http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/blog.php The Harcombe Diet Club - Zoe Harcombe - Great membership benefits including expert advice and commentary by Zoe Harcombe en Sat, 19 May 2012 04:54:31 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/blog.php http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1740-Back-on-the-wagon-after-weekend-of-naughtiness.... Tue, 15 May 2012 17:35:37 GMT Hello All

I've been away for the weekend as it's my 40th birthday... I thought about it in advance, and decided to allow myself one full day off THD to celebrate - so that was Saturday. Had a wonderful day, ate cake, sausage rolls etc etc, but didn't feel out of control and I didn't have any terrible cravings. The only thing that made me feel odd all day was a cup of tea - which really sent my heart racing! Considering I used to drink about 10 cups a day, that was a bit of an eye opener...

Anyway, on Sunday, my stepsister and I went to Ragdale Hall spa for an overnight reviver break...I was as good as I could possibly be, given that I didn't know what the ingredients were in things, but I stuck to THD principles all Sunday & Monday.

Today I have been back on the plan 100%, but was really annoyed this morning when the Tesco Delivery Man dropped a 1kg tub of Yeo Valley yoghurt all over my carpet which was laid YESTERDAY. I phoned Tesco to complain... they offered to refund my £4 delivery fee! How's that for customer service?! ]]> helbels http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1740-Back-on-the-wagon-after-weekend-of-naughtiness.... http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1737-Couldn-t-be-happier Fri, 11 May 2012 07:24:07 GMT Weight now 10.9!!!!

So that's the 2lbs off that I had put on and one extra.. Very happy.

Next mini target is 10.7, it's been 2 years since I was 10.7 so things are looking good!

Not that yesterday went to plan!

B... Coffee with cream ( so much for no dairy)
L.... Left over chilli ( with kidney beans!)
S.. 1/2 chocolate cupcake ( daughter baking at school)
D.. Mushroom and tomato omelette.

My foot is all better now ( broken toe) I think it was more psychological as it didn't hurt! Maybe it was just an excuse, but I have not been that active for the last 6 weeks. Back into walking the dog 3 miles twice a day, and feeling much better for it..

That's all folks.. Xxxx diane xxxx ]]> Mrswes http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1737-Couldn-t-be-happier http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1736-Re-reading-the-book-fresh-start Wed, 09 May 2012 13:08:41 GMT Ok, seem to have stalled!!

2 weeks later and 2 lbs on!

Was really close to saying sod it, what's the point! In fact eaten lots of cake and biscuits over the last 2 days.. Not good!

Watched the news just now and it had an interesting discussion on arthritis.. A huge light was switched on in my brain.. My hands don't hurt anymore!! So much so that I had not even thought about it for weeks..

So after 10 weeks on harcombe / primal I am more convinced than ever that this is the way forward for me.. More proof is that hubby's blood pressure has returned to normal, he is more primal than THD, after he was diagnosed with hbp.

So here we go, back on track, have re subscribed to THD do I can blog.. Primal forum is too scary for me!!

24 days till 20th wedding anniversary.. Will stick to p2 fat only.. No nuts!!!!! Till then, wish me luck

Xxxx Diane xxx ]]> Mrswes http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1736-Re-reading-the-book-fresh-start http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1732-In-temptation-s-path! Sat, 05 May 2012 18:50:11 GMT Oh boy it's been a challenging day today. I was on a course and we had all brought packed lunch, but then at lunchtime a lady said "I have brought cake as it's my birthday"... another said "so have I"... and another one said "I have bought hummus and dips" :eek::eek::eek:

What's more we were in a really small room so I had to sit RIGHT next to the cake all afternoon, and the lemon drizzle cake smelt so lush it was triggering cravings just smelling it!! However, i was really strong and resisted, although I really really really wanted some!
Yay me!!

Today's food has been:

B: 3 x 90% pork sausages and scrambled egg made with a bit of cream.
L: Salad with leftover cheese filled beefburger and rump steak, with a few Babybel (presume these are ok) and Red Kite Mayo.
D: Cheese & Tomato Omelette with salad & Red Kite Mayo, followed by Greek Yoghurt (full fat)

Interestingly, the nasty taste in my mouth has disappeared today.... whilst it was vile, I hope it's not a bad sign. ]]> helbels http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1732-In-temptation-s-path! http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1731-The-breath-of-a-thousand-camels.... Fri, 04 May 2012 17:50:11 GMT Phase 2 Day 3...

Well don't come near me today is all I can say. I have had a vile taste in my mouth all day, which I know is a sign of ketosis and therefore good, but by golly it's yucky. My teeth also feel furry which is not pleasant. I had to gargle with mouthwash for about 10 minutes to get rid of it...

I weighed in again this morning as it's a week since I started THD - 5 days of Phase 1 and 2 days of Phase 2. I am pleased to report I have lost 5lbs in total, which is definitely better than the paltry 2lb loss I achieved in Phase 1, but I'm also taking it as a good sign that the cheese I have introducted in Phase 2 isn't causing any issues (I haven't had any other symptoms after 3 days of it either).

Today I faced a dilemma. There was no NLY in my local store, so I bought Full Fat Greek Yoghurt instead.. I hope this is ok. It seems carby at 6.6g carbs per 100g.... Oh well, too late now as some of it is in my tummy.

Today's meals were:
B: Cheese Omelette (and very nice it was too!)
L: 2 x homemade beefburgers with cheese in the middle
D: Rump steak cooked in butter with courgettes cooked in butter. I also threw caution to the wind and added some cream to deglaze the steak pan. Followed by Greek Yoghurt.

The amount of fat I've eaten today the weight should fall off me by the end of the week!!

The only down side at the moment is that my back is still really sore. I saw the osteopath yesterday and she thinks I've inflammed my sacroiliac joints. I had virtually no sleep last night and in desperation sent my bf down to Argos today to buy a Memory Foam topper for our orthopaedic bed. Let's see if it works..... ]]> helbels http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1731-The-breath-of-a-thousand-camels.... http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1730-Piggery-and-Portions Thu, 03 May 2012 17:41:11 GMT Evening Campers ;)

Well today is Day 2 of Phase 2, and I am liking having cheese to play with - gives so many more options. Who'd have thought that one extra food could make such a difference...

Today I have eaten:

B: Ham and 3 slices cheese
L: Salad with remainder of stirfry vegetables and 2 x salmon burgers from last night. Red Kite Mayo.
D: Meatza with ham, cheese, pepper, tomatoes and tomato puree.

I think I need to season my Meatza base more, it was a bit bland. The topping was nice though. Yum.

I have been worrying a bit today about portions. Although I am not eating in between meals I seem to eat an awful lot at meal time! Tonight I had about 2/3 pack of mince in my Meatza and I ate it all! I didn't feel stuffed, just full - but it seems a lot to chow down. I'm worried that if I eat less though, I will pick between meals. I do always tend to have a big appetite, which actually has been my downfall on previous diets - I'm relatively good at losing about 4 stone on WW, but then my "points" drop to the point where I start to feel hungry, and then it all goes to pot and I spectacularly fall off the wagon. That's why for now, I'm figuring eating until I'm full isn't a bad thing.... I hope..... ]]> helbels http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1730-Piggery-and-Portions http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1728-Newcomer Thu, 03 May 2012 12:37:33 GMT Help! I am on Phase 1 Day 4. I am feeling so unwell I am beginning to worry. Day 2 I felt as if I had been hit by a bus. Day 3 I felt very fatigued.... Help! I am on Phase 1 Day 4. I am feeling so unwell I am beginning to worry. Day 2 I felt as if I had been hit by a bus. Day 3 I felt very fatigued. Last night I had bad pains in my legs. Like my hamstrings were being shocked. Today , Day 4 I have still have legs pain but also in my neck! Is this all normal and when will it get better? It all seems a bit extreme to be honest. I have followed the plan to the letter. I am a big tea drinker so expected caffeine withdrawal headaches. But I wasn't prepared for this.

Any words of reassurance would be very welcome. ]]> Jush http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1728-Newcomer http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1727-Got-Through-Wednesday-and-the-Vending-Machine Wed, 02 May 2012 22:48:18 GMT Well, this time last week I was feeling very sorry for myself after stuffing my face with cakes and chocolate. Well this week I avoided the... Well, this time last week I was feeling very sorry for myself after stuffing my face with cakes and chocolate.

Well this week I avoided the vending machine which has been my vice for the whole year that I have been working at the leisure centre.

I am very pleased with myself and feel I achieved something awesome!!!!

In the year since I have been there I have only avoided that vending machine since being on THD. Before I justified eating it as I was then going to teach fitness for 3 hours after!!! Needless to say that didn't work.

So I am feeling good :)

It was hard but I done it so very happy :) ]]> Becci http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1727-Got-Through-Wednesday-and-the-Vending-Machine http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1726-Day-1-Phase-2-(I-really-must-start-thinking-of-catchier-titles-for-these-blog-pages!) Wed, 02 May 2012 17:17:05 GMT Well, feeling slightly less cranky today which is a good thing for my fellow man. My back is still sore but bearable. Will take more painkillers... Well, feeling slightly less cranky today which is a good thing for my fellow man. My back is still sore but bearable. Will take more painkillers later.

I weighed in today following my 5 days of Phase 5 and was a bit disappointed that I'd only lost 2lbs, but at least it was a loss. I even feared that I might have put on, what with eating all that meat and yoghurt, but all was well.

I decided to add in some cheese this week, and butter for cooking with only. Today's food was:

B: 3 slices cheese & 2 slices roast beef.
L: Last of the bloody frittata (it seems neverending!) from Monday with 2 hardboiled eggs and salad.
D: Superhealthy salmon burgers with stir fry veg and NLY (full fat).

Didn't seem to have any adverse reaction to the cheese. I've never been a massive cheese fan, so hopefully this means I won't have any weird cravings for it. The burgers I had for dinner were so yummy - they are made with thai curry paste in them and were just bursting with flavour. Best thing is that I have 2 left to take for my lunch tomorrow... I've put the recipe in the recipes section for anyone who's interested. I wasn't sure about the NLY - where it was still ok to eat that, but as it's full fat I figured it was ok with a fat meal.

My next challenge is to go off and drink something.. I'm still not doing very well with the drinks... bring back PG tips and milk I say... mutter mutter, mutter mutter....

I am also really looking forward to having no eggs tomorrow if I can help it! ]]> helbels http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1726-Day-1-Phase-2-(I-really-must-start-thinking-of-catchier-titles-for-these-blog-pages!) http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1725-Phase-1-Day-5-Phase-2-here-we-come... Tue, 01 May 2012 17:40:08 GMT Well it's been an interesting kind of day today. First lets start with what I had to eat:

B: 2 slices ham, NLY
L: Leftover Fritatta from Sunday, Lettuce, Cucumber, Tomato, few olives
D: 2 slices of ham just before dinner, then Bolognaise made from Mince, Onion, Garlic, Chicken Stock, 1 tbsp tomato puree and a tin of tinned tomatoes. Ate the whole damn lot as I was really hungry!

I've had the miseries all day today - been really feeling bored of eating meat (see my post on the Fancy a natter page), and it only struck me when I left work that I think the main reason for it is that my back pain is REALLY bad today. I went to the deep tissue massage lady I see monthly last night I got a bit of a pummeling, and my back has been so sore today. Just a constant deep dull ache which is making me very grouchy.

I'm going to take some more painkillers, have a bath and see if that helps at all. Fed up with it at the moment though. ]]> helbels http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1725-Phase-1-Day-5-Phase-2-here-we-come... http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1724-Cravings Tue, 01 May 2012 08:05:10 GMT Ok so when do these bloody cravings leave for good. I am still wanting cake and chocolate every day. I am even cravings bananas these days. I am... Ok so when do these bloody cravings leave for good.

I am still wanting cake and chocolate every day. I am even cravings bananas these days. I am eating alot pf berries now so I think I need to knock them on teh head now arghhhhhh!!!

Its like every day is a constant battle. i am going to a new coffee shop today which sells fresh tea and I am looking forward to it but know that I will see those cakes and feel weak. I wont give in as I have been doing this for too long but I will struggle and I am getting peed off with it as I feel it is constantly on my mind!!!

I feel deprived and like Im no fun anymore (as Im writing that I realise how ridiculous that sounds) hahaha.

Today I want to eat sooo much chocolate and cake until I feel sick............I wont but I want to!!!! ]]> Becci http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1724-Cravings http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1723-Day-4-Phase-1 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:22:50 GMT Good evening one and all ;) Well day 4 of Phase 1 passed fairly uneventfully - I have eaten: B: 2 slices ham, NLY L: Leftover Frittata from... Good evening one and all ;)

Well day 4 of Phase 1 passed fairly uneventfully - I have eaten:

B: 2 slices ham, NLY
L: Leftover Frittata from yesterday, salad vegetables.
D: Green Chicken Thai Curry (thought I'd try my green paste today!) with a few sugar snap peas, yellow pepper and onion. NLY

One thing I can't get over with this diet is that I'm just not hungry between meals, which would have been unheard of a few weeks ago. I had my lunch at 12.30pm today, and because I had an osteopath appointment after work, I didn't end up eating dinner until 8.30pm. Before THD I would have been practically on my knees crying by that stage if I'd not eaten!

I also had a breakthrough of sorts today with my drink... someone at work gave me a Twinings Orange & Cranberry herbal tea bag and it was actually quite palatable! Woo hoo!! Still not the same as my PG tips with milk and Hermasetas, but you can't have it all....

I've also decided that I will go straight to Phase 2 on Wednesday after I've finished my 5 days of Phase 1. The reason for this is that I really have felt fine throughout Phase 1 - no nasty headaches, no candida die-off symptoms, so I don't really think there's any reason for me not to go to Phase 2. Plus I'm missing cheese a bit ;)

When I do go to Phase 2 I'm going to add back in butter, cheese and milk initially and see how I go with that.

Right, best go and get my lunch for tomorrow ready. More leftover frittata I think! ]]> helbels http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1723-Day-4-Phase-1 http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1722-Horrible-cravings-have-returned-with-a-vengeance.... Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:40:13 GMT Morning all
Any advice welcomed...
I haven't experienced any cravings for weeks, but my weight has stabilised and I can't shift those pesky few pounds, always a struggle I know, and I keep thinking of all of ou who got to goal even with the dreaded plateaus...and the overarching mantra is that I am in no hurry with this. I am not going in to bikini panic diet mode nor wish to. This is a way of eating that has to become second nature for life and I want to try and continue it as I start to rack up the exercise, adjusting as the endurance stuff kicks in over the next few months. So far, so sensible!
However, I think I have been slipping back in to that diet mentality and with that has come a little bit of " oh, that won't hurt" , or Thimking that i come across to others as a bit of a freak..... All followed by a very non HCD friendly wedding on Saturday. I did what I could with that to avoid going too off piste with the food I ate but as a result didn't eat enough, probably drank too much for the food I ate, and lo and behold, carb cravings by the bucketload and I ate much too much of everything yesterday. I had a "hollow day" where no amount of food satisfied or got rid of the cravings. This is something that I am going to have to get under control as i have a lifestyle that will always include regular eating out and social events, and it's generally fine when you can pick your own food but at weddings when you are hit with the crab cakes, dauphinoise and what I always refer to as "beige food" (don't you find most buffet food is beige?....?) I don't have a problem resisting, but I do end up under eating then binging due to hunger and low blood sugar. Silly, simple schoolgirl error behaviour but I am feeling pretty rubbish today.
Cheese also seems to trigger cravings and I love the stuff....just going to have to give it a wide berth for the time being as well. Darn it!
I have a night out with a friend tonight, don't feel like it at all as when I have the day after the day before I just want to retreat in to my shell but it's a steak bar so at least it will actually help me get back on track!
Back to basics, again..... ]]> Susan http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1722-Horrible-cravings-have-returned-with-a-vengeance.... http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1721-Day-1-of-blog...-Day-3-of-Phase-1 Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:06:33 GMT Well hello there ;)

If you are reading this, why, thank you, you've made my day - it's always a bit grim to think you might be typing into thin air with no audience.... :o

I thought I'd start a blog of my experiences on this here diet, so that you can all keep tabs on me and tell me if I screw it up :D

Today I've eaten:

B: 2 egg omelette with tomato and ham with tomato ketchup ( (puree, oil and cider vinegar).
L: Frittata with chicken and bacon, sugar snap peas, brocolli and tomato with a bit of homemade tomato ketchup (puree, oil and cider vinegar), followed by some NLY.
D: Red Thai Chicken Curry made with Thai Tastes curry paste, chicken, yellow pepper, onion and coconut milk, with my 50g brown rice

OH MY GOD... DINNER WAS JUST TO DIE FOR. I love Red Thai Curry and could happily eat it every day for the rest of my life. I can't believe it's THD friendly.. I really hope noone is going to come along in a minute and tell me I did it wrong because it was lush. Might try a green one for dinner tomorrow :)

Overall, I've not felt too bad on Phase 1. Was very tired yesterday, but felt ok today. The only thing I have found is that my existing back and hip pain seems to have got much worse over the past few days - but it may be unconnected.

Drinks continue to be a challenge, but I tried adding a slice of lemon to my fizzy water today and that has definitely made it easier to get down. Can't believe I've done 3 whole days with no sugar though - I'm the biggest sugar addict in the world. Who'd have thought it? ]]> helbels http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1721-Day-1-of-blog...-Day-3-of-Phase-1 http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1720-Feeling-good!! Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:45:15 GMT So my weekend has been amazing!!!! I have cut out dairy completely and feel amazing!!! I have been in all day due to the horrid weather but am... So my weekend has been amazing!!!!

I have cut out dairy completely and feel amazing!!!

I have been in all day due to the horrid weather but am enjoying relaxing and spending quality time with my OH.

I have learnt so much in the last 4 weeks and feel I am even more equipped next week to tackle the Candida and Intolerance that I have.

Yesterday was a bit of a nightmare as I was teaching dance all morning then going straight to Instruct at a Zumbathon. I thought I had taken enough food as I thought the Zumbathon was going to finish at 4.30pm. It turns out it was starting at 4.30pm and finishing at 6.30pm, so I knew I was going to be hungry.

I had eggs and bacon for BFast then HBE's and ham for lunch at 1pm. By 5pm I was getting hungry and was concerned that I wasn't going to have anything until about 8.30pm at night. One of the other instructors bought chocolate, 'healthy' snack bars (loaded with sugar, and some fruit. So I had some fruit. Although this was not ideal as I am cutting out my carb meals and avoid snacking on fruit (it triggered my candida alot last time), it was so much better than having a snack bar or chocolate.

Also, there were alot of goodies put on by the organisers of the event such as flapjacks, cupcakes, jelly babies and sweets and more absolute temptations. I stayed away from it all and stuck to my water. I am really pleased with myself as it could have been a real nightmare if I had just one. I felt yesterday was the start of my new beginnings and knowledge and didn't want to jeopardise it in anyway, so stuck to my goals!!! Whoop whoop!!!

I had an awesome meal when I eventually got home of pork chops and veggies.

Today I have had
B - 4 bacon and 2 boiled eggs with 1 tomato
L - salmon steak with salad and olive oil to dress the salad, blueberries for dessert
Snack - 1 slice of ham and 1 HBE
Dinner will be chicken wrapped in bacon with tomato puree and herbs, roasted cherry toms and steamed veggies with a little bit of butter, mmmmmmmmm

I cant wait :) ]]> Becci http://www.theharcombedietclub.com/forum/entry.php?1720-Feeling-good!!