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Releasing the Power of the Scale

September 25th, 2011

We start the hCG diet with a goal of losing weight and being healthier.  One of the fall backs of this protocol is the power of the scale.  When we track everyday our losses and gains we can see an unhealthy obsession with the scale take place.  The best way to overcome this is to know your true reasons for eating healthier and maintaining your weight.  You have to make a list of things are you are grateful for everyday and be focused on the long term health benefits that eating healthy and making smart choices will bring to your life over time.

If you notice that your moods are be influenced by the number on the scale you need to step back and reevaluate why you are in this journey.  You need to refocus on being healthy, living longer and the freedom of weighing less will bring into your life.  Do not be defeated by the day to day numbers on the scale.  With this protocol and every other type of diet there are stalls and fluctuations as your body adjusts to the changes you are making.  While the scale is a tool of measure it cannot be the only tool by which you base your success on.

Weight issues cause an insecurity in us that we can fall back into quickly when the scale is not cooperating with our goals.  This protocol is about Pounds and Inches but it also is about learning to eat healthier, and focusing on how your body responds to different foods groups.

We encourage you to make a goal sheet in your daily tracking and list all the things you are grateful for that you have learned on this journey and focus on these daily.  Stressing over the movement or lack thereof of the scale will only frustrate and defeat you.  Be positive, walk in love and be grateful everyday for all the blessings in your life.  This will take you so much further than letting the scale beat you down and give you a feeling of defeat.

 

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Microwave Dangers

August 1st, 2011


If you are one of the millions of microwave users out in the world, then might I suggest that you read on! Your life may depend on it! By “nuking” your food you are literally “zapping out” the nutrition and “shorting out” the electrical impulses in your brain! And your chances for developing cancer is up! By the time your microwaved food hits your mouth, you no longer have food, you have a radiated pile of garbage! I believe this to be true and there are plenty of studies proving the horrible effects of microwave usage.When we microwave foods, structures of the water molecules are ripped apart and deformed, severely damaging any minerals and nutrients. The process of which foods are cooked is called microwave radiation, normally operating in 2.45 gigahertz within a normal wavelength of 122 mm. This wave of energy passes through the food and interacts with the molecules. Water molecules are known to be naturally electric dipoles or having positive and negative polarities and the polarities gradually changes at millions times in every split of a second!Microwaves cause dielectric heating, which means they spin around very rapidly inside your oven in such an electric field at high frequencies, and the molecular friction eventually causes the water to turn to steam and that heats up the food. But this can also change the food’s chemical structure and cause damage to your body.

Microwave radiation is a very serious concern that many people will overlook in order to maintain their busy lifestyles. These modern devices can cause a variety of health problems in humans that our ancestors dreamed of. Here are just a few of the possible health effects related to microwave ovens.

Cancer. One of the main reasons not to use a microwave is the increased cancer numbers among microwave users. Microwave ovens turn some minerals into cancerous agents and regularly eating microwaved foods can cause an increase in cancerous cells in human blood. Studies show that stomach and intestinal tumors and cancer is higher in those who use a microwave regularly. Also, it’s linked to the increased rate of colon cancer in America.

Decreased Immune System. The radiation dangers involved with microwaved food can cause decreased immune system function in any human but the most damage has been seen small infants. If you heat infant formula (or even expressed breast milk!) in a microwave, it will destroy the bacteria-digesting enzymes and antibodies that the infant needs as protection against infections. Studies show numerous immune system deficiencies through lymph gland and blood serum alterations.

Memory Loss. Continually eating food processed from a microwave oven causes long term memory loss, emotional problems, and a decrease in intelligence. What is this doing to our children and grandchildren who most likely use it a number of times a day?

Hormone Imbalances. A steady diet of microwave-cooked food may cause your body to shut down its hormones production making your hormone levels completely out of balance. This effect has been seen in both males and females. There are so many hormonal imbalance related disorders and psychological disorders that may be linked to microwave usage.

Added Toxins. Why put more toxins into your body? Our bodies get enough toxins by just the environment we live in, so why add more? Toxins “zap” our energy and make us sick and sluggish. They clog up our liver which is our main fat burning organ. Studies and reports indicate that microwave ovens can cause carcinogenic toxins to leach out of your plastic and paper containers/covers, and into your food. The January/February 1990 issue of Nutrition Action Newsletter reported the leakage of numerous toxic chemicals from the packaging of common microwavable foods, including pizzas, chips and popcorn.

Loss of nutritional value. Microwave radiation has some effects on the food that can reduce its nutritional value due to the deformation of the molecular structures. Studies show that foods cooked in the microwave oven has great impact on the levels of vitamins and nutrients present in the foods. When you “nuke” vegetables in the microwave, you loose 97% of it’s food benefits and value. A study published in the November 2003 issue of The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that broccoli “zapped” in the microwave with a little water lost up to 97 percent of its beneficial antioxidants. By comparison, steamed broccoli lost 11 percent or fewer of its antioxidants. Also, any minerals in vegetables are altered into cancerous free radicals when cooked in a microwave oven, making it no longer healthy or nutritious food. When I began to do research on the dangers of microwaves, these studies were the ones that really caught my attention! I had been working so hard to be healthy and then I would “zap” away all the good stuff when I would cook my food in the microwave oven. All those nutrients were gone in less than a minute!

Most hospitals do not use microwaves, especially when dealing with the human blood. In 1991, there was a lawsuit in Oklahoma concerning the hospital use of a microwave oven to warm blood needed in a transfusion. The case involved a hip surgery patient, Norma Levitt, who died from a simple blood transfusion. It seems the nurse had warmed the blood in a microwave oven. This tragedy makes it very apparent that there’s much more to “heating” with microwaves than we’ve been led to believe. Blood for transfusions is routinely warmed, but not in microwave ovens. In the case of Mrs. Levitt, the microwaving altered the blood and it killed her.

Also, in 1991, Dr. Hans Ulrich Hertel and a Lausanne University professor published a research paper indicating that food cooked in microwave ovens could pose a greater risk to human health than food cooked by conventional means. An article also appeared in issue 19 of the Journal Franz Weber in which it was stated that the consumption of food cooked in microwave ovens had cancerous effects on the blood. The research paper itself followed the article.

Dr. Hertel was the first scientist to conceive and carry out a quality clinical study on the effects microwaved nutrients have on the blood and physiology of the human body. His small but well controlled study documented that the heat created by microwave ovens produces a degenerative force on the foods cooked in them. The scientific conclusion showed that microwave cooking changed the nutrients in the food; and, changes took place in the participants’ blood that could cause deterioration in the human system. Hertel’s scientific study was done along with Dr. Bernard H. Blanc of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the University Institute for Biochemistry. (www.health-science.com)

I am happy to say that I stopped using my microwave oven all together when I learned of the numerous dangers of it. I don’t even put water in there! Don’t worry, you won’t miss it as much as you think you might. I find it very easy now to quickly re-heat food by using a stove-top, steamers or toaster oven. You can always plan ahead, or eat more raw foods!

So although I didn’t cover each of the many, many studies that are out there on this topic, I hope this has been an eye-opening blog post. I understand that not all research studies are valid, and I always question the ones that are funded by a company who benefits from the results. (We always have to question the results of sponsored/funded research studies!) I want to encourage you to look deeper into the numerous studies and make a decision based on your findings and beliefs. Or just take my word for it … if it’s not safe for infants and hospitals, then why would it be safe for us?

For more research on this important topic please visit these websites:

Here is a video which Carol discusses her view on the dangers to microwave usage.

Transform your health through the power of smart choices.

 

 

 

 

 

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Gazpacho Soup P3

July 13th, 2011

Gazpacho

Phase 3 Cool Soup Recipe

3 medium sized tomatoes
2 green onions
2 celery stalks
2 garlic cloves
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp parsley
3-4 drops liquid stevia
Pinch of cumin
Pinch Sea Salt and pepper
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
1 grissini stickChop 2 tomatoes and place in food processor with apple cider vinegar and spices. Blend until it is liquid with still some tomato chunks. Chop remaining tomatoe, celery and green onions. Pour everything into a bowl and stir. Crush grissini over soup

P3 extra additions: Cucumbers, avocado, green and red peppers and for an extra kick jalapenos or 2 drops of Tabasco sauce.

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Here are the basics for Phase 3

July 11th, 2011

Get Started the Right Way!

The goal of phase 3 is to find out which foods you are sensitive to.  You will need to be careful during the first week coming out of phase 2 and concentrate on getting your calories up before introducing new types of food.  You can however, mix your veggies now and add in new protein and vegetables.  Visit this link to learn all the Phase 3 basics and follow the guide below (Click Here)

It is very important to get in your calories in phase 3.  Without the hCG in your system you will need to get your calories up or your body will go into starvation mode and start gaining.  This baffles some but I want to explain why this is the case.  In phase 2 you know that your body is breaking down abnormal fat for calories and according to Pounds and Inches you are getting approximately 2500-4500 cal per day.  When the hCG has left your system, your body will be in shock if you do not increase your calories.  Most think they are eating too much and getting too many calories, but you are actually having the opposite effect and getting less calories in phase 3 than you are getting in phase 2.  This is a key component to maintenance.

Find out your maintenance calories: http://www.caloriecontrol.org/healthy-weight-tool-kit/weight-maintenance-calculator-women

The next essential part of Phase 3 is tracking your calories. You must track your calories to know what is going on when you have a gain.  Here is a great video from Carol on why we track during stabilization http://miracleskinnydrops.com/2011/04/count-your-calories/

One of the first questions in phase 3 is when can I start exercising?.. Here is a post that discusses how to start implementing exercise without messing with your stabilization process.  (Click Here)

Foods to avoid during first few weeks of p3:  Milk, cheese, nuts, berries, peanut butter, yogurt; these all seem to cause gains quickly.. so wait and introduce them later and slowly.  This is the key, slow re-introduction, especially of dairy as most people seem to be intolerant to dairy products at the beginning of phase 3 .  A number of people start using almond milk and coconut milk as a replacement.  

Safe foods to start adding in after week one include: avocados, flax meal, a few nuts..moderation and a slow pace is key to adding in new foods.  Do not over eat the new item but try a small portion and build up to larger quantities (but still keep them in moderation).

In the first week you can add in new proteins like eggs, and new veggies like bell peppers, broccoli and cauliflower.

Follow this menu for week one:

Follow the Phase 3 Week One Menu Guide:
First week of p3 menu:
Breakfast- 3 eggs and meat/veggies (meat must be sugar free) and try adding in veggies such as bell peppers, onion etc.. or whatever you like.
Snack- 1 scoop of protein.. Jay Robb(or similar) but only if you need extra calories for the day or
1- fruit (p2) orange, strawberries, apple, grapefruit (Keep your fruits p2 for now)
Lunch 6-8oz of meat and veggies so chicken salad you could have 8oz breast on a bed of spinach or lettuce 2-3 cups with tomatoes or other veggies.
Snack- grissini( keep it in a few days a week at least until we add other grains)
Dinner- 6-8 oz protein and veggies..( look at the celery and chicken/steak on blog last week) that is 500 cal.

Also cook your meals with butter and add olive oil to your salads.  4T of oils per day will add 400 cal to your diet and help you get to maintenance calories easier.

P3 Essentials List of Items

New proteins- here you can start adding in new proteins week one and day one of p3 after your 72 hours post hcg.
Eggs- Cage free organic preferred
Bacon- sugar free
Sausage- sugar free
Chicken on the bone
Any type of meat protein but watch your ingredients.
Protein Drink- May sure your protein does not have hidden sugars, Jay Robb, Show Me the Whey or Whey to Go are good choices.

New veggies: Start with low starch veggies on week one and mix them!

The following is a list of common non-starchy vegetables:

  • Amaranth or Chinese spinach
  • Artichoke
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Asparagus
  • Baby corn
  • Bamboo shoots
  • Bean sprouts
  • Beets
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage (green, bok choy, Chinese)
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Chayote
  • Coleslaw (packaged, no dressing)
  • Cucumber
  • Daikon
  • Eggplant
  • Greens (collard, kale, mustard, turnip)
  • Hearts of palm
  • Jicama
  • Kohlrabi
  • Leeks
  • Mushrooms
  • Okra
  • Onions
  • Peppers
  • Radishes
  • Rutabaga
  • Salad greens (chicory, endive, escarole, lettuce, romaine, spinach, arugula, radicchio, watercress)
  • Sprouts
  • Swiss chard
  • Tomato
  • Turnips
  • Water chestnuts
  • Yard-long beans

Always on the essentials list is:
Olive oil
Butter
Coconut Oil
MCT Oil
Palm Oil
Greek Yogurt
Stevia
Braggs Amino Acids
ACV
Detox tea
Braggs has a few dressings that are safe for Phase 3 in moderation
Ezekiel Sprouted Grain Products
Almond Butter
Fage Greek Yogurt

Here is a sample menu for a typical Phase 3 Day:  You want to get around 100-150 grams of protein per day depending on your calorie maintenance amount and as close to 45-50% during the stabilization period.
We really concentrate on protein during phase 3 and healthy fats and veggies.

Breakfast:

Country Breakfast Skillet

1/4 – 1/2 cup mixture of chopped onion, green peppers and red peppers and any other favorite veggie
3 slices (no sugar added) bacon, cut in 2-inch pieces
1 small tomato, cubed
Small amount shredded white cheese of choice (I used Mozzarella and Pepper Jack) or skip if cheese is an issue for you.
3 eggs, lightly beaten (Read More)

Lunch:
Cinnamon Chicken
(Option 2)
1 Large Chicken Breat
1 serving Melba toast crumbs
½ cup chicken broth or water
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of cardamom
1/8 teaspoon curry powder
Dash of garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Stevia to taste (Read More)

Coconut Zucchini

1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 Tbsp. coconut oil
1/2 tsp. coconut vinegar
Onion slices
Oregano, sea salt and pepper to taste
Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini, onion and sprinkle spices over top. Cook until cooked.
Or side with soup…

Winter Squash Soup

2 – 3 Acorn Squash (or other winter squash)
2 C. zucchini, chopped
1 onion, 1/2 sliced, 1/2 chopped
3 garlic cloves
MCT oil
1 Tbsp. Pure Coconut Oil
2 Tbsp. butter
1 C. onion, chopped
3 C. Organic chicken broth (Read More)

Afternoon snack:
Chocolate Shake
1/2 C. Greek Yogurt
1 scoop Jay Robb protein powder (I used chocolate)
1 Tbsp organic, no sugar added peanut butter
3/4 C. Almond Milk
A few drops of Stevia (I used English Toffee)
1-2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream (optional)
Mix together with a blender or Magic Bullet. Refrigerate for a short time and enjoy!
Add a bowl of grapes or melon

Dinner:
Turkey Spinach Meatloaf(Option 1)
It took me awhile to perfect this recipe but it is now a family favorite.  ~Carol 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground turkey
1 egg, beaten
1/2 C. oat bran
3 tsp. coconut oil
1 C. onion, chopped
2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 C. red pepper, chopped
1/2 C. green bell pepper, chopped
1 Tbsp. Jalapeno peppers, chopped fine (optional) (Read More)

Gourmet Sausage & Veggies

(Options 2)
1 Gourmet Sausage link (Sugar Free)
Veggies of choice (I use peppers and red onion)
Slice sausage and fry in MCT or Coconut Oil. Cook until lightly browned.
Add veggies and cook until veggies are to desired tenderness. Serve and enjoy.

One of the benefits of being in Phase 3 is being able to add in some yummy treats like Carol’s Cheesecakes, after week one and in moderation.  Also, we can enjoy adding in Julian or Ezekiel Bread products to your diet during this phase. These are things many of us missed in phase 2 but the difference is these are healthy alternatives to the fattening breads and desserts we were used to eating before hCG.  Making essential changes to your ingredients and checking your labels for hidden sugars is key to success.

There are many Chocolate Delight recipes for Phase 2 like the Almond Joy or Peanut Butter Cups you can enjoy for desert with you meals.  Click here for all the Chocolate Delight Recipes!
Remember to drink your lemon water.  I recommend starting the day with a cup of hot water with lemon and use a full lemon throughout the day.  This will help detox the liver.  Using detox tea and the other detox methods will be a lifetime tool you can use to keep your body stabilized.  Using products like Coconut Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar for life will also help you maintain and keep your body burning those calories.

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Creamy Ranch Dressing

June 1st, 2011

1 cup cottage cheese (fat free on p2 or full fat on p3) 1/4 cup of milk soured with 1/2 tsp ACV 1/2 teaspoon dried chives 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper Cream the cottage cheese [...]

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Peppermint Delight Shake

May 26th, 2011

This shake is not only tasty, it’s good for you. Packed with protein, fiber, Omega 3′s, and multiple vitamins and minerals. Another great way to add in raw organic spinach which is not only good for you, it’s good for weight loss. Peppermint Delight p3 1 cup rice, almond or coconut milk 1 scoop vanilla [...]

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