Hello - new here...

GenaItschner

My doctor mentioned the HCG diet to me, suggested I read about it. He would prescribe shots if I decided it was way to go.

I researched and decided no, for many reasons, most of them you all know, I'm sure. Instead, I took some ideas from column A, some from column B, so to speak and set out on my own to see what I could do.

First 10 days -
I can do ANYTHING for 10 days. So I did 600 calories/day using this site's nutrition calculator/food diary. I knew it would be for only 10 days and for me, it would be a kick-start, a beginning of behavior modification that will make me healthier. My goal was 600 per day, I averaged 630 in order to get in correct ratio of protein/carb/fiber. I lost 13 lbs - yes, probably water weight, but still a nice start.

Second 10 days -
I'm here now. Day 10-14 = 800 calories. Day 15-20 = 1000 calories. I expect my weight not to go up, but to drop about 4 lbs in the 10 days instead of the 1-2 lbs/day. I've also begun to exercise 20-30 minutes per day.

Third 10 days -
Will go up to site recommended 1200 calories and expect weight loss to continue at 1-2 lbs per week.

This obviously isn't a way for everyone, but for me this is working. Mentally, I needed to see a big loss in the beginning. 10 days would not have damaged my body and it was a kick-start tool. The 600 calories/day showed me how to weigh foods, how small servings should be and how I **could** get by without stuffing my face with carbs. I survived. I'm pretty proud of myself for sticking it out.

I especially like this site because it allows me to measure/keep track of calories/carbs/proteins. I can't live without my gram scale!
:-)

The benefit of the HCG research (for me) was realizing that there are other ways to lose that are more healthy. The benefit of this site is to be able to regiment my plan. I do very well with regimented plans - LOL.

Wish me luck.

Oh, I guess I should say, I'm female, 205 high weight, 150 goal weight. No health problems except achy legs. After losing the 13 lbs, my legs feel almost like new. Amazing that only 5% loss can do that. Think how good I'll feel at 150!