I had a rough day today, and I honestly had thoughts of eating bad stuff...and then I remembered how stupid it would be to punish myself and my progress for something that I was quite certain wouldn't even taste good (so I tell myself). I dwelled a bit longer on the idea of drinking some wine, but I was reasonably sure that if he were alive, Dr. Simeons would not agree that skipping my evening apple would be a fair trade-off for a bottle of Moscato, so I refrained. I realized today that it only takes a minute to talk myself out of a binge...if I try hard enough. Two months ago, I would not have questioned IF I should have that box of crackers or last piece of pizza...I would have thought more about WHEN I would have them. So another "gain" from the HCG Protocol...will-power!
A few days ago I listed a bunch of my "must-haves" for following the Protocol, and I keep discovering things that I forgot to include.
Tea: It, along with coffee is an acceptable beverage while on the Protocol, and it definitely helps break up the monotony of so much water. Thanks to its purported health benefits, most people are encouraged to consume at least one cup of tea each day. I've personally found that my losses tend to be better on the days I drink at least 16 oz of tea. Some people don't like tea, but there is such an astonishing number of varieties that, especially coupled with some good-quality Stevia, even the most ardent non-drinker would HAVE to find something tolerable. (That means you, K! Come over and try some of my teas!) PLUS...added benefit of always having a couple kinds of tea in the fridge...you can cook with it, too! I refuse to bathe my food while it cooks--no water for my chicken or beef! When I use the pressure cooker, I can't reasonably use enough broth for liquid, so I use a bit of broth and some tea. Yesterday I also made a new dish by poaching chicken and smashed garlic cloves in tea (Bigelow Constant Comment Green Tea) with Bragg's Liquid Aminos, a spoonful of Chili-Garlic Sauce, and some drops of Valencia Orange Liquid Stevia. After the chicken was completely cooked, I removed it and let the liquid reduce to a thick sauce that was a little bit sweet, a little more spicy, and really delicious!
Smooth Move Herbal Tea: Speaking of tea, the name of this tea says it all. And it's much more pleasant than drinking a half gallon of Salt Water.
Apples: This is the perfect time of year to be on the HCG Protocol because apples are such a huge part of the diet. Sure, we're able to have an orange, a grapefruit, or a handful of strawberries instead, but the Honeycrisp Apples that are in stores right now are too good to pass up...and so much more convenient than the other choices. I recommend trying all of the varieties that hit the stores to find your favorite. Prior to last month, I couldn't tell you the last time I had a whole apple...now I love two apples every day!
Support: I can't believe I left this out before, but the most important thing to have while you're on the Protocol is a solid system of support from people who understand the what/why/how of what you're doing and HELP you with it. I'm fortunate that HS is doing this with me right now, and another person who is close to me started just after we did. Each one of us has gone through stages of frustration from small losses, but we're able to help each other through those. I also know that this cycle would have been much harder if I was only cooking for myself, so if you're going to be on the Protocol without somebody else in your household, I suggest getting your whole family eating a diet similar to yours...it will be good for them, too! Obviously, their caloric needs will be higher, and they have a wider range of foods available to them, but practice portion control with them, have them eat the same protein you're having, and really try to wean them from the "garbage food," too.
I know I've got other gems in my daily arsenal, but my tired brain needs to go to bed. I know we have some readers now who are considering trying the HCG Protocol. Please...if you have any questions...ASK!
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