Let the Training Continue...

I always thought runners were crazy! Why would anyone want to subject themselves to the torture that even they admit is inherent in the act. Blisters, sore muscles, jarred joints, lactic acid buildup, burning lungs, blood vessels pounding--in a word: PAIN!

Yet, today as I climbed back on the treadmill after a two week break, I think I had a mini-epiphany; the beginnings of a breakthrough. It was hard. I had all the symptoms described above and then some, but as I started to find my rhythm, it felt as though my body were thanking me. I had the distinct impression that my physical self was saying, "Finally.  This is what I was made for. I'm not just a receptacle for food or soft spot to rest my bones. I was made to move." It felt as though my soul was singing and the music drowned out the pain.

I know... a little melodramatic, but the sentiment is true. I guess I've always wanted to be a runner, elsewise why would I be doing it now? I knew there must be something to it since so many people are addicted to it. I've always felt the draw of challenging myself and overcoming my weaknesses...but until I lost weight I never had the physical strength to do anything about it. There is a great satisfaction in knowing that I conquered in that battle and now I'm facing my goal of running a 5K with a new understanding. I guess I'm one of the crazies after all! :)

I picked up today at Week 2 Day 1...right where I left off. I'm not giving up on my goal. I will keep you posted on my progress. I wanted to thank the many of my followers (friends) who checked in on me and offered me great advice while I was down. Keep posting and commenting. I love hearing from you!

Inevitable Setback

Isn't it usually true that when you are trying to make changes for good in your life, things always happen to de-motivate, discourage, and generally put a damper on your plans? It shouldn't surprise me, then, that I am experiencing one of the first hurdles in my C25K journey...but it's still a bummer!

I have been having numbness in my left leg for about 3 weeks now. I'm sure it is a pinched nerve and I keep hoping it will resolve on it's own. I did get 4 successful training sessions in before the discomfort level got too high for me to continue, but the time has come for me to seek professional intervention! My problem is that I never know who to go to...this is my nightmare: I go to my family doctor and he says, Hmmm...maybe you should go to PT, I go to the PT and they tell me I need to see a Chiropractor, I see the Chiro guy and he tells me I have to come back every week for the next millennium. Money, time and no results! I want to just go to the place that will fix me... I know I'm a whiner baby...I've had too many bad experiences for this to be an easy thing. But, it is what it is and I have to do it.  This is why I began my weight loss journey in the first place....so I can be a more active, more fit person! I can't give up now that I've come so far!

I'm hoping to see someone tomorrow! I'll post when I have more news.

First Day of Training

I have reached another milestone in my transformation journey! I started my Couch-to-5K training today. I finished Phase 2 of the diet 3 weeks ago on Friday and my original plan was to start training on Monday but I read my cousin Steve's blog and he inspired me to get going a bit earlier. He said, "It's not cheating if you start early, right?" and I thought, "Right! Let's go." I lost the weight and now it's time to lose the old sedentary lifestyle!

I downloaded the Podrunner interval training (a hot tip from another fan...thanks) and I loved it! It follows the C25K plan and I didn't have to time my intervals or think about anything. I just started the track and followed the tempo of the music. And the best part is...I SURVIVED! I don't think I have run since high school, honestly! I was a bit worried that my body would just not handle it. I even put the clippy thing on the treadmill on my shirt just in case I might fall so the treadmill wouldn't eat me! (Me? Worry much?)

Surprisingly, I felt very good and was ready to run one more time before I realized it was over. I'm glad I got this first session over with...now I know I can do it and can move forward with confidence! I'm ready for this change. It's going to be good!

Dee-lish Side Dish for Phase 3

Tonight we had a very yummy side dish with a Meatloaf recipe that has been a favorite of ours for a while. This is a phase 3 recipe so it is low carbs and no sugar. I loved it! And even better...my husband thought it was terrific. And for the trifecta...it was super easy!!!!

Better Than Mashed Potatoes


1 large head of cauliflower
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. heavy cream


Steam or boil cauliflower until very tender. Mash in bowl with other ingredients. Place entire mixture in food processor and blend until smooth. Transfer to casserole dish and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.  


So Good!!!  Let me know if you like it. And check back for more recipes soon!

98 Pounds Gone Forever!!!

And I feel better than ever! I'm starting my 5K training today and got my first walking session in. Proud of myself since I've been so sedentary for so long! I'm ready to change my lifestyle.

The End is Near! Or is it the Beginning?

Only 3 more day of shots for me and my family. This Round Three of Phase 2 has definitely been the hardest one for me, not necessarily in terms of being hungry...though I have had bad days...but because I'm reaching my diet saturation point. I've been doing the HCG diet since March of 2009 (almost 1 whole year) and I think I'm just ready to be independently healthy. I only need to drop 1.5 pounds in the next week to reach my goal of losing 100 pounds!! Once I've reached that goal...and I know I will...I can move on to others that I've set for myself. I've determined to run in a 5K this year and I've already scheduled my training sessions to begin when this round is ended.

I am completely sedentary now, so this will be a challenge for me! I know I can do it though. I'm going to start the Couch Potato to 5K program (C25K) starting in mid-march. Once again, my husband and daughter will be joining me. I'm hoping to get my younger daughter running with us too! I'm so glad to have had my family supporting me all this time. My husband has lost 32 pounds and my daughter has lost 20 pounds. We all look and feel great! We've surely learned a lot along the way too...

• You must drink your 2L of water each day! I'm convinced that this is how the fat is "rinsed" from your system. I'm no scientist and have done no research other than my own experience but I know my loss is accelerated when I drink plenty of water. 
• You can NOT cheat! We have found that any variance from Dr. Simeons original protocol leads to plateaus and frustration. I do think that things like soda, Walden Farms, artificial sweeteners can lead to slower weight loss, but sometimes it's worth it! :)
• This is a hard diet for teenagers. Well, for anyone really! My daughter has done very well, but being a teenager she has not had the patience to wait out the results. Any sign of a plateau or slow loss would send her into a depression and she would succumb to temptation. She has struggled but her 20-pound loss has also encouraged her to start running, play the Wii Fit, put more effort into healthy habits, like keeping a food journal, etc. In a way, I think this has been the most effective for her since she is beginning to develop LIFE LONG healthy habits that can benefit her now and in the future! If we were to do it again, which I'm not sure I will encourage her to do, I would opt for the shorter 23-day session. I think that's about all a teen should have to endure. I'm proud of my girl though! She's done an amazing job!
• HCG really works!!! There is no way that I could have accomplished this 100 pound weight loss without the aid of this diet. I have tried other programs from Weight Watchers to Phen/Fen to Exercising and Eating Right. I have always maxed out at about 40 pounds lost then bounced right back up to where I was before. This diet has been hard, but not as hard as being fat has been! My challenge now will be to keep the weight off. It has always been my plan to lost the weight that has been keeping me from doing the things I want to do so that I can go walk, run, bike, hike, swim....and be healthy! I couldn't do any of those things 100-lbs ago!

So even though this round is coming to an end, I still feel like we have long way to go! I am scheduling a family portrait session very soon. We haven't had one in over 3 years! It's funny how we're all looking forward to getting our pictures taken again. I will also keep you posted on our 5K progress. I wish all of you the best of success with your HCG journeys. I hope you will share your success here. I love to hear your inspirational stories and lessons learned.  

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

I am proud to say this is my own creation! I have been experimenting lately to find new yummy meals...and snacks...as you can tell from my previous posts. This one was delicious and easy! It took less than 10 minutes to prepare and maybe 5 minutes to cook.

LEMON GARLIC SHRIMP

3.5 oz of cooked, peeled shrimp with tails removed

3.5 oz of peeled and shredded zucchini

1/2 lemon

Garlic Herb Seasoning or 1/2 clove garlic and seasoning to taste

Heat skillet on high and place lemon slices into pan. Add shrimp and shredded zucchini and seasoning. Stir-fry until shrimp are heated through. Remove lemon slices, dish and eat! So good!

I hope you enjoy this yummy recipe. Next time I think I might try Lemon Pepper too!