lovelyladyhcg

So, I'm back at it again, and have been for three weeks now. I'm on my 22nd shot and was doing good until the scale stopped and is now slowly moving in the opposite direction. I've done so many rounds and at this point know that it can be a number of things that has contributed to this, but I really think it comes down to a few new supplements I just added to the mix a few days ago.

Here are all of the factors:
1. I added a few new supplements -- all are good for skin, hair, and nails. All come in capsule form, except the collagen peptides (which mixes in water). One of the supplements -- phytoceramides -- makes skin much more supple by retaining water. So, I'm inclined to think the stall/gain has been caused from potential water retention from the phytoceramides. On the other hand, the collagen peptides have 40 or so calories, so I do take that into consideration with my 500-calorie limit.
2. My cycle came on last week, but I usually still continue to lose (or at least don't gain) while on my cycle.
3. I've only been eating fish this round.
4. Most days I've been enjoying canned albacore tuna (packed in water), which is not apart of protocol, but usually I do okay with it.
5. I've been exercising everyday -- a brisk walk mixed with light jogging (just to get my heart rate up). And I was losing just fine for a couple of weeks of doing this.
6. I've been eating a couple more strawberries than I should, but usually I can get away with this and continue to lose.
7. I've eaten scallops recently (which is not on protocol).
8. I add fresh aloe vera inner filet inside of my blended smoothie of frozen strawberries and vanilla cream stevia every morning to help keep me regular. Aloe vera isn't on protocol, but I've been losing just fine with it.
9. I had a couple of drinks last week (vodka and club soda), which in the past I've done okay with, but now, I'm thinking not so much.

So, with all of these factors considered, I think I'm going to make some adjustments and see if that gets me back on track. My plan is to:
1. Stick to protocol.
2. No more liquor.
3. Take it easy on the strawberries.
4. Possibly stop taking the phytoceramides and/or collagen peptides.
5. And I might change my protein, because in the past I have had great losses on days that I ate sirloin steak.

I refuse to give up my melba toast, because I feel like I need that small amount of carbs since I'm working out. I also don't want to give up my fruit, because that smoothie has been a game-changer for me this round. (Even magnesium doesn't help keep me regular.)

Even though my losses have slowed up, I'm not entirely discouraged, because I am still slimming down every day. I'm learning to care more about the results I see in the mirror more than what the scale says.

I still have three more weeks on P2, and if I can lose another 10 lbs., I will be more than satisfied.

UPDATE:
Next day, finally woke up to a 0.8 lb loss, after 8 days of no progress — and I’m still taking my supplements. :-)