*I did not get paid or get free Mio for expressing my love for this product, but I wish I did!
About 4-5 months ago I started hearing about Mio. Mio is a liquid drink enhancer. Unlike the Crystal Light or other powdered products, Mio dissolves and doesn't end up on the bottom of the glass or bottle. I love it! You can use just a little or more to your taste. It is zero calorie, so of course I am loving that!
I am a southern girl and I looooove some sweet tea. Well, I have given up the obvious sweet/sugar in my tea. This is sad, I know. But, I found after brewing my regular tea I can add some of the Mio peach flavor to give me a sweet tea that I don't mind drinking. The sweet tea Mio flavoris ok, but I like the peach tea flavor better.
I now have to drink lots more water in this diet. Water is a good thing, but boring. Mio has great flavors like the fruit punch, strawberry watermelon, and berry pomegranate.
So if you haven't tried it yet, you should. Just sayin.....
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Omelet and "Toast"
Omelet:
As I have recently mentioned, I am a little tired of the meat options on the HCG diet. Though not a standard on the Simeons protocol, it is nice to have a meatless option at least once a week.
I have found the egg beaters (egg substitute) to be a good protein option. I use the southwestern flavor and can make a ginormous omelet for 120 calories plus fat free cheese (1/4 cup=45 calories), and topped with salsa (2 tbsp-15 calories). The meal is balanced and only 180 calories!
Toast:
I admit, I miss carbs....sometimes. I have found a replacement for toast and it is these Rice Thin cakes (3 cakes=55 calories) from Whole Foods. I spread a powdered peanut butter from Bell Plantation called PB2 on them. It is 45 calories for 2 tbsp mixed with water. I then top the PB2 with a little Polaner Sugar Free + Fiber Strawberry Preserves (1 tbsp=10 calories). I never use a tbsp, probably just a tsp or 2 of the preserves.
This creation takes the place of bread and fat laden peanut butter.
Of course, these recipes are totally rogue and do not follow the guidelines of Simeons or the OWL plan. However, since this is the second time doing this diet, I know a little more about what works for me.
As I have recently mentioned, I am a little tired of the meat options on the HCG diet. Though not a standard on the Simeons protocol, it is nice to have a meatless option at least once a week.
I have found the egg beaters (egg substitute) to be a good protein option. I use the southwestern flavor and can make a ginormous omelet for 120 calories plus fat free cheese (1/4 cup=45 calories), and topped with salsa (2 tbsp-15 calories). The meal is balanced and only 180 calories!
Toast:
I admit, I miss carbs....sometimes. I have found a replacement for toast and it is these Rice Thin cakes (3 cakes=55 calories) from Whole Foods. I spread a powdered peanut butter from Bell Plantation called PB2 on them. It is 45 calories for 2 tbsp mixed with water. I then top the PB2 with a little Polaner Sugar Free + Fiber Strawberry Preserves (1 tbsp=10 calories). I never use a tbsp, probably just a tsp or 2 of the preserves.
This creation takes the place of bread and fat laden peanut butter.
Of course, these recipes are totally rogue and do not follow the guidelines of Simeons or the OWL plan. However, since this is the second time doing this diet, I know a little more about what works for me.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Goal!!!-Week 4 Re-Cap**
Well, not the main goal, but my mini goal has been met!!!
20.5lbs down in 28 days! I have even lost a total of 27 inches. This diet is strict and unforgiving. It is hard work. But I see a bigger picture in the end. One that leads to better health and hopefully going off some of my medications for polycystic ovarian syndrome. I know the thyroid issue will never go away, but maybe it will improve with less weight to deal with.
On Saturday night we ordered in. I have been very cautious about this, but was able to ask for grilled chicken and an additional order of steamed broccoli in place of the rice that came with the meal. It was nice not having to cook for a change and still eat on protocol. I don't think the broccoli is on Simeons plan but it is on the OWL plan, so I made an exception.
My parents and brother are visiting from Memphis this week. We had dinner together last night at our place. I made broiled key lime salmon, sauteed diver scallops, wild brown rice, and steamed asparagus. Since I was the cook, I broiled me some flounder (since I cannot have salmon), had the scallops. and the asparagus with it. I even turned down the pina colada and had a rum and coke zero (1/2 a shot-this is allowed on the OWL plan).
I also cheated for the first time on this diet. I was dreading the scales, but did not gain! I made key lime pie with the meringue topping. I did use a low fat graham crust and a fat free sweetened condensed milk. I had a small slice and it was heaven!
Tonight is dinner at my parents condo. I will be able to stay on protocol since it is steak and salad!
**As far as the weekly re-cap, I lost 6lbs this week!!!
More recipes to come. Husband has asked for taco salad this week. He loves it as much as I do!
20.5lbs down in 28 days! I have even lost a total of 27 inches. This diet is strict and unforgiving. It is hard work. But I see a bigger picture in the end. One that leads to better health and hopefully going off some of my medications for polycystic ovarian syndrome. I know the thyroid issue will never go away, but maybe it will improve with less weight to deal with.
On Saturday night we ordered in. I have been very cautious about this, but was able to ask for grilled chicken and an additional order of steamed broccoli in place of the rice that came with the meal. It was nice not having to cook for a change and still eat on protocol. I don't think the broccoli is on Simeons plan but it is on the OWL plan, so I made an exception.
My parents and brother are visiting from Memphis this week. We had dinner together last night at our place. I made broiled key lime salmon, sauteed diver scallops, wild brown rice, and steamed asparagus. Since I was the cook, I broiled me some flounder (since I cannot have salmon), had the scallops. and the asparagus with it. I even turned down the pina colada and had a rum and coke zero (1/2 a shot-this is allowed on the OWL plan).
I also cheated for the first time on this diet. I was dreading the scales, but did not gain! I made key lime pie with the meringue topping. I did use a low fat graham crust and a fat free sweetened condensed milk. I had a small slice and it was heaven!
Tonight is dinner at my parents condo. I will be able to stay on protocol since it is steak and salad!
**As far as the weekly re-cap, I lost 6lbs this week!!!
More recipes to come. Husband has asked for taco salad this week. He loves it as much as I do!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Tofu and Shirataki Noodles with Asian Style Dressing
I have to admit, I am getting a little tired of meat recently. I don't think I could handle the Atkins diet because it seems mainly centered around protein (meat).
As fellow HCG dieters on the Simeons protocol are aware, other than white flesh fish, certain types of seafood, chicken (white meat only), and lean steak like filet, we aren't allowed other types of meat.
So there is only so much one can take.
I have been looking at tofu as an option. However, most I found were too high in fat and calories. I stumbled upon low fat, low calorie tofu which is 40 calories and 1.5gm of fat in 79 grams. I used a small skillet and toasted the tofu on both sides and put some no calorie spray butter on them.
Miracle noodles or shirataki noodles are a good substitute for pasta. Not that they taste like the real thing, but they do help with the craving and contain tons of fiber. I heated the noodles in a sauce pan with this all purpose dressing and marinade I have concocted:
1-2 tsp light soy sauce
1-2 tsp rice vinegar
1-2 tsp Mirin (fortified sake)
1-2 tsp chili sauce (can use hot or mild to taste)
Wisk together and serve with the tofu and noodles, cucumber salad, steak salad, grilled chicken salad, etc...really the uses are endless.
*This is my go-to salad dressing!
As fellow HCG dieters on the Simeons protocol are aware, other than white flesh fish, certain types of seafood, chicken (white meat only), and lean steak like filet, we aren't allowed other types of meat.
So there is only so much one can take.
I have been looking at tofu as an option. However, most I found were too high in fat and calories. I stumbled upon low fat, low calorie tofu which is 40 calories and 1.5gm of fat in 79 grams. I used a small skillet and toasted the tofu on both sides and put some no calorie spray butter on them.
Miracle noodles or shirataki noodles are a good substitute for pasta. Not that they taste like the real thing, but they do help with the craving and contain tons of fiber. I heated the noodles in a sauce pan with this all purpose dressing and marinade I have concocted:
1-2 tsp light soy sauce
1-2 tsp rice vinegar
1-2 tsp Mirin (fortified sake)
1-2 tsp chili sauce (can use hot or mild to taste)
Wisk together and serve with the tofu and noodles, cucumber salad, steak salad, grilled chicken salad, etc...really the uses are endless.
*This is my go-to salad dressing!
Week 3 Re-Cap
It is typical to see a huge weight loss in week 1 and then for the body to adjust and have smaller, but hopefully consistent losses in the remaining weeks. This is exactly how I am responding to the diet. Luckily, it still puts me within reach of my goal of losing 20lbs by the end of the month. So another 3 lbs down this week!
I went out with a friend of mine this weekend to look at wedding dresses. She recently became engaged and is on the hunt for the "the dress". We stopped for lunch between boutiques and I had the seared tuna salad with dressing on the side. I was worried I would stall or gain, but neither happened. It was a small variation from the diet, but one that didn't cost me anything. I ended up losing another pound that day!
With my parents coming in town, I am still planning on sticking to the protocol as closely as possible. I know we will be going to out to eat, hopefully it will not effect my loss.
So moving on the week 4. I have another few pounds to lose before I make it to my first goal!!! This diet is strict but does allow you to think of food differently. It allows your body to reset and rid itself of the toxins found in prepared and processed foods. I am finding the diet easier to do this time around and am less tempted to cheat. Hopefully I can keep it up and when December rolls around be in the last phases!
I went out with a friend of mine this weekend to look at wedding dresses. She recently became engaged and is on the hunt for the "the dress". We stopped for lunch between boutiques and I had the seared tuna salad with dressing on the side. I was worried I would stall or gain, but neither happened. It was a small variation from the diet, but one that didn't cost me anything. I ended up losing another pound that day!
With my parents coming in town, I am still planning on sticking to the protocol as closely as possible. I know we will be going to out to eat, hopefully it will not effect my loss.
So moving on the week 4. I have another few pounds to lose before I make it to my first goal!!! This diet is strict but does allow you to think of food differently. It allows your body to reset and rid itself of the toxins found in prepared and processed foods. I am finding the diet easier to do this time around and am less tempted to cheat. Hopefully I can keep it up and when December rolls around be in the last phases!
Chilled Strawberry or Blueberry Soup
It is summer in southern Florida. Though not as hot as our hometown of Memphis, TN with heat indexes in the 117-120 range, it is hot enough to warrant cooking without turning on the oven or stove.
So, I went in search of a HCG diet friendly chilled fruit soup, made some adjustments, and came up with this quick snack, dessert, or side.
The modifications for the OWL plan is the addition of 3 tsp of fat free, plain Greek yogurt and the use of blueberries which are not allowed on Simeons protocol.
1/2 cup thawed strawberry blueberries (no sugar added) and their juice
3 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp orange zest
1-2 tbsp no calorie sweetener (to taste)
1 tbsp fat free half and half
Combine blueberries, lemon juice, orange zest, sweetener, and half and half in food processor. Blend until smooth. Strain mixture through and mesh strainer. Chill in fridge until ready to serve. This would count as 1 serving of fruit.
*I made this last night and it was a nice treat. I mixed in the Greek yogurt after blending and it added just enough creamy texture to make it taste decadent when it really wasn't!
So, I went in search of a HCG diet friendly chilled fruit soup, made some adjustments, and came up with this quick snack, dessert, or side.
The modifications for the OWL plan is the addition of 3 tsp of fat free, plain Greek yogurt and the use of blueberries which are not allowed on Simeons protocol.
1/2 cup thawed strawberry blueberries (no sugar added) and their juice
3 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp orange zest
1-2 tbsp no calorie sweetener (to taste)
1 tbsp fat free half and half
Combine blueberries, lemon juice, orange zest, sweetener, and half and half in food processor. Blend until smooth. Strain mixture through and mesh strainer. Chill in fridge until ready to serve. This would count as 1 serving of fruit.
*I made this last night and it was a nice treat. I mixed in the Greek yogurt after blending and it added just enough creamy texture to make it taste decadent when it really wasn't!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Week 2 Re-Cap
A few ups and downs this week. The diet went well though. I had about 3-4 days where the scale didn't move. I was frustrated but worked through it.
I find that one of the staples of this diet is my morning coffee with vanilla flavored sugar-free syrup (has splenda in it) and 2 tbsp of fat-free half and half. Since breakfast is omitted (unless you use a piece of your allowed fruit), coffee or tea takes it's place.
I know that research states metabolism works better when you eat breakfast, but this diet doesn't allow for it and I haven't been one to eat breakfast all of the time anyways.
I am adjusting well to the no carb issue. I know carbs are allowed on the modified OWL plan, however, I am really trying to follow the Simeons protocol as closely as possible so I can get the maximum benefit from this diet.
I have been having issue with getting to the 500 calorie mark as I normally not hungry enough to consume it all or my food choices/combinations do not add up to enough. I am working on adding in additional protein though.
In 13 days I have lost 13.5lbs. This is substantial for me and my sluggish metabolism! So week 2 is in the books. I am hoping to at least remain consistent and by the end of this month have lost at least 20lbs. It seems like a logical goal as the protocol states that one can lose 20 lbs in 23 days. The 23rd day of being on this diet will be July 27th.
Moving on to week 3!
I find that one of the staples of this diet is my morning coffee with vanilla flavored sugar-free syrup (has splenda in it) and 2 tbsp of fat-free half and half. Since breakfast is omitted (unless you use a piece of your allowed fruit), coffee or tea takes it's place.
I know that research states metabolism works better when you eat breakfast, but this diet doesn't allow for it and I haven't been one to eat breakfast all of the time anyways.
I am adjusting well to the no carb issue. I know carbs are allowed on the modified OWL plan, however, I am really trying to follow the Simeons protocol as closely as possible so I can get the maximum benefit from this diet.
I have been having issue with getting to the 500 calorie mark as I normally not hungry enough to consume it all or my food choices/combinations do not add up to enough. I am working on adding in additional protein though.
In 13 days I have lost 13.5lbs. This is substantial for me and my sluggish metabolism! So week 2 is in the books. I am hoping to at least remain consistent and by the end of this month have lost at least 20lbs. It seems like a logical goal as the protocol states that one can lose 20 lbs in 23 days. The 23rd day of being on this diet will be July 27th.
Moving on to week 3!