Today is the first day of Cycle 1 of the 17 Day Diet. This cycle consists of lean proteins, vegetables, probiotics, and low-sugar fruits.  Not allowed are sugars and starches/carbs. Yikes! Normally abstaining from sugar and carbs would be a difficult thing to achieve. However, because I’ve been on the hcg diet for a while now, I’ve already been focused on creating these eating habits.

To read the rest go here to my blog: http://www.17daydietblog.com/2011/04/25/first-day-of-the-new-17-day-diet/

Weigh in- 167 (17 pounds lost)

My weight loss has been gradual, not quite the pound a day most hCG diets claim. I partially blame that on my cheating here and there; nothing serious just a bite of mashed potatoes and a few corn chips in my chili.  Even though they are small treats and seem innocent enough, they add up; it’s evident on the scale.

The scale, however, is not the be all end all. I’ve learned throughout the years that even if the scale isn’t going down in numbers doesn’t mean you’re not losing inches. Even though my weight loss has been slower than expected, I’m still losing inches, my clothes fit so much better, and I have more energy and feel great!

The holidays are coming around the corner, and when I started this diet I thought I’d be done by the end of November just in time for Christmas. Well, I think with my progress that’s not very realistic. I’m not too worried about being on this diet during holiday meals; it will just be another test to my will power and dedication to losing weight. Bring it on!

1 pound of 7% fat Ground Sirloin
1 tbsp Cumin
1 tbsp Oregano
1 tbsp Chili Powder
Garlic and Onion Powder to taste
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 tomato, chopped
Leaves of Head Lettuce large enough to hold meat and tomatoes
(Depending on strength of lettuce, may want to layer 2-3 leaves for each wrap)
Your favorite Hot Sauce (no sugar added)

Add sirloin to hot pan and add all spices, garlic and onion powder, and salt and pepper and mix until meat is browned.

Prepare lettuce leaves.

Place 2 oz of cooked ground sirloin into a lettuce wrap and top with tomatoes and your favorite hot sauce.

Makes approximately 8 individual wraps using 2 oz of meat for each wrap.

Weigh in- 170

Last week I had a 4 day plateau and on the 5th day, I gained a pound! By the sixth day, I lost 2 pounds and have been losing ever since.

I always know when I’m losing weight when my jeans fit better. Tonight, after 14 pounds lost on this diet, I decided to try on my Lucky Brand capri jeans. I haven’t been able to fit into these since

Today marks the 18th day of my hCG diet. Last week I went up and down in terms of my weight because of starting my menstrual cycle and going out to dinner for my birthday. Otherwise, I’m doing great!

I’ve finally broken through my addiction to sugar and high fat foods. It feels great putting healthy, nutritious foods into my body.

As I make dinners, I’m creating new recipes that will hopefully allow people to really enjoy their meals even through the diet restrictions.

I tested for large ketone level this morning. That’s always encouraging to see. I’ll post measurements next week as I lose more weight.

Meatballs with Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

1 pound of 7% fat Ground Sirloin
2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes
1 15 oz can of Tomato Sauce
1-2 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning (season to taste)
1/8 cup of Organic Beef Broth
Garlic Powder to taste
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 tsp MCT oil

Add approximately 1 tbsp of Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, and garlic powder to ground sirloin. Mix together and make 1 oz meatballs.

Brown meatballs in MCT oil until brown on all sides. Remove meatballs and place on paper towel to allow fat to drain. Add tomatoes to same pan and simmer for a few minutes until soft.

Add Tomato Sauce and beef broth to tomatoes in pan. Add remaining Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and garlic powder (season to taste). Simmer for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Use thickening agent if needed (corn starch and water).

Serve meatballs and sauce over steamed cabbage.

Makes approximately 3 servings.

Homemade Chili

1 lb 7% fat Ground Sirloin
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder or more to taste
1 tsp oregano
Garlic and onion powder to taste
1 small can El Pato spicy tomato sauce
¼ c organic beef broth
1 tsp liquid agave sweetener
Salt and pepper to taste

Brown sirloin, add chopped tomatoes and spices and simmer for a few minutes. Add El Pato tomato sauce , beef broth and agave. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Makes 4 servings.

Over the weekend I was pretty cranky. Me being bitchy and whiny over my diet and its food restrictions made for a very unhappy boyfriend. Sunday was not our best day, but we have survived. At least there was football to keep him occupied! Come to find out, the diet was not what was making me a crazy woman; it was PMS! Yay me! Actually, it makes me feel a bit better knowing what who the real culprit was. PMS I can deal with. Another 6 weeks on this diet acting the way I did I WILL NOT deal with. We’re all better now.

Good news is that I’ve lost 9 pounds and over 7 inches overall. Even though these numbers are small, I definitely see a difference in my body composition. I’m starting to get smaller!

This week is my 35th birthday. Part of me wants to go out for dinner; the other part of me says it’s a bad idea. What do you think?

Weigh in- 177 (total loss of 7 pounds since I started the diet)

When I started this diet  last Saturday, I weighed in at 181.  Then I gained 3 pounds after my 2 day gorge to kick start my diet.  At 184 pounds  I felt sluggish, fat, and not myself.  I thought I’d have a lot more fun on the gorging phase of this diet, but looking back I was pretty tired of eating all the high fat foods I was instructed to consume by my doctor.

The diet is pretty restrictive now; the answer to most foods is “no”.  My diet consists mainly of of lean proteins, low fat, and hardly any carbs.  There’s just a handfull of vegetables I’m allowed to eat.  I drink a protein shake half hour after I wake in the morning, then another one 2-3 hours later.  I have my lunch at noonish, another shake a few hours later and then dinner hopefully before 6pm.

Since taking the hCG hormone, I’ve been going to bed earlier and waking up earlier feeling refreshed and ready to start my day.

The first 4 days of this diet I think my body was going through sugar withdrawals. I was craving sweets every night and my evening shake would usually satisfy that urge.  I noticed, however, on the 5th day, I didn’t crave anything sweet at all. Maybe I finally broke through my withdrawal stage!

So today is lucky number 7! I’ve lost 7 pounds since I first started! I’m excited to keep going so I can get to my goal weight. I’m thinking somewhere between 135 and 140. We’ll see how I feel when I get closer.