location I gave you. There are many other suppliers but these were VERY inexpensive to get all the supplies–like less than $50 for a 30-day course. My hcg came from India, so be sure to give it three weeks because it takes that long to get it. I have no experience w/ the homeopathic.
Be sure to read up, there are lots of ways to screw up and you have to figure it out, is it lotions you are using? is it you handling any meats, oils or cheeses? Is it your soap or shampoo? Are you in contact with something that is getting absorbed into your skin? Are you using Balsamic vinegar or anything else that’s not on Dr. Simeon’s protocol? Sometimes tomatoes, or brussel sprouts or oranges screw people up and stall them. Surely it’s something you’re doing each day–not getting enough sleep, stress or not drinking enough water because you are consistent.
I hope it helps you out.
hello,
This is my first official day doing the hcg and I still dont know what 3.5oz of vegetables looks like can anyone tell me aprox what that looks like is it about a cup?
I never did it like that. I would measure the meat, count the calories in my fruit(by weight) and then would make up the difference(without exceeding the 500 calories). I would actually stay between 460 and 470 calories. But if you want to do it by ounces, then you can weigh it just like you do your meat
Christina,
It’s best to weigh everything until you get a feel for how much it is by just looking at it. We purchased a very good food scale (weighs in 0.1 oz) from Amazon. It didn’t cost much and it sure does help.
Hi Christina,
I purchased my scale at walmart, only $16 and it also weighs from 0.1 up, works great.
i have been on the vlcd for 7 days and it seems like I am doing all the right things, but I am not losing that much. my weight has decreased like this: 1st loss 3.8, 2nd 2.2 3rd 0 (i know why for that one), 4th .8, 5th 1.0 and now today .4. Do you guys rollercoaster like that with up and down weights. Does this sound normal. the only thing I did wrong yesterday was I forgot to eat my evening fruit.
Tracy, I wish for the protocol we didn’t have to weigh everyday. 🙁 Weight fluctuates every day. You can weigh right after you get up and go to the bathroom, go in, make the bed, go back and weigh again and have put on .2. You are doing GREAT…keep it up. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all lose a pound every day the whole time we’re on the diet??? Yeah, would be great, but not realistic
Ok so i switched out the pills for drops 🙂 ill start tomorrow but i have a question… what foods are high in fat that i can gorge in for the first two days? should i just eat mcdonalds all day? (haha just kidding) but seriously, help? 🙂
thank you!
Riley, eat ANYTHING you want that you won’t be able to eat for awhile..Things you really like, ice cream/pizza/burgers/fries..Anything and everything. 🙂
Hi all! I am on day 9 of the vlcd and have lost 7 1/2 lbs. I really am missing having coffee with creamer!! and Starbucks! and diet soda! Help! I need some support. Yesterday I had an emotional breakdown I think! LOL I just wanted a coffee or soda…. UGH! Not to mention I thnk I am two weeks before cycle start —so I’m moody too. Does this sound like a decent amount lost for the time I have been on it? I have had balsamic vinagrette (tiny amount) on some salad or cucumbers -is this not allowed??? I bought the recipe book – think I better have a lookie….I am getting bored with the selection.
Can I have bell peppers??
I don’t want to give up…… I broke my ribs a few weeks ago so I also have been having to take meds for pain… am diabetic too… How do the meds affect things?
How long before you are suppose to re-measure your parts?
What happens during the off period in between rounds? Can you occasionally have something good to eat or drink?
Thanks!!
can I use the flavored stevia (liquid)
Hello, I’m on the 2nd day of phase 2 and saw a 5.2 lbs. drop the morning after my first day of the 500 cal diet. Im not going to get too excited yet because I gained more than 6 lbs during the gorge phase. (I had no problem with this part!! hehe) I’ve noticed that by having only 3.5 oz of the allowed proteins, fruits, and veggies according to protocol I’m only getting to about 450-475 cal. Can i eat extra meat or veggies to reach 500??
YES you can use flavored stevia.
Santy, that sounds about right on the weight loss.
I always did better eating between 460-470 a day. Make sure you don’t go over 500 though. No, no extra meat, and veggies, well, that’s where I would get the extra calories from if you just want more calories. If you’re eating chicken for one of your meals, then try beef for the other, as the beef has more calories in it.
ok, not sure i am doing this right. Either I am eating too much or too little.. for lunch i had an apple, a melba, 3.5 chicken, and 3.5 asparagus. That adds up to 199 calories. So for dinner I decided to measure the veggie instead of having 3.5 oz. So we had Tilapia @94 cals, melba @20, strawberries @72 cals and then i measured the cabbage to make up the extra calories which turned out to be about 3 cups for 51 calories, man that was too much food, couldn’t even finish it. nor did I finish the strawberries. Does this sound right?
Tracy. apples you can weigh after you core them. It’s 16.25 calories an oz. The chicken I always counted as 105, as I found a site and gave you how many calories per oz. Anyway, 3.5 oz of chicken is 105. Fresh asparagus has 22 calories in 1/2 cup, melba toast 20. Strawberries are 50 calories for 5.3 oz. Yes, sometimes it is hard to finish up the food, but I would always make sure I would get it all down. I think I actually only got right to around 500 calories maybe a couple times while on p2
I have the same drops. I take them 4 drops 4 times a day. I have been on the 500 cal diet for 13 days and have lost 11lbs.
Thank you guys so much all of those responses helped!
so you don’t eat extra veggies to get to 500? you just do 3.5 oz of veggies?
I just followed the calorie list here, I guess it’s not that accurate? Should I make up w extra veggies to get to 500 or just eat 3.5 ounces of veggies? some people say count and some say not to. I am confused.
I never did 3.5 oz of veggies. I would weigh the meat, the the fruits, then just eat some veggies to try and get the calories up some.
All I did was count the calories. Apples weigh differently as do oranges, so a large apple is not going to be the same calories as a smaller one. That’s why I would weigh my fruits. I counted the calories from the veggies, used to use canned asparagus, so would know how many calories were like in 1/2 cup or whatever. I never did the 3.5 oz of veggies. Lettuce is like 15 calories for a whole head, I would get some and just count it as 10 calories, that way I wouldn’t go over the 500 calories
Tomorrow will be the 45th day. I need to know how I should eat so I wont gain me weight back. Please advise because I’m terified to gain the 35 Ibs I have lost. thanks
Tomorrow will be the 45th day. I need to know how I should eat so I wont gain my weight back. Please advise because I’m terified to gain the an oz of 35 Ibs I have lost. thanks
Eat healthy. I actually have lost most of my 60 lbs on p3 phase. I’ve been back and forth between p3 and p4 now since June and love it. Have lost 20 lbs on p3 since June 16th.
The first p3 I was eating 2 scrambled eggs, cheese or cottage cheese, 8 oz 2% milk, fruits for breakfast every morning(around 500 calories), then for lunch would have a big salad with all the toppings and no dressing and usually tuna or some other kind of meat and then a healthy dinner. I lost maybe 7 lbs in between the p3 and the p2(only stayed on p3 2 1/2 weeks that time), loaded up, started all over on p2 for 3 more weeks, lost another 12 lbs or so and then back to p3 and that’s where I’ve stayed. I’m right at about where I want to be. Just keep a close eye on your weight every morning. If you go up to 2 lbs or more of your last drop day, then do your steak/apple or steak/tomato day that day..Nothing to eat until dinner then the steak with one of the other 2 options. Kind of keep a journal for a few days of what you’re eating, that way if you start gaining, you can look at your journal and try to figure out what is causing the gain
Day 11 and I have lost 13 lbs!! Amazing! Look forward to getting up every day and getting on the scale. Just watching the scale go down each day makes it easy not to cheat on this diet. I don’t feel hungry, and sometimes have to make myself eat. 5 more lbs and I will be at my goal weight. Should I continue the drops, and 500 calories till the 30 days or can I stop if I hit my goal before the 30 days?
Hello, I never smoke cigarretes but do enjoy an occasional marijuanna joint. Does marijuana have any effects, positive or negative on HCG diet cycle.
Thanks
Vickie, you need to make sure you stay on the drops at least 20 days(2 load days, 18 days of vlcd), then when you go off the drops, then stay on same vlcd for 72 hours after the drops.
Something tells me you’re about to find out for us..lol
I would imagine marijuana would increase your hunger. Your allowed 500 calories would probably not adequately sate that hunger.
I smoked cigarettes before when I started, and just quit a week ago. Never did anything illegal before, and don’t know what the answer is on that
Well just ordered the HCG from the ebay address that you gave me Sherrie and its on the way, I will be done with the shots soon so wanted to make sure that I had this ready to go. I’m sure since I won’t be continuing thru the clinic that they won’t tell me what I should do for what you guys are talking about in phase 3 and 4, is there a web site that will tell me? I need the diet for those and the transition when it comes time, still not losing like you guys but I will keep on going. Thanks for all the help and this group is great for support!!!!!
Hey Sam
E-mail me and I will send you what I got with mine as a download. I will be here for another 1 1/2 hours, then have to go to work. So, if don’t get an e-mail from you before I leave for work, I’ll get back with you as soon as I do get it. Just put hcg diet in the subject line. The one paper is actually the pounds and inches protocol, do you not already have that? The only thing extra my sheet has on it is ideal weights for heights
stratman397 at aol dot com
I’ve been done with p2 now since June 16th and am down 20 lbs since finishing the drops, and been staying the same weight(between 137.4 and 141) for over a month now(would have to look at my weight chart to know how long exactly. I thought after yesterday, I would have put on a few pounds, but lost .4
This diet is great
ive heard mixed things from people who do this diet and or differnet website. ive done this diet a few times. are you suppose to skip a day each week for a total of 3 days skipped, ( on the 20 day injection ) so that you dont become immune to the HCG? if you dont does it matter?
also, somehow i ran short of injections, and only have enough for 19 days, is that going to screw this up somehow? not sure how i fell short. so the little i had left i just put in for another day. suppose to be taking 2.5 mml and i only had like 1mml left for the last day so just made a couple days a little over the 2.5 mml. is that better or just take that 1mml the last day. not sure what to do.
Amanda, here is pounds and inches. Your question is answered on page 25
powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
Hi Sherrie, just emailed you but have Hi in the subject line, missed that when I was reading your reply, thanks
Oops, resend, I got one that said hi, but deleted it, as it was in spam and didn’t know who would have written hi. LOL
make sure it has something in subject line about hcg thanks. 🙂
No pork whatsoever, right? I’ve heard you can use I can’t believe its not butter spray??? I admit I don’t understand why I can’t have a diet soda??? unless it is the wrong sweetner. I’m dyin’ for one! Also a starbucks coffee!!! I think I am headed into my cycle and I had a brief breakdown with tears and all LOL!! I am on day 11 and have lost 7 1/2 lbs. Taking meds because I broke my ribs a few weeks ago and take meds for diabetes and thyroid also. Don’t know how that all will affect things??
I need some encouraging words….. does this really work after all the sacrifice??
Lisa
Pork you can have on p3. I can’t believe it’s not butter spray? NO, if you read, the first 5 squirts are 0 calories, and after that there is calories. If you need to use something to keep from sticking, use pam spray as a last resort. Diet drinks have aspartame in them, you can use sweet and low or stevia.
If I had your e-mail address, I would send you my before and after picture. If you need that encouragement, hurry and send me an e-mail at
stratman397 at aol dot com put hcg diet in the subject and I’ll send you the pictures right out
i just started the hcg diet and dont really understand the load days or what you can really eat i need some help is there a book or something i can buy? or can someone lead me the right way
Lisa, here is pounds and inches, it will tell you on page 30 how to eat, but on load days…Take your drops as instructed, load up on all the fatty foods you want. So, if you start taking the drops Monday, then Monday and Tuesday you would take your drops and eat anything you want, then Wednesday you would start the vlcd(page 30)
powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
Why no pork? I’m on day 12. Was losing daily. Dr. said pork ok but loss has been slow during second week. No pork? really? What about green beans????
Carole, have you ever read pounds and inches? That’s the problem with people going through Drs to get their injections/drops. The Drs are completely changing everything. No, you’re not supposed to eat green beans either. Some have said french style ones are okay, but there are carbs in green beans. You can have green beans and pork when you’re done with p2. 🙂
I am almost done with my phase 2, so far i lost 11.6lb in 2 weeks, no cheating at all (it was tough). One question about phase 3, i know we can eat more just no sugar and carb, what if the seasoning contained sugar??like terriyaki sauce? can i use it or i can’t?? Now, i am starting worry all the weight i lost will come back if i don’t do it right at p3.
my wife and i are starting are 3rd round of drops and we ended up having to get from a different company the drops are stronger but i was wondering if anyone has had a problem with hair coming out good when brushing or combing while being on the drops
Ivy, I have done p3 a little differently, in that I do have things, like yogurt, and bbq sauces, etc with sugar in them. I also lost more weight on p3(not trying) and have actually probably lost more weight on the p3, than I did on p2(of course, been on p3 longer too). Just keep an eye on your weight, and if you go two pounds over last drop day, do your steak day that day!
Sherrie: thank you very much. All I ate last week was porkchop and green beans. Ha. What a wasted week. I really appreciate your availability. I am sticking now only to the Pounds and Inches food list. thanks.
You are more than welcome. good luck on your weight loss!!
Thinning hair is often a side effect of rapid weight loss so some have definitely experienced it on the HCG diet. Most are fine. There’s not a lot you can do (that will work) but after the diet it will end and slowly your hair will grow back.
Hi. This is my first round of HCG homopathic drops and vlcd diet. I needed to lose 30-35 pounds and had hoped to do that in one round. The first week I cheated ,ate out and it cost me 4 day stall. Not doing that again. Here is my summary of weight loss,
wk 1–5.5 lbs
wk 2–7.5 lbs
wk 3–2.2lbs (even gained 1.2 lbs this week and I did not cheat)
Today I am up .2 again.
I am feeling discouraged now because I am tiring of the diet and not getting results like I should be. I am 59 years old, am working part-time in retail and on my feet most days all day. I drink all the water and do not cheat because I only want to do this once. I do not have TOM , passed that years ago so it can”t be water retention because of that. The only thing I can think of that might have affected my weight this week is that it has been several days since I have had a bowel movement and yet my stomach doesn’t feel bloated or full like I need to go. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I do not know anyone else on this diet and have been reading the comments here. It is hard to do this diet when you need to get more info or are concerned about things. Also I have bad leg cramps every morning just before I wake up they wake me up. What can I do about these?
Thanks for any info.
Dee,
I have been on the diet thru a clinic, tons more money and have gotten better info here from everyone than what I actually pay for. My loss has been slow, for the last three weeks only two pounds a week, not cheating at all so I know your frustration but at least you lost alot in the first two weeks so thats great. They tell me now that I may not be eating my full 500 calories and thats why I’m not losing and that I need to mix up my meals more, not have the same meat twice a day, so I will try that as well. But if I can go thru this and not give up so can you, it does get easier. As for the cramps you may need to take some potassium pills at night before you go to bed, if your potassium is low it will cause cramps.
Hi, I just started the diet on HCG 2nd day and I wonder if you can drink coffee. Please somebody let me know…
Thanks
Georgeta,
Yes you can drink coffee, just only one tablespoon of fat free milk in a 24 hour period is what I have been told.
Dee,
It sounds like you are actually doing very well. The average loss for women is about 1/2 a pound a day and your week 1 and week 2 losses were both above average. If you had planned for the one pound a day you may have set your goal a bit high so don’t beat yourself up if you’re not hitting that target. 20+ is a bit more realistic for a 30-40 day round for a woman. Your biggest losses are usually in the first part of the diet and they often slow after that even if you are doing nothing wrong. A lot of people also experience the weight fluctuations from day to day and if you are not cheating there is nothing to worry about or correct although it can be really frustrating. There is less going in so it is also natural that there is less coming out and it is nothing to be concerned about. You can also retain water for a variety of reasons just based on what you are eating which is why variance is so critical. If you have more detailed questions or need a deeper review of what you have been doing feel free to drop me a line darby_trenton@hotmaildotcom or you can of course keep posting and others will be glad to help you stay focused and motivated. We’re all in this together so don’t hesitate to reach out.
I just got the drops, the only directions were on the bottle that says 10 drops 3 x a day before meals, I know you have to put them under your tongue but do you hold them under for so long ? I’ve heard your not suppose to drink 30 minutes before and after?
And Sam is right. Lucky for me, I drink black coffee, you can also have tea and if you like it sweet, you can have stevia or sweet and low(only 2 sugar substitutes allowed)
Hey Dee
You’re doing great, and remember, with our age(I’m 53) we’re not going to lose as quickly as we did when we were 40 and under. 🙁
I started taking potassium and B-12 (one of each) every morning since right before I had started the hcg diet, I’ve never had cramping like I used too when I would go on a diet)
As far as the bm, you have to remember, you don’t have much food going in, so not much going to be coming out. As long as you’re not constipated, which it doesn’t sound like you are, you are okay.
Hello,
I am 35 yrs old and I got my drops Saturday and now is like a 2nd day, in these 2 days I am sweating a lot, all day and night when I get up I am wet, it is normal? My appetite is gone ,I am not hungry and no craving at all. I take the HCG drops and the B complex advance vitamins. I am doing right? Or I am doing all wrong? Any information would be appreciated a lot. I just need to lose like 25lb.
Thnk you 🙂
Hey Gerogeta
So, you did your load days yesterday and today and start your 500 calorie diet tomorrow?
Humm, never heard yet of anyone experiencing what you are. Are these the real drops or homeopathic drops? I do hope you are loading, although I know it’s hard when you don’t have an appetite, but yet, it’s very important to load right
I did not, I did not even knew you supposed to do that. The drops came with a paper- HCG Weight-Loss Phase 2 Allowed Foods & Tips …I did not know you have to eat a lot. Can you explain to me please if you can?
Thank you for your help.
Georgeta
Georgeta, I am so sorry you didn’t see all this first. You can always e-mail me at stratman397 at aol dot com. You just need to put hcg diet in subject line the first time, as it will go to my spam folder
You start your drops, for the first 2 days you’re on them, you have to load, you eat anything and everything you want, you need the extra calories/fat. then the 3rd day is when you start the 500 calories, after your 3 weeks(or 6 depending on which way you’re going), then you go to p3. I am also putting pounds and inches on here, go to page 30, it explains how the diet works.
powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
I am 24 yrs old 130 pounds would this diet be a health risk?
You want to have at least 15-20 lbs to lose. How tall are you? You don’t want to get smaller than what your ideal weight should be
Hello
This question is for anyone who knows the answer, Are all HCG drops the same? I see so many different places you can buy them online and some are so expensive and some are so cheap. What is the difference? does anyone know. Thanks for your time
Hi Christina,
I assume you are talking about the homeopathic drops. Most of the drops are effective. Members of this site use a variety of different suppliers with success. As with all popular products you always have to be aware of scammers, so choosing a brand that someone can attest to as effective is always best. As for price, sellers vary their prices for the drops at their whim similar to regular merchants. The drops I purchase are purported to be less diluted and cost a bit more. They are the only 3x formula I’ve seen so they milk it. Amazon recently began fulfilling for them and charges them a few bucks more now so they of course again hiked their prices a few bucks. I can’t say that the cheaper formulas don’t work but when people doing the diet find something they like, they just usually don’t bother changing to save a few bucks. Hope that helps. Oh and read reviews, some of the drops get slammed.
I am 5 “2 and I just feel that I might need help shedding these pounds! Let me know what u think! Thank you:)
I NEED HELP!!! My weight is going up and down. I already lost 12lbs and i just want to finish this diet with the minimum 21 days. But these few days my weight is going up. 2 days ago, it goes up 0.8 lb in the morning so i decided to do the apple day. My weight went down 1.8 lb the next day. This morning, my weight went up 0.4 lb. Could it be possible that my period is coming?? Should i keep taking drops during the period??
Okay, wanted to make sure you weren’t like 5’6″ or something and just thought maybe you were over weight when you really weren’t. This diet would definitely help you. At 5’2, depending on your bone structure, 110-115 would be a good weight
Dee,
I am on Day 6 of this diet. I am almost 5′ 7″ and I started at 166 pounds. I have lost a total of 8.2 pounds so far. I am taking the injections and going through a doctor at a clinic. I was told no salt and red meat no more than twice per week because it will slow my weight down. Additionally, my doctor said the only sweetner I can use was stevia because it was plant based. She did not want me using sweet n low or nutra sweet. I am not allowed to drink diet soda, only tea and coffee. My doctor also told me to drink a gallon of water a day. She said 1 Liter of this to be Smart Water because it has potassium in it for leg cramps (which I did not get). Hope this helps you a little. Don’t get discouraged.
Ivy,
I was told by my doctor no carbs or sugar in phase 3. I am still in phase 2 and have weight to lose, but I hope that helps.
Amanda,
I am doing the hcg diet phase 2 for a total of 42 days before I go into phase 3. I do not inject when I have my menstrual period on heavy days, but can on light days. Other than that I inject all days until day 40. 2 days without injections on the 500 calorie diet and then I start phase 3.
No, you do not take the drops during the heavy days of your period. My doctor said you can take the hcg when you are spotting though. You still only eat 500 calories. I would make sure you definitely have your period before you stop the drops.
Dee,
My doctor said if I go 3 days without a bm, then I can take 1000 mg of magnesium before bed and/or drink smooth move tea – 2-3 tea bags before bed. She said normal on this diet is going every other day because there isn’t a lot of food going in.
Jane, the problem is that some Drs are changing the original protocol. You can have red meat and salt(if you read what Dr Simeons wrote). I lost 9.2 lbs my first week, and believe me, I ate red meat. I had chicken about every day for one meal, then would usually have lean hamburger meat, cute steak, breakfast steaks the other meal every day. Never once slowed my weight down.
I just looked up smart water, and there are like 125 calories in it, so no, it’s not okay to drink this. And also you only need 1/2 gallon of water a day, although, if you want to drink more you can have it.
You can take one potassium pill a day and also one B12 pill a day and you won’t get cramps, also you don’t get the calories you get from smart water.
Terry,
Where are you getting your stronger drops from ??
what is the name or the brand you use.?
Hey Ivy
This is from pounds and inches. Now, they only way they did it back years ago when he invented this was the injection. The injections and the homeopathic drops are completely different. My daughter went off the drops when she started her period because she flowed heavier than normal. The sad thing was she never went back on the drops, and put on all the weight she had lost. If she would have stuck with it, she would have had her weight off by now. It is NOT uncommon to fluctuate like you’re doing though. I did the same thing while on p2, but never did the apple day. I was always patient knowing my weight would fluctuate and knowing when I would lose again, it would be a nice loss(which it always was). The only time I got upset over gaining was when I cheated, and then that was my own fault.
Menstruation
During menstruation no injections are given, but the diet is continued and causes no hardship; yet
as soon as the menstruation is over, the patients become extremely hungry unless the injections are
resumed at once. It is very impressive to see the suffering of a woman who has continued her diet for
a day or two beyond the end of the period without coming for her injection and then to hear the next
day that all hunger ceased within a few hours after the injection and to see her once again content,
florid and cheerful. While on the question of menstruation it must he added that in teenaged girls
the period may in some rare cases he delayed and exceptionally stop altogether. If then later this is
artificially induced some weight may be regained
Sherrie,
I am drinking a bottle of Smart Water right now and I am sure you wrote this in error. Smart Water has 0 calories, 0 mg of sodium, 0 g of carbohydrates, and 0 g of protein. It does include potassium bicarbonates (electrolyte sources) in the ingredients. I have my bottle right next to me.
Sherrie,
My doctor gave me the printout of Pounds and Inches, which I have read twice and completely understand. Yes, my doctor said I can have red meat 2x per week, but said some patients do not lose as much eating red meat daily. According to Simeons, “American beef has almost double the caloric value of South Italian beef, which is not marbled with fat. This marbling is impossible to remove. In America, therefore, low-grade veal should be used for one meal and fish”. I am on day 6 of the diet and have lost 9.4 pounds. Every body reacts differently.
There are different kinds of smart water, the one I looked up had 120 calories in it. My sister would get smart water when she would come visit, I looked at one of the bottles she was getting and put it back down. I will check them out again, although I’m done with p2, so now I’m drinking my water with goodies in it
one more question, my drops will be finished before period for sure, but my weight now is fluctuating. how am i going know my LDW is my actual LDW??
Hi Everyone:
This looks like a very helpful site. So happy to find it. I started HCG Sep. 20. I lost 9 lbs. the first week & was so excited. For the past three days, I haven’t lost at all. Very discouraging. I’m doing everything the same. WTF ? Sorry. It’s just so discouraging
You just have to use the last drop day as your weight. That’s just what the protocol says to do. You just don’t want to go more than 2 lbs above that last drop day weight. If you do, make sure you do your steak/apple or steak/tomato day that day. You’ll do fine Ivy
Rahsell, don’t be discouraged. It’s very common to hit a plateau after losing that. Now, what other kind of diet could you do where you lost 9 lbs in 1 weeK? Usually we lose about that in a month on all other diets. Give your body time to catch up, you can’t expect to continue to lose weight everyday. You will have a good loss in the next couple days most likely. Just continue doing what you’re doing and don’t give up. I lose 9.2 lbs my first week, the 2nd week only a total of like 3 lbs.
Sherrie: I’m 51 and in week 3 of hcg injections and 500 cal. I have lost 11 lbs.; 10 the first week and then I ate pork and green beans for a week at dr. suggestion. Thanks to your previous advise I am back strictly to lbs and inches. I haven’t had a period for a year and a half and take lose dose prempro for menopause symptoms. Today, I started bleeding. What’s up?? Would the hcg somehow trigger a period? Don’t see dr. until Tuesday. Have you heard of this? Do I continue shots during? Any ideas? Thanks.
Hi. Me too. I lost 10 lbs first week. My mistake was eating pork and green beans. It’s a really hard diet. I’m in 3rd week and it’s slower than I would like. Eventhough the scale doesn’t drop my body seems to look better and clothes fit better. Don’t cheat and hang in there.
Hey there, Ok so I am done with Phase 2 and last saturday I was down 2. Sunday I was up 2. I didn’t eat anything out of the ordinary. I was due to end the hcg shots on Saturday. I had extra shots so I continued the shots til tuesday. However the 2 lbs stayed. I felt bloated. I came across the and read the protein deficiency clause and I up’d my protein due to water retention. (So today is the first day that I can add back fats.) I felt better initially, but the weight did not come back off.
So as I go thru this phase I am wondering if I strive to stay at the lowest weight I have been on this diet which I hit for 2 days in a row, but have not seen since last Saturday, or do i strive to be at the weight that I am currently at and have been at for the last week of the diet?
Hey Carole
I never did the injections only homeopathic. I know when you start menopause, you can go a few mos then start back bleeding, which is what I did, but then finally quit a few years back and never experienced that ever again. Are you bleeding a lot, like you did when you were having monthly periods or just a little? As far as continuing the shots, again, I don’t know what to tell you, maybe someone on here that also does injections could answer that one..Please let me know what you find out from the Dr. To be very honest with you, I could have gotten the real HCG, but because you can only get that from other countries, hubby and I decided we wanted only things made in the USA, which the homeopathic drops are. I do know things are so different for you(like shampoos, deodorants, etc) when using the real hcg over the homeopathic, so am sure the real stuff works differently on other things as well, which could very well have something to do with the period..??
WTG also on the weight loss, isn’t it great?
Jodie, why you’re on phase 3, you do it from last drop weight. if you weighed 148.0 on Tuesday, then don’t go over 150.0 and try not to go below 146.0(although I’m a bad one to give advice on the losing weight, as I lost most of my weight following the p3 part of the diet). Your weight is going to fluctuate. I was just telling another woman I have been corresponding with that I met on this site, that I’m about to throw out my scale. I think the reason I haven’t gotten to my goal yet is because of the “scale”. LOL
Anyway, my thing on p3 is, I don’t worry about the losing weight as much as I do the gaining. I did one steak day(the first time I went from p2 to p3) I was done with the drops, but still on the 500 calorie, had a bad day, ate a bunch of “no no’s” and put on the 2 lbs. I did the steak day, got them off and that was the first and last time I ever did one of those. How much more do you have to lose?
Hey everyone, I just found this site and love it already. I just started this diet so today is my first day on 500 calories and I’m excited. (Not about the calories but about my end result) lol. I am just a little confused about the period issue. Do I take the drops if I come on or do I stop and if I stop when do I start again. I’m irregular so I never know when its coming!
On the drops, I would stay on them Kingdom. You may flow heavier than normal, but when my daughter was on the drops, started her period, then went off the drops(she didn’t like flowing so heavy), then she never started the diet back up(she had been on it 2 weeks and already had lost over 12 lbs) and so she gained back all the weight she had lost. Otherwise, she would have had almost all her weight off by now.
Thanks so much!
Now, remember, that’s just my opinion, luckily i don’t have that problem anymore
I just decided tmr morning will be my last day of drops. i will take my last drops in the morning and wait 48 hrs which will be Tuesday morning. It is making me nervous to start eating normal again. I was planning to have some eggs, bacon and almond milk for breakfast. Lunch and dinner will be the same as phase 2 just add more portions of protein. Should i add the calories back slowly??750, 900, 1200 till 1500. Can i eat greasy food? (rotisserie chicken from costco) Just want to make sure i do it right, don’t want to gain any back (my wedding is coming soon).
Hey Ivy
If you take your last drops tomorrow morning, stay on the 500 calories for 72 hours. You won’t want to start eating other food(no sugar/starch) until Wed morning, not Tuesday.
You will do fine, just keep an eye on your weight, and if it hits that 2 lb mark, get that steak/apple or steak/tomato day that night!!
I went right from the 500 calories(after 72 hours) to around 1400 calories a day. You can have good fats, I would stay away from the “greasy” foods, remember, your stomach has not had that kind of “nasty” food for awhile, and you sure don’t want to be in the bathroom sick to your stomach all night. You will do fine!!! I am addicted to the cocoa almonds, and am drinking 1 or 2% milk. Chew your food slowly and enjoy it!
When you feel comfortable, then quit eating. 🙂 ENJOY!
Actually Ivy, could I make a suggestion to you as to what I would do? I would go ahead and do the drops all day tomorrow like you have been, then would stay on the low calorie diet Mon, Tues and Wed and then Thursday would get up and eat my “first” breakfast. The way you do it is entirely up to you, but remember, you do have to stay on the vlcd for 72 hours, and myself, I think it would be a lot easier to just get up Thursday morning and have a fantastic breakfast.
Sherri
I don’t know what i can do without you. my drops are homeopathic, and i have been researching, a lot of people said 48 hrs is good enough. how do you think?? 48 or 72??And about your suggestion to do the drops for one more day, i really would love to do it for one more day but i will be out of the drops tomorrow for sure. that’s why i decide to finish my phase2 tmr.
Hi Sherrie. Me again. I have only lost 2 pounds in the last 10 days. Whatever. I know it will come off. Anyway, can I reduce my meat or vegetable calories and eat a few extra pieces of melba toast rounds? They seem to be the only thing that feels satisfying. I can’t eat the breadsticks because I cannot stop at one. I find that if I have 2 melba rounds with my coffee in the morning, I can pretty much skip lunch and then just have dinner. With my saved lunch calories, can I eat extra melba toast with or after dinner?
BTW: thank God you’re here. thank you.
I would definitely stay on the low calorie like Dr Simeons says for 72 hours, you don’t want to mess up what you have worked so hard on.
I would probably stop the drops tonight then if you only have enough drops for the morning, really doesn’t make much sense to quit them in the morning(or doesn’t to me anyway). How many days were you on them? As long as you were on them 3 weeks, you’re good to go. If you have been, what I would do is not take any in the morning, and then Wed. morning get up and(YEAH) eat some food! 🙂 Just really keep a close eye on what you’re eating at first and do things gradually so if you put weight on, it will be easier to figure out what is causing the gain. I was eating a lot of the Emerald brand cocoa almonds with no problems(the 100 calorie packs) to where other people, if they ate almonds, would put weight on. My first p3, I would eat 2 scrambled eggs, 4 to 5 slices of pre cooked bacon, fruit, an 8 oz glass of 2% milk and sometimes a cheese stick(this was all for breakfast alone). 🙂
This time on p3, I have only been eating a yogurt and fruit for breakfast. I just can’t eat like I used too anymore.
Hey Carole
No, you really need that 3.5 oz of meat for lunch and dinner. If you’re skipping lunch, this is probably why you’re not losing the weight. How much have you lost now, how long have you been on the diet and how much do you have to lose? Go down to page 30 on here. You have really got to follow the protocol to a T for it to work correctly. You will do okay Carole.
Your” I can’t eat breadsticks because I can not stop”, is the reason I had to throw out the rest of my candy pumpkin(candy corn) the other day. LOL I’m kind of floating back and forth between p3 and p4 now(not ready to switch all the way yet). Well, I think there are 8 servings of 5 pumpkins a serving for 140 calories(and pure sugar) well, I will pull out 5 pumpkins and by the end of the day, there is only 1 or 2 servings of them left. So, I throw out the last serving(like the extra 140 calories out of the over 1000 in calories I have already eaten) is going to hurt me.
powermaxnutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pounds_and_inches.pdf
Hi Sherrie. thanks for responding so quickly. It’s funny….how many times do you tell people to follow the diet. No exceptions? duh. Don’t mix it up, don’t substitute, don’t add or delete, etc. And yet…what do we do? We want to change it. lol. My goal was to lose 20 pounds. I’ve lost 12 so far and it’s been almost 3 weeks. I dropped 10 the first week. The second week my dr. said I could eat pork as well as green beans. I gained 2 pounds. You turned me around and now I’m sticking strictly to the food identified above. I had one day last week I couldn’t stop eating bread sticks as I was STARVING. I didn’t think I would make it through the day. Other than that I have not cheated with food. I have however skipped lunch a few days. I don’t eat fruit at all (I know, I’m weird) so I drink 4oz of OJ in the morning and evening. I have doubled up on the melba toast and eaten 4 at once instead of splitting them during the day. I’m disappointed to be on this damn diet so long. I thought I would be done by now. I know it’s much faster than the old fashioned diet/exercise model of 2 pounds a week but it’s also a lot more restrictive and expensive (I’m doing injections). I miss food. Some days I barely make it through. If it wasn’t for the biological fact I would gain a ton of weight by cheating, I would have already cheated. This website is saving me. Thank you. Hang in there everybody.
Carole. That was a BAD Dr. they need to read the protocol, Dr Simeons spent so much time on this diet making it just right to where we would get the weight off and be able to maintain a healthy weight for life. 🙂
Wow, for only having 20 to lose, you have done FANTASTIC. If you get real hungry like that, drink water, that usually fills you up. You DON’T want to skip lunch, you can’t make up your calories all in dinner and if you don’t eat right, you won’t keep this weight off forever. You also need your fruit, not just you to lose weight, but your body needs fruits. Don’t tell me you don’t like apples, oranges or strawberries or grapefruit(I love them, just don’t like having to cut them, lol)orange juice is a big NO NO..check it out, look at the sugars/carbs in it, it’s not the same thing as eating a fresh orange. Get those oranges, peel them and eat them!
I would never pay a lot for this diet, infact paid under $30 for a 6 weeks supply and now they’re only $21.99 🙁
Carole, please do NOT drink anymore orange juice(check out the ingredients, this will answer your question as to why you’re NOT losing weight). Finish up the way that you’re supposed too, and if you have to do another 3 week round, go with the homeopathic, they work just as good(if not better), and much cheaper. The results are just the same, you don’t have to be careful with the lotions, etc like you do on the real stuff.
OK … Today I really blew it. Ate everything and anything from birthday cake to M&M’s to brautwurst, wingdings. NOW what do I do? Get back on track tomorrow? Or go off of it or what???? HELP!!!
Amy:
First, what you did was BAD, but you are human, and humans unfortunately make mistakes. Now, the problem is, you most likely will gain weight and will stall out for probably 3 or 4 days! You get right back on it tomorrow, and don’t be mad at anyone but yourself if you don’t lose any weight for a few days. You either want to lose weight or you don’t!!!!!!!!!!! If you want to lose it, then you are the only one that can control what you eat. I was bad the first time I was on the diet too. I cheated three weeks in to the diet, and then was so mad at myself over it. The 2nd time around, I stayed on the protocol, and was very proud of myself. Ask yourself if you want to be healthy and look/feel good, or you want to be overweight, unhealthy and unhappy the rest of your life! If you want the latter of the 2, then by all means, eat the cake, m&m’s brats and everything else. If you want to look good and feel good, then get up, brush yourself off, and get right back on it tomorrow! You can do this only if you want too!
Sherrie – what specifically is a typical P3 day of food for you? Breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, etc. thanks.
Hey Angela
I’m really not on the diet anymore, just tend to stay more on the p3 than p4(if that makes sense). I’ve been done with the drops since June, so I guess what I’m trying to say is, I can have sugar/starch but I don’t yet eat a lot of that stuff(just my choice). 🙂
The first time on p3, I actually would eat 2 scrambled eggs, 4-5 slices of that pre cooked bacon, fruit, sometimes cottage cheese or string cheese and an 8 oz glass of milk(and of course my black coffee). for lunch usually not a whole lot, but would have a big salad with all the toppings(no dressing, but only because I’ve gotten use to eating it without dressing and still love them that way), and usually some fruit and my cocoa almonds(another addiction)that are in the 100 calorie packs.
Supper, my protein(I do eat a lot of tuna fish with light mayo in it), cottage cheese(2%) fruits, veggies, I mean really about anything. I kind of keep an eye more on the calories than anything, and lately I’ve been probably eating around 1800 calories a day instead of the 1200-1400 I’m used too, which is probably why my weight isn’t going down the last little bit of weight I’m wanting to lose. 🙂
This time I did a yogurt(usually any of the flavors of yoplait(which yes, it does have sugar in it, which is a no no, but it hasn’t hurt me), and an apple or strawberries and a little bit of 1% milk. For lunch, it’s usually light like 1 or 2 apples and my cocoa almonds(usually not very hungry). sometimes I will pack up more like cottage cheese, tuna fish and then my apple and lettuce). Then pretty much anything for dinner I feel like eating.
As far as snacks(sorry I didn’t answer that), I never did do the “snack” thing on this diet and pretty much still don’t. The only time I was a big snacker was before I started the diet, and then the snacks went all day and became my meals plus snacks(usually peanut butter cups, a whole bag) all day or always something with lots of sugar. I stayed on a good schedule on this diet, and ate my meals at the same time every day, so I would always know how long before I would be eating again.
I started taking the drops a week ago, and have lost 5 1/2 pounds! Are you supposed to keep taking the drops when you start your period, or can you still take them?
Hey Kelly
I really don’t know, as I don’t have that problem anymore, but if I did, I would continue taking the drops. My daughter was on the drops, started her period and said she flowed heavier than normal, so she went off the drops and then never started back up. I would continue myself..
Hi, i just started the hcg diet protocol. Today is my vlcd1 and i feel fine, i am preparing to have lunch in 40mins. I have a few concerns based on conflictual information on the internet-you tube included. I have the hcg drops and tested them on a pregnancy test–the test was negative. Do you think the drops are good? Also, when should I take the drops before a meal or after? So far i have been taking them before. I also ordered another brand of drops that have 3x,6x, etc formulation. Which brand did you use?
I really want this to work and mentally i am dedicated and i am willing to exercise. I only want to do this for 23days with the drops. Please respond and I look forward to you being a support.
Thanks
You have to wait 15 minutes before and after you take them to eat or drink anything. If the test is negative, they are good. I have the homeopathic drops. You can only do light exercise.
I started my “monthly gift” Saturday and have stayed on the drops. I have had a lighter flow than normal. I don’t know if it is because of the drops, but I like it!!!
April, it depends on which drops you got. The ones I got are take the drops, do not eat or drink within 30 minutes before drops or 30 min. after. i would get up in the morning and do my drops, wait 30 minutes then drink.
They will test negative unless they are the real hcg drops. The other ones are homeopathic, and yes, they work just as well as the real drops.
Good luck with your weight loss
Kelly, you’re lucky, my daughter flowed a lot heavier, so therefore went off the drops and unfortunately never started them back up
I am so confused now. My last drop weight was 134.2lb. I will begin my phase 3 tomorrow. Somehow i was having period during this 72 hrs period and my weigh kept dropping. 134.2->133.6->132.6->130.8lb this morning. Should i still consider 134.2 as my last drop weight?? or can i use 130.8lb as my LDW??
Wow! 🙂
Yes, use the last day you took your drops as the weight you use. Lucky for me(and maybe you), mine kept going further and further away from the last drop day.
So, go from 134.2(don’t go above 136.2) and if you do, do a steak/apple or steak/tomato day. Why would you want to use 130.8 as a ldw?? Think about it, that means if you went up to 132.8 then you would have to do steak day.
Be happy with those results!!!
Enjoy your first meal tomorrow. 🙂 Keep a close eye on that weight in the mornings. WTG!!!
One other thing, you have still been on vlcd for last 3 days, so it’s not uncommon to lose a little more weight in those 3 days between last drop day and the day you start adding things back in to your diet
I have to say this stuff is amazing. I am using the GNC version and am loving it. My mother and I started this two weeks ago and have already lost 24 pounds each. You must follow the diet like it says and it will work.
WTG Michelle and Michelle’s Mom! Keep it up and you’ll be to your goal before you know it!!!
I am so Jealous of the weight loss everyone is having!!!! I just happen to be one of those people who for some reason the fluff doesn’t want to let go!!! I HAVE NOT cheated one time!!!!! NOTE that!!!! And still I am only losing about 2 lbs a week. I eat around 450 to 480 calories a day and that depends on what calorie chart you may use so it could be a bit closer to 500. I am about to finish up my injections now and will go to phase 3 for a bit since this is my second round already. Not giving up yet!!! I will go another round but this time with the homepathic drops. I have to go to Colorado for a week around NOV 8th or so. My question is now, how do I time this so that I can eat out but not ruin what I have already done. I know I can’t have sugar/starches so I can get around that and ph3 is eat til your full so I can safely order grilled meats and the all veggies and side salad, now when I get back I get two load days or if I so choose to do the load days while out on the road, What can you have on the load days?? Are you suppose to eat anything fatting or just meats,cheeses that sort of fat stuff? I really don’t want to mess up and praying that this next go round will make things happen!!!
Thank you soo much for your replies Sherrie & kelly. Yes, I am on day two of the vlcd. I havent noticed anything yet but I dont have a scale at home, I will be able to weigh myself this weekend. I started at 177lbs. I also ordered another brand of drops that have gotten good reviews. They should be here Monday, I will continue using what i have for now. Suprisingly, I dont feel that bad, last nite I got a slight headache but I went to sleep. Also, is it true you can have as much lettuce as you want? the hcg diet protocol does not clearly outline your vegetable intake. Yes, I will use the treadmill for 30mins and then do arms & abs. I really hope it works. Also, i have noticed that i have been urinating alot! and i increased my water intake.
Hi everyone,
I have done one round of HCG injections for 40days and lost a total of 24lbs. I feel terrific. Everyone was negative about my diet and the fact that I was giving myself injections until they saw the amazing transformation of my body and self esteem. Now I have had to refer family and friends. I lost the weight around my hard to lose areas such as hips and thighs. Even the back fat that sits near bra lines melted away in the first two weeks. My husband who was suspicious of HCG is now going to start with me as I begin a second round. I went with the injections because they were a way of establishing a FIRM committment every morning. Also I have had a bad history of stomach problems and didn’t want to bother with drops that may cause issues. Good Luck to anyone who tries this program. I found the above list of foods helpful and I carried a copy of it with me thru out my weight loss.
Currently I am 4wks post first round of HCG of 40days, and I am within a lb of my lowest weight. I am eating pretty normal/healthy while making sure my carbs and sugars are not out of control. Has NOT been difficult to stay at this weight, surprisingly.
Carea
Sam, when I was on p2 I ate out. I would order chicken and lettuce and would have them hold all the toppings.
You can have ANYTHING you want on load days, and make sure you take your drops on those days. Didn’t you already load the first two times? I had donuts, ice cream, pizza, hamburgers, and anything else I wanted while loading
April you’re peeing more because you’re drinking more fluid than normal.
You really need a scale, you need to be keeping an every day weight chart. Go to walmart and buy a digital scale. It’s best to use the same scale every day..
Good luck!
WTG Carea! Sounds like you have done excellent and your self esteem is going through the roof and it should be..pat yourself on the back!!
As far as the drops though, they won’t mess with your stomach. 🙂 Believe me, they are very mild, but if you’re happy with the injections and they’re working, that’s great.
Hi Sherrie
No they didn’t have me load after the first round, I went from the drops for the 28 days to the shots which I have about three to four days left. Ok so is alcohol (wine) allowed on the load days? Maybe a skinny Margarita? I’ve really missed mexican and can’t think of a better dinner to have than that with a Margarita but if I can’t I won’t. I have really been straight with this diet and haven’t lost as much as I paid for believe me so this next time its the homepathic drops and see what happens. OH do you have to keep these drops in the fridge? Just wondering since I may have to take them to Colorado with me to start the load days? Thanks for all your help I get more info here and people cheering you on when your down about your losses so thanks for being here.
sam, you can have ANYTHING your little heart desires on the “load days”. For 2 days eat/drink be merry..Everything, Anything! Margarita, why make it a skinny one? Yes, wine is also allowed! Heck, drink a dozen margaritas, because you won’t be getting them for awhile again. LOL
No, the drops do NOT have to be refrigerated. Remember to start taking them on your load days.
Have fun in Colorado and do those load days, which you should have done when you started the diet to begin with. 🙂
Can we talk about down in the dumps?? LOL I have 3.8 lbs to lose before I will allow myself to have a donut that has been in my freezer for probably 3 mos or more now. I have 14 of them sitting in there. But, I said I wont have one until I see 135. LOL
Yippy skippy peanut butter!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait!!!!!!!!!! you know I asked about the whole load up days and they said no, now wondering if I even loaded up correctly the first time, while I ate alot it really wasn’t on sugars and starches, mostly alot of meats and stuff at a buffett but mainly meats so this time I will do my mexican fiesta and choc cake and whatever else!!!!!!!
lol, love it about the donut!!!!! Can’t wait til I get that close to goal, I do know about the goodies in the freezer, I once had a box of girl scout mint cookies and it was there for a year because I was afraid if I opened it and ate them I would gain the weight back,, this was from a previous loss but due to divorce not diet and sure as heck, gained weight back, ate the darn things and that started the downward spiral, so now here I am but I have to say I have learned alot as far as portion control that I never realized before.
Love this site and your such a big big help!!!
Actually the more fat and sugar you eat on the load days the more weight you will lose on the diet. Not sure if anyone has said this already as I did not read all the notes. It is not wonder Sam did not do good on the diet if they did not tell her about the load days. These 2 days are to wake up the fat stored in your body and they get so happy to have new friends that they have a party and then before you know it they are cut off and have to go to work. That is when you lose!
I did this once back in the 80’s when I was 30 and did real good kept the weight off until I got pregnant. Now I am 61 and doing it again for health reasons. It is harder when you are older. Have only lost about 28 lbs in the first round. But that is better than nothing! Oh and I am using cream hcg.
Good Luck everybody!
Betty
Ivy,
I thought you had to wait until 3 weeks after the drops before you add any new food to your diet. My doctor said to eat the same diet only more of it for 3 weeks while your body regulates your weight.
Betty
Hi Betty,
I did not do the 2 day (load days) I did not have any idea you have to do that , somebody told me but was after 2 days when I already took the drops and was on 500 calc. I did not want to start over, the 1st week I lost 2 lb each day and after 1 week now I am losing 1 lb. a day, which is great . I will have to do another round of SCG and lose the rest of my pounds…I am sooo glad I find support here.
Sherrie,
Last nite I had a reaction to the drops–my heart was racing, headache, couldnt sleep, sweating, and my eyes were hurting. I ate 2 melba rounds, milk, and water. I finally felt better and was able to sleep at 5am. This morning, i did not take any drops but have kept to the vlcd. I was wondering if i should keep taking the drops and add more calories 700-800. Or reduce the number of drops i am taking. there is a medispa that has their patients eat 700-8– calories with hcg. I am 5’7″ and weigh 177lbs. My fat is centered on my stomach, arms, and these little fat pockets near my underarms–like extra titties(lol). Please help me and tell me what you think. While taking the drops i was also taking a multivitamin at lunch. Otherwise I am a very healthy person and have no medical conditions. Rite now I feel fine but my stomach has growled without the hcg. maybe they added something weird to the hcg drops but didnt put it on the label. my drops have alcohol in them but the new ones I ordered do not. Please help–all are welcome to reply.
My last drops will be Sunday…I’ve lost 10 # only? I have cheated 2 a few times that I can remember. But, my question is last Monday and now today after I took my drops and vitamins in the morning I had a reaction. My face and neck were all red and I felt hot. I took benadral right away. Has anyone else had this happen to them. Should I do another round of the drops and vitamins? The vitamins are B6 and B12 called the boost.
Wondering?
Betty, you can have whatever you want after you’re done with p2. You stay on the same low calorie diet for 3 days after you’re done with drops, then add back in everything except sugar/starches to your diet. My weight was fine doing that, infact I’ve lost a lot of my weight on the p3. I’ve had it off now(well, except for the 3.8 I want to lose yet)for over 2 mos(I’m thinking that’s what I said before, without going to look in my weight journal)
I did the p2 twice. One time I ate pretty regular meals(the first load) and ended up starting (after load days), exactly what I weighed before load days. I really loaded up good the 2nd time around, and I lost more weight the first time than I did the 2nd time. so, really don’t know who said you would lose better by eating more fat and sugar. Everyone is different and will lose different. The thing is, you can have anything and everything you want while loading, but I honestly don’t think what you eat while loading will help you to lose anymore or any quicker.
Hey Sherrie,
I am sooo happy, I am losing 1lb. per day, I am sooo excited to get up and weight myself and see the pounds going down. I can see the difference , I am up on my 11th day and I lost 11.8lb. and I am still going strong. My husband said after I am losing all my weight, he will take me an shopping spree…woha….
Thank you for being here and helping me to do this, all the encouragements made me strong. My skin improved, no more dry skin (now I drink a lot of water).
Thanks a lot 🙂
WTG girlie!! Hang in there, clothes shopping, you will see just how much fun it can be!! We’re always here for you!!!
Sherrie,
Last nite I had a reaction to the drops–my heart was racing, headache, couldnt sleep, sweating, and my eyes were hurting. I ate 2 melba rounds, milk, and water. I finally felt better and was able to sleep at 5am. This morning, i did not take any drops but have kept to the vlcd. I was wondering if i should keep taking the drops and add more calories 700-800. Or reduce the number of drops i am taking. there is a medispa that has their patients eat 700-8– calories with hcg. I am 5’7″ and weigh 177lbs. My fat is centered on my stomach, arms, and these little fat pockets near my underarms–like extra titties(lol). Please help me and tell me what you think. While taking the drops i was also taking a multivitamin at lunch. Otherwise I am a very healthy person and have no medical conditions. Rite now I feel fine but my stomach has growled without the hcg. maybe they added something weird to the hcg drops but didnt put it on the label. my drops have alcohol in them but the new ones I ordered do not. Please help–all are welcome to reply.
April, if you have been taking the drops for a few days, and haven’t had a reaction, I would say most likely the reaction was due to something else. I know one time I took some off brand benadryl and got real hot, well, kind of like what you just explained happened to you. I assumed it was the off brand benadryl. I tried taking them a few mos later just to see, and it didn’t do anything. There really is nothing in the drops that should cause that.
Yes, try the drops again, I think you will see it probably wasn’t the drops after all. You don’t want to be on that low of calories without taking the drops(they pull 2000-2500 calories from stored fat) and without them, your body would go in to starvation mode. My friend did the drops and did the 750 calories/day
My drops had a little alcohol/water and hcg in them, that’s all any of them have in them.
Myself, I would do the 500 over the 750, but that’s entirely up to you. I wouldn’t do it without the drops though. I would do the drops starting again in the morning. If you have something strange happen again, then get in and get checked. If they’re drops you’ve been using already though, then my guess would be it’s actually something else.
I need to confess. I feel like such a failure. I just ate the whole small bag of barbeque rice chips and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a banana. I am really upset with myself. I have been doing so good on my hcg diet. I had such a bad week with my supervisor. I am a special ed teacher. I think she has been stealing funds for our students but can’t prove it. We raise money with a food cart on campus and amazingly enough, the money always comes up missing. Or she says she is reimbursing herself for something. I am new to my district and everyone loves her so I will seem a bit crazy for saying anything but it is frustrating. She leaves early, takes long lunches, and does a lot of things that most parents would sue if they found out. For example, she leaves her aide alone in the classroom next door for most of the day to teach her class while she talks on the phone, goes out for lunch, talks to her decorator, etc. I started in my classroom without any school supplies or books. So apparently I overeat from stress. Now what do I do now that I completely messed up today? Should I apple day it again tomorrow? My boyfriend and kids have been so proud of me for being so strict on this diet and I feel like I let everyone down. Should I tell them?
Jane, NO, don’t do an apple day tomorrow, those are very plateaus. Get back on the diet tomorrow and don’t blame anyone but yourself when you see (even if your weight doesn’t go up) that you will stall out for probably at least 3 days(even sticking with the diet). You can do it! You can’t eat everytime you’re stressed, or you will NOT get this weight off. I have a stressful job too, I work with a 71 year old woman who has dementia. Even though it’s stressful, it’s a very rewarding job, and I have become very attached to this woman. It is so upsetting to see her having fun(my hubby and me picked her up tonight as I had to feed her dinner, so hubby and I carried her out to eat)and then knowing a few minutes later she would most likely not even remember going. Things bother us, but we have to learn how to NOT turn to food.
don’t disappoint your b-f and kids, be honest with them though. Everyone of us is human, some have more willpower than others. As long as you realize what you did(and it sounds like you do)then you can and will pick yourself up and get back on it, and don’t do something like that AGAIN!
Have any of you read this….???
Phase 2 – Your Food Choice’s
Start Gorging & HCG on Day 1. Gorge for 3 Days.
I keep reading peope on here keep saying gorge or load days as 2….
Its actually 3 days..
sherrie,
thanks so much for your response. i really needed words of encouragement today. a lot of my friends are super thin and my bf is a gym rat and loses weight while I gained on previous diets. this is the first time i have seen the numbers go down so fast and i was so proud. i even tried on an old pair of jeans today, super tight, but at least they fit over my butt and hips. ok, 3 days i can handle. all for chips and a peanut butter sandwich. lol. thanks also for sharing about your job. working in the helping field is so rewarding, but definitely challenging at times. i was 154 this morning… so we will see what i damage i did on the scale tomorrow. have a good night.
If you read “pounds and inches”, the original protocol, it says 2 days! Sorry, but I follow what Dr Simeons, the one who started the diet, says to do. So, now read that and tell me where you’re seeing “3” days!
This is from pounds and inches!
During the two days of forced feeding from the first to the third injection – many patients are
surprised that contrary to their previous experience they do not gain weight and some even lose. The
explanation is that in these cases there is a compensatory flow of urine, which drains excessive water
from the body. To some extent this seems to be a direct action of HCG, but it may also be due to a
higher protein intake, as we know that a protein-deficient diet makes the body retain water
Hey Jane
154 doesn’t sound bad at all really. How tall are you? You will do fine. You may want to stay off the scale for a few days though. 🙂
You are going to have to learn to leave your job at work!! Hard to leave mine at work when I take her with to dinner. LOL
Oh well, you’ll do fine tomorrow.
I won’t be on until Sunday as hubby and me are going to the mountains for the night tomorrow night. I usually get every other weekend off, but only have this weekend off this month, and will work the rest of them. Can we say T I R E D? LOL
you have a great night too. If you want, e-mail me at stratman397 at aol dot com
and put hcg in the subject line. i will get back to you as soon as I get back
I have studied Pounds and Inches….
Page 74
“Most patients who have been struggling with diets for years and know how rapidly
they gain if they let themselves go are very hard to convince of the absolute
necessity of gorging for at least two days, and yet this must he insisted upon
categorically if the further course of treatment is to run smoothly. Those patients
who have to be put on forced feeding for a week before starting the injections
usually gain weight rapidly – four to six pounds in 24 hours is not unusual – but
after a day or two this rapid gain generally levels off.”
I see what you are reading…
I stick to it word for word….cals and fats… I am on day 31 and have lost 41 pounds….I gorged 3 days. Have not cheated one time…no need to …40 days. Will power and determination for 40 days is not too hard.
I’m headed out. You all behave and stick with those diets this weekend. The time will be gone, along with the weight, before you know it!
Will check back tomorrow when we get home(if it’s not too late)
Happy weekend to you all
This morining I did not take the vitamins and I had no reaction at all. Tomorrow I’ll be done with the drops and diet for 3 more days. I will say I do feel good! My arthritis is not hurting me also! Now I’ll see what 3 more weeks brings me?
Happy dieting!
I am starting tomorrow. I am super excited. I have tried it before and had really good success, but then I failed miserably this summer and put the weight back on. This time I am determined to keep it off. I have done the loading yesterday and today and I am looking forward to not eating much tomorrow. I feel a little sick today (all the junk and fat) It looks like people here are super nice and willing to help so I am looking forward to helping and getting help this time around.
Yes, when my new drops arrive I will resume taking them. for now I am just watching my diet. when I start the new drops, i will not load, i will just start with the vlcd. thanks again and i will monitor what time i take the drops and eat as well.
april
I start my load days tomorrow, and I am very excited to get this weight off! I have maintained my loss since my first round but I also didn’t lose as much as I wanted b/c I did not have all of the correct info, but now I am armed and ready!!
Today is my 1st day of vlcd now I wish I was loading still but I guess that is what got me where I am, ughhhhh!
I hope I didn’t screw up, I got hungry while feeding daughter and NOT having anything yet today figured I could have lunch weighed my meat and cooked up 6 asparagus (not sure if that was to much) but took my drops when I realized I didn’t???? Hope that’s nit gonna screw it up? Also not sure about veggies weighs?anyone else wanna share your diet weighs?
Good luck Tami, you’ll do great!! Congratulations on maintaining too!!
Hi, I need help….. I bought my hcg drops last week and I did my2 load days along with starting the drops as directed by the lady I bought them from….. okay, I started my 500 calorie diet and struggled with the dropper. (dumb). My friend told me to get a syringe to make it easy. She got her’s from the pharmacy, but I had one at home. She told me to take 5mls per dose 3times a day. She THEN figured out she told me the wrong dosage. It should have been .5mls!!!!!!(which would have been 15drops) I O/D on the drops BIG time. Now I have broke out in HIVES! Not sure what to do now. I was on day 5 when this all happened! I had droped about 6lbs and don’t know what to do…. any advice? I am taking benadryl for about a day and half for the rash. My face has broke out.. my chest. I am so so sad. When should I start back?
It doesn’t sound right that you would be breaking out from the drops. All they have in them/or should have in them, is water, hcg(which you have in your system when you’re pregnant) and alcohol(and there isn’t much of that in them). Where did your friend get the drops from? Myself, I would have gotten right back on them(but that’s just me). I’m sorry you had problems
Sherrie…I’ve been meaning to leave a comment for you, but time just gets away from me…and LIFE!!! I started my vlcd on 9/30 and since then I’ve lost 13.8 lbs…which is amazing to me. I’m down in the 170’s and haven’t seen them in probably 10 years!!! I’m so excited! I have a question. My HCG are drops and they aren’t the “real thing” so is it okay to wear makeup and use face creams? The only problem I have with the diet itself is having to cook so much!!! 🙂
Morning,
Hey Sherri, I would like to see if you could explain the difference to me about the 3x6x and the 12x16x etc.. I need to reorder my drops soon but I would like to know where to get the real thing, not from the health food store. I had good results with them I lost 30 lbs in my 40 day plan, but they were too expensive for my budget. At the end I just stayed stuck. but I continued to finish my drops for that period. I just assumed my body got amune to them. As i hear ,that could happen.
I have seen on this sight that ordering from e-bay is good but each sight I go to have different numbers on them ( 3x6x etc ). If you could please e-mail me I would like to ask you a few things. pastora_martinez@yahoo.com Also please tell me of a trustworthy sight that I can order my drops from. Does it mean that if you find them at a lower price they are not good as apposed to the high priced ones… thanks for all your help. Kat
Hey Deb
Wow, almost 14 lbs in less than 2 weeks, girl you are doing GREAT!
I used the homeopathic drops also, and I never changed anything I used(shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, etc). I think that part was actually carrying it a little bit too far(just my opinion). Anyway, I know where you’re at as far as cooking so much, I would make hubbys dinner and then mine. A lot of times, I would give him what I was having, except of course more of it and other things to go with it. It’s just him and me now with the kids all grown and gone, which makes it really hard. I’m done with the drops now and done hopefully with ever having to take the drops again(last drop day was middle of June, I weighed 158.6) and am now at 139.2 with 4.2 to go to hit my goal. Keep up the good work and please keep us posted on how you’re doing! Reading this in the mornings and seeing posts of weight losses is an inspiration for everyone!
Please consider posting this, it will only contribute to a healthier weight loss and maintenance along with the HCG. I did a fantastic colon cleanse and detox pack. There is no medecines in this detox it is all natural from Gods garden. WOW the results were Amazing. I am so sold on this product. I am so happy with this product along with the HCG.This is a 3 part package, you get the (1)Colon cleanse- Fiber system plus- which promotes, prompt detoxification and gastrointestinal cleansing. (*supports improved nutrient absorption by keeping the digestive track free of poisons and residues. *promotes optimal elimination and daily regularity which contributes to better weight management, more energy and maximum immunity. *Supports healthy system function for conditions like constipation, chronic fatigue, gases, enlarged belly, hemorrhoids, indigestion, common gastrointestinal infections, and gallbladder problems.
(2) Super Detox- Natural detoxification formula with nutrients proven to support healthy function of the Liver and Lungs. * promotes the natural detoxification process of the body. * helps regulate the Liver and protects it from the detrimental effects of alcohol, drugs and environmental toxins* increases bile production that helps digest food and breaks down fats.* Helps neutralize different types of free radicals, toxic agents and carcinogen that are found in cigarette smoke, gas fumes from automobiles, pesticides, herbicides and smoked meats. * supports healthy system function for conditions like Liver problems, hormone imbalance and promotes balanced glucose levels.
(3) Bountiful Harvest plus- contains a wide variety of concentrated greens packed with phytonutrients. These phytonutrients are of the whole-plant, which contain vitamins, and minerals you need to maintain good health after weight loss.* Its a powerful antioxidant 8 Alkaline- forming foods , such as green vegetables, can help maintain a healthy pH balance.
* Supports the process of drug, toxins detoxification helping to neutralize free radicals. * Supports cardiovascular function preventing LDL oxidation and promotes healthy blood clotting.
I have done this cleanse my self and wish I would have done this before I started my HCG drops. When I did this, I had a problem with falling asleep everywhere. I just had to close my eves , if I was driving I had to pull over just to sleep. I woke up one day in a cementary, I did not even remember getting there. Now I do not fall asleep on the road, I have stopped my Ambien, over a month now. I am able to lye down for bed and sleep, not watching TV for hours trying to fall asleep. I no longer take oxicodone for pain, ibuprofin 800, and I no longer get daily migrains and so much more I could tell, I know loosing the weight was the better part of all this , but I have never felt better in my life. If any one is intrested in more information please e-mail me at katsbellamia@gmail.com. Wishing everyone a successful weightloss…
Hi, i got my new drops last nite. They are 3x with no alcohol from a company called Yavonae. I started them this morning and feel ok. I am still doing the vlcd diet and will keep you posted. Please tell me what time of the day you took the drops. rite now I am doing 8am–12:00pm–5pm. and for clarification when can I add onions & tomatoes to my romaine lettuce salad. I have been alternating tilapia and chicken strips for my meat. apples and oranges for my fruit. Please let me know. I want to do this rite.
Hey April
I would do my drops first thing in the morning, then would wait 1/2 hour to drink my coffee, then would do my drops 1/2 hour before lunch(which I tried to eat around 1:00 then 1/2 hour before dinner, which I would eat around 6:30.
You can’t have onions or any other veggie with your lettuce until p3 which is 3-6 weeks away, depending on if you’re doing the 3 week or 6 weeks.
If you like strawberries, grab some of those at the store, you can add some stevia to them and that sweetens them up.
You can also do lean hamburger meat, cube steak, fresh asparagus(that stuff if delicious). Good luck….
The informal article helped me a lot! Saved your website, extremely interesting categories everywhere that I see here! I really appreciate the information, thank you.
day 2 and Im still loading but I really am not enjoying it. I feel sick but i know its worth it
Hang in there Tami. I never did eat until I felt sick to my stomach
HI All
Coming off of ph2, been on it for two months, didn’t do as well as everyone, not sure why as I never did cheat but at least I lost. Today is the first day not taking hcg. Been reading alot about ph3, one of the things it said is that you could have a glass of wine every now and then with an evening meal which I know would cut into your calorie intake, just wondered if anyone else has done this and if it hurt anything. I will have to be on ph3 until Nov 14th or 15th, is that too long??? I will then start my two load days which let me tell you I am looking so forward tooooooooo!!! lololol then will start the drops for another month and see how I do then. I’m thinking that my problem may have been thru the loading days that I didn’t eat the right kind of fatting stuff, I think I ate more meats than anything so looking forward to this time and see if it makes a difference.
Hey Sam
Wine has sugar, I would say no on any alcohol on p3
Honey, I am still pretty much on p3, with some occasional p4’s. LOL You can stay on p3 the rest of your life if you want, so as far as is November 14 or 15 too long? The answer is NO, that’s not too long. :)my 2 different ways of loading never made a difference at all
Good luck to you. Are you going to use the same drops I took? You said something about ordering the ones I had gotten
Sherrie,
Yes I ordered from the same site but you said that a different person sent them so I’m hoping they are the same. I beleive that its a brown bottle, and I think it has like teen #s with a X behind them. I think we talked about this and it seemed like the same bottle that you had. I will not drink the wine then, I don’t want to mess up what I have already done so far. But you just wait til those load up days!!!! Excited to see if it does make a difference, had everyone stumped as to why I only lost 2 lbs a week, I think I only had two times that I lost 5 or 6 then like clockwork only 2, but look and feel better about myself with what I have lost so far, just taking longer than most folks which always seems to be me. I have a very high tolerance to meds so wondering if that may have something to do with it, seems like when I take meds I have to double the strength for it to work so not sure how that would work with this sort of thing to test it.
Hi everyone,
I lost the most during the first 2 weeks and week 5. Wk 3 &4 I only lost 2.5. So What I started to do was eat an egg in the A.M. with a vege, to get my metabolism started. Then I ate a smaller piece of meat for lunch with vegetable. For a snack I ate an apple in the afternoon. For dinner my meat and the veg . I eliminated the other fruit thus keeping carbs really low. This doubled my losses this last week. I even ate at relatives on the weekend but only ate the stir fry mixed veges and the greens and did not stall. I am going to end about 6 days hoping for 5 more off. Still want to lose another 5 but we’ll see. Can you have some cheese on P3 and yogurt? I’m 59 , female and had 35 lbs to lose but have lost 21 in 36 days. Have a wedding to attend month’s end and want to eat the food. Will be on P3 by then. Suggestions so I do not pack on the weight that day. I would like to enjoy the catered banquet meal of 5 courses and dessert. Anyone gone off p3 for a day and not gained?
Sherrie,
I am only doing the drops for 23 days. So you are saying that I can have only 1 type of vegetable. the protocol is unclear on how much of the vegetables we can eat at a serving. Also, i am eating 3.5 ounce of meat at each serving. I drink water and tea thr-out the day. This is day 2 for me with my new drops. I feel much better than with the others. Did you take a multivitamin while you were doing the protocol. Please advise.
Hey Sam
So, what did you average out a week last time? Do you have your daily weights written down? I remember when I slowed down on my losing, I got really upset, there were some times I was the same after a week. But, when I averaged it all out, it came out to about 3 lbs a week.
Yes, I had looked and they were the same meds I was on. I would do the 10 drops 3 x day. You should do fine..
How much more do you have to lose?
No, you need 2 veggies a day, but not the same one for lunch as for dinner. I weighed my meat first and figured the calories, then the fruit and then the veggie I would weigh last. Come dinner time, if I was too far down I would try to add more veggies to get closer to 500 calories. I would plan my meals out usually the day before.
I did B12 and potassium and actually started those before I even started the diet. I am on p4 now (even though I mostly stay with p3) and still take B12 and potassium
Sherrie.
They told me that I was averaging about 1/2 pound a day was on the diet for two months and only lost 28 pounds. Lost alot of inches but not much weight. They were stumped as I am. I didn’t weigh in everyday, I liked not knowing from day to day and I would probably have given in If I didn’t see lose everyday so was better that I did what I did. I have or want to lose about 20 more so will do another round starting in November and really hoping for better results and hoping that like you I will lose on phase 3, keeping my fingers crossed!!!!! Thanks for all your support I love this site!!!!!
You may just very well do that Sam, not supposed too, but I am not going to complain. I ate what I could eat, and would eat healthy on p3(never did go back to adding salad dressing to my salads, as I have become accustomed to eating without). I never did push myself either, when I would get comfortable with eating, I would quit. I play around pretty much with 1-2 lbs now, and then end up back around 138. I do want to get to 135 so I can eat one of my 14 donuts that have been in the freezer probably 3 mos now. LOL
It’s very important you weigh every day on p3, more so than p2, as if you put on 2 lbs you want to do your steak/apple or steak/tomato day right then.
If you were averaging 1/2 lb a day, that my dear is 3 1/2 lbs a week. 🙂 I have weighed every day since I started. I have tried not too, but such a habit anymore that I just do it. I want to know where I’m at each day so I don’t ever go back to looking and feeling like I did. 🙂
Sam, also you never want to go over 6 weeks on this diet, not 2 mos,that’s a little longer than you should be on it, as your body can get immune to the drops.
Well let me tell you about a salad dressing that you can have, no calories, no sugar no fat no carbs nothing!!!! And they taste good!!!!! they are from Walden farms, I’ve found them in walmart and Hy-vee (hy=vee has them in the organic & healthy section not with the regular one’s. If you look them up on the internet you can also order different things, I’ve ordered some dips, haven’t tried those yet, waiting for ph3 but could have used them according to the clinic I was in. Its kind of funny, this is the first day that I’ve been off the hcg and so far I haven’t felt hungry at all, the last week or so being on it I’ve felt hungry several times. I will get on the scale now in the mornings since now I must do this on my own and need to keep it down til I start back again.
LOL Sam, I can have any kind of dressing, I’m actually on p4 now, but I like my salads without dressing on them now. I figured why put the extra calories on them when I would prefer to have a lot of veggies, cheese and whatever else I can to put on them. 🙂 I can even have my sweetened tea, but still find myself drinking my tea with stevia. I’ve heard of walden, and even seen some of their things. Thanks though..:)
which phase is that d141 was I suppose to start with d140 ? Well I started on d141 on day 7 lost 11.5 poundsI weighed 231.5 lbs I think its working and i dont have to work out will lifting weights keep me from losing how much protein am i suppose to eat I am going from the list of meat and vegetable i am suppose to eat does it matter as long as you limit to 500 calorie intake?
But so far Ihave lost how can you gain when on the drops and how long can i takeafter i finish 1fl oz bottle of d141?
Roseanne,
You may have 3.5oz of approved meat at lunch and again at dinner. Moderate exercise is ok. It would not be a good idea to do anything strenuous and this is not a good time to start a weight lifting routine. It matters very much how much meat you eat. The diet is not just about 500 calories. Those 500 calories must be reached in a very specific way and it is important that you do not repeat the same meals in one day. The variety ensures you are receiving all the nutritional benefits that each one provides. Weight training is an excellent way to tone in P3 when you are able to increase your calorie count and protein intake to match your workout level. If you eat foods not on the list or eat the listed foods in larger quantities you can gain despite being on the drops. After you complete a 23-40 day cycle you should take a minimum of 3 weeks in P3 before starting the diet again.
Congratulations on your losses Dee Dee! More weight is generally lost early on in the diet. It seems you have found a way to jump start your losses towards the end. Different things seem to work well for different people. The strict protocol focuses on what seems to work best for the majority of people versus the individual. Others who do the same thing may have worse results. You can have cheese on P3. Yogurt generally has sugar so is not recommended. Again, some people have had it in P3 without issue. If you choose to have it, make sure it is the only new introduction in that time frame so you will immediately be able to spot any negative effects. It is generally easy to adhere to P3 while at a wedding. I have attended several with no ill effects. Here’s my advice, avoid the alcohol. A diet soda although it has artificial sweetener will have no calorie impact. Taste each course but do not finish any of them. There will probably be a meat without sauce in one of those courses and a salad (watch out for dressing) that would be ok although with any prepared food you never know what went into it during prep. As for dessert try to sample without finishing. If you find all of this too difficult just plan ahead. Pay close attention to your calories the days before the wedding try to stay as close to your last drops weight as possible so you have a little wiggle room. Buy yourself a big juicy steak and have it ready to go. Then just enjoy the wedding and the food without ‘over’ indulging. You may very well wake up still within your two pound allowed fluctuation. If not, light the grill and have a steak day. It should put you back where you need to be. The later in P3 you indulge the easier it is to maintain because your body will be more stable. If this wedding is early in P3 you will probably experience a greater setback.
Sherrie,
thanks for your support to all of us fat strangers..lol. Another question, I started the drops on 10/4/10 then i had the interruption on 10/8/10. I just resumed taking drops on 10/12/10. If i wanted to do 23 days how many days to I have left to go. Should I count from 10/4 or 10/12. I’m willing to stick it out. And thanks for the info on the veggies. Lastnite i ate 2 cups of cucumbers with chicken. Now i know to switch up the veggies and meat.
thanks
Ms. Sherrie…I have a question. Do we need to do either a 23 day, or 40 day cycle on the drops? What about 30?
Dee Dee, you can have cheese on p3, but not processed cheese.
Your weight loss is awesome, wtg!
I ate a yogurt(yoplait light or fat free) the whole time I was on p3 this last time(the first time, I ate completely different than this last time. First round of p3 I would eat scrambled eggs, cheese or cottage cheese, fruit, bacon and 2% millk, this time I just can’t get that much down me and will do a yogurt and fruit. I was very lucky that I lost probably 1/2 of my weight on p3 and only have 1.6 lbs to go to my goal. I actually hit my 60 lb mark today, and I’ve been done with the drops/500 calories since June. The only sugar I had on p3 is what was in my yogurt. Everyone is different, you may gain, or maybe not if you eat a 5 course meal. I still never eat a 5 course meal. 🙂
Hey April
First of all, not fat strangers, I feel like you all are family. Did you maintain the same weight during the interruption? It really depends on what YOU want to do. I did 6 weeks of p2 the first time and 3 weeks the last time. If you have quite a lot more weight to lose, you may want to just start over again, as long as you don’t go over 6 weeks, you’re good to go.
Good luck!!
Ms Deb, I always figured it was okay to do anything in between, as long as you don’t go under 3 weeks or over 6 weeks
I have finished p1 three weeks ago and want to start p2. Please advise me what to do. I have lost 30lb and have 15 more to go.
I’m lost. What do you mean you finished p1 and want to start p2? Pounds and inches starts on p2(that’s load days and vlcd) and then after you finish that, then you move on to p3 which is maintaining within 2 lbs of last drop day, and adding back everything EXCEPT sugars/starches). You should do that for 3 weeks(although you can do less time or you can do it as long as you want). Then after p3 you can either go back to p2(the first phase, load days and vlcd) or you can go on to p4 for awhile then go back to p2, whichever way you want to do it. If you’re wanting to get the rest off, soon, then go back to p2. What have you been doing the last 3 weeks since finishing up with p2.? WTG on the weight loss
Sherrie…what is Phase 4?
Hey Deb
p2) 2 load days and then vlcd
p3) add back everything except sugar/strarch
p4) gradually add back starch and sugar(this is when you are the rest of your life)
Oh….thank you….I wasn’t sure what Phase 4 meant. Do I do Phase 3 for 3 weeks? If I do the drops again, it will be after the first of the year. I’m hoping to try to well on Phase 3, like you did!! 🙂
I did p3 the first time 2 1/2 weeks, but I went right back on p2 then. The 2nd time I did p3 I stayed on it a long time. You can either stay on p3 until the beginning of the year, or you can do p3 as long as you want and then move on to p4(gradually) if you want..That has to be your decision. I loved p3
Oh boy! I’ve been sooo confused with p1, p2 etc. Now I undrestand, thanks for explaination. I meant to say I lost 30 lb in 45 days (used the drops 2 extra days) and have been off drop and have been watching what I eat (no suger and starch) for 12 days or so. I continue to loose 2-3 lb a week.
I want to know how long I need to wait until I can start another round? Do I have to be on the drop the whole 45 days (I have 15 lb to loose to reach my goal)?
You have been great help and support throughout my journey.
Hey Fran
Wow, you’re doing what I did, and I actually ended up losing more on p3 than I did p2(have been on p3 longer)so, I did most of it on p3, as I loved the foods you could eat and was losing really good. You can go back on p2 as soon as you want, if you wait at least 2 1/2 weeks in between, you can reload. 3 weeks is usually the best time frame although you can wait as long(if this makes sense). LOL I’m on the phone and trying to think talk and write
Sherrie…would you care to explain to me about eating the 6 apples when you hit a plateau. Are they all in one day, or spread across 2 days?!? Somewhere I think I read start at noon one day and end at noon the next. If so…what do I eat the afternoon of the second day…and what about steak and apple…I’m kinda confused, as you can tell!!! Thanks sooooooo much for all your help….you are truly a blessing!
Deb
I’m going to put what Dr Simeons says about the apple day. Myself, I never believed in doing them, knew that the body had to sooner or later hit a plateau, and would always let mine break on their own. The steak apple or steak/tomato day is for when you’re on p3 and p4, the apple day is only on p2 to break that plateau.
Thanks for the compliment Deb, You guys are all like family to me. Everyone should be here to support everyone. Losing weight is a battle, and it’s always good to have someone there for you. That’s why I give out my e-mail, so that anyone that wants to write one on one or wants to share pictures, can do it. I love seeing the beginning and end results.
If you want my e-mail and didn’t get it, it’s
stratman397 at aol dot com. Just make sure you put something to do with the hcg diet in subject line until I get you in to my address book.
Here’s what Dr Simeons says. Now off to work I go. 🙂
In such cases we consider it permissible, for purely psychological reasons, to break up the plateau.
This can be done in two ways. One is a so-called “apple day”. An apple-day begins at lunch and
continues until just before lunch of the following day. The patients are given six large apples and are
told to eat one whenever they feel the desire though six apples is the maximum allowed. During an
apple-day no other food or liquids except plain water are allowed and of water they may only drink
just enough to quench an uncomfortable thirst if eating an apple still leaves them thirsty. Most patients
feel no need for water and are quite happy with their six apples. Needless to say, an apple- day may
never be given on the day on which there is no injection. The apple-day produces a gratifying loss of
weight on the following day, chiefly due to the elimination of water. This water is not regained when
the patients resume their normal 500- Calorie diet at lunch, and on the following days they continue to
lose weight satisfactorily.
The other way to break up a plateau is by giving a non- mercurial diuretic for one day. This is simpler
for the patient but we prefer the apple-day as we sometimes find that though the diuretic is very
effective on the following day it may take two to three days before the normal daily reduction is
resumed, throwing the patient into a new fit of despair. It is useless to give either an apple-day or a
diuretic unless the weight has been stationary for at least four days without any dietary error having
been committed.
Reaching a Former Level
The third type of interruption in the regular loss of weight may last much longer-ten days to two
weeks. Fortunately, it is rare and only occurs in very advanced cases, and then hardly ever during the
first course of treatment. It is seen only in those patients who during some period of their lives have
maintained a certain fixed degree of obesity for ten years or more and have then at some time rapidly
increased beyond that weight. When then in the course of treatment the former level is reached,
it may take two weeks of no loss, in spite of HCG and diet, before further reduction is normally
resumed.
Menstrual Interruption
The fourth type of interruption is the one which often occurs a few days before and during the
menstrual period and in some women at the time of ovulation. It must also be mentioned that when
a woman becomes pregnant during treatment – and this is by no means uncommon – she at once
ceases to lose weight. An unexplained arrest of reduction has on several occasions raised our
suspicion before the first period was missed. If in such eases menstruation is delayed, we stop
injecting and do a precipitation test five days later. No pregnancy test should be carried out earlier
than five days after the last injection, as otherwise the HCG may give a false positive result.
Oral contraceptives may be used during treatment.
Dietary Errors
Any interruption of the normal loss of weight which does not fit perfectly into one of those categories
is always due to some possibly very minor dietary error. Similarly, any gain of more than 100 grams
is invariably the result of some transgression or mistake, unless it happens on or about the day of
ovulation or during the three days preceding the onset of menstruation, in which case it is ignored. In
all other cases the reason for the gain must be established at once.
The patient who frankly admits that he has stepped out of his regimen when told that something has
gone wrong is no problem. He is always surprised at being found out, because unless he has seen
this himself he will not believe that a salted almond, a couple of potato chips, a glass of tomato juice
or an extra orange will bring about a definite increase in his weight on the following day.
Very often he wants to know why extra food weighing one ounce should increase his by six ounces.
We explain this in the following way: Under the influence of HCG the blood is saturated with food
and the blood volume has adapted itself so that it can only just accommodate the 500 Calories which
come in from the intestinal tract in the course of the day. Any additional income, however little this
may be, cannot be accommodated and the blood is therefore forced to increase its volume sufficiently
to hold the extra food, which it can only do in a very diluted form. Thus it is not the weight of what is
eaten that plays the determining role but rather the amount of water which the body must retain to
accommodate this food.
This can be illustrated by mentioning the case of salt. In order to hold one teaspoonful of salt the
body requires one liter of water, as it cannot accommodate salt in any higher concentration. Thus, if
a person eats one teaspoonfull of salt his weight will go up by more than two pounds as soon as this
salt is absorbed from his intestine.
To this explanation many patients reply: Well, if I put on that much every time I eat a little extra, how
can I hold my weight after the treatment It must therefore be made clear that this only happens as
long as they are under HCG. When treat melt is over, the blood is no longer saturated and can easily
accommodate extra food without having to increase its volume. Here again the professional reader
will he aware that this interpretation is a simplification of an extremely intricate physiological process
which actually accounts for the phenomenon.
Hi, I just wanted to say THANK YOU! I have been all over the website trying to find people talking about HCG that is not 3yrs old. I started Sept 23 and have lost 19 pounds. I have slipped up a couple times. I bought the drops from this person and was given one paper and a website to look at. I have tried calling this person 2 times to ask questions because the first week I was starving. They really didnt want to talk to me. Answered my question but I felt like a bother. I tried reading the website but I still am pretty lost. I told that person how do I do the next round or whatever it is called and they were like if you are still losing just stick to what you are doing. So I come to you for HELP! I believe I would be going into round 3 which was called maintance. If I am comfortable with eating light can I stay doing what I am doing? Or is this a must to do this? Also, I was told no exercise is that correct. I thank you so much for taking the time to read this. And so sorry to be a bother.
Why no white meat turkey?
I have a couple of questions:
1. Can I have Diet Coke in moderation during P2?
2. Do I need to count how much ACV I use or is this pretty loose?
3. Am I ever going to be able to drink Wine again? Ever? lol
I found out, do not question the diet, follow the protocol. 🙂 Turkey was around when he wrote this diet, and it was not allowed, so I stayed away from the turkey. The good Dr found what worked. 🙂
You can have the turkey after you’re done with the vlcd. 🙂 Good luck
1) NO, but on p3 you can
2)not sure what ACV is, and I’m sure when you tell me, then the initials will ring a bell, but I am tired right now and really don’t feel like thinking). LOL
3) YES(you can have wine on load days and also when you’re on p4(maintenance for life). 🙂
@Sherrie: it is Apple Cider Vinegar 😉
LOL Okay, I never would have figured that one out even not being tired. LOL
yes, I think you’re good to go on the ACV. 🙂
Hello everyone i am on my 7th day of phase 1 (vlcd) and having pretty good success. There were a couple of hard days in there hunger pain wise but i am through them now i hope. As of this morning i have gone from 200.8 to 188.4 so i am happy with this just 18.4 pounds to go. I do have one question though. Does anyone know of a good multivitamin to take while you are on phase1? I have a wal-mart around me but when i go in there and look i have no clue what i am looking for. Any help i can get would be great? thank you
Hi there,
I am on my 7th day P2 on this diet. so far I lost 8 lbs.
Good luck to all!
Hi anyone:
I had 21 pounds to lose. I’ve lost 19 doing injections and vlcd. Yesterday I forgot injection because we were up super early for kids soccer game. I remembered at 3:00 and decided since I was so close to goal that I would just stop them and do my 3 days without hcg but with the vlcd. So today, I wake up with brutal headache and very emotional; crying and upset for no apparent reason other than I have 2 kids and a puppy running around making my house crazy. Am I losing my mind or does the loss of the hcg make us emotional? Any ideas? Has this happened to anyone else? Anyway to sooth it? Tuesday morning I plan on the no starch/no sugar part of diet for 3 weeks. Is there a list somewhere of what NOT to eat or what TO eat on this next phase? For example, I know that there are no starches or sugars however, sugar is in milk. No milk? What veggies are most starches? Know what I mean? thanks for all the support here. I could not have done this without looking at everyone’s post daily. Several times a day I would read them and I didn’t feel so isolated. I’ve still had to cook for my family and Saturday nights are always pizza nights. It’ been really hard. thanks everyone; especially Sherrie.
I went to Walmart and got B12 and potassium, they’re both very inexpensive
WTG on the weight loss Josh, you are ding fantastic.
Way to go LV, keep it up!!
Hey Carole
Wow, you are doing great girl!
First of all, how many days were you on the injections? As long as you did your minimum of 3 weeks, you are good to go. I would say the headache is the 2 kids and a puppy running around. LOL Gives me a headache thinking back of those days(don’t get me wrong, I loved my kids). and I have 4 inside dogs.
No those injections would not do that to you. 🙂 I do drink milk, I would drink 2% first time on p3, this time, I drink 1% and it’s the milk that smart balance puts out. I do that one as I am not a big milk drinker, and for some reason, the dates on those milk have a long date(like the one I got a week ago is good until November 21)..??
I actually eat a yoplait yogurt every day. They have sugar in them, but a lot of things have sugar. Milk has sugar, but it’s not added sugar, so it can be drank. I only stay away from breads/pastas and refined sugar. Natural sugars I eat. Well, I say that, I’m actually on p4 now, but still pretty much stick with p3
You will do fine. Just remember to make sure you weigh every day, if you go up to 2 plus pounds, get right on the steak/apple or steak/tomato day.
When you get off p3, then you can have those couple slices of pizza. Just don’t eat the whole pizza!
Can someone tell me the difference between p2, p3 and p4?
Im currently on p2 (vlcd) but what are p3 and p4?
thankss (:
p2) 2 load days and then vlcd
p3) add back everything except sugar/strarch
p4) gradually add back starch and sugar(this is when you are the rest of your life)
Hi guys,
I ordered my hcg online and it came with this recipe book and it has all sorts of things but it also says you can use ingredients that are not listed on here, has anyone heard of any new news that these items are allowed. ex: mustard, mixing veggies, ground turkey.
Tami
Yes, a lot of people say that, but the way I look at it is: All this stuff was around when Dr Simeons researched this diet, he found what worked and what would keep working when you hit your goal weight. Everyone can do what they want, but when they end up failing because they didn’t follow the protocol then maybe they will go by what the good Dr wrote. I have been off the drops for 4 mos, I continued to lose afterwards by eating healthy and have kept my weight off within 2 lbs for over 2 mos now
The practitioner that I got my hcg from did not emphasize the load days, only the vlcd. How important are the load days? I am wasting my efforts if that was not followed? I’m on day four and have only lost 1 pound.
Becky, load days are very important! You should load very well for the first 2 days you’re on your drops, then start with the vlcd on the 3rd day. The problem with going to Drs, is they’re charging an arm and leg(I paid under $30 with free s*h for a 6 week supply of my drops on ebay), and they’re not giving all the information. I think more than anything they see the dollar signs. 🙁
So what is your suggestion at this point? should I load up for 2 days and go back to the vlcd to get it kick started? Where should I be getting my supplies?
Becky, I got mine on ebay, This is not the same seller I got mine from, but they are the same drops. I think load days are very important in order for the diet to work correctly. If it were me, I would probably go off for a couple days, then start over, but that’s only my suggestion. Maybe someone else will chime in
cgi.ebay.com/Homeopathic-HCG-Weight-Loss-Diet-Drops-Dr-Simeons-New-/170551715603?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b5aca713
Becky,
Sherrie is soooooo right, I paid the big bucks as well but was stupid enough to pay for two months because I was afraid it was something that I did wrong and wanted to lose so bad that I listened to them. If I had found this site first I would never have paid that much. I only lost 28 pounds in the two months, I have learned more here and thanks to Sherrie haven’t given up and am now in phase 3 for 3 weeks then going on the drops from ebay. So much more info here than I ever got from them, they were always to busy it seemed to me or what I really believe is that they thought I was cheating and I never ever did! I’m with Sherrie, start over and do the load days, I didn’t really load like what they talk about on here and I believe in my heart that was the problem from the beginning, can’t wait to try again after getting all the knowledge that I’ve read here!!!!
Becky, I also have to agree that the dr.’s are a big fat waste of money.my first time he did not tell me anything!!! and it cost me almost $400.00!
the next round, maintenance, round 3. In that round you can eat anything that is not sugar or starch. Now, I would recommend adding things back slowly to see if anything in particular affects your weight. Eating between 1400-1700 calories seems to be the norm.
Now, if you weight exceeds 2 pounds of your weight on the last day of hcg, then you do a steak day. Nothing to eat all day and eat as much steak as you desire for dinner, with an apple or tomato.
Maintenance should be 3 weeks long.
Good luck! This is the hard part of the diet!
Debbie
My husband and I are getting ready to start the hcg diet this weekend. I have a couple of concerns:
1. We both work out at least 4 days a week. One website I read (and haven’t been able find again) said not to work out during the diet. I find this to be counter-productive. Has anyone found that it is a problem to work out during the diet? I am wondering if I will have energy to exercise? Would it help to consume the protein right before exercising?
2. My other question is what body and face moisterizers have you found to use. I live in a very dry climate and am afraid that my skin will turn into a lizard if I don’t apply some sort of moisterizer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Hey Lori
You do not need to exercise on this diet. If you have already been doing it for awhile, then I don’t see where it’s going to hurt you. I started walking the day I started my diet. I started out doing a mile a day, now only 1/2 mile as I’m having problems with sciatic nerve.
I used the homeopathic drops, and never changed any of my moisturizers, soap, etc.
i’m still confused is p1 p2 p3 p4 .do they have a time limit for each
HELP! Im on my 3rd day (ONLY!) of the vlcd, I started my period yesterday, but I was DEAD hungry today so I cheated. (ate 2 and 1/2 slices of toast w/ cheese and drank a glass of apple juice)
How much will this set me back?
I’ve lost 5 pounds so far.
AAH!
Hi Lori
I would say you can try keep working out and see how it affect to your weigh loss. For me, I tried to keep working out when i was on p2, but i found it very tough. i was even having hard time to climb up the stairs. And my weight didn’t drop a lot on the day i work out, i loss more weight on my days-off doing nothing and just drink a lot of water. So good luck to you and you husband. (it is nice your husband will do it with you)
There is only p2, p3 and p4
p2 is load days and vlcd
p3 is stabilization, where you maintain within 2 pounds of last drop day. You can stay on p3 as long as you want, but should stay on it at least 2 1/2 to 3 weeks before going back to p2(load days and vlcd) if you have to lose more weight. p3 is where you add back everything except sugar/starches. After p3, you can either go to p4(which is maintenance, where you gradually add back sugar/starch to your diet and maintain for life). or you can go back to p2 if you have more weight to lose.
I hope this helps, I am on my way out the door, so can’t explain any better right now. If you don’t understand, let me know and I’ll try and explain better
You won’t know until morning, but if you gain or even if you don’t, don’t plan on losing anything for 2-4 more days. It’s hard, but you have to give this all you’ve got! You can and will do it. Just pick yourself and get going again
Hugs
Thanks for the advice Sherrie and Ivy. I’m concerned that if I stop working out for 3 weeks that I will loose my strength. I have been lifting weights and doing cardio for about a year and a half and don’t want to go backwards. I’ll post and let everyone know how it goes.
My husband is the one who found out about the drops. I have done all the research tho. We both want to loose at least 20 pounds. It will be much easier with us doing it together. We will be starting this weekend.
Hi anyone: I’m going on phase 3 tomorrow. I have lost 20 pounds. Here is my dilema: I HATE HATE HATE tomatoes and I really don’t like apples AT ALL. How do I get around this? I assume I will need a steak/tomato or steak/apple day and I really can’t see how I can choke down either. Any ideas? Is there an alternative?
Robin: I blew an entire week because my diet dr told me I could eat pork. EVERY single time I tried deviating even one little bit from the original protocol, it backfired. I couldn’t even both melba toasts in the morning and then not at dinner. I found I had to do it EXACTLY how the original Pounds & Inches protocol described. It works. I lost 20 pounds in 32 VLCD days. It’s very hard. You can do it though. Just do it exactly as it says. This cite was a godsend for me. I couldn’t wait to read another post. Good luck
That’s a hard one. My only advice is to disguise either the apple or the tomato. Since you hate tomatoes, blend a small apple and drink it. Its still an apple obviously but it will go down much quicker. Most people grill the steak but if you pan fry it and throw the apple slices in with it, the taste of the apple will be greatly obscured by the flavors of the steak. You will notice the apple texture and a bit of crunch. The alternative to steak day is apple/cheese day, so as you can see those apples keep rearing their ugly heads. Don’t assume you’ll need a correction day though. It is possible to stay within your 2lb allowed fluctuation if you introduce new foods slowly. You will be most unstable early in P3 so be the most careful in those first 10 days.
Carole, you know what they say about assume (Ass U ME) Don’t assume anything. 🙂
I did 2 p3’s and I did have to do an apple/steak day, but only because I had a stressful day and screwed up on my 3 days of vlcd without drops. Never needed another one. You deal with it if you have too, but I don’t think you will have a problem, just keep an eye on your weight. If you get to where you would have to have a steak day, do an apple(they’re really good for you)The alternative?? YES, don’t get to that day. 🙂
better yet, peel and slice the apple and then put a little bit of stevia and cinnamon on it, put it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. 🙂 This is good for anyone on p2 actually.
Hi,
Today my determination to lose wt was challenge at work.I was surrounded by my used to be favorite foods..candies, donuts,cookies, pasta, nachos, salsa etc.
I am so happy that I was able to stick to my diet.
This morning my wt lost was only half a lb. but it is okay…I am happy with that.
I just hope that I will be able to keep up and make it to p3.
Thanks again!
LV, if you made it through that, then my guess is you can make it through ANYTHING and you will. Those foods will still be around when you get to your goal, unfortunately, none of them are going anywhere soon. You are doing GREAT, keep it up. You have the determination that it takes hon
Hi Sherrie
Ok so into ph3, doing ok I think, not gaining as of yet, but how many calories should I be trying not to go over? And am I eating enough to not stall myself out? I’ve been eating 4 oz of meat at lunch and dinner with like 4 oz of veggies. for breakfast I have either a couple of eggs with a protein drink or cottage cheese with fruit or a egg & piece of cheese, does this sound correct to you? As far a meats I’ve been alternating between, beef, chick,turkey, pork loin ( pork only one time a week per them)
I know there are no beans of any kind on the diet but is there an exception if I dont eat red meat, or any of the fish listed?
Sherrie, I have hit a plateau and started my cycle yesterday. What should I do? and for all of the water i am drinking, i still have cellulite. Please advise, I need to lose 10 pounds.
april
Hey Sam
If possible you want to maintain while you’re on p3. I just would get lucky and lose more on that phase(without trying). You don’t have to weigh meat, breakfast sounds great, and you don’t have to keep your meat at those kind of meats, you can eat any kind of meat you want. I would only count calories in my head, still kind of do that. Haven’t you ever heard pork is the other white meat? LOL Sounds like you’re doing great.
plain and simple Tami, NO!!! You have got to follow the protocol to a T if you want it to work correctly
Hi,
Very frustrated, on second round of phase 2-VERY CAREFUL-NO CHEATING! have several 3 to 4 day stalls now on day23 contemplating staying on more time 40 days or until I’ve lost last 10 lbs. Problem- haven’t used apple days as this is second round so I thought I’d just wait it out mostly worked, However now I did do one FRUSTRATION!!!!! I’ve not lost an ounce, I think I have the worst metabolism ever! I’ve lost 12 on this cycle and 23 on first round. Believe me I’m very grateful,but question is do I do another apple day, doing 2 in a row!!!ughhhhhh or just move on was hoping to end this soon I do not want to do another round as I’m so close! Help
Hey April
Wow, 10 lbs to go, that is great and I bet you look fantastic!!
How long have you been on this “plateau”? If you started that dreaded monthly thing, give your body time, you will drop the weight. I still have cellulite too, and I walk every day. I probably don’t have as much though as if I had just lost this much weight without doing this specific diet. Keep drinking the water(at least 1/2 gallon a day, which can include your coffee, tea).
Sherrie,
what should the calorie intake be on ph3, no one has ever told me, that would really help with this phase. Thanks
LV
Great job, know how you felt, the women here eat all the time, party party party, food food food, they look at me like I’m crazy but now they can see that I’m serious about this diet and they can see the difference!!!!!!!! Hang in there, I only lost 1/2 a day basically and was ready to give up but with the help and support of this site I didn’t! I’m now down about 34 lbs, now in ph 3 and will go another round in two or three weeks, keep going!!!!!!!!
I can’t imagine why though that you can’t have turkey, it’s so like chicken
so it is okay to just eat chicken with every meal?
Judy,
I wouldn’t bother with a second consecutive apple day if the first one did not work. Most people focus on the scale, but please also use your measuring tape to see if you are still losing inches. The process of losing pounds and inches aren’t in synch so you may be losing one or the other at any given time. That being said, if you are not drinking all of your water try to get more in. Finish dinner as early as possible, and drop the melba toast if you are using them. 12lbs in 23 days is right on target. The losses in each round may vary so you may not have above average losses this round. If you extend the round your losses will begin again at some point, but it can be very mentally taxing. It may be to your benefit to do your P3 and go again. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but you may only squeeze out a few pounds in the next couple of weeks, whereas in another P2 round two weeks of 500 calories could probably double or triple that easily. Good luck. We’ll be pulling for you.
Sam, everyone is different. Probably around 1200-1600. I don’t think anyone really counts the calories is why no one has probably said anything. You just need to keep an eye on the scale everyday, if it goes to that 2 lb mark, then you’re eating too much or something you’re not supposed to be having. That’s where the steak day comes in
I am very proud of you Sam!!!
Robin, turkey was around when the diet was written, and it’s not allowed, so just stick with protocol, it’s only for a short time
No! the protocol says different veggies/fruit and protein for lunch than you have for dinner
Ms. Sherrie….I wanted to check in and let you know that I started the vlcd on 9/30 weighing 191.8. This morning, I weighed 175.8. I am so excited that I reached 175…that has been my goal for years. My top weight was 225, so to be able to say that I’ve lost a total of FIFTY POUNDS…isn’t that awesome?!?!? I stalled for several days and was stuck at around 178…but then, the scale started moving again. I plan to stay on the drops for 30 days. I do have a question. Is it normal to loose on Phase 3….and also can I have oatmeal on Phase 3 (please say YES!! 🙂 You’ll never know how blessed I feel that I found this forum and for all your precious help!! THANK YOU!!!
Judy
Not uncommon at all to lose less on the 2nd round. You’re a lot lighter for one reason. How much do you have to lose yet??
thanks for your answer, well i guess i will have to take my chances I don’t eat any of the other meat on the list thanks for your help.
Hey Deb
Wow, brought tears to my eyes, WTG
No, p3 you’re supposed to stay within 2 lbs of last drop, but I would just continue to eat healthy and still lost really well on p3, enough that I only did p2 twice and am now fluctuating between 136 and 138(had my goal set for 135). LOL
No, no oatmeal, but it will still be around when you get to p4. 🙂 Oatmeal ain’t goin nowhere. 🙂
Tami, you don’t like hamburger meat, veal, shrimp, cube steak, or any other beefs??
You have to mix these foods up instead of eating the same things everyday. Believe me, you eat chicken twice a day for x amount of weeks, you will get sick of it, and your weight will not move as fast as it would if you followed protocol
or breakfast steaks..??
Judy, sorry I didn’t see about the apple day. I’ve never done one as I know in time, if you’re patient, you will start losing again. I feel it’s important for plateaus, aggrivating YES, but they’re usually not long at all. If you want to do one, you can, that is entirely up to you
Hey, I was wondering how long are you on the p3 for? whats the minimum?
Also, I ordered the 40 day, and I was wondering, if I could break it into 20 and 20. So after 20 days, I do another 2 load days, and start again?
I hope thats possible!! (:
Hey Pixie
The sheet I got said that you could be on p3 any amount of time(although 3 weeks is recommended). Said if you go back to p2 before 2 1/2 weeks there is no need for load days. 3 weeks minimum on p2, max 6 weeks
two weeks on phase 3. i am driving myself crazy. My weight is still below the LDW, but i want to keep it lower. So i set my goal weight 3lbs less than the LDW, if i gain 2 lbs, i will do a steak day. And so far, i did 2 steak days and 1 steak and cheese day. First steak day is successful, dropped 1.5lb, and that’s it. On the steak and cheese day, i had cheese for breakfast and lunch, steak and cheese for dinner, only lose 0.8 lb. The second steak day i did yesterday, i ate a little Parmesan crisp during the day, and some beef tendons before my steak and apple. Only lose 0.6lb this morning.
During phase3, my weight just slowly creeping up little by little everyday. i don’t know if it is because i don’t eat enough proteins or eat too much protein. every morning, i tried to have 1~2 eggs, and no sugar no preservatives sausage. snack will be apple with almond butter or veggies omelet. Lunch is chicken stir fry with kimchi and cabbage topped with cheese. Dinner is usually beef or chicken(dark meat) with roasted tomato soup and one veggies.
How do i know my weight is stabilized??
Thank you Sherrie!
Today, I did not lose any lbs. it seems like I gained 1/2 lbs instead.
I tried to stick to my diet. My question is, is it okay to eat broccoli?
how about cantaloupe? It seems like I read in one website that cantaloupe is also suggested?how about okra? thanks!
Ivy on cheese day, you don’t add steak to it. I had down somewhere how to do cheese day, and I’m thinking(not 100% sure) it has something to do with an apple or two too, but know it’s not steak)
None of those LV, but they will all be good to eat on p3. 🙂
Ivy,
You will indeed drive yourself crazy with that method. You really don’t want to stress yourself in P3 after working so hard in P2. You will know that you are stable when the scale doesn’t show ‘violent’ fluctuations even after a small excess. The key word here is ‘violent’. There will be normal fluctuations as you introduce new foods or vary the amount of food you eat each day which should be determined by your hunger level as long as you are avoiding carbs/sugar. I can’t say how much protein is enough for you personally, but I do want to stress that getting a lot of protein is important in P3 since P2 restricts protein. Adequate protein is important for a variety of reasons, so do not skimp there. The creeping weight you refer to is probably a normal fluctuation. At whatever weight you are currently go ahead and try to remain within 2lbs of that weight. Maintain that balance for a while before you do anything else. If you can maintain it within 2lbs you are stable. You will then also know approximately how many calories your body needs to comfortably maintain your weight and what foods will cause a spike. It is critical that you figure out that maintenance point first. If you determine that around 1500 calories maintains your current weight while allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of allowed foods then you will know that a deficit will probably cause a small loss, and an even larger deficit may cause a larger loss, but you need to stabilize first. Make sure whatever you change is something you plan to do long term e.g. one snack instead of two. In this way you are not dieting as much as making a small lifestyle change and you will then restabilize once your body gets accustomed to that change. And Sherrie is correct. Unless you’ve stumbled across something new the other correction day in P3 is apple/cheese day. The correction days are mainly based on protein and calorie restriction so other combinations are bound to produce some result as well so .8 is actually very good. If you are starting a new round, I wouldn’t bother with any of this. Just enjoy P3 and watch the weight easily fall off again in P2.
Okay so i was wondering, in phase four where it says not to eat any sugars or starches for 4 weeks, would it make a huge difference if I ate the normal thanksgiving food for thanksgiving? I also run and lift weights three times a week and so I figured if I am eating those kinds of food they wont make a huge difference since i work out so often. Is this correct or am I horribly wrong?
sherrie,
where did you get your drops and are they with or without alcohol. please give details. i HAVE been on my new drops since the 12th and havent noticed much loss. i exercise everry other day. i am following the protocol and dont know wha the problem is. i did not load up because i was fearful of gaining extra weight without knowin for sure the drops would work. please advise. i, going to stick it out but it is gettng tough.
Kara
It’s p3 where you don’t eat sugar/starch(p4 is where you gradually add those 2 back in to your diet). There is only p2(load days and vlcd), p3 and p4, and you only have to do p3 for 3 weeks(or you can go less than that if you want to go back on p2). Anyway, 3 weeks is good for that. p3 is actually more important than p2 and you really need to be careful on that. So, yes, I think it would make a huge difference, and it could mess up everything you’ve worked so hard on right now. Someone else can chime in, but I think you’re (not horribly), wrong.
April, first of all, you HAVE to load up, which is probably why you’re not losing. When you load for 2 days, those few extra pounds come off really fast. I got my drops on ebay, yes, they have alcohol, water and hcg in them.
This isn’t the seller I got mine from, but they are the same drops I got. My first time of load days, I lost a pound the first day and gained it back the 2nd. So was at the same weight when I started vlcd. The first week, I lost 9.2 lbs. the 2nd load time, I gained quite a lot (can’t remember how much without looking, but honey, I ate 5 of these fantastic donuts, and everything else I knew I wouldn’t be able to eat for awhile. I think I lost a little over 8 lbs the first week that time.
How much do you have to lose?
cgi.ebay.com/Homeopathic-HCG-Weight-Loss-Diet-Drops-Dr-Simeons-New-/180573420431?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0b03bb8f
AHHHHH
I totally forgot about thanksgiving, I’m on ph3 now and need to be on it for at least 3 weeks but was planning on going back to ph2 but then that means no thanksgiving! Should I then stay on ph3 til then? that would be almost a month then do the two load days so that one falls on that day? I really wanted to lose more before the holidays but I guess that would give me time after thanksgiving to lose more before christmas, I was so looking forward to some mexican and a margarita in the next couple of weeks, any ideas around this one?
Sorry, not going to tolerate people being mean here. Velma’s been banned and all comments related to her nastiness have been deleted.
Back to your regularly scheduled programming. 😉
It’s okay Velma. I have NEVER minded answering questions over. Heck, that’s how my children got so smart, because when they were little and would ask questions over and over, I would answer them over and over. Now I work with a lady that has dementia, I deal with the same thing, and again, I answer the same questions over and over and it doesn’t bother me at all. 🙂 Have a great day, and I hope and pray that you continue to lose. 🙂
Just wanted to say that I have found your website VERY helpful and I am so thankful to find something that is CURRENT! I am on P1 (just increasing my veggie/fruit intake, cutting out sugar & carbs, increase water, organic meats) until Tuesday when i start the shots. I am doing this under the care of a physician and see where alot of people are ordering from the internet. Am I the only one scared I might not get the right stuff? I plan on doing the first round of P2 with my physician and venturing out and doing the 2nd round myself. I would prefer the injections over the sublingual. Anyways.. I just wanted to thank you for keeping this site going! I am anxious to start my process!
Hey Schatzi
I got my homeopathic drops on ebay for under $30(for a 6 week supply), they worked perfect. 🙂 I told my Dr about the diet after I had already lost quite a few pounds( I very seldom go to the Dr)and she had asked what I had done to lose. 🙂 I told her and all she said was
1)are you doing injections or drops(told her drops
2) you are doing great. Keep doing what you’re doing.
Now a question for you..:) How did you get the picture of the little girl off to the side?
Good luck on the diet.
Thanks David(I guess). I haven’t been able to get my updates on here, so don’t know what was said. 🙂
By the way, I added you as a friend on FB and you HAVEN’T accepted it yet. 🙂
LOL I think you know what my “idea” would be..:)
Stay on p3(as I’ve said a thousand times before, I LOVE p3) and then load on Thanksgiving Day. I mean really, what better day to load than that??
Try the FB thing again and I’ll keep a watch out for it. 😉
This site must allow gravitars. I registered my email with a gravitar site and added a pictue of my daugter. Whenever I comment on a blog website that allows gravitars, it shows. I need to update it tho.. that little girl is now 11 and 5’9!
Thanks for the info!! I most likely will do R2P2 on my own! Can you remind me… how long do you need to keep the sublingual drops under the tongue before swallowing? I thought I read 15 minutes… is that right?
Okay, I went in and commented on your last post so you can maybe go in now and try to find me that way. I have no idea how to take off my friend request and resubmit it. DUH. It says awaiting friend confirmation.
Hey Schatzi
Well, your daughter is adorable, and wow, 11 years old and already taller than me. She’s going to be a model. 🙂
I held mine under my tongue for 1 minute was all. I always took mine 1/2 hour before eating/drinking. LOL 15 minutes?? WOW..I think within 1 minute they were gone, as I would go to swallow and wouldn’t feel anything going down. 🙂
Dear Sherrie and Angela
You two made me feel better now. My co-worker was asking me today if i can have apple since there are sugars in it. Maybe i have too much apple??i only have one a day most of the time. Also the almond milk, nonfat plain greek yogurt contains sugar. It is really hard to find food not containing sugar. I want to do one more round but my husband said no. He loves the way i am now (5’5″ 133lbs). Thanks for all the advices!!!
Thanks for all your help! I clicked on the link above (40lbs in 40 days) and that’s where I saw the 15 minutes.. maybe a typo. LoL… I seriously tried to do it with no success. LoL.. Now I feel silly 🙂
Model.. No. Basketball Player.. No. She loves soccer and is my rough & tumble girl! She’s taller than me too. I just need to get down to where I can keep up with her!! I’m really excited to start this journey and look forward to all the posts her!
Hey Ivy
Honey, there is a big difference in natural sugars and refined sugar. No, you’re NOT having too much apple,infact on p3, I did, and still do try to eat anywhere from 2-5 apples a day! Apples are Very Good for you..There is also natural sugars in milk. If you look at the servings, you will see sugar in that, but if you look in the ingredients(which is where you want to look), then wahlah, no sugar listed. Always look at ingredient for that info. 🙂 This time around, I have done the yoplait yogurts for breakfast. There is sugar in it, but in over 4 mos, it has never hurt me and I feel yogurt is good for you.
Oh my, if you’re 5’5″ and 133, honey, you do NOT need another round(I agree hubby). Not sure of your age, but even if you were 20 years old, you would want to weigh about 130. I’m 5’6″ and at 136(I had my goal set at 130), but my hubby tells me I’m getting too thin. I think he needs glasses.
WTG on the weight loss. You did awesome and now you’re on the right track for eating healthy and living a long healthy life. Please continue to check in with us all
Well, she’s a cutie. She’s the same age as my grandson(he will be 12 in April) but he’s tiny. Infact his one sister that is in 2nd grade is about as tall as him(bless his heart).
We look forward to your being here, and don’t feel silly. 🙂 The only way to learn things is to ask Schatzi
Hey LV
How much do those girls weigh, are they bigger than you? The bigger you are the quicker/more you will lose at first
1 lb great!! Yes, you do want to keep at 500 or slightly under(I think 470 is a good number myself), as I always allowed for miscalculation and I would rather be under than over.
Mix up your foods, if you have chicken for lunch, make sure you eat a different meat off the list for dinner(same with fruits and veggies). You will do great. Have your friends come to the blog, the more the merrier
Hi.
Well I think I should get a PRIZE, Now on my 6th day stall! I’ve waited-had an apple day-had small piece of chicken in evening instead of an apple-had no melba-tried a few days of walking-increased hcg by 5 drops in morning- drank all my water, and then some!——-talk about frustrated!. I’m going to keep going i’m on day 26 will go up to 40 if necessary-This my second round. P.s I waited nearly 5 weeks before starting round 2, lost 12 lbs. Not hungry so I don’t think i’ve become immune, bummed out but not giving up. I’m at 143.6 and 5’6 small frame ought to be about 130-135, ANY SUGGESTION from you pro’s out there! P.S Ignore that nay sayer who has nothing nice to say Sherri, I really appreciate your hanging around, for all your sound advice, THANKS for giving back!
Hey Judy
You’re my height and believe me, at 143.6 I’m sure you look fantastic. I’m at 136.8, but everyone is telling me I’m too thin(including hubby). With you being at that weight(actually 130 is too small, and goes by the old rule of thumb, which I will give you in a minute). You are so close to your goal, and your body knows this. Were you ever at this weight before for a long time?? If so, that is another reason you are staying. Just continue doing what you’re doing and you will start losing again, but please do NOT get too small, or you will find it’s harder to keep it off.
Old rule(from when I worked at Slender U fitness).
100 lbs for 5 feet and 5 pounds for every inch over, which yeah, would have put us at 130. New one is 105 lbs for 5 foot and still 5 lbs for every inch over.
What body frame are you?? Take your middle finger and thumg and wrap it around your wrist. If it overlaps, small bone, just touch, med bone and won’t touch, large bone. 🙂
You are doing FANTASTIC Judy!! Are you in those size 4, 5 and 6 pants yet?
Thanks for everything Judy. I never got to read what was written, wish I would have seen though. I think maybe Velma was someone else incognito. 🙂
The thing is, I don’t know everything, all I do is say how I do things, and what has worked for me. I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life, and healthier too(not smoking anymore and eating healthy). But now deal with sciatic nerve problems and working 2 jobs(watching newest g-daughter and still taking care of woman with dementia)and almost 54 years old. LOL
You guys are all like family, and I love getting the e-mails from the ones that write(I have one that I love like she’s my daughter already that e-mails me everyday). I am so very proud of all of you that try and I’m behind you 110%, this diet is NOT easy, but so well worth it. We need to have a “reunion”. Think a good place for one is in SC..??
Kara,
Sherrie is right. Avoid the carbs/sugar. If you are cooking your own Thanksgiving meal it is easy to make a lot of delicious food that is within P3 protocol. I will be in P3 then and I already have my plan of attack. Instead of having this huge dinner, I plan to make some beautiful appetizers platters to take the edge off of everyone’s hunger and discourage the feeling of obligated overeating. There will be two meat choices, and green bean casserole, roasted garlic mashed cauliflower etc. If you are going to someone else’s home for Thanskgiving it will probably be very heavy on the carbs (potatoes, stuffing, pies). Eat a full meal an hour before you get there and the most you’ll want is a nibble. Otherwise, in that festive environment those carbs will be calling you and before you know it you will be answering. If you have progressed to P4 by then where you can have carbs, you still want to go easy on the carbs and add them gradually.
Hello I am about to start the HCG diet I am trying to fit in a dress by Dec 18.. But I have all these obstacles(sp) well I want to start it next week.. and then there is my best firends birthday that I am planning a dinner for and also Thanksgiving now I was wondering what are these Phases 1234? now if I start the drops on the 28th October that means I will be on my diet until the 19th and then have to say on it for another 3 days that will be the 22 so then I would start Phase 3 and I have to be On that for 3 weeks so my question is if i cheat say on the 23 for the Dinner and on Thanksgiving will it be a total waste of the diet plan???
Hey Boribk
First of all, the diet is a commitment! You either want to do it, and you have to give 110%, or you don’t do it. Plain and simple! There is always going to be obstacles, there is for every one of us! There are 3 phases(2,3 and 4). 2 is load days and very low calorie diet, 3 is stabilization and 4 is maintenance. How many pounds do you want to lose? You’re kind of right, if you start load days on the 28th and 29th, then yes, you will be on the diet until around the 19th of November(as far as drops and low calories)when you go off the drops, then you still do 3 days of very low calories. You will be on the stabilization over Thanksgiving(p3) but you wouldn’t be on that until the 22nd, the 3 weeks would actually put you in to around the 13th of December, and as far as cheating, well, yeah, it would be a waste! You have to decide this on your own. Ask yourself what’s more important losing weight, being healthy and wearing this “dress”, or eating. My suggestion would be start the diet and load on Thanksgiving Day and the day after, then start the 3 weeks of very low calorie
Sherrie
Even you want to have a goal of 130, i was planning to lose more so i can have a safe zone if the weight come back. My LDW was 134.2 but my weight dropped to 130.4 during the 3 days of no dops. so i decided to set my goal a little bit lower, 131.2 as my LDW. My weight just keeps going up about 1/2 lb a day. it is driving me nuts!! Probably i introduced too much good food too soon. Do you still try to eat about 1500/day even if you are not hungry?? I was trying to figure out how much calorie i need, and it’s 2000/day. It is a lot of calories. I tried some protein shake today, no sugar added but it has splenda in it. Hope it is ok.
Just one little thing want to share with everybody here, it sounds silly but i got to share it. “Isn’t it nice to go into the fitting room after losing weight??” I was in the Victoria’s secret’s dressing room. I looked into the mirror and surprised how good i look in that mirror now!!!
I always say that Ivy, but realistically I am probably lower than I should be. I honestly think 135 is as low as I should be, as at my age, any lower, my face would sink in, which would make me look older than I am. I think once someone is overweight, they always see themselves as overweight, no matter what they weigh. I set my goal at first to 138 and then 135. The lowest I’ve been is 136.4. I keep bouncing back and forth between 136 and 140. Haven’t gone over that and haven’t gone below. I figure my body is telling me something and I have to listen to it. 🙂
On the calories?? NO. I eat until I’m comfortable then I quit. I have to make myself eat breakfast every morning, and a lot of times lunch. I never used to eat breakfast, and a lot of times I wouldn’t eat until dinner, then would eat way too much. I eat a yogurt and fruit every morning for breakfast, or at least one of them if not both. If I had 2000 calories a day, I would put on weight. I don’t write down what I eat, but I can tell you at night everything I had to eat during the day. I kind of add calories in my head as I go, and my guess is that I stay between 1200 and 1500 calories a day now. I have also been told you can take what you want to weigh and times it by 10 and eat that many calories. So, if you want to weigh 130, then you would eat 1300 calories a day(unless you are very active, then you add calories).
Ivy, I wish I could see myself like that(looking good). Maybe after my surgery in 3 weeks. The shake sounds fine. 🙂
It sounds like you’re doing great! Wish there was some way to post pictures on here. If you’re on Facebook, please find me
Sherrie Kelly Stratman
But on the P3 you just have to basically not eat starch and sugar but you don’t have to be on a 500 calorie diet right so then I can still eat out places but just have to stay with in a certain amount of calories which that’s fine I will just have to deal with it and sacrifice for losing the weight.. Thanks for answering my questions..
Hey Boribk
Yes, you add back everything on p3 except starch/sugars. You’re on the 500 calories for 3 weeks(do two load days while on the drops, 3 weeks of drops and 500 calories and then go off the drops and stay on the same 500 calorie diet for 3 days. Yes, on eating out too. I would get meat and then instead of a potato, I would get an extra serving of veggies or a big salad bar when we would eat out. I actually eat my salads with no dressing still and love them. 🙂 On p3, you don’t stay on a certain amount of calories, infact don’t even count the calories. You just weigh everyday and stay within 2 lbs of what you were from the last day of drops.
Good decision..:) I was hoping to hear that answer fro you!!! Thanksgiving day, you will be able to have turkey, veggies, fruits, etc. Just stay away from the potatoes and gravy, dressing, rolls and desserts. Try and remember at the time that getting healthy is the #1 priority, and besides, who says you can’t have Thanksgiving dinner in April, or any other month. Get the weight off, get healthy/happy and then have your Thanksgiving Day dinner.
Please keep us posted on your weight loss and good luck!!
The menu that I received with my drops does not have broccoli listed. Do you think that it is ok to have that?
Question
I’ve seen alot of references to Splenda and the use of, would using splenda instead of Stevia cause less of a loss on Ph2? I used it instead of Stevia, no one ever said it would matter, just was wondering if anyone else used a sweetner other than the Stevia with good results. Just trying to get all my facts before I start another round after Thanksgiving. Been on ph3 for almost 2 weeks and so far so good, maintaining, had hoped to loose more but if it stays put, happy with that til the next round!
Sandy, no, broccoli is not on there and that veggie needs to wait until the next phase.
Eat only what is on the list, and have a different protein, veggie and fruit for dinner than you did for lunch. Good luck!
Hey Sam
the only other sweetner besides stevia that is okay is sweet n low.
Splenda. This is why it is NOT allowed. carbs and calories.
Packet of SPLENDA(R)
1 packet = .9 gm of carb = 4 calories
Ok I forgot to tell you that I want to lose 60lbs or get in to a size 8.. I started using phentermine 12days ago and I have lost 10lbs so far so I am at 195 right now.. Im am not really worried about a weight im actually more in to me fitting in a size 8. I was wondering can I use Phenterine with the HCG drops???
How tall are you Boribk? I’m 5’6″ at 136 and in size 4,5 and 6 pants(depending on brand), or mens jeans 29 or 30 waist. Mens jeans seem to fit better. I have never been a perfect anything as I’ve always been wider through the back.
LOL I could only put a little of what I wrote as it said it seems kind of spammy, so trying to weed out and figure out what sounds spammy. 🙂 I will put that last comment in a few phrases to try and find the problem
I don’t like phentermine, it’s bad for you and at one time I was on it, lost a lot and it all came back on, plus more. I would just try the hcg itself, do it the healthy way. All the phentermine does is keep you from being hungry, but if you eat the foods like Dr Simeons protocol calls for, you shouldn’t be hungry for more than maybe a day or two
I am ready to obey, my overlords. Unwavering support for the diet. I will do as I am commanded. ONE OF US. ONE OF US.
I am 5’2 im short and I wear a size 14… I carry all my weight on my bottom.. I just had a baby 7 months ago csection… I cant blame the weight on the baby because I actually lost weight when I was pregnant I started at a 203 and then when I gave birth I went down to a 190 which I probably should of ate right and then I probably would of lost more instead of gaining all back but owell..
Yeah I don’t think Im going to use the phentermine while on this I have been doing some research on the HCG diet and I want to have all the info before starting because I really want to stick to it.. I like this forum because I know that if I have a question I will get an answer.. They say if your hungry after the two days post overlaod then that means you need more drops and that you shouldnt feel hungry. I wanted to do exercise but I guess I wont be able to I am doing P90x right now so when I start it I am going to do some morning yoga and then walk 3 times a week is this something that I can do and still be okay.
The main thing, is you’re wanting to do something about it and you’re going to do it!
Give yourself 6-8 months and you are going to look like a new woman. Remember, you didn’t put it on overnight, and you’re not going to lose it overnight
The day I started this diet, I decided I was going to walk everyday. I started out walking 1 mile a day, but now have problems with sciatic nerve. I still continue to walk every day(been doing it since March), but only 1/2 mile a day, maybe one day I’ll get back to my mile.
Sometimes it takes a little longer than 2 days to get over the hunger. Make sure when you start that you load correctly
I suffered a PE last year after a delivering my daughter through a c-section. I have never had any type of blood clot prior. Because of the clot, I was told I could not go on any hormone therapy because there would always be that risk. Can you tell me if this applies here??? I know HCG is a hormone, can I be at risk of a blot clot if I was to try it? I know I need to discuss this with my doctor but before I do any more research, I wanted to know if would be worth it.
Thank you!!!
Carmie
The hcg(homeopathic drops) have hcg, alcohol and water in them. They’re not very strong at all. I don’t think they would hurt you, but I’m not a Dr. I would print out some info on them and show it to your Dr and see what he says. If he says no, and you have to lose weight, I think anyone could lose on the p3 of this diet by just watching calories and leaving the sugars/starches alone. I had read a long time ago(think it was Suzanne Somers that had said it) never to mix starches with proteins, I never get baked potatoes with my meals when we go out to eat anymore. I will do a double serving of veggies instead. So, if he says no, then I would suggest maybe trying the p3.
Hi there! I just started the hcg drops on Monday the 18th and have lost 8lbs so far.. but the scale didnt move this morning.. . hoping for a loss again tomorrow. I have a few questions. 1. it says not to mix veggie.. but have seen some recipes with tomatoes and lettuce. I have been doing protein with organic diced tomatoes & spices in a lettuce wrap or eating it with celery? Is that ok? ~2. can we drink diet green tea with aspartame? I dont want to, but I have a hard time drinking water all the time… also does anyone know if there is a ‘crystal light’ type drink flavored with stevia instead of splenda? I would love that! ~3. I am 5′ 7 and am down to 202 from monday.. but goal weight is (ideally-140) but 150 would be great! So I have a LONG way to go.. and it seems overwhelming… I heard that I should do 2- 6week programs, but wondered since Thanksgiving is coming up if I would get the same results from doing 2- 3 weekers and a 6 week? Then I could at least be on phase 3 for thanksgiving.. or maybe even load those days for another round? Please let me know what you think! I would end 3 weeks on the 8th.. then do 2 wk+3 days of ph 3 .. then load on thanksgiving and day after and then start again with another 3 wk and be on ph 3 for Christmas again… Thanks so much.. I am really looking for a site to help me.. hoping this is it!
dani
Hey Dani
You’re going to find you don’t lose everyday, you are doing great so far. You said you started the drops the 18th, was Monday and Tuesday load days, or did you start the drops and load days on Saturday and Sunday and the started low calorie diet on Monday? You are not to mix veggies on p2. The lettuce wrap sounds good, but don’t use tomatoes in with the lettuce and watch the spices. Some spices are okay, some spices actually have sugar in them. do you not drink coffee or tea? I don’t think there is any crystal light drink made with stevia, and you are only allowed that or sweet n low. I did find some tea here a couple mos ago, it has nothing in it, no sweetners or anything for that matter.
I’m 5’6 and started at 196.6 on March 22, I am now staying between 136.4 and 138.8 and have been for awhile now. I’ve been off the drops since the middle of June.
You do NOT want to do less than 3 weeks nor more than 6. I did the 6 week the first time and found myself cheating after the 3rd week. The 2nd round I did the 3 week and followed the protocol to a T. If you do 3 weeks, you can be on p3 for Thanksgiving(won’t be able to have rolls, potatoes, gravy or stuffing or some of the other things, but you would be able to have turkey, veggies, fruits, etc). If you end the first round around the 8th of November, you need at least 2 1/2 weeks before you can load up and start over again, you would be close to that, so I guess you could use Thanksgiving Day and the day after as load days. Jut play it by ear and see how you feel in another 2 weeks and then decide.
Well, I have some bad news…. I cheated. I had a glass of wine and a spoonful of peanut butter. For two days out of nowhere I got extremely hungry. Then I had a very emtionally draining day with the babies and that’s when it happpend. I gained 2lbs!!! ugh!!!!! back on track today for a week and then on to phase 3. I didn’t think I was so weak. I don’t know what happened?! I hope to have it out of my system:) So proud and amazed by eveyone’s success!
I have been on the HCG Diet for 15 days. The first 7 days I lost 12.5 lbs. The last 8 days I have only lost an additional 1 lb. It is a little frustrating, but I am trying to stay positive. Any ideas as to what may be causing the stall in my progress?
I always look at how much you weigh and how much you have to lose(if you’re not far from a goal weight, you are going to slow way down). That’s great on the 12.5 but something does not sound right on the 1 in 8 days(although, that’s still an average of almost 1 lb a day. Can you give me an idea on what your meal consists of in a day
Monica, didn’t you just write the other day you were on p3 or was that a different Monica?
That was a different Monica.
I usually eat a half piece of chicken or 3 oz fish and have a veggie along with it. I do eat my 2 fruits, which has been apples. I drink Pro Sobee or Vitamin Water Zero, tea or plain water. I weigh 283 and have a lot to lose. I also have been having issues going to the bathroom and was wondering if a psyllium husk capsules would be acceptable to take? They are 6 calories and 1.3 g of Carbs.
You need something besides apples both times, mix up the foods some. go to oxypowder
dot com and order some of the colon cleanse. You do 4 capsules on an empty stomache before bed for 7 nights straight, then do them 2-3 times a week after that. Everyone should do this before starting this diet.
Are you weighing out everything and adding up the calories? You want to make sure you do NOT go over the 500 calories. The weighing of the food is very important and correct calories.
I sure hope my last message came through.
oxypowder dot com. Follow the directions(for the bathroom issues).
make sure you’re weighing out everything and figuring calories correctly and that you’re eating different things. You want to mix the foods up some not having the same thing over and over
Hello all,
Well, I am on a three week round of P2, again. Hit maintenance, and put on some weight while traveling on a work conference.
This diet works BUT it is tough to follow and follow you must. It is very restrictive. The part I struggle with the most is going out to eat… it kills my social life. But, to do well, we need to make sacrifices.
I am on day 13 and down 13 pounds. I am lower than before my trip and happy. Now, just need to make it another ten days 🙂
Variety is the key. Switch things up, count everything, eat nothing off the list and drink your water. And as a wise woman once told me, nothing tastes as good as thin feels and am I LOVING shopping and getting dressed. Look amazing 🙂
So good luck to all of you. Hope to hear from less of you tomorrow!
Debbie
Was wondering how you’ve been doing hon, I’ve been so busy lately, working 7 days a week either doing one or both jobs every day.
Hope you’re feeling better!!
Hi Sherrie,
Sorry, busy here too.
Doing ok, Finally starting to feel better!
I think it is great that you give advise on here, You’ve been so successful! How’s the not smoking going?
Deb
Hey Debbie
The smoking is going GREAT..Its been over 5 weeks and haven’t even wanted one.
Our surgeries are coming up fast. If mine turns out the way I’m hoping it is, I’ll send you the before and after picture.
You are doing fantastic!!!!!
That is fantastic Sherrie! Keep up the good work!
Thanks. Happy with the loss. Ready to be done.
Have a great day. Same today 🙁
That’s okay Debbie, you’re doing great!!! Remember, we’re not going to see a loss everyday..You don’t have much to lose, so you will find you will start slowing down. You always look beautiful in all the pictures I’ve seen..
I just finished up my drops and am doing the 3 day/500 calorie without the drops…today is my second day. In the 23 days that I did the HCG, I lost a total of 18.6 lbs. I went from 191.8 to 173.2. I still would like to loose about 20 more pounds. I know that for my height (5’6″), I could loose more to be on the weight charts…but at 55 years old…I would rather have a little bit of “meat on my bones” in case of sickness. My top weight was 225…so I feel that if I can reach 155…then, I’m going to be a much healthier Nannie and Momma and wife…and Christian!!! For many years I’ve felt it very difficult to try to be a witness to others when all I could think was they had to be looking at how obese I was and not listening to what I was trying to tell them about the Lord. So…maybe….just maybe…God can use me even more now that I’m feeling better about myself…and looking better, too!!! I have a blog with a “Weight Loss Journey” tab at the top. I would love for any of you to visit and leave me a comment. I credit the Lord for my weight loss…and I give Him the glory for even letting me know about the HCG drops. I want to thank Sherrie especially…you have been such a blessing to me!! I may, or may not, do another round. I’m gonna see how well I do on Ph3…but I will have to say…this has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done…but also one of the most rewarding!!! I feel so much better without the sugar in my system!!! Thanks to all of you for commenting… and encouraging….we all need each other!!!
P.S….my web-site address is http://www.jeremiah-2911.com
Thanks!!!
thanks Sherrie. Yeah, I’m happy. Below my low weight so I’m ok with here on out.
Deb, you did excellent and I’m so proud of you. This is one of the hardest diets I ever did, but I wish I would have found it sooner. I bet going from 225 down to 173, you do feel like a new person. If you are on Facebeook, look me up(sherrie kelly stratman). Please keep us posted on your journey. I love reading all the weight loss stories on here.
Deb
Just went and looked and you look GREAT…!!!!!!!!!!
WOOT WOOT g-friend…You did it!!
Thanks, Ms. Sherrie. I do feel like a different person!! I read that you’re having surgery….hope it’s nothing serious. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
You’re welcome. I put your website down as a favorite to keep up with you and your weight loss. 🙂
No, the surgery is an outpatient and I won’t be put under(just a local). I had a tummy tuck done years ago(9) and the Dr messed me up really bad. I found a fantastic surgeon that is going to fix the last Drs mistakes for 1/2 price. 🙂 I could sure use the prayers though. Thanks Ms Deb
I’ll sure be praying for you. Any surgery is painful… 🙁
I know you’re gonna feel so much better after you get all healed up, though. I’m really glad that I’ve lost my weight rather slowly…and the right way….but still I could use a tummy tuck, too!! Keep us posted on how you do!
That tummy tuck was the most painful surgery I have had in my life. This time it’s not a tummy tuck, just going to take off the fat the other Dr left. I hope I’m not too sore this time, but with them not knocking me out, I assume, although I’ll be somewhat sore, it won’t be anything like last time.
I am on day 15 and down 12 pounds. It is coming off very slowly. I wonder if I am doing something wrong. I do not eat all the vegetables suggested. I eat lettuce, asparagus and spinach. I change them up every day as I do my protein. I haven’t been able to move my bowels except for one day when I took Smooth Moves tea. I don’t want to be dependent on that. Also I drink nothing but water all day but start my day off with a shot of espresso with
splenda. I just can’t take the taste of stevia, even the flavored ones. So I have cut out all coffee and tea because I know I can’t use splenda. I figured one is not going to be bad. I don’t know if I can keep going. I am starting to get headaches. What should I do?
TINA?? 12 lbs in 15 days and it’s coming off slow? Honey, I did a 500 calorie a day diet before, it took me(with walking everyday) 5 mos to lose 30 lbs. You tell me of another diet where you could lose that kind of weight and be eating healthy foods.
I ordered some colon cleanse from oxypowder.com and suggest that everyone should do that. Please order some. You can also use sweet n low if you like it better. I have learned to love Stevia and to this day drink my tea with it. I was lucky I love black coffee. 🙂 Do you not like cabbage or tomatoes?
Back to the bm’s, remember one thing, you’re not eating much food, so you won’t go to the bathroom as much. Do you feel you have to go to the bathroom and can’t or do you just normally have a bm and aren’t?
I know 12 pounds is alot, I guess those first few days were great. I do not like cabbage or tomatoes, I don’t mind canned if I can add them to my ground meat. Also I only like chicken and beef. I’m a very picky eater. As far as the bm, I don’t have the urge, but I feel like I need to go. I will order the oxy powder, but what do you think of Smooth Moves? I am having a hard time trying to stay on this. Any suggestions? Also, is one splenda ok?
Tina
I think a lot of your problem with staying on it is, because you’re picky, you don’t have enough food choices. You don’t like cube steak or breakfast steaks? I use to cook up some sauerkraut for a change when I was on p2. Luckily, I’m not a real picky eater, which made that phase a little easier. If you don’t have the urge to go to the bathroom, then you’re not constipated, your body just is not getting much food, so you’re not having to empty like you would have to do normally.
I can’t get smooth move at our walmart, but if I’m not mistaken, someone was telling me it said not to use for more than x amount of days. The oxypowder you do over 7 days and then do it two to 3 times a week after that.
No, no splenda on p2. The days you’re on p2 is so minimal. Just ask yourself if you want to be overweight the rest of your life or if you want to be healthy and look fantastic. That to me is a no brainer. 🙂 You can do it Tina, have faith in yourself.
Hi everyone,
My question is this – if after we eat dinner and we have had our 2 meats, 2 vegetables and 2 fruits but our calories are less than 500, can we have an extra fruit or vegetable? It seems like it is important to eat at least 500 or we will become very weak – is that true?
I never had 500 calories, mine was more like 460-470 and sometimes 480 and 490. I wanted to make sure I never went over the 500. I also found there were times I had a hard time even getting that many calories down me, and I never got weak.
are you eating the melba toast or grissini bread? If not, you are allowed 2 of those a day also.
Thanks for the quick reply Sherrie. I won’t worry about trying to get all the calories in then. We live in a fairly small town and I think half the town must be on this diet because every shred of melba toast at Wal-mart had been purchased. I could see the spot on the shelf where it was kept but nothing there! I’m going to try at another store when I have time. Couldn’t find anything resembling grissini bread – what kind of packaging does it come in? Is it a fresh product or would it be in the crackers aisle?
Another question? Have you heard of 12 year olds trying this diet? My husband and I doing it together and also our daughter. She is very chubby for her age and it would really boost her self esteem if she could loose some weight. I just don’t want to jeapordize her health or growth in any way.
Have found a lot of websites that say turkey is fine, even in the beginning so I added it in with no consequences. I just needed more variety and I love organic turkey breast.
Lori
Here is a website, showing you what grissini bread looks like, I have never tried it before, but did see it in our grocery stores right by the melba toast. If I remember correctly, it was just in a box and I don’t think it was in the cracker isle, but instead it was down with bread sticks.
wildyeastblog.com/2007/10/04/grissini/
That would be great if 1/2 the town was on this diet. 🙂
I am not sure on the 12year old, mainly because at that age, it would be very hard for her as she burns more calories, therefor needs more calories. Also the drops have to be taken 3 times a day, and the lunch ones she would be in school. I think the best thing for your daughter, would be to have her start eating healthy. If she wants a snack, give her carrot sticks, other fresh veggies and fresh fruits. bless her heart, I know how hard it is having one over weight at a young age.
Thanks for the info Sherrie. As for my daughter – we packed her lunch and put the drops in a little container for her. We’ll see how she does. We will probably have to suplement her diet with some dairy or an extra portion of vegies. We did get non-fat cottage cheese and that would be an extra protien she could have. I’ll let everyone know how it goes for her. She is pretty excited about trying it with us.
Lori, I think I would ask the Dr on your daughter, just to be on the safe side
Good luck to you all
I know it is going to sound crazy but i gain weight by eating apple!!!(it is true, sherrie) it is unbelievable!! All the apples i got are organic gala and i have been eating them since p2. And i didn’t realize till 4 days before. I cut the apples for 3 days, and still ate a lot. My weights start dropping a little everyday. Then i shared half apple with my husband after dinner the third night, i gained 0.2b the second day. It is ridiculous!! I love apples, and it seems i can’t have any apple anymore!!!
It sounds like when you eat a bit of sugar your weight goes up by a negligible amount and when you don’t eat sugar (fructose) it goes down a little. That would be normal. An apple is nutritious but it still has natural sugar. Protein and fats do not have the same effect on your weight as sugar which is why they are not limited in P2. A 2 ounce gain is not very much and sounds like a natural fluctuation as you will not be able to avoid all natural sugar. If you ate an apple each day in P2 and didn’t gain each day that lets you know that apples in and of themselves aren’t an issue, but just like dropping the melba toast in P2 helps people lose faster dropping the apple would have as well it is just not recommended because it is so nutritious. You have that 2lb allowed fluctuation so that you won’t have to worry about the little changes based on what you eat if you’re within P3 protocol. So try not to sweat it. Eat the apple earlier in the day and continue your experiment. I doubt that you will gain each day based on eating the apple.
Lori,
I just wanted to comment about your 12 year old daughter. There will be no harm from her eating lean meats, fruit and vegetables and drinking plenty of water. There is nothing harmful in the drops but a similar effect can be achieved with just the lean meats, fruit, vegetables and water. If she eats like a lot of pre-teens (a candy bar here, a bag of chips there, fast food etc.) the weight will come off easily when she switches to a more healthful eating style. I wouldn’t recommend the drops for a 12 year old or even a 20 year old who wasn’t serious about no carbs/sugar because as you know you will blow up when you cheat. I think it would be hard for a 12 year old to make a true commitment so not putting anything else in her system means if she slips she won’t fall as hard. If your daughter has even agreed to doing this diet she is probably ready to take the same healthy steps in a less drastic form and her metabolism at that age is going to work to her benefit once she begins.
Ivy, Angela hit it right on..Actually, I think I have read where you should try and eat 3 apples a day on p3 and some days I eat 4 or 5 of them(when they’re picked fresh this time of year. You really need fruits and like Angela said, if you didn’t gain weight eating an apple on p2, you shouldn’t be gaining now because of it
Thanks for your post Angela and for your concern. When you say “blow up when you cheat” are you saying that if you cheat while on the drops you will have more of a weight gain? I’m brand new to this so I don’t know this. It will be a struggle for her to resist sweets (especially with Halloween coming up) which is why she is obese at 12. I don’t want to make it worse for her. I will take what you said under consideration and talk to my husband about it. Lori
I was just wondering, if I was to skip a vegetable would it mess things up. I am a very picky eater and the vegetables that I like are not on the list. So I have been eating alot of asparagus which I use to love, but now that I am eating it alot more I am starting to get sick of it. I am alternating it with lettuce, but I am not a big fan of lettuce either.
How are you making the asparagus? I love baking it. Just clean it, break it and then lay it on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum and sprayed with pam. Spray a little pam on the asparagus and sprinkle some sea salt, pepper and garlic salt on it and cook for 20 minutes on 400. It’s delicious
You do not want to skip the veggies, fruits or protein!
Lori, you don’t really “blow up”. I had read that, but I cheated and didn’t blow up. All you do is stall out and may gain a little bit, but you will not lose for 3 or 4 days after you cheat. When you go on this diet, you have to be dedicated. I think Angela is trying to tell you that most 12 year olds are not motivated(I’ve never known one to be either). I think if she just eats healthy and lays off the candy(or is limited to maybe 1 candy bar a week and then eats healthy and exercises, she will lose on her own.
I’m thinking about starting Phase 2, what is a good site for me to look at?
Maybe this one..???!!!
Ms. Sherrie….I have a question. I did the 3 weeks of drops….then, the 3 days of no drops/500 calories. Today was my first day that I could eat…but I’m not hungry!!! I ate very lean protein (tuna and low fat ground turkey)…and my veggies and fruits…had an egg with my tuna…but seem to be stuffed after I eat just a little. Did you say that you lost more weight on Phase 3 (which I know isn’t recommended)…but if I’m correct, how much more did you loose doing Phase 3????? Thanks so much for all your help!
Hey Ms Deb
Yes, I did lose more both times I did p3. Not trying, but kind of like what you said, just wasn’t hungry and didn’t want to stretch my stomach by eating more. So, I would eat healthy and would eat until I was comfortable. The first time, I was on p3 for 2 1/2 weeks before going back to p2, I lost 5.6 the last time when I ended the p2 back the middle of June, I weighed 158.6 and am now at 136.2.
You’re welcome for all the help. I don’t know everything there is to know on this diet, all I do is try and be supportive for ALL of you and let you know how I’ve done with my dieting. I love this diet and wish I would have known about it long before I did, then maybe I would have had a happier/healthier life a long time ago. I get upset with the cheating, because I did it my first time and I know how much of a failure I felt like, I don’t want ANY of you to feel the failure I felt.
Broccoli is on the list at the beginning of this blog so we have been eating broccoli. 🙁
I like to look back on previous comments – I saw someone’s idea to make mashed cauliflower in place of mashed potatoes. I will do that as I am going to keep going on p2 during Thanksgiving.
Hey Lori
I know it’s on the list on here, but I followed only pounds and inches the 2nd time around. Following this diet has been the best thing for me, as it has taught me the right way to eat(healthy). 🙂 You will get to your goal before you know it..
by the way, how are you doing on weight loss? Didn’t you say the other day you were kind of at a stand still?
I am on day 4 of P2 and have lost 11.2 lbs already. Wow, why did I not do this before. It is so nice seeing the weight come off so easily. I have PCOS and have not been able to loose much weight before I found HCG.
Congrats! I’m right behind you in this process.. R1P2D2. I’m on my 2nd “load day” and feel miserable. I’m eating foods that I previously cut out. I was SOOOO looking forward to the load days, but it’s not all the hype I thought it was. It’s great to hear your success!
I know how you feel. I really thought that I would love the Loading days but, they made me sick. I was 248.6 now 237.4. My goal for now is 150. I hope I can get there. I am so glad to have found this web sight for some support.
So you and I are pretty much the same in all of this. 150 is my goal weight too. My start weight was 230 (lost 6) and started P2 at 224.0. I’m really glad I found this site too. Sherrie has been so much help! Are you doing the sublingual or injections? I’m doing the injections w/ physician supervision the 1st round and will continue R2 on my own. Too expensive w/the physician!
I am doing the sublingual drops my friends wife is a PA so she can order the pharmacy grade drops. That way I knew I was getting the reall thing. They have a program with 1:1 support $150 first round and $99 for any other rounds. They have helped me alot. Also they give you macha to mix in a “straberry smoothie” ( equals the calories of one fruit) the macha also helps with weightloss and you can’t even taste it.
I surfed through your site when I was looking for a specific information. Got good ideas here! I hope you dont mind if I quote you in my own blog in the future
Hi everyone! I have been taking the homeopathic drops and they work great! I have lost 18 pounds in 17 days! Woot!!! I didn’t suffer from headaches and fatigue like I normally do when I restrict my calories, so this diet DOES work! I wouldn’t have been able to stay on it and torture myself for so long if it made me miserable! I started at 230 and am now down to 212. My goals is to get down to somewhere between 150-160 pounds and to be in a size 8 again. (I’m 5’10”, so I still weigh more than the average female even when I am slender) I am SO loving this diet and my hubby started it yesterday! Good luck to you all!!!
Hey Jenny
Good job! You can do it. I am 5’6″ and started on March 22nd weighing in at 196.6. I did 2 rounds(first time 6 weeks, 2nd time 3 weeks). I’ve been off the drops since June and am at where I want to be now(between 135.8(as of yesterday) and 138. I like to keep in between 2-3 lbs now that I’m finally happy with myself. Please check in and let us know how you’re doing. Good luck to you and that’s great on your hubby starting it also
i started on hcg drops on oct 19th and do not miss the load days started on p2 oct 21st and so far i have lost 9.2 but this morning the scale showed i gained .8 so i’m a little upset today because this is the most i ever lost on any program and i think where i messed up was going to sonic and asking for the grill chicken salad but i only eat the lettuce and the grill chicken but i didnt eat my apple or orange(2fruits for the day) i think thats part of it two so what i need to know is when you are out running errands with the kids and you stop to eat what will be the best thing to grab in p2 stage please help this is my first round and i’m very happy with the results so far thanks
I would suggest taking your lunch in a cooler and not skipping the fruit but, I just started I am on D5 of P2 and have lost 13.4 lbs so far!
Just an update on our progress. The 3 of us started p2 on Monday. My husband and I have both lost 7 pounds. He is still drinking alcohol or he probably would have lost more. He is diabetic so he has been checking his blood sugar and it has been fine – no fluctuations. I am still doing my workouts and have had plenty of energy to exercise.
My 12 year old daughter has lost 5 pounds which she is very excited about. We have been giving her dairy products like low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese as a snack when she comes home from school so she is taking in about 800 calories per day. Here is the thing – she has more energy now than she ever has. She runs around the house doing little happy dances and laughing. I think it is the lack of sugar that is making all the difference – no sugary cereals, etc. We did get her some sugar free candy to take to school today since all the kids will have pocket-fuls of candy for Halloween. We didn’t want her to feel left out. But she is limited to how many she can have since they are 30 calories each. She may make the biggest transformation of all of us! 🙂 Her dependence on food is quickly diminishing and I think she feels a real freedom.
We feel so good about this healthy food we are eating – and it is good food too! We found a big bag of frozen tilapia at Wal-mart that is so delicious. We just bake it in the oven with sea salt and pepper on it and a bit of Pam to keep it from sticking to the pan. Yum! And less than $.50 per serving.
I can guarantee you that no sugar coated cereal will ever cross our threshold again! We just don’t need it.
That was someone else who stalled out. I just posted an update at the top of the blog. We are doing great! Including my 12 year old.
The cooler is a good idea. I’ve only just started as well and am already planning for this weekend being out and about (4 kids keep me SUPER busy). I would think that even tho you only ate the lettuce & chicken, Sonic doesn’t prepare the foods like you would.
Lori, Love hearing about your daughter, I was over-weight as a child and to this day I do believe that it held me back on so many things, that I made sure that my children would not go thru that. I also have a 12 year old granddaughter and even thou she loves her sugar we have been really lucky that she’s not over weight, however with that said, we did introduce her at an early age, of diet soda, not regular, low fat yogurt and cottage cheese. Her favorite was vanilla yogurt with cinnamon added, she said it was like a liquid snickerdoddle and she’s right its really good and a very good spice for you, I love Cinnamon on my cottage cheese with pineapple, yum, sweet but allowed on Ph3 only. I didn’t do as well as you on ph2 but did ok, went twice and now in the stable phase until after Thanksgiving then load and round 3. Sherrie and this blog has really helped me thru all this. I’m down 35 pounds and hoping to loose another 20 at least so great job!!!!
I bought a cooler that looks alot like a purse, has an outside pocket to keep my wallet in if I choose not to carry a purse. I cook up chicken ahead of time, have several little baggies full of it and then cut up whatever veggies and or fruit, I bought those little blue freezing bags and put them in instead of ice ( less mess) then whoever I was with would get what they wanted for lunch and we would all sit down and I would have my lunch with them. It was hard at first watching them eat all that food but now its nothing.
That is AMAZING! Congrats to you, Sherrie! I will absolutely keep you posted on my progress!
That’s great Jenny, please do..!
I have a question for all the veterans on this program!! Well, actually 2.
1) Load Days – Today is my 1st day of the VLCD. Load day 1 resulted in +1.8 gain and LD2 was -2.0 loss. I was expecting to gain both days because I truly did Load and eat fatty foods. Will this hinder my results with a loss after a load day? I kept reading how important the load days were!!
2) Are most of you counting calories on the VLCD? Or are you just focusing on eating the correct amounts of each food? After planning my meals for today, it seems like I will be 150+ calories short of my 500 allowed.
Thanks!!!
It shouldn’t matter, they say to load up good. My first time on it, I lost a pound first load day and gained it back 2nd. I still lost 9.2 the first week
You HAVE to count calories and weigh food, as you can not go over 500 calories. That’s the secret to losing the right way. If you go over the 500 calories, you are not going to lose correctly Make sure you’re weighing those apples/oranges. Make sure you’re not eating the same dinner as what you have for lunch. I would say 460-470 is a good number to aim for
Hi Sherri! I just needed some ‘advice’… I am on day 12 of ph 2 and have been stuck for 3 days with no weight loss. So far I am down 11.8 lbs. I was soo excited 3 days ago.. but now thats less than a lb. a day… I know that is still really good…. but What should I try if no loss again tomorrow? Also, what can I attribute that to? I havent been eating my melba toast and usually only an apple for breakfast. I have had ground turkey.. is that allowed? Also, we have been on fall break (kids) from school and have been able to sleep in later in the morning.. so a few days I will just wait and eat lunch.. do you think a weird eating/drops schedule? Also.. i have not been exercising.. will working out speed up the loss? thanks so much!
dani
Hi…got my new drops today and they say 6X 12X 30X and 60X..is that ok? My last drops said 3X…not sure what that means. This is my 2nd time on the diet. First lost 20 and now gained back 7 within the year. Still the inches are what I am looking for…Please let me know what this means. Thanks. Great blog. New one out there on facebook called hcg 411…ours is better. been following for over a year…
Hey Dani
On p2, your meals consist of lunch and dinner. For breakfast you get black coffee, water or tea. You can eat a piece of fruit in between breakfast and lunch if you can’t wait until lunch to eat. Make sure you’re getting your 2 different fruits a day along with different protein and veggie for dinner than you had for lunch..Mix the food choices up some. You can hit a plateau, it usually takes 3-4 days to get going again. NO TURKEY on this diet on this phase. Stick with the protocol. As far as the melba toast, you don’t have to eat it, some eat it just to get the calories up closer to where they need them or they eat it to help with hunger pangs. I ate them the first time I did the p2, second time around I didn’t eat any. To me that part of the diet is all about schedule. I always did better when I would go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time. I did things a lot differently on that phase than I do now that I’m done.
You are not supposed to exercise on that phase, I did walk every morning, but never any more exercising than that. I think you will start losing again, be patient. Some people would go ahead and do an apple day to break the plateau, I believed in being patient and waiting for them to break, and then I would get a good number.
mine were 12x30x60 and I did read at one time what it meant, but it wasn’t anything that seemed important, so I really can’t tell you.
Good luck on the dieting
Hi I have started the HCG Diet do any of you have any Ideas for different types of food to cook that would be good and different to eat this is my 1st day on my calorie count.I need to lose 30 pounds by dec 15th so I hope this diet will work. I do work out 6 days a week so I hope that wont interfere with it my body is use to that. what do you all think?
Hey all,
This is my 1st day on P2. My weight is 167 and I’m 5’9″. My goal weight is 145. I do BOOTCAMP 3 times a week. Which I was told by my Dr to stop for the first 2 days of P2. I do the injections now. I did the drops & nothing happened, so I stopped taking them.
My question is I never ate breakfast & sometimes skip lunch. I will like to know, how close do you have to get to the 500 calories in order to lose weight?? On today I only intakes 325 & I’m done, not hungry.
That’s probably why you didn’t lose weight before. You HAVE to follow protocol, you have to eat lunch, and you need to at least be to 460-470 calories(that is the least amount). If you can’t or won’t follow it, then the diet isn’t for you.
Thanks Sherrie for that information.
One more question, can I eat two apples for my fruit are do it need to be switch?
Hi Sherrie! HELP! Been on a stall since Wed! Trying not to get discouraged.. and think I am following protocol pretty well.. but maybe I need to follow to a T.. I did have tomatoes twice yest.. but was sure to get in my 2 diff fruits.. had beef for lunch and eggs for dinner. Should I do an apple day today? Or does the steak thing work better? I havent eaten yet. Starting to wonder if my drops are good.. I hope this is not ruining my metabolism (not that it could get worse.) ANy advice is welcome. Sorry to be stressing.. I had just hoped to have lost almost twice this by now… and have so long to go. oh well..
dani
Dani
on p2, you do NOT get eggs, you can have them on p3.
No, don’t get discouraged, you have hit a plateau and it’snormal. They can last a few days, then usually you get a good number when you get done with the plateau. I was always patient and waited for the plateaus’ to end on their own. You need to try to eat 2 different veggies(although a tomato really is a fruit, LOL) the Dr wrote this diet before they realized that, but anyway I would count it as the veggie as they said(this was just to make you smile). The steak day is for p3 and p4, not p2.
Sorry I didn’t get back with you sooner, I just walked in from work. Do you have my e-mail address? I don’t get updates on here. If not, just put hcg diet in the subject line and it’s
stratman397 at aol dot com
Sherri,
I have been doing great on this diet lost 14.6 lbs in 5 days. However; yesterday was my daughter’s birthday and I kinda cheeted gained 3.5 lbs which sucks. How long does it usually take to get back on a “loosing” track.
Ok, I’m just going to say it. I want candy, lol!
But, I never cheat. Just do the diet as planned, but I am saving a peanut butter cup for the right time!
Good for you. I wish I had not cheated. I actullay got sick from what I ate. I did not eat that much just that it was so different than what I ate all last week I guess.
Sorry Malea, I learned the hard way too, except I didn’t put on that much when I cheated, but I still stalled out for 3 days, even though I was eating by protocol. Sometimes it doesn’t do any good to tell anyone anything, they have to learn the hard way. 🙁
Debbie never does cheat either. She’s the one that used to give me all he double hockey stick when I first started out. But Debbie I have you beat sweetie, I have 3 gallon size freezer bags full of peanut butter cups(My favorites) that I’ve had in the freezer since Easter. I also have 14 cream filled donuts in the freezer I’ve had for wow, over 4 mos. and haven’t touched one of them yet
Sherrie do you know the answer to my question about how long it will take to get back on track?
Sorry didnt see it below. OOPS
I way way supprised that I gained that much after cheating one day. Never again. I don’t know if it was because I had been loosing so fast 5 then 4 then 3 then 2 then 1 on my first 5 days.
haha Sherrie! You do! I did save 2 peanut butter cups also! They may be in there a long time. Sad thing is… I’ve never been a sweets eater.
LOL I could have eaten one tonight, for some reason it’s like I’m proud of myself for not messing with them, yet I ate a 3 musketeers bar tonight(a big one). I’m bad. No wonder I can’t ever get to my goal. I do good and get within a pound from it, then decide to eat candy. LOL
Sometimes learning the hard way is the best way. You can see what cheating one time does to you, and then it helps you to know you don’t want to have that happen again, especially when you’ve worked so hard to get where you are. Just remember, no less than 3 weeks on the diet and no more than 6 weeks on. That’s not very long, and all of us should be able to go that long without cheating. I think on p3(although you still have to stick with protocol) it’s much easier, as you can add foods. Just learn from that mistake Malea, you’ll do fine!!
Thanks for your encouragement.
You’re welcome Malea, but you will do fine. Just don’t get too upset when you stall out for a few days, you will start losing again. Stay confident!
Sherri,
I am on P2 for 5 time, the last time was a not my best…But still lost…I am doing much better this time around but once again I am at a slow down.I am one who gets tired of meat to the point I do vegetarian alternative..works but very slow. Any suggestions??..I am off this phase soon but was wanting so bad to be below 191 this phase. I know I will continue a healthy lose in P3 till next P2 run but realize not enough protien going in..P.s. I rarely eat grissini and we are strict protocol followers to Dr.Simeons original.
Yay I am back on track I was down one pound after my weigh in this morning. I hope it will continue.
Hi Sherri! YAY! I FINALLY was down 1.6 lbs today. Wouldve loved to have seen a 3lb loss after the 4 day stall.. but this is something! I stuck to protocol yest.. but still have some questions. I charted my food late last night and realized that I only ate 350 cals, but only had 1 fruit and by then it was very late and I didnt know if it was best to eat a small clementine or apple to add more cals or since it was soo late to just call it a day? What would you do? Also, I started my drops and load days on Sat Oct 16. Do I stop my drops 3 weeks from first day or 1st VLC day which wouldve been Mon the 18th? Also, I just want to make sure you think it will be ok to use Thanksgiving and day after for load days for another P2 round. By then it will have been 2 wks 5days on P3 if I go from the Sat Oct 16 start day. I hope this makes sense. I soo soo appreciate you being here and your knowledge and advice! I am wanting to get the most out of this diet and achieve maximum results! Thanks again and have a great day!
dani
hi everyone! i want you guys to know that i thank all of you for sharing your information on hcg— reading this blog gives me even more confidence to get through my 1st round and i’m so excited of the weight lost (so far 11.2) thanks for the advice i rcvd the other day on my minor set back by eating at sonic (never again) also i learned water (lots of water) is the key
thanks to all and lets continue this weight loss journey!!!!!
Congrats!! I know it’s a great feeling to know you’re back on track!!
Yes, I was so glad. People were telling me that it would take a couple of days. I am glad it was only the one day that I cheated that I did no loose.
Hey Dani
The only fruits allowed are oranges, apples, 1/2 grapefruit or strawberries(I always measured out 5.3 oz, think that’s what it was) for 50 calories. You have to get close at least, to 500 calories in the day as you can. You go 26 days if I’m not mistaken, 2 days of drops and load, 21 days of drops and very low cal. and then 3 days no drops and 500 calories(if I’m not mistaken). I always did 3 weeks of the drop and vlcd myself. As long as you are on p3 for at least 2 1/2 weeks before going back to p2, then you can use Thanksgiving for load days. 🙂
I’m sorry I just got this, I usually get them much quicker from my fb acct as I dont check this as much, as I have a hard time finding some of the posts on here..:)
WTG on the weight loss..Woot woot!
Malea, you are one lucky lady..:)
Sherri,
I have been so amazed at your genorosity of time you give to return emails..thank you!
I started out at 143.5 after load days and after 19 days have only lost 12.5 lbs. am a little dissappointed..was hoping to lose at least-18-20 lbs by the time i finish P3..
i had a set back yesterday and finished my drops on day 17! may be I was taking too
much and I lost out on 3 dosages before i got them again today. i stayed the same weight though!
What is P4? and what cant u eat during phase 3 ? would love to hear from you.
Hey Ranee
You can e-mail me anytime. As I said earlier, I can’t get the updates on here and if I don’t get to all the comments on here before they disappear(and the new ones start) I never see them. I do check my e-mail a lot more frequently. so, if you don’t have my e-mail, it’s stratman397 at aol dot com. Just make sure you put something in the subject line about hcg. 🙂
First of all, I always like to know age, height along with weight. The less you have to lose, as with any other diet, it’s going to take longer to lose. So, you’re 131.0 after 19 days. A woman loses an average of 1/2 lb a day, which, you’re losing over 1/2 lb a day.
p4 is where you gradually add back sugar/starches. p3 is you add back everything except sugar/starches(for 3 weeks, or longer). I would lose on p3, although it’s not recommended to do so.
Thanks! Sherrie. I am glad that I lost today:)
Hi Sherrie,
I am on day 23 and have lost 15 pds. I was thinking of doing the 30 days but I have a wedding on November 20th. Do you think I should stop sooner. I want to do it again and was thinking to do my load days on Thanksgiving. Would that be too soon? Also I ordered the oxy powder. Can I take it on phase 2 or on phase 3. I should be getting it any day. Thank you for all of the advice. This website has really helped out alot.
🙂 Malea, I’m glad for you. It took me and everyone else I’ve talked too, about 3 days to undo the damage.
Hey Lilli
5 times of p2? How long are you breaking in between (from p3 back to p2)? You need to be going a little longer on p3 each time. How much have you lost so far? Have you done breakfast steaks or cube steaks or any kind of a lean meat? Try very hard not to have to do the vegetarian way. Have you tried the shrimp or any of the fish for your meat?
I kind of lost it on where you say you realize not enough protein going in..Going in to what, p3? If so, you can have as much as you want in p3. I would actually go out quite a lot to eat on p3 mostly to places where they would serve the 6 oz petite sirloin and would get 2 sides of veggies(usually the brocooli and then when the got the fresh asparagus) I would do one of each instead of the double broccoli(boy that was a lot of broccoli). 🙁 I would love to hear from you through e-mail. please e-mail me at stratman397 at aol dot com and put hcg in the subject line. I am going to be working a lot in the next couple days and then will be taking a 3 day trip(if you post on here in those 3 days I will never see the post). It sounds like you have the willpower and you are doing great. I really want to hear all about you, how much you’ve lost, if you’re doing p2 for 3 weeks or 6, who all is doing it with you(as you said we are strict protocol followers). You are going to get there Lilli, you sound so motivated and I love it! Hugs to you sweetie!!
Wow Tina GOOD JOB girlfriend…15 in 23 days!! WOOT WOOT!! Okay..how much more do you have to lose? If you quit drops tonight, you would have to go Tues Wed and Thursday(the 4th) on vlcd. The 5th you would start p3. The wedding day you could eat everything except your starch and carbs and YES, you could use Thanksgiving for load days…I’m so proud of you Tina..!!
Sorry, was so excited about the weight loss I forgot to answer the last part. LOL Sorry..long day also.
Yes, I think everyone now that I’ve been reading more, should do the oxypowder before starting, but I didn’t do it either. Honey, I just did it for the first time like 2 weeks ago. You do it 7 days straight at bedtime on an empty stomach. You take 4 of them(well, not going to get in to all the details on here, lol,) but just follow the directions. I am only doing it one time a week now, and am really on p4(I still don’t do many carbs though). I love reading all of what you all are writing. I love this diet, I love the way it’s made me feel(well, would feel if I didn’t have sciatic nerve problems). You guys are all so special. After we are all at our goal weights, we need to have an HCG get together..Wouldn’t that be a hoot..
Thanks David!! 🙂
So on my load days (at thanksgiving) so I eat anything, even sugar and starches. I have been off the drops today(my first day) but am so scared that I will gain weight. I am following it very strictly, but am scared. I am so happy that I have lost that weight. Do you think that I would lose more during phase 3?
Hey Tina
Yes, on load days, eat anything and everything you want!!! You need to stay strictly protocol(no sugar no starch) on p3. It’s probably more important than p2. If you go up to 2 lb over last drop weight(which would have been todays weight, then do your steak apple or steak tomato day that night. Don’t be scared you’re going to gain weight, you’ll do fine.
It’s hard to say on the p3 and losing weight. you’re not supposed to try and lose weight on p3 but stay within 2 lbs from last drop day. I just continued to lose, not trying. I’m down 20 lbs from my last drop day in June.
Please keep in touch and if you need ANYTHING, please e-mail me, as I check my e-mail more than I check this site. 🙂
My starting weight was 153, and today when I weighed myself i was 144.6 I am sad because I have not lost weight and 2 days! I have not cheated once. I need help with this guys.
Are you using very much salt? Not drinking enough water? Those may cause water retention. Maybe you need and apple day (6 apples in a day every 3 hours) and nothing else. Or for constipation apples cider vinegar will help. Just some suggestions. Good luck. The stall will pass.
I too cheated last weekend, I had lost 14lbs in 13 days, I gained an astonishing 7lbs, I couldn’t believe it. I am now 4 days later back to what I was on Sat AM.
Cam, What day are you on in the process?
I started the drops on 10/27 and was really discouraged this first week — I lost on the first 500cal day, then gained it back the next day! Plateau’d a couple days, lost half a pound, gained a pound! Today I dropped 2lb which is the best I’ve done except on that very first day; I’m now down 3lbs in the first week. Don’t most people lose the most on the first week?
I’ve been sticking to the protocol without cheating at ALL. I have lots of friends that do the diet and they all lose like crazy — and my husband, who eats the same things I do, has already lost over 17lbs. I’m not feeling hungry or tired or anything, and I loaded properly the first two days. I had a nonstop migraine headache for the first week, but it’s OK today.
The only thing I’m not doing perfectly per the original protocol is that I have mixed veggies most meals, doing stir fries (without oil, not even the “zero calorie” sprays). My friends all mix veggies without any ill effects! I’m not using anything dis-allowed for seasoning or sauces, I checked very carefully.
Does anyone have any ideas? I do have one dietary limitation — I can’t eat raw vegetables, they make me very sick due to a medical issue. I can eat ’em cooked, though, which is why I eat so many sauteed veggies. Sometimes I roast them in the oven or boil them into a soup, too.
I’d appreciate any suggestions!
What are you sauteing the vegies in? Be careful of too much salt, too. And I have found that weight loss depends on how much you have to lose, with the largest losing the most the first week, and then the lesser chubbies losing less, but steady.
I’m still very new to this (P2D8) so I don’t have alot of answers. However, I do have a friend who also is doing this who has to stay away from Grapefruit & Oranges because her body has an ill-effect and retains the sugar. I do know that, per protocol, we are not allowed to mix veggies or fruit. Maybe try that and see how that works.
I just got back from the doctor’s office and my head is spinning. I am going on vacation on 11/11 – 11/16 for a long girl’s weekend. Do you think I should just wait to start when I come back? I’m sure we will be eating and drinking and I don’t want to miss out on the fun. I’m so anxious to get started especially after reading all your stories of success!!
The one think I’m not too clear on is…..what is a typical day like for you when you start?
I understand the two days of loading (Duh! That’s a normal day for me). But on day 3 – ?? I’m having a hard time planning my meals – and I don’t want to have anything in the house that will tempt me. So Breakfast I plan to have 1 Apple. For Lunch 3 1/2 oz of Beef or Chicken (don’t like seafood). Along with 3 1/2 oz of Green Salad w/vinegar & lemon. For Dinner again 3 1/2 oz of Beef or Chicken along with 3 1/2 oz of a Vegetable. After dinner snack of 1 orange or 12 strawberries. TONS of water. I’m going to NOT drink Diet Coke like I do every day but switch to Tropical Tea with no caffeine or calories. Do I do this until I get to my goal weight? Which is to lose 50 lbs? I understand the maintenance part but what is P2 and P3? Thanks for all your support to everyone you help. ; )
See my blog for daily journal of what I eat. But it is my understanding you should not eat anything for breakfast, except black coffee with stevia if you like it sweet. You are allowed one liquid creamer packet, but I save mine for use in salads, like chicken or cole slaw. And only 6 strawberries, not 12. I save my fruits and melba toast for afternoon and evening, when I tend to be hungriest. I would definitely wait to start AFTER your vacation, because you cannot cheat on this diet, or you would be wasting your drops/shots and money and time. You cannot drink any soda of any kind, not even diet, and you should not have the same kind of food and vegie for dinner as you do for lunch. Mix it up. Not eating fish is going to make your diet awfully boring, so why don’t you try some tilapia sauted in Braggs amino acid?
Good luck.
Hi Kathleen,
I would definitely wait to start the diet after your girl’s weekend. Use the last two days of the girl’s weekend as your load days and come home ready to jump head on into the diet. A typical P2 day is as you described. Vary your meals as much as possible as this will allow you to tolerate P2 better and longer. The injections are done in a 23 day or 40 day protocol. If you are using the drops, you must do a minimum of 23 days. You may do the drops as long as you wish if you continue to see results. Depending on which program you are following a phase 1 (detox and prep) is done, phase 2 begins the very low calorie diet, phase 3 involves ending HCG and increasing your calorie count to a level that satisfies your hunger while avoiding starches and sugar. Phase 4 allows you to slowly reincorporate starches and sugar. Phase 4 is your ‘lifetime maintenance’. Women lose on average 1/2 pound each day. Your largest losses are generally at the beginning of the diet and taper toward the end, so when you hear a 1/2 pound average it is meant in retrospect when you calculate total days and total losses. With this in mind you are realistically looking at 2+ rounds to accomplish your 50lb weight loss goal. If you wish you may complete a P2 (to lose), a P3 (to stabilize) and then begin P2 again as needed until you hit your goal. Or if you are in no hurry you may do a complete cycle of P2, P3 and P4, rinse and repeat.
I am sure you will be at your goal in no time. It never seems like it in the moment but time flies by. I can’t believe summer is over already.
Good luck.
Barbra, what is your blog address? Nothing happens when I click on your name.
Just to clarify as to how many strawberries, it is going to depend on size, number of calories and what your doc says if you are being advised by a physician to determine how many you can have.
With regard to breakfast, there is technically no food listed as a breakfast but you are allowed to split your lunch/dinner foods. So if you want to have an apple from your lunch for breakfast that’s fine. I agree with Barbra that the food choices are already limited so the more you leave out the harder it is. You may also have a melba toast or grissini with lunch and dinnerl as well. Some people eat them, others skip them altogether.
Sherrie,
I have the same question as Kat–what does the formulations mean? I completed my drops and lost a total of 12 pounds. I will start again after the holidays. However, what are the best brand of drops you know of? there is soo much stuff on the internet, i dont know what to believe. Also, is there a specific food combination that will make you have a greater fat release? Next time, I will be better prepared and should be at my target weight. Now, i need to tone and drink more water. Please anybody respond to this post. April
Kathleen
Actually on the strawberries, I didn’t count them out ever. I weighed out 5.3 oz of them which is 50 calories.
You are allowed 1 T of milk in 24 hours. Your first fruit of the day can be eaten between breakfast and lunch as a snack if you can’t wait. I never had a problem just drinking my coffee and waiting until lunch to eat.
You can have cube steak and breakfast steak, make sure you weigh everything out.
On this diet you only have p2, p3 and p4.
You really need to read pounds and inches on line, it goes through everything with you and you want to stick on this diet to a T.
I think you need to wait until after your vacation until you start the diet, you do want to stick to it, and no cheating or you will stall out(well, everyone I know that’s cheated but one person has). She got lucky! 🙂
Angela, you can’t do drops as long as you want. You do NOT want to go over 6 weeks as you can become immune. It’s very important that you do p3 for at least 2 1/2 or 3 weeks(minimal), if you want to reload
I lost 60 lbs but I only did p2 twice. The rest of my weight came off on p3(and no I wasn’t trying to lose on p3).
good luck
Dawn, 2 veggies a day, one for lunch and one different one for dinner. Either this or maybe by mixing you’re going over your calories is what is causing you not to lose. How much did you need to lose additionally? That’a another factor. The heavier you are, the quicker you tend to lose
Hey April
Wow, just about didn’t see this one either. I don’t get updates on here, so can’t keep up with all the posts(and I’m leaving out tomorrow, so anything written over the next 3-4 days I won’t see. Anyway, I use the 12x30x60 drops and got them from e-bay.
As far as the formulation, I honestly can’t tell you know, would have been able to have told you awhile back as I had found it online. It didn’t mean anything to me when I read it, so didn’ t keep it as a favorite. Sorry.
As far as food combination, I didn’t do anything special, just ate the things on the list. I try very hard now that I’m done dieting, NOT to eat potatoes or many carbs when I have protein.
To answer the questions asked of me (and thank you to everyone who replied), I saute my veggies in water, sometimes adding Bragg’s liquid aminos, Braggs raw apple cider vinegar, and/or a splash of lemon juice, and sometimes adding allowed seasonings/spices. I don’t overdo the salt, but I do make sure there is some salt as per the Pounds & Inches that warns that some salt is necessary to offset the amount of water we’re drinking. I need to lose about 75lbs, so I’m definitely not at or near my ideal weight.
I guess I’ll have to stop mixing veggies — but it’s strange, as I know at least 20 people, personally (the diet is very popular here), who have mixed veggies from the start and lost loads of weight. Yesterday I ate much less veggies than usual (two slices of tomato and two iceberg lettuce leaves) and I did lose 2lbs. Maybe I’m just eating too much, even though it seems like I’m eating next to nothing. So, today I cut the veggies short again at lunch, just eating two stalks of celery, and I’ll stick with a single veggie for dinner.
Here’s an average day for me:
Morning, water only.
Midmorning, if I’m hungry and I’m usually not, I eat a piece of fruit — or make a smoothie out of strawberries, stevia, and ice. I’ve stuck with the recommended fruits — apple, small orange, or strawberries, and I don’t mix them. Since oranges are so sweet, I don’t have them often.
Lunch is usually 100g of chicken, with a stir fry mix of greens and bell peppers totaling 50 calories worth of veggies. I eat a lot of cabbage (different types, not just plain green cabbage) because it’s so low calorie. I stir fry it in Bragg’s liquid aminos and apple cider vinegar with a dash of garlic. I also have two “melba toast snacks”, which is half a serving of Melba. Sometimes I skip those. More water, or iced tea made plain or with stevia.
Dinner is often soup, made with beef, water, chopped celery, spinach and tomato. Again, about 50 calories worth of veggies. I freely add fresh garlic, freshly ground pepper, and usually a bit of salt-free Mrs. Dash seasoning. I’ll also have two melba toasts snacks again. More water or tea.
If I’m hungry after dinner, and I’m usually not, I’ll have an apple. I’ll usually cut it up, toss it with cinnamon and stevia, and bake it for a mock apple pie. More water. I don’t ever eat this snack late; it’s before 8pm or not at all.
Of course, I vary preparation and proteins. I never eat the same veggies at lunch and dinner, or the same fruit twice in one day. I generally have chicken for one meal each day and rotate the other meal between beef, fish, and shrimp.
If anyone has any suggestions other than not mixing veggies (which I will try), I would welcome them. About a year ago, my doctor told me that she thought maybe my system didn’t handle cabbage, peppers, onions, and cauliflower very well — I’m going to also try expanding my horizons when it comes to veggies and try some non-starchy veggies that are new to me. Maybe it’s a personal thing, like a mild allergy or something! It’s worth a shot. My tummy troubles with veggies are part of why I need to lose weight, I’ve always compensated by eating way too much meat and bread! Maybe this experience will help me learn which veggies I can tolerate better.
I agree Sherrie. I said you may take the drops ‘as long as you are seeing results’. The length of time it will take before you stop seeing results vary a great deal. Its not so much an immunity your body experiences with the homeopathic drops as much as it is that your body reaches a point where it stabilizes at 500 calories and will not lose anymore until you increase and stabilize at a higher calorie count. Later when you create that huge calorie deficit again you start to lose again (until you again stabilize at 500 calories). A strict P3 is definitely important for overall success. I know everyone is always curious how to lose in P3 or attacking those who do because they don’t understand. The truth of the matter for all those interested is once you have done 3 weeks of P3, you are technically in P4. During P4 which is the lifelong maintenance phase, if you make the choice to continue keeping carbs at bay (which I swear are the root of all evil) and eat a whole foods diet of lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, you will maintain easily or continue to lose slowly if you are overweight. That does not count as ‘dieting’. It is simply healthy, mindful eating. Which is what should all be ultimately striving to achieve long term. I applaud Sherrie for making lifestyle changes based on this diet not just dropping some weight for a time and going back to previous bad habits.
Hey Dawn
Going to try to answer this as well as I can. first of all, after going through what you eat in a day..Green peppers are not on the allowed vegetable list. The melba toast you can have one round with lunch and again with dinner if you want. Make sure you weigh your apple(after you core it, as there are 16.25 in each oz). Oranges I would peel then weigh, and there are 14.54 calories in each ounce of those.
You have to remember, some people can do somethings and it works and then for someone else it doesn’t.
Another good way to do the apple is to cut it up and add stevia and cinnamon and microwave for 1-2 minutes, it’s also delicious(just a throw in for you, :)_
No cauliflower on p2, save it for p3. These are the allowed vegetables on p2. I baked asparagus, it’s delicious.
spinach, chard,
chicory, beet-greens, green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes,
cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage. (I mix my veggies and include zucchini
If you ever need to talk or want to e-mail, I would love to hear from you. I have met so many special people from this site that I e-mail with just about every day. My e-mail is stratman397 at aol dot com. If you e-mail, please put hcg diet or something to do with hcg in the subject line as it will go to my spam folder the first time
Good luck, I know you will get to your goal!
I didn’t see where you said no longer than 6 weeks up above. I just know you do not want to go over 6 weeks at a time on injections, or drops.
Now Angela, I do still have my chocolates, just not like I used too. LOL
Don’t want to give up the “bad” food forever, just while on p2 and p3. I always eat my yogurt for breakfast and for lunch I eat protein, fruit and a big lettuce salad(still with no dressing) and for supper, pretty much what I want. I find I’m not just living off the junk food like I used too, but having junk food occasionally because I’m getting all the”good food also), does this make sense.?? I also continue to weigh everyday, although I would like to get to where I just weigh once or twice a week. I am getting to where I don’t like scales(your weight is always fluctuating) but want to go by how my clothes fit and I feel.
I wanted to let you all know, in case you didn’t see where I posted earlier, I will be leaving out tomorrow for a “mini” vacation. I will probably check on here tomorrow morning, but then, unless I can find time at Moms, won’t be on much until I get back(probably won’t check in until Monday). I wish I could get the updates on here to come through to my e-mail again, but haven’t figured out how to get them back yet. Anyway, I miss a lot of the posts. Would love to keep up with you all. I hope when I get home I see a bunch of weight lost for “good”. I love hearing of all the pounds being lost and all the positiver attitudes. Please keep up with the great attitudes, and remember, no one can continue to lose every day without sooner or later hitting a plateau. If you hit one, be patient, allow your body to do what it has too. This is going to be a life time change for us all and with eachothers support, we will all succeed! Most of you have my e-mail. Will check my e-mail as often as possible while gone. Take care and good luck to you all on your healthy journeys.
Tomorrow is my last of the three days without drops. I know that I cannot have sugar or starches. Is there a list of food that I can have and ones that I shouldn’t have. I was also thinking of just eating what I have been eating on phase 2, do you think that is a good idea. I just don’t want to blow it. Thank you for all your adivce. Have a great weekend away.
Tina, you worry too much. No, eat some different foods, you can have different fruits, veggies, proteins, eggs, cottage cheese, regular cheese, just not processed cheese like velveeta or cheese slices. I would eat the cheese sticks and bricks of cheese, milk, oils, bacon, etc. Read this, hope it helps.
Thanks, I hope I have a nice vacation, wish it were longer
Start slow, eating only for your appetite. Sometimes the hcg isn’t quite gone right away and can cause gains for the first
couple of days. Eat proteins and fats, as much as 65% of your calories in fat! But I don’t count calories. Eat to satisfy your
appetite, NOT to satisfy your old habits. Eat slowly and savor every little bite. If you get hungry between meals, nibble on
proteins. Include some non-starchy veggies. Keep fruits to a minimum and more to berries because of their low sugar
content. Absolutely no starches/sugars: potato, pasta, grain, pastry, bread, corn, legumes of any kind. NONE! ZERO!!!!
Remember cheese and nuts are calorie dense foods and a small amount goes a LONG way.
If you go 2 lbs over your target weight (weight on day of last injection) do:
a steak day: drink all the water you want, but no food until dinnertime, then eat a huge, juicy steak and an apple or raw
tomato
OR
a protein day: drink all the water you want. Nibble very small amounts of protein during the day just to ward off hunger.
Have a small chicken breast and small salad for lunch then a small steak and small salad for dinner
OR
An egg day: as many as 12 whole eggs in a day. May also use a small amount of cheese, mayo, sausage/bacon, salsa, etc.
This should result in a 1-3 lb loss the next morning!!!
You can continue this Stabilization period longer or cut it shorter and jump back into the hcg/diet again, but 3 weeks is a
good length of time for this. If you begin the diet again before 2 weeks, you do not need to gorge again, but just begin low
cal diet.
Enjoy your trip and your time with your mother.
Brand new to this discussion board but found it so helpful so I thought I’d give it a shot.
I’m on my 10th day, and my stats are 150.5 (5’3 ht) on weigh in after Load days and have lost 6.5 pounds, feel a little discouraged, have not cheated once. I’m thinking because my menstruation started on the the 6th day of the diet that may be why? Also can you use straight Balsamic vinegar on your salad and how much? Is there a limit on the squeezed lemon? I do mix my raw veggies on the veggie list but weigh everything to the exact weight. So those are the things I’m questioning myself on and hoping someone can help me. thanks! xoxo
Hi…Second time around. Last year lost 20 but gained back 7 so I started again. I was such a huge fan of this diet because the first time I melted away. I got so narrow and slim and this time it seems not to be happening. I have not cheated and I am starving. The drops I got are from whitedovehealing.com and they do not seem to be as strong as the first time around. I wonder if they are watered down and that is why I am not losing the inches like the first time. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have headaches and I am so hungry. I have not cheated. I lost 6 lbs this week but it is the inches I look for…Some hints for you: cinnamon stick in water the water is so important and sauteeing tomatoes like sauce and eat it with ground chicken breast an pretend it is pasta> I have totally stuck with Simeon but does anyone do broccoli? Any thoughts much appreciated.
Hi all, I wanted to give an update on my progress so far. I have been on the diet for 31 days. I have not reached the point to where I will lose 40 in 40 days, but I have lost 23 so far. I am following the 42 day plan and will take the 3 week break before I start again. It has been a struggle to stay on track and to find a variety of ways to cook the foods I can have. I have gotten to a point where I am a little bored with the food options, but I keep moving along. I like the apple/stevia/cinnamon idea! Everyone keep up the good work and don’t give up!
i’m new to this also but what i have learned is you have to follow the diet to a t so its a no no no on mixing the veggies and the dressing is not good but what i have found is walden farms (http://www.waldenfarms.com) have the best no calories, fat, carbs, gluten or sugars of any kind in their products and i love honey dijon dressing so i went to our local health store and purchased a bottle to try it out and i couldn’t tell the difference so it made a big difference for me when it came to dipping my veggies or when i ate green lettuce salad i posted their link up above you may want to try their products good luck on your journey
Good morning all. I am so happy!! I have lost 19lbs in 22 days, over 1/2 way to my 1st goal. I must tell you all I cheated Halloween weekend and not only did I gain 7lbs, hard to believe, huh, but, it took me 3 days to lose it and I stalled for 3 days, not worth it. I am a 5’8″ female who started out at 184, my 1st goal is 150, I know I can do it!!
Paulette
hcg injections
Kubanita is correct in the Walden Farms dressings, they taste so good!!! I love the Rasberry one, its almost a dessert for me!!!! I’m not real thrilled with the bacon ranch but have found as long as you don’t use much its much better. If you go to the waldenfarms.com you can also order the dressings in packets for eating out if you want to save calories when your on Ph2. I ordered the peanut butter, Yeah NOT so good so don’t waste your money on that one!!! lol
Hillary,
My husband suffered headaches the remedy is a shot of valasic dill pickle juice, it works and is safe on diet and good for when not on diet. He used it 2-3 times and no repercussions. Also we tried some different drops and experienced the same. Add few more drops to to daily allotment ,it helps may not stop it though.Myself I have also discovered some times the inches are coming off in areas we don’t realize..Do some rethinking is there an area where things are fitting differently, shoes?? pant legs?? all good areas to check. There is a couple of good sites for recipes i will get the addresses out and send you but broccolli is only for P3 not P2…sorry. I do make curry with out the cream and the oinons sliced thinly and sauted is a great treat.
Keep it up I read once all we can do here is better then none and I do agree I lose slower then most but I am happy with all I have.
My experience was similar at first, except that I wasn’t on my mense. I have found what works for me, but first I’ll answer your questions to the best of my ability.
Mixed answers online on the mense, it doesn’t affect some women but others don’t lose weight while on it. No experience here as I haven’t had mine, on the diet.
I believe Balsamic has sugar in it, so shouldn’t be used; but apple cider vinegar is great! You’re allowed the juice of one lemon daily. Per the protocol, you shouldn’t mix veggies — but most everybody I know on the diet does, and it works fine. As to salad dressings, I use straight apple cider vinegar, or a mix of apple cider vinegar, Bragg’s liquid aminos (it’s a diet-friendly soy sauce, basically), NuStevia, and varied spices depending on mood. You can also make a Strawberry Vinagrette by pureeing some berries (remember to remove them from your fruit for the day) and mixing them with Stevia and apple cider vinegar. Yum. Sometimes I vary my vinagrette by adding orange juice (taking it out of the fruit for the day) too.
For myself, I was not losing weight quickly either at first and I figured out what it was FOR ME. My body doesn’t tolerate cabbage; every time I eat cabbage (an allowed food) I gain weight or at least don’t lose much if any. However, I’ve experimented with (low-cal non starchy) veggies not on the list and have found some that I lose weight well with!
The best thing I can suggest for you is that you start logging your food and your weight every day, and look for patterns. That is what I did, and quickly saw that every time I ate cabbage, my weight reflected it the next morning. Make sure that you’re drinking at least two liters of water a day (public opinion on the amount varies, but that’s the minimum prescribed by Dr. Simeons, and it works for me). If you drink less, your weight will probably reflect that — but it’s ok to drink more!
You’ll see that I posted similarly a few days ago, looking for suggestions. I tried not mixing my veggies and carefully weighing every gram of veg, but that didn’t help. So then I looked at my food log, cut out the cabbage, and now I’m losing like crazy! It’s funny, because my husband’s on the diet too, and every time he eats cabbage it is the opposite — he can eat double the 100g and yet he will drop at LEAST two pounds the next day, every single time.
You just have to find what works for you; every body is different! Good luck!
Hello all…so happy to find this blog. I’m on my 8th day of P2 (10 days of my planned 40 day protocol). I’ve been doing so good so far (lost 12lbs in the first 7 days) but I have a non food related question for all. Night Sweats? Did anyone else get them? My bf thought I had a fever because I was sweating so bad (which I normally don’t do) but I associated it with my body adjusting to the drops. For those curious about the water, YES IT HELPS. I’ve been trying to drink at least 1/2 of my weight (in ounces) in water. And with that, so far I was seeing at least 2 lbs a day loss. I did stall this morning, but I slipped up and ate some “unapproved” fruits (Pineapple, Kiwi, Mango) but I’m back on track today. But I was just curious as to other non food related things people experienced?
Stats: Starting Weight 287lb / Current Weight 274.5lb / Height 5’4”
Ugg, I hit a plauetu this weekend. I did not loose at all. I am so dissapointed. I am doing an apple day today. I hope that it will help get me back on track. I have lost 16.8 so far and I am on day 17. I cheeted on Halloween as well or I would be down 22.3. I gained a lot on Haloween. Blah. I hope I can get past this plateau and get going again.
Correction I am on P2 D15. A total of 17 days with the loading days.
Excellent tips. 🙂 I will mention, however, that microwaving food is incredibly unhealthy. It changes food on a molecular level and makes it unrecognizable to the body. Microwaved food also leads to weight gain. Preparing the apple/stevia snack in the oven is the much better way to go. 🙂
WOW! What a wonderful blog! So glad I found such positive people also going through this diet!
I am on day 8 of P2… have stuck to the diet pretty darn close, other than maybe an extra few grams of protein or veggies here and there. But still down 7 pounds after my loading days! STOKED!
I have found that omitting the melba toast like Kevin Trudeau and others recommend really does help the process. Perhaps because several of us have wheat sensitivities, and wheat itself leads to weight gain.
From someone with a near obsession with food, this restriction is calories is NOT EASY for me, especially at first. I’ve found that the only way I keep sane is to watch & listen to relaxing/hypnotic/motivational recordings (there’s some great ones online, like youtube for instance). Being in the right place mentally makes all the difference. Plus, if you do have a food obsession and do not address it while on this diet, it seems more than possible to easily slip back into old habits and let the weight creep back on.
I highly (!!!) recommend watching Lilou Mace on youtube. Her upbeat and positive energy is more than inspiring, and she did a great series of sessions with Freeman Michaels, one of the top weight release coaches in the country. (Yes, it is refered to weight release! I love that!) Here’s one of the first videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUhZ39K7y_Q
This has been KEY to, again, keeping my sanity even when I’m hungry. 🙂
I look forward to following everyone’s continued success, and hope to find & give support when stumbling occurs OR we are tempted to cheat!
Hi Nichele. 🙂
Your night sweats could be part of what is considered a “healing crisis”. When the body is detoxing quickly, like it is when releasing weight on the drops, sometimes it can show an increase in symptoms. This is especially related to how many toxins are in your body to begin with. I wouldn’t fret, my dear. 🙂 Fevers and sweating are the body’s way of healing itself. You may just have some feelings of fatigue to deal with, but it will pass. You are doing great by increasing your water intake. I would also recommend herbal teas aimed to help with the detoxing process. (Yogi Tea makes a GREAT one, called Detox!)
It seems we are on the same day of P2. Hopefully we can help each other on our progress!! 🙂
Honey, I really don’t know where you get your info, but believe me, if microwaving food made you gain weight, I would be obese again, and my skinny sister and the 83 lb lady I help out would be fat as well. I really don’t believe that microwaving is unhealthy..
Thanks Dawn that was very helpful:)
dont feel bad might I suggest an apple day to kick start your weight loss. I started this program 3 weeks ago weighing in at 163lbs. Iam 5ft 3inches. so far to date i’m weighing in at 157 1/2.!
YAY! So glad you providing a great understanding of what I’m going through and it’s so funny you mentioned the Yogi tea as it’s been a staple (literally my breakfast) every morning since starting the VLCD. The Peach Detox is my fav, no stevia needed as it’s full of flavor but the one cup does me justice and warms my tummy!
I would love for us to support each other on this journey…I was stale mate yesterday (no loss) but the re-increase of the water definitely helped get me back on track so I posted -1.5 this am! So feel free to email me nichelefoster@ymail.com!
Malea it sounds like you are doing wonderfully on the diet despite the cheat. Most women do not experience one pound a day loss each day. You are having above average losses. The average at the end of your P2 comes out closer to 1/2 pound a day although some do better. The biggest losses are in the first two weeks and then the losses start to slow. That Halloween cheating will haunt you for a while, but if you can, forget that ‘this is where I would be’ number because you are well on your way. Good luck with your apple day, they usually do the trick.
Hi! Starting off I’m 5’4″, 35 yo, 273 lbs.
I am on P2 D4. I gained 6.8 lbs on my load days and lost 4.8 lbs the first day on vlcm. I only had 390-410 calories on the first day (d3). It might seem like a silly question, but I want to make sure I’m taking my drops correctly. I have read through many pages of this blog which have been great, but I haven’t seen this question. I am following Pounds and Inches, which is injection talk. So where I ordered my drops from came with a “complete guide” to go along with it. It says to take the drops 3 times a day and stay consistant. So I have interpretted that as 3 times a day at the same time. Not necessary before lunch or dinner, etc. I get up at 5 in the morning, take my first drops at 6 (6:30 at the latest); my second dose at 12; third dose at 5pm. I don’t always eat at the same time everyday. I try but some days I don’t get lunch until 1. And dinner might be a little later if I have to go somewhere after work.
So is taking the drops the same time everyday the correct way? I have been taking in more that 2.2 liters a day. I usually have that drank by 2. I started adding tea in there today, as I am not a coffee drinker. I don’t like sweet tea, so I’m not in need of stevia. I have bought some though, so I can gradually move hubby off the sugar.
It has been very nice to come and read the comments here and see such support. I am glad I found this blog. I hope to be a regular.
Well I’ve rambled long enough, until next time. Jamie
Hi all! I am on day one of phase 3 and wow! The food tastes soo good! I am however finding it hard to eat enough.. i am not hungry! I had 2 eggs with 1 oz pepper jack cheese and some pico de gallo. Yumm.. I had some raspberries for snack and for lunch I had tuna with cottage cheese and peas. I am curious if I can do a protein shake for a snack to get calories up. Also.. I have been searching and searching for acceptable phase 3 foods. I just have a hard time intoducing ANY carbs even though some lists say that low carb whole grain cereal is acceptable? oatmeal? What are your thoughts? Should I just stick with protein and veggies and dairy and fruit? I wondered what your thoughts are about “oopsie” foods? Not really sure what they are.. but lots of recipes about them. I also see that mayo and cream cheese is ok… weird! 😉 The other weird thing is that I dont even WANT sweets right now! I figure that will pass a bit.. and I will look into some sugar free options… I just wish I had a good LIST of ok phase 3 foods to stick with! Thanks again for all your help.. I LOVE this blog!
dani
Dani,
No carbs/sugar outside of what is naturally in the fruit/vegetable. So no oatmeal, no protein shake (unless you’re making it), no cereal. As for Mayo and Cream cheese, real mayo lists no carbs in the nutrition information but has sugar in the ingredients so there are some trace amounts of sugar. Cream cheese has Xanthan gum, which is a processed corn sugar. Just avoid them if you can but if you’re dying to have them they are ‘low’ in sugar. You can of course make your own mayo without sugar. If you decide to include something ‘iffy’ in P3 do not do it in that first week or you will regret it. Once you begin to stabilize a bit in P3 your body will be more forgiving to trace amounts of sugar. You don’t have to hit any particular calorie count. In fact, you can forget the counting calories altogether if you’re not on P2. Its not very helpful otherwise. You can eat 2500 calories in P3 of the right foods and not see a gain, but eat 100 calories of sugar and jump 2lbs. Eat as much as you need to satisfy your hunger. As long as you are eating to satisfaction, getting in plenty of proteins and healthy fats to replenish your body you will be fine. Continue to drink plenty of water. Good hydration is always important. The scale is your calorie counter. Just don’t go over 2lbs. Your hunger will start out slow and increase a bit as you ease into P3. I do have a list of specifics for P3 if you just like to see it spelled out. It does list a few tips about avoiding some of the really sweet foods etc. If you want the list send me your email darby_trenton@hotmaildotcom
Hey Jamie
I did my drops first thing in the morning then didn’t have anything to drink for 1/2 hour. The 2nd drops I took 1/2 hour before I was to eat lunch(then did the same thing for dinner.
Can’t wait to hear how you do. You’re doing great on the water intake, I always had a hard time drinking plain water, so did a lot of tea drinking and coffee(lucky for me I like it black)
This diet can get rough at times, but I know you will do good on it!
Please keep us posted on your SUCCESS
Hey Dani
Did I not e-mail you some foods? I was thinking I had, but maybe not. If you want, e-mail me, and I will send you out what I have. 🙂
Welcome Jamie…
I was taking my drops at the same time everyday when I first started; however I did change the times to accomodate my schedule as needed. I now take them at 6am (wakeup) at 11:30 (1/2 an hour prior to lunch) and then at 5:30p at night…where I was originally taking them at 4pm. Sometimes I don’t take a dose until I feel hunger pains (which is usually close to my normal dose times).
I recommend doing what works for you. On the weekends, the times vary as you get caught up spending time doing activities or with your family/friends and sometimes I almost forget to take them as I just have no hunger, but usually remember within enough time.
I wish you all the success! We’re here for support 🙂
Wel,l I continued loosing after Halloween. But now am on a plateau still. Did an apple day monday and lost a pound now down 18.4 but, now not loosing again no loss today. It is very frusterating after loosing so quickly.
Hello all….I am in my second week of P3 and everything seems to be going ok. I do however retain alot of water the week before my monthly so this morning I was up two pounds. I know it says I am to do a steak/ apple day, but I don’t think the weight gain is because of my eating….my legs and face are swelled up due to the water. (this has been my life for the last several years) I am drinking about 7-9 18oz bottles of water daily. Should I wait it out or should I do the steak/apple day? During P2 I lost 43 pounds.
About the this is where I would be number, it is hard to forget that I would be down 21.9 lbs instead of 18.4 if I had not cheated but, it’s ok I guess.
Actually Malea, you probably would have been down more than that if you wouldn’t have cheated. Cheating does throw you off further than you realize
The apple days are for plateaus, and if you don’t lose for 1-2 days, that’s not a plateau. Have patience instead of jumping to an apple day. The not losing for a few days could have something to do with the cheating, maybe your body didn’t react as quickly as others from the cheating
Sherrie – Ya it’s just frustrating. Friday was the last day that I really lost so did an apple day on monday. Lost 1 lb and now today no loss. It will pass I am sure.
Malea, Friday to Monday is not a plateau. 🙂 I never did do the apple days. When I cheated, I went right back on the diet the next day, I didn’t gain, but I did stall out for 3 days. maybe just stay off the scales for a few days. You will start losing again, and you will see a good number
I say do the steak day. When you do the steak day that loss you see the next morning is usually released water retention. The weight gain could be from your impending cycle, or it could be because you ate something. I retain sometimes from taking a long car trip. It sounds like whatever it is from, releasing some of it will be of value to you. If you want to chance it and wait until after your cycle to see if everything returns to normal that’s fine too, you know your body better than any of us. Just be aware that if that 2lbs doesn’t disappear getting it off can take several days of strict dieting after the fact. A lot of women experience some minor retention with their cycle, but generally not ‘swelling’. Have you spoken to your doctor?
Thanks for the replies Sherrie and Nichele! I’m glad I found this site. It isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Of course I’m only on day 5 🙂 I use Wii Fit Plus to track my weight for me, so that’s nice. I’m doing some of the yoga through there gradually. According to it, I’ve dropped 4.6 more lbs. I know that will taper off, I have a lot to lose so it will come off more in the beginning. My overall goal is to get under 150. But I’m setting reasonable goes for each round or cycle. I’m doing a 43 or 49 day I can’t remember off the top of my head. The only thing I’m not looking forward to is Thanksgiving. We travel to go see family and so I’m going to have to pack my own food and get to watch everyone else pig out. The hardest part I think will be turkey day. I’ve already told myself that I will continue my lifestyle change (as I don’t like using the word diet). So when someone asks are you dieting I can say no I’m making a lifestyle change. Whatever works I guess. 🙂 I will allow myself to only snack on the vegetable tray (without the yummy dip) if I feel the urge. My husband will be there so he can help keep me on track. He’s been very supportive which help tremendously. It took 9 years to put on this extra weight I’ve been carrying around but I’m in the right state of mind, ready to change that and that’s what it takes. Just like quitting smoking which we did in Feb of this year. You have to commit and until you do, you won’t succeed. These are things I continue to tell myself whenever I think maybe I can’t do it.
Anyhow, thanks for the responses and the support! I look forward to getting to know you all better 🙂
Im in my secind week and I am at a standstill I have had a handful of chips will this throw me off its been 2 days and the scale has not moved what should I do to get back on track.
Thanks
Thanks for the advice Sherrie.
I was eating the Melba toast in the beginning too and have cut that out pretty much all the way. I will have a piece if I’m eating a salad for crutons. But it’s rare. I’ve also cut out cabbage recently and I’ve seen a trend in my weight the next am.
Good luck and you’ve found a great support here on this discussion!
Malea, You are doing wonderful despite the cheat!!! I haven’t cheated and my #’s are lower than yours. Don’t get frusterated… your body is still getting used to this whole process and if you stay on track you will see that loss soon!!! Good Luck!!
PS – have you stopped blogging?
Welcome Paulette! You are doing great! Halloween was hard to get thru, but I’m glad you are back on track! Your progress is great!!
I have not blogged for a while I have been so busy. I need to update it lol.
I updated it now lol. I have been a slacker:)
I typed the address wrong I guess.
Great job! I still haven’t tried the apple/stevia/cinnamon, but i’m sure I will soon!!! I haven’t gotten bored with the foods because I’ve gotten lots of recipes online and just try and see what works for me! Congrats on your results!
I have been on the HCG diet for 10 day starting day 11 today. I have stalled for the last 4 days and have not cheated. Any suggestions???
Gail
You drinking at least 1/2 gallon of fluids a day?
Not going over the 500 calories? Also, how much weight have you lost and do you have to lose? If you’ve lost a lot in the first week, your body needs to catch up.
Yay, today I lost 1.6 lbs so I am down a total of 20.0 lbs I am very excited on P2 D17. I am going for 21 days total p1 and p2 combind. Then taking a short p3 break and back on p2. I am so glad to have found this blog for all the help and support that I am getting.
Edit I am on P2 D18 lol.
I have been drinking plenty of water and also find it hard to get exactly 500 calories, usually 493 498.
I started out at 183 and went to 185 after load days then went to 181 for three days days 6,7,and 8 lost 1lb each day. no stuck at 176 on days 8,9,10, and 11.
Gail
Gail,
Let’s put things in perspective. You have lost 9 pounds in 11 days. That is great!! The average for women is 1/2 a pound a day so you are already experiencing above average losses. The losses will not occur everyday but will average out so hang in there. In P2 you don’t have to eat exactly 500 calories, you just can’t ‘exceed’ 500 calories. The actual calorie count will vary depending on which foods you are selecting and that’s fine. As long as you are following the P2 rules don’t sweat not hitting 500 precisely. If the stall is bugging you, do the apple day. Otherwise, put a smile on girl. You’re doing awesome.
Kristi.
Chips happen to the best of us. Keep sticking strictly to the diet and you’ll start to drop again, probably by tomorrow. If you are using the grissini/melba go ahead and drop it at least temporarily, or for one day remove one of your fruit servings to jump start you. If you choose to do absolutely nothing that scale is still going to move down for you shortly so try not to worry about it too much.
Hi Sherrie,
I am almost on my P3, Is it to much to ask to get a list of the food I can have when I reach my P3. I decided to do the 40 days, since my wt lost is very slow. As of now I lost a total of 17 lbs and 20 inches. there are times that I ate food that was not in the list.
Thank you for your support!
LV
I really need a complete list of P3 foods. I am doing P2 with my daughter right now and just really want to have everything we need to begin P3.
Hi everybody!
Today is my last day on p2 and I start p3 tomorrow and as for the list of foods you can eat everything and you add breakfast back which I’m looking forward to mixing my veggies kinda weird me being a Latina and we grew up on rice dishes lol but stay away from starches and sugars for the first 3weeks(breads, pasta, rice, corn, etc) and if you are doing the full 6weeks of p3 (which I’m going to do before I do 2nd round) the next 3 weeks you start to introduce slowly starches and sugars
I would like to say thanks to everyone on this blog for all the advice and support this is the best blog I have ever read and to know there are others out there sharing this journey is awesome I can say I was a little scared about HCG I did a lot of research and my closes friend doctor told her about it and said the website to purchase from is http://www.diyhcg.com (HCG drops and his entire office were doing it lol) so we decided to give this a try (yea) From what I have learned from all of this is so true who can’t do something for 30days. Being on this I have learned a lot about the food we eat which has been truly amazing.
When I started Oct 19th I weighed 203 (height 5’3 goal 175 and now I’m thinking 165 lol) and today I weigh 187.2 I’m so excited even do I stalled for 5 days but I stuck with it and kept telling myself I can do this. After trying so many things and even hiring a trainer this is the most I have ever lost on any program. So to everyone just stick with it and follow it to a t especially when you are on p2 trust me it was hard at first and I was tempted a couple of times but when I weighed myself in the morning it made me feel even better to see I lost because I didn’t cheat
So to all my HCG buddies good luck on your journey! 🙂 Congrats to everyone’s weight lost!!! 🙂
If you are a newbie join us everyone on this blog is GREAT!!!!!!!
You are doing great. Have patience, that’s what I’ve always said. Myself, I don’t believe in the apple day, and I liked the waiting(even if I was staying the same) then having good numbers. Give your body time.
I usually ate around 460-470 calories. As long as you’re not cheating, you will do fine and will start losing again.
I cheated the first round, I didn’t put on any weight, but the next day went right back to protocol. I ate exactly what I had been eating, didn’t eliminate anything. After the 3 days of no cheating, Idid start losing again. Stay away from the no no’s you have plenty of time to eat chips, this diet is not forever and the time you’re on it goes by so fast. I’ve been at my goal weight(within 2 pounds) for a few mos now and love it. I can eat anything/everything I want now
LV
E-mail me at stratman397 at aol dot com. Put hcg in the subject line and I’ll send you everything I have.
WTG on the weight loss
Back to bed. Had my surgery, it went well(i guess, as I haven’t seen the results yet) but I’m sore. Hubby just got me my big salad(I usually eat them for lunch) and my cottage cheese and pineapple. Not really hungry, but had to eat. Have to get my anti biotic and pain pill down.
You all are great and are all doing awesome
Thank you for the confidence booster. I will be patient. I can feel tomorrow will be better.
I always loved to see the numbers go down after a plateau. 🙂
I should be about to my goal real soon(I was only 1.6 pounds from it today and the Dr took another 1.4 lbs off, we’ll see. Right now, I’m swollen, so don’t look for it to be down at all tomorrow.
Sherri
I hope all is well with you after your surgery. My friend just showed me this site and I am happy to be here to read everyone’s success stories, they are very encouraging to a newbie like me. My friends success has also motivated me to try the HCG.
lol..I tend to be a little less patient. If I have to wait I will, but if I can get it moving on my own I definitely do. The 2 and 3 day stalls start to add up.
Thank you for your input the scale finally started going down today I started at 172 when I started this diest I weighted in this morning I was 159 I started the diet on OCT 31st I just need to stay focused.
Not really Angela, if you maybe lose 1/2 lb a day and you stall out for 3 days, that’s what, 1 1/2 lbs? Well, if you’re patient sometimes you lose 2-3 lbs after a stall like I have. 🙂 Don’t be impatient, sooner or later your body has to catch up
Wow Kristi, wtg, isn’t it great to be under 160? You’re going to be like me, and everytime I would get to the number ending with a 9, I would gt so excited! Now, I’m done with the 9’s, as I don’t want to go under 130, actually I don’t want to go under 135. 🙂
I have been thing about starting this HCG diet. I need some help. How do I know the HCG drops are the real deal? Where do I purchase them.? My next question is can you eat low cal soups or weight watchers meals as long as you do not go over the 500 cal. I am just thinking about what to do for lunch at work. Please give me any advise that may be helpful.
Lisa
Thanks Gail
From what I could handle looking at, thank God hubby doesn’t have a weak stomach) everything looks fantastic, finally a flat belly. Will be glad when the swelling goes down. I go back to the Dr Monday to have them check it, not sure how long before the swelling is gone down and they take the staples and stitches out(that’s when I will pass out for sure).
The nurses and Dr said you have a cute belly button, and they said now you can wear a bikini, I said I don’t think so. LOL
He actually did a little more cutting on the sides than what I paid for. I love that Dr…
I’m still really needing a complete list of all the fruits and vegetables for P3. I understand there are some things that might seem ok but are to high in calorie (Fruits & Veggies that is.) HELP!
sue
whats your email address? i can forward you a detail list that i have from the book called hcg weight loss cure guide by linda prinster
Having a very hard time today wondering if this diet is for me. Im starving and today my head has been pounding all day ugg I hope this gets better.
That would be great!
sue
the list i will forward to you has helped me alot which i’m new to this also if you dont feel comfortable putting your email on here you can email me at ladydragon1219@yahoo.com and put hcg in the subject line and i will send you the general outline of beverage/food items
also if anyone eles want a copy email me i would be glad to forward it to you
🙂
Sue, you don’t worry about the calories while on p3. I eat every fruit and veggie I want and the same goes with the veggies
Hi Kristi… boy, do I feel you. This is not an easy diet by any means. I am on P2 Day 12 and the past couple of days were brutal, but today has been a little better… though I’m counting down the time until I get to eat dinner!!!
It has a lot to do with putting yourself in the right place mentally. I’ve been doing a lot of yoga and meditation and picturing in my mind my ideal body, and it does help. Knowing others have gone through the same thing helps, too. Most importantly, it’s only temporary!! I know that soon enough, I can have some of my favorite foods again but with a conscious effort to still watch my portions and be more in control of what I put in my soon-to-be smoking body, lol. 🙂
Hang in there! And if you need to, I know a lot of people will take drops more than 3x a day to alleviate hunger. I did 4x yesterday and it really helped!! 🙂
This is a quick note for Sherrie – you are awesome on this board!! I can’t find it, but I read a post where you reminded someone about not crossing her legs often. That hit a little close to home when I realized when I’m seated (especially at my make-shift computer desk) my legs are *always* crossed. So, I’m much more aware of it now and am trying to break the habit since I don’t want circulation problems down the road. Just wanted to say thank you for that!! 🙂
Ugh… I have a hard time with plain water too, but I love herbal teas. I was hoping it wouldn’t be too detrimental to just drink tea all day.
Hi Schatzi! I love using the melba as “croutons” as well!! Mmmm… the pieces soak up a little vinegar and they are like little salt bombs… yum. 🙂 But, yes… it seems to work better without them. I know cabbage slows my weight loss too, so we are on the same boat there as well. 🙂 Thanks for the support!
I am now HOOKED on the apple/cinnamon/stevia! I will slice a raw apple so thin that the slices cover a large plate so it seems like a huge snack, and then go cinnamon-crazy over the whole thing. Haven’t had it warm yet, since eating the apple raw is so tasty as it is, but maybe soon since the weather is so cold. It is literally saving me from going off the deep end when I really need my “sweets”!!! 🙂
Actually, it is one of the things Kevin Trudeau is most adamant about. It’s been proven with a form of photography called Kirlean, how it changes food on a molecular level and is a leading cause of cancer. It took me a while to accept this, but I did easily lose weight once I ditched my microwave. I also have fewer (actually no) headaches and think much more clearly. Just a personal testimony how it has changed my life for the better.
There are a TON of websites backing this up. Just looking out for ya. 🙂
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/microwave-ovens-the-proven-dangers.html
Just in case anyone is questioning the safety of microwaving food or that is CAN lead to weight gain and the dreaded C-word, there are LOADS of websites explaining the dangers. Kevin Trudeau talks a lot about it in his Natural Cures books, and I’ve done extensive research on my own about it. Simply type in “dangers of microwaving food” in a search engine. It’s a valuable tool to keeping weight off and your body’s cells happy! 🙂
Hi Lisa. 🙂 The diet is more than worth the effort if you need a permanent solution to weight issues… so soon, programs like Weight Watchers will become obsolete. 🙂
As far as knowing which drops are real – this is a valid concern as there are SO many companies jumping on the HCG bandwagon. I personally have been using Mediral drops (Mediral Detox to be exact) and have read countless testimonies of others who have used this trusted brand with great results. I purchased mine from a company called evitaminmarket. Their website is devoted to homeopathic remedies and I have nothing but good things to say about their prompt services and the efficacy of their products. I also purchased drops from them called “Weight Off” that help with hunger and burning fat… and I am doing much better on the diet now than the first few days when I didn’t have them.
As far as the diet itself goes, there is a very strict list of foods allowed – the ones David has listed right here above this blog. These are the *only* foods allowed, period. It seems difficult at first to stay within these parameters, but it makes all the difference in the success of the program. So, no soups or WW meals allowed. 🙁
I also worried about what to bring for lunch to work, but have found it to be quite simple to bring an apple, cooked chicken breast with either a *large* handful of spring mix or green lettuce and some vinegar and/or lemon juice… or some sliced cucumbers in vinegar (a light amount to glaze). It has been working quite well for me so far!!
This is a great blog for questions, and I am so glad to have found it. You are in good hands should you choose to do the diet! 🙂
oooh, put it in the microwave it is delicious. I would use one of the slicers(think you get 7 slices of apples out of it) and would peel it first when I microwave it. YUMMY
LOL Mine was because I have sciatic nerve problems and the Dr told me to quit crossing my legs. 🙂
Haha… I get about 20 slices when I do it on my own… it’s amazing. Coated with cinnamon… mmmm…. and I keep the peels on for the fiber. Won’t use a microwave but I’d use an oven. I prefer fruit raw anyway, like Mother Nature intended. 🙂 Totally satisfies my sweet tooth. Great… NOW I want some!!
I was wondering if you had the whole list of foods you can eat? I guess I am curious about a few things.. like that 0cal 0carb butter spray to cook? or chicken broth? I figured both are okay, but I would really hate giving up oatmeal.. I do the 100 cal packs sometimes.. Iam assuming that is a no-go since breadlike foods are starches? Also, as far as organic foods, I still live at home and the rents buy veggies and apples, but they are not from the organic section at the store, only the fruit and veggies section. I figured this would still be sufficient? PS can you email me the detailed guidelines or suggest an ebook other than Dr Simeons? thanks! oh and 1 more thing.. as far as proteins, someone suggested a protein shake could substitute.. i was also wondering about eggwhites? and nuts..are they too high in fat?
LOL I leave the skin on when I eat them by themselves(or with salt on them I should say, as I have to have my salt), but when I do them in the microwave, I always peel them first. I guess because I’ve used microwaves for so many years, I don’t feel they’re dangerous, unless you have a pacemaker. 🙂
Newhcg-er
If you’re talking about foods in p3, you can have everything but sugar/starch.
I never bought organic anything, well, except occasionally lettuce when I would mess up and pick up the wrong thing.
Leave the oatmeal for p4. I have been done with drops since June and still limit what I eat, and am maintaining perfect. Infact, I fell below my goal of 135 to 134.6, of course, I just had surgery Thursday so haven’t been too hungry.
I did pam occasionally on p2 as that was not invented yet when the diet was written by Dr Simmeons. On p3 I used to eat a pack of cocoa almonds(100 calorie pack) a day for lunch. I haven’t been eating them lately, but do try and have a lettuce salad everyday, still no dressing, but that’s only because that’s how I like them
I started the hcg diet Oct 30 and will start phase 2 on Nov 22. Well I will be going on a cruise Dec. 4 for a week. Do you think I can get away with 2 weeks of phase 2 before adding in breads and pastas etc. and be alright?
Jo Jo
You are on p2 now, the next phase is p3(everything but starch/sugar).If you’re going to go from p2 to p3 then the p4 is where you add back the starch/sugars, myself, I think you need to have at least 3 weeks in between those 2 phases and you have to do it gradually
Today is day 3 on this diet so I am trying to research to be sure I only eat approved foods for this diet. I have done some reading and see that a lot of sites do not give a lot of options for fruits and veggies that are ok to eat. Does anyone have a list they could send me? Thank you for taking the time to help me out, I really appreciate it.
I am new to this diet…in fact I just started the drops today and am in what my doc calls the “loading phase”…Im assuming this is p1, since I see alot of people posting in p2 and p3. I would love to get any additional information, food lists, tips, etc from everyone. My email address is landbrokerlady at gmail I am really skeptical but I have over 150 lbs that I want to lose total so I plan on doing the drops for 40 days.
I have been on the diet for 19 days and have lost 19 lbs. Since i also had the problem of being hungry I started cooking my friuts and vegs. Today I took my tomato put in the blender with spices and water and cooked it,was very good and filling. Since white fish is pretty tasteless I cooked my apple in spices then added my fish was delish. Making brocc soup for dinner. I take my extra lean turkey and bake it in cupcake tins,then freeze them for ready food. Spicy food is suppose to help rev you up.
Angie
Good luck
The loading phase is also part of P2(there is no p1)This website will tell you everything you need to know
hcgdietinfo.com/HCG_Diet_Simeons_Manuscript.htm
Kathy
sounds like you’re doing really good on your diet, the thing is, turkey is NOT allowed on the diet, you can have it when you go to p3
Goodmorning everyone could someone e-mail me a food list that I see everyone is talking about whats good whats bad I have been eating lots of chisken breast im really sick of it any good ideas would be great. email is my4girlsnh@@yahoo.com
thanks so much
Hi everyone. I have a few questions about P3 acceptable foods. Are there eggs allowed or just the whites? Also, what are people using cream cheese for? My understanding is there should be no bread in P3. And what about butter and/or Olive oil????
Dani,
I have the exact same questions about P3 foods. I have not entered that phase yet but will shortly. I need to know if eggs are ok. What about crean cheese- there is no bread allowed so what would you even use cream cheese on?? So what about butter and/or olive oil as well.
whats your email? or you can email me ladydragon1219@yahoo.com
On p3 you can have the whole egg. I used to eat 2 scrambled every morning for breakfast, you can also add back dairy, and oil, butter, etc. Everything BUT starch/sugar. You’re right, no bread in p3(starch). I don’t know about cream cheese without looking at ingredients. I know I never had any cream cheese in p3, you can have cottage cheese, and you can also have cheese, just not pasteurized cheese
This is helpful. Also, there is a product called Miracle Noodles. There is no fat, calories, or carbs. Is anyone familiar with this produce???
I’m new to HCG I have been on the diet for 7 days and I have lost 7 lbs, I was wanting to know if I could eat green beans on the diet?
No, if it’s not on pounds and inches, you can’t have them. But, you can have them on p3. 🙂
So has anyone heard of the “Miracle Noodles”. They have no calories, carbs or fat.
Yes, have heard of them, haven’t heard much about them though. There have been people saying they’re going to try them, but then after they say that, they never get back to tell us how they are/were, so I assume, they don’t taste like people thought they would..??
Hi Ladies
This has been very good reading for me. I am currently finishing up a gentle cleanse and will hopefully start the HCG once my drops arrive this week (keep fingers crossed). Since i live in Canada they usually stop them at the border…..so I hope these ones I ordered come through okay. I ordered them from a place my girlfriend got hers from and they went through customs no problem. I also hope the are “real HCG drops” she lost 18 pounds so I am thinking that they are.
Feeling a bit nervous about starting and sticking to it. I just had my third baby two months ago and hoping to lose around 20 lbs. or so. I currently weigh 150 and 130 would be fantastic for me.
I look forward to getting to know you all better.
Hey ladies! Quick question… I have been maintaining on phase 3 for 1 week and was up 2.2lbs today. 🙁 I am thinking it is a result of my monthly cycle.) Should I still do a steak day today? is it just a steak and an apple or tomato for dinner.. & just water all day? Is that the best course of action? Seems like I heard something about an egg and cheese day (which sounds better to me).. but want to do what is best! Thanks!
dani
I have been on P2 for 3 weeks and I woke up this morning 1 lb up. Not sure what is going on there but I think it is getting within a couple days of that time of the month for me as well. I have never heard of a cheese and egg day. Hopefully someone with a little more experience will respond to this!!
My husband and I tried the Miracle Noodles for the first time a couple weeks ago. We liked them so much that we have ordered more, so we can eat them through our maintenance phase (we are going off the drops Thursday so we can eat semi-normally through the holidays, just did a 20-day cycle, then we’re going to do a 40-day cycle starting in mid-January).
If you treat them right, they’re fantastic. They come packed in water, at room temp in little bags. You put them in a strainer and put them under cold running water for about 3 minutes to rinse them really well, otherwise they have a strange almost fishy smell to them. Then you drop them into boiling water (or broth) for one minute, drain and put them on paper towels to dry. I like to kinda pat dry with another paper towel. Finally you add them to your pre-cooked food.
The instructions say not to let them cook in the food because the texture will be off, but I’ve actually even thrown them into soup to make “chicken noodle” soup with good results. I highly recommend the “angel hair” pasta, because the texture is closest to real noodles. They have no flavor of their own, but they absorb the flavor of the foods you put with them very, very well.
The first time you try it, you may be thrown off by the texture a little; it’s almost similar to gummy worms. The angel hair is in such thin strands that it is less noticable. I’ve found that if you try it again, you don’t notice it as much the second time. I absolutely loved them from the start, it took my husband a couple tries but now he likes them too. I actually would switch permanently to these noodles, even after maintenance phase, if I could afford to — they’re quite a bit pricier than just plain regular wheat noodles. They are worth it, though.
Try P2-friendly chili or spaghetti sauce over Miracle Noodles — you’ll be glad you did! They are very filling and did not throw either my husband or myself off the diet; in fact, losses seemed to be a little BETTER than usual the next day each time we had them. They’re great!
This is great news! I would love to try them. Are you ordering from a specific site??
I got mine from MiracleNoodle.com. They arrive in a little under a week.
I’m not in P3 yet, but I have researched ingredients, etc, a lot. Yes, we can have cream cheese, though I will go with lowfat cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese, personally. The taste is almost identical but the fat is slashed. As to what to use it for, it is fantastic in casseroles, it’s great melted and mixed with salsa for veggie dipping (or chip dip, when you’re off the diet), it makes a great cheesy sauce when melted with a little milk and spices, but my favorite recipe is one that I’m looking forward to having on P3 [ONE MORE WEEK!!!]:
Take a boneless, skinless chicken breast and carefully slit a “pocket” in it lengthwise with a sharp knife. Spread cream cheese lightly in the pocket, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lay a thin slice of lowfat deli ham in the pocket and if you choose, stuff it with some of your favorite veggies (I prefer them on the side). Pin it shut with a toothpick and bake it at 350 degrees until your meat thermometer registers it as done, about 30 minutes. If you have extra calories to spare, lay a slice of raw bacon over it or wrapped around it before baking. The bacon is high in fat, but this really pushes the flavor over the top! Best served with steamed veggies, or any kind of tomato dish. Off the diet, you may dredge it in breadcrumbs and spray with nonstick spray to give it an “oven-fried” feel; it’s very similar to chicken cordon bleu this way, but in my opinion, it’s even better!
Rundown: I’m 26 and recently unexpectedly gained almost 20 pounds and couldn’t figure out why. I was about 130 pounds, which was still over what I wanted at 5 feet tall. Anyway…
I’m on day 6 of the VLCD and have lost about 8 pounds, even though I have eaten an extra serving of protein on a few of the days and had two or three bites of no-no food (forced into my mouth by my three year old lol). I didn’t load very well because it just made me feel lousy to eat that much fat, so in fact, I’m doing very well given the conditions. I’m doing the homeopathic HCG drops.
The first couple of days, I had a horrible headache and felt like I was starving, but now I feel great. I suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome and haven’t felt this great in over 3 years.
Yesterday, I came up with a great recipe for those who love their fried/breaded foods and wanted to share it where I could.
I took my day’s worth of melba toast and crushed it up in a ziplock, mixed with some salt, pepper and garlic and used it to coat a cube steak. I cooked it on fairly high heat and it got crisp (no oil or anything, just a nonstick pan). It was wonderful! I really miss country fried steak and this helped!
I have found that any vegetables except cucumber and tomato hinder my weight loss results, especially the asparagus. I haven’t done any salads but I’m not big on them. Has anyone else noticed that some of the veggies make them lose less?
-Jen
i got my diet info from Blue Water Weight Loss Clinics and it lists turkey on it. It also has 15 different kinds of vegs. Also includes cherries and plums. Still has 500 calories per day .
Kathy, that’s the problem, is all of these places are telling you can eat things that are NOT on the original protocol. Dr Simeons figured out the best way to lose weight and keep it off, if he thought you could have turkey and everything else, then he would have put it on the list. I think there are going to be a lot of very unhappy people that can’t figure out why they can’t keep their weight off when they go back to eating sugars/starches. I am so happy I followed pounds and inches, as did my friend. We are both staying right around the same weight and we both followed Dr Simeons pounds and inches
Hi! Just an update that I did my steak and apple day yesterday~WOW… i am down 3.2 lbs this morn. LOVE THAT! I am assuming I just go back to phase 3 protocol today then. I actually am loving phase 3… but am really looking forward to loading next week on Thanksgiving and getting back on phase 2 to see more weight fall off before Christmas! Hope everyone is doing great~~ This plan is awesome and am soo glad my friend told me about hcg!
Have a great Tuesday!
dani
OMG! How did you do steak day?
That is so graet about the 3.2 lbs. How lond will it you have been on P3 before going back to P2??
WTG Dani
Sue, you don’t have to be on p3 any certain amount of time before going back to p2. Although, if you want to reload, you should be on p3 at least 2 1/2 weeks
Dani, didn’t I tell you that you would love p3?? 🙂
Fran, steak day is for p3 if you go more than 2 lbs over your last drop day. You don’t eat all day, but can have your fluids, then for dinner, you eat a big steak and either a tomato or apple with it
I thought you were supposed to do a 6 wk break in between P3 and going back to P2. I think I read you built up a tolerance to the HCG and should wait 6 wks before going back for your 2nd round.
I did 2 1/2 weeks and have maintained my weight now for quite a few weeks. Actually if you do 3 weeks of p2, then 3 weeks of p3 is good. the paperwork I got with mine said you can go back to p2 anytime. I think there is a big difference between the homepathic drops and the real hcg. 🙂 Just like I never used anything different when I was on drops(shampoos, soaps,ect)
Well I will be staying on my injections for 6 wks. I would love to not have to wait a full 6 wks in between. I could make Christmas Eve and Christmas day my gorge days!!! You must not have had as much wait to lose if you were only on the drops for 3 wks.
No, I lost 60 lbs all together. The first time I did 6 weeks on the drops, then went to p3 for 2 1/2 weeks, then went back on p2 for 3 weeks and have been done with the drops since June. I actually lost probably a total of 30 lbs just being on p3’s(without trying to lose it). I would not over eat and loved the foods on p3.
A good time frame after first p3 (when you’re going back to p2) is 3 weeks, if you do another round of p3 afterwards, then you can take a longer break in between p3 and p2
That makes more sense to me. Your weight lose sounds amazing- the pictures prove that. My daughter is really struggleing with hunger. I guess maybe she did not load right. Nights are the worst. I think mentally you have to get in a diffrent place- nights were always when we snacked!
Help!!! I heard that you can eat shirataki noodles but they are made from yam flour and lime..doesnt sound right. These are supposedly the miracle noodles. Anyone know? I am so starving. the drops I have are not working as I have been on this before. I ordered new ones and I am waiting. Please someone answer this question. Thanks a million. I love this site.
I don’t know where you got your info, but Miracle Noodles are made from fiber and water. The fiber comes from the root of the konnyaku imo plant. That plant may be a type of yam, I don’t know, but it’s only the fiber extracted from it that is used. I’ve used these and I love them.
Nutrition Facts (From MiracleNoodle.com)
Serving Size: 3 oz
Servings Per Container: 2.3 (yeah right, that little bag? We eat the whole thing!)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 0 Calories from Fat 0
Total Fat 0g 0%
Protein 0g 0%
Protein <1g 0%
Sugar 0g 0%
Carbohydrate <1g – only fiber
Zero Net Carbs, Zero Calories, Zero Glycemic Index
Ingredients: Water, glucomannan (soluble fiber), calcium additive.
No soy, gluten, or wheat!
Sue
I am not yet started the HCG diet as I am waiting for my drops, but I am slowly trying some of the recipes out and I used Miracle Noodles the other night in a stir fry. I frist trid the Tofu ones and they were good, but this time I bought the regular ones. I get mine at T&T here in Vancouver and some stores now carry them. One bag only has 20 calories, no fat, etc. and they fill you up which is great. Definatley give them a try. I know once I start this diet hopefully this week or early next week Miracle Noodles will be in the menu. In the stores they are referred to as “Shiritake Noodles”. HTH.
Hi Sue
No EVO and no butter although I have seen people use butter flavoured extract…..I have not been able to find this in the stores yet.
LOL now, how did you see pictures?
Yes, nights were always my “snack” time, and it’s very hard to break that habit
Kel, you CAN have butter on p3.
I also looked up the cream cheese and there is carbs in the cream cheese Sue, so I don’t think I would eat that until p4.
thanks sherri I will look that up. I did stop eating turkey the day you let know. Kathy
Kathy, just re-read and saw the cherries and plums. Those aren’t allowed either, but again, you can have those in p3. The thing is, a lot of people say well, we can have this and that, and the problem is, those things were around when the diet was written, and for some reason, Dr Simeons didn’t want those foods included. The only things I never say anything about, are things that were NOT around when the diet was written, like pam spray, and those miracle noodles. I did occasionally use pam, but as far as the foods, I did, as hard as it could be at times, stayed with the allowed foods, and am so glad I did, as I can see that this diet works. By now, I would have put almost everything back on that I had lost(with things I’m eating). and a friend of mine would have too. The vlcd days are not long at all, and that’s why it is so important to just stick with the plan. 🙂
Sherri: You sent me some after shots of you shoulder and head area + 1 shot of you before. You definatley can feel that this was more than worth it for you!
Does anyone think there could be a difference between the maintenance phase time if you are on the shots or drops? I was happy to hear from Sherri that she only waited 2.5 weeks before she went back tp P2 after her first P3. But there again is my question…. is there a difference between shots & drops???
I guess that would depend on who you speak with. I’m doing the injections under the supervision of a physician and was told that if I did the 21 day protocol then I needed to do P3 for 3 weeks (no reload). I’m doing the 42 day protocol and will need to do a full 3 weeks of P3 and a full 3 weeks of P4 before doing another round of injections. And I will have 2 load days when restarting.
Hope this helps.
So after your fisrt P3 you did not do the loading days again when you atarted the P2 again??
Sue,
I’m actually still on my R1P2(D22), so I never did a 21 day protocol and go into P3. I had an appointment with her on Saturday where we discussed my options. I chose to continue for the 42 day protocol (which I think will turn into 49 days due to TOM and my 3 VLCD days after last injection). Then I will do 6 weeks following P3 & P4, then most likely will do another Round. Probably not another 6 weeks tho!
Oh I see. Well someone responded to me yesterday and said they only waited 2.5 in between P3 and starting another round of P2. I assumed she did another couple reload days. I’m not going through a doctors so I can use all the helpful advice I can get!!
Searching for help. Would love yout words of wisdom if you have some!
My sheet, that came with my drops said, if you want to reload, then you have to wait at least 2.5 weeks in between p3 and p2, if you don’t want to reload, then you can wait a couple weeks, then go back to p2. Believe me, it didn’t hurt me at all, and I waited the 2.5 weeks, as I wanted to reload
Thats great news. Did you go through a Dr.s office? I’m sure a Dr would be nice to have to bounce all the questions off of but you are fielding these questions just fine for me!! How much was you total weight lose?
LOL Sue, I write to so many of you in here.
Sorry..
Now I remember. Remember I’m getting old too and then trying to keep up with a 3 mo old and dementia patient..Please forgive me
No, my friend told me about the hcg. I started mine, and then after I had lost quite a lot, I went in to my Dr. she asked how I was losing the weight and so I told her. She asked if I was doing injections or drops, told her the homeopathic drops that I got on ebay. She said I was doing great and to keep it up. I started out at 196.6(the picture I sent you was at 205.5 about a year before I started the diet). I have been as low as 134.6 the other day(2 days after my surgery). I had set my goal at 135, but I actually stay between 136 and 138. I did have some pictures taken of me the other day up in Illinois, and when I got them I thought oh boy, face too thin(never noticed it looking that thin). Hubby has been telling me I’ve gotten too thin, now I can see what he’s been seeing. I’m happy right where I’m at, and hope and pray I can continue to stay in this weight range. I am also excited about the surgery I had last week and can’t wait for the swelling to go down so I can hopefully be happy with those results.
I am totally new to hcg. A friend of mine did the 40 day cycle and lost 37 pounds (through a doctor and paid 2500) I am doing the injections on my own. I am on day 15 and have lost 11.2 pounds. I feel like I should have lost more. I am doing a 40 day cycle. I’ve heard of other people losing 15 lbs or more in that amount of time. I’m following the P2 diet plan as directed. Does this amount of weight loss sound right? I’m loving this diet so far, Im not even hungry. Hope to hear from someone soon. Thanks
Susan
How much weight do you have to lose, and are you drinking enough water? Remember, the more you have to lose the quicker you will lose it. An average for a woman is about 1/2 lb a day(once you get down a few pounds). You are doing great, keep up the good work. I paid under $30 for a 6 week supply of the homeopathic drops
Hi Lisa:
I wonder the same things about drops. I will have to look when I get home and see where I got mine. I got a product called “weight off” as well with mine. I used it the first week, but haven’t had to use it since. I’m still on P2 until the 29th. I decided to split mine 46 into 2 sessions. I will be on P3 for 2 1/2 -3 weeks and have my load days be Christmas. I didn’t want to miss out on both holidays. 🙂
As for work, I do a chicken breast, celery sticks and apple. Some days I do melba, some I don’t. I do my chicken breast in water and mix pepper, cayenne, ginger, and garlic in the water to give it flavor.
I agree with Naomi, you’ve found a great blog!
Glad to hear it went well Sherrie. I haven’t been able to get back on the blog lately, time gets away from me. I hope to be able to at least stop by daily or every other.
I hope you didn’t pass out when everything was removed 🙂 Congrats!!!
Help!!! Today is day 8 for me but I am soooooooo hungry. I have followed this diet exactly and drinking plenty of fluids, to date I have lost 2 pounds but with no weight change this morning and extreme hunger……. I cheated and feel terrible. I ate a pb&j sandwich a minute ago:( I am so confused, should I try to continue on this diet? I so badly want to lose 25lbs but I can not be so hungry and ignore it and I am already tired of eating the same foods all the time? Maybe I just need some tough love, feeling really horrible:(. Anyone have advice for me? Has anyone else “cheated” a little? Did you get back on track or just give it up?
Don’t give up. I hear about these peopole who drop a lb a day and are nevere really very hungry….. CRAZY! That has not been my experience, but I have hung in there and have lost a total of 12lbs in 25 days. I don’t feel like those are great results if you compare tham to the typical results. But never the less I AM 12 LBS THINNER!!! I have had a hard time sleeping and so the last 2 nights I took Ambien and both nights woke up and ate late at night (I did not realize night eating is a common side effect of the Ambien.) Needless to say I will not be repeating that mistake. Just keeping hanging in there. This site has been a wonderful support line!!
I AM IN WEEK TWO,AND HAVE LOST ABOUT 11 POUNDS.MY PROBLEM IS THAT I HAVE GLACOMA,AND HAVE A PRESCRIPTION FOR MEDICAL MARAJUANA. I FIND MYSELF DOING WELL WITH THE DIET POUNDS WIZE,BUT I AM CONSTANTLY HUNGRY.I AM WONDERING IF I SHOULD TAKE MORE DROPS,I AM TAKING 10 DROPS 3 TIMES A DAY. ALSO,DOES ANYBODY KNOW IF I CAN HAVE CHICKEN BROTH.THANKS FOR YOUR HELP
ok im going to be starting this diet real soon and it says up there 3.5 ounces ov veggies and meat per meal so 7 ounces a day ov each essentially. and tuna would be my choice ov meat and the can is 5 oz so if i did 2 a day thats 200 calories from tuna alone but = 10 oz. is it ok cuz its a good source ov protein and would leave sooo much room for veggies calorie speaking. is the oz thing up there a minimal or a maximum? cuz i think i can live with 2 cans ov tuna a day and like 100-200 calories ov broccoli/cauliflower totaling 300-400 calories a day. would that be ok? and trust me i never get tired ov raw tuna and veggies =]
No, you need to have two different protein sources and two different vegetable sources each day, plus it’s 3.5oz not 5oz. In addition, although some people can eat tuna and broccoli without a problem, neither one is in the original protocol.
Be aware also (you may already realize this) that you can’t add mayo to the tuna.
You need variety in your food or you will become sick; no two foods are nutritionally balanced enough to sustain you for too long.
You might be able to get away with 3.5 oz of tuna (drained) daily, if you’re careful that it’s packed in water not oil — if you use a different meat, like lean boneless skinless chicken breast, or shrimp, fish, or lean beef, for your other meal. But you definitely need to vary the veggies too. And you might find that your weight loss is maximized if you stick to the meats listed on the original diet protocol.
Here is the exact listing as taken from Dr. Simeons’ book, Pounds and Inches. Now keep in mind that some people have good success varying it slightly (as the original post above lists several foods not on this list), but if your weight loss isn’t perfect, stick to this list:
1. 100 grams of veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp. All visible fat must be carefully removed before cooking, and the meat must be weighed raw. It must be boiled or grilled without additional fat. Salmon, eel, tuna, herring, dried or pickled fish are not allowed. The chicken breast must be removed from the bird.
2. One type of vegetable only to be chosen from the following: spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens, green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage.
3. One breadstick (grissino) or one Melba toast.
4. An apple, orange, or a handful of strawberries or one-half grapefruit.
The oz listed is neither a minimum nor a maximum, it’s an exact amount. However, it’s okay to eat a little less if you’re full. And, the list above is for each meal, two a day, lunch and dinner.
Good luck!
Chicken broth is okay, but it’s best to make your own so you can control the ingredients. Most storebought broth and bouillion has some form of starch in the ingredient list. Do keep in mind that the broth has some calories. I usually used it to make soups, which are very filling even with only a little bit of meat and veggies.
You can take more drops; start by increasing to 12 drops 3 times a day, that worked great for my husband, he was hungry too.
Although this isn’t perfectly on-protocol, I found great success by munching on homemade pickles when I got hungry. They’re very, very low calorie. Just slice a cucumber thinly and put it in a container, pour vinegar over top (enough to cover) and refrigerate. The longer it’s in the fridge, the more strongly flavored they’ll be as they pickle. You can add seasonings to the vinegar; most people like dill, I prefer salt, onion, garlic, and a bit of stevia. I slice them as thinly as I can, and it’s something like one calorie to ten slices. They’re very strongly flavored which helps you to feel full after only a few slices, even if you do have the munchies!
As a way of gauging caloric value, a medium cucumber is about 30 calories. You can get a LOT of slices out of one cucumber.
Good luck!
ok so im confused. can the crab be imitation crab meat? and in regards t the tuna in water thing, how would i get sick? sick you mean as in ill get tired ov it or sick to my stomach? cuz i eat tuna WITHOUT mayo just spoon it right out ov the can daily as it is. and what would be wrong with cauliflower one day broccoli the next then cauliflower again and so on? and i get the oz thing now thanks. and is the one fruit and one grissino breadstick required? because ive never even heard ov it haha. thanks for your help by the way.
I was told brocolli & cauliflower were not allowed in P2 only P3…..
so i cnt for the first 20 days but yes on days 20-40?
Question.. can we use chicken broth with 99% fat free? What about using Tonalin (CLA) which is 25/25 calories fat? or Niacin? as supplements.. along with my multivitamin and taking 1 tablesppon a day (25 calories) of Lcarnitine (helps convert fat to energy)
P2 is typically 23-40 days. Depending on when you atart P3 determines when you can have those 2 veggies. I’m a little confused as well because in the original food list broccoli & cauliflower were not included. However, I do see them both on the above food list. Hopefully someone with a little more experience will help you work this out. I’m off p2 in 2 weeks and will continue not eating them unless someone sets me straight on this.
what have you been eating to date?
Question.. do shirataki miracle noodles count as a 0 cal thing? are they okay to use? also what about pam? or no calorie butter? and chicken broth 99% fat free? I also posted another comment asking about taking CLA (tonalin) and Niacin
I don’t eat seafood so I rotate steak, lean ground beef and chicken for the protein. Asparagus, onion, spinach and onion for the veggies and rotate the apples and oranges for my fruit. I am pretty tired of it but it is such a small period of time in the whole relm of things that I have just had to bite the bullet!!!
I’m totally excited to try the noodles in P3. They are not on the original approved food list so I have not included them in my P2. I don’t take any supplements so I can’t advise you there!
well thanks anyway! I heard about people using them in p2.. i mean they werent around when dr simeons did the protocol..
also, sue.. just wondering.. do you know if this diet helps you lose abnormal fat or just weight faster in general? like will it resculpt the body to look different at the weight I was before.. say when I was 150 or 145 before.. and now I get to that again.. will I look the same or have less fat more muscle?
I am considering taking some Iron. I feel a little depleted.
My understanding is that you lose the abnormal fat. My dughter is doing the diet as well and her double chin was one of the first things I noticed that got smaller. Her belly fat as well. She has lost 18lbs in 27 days and I am totally impresseed with how things are loomking for her. She will remain on P2 for 40 days and than go to P3 for 2.5 weeks and than go back to lodse another 20-25lbs. I have struggles more I think simply because I had less weight to lose and to be honest I don’t think I loadeed correctly.
“No calorie” butter is for like a 1-second spray there’s less than half a calorie in it. Actually it does have calories, it is fat, and it’s not allowed.
Technically miracle noodles aren’t on the allowed foods list because they didn’t exist when the diet was created. However, I eat them on P2 and they enhance my weight loss every time I have them.
Check ingredients on your chicken broth, many have starch in them. It’s okay if it’s just chicken broth — I make my own so I can be sure.
As to supplements, opinions vary greatly. The original doctor who created the diet said no supplements — but he also said that the biggest thing there is to be very sure there is no starch or oil in them. So use your own judgement. I have chosen to use no vitamins, no supplements, no lotion on my hands, no makeup, etc. This goes by the original protocol’s instructions.
I mean it will make you literally ill; eating it every day is fine as part of a normal diet, but it does not have all the nutrients you need if it is the ONLY thing you eat. You’ll get nutritional deficiencies and you will get sick.
Also, you have to eat two proteins and two veggies each day. A different one of each for each meal. In this way you are eating at least four different types of food a day, to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
The bread isn’t required. You should try to eat the fruit, though, because of the nutrition in it.
I strongly, STRONGLY, suggest you read Dr. Simeons’ “Pounds and Inches” manuscript. It would answer all these questions for you; it is the original diet. You really shouldn’t try to go on a diet like this without knowing what it is. It’s available freely online.
Where do you get your noodles??
I haven’t eaten Broccoli either, but my doc told me that cauliflower is actually a kind of cabbage. I like to add bok choy and napa cabbage; they’re both types of cabbage and they taste great.
If I eat regular green cabbage, I don’t lose any weight. I seem to have an intolerance to it.
I’m starting P3 tomorrow but will be doing P2 again in January.
MiracleNoodle.com
I recommend starting with the Angel Hair kind.
MiracleNoodles.com.
I recommend the Angel Hair pasta to start, it has the best texture.
I’m new to this site and new to hCG (P2D5); it’s slower weight loss for me than what I’ve been reading from others, but it is still in the right direction.
I just read about “correction days” on this website: http://miracleskinnydrops.com/category/correction-days/
I saw Dani’s post about the eggs & cheese so wanted to share what I read.
I’m on day 18 and I’ve lost 18.2 pounds and I’m so happy. I wanted to know what the exact amount of time you have to be off of the diet for before beginning again. I’ve read all different types of information. My friend did it through a doctor and had to be off for 4 weeks before starting again. I’ve read 2 weeks, 4 weeks, etc….Also, what does anyone think about oral hcg vs. injections???
Hey Susan
Wow, way to go on the weight loss. You do hear all different things. The paper I got with my homeopathic drops, said you can go from p3 back to p2 as early as you want, if you go back within 2 weeks, not to reload, if you go over 2 1/2 weeks, you can reload, but 3 weeks is the best time. I think I read on pounds and inches, if you do the 3 weeks of vlcd, then you should do p3 for 3 weeks. I did 2 rounds of p2, therefor, only did p3 and back to p2 once and I waited 2 1/2 weeks in between. I’m pretty much at my goal weight(lost during p3, not trying) within like 2 lbs, and have been for a few months now, so I would say the 2 1/2 weeks didn’t hurt me at all.
I like the homeopathic the best, they’re made here in the USA. Hubby didn’t want me getting the injections as they’re from overseas.
wow that is amazing! I loaded and went from 153 to 158 then to 157 on second load day.. and I am at 150 on day 6 (so really day 4 of the diet.. and thats 2 lbs a day if you average it out! woo!)
I got them from Giant for 2 bucks.. but I got tofu and it has 40 calories for the package.. is this okay? its 0.5 total fat and has i think bean extract or soy or something.. I havent tried them yet but I was thinking of making them and making my own tomato sauce with tomatoes parsley and basil and maybe some other herbs.. lemon juice, onions, etc 🙂 wat do ya think?
I like the homeopathic too, I heard horror stories online about them being “fake” but I’m a believer after bloodwork confirmed that my husband was pregnant 😛 His doctor was very very confused…. LOL!!!
I plan to go by the guidelines given by Dr. Simeons despite taking homeopathic, it’s still the same drug after all. That means 3 weeks P3 and then 3 weeks maintenance before going back to P2. I’ve seen loads of people who varied it with good success, though.
@crystal: Those aren’t the same thing, and they’re not P2-friendly. Soy and tofu are out on P2. They’d probably be great on P3 though.
Miracle Noodles aren’t made with soy, they have no fat and no calories.
I really hope it is ok to go back to P2 after 3 wks of P3 and reload. I have time it so Christmas Eve & Christmas days will be loading days. This diet has been a struggle for both myseld and my daughter and I would hate to mess it up!!
Sue,
Just to give you another vote of confidence, just as Sherrie mentioned it is ok to go back to P2 after 3 weeks of P3. I take homeopathic drops and as Sherrie mentioned you may return to P3 as early as you want, but reloading is not needed if you go back quickly. I have done several rounds and I almost always do a minimum round of P2 and then 3 weeks (specifically so I can load) and begin again. I have had no issues. If you are doing injections there is a greater chance of becoming immune to the Rx HCG which is why you are hearing a variety of time frames. Trust me, the homeopathic works. Most doctors are not about homeopathic anything though, they are about writing prescriptions so that’s what they do.
Do you think I should switch to the drops when I go back to P2 again? I did the injections simply because I heard that packed a little bigger punch. There could be no truth to that but it is what I heard. 2.5-3 wks is not much of a break but it is how the timming turned out so I can utilize the loading days when all the food, family, and freinds will be around!!!
Hi Everyone,
I was wonder if any of yu have been disgnosed with high levels if insulin for an explaination of your excessive weight. My daughter got bigger and bigger yaer after year and there was no way that her food intake explained her weight. I took her in for some genetic testing (along with many other test they did) and dhe came back with extremly high insulin levels. FINALLY AN EXPLAINATION!! But there is no cure. 500-600 calories a day and a very srtrict execise regimin. Sounds like HCG for life……
Help, I have been on ph3 will do load days thursday and friday, I have the drops that you take three times a day, do I take them on thursday and friday as well? I haven’t taken this kind before, i was with a doctor and only took them in the morning and then in the afternoon, On load days do you still take them 15 min before eating or since it eat all just takit before, help
It sounds like your daughter has polyctstic ovarian syndrome. It is causes high insulin levels, weight gain, irregular periods ( most of the time) ovarian cysts among other things. It can be treated but, there is not a cure. You can confirm this with an ultrasound of her ovaries. Metphormine and a low carb diet will help very much also this diet is the first diet that has really worked for me and I have high insulin levels. I lost 20 lbs in 20 day on my first round; I will do another after thanksgiving. I even seem to be loosing a little every day on P3 which is 1200-1500 calories just bread, rice, pasta etc. it is great.
We have not had an ultrsound. It sounds like a great idea. That syndrome has not even been suggested (I have heard of it though.) So were you diagnosed with the high levels as an adult? My daughter was dianosed when she was 10 yrs old but you try to get a ten year old to do this diet!!!!
I replied to your comment above for some reason it did not save in the right place. Sorry. Hope this helps. I also wanted to add I don’t think that it would be safe for your daughter to only eat 500-600 cals a day even for high insulin levels because the body needs atleast 1200 calories to survive, function, and not go into starvation mode, unless she was on the HCG. Also excersize helps to lower insulin levels even if it does not help loose weight. The normal diet for someone with high insulin levels is 1200 – 1500 calories with no simple carbs. Only Fruit, vegtables, protien, and a little bit of whole grains some are more sensitive than others so the ammount of whole grains that each can handle is different.
LOL just no rice, bread and pasta lol.
Yes but, I started gaining weight at 17 and no doctor could figure it out, I did not eat very much at all yet I was gaining. It was horrible and finally when my Dr found out about this it helped me so much but it took 7 years for me to find the right dr. 1 in 10 women have PCOS but often it takes a while to get diagnosed. Also if this is what she has they migh put her on birth control because that helps the cysts a little which inturn helps lower the insulin levels.
You might try a simpler diet with her just 1200 cal only fruit, meat, cheese, and veggies and a little whole grains she could probably handle a smoothie made with plain greek yougart and fruit and stevia, and it would probably lower her insulin levels alot to use this diet. I lost 15 pounds that way it took a little while but. Slow is better than not at all.
It has been horrible to watch her gain weight at such a steady pace. And like you said, the food intake does not explain the weight gain. She has been chunky as long as I can remember and as you know, children can be mean (comments from the little boys hurt the worse.) I indulged her every once in a while but I trhink there was some food sneaking. IT HAS BEEN A TOUGH ROAD. She is is at 21lbs pounds so far and is on her 31st day of P2. We will of course be timming it so she will be on P3 for 3 wks and than get to gorge on Christmas Eve & Christmas day as she begins another 30-40 day round of P2.
That is good. I have almost decided that when I am done with my rounds and have lost all I need that I will stay on P3 for life accept on special occasions because, I just feel better on P3 my insulin levels are not always up so my whole body just feels better.
I believe P3 is a totally acceptable way to live. I agree with you on that and will be following P3 for myself and my daughter for a guideline for life!!! Society has made SUERSIZE an acceptable way to live and it is just time to get back to the basics!!
I agree. Good luck with your daughter. It is great that your are getting a handle on the problem now so that she will have a better life. That smoothie I mentioned is great in the morning for p3 and mixed protien with the fruit so that it does not effect the insulin so much. 1/2 cup plain greek yougart real vanilla 1-2 pcks stevia, 1c frozen organic mixed berries 1/4 tsp macha powder (special green tea powder that helps with hunger and you can not even taste it) and a little, very little fat free milk it tastes ausome and helps with energy
Sam,
Yes you begin your drops 3x a day on your first load day and continue each day all the way through your P2 cycle. Still take them 15 minutes before eating. When you have finished your P2 cycle, complete 3 days of the 500 calorie diet without any drops to allow the HCG to exit your system. You may then re-enter P3.
Sue,
You asked if you should consider using the homeopathic drops when you do another P2. I would strongly suggest that you give them a try. I know people using the injections and the homeopathic drops and both groups do exceptionally well. If you can achieve comparable results with the homeopathic there is really no need to pay more as the homeopathic drops are cheaper and shipped from an American lab so they can be on your doorstep in just a few days. Some continue using injections because its what they tried first and they are afraid to switch. That’s fine of course and you will do well, but I do kind of hate to see the industry take advantage as there is no reason why the Rx HCG should be so inflated.
I heard that you become immune to the injections quicker that the drops…..anyone else heard anything different???
You might want to consider stoping p2 now and going to p3 so that thanksgiving won’t be so hard on your daughter. I don’t know but it would be hard for me with all of the family things to be on p2 on thursday.
Immunity is much more ‘likely’ with the injections. However, those doing the injections often only do 3 weeks of P3 in between and are able to return to P2 if they so choose without issue. It is ‘recommended’ however that with each round of injections your maintenance phase is extended. This is not a recommendation for the drops. Since the injections are costly that would be the ‘safe’ way to go if there is concern about immunity. However, where you are most likely to see immunity is if you do a P2 that is longer than 40 days. This is common with both injections and the homeopathic drops so I think you will be fine with three weeks between either as long as you do not exceed the P2 maximum number of days.
Do you think that would work to stop the injections and let her do Thanksgiving?? That would be no injection Tuesady, Wednesday and than Thursday she would eat……
Hi Sherrie,
I am on my second three weeks of p3. I am thinking of doing p2 again with my load days being Thanksgiving day and Friday. Just not sure how this would be with coming into the
Christmas season. What is the shortest amount of time that I can be on p2. I did really good
on my first round. I lost 18 lbs. I am just debating waiting until after Christmas to start again. Your thoughts……..
Hey Tina
3 weeks is the least amount of time on p2.
You did good, 18 lbs is great! The only thing I worry about, is just how you are going to do with Christmas period. You sure don’t want to put on the weight you lost already, which if you start eating sugar/carbs, that could happen. How much more do you have to lose? What I would probably do(since on p3 you can’t have the sugar/carbs is go to p4 after being on p3 for 3 weeks and then you can gradually add back the starch and sugar and should be okay over the holidays and then go back to p2 after the first of the year. That’s what I would do anyway.
My friend was on the homeopathic drops for 7 mos straight and never became immune to them
Sue, you and I think alike. I loved p3. I have added back some sugars/starches now to my diet, but still try and watch it, although I do still occasionally have a candy bar(or 2 if they’re snack size). I also finally ate 2 of my donuts that had been in the freezer for 6 mos(have 12 left) and didn’t gain or lose after eating them. I’m still staying around 136-138 but I can live with that being almost 54 and 5’6″. I eat breakfast every morning(something I never used to do) and I try very hard to eat a salad every day for lunch(still without dressing, which is my preference) and then whatever I want for dinner. Some nights I eat very light and other nights I kind of pig out.
I think it would be ok as long as you did not give her the starches so she could have the meat the veggies and I have a recipe for sugar free pumkin pie with an pecan crust that she would probably like.
Crust
1 cup pecan pieces (frozen)
2 T melted butter
2 T sugar equivalent from artificial sweetener of your choice
Crush nuts, mix with melted butter, sweetner and push down into the pan.
Then just the regular pumpkin pie recipe with artificial sweetner instead of sugar.
top with whipped cream with vanilla and stevia.
I just finished 23 days of p2 and I ate broccoli which was alright with me. I lost 21 lb in 21 days of the 500 calories, now culiflower I don’t know didn’t eat that. Don’t like it.
That is so great! I heard broccoli & cauliflower weren’t even allowed on P2. How much more do you you want to lose or was that it for you?
Sherrie,
Thank you for your suggestion. I would love to be able to lose at least another 15 lbs. I started at 178 and am down to 160 and I am 5’3. So 15 more pounds would be great. I think I will wait until after the holidays to start p2 again. Thank you so much for all of your suggestions. Happy Turkey Day.
Hey Tina
If you’re 5’3″, I would try to get to about 130 or a little less(to be really healthy). I know how happy you must be. Please make sure you don’t over due it on the holidays, don’t want to see you gain anything back, just try and continue to maintain. I know you can do it! Remember to drink a BIG glass of water before eating tomorrow, that should really curb the old appetite, and remember, the desserts aren’t going anywhere, and you can always have a piece of pumpkin pie anytime of year, they sell it all year around. You have plenty of time for the “goodies”.
You have a great Thanksgiving tomorrow and Tina, I’m always here for you. The best thing to do is to e-mail me though, as I don’t check on here as much as I used too
I am starting the HCG diet soon and am not sure what to do. I dont like many veggies and dont think I could stomach them. I can eat green peas and green beans and that is about all I can stand. What should I do? I could possiblt eat a little broccoli but none of this is on the approved list of foods. I am fine with everything else including the fruits. What do I do about the veggies?
I don’t really care for alot of the veggies on P2 either. I have stayed mainly with the asparagus, onions and spinach. I don’t know if the lack of variety hurt my weight lose or not. All I know is I have heard over and over to stick to the original food list. I wish broccoli & cauliflower were allowed but you are right they are not on the list for P2.
Neil,
When the original list was put together the idea was to pick the fruits and vegetables that would produce good results for ‘everyone’. That being said you ‘may’ be able to get away with substitutions as each person is different and this diet is definitely easier on men when it comes to that type of thing. Peas and green beans are rather starchy. Deciding to do this diet means making a sacrifice for a small time to receive a major benefit. My advice would be to follow the diet strictly so you can gauge what your average weight loss is each day if followed to the letter. Then if you must substitute something you will be able to tell whether it has affected your losses and by how much. Your personal goals can then help you determine if the substitutions are worth it. Another tip: if you don’t like the taste of the vegetables and can stand spices simply make them extremely hot with hot sauce, cayenne or some other sugar free spice and you won’t taste a thing. You can also make a tomato sauce from your tomato and cook your meat serving in it to use your vegetable. The taste of both celery and cucumber can be disguised with seasoning as they both have a light flavor. Walden Farms makes a great sauce, ‘Asian’ that is P2 friendly and excellent as a stir fry sauce. Its not listed of course because it didn’t exist then, but I know of no one who has had any issues from its use and it is often recommended on the medically supervised plans. It is found in most local grocery stores or directly from there website where they list all their products. Good luck!
Sprouts carries a wide variety of the Walden farms product. It seems like this would be a great idea for any of us that are trying to do the no fat, calories or carb in take.
Not sure about if its ok with the ph2 but the walden farms italian and the rasberry salad dressing is wonderful, so is the zesty italian. I’ve also used the creamy bacon ranch and its not bad but is stronger than I like but its still not bad at all.
I started the hcg diet. What I want to know, since the hcg drops helps you to survive on a low 500 day calorie diet, eliminating all sweets, sodas, breads and starches, why can’t you bascially eat the foods you like?
Each of the selected foods have great nutritional benefit as well as detxoxifying or anti-inflamitory qualities.
Lola,
The weight loss you experience during the diet is not just about eating the 500 calories, its also about ‘which’ 500 calories you eat. The combination of allowed foods produce the best results. Most of the allowed fruits and veggies in addition to being very nutritious also have diuretic properties which is why drinking plenty of water is so important as you will be releasing lots of inflammation (water retention). This combination also ensures you are taking in the right variety of vitamins and nutrients so that you aren’t merely ‘surviving’ but are ‘thriving’ during your P2 and losing weight at a maximum rate to keep you motivated to reach your end goal. The way certain foods interact with others is quite complex and it took Dr. S. years of research. Left to your own devices of eating 500 calories of foods you deemed healthy you would not lose as quickly although you would most certainly lose some weight.
Lola, without using the drops, eating 500 calories, your body goes in to starvation mode. You lose muscle, which you do NOT want to do. I have tried doing 500 calorie diets, my results?? Well, in 5 mos, I lost 30 lbs and in 2 mos, I put it all back on.
This diet, I lost 60 lbs in 5 mos and I have maintained now in the 130’s for over 2 mos.
OK. First of all, if you are struggling ot make tons of changes to the program before you even start, then you are not ready to do this program. That is all there is to it. I see so many people whose lives are still focused around the food at the holidays. If you guys aren’t ready to give it up, then you aren’t really ready to be thin, right?!!
We bought the homeopathic drops. Were going to wait until after Christmas, and then we decided that the food was not as important as finally being thin. So, the day before Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving were our load days. I am still nauseous today from all that food. You think your dreams of eating all you want has finally come true, but we at Tums for stomach aches!Ouch my tummy hurts.
Anyway, you can google the pounds and inches book and read it for free. Also, there is an excellent cookbook at Amazon or any bookstore, I suppose called “The HCG Gourmet Cookbook”. No, I did not write it or have anything to do with it. It’s over 200 recipes for P1. You can see the index at Amazon. It’s a little expensive, but rated 5 stars and well worth it. It will help you survive! =)
I am cooking a soup out of part of the vegetables today. Tomato sauce (tomatoes in a blender or salt free can sauce), cabbage, onions, celery. That is my own creation since the cook book isn’t here yet. Make similar soups with the meat. Make vegetable beef or chicken vegetable soups.
I am happily changing my holiday foods to deal with P2. Just imagine the families faces when they saw us on Thanksgiving and then see us again in a few weeks with all the weight off? We did not say a word about doing this program to any of them.
I also wondered about some foods since the giant invention of low carb and sugar free items since the 1950’s. Vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower were also questions I had, which is how I ended up here. I went to the store the day before Thanksgiving and bought as much as I could to try to get through P1 without having to go back. I will try the broccoli and cauliflower later int he plan if we just get desperate for vegetables, but I think soups will be a great help.
I marked this so let me know if anyone posts. Want to swap recipe ideas? We can. We are just on P1D3, so this is our beginning. I need to get rid of 40, my husband 30, but I will let the Immunity tell us when it’s time to stop. As long as this fat leaves, then weight isn’t such a big deal, right?
I am excited t get back into the clothes I wore just two years ago, by Christmas. Another round is easily done if needed. I have 6 bottles of drops here for us, that we also bought off of Amazon for the lowest price. Wanted to make sure we did not run out partway though!
Lets all get skinny! Yay for skinny!!! =)
Judy, the only problem with the soup is, you’re allowed one veggie per meal. I never did buy the recipe book, but that’s because 3-6 weeks of 500 calorie is not that long, so knew in that time frame I wouldn’t get sick of certain foods.
You start out on p2, not p1, with pounds and inches, you have p2-p4. 🙂
40 and 30 lbs you will have down in no time..good luck
Also, 6 bottles? How big are they? I had bought 2 oz(off ebay for $20 no shipping and handling charges), each bottle was enough for 6 weeks. I think you’ll find you have bottles to sell when you’re done. 🙂
Lesson to all who want to cheat at all: I can’t tell you all how that the manuscript is right on the money. I am on day 27 and have lost 15 pounds, hence my period the first week which put me back a little bit but I decided in my mind I was going to go off track just for Thanksgiving day, I am almost at my goal weight did not have alot to loose, so I knew it said that this diet can have a reverse reaction having the HCG in your blood system than being normally off of the HCG. So I weighed my self Thanksgiving morning then weighed myself this morning and it says I gained 3 pounds overnight because I cheated. I have not cheated once on this diet followed it to a “T”. To be honest I could barley eat any of the food on my plate, after being on 500 calories but no matter what I went off track, I know I shouldn’t have but I did, no excuses and knew the consequences but wanted to share for those thinking about going off track it really backfires big time. It’s a “Apple Day” for me and I think my menstruation is upon me once again too, it’s that time again.
I also started my diet the day before Thanksgiving…..today is P1D3…I am hungry, but keep drinking tea and water to get me through until each meal……I have three small children and am surrounded by food! I am determined to loose 20 lbs…..this blog is good support and it is nice to see others going through it along with me. It should get better in a few days……….
Frustrations… I am on Maintenance phase and the only day I cheated at all was the very first day, when my husband bought me a kid’s size fountain soda, which I drank half of.
He and I both went onto Maintenance six days ago. No potatoes, pasta, rice, bread, etc. Nothing that isn’t allowed on maintenance. We eat veggies (non-starchy), meats (fat trimmed, grease drained), and cheese, plus a small amount of milk. We haven’t even been having Melba toast.
For example, yesterday was an average day. I ate 1/4 of a six-egg frittata with bell peppers and a small amount of bacon in it, topped with lowfat cheese, for breakfast. We ate breakfast late so did not eat lunch. For dinner, I had 1/4 of a “cauliflower crust” pizza — the crust is made out of cauliflower, egg, and cheese, no flour whatsoever. Toppings were Canadian bacon, mushrooms and cheese. (The pizza sauce used was low carb and no sugar in any form). Liquids were water and one glass of 1% milk. I ate nothing else (I did not feel hungry for more food), yet I gained a pound.
My husband has gained seven pounds in six days. I’ve gained four. We are doing a steak day today.
What can be going wrong????
Dawn
First of all, you two should not have waited this long to have done a steak day, those are for as soon as you go 2 lbs over your last drop day. My first time of p3, I went back to eating everything except sugar/starch. I had butter, oils, etc. I would eat 2 scrambled eggs, 4 slices of bacon, 8 oz glass of 2% milk, fruit and cheese or cottage cheese for breakfast every morning(you do not have to have low fat cheese on p3). I also would, and sill do, try and eat a huge salad every day for lunch(still don’t use dressing on it). I add all kind of veggies to my salad, meat, eggs, well, actually anything I want on it. Have you figured out how many calories you’re eating a day? Also, are you walking or doing any other kind of physical activities? I had started walking back in March when I went on this diet, and still to this day try and get my walks in every day.
Hi Sherrie,
Hope you had a great thanksgiving. I was just wondering about the oxy powder. I did a 7
day cleanse a couple of weeks ago, would it be harmful to do it at least once a week. It is a
great cleanse. Thanks, Tina
We should’ve done a steak day on day 2… and almost every day thereafter. But, I took the advice of a friend who just completed her third round; she said to wait until, well, our bowels became regular again! She said she had the same problem for the first few days on one of her rounds, but when her tummy adapted she dropped it all in one day.
I know we don’t have to have low fat cheese, but it’s what I’ve always kept on hand and we like it. I LOVE bacon, so I cut a little fat in other areas …moderation in all things and all that 🙂
I can’t eat a salad, didn’t eat salads on P2 either. I’m unable to, due to a dietary problem. One salad makes me sick for a week, I cannot eat raw vegetables at all. I love salads, so every once in a while I “cheat” but every time I do, I get sick. We had a salad for lunch Monday and I’m still paying for it! I told my husband your suggestion and he agreed to eat a big salad for lunch every day, I’ll have to make something else for myself, maybe cottage cheese and fruit. I don’t eat anywhere near enough fruit, but I love it with cottage cheese.
We have a semi-physical job, and a WiiFit. To be honest, though, I haven’t been exercising very much; been prepping for the holidays, baking and shopping and such. (No, I’m not cheating and tasting what I’m baking, LOL!) We’re having our Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, as family is driving up to visit, and I’m making turkey and faux-tay-toes (mashed cauliflower), Stevia pumpkin pie, etc. I’ll have full-carb options for those who want them, but I’m happy with my low carb substitutions. Wish me luck avoiding a slice of Pecan pie and a serving of stuffing, though! They are my weaknesses! I’ve promised myself that if I really can’t resist, I’ll just have a few bites of each, like a quarter of a serving, and be content with that. I’ll make them again after maintenance phase is over, if I still want them so badly.
As to calories a day, I haven’t counted, but I think it’s about 1200-1500 average for me. My husband is snacking a little more, maybe hitting 2000 calories. We’re eating the same things we did on P2 but have added all other types of meat (I trim them, and cook them on the Foreman grill to drain grease, but I am not necessarily picking the leanest cuts) and also added all types of veggies except potatoes. We’re restricting corn to no more than twice a week, since it’s fairly starchy. We are eating absolutely no bread, rice, pasta, flour, etc.
I do think I need to drink more water; but my husband has kept up in that area too, drinking as much as he did on P2, and he’s gaining over a pound a day. He’s ready to give up and I am running out of ideas and encouragements. I’m not ready to give up — but I don’t know how to inspire him anymore, since nothing seems to work. I hope this steak day helps.
If anyone has any more ideas, PLEASE let me know!
Hey Tina
Yes, had a really nice Thanksgiving, how was yours?
Yes, you can do it. I think if you read the directions, it says you should do it once or twice a week(without going to re-read mine)> LOL
I think that cleanse is something everyone should do before ever starting this diet. 🙂
I just put my reading glasses on(only for you Tina, lol) and went to read the directions. It said to do 2-3 times a week or as desired(for maintenance). I hardly ever do a cleanse, but did do it as it said too for 7 straight
Dawn
if you read the pounds and inches protocol, it says to do a steak day as soon as you hit the 2 lb mark, you want to get the problem corrected then.
Oh my, I love my cottage cheese, that is what I eat with my salad every day(salad, cottage cheese and then either pineapple or strawberries mixed in).
I used to have a problem with salads, but knock on wood, they don’t bother my stomach anymore. I would be in the bathroom for 2 days after eating a salad(never when I made them, but when we would get one out). I think it had to do with msg maybe, but they don’t seem to bother me anymore.
It’s funny, I just heard of the mashed cauliflower yesterday or the day before, never had it like that again, but sounds heavenly.
I did good yesterday, I only put on 1.4 lbs, but I know by tomorrow it will be off. I am really good about going back to eating healthy after eating bad things. well, it didn’t taste too bad yesterday(LOL), just glad we don’t eat like that everyday.
I wasn’t hungry until about 9:00 lastnight, and that’s NOT a good time to get hungry, I ate 1/2 sandwich and a milky way.
You will do fine tomorrow. Tell hubby not to give up! If he ever goes more than 2 lbs above last drop weight though, get him doing the steak day that day. Also, kind of figure up calories you all have been eating. As far as the water, well, I never cared for plain water, but on p3 and now, I do the little packets in my water(if you’re not a plain water drinker). And, stay out of the pecan pie, you eat that, you will see a nice size weight gain. Remember, p3 is probably the most important phase of this diet.
Starting the diet in the winter is wonderful. While most of the world is gaining weight you will be losing and you won’t have to make a New Year’s resolution in January. So you’re ahead of the curve. Make it easy on yourself and feed your children meals that are very similar to your own. This will be easier than you think. I found kids will eat anything if you add some cheese and most kids love fresh fruit. If nothing else, get rid of all of their junk food and snack foods. They don’t need it and it won’t be around to tempt you. Although the diet takes away your hunger you will still have mental cravings and ‘convenience cravings’ as I like to call them so the fewer things around the better. I don’t usually have any hunger but of those who do it generally subsides after a few days, so hang in there.
I have been on the diet for 3days now but I have not weighed my self yet after taking it due to my busy work schedule. When I 1st started I was also on my menstruation, and I must say I believe dieting for a woman is much harder than it is for a man. I can tell a lil difference in my cloths though. But hang in there you can do it,you’ve done a great job so far.Good luck to us both.
Please help me. I did a succesful course of HCG and lost 22 pounds. I was so thrilled with the diet that I was really considering doing a second round to lose another 15 pounds until I started losing all my hair. It has being two months now and the hair loss does not stop. Two male friends went on HCG and had no problems. Can anyone provide any information on HCG and issues with hair loss. While taking HCG my hair was healthy and strong therefore I’m wondering if another round would actually stop the hair loss for a while. Please advise as this is very troublesome. Thanks, Xiomara
I read that is not a common side effect but hair lose has been reported. The only thing that was said was that it always grew back vut the was no remedy for this. It is a direct side effect of the HCG. I’m sure this is not the response you were looking for!!!
Hi. Does anyone know if a small handful of Almonds or Pecans are aloud on P3 for a snack???
It’s not the response that I wanted to hear….but I am glad to know that the HCG is the cause. I’ve been off the drops since sometime in October….and my hair seems to keep getting thinner. I’m ready for it to grow back….and pray that it does. I know that vanity plays a big part, especially with us girls….but I’m so much happier….and healthier…thinner.
I have been doing alot of reading….do you agree with coconut oil use in P2? Miracleskinnydrops.com has a recipe for coconut oil mixed with cocoa to make a chocolate treat….don’t want to screw up. I am on my second round of HCG. I lost 43 pounds the first round.
Ahhhhhh, so on my third day of the drops, I totally got busy at work, lunch at 1, ate then remembered that I was suppose to take my drops at 12:30, so I took them after I ate because I was afraid that the stuff wouldn’t be in my system if I just skipped it, was this the correct thing to do????? Before under a doctors care we only had to take them in the morning and at dinner so getting use to taking them at lunch may be a bit tricky since I get really busy and am thinking of nothing but work.
Sue, almonds ARE allowed on p3 and are good for you. I bought the cocoa almonds (100 calorie pack) and would eat a pack with my lunch everyday.
Did you get those at a regular grocery store??
Hi guys,
I haven’t been on for a couple of weeks, but I just finished my 2nd round of injections. I lost 38.5 pounds in 6weeks. which is great!! but I did want to note that i did not folllow thw exact protocol b/c I do NOT like all of the fish and I do not eat any other meat. I mixed veggies and I also ate beans. so I am not saying its for u, but I did alternate the diet which has been in place since the 70’s. yes, all this food was around then but there was not as many vegans and vegatarians then. so if u want some recipes I would be happy to share.
Hello All!
I am getting ready to start P3 and was wondering if anyone had recipes they’d like to share. I do much better when I have a list to go off of, so there is no question on what I should or shouldn’t be eating. I know you add dairy back but still no starches or sugars. I have searched on the internet, but maybe I’m not putting in the right search words. LOL. I’m doing 2 1/2 to 3 weeks on P3 then doing my load days over Christmas and doing another 23+ days on P2. As of this morning I’ve lost 22 lbs before load days and 28 lbs including load days. So I’m happy with the results, this was without an exercise routine. I also have much to lose, so I know that is part of it as well.
Any lists or recipes would be greatly appreciated. You can email me at onreey4ever at yahoo dot com.
Thanks!
Does anyone know do you start the maintenence plan 72hrs after your last shot or 72 hours after you skip your first dose???
72 hours after your last injections
Thanks! My daughter and I took our last injections this morning. I guess if we do the 500 calories for 2 more days after today we should be good for our gorge days the 24th & 25th!!
Yep, you’ll be good to gorge on the 24th and 25th. 🙂 How did y’all end up doing?
I’m still maintaining and am very happy about that. Went up 3 lbs between the day before Thanksgiving(was eating a lot of sugary things) and then TD, went back to eating healthy that Friday and had the whole 3 lbs back off by I think it was Saturday. I’m staying between 136 1/2 and 138. I had wanted to get to 135, but my face is already looking too thin to me, so not trying to lose anymore
My daughter lost 23lbs in 6 weeks of injections. I lost 15 and am holding at 124.5. I won’t be starting the injections again with her during the holidays but will just sticking firm to the maintanace plan and offering her support. My daughter has approx 20-25 more lbs to loose.
That’s great Sue. How tall are the two of you?
LOL watching the leaves blowing outside and hoping they keep going east and out of our back yard in to the neighbors. LOL
I’m 5’3 and my daughter (who is 10 1/2 years old) is 4’11 and she weighed in this morning at 157.2. She has very high levels of insulin and she has struggled with her weight since she was about 4 years old. Her endochronologist said she should only be eating approx 600 calories a day and excersizing every day. As anyone with a child knows…. this is impossible. The HCG diet has been the only way. I was very nervous at first but she has done great. Because of her age there has been a little cheating going on behind my back but she always gets right back on the bandwagon!!!
I am 5’4″, 174 lbs. Today is my second load day. I am a single mom of 2 VERY picky eaters. What can I fix for all three of us to eat that they would like?
Any help is greatly appreciated!!!
Lost 20 pounds last round did 3 weeks maintenence and now starting a second round. today is my first day of 500 cal. I hope to loose another 20 pounds atleast this round. I have a total of 80 lbs more to loose but, 80 is better than the 100 that I has a just a little while ago. I am excited to see it start coming off again and hope it is just as quick as last time.
Do they like chilli? I have a good recipe for chilli any you can have yours with no beans then add beans to thiers.
They don’t like chili. My dad makes Deer chili and turkey chili, they are both really good, and easy to make.
They don’t like chili. My dad makes Deer chili and turkey chili, they are both really good, and easy to make.
Most kids like chicken. Walden Farms has a good Babque sause that has no sugar, fat or calories. They also have good salad dressings. Hamburgers – Lettuce wrapped for you and with buns for them. You can have mustard on them because it has no cal, sugar or fat. Spagetti sugar free sause with noodles for kids with out for you.
Walden Farms is great! I have a hard time finding much of a variety though. Sprouts has a some to chose from. Does anyone know where they sale a large variety??
thank you so much! I will try those suggestions. Ususally they will eat mac and cheese, chicken, green beans, spaghetti, cheeseburgers, peanut buter sandwich, and my son’s favorite, peanut butter and syrup in a bowl. Is tomato soup allowed on P2?
You can only have tomato soup if you make it fresh with no sugar and no fat just tomatos and spices. You could probably add some spices to sugar free tomato sause for soup if you dont want to make it totally fresh.
My guess is not enough protein. I always gain weight when protein and calories are low. LOL too low calories makes you fat! Anyway, also some good healthy fats like olive oil or coconut oil would probably help. You mention digestive issues…. take a digestive enzyme every day to help with that. Hope this helps.
I lost 17lbs and have kept it off for 7 months. I do a steak day about once a month.
HI,
I am on Day 1 of loading and I am going to go shopping for P2. Question, Can you eat Deli Chicken Breast?
Can you eat Broccoli?
On the list at the top of this page, it is on there but then i saw somewhere you can’t have broccoli.. Can someone answer that?
Thanks so much!
No Broccoli & no Cauliflower.
Deli chicken is pumped full of extra fat and juice so no and no broccoli.
Janet, why would you do a steak day once a month?
Actually… broccoli was added to the approved list of veggies – as was cauliflower. It’s not on the original list, but it has been added. I did the diet with broccoli and cucumber as my primary veggies, and I lost a pound a day. According to my doctor, and my OFFICIAL HCG booklet, broccoli is now on the approved list… just fyi.
Robert, the problem is, it was not allowed on the original for a reason, and yes, broccoli was around back when this diet was researched. Dr Simeons had a reason for not adding broccoli. As I have said before, you may lose, but may have a harder time maintaining when it’s all said and done
So I am on day 17 and I went from (153-155ish before gorg) to 1st day-158 2nd day-157…now I am at day 17- and I was 144.5 this morning. I haven’t had a bowel movement in probably 5 days! I also am starting to feel hunger pangs and the verge of a plateau 🙁 I reweighed tonight and it was 145.5..Now last week when I would weight twice in a day just for the fun of it, I was usually less. I am wondering if I should do an apple day tomorrow if I am 145.5 still or give it until Saturday? I also noticed that Monday is my day off…So usually I lose nothing and stay the same (even though I stick to the 500 calories that day.. I am wondering if on my days off I can up the protein a little more to cure my hunger..) Also, I workout throughout the week.. Ive drastically cut back to only lifting weights 2x a week and doing zumba twice.. plus maybe a simple fun cardio boxing workout for 40 min or a quick 20 min turbo jam.. Should I be eating more? Is this why I am not losing as much, or just because I am maybe starting to plateau? I was 140 easily in high school.. could eat what I wanted..but I feel like now I also have a little more muscle as well, and I should really be measuring inches and bmi more. Anyway, suggestions for tomorrow if I see another stall? 6 apples? and just water? Thanks!
I’m assuming you are talking about day 17 on P2??? The Bowl movement can be as easy as taking a laxative. I bet you more than lose a couple lbs if you have not gone in 5 days!!! Also, you should be doing NO exercising. Your body is only getting the 500 calories and if you are trying to burn off what little you are giving it I would assume your boby will go in to starvation mode and not release a thing. You need to r4ead the protcol a little closer- I’m worried you may have missed a few key elements.
There will be days when you don’t lose, and possibly even days when you gain slightly. This is not a plateau unless it’s for three days in a row, so an apple day would probably not be a good idea especially when you haven’t even plateau’d for a full day yet much less three of them.
If you’re having hunger pains, make sure you’re eating the right foods in the right proportions. You might up your dosage slightly as well. No bowel movements is normal; after all, you’re eating far less than you used to, so you will also have far less waste to eliminate. If it’s been 5 days, you’ll probably have a movement soon and that will show a nice drop on the scale.
Don’t worry so much 🙂 It sounds like you’re doing everything right. Most people stop exercising on the diet, but if you’re still feeling able to do so, more power to you. Unless you’re eating less than 500 calories, I doubt you should be eating more. Be sure to drink plenty of water, this avoids temporary stalls due to water weight.
Well I got this under the care of a physician, and they said it would be okay for me to exercise.. just to up my protein a little bit. so if I feel hunger pangs I should eat more protein (if I exercised that day?) They said the problem with exercise is extra stress and you burn calories and also something about blood restriction and allowing fat loss… It actually helped the first week when I did light exercise.. I lost more. But for example, today I didn’t exercise yet and I found myself having hunger pangs. Most days I just lift weights.. I don’t really burn too much. Also, while building muscle, you gain weight so that could be another factor?
No, you don’t need an apple day, and you don’t want to weigh except first thing in the morning after you pee.
Also, I wouldn’t even do a laxative, you’re not taking in much food, so you probably aren’t even constipated(unless you’re getting the urge to go and can’t). I encourage you to order some oxy-powder and follow the instructions. Everyone should do this before ever starting the diet to get yourself cleaned out good.
Thank you! Actually I have had days where I did stall for 2 or 3 days or actually gain. that happened last week I was at 150 150 then 150.5! but it dropped to 149.5 the next day. I think I might be eating less than 500 by accident, though. Is this bad? Am I maybe in starvation mode?!
Thanks so much for responding.. Ive been emailing my doctor and his wife, and they havent gotten back to me on anything :(.. Also, for injection sites, what works best? I inject in love handles sometimes, and I feel like it works better the days I do it below my naval.. is that weird? I have most of my fat on my love handles and abs.. Love handles is hardest for me. Also I noticed my breast region is slightly going as well but they gain if I gain weight too so I guess they would lose some also sadly.
ps how do i know if I am eating less than 500? I dont know how much 3oz of chicken or steak is 🙁 .. and instead of 2 dif fruits sometimes I just eat equivalent to 1.5 or 2 apples a day throughout the day.. the dr said I could do this so im not starving at breakfast.. a deck of cards is 3oz but how thin is the slice? i cant afford to buy a scale
A scale is pretty important for this diet; I got mine at walmart for $20. You can afford to go through the doctor but not $20 for a kitchen scale? Honestly, it’s important.
Regardless, I’ll try to answer you. I’m not sure what you mean by how thin is the slice — the meat should add up to about the size of a deck of cards, so I guess the answer is as thick as a deck of cards is! A frozen boneless skinless chicken breast usually ranges from 4-7oz, so you can do about half of one. Fish often comes in individual portions as noted on the package, generally 4oz, trim a little off. The palm of an average person’s hand is about 4oz, you can also use that to gauge, be sure the meat isn’t more than an inch or so thick.
You can look up calorie counts online…..for instance by reading the original post you are commenting on right now 🙂 That’s how you know if you’re eating 500 calories… you determine the calories of what you’re eating and you add it up.
thanks so much! I thought they were like 200 bucks and I got my hcg for 120 for 5 weeks.. so anyway.. I think I might be undereating to about 450 calories some days.. is this bad?
I just used my hubbys postage scale and it worked great.
I paid $20 for my drops for a 6 weeks supply
I would eat around 460-480/day and lost and have kept it off now for a few mos
wow thats awesome! Just curious, did you do the drops that you have to hold under your tongue for 15 min? My doctor said a lot of ppl get scammed and yes they lose weight on the 500 calorie diet, but it’s not the same b/c its not real hcg. Also, did you test yours on a preg test to make sure it was real? If so I should really try the drops and see where you are getting them from! also, is taking a laxative a bad idea that will offset everything more? and in p3 im scared because I end right around the 26th and the 28th is my 21st bday so i am going out then and on new years 🙁 I even told my doctor and his wife said I should be fine I just have to go back to the 3 weeks of no sugars and starches. any tips with this too? also the dr said I could exercise and since Im muscle building and eating protein I could gain weight.
Heavens no. You only hold them under your tongue for like 1 minute.
As far as losing weight and being scammed, most of the Drs are scamming people by charging a lot more money than they should be. My Dr was very happy with my weight loss and said to keep up the good work. I really do not want to lose anymore weight. I did not use the real stuff, I used the homeopathic drops, they work just as well and I know they’re made in the good old USA not being shipped from overseas, so I prefer them.
As far as losing weight on 500 calories, well, I did do a 500 calorie diet a year ago, it took me(walking everyday)5 mos to lose 30 lbs and 2 mos to put almost every single pound back on. Your body goes in to starvation mode when you’re doing 500 calories without the drops and you don’t lose as fast.
Do the oxy powder cleanse, it works like a laxative, but it’s a 5 or 7 night straight thing you do and it works great and you don’t get stomach cramps like you do with a laxative.
Your Drs wife is WRONG! You have got to stay away from sugars/carbs on p3, it’s just as important, if not more important than p2.
You should NOT be exercising on p2 unless you were exercising before you started the diet. I did start walking every day when I started, but only a mile and never fast. I now only walk 1/2 mile a day and haven’t even been able to do that for the last week, it’s been rainy and cold and have my 3 1/2 mo old g-daughter most mornings.
I use the drops, held under the tongue for about a minute. They don’t test positive on a pregnancy test but they ARE legit; my husband had blood work done after being on the drops for a few weeks and the doctor thought they’d made a mistake because it said he was pregnant! 🙂 They work great.
wow omg thats crazy.. I need to get some! where do you order from? also.. if I do cheat those 2 days how can I recover and what should I eat if I know I will drink? also how many wks do I have to wait before restarting the program ? I finish out dec 26th or 27th as my 3 days after the injections..
ps.. where do I get this cleanse? in the store?
also, do you drink 0 cal sodas or did you order stevia in the large containers that we can apparently add? ive also had a real problem breaking out recently and wondering why.. I use only mineral makeup! all powder I look horrid like a ghost! ugh.. do you think exercising is making me stall somehow? should I be eating more? I wish my doctor would answer my questions 🙁 and a few more things.. I got aloe hand lotion and soap but i am unsure if the lotion contains anything extra… also today i had shrimp and steak and chicken.. i sometimes combine then or if I am hungry I pop a tiny piece in my mouth.. because I usually dont follow the 3 oz for the both meals.. i split it up through the day.. but if I do that, I make sure to eat an apple slice with it too and drink water (I cut my apples into slices and put in refrig in container).
No soda on P2 you can add 0 cal soda durring P3 if you want but watch your weight because of the extra salt.
Did I read somewhere that you should not drink 20 min before and 20 after you take the drops? Or did I make that up ?:)
If you are taking the homeopathic drops you are generally to take them 30 minutes before your meal. I too have heard others who do not drink or eat 15-20 minutes after taking the drops. I do not, but follow the instructions that came with ‘your’ drops. If it does not instruct you to wait then it is unnecessary.
Eternalove89,
I would be willing to correspond with you one on one. I’m reading your posts and you are all over the place with this diet. I can help if you want just email me at darby_trenton at hotmail dot com and we’ll dig in to all the specifics.
I think it depends on the formulation of drops you get; my bottle said not to eat or drink for 15 minutes before/after.
I ordered mine from http://www.powermaxnutrition.com/. I don’t think soda of ANY sort is good during the diet, even diet soda. I do use Stevia, my favorite brand by far is NuStevia which is available at a health food store near me. I suggest strongly that you don’t cheat, your health/weight needs to be the most important thing for just a few weeks, more important than a day or two of indulgence for sure.
After the 500 cal diet you should do three weeks of no carb/no sugar/no starch then you do three weeks of regular eating (slowly reincorporating healthy carbs) then you can do loading again and start over. There’s a lot of opinions out there about this time frame, lots of people say you can do less, but I go by what Dr. Simeons, who created the diet, said in his manuscript.
I didn’t use lotion of any sort while on P2 because they all contain some sort of oil. My hands and lips got pretty dry, but it wasn’t too bad to tolerate for just a few weeks. I also didn’t use any makeup or perfume on P2, most of them have oils too. I figured that if I was going to do this diet I should really TRY to do it right and give it a fighting chance to work!
As to meals it is best to try to stick to the program… no breakfast (coffee/tea is okay as long as it’s nocal), lunch is 3.5oz each of meat and veggie plus a fruit and a Melba toast if desired, dinner is the same, never using the same veggie, meat, or fruit twice in a given day. If you need snacks, use the fruit and/or Melba as your in-between meal snacks. However, to be honest I was pretty bad about mixing veggies on P2, I still lost weight but I think it would have been more consistent if I’d stayed more consistent on the diet. I’ll try to do better when I do my second round on the diet in January. Live and learn 🙂
Gina,
As Malea mentioned stay away from all processed meats. As for the broccoli or no broccoli you have to decide which protocol you are going to follow (there are several variations) and then stick to it. I find that it is best to follow the Simeon’s protocol as written in the original manuscript. In this way you can gauge your average weight loss. If you then decide to include items from the varied lists you will know if it has slowed your losses. Dr. S’s list of foods is what he found worked best for ‘everyone’. The variations of the diet began including things that they found did not hinder ‘most’ people. So the above is the easiest way to determine what will yield the best losses for you personally. Good luck.
Gina, all the drops say different things, mine said 1/2 hour afterwards
Hi. I am on the Hcg injections and on day 4,but i was just notified today i cannot eat the same protein not just in the same day,but not typically the same for the remaining days, either. In other words, i eat chicken and then steak. The next day i do the same,but NOW i am told i can only have beef or veal TWICE in one week and they don’t want me to do chicken every day either. I don’t like seafood, so what the heck am i supposed to do? I wish they would have been super specific so i didn’t go and drop all that money and then find this out 4 days in ( 2 of loading and 2 of 500 cal.diet). Does anyone know this is fact?
You can have chicken every day if you want, just don’t eat it twice in one day! Just as with veggies and fruits, a different one of those too for the 2 meals that day.
I’m not a big fish eater either, although I did have shrimp once or twice. I love mine with the homemade shrimp sauce I make, but instead I ate mine with hot sauce.
Good luck! Read pounds and inches, it’s the best place to get all the answers
The pounds and inches manuscript says chicken is okay every day but American beef isn’t okay every day due to fat content.
I had chicken for one meal every day, and I got creative with the other meals. Once a week, I’d suck it up and eat some fish or shrimp (I don’t like it either). Three times a week I would have very lean beef. The other three days I’d alternate between nonfat deli turkey (this is NOT protocol but it worked very well for me, I found a brand that was nonfat with no sugar or starch added), buffalo meat, fat free cottage cheese (check that no sugar is added) and canned tuna packed in water. You’re also allowed to have veal, if you like it.
I had chicken just about every day and beef every day. I had shrimp twice and fish one time
Sherrie-May I ask where you purchase your drops?
I got them on ebay Lillian, I have been off the drops since June.
Hey everyone! Is pork allowed in P3??
Thanks Sherrie,
It seems almost inpossible to know which drops are legitimate and which ones are not.
Yes, you can have pork and everything else, except carbs and sugar
that’s with anything you buy
P3 is going to be a breeze compared to P2. It is a totally realistic way to live. Of course I will miss my carbs- but nothing tastes as good as being skinny feels!!!
I have that saying posted on my desk. Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. I agree with you P3 is a great way to live.
Has anyone gotten sick when they tried to add back bread on P4? Every time I try to eat bread it makes me run to the bathroom. I guess I wont be adding it back.
My Husband and I are doing this together. We are taking 6 drops 5 times a day. We have been on the 500 cal for 3 days and have each lost 3 pounds. He is hungry all the time. I get hungry now and then. Will it get better soon? If he stays this hungry I don’t know if he can stay with it. We are following the diet pretty strickly except I do sometimes mix a couple of the veggies just for some variety. Does anyone have any ideas of how I can help him be less hungry. He needs to lose 30 pounds and I need to lose 25. I was really don’t like meat but have been eating it for the diet. I have always eaten boca burgers and meat substitutes has anyone tried those and still had success. Thanks
Nope, never had that happen. I don’t do many breads these days though. I try to never have carbs with my proteins either
I stayed on p3 for a long time after coming off the drops the last time(back in June). I ended up losing 20 lbs more on p3 the last time and got pretty much to my goal(well, my goal was 135 and I have only seen that number 2 or 3 times), but 136-138 is pretty much where I stay and I’m content right there
So what is the best kind of carbs and what are the best foods to mix them with?
Hey Sue
I really don’t know what to tell you as far as good carbs. I don’t eat many of them. Sweet potatoes I know are really good for you. I just remember a long time ago reading never to mix proteins with carbs, so that’s what I do. If I have meat, I always get double veggies(if eating out), or if I eat a carb, I have veggies with. I am more apt to eat proteins over carbs though, as proteins help to keep you feeling full
There really is alot more to learn about food than I ever realized. I figure for P3 if I stick to the protocol I can’t go to wrong. My daughter (who is doing this with me) is still craving carbs and it is hard at times. I just want to give her the foods that will keep her feeling the fullest for the longest!!
Laura
I had drops that were 10 just 3 times a day, since you’re getting the same amount of drops, why don’t you try the 10 drops 3 x a day.
Is your hubby getting plenty of fluids? When he gets hungry, have him drink a large glass of water, that usually helps out. If he’s getting hungry in between breakfast and lunch, have him eat his lunch fruit for a snack, then skip the fruit at lunch time.
Do not mix veggies, follow protocol, that’s the only way to do this diet right! No boca burgers and no meat substitutes. This diet is for such a short time that you should be able to stick with protocol
Good luck
I don’t eat much either but, I tried it 3 times and every time I got sick. Dr said I need a work up for Celiac. Ug I hope that I don’t have that, a bunch of people in my family have it. It is not too fun but, I guess if I live on P3 it won’t bother me that much because, there is no wheat, barley or rye on P3 anyway.
Ok, so my understanding id that the 2nd 3 weeks that you are P3 you can SLOWLY introduce some carbs back in to your diet. Does that meen half of a sanndwhich on bread…….what would be safe??
My book says that You don’t add carbs untill you have been on p3 for 3 weeks then you go to p4 and that is when you add back carbs slowly.
I suppose I meant P4 instead of 2nd 3 weeks of P3!!!
LOL sorry. I think you are suppose to add one new food a day to see what it does to your weight. That is what my PA said anyway.
I am not going through a physician so all the extra tips are much appreciated!!
I just started the hcg diet and somethings don’t say cauliflower or broccoli but I hear you can eat them does anyone know if we can eat Cauliflower and Broccoli? Also it says fresh fish but I don’t have many choices of fresh where I live can I use frozen?
I’m going to do this after the 1st (I didn’t want to diet during the holidays) when can you add creamer back in? Oh and where is the best place to purchase the drops? I have been searching the internet and the prices vary so much! Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!
The original protocol does not allow broccoli and cauliflower as these can cause stalls for some people or less loss. The modified plan does allow for them because a lot of people tolerate them well. So you’ll have to decide which plan you wish to follow. Frozen fish is fine if that’s what you have to use, just check the labels to make sure there aren’t other ingredients added. I use both fresh and frozen.
Sherrie is right on the Boca Burgers. I tried them during P2 and regretted it. Try making soup with your meat/veggie serving. More water makes more soup so you can have what seems like more food throughout the day while simultaneously increasing your liquid intake. I make chicken and celery soup sometimes and eat it throughout the afternoon. You could also eat your regular meal and then just have a seasoned broth to drink later. For whatever reason a seasoned hot liquid seems more like food. Of those who experience hunger on the diet it does usually go away after the first few days. If you guys are coffee drinkers its allowed and caffeine is an appetite suppressant. Green tea is great as well.
Hello! I started the HCG diet a week ago and I’m staying on it for 40 days. So far, so good!
Dr. Simeons stated in “Pounds and Inches” that his patients who were on the 40-day program skipped their HCG injection one day out of every week – so that they would not become immune to HCG. But there’s no mention about what to do if you’re taking the homoepathic drops instead of the injections.
Can somebody please tell me if it’s advisable to take a day off from the HCG drops every week? I would really appreciate some help. Thanks!
Original protocol
Tea or coffee in any quantity without sugar. Only one tablespoonful of milk allowed in 24 hours. Saccharin or Stevia may be used.
Lunch:
1. 100 grams of veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp. All visible fat must be carefully removed before cooking, and the meat must be weighed raw. It must be boiled or grilled without additional fat. Salmon, eel, tuna, herring, dried or pickled fish are not allowed. The chicken breast must be removed from the bird.
2. One type of vegetable only to be chosen from the following: spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens, green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage.
3. One breadstick (grissino) or one Melba toast.
4. An apple, orange, or a handful of strawberries or one-half grapefruit.
Dinner :
The same four choices as lunch (above.)
The only thing I would do, was weigh the strawberries, I would eat 5.3 oz for 50 calories!
Also, remember to core then weigh your apple
peel and break oranges in to pieces, then weigh
If you’re doing the homeopathic drops, don’t take a day off, you need to stay on them no less than 3 weeks and no more than 6 weeks before taking a short break. I went 2 1/2 weeks on p3 before going back to p2(so I could reload). Been off the drops since June and “loving” it!
Hey Helen
You can use creamer(no sugar or carbs) on p3. I don’t know if creamer has any in them, I use them now(always drank my coffee black until recently) but I never look to see what’s in the creamer I use.
I got my drops on e-bay, these are the kind I got, it’s a 6 week supply.
cgi.ebay.com/2-oz-Homeopathic-hCG-Weight-Loss-Oral-Drops-Dr-Simeon-/220708056170?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item336339ac6a
Thanks for that info, Sherrie!
But I’m new at this so I’m not sure what p2 and p3 are.
Anyway, I will not skip a day as per your instructions.
It’s day #9 for me and I’m 16.5 lbs. lighter…yippee! 🙂
Go right above where I wrote “original protocol”, that is p2(the 500 calorie diet), p3 is what you go on next, where you add back everything but sugar and starches. If you have to go back on p2 to lose more, then I would go straight from p3 back to p2(although some people go to p4 where you add back everything I didn’t do that until I was done dieting). Anyway, you need to read pounds and inches so you know exactly what to do and you don’t mess up. When you go to p3, you do NOT want to gain more than 2 lbs from last drop day or you have to do a steak day. This is all stuff you need to read up on so you will have your answers and it’s not so confusing
Way to go on the weight loss, keep it up!!
Thanks again, Sherrie!
I’ve thoroughly read Pounds and Inches, but I saw no mention of p2 or p3.
Obviously you’re referring to the second and third phases of the program.
Anyway, I’m very excited about the results thus far!
Regarding further courses, Dr. Simeons states the following:
Patients requiring to lose more than 34 lbs. must have a second or even more courses. A second course can be started after an interval of not less than six weeks, though the pause can be more than six weeks. When a third, fourth or even fifth course is necessary, the interval between courses should be made progressively longer. Between a second and third course eight weeks should elapse, between a third and fourth course twelve weeks, between a fourth and fifth course twenty weeks and between a fifth and sixth course six months. In this way it is possible to bring about a weight reduction of 100 lbs. and more if required without the least hardship to the patient.
Since I need to lose a total of 60 lbs., I will definitely need a second course and I will stick to this protocol.
Thanks again!
My plan is to do the sam as you did sherrie. My biggest problem will be Christmas eve and Christmas day lol I started on Saturday so I guess today is 5 days and I’ve lost 7 pounds. So far so good.
Thanks everyone for answering my questions.
John I have to lose more then sixty I am doing the 21 day first and then going for the 6 week one I wanted to get a feel for it but it’s really not hard.
Is there anything else besides stevia that can bemused that stuff is nasty lol
John, I feel there are a lot of differences between the real hcg and homeopathic drops. The paper I got with drops said to go to p3 and then you could go back to p2, a good time frame is 3 weeks, but you could go back on the drops sooner(which I did). It said if you wait less than 2 weeks not to reload, but if you went 2 1/2 weeks in between or longer, then you could reload, and that’s what I wanted to do. I also never watched shampoos, etc. I ended my drops the middle of June weighing 158.6 I am now at 136 to 138. Some days I’ve been as low as 134.8 and I have been as much as 139, but for the most part, I stay right in between the 136-138 and have for awhile now. Good luck on your journey
Doreen, wtg. You can do it. I’m so thankful I’m done with the dieting now and am able to eat my sweets again, which when I do that, the next day I go right back to watching what I eat. Just remember, you can freeze anything. I did that with donuts, bought them in May and still have almost all of them still frozen(the donut shop went out of business after years and they were the best donuts. Needless to say, they still are the best donuts. Took my first 2 out of the freezer 2-3 weeks ago and they tasted really fresh still..
I commend anyone who can do this through the holidays. I timed it so my dsughter could use Christmas day & Christmas Eve for gorge days!!!
Whoa! I’m phasing out of P2 as we speak (on my day 1 of the 72hour phase out today)…what was your secret for losing on P3? I know it says you are supposed to stabilize/maintain but I’d definitely love to keep losing and then start another round of P2 at a lower weight (lost 27lbs on the first go run of 36 days)…I’m craving nuts (almonds mostly) so I’m aching for this 72hr phase to end soon!
Doreen, I agreed on the Stevia thing until I found the specific brand NuStevia — I could use this every day for the rest of my life! My local health food store has it, but I bet you could find it online, too. It is the ONLY sweetener other than actual sugar that I have ever liked. Give it a shot!
Use it in moderation, it is way sweeter than sugar. If you use the right amount it tastes fantastic but if you use too much of it, it starts to have an odd, almost bitter aftertaste. I start with just a pinch in a glass of tea… or if I’m making a whole gallon of tea I might use 1-2 tablespoons per gallon. This makes the tea quite sweet, which is the way I like it. I’ve cooked with it too but it takes practice to get the amount right, the conversion is maybe a tablespoon of NuStevia is equal to about a cup of sugar.
I worked out during my P2 and yes my doctor did attribute my avg of .08lbs per day lost to probably gaining some muscle as I was working out for at least 30 minutes 4-5 times a week. It felt good to sweat and be able to move better with the weight off so I did. I was only doing Zumba once a week and wouldn’t see a loss that night as you retain water from drinking so much of it, but definitely would see at least 1.25lbs lost in the am! I didn’t feel any additional hunger or weakness due to the exercise as I made sure to take a multi-vitamin. if it works for you, then I say do it…everyone loses differently and you as a woman are only expected to avg half a pound a day on this diet, which would equate to a max of 22lbs if you go the full 44 – 45 days.
Be careful, Nichele — I tried to have nice proper serving of nuts on P3 and almost blew my whole diet right there as they tasted so good right off of P2 that I literally could NOT stop. I ate like half the container and gained weight the next morning, it took a few days to take it back off again.
If you’re craving nuts, be careful that you don’t overdo them due to the craving!
http://www.powermaxnutrition.com/ has an ebay store and their drops are legit. Not saying they’re the only ones that are legit by any means, but they worked well for me, my husband, my boss and her husband, and several other friends. My husband had to have blood work done while on the diet, and his doctor was very confused when his results showed that he was pregnant, LOL!!!!
Nichele, what I did was to eat a 100 calorie pack of cocoa almonds every day for lunch(made by Emerald).
You’re right, you’re not supposed to lose weight, but I really watched EVERYTHING I put in my mouth, and NEVER ate until I felt too full. I ate plenty of protein, and fruits and veggies. When I kept losing on p3, I figured cool, I can live like this and now that I have it off, for the most part, I still eat on p3, although I do have sweets now and carbs occasionally, but try very hard if we go out to eat, I never do a potato with my protein, I have 2 servings of veggies instead. The only carb I’ll have once in awhile with dinner is a small roll
I have another question has anyone experience muscle cramps? I have been getting so many since about 2 days after I started.
I started taking potassium and B12 a couple weeks before I started the diet, that has helped out tremendously
IS WALDEN FARMS OKAY TO USE ON P2? I was going to order peanut butter marshmellow and chocolate or go to a healthy grocer or store.. and also the 0 cal miracle shirataki noodles from asian mart? anyone had success?
Today’s my first vlcd day after going up 3 lbs loading! I’m scared of doing anything wrong with this. How important is it to use organic shampoo?
Can someone tell me, do I have to eat the foods as meals or can I have a melba then a few hours later an apple, then later a veggie etc?
Well I finally started the Diet and I am on Day 3 of P2 and have lost 4lbs.. I have not been able to use the bathroom im having trouble.. can I use smooth move to help me out or will this be a bad thing.. I just cant take it anymore it hurts and I need to do something.. anyone have any ideas I just really dont want to mess up.. another thing does anyone know of any dressing I could make for the P2 phase.. thanks..
I didnt change my shampoo or deoderant.. but I did change my tooth paste and hair products I also dont use any lotion I use baby Oil instead.. sometimes I feel really oily lol.. but I lost 4 lbs and this is my 3rd day..
Couple of things… 1.Can we drink chicken broth in P2?
2. Today my eating was off? I ate my fruit from lunch at 6:30. Had my vegetable and Melba toast around 8 and at my chicken and fruit for dinner ar 11:00 pm after school. I know it isn’t good to eat so late. But is it ok that my meal was so spread out??
Im on VLCD 5 and I am down 9 lbs!! Love it!! Let me know what you think or know:) thanks!!
Can you use cinnamon on the HCG Ph2 just wondering??
Gina, the thing is, eating late is NOT going to make you put on weight, they have experimented with that and found out that’s an old wives tale, the only thing is you usually don’t sleep as well when you go to bed with a full tummy
No, no chicken broth, way too much salt in it.
You’re doing great on the diet
Thanks. I’ve been too busy to go find the organics so have to use my reg products ths morning. 4 lbs in 3 days? Beautiful! Just checked my baby oil and it says it’s minerel oil. I appreciate it.
Yes you can have cinnamon. Infact, if you take your apple and slice it and put a little cinnamon, stevia and put in the microwave for a minute or two, it makes a delicious treat
I went through the same thing, and there is a difference between being constipated and just not going(which happens when you’re not getting enough food to poop back out). Anyway, if you have smooth move, yes, use it, but I would suggest to order some oxypowder online, it’s a 7 day colon cleanse and it works great
stand in the shower with some warm water hitting your butt, that will probably ease the pain and help you to get the urge to go, hurry and get out and use the bathroom. Sorry if it’s TMI but you have to get it out however you can
You can space meals, a lot of people will eat their noon fruit in between breakfast and lunch and dinner one for a snack later that evening
I think all the organic stuff is more if you’re on the real hcg. I didn’t change anything and I’m very pleased with my results!
I also used my regular hand lotions, I think some of that stuff was carrying it a little bit too far, and that being one of them.
Dawn, there is carbs in nustevia, this is why the only 2 sweetners that are allowed on p2 are stevia and sweet n low
Sherrie, I have to disagree about the carbs in NuStevia. It IS Stevia, just a specific brand.
Stevia is an herb, not a sugar alcohol. It has a minimal amount of carbs like any other plant would, even celery or lettuce has some carbs. The leaves of the Stevia plant are very sweet but have a bitter aftertaste. Stevia as a sweetener is the herb with the bitterness extracted from it. NuStevia brand does a better job of extracting the bitterness than the other brands of Stevia, in my opinion.
Yep, I did my research on this one 🙂 NuStevia is 100% Stevia, it’s just processed slightly differently than the other brands of Stevia on the market (Stevia, Truvia, etc are all from the Stevia herb) and, in my opinion, they do a better job of it. Taste is a very personal thing, so other brands might work better for other people, but the diet specifies the food not the brand name that must be used.
there is 1 gram(carb) in nustevia, which is why it’s not on the list. You can disagree, that’s your right, I just know when it came down to the what was/wasn’t allowed in foods on the diet, I followed it to a T on the 2nd round(the first round I did bad and cheated) but am extremely happy with my results. I didn’t take any chances with any other sweetners.
According to my PA You can have home made chicken broth made with chicken ,celery, onions, onion powger, garlic powder, and a little salt water and what ever herbs you like to add then boil untill chicken falls apart then drain off the chicken broth. you can use it to make soups that are more filling than just the chicken alone. Then you can use the meat to make your family something like shredded chicken enchaladas or what ever.
yes— i used their honey dijion salad dressing when i made my chicken salad for lunch and i was amaze with the taste as for the noodles i bought some but haven’t tried them yet but im looking to cook them when i start my second round in jan 2011
sherrie
you are so awesome with your advice on this blog 🙂 i’m on p3d28 (im doing the 6wks of p3) and i have been back and forth with 183-185 but i know you are suppose to do a steak day when you go over by 2 pounds but isn’t only when its 2 pounds over your last day of drops weigh in? (my last day of drops i weighed 188) this is where im confused 🙁
what about the peanut butter? It says in ingrediets corn starch and sucralose (is this splenda) ? Are we allowed splenda? Thought it wasnt allowed on p2
ANYONE FAMILIAR WITH WALDEN FARMS ON P2?!?!?! what about the peanut butter? marshmellow? chocoloate? jams? not just the dressings.. It says in ingrediets for peanut butter is corn starch and sucralose (is this splenda) ? Are we allowed splenda? Thought it wasnt allowed on p2
Peanut butter is absolutley not allowed on P2.
it is not real peanut butter. it is walden farms 0 cal stuff…. if you google it. they have a whole brand of 0 cal dressings marshmellow fluff chocolate dip and peanutbutter that ive seen in other forums some ppl use. it is carried in some local grocery stores or ordered online.
Another thing.. I bought organic chicken broth and used it with cabbage yesterday, and I kind of only got 5 hrs of sleep and had 3/4 gallon of water with some of that protein powder and I was up 141.5 from 141, but that was before I “went,” and I also was still gettin all the water out. I am wondering if today should be apple day or if I should just stick with some chicken or steak for dinner. I already had some coffee water and an apple. I think the extra protein in the shake from last night can be offsset if I redo everything today. I still need to buy a scale and look into that walden farms stuff. I know that I read up on it and an entire jar is like 30 calories or something, so it’s not that bad. They contain trace calories which means less than 5 per serving. Gotta be careful with that. Also, zero calorie butter spray and pam, can I use? Miracle noodles.. couldnt find 0 cal ones. Do I order soy? I thought no soy cuz it mimics some hormone i think progesterone, so I would have less testosterone output and less weight loss? Urgh I am confused. I emailed teh doctor about all days on or off. Anyway I am starving. Its 1 now, and I did my injection around 930 then only had like half an apple and my coffee and water. Do you notice hunger when you dont eat? I am wondering if maybe I used too much stevia and the sweetener is making me hungry, or the coffee. I only have 1 stevia. The black chocolate raspberry. I really need to order more. Any other suggestions for foods and oils and dressings and jams and things to use for p2, p3 and p4? Thanks!
PS Should I just do a steak with cabbage and strawberries later? I dont want to abuse steak days.
LOTS OF GENERAL QUESTIONS.. Another thing.. I bought organic chicken broth and used it with cabbage yesterday, and I kind of only got 5 hrs of sleep and had 3/4 gallon of water with some of that protein powder and I was up 141.5 from 141, but that was before I “went,” and I also was still gettin all the water out. I am wondering if today should be apple day or if I should just stick with some chicken or steak for dinner. I already had some coffee water and an apple. I think the extra protein in the shake from last night can be offsset if I redo everything today. I still need to buy a scale and look into that walden farms stuff. I know that I read up on it and an entire jar is like 30 calories or something, so it’s not that bad. They contain trace calories which means less than 5 per serving. Gotta be careful with that. Also, zero calorie butter spray and pam, can I use? Miracle noodles.. couldnt find 0 cal ones. Do I order soy? I thought no soy cuz it mimics some hormone i think progesterone, so I would have less testosterone output and less weight loss? Urgh I am confused. I emailed teh doctor about all days on or off. Anyway I AM STARVING TODAY!! WHY?!?!. Its 1 now, and I did my injection around 930 then only had like half an apple and my coffee and water. Do you notice hunger when you dont eat? I am wondering if maybe I used too much stevia and the sweetener is making me hungry, or the coffee. I only have 1 stevia. The black chocolate raspberry. I really need to order more. Any other suggestions for foods and oils and dressings and jams and things to use for p2, p3 and p4? Thanks!
PS Should I just do a steak with cabbage and strawberries later? I dont want to abuse steak days.
I have tried several of the Walden Farms products including the peanut butter spread. It is awful. I really have loved their salad dressings but that spread was from a diffrent plant…ewww!!
splenda is sucralose right? is this allowed? and it also has corn starch in ingredients.. is this okay? the protein powder from biogenesis my dr says I can use has some sunfloir oil and canola oil and xantham gum and stuff. also, anyone use sugar free gum? suggestions? miracle noodles? does the soy affect anything? what about chicken broth the organic kind low sodium? clementines? eggwhites? I seem to do okay with eggwhites. I have another post that is long.. if anyone has time to read and answer. One more thing, can I get hair dyed and highlighted during p2 or p3? my 21st is coming up right when I start p3 🙁
Walden Farms products are great but they are not on the original protocal. Many great products have been created since the original protocal so of course they could not be a part of it. I stuck very close to the rules and waited till P3 to use those prducts. maybe someone else will have a different point of view but I would wait if I was you. It is such a short period of time on the whole scale of things that I just don’t think it is worth risking the weight lose.
Hi. the walden farms dressings are great, NO PROBLEM the peanut butter or what they call peanut butter is gross!!!!! It tastes nothing like peanut butter at all, one taste and in the trash it went, horrible!!!!! I have the marshmellow and the choc, haven’t tried it yet as I bought it the same time as the peanut butter and afraid it will be as bad, so beware before you buy thats all I can say.
I agree the peanut butter spread was discusting!! I would love to hear what you think of the marshmellow and the chocolate spreads as so as you work the nerve up to try them!!!
No, no splenda! sweet n low or stevia only!Yes, you can color your hair, I also did that!
Malea, if it’s NOT on the original protocol then it’s not okay. Chicken broth was around when this diet was invented. The problem is everyone is changing it, then on down the road, they come back and say this diet is b.s. I’m not keeping my weight off. Well, Dr Simeons researched and found what does and what doesn’t work
Thanks for the advice I will be ordering that stuff soon…I guess I should of did a cleaning before getting on it.. also is truvia okay to use I have been using it and still losing but I seen that it has 3 carbs I dont think I should use it but just wondering..
Okay when anyone bought shrimp did they buy the shrimp already cooked is that okay or raw..
So what seasonings can we use i was so happy that I could use cinnamon..man o man does that make an apple taste sooo good also Im hearing about the miracle noodles can you use that on P2 i dont want to use anything that is going to mess my weight loss up and is minced onions considered a seasoning or a vegetable I have been looking up some receipes for P2 and over and over I see mixing minced onions and other tomatoes.. ok thanks i just want to know what has worked.. Oh and Kudos to all who are on P2 with me I am on Day 4 of P2 and down 5lbs I keep telling myself its almost over… atleast for this Phase anyway..
Hi there! I just had a quick question about staying on the homeopathic drops while menstrating? Ive read during heaviest flow days to stop taking them.. but is this mainly for real HCG injections or the drops as well? What should I do?
thanks!
shrimp is shrimp. I bought the kind that’s deveined and you just cook it and peel it.
As far as Truvia, NO, that’s not allowed, you are not supposed to be having carbs/sugars on p2 or p3
Well hopefully I won’t gain it back. Most of her other patients have not gained it back I have been holding for 3 weeks. Was going to start another round after thanksgiving but, decided to wait until after christmas
I’m doing my first steak day today and had coffee this morning. I really did not consider the fact that I put a little creamer in it until I was about 1/2 way through my cup. Is this totally screwing up the steak day???
Sherri
You seem to know a great deal about this diet so i am inlisting you to answer a few questions, if you don’t mind.
I have started this diet with a friend and we need some info. I have been on it since Dec. 1st and she has been on it since Dec. 6th. We are both losing the weight and going by the sheet provided which matches that in the blog. Are questions are: do you increase the drops when your weight loses begins to slow? We are taking 5 drops each time. Next question. Are there some reciepes for this if so can you tell me where to go? I have found web sites but their reciepes include things not on the list. We are getting sick of the same food and the way we prepare it. If you could help, we would really appreciate your advice.
Thanks,
Laura
Hey Laura
You continue on the same amount of drops. If you are doing 5 drops 3 x day then keep at that.
A lot of the people on here have recipes they use, I never used any recipes, but I also never got sick of the food
Good luck
Just a note on the steak day…….IT WORKS!!!!! Woke up yesterday exactly 2lbs over my last injecton day. drank water and coffee all day and had a nice sized steak with an apple and poof the 2lbs are gone. I think I was eating to many almonds and it finally caught up with me. So just a heads up on the almond & pecan consumption….it will get you!!!!
Sue, it’s NOT necessarily the almonds and pecans that put the weight on you. I never myself did pecans, don’t usually just eat those, but on p3, I did do a 100 calorie pack of cocoa almonds everyday and still continued to lose weight. Just because it didn’t work for you doesn’t mean it will do that to everyone and vice versa
I”m pretty sure I was eating more than 100 calories a day of the nuts. It will just be something that I am careful of. I have really loved how great I feel these days. My daughter (who is also doing the diet) has so much more self cinfidence and is actually looking forward to going back to P2 over the holidays.
This is why you buy the 100 calorie packets and only EAT ! LOL
Phase 3 questions… So no sugar and no carbs… Can you have Suagar free items, like creamer? Or like the russel stover sugar free candy? Since I’m starting P3 on the holidays, I would love to sneak in some sweets and I thought sugar free would be the best way. I know you should limit sugar alcohols and fake sweeteners.. But limited is alright?
Can we have black beans, corn etc…
Thanks so much!!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
Yes you can have creamer. No sugar free candy. If you read the label it will still have carbs. I really don’t think any beans at all are allowed onP3. The type of foods that are allowed with carbs are like avacodos and nuts (besides the natural carbs you fing in fruits and veggies.) The protocal also states to stay away from corn- it is high in starch. Do you have a list of the foods allowed in P3?? People are easily deceived by the reading of SUGAR FREE on labels. Read the back of everything.
I don’t have a P3 list? Do u have it or is there a website that lists them? That would be awesome!!
I am buying the injections from a company in Meas that pre-fills there shots. Should that be a red flag??? I bought them last time from a guy who just dropped everything off to me and I mixed it. I’m feeling worried…….
I never did the real thing. I like to get things made in the USA and I think the homeopathic have just as good as results and you don’t have to be so careful on products you use
As looked into the shouts I was buying a little further and tthe company said they will sale it to me unmixed and I can do it myself but there is an additional charge. I think nthats a little weird. I was so please with thr results but the guy I bought them from last time was basically three times as expensive……
My friend and I will be starting this diet soon is there any advice you have for some one that is so new I look at the food list and it is all foods I like so thats a plus but I have a question on the seasoning is there any that you can’t use because I use garlic powder pepper salt chili powder etc. are those ok?
No do not increase the drops. This will not help to lose any more weight. If your weight loss slowes or stalls you need to do the apple day. There are many recepies on the internet. Just know what you can and can’t have and if something is on there you know you can’t have then don’t put it in there. Watch your spices also. If you are putting spices with sugar then your weightloss will slow down. And I just found out that spices do have calories in them. So calculate those calories in with your 500 calories.
you should be worried
i know you are desperate, but seeing a doctor would only cost 300.00 and they give you all you need.
please be careful
don’t do it
I have had great success on the program through a doctor. I would like to continue but can no longer afford the $300.00 per month. Could any of you please suggest any of the sources that you have used to acquire the HCG.
Thanks so much
Joni
Those are fine but, watch the Garlic Salt it may have sugar it. You can use anu spices that have 0 cal, 0 sugar, 0 fat.
HI! I’m back. I fell of the wagon, but ready to restart and do it right,. Can you recommend a cleanse?
Thank you!
go to http://www.alldaychemist.com, you have many resonable prices for hcg, also get onto youtube and type in hcgcharli… she has done this several time and has all the mixing info for sublingual dispensing…way better than shots. hope this helps.
I am back on the diet…My first day was yesterday and I already dropped 3.3lbs!!! Excited…thing is, now I’m scared for the weekend because New Year’s coming up..Any suggestions of what I should do? Thanks
Can you substitute eggs for meat for your protein intake???
I have a question?!? Have any of you experienced hair loss after finishing with the HCG and going on maintenance? I’ve done some research and this seems to be a side effect, though uncommon. My hair is so much different than before, and that’s the only thing that has changed. I’m VERY pleased with the weight loss results. 18 lbs lost while on the drops….close to 15 while on PH3….never really gone off PH3, still cutting WAY back on sweets and starches. Anyway…anybody else have a problem with the hair loss? Just curious!
Mrs Dash has an awesome line of all different varieties and mixtures of spices that have no sugar in them. Also they are easy to find at most grocery stores.
Yes, you can eat two egg whites and one whole egg. I did this many times. Starting loading days again on Dec. 31st.
I have gained back 10 pounds of the 24 I have lost last May 🙁 I am happy to say I made an appointment next Tuesday to start back up on the HCG! Wish me luck 🙂
David, did you end up changing your website? I remember months ago I believe you or someone was talking about you making a new one. Did that happen or are you sticking with this one?
I wish you all the luck in the world but as you know all you really have to do is follow the diet and you will drop that 10 lbs easy. You sound to me like the individual with the most time under your belt and a ton of success. Do you feel like it was all the goodies around the holidays???
Sue,
Yes, all the goodies were definitely my downfall. I just keep kicking myself because I do know better but I am confident that I will do great. My goals are to lose 30 pounds this time around and my husband is joining me on the diet so that will make following the diet that much easier!
My daughter and myself did it together and it was easier I think. We just were there to support eachother and really knew what the other person was going through! I’m happy you’ll have you husband for this round!
I am loading over the holidays:) I lost 20 lbs in 21 days last time and have kept it off. I am doing a longer round this time loading on 31 st and 1st and then staying on the 500 cal until Jan 31. I hope to 30 lbs loose this time we will see. I am really happy with the weight loss so far and have learned my lesson about cheating. I cheated once on p2 and gained like 3 lbs so this time I will know better.
That is a great weight lose! Don’t get worried if the next 20lbs does not come quite as easy. The more you have to lose the easier your you body releases it. So logically the closer you get to your goal weight lose the slower it will come off. BUT IT WILL COME!!!! My daughter just started her 2nd round of shots and the initial lose after the load days was great but has slowed down to approx 1/2lb a day.
I still need to loose 80 more pounds. I am doing a round all of Jan taking off Feb and then all of March taking off April and then all of May. Then I will see how much I have left to loose.
This is my 2nd time on HCG. I lost 23 pounds and have only gained 3 pounds back (which was during Thanksgiving and Christmas) so I am really impressed with the regimen.
My question is- I know some people who take more drops than the recommended amount. I have researched different HCG sites and get differences in opinions all the time. Some say too much is as bad as too little. Some say 30-36-42-48 drops per day. What would be the reason you would take more and if so, when would you know you do need to take more?
Just remember that in between each additional round you must wait longer. Example: 1st P3 can be as short as 3 wks than go back to do another P2. After that round you should wait 6 wks and so on and so forth…….
ok thanks for that
My PA has the drops measured out in cc s so that you can use a small syringe. I take .5 cc. 3x daily. That was way easier for me also they test you to see how much you need. So some people are on more and some are on less. Every program for oral is saying a different thing that is why I did it through the PA.
Hi,
I lost 40lb. 1st time and I will start my HCG 2nd time today with my husband. How important is the loading days? do I have to do the loading days again??? I need to lose just 25 lb….And I am confused again, you supposed to eat 150grams of vegetables -it is 2 times a day or just 150grams per day?) Any information would be great. I just want to do this right the 2nd time,
Thank you
Brianna
Sue,
who did you get your shots thru? are u going thru a doctor or did you get your own? I would really like to do the shots since you only have to do those in the morning and not have to worry about eating or drinking before or after.
Hi everyone,
Wanting to start again, really went of the wagon the last two weeks, want to do the shots but would like to know if anyone has done them without a doctor and who you ordered then thru, also would like to know where to buy drops, would like the strong ones, would like to only take them morning and night, three times a day is hard for me. Also has anyone heard of the drops with peppermint stevia in them?
I did not go through a doctor. I got the first round through a gentleman that my friend had used (Good results- but expensive.) The 2nd round of shots was only $90 for 6 weeks supply and they came from a shop in Mesa. I was very nervous to inject anything into my system but it worked for myself and my daughter. And your right about having to hassle with the drops 3 times a day- I have a full time job and my daughter would have never remembered to take her 2nd dose of drops in the middle of the day while she was at school.
Sam,
I bought my hCG from Alldaychemist.com.
Malea,
Did you do a long round for R1? I did and my weighloss was VERY slow after say day 22’ish. I’m glad I did a long round the first time because short rounds will seem like a piece-of-“cake”!! I still have about 50lbs to go and will be starting my R2 January 26th.
Good Luck Sherry!! You are always so positive here and have great advice!!
My advice would be – STICK TO PROTOCOL! Just remember it’s only 1 day and you will have a lifetime to celebrate! I made it thru Thanksgiving and Christmas (Party after Party) and am still stabilizing… That won’t happen if you don’t follow Protocol in P2!
Good Luck!
$300 is WAY too expensive!! I did my first Round thru a physician and only spent $90. You can buy all the supplies you need for MUCH cheaper than that!
Oh.. and I have to say that Shots vs Sublingual is a personal thing. I MUCH prefer the shots…
Sue,
do you still have the website that you ordered the shots thru? did you have to do the mixing when they came in and how long did it take toget them. I too am a little scared of injecting something from out of country but not sure that it would be any different than putting something in my mouth would be much different even from the states, this is why I would like to hear from others that actually ordered there own.
Schatzi:
I think you might be right but someone else said they took a 2.5 wk break and went stright back to another round of P2. I wonder if because she did drops and we did injections that that is the difference???? Now I’m a little worried. She had a great weight drop an the 3rd day after her gorge days but since than it has been an issue……
The person I bought my first injections never said to take 1 day off a week and he knew we were doing 40 day rounds (thats not to cool.) I did get my stuff from a different source this time and was told to take 1 day off a week. Since I’m not going through a doctor I’m relying on this website for a lot of my information!! We only took a 3 week break like I said before and I’m really wanting to get this right for my daughter;s sake. I’m sticking to the P3 diet since I achieved my lose weight goal with first round of P2 so I’m just being a cheerleader for my daughter right now and would hate to steer her in the wrong direction.
I too have noticed hair loss. I started the diet at the end of September and have now lost over 60 pounds . Within the last two weeks have really noticed the hair loss. I have read on the internet that extreme weight loss can cause physical stress and can cause hair loss. I am really happy with the weight loss as HCG really works, but not at the cost of my hair. If you know how to fix this please let us know.
I’m not sorry about your hair loss…but am glad that somebody has finally replied to my problem!!! My hairdresser thinks it has to do with hormones….but I have read this is a side effect to HCG. Mine isn’t as bad as it was…but I have started taking vitamins for “Hair, Skin and Nails”….maybe that would be helpful for you, also. I got mine at Wal-Mart…very inexpensive!
Question -please advise, I’m just starting the program and I’m confused about the grissini breadsticks. I ordered a case but then later found on the internet that there are several varieties. I have the “traditional” ones and there is some olive oil in them- should I return these and order the plain ones or doesnt it matter.
thank you
kathleen
Hi Sherrie,
Happy New Year! I was going to start the drops again today, but I am doing the oxy powder cleanse and am on day 3. Can I start the drops today or should I wait?
Thanks,
Tina
Deb, you said you’re not sorry about her hair loss?? I think you meant to say sorry about your hair loss. 🙂
Anyway, I just recently started losing my hair, even finding it on my pillow case. Now, I have always had thick hair and naturally wavy. Well, back in July, I decided to get a perm(not a good thing with natural waves/curls) and then the next week had it taken out. Also had my hair colored and highlighted. That again was in July and its been in the last maybe 6 weeks that this has happened. While I was on it the homeopathic drops, I never had a problem and I’ve been off the drops since June, so something isn’t adding up. I don’t have health ins. so I can’t just go to a dermatologist, but someone that is losing hair that does have ins. go to the dermatologist, see what you can find out, then let the rest of us know. To me, there is nothing in those drops to cause hair loss, but I do know also if you’re not getting the right foods, you can lose hair. I guess I need to be doing more research
Kathleen, don’t know what to tell you, I never did the grissini breadsticks, but did do the melba rounds. I honestly think that’s what slowed me down on my weight loss, and I found I didn’t really need them in my opinion
I started 1/1/11 and lost my weight gain from the load but nothing else!!! I have not cheated and am very strict about weighing my food. I am doing the pellets 2x/day. Can someone give me a clue why this might be. This is my first time…I am starting day 4 of the VLCD. I am getting quite discouraged right now!
wow, so sorry you are discouraged…maybe what you are taking isn’t strong enough… not sure what pellets are. Fruit, I have always found that I lose better if I only do one or none of fruit. also, drink plenty of fluids…are you retaining fluids? skip the grissini….I do much better without it. eat your biggest meal earlier in the day….always weight yourself in the am before showering or doing anything.
hope these tips help you in some small way….this is what works for me….. oh, try and apple or steak day. check protocol, make sure you are following exactly, no extra anything, there really isn’t any reason that you should NOT be losing, perhaps it’s medical. good luck, I would feel disappointed too.
For some strange reason, the “Comment” function on this post keeps breaking when it gets close to 6,000 comments. I’ve had to go in several times now and delete older comments in order to get the “Comment” function to work again.
Therefore to keep from deleting older comments as well as having to go back in fix this when it breaks. I’m going to close comments here and invite you to comment at https://www.davidwallace.com/2008/08/how-i-lost-40-pounds-in-40-days-the-hcg-diet/ where it seems everyone has shifted over to any way.