RED BANK, N.J., Oct. 4 -- Despite rising awareness of America's obesity epidemic and the secondary health risks associated with excess weight, new research released today by HealthyWomen (HW) shows that while the majority of women believe a parent's obesity has an influence on a child's risk of becoming obese (87%), surprisingly only one-quarter (28%) of women surveyed assign the responsibility to themselves. In reality, studies have shown stronger correlation over time for mother-child obesity compared with father-child obesity.
And the influence starts early. Only 11% of women in HealthyWomen's WomenTALK survey realized that a child's risk of becoming obese more than doubles if the mother is obese during her first trimester of pregnancy. According to recent research, this impacts roughly one in five women that are obese when they become pregnant. Forty-six percent of respondents to the HealthyWomen survey were unsure of the effect of maternal obesity on the risk of a child becoming obese. Yet, studies show the risk for newborn complications, including long-term complications like obesity, is even higher for severely obese women with a BMI of 35 or more.
BMI (body mass index) is an established measure utilized by physicians and health experts to determine weight status and is calculated from a person's height and weight. Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or greater according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
But because a mother's influence is so strong, some see the survey findings as an opportunity to reverse bad behaviors and a call to action for breaking the cycle once and for all.
"While the statistics are disconcerting, we know that mothers are commonly viewed as role models for eating behavior and serve as gatekeepers of food," said Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, executive director of HealthyWomen. "From an early age, children tend to eat the same foods as their parents, especially mothers, so exposure to nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables is not only setting a good example, but also positioning your child on a lifelong course of good health."
Knowing the Personal Risks of Obesity
The HealthyWomen survey found that while there is a great understanding among women that obesity leads to an increased risk in developing secondary health conditions such as high blood pressure (93%), Type 2 diabetes (89%), and heart disease (88%), less than one-third of women recognize the increased risk of colon cancer (26%), gallstones (30%), and breast cancer (23%).
"Women need to be their own advocates in the fight against all of these diseases," said Battaglino Cahill, "and understanding the influence that friends and family have on the likelihood that they will become obese is part of what's slowing them down. We need to help women understand that they have the opportunity to positively wield their influence by taking charge of their own nutrition and physical activity habits."
While a majority of the women surveyed acknowledge other people's obesity can influence their own likelihood of becoming obese (80%), only 28% recognize the impact of a friend. In fact, studies show that a person has a much greater chance (57%) of becoming obese if he or she had a friend who became obese than if he/she had a sibling (40%) or spouse (37%) who became obese.
Bestselling author and Chief Medical Correspondent for Discovery Health TV Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP acknowledged the survey findings bring new light to prior conceptions and emphasize the importance of personal responsibility. "Battling obesity is a matter of making smart decisions," she said.
A practicing internist and author of Body for Life for Women, Dr. Peeke advocates simple changes like adding whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in addition to moderate weekly activity for beginning steps to a healthier lifestyle. "It's a basic formula of eating less, making better choices, and moving more," she said.
Call to Action
HW has created an online resource center with tips and tools specific to the WomenTALK survey including BMI and target heart rate calculators, family-friendly recipes, and exercise videos at www.HealthyWomen.org/womenTALK. The site also features educational content together with advice from Dr. Peeke and motivational articles including a personal perspective from boxer Muhammad Ali's daughter and obesity advocate Khaliah Ali.
About the Survey
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of HealthyWomen from August 24-26, 2010 among 1,037 women ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
About HealthyWomen
HealthyWomen (HW) is the nation's leading independent health information source for women. To learn more, visit www.HealthyWomen.org.
Showing posts with label loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label loss. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Do Fad Diets Really Work?
WASHINGTON, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -Spring. It's the time of year when we shed our unhealthy winter habits and renew the weight-loss vows we made back in January in hopes of seeing the numbers on the scale drop. Each year, millions of Americans follow the latest and greatest diet trends and widely publicized information in our quest to lose weight and manage our diets. However, many of the most common diet "truths" are false.
For more information about the hCG Diet at Derma Health Institute.com, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=191
"Many women search for the magic bullet to shed extra pounds, but a lot of the most publicized diet trends result in false hope and even potential weight gain," explains registered dietitian Kris Clark, Ph.D., R.D., F.A.C.S.M., Director of Sports Nutrition, The Pennsylvania State University. "Diet myths mislead and deceive women to believe a particular ingredient or diet plan will help them lose weight, when most of these are in fact incorrect and some can even be unhealthy."
A recent national survey(1) finds that more than half of women are currently on or plan to be on a diet within the next one to two months and that 96% of these women fall victim to believing at least one of the most popular and prevalent diet myths. Dr. Clark reveals a few of the popular diet myths to help women become more diet savvy:
Eating at night makes you gain weight. While a full belly might not make for the most restful night of sleep, our bodies don't metabolize food differently in the evening than at other times of the day. Weight gain has nothing to do with when we eat, but rather what we eat and how much.
Avoid high fructose corn syrup to lose weight faster. Recent scientific reviews(2) confirm there is no unique link between high fructose corn syrup and obesity. In fact, high fructose corn syrup is nutritionally the same as sugar, metabolizes in the body similarly and is equally sweet with the same number of calories -only 4 per gram, compared to 9 calories per gram for fats. Dr. Clark adds, "No single food or ingredient is the cause of obesity or weight gain. Eating too many calories and getting too little exercise causes it."
Detox from specific ingredients/food for quick, healthy weight loss. There is no scientific evidence that points to detox dieting being an effective weight loss strategy. Experts agree that moderation is the key to a healthy diet, whereas extreme measures, such as food restriction and fasting, may do more harm than good.
High protein, low carb diets are best for weight loss. A recent Harvard study(3) shows that regardless of protein or carb levels in the diet, total calories count when it comes to weight loss. The research pointed to low-fat and low-carb diets as being nearly identical.
Acai berry is the best new food for losing weight. This so-called "superfood" has recently received tremendous press that promises rapid and dramatic weight loss, but the truth is it has only been proven to be a healthy antioxidant.
More Than Nine in Ten Women Believe at Least Some of the Hype
When asked to identify which diet statements were true, a national survey of 516 women found that 96% of women were unable to correctly identify at least one of the more popular diet strategies as myth. Most women (83%) falsely believed the time of day impacts weight gain and 59% believed certain foods burn more calories during digestion than they contain. Some 53% of the women also incorrectly pointed to high protein, low carb diets as best for weight loss. In addition, 40% erroneously believed it is necessary to eliminate sugar, such as table sugar, honey and high fructose corn syrup to lose weight.
"Myths continue to gain momentum because they appeal to our desire to create shortcuts and make what requires hard work easy," explains Dr. Clark. "But, the real culprit of weight gain is eating too many calories and getting too little exercise on a daily basis."
How to Spot a Diet Myth
To demystify diet fact from fiction, Dr. Clark offers the following advice:
Do your homework. Just because you find a lot of information about a specific diet topic doesn't mean the information is correct. Quality should always trump quantity when it comes to diet data, so check your references and ask a few key questions is the information from a credible source or reputable health expert/organization, is the information current and is there scientific proof that it's effective?
If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably false. If you can only find glowing testimonials and positive remarks about a specific diet plan, then it's likely a misleading promotion. Any legitimate diet strategy will provide both the pros and the cons, so you can make an informed decision with your health professional.
For more information about the hCG Diet at Derma Health Institute.com, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=191
Find more science-based information on sweeteners at www.SweetSurprise.com.
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining (wet milling) industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, ethanol, starch, bioproducts, corn oil, and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein, and fiber.
(1) Kelton Research conducted the phone survey between March 17 and March 23, 2009. Results were collected from a random sample of 516 women ages eighteen and older. Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. population.
(2) Fulgoni V. 2008. High-fructose corn syrup: everything you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask. Am J Clin Nutr 88(6):1715S. White JS. 2008. Straight talk about high-fructose corn syrup: what it is and what it ain't. Am J Clin Nutr 88(6):1716S-1721S. Melanson KJ, Angelopoulos TJ, Nguyen V, Zukley L, Lowndes J, Rippe JM. 2008. High-fructose corn syrup, energy intake, and appetite regulation. Am J Clin Nutr 88(6):1738S-1744S.
(3) Sacks F. et al. Comparison of Weight-Loss Diets with Different Compositions of Fat, Protein, and Carbohydrates. N Engl J Med
360(9):859-873.
www.SweetSurprise.com
For more information about the hCG Diet at Derma Health Institute.com, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=191
"Many women search for the magic bullet to shed extra pounds, but a lot of the most publicized diet trends result in false hope and even potential weight gain," explains registered dietitian Kris Clark, Ph.D., R.D., F.A.C.S.M., Director of Sports Nutrition, The Pennsylvania State University. "Diet myths mislead and deceive women to believe a particular ingredient or diet plan will help them lose weight, when most of these are in fact incorrect and some can even be unhealthy."
A recent national survey(1) finds that more than half of women are currently on or plan to be on a diet within the next one to two months and that 96% of these women fall victim to believing at least one of the most popular and prevalent diet myths. Dr. Clark reveals a few of the popular diet myths to help women become more diet savvy:
Eating at night makes you gain weight. While a full belly might not make for the most restful night of sleep, our bodies don't metabolize food differently in the evening than at other times of the day. Weight gain has nothing to do with when we eat, but rather what we eat and how much.
Avoid high fructose corn syrup to lose weight faster. Recent scientific reviews(2) confirm there is no unique link between high fructose corn syrup and obesity. In fact, high fructose corn syrup is nutritionally the same as sugar, metabolizes in the body similarly and is equally sweet with the same number of calories -only 4 per gram, compared to 9 calories per gram for fats. Dr. Clark adds, "No single food or ingredient is the cause of obesity or weight gain. Eating too many calories and getting too little exercise causes it."
Detox from specific ingredients/food for quick, healthy weight loss. There is no scientific evidence that points to detox dieting being an effective weight loss strategy. Experts agree that moderation is the key to a healthy diet, whereas extreme measures, such as food restriction and fasting, may do more harm than good.
High protein, low carb diets are best for weight loss. A recent Harvard study(3) shows that regardless of protein or carb levels in the diet, total calories count when it comes to weight loss. The research pointed to low-fat and low-carb diets as being nearly identical.
Acai berry is the best new food for losing weight. This so-called "superfood" has recently received tremendous press that promises rapid and dramatic weight loss, but the truth is it has only been proven to be a healthy antioxidant.
More Than Nine in Ten Women Believe at Least Some of the Hype
When asked to identify which diet statements were true, a national survey of 516 women found that 96% of women were unable to correctly identify at least one of the more popular diet strategies as myth. Most women (83%) falsely believed the time of day impacts weight gain and 59% believed certain foods burn more calories during digestion than they contain. Some 53% of the women also incorrectly pointed to high protein, low carb diets as best for weight loss. In addition, 40% erroneously believed it is necessary to eliminate sugar, such as table sugar, honey and high fructose corn syrup to lose weight.
"Myths continue to gain momentum because they appeal to our desire to create shortcuts and make what requires hard work easy," explains Dr. Clark. "But, the real culprit of weight gain is eating too many calories and getting too little exercise on a daily basis."
How to Spot a Diet Myth
To demystify diet fact from fiction, Dr. Clark offers the following advice:
Do your homework. Just because you find a lot of information about a specific diet topic doesn't mean the information is correct. Quality should always trump quantity when it comes to diet data, so check your references and ask a few key questions is the information from a credible source or reputable health expert/organization, is the information current and is there scientific proof that it's effective?
If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably false. If you can only find glowing testimonials and positive remarks about a specific diet plan, then it's likely a misleading promotion. Any legitimate diet strategy will provide both the pros and the cons, so you can make an informed decision with your health professional.
For more information about the hCG Diet at Derma Health Institute.com, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=191
Find more science-based information on sweeteners at www.SweetSurprise.com.
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining (wet milling) industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, ethanol, starch, bioproducts, corn oil, and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein, and fiber.
(1) Kelton Research conducted the phone survey between March 17 and March 23, 2009. Results were collected from a random sample of 516 women ages eighteen and older. Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. population.
(2) Fulgoni V. 2008. High-fructose corn syrup: everything you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask. Am J Clin Nutr 88(6):1715S. White JS. 2008. Straight talk about high-fructose corn syrup: what it is and what it ain't. Am J Clin Nutr 88(6):1716S-1721S. Melanson KJ, Angelopoulos TJ, Nguyen V, Zukley L, Lowndes J, Rippe JM. 2008. High-fructose corn syrup, energy intake, and appetite regulation. Am J Clin Nutr 88(6):1738S-1744S.
(3) Sacks F. et al. Comparison of Weight-Loss Diets with Different Compositions of Fat, Protein, and Carbohydrates. N Engl J Med
360(9):859-873.
www.SweetSurprise.com
Women Understand Weight Increases Heart Risk Yet 55% Overweight
Washington, DC, May 5, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Until last year, actress Caitlin Van Zandt of "Guiding Light" and "The Sopranos" was one of the 35 million obese women in the United States,1 causing her to also be one of the 41 million women in this country living with or at risk of heart disease.2 Caitlin was at risk of developing heart disease because she was significantly overweight and had high cholesterol – and she was merely 22 years old. Although Caitlin understood her weight was a concern, she was surprised to learn just how much it could negatively impact her health. And Caitlin is not alone.
For more information about the hCG Diet at Derma Health Institute.com, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=191
A recent survey of approximately 1,000 women revealed 97 percent understand being overweight is a significant risk factor for heart disease and losing weight can significantly reduce that risk. Yet, based on self-reported height and weight, 55 percent are overweight, and as such may be at risk for heart disease. So, while women understand their risk of heart disease, many are not taking action to live heart healthy and reduce their risk via weight loss. This may be in part because women do not adequately fear heart disease, which every year kills more women in the United States than any other disease.3 In fact, the survey found that nearly three times as many women fear getting cancer as fear developing heart disease, 61 percent and 21 percent, respectively.
Of the risk factors for heart disease, being significantly overweight has been shown to put a person at higher risk of early heart attack than any other risk factor.4 In fact, overweight people experience heart attacks a decade sooner than "normal" weight people,4 and significantly overweight women with diabetes have a nearly 80 percent chance of developing heart disease.5 Because obesity can lead to heart disease and other serious conditions, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, second only to smoking.6
Once Caitlin understood her weight put her at risk for heart disease, she also feared for her mother, Barbara. Barbara was more than 100 pounds overweight, and she was on medication for high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Scared for each other's health, Caitlin and Barbara shared a heartfelt moment, making the decision to live heart healthy and reduce their heart disease risk by losing weight. During the past year, Caitlin has lost 92 pounds and her cholesterol levels do not require medication, a treatment her physician was considering before she lost the weight. Similarly, Barbara has lost 75 pounds and her cholesterol and blood pressure are under control.
An astonishing 80 percent of women ages 40 to 60 have one or more risk factors, such as excess weight, for heart disease,7 and almost 70 percent of women ages 45 to 74 are overweight or obese.8 These staggering facts are just some of the many reasons why Caitlin and Barbara are sharing their stories as part of the Heartfelt Moments Obesity Health Education Campaign. The campaign aims to educate significantly overweight women regarding their increased risk of heart disease and the importance of reducing this risk through effective weight loss. The campaign is sponsored by Allergan, Inc., developers of the LAP-BAND AP® Adjustable Gastric Banding System, and is initiated in partnership with WomenHeart, a leading nonprofit national organization dedicated to advancing women's heart health.
"It is imperative that women know the risk factors for heart disease, which in addition to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking includes being significantly overweight or obese," said Lisa M. Tate, Chief Executive Officer of WomenHeart. "However, awareness regarding risk factors isn't enough; women need to act now to manage their heart disease risk. In fact, since more than 80 percent of heart disease can be prevented, taking action can make a big difference. And since weight management is a key way to reduce heart disease risk, significantly overweight women should speak with a doctor about effective weight-loss treatment options."
Significantly overweight people often face serious health issues beyond just heart disease, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke.9 However, there is hope; medical research has found that weight loss will help lower blood sugar and blood pressure, and improve lipid levels, all known risk factors for heart disease.10
After years of unsuccessful diet and exercise programs, Caitlin and Barbara lost weight with the assistance of the LAP-BAND AP® Adjustable Gastric Banding System procedure, which is less invasive and has a lower short-term mortality rate than gastric bypass.11 Achieving long-term weight loss can be daunting, particularly for those who are 100 pounds or more overweight. Studies have found that diet and exercise alone fail 95 percent of the time, and people regain as much as two-thirds of the weight within one year and almost all of it within five years.12,13 The new survey showed just how poorly this reality is understood, as 54 percent of obese women surveyed noted diet and exercise as an effective weight-loss method for those 100 pounds overweight.
For Caitlin and Barbara, the weight-loss journey began with a heartfelt moment when they both acknowledged the effect weight was having on their heart health and made a commitment to lose weight together. Unfortunately, many women miss out on the power of this heart-to-heart conversation – the survey found that four out of 10 women do not discuss heart disease risk with their loved ones. But candid conversations can be welcome, as evidenced by the survey, which found that 79 percent of obese women would react positively if a friend or family member spoke to them about their weight.
"This Mother's Day, look at the women in your life – your mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister – and look at yourself. If any of you are significantly overweight, heart disease should be a major health concern. Now is the time to act – have that heartfelt moment and discuss weight as a risk factor for heart disease and what you can do to get your weight under control," said Caitlin, "I want women who are 100 pounds or more overweight to know that there are effective weight-loss treatment options, beyond just diet and exercise, and with the right tools and plan, and support of loved ones, you can take the weight off and live heart healthy."
For more information about the hCG Diet at Derma Health Institute.com, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=191
About the Campaign
The Heartfelt Moments Obesity Health Education Campaign provides access to information, resources and tools available on www.HeartfeltMoments.org, including:
Online risk assessment tools women can use to evaluate their own risk of developing heart disease and understand if their weight is putting their health at risk.
Tips and resources to help women have a meaningful conversation about weight and heart disease risk, including a "Heartfelt Moments" discussion guide and sample letters to loved ones.
Information on effective weight-loss treatment options, such as the LAP-BAND AP® System.
About the Survey
WomenHeart and Allergan surveyed 1,001 women regarding their knowledge of heart disease and obesity. The survey was fielded via telephone from March 26-30, 2009 by Yankelovich, a leading consumer research company. Completed interviews are weighted by four variables: age, gender, geographic region and race, to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. adult population. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent.
About WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease
WomenHeart is the only national, patient-centered organization dedicated to advancing women's heart health through advocacy, community education and patient support. As the leading voice for the 41 million American women living with or at risk of heart disease, WomenHeart advocates for equal access to quality care and provides information and resources to help women take charge of their heart health. WomenHeart is a nonprofit patient advocacy organization. To learn more about WomenHeart, visit the Web site at www.womenheart.org.
About the LAP-BAND® System
The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved adjustable gastric band for use in weight reduction. Used in more than 450,000 procedures worldwide, this reversible surgically implanted device has safely helped severely obese adults successfully achieve and maintain long-term weight loss. The LAP-BAND® System is approved for use with severely obese adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more or for adults with a BMI of at least 35 plus at least one severe obesity-related health condition, such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and asthma. The LAP-BAND AP® System, launched in 2007, is the latest addition of the LAP-BAND® System family. The LAP-BAND AP® System incorporates the proprietary 360ยบ OMNIFORM® technology (soft, pre-curved individual sections) and offers reliability based on advanced technology and proven performance.
® marks owned by Allergan, Inc. All rights reserved.
Media Contact:
Dawn Maniglia
(718) 968-0515 (office)
(917) 862-5444 (cell)
For more information about the hCG Diet at Derma Health Institute.com, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=191
A recent survey of approximately 1,000 women revealed 97 percent understand being overweight is a significant risk factor for heart disease and losing weight can significantly reduce that risk. Yet, based on self-reported height and weight, 55 percent are overweight, and as such may be at risk for heart disease. So, while women understand their risk of heart disease, many are not taking action to live heart healthy and reduce their risk via weight loss. This may be in part because women do not adequately fear heart disease, which every year kills more women in the United States than any other disease.3 In fact, the survey found that nearly three times as many women fear getting cancer as fear developing heart disease, 61 percent and 21 percent, respectively.
Of the risk factors for heart disease, being significantly overweight has been shown to put a person at higher risk of early heart attack than any other risk factor.4 In fact, overweight people experience heart attacks a decade sooner than "normal" weight people,4 and significantly overweight women with diabetes have a nearly 80 percent chance of developing heart disease.5 Because obesity can lead to heart disease and other serious conditions, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, second only to smoking.6
Once Caitlin understood her weight put her at risk for heart disease, she also feared for her mother, Barbara. Barbara was more than 100 pounds overweight, and she was on medication for high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Scared for each other's health, Caitlin and Barbara shared a heartfelt moment, making the decision to live heart healthy and reduce their heart disease risk by losing weight. During the past year, Caitlin has lost 92 pounds and her cholesterol levels do not require medication, a treatment her physician was considering before she lost the weight. Similarly, Barbara has lost 75 pounds and her cholesterol and blood pressure are under control.
An astonishing 80 percent of women ages 40 to 60 have one or more risk factors, such as excess weight, for heart disease,7 and almost 70 percent of women ages 45 to 74 are overweight or obese.8 These staggering facts are just some of the many reasons why Caitlin and Barbara are sharing their stories as part of the Heartfelt Moments Obesity Health Education Campaign. The campaign aims to educate significantly overweight women regarding their increased risk of heart disease and the importance of reducing this risk through effective weight loss. The campaign is sponsored by Allergan, Inc., developers of the LAP-BAND AP® Adjustable Gastric Banding System, and is initiated in partnership with WomenHeart, a leading nonprofit national organization dedicated to advancing women's heart health.
"It is imperative that women know the risk factors for heart disease, which in addition to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking includes being significantly overweight or obese," said Lisa M. Tate, Chief Executive Officer of WomenHeart. "However, awareness regarding risk factors isn't enough; women need to act now to manage their heart disease risk. In fact, since more than 80 percent of heart disease can be prevented, taking action can make a big difference. And since weight management is a key way to reduce heart disease risk, significantly overweight women should speak with a doctor about effective weight-loss treatment options."
Significantly overweight people often face serious health issues beyond just heart disease, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke.9 However, there is hope; medical research has found that weight loss will help lower blood sugar and blood pressure, and improve lipid levels, all known risk factors for heart disease.10
After years of unsuccessful diet and exercise programs, Caitlin and Barbara lost weight with the assistance of the LAP-BAND AP® Adjustable Gastric Banding System procedure, which is less invasive and has a lower short-term mortality rate than gastric bypass.11 Achieving long-term weight loss can be daunting, particularly for those who are 100 pounds or more overweight. Studies have found that diet and exercise alone fail 95 percent of the time, and people regain as much as two-thirds of the weight within one year and almost all of it within five years.12,13 The new survey showed just how poorly this reality is understood, as 54 percent of obese women surveyed noted diet and exercise as an effective weight-loss method for those 100 pounds overweight.
For Caitlin and Barbara, the weight-loss journey began with a heartfelt moment when they both acknowledged the effect weight was having on their heart health and made a commitment to lose weight together. Unfortunately, many women miss out on the power of this heart-to-heart conversation – the survey found that four out of 10 women do not discuss heart disease risk with their loved ones. But candid conversations can be welcome, as evidenced by the survey, which found that 79 percent of obese women would react positively if a friend or family member spoke to them about their weight.
"This Mother's Day, look at the women in your life – your mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister – and look at yourself. If any of you are significantly overweight, heart disease should be a major health concern. Now is the time to act – have that heartfelt moment and discuss weight as a risk factor for heart disease and what you can do to get your weight under control," said Caitlin, "I want women who are 100 pounds or more overweight to know that there are effective weight-loss treatment options, beyond just diet and exercise, and with the right tools and plan, and support of loved ones, you can take the weight off and live heart healthy."
For more information about the hCG Diet at Derma Health Institute.com, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=191
About the Campaign
The Heartfelt Moments Obesity Health Education Campaign provides access to information, resources and tools available on www.HeartfeltMoments.org, including:
Online risk assessment tools women can use to evaluate their own risk of developing heart disease and understand if their weight is putting their health at risk.
Tips and resources to help women have a meaningful conversation about weight and heart disease risk, including a "Heartfelt Moments" discussion guide and sample letters to loved ones.
Information on effective weight-loss treatment options, such as the LAP-BAND AP® System.
About the Survey
WomenHeart and Allergan surveyed 1,001 women regarding their knowledge of heart disease and obesity. The survey was fielded via telephone from March 26-30, 2009 by Yankelovich, a leading consumer research company. Completed interviews are weighted by four variables: age, gender, geographic region and race, to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. adult population. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent.
About WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease
WomenHeart is the only national, patient-centered organization dedicated to advancing women's heart health through advocacy, community education and patient support. As the leading voice for the 41 million American women living with or at risk of heart disease, WomenHeart advocates for equal access to quality care and provides information and resources to help women take charge of their heart health. WomenHeart is a nonprofit patient advocacy organization. To learn more about WomenHeart, visit the Web site at www.womenheart.org.
About the LAP-BAND® System
The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved adjustable gastric band for use in weight reduction. Used in more than 450,000 procedures worldwide, this reversible surgically implanted device has safely helped severely obese adults successfully achieve and maintain long-term weight loss. The LAP-BAND® System is approved for use with severely obese adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more or for adults with a BMI of at least 35 plus at least one severe obesity-related health condition, such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and asthma. The LAP-BAND AP® System, launched in 2007, is the latest addition of the LAP-BAND® System family. The LAP-BAND AP® System incorporates the proprietary 360ยบ OMNIFORM® technology (soft, pre-curved individual sections) and offers reliability based on advanced technology and proven performance.
® marks owned by Allergan, Inc. All rights reserved.
Media Contact:
Dawn Maniglia
(718) 968-0515 (office)
(917) 862-5444 (cell)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
HCG Diet Stabilization Day 21: It’s Over! Hallelujah and AMEN!
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her experiences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down 1 lbs.
Get me out of here! One more day of denying myself the simplest of pleasures…bread! By the way, isn’t bread supposed to be some sort of foundation of life or something? And these kinds of foundations, these simplicities…these are the things that brought me to this place to begin with!
I’m down another pound today. Hooray! So I end at 136 pounds. Not too shabby! I’ve got my final weigh in and appointment with Dr Watwood and I’m thrilled that I’m going in there yet another pound lighter. This is going to be the best Dr’s appointment EVER!
The Dr and I had some good discussion about keeping my calories up more; making sure that I don’t loose any energy and giving my metabolism a chance to really work to my advantage. Okay, okay! Weigh me already!! Measure me now!!
Here goes:
STARTED ENDED
Weight 154.8 135.6
Measure 1”above belly button 35” 29”
Measure 1” below belly button 37.5” 34"
Hips 40” 36.5
Right thigh 23” 21"
Left thigh 23” 21”
Hey, wait a minute! My scale is about ½ pound off! Oh well, it’s all headed in the right direction! I’m shocked at the loss of inches. In fact, I pretty sure I started to tear up in her office today. This has been a long haul and even though I have a great satisfaction in feeling good and fitting into all my clothes again, I’m feeling exhausted at the tremendous toll this has taken on me mentally.
I can’t recall any other time I’ve done something so ridiculously taxing. And it’s food. This simple looking thing that is there to give us the sustenance we need to function throughout our day. So easily abused, this simple thing. I’m going to celebrate today. I won’t be having any ice cream parties for myself, but I will leave this office and breathe deeply. I’ll find myself smiling throughout the day for no apparent reason. I’ll give myself mental hugs and pats on the back as I go through this day.
Now, I can set my sights on the next day. I can be reasonable and calculate what I’m eating without beating myself up. I can set new goals for myself…and keep them. I can see food and now it only takes a second for me to consider it. I can say no without feeling as though I’m missing out. 19 pounds lost! 17 inches gone! And now, a new list of priorities for myself…
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down 1 lbs.
Get me out of here! One more day of denying myself the simplest of pleasures…bread! By the way, isn’t bread supposed to be some sort of foundation of life or something? And these kinds of foundations, these simplicities…these are the things that brought me to this place to begin with!
I’m down another pound today. Hooray! So I end at 136 pounds. Not too shabby! I’ve got my final weigh in and appointment with Dr Watwood and I’m thrilled that I’m going in there yet another pound lighter. This is going to be the best Dr’s appointment EVER!
The Dr and I had some good discussion about keeping my calories up more; making sure that I don’t loose any energy and giving my metabolism a chance to really work to my advantage. Okay, okay! Weigh me already!! Measure me now!!
Here goes:
STARTED ENDED
Weight 154.8 135.6
Measure 1”above belly button 35” 29”
Measure 1” below belly button 37.5” 34"
Hips 40” 36.5
Right thigh 23” 21"
Left thigh 23” 21”
Hey, wait a minute! My scale is about ½ pound off! Oh well, it’s all headed in the right direction! I’m shocked at the loss of inches. In fact, I pretty sure I started to tear up in her office today. This has been a long haul and even though I have a great satisfaction in feeling good and fitting into all my clothes again, I’m feeling exhausted at the tremendous toll this has taken on me mentally.
I can’t recall any other time I’ve done something so ridiculously taxing. And it’s food. This simple looking thing that is there to give us the sustenance we need to function throughout our day. So easily abused, this simple thing. I’m going to celebrate today. I won’t be having any ice cream parties for myself, but I will leave this office and breathe deeply. I’ll find myself smiling throughout the day for no apparent reason. I’ll give myself mental hugs and pats on the back as I go through this day.
Now, I can set my sights on the next day. I can be reasonable and calculate what I’m eating without beating myself up. I can set new goals for myself…and keep them. I can see food and now it only takes a second for me to consider it. I can say no without feeling as though I’m missing out. 19 pounds lost! 17 inches gone! And now, a new list of priorities for myself…
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
HCG Diet Stabilization Day 20: I Can See the Finish Line!
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Up .2 lbs.
Two more days of this! I can hear the potato section of the grocery store calling my name! It’s a little faint, but they are so excited that I will be seeing them again!
After increasing my calories yesterday, I felt a bit of panic as I stepped on the scale this morning. I’m up .2 pounds. But it’s my own fault. Had I been increasing this calorie intake all along, my body would have adjusted by now. I’m not going to stress. I’ll keep plugging along, eating what I know will give me some good energy and hopefully, my body will chill out and find its happy place.
I’m starting to realize that my mind is wandering all over the place as I approach the final days of this diet. I’m wondering if I’ll keep this weight off. I’m wondering how my exercise will affect this loss. I’m thinking that I’ll go shopping next week! And of course, I’m trying to plan what I’ll eat on my first day back to “normal-ville!” Pasta? A baked potato? Bread?? I’m excited to get back to normal but nervous at the same time. I’m looking forward to seeing Dr Watwood and discussing these pesky little worries!
Breakfast: coffee, water, banana w/ peanut butter
Lunch: left-over steak, some cheese, water
Dinner: chicken tortilla soup (minus the tortilla), water, beer
Snack: almonds, pistachios, some cheese, water
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 980
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Up .2 lbs.
Two more days of this! I can hear the potato section of the grocery store calling my name! It’s a little faint, but they are so excited that I will be seeing them again!
After increasing my calories yesterday, I felt a bit of panic as I stepped on the scale this morning. I’m up .2 pounds. But it’s my own fault. Had I been increasing this calorie intake all along, my body would have adjusted by now. I’m not going to stress. I’ll keep plugging along, eating what I know will give me some good energy and hopefully, my body will chill out and find its happy place.
I’m starting to realize that my mind is wandering all over the place as I approach the final days of this diet. I’m wondering if I’ll keep this weight off. I’m wondering how my exercise will affect this loss. I’m thinking that I’ll go shopping next week! And of course, I’m trying to plan what I’ll eat on my first day back to “normal-ville!” Pasta? A baked potato? Bread?? I’m excited to get back to normal but nervous at the same time. I’m looking forward to seeing Dr Watwood and discussing these pesky little worries!
Breakfast: coffee, water, banana w/ peanut butter
Lunch: left-over steak, some cheese, water
Dinner: chicken tortilla soup (minus the tortilla), water, beer
Snack: almonds, pistachios, some cheese, water
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 980
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
HCG Diet Stabilization Day 19: I’m in BIG Trouble!
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .5 lbs.
I spoke with Dr Watwood just to clear up some questions and confirm my upcoming appointment. I’m in BIG trouble! She brought up the fact that my calorie intake has been VERY low! This is not good! I was kindly chastised and told to bring it back up to 1200.
Looking back on my spreadsheet, I figure that there’s always some shaky math that goes into these estimates, but for the most part, I realize that I haven’t been eating very much. I may vary my foods, but the portion sizes are so small that it brings down my calorie average for the day. Dr Watwood told me that unless I bring my calories up, my body won’t be able to properly re-adjust and re-start my metabolism. (Bad Gina! Bad Gina!)
She stressed that although we are all different, one thing is sure and that is that we all need these calories to function throughout our days. We need to burn these off regularly and maintain our energy levels. I agree.
There are two reasons that I haven’t been eating my required calories. I legitimately haven’t been hungry. I’ll eat a snack, or even a small meal and I’m full. I drink water like a fish all day and feel full. I haven’t been hungry quite frankly. The second reason is that I’m scared to death to eat again. There’s a very real fear that accompanies this diet for me. I never want to be that old weight again and I will do everything I can do to keep the weight off and stay as healthy as possible.
Even when I’m hungry, I’m scared to eat and am so conscious about not going overboard. Because of these two factors, my calories are terribly low and in the long run, I will have a harder time when I adjust to having starch again. I need to amp it up – a lot!
This morning I was down another .5 pounds. I’m sitting at 136.5 and will be seeing Dr Watwood in two days….my final day!
Breakfast: coffee, water, whole banana w/ peanut butter
Lunch: vegetable soup, water, cheese
Dinner: larger steak, side salad, beer
Snack: handful of almonds, water
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 1000
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .5 lbs.
I spoke with Dr Watwood just to clear up some questions and confirm my upcoming appointment. I’m in BIG trouble! She brought up the fact that my calorie intake has been VERY low! This is not good! I was kindly chastised and told to bring it back up to 1200.
Looking back on my spreadsheet, I figure that there’s always some shaky math that goes into these estimates, but for the most part, I realize that I haven’t been eating very much. I may vary my foods, but the portion sizes are so small that it brings down my calorie average for the day. Dr Watwood told me that unless I bring my calories up, my body won’t be able to properly re-adjust and re-start my metabolism. (Bad Gina! Bad Gina!)
She stressed that although we are all different, one thing is sure and that is that we all need these calories to function throughout our days. We need to burn these off regularly and maintain our energy levels. I agree.
There are two reasons that I haven’t been eating my required calories. I legitimately haven’t been hungry. I’ll eat a snack, or even a small meal and I’m full. I drink water like a fish all day and feel full. I haven’t been hungry quite frankly. The second reason is that I’m scared to death to eat again. There’s a very real fear that accompanies this diet for me. I never want to be that old weight again and I will do everything I can do to keep the weight off and stay as healthy as possible.
Even when I’m hungry, I’m scared to eat and am so conscious about not going overboard. Because of these two factors, my calories are terribly low and in the long run, I will have a harder time when I adjust to having starch again. I need to amp it up – a lot!
This morning I was down another .5 pounds. I’m sitting at 136.5 and will be seeing Dr Watwood in two days….my final day!
Breakfast: coffee, water, whole banana w/ peanut butter
Lunch: vegetable soup, water, cheese
Dinner: larger steak, side salad, beer
Snack: handful of almonds, water
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 1000
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Saturday, January 17, 2009
HCG Diet Stabilization Day 18: No More Cycle!
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I’ve gained again and I’m hoping this is still a part of my monthly cycle. I’m back to 137 and actually not feeling all that uncomfortable about it. I think my body is settling into this weight and I’m actually good with that. My clothes fit again and I have a lot more energy! But don’t get me wrong, just because a lot of my clothes fit doesn’t mean I’m not going to go shopping! Trust me, as soon as this is over, I’ll be camping out at the mall!
Tonight, we’re going out to eat and I’m bracing myself. The place we’re going is one of our favorite haunts but serve a lot of sandwiches. No bread for me! I’ve been craving a meatball sub lately and this place serves a killer sub! Maybe I’ll “half” it without the bun and order a salad instead of fries. Definitely not the fare I’m used to, but I can still get a little taste of the good stuff without going overboard. This place also has one of my favorite beers on tap, so…. It’s a good trade off!
Breakfast: coffee, water, apple
Lunch: vegetable soup (light and healthy brand)
Dinner: ½ meatloaf sub (minus roll), side salad, one beer
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 955
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I’ve gained again and I’m hoping this is still a part of my monthly cycle. I’m back to 137 and actually not feeling all that uncomfortable about it. I think my body is settling into this weight and I’m actually good with that. My clothes fit again and I have a lot more energy! But don’t get me wrong, just because a lot of my clothes fit doesn’t mean I’m not going to go shopping! Trust me, as soon as this is over, I’ll be camping out at the mall!
Tonight, we’re going out to eat and I’m bracing myself. The place we’re going is one of our favorite haunts but serve a lot of sandwiches. No bread for me! I’ve been craving a meatball sub lately and this place serves a killer sub! Maybe I’ll “half” it without the bun and order a salad instead of fries. Definitely not the fare I’m used to, but I can still get a little taste of the good stuff without going overboard. This place also has one of my favorite beers on tap, so…. It’s a good trade off!
Breakfast: coffee, water, apple
Lunch: vegetable soup (light and healthy brand)
Dinner: ½ meatloaf sub (minus roll), side salad, one beer
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 955
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Friday, January 16, 2009
HCG Diet Stabilization Day 16 and 17: Same Ole, Same Ole!
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .0 lbs.
I’ve decided to combine these two stabilization days for my journal. I’m not sure if that’s cheating or not, but I’d hate to bore you with details that are so repetitive! (you can thank me later!)
These two days were much of the same. I did some yo-yo work with the scale due to my menstrual cycle and I didn’t have any real menu problems to report. I lost a pound on day 16 but then gained a ½ pound the next day. My water intake has not been very stable and shame on me for this! During our periods, we really should be faithful to our water consumption. Even though the water weight gain is inevitable, we can still maintain our habits throughout this time of the month. Regardless of any day of any week, this water intake is a good flushing out for our systems and I really need to get back on the wagon with this practice!
One thing I’m getting concerned about is my calorie intake. I’m finding that there are days that I sit between the 600-700 calorie mark. I’ll be asking Dr. Watwood about this. I find that my hunger subsides throughout the day and I’d rather just eat a piece of lunch meat, a bite of a banana or a handful of almonds to get me through. These small snacks are doing the trick when it comes to not over-eating, but I’m wondering if I’m eating less calories than my body requires.
The mind games are also working. I find that I’m thinking ahead of myself with the menu for the day and that I’m not taking as many trips to the refrigerator as I had in the past. Planning seems to be the key with this diet. Figuring out a system that literally stops me when I’m preparing food is helping the most. I’m no longer grabbing food without thinking and I find that preparing meals for the family have also taken on a healthier route. (My family is losing weight and they don’t even know it!)
Day 16Breakfast: coffee, water, egg whites scrambled with cheeseLunch: small orange juice, string cheeseDinner: taco salad, one beerSnack: handful of almonds
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 639
Day 17
Breakfast: coffee, water, bite of a banana w/ peanut butter
Lunch: Greek salad, water
Dinner: grilled chicken breast (3oz), water
Snack: handful of almonds
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 600
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .0 lbs.
I’ve decided to combine these two stabilization days for my journal. I’m not sure if that’s cheating or not, but I’d hate to bore you with details that are so repetitive! (you can thank me later!)
These two days were much of the same. I did some yo-yo work with the scale due to my menstrual cycle and I didn’t have any real menu problems to report. I lost a pound on day 16 but then gained a ½ pound the next day. My water intake has not been very stable and shame on me for this! During our periods, we really should be faithful to our water consumption. Even though the water weight gain is inevitable, we can still maintain our habits throughout this time of the month. Regardless of any day of any week, this water intake is a good flushing out for our systems and I really need to get back on the wagon with this practice!
One thing I’m getting concerned about is my calorie intake. I’m finding that there are days that I sit between the 600-700 calorie mark. I’ll be asking Dr. Watwood about this. I find that my hunger subsides throughout the day and I’d rather just eat a piece of lunch meat, a bite of a banana or a handful of almonds to get me through. These small snacks are doing the trick when it comes to not over-eating, but I’m wondering if I’m eating less calories than my body requires.
The mind games are also working. I find that I’m thinking ahead of myself with the menu for the day and that I’m not taking as many trips to the refrigerator as I had in the past. Planning seems to be the key with this diet. Figuring out a system that literally stops me when I’m preparing food is helping the most. I’m no longer grabbing food without thinking and I find that preparing meals for the family have also taken on a healthier route. (My family is losing weight and they don’t even know it!)
Day 16Breakfast: coffee, water, egg whites scrambled with cheeseLunch: small orange juice, string cheeseDinner: taco salad, one beerSnack: handful of almonds
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 639
Day 17
Breakfast: coffee, water, bite of a banana w/ peanut butter
Lunch: Greek salad, water
Dinner: grilled chicken breast (3oz), water
Snack: handful of almonds
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 600
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Thursday, January 15, 2009
HCG Diet Stabilization Day 15: And the Winner is…1/2 a Pound!
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .4 lbs.
Okay it’s not exactly a ½ pound but .4 is close enough. So I’m back up to 137.4 and these little “point something’s” are starting to get on my nerves. Sure enough, my period has begun and so the short journey of gain a little, loose a little has also gotten underway. My cramping has increased a little bit. Maybe it’s due to the increase of “normal” food now in my system again. I know that the elimination of sugar in my diet has contributed to my cycle being more agreeable but it would be terrific to be able to sink my teeth into something that oozes chocolate right now!
Because of this cycle starting, I’ve rescheduled my follow up appointment and will be heading into the office next week. Dr Watwood encouraged this re-schedule because we won’t be able to get accurate weight or measurement until I even out again. I’m looking forward to these final results. I realize I’m in this final week and wanting desperately to be done with all of this! I’m already started to make out a mental menu of foods that I can re-introduce into my diet!
Breakfast: coffee, water, string cheese
Lunch: salad (lettuce, tomato, olives, cheese, ham, thousand island), water
Dinner: pork chops with sautรฉed mushrooms, side salad with greek dreesing
Snack: almonds
ESTIMATED CALORIE TOTAL: 720
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .4 lbs.
Okay it’s not exactly a ½ pound but .4 is close enough. So I’m back up to 137.4 and these little “point something’s” are starting to get on my nerves. Sure enough, my period has begun and so the short journey of gain a little, loose a little has also gotten underway. My cramping has increased a little bit. Maybe it’s due to the increase of “normal” food now in my system again. I know that the elimination of sugar in my diet has contributed to my cycle being more agreeable but it would be terrific to be able to sink my teeth into something that oozes chocolate right now!
Because of this cycle starting, I’ve rescheduled my follow up appointment and will be heading into the office next week. Dr Watwood encouraged this re-schedule because we won’t be able to get accurate weight or measurement until I even out again. I’m looking forward to these final results. I realize I’m in this final week and wanting desperately to be done with all of this! I’m already started to make out a mental menu of foods that I can re-introduce into my diet!
Breakfast: coffee, water, string cheese
Lunch: salad (lettuce, tomato, olives, cheese, ham, thousand island), water
Dinner: pork chops with sautรฉed mushrooms, side salad with greek dreesing
Snack: almonds
ESTIMATED CALORIE TOTAL: 720
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
HCG Diet Stabilization Day 14: Something’s Brewing…
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .4 lbs.
I’m feeling a little funny today. I can feel that old, familiar tightening in my abdomen. My patience is running thin and I don’t know but I just might be aggressive enough to pull a small barge. That time of the month is approaching and besides the fact that it’s the most annoying thing that happens to us women each month, I am loathing the thought of some weight gain during this time. I know that this weight comes and goes throughout the cycle, but it’s just annoying.
I woke to a .4 loss and that carries me down to 137 even. I have my appointment tomorrow and I’m not quite sure if I’ll be able to keep it. I’d hate to see any gains this week which could potentially throw off my final numbers. I’ll see what happens tomorrow and give the doctor a call.
My cravings are also on the rise. Normally, I haven’t felt any urges for chocolate and have no problems turning down deserts. But that doesn’t seem to be the case today. Now I KNOW my period is approaching! I can see myself causing serious bodily harm to anyone that might stand in the way of me and my Haagen-Dazs Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream right now. (It’s the best thing on the planet you know!) Hopefully, I’ll be able to manage avoiding the ice cream aisle at the grocery store today. Yikes!
Breakfast: coffee, water, one bite of banana with peanut butter
Lunch: beef barley soup (lite)
Dinner: chicken breast with swiss cheese melted, small portion of corn, glass of red wine
Snack: string cheese
ESTIMATED TOTAL CALORIES: 783
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .4 lbs.
I’m feeling a little funny today. I can feel that old, familiar tightening in my abdomen. My patience is running thin and I don’t know but I just might be aggressive enough to pull a small barge. That time of the month is approaching and besides the fact that it’s the most annoying thing that happens to us women each month, I am loathing the thought of some weight gain during this time. I know that this weight comes and goes throughout the cycle, but it’s just annoying.
I woke to a .4 loss and that carries me down to 137 even. I have my appointment tomorrow and I’m not quite sure if I’ll be able to keep it. I’d hate to see any gains this week which could potentially throw off my final numbers. I’ll see what happens tomorrow and give the doctor a call.
My cravings are also on the rise. Normally, I haven’t felt any urges for chocolate and have no problems turning down deserts. But that doesn’t seem to be the case today. Now I KNOW my period is approaching! I can see myself causing serious bodily harm to anyone that might stand in the way of me and my Haagen-Dazs Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream right now. (It’s the best thing on the planet you know!) Hopefully, I’ll be able to manage avoiding the ice cream aisle at the grocery store today. Yikes!
Breakfast: coffee, water, one bite of banana with peanut butter
Lunch: beef barley soup (lite)
Dinner: chicken breast with swiss cheese melted, small portion of corn, glass of red wine
Snack: string cheese
ESTIMATED TOTAL CALORIES: 783
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
HCG Diet Stabilization Day 13: Eating in Public
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .6 lbs.
We have company in town. Sort of “left-overs” from the holidays. Normally, there would be no problem, but there is a sense of pressure when going out to dinners and lunches. I find myself salivating as the bread is brought to the table or taking a bathroom break as everyone’s desert arrives. Normally, these things wouldn’t be a factor for me as I’ve made conscious decisions on where to eat and how to manage things in public. However, when you have things that are thrown into the mix that you didn’t count on, it can get a bit taxing. Today was a pretty good day. I was given the task of choosing where we would go for lunch (I think they started feeling bad for me). I chose Sweet Tomatoes – a never ending buffet of salad goodies! Now this, I can handle!
This morning, knowing that I was in for some veggie treats at lunch, I had a great attitude stepping on the scale. I’m down .6 pounds which brings me to the grand total of 137.4. Good news! Good news! It’s nice to see myself settling under the final 138 number and hopefully, I can inch down another pound (or two!). As I review notes from previous days and re-check my menu journals, I realize that this has been quite a long haul. A total of about two months (one month sent directly from the pits of hell) and the other a bit more manageable. I look forward to my final weigh-in and follow-up appointment with Dr Watwood. It is at that time where I will really get to see the changes in inches.
Breakfast: coffee, water
Lunch: salad (buffet), small cup of chili, water
Dinner: leftover meatloaf, water
Snack: Dubliner cheese
ESTIMATED TOTAL CALORIES: 745
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .6 lbs.
We have company in town. Sort of “left-overs” from the holidays. Normally, there would be no problem, but there is a sense of pressure when going out to dinners and lunches. I find myself salivating as the bread is brought to the table or taking a bathroom break as everyone’s desert arrives. Normally, these things wouldn’t be a factor for me as I’ve made conscious decisions on where to eat and how to manage things in public. However, when you have things that are thrown into the mix that you didn’t count on, it can get a bit taxing. Today was a pretty good day. I was given the task of choosing where we would go for lunch (I think they started feeling bad for me). I chose Sweet Tomatoes – a never ending buffet of salad goodies! Now this, I can handle!
This morning, knowing that I was in for some veggie treats at lunch, I had a great attitude stepping on the scale. I’m down .6 pounds which brings me to the grand total of 137.4. Good news! Good news! It’s nice to see myself settling under the final 138 number and hopefully, I can inch down another pound (or two!). As I review notes from previous days and re-check my menu journals, I realize that this has been quite a long haul. A total of about two months (one month sent directly from the pits of hell) and the other a bit more manageable. I look forward to my final weigh-in and follow-up appointment with Dr Watwood. It is at that time where I will really get to see the changes in inches.
Breakfast: coffee, water
Lunch: salad (buffet), small cup of chili, water
Dinner: leftover meatloaf, water
Snack: Dubliner cheese
ESTIMATED TOTAL CALORIES: 745
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Sunday, January 11, 2009
HCG Stabilization Day Diet 12: The Beer Factor…
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .2 lbs.
I know we’re told to stay away from beer and the calories prohibit us from enjoying this small pleasure. But I’ve got to tell you, as I look back on my journals and my calorie database that I’ve been keeping, I don’t see this as a big factor. In fact, many times that I’ve had a beer or two I realize a loss the next day.
Maybe I’m wrong and I’ll definitely bring this up at my follow up appointment, but it seems that beer gets a bad rap. Maybe it’s like everything else; as long as it’s not abused, you won’t really see it on the scale. There are a lot of people I know who would rather sit down to an entire chocolate cake instead of a couple of beers. More power to them. Me? I’d rather put on my cozies, put my feet up, watch the game and have a few. Keep the cake. I’ll pass.
Today, the scale reads that I’ve lost another .2 pounds. That now puts me at an even 138. The only thing that I can see that will alter this downward pattern is the all not-so-subtle hints of my menstrual cycle approaching. I’m sure that this will toss my weight around again such as it did last month. The water weight gain and the bloating are always so much fun and a pleasure to look forward to. Right.
Breakfast: coffee, water, egg beaters (with onion, green pepper, cheese), small orange juice
Lunch: (nothing)
Dinner: meatloaf, two bites of potatoes (shame! shame!)
Snack: handful of almonds and Dubliner cheese
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 609
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .2 lbs.
I know we’re told to stay away from beer and the calories prohibit us from enjoying this small pleasure. But I’ve got to tell you, as I look back on my journals and my calorie database that I’ve been keeping, I don’t see this as a big factor. In fact, many times that I’ve had a beer or two I realize a loss the next day.
Maybe I’m wrong and I’ll definitely bring this up at my follow up appointment, but it seems that beer gets a bad rap. Maybe it’s like everything else; as long as it’s not abused, you won’t really see it on the scale. There are a lot of people I know who would rather sit down to an entire chocolate cake instead of a couple of beers. More power to them. Me? I’d rather put on my cozies, put my feet up, watch the game and have a few. Keep the cake. I’ll pass.
Today, the scale reads that I’ve lost another .2 pounds. That now puts me at an even 138. The only thing that I can see that will alter this downward pattern is the all not-so-subtle hints of my menstrual cycle approaching. I’m sure that this will toss my weight around again such as it did last month. The water weight gain and the bloating are always so much fun and a pleasure to look forward to. Right.
Breakfast: coffee, water, egg beaters (with onion, green pepper, cheese), small orange juice
Lunch: (nothing)
Dinner: meatloaf, two bites of potatoes (shame! shame!)
Snack: handful of almonds and Dubliner cheese
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 609
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Saturday, January 10, 2009
HCG Diet Stabilization Day 11: Yahoo For Lost Weight!
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .7 lbs.
Okay, now I’m not feeling so bad about splurging the other night! I’m down .7 pounds which brings me to 138.2. Yahoo!! Hopefully, my body is finding it’s comfortable place. As I look at the calendar, I realize that I only have another 11 days until I can realize my complete freedom. Although this freedom scares me a little, I’m excited to get my life back. I also have my final follow-up appointment next week and Dr Watwood will be taking my ending measurements and weight. Those numbers will be interesting to say the least!
Today, I met my mother, grandmother and aunt for tea. This should be an easy menu to manage. My husband and I are planning to go out later on tonight to watch the Suns game. This may be a little more difficult because the menu for a sports bar is pretty unforgiving. We’ll see how it goes!
As I get closer to the end of this program, I realize that I’m going to need to construct a new plan for eating from here on out. I will need to focus on some clear goals that will eventually become my new habits. I’ve already conquered the calorie counting. I’ve gotten into the habit of reading labels, planning my days and actually considering food instead of just devouring it.
However, there are some more habits that will need to be broken before I can feel comfortable again. The next few days, I’ll take some time to sit down and write down my new plan. I don’t ever want to go back to being that old weight again and having gone through this type of discipline, I know I have the resolve in me to leave that all behind.
Breakfast: coffee, water
Lunch: grilled chicken on romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onion, blue cheese, oil and vinegar dressing, tea, water
Dinner: hamburger (NO BUN), (tomato, onion, swiss, mushrooms, ketchup, mustard, pickle) side of cole slaw, one beerSnack: one bite banana with peanut butter
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 782
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .7 lbs.
Okay, now I’m not feeling so bad about splurging the other night! I’m down .7 pounds which brings me to 138.2. Yahoo!! Hopefully, my body is finding it’s comfortable place. As I look at the calendar, I realize that I only have another 11 days until I can realize my complete freedom. Although this freedom scares me a little, I’m excited to get my life back. I also have my final follow-up appointment next week and Dr Watwood will be taking my ending measurements and weight. Those numbers will be interesting to say the least!
Today, I met my mother, grandmother and aunt for tea. This should be an easy menu to manage. My husband and I are planning to go out later on tonight to watch the Suns game. This may be a little more difficult because the menu for a sports bar is pretty unforgiving. We’ll see how it goes!
As I get closer to the end of this program, I realize that I’m going to need to construct a new plan for eating from here on out. I will need to focus on some clear goals that will eventually become my new habits. I’ve already conquered the calorie counting. I’ve gotten into the habit of reading labels, planning my days and actually considering food instead of just devouring it.
However, there are some more habits that will need to be broken before I can feel comfortable again. The next few days, I’ll take some time to sit down and write down my new plan. I don’t ever want to go back to being that old weight again and having gone through this type of discipline, I know I have the resolve in me to leave that all behind.
Breakfast: coffee, water
Lunch: grilled chicken on romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onion, blue cheese, oil and vinegar dressing, tea, water
Dinner: hamburger (NO BUN), (tomato, onion, swiss, mushrooms, ketchup, mustard, pickle) side of cole slaw, one beerSnack: one bite banana with peanut butter
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 782
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Friday, January 9, 2009
HCG Stabilization Day Diet 10: The Morning After...
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Up .5 lbs.
It was a New Year’s great party! Yes, I’m up a ½ pound this morning but…it was totally worth it! So now, I’ll get back on the diet and push through this day with a lot of water (oh yes, and some Tylenol). Now, I’m sitting at 138.9
Last night was the first day that I leapt over the 1500 calorie daily limit with great ease. There were plenty of foods that I could eat which was a relief, but as the night continued I snuck a couple pieces of a baguette with a wonderfully tasty balsamic/olive oil dipping sauce. It was fabulous!! Trust me, holding myself to a couple of pieces was the biggest chore of the evening.
I also indulged in a few bites of mashed potatoes (my all time favorite food). I thought at the time, “This is NOT a good idea!” But it was very difficult to refuse these wonderful things I’ve been denying myself. This denial seems to be lasting a lifetime! So, I cheated! And even though I’m kicking myself a bit right now, I know I can hop back on the horse and persevere.
Breakfast: coffee, water, small orange juice, eggs with cheese
Lunch: (nothing)
Dinner: taco salad (94% lean ground beef, lettuce, tomato, olives, onion, cheese, thousand island dressing), water
Snack: ½ apple with peanut butter, water
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 596
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Up .5 lbs.
It was a New Year’s great party! Yes, I’m up a ½ pound this morning but…it was totally worth it! So now, I’ll get back on the diet and push through this day with a lot of water (oh yes, and some Tylenol). Now, I’m sitting at 138.9
Last night was the first day that I leapt over the 1500 calorie daily limit with great ease. There were plenty of foods that I could eat which was a relief, but as the night continued I snuck a couple pieces of a baguette with a wonderfully tasty balsamic/olive oil dipping sauce. It was fabulous!! Trust me, holding myself to a couple of pieces was the biggest chore of the evening.
I also indulged in a few bites of mashed potatoes (my all time favorite food). I thought at the time, “This is NOT a good idea!” But it was very difficult to refuse these wonderful things I’ve been denying myself. This denial seems to be lasting a lifetime! So, I cheated! And even though I’m kicking myself a bit right now, I know I can hop back on the horse and persevere.
Breakfast: coffee, water, small orange juice, eggs with cheese
Lunch: (nothing)
Dinner: taco salad (94% lean ground beef, lettuce, tomato, olives, onion, cheese, thousand island dressing), water
Snack: ½ apple with peanut butter, water
TOTAL ESTIMATED CALORIES: 596
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Thursday, January 8, 2009
HCG Stabilization Day 9: Savin’ Up the Calories For Tonight!
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .2 lbs.
Fantastic! I’m down another .2 pounds and I’m bracing myself for the party tonight! Bring it on baby, I can handle it! 138.4 is nothing to sneeze at and I know that I’ll be able to make it through whatever menu they throw at me!
I’ve decided to take it easy today and really limit my calorie intake. I’ve signed up to bring the veggies for the party along with some…cookies that will be added to the desert table. The good thing about this is that I’m making cookies that I don’t really like. It shouldn’t be difficult to bake today – I can say “no” to these little tasties!
Ironically, I find I’m munching a bit on the veggies but it’s all good! I’m also bringing a cheese plate. Again, this is something I can eat. So, note to self: when signing up for a potluck, make sure you’re bringing things you can eat. It takes a huge load off! I’m looking forward to tonight!
Dr. Watwood gave me some pointers about handling times like these. If I simply take a moment in the morning to prepare my menu and practice good discipline throughout the day, I can calculate what I will allow myself to have later. This is one of those times!
Breakfast: coffee, water, one bite of banana with peanut butter
Lunch: left-over taco salad, water
Party time: ham, green beans, cheese, alcoholic beverages…
Party Confessions: a couple pieces of a baguette with dipping sauce – man this is good! a couple bites of mashed potatoes – help!
ESTIMATED TOTAL CALORIES: 1680
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .2 lbs.
Fantastic! I’m down another .2 pounds and I’m bracing myself for the party tonight! Bring it on baby, I can handle it! 138.4 is nothing to sneeze at and I know that I’ll be able to make it through whatever menu they throw at me!
I’ve decided to take it easy today and really limit my calorie intake. I’ve signed up to bring the veggies for the party along with some…cookies that will be added to the desert table. The good thing about this is that I’m making cookies that I don’t really like. It shouldn’t be difficult to bake today – I can say “no” to these little tasties!
Ironically, I find I’m munching a bit on the veggies but it’s all good! I’m also bringing a cheese plate. Again, this is something I can eat. So, note to self: when signing up for a potluck, make sure you’re bringing things you can eat. It takes a huge load off! I’m looking forward to tonight!
Dr. Watwood gave me some pointers about handling times like these. If I simply take a moment in the morning to prepare my menu and practice good discipline throughout the day, I can calculate what I will allow myself to have later. This is one of those times!
Breakfast: coffee, water, one bite of banana with peanut butter
Lunch: left-over taco salad, water
Party time: ham, green beans, cheese, alcoholic beverages…
Party Confessions: a couple pieces of a baguette with dipping sauce – man this is good! a couple bites of mashed potatoes – help!
ESTIMATED TOTAL CALORIES: 1680
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
HCG Diet Stabilization Day 8: Oh Yeah, Baby! A Pound and a Half!
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down 1.4 lb.
It’s another beautiful day here in diet-town! 1.4 pounds lost and now I’m back to 138.6 which is pretty much where I was when I ended the yucky first phase. I’m feeling as though I’m settling into this number. Honestly, I’d like to be 135 but I’ll take what I can get! I don’t know “135” sounds like a nice number.
This day has been awesome! I’ve seen quite a few friends today and they’ve made some great comments about how this new weight looks on me. This is a great ego booster and keeps me heading on this path with more enthusiasm. I’m also thrilled with this loss because I know we have a party to go to tomorrow night and I’m not sure what they’ll have on the menu. I’d like to brace myself for this and the lower number on the scale is mentally helping me a lot.
I’d like to go into this party without having too many worries. I’ve already established that I’m not going to be the designated driver…
Breakfast: coffee, water
Lunch: taco salad (94% lean ground beef, veggies, thousand island dressing)
Dinner: steak, handful of almonds, one beer
Snack: ½ apple with peanut butter
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down 1.4 lb.
It’s another beautiful day here in diet-town! 1.4 pounds lost and now I’m back to 138.6 which is pretty much where I was when I ended the yucky first phase. I’m feeling as though I’m settling into this number. Honestly, I’d like to be 135 but I’ll take what I can get! I don’t know “135” sounds like a nice number.
This day has been awesome! I’ve seen quite a few friends today and they’ve made some great comments about how this new weight looks on me. This is a great ego booster and keeps me heading on this path with more enthusiasm. I’m also thrilled with this loss because I know we have a party to go to tomorrow night and I’m not sure what they’ll have on the menu. I’d like to brace myself for this and the lower number on the scale is mentally helping me a lot.
I’d like to go into this party without having too many worries. I’ve already established that I’m not going to be the designated driver…
Breakfast: coffee, water
Lunch: taco salad (94% lean ground beef, veggies, thousand island dressing)
Dinner: steak, handful of almonds, one beer
Snack: ½ apple with peanut butter
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
HCG Diet Stabilization Day 7: Going Back Down…Whew!
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .6 lb.
This morning I woke to find that I’ve gone down .6 pounds. Although I’m happy about this, I am still trying to get a grip on this back and forth thing. I’ve been told that it will take a little while for my body to re-adjust to all of this losing vs. gaining and I can only maintain a healthy diet and hope that my body decides to settle on the “losing” end of things. All in all, I guess I should be happy that I’ve lost all of the pounds that I have so far. I keep reminding myself that all of my jeans fit!
I’m finding that each morning I wake, regardless of what the scale says, I’m looking at food in a whole new way. I actually plan out my eating for that day. I reason through calorie intake and make sure that I’m getting my protein but that I’m not overdoing anything else. I will say that the struggle to stay away from starch and sugar is starting to really get to me. Sugars…no real problem there. But it’s been very difficult to pass on the potatoes during dinner time.
When the family is munching on their French fries with our hamburgers, I have to practice my deep breathing in order to maintain. It also makes me a bit fearful for when I’m able to really eat normally again. Of course, I want to do everything possible to keep this weight off but I feel in order to do that, I’ll never be able to enjoy a piece of bread again!
Breakfast: coffee, water
Lunch: lunch ham rolled in American cheese with mustard
Dinner: vegetable soup, one beer
Snack: handful of cashews
ESTIMATED TOTAL CALORIES: 500
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .6 lb.
This morning I woke to find that I’ve gone down .6 pounds. Although I’m happy about this, I am still trying to get a grip on this back and forth thing. I’ve been told that it will take a little while for my body to re-adjust to all of this losing vs. gaining and I can only maintain a healthy diet and hope that my body decides to settle on the “losing” end of things. All in all, I guess I should be happy that I’ve lost all of the pounds that I have so far. I keep reminding myself that all of my jeans fit!
I’m finding that each morning I wake, regardless of what the scale says, I’m looking at food in a whole new way. I actually plan out my eating for that day. I reason through calorie intake and make sure that I’m getting my protein but that I’m not overdoing anything else. I will say that the struggle to stay away from starch and sugar is starting to really get to me. Sugars…no real problem there. But it’s been very difficult to pass on the potatoes during dinner time.
When the family is munching on their French fries with our hamburgers, I have to practice my deep breathing in order to maintain. It also makes me a bit fearful for when I’m able to really eat normally again. Of course, I want to do everything possible to keep this weight off but I feel in order to do that, I’ll never be able to enjoy a piece of bread again!
Breakfast: coffee, water
Lunch: lunch ham rolled in American cheese with mustard
Dinner: vegetable soup, one beer
Snack: handful of cashews
ESTIMATED TOTAL CALORIES: 500
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Saturday, January 3, 2009
HCG Stabilization Day 6: Welcome to Teeter-Tauter Dieting!
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Up 1 lb.
I think someone up there is messin’ with me! I woke up this morning to the dreaded realization that I was up again. A whole, entire pound. Craziness!! Now, I’m sitting at 140.6 and it’s weird because I don’t feel any different. You would think that I would be able to tell if I’m putting anything extra on, but I actually felt really good today. Go figure.
Today is a difficult day for me. We’re heading out to my grandmother’s to celebrate a belated Christmas. I’ll need to be extra careful today and really be aware of what I’m eating. It’s a good test to go through. I was able to venture through our actual Christmas celebration without incident. Hopefully, I’ll be able to make it through this one as well.
Breakfast: one bite of banana with peanut butter, water, coffee
Lunch: 2 small pieces of ham, green beans, small salad (lettuce, tomato, green olives, cheese, onion and ranch dressing), water
Dinner: 3oz. lean hamburger with mushrooms and blue cheese (NO BUN), 2 beers
ESTIMATED TOTAL CALORIES: 1310
**CONFESSIONS… I had a Christmas cookie today! Yikes! They were so inviting with their cute little decorations and sprinkles! I managed to walk past the desert table all day, ignoring the subtle, but clear pleas coming out of the cookie tray. They sat there, waiting patiently for me to break and then…I did. It took hours of persistence, but they triumphed over me. And if that weren’t enough, I snuck a bite of potatoes off of my daughter’s plate. Can someone give me the Heimlich? Hurry! I officially fell off the wagon today! So, excuse me while I go into my private space to seek out some sort of personal atonement. Some flogging or penitence perhaps? I have a feeling I might be paying for this tomorrow!
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Up 1 lb.
I think someone up there is messin’ with me! I woke up this morning to the dreaded realization that I was up again. A whole, entire pound. Craziness!! Now, I’m sitting at 140.6 and it’s weird because I don’t feel any different. You would think that I would be able to tell if I’m putting anything extra on, but I actually felt really good today. Go figure.
Today is a difficult day for me. We’re heading out to my grandmother’s to celebrate a belated Christmas. I’ll need to be extra careful today and really be aware of what I’m eating. It’s a good test to go through. I was able to venture through our actual Christmas celebration without incident. Hopefully, I’ll be able to make it through this one as well.
Breakfast: one bite of banana with peanut butter, water, coffee
Lunch: 2 small pieces of ham, green beans, small salad (lettuce, tomato, green olives, cheese, onion and ranch dressing), water
Dinner: 3oz. lean hamburger with mushrooms and blue cheese (NO BUN), 2 beers
ESTIMATED TOTAL CALORIES: 1310
**CONFESSIONS… I had a Christmas cookie today! Yikes! They were so inviting with their cute little decorations and sprinkles! I managed to walk past the desert table all day, ignoring the subtle, but clear pleas coming out of the cookie tray. They sat there, waiting patiently for me to break and then…I did. It took hours of persistence, but they triumphed over me. And if that weren’t enough, I snuck a bite of potatoes off of my daughter’s plate. Can someone give me the Heimlich? Hurry! I officially fell off the wagon today! So, excuse me while I go into my private space to seek out some sort of personal atonement. Some flogging or penitence perhaps? I have a feeling I might be paying for this tomorrow!
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Friday, January 2, 2009
HCG Stabilization Day 5: Down Again! Whoo-Hoo!
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .9 lbs.
I’m down another .9 pounds! It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood! 139.6 is looking better and better to me today! As long as I keep this up, I’ll be back to my 138.5 in no time!
I’m running around today – lots of errands to do as we wrap up the holidays. It’s nice to know that while in this new phase, I can be in public and even if I don’t plan on it, I can eat at a restaurant. No longer am I packing little Ziploc bags of yucky food that I have to take everywhere. And of course, the inevitable conversations I have with people who don’t realize I’m on this program. So by the time I get done explaining myself and trying to give justification to my food choices, everything has gotten cold. It’s so nice to be out of that phase!
So here I go! I’m standing in the middle of day 5 and I’m feelin’ good! My weight is evening out and my body feels more able and agile. Come on, say it with me: “Hooray for HCG!” Breakfast: one bite of banana with peanut butter, water, coffeeLunch: Wendy’s single hamburger (lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard, NO BUN!), waterDinner: cream of mushroom soup, a bite of cheese, beerSnack: handful of almonds, water
ESTIMATED TOTAL CALORIES: 880
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Weigh In: Down .9 lbs.
I’m down another .9 pounds! It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood! 139.6 is looking better and better to me today! As long as I keep this up, I’ll be back to my 138.5 in no time!
I’m running around today – lots of errands to do as we wrap up the holidays. It’s nice to know that while in this new phase, I can be in public and even if I don’t plan on it, I can eat at a restaurant. No longer am I packing little Ziploc bags of yucky food that I have to take everywhere. And of course, the inevitable conversations I have with people who don’t realize I’m on this program. So by the time I get done explaining myself and trying to give justification to my food choices, everything has gotten cold. It’s so nice to be out of that phase!
So here I go! I’m standing in the middle of day 5 and I’m feelin’ good! My weight is evening out and my body feels more able and agile. Come on, say it with me: “Hooray for HCG!” Breakfast: one bite of banana with peanut butter, water, coffeeLunch: Wendy’s single hamburger (lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard, NO BUN!), waterDinner: cream of mushroom soup, a bite of cheese, beerSnack: handful of almonds, water
ESTIMATED TOTAL CALORIES: 880
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
Thursday, January 1, 2009
HCG Stabilization Day 4: Heading in the Right Direction…Finally!
Join Gina, a new Derma Health Institute client, all this month on her journey through the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet. Learn about her exeriences in her detailed journal on the ups and downs of this extraordinary diet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okay, I lost ½ pound – finally the scale is going in the right direction! I know that the doctor said I could expect to move 2 pounds in either direction – it figures I would go in the WRONG direction. But, I’m plugging through this and can’t wait until this whole thing is over. I’m currently 140.5 – keep going!
I have my follow up appointment in a week where it will mark the half way point for this stabilization phase and I’m anxious to fight through it. I’m still quite nervous about eating “normally” again. Each time I make something to eat, it takes me a few minutes of contemplation. “Do I really want this?” “Do I really need this?” “Where’s the nearest bar?” Basically, I’m trying to find this weird balance with my body. Sure, I starved myself and denied myself even the simplest of pleasures for 3 weeks but will it be worth it in the end?
I know that there is one thing that is sure; I look at food differently now. I’m no longer eating to pass the time or grabbing the nearest processed package of whatever and swallowing it whole. I’m no longer captive to food. It’s quite liberating actually. To know that I’m the one in control of what I eat and what I refuse. I’m back in command of my life and they way I feel about myself.
Breakfast: one bite of banana with peanut butter, coffee, water
Lunch: salad (tomato, onion, olives, cheese, greek dressing), vegetable soup
Dinner: beef stew (NO POTATOES), water
Snack: Dubliner cheese
ESTIMATED TOTAL CALORIES: 637
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okay, I lost ½ pound – finally the scale is going in the right direction! I know that the doctor said I could expect to move 2 pounds in either direction – it figures I would go in the WRONG direction. But, I’m plugging through this and can’t wait until this whole thing is over. I’m currently 140.5 – keep going!
I have my follow up appointment in a week where it will mark the half way point for this stabilization phase and I’m anxious to fight through it. I’m still quite nervous about eating “normally” again. Each time I make something to eat, it takes me a few minutes of contemplation. “Do I really want this?” “Do I really need this?” “Where’s the nearest bar?” Basically, I’m trying to find this weird balance with my body. Sure, I starved myself and denied myself even the simplest of pleasures for 3 weeks but will it be worth it in the end?
I know that there is one thing that is sure; I look at food differently now. I’m no longer eating to pass the time or grabbing the nearest processed package of whatever and swallowing it whole. I’m no longer captive to food. It’s quite liberating actually. To know that I’m the one in control of what I eat and what I refuse. I’m back in command of my life and they way I feel about myself.
Breakfast: one bite of banana with peanut butter, coffee, water
Lunch: salad (tomato, onion, olives, cheese, greek dressing), vegetable soup
Dinner: beef stew (NO POTATOES), water
Snack: Dubliner cheese
ESTIMATED TOTAL CALORIES: 637
- Gina
Click here to view all the articles in this series
Click here for more information about the HCG Ultimate Fat Burning Diet
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