HCG Testing and My Next Project :D

This week I finished up my last round of HCG with pellets. Wednesday was day 23, then 3 days of VLCD. Like I wrote in my last post about HCG, I said I would run some tests when I was at the end. These test were just out of my own curiosity, and for my information. Skeptics claim that you can do the 500 calorie diet with out drops and lose weight, which you can, and I tried and already reported about it(miserable, and no effect on TOM?). By doing just 500 calories, you would potentially put your body into starvation mode – or ketosis – which forces your body/brain to utilize ketones for energy instead of glucose (your brain alone needs 100g carbs to function). The Atkins Diet intentionally puts you into a state of ketosis to burn predominantly fat and not carbs. You want to be in ketosis vs your body eating muscle tissue. I was able to obtain a home urine test kit, and tested from day 23-27 for ketosis. Every day I actually tested negative for ketosis…

Skeptics also claim that any low calorie/low carb diet that puts you in ketosis will shut down or slow your metabolism and maybe harmful on the liver. By being in Ketosis, your body won’t want to let go of any energy it has, so, it will slow your metabolism down and cause you to store what little you are getting. To test this theory, I went to a local gym and had my RMR tested. This is tested first thing in the AM on a 12 hour, complete fast. If my metabolism were to have slowed, then it would show.

I went in first thing Friday morning, and got hooked up as pictured above :) When I worked at the Treehouse, we had this equipment, and would test ourselves all the time. I was heavier at the time, but I would generally test in the 1700-1800 range, which would be slightly slow to normal for my height, weight(at the time), age, and gender. After 12 minutes of breathing into the machine, I got my results. Drum roll .,.,.,.,.,., 1642!



I didn’t know quite what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised! Compared to all other women of the same height, weight and age, I tested 9% above average/normal. My RQ was a .72, which shows me burning predominantly fat for my fuel source. Hmmm… Interesting… the trainer that conducted my test was also intrigued by all of this. So, after being on hCG for 23 days and eating only 500 calories for the 23 days, my metabolism was higher than normal, and I was burning fat for fuel – not protein, not carbs, but fat… I am only 1 person, so it’s hard to validate my results, but after everything I have been through, it’s enough for me to feel comfortable using HCG.

I've helped well over 500 people so far, and always ask them them their numbers, how they are feeling, what is going on, and what their thoughts are. For me, there are too many factors that show that it works. It definitely isn't for everyone, but I know many are curious. If you are one of the curious, make sure you educate yourself first, and talk to your family doctor. There are a few categories of people that I feel could benefit from doing HCG; 1 - Those that are so over weight that exercise is just not possible. 2 - Those that don't enjoy/like exercising, won't make time for it, or just flat out won't do it. 3 - Those with knee/hip/back or other joint problems, or any other physical disabilities that won't allow them to work out properly. 4 - Those that are dieting and exercising, and have changed it up, but are still stuck at a plateau and just can't get through it(this was me). 5 - Someone who may have a slower metabolism and is looking to give it a jump start. I would recommend people that feel they fall in this category to first check with their doctor first and possibly have their thyroid tested.

If you are only looking to lose those last 10-20lbs, I would think twice. It is a difficult diet, more mentally than physically. Unlike drugs and alcohol addictions, we must have food. Everything evolves around food. Food is everywhere. You can't just quite food. You are supposed to stay on for a minimum of 23 days, so, you have to weigh if it is worth it or not. And remember, this is supposed to target abnormal fat, not normal fat. But our definition of abnormal fat, and our genetics definition of abnormal fat are two different things, and unfortunately, genetics win. I have always had a backside and thighs. While I did lose in those areas, it wasn't as much as I would have liked. I blame my dad for this. :P I lost most of my inches off of my bust, waist, abdomen, and hips, but I'm ok with that. :D

I am now done with my own personal HCG experience, but I look forward to helping others with theirs. Two things I can guarantee about HCG is if 1 - you follow the protocol, you will lose weight. But at the same, 2 - if you don't change your habits and you go back to your old ways after HCG, I guarantee you will gain the weight back, but it is that way with any diet. Check out this article about "Biggest Loser" contestants. (http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/28449267/ns/today-biggest_loser_on_today/
What the bottom line comes down to is that you have to be ready to make a life time commitment and change, no matter what path you choose. It won't be easy, but if you plan, prepare, commit, and execute your decision, you will succeed, and it will be worth it. Once you have gotten the weight off, take your new body and use it! Get out and have fun! Be active, move, dance, run, play, live! Do this for you, and you only, and you will have long lasting results.

Now that I have gotten my weight off, time to tighten it all up! My next project is going to be ChaLEAN Extreme and Shakeology. I gave my self a free day today, and am going to start the 3 day Shakeology Cleanse tomorrow ( http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/candiceekberg ) along with ChaLEAN. I will take before and after pictures and blog about my experience. I want to get as lean as possible. I know this will mainly have to come from diet, which is my weakness, so if ya see me around food, keep me accountable ;) Wish me luck, and Happy Losing!