Let's recap. I started this project tipping the scale at 147 lbs. Cycle 1 promises a loss of 10 to 12 pounds at the end of 17 days (I lost 10...) and Cycle 2 promises a further 5 to 6 pound reduction (that's another 6 gone for me...). Going into Cycle 3 a solid 16 pounds lighter! Yeah, baby!!
This is where one is faced with a decision. If you've reached your goal of losing 10 to 15 pounds, you can head straight into Cycle 4 and call it done. I could be happy with the 16 pound loss, but my original goal was 22, so I'm going to keep going -- after all, it's just 17 more days...
At this stage, Dr. Mike provides a handy little progress check:
- I have lost a pleasing number of pounds -- yup!
- My clothes fit better -- double yup!
- I have dropped a dress size -- haven't checked this yet...
- I have more energy -- definitely!
- People have noticed my weight loss and complimented me -- yes, more than once!!!
- I feel more motivated to treat my body with respect -- I suppose so -- haven't really thought about that...
- I feel less hungry -- most days, as long as I pay attention...
- I am sleeping better -- absolutely!!
- My skin looks better -- not sure about this one...
- My elimination has improved -- it's definitely more efficient -- 'nuff said...
- My stomach is flatter -- maybe a bit...
- I feel lighter -- strangely, yes...
- I have fewer cravings -- yes -- can walk right past those Doritos without a second glance, but the butter tarts -- that's still a tough one...
- My mood is better -- and my family is very grateful!!
The speed of the weight loss is supposed to slow down now, but Dr. Mike lists a few "tricks" you can use to speed it up (or maintain the current level, I suppose...):
- Ramp up your aerobic exercise -- aim for 45 to 60 min/weekday -- this could be a problem for me as I was barely managing the 17 minutes...
- Continue not to eat carbs after 2:00 pm -- you can have carbs with dinner, but sticking to the 2 PM rule will keep the fat burning...
- Pass on the alcohol -- you can have one drink* daily as moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to have a positive effect on cholesterol and may lower the risk of heart attack -- just remember that it is a "negative water" and you'll have to drink more real water to compensate...
Today's menu:
Breakfast -- 2 scrambled eggs, 1/2 grapefruit, green tea, probiotic supplement
Morning Snack -- 100 g peach yogurt, coffee
Lunch -- tuna sandwich on whole wheat bread (3 oz tuna mixed with celery, onion and 1 Tbsp mayo), grape tomatoes
Dinner -- BBQ chicken breast, steamed broccoli, green salad with shredded carrot and low-fat Italian dressing
Can I just say how much I enjoyed that silly sandwich? Oh, my, it was tasty! I am looking forward to having some form of bread from now on (going to try Dempster's Ancient Grains bread as well as their whole wheat pita), but I will still be observing the 2 PM rule whenever possible (though I might treat myself to some late day carbs when we're on vacation...)
Just one more word on the alcohol question (because I'm super excited to get into that lovely bottle my boss gave me...). Dr. Mike says, and I quote, "If you have to drink alcohol on your diet, drink red wine." He talks about some scientific evidence that shows a compound in red wine is a fat-burner/fat-reducer -- and who am I to argue with science???
