Sparkle and Shine in 2009 Group

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About This Group

This is a group comprised of dynamic and lovely ladies. Our goal is to live healthier, more fulfilling lives through Faith and Fitness. We are here to learn from each other, to support one another, to encourage our sisters, and to challenge each other as we push for success. Each of you ladies, a true gem, WILL work hard because you know it won't be easy. We will committ ourselves and dedicate our action to the love of life and its endless possibilities.

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September 23rd, 2009

Hello

posted by europa33 on 4:42 pm

Hello,
It's been a while since I posted on this site.  How is everyone doing with staying on track?? I've been doing pretty good, but this weekend I baked cookies.  I thought I had more will power than I found out I actually do have.  I've been trying to exercise a little more though, to make up for the large quantities of processed sugar running through my veins...

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September 8th, 2009

I didn't do good last week...

posted by SparkylandShyne on 5:45 am

Well, actually it wasn't bad ALL last week, just the weekend.  I felt seduced by all those bbq ribs!  (LOL) Today, I'm back on track. 

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September 4th, 2009

My first day!!! :-)

posted by msimmons89 on 5:35 am

Good morning!! Today is my first official day on this site. 2nd full day of my lifestyle changes, not dieting because that never works. I need to retrain myself to eat right. I know I can do it and also know that it will be an everyday struggle!! I gotta get this weight off!! I am using some products given to me by a friend. I will definitely let you know how it goes!! Need something to help me get going!! Good luck to everyone!!  Margarita

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September 1st, 2009

HEY NOW!

posted by SparkylandShyne on 2:59 pm

How is everybody?  I just wanted to send out a friendly hello and hug!  I hope your day is going great; only the beginning of an awesome week!

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August 28th, 2009

Easy Button

posted by SparkylandShyne on 7:21 am

So I was thinking this morning... I need an "Easy Re-Start" Button!

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August 24th, 2009

TOFU ANYONE?

posted by SparkylandShyne on 10:31 am

Okay, so does anyone enjoy tofu.  Last night I had grilled tofu and vegetables (which I prepared on an indoor grill).  I marinated extra firm tofu in a ziploc with a mix of regular and low sodium teriyaki sauce, olive oil, crushed red pepper, green onions, black peppers, garlic and onion powder, and sea salt, liquid smoke and coconut extract (the surprise ingredients).   Absolutely delicious.  I marinated in a plastic container yellow peppers, yellow carrots (oooohh), onion, a dash of salt, and fresh rosemary. I'm salivating all over again.  First time I prepared on the grill, I usually do in a regular pan with a lid. 

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August 21st, 2009

Getting back in control

posted by robinkincaid on 8:14 am

OK so like I said on facebook I was in the dressing room and scared the h*ll out of myself when for the 1st time in months saw myself in a full length mirror. back to control!!! I have this compartment tupperware and everyday i put baby carrots, broccoli, red pepper slices ect. in it with my favorite dressing and wrote "snack attack" on it. now instead of mindlessly eating handfuls of cereal or what ever we (hubby and I) grab the "snack attack" tub and chow. Believe it or not I feel full from it NO GUILT and it's healthy.

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August 17th, 2009

HCG Diet

posted by littlegirl61 on 8:33 pm

It is time for me to do another round of HCG. So far I have lost 30 pounds and the amazing thing is I have kept it off. I start the diet on Monday, I am hoping to loose another 20 pounds. Has anyone else tried this diet or has anyone heard anything bad about it?

Comments

by tammyckc on August 18th 2009 at 5:02 am

What diet? Please do tell... i can't seem to loose any weight, if anything i've put on a few pounds- i'm so confused, i run an average of 10k at least three to four times a week!!! So any info on a diet that works would be amazing!


by SparkylandShyne on August 18th 2009 at 2:29 pm

Yes, do tell!


by littlegirl61 on August 19th 2009 at 7:10 pm

HCG Diet or AKA: human chorionic gondadotropin injections. It is a once a day injection of the HCG hormone that is perscribed by a doctor along with a very low caloric intake that consists of fruits, veggies, and protien. It is for 6 weeks only. The great thing about this diet is that you loose fat only, and only in problem areas of your body. I hope this helps, any other questions, please just ask me.


by robinkincaid on August 20th 2009 at 9:36 am

Sound kinda scary. Did you ask the Dr. if you gain it all back when you stop? Started working out Wednesday with my Wii and it died today. . If I didn't know better I'd think someone is trying to sabatoge me. lol


by littlegirl61 on August 20th 2009 at 3:51 pm

I am monitored very closly by my Dr. and no you do not gain it all back, I didn't. You still have to eat a well balanced diet after the HCG diet is complete. Read the book by Kevin Trudeau called, The weight loss cure they don't want you to know about. Is a great book, very informative about many things, not just the HCG diet.



Edited by littlegirl61, on August 20th, 2009 at 3:52 pm.

by SparkylandShyne on August 24th 2009 at 10:11 am

Needles... never mind.  I'm SOOOOOOOOOO scared of needles! But when they introduce PILL form, I'm all on it. 


by littlegirl61 on August 28th 2009 at 10:40 pm

HCG can be taken two ways, injections and also drops under the tounge.


by msimmons89 on September 4th 2009 at 5:32 am

HCG is the hormone that increases when you are pregnant. Are you sure it is a good thing for you? I am not a fan of needles either. Good luck with it and take care!!!


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August 14th, 2009

Snack suggestions?

posted by europa33 on 5:04 pm

Hello, I'm looking for some suggestions for protein/carb balanced snacks.  Here is what I usually pick up for snacks, but looking for more suggestions:
Small V8 juice with string cheese
Plain greek yogurt w/ 1/4 cup honey nut cheerios
Nuts
Small fruit with small cottage cheese
Got any good ideas? Thanks.

Comments

by SparkylandShyne on August 19th 2009 at 6:00 am

(1) I used to make my own protein shakes.  I found a chocolate flavored protein shake and would add a teaspoon of instant coffee, a teaspoon of powdered cream, and sometimes a splash of either coconut extract or vanilla extract.  (2) Yogurt  (3) small salad with: tomato, cucumber, avacado, red onion, a cheese (queso fresco or mozarella), and red wine vinegar.  sHard boiled eggs (3) turkey roll-ups.  (4) you can make your own lettuce wraps. (5) peanut butter and celery or carrots.  (6) red bean soup with a few slices of smoked turked sausage. 
What types of foods do you like.  I can get creative with the things I eat.  I try to recreate the foods I like using healthier options. 


by europa33 on August 19th 2009 at 3:50 pm

The red bean soup sounds good, it is a recipe or already made brand??


by SparkylandShyne on August 24th 2009 at 10:41 am

Believe it or not, I don't do anything really complicated.  Sometimes I go all out and use dried beans, but for ease just buy a can of red beans (not kidney beans).  If you don't see them in the beans/vegetable section, try the Mexican food section.  I saute 1/2 yellow onion and 1 clove sliced garlic in margarine or olive oil (just enough to saute), add drained red beans (I personally don't like the murky liquid), saute a minute or so just to heat the beans a little.  Add a can of chicen broth.  Add spices (start off light) - garlic salt, black pepper, red pepper, maybe a Lawry's or a Cajun Seasoning, oregano and GROUND THYME.  You can use the back of a fork or spoon to break up the beans or you can do as I do and take half (or all) and blend in a blender.   Return to pot, season more to taste, add water if its too thick.  Add that restaurant touch...some green onions, a few sprinkles of parmesan cheese.  AND YES, as I'm typing it does seem a lot more complicated than I thought!  LOL 



Edited by SparkylandShyne, on August 24th, 2009 at 10:44 am.
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August 12th, 2009

TRY SOMETHING NEW

posted by SparkylandShyne on 8:15 am

"If you always do, what you always did, you will always get what you always got!" -A quote by Reverend Run  :)
Guess he's trying to tell us if we want something new, we have to do something new!  So, TRY SOMETHING NEW.  A new food, a new exercise, a new way of relaxing.  Do something you've never done before.  You just may see results you've never seen before!

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August 11th, 2009

tracking food

posted by littlegirl61 on 8:16 pm

I have found that tracking my food really makes a difference. It makes me accountable for what I eat. Sue

Comments

by mwlliams5 on August 12th 2009 at 4:17 pm

I agree with you, I find that having to track what I eat makes me behave better...Yeah I want the candy but I don't want to have to add it to my list of items I have eaten. 


by europa33 on August 14th 2009 at 4:56 pm

totally agree.  I feel more responsible for what I put in my body when I have to put the food in my food journal....


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August 11th, 2009

I fell off...

posted by mwlliams5 on 3:34 pm

I joined mid July and fell off shortly thereafter...I am back in effect and working towards success.  I hope my stops and starts will help someone else along the way, and I can get help from the group as well. M-

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August 10th, 2009

New kid on the block

posted by lallentx on 2:11 pm

Hi ya'll. I just joined and look forward to getting and giving support as we work towards our goals.
Linda

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August 6th, 2009

Yogurt in the freezer...

posted by amyzwicke on 9:37 pm

I gotta say I think this is it!  I tried the yogurt in the freezer for about 20-30 min...SO GOOD.  I buy fiber one strawberry (50 cals 0 fat...so good) anyways...it was really good.  Tomorrow night I am doing that instead of any ice cream....and ya know when I didn't eat my ice cream before my workout today...I really didn't enjoy it as I should which means I am eating it way too much! You know how that goes...

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August 6th, 2009

TRACKING FOOD!

posted by SparkylandShyne on 6:20 am

For those who are tracking... GOOD JOB!  It really does help, for a number of reasons. But I think it works for me because I can look back and see what days I did good in watching calories and see what I ate for each meal.  Then I can incorporate that into future meals.  Part of my problem was figuring out what to eat from day to day, trying to plan ahead for grocery shopping, when to cook/how much time I have to cook, you know the deal.  Keeping a food log helped me.  Plus on those days I felt like a pig, I have clear evidence of why, because I ate that whole bag of potato chips, or potato salad, or french fries, or garlic smashed potatoes (You see the potato theme there).  I digress (LOL).  All I'm trying to say is GOOD JOB LADIES!
 
 

Comments

by SparkylandShyne on August 6th 2009 at 7:25 am

For me, I'm always trying something new... Sometimes for fun! Sometimes because I'm down to like 4 ingredients and need to go shopping! LOL.  Either way, every now and again I have to "TAKE IT TO THE LAB" (aka my kitchen).  Be open to trying new things, you just may find something great to eat and easy to cook!


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August 6th, 2009

Ever heard of a "CELL PHONE CHECK IN"

posted by SparkylandShyne on 6:09 am

Well every now and again when I'm listening to the radio in the evening, they do a "CELL PHONE CHECK IN" where listeners call in, tell where they are (which is usually in traffic) and how they're doing....
SO, I'm doing a LIVESTRONG CHECK IN!  Tell me how you're doing and what's going on!  We are all starting new, so I'm just checkin in to see how its going!

Comments

by europa33 on August 6th 2009 at 1:18 pm

Amy,
I would try eating some string cheese, or ricotta cheese with fruit.  I just had an afternoon snack of some FAGE greek  2% yogurt (super high protein) with 1/3 cup honey nut cheerios in it.  It was yummy and only 101 calories....


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August 5th, 2009

Hello!

posted by amyzwicke on 12:46 pm

I am new to this group and am loving it already.  I love that everyone post tips that we can use.  I am definalty needed support in the weight loss thing.  I have been struggling with my weight my whole life.  I am an emotional eater.  When I am happy, sad, bored...well any emotion I eat!  I started logging my calories on 7/15 and I am down 7 lbs as of today but I need group support and I am so glad my friend found this group!  What has really worked for me is that if I know that I am going to eat out for lunch or dinner then I eat egg whites and low fat sausage and a veggie for the other meal.  It is really low calorie and fills you up.  You can have 6 egg whites, 1/2 serving of sausage in the eggs and a cup of veggies and it is only around 250-275 calories and you are full.  You can also add Natures Own Light bread (40 calories per slice) if you need to eat it on bread. 
OK...I NEED YOUR ADVICE...Right now I am struggling with night time.  I feel that I have to eat a snack after dinner.  Any ideas to help me stop this?  What has worked for you?  I am not sure if I just need to eat a low calorie snack.  I am just worried that eating late (around 8 or 8:30) is going to decrease my weight loss. 
Thanks in advace for your input.

Comments

by SparkylandShyne on August 6th 2009 at 6:13 am

I've read a few things on night time snacking, and one of the things I read the most is to try a "protein snack".   A piece of cheese, a soy product, even a little turkey breast or something like that.  BUT OF COURSE, that is not the sugary stuff we like to eat for night-time snacks.  How about yogurt.  KROGER grocery store has CARB SMART yogurts that are really good to me.  Try the vanilla, strawberry, cherry, or peach; and they are super cheap $.39 in Atlanta, $.59 last time I was in Houston. South Beach Diet suggest a snack that is made from ricotta cheese.  Ricotta cheese, splenda or nutrasweet, and a flavoring like cocoa powder, instant coffee, lemon extract, lime or lemon juice, pineapple extract... I'm sure you get the picture.  And it actually is pretty decent.  Just enough to satisfy the sweet craving and those late night hunger pangs.  Some other options are fruit; grapefruit, applies, nectaries, berries. Vegetables: Carrot sticks, celery and peanut butter, etc.  Check out that negative calorie food list and see if anything on it appeals to you. 



Edited by SparkylandShyne, on August 06th, 2009 at 6:59 am.

by amyzwicke on August 6th 2009 at 6:59 pm

Thanks...I will try that.  Tonight I had my ice cream early before I worked out so I know I will burn it off.  I am definatley going to try the yogurt thing...maybe even putting it in the freezer.  When I was eating my ice cream I didn't "need" it I just wanted something cold....So...just a habit I have to get rid of!  Going to to work on that one day at a time!


by SparkylandShyne on August 7th 2009 at 10:47 am

Oh yes, and you can try smoothies too.  They can be quite filling and will satisfy your craving for something sweet and cold.


by lorysaurus on August 12th 2009 at 12:43 pm

An easy thing to do, if you really don't want to eat anymore, is to just brush your teeth. I mean, almost all food taste terrible after toothpaste(:


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July 29th, 2009

SCARY salad statistics!!!

posted by SparkylandShyne on 1:39 pm

I don't know if its really  true, but I was reading on the "HungryGirl.com" webiste and saw salad statistics for a few chain restaurants.  Check it out!
Outback's Steakhouse Pittsburght Style Steakhouse Salad: 1370 cal
Macaroni Grill Chicken Florentine Salad: 900 cal, 60g fat, 65g carbs
Applebee's California Shrimp Salad: 1310 Cal (dressing alone is 590...and I'm the type that'll usually ask for EXTRA dressing)
Chili's Quesadilla Explision Salad: 1260 cal, 76g fat, 84g carbs
WHO KNEW!!!
 
 

Comments

by tammyckc on July 30th 2009 at 10:23 am

It's sad but true!
but if you skip or put very little dressing, forgo the crotons and the cheese too if you can resist and it decrease the cheese you'd be surprise how much you knock off!
side note, if you ladies like to drink but don't want the calories.... vodka with water and a few lemons go a long way- one ounce of 80 proof vodka is only 64 calories!!!!
Also, thanks for the welcome (GUSHING!!!!) support means allot :o)
 


by amyzwicke on August 5th 2009 at 12:36 pm

WOW...that makes you rethink getting the salad with all the toppings!  Thanks!


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July 29th, 2009

CANDY GIRL!!!

posted by SparkylandShyne on 10:35 am

Hey guys, so what do you guys think about "Sugar-Free" Hard candies.  I was sitting in this meeting...HUNGRY!  During the meeting someone offered me a candy and it made me wonder if anyone has tried any of these Sugar-Free candies.  If you have, let me know which ones are good.

Comments

by amyzwicke on August 5th 2009 at 12:37 pm

I have tried Werthers Original (5 candies are 40 or 50 cal), life savers, and crystal light and they are all really good!  They do ward off the cravies when I have them.  They are a bit expensive but they really help.


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July 29th, 2009

Inspiration for today...

posted by aydiallo on 8:54 am

Remember Hebrews 12:11...
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

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July 27th, 2009

Negative Calorie Items

posted by SparkylandShyne on 11:18 am

 

NEGATIVE FOODS: Got this off the internet

 

Here is a list of negative calorie foods. No that doesn't mean the foods have negative calories! I wish lol. What it means is that when you eat these foods RAWor in some cases slightly cooked (steamed or flash boiled)with nothing on them your body burns more calories digesting and processing them than what is in the actual food itself. For a healthy weight loss and a little boost add some of these foods to your diet each day. Most are full of nutrients and won't weigh you down.  Thought this might help some of you :)

apple
, cranberries, grapefruit, lemon, mango, orange, pineapple, raspberries, strawberries, tangerine, asparagus, beet, broccoli, cabbage (green), carrot, cauliflower, celery, Chile peppers (hot), cucumber, dandelion, endive, garden cress, garlic, green beans, lettuce, onion, papaya, radishes, spinach, turnip.

Comments

by aydiallo on July 27th 2009 at 5:48 pm

This was really helpful for me, by the way.  I meant to tell you that when you sent it to me. 


by tammyckc on July 28th 2009 at 12:49 pm

 I had no idea!!! i've been in this group for 30 seconds and i'm already learning! My kind of group!


by SparkylandShyne on July 29th 2009 at 10:32 am

Glad you decided to join in Tammy!  Feel free to share (even if its just frustrations) and Let us know how we can help! We're in this together!


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July 26th, 2009

Just starting out.... Here is a suggestion (aka CHALLENGE) !!! :)

posted by SparkylandShyne on 12:31 pm

Gimme a J, now that's a J, can you say J - Gimme an O, now that's an O, can you say O -Gimme a U,  okay forget it... that would take too long! 
The word is J-O-U-R-N-A-L-I-N-G.  I know, I know, stop crying.  More work to do, Woo Woo Woo.  But this work is a personal investment into your life.  And, it just may help you as you get started.  Journaling is not just about the food you eat, but the info you find, the resources you can look up, its just a record of the journey!
I want us to mark this day in time.  In the beginning.... tomorrow, July 27th, 2009 marks the beginning.  Years from now I want you to be able to talk about that pivotol moment in your life when things changed.  Pick your foot up and stomp it hard...SOME THINGS HAVE GOT TO CHANGE AND IT START S NOW!  Tell yourself, "I'm not playing!"  If need be, tell others, "I'm not playing!"  This is it!  It is your time to Sparkle and Shine.  So get up, dust yourself off, get out your workout gear, lace up the shoes, find a good bra (lol) and let's get it started.  Its time for some action!
Now, I've heard that the key to it all is DISCIPLINE... (we'll talk about that more later) ...in our exercise routine and our how we feed our bodies!  Well a good game plan for success begins with knowing where you are.  So, let's do a few things.  It'll be easy to do, but it won't necessarily be easy to see.  But you have to know where your starting point it.  Seeing it will also keep you encouraged and in line on those days you just don't want to! 
4 things I need you to do.  (1) Buy a notebook that has at least 90 pages in it.  (2) In the notebook, skip 1 page (leave it blank) and on the 2nd page write your name, the date for Day 1, and 1 sentence.  Write to yourself and answer this question... Why am I doing this? You might as well answer it now because 2 weeks from now, 2 months from now, you ARE going to ask yourself this.  You might as well have the answer on hand.  (3) On the next blank page, write the title "STARTING POINT" Below it write all the vital STATISTICS.  Age, Height, Weight, Body Fat %, BMI%, Body Measurements (Neck, Arm, Wrist, Chest, Waist, Hips, and Thigh.  Skip a line and write any health concerns or conditions (High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Bad Knees, Diabetic).  Basically we are establishing the BASELINE for our SUCCESS!  I declare the numbers you see today will be the last time you see them.  I want all of them to go down, with the exception of one!  While ALL the others go down, I want AGE to go up and up and up! Live STRONG my friends! (4) Lastly, take this week to write down what you eat. Get a written history of what you eat or like to eat, it'll help later when you try and determine what types of foods are good and what types of new foods you'd probably like.  For example if you like Spinach, you'll probably like Kale and Turnip Greens.  If you can eat Mushrooms as a meat substitute in a dish, you can probably eat tofu as well.  If you like Canteloupe and Honeydew, you'll probably like Ripe Papaya.  NEXT WEEK, we'll get into the details and benefits of journaling and what's important/not as important to track!

Comments

by aydiallo on July 27th 2009 at 5:49 pm

I hate journaling...
...but Phran's right...it helps.


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July 24th, 2009

New

posted by mwlliams5 on 2:34 pm

Howdy from Nashville...Just joined and hope to both gain from the group and give...This is my first attempt at a diet or rather lifestyle change. Pray for me.

Comments

by SparkylandShyne on July 26th 2009 at 11:26 am

Hello M!  I am so glad that you have chosen to join us.  I am counting on the fact that together we will do far greater than we would have alone. 
Use this group as a support and a resource.  Ask, share, do! That's what I'm going to do. 


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July 21st, 2009

Salad dipping...

posted by aydiallo on 12:15 pm

So I'm Day 2 on doing the P90X program and Day 1 was horendous because I didn't eat enough so I vowed not to make that mistake again today.  And chile...this chef salad that they got me eating is WONDERFUL and I'm back at that stage where I'm dipping my fork in the dressing and then eating a bite as opposed to spreading the dressing all over.  Just a tip for those of you who may need one.

Comments

by SparkylandShyne on July 22nd 2009 at 1:02 pm

Excellent idea Andrea!  Hey, what kind of dressing are you eating?


by L-Eggleston on July 22nd 2009 at 3:28 pm

Thanks I'm having salad for lunch tomorrow and I will be dipping...


by aydiallo on July 25th 2009 at 7:58 am

Well that day it was Fat Free Ranch but I like lots!


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July 19th, 2009

I can feel it...

posted by aydiallo on 7:45 pm

You know it's bad when you can feel your face and back congeleing (sp?) just while sitting still.  I'm overwhelmed. Today I went to church and the lady said we need to "surrender"...well I'm here.  Taking it one day at a time.  I got on a phone meeting today for OA.  I did my workout yesterday.  I'll start afresh tomorrow with my Day 1 of PX90.
Phran...I'm still figuring out a way to do it together.

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Recent Comments

msimmons89 on HCG Diet

Sep 4th at 5:32 AM

HCG is the hormone that increases when you are...

littlegirl61 on HCG Diet

Aug 28th at 10:40 PM

HCG can be taken two ways, injections and also...

SparkylandShyne on Snack suggestions?

Aug 24th at 10:41 AM

Believe it or not, I don't do anything really...

SparkylandShyne on HCG Diet

Aug 24th at 10:11 AM

Needles... never mind.  I'm SOOOOOOOOOO...

littlegirl61 on HCG Diet

Aug 20th at 3:51 PM

I am monitored very closly by my Dr. and no you...

robinkincaid on HCG Diet

Aug 20th at 9:36 AM

Sound kinda scary. Did you ask the Dr. if you...

littlegirl61 on HCG Diet

Aug 19th at 7:10 PM

HCG Diet or AKA: human chorionic...

europa33 on Snack suggestions?

Aug 19th at 3:50 PM

The red bean soup sounds good, it is a recipe...

SparkylandShyne on Snack suggestions?

Aug 19th at 6:00 AM

(1) I used to make my own protein shakes. ...

SparkylandShyne on HCG Diet

Aug 18th at 2:29 PM

Yes, do tell!

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