Goal Weight: 138 lbs
Weight after two loading days: 171.7 lbs (3.7 lbs total gain)
R2P2D9: 161.6 (-10.1 lbs gross, -6.4 lbs net)
1.3 lbs released -- woo hoo! Look out 150's... here I come! I guess that I can eat asparagus with no problem, so that is a very good thing. I'm glad because I want more of that soup. ;-)
Today's tip has to do with keeping yourself regular during the VLCD portion of this protocol. Constipation is a frequent complaint, especially in folks who have had some problems with that prior to beginning the diet. Fortunately, it is a battle that I have not had to fight. So, what do I do that is magic? I don't know. I do know that I drink lots and lots of water -- at least half my weight in lbs translated to ounces, which is a good rule of thumb. For instance, I weigh 162 lbs so I will strive to drink at least 81 oz of water today. Just after weighing each morning, I start my day with a large 16 oz glass of water to get a jump start on the water for the day. I also sip on coffee throughout the morning, which usually seems to get my bowels moving each day. Also, I have recently added Apple Cider Vinegar to my regimen, which some say relieves constipation. However, I didn't really have a problem with it before starting ACV, so I can't say for sure if that is helping in that department or not.
If you are having a problem and you are drinking plenty of water, then here are a few on protocol things that I have seen people try.
- Take Magnesium Citrate every morning (this is supposed to be gentle)
- Take something called "Natural Calm" (think this is also Magnesium Citrate, and supposed to be gentle)
- Drink "Smooth Move" Tea by Traditional Medicinals (this can have BIG results, so you need to be ready ;-)
- Psyllium Husk (Think you can get it in a capsule form, but sounds like you need to drink lots of water with it)
I believe that most traditional laxatives or fiber drink mixes are probably not going to be protocol compliant. Be careful to check the label for hidden sugars or artificial sweeteners (to make them taste good) and starches (used as fillers) before you use them.
Before I get to the menu I have an announcement:
From here on out I'm going to stop listing my coffee with Hazelnut stevia and my water with lemon wedge and Lemon Drop stevia each day. You can take it for granted that I will have my coffee every single morning and that I will drink at least 80 oz of water evenly distributed throughout the day.
Okay, on to the menu for today...
1:30p: 1/2 Portion of Cream of Asparagus Soup*
(you knew I would do it!)
5p: 1/2 Portion of Cream of Asparagus Soup*
6:30p: 1 large apple
10:30p: Nonfat Cottage Cheese
*OFF PROTOCOL WARNING!
- Mixing veggies (asparagus and onion)
Reflecting on my menu: Of course, me calling my portion of soup a "half portion" is rather absurd, because I'm not really sure WHAT the portion size should be with the exception of the protein. I need to nail down the asparagus. Anyway, when I say "1/2 portion" I mean that I was eating half the portion that I ate yesterday. If you'll notice, though, I left off my fruit at lunch, so today could send me over the 500 calories. Only time (and the scale) will tell. And yes -- I AM EATING TOO LATE!!! ARGH!!! I would have just skipped the 10:30p, but I was afraid that I would be too far under the 500 calories and knew that I needed to my protein.
Reflecting on the day: I feel great today! Euphoric, even. I don't just mean I'm not hungry (which I'm not) but that I really feel good. I can't say that I experienced that at all for my entire previous round. Could it be the HCG? Perhaps, but I had that last round. Could it be this crisp, cool, beautiful Autumn day? It could be -- this is my kind of weather. Could it be the fact that I fit into size 12 jeans this morning? Maybe, I was pretty stoked about that. I really think that it is because I KNOW that I can do this now. I really feel like I'm in the home stretch, and it's a good feeling.
Til tomorrow -- LATER LOSERS! :D
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