OMG I want these so BAD!
OMG I want these so bad!!! Check these AWESOME SHOES OUT!
Are they worth $55?? 10% of all sales are donated to American Cancer Society, they would be shoes for a good cause! Hmmmm....
10 Most Used Apps on My Phone
I have over 100 apps (non-standard issue) on my iPhone, and am continually finding more and more that I want and need. I don't know what I did before my iPhone and it's many wonderful apps! I have almost 40 different game apps, it's nice for entertaining myself and my niece and nephew who are always dying to play on my phone anytime they see me! There is seriously something to be said for the saying "there's an app for that!"
So here's my list of ten most used apps on MY iPhone.
1) My Fitness Pal: One of my close friends, Yarden, recommended this app to me! 
She's a droid person, but they have this app for everyone! It's a calorie counting and overall weight and fitness management application! It's very user-friendly and can help you attain your weight goals! Also, a nice (and new feature for iPhone) is that you can scan barcodes to find calorie counts! Not everything is in the system, but as people input info based on the barcodes, they are adding more and more to the database. It is wonderful and has been very helpful for Paul and I!
2) Facebook: I don't think an explanation is needed. The application really isn't near as 
good as being on Facebook on the computer, but it is definitely convenient when you aren't near your computer and want to check what people are posting on the wall, and viewing comments, etc.
3) MapQuest or Google Maps: Paul and I NEVER print out directions anymore! With 
the MapQuest App, we get voice command turn by turn directions, and the beauty of it is while you are listening to iTunes or Pandora, it will fade the music so you hear the directions! And it's FREE! It can be a little glitchy here and there, which is why we will generally use the standard issue Google Maps app as a backup.
4) Words With Friends: I think this is one of my favorite ga
mes to play on my iPhone, I've been somewhat bad about keeping up with my games, but it's because I have thirteen or more games going on at once. But it's definitely a nice way to exercise the mind, work on your vocab, and in some cases outshine your friends! 
5) Pandora: Who needs to purchase music anymore when you can listen to almost any artist and similar artists with variety! We LOVE Pandora! It has definitely broadened our music selection, turned us on to new artists, and in some cases prompted us to buy music. 
6) iTV: Paul and I are in the very small population that does not have DVR, so I actually will plan my evenings around TV shows, and this is my TV Guide! It will tell me when shows are new and notify me prior to the show, to make sure I don't miss it. I really do like this app, and I even think it may work with some DVRs to help you record, if you have the privileged of doing so...
7) Bank of America: Gotta keep those finances in order! I really love this app, granted 
I prefer to work with the computer log-in for Bank of America, but in short notice I can check my balance, set-up payments, transfer funds, and find a bank or atm near me. It's pretty wonderful!
8) Angry Birds: I have three different Angry Bird Apps on my phone, and all of them 
are very entertaining. At one point I had beaten all levels and was hanging on the whim of Angry Bird Developers to send out an update, but I have since gotten busy and have plenty of catching up to do on all of them, general Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, and Angry Birds Rio.
9) Blockbuster: While Paul and I tried Netflix, it just didn't suit us. So we are back to 
Blockbuster, and the app helps me to be add new movies to the queue on the fly! I can check on when new movies will be mailed out to us and what new movies are releasing. And the beauty of the Blockbuster set-up is if we finish a movie we can exchange it immediately at the store! We like the instant gratification there...
10) Shazam: I love so much music, but overall I am a soundtrack girl. I watch shows and movies and hear music I love, and this app allows me to find out who the artist is or what song it is. I love it, cause then I could technically create a soundtrack for my life, based on what I pull up on Shazam at any given time. Love it!
Definitely let me know of any Apps you can't live without, I may not have them and would probably LOVE to check them out...
HC3 Diet - We've Passed the Half-Way Mark
Paul and I have been on the HC3 Diet for about three and a half weeks now,passing the half-way point. Things are going well, but I must say, we are getting tired of the same stuff we've been eating and are ready for the reset phase when we can add more options into our diet!
Yesterday we met with Kelly Hall, our nutritionist at Optimum Health, and definitely had a lot more questions for her this time around! While we have continued to loose weight, we are planning to try a couple different things to pump up and keep the momentum!
We've had several temptations (alcoholic beverages mostly) that we just could not resist, we have generally stayed strong with the diet, and overall during those times didn't gain weight, just maintained. After the Bryan Adams evening, our ketone levels just dropped off, and so we had to build back up, but the rebound was definitely quick. Kelly was a bit concerned with me, as my eetone levels have continually stayed high, which would imply fat burning, so I should be dropping the weight faster, but weight loss seems to taper more and more as my ketones stay at a high level. It seems to be the case that it's better to be at a medium ketone level to really continually lose the weight. The main concern was that I am getting too acidic.
So, she is starting me with a half serving of Total Vegan on a daily basis to see if that puts me in a good place to lose more while still keeping the ketone levels moderated. It's kind of nice because the Total Vegan is Chocolate flavor, and I've missed chocolate!
The continual weight loss has been a huge motivating factor, we have about 2 weeks left and it's certainly possible that we could both drop another 15 pounds or so. We just need to keep focused on the long term goal. It's definitely worth feeling more energy and comfort with our bodies, and also seeing clothes that didn't fit us previously fit us now and even are too big!
Here is an image of the body composition analysis from July 26th and August 9th respectively. I know it's hard to read cause it's on thermal paper and the heat has gotten to it. I've outlined the main details below (first is mine and the second is Paul's) :
Body Composition: July 26 August 9th
- Weight 149.6lbs 145.0 lbs
- BMI 31.3 30.3
- Fat % 38.8% 34.7%
- Fat Mass 55.0 lbs 50.4 lbs
Desirable Range - Fat % 21-33 and Fat Mass 25.2-46.6lbs
Body Composition: July 26 August 9th
- Weight 234.6lbs 227.0 lbs
- BMI 34.6 34.5
- Fat % 39.2% 34.8%
- Fat Mass 92.0 lbs 79.0 lbs
Desirable Range - Fat % 8-20 and Fat Mass 12.8-37.0lbs
I'm very close to being within the desirable range, but definitely would prefer to be in the middle of that range with wiggle room up or down. Paul's got a little more to go, but has definitely made awesome progress! I get frustrated that he seems to have dropped so much more... but I guess that's the difference between girls and guys! Unfortunately we don't have details from the start date, but I have officially dropped 13 lbs total, and Paul has dropped 18 lbs total.
YEAH for Us!
Our First Trip to H-Mart!
In and effort to spice things up with our HC3 Diet, Paul and I have been coming up with new and innovative ideas for lunch and dinner options. We decided it was time to take a trip to the Super H-Mart to get some great produce, seafood and meat options! It was quite an experience! There's an awesome selection, but also a lot of interesting items to choose from!
It was kind of funny because I felt like a "tourist" taking pictures of all kinds of items in there that aren't things we'd normally find in Walmart, Kroger or Publix, like Pig's Tongue, Chicken Feet, Pig's Heart, and more! We stuck with the safe stuff, but it was definitely fun, take a look!
[slideshow]
Hopefully I'll be able to post some cool new recipes with the various items Paul and I decided to experiment with; we are excited! We're working on a homemade tomato sauce that we plan to have with "shredded squid" as noodles! We can't have real noodles, so this seemed like a viable option! I'll definitely post about how it turns out...And I also can't wait to try the awesome Spicy Cod Fish and Veggie Soup, should be easy and delicious!
HC3 Approved Meatloaf!
So I got back from Nashville the afternoon of Saturday July 30th and immediately we had friends over for dinner! The original plan was to go to the lake, but the weather didn't permit, so we stayed in for dinner and a movie with Desi and Tristan!
Desi and Tristan have been longtime friends now that we have enjoyed home cooked meals with on many occasions! Of course when they heard about our HC3 Trim diet, and our inability to drink or eat so many things they were quite leery about sticking around for dinner. But Paul, who is an amazing improvisational home cook, whipped together the most amazing dinner that we were all able to enjoy! Of course we cooked up some extras for Desi and Tristan, but the meatloaf was definitely the STAR of the evening!
So here is a quick run-down of our HC3 approved Meatloaf!
Ingredients:
- Extra Lean Ground Beef (1-2 lbs depending on how many ppl you are serving)
- One can of Original Rotel
- Vidalia Onion (1/4 to 1/2 an onion chopped)
- Raw Spinach (1-1.5 cups chopped)
- Fresh Cilantro - key for that awesome flavor (1 cup chopped)
- 2 table spoons Ground Pepper
- 1 table spoon Ground Sea Salt
- 2 - 4 Fresh Garlic cloves finely chopped
- 2 table spoons Fresh Garlic Powder
- 2 table spoons dill seasoning (be generous)
- 2 table spoons thyme seasoning
Mix it all together in a mixer or bowl, whichever suits you!
Put into a non-stick meatloaf pan or Pyrex dish, and bake at 300-325 for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it to be safe because those temps and time are variable depending!
And voilà! It was absolutely delicious and we had a side of asparagus and Desi and Tristan also were treated with Paul's awesome mashed potatoes! It was a success and better than any meatloaf I have had before! It was healthy and we didn't even need ketchup! Oh and note - it had no eggs or bread crumbs!
Hope you are able to try it!
HC3 Diet - Week Two - The Mission to Stay On Track!
Although it was a struggle going through the end of the previous week and weekend without Paul's support and understanding of the temptations, we both came out of the first week with significant losses. Week 2 was going to be a challenge though! On Wednesday of this week, I would be traveling to Nashville, TN for work, so preparations had to be made.
The beginning of the week was going well and we were able to meet with the nutritionist on Tuesday. She was pleased with our results and we generally discussed questions we had, etc. I think one of my biggest questions for her was relative to moisturizers! I am an addict when it comes to lotion, and throughout this process we are not supposed to use lotions because of the oils, so I found a body shimmer spray I had and it doesn't have oil in it! YEAH! It certainly doesn't do what lotion would, but for an addict like me, it helps.
So Tuesday evening Paul and I had to get me ready to head up to Nashville! I called to hotel to check on getting a mini-fridge cause I was planning to bring all my meals! They assured me they would be able to accommodate, so it was meal planning time! We cooked up a bunch of chicken and shrimp! Both of which would be just as tasty warm as cold, so it would work out. We went out and bought a bunch of Tupperware, and of course I needed a scale to travel with! And I packed two small coolers worth of food! I was set!
I was being so good throughout the entire trip until the final night of the meeting in Nashville. They had a banquet with dinner and drinks! I ate the salad, with just vinegar, and even ate the main course which was chicken (which seemed ok cause it looked fairly oil-free), and luckily they had asparagus as the veggie. While it was probably a little more calories then I should have had, I was running around preparing for stuff so I figured it wasn't a big deal.
Cocktails started flowing for everyone at the meeting and I was SOOOO GOOD! I had club soda with lime the entire night (pretending it was a vodka tonic), but I did end up slipping during the after-party in downtown Nashville, where I had two real vodka tonics!
I was fairly concerned I may have screwed myself up, and this week the weight wasn't coming off so quickly as it was the first week, but come Saturday morning when we had to leave, I did my weigh-in and had dropped almost two pounds from the previous day, and my ketone levels were still fairly high! It was CRAZY!
Week Two Ended with a 3.8 lbs loss, for a total of 8lbs since the beginning! Not bad for a small slip!
HC3 Diet - Week One of 500 Calorie Limit
Week One went surprisingly well! It's unbelievable, but I was actually full after each meal and snack! The hormone actually was doing it's job! I wasn't hungry and I have energy, although we aren't supposed to work out at all. I took it easy and had fruits for breakfast, chicken, lean ground beef, or shrimp usually for lunch and dinner, fruits and veggies for snack, and occasional glutton free pretzels (which are surprisingly very good)!
As we started, we had to begin testing our ketone levels each morning on the ketone testing strips (similar to a pregnancy test). My ketone levels started off at a medium level and as the week went on they got high! The higher the ketone levels, the better the chances you are burning fat. Toward the end of the week I was supplementing fruit or veggie snacks for the Power Reds to manage the ketone levels so that the levels don't cause my body to go into a ketone-acidosis.
Toward the end of the week Paul was traveling for work, and that was when I felt more challenged! It's easier when you are doing something like this with someone else. And ironically, when you're alone and just watching TV or movies, you get the boredom eating syndrome. TV doesn't help with this either, with commercials for Dairy Queen, McDonald's, Domino's Pizza and more! 
The craziest part about it, my body wasn't hungry for those things, my head was! The pretzels and water helped, but this was the struggle I realized would be ongoing for the remainder of the 40 days!
At the end of week one, I lost a total of 4.8 pounds! It was the most I had lost ever in that period of time. Usually it would take me a month to lose 5 lbs, and I pretty much did it in one week! AND I resisted ALL TEMPTATIONS!
HC3 Diet - Days 1 & 2 - "The Loading Days"
We met with the Optimum Health nutritionist, Kelly Hall, on July 11th to discuss the diet in full detail with the plan to begin the diet on the following Saturday (July 16th). We figured if we had to consume 3500 calories of high fat foods, it would be much easier to do that if on the weekend when we could focus on eating!
It really does sound fun, eating all those fattening foods you always feel guilty eating. And while you would think that you can eat whatever you want, you really do need to focus on high fat calories, not high sugar. You won't get the same results if you eat all deserts!
So Saturday rolled around and we took the hormone in the morning when we got up and then we began our fatty feasting! We decided to use the, iphone app, myfitness pal to make sure we met our minimum calorie intake of 3500. We ate scrambled cheese eggs, bacon, sausage, burgers from McDonald's, Hot Dogs, KFC Original Recipe, Bologna, Steak, Pepperoni, Block Cheddar Cheese, Peanut Butter, Cashews, Pecans, and to end each night we each had HUGE slices of Cheese Cake! Check out the details below on the images from the calorie counter!
The first day seemed to go smoothly, and I was actually proud of myself for getting through it, because while it seems like a pretty simple thing, it's quite hard! But we both made it through the first loading day. Now day two wasn't as smooth, I was definitely struggling to reach that 3500 calories, and the things that helped most were the nuts and peanut butter. They pack a lot of fat calories for a smaller amount of intake, so you don't feel so full. We also had a very fatty steak for dinner that night and while I struggled to finish it, I actually got it all down! And then had to move onto the cheese cake desert. By the end of day 2 of loading I was miserable and actually started crying I felt so disgusting! It was rough! All I wanted to do was go to sleep.
But in either case we both made it through the loading days, and the total weight gain for myself over those two days was minimum I think I gained about 1.5 lbs total.
And we were both ready to start the low calorie, low fat diet!
The HC3 Diet - It's Time to Drop the Weight!
So after an awesome first 6 months of marriage, both Paul and I found ourselves packing on the weight, and faster than we ever imagined. We were gradually less and less interested in being active and more and more uncomfortable with how we felt about our bodies.
One of Paul's clients, Optimum Health, provides weight loss management options, and as a jump start to the weight loss they supervise the HC3 Diet. Paul and I had talked about it for a while as an option, but were contemplating if we couldn't do what the diet requires by just a eating better low carb and low fat diet. But on HC3 it's very different!
They tell you how you will take a hormone and supplements and only eat 500 calories and my first thought was, I can lose that much weight if I was eating 500 calories without a hormone. But the burning question was how could I actually get by only eating 500 calories. It seems crazy, especially considering I had on many occasions done calorie counters and struggled to stay under 1200 calories.
The HC3 Hormone is a homeopathic version of the HCG Hormone, the pregnancy hormone. And while taking it, it is telling your body that it needs to provide additional nourishment to you and the baby you would be carrying. So the hormone causes your body to consume the additional calories (of fat) while you only consume 500 calories. To start the diet off, you have two days of loading, in which you consume 3500 calories of high fat foods to set the basis for the hormone to burn those same calories for the next 40 days. After the "Loading Days" you drop down to 500 calories and your body begins to consume the remaining 3000 calories from the fat that is stored in the body. It's pretty miraculous, but we have already begun and it is working!
I will be posting details of our experience from the first two loading days and at a minimum weekly updates of our weight loss as well as, our highs and lows, and of course great food options that have helped us get through this 40 days!
If your lucky... I may even post some before and after photos of us both!