Who Needs the HCG Diet?

A few months ago, I decided to get really serious about weight loss, partly because I was in the midst of writing a book on Menopause with a chapter titled "Losing the Meno-Pot Belly" and partly because I saw  a photo of myself which forced me to confront the sad and true fact that I was fat. Yes, I am using the F word here, though if you prefer, we can sugar coat it a bit, I was overweight with a BMI hovering close to the obese zone. The photo was scary and I couldn't blame it on bad lighting or the wrong angle.  It didn't matter what the atmospheric conditions or the angle of the camera or the sun, I was FAT.

If you read my blog, and by the way, thanks, if you visit and keep up with the Daily Dose, then you know that I toyed with the idea of trying HCG, but opted instead for a traditional approach to weight loss, that is by eating a whole lot less and exercising a whole lot more.  I considered wiring my jaw shut, but that seemed extreme, applying to go on Survivor with the 500 calorie a day diet, but knew that if I lasted more than a few days, my grey roots would grow out and that just wouldn't do.  I also considered low carb, no carb, high carb, low fat, high fat, and confining myself to drinking Fresca and eating carrots all day, but then got serious and decided to take a practical, pragmatic, safe and healthy approach and not rely on gimmicks, though the all chocolate diet had it's appeal.

This is What I Did:  I exercised 6-7 days/week, with 1 hour of cardio.  Then I started some weight training 2-3 days/week.  By weight training, I mean that on some of the arm machines I was using 15 pounds of weights and was very proud of myself for finishing a circuit.  I knew from hours of reading every available published article on weight loss in middle aged women, that buiding muscle mass, even if it meant adding 1 muscle fiber a month was going to pay big healthy dividends in terms of balance, strength. definition and yes, weight loss. 

The key is to replace the fat that is embracing and entertwined within the muscles with more lean muscle. Lean muscle burns fat, which means that the same number of calories will be used up more efficiently and some of the fat will be used for energy.  It makes sense, Right?  And guess what?  It works,  Really, even a little, teensy, weensy bit of pathetically light weight training really works. I'm comfortably fitting in size 10 clothes and the other day, was comfortable in a size 8 skirt.  Ok, ok, I know what you're thinking, there's vanity sizing and a size 8 isn't always a true size 8, but, I used to be rocking a 12 or 14.  Really.  In fact I just took a load of clothes to the tailor to have them taken in and that's a  good feeling.  I also donated a whole bunch to Goodwill, which also feels good!

The good, old-fashioned, eat less and exercise more really worked. It worked for me and let's face it, I'm not exactly an olympic athlete.  Check back tomorrow for a real life honest to goodness blog about an Olympic athlete.

Comments

[Beth Phelps]

I hear ya Barb . . . I'm on the same journey. Menopause has wreaked havoc on my weight but I'm determined not to let it win! I use SparkPeople to track my Clean Eating, and since I'm diabetic . . . it's even more crucial that I get my BMI back in the normal range. Thanks so much for your continued inspiration!

[Weight Doctor]

Wow, great review about HCG diet. However HCG diet is the safest way to loose weight but it not suit for everyone. So I think one must consult the HCG doctor before going for this…

[houston weight loss]

The hardest part about the HCG Diet is eating 500 calories a day. Normally I eat much more than that, and when I first started HCG those 500 calorie days were tough. However, the HCG gives you energy to make it through the day.

[HCG Diet Shakes]

You have greatly described about HCG plan. I really appreciate the effort you put in. HCG plans are really effective and has no side effect. Thanks for posting such stuff.

[psoriasis free for life]

I'm currently doing the HCG diet and I'm loving it! Anyone who wants to bash this diet do not need to post. But what would happen if I were to become pregnant while on the diet? How in the world could I tell?

[Jock Itch rash]

Well, great views about HCG diet. anyway this is the best way to loose weight but it not suitable for everyone. So I think one must consult the HCG doctor before taking this.