Smooth Landing

I terminated the HCG portion of the program after 33 days, in anticipation of some travel scheduled for the following week. (Unless you bring all food with you or have a host willing to prepare food to your exact specifications, it's likely a fool's mission to expect to comply with phase I of the program while on the road.) I'll admit to dreading the discontinuance of the HCG, when the program requires that the very low calorie plan be continued for 72 additional hours. I imagined that the hunger would be so bad I'd be eating the furniture.

Not so. I've always had a very healthy appetite, one of the barriers to easy weight loss in the past. Believe it or not, the appetite-resetting effect of the HCG lasted through those 72 hours so that I was no hungrier than I'd been during the days taking HCG. Even better, my weight continued to drift downward such that by the end of those 72 hours I crossed the 20-lb weight loss line. 20 pounds easily in just over a month, eating real, healthy food. My energy is excellent. Amazing.

Now it's on to phase II, where we up the calories while consuming the same food types as in phase I.

This is fun - are you ready to start yet?

Sliding Board

Good news: the upward blips I talked about in the last post have become fewer and farther between, and I'm getting clear on what might cause my weight loss to stall. In 21 days I've let go of 14 pounds. Now I feel like I'm on a sliding board rather than in a game of Chutes and Ladders.

There's no question that this plan requires total adherence. So for example, last week when we received a lovely invitation to lunch with friends, I had to advise my hostess of my requirements rather than partake - even in small portions - of the delectable fare that the rest of the company enjoyed. My hostess was very kind and prepared my little meal for me. I reminded myself many times that afternoon that this is only for another few days. I can do anything for another few days.

My husband and I are dancers, and last night we attended a blast of a contradance. What a joy to feel my body lighter and to dance with greater ease.

Now that 21 days have elapsed, it is my choice as to how long I want to continue, up to a maximum of 40 days. Although at times I have to bite my lip with determination, the reality is that this plan is not difficult to implement, and I'm doing very well. Not only do my clothes fit better, I'm sleeping better and my energy is high.

I'm going to continue. Want to come with me?

copyright 2010