Day 25-26 VLCD It's Father's Day weekend...

This can mean a time of joy and celebration or of great stress... even depression as we think of those we've lost. How to cope??? We all have our ways don't we? Some shop, some visit, some have elaborate parties, some simply pretend it's a day like every other... and some CHEAT!!! There are many reasons we do what we do however the bottom line is, it's still our choice! Did you plan ahead, reflect back on other holidays? What ever your plan of attack, mine was simple... Keep Mushing! I celebrated with good friends, honored my Father and those that have been father figures in my life and had some amazing meals all on protocol... reward = 3lbs loss! If you faltered this weekend, or were successful, take a moment to analyze it... how did you make a success, or what could have been different. Taking a moment to reflect can make the next hurdle that much easier. Two weeks to go till this round ends, I am taking it day by day... already the inches are moving around and I can see the 'firming' goal of this round happening! Again, if you finish your rounds and don't like the 'shape' noworries, enjoy the P3 n P4 and in 4-6 months you can do another round to polish those edges... plan it with your medical provider, keep in mind, after a year our skin has 'shrunk' all it's going to, so use the year wisely and love the you that's you! Happy releases and sweet dreams!

Day 24 VLCD Shedding the unwanted 'other' weight

I've had the pleasure to be a part of several on line support groups and in every one of them there is a constant... 'fake fb pages' to protect anonymity! I myself have added friends to share recipes and advice as well as to give support. I understand the need for privacy however there is a deeper concern. Some of these ladies as well as men are harassed, teased, judged, even un-friended and blocked after being ridiculed for HCG. One lovely lady's own sister called her a bi*@h at a family gathering for having lost over 50 lbs! I understand that we all have roles we play in our friendships and in our families and to open yourself up and to have honesty can at times lead to hurt and pain... however I shall share with you some words of wisdom that were shared with me 15 years ago... You Don't Want Those People In Your Life! We have enough struggles and hardships, as well as challenges and hurdles in our lives to have to be challenged and hurt by 'friends and family' When you are no longer fulfilling the 'fat person' roll, or the jolly aunt at Christmas, or the friend that makes everyone else look skinny, and you're targeted for that... well my friend, they never saw the YOU that was inside and they as well as their energy, and all the extra lbs you're shedding have got to go!!! We carry far more weight in life than merely lbs on our body and you will be amazed at the difference when you are shedding ALL the unwanted garbage! Keep shedding those lbs n inches, and the rest of your dead weight... I did!!!

Day 21-23 VLCD

Well where to begin... grocery shopping and of course that means Costco! Heads of lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, tomato, celery, garlic, onion, and of course a box of oranges! I love the smell of the food court, all those tempting aroma's and there I am smiling, just waiting to get into the car and rip into a big fat juicy head of lettuce! I actually snack on it the whole way home smiling to myself! On these shopping trip days I am in for one or two days of cooking to follow... I buy the chicken by the 20 bag so it's a lot of cutting and weighing, marinating and wrapping for the future. Even if you're cooking for one it's a great idea to plan meals in advance, to always have a back up and allow a full day to the cleaning, prepping, cooking and again... cleaning that goes into a week's worth of meals. There have been nights that I get home and all I can do is grab handful's of lettuce, top with cottage cheese and strawberries, swirl and enjoy! I use the egg n cottage cheese days as 'emergency didn't plan' days. Ok, nice break, almost caught up, more tomorrow! Happy releases and sweet dreams...

Curry Fried Rice P2

Using a raw head of cauliflower and a cheese grater, grate about half a head of cauliflower or 1 cup of cauliflower 'rice'
1/4 c diced onion
1/2 tbs curry powder ( I like 2 tbs personally so have fun and try more or less to taste)
1/2 tbs mustard powder (again, I like 2 tbs)
Garlic is optional, as powder or minced (if minced then saute with onion)
2 tbs coconut oil
1 serving of protein, cooked (chicken or shrimp work very well in this recipe!)
*Saute the onion on med heat with about 1/2 tbs coconut oil until onion begins to turn clear. Add the remaining coconut oil and 'rice'. Turning the 'rice' every few min, allow it to brown between turning. Continue this process for about ten to fifteen min. At this point you can add the curry n mustard, and protein choice (garlic as well) and toss till well blended. Continue to heat for 2-3 min till protein is heated and then serve and enjoy!...

Cole Slaw P2

1 c shredded cabbage (red and/or green)
2-4 stalks diced celery
*Dressing
2 tbs lemon juice
2 tbs ACV
2 tbs warmed coconut oil
2 tbs diced onion (I prefer more!)
1 tbs minced garlic
salt n pepper to taste
stevia optiona for a 'sweet n tangy' cole slaw
Combine all ingredients for dressing, pour onto cabbage n celery mix, toss till well coated and then chill and serve!

Chicken Noodle Soup P2

100 grams chicken cubed, or made into meatballs
2 tbs onion
1/4 c celery
Optional:
Bok Choi or cabbage
*Place all ingredients into a pot with 2 cups of water, bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for 15 min. Depending on your taste preference you may season with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, basil etc... Prepare your miracle noodles and add to soup at the end of heating. The miracle noodles may be left out and a wonderful chicken soup enjoyed!

* To make a delicious chicken broth to be used at any time simply cook your chicken breasts in a slow cooker for 3-4 hours with seasonings of choice. Remove chicken, cool the broth and skim off any remaining fats... this broth can then be used in recipes, frozen for later use, or sipped on as a filling snack... have fun and enjoy!

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes P2

100g lean ground beef
1 large tomato hollowed out and drained
1tbs minced onion
1 tsp garlic minced
cayenne pepper to taste
dash of salt to taste
*Brown beef, drain fat and rinse or pat dry. Return to pan on low, add spices and onion, heat for 2-3 min, then pack into tomato halves, place in oven safe dish. Add 1/8 c water to dish and bake at 350 for 20 min.
* You can prepare several servings of the meat to heat and pack into tomato's later, however do not pack until ready to bake.
* How to prepare tomato... Hollow out tomato, sprinkle with salt and turn upside down on paper towel to drain for ten min. Take a thin slice fro the ends to help them 'sit' up in baking dish after stuffing!