tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56121146165139059822024-03-19T10:56:51.983-07:00To HCG....and Back!Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.comBlogger378125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-91912470609148618622011-06-10T17:34:00.000-07:002011-06-10T17:37:11.610-07:00Checking In...Sorry so long since my last post. I was able to have a consultation with Sugar Free and go over my blood work. I have ordered the supplements I need to help get my numbers back in line, and am getting ready to leave for vacation. When I get back I should have everything I need to start getting my body back on track! I hope you all are having a great summer :) No one is posting anything so you must be busy. Talk to you when I get back....Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-81997932464144836792011-06-01T08:04:00.000-07:002011-06-01T08:11:48.735-07:00What Do I Do Now??<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I got my response back from SugarFree as follows:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><br /><br />"Well, the good news is that your fasting insulin and leptin are just<br />fine; no worries there. The bad news is that you have pretty severe<br />thyroid hormone resistance -- in other words, you are, despite your<br />low TSH (which is actually a pretty useless test since it doesn't<br />measure anything directly, but by inference), very hypothyroid. Worse:<br />until you get your ferritin and D levels *way* up, there's nothing you<br />can do about it, since any medication will not be properly absorbed or<br />used.<br /><br />As for elevated RT3 in HCG patients, I'm not surprised -- but it's not<br />the HCG causing that problem; rather a different and even worse double<br />whammy. Here's what's happening:<br /><br />1: The HCG turns adipose proto-fat cells into full fat cells, just<br />waiting to be filled. Not good.<br /><br />2: The Simeons' protocol -- as written -- drives up fasting insulin,<br />sometimes into hyperinsulinemea, which drives fat storage over the<br />long haul, once you're no longer starving yourself. Really bad.<br /><br />3: The sub-starvation level calories, according to every thyroid<br />medical textbook ever written, WILL, if done over an extended period<br />of time (more than 2 or 3 weeks), CAUSE thyroid hormone resistance in<br />the form of high RT3. The worst.<br /><br />This is what women are doing to themselves (needlessly, as I've proven<br />in my blog in so many ways), and this is why I started my blog to<br />begin with. So that they could see, through Simeons' own words, logic,<br />and science, and a live experiment -- working so well! -- what HCG<br />doesn't do (open fat cells or help with weight loss in ANY way), and<br />what it and the protocol as written does do: trash the metabolism,<br />make insulin resistance worse, make more permanent fat cells, and<br />promote thyroid hormone resistance.<br /><br />Then they wonder why they keep gaining back the weight -- and so<br />easily. It's a horrible downward spiral, and I am so happy that I have<br />apparently helped some folks to see the light and give this up<br />forever."</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I was really discouraged after reading that, but have since spoken with her directly and we are going to work together to get this fixed. I have to bring up my Ferritin and Vit D levels before I can start the medication to fix my Reverse T3 issue. She said that even though it might take a little longer having to do it this way, it will be easier in some ways because once that is fixed, I don't have the insulin resistance or leptin resistance issues to conquer as well. I am happy that I have a way to fix my issues once and for all. It is going to take a little time, but it will be so worth it!</span></span><br /><br /><br /></span></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-73335789316652377152011-05-31T09:11:00.000-07:002011-05-31T09:17:25.700-07:00Back in town.....Finally got back from Houston and was able to pick up my blood work. Everything was looking pretty good except my Reverse T3 was way too high (not good if you would like to burn any fat), and my Ferritin levels were extremely low. I also remembered that someone posted a comment back in 2010 that after HCG they had very high Rev T3 and her doctor told her that she was seeing this in over 60% of her HCG patients. I have submitted my results to SugarFree and am interested in hearing her suggestions on how to get my body working properly again. I will post as soon as I hear back :)Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-23420723663735565752011-05-19T08:45:00.000-07:002011-05-19T08:53:51.630-07:00Just Checking In...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">I have been in maintenance since Monday. I have not been weighing or measuring anything. I am just choosing meats, veggies, fats, and a little fruit or starch. I have lost .6 since Monday. My glucose numbers have gone up a little now that I am eating around double the food I was before. Fasting glucose is between 80-90 most days, and the highest number I have gotten in the first hour after eating is 103. I think that is pretty good. I am going in this morning and seeing if my doctor will do the blood tests for me. I finally get to see my husband for the first time in a month!! He is flying in today. The next week will be insane, so I am going to do the best I can (4 day road trip) and then get my blood work back when I return. Then at that point, I can get to work :) </span>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-59794511385161971222011-05-17T15:45:00.001-07:002011-05-17T16:00:27.770-07:00This might help....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Hi guys, I created a sidebar gadget that has the individual links for each part of the HCG Diet Analysis. This makes it simple for you to read and get all the information without getting lost in the process. Also, Sugarfree herself commented on my last post and would like your input about some possible ways of getting the information out to the masses :) Be sure to weigh in, and let her know what you think would be helpful. She also mentions that a new thread will be added in the next day or so with more information. I will post that when it comes up. Hope you are having a great day :)</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">As for me I am just following the same basic principles of high sat fat, mod protein, and low carb. I am not eating any carbs if I eat before noon. I am just eating when I feel that I am hungry, and that is not often. Here is what I have had so far today:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">9:00am</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">2 eggs</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">1 strip thick bacon</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">spinach</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">sprinkle of cheese</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">3:45pm</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">romaine lettuce</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">ground beef with chili powder</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">1/2 avocado</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">sprinkle of cheese</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">dressing of sf salsa mixed with sour cream</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">3/4 of a small apple diced and fried in coconut oil. Served with sliced almonds and a drizzle of heavy cream.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">My fasting glucose was 75. After my lunch it was 90. Very pleased with that. Not sure what else I will have today. I will wait and see where my hunger leads me :)</span></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-50590753787917576102011-05-16T06:55:00.000-07:002011-05-16T10:07:52.722-07:001 Week Results of the Un-HCG Experiment....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I finished one week of the experiment and here are the results:</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Weight lost: -2.4lbs</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Lost -1.5 inches off waist</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Lost -1.5 inches off hips</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Lost -.25 inches off each thigh</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">(Those were the only locations I measured, but I know I lost inches in other places as well.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Avg fasting glucose: 74</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Avg lunch 1 hr pp: 74</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Avg lunch 2 hr pp: 74</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Avg dinner 1 hr pp: 84</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Avg dinner 2hr pp: 85 </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Overall I would say that is pretty good. The scale was frustrating. Now I remember why I got rid of it :) I lost for 3 days in a row really well. Then it went nothing, up, down, nothing. But no hunger or cravings at all. Energy getting back to normal levels. I also have to consider that before I started this I had been bedridden for 6 weeks, so using the muscles finally could be skewing the weight loss a little as well.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I fought headaches that were pretty intense and realized that this pain was the beginning of the pain that had put me in bed! I remembered how I promised myself I was not going to create that stress again, and that nothing was worth the pain I had been in. I said I would not be a freak and would just be sensible, and no scale. Well here I am weighing, counting and measuring everything. Stressing every time the scale said something I did not like. You give me numbers to hit and I will hit them. I follow everything to perfection. And I wonder why the pain was coming back???</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So here is what I took from this experiment. I don't believe that HCG has anything to do with actual weight loss. I believe it is the composition of the foods we eat (at any calorie level) that determines if we lose or not. I believe that how easily we lose, under the right composition if food, is then largely affected by our own person levels of insulin and leptin resistance. I believe that on HCG, even though I lost ok, the hunger I felt tells me that much of the losses I had were at the mercy of my lean muscle. I can read back over the posts when I finished rounds that said I felt "skinny fat". Knowing that the HCG adds fat cells to my body that can now be filled, really bothers me. I also can't think of anyone who has really kept it off completely without eventually having to do more rounds to keep it there. (Myself included) Their hypothalamus did not reset, they just </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">changed their eating habits</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> enough to keep the weight stable. Then, if they start eating badly again, the weight starts creeping back on regardless of the new "setpoint". And for those who are not being really careful, they just gain it all back and then some.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Am I sorry I did HCG? No. Other than the fact that I made new fat cells :(, the rest is just a placebo in my opinion. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">But</span>,</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> it taught me how to break the sugar habit, to learn immense self control, to realize I really could lose the weight if I wanted to, and most importantly to realize that at the end of the day it was the </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">choices I made of what to put in my mouth that made the difference</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, not HCG. It gave me confidence in </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">ME</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So now I want to take all of the lessons I have learned so far, and put them all together. I want to make good food choices everyday. I want to keep sugar and processed foods to a bare minimum. I want to keep carbohydrates at a level that is effective for allowing my body to lose fat. I want to enjoy the food I eat and not be hungry. I want to be relaxed in my approach to weight loss and be able to flow with the ups and downs as they come. I want to accept that life isn't perfect and neither am I . Slip-ups happen, but I can be smart about them and get right back on track with little damage. I want to exercise because I enjoy it, and how it makes me feel. NOT to lose weight. I want to become the healthiest, best me, possible.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I am going to enter maintenance for a month and try to practice these principles. I am going to get the blood work done to see exactly how my metabolism is functioning, and where it needs help. Then in about a month I will do this program again for a week or two, and so on :) I am turning 40 this year in December, and my goal is to find that balance and start really living my life. Oh yeah, the scale is going back. My tape measure works just fine :)</span></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-88199945586552820132011-05-13T10:11:00.000-07:002011-05-13T10:21:52.879-07:00Day Five of the Un-HCG Experiment...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Stayed the same today. I worked in the yard all day yesterday weeding and mowing. Must have gotten up and down a million times :) Very sore, so a little water retention is definitely a possibility! I still have the headaches here and there but less and less. I also am beginning to think they might be more related to my neck issues rather than any diet issues. What I really love so far, is that other than a period of hunger in the morning, I have no hunger what so ever. I mean none. On HCG even though I wasn't starving, I was always a little hungry or thinking about how long it was till the next meal. On this I don't feel anything. Also, I crave nothing. Weird. I know if I put a cookie in my mouth it would taste good, but I don't WANT to put it in my mouth, or spend anytime wishing I could. Now that is a first :) I found that by eating an ounce of protein or a TBSP of heavy cream in the morning helped the am hunger I was having. After that, I am good to go. I am absolutely loving the sunshine, FINALLY!</span></span>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-24652278197853820162011-05-13T10:07:00.000-07:002011-05-13T10:22:28.921-07:00Day Four of the Un-HCG Experiment....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Somehow this post disappeared when Blogger went down! So, the basics were that I lost - 1.2lbs! That all of the losses have been during TOM :) Headaches have come and gone. Usually a period of morning hunger. Other than that no hunger.</span>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-43051778554821627642011-05-11T09:37:00.000-07:002011-05-11T09:49:26.404-07:00Day three of my Un-HCG experiment...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Down .4 this morning. So that is a pound lost over the last 2 days eating fat and using lotions with the HCG still in my system. Interesting. HCG should be out of the system by today. I have been taking my glucose religiously in the morning and then for the 2 hours following my 2 meals. It is super stable and in fact it has never gone above 87 even in the first readings following my meals. I have been testing my urine for keytones. Every time I am at moderate or large. Most of the participants are only at a trace or small. I was hoping that would mean big losses, but who knows :) I had a headache and for the first two days, and finally don't today. I did not get the sugar withdrawl headache when I started HCG, and that surprised me given what I had been eating. I think the fruits gave me just enough to keep the headaches away, so once I took them out completely, I am guessing that is why the headaches. I have had some hunger at different times, but not bad. Mornings usually. No cravings or anything. Fat definitely tastes good :) </span></span>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-90648938326189904372011-05-10T08:06:00.000-07:002011-05-10T10:55:04.821-07:00The How, What and Why's of HCG......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Hi guys! Sorry for the long hiatus. This last week has been an adventure.... in research that is :) For those of you who have been following my blog, you know that I am sort of a nutrition junkie. I always want to know the science of it all, and what is going on behind the scenes. Things need to make sense logically for me. Although "HCG" has been successful to me thus far many of the concepts just made no sense scientifically. But I liked the weight loss so I just ignored that :) </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I was reading the HCG forums and was watching a "fight" back and forth while someone was trying to point out some issues they had with the science and why they felt it was wrong. Of course this peaked my attention. So I found their website and read it from top to bottom. For me this was the information I had been looking for. This is where all of the missing links finally made sense.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The website is: sugarfreegoodies.wordpress.com.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The website is a little difficult to navigate and find what you are looking for, but if you read HCG Diet Analysis part l,ll,lll, and lV you will have the basics and all of the science that surrounds it. Part lV can be found in the recent posts, but to find the first 3 parts you need to go to the archives for the last couple months. Then you can look around and find the threads of the participants that are testing out the solution theory of the websites author.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So after digesting all of this I have stopped the HCG as of yesterday. I am monitoring my blood glucose very carefully and being specific on which foods I am eating. I am going to get the required blood work done so I can really find out what is going on with me. I decided to get a scale because I wanted to see what if any effects this would have on weight loss or gain. This morning I lost .6 lbs and was able to use face and body lotion and eat 50gms of fat :) All while HCG is still in my system.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I am in no way discrediting any HCG followers. I think Simeon had parts of the picture, just not the whole picture. For me this makes sense. Finally. Take it or leave it. We all have to do what is right for us, and no matter what program we follow, I am glad we are in it together:)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I will post and let you know what I find out along the way :)</span></span></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-20481134829544139882011-05-05T09:30:00.000-07:002011-05-05T09:46:07.236-07:00Day Six.... Happy to Meet New Friends!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It has been great to hear from all of my friends, plus so many new ones :) I am also glad that some of you are doing this right along with me. Be sure to keep me up to date on your progress.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">No scale is so bizarre! I find I don't spend nearly the amount of time thinking about HCG. It is like I can forget about it during the day and just do what I need to get done. I don't lay in bed in the morning and wonder what the scale is going to say. I don't over analyze the previous days menu to death, wondering if there was a tad too much salt, or if something is affecting me because the loss is not as good as I had hoped for. Overall I am pretty relaxed. My energy so far is great. I am doing some exercise everyday, and that makes me happy because in the past I wanted to avoid it, in case it made me retain water, and I did not have a good loss. In general, it feels much more healthy and balanced :)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I will post what I ate, because I know people like to see what the diet is like when they are new to it.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Yesterday was:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Chicken, Romaine, Apple, Melba</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Tilapia, Asparagus, Strawberries, Melba and Strawberry Lemonade</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 liter water, 1 liter yerba mate tea, 1 liter peppermint water</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I am really missing my husband who is in Houston right now, but I am glad to be getting this over with while he is gone. So much easier without the temptation to go out with him :)</span></span></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-73352049333511931962011-05-04T06:35:00.000-07:002011-05-04T06:54:59.375-07:00They Didn't Forget Me...... :)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I can't tell you how happy I was to see your responses. I thought for sure you had all written me off months ago :) Thank you so much for your kind words and for not kicking my butt for messing up. I think I have done that enough for you all :)</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One thing I realized while spending 6 weeks in bed, was how bad I wanted my life back. Right before this started I was stressing so badly about my weight and I think it was one of the major causes of my issues. It was very humbling to come to the realization that nothing was worth what I was going thru. I don't care if I stayed the weight I am now, if it meant I could be me again and not be in pain. Why do women put themselves through absolute hell for a number??</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Things are manageable now. I do my therapy everyday. I still feel it a little, and it gets worse if I am not vigilant. I know I need to keep my health and well being in the forefront now. I want to get some of this weight off, but I know I need to remain sane while doing it. I am actually really glad I don't have a scale. It takes away most of the mental aspect of things which is nice.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One interesting thing was that I thought I was so rock solid. I had conquered my emotional eating issues. I was in complete control. I loved the way I looked and loved my clothes.... All it took was the perfect storm of emotional and physical issues, combined with a little bit of cockiness on my part, and BAM! Right back to where I was. Wow. Lesson learned.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Emotional eating is EXACTLY like the alcoholic. Most recovering alcoholics simply can't drink anymore. No matter how long they have been sober, it comes right back if they let it. And sometimes it only takes just one drink, even after years of sobriety. I now know that I can't get lazy and convince myself that a little bit won't affect me, or I will make up for it next week, or I just need a little bit because things are so stressful right now, or use the holiday as an excuse for complete eating abandon :)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sorry, this post is so long. Lots of emotions over the past 5 months. Feels weird not to be posting a number everyday, but happy not to be doing so :) I also notice that most of the usual suspects are not posting either!! So get to posting!! I miss you guys :)</span></span></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-7990578670863539962011-05-03T15:20:00.000-07:002011-05-03T15:43:55.553-07:00What a Difference Five Months Makes.......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Where to begin???</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Christmas was a nightmare and started gaining..... Tried to do HCG in Jan and was starving and miserable. Husband threw away my scale and said enough is enough. Quit after 10 days..... Gains continued.... Got sick and was bedridden for 6 weeks in EXTREME pain. Saw numerous doctors with no help. Took every medication possible: nothing. Ate for comfort and to ease the constant nausea. Gains soared.... Finally able to get out of bed, but devastated at how far I had fallen. Found out we might be moving to Houston, husband gone, and teenager pushing me to my limits.... gains out of control!!!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So, here I am today on day four of a new HCG round.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I have been all over the map emotionally. I have wanted to post, but was too embarrassed about the gains. So upset at myself for letting it get this far....</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But then I remembered that this is where my friends are :) I have picked them up when they have gotten off track, and I know they will do the same.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I never replaced the scale my husband threw away. I did not like the control it had over me and my emotions. So I am doing this round with NO SCALE! Talk about freedom :) I know what to eat and not eat. I know what clothes I want to get into. So what is the purpose of determining my day based on what the scale says?? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This will definitely be an adventure, and I am happy that I am back on track. I could keep beating myself up and self medicating with food, but it just isn't worth it. So here goes nothing.....</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-89032851381900031172010-12-02T14:16:00.000-08:002011-05-03T15:19:57.735-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oCvQx-m9M6oKZWa8jsQaxUe7NI5eJk8vPIw6E6h3FqGdIJ1I46LEai5ByJ8WIdzf_Rye4Tiok8ZV7OjBAneSTCMJjF88KTUILednBUfmR-K1TEFsTy69tiyHIHDYfpEwX_QtlamYX38/s1600/u-turn.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 398px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oCvQx-m9M6oKZWa8jsQaxUe7NI5eJk8vPIw6E6h3FqGdIJ1I46LEai5ByJ8WIdzf_Rye4Tiok8ZV7OjBAneSTCMJjF88KTUILednBUfmR-K1TEFsTy69tiyHIHDYfpEwX_QtlamYX38/s400/u-turn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546212448860565442" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Okay, so I went a little crazy. I am pretty sure I had a mid-life crisis :) Who am I?? What am I supposed to do?? What am I going to do with the rest of my life?? I turn 39 next week....... need I say more? The diet went out the window and I have basically been a basket case :)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have finally decided to put on the brakes and turn the ship back around! I started last round at 155.6 and I have been hanging around 154. I guess another round after the holiday will be in order. I have been trying to sort things out and decide what I want to do. So here is what I came up with.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">#1- I am just going to try to maintain right now thru the end of the month, instead of stress myself out during the holiday and try to lose.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">#2- I started back exercising this week. I forgot how much I love dance! I have to keep the body moving!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">#3- I am going back to school. I have gone back and forth on this because I could not figure out which direction I wanted to take. I found the degree I want. It is Community Health Education. Once I have my bachelors, then I can get certified as a Community Health Education Specialist. From there, I have lots of options as to where I want to go.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">#4- I will start HCG consulting for a chiropractic office that is adding HCG to their office. They have an excellent homeopathic HCG that can only be obtained by a doctor. It has HCG plus a lot of extras in it. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Combine those with all of the regular family duties and I should be very BUSY!! Just how I like it :) </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So that is my life in a nutshell. I have missed chatting with you all. Let me know how you are doing! If anyone wants to get HCG, just let me know. The cost is $99 and includes an hour getting started class (or phone) with me! Happy Holidays!</span></span></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-63347591133406424372010-11-15T06:39:00.000-08:002010-11-15T06:49:52.870-08:00Laughter really is the best medicine..... :)<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I saw this over the weekend and about died laughing! A cop has been stealing confiscated marijuana and baking brownies with it. He and his wife apparently had a bit too much and freaked out and called 911. You would NEVER live that one down! :)</span></div><div><br /></div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d-iBJQFMvgo?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d-iBJQFMvgo?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-89363329185794703382010-11-07T06:49:00.000-08:002010-11-07T07:13:38.469-08:00My life lately....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b1PsqBgi9aRb3SEFBuNlMmTR2djQrH96DjVxjkhsyVvJKb8mu9i1INnw6Ohao9e_eGbvhtIE3XzQ6tasA2i9LVJxjjhchg5hKK92YwJWCyd6I2RBpja-6BWeLDcTYWP3oLe5jgHnDY0/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b1PsqBgi9aRb3SEFBuNlMmTR2djQrH96DjVxjkhsyVvJKb8mu9i1INnw6Ohao9e_eGbvhtIE3XzQ6tasA2i9LVJxjjhchg5hKK92YwJWCyd6I2RBpja-6BWeLDcTYWP3oLe5jgHnDY0/s400/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536821699236308850" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b1PsqBgi9aRb3SEFBuNlMmTR2djQrH96DjVxjkhsyVvJKb8mu9i1INnw6Ohao9e_eGbvhtIE3XzQ6tasA2i9LVJxjjhchg5hKK92YwJWCyd6I2RBpja-6BWeLDcTYWP3oLe5jgHnDY0/s1600/images.jpeg"></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I don't know what is wrong with me. Actually, this seems to happen pretty regularly. I am the typical perfectionist/overachiever type. I love a challenge and am most happy when I am using my brain. I love to work, and mothering has always been harder for me. I usually always work at least part time. Even though it is nice to have a break, this seems to happen after awhile. I get depressed and feel like I don't know what to do with myself. The house is clean, the projects are done, and now what??? I am the type of person who has the running "to-do" list in her head at all times. I can't sit still, and have never been able to take a nap during the day time. I used to love reading, and now would be the perfect time to just relax and catch up on some good books, but I can't. Same thing with the HCG. Each phase is always a challenge and has it's own things to work on. But when you hit lifetime maintenance after a while, it just becomes life. So combine those two and I am a basket case :) I am turning 39 in a few weeks. Age has never been an issue for me or bothered me. Until now. I am feeling like time is running out and I don't have anything to show for it. I feel anxiety, and an extreme need to travel. To get out there and go, see and do. On the body front, it is the same. Yes I lost the weight, but 40 year old skin is not 20 year old skin! I feel like I got to the game late. I think everyone thinks of losing the weight and getting to be that picture in your head of your perfect body. Only to realize it is a smaller version of my old self. Still all of the stretch marks and imperfections. And now I even have a varicose vein too!! I am my grandmother!! Ok, I know I need to calm down. I am guessing this is what a mid life crisis feels like :) Who am I? What do I bring to the world? What do I have to show for my life? What am I going to do with the rest of my life? For someone who has slight "control" issues, it really sucks not having all the answers and not knowing what to do next.</span></span></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-17309839692132545912010-11-03T08:58:00.001-07:002010-11-03T09:19:06.747-07:00Proud to be an American....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8F-YrEtDUMJZndRb2_BZaStrzXkZebErg8-dJYCMElyKFPsdOsRTGM6VKL16kSxwXnK_W09JJ0BqkOWR9DDrUJulg0nmg5YWbGP71qwjNF0bDxj_D2p2g4WqIZIeZD2Bj9M_U1kddW4o/s1600/bald_eagle_head_and_american_flag1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8F-YrEtDUMJZndRb2_BZaStrzXkZebErg8-dJYCMElyKFPsdOsRTGM6VKL16kSxwXnK_W09JJ0BqkOWR9DDrUJulg0nmg5YWbGP71qwjNF0bDxj_D2p2g4WqIZIeZD2Bj9M_U1kddW4o/s400/bald_eagle_head_and_american_flag1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535353702040615234" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I just had to comment about how lucky I feel to live in a country where your voice can be heard. Not only heard, but that we as American citizens really can step in when we feel things are going in the wrong direction. I cannot imagine living in other countries where you do not have that right, and where you just have to accept what is. NO MATTER WHAT SIDE YOU ARE ON, it is inspiring to see America demonstrate the most unique and special thing about our country. Sometimes your "team" wins and sometimes you have to endure. But the very fact that we have a choice, means EVERYTHING. We as Americans have no excuse. If you don't like it....... then do something about it. :) </span></span></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-61318852762338867672010-11-01T06:36:00.000-07:002010-11-01T06:53:54.756-07:00Back to Lifetime Maintenance....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMzrNQoEKbnqSzbBFL3OXwKu35-c_bSb-KwxuI01D2tG6pdpnA0rWE6-WrfYe3UdwDVbzK_tr_xvZYI7mh-rWnI-szpQaOtjNKYX2Wpgk8-wuJ_J5Dwic4Td6XPPuNMM9XldZt6w_bhU/s1600/pms2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMzrNQoEKbnqSzbBFL3OXwKu35-c_bSb-KwxuI01D2tG6pdpnA0rWE6-WrfYe3UdwDVbzK_tr_xvZYI7mh-rWnI-szpQaOtjNKYX2Wpgk8-wuJ_J5Dwic4Td6XPPuNMM9XldZt6w_bhU/s400/pms2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534579077562565234" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMzrNQoEKbnqSzbBFL3OXwKu35-c_bSb-KwxuI01D2tG6pdpnA0rWE6-WrfYe3UdwDVbzK_tr_xvZYI7mh-rWnI-szpQaOtjNKYX2Wpgk8-wuJ_J5Dwic4Td6XPPuNMM9XldZt6w_bhU/s1600/pms2.jpg"></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Today begins lifetime maintenance.... again :) TOM is here :( Feeling puffy, crampy and just overall icky! This weekend I had some Kneaders french toast. It was good, but I only had half and did not go crazy. Felt good about that. Then TOM hit along with cravings galore. I had 2 pumpkin cookies, 1 brownie, popcorn, licorice and 1/2 a chocolate shake!! Needless to say I am not going near the scale this morning :) I am going to do a high protein day today and keep it clean for the next few days. This week I am going to start exercising. Today I will do some resistance training with some intervals to finish off. Not much else to report! I will let you know what the scale says after a few days of being good :) </span></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-74686771447821297882010-10-26T18:30:00.000-07:002010-10-26T19:03:16.603-07:00R4 P4 D16....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sorry it has been awhile! Life has been keeping me busy :) The weight has been fluctuating between the 2 lbs and doing well. I weigh some days, and not others. Just trying to practice eating for the rest of my life and not taking it too seriously :) I have been out of the habit of exercising for so long now, I find myself not making time for it. So unlike me. I definitely need to get into a routine again. I have a few food finds to share with you.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05TC95bn-y-7V0W5WpTkjSksUDFkNGYuWJ2HxPPSd_ulvVvk_xy2880xYzGB_B4Deu5NMgUroXeqIJwEifG89ZD0TB-0SoD821KdjE9tEDSC7TjkBMm44NE85zXczuPwXdHxBVoMtj20/s400/100_6605.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532534070402043394" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The first is heaven in a jar :) This is sunflower seed butter, with added flax and hemp seed. This is sooooo good. It does not list sugar on the label, just organic vanilla powder. After one taste I immediately called the company because I knew there was some sort of sweetness in there!! They said their vanilla powder does have some sucrose, and they are changing the label. Even though there was not much, during P3 I was careful to have just a little at a time. It is amazing and most of the time eaten just off the spoon! I found it at Good Earth. It can also be found at <a href="http://stores.homestead.com/NaturallyNuttyFoodsInc/StoreFront.bok"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Naturally Nutty</span></a>. They have all sorts of flavored nut butters. My next one to try is White Chocolate Coconut Peanut Butter...... :)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6RYDQIkrN6Pqe2xb3OKA8yK-uwMAF4lN9EvATlgEMUIoa37JsihyOrdZvY0vVuyZvHOuxRPGBTTk7OwTLajwWCi5Olj1X0B536f_VuN59IlPtwONrT84KpWWQpiWUongtTQ-ur7_gN8/s400/100_6607.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532534073896197314" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Next up, makes life easier and delicious at the same time! This is from Costco. Nothing but the pork, salt and water. Heats up in seconds and can be used a million different ways. My favorite lately is pork tacos in romaine lettuce leaves.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XnkJyyoMVkt50STM3LwWErbDK_rnjoYJumF5qTvNtVhP0LocLsrCCRjfHuc5gbAKi2EsYrfBzVBFMhfFd_pciEcbdm68S4Cqcvee6GFy7n_uwtY1QdaX-_CwhXu0mFXZ_zGyBN5W0go/s400/100_6609.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532534081216865138" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For someone who LOVES anything coconut, I can't believe I have lived without this all my life. If the sunflower butter is heaven in a jar, this is heaven in a can. I use it in everything. Soups, sauces, puddings, over fruit, frosting etc. It thickens things up and makes them creamy. I don't really taste the coconut once it is mixed in something else. Only when I put it on fruit can I really taste the coconutty goodness :) For those in P3 looking for a decadent treat without the sugar and starch try this pudding. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 pkg sugar free pudding of choice</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 cup of cream</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 cup coconut milk</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I said decadent. You can also use 1 cup greek yogurt and 1/2 cup cream, and 1/2 cup coconut milk to add in some protein. Basically you are adding 2 cups of liquid to the pudding. If you want less fat then use 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup cream, 1/2 cup coconut milk. Just make sure to blend the pudding and the thinnest liquid first really well then add the others and blend completely so you don't get pudding mix chunks. Here was my latest. I used Banana Cream pudding, with the 2 cups split evenly between cream, coconut milk (can), coconut milk (box). Of course I had to sprinkle with unsweetened coconut and some sliced almonds and cinnamon :)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIb6WRvMNpyNueUEXk19jk7ElZBm9ivMrLXvprJZ2Ne525ahXxbQLdf99RwUGsGELmmqzgqAwlRLEBIXFmG9BKfCRjxOIkDKTi8sWWWlISxLH7tv9btI0rLNJIj35xHh_LiSDORynD43w/s400/100_6613.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532534088571371842" /></span></span></div></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-1351700781002693192010-10-20T12:10:00.000-07:002010-10-21T15:29:06.168-07:00R4 P4 D10...English Muffins!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here is a picture of my favorite breakfast these days:</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqhJEcpnwTS6nTmeY9Ops59YArhyphenhyphenVfn21Coe0wWHPFi1d0ZQt7gl4ZCBiEkuD0m2cCIRNailZuP63o6Cixlbd4yjuLFpFItFjAxyOc495EYWwwQBCGi3_TWf9ZJ-sJ-w350UN8mk58-c/s400/100_6600.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530208058140857922" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That is cottage cheese with sliced almonds, fine shredded coconut flakes, cinnamon and some market fresh raspberries. Usually I stir in a little greek yogurt, but I am out today! And along side that is my "english muffin" with butter and honey. I love these. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">English Muffins</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I use a magic bullet to blend. So in a magic bullet cup put:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 egg</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1/4 cup almond flour</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 TBSP flax seeds</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 tsp butter</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1/2 tsp baking powder</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 TBSP water</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Blend till smooth. It will be really thick. Spoon the mixture into a ramekin about the diameter of an english muffin. You can also use a mug. It will just be taller rather than wider. Microwave for 1 minute and 10 seconds. Invert onto plate and slice in half horizontally. Voila! Perfect english muffin :) Since I am putting butter and honey on mine I don't add any salt or sweetener. Feel free to sweeten or spice it up as you please.</span></span></div></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-18341531723529612592010-10-20T08:39:00.000-07:002010-10-20T08:45:12.252-07:00R4 P4 D9...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Down to 145.8 this morning! That is just +0.6 above LIW! It has been going down a little everyday. I don't know why because I am not doing anything different. I even had frozen yogurt and my mug cake yesterday. I went to the gym for the first time on Monday. I did a yoga/pilates fusion class. It was fun and felt good to be doing something again. Until the next day that is :) So sore! I definitely could feel the fact that I have not done anything in awhile. I am feeling "flabby" so I am going to focus on getting the muscle tone back :) It is another beautiful fall day. 70 and sunny, who could ask for anything more??</span></span>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-56736118887688545802010-10-18T06:49:00.000-07:002010-10-18T06:58:46.511-07:00R4 P4 D7....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Today is 146.4, which makes me very happy. I did not weigh yesterday and was interested to see how things were after the weekend. I have been pretty good, but tend to do a little more on the weekends than during the week. Yesterday I had the following:</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2 eggs, 2 strips of bacon</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1/2 pear</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">almond flour/flax english muffin in a cup with butter and drizzle of honey</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">large iced coffee with sf syrup and cream</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Red Robin Mount Olympus Burger served with no bun on a bed of lettuce</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3 fries :)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2 cantalope wedges</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">diet coke</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2 sf candies</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">cottage cheese mixed with greek yogurt and 1 tbsp sf rasbperry jam</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">chocolate coconut mug cake with dollop of whip cream</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So nice to have fun weekends and not have to pay like my Kneaders french toast days :) And that is even with having cake for dinner :) </span></span></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-57745558569170218632010-10-15T11:45:00.000-07:002010-10-15T12:04:49.490-07:00Chocolate Cake.....with a secret!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2R1juutsGhJJna1gEQ7JMTm_eDXiTcX1HAhuVrDolvMP2kdem52MCyNi-EBTn6LXuGpInrKsuSq_iE8_9ZEGtVBEGXmmnGYGE3zFUuTDZQhv7c6fWYJbiBQLy6jr2yoH9cfAcZq9rgw/s1600/3560662052_cd071a6d45_o.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2R1juutsGhJJna1gEQ7JMTm_eDXiTcX1HAhuVrDolvMP2kdem52MCyNi-EBTn6LXuGpInrKsuSq_iE8_9ZEGtVBEGXmmnGYGE3zFUuTDZQhv7c6fWYJbiBQLy6jr2yoH9cfAcZq9rgw/s400/3560662052_cd071a6d45_o.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528346030139481394" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Photo courtesy of<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://healthyindulgences.blogspot.com/search/label/cake"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">Healthy Indulgences.</span></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">First off this morning was 147.0. That is +1.8 above LIW. I am wondering if being up could just be the natural transition of adding sugar and starch slowly, or still related to ovulation. Either way I am ok with it. My overall goal is to stay between 145.2 and 150.0 from here on out. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Second, I found this wonderful Chocolate Cake recipe over at </span></span><a href="http://healthyindulgences.blogspot.com/search/label/cake"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">Healthy Indulgences!</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It has NO sugar and NO flour! It is essentially made with black beans and eggs! Tasted exactly like cake. My husband hates beans with a passion. After 2 slices I told him the ingredients and he about died :) I would have taken my own picture, but they ate it all before I got any shots! She also has a vanilla version. You can also find a vanilla bean cake recipe at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://www.thespunkycoconut.com/2009/06/gluten-free-dairy-free-sugar-free.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">The Spunky Coconut.</span></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I will definitely be using these in the future. I am not one that likes frosting very much, but I made a frosting that was excellent. More like a thick chocolate mousse. So simple, but so good.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sugar Free Chocolate Frosting</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 and 3/4 cup cream</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1/4 cup coconut milk (regular milk is fine too)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 pkg sugar free chocolate pudding mix (you can use any flavor you like)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Just put into a bowl and mix until thick and spreadable. It takes awhile to get it there. Very good!!! I cut the cake in two and filled the middle and frosted the top!</span></span></div>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-21088143267419552772010-10-14T12:40:00.000-07:002010-10-14T12:45:21.764-07:00R4 P4 D3...<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Not much new to report. I ate really well after going up, and to my surprise ended up 2 more pounds up the next day! I have done this long enough to know that major moves are always hormonal, especially when the eating is right. I just ate right again, and was back down the 2 pounds, but still at the +2.0 mark from the day before. I am thinking I hit ovulation. I am guessing it will just come back down on it's own with good food. As I was contemplating new workouts and reading over at KarlMacphee I came across this video and could stop laughing! Now that would be an interesting workout :)</span></span></div><div><br /></div><object style="background-image:url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/cXhia0RzALo/hqdefault.jpg)" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cXhia0RzALo?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cXhia0RzALo?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5612114616513905982.post-77334668533589733062010-10-12T08:48:00.000-07:002010-10-12T08:56:49.647-07:00R4 P4 D1...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">First day of P4 starts off with a bang :) I am exactly +2.0 above LIW this morning. I ate out a lot over the weekend, and had a slice of real lemon cheesecake last night after dinner. So today, I will eat at home and be good :) Life has been so hectic, I think I will try and maybe read some of my book I have been trying to read forever. I also need to think about starting my workouts, and deciding what type of exercise I want to incorporate. It is sunny today, but it was definitely COLD this morning! Sad to see summer go. I love fall, but winter is way too long in Utah. I need to be one of those people who spends half the year in one location, and the other half in another :) Sounds fabulous to me!</span></span>Jen Paynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07983158254202529841noreply@blogger.com2