HCg Diet: The Getting Started Basics

Due to the overwhelming number of questions I have been getting in response to my weight loss with the HCg protocol, I thought I would put it all together in a blog! 

Today is my 19th day on the "Protocol" as they call it, and I am down 21 lbs.  I know it seems like a lot in such a short time, but when you learn the science behind the diet, it makes a lot of sense.  Plus, the way I see it, being overweight or obese is a lot worse on your body than losing weight quickly is.

The HCG diet was originally developed in the 1950's by Dr. Simeons.  He discovered that there are three types of fat in the human body: structural fat (cushions bones and organs), normal fat (where the body gets energy), and lastly...abnormal fat...does nothing good for your body other than NOT make you fit into your fav pair of jeans!! 

So how does the HCg work?

When used for weight loss, a tiny dose of HCg tells your hypothalamus to release and mobilize abnormal fat stores, not vital fat stores.  Instead of relying on fuel from food, the body uses these abnormal fat stores!  Because of this, the body doesn't feel hungry.  In fact, the HCg burns 3000-4000 calories per day!!

How do you take it?

HCg is administered in drop and needle form.  I personally take the drops 0.5 ml, 6 times per day.  You cannot have anything to drink or eat 15 minutes before and after you administer the drops.  I set times of 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm and 10pm.  I also use a white board to keep track of my drops, water and food intake.  Also, one full dropper (1.0ml) of liquid B12 is essential for energy and in aiding your body metabolize fats. 

You WILL have success with this Protocol, but you must be committed.  You MUST follow the dosage and diet exactly as written.  The specific foods and combinations were studied extensively by Dr. Simeons, and eating foods not on the list can cause the plan to fail or be much less successful.  Excerpt from Pounds&Inches Made Easy!  By Janet Wilson and Terrie McDonald

The Diet

Step 1:  Load Days

This is by far the best stage ;-)  For the next two days, while taking your drops, you will attempt to eat as much fatty, fried and creamy foods that you can get your hands on.  Burgers, fries, milkshakes, bacon, cheese, breaded anything, GO FOR IT!!  This stage is SO important as it prepares your body for the journey it's about to take.  You may find it difficult by Day 2 to consume so much, but TRUST ME, you will regret it during the first week if you don't.

Step 2:  VLCD

Breakfast: 

Any non-calorie fluids in any amount.  Tea and coffee are unlimited.  Only one tablespoon of fat-free milk allowed in 24 hours.  Stevia may be used, but no sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Lunch: 

1. 100 Grams of veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp.  Completely free of any fat.  Meat must be weighed raw.
2. 100 grams of one type of vegetable from the following:  spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens, green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus and cabbage.
3. One breadstick (Grissino) or one Melba toast
4. An apple, orange, 6 large strawberries or half a grapefruit.

Dinner:

Same choices as above, but it is recommended that you try and have variety everyday.

Extra Important Highlights

• You MUST drink at least 2 litres of water every day. 
• The juice of one lemon is allowed
• Seasonings allowed include: Apple Cider Vinegar, French's Mustard, Frank's Hot Sauce, Salt, Pepper, mustard powder, garlic, sweet basil, parsley, thyme etc...
• Absolutely NO oil, butter or dressing
• All fresh herbs allowed
• Personal Care and Beauty products must be oil free.  Mineral makeup is allowed.  For a list of all approved personal care products visit www.hcgdietcanada.com

The next two phases are known as Maintenance 1 and Maintenance 2, where you begin to re-introduce your body to various healthy foods.  I will do a blog on the Maintenance phases when I get a little closer to those phases. 

Also, be sure to be taking your measurements!!  Because the HCg is attacking abnormal fat, your body will begin to reshape itself.  So even if you don't see change on the scale, doesn't mean you won't see a change on the tape measurement!

If you would like more information, please visit www.HCGDietCanada.com or email info@hCGDietCanada.com or curewithhcg@hotmail.com (the latter email is my rep, Sadie who offers great support)

Thank you to my fellow dieter/friend, Loni, who is in this journey with me.

Tiffany xo

How to look like Millions in Minutes: The Beauty Products to get you there!

We've all been there....over snoozed or distracted by other important morning events that we have left almost no time to prepare ourselves for the outside world!  But we all know the importance of putting our best "face" forward.  Plus, when we look good, we FEEL good!  I have learned this fine lesson from my very British mum, who, despite the day, has always managed to face the day looking beautiful and poised.  Now I know everyone out there doesn't always have 2 hours to primp and prine Kardashian-style in front of the mirror, so I thought I would put together a couple of key products to looking your best in minutes. 
 

Tinted Moisturizer/BB Cream

 

Obviously, we would never leave the house without AT LEAST some moisturizer, so why not hit two birds with one stone and get some coverage and radiance.  I agree there are so many choices when it comes to these products and it can be a little overwhelming picking one....

 

 

Pur Minerals Tinted Moisturizer is currently my go-to, 5-minute make-up moisturizer.  I apply it to a large foundation brush and buff it in to my face and neck.  This product is soooo good for your skin and gives you a subtle, fresh glow while providing light coverage.

 

I have tried a few BB creams, but must say my fav of the bunch was the Garnier BB Cream.  Applied very smoothly and lasted all day.  I do usually set my tinted moisturizer/BB cream with my Physicians Formula ToxTen 50 Powder.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, www.purminerals.com, www.theshoppingchannel.ca
 

 

Baby Oil

OK, I know what you're thinking....baby oil!?  And as crazy I am sure I sound, this is one of my holy grail products.  Not only is it TOTALLY affordable, but it does wonders in giving your skin an ultra soft touch and glowing appearance.  I use it daily on my entire body, at night to take eye makeup off, after I get out of the shower, after I sunless tan....the list is endless.   It does not leave a greasy/oily residue at all and dries quickly for girls on the go ;-) Last but not least, baby oil is actually made up of mineral oil (think mineral make-up), which is fantastic for your skin and does not clog pores or cause irritation.
 

 

 

 

EYELASHES

 Step aside special occasions only, lashes can be for everyday use too!  If you're unfamiliar with the application, it may take a couple practices to get it right.  But once you have mastered this fine skill, this instant makeover is easier and more time efficient than grooming out your lashes with 3 different mascaras for 10 minutes!

 

My favourite lash of the moment is the Ardell 120 Demi Lashes in Black.  They may look intimidating to the unsuspecting, but these lashes look absolutely STUNNING on with a hint of natural ;-)  I purchase mine in sets of 10 from eBay for around $20.  If you take care of them, meaning you don't yank them off or overglue, they can last you up to around 7-8 uses.  For extra drama, add some mascara to already applied lashes to blend your own and extend the fakies to new heights.

 

BRONZER

Probably my most loved makeup product....the right bronzer can transform you.  Rule of thumb: stay away from shimmery bronzers.  They do nothing for you other than make you look like a disco ball.  If it's luminosity you are going for, that can be achieved with foundation or a highlighting powder.   Bronzer is my key to contour...hallows of your cheeks, sides of your nose, and under your chin will instantly give your features the definition they deserve.

 

 

I recently succumb to months of temptation and purchased the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer.  I was NOT disappointed and this product absolutely lives up to its hype.  It is made up of actual cocoa, which smells like hot chocolate when you apply it.  So delectable!  The finish is a flawless, matte bronzer which lasts all day.  LOVE it!!!!!

 

www.sephora.com

 

LIPS

No matter what you do to your face, if you leave the house with dry, bare lips, you misewell just turn around and go back home.  Lips finish a look, even if it's just minimal tinted chapstick. 

 

 

 

The Lip Appeal from BeautiControl is my hidden gem.  The larger tube is like a lip mask, wait for it to dry, wash off, and your lips feel instantly smooth and plump!  The smaller tube is a terrific balm that "seals" the deal ;-)  I absolutely LOVE this product.

If you are interested in ordering this product or would like to see a full catalogue, please contact me directly at tiffany.sharp@telus.net.

Thanks so much for reading!  Have any topics you would like me cover...I would love to hear from you!

Tiffany xo

www.50ShadesOfFabulous.ca (coming soon!)
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How to: Sex Siren Hair

How to: Sex Siren Waves

www.HairShearsPro.com/blog/                                      

With the change of the leaves, it only means one thing….PARTY season is fast approaching. Gone be the days of outside, laid back BBQ’ing and HELLO Glitzy, Glam, Indoor Soiree’s! Beachy Waves are replaced with Sexy, Voluptuous Curls and Bronze skin is replaced with Stand-out Lips. Dressing up and looking ultra feminine is one of my favourite things about cooler weather. Scarves, chunky knits, faux-fur, pearls, LBD’s, oh, and SEX SIREN WAVES!!!

Sex Siren hair starts with the fundamentals. With all of the fall/winter outside elements, your hair bares a lot of abuse. Just as you take care of sun damaged hair during the summer months, being proactive will keep your hair in check and ready to style effortlessly. Using a mask like the Macadamia Oil Mask, will do wonders in the protection and repair department. Also, be sure to use a wide tooth comb like the Olivia Garden Bamboo Comb Large 6″, to avoid breakage and frizz.

Now that your hair is prepped and given some LOVE, here’s how to get those super sultry, knock ‘em dead waves:

1. Seperate hair into first bottom section and spray with a heat spray, like the Redken Spray Starch 15 (loving that right now!)
2. Using a Reverse Wand (provide such interesting, tousled curls), like the Karmin Salon Pro Clipless Tourmaline Curling Iron , begin wrapping 1 inch sections around the barrel with the narrowest part facing down. Be sure to use the heat protectant glove (especially if you’re just getting used to it) to avoid burning your fingers!
3. Hold the curl on the barrel for around 10 seconds and gently release. If you are wanting less of a curl, hold for less time and use slightly larger sections.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for the rest of your hair.
5. Once cooled, finger through all of your curls to break them up and make them look less “polished”. Use a curl definition/hold spray, like Redken’s WaxBlast 10 all over hair.
6. Using a flat iron, like the the Karmin Titanium Hair Straightener, flat iron the crown of your hair (just the first 1″ inch from your scalp down the strand.) I find this takes the look from bedhead to bombshell.
7. Spray with shine spray to eliminate frizz.

This curl will usually last you AT LEAST two days, which is totally worth all the styling time. Plus, now that your hair is styled there are a plethora of super hot-right-now styles you can rock with ease!

Casual Updo

I love Brooklyn Decker’s casual, yet super sexy updo. Achieve this look by pulling hair into low bun and loosely securing with bobby pins. Don’t be afraid to let a few pieces loose to fall around your face.

Partial Updo

Great for Day 2 curls, this ultra femme look is ready to roll in minutes. Simply secure top section of your hair with a super girly clip and voila! Sex Siren at your service

Messy High Bun

Last but definitely not least, is the infamous high bun. I have been LOVING this trend for the past few months, and it is soooo much easier when your hair is curlier with product. For best results, tip head upside down to gather your hair for the bun. Secure in place with pins or ponytail holders. If need be, freshen up fallen out curls with your curling wand.

 

Please let me know what your favourite style is!

 

Thanks for reading,

Tiffany xo

50 Shades of Fabulous

 

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