Wake Up Call

    Once again, it has been a while since my last post. I've continued to be incredibly busy! Since my last post I have finished the HCG phase 2 and also started a new journey. I lost 20 pounds, most of my weight loss occurring in the first 2 weeks. The past 2 weeks were extremely difficult and my weight loss came to a crawl where I lost about a pound every 5 days. It didn't seem worth it to be eating only 500 calories and not be losing the weight. I either wasn't dieting correctly or there was something wrong. I went and got evaluated by a nutritionist/fitness coach. The results were shocking and not what I wanted to hear. My metabolism is that of a 44 year old woman's. I couldn't believe it. I thought the hcg was supposed to boost my metabolism but it decreased, which is why I stopped losing the weight. My body has learned to survive off 500 calories when it burns over 1400 calories a day in its resting state. I guess hcg may work for others because I have seen and heard wonderful results. But the diet is just not working with my body. Losing 20 pounds in a short amount of time felt great but with my metabolism at such a low rate, I know the weight loss will be unsustainable in the long run. During the four days off my diet I gained 6.5 pounds. I know I wasn't following maintenance but 6.5 in just four days seemed like a lot, especially when I wasn't eating anything considered unhealthy. :( This is not the way I wanted to end my hcg diet journey, but I have to put my health before looks. I have just started a new program called herbalife, which was recommended to me by a group of nutritionists. I will definitely not lose the weight as quickly as the hcg diet, but the weight loss will be sustainable and will get my metabolism to where it is meant to be. I will also be able to exercise, which I would prefer to do. I have a coach who will help me with the herbalife diet and a whole group of people in my area who meet up every week for workouts and weigh ins. It will be great to have such an expansive support team. Herbalife has 3 programs: weight loss, weight management, and weight (muscle) gain. To lose weight I replace two meals with protein shakes packed with nutrients while taking multivitamins and a cell activator which helps the body absorb nutrients. I also have to drink a liter of herbalife tea in addition to a liter of water to support my metabolism. Then I can have a sensible meal. Today is my first day, and so far it's great. I was afraid the protein shakes were going to taste terrible but they actually taste quite good and are so incredibly filling. I don't have the urge to snack because I am so full from the shake and remain full for hours. It's like having a 4,000 calorie feast in a cup for less than 300 calories. At first I felt like a failure for quitting the hcg diet but I'm not going to ignore nutritionists who are telling me that my body is not benefiting from it and that I should find a healthier way to lose weight. I'm glad I tried it, and I still admire those who have lost weight and are continuing to lose weight on it and I am always interested in hearing about your success and journey on the diet. It just was not right for me. Thank you for continuing to read my blog and giving me advice and support! I plan on continuing my blog about my journey to a healthier me. That is all I want; to be healthy and happy.