HCG Explained

Here is a short video explaining Dr. Simmeons protocol developed back in the 1950s

HCG P2D25

Well no budge on the scale...I had hamburger yesterday plus added the chocolate...from past experiences however for now I am saying it is the beef!  I have 3 more meals already cooked up so will probably finish that off or let everyone else enjoy it and I will just cook up some chicken and stick with that since it is working for me.  I will just put some of the recipes I have listed to work:)

Playing with things a little today.  I had some chocolate again...but became very tired!

I had chicken at lunch to make up for have a couple pieces of chocolate

Dinner raspberry vinaigrette on a chicken, walnuts and cranberries salad.  May have too much sugar but will find out tomorrow I guess.  It was a quick cheap salad while I was out meeting up with customers.  If I had had the feta cheese that came with it would have been 210 calories.

All I know is I have been doing something right...I am able to easily pull on size 22 jeans so I suspect by the time I end this phase I should be able to fit into a size 20...that would be AWESOME!!  Much better than a size24 bordering 26.  I found some tops a week ago size 16/18 that fit.  When in shape I naturally have a very small waist...have always had what hubby has referred to as "breeding hips".

So lets see what damage I did today between the homemade chocolate and dinner salad.  Not to mention I have overnight dispatch duty overnights tonight and tomorrow night...

HCG P2D24

PHEW!! late dinner and a couple bites of ice cream cake didn't hurt me...down another 1.4lbs:0)  I want to lose a min of 8lbs more on this round 15 more would be totally rockin but goal is 8 more in case I get some more slow days then I won't be disappointed.

Broke down and made chocolate candy today!  YUM and guilt free...I hope... will know tomorrow for sure with my scale and in the next phase I will be able to add nuts or dried cranberries or well we will see.

Lunch had Chili it snowed today so just seemed appropriate

Dinner hcg meat mix with green beans

just dawned on me I haven't taken vitamins or calcium for 3 days now...oops better get back to that.

I did learn today that there is a 34lbs or 60 day limit when on sub-lingual drops of hcg.  So I am going to go the 40 days only 15 days away...not sure yet if I will stop at the 34lbs mark or just go until my days are up...will see.  I realize the body needs a break which is why 40days is my stopping point.

Chocolate Delight

YUM is all I can say about this!!  I have 3 kids (10,12,and 15) and even they loved it:)

2C cocoa
2C coconut oil
16 packets of Stevia
5 count of Agave Nectar

Melt the coconut oil and mix with other ingredients.  Refrigerate about an hour and break up into small pieces.  Start out with just a little (I couldn't eat more than about a tablespoon size and that was probably pushing it)  see how the scale reacts and go from there.

In phase 3 I plan to play a little more and add macademia nuts or dried cranberries or something.

HCG P2D22 and 23

Well down another 1.6lbs on my 23rd morning wakeup:)  for a total of 23.8lbs!!!  didn't get to eat until late 2 nights in a row now so what I did last night and tonight is I ate less than I should normally and this morning I was ok...shall see tomorrow with today being another late nighter.  I hate getting off my food schedule as it seems to slow down my progress.

Sad thing I spilled some of my HCG:(  Fortunately a new bottle is being shipped and hopefully makes it before I run out.  I have cut down the amount I am taking to hopefully keep me taking it until the new bottle arrives.  I considered just calling it good but decided I am stingy I want to lose more and I want the days I still got lol.  I have had a headache but think it is just coinciding with the fact that we have had a wicked storm roll thru and is not done yet!  I was at the shop where hubby works today and while there they were celebrating one of the other dispatchers birthday and was just cutting into a DQ ice cream cake!!  I did take a few bites from my daughters slice....but you know it wasn't like I had to have a lot...a few bites and it was ok but not like I would have been 3 weeks ago in I want more because it tastes soooo good it was only fair.

I tried the Walden Farms Honey Dijon dressing today and the jury is still out on exact feelings about it.  I mean I guess it is ok..but yeah not sure.

Lunch 1/2 a Wendys grilled chicken caesar salad with the Walden Farms dressing...fortunately this time they pretty much loaded the top with Parmesan cheese and I took most of it off.

Dinner chicken and green beans with ACV dressing.

So I am off...night

HCG P2D21

WOOHOO...today day 21 is the minimum I have to do...but still losing weight so just going with the flow now as long as I am not stalling too bad then I see no reason right now not to continue pushing forward.  I want to be solidly into the 260s or even 250s would be better before going to phase 3.

It is also Monday so measurement day as well!!

Today I am at 267.4 so down 22.6lbs and 18 inches in just 3weeks!!!  When I saw the .4's and .8s it is frustrating but at least it wasn't going the other way and not a stall...so something is something as long as it is going DOWN!  I have 10.4lbs more I would love to lose this round, but if I don't lose anymore this round I would still be happy and definitely recommend this protocol to ANYONE that is truly ready to lose weight.  Definitely takes willpower and dedication.  If you aren't fully committed to losing weight it isn't the right time to try this or you will fail!  So the game plan is to keep on keeping on unless I start stalling then I will take it as a sign from my body it is time to break and head to phase 3:)

Was a bit upset today over the Facebook Liquid HCG fanpage that I can no longer participate in their conversations.  I thought at first just a glitch so went and used my sons page and I could post, ask questions etc.  So apparently since I did not order from them I am no longer welcome!  Ah well sucks to be them.  Sorry I found it MUCH cheaper elsewhere and the product works as well as much friendlier service to boot. They can't stop me from reading and keeping up my motivation.  I had noticed over the past week or so that their fanpage count was going down.  They were nearly at 60,000 and now down to 58,419 so whatever to them.  It shouldn't matter whos product you are using ...if you truly want people to lose weight and the product type works...who cares!  support is necessary for all.  There are other HCG support pages just not as hopping as that page is.

I knew I should be taking Amino Acids on this protocol but haven't been doing so.  But today I found a blog from a nutritionist and read just how they affect and help you.  So today when I go to town I will pick up some GABA.

Well forgot to pick up the GABA and had a headache since I woke up this morning and I slept thru lunch time...oops.  So I added a little extra chicken and had a little larger salad for dinner tonight and an apple.  Hope I didn't hurt myself by not eating all day.  Tomorrow is a new day:)

HCG P2D20

Only .4 lbs down today.  Now yesterday was a chicken day and I lost less still from previous days...however to that point I had honey dijon salad dressing and there was some Parmesan on the salad at lunch but it didn't slow my progress before ALSO I didn't get in all my calories yesterday.  I am sure that is what had more to do with my .4 loss yesterday.  So watching calories a little closer today and see if there is a bigger loss tomorrow.

Lunch Chicken, spinach, tomato and ACV dressing

Dinner Chicken, Lettuce, green beans and ACV garlic dressing

HCG P2D18 and 19

Not really much to report...weight loss slowed WAY down...to the .8 and .4 modes but still going in the right direction.  I am beginning to think beef isn't great as the days I have beef the next day or the day after I lose very little:(

HCG P2D16 and 17

Busy couple of days.  I have finally lost the 3 lbs I gained from Sunday:)  Even going to Yellowstone and eating at our favorite KBar pizza place....the best pizza out this way.  I was good and went down the road and got a subway salad...last night on the way home we went to Dairy Queen and got blizzards for the family I resisted...that was hard considering my son chose to get the new flavor ooey gooey caramel brownie...oh yum!! sounded delish..but this mornings being down another 1.4lbs was well worth the resisting.  Now hopefully tomorrow will be below the 270s mark!!

Salad and burger meat both lunch and dinner today.  Went up near West Yellowstone and grilled burgers.  I took salad so hopefully I will be ok.

HCG P2D15

ugh 273.6...that is up a couple pounds.  Ok so maybe I am still paying??  I feel all puffy this morning.  I drank a gallon of water yesterday so maybe today I will up that.  Also before bed I was youtubing HCG lol and I came across something interesting...sorry I closed it before thinking to get the video address.  Anyhow it was saying something about women seem to lose slower or even gain eating beef:(  that bums me out because it is cheaper. It was saying that as women lose weight the beef causes fluid build up in the fat pockets as the fat leaves.  SO I am going to do a mini trial as I only have a couple days of chicken on hand and grilled burgers are on tomorrow nights menu as we are going to Yellowstone for a family outing.

So I don't know if this gain is due to the cheese in the salad, further increase from my Sunday cheat, the new shoes and building muscle or maybe even the beef...but I do feel puffy this morning.  It can't be a lack of water as I never get in less than a gallon a day.  So today it is chicken and I am going to attempt tuna...keeping fingers crossed I don't get sick!!  I have been finally able to take fish pills for the first time in years, and the smell of the dogsfood is no longer bothering me.  so going to try...wish me luck.

Lunch...O-M-G I cannot believe I am about to put this...I had spinach, tomatoes and tuna!!!

TUNA!!  yeah I am excited over that it has been 11 LONG years of not even being able to smell fish let alone eat it.  I finally a few months ago started being able to tolerate fish oil pills, then not realizing I had gotten Womens One a Day powder vitamin drink pouches and just discovered it has all sorts of fish and the dogs food is bothering me less and less and just realized...I don't even notice it anymore.  They eat EVO Salmon and Herring...expensive but they all love it and with Paige hopefully pregnant now will be great for the babies.  Anyhow I got StarKist Gourmet Choice Solid White Albacore Tuna Fillet in water.  A pricier one but I figured if I am going to attempt this and hopefully not get sick I needed to start with a higher end.  Well so far all is going well.  Will update tonight:)  For now I am off to town to do a photoshoot of 2 adorable little kids!

HCG P2D14

Well  my little indiscretion yesterday cost me a 1.4 gain from my last official weigh in on Friday.  So whether or not I lost some over the weekend who knows, but from my last weight in I am up 1.4lbs so that isn't too terrible and will probably be off tomorrow or Tuesday at the latest.

http://www.liquidhcgdiet.com/6-tips-to-burn-calories-get-in-shape-at-your-desk/ Tips on how to burn calories and get in shape...

Lunch:  McDonalds Caesar salad with grilled chicken minus the dressing 220 Calories...I picked out the carrots and it did have the parmesan cheese all thru out.  I totally spaced it had any kind of cheese so hopefully I will be ok.  We were out and about long after we were expecting to be and I felt it was better to eat something than not and feel this was a healthier option than what I could have chosen.

Dinner: Spinach salad, burger meat mix, apple, ACV dressing and strawberries.

So hoping the cheese doesn't hurt me too badly.  I ended up with lots of walking between errands and with my daughter being down with her foot I am taking several mini 20 min. walks a day.  PLUS I got new shoes over the weekend- those sketchers Tone Up sandals. LOVE them, but now worried about what if they start actually doing as they claim and I start building muscle...that weighs more than fat.  Well we will see how things go I suppose.

HCG P2D13

Ok today I said screw it all...yes nothing tastes a good as thin feels and tomorrow when I step upon that scale I may very well regret today...but ya know what...it felt GREAT to eat one slice of pizza and feel stuffed beyond belief but tasted as good as it did the 2 days I was stressed in life and thought I could taste it for as bad as I craved it!  Then decided to attempt oreo pudding...I ate maybe 1/2 a cup and again stuffed beyond belief and then I attempted stuffed potato skins and almond joy pieces...the pieces were way too sweet I couldn't hack it and the skins good but ate 3 small halves and couldn't eat anymore and tonight I feel like I did on my load days.  This weekend has been very hard between all nighters with the phones, Kelda being injured, 1/2 the day at the spay clinic, and today I woke up it was gorgeous and WARM and I simply said screw it!

So will I pay for it tomorrow...most definitely.  But I am ready to get back down to business in the morning.  Hopefully I don't pay too dearly with my little indiscretions today.  Currently I don't feel bad for my decision however my stomach is killing me and feels like I don't know what...totally bloated though!!  Not a fun feeling in the least.

In the morning we shall see what the scale says until then I am off to finish my last few ounces of water for the day (that much I did do...got in a gallon of water and kept taking my drops) and watch the ACM Awards:)  Night

HCG P2D12

Such a crazy night/day I forgot not only to take my vitamins I didn't weigh in.  Ah well probably just as well since I didn't get much sleep last night.  Yep it is the weekend again.  Took Chip to be spayed poor love seems to be in so much pain tonight:(  Definitely don't want any babies from her though and she isn't the nicest dog on earth when cycling...as it turns out we caught her prior to going into a 2nd heat cycle within 4 months of the last one!!

Anyhow back on subject basically been a looong exhausting 24hours and I most likely won't weigh in until Monday morning due to lack of sleep.  No point in setting myself up mentally right?  Esp since today despite my great loss thus far I really wanted Pizza for dinner...I refrained.

Lunch while waiting for Chips spay I had a salad with grilled chicken and the only option for dressing was honey mustard so took it...otherwise was ranch and they were out of lemons.  I only used 1/2 of what they gave me so maybe I will be ok...if not I am still happy with my choices of the day.

Dinner I had the HCG friendly version of Chili and 2 melba toast.

I did get in a gallon of water but no fruit.  I took an apple with me and my son got hungry so I gave it to him...the life of a mom I suppose.

HCG P2D11

WOOHOO!!!  Scale moved down another 2lbs:)  putting me .4lbs away from the 260s and 20lbs lost!!!!!!  I am soooo beyond excited.

Lunch today lettuce salad with 1/2 apple, lemon pepper chicken, cucumbers and ACV dressing

Dinner taco salad basically.  Used the mixed ground beef recipe and put over lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers.

Another great read: http://www.liquidhcgdiet.com/lose-weight-reshape-your-body/ I didn't get my drops from this site but they are very helpful whether you purchase from them or not and have great articles they publish.

As it has been brought to my attention some protocols don't allow such things as Olive Oil and cauliflower so be sure you are following the protocol you were given.  Also some protocols are being told to not to have those things.  The one I am on also states I can have melons and berries others I guess cannot so please just because it is here and working for me doesn't mean it will work for you.  If you choose to try the things I am told I can have and you stall the next day cut it back out and follow the one you were given.  Also such things as mixing vegis but it is working for me.  So go with your gut see how things work for you and follow your protocol to the best you can.

This really DOES work!!!  I am not hungry, no real cravings...I think I have like once or twice and it was bad habits of boredom and reaching for munchies.  I feel like a walking infomercial and am thinking wow is this what it is like? SWEET!!  Know that yes you can do a 500 calorie diet w/o hcg, but also you will be starving, losing muscle and have sagging skin.  So far I have none of the above being on the hcg AND VLCD (very low calorie diet).  Keep in mind that your body doesn't go into stress because the HCG puts a layer around your good fat and eats the bad fat stored in your body so it actually makes your organs healthier and unstresses them from how you they were before the diet.

HCG P2D10

No change today in the scale BUT that is ok considering I went over by 100 calories yesterday at least it wasn't a gain.  That overage was not bad foods or anything just boredom munchies, stress of waiting on nieces MRI results (which btw her results came back as normal so still no answers) and eating beef for both meals.  I should have done chicken like I was going to do for the 2nd meal.  So today back on track of watching the calories closer.

Here is a great article on the ups and downs of weightloss: http://www.liquidhcgdiet.com/the-ups-and-downs-of-weighing-yourself-daily/

Lunch: spinach, cucumbers ACV dressing and the remaining of ground beef mix from yesterday.

Dinner: Lemon Peppered chicken, ACV dressing, spinach, apple, tomatoes

Took a long walk today with the kids and dogs....been a long week couped up inside between Kelda getting injured and SNOW...my back now hurts tonight due to weather rolling in again I guess as I am hearing now.

Motivational Quotes

I am on Facebook Fan Page for Liquid HCG and I seriously am addicted to the page to help keep me going on my weightloss journey.  This mornings question was what are you motivational quotes to keep you going so thought I would share the good ones that came thru.

• A minute on my lips forever on my hips (boy ain't the the truth)
• If it is "white" don't BITE!!! (ei Flour, sugar, etc...)
• the first bite tastes the same as the last, so why all the bites in between?
• If its white ...its not right!!
• Reach for your mate instead of your plate (Sure my hubby would enjoy this one lol)
• We are learning to eat to live not living to eat
• If you bite it you write it (for those keeping food journals)
• new bathing suit or outfit you really like 2 sizes too small and have it hanging in the bathroom where it can see it on all those extra visits to the bathroom
• When dealing with junk food leftovers remember -- it either goes to waste or to waist. Throw them away!!
• Don't dig your grave with your own knife and fork (ouch but guess it is working for somebody)
• One should eat to live, not live to eat

HCG P2D9

Scale down 2lbs!!  Woohoo to lose while ON my TOM....wowsers now that is what I am talking about lol.  I am finding my greater losses is when I eat over 500 calories.  Like yesterday was 518 approximate calories.  Going to test the theory and eat a shade over 500 as it might be my bodies sweet spot.  So if you find you are losing less than 1 lbs/day (though keep in mind stalls are normal as it is your body adjusting) keep track of what you are eating, how much and see if you see a pattern  and adjust accordingly.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art38036.asp Apple Cider Vinegar uses

1/2 grapefruit

Lunch: ground beef with onions, cilantro, basil, in a Dijon mustard and no salt added ketchup mix on spinach, and cucumbers.

Dinner: ground beef mix with tomatoes and green beans

Apple

Yikes well I went well over because I had burger meat at both meals....ah well such is life right?

Baked ground beef and cauliflower

-100 g. Extra lean ground beef cooked with 1/2 cup of onion and season with salt and pepper and a little bit of hot sauce

-1 and 1/2 cup of mashed cauliflower

-Bake at 350 for 20 min.

-And top with crushed melba toast and bake for another 10 min. Enjoy!!

(about 215 cal.)

HCG P2D8

Scale up .2lbs

Forcing food down today...not hungry but wanting to eat out of boredom...between Andi's MRI situation, snowing, Kelda injuring her ankle again and badly spraining it, did I mention it is snowing?? I am wanting to munch out of boredom yet I am not hungry.  OH and my cycle started today...a few days early.  I spotted yesterday so wondered and then today full blown.  I am sure this is the reason for the .2 increase and the stall yesterday.  I can handle that.  No cravings other than the need for a little salt on my food...I am feeling a little bloated this afternoon, but not terrible.  Trying to drink extra water and adding lemon today.

Midmorning 1/2 grapefruit

Lunch I had spinach, chicken marinated in strawberry sauce apple and Vinaigrette over the top.

Dinner spinach, lemon pepper chicken, green beans and the same Vinaigrette from earlier.

I think I have waited a little late to eat I am starving while waiting for my chicken to cook.  Hopefully I am on the ok side and aren't hungry later.  I woke from my nap craving Plain Lays Potato chips!  First time to crave something all week...I think it is due to TOM (time of month) honestly.

Plateaus

The plateau 


Everyone experiences this at some point...it  is most likely your body readjusting to the new changes. This is normal and expected with almost every person that cycles through the HCG diet. Women seem to see weight loss in a stair-step like fashion. It comes off for a period of time then evens out for a while. The plateau can last from a couple days to a week. The key is to stay compliant to the diet, even if the scale is not moving. Many people during this time may not see weight loss but they continue to lose inches, keep an eye out for that. It's important to remember that it's not the day by day weight loss, but what happens from start to finish.

A couple things to keep in mind:
1. Be sure that you are only eating foods on the approved food list.
2. Make sure that you're eating enough food and not neglecting proteins or veggies. Do not drop you're calorie count below 500 cals. It will definitely slow your progress!
3. Be sure to drink at least 64 oz of water each day, preferable 1/2 your body weight in ounces. (If one weighs 180 lbs they should try and drink 90 oz/day). Also, water with lemon helps with weight loss.
4. If you continue to plateau than try an apple or mini-steak day.
5. Lastly, It's important to remember the closer you get to your "Ideal Body Weight" the slower the weight comes off.

ACV and Lemon Juice

ACV helps flush out your system.

Water with lemon helps speed up weight loss. 


Drinking water with lemon for weight loss is also an effective way to help eliminate toxins, clean internal waste, and promote energy boosts.

Phase 1 Tips

Understanding the purpose of Phase 1 is very important and is key to a smooth transition into Phase 2 (the low calorie portion of the diet).

Phase one is what I call the “Binge Phase.” It lasts for two days, during which you take .5mL of the Liquid HCG drops three times a day but also eat whatever you want, particularly things that are high in fat.

It may sound counterproductive but what you’re doing is filling your normal fat cells to capacity so that you have more nutrients available to the body during phase 2. This helps alleviate hunger, particularly at the very beginning when it’s most common. This is a crucial time because your body is taking the HCG into the bloodstream and getting the message out, so to speak, that the fat-loss process is beginning.

Many people have a tendency to skip this phase in fear that they may gain a couple of pounds.  The reality is thatany weight gain made in the binge period will be lost within the first 48 hours of phase 2.  Don’t worry!  We have seen some people gain even as much as 5-6 pounds in phase 1 and they are lost in the first day or two of phase 2.

Tips For Success In Phase 1 Of The Liquid HCG Diet

1. Enjoy The Binge – During these two days eat the foods that you know you’ll miss the most during Phase 2.
2. Take Acetyl L-Carnitine – This is an amino acid that helps convert fat into fuel.  It helps prevent muscle tissue from being lost and promotes lean muscle mass.  It also helps to increase your metabolism and helps your body burn fat.
3. Eat 5-6 Meals Per Day – When you eat throughout the day it keeps your metabolism running high and helps to release abnormal fat reserves.  The HCG will start working with the release of these fats which kick-starts the whole process.

Good Luck on the diet and stay committed… keep the end goal in mind.  

Strawberry Calories

You want about 35 calories
Med. 3 calories
Lg. 5 calories
Extra Lg. 8 calories
If weighing 100g is about 35 calories

HCG P2D7

Well no movement on the scale today but looking at for the week I lost 15.8 lbs I am not crying!!    I also lost 6 inches overall :0)  I am pretty tired today, but that is mostly due to adjusting still from working overnights over the weekend.  Funny how just a couple nights a week of overnight shifts can mess with your sleep patterns half the next week!!

Lunch spinach salad with lemon juice and hamburger meat mix with garlic and onions.

Dinner lettuce, green peppers, cucumbers, chicken

20 minute walk today felt great to take one and other than the pending storm my back did well.  Expecting 6 inches tonight.  Seriously over the snow, but that is life in the Rockies lol

Found out tonight my16 yr old niece has to have an MRI tomorrow.


She has had a serious headache for 3 weeks now. She has been to the dr. a couple times was on pain meds nothing helping. Best case scenario maybe has a blood clot, but could also be fluid or a tumor.  So pins and needles until results are in by Thursday but hopefully Wednesday.

Chicken Breading

I just read an interesting tip for breading your chicken....and apparently 20 calories worth of Saltines are allowed something I didn't realize as all I read about is Melba Toast....

4 saltines = 20 calories can use them for breading on chicken

Dressings

Vinaigrette
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 T. water
2 T. dried thyme
1⁄4 t. salt
1⁄4 t. pepper
1 T. dried basil
1⁄4 t. garlic powder
Add all ingredients in a blender and mix well.

Citrus Dressing
1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
1 T lemon
stevia to taste
1⁄4 t garlic powder

Dill Dressing
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 T. water
2 T. dried basil
2 T. dried dill
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. dry mustard
1 t. onion powder
Mix all ingredients in a blender and mix well.

Vinaigrette Dressing
1⁄4 c. apple cider vinegar
1⁄2 c. water
2 shakes celery salt
2 shakes onion salt
Ground pepper to taste
stevia, to taste

Toni's Strawberry Vinaigrette DressingStrawberries
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp lemon juice
stevia, to taste
dash of salt and dash of cayenne (optional)
fresh ground pepper, to taste
Combine all ingredients in food processor.  Puree until smooth.  Pour over fresh arugula or green salad.  Garnish with sliced strawberries and freshly cracked pepper.  Variation:  use as marinate or sauce for chicken

HCG P2D6

After 2 nights of interrupted sleep, a late everything meal yesterday I still lost another .8 lbs this morning...I WILL take it lol.  The said avg is 1-2 lbs a day I am well above that at this time.  typically it is men that lose lots and fast.  We women have factors against us such as our monthly visitors, retaining of water etc. 274.2lbs is nothing to balk about esp since one week ago today I weighed in at 290...even if I didn't lose another pound this round I would be happy, but of course I am rooting for more...lol.

I at least want to get into the 260s this round if possible.  I have not yet decided if I will do the full 40 days which then means 40 days of phase 3 that which just before my birthday I would be doing another round....or get into the 260s goal area and take my first break after I hit the 23 or 30 days.  My thoughts are as long as I am still going down I will go all the 40 days.

1/2 grapefruit mid morning (41 Cals)
Lunch spinach salad w/tomato, hamburger meat and ACV
strawberry smoothie sipped on thru out the afternoon
Dinner Chili (see recipe) makes 1 bowl
Melba Toast (60 Cals) between this and the meat in my chili the calorie counter says I am over by 100 cals...not sure on accuracy but still better to be a little over than under I suppose.

I am VERY full so maybe I am over in calories.  I feel like I just forced down a Fuddruckers burger LOL.  Oh well that is ok...hopefully doesn't hurt me tomorrow.  I should get a full nights sleep though tonight and dinner was a little later than normal, but not as late as last night.  Still 3 hours before bedtime so maybe we will be ok.

How my day Looks

1.morning drops (water)
2.approved fruit (mid morning) typically grapefruit
3.approved protein with 2 cups of approved veggies
4 afternoon drops (water, green tea)
5.approved fruit (mid afternoon)
6.approved protein with 2 cups of veggies
7.before dinner drops(water, green tea)

For a total around 500 calories  I take my drops approx 15 mins prior to eating.

I also try to get in 1 8 oz glass of warm water with 3T of ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) with a packet or 2 of Stevia.  You can also make a vinaigrette and use over salads this is a MUCH easier method.  I am not always great at getting in both my fruits but do fine on the rest.  Sometimes I get busy and forget to eat because I am not hungry.  

Ideally you should get in 5-6 mini meals a day to keep blood sugars up and also keeps hunger at bay.  I believe you can have black coffee...I am not a fan so skip it altogether!  However I did just read about putting flavored stevia in coffee helps with those of us that are non black coffee drinkers.  So I might give that a shot I don't know.

Hope this might be of some help to anyone in need:0)

CHILI

100g ground steak, 1 tomato, 1/2 c water or broth, 3-4 cloves minced garlic
Seasonings (to taste): 1/2 t onion powder, 1/2 t oregano, 1/4 t cumin, 1/4 t black pepper, 1/4 t cayenne, 1/4 t basil, 1/4 t thyme

1. Preheat pan over MED heat.

2. Add minced garlic and 1 T of the water/broth to pan.

3. Saute 2-3 mins. Be sure not to burn the garlic. Add more water/broth as necessary.

4. Increase heat to MED-HI.

5. Add ground steak and saute until brown - about 5 mins.

6. Add all seasonings and cook an additional 3 mins. Continue to add more water/broth as necessary.

7. While that is cooking dice 1/2 of tomato and place other 1/2 in food processor or blender to puree.

8. Mix in tomatoes, puree, and rest of broth.

9. Turn heat down to MED-LO and simmer until it reaches desired consistency.

TIP: Mix all spices together in a small bowl so I can add them all at once.

225 Calories

HCG P2D5

Well today has been a crazy out of normal day.  Scale registered down another 1.6 making it a total of 15lbs to date!!  Very excited over that and just totally blows me away.

I didn't cheat,  but eating schedule was later than normal as well as interrupted sleep last night due to dispatching.  I hope these factors don't hurt me too much with the scale in the morning.  I have phones again tonight and I am tired as is as today has been go go go on top of lack of sleep last night.  I am grateful I have a position I can work from home 2 nights a week on top of my photography business really helps supplement the slow times, but these all nighters really get to me.  At least I can sleep lol but it is interrupted so it does suck and by morning feels as if there was none if my sleep was interrupted more than once.

So today I had:

1 apple

Subway roasted chicken salad again.  

Dinner:

hamburger patty
green beans
4 melba toast
green tea (which I have 2 cups a day generally but just realized I haven't been putting it down as well as 3T ACV)

Ok going to try and settle in for the night sorry short to the point post I am tired though but that is one of the "perks" of working at home I guess lol

Sheesh so tired I forgot to report that I was able to put on and button/zip while standing a size 22 pair of jeans:) So wore them today and the shirt is a solid size 22 that was comfortable...not too large, not too small just right.  The jeans still on the tighter side BUT fit and were comfortable enough to sit in and drive 3 hours today!!

Orange Julius

80 Calories

1 orange

5-10 drops vanilla creme liquid stevia (to taste)

ice

water (as needed)

1. Peel orange and place orange sections in blender.
2. Add about a handful of ice.
3. Blend.
4. Add vanilla creme stevia.
5. Blend to desired consistency. Add water as needed.

Alternative Option:

6 drops of "Vanilla Creme" and 4 drops of "Valencia Orange" stevia

TIP: Place this in the freezer for about 1 hr after preparing and have an on protocol version of orange sherbet! Yummy.

HCG P2D4

Ok ever lay in bed and just KNOW you feel skinnier?? Not yet??? Well think of that moment of how you are feeling after your monthly visitor leaves and you aren't swollen and poofy that is how I woke this morning!

Stepped on the scale and....down another 3.4lbs!!!!  Making it 276.6 lbs WOOHOO WOOHOO go me.

Well I had to try on a pair of size 22 jeans I purchased a couple weeks ago thinking it said 24 only to be upset when I got home and they weren't.  Yeah yeah I know I know that is what dressing rooms are for...I wasn't in the mood to try anything on...lol.  I was a size 24 and they were getting tight and iffy.  Guess what that accidental purchase...size 22...FIT!!!  Still a little on the tight side but that is OK I got them over my hips, zipped and buttoned....I KNOW they will loosen in the next few days and then NOT fit at all :0)

I am NOT hungry.  Sometimes as it is close to time to eat again hunger pangs begin but I take the drops and by the end of 15 minutes and taking that first bite I am already feeling satisfied. Where I am only actively eating 500 calories my body is being fueled with 2000-3000 or so calories by feeding off the reserved fat.  I swear it looks like I have less cellulite...but of course I didn't do naked photos...I have some from a couple years ago where I tried losing weight and I do have clothed photos from Easter Sunday my first load day.  That is probably what I will use as my before and side by side with my end of Phase 2 photo.

Lunch today was a Subway Roasted Chicken Salad 130 calories...I couldn't eat it all!!  So added to it for dinner tonight so this still only puts me at 260 calories. I did add Sweet Onion sauce for dressing before I thought about how many sugars might be in it...but I just looked it up online and it is only 8g of sugar...so I didn't totally blow it and There are 40 calories so even still 170 Calories and barely a hint of taste of it on my dinner I am maybe at 300 calories for the day.

So at only 300 calories decided I need to get in more so made myself an Orange Julius (See Desserts for recipe).  It is about 80 calories...so getting closer.  Sheesh never knew getting in 500 calories could be so darned hard!!  Sooo for the first time I must resort to eating Melba Toast to help make up the extra cals.  5 toasts later and I am STILL 80 cals short!!  but I am indeed full.

I ended up taking a 4 hour or so walk today with all the errands I had to get done. 3hrs alone walking around Walmart because they literally changed everything around so took forever to find everything I needed.

So in case it is hard to read thru the long windedness there:

Lunch Subway Roasted Chicken Salad...170 Cals (probably a little less since I didn't eat it all)
Dinner rest of lunch with a little added lettuce added.....130 Cals
Orange Julius....80 Cals
5 Melba Toast....80 Cals

I think yesterday I went slightly over in Calories but the day before I was under.  Again never imagined feeling full and lucky to get in 500 calories daily.  And of course I always get in TONS of water.  I think I fill my 44 oz mug at minimum of 4 times a day...typically more like 5-6 times.

Can't wait for morning weigh in.  In bed by 10 asleep by 11  Well scratch that...I forgot it is Friday which means I have to dispatch the overnight shifts tonight and tomorrow night!  At least it is only 2 days a week right?  Hope it doesn't stall me out getting little sleep if calls come in.

Apple Meringue

1 apple

2 egg whites

Liquid cinnamon Stevia

Stevia Packets

Cinnamon


Cut up apple and boil until semi-tender. As that is boiling blend egg ...whites until they form stiff peaks. Add in 2 droppers full of Liquid Cinnamon Stevia and 1 packet stevia. In a small glass baking dish put your apples and then sprinkle with cinnamon and another packet of stevia. Cover with Merangue mixture - sprinkle again with cinnamon.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Add more stevia to satisfy the sweet tooth.

This really feels like a cheat! :) from what I hear...looks like one.  I honestly haven't had a sweet attack moment yet!!  I am sure it is coming so posting this for when it does!

HCG P2D3

Have some light itchys here and there...have read it could happen but isn't terrible!  Have energy actually I am amazed!!  But not so hot weather today...in fact totally crazy out of nowhere blizzard blew through. Cloudy, went sunny, then up came 50mph winds, temps dropped drastically, clouds again lost our sun and then vertical snow...no joke.  All that last bit in about 10 mins flat.  So no walk today as the snow came down fast furious and started sticking.

So anyhow had the hamburger mixture with tomatoes today for both lunch and dinner with dried apples in between due to that is what is in the house.  I thought I had more approved foods but that is it...so glad tomorrow is payday.  Hoping before lunch hubby gets paid so I don't eat anything bad.  I did really good today with no desire for anything bad for me:0)  I soooo can't wait to see the scale in the morning!!!  Having this for 2 meals actually puts me a little over my 500 calories, but I think that may be ok seeing as how yesterday I was over 100 calories under!

Ok my new goal is to be in bed resting by 10 and asleep by 11p.m.  Did you know between 11p.m.-2a.m. is when it is crucial sleep/rest time for your body??

HCG P2D2

From a fellow HCGer I got this link and like it better than the other one I posted I think:0)  Thanks so much.

http://www.acaloriecounter.com You can type in what you are looking for, put how many servings, click add to my foods. Set up your calorie count for the day and it will tell you how many left for the day or if you went over and by how much....guess what somehow today I managed to be under:( 

Well not being home at lunch...umm yeah hope this doesn't hurt me I had 1/2C of chili mac. and 4oz of tomato juice.  I did step on the scale out of curiosity and I am down 10 lbs than when I left town...no clue load days gain and that was mid day tons of water in my system, having just gotten done driving 3 1/2 hours etc...so excited now to see my actual morning weigh in!!!!!

Dinner I had Chicken soup with celery.  was tasty.  Also had green tea and that nasty NASTY ACV...apple cider vinegar!  bleck yuck gross....shutters.  BUT is said to help so ya know the things one will do to help every possible step lol.  I did dilute the 3T in warm water and stevia added as well and it made it more tolerable but not by much.

So here is to tomorrow....I can't wait to see my results and will continue updating recipes as I come across them.  I still have tons more that was sent to me.  So far all the ones listed are for phase 2.  I didn't think to tag them as such so in phase 3 I will be sure when I get there to tag as phase 3 along with other categories.

Good night signing off...well going to go mess around Facebook  for a few most likely lol.  

Mexican Chicken Soup

277 Calories

• 100 grams cooked chicken, shredded into bite-sized pieces
• 3-4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 tomato, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1. Preheat pot over medium-high heat. 2. Add garlic, and cook for 3-5 minutes. 3. Use a bit of your broth to keep garlic from sticking to the pot, if necessary. 4. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne. 5. Bring to a boil. 6. Reduce heat to a simmer and add chicken. 7. Simmer for 20 minutes. 8. Stir in cilantro and simmer for 5 minutes more

Comfort in a Bowl Chicken Soup

211 Calories

• 200 grams chicken breast, cubed or ground
• 180 grams celery
• 1 small onion
• 2 cups organic low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water
• lots of oregano
• lots of garlic powder
• lots of onion powder
• dash red pepper flakes
• dash paprika
• few drop Braggs Liquid Aminos, to taste

In a large saute/sauce pan over MED heat add water. When water gets hot add chopped onions and chopped celery. Add more water as necessary to coat veggies and allow them to cook. The water will reduce as the veggies are cooking so keep adding as needed. Add 1/2 seasonings. After about 5-10 minutes or until veggies are almost soft and tender enough, add chopped cubed chicken or ground chicken. Cook all the way through until chicken is no longer pink (about 5 more min). Add the rest of your seasonings. Test veggies to make sure they are soft enough. When everything is cooked to your liking add chicken broth, Braggs, and hot sauce or chili powder. Lower heat to MED/LOW. Simmer for 5 minutes. Serve and Enjoy! 

Lemon Chicken Soup

248 Calories

• 100 grams cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• chopped spinach (allowed amount)
• 2 cups broth
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• sea salt, to taste
• ground white pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat saucepan over MED heat. 2. Combine all ingredients. 3. Bring to a boil, then simmer 20 mins. 4. Serve.

Homemade Chicken Soup

196 Calories

• 3.5 ounces chicken
• 1-2 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth, fat free
• 1 cup water
• 1/8 cup Braggs Aminos
• dash garlic salt
• dash onion powder
• dash pepper
• dash Johnnys
• dash salt

Pour Braggs, broth and water into a pot. Add chicken and seasonings. Boil chicken until done. Shred or dice and set aside. Add celery to broth and simmer until soft. Add chicken back to broth and enjoy!

Cabbage and Chicken Soup

228 Calories

• 3.5 ounces Chicken Pre-cooked
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 2 cups Cabbage
• .5 teaspoon Onion Powder
• dash Cayenne Pepper Powder
• pinch Salt
• pinch Pepper

Directions

Bring chicken broth to a boil, add chicken and spices, add cut up cabbage. Cook till cabbage is clear but still crisp. Pour into bowl and serve. Delicious

Creamy Chicken Soup

255 Calories

• 100 grams cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped (or allowed amount)
• 1-2 cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onions
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• ground white pepper (to taste)
• dash salt

Directions

1. Preheat saucepan over MED-HI heat. 2. In food processor, combine all ingredients and pulse until reaches desired consistency. 3. Pour into saucepan and bring to boil. 4. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and heat 20-30 mins. 5. Serve. TIP: I usually start out by adding 1 c broth to the food processor and then gradually add more broth until it's the soup consistency I prefer. 

Asian Chicken Wraps

2-3 big cabbage leaves

1 cup shredded cabbage

Dash of onion salt, garlic powder, and Chinese Five spice

½ pkg stevia

2 melba toast rounds

1 chicken breast cooked and chopped


Steam big cabbage leaves for 5 minutes.  Move over to side of steamer to make room for shredded cabbage.  Steam for 5 minutes.  Remove shredded cabbage to mixing bowl and mix with chicken and spices.  Wrap in big cabbage leaves and crunch melba toast on top for crunch

Spicy Baked Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 onion cut up
• 2 cloves garlic
• Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning

Season Chicken and place into baking pan.  Place onions and garlic on top.  Cover with foil and bake 35 minutes at 375

Rosemary Chicken

206 Calories

• 3.5 ounces chicken, cut into 1 inch cubes
• fresh rosemary
• mustard
• Stevia

Directions

Take a branch of rosemary and remove the needles from about 3/4ths of it. Spear chicken cubes onto the part of the rosemary branch that does not have the needles. Mix yellow mustard and Stevia together to make a sweet mustard sauce. Grill chicken until done, then pour mustard sauce over the chicken. Enjoy! 

Chicken Fajitas

• 100 grams chicken
• 3/4 - 1 cups water or chicken stock
• 1 1/2 cups onions & peppers
• 1/4 teaspoon EACH: garlic pwd. chili pwd. & cumin
• 1 teaspoon lime juice + 1/2 packet Truvia
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 3 leaves Romaine (in place of tortillias)

boil chicken in water/stock with chili pwd. garlic pwd. and cumin. when cooked, remove chicken and shred it. add chicken, peppers, salsa, and lime mix to stock. boil until juice is almost gone. salt & pepper to taste, serve on Romaine leaves.

Tomato Basil Chicken

1 Serving

1 Chicken breast cubed (100 g)

¼ cup water

2 tbsp chopped onion

3 fresh basil leaves sliced

¼ tsp oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and cayenne to taste.

1 cup chopped tomatoes

2 Tbsp of lemon juice

      2 garlic cloves minced


Lightly brown chicken in saucepan with lemon juice.  Add garlic, onion, spices & water.  After chicken is cooked, add fresh tomatoes and basil. Cook an additional 10 minutes.  Add salt & pepper

Chicken Tacos

170 Calories per serving

• 100 grams Chicken finely chopped Chicken (weighed, grilled or baked with lemon juice and seasonings)
• 1/4 cup Water or Homemade Broth
• 1 clove garlic crushed and minced
• 1/8 teaspoon oregano
• pinch Cayenne Pepper to taste
• small Fresh Cilantro
• 1 pinch Cumin
• 2-4 leaves lettuce

Cook chicken in chicken broth, adding onion, garlic, and spices.

DEGLAZE pan with lemon juice or a little water. Serve in leaves of lettuce.

Top with homemade salsa

(1 protein, 1 vegetable) 

Simple Omelet

This has eggs but I will put it here.  I read again mixed messages.  Some say stay away from eggs others say it didn't hurt them.  So basically if you can back off the eggs.

1 egg and 3 egg whites

1 tbsp milk (optional)

½ tbsp dehydrated minced onion (9 calories) or onion powder

Shredded baby spinach leaves

4 oz diced tomatoes (20 calories)

Heavy sprinkling of Old Bay Seasoning


Cook either as an omelette or as scramble. If as an omelette, pour egg mixture into heated non-stick pan and cook until underside is firm. Sprinkle with onions, tomato and spinach leaves. If cooking as a scramble, pour in eggs, cook for a few seconds, then add other ingredients and finish scrambling

Chicken Pizzaiola

194 Calories   Oven 350 degrees, 45-50 mins

• 100 grams chicken
• 1 whole tomato (diced)
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 dash black pepper

Directions

Sear each side of the chicken for a minute or two in a frying pan with a dash of salt/pepper (until just browned). Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place 1/2 of the diced tomato in casserole dish. Add meat on top of tomato and top with minced garlic. In small bowl, toss the rest of tomato with the oregano, basil, chili powder, and black pepper. Place on top of steak. Cover tightly with aluminum foil or with lid. Bake

Chinese Chicken

100 grams of cubed meat (chicken, shrimp or steak)

5 tbsp of chicken Bouillon base

Cabbage

Dash of onion salt, Chinese 5 spice, salt & pepper

1 minced clove of garlic

½ packet of Stevia


Shred cabbage.  Sautee minced garlic in 1 tbsp of bouillon base.  Add 2 Tbsp of base and cabbage over medium heat.  Remove while still crunchy.  Combine 2 tbsp of bullion base, onion salt, Chinese 5 spice and stevia.  Pour into pan with cubed meat.  Stir fry this mixture. Throw cabbage back in for 1-2 minutes until heated.

Chicken Fingers

203 Calories

• 100 grams chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 1 breadstick or melba toast
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning

Directions

Preheat oven to 375-400 degrees. Grind breadstick in food processor then mix together with spices and set aside. Wash raw chicken and marinate for 5-10 min in mustard. Dip chicken in bread crumbs. Place on foil lined baking sheet and bake until done, approximately 15 minutes

Breaded Chicken Cutlets

189 Calories

• 100 grams chicken
• 1 grissini, ground into powder
• 1/2 cup homemade chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning, optional
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne use less if you want them spicy
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat pan over MED heat. 2. In a small dish or ziplock bag combine grissini powder, garlic powder, paprika, poultry seasoning, cayenne, and salt/pepper. 3. Add chicken to seasonings and fully coat. 4. Add half of broth and chicken to pan. 5. Cook for approx. 3-4 mins each side depending on thickness of chicken. Keep adding more broth as it cooks off. 6. Serve immediately.

Chicken Mixture

• 100 grams of ground chicken or turkey
• 2-3 cans stewed tomatoes or crushed (must not have any sugar or corn starch!)
• 3-4 garlic cloves, crushed
• Season with parsley, cumin, basil, rosemary, salt, red pepper flakes.
• Brown chicken with seasonings and then add tomatoes.

Simmer for 10 minutes

Spaghetti

Keep in mind this has miracle noodles so use at your discretion some say they stall others not so try and see I guess.

233 calories – 1 serving

• 3.5 ounces 95% lean ground beef
• 1 whole tomato
• garlic cloves (to taste)
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• italian seasoning (to taste)

Directions

1. Cut the tomato into pieces and put it on a pan to cook. 2. After it's cooked, deglaze the pan with a little water and then throw everything in the blender. 3. Saute the beef until browned. 4. Cut the garlic cloves into really thin slices or mince them and throw them into the beef, stir and let them cook a little. 5. Season with salt and pepper. 6. Put the tomato sauce on the cooked beef and season with salt, pepper and italian seasoning. 7. Pour on miracle/Shirataki noodles

Ground Meat Mix

• • 1lb ground meat or choice of chicken, turkey or beef
  • Seasonings – salt, pepper, onion salt or spice blend

  • ½ cup chopped sweet onion
  • Add chopped stock of green onions
  • 4 Roma sized diced tomatoes
  • Iceberg lettuce leaves

  
  
  Brown meat, and add seasonings, onion, tomatoes.  Add mix to lettuce leaf for wrap

Meatloaf

226 calories – 1 serving

• 100 grams ground steak
• 1/2 teaspoon milk or bbq sauce
• 1 grissini (ground into powder)
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon dehydrated minced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon spicy mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon sage
• 1 dash salt and pepper
• any additional seasonings you like

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350. 2. In small bowl, combine all ingredients and form into a small meatloaf. 3. Place in glass dish, cover, and bake 25-30 mins. 4. Uncover dish, add bbq sauce or homemade sugar free ketchup to top, and bake 5-10 additional mins. 5. Serve immediately with a bit more of bbq sauce or homemade sugar free ketchup for dipping. NOTE: This includes your meat, grissini, and 1/2 t of your daily allowance of milk.

Meatballs

36 calories per serving (6 total servings)

• 100 grams steak (ground into hamburger)
• 1 grissini (ground into powder)
• 1 tablespoon milk
• parsley
• dash onion powder
• dash oregano
• garlic
• dash basil
• dash salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425. 2. In bowl, combine all ingredients. 3. Form into 1" meatballs (makes about 6-7). 4. Place in baking dish or non-stick baking sheet and cook 10 minutes turning halfway through cooking time. TIP: I usually use a glass baking dish to make these as they seem to want to stick less. Also, if you want to brown them more after cooking, you can broil them for 1-2 mins each side. These also can be frozen in a freezer bag and then warmed up before serving. Makes a great quick meal!

HCG Burger

• 3.5 ounces extra lean, no antibiotic, chopped meat
• 3 dashes McCormick's Italian Herbs
• 1 1/2 slices Red Onion (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon No Salt, No Sugar Ketchup (OPTIONAL)

Directions

Round raw meat in your hands and place in bowl/on plate. Dash Italian Herbs on to meat to your desire. (I used a/b 3-4 dashes) Then, add fine cut onions. Add Ketchup. Mush & Squish around using a fork or your hands (I think using your hands is best) After all is married well, shape into your burger. Grill to your desire. Since you can not have bread in phase 2 please enjoy the burger between two leaves of lettuce. Enjoy!

Beef Cabbage Rolls

1 Serving-300 Calories

• 1/2 cup canned, diced tomatoes (make sure no added sugar)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 pinch Johnny\'s seasoning
• 1 dash Pepper
• 2 larges Cabbage Leaves
• 3.5 ounces Lean Ground Beef

Beef Lettuce Wrap

1 serving  241 Calories

Ingredients

• 3.5 ounces ground beef
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• minced garlic, to taste
• minced ginger
• 1/2-1 minced serrano or jalapeno pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced celery
• 1 cup savoy cabbage
• 1/4-1/2 cup chicken broth
• juice of 1/2 a lemon or lime
• cilantro, to taste

Directions

1. Brown meat. Add onion, garlic, ginger and celery. Cook for 2-5 minutes. 2. Add pepper, cabbage and broth. Cook until cabbage has slightly wilted. 3. Add cilantro and lemon juice. Cook another 2 minutes or so. Serve in savoy cabbage leaves.