The Harcombe Diet Phase 2 and Me Time

This weekend I devoted some much needed me time to myself.

I've been on Phase 2 of the Harcombe Diet for over a week now and I really needed a weekend where I could avoid the temptation of food and to also have that perfect excuse to catch up on my new Made in Chelsea Box Set (I'm obsessed) and catch up on sleep.  I struggle with sleep but since starting this new way of eating, it's slowly becoming something that I find much easier.  Just goes to show that what you put in can affect you much more than you realise.  I've not been an angel - I've had a couple of bottles of nice red wine which you are allowed (ok, they say in moderation but I've never been good at that where red wine is concerned) but even with this, I haven't cheated once food wise and I'm feeling quite smug.  I'll do another weigh in shortly and report back on how it's going.

I've recently purchased some exciting cult beauty products which I'll be reviewing in upcoming posts (pic of one, below).  I shall also be undertaking a spending ban for February and March, as I've more than enough stuff to get through and I'm desperately trying to save money for a flight so I can have a good holiday later this year.  My excitement for the upcoming ,MAC Archies Girls' range is palpable and I need to get stashing some pennies aside so I can pretty much help myself

(One of the products I've bought and shall review soon)

Watch this space.... and take care x

Phase 1 Complete - Weigh In

I completed Phase 1 of the Harcombe Diet on Friday and began Phase 2 Saturday morning.  I celebrated with fruit, 85% dark chocolate and a lovely creamy curry (all Phase 2 friendly of course).  It was an exciting day.

But let me share with you the good news - after 5 days of following the plan to the letter, I am pleased to report that I've lost 8lbs.  Yes, that's not a typo, 8lbs! I am still in shock and more spurred on than ever to continue with my new way of eating.

I've just come back from a Sunday lunch at Pizza Express where my friend and I exchanged long overdue Christmas gifts.  I had the chicken salad and a glass of red wine and I wore my jeans which a week ago didn't fit. Happy days.

Here's to Phase 2 and continued weight loss.

Phase 1 - The Harcombe Diet

Tomorrow will be my last day of Phase 1 on The Harcombe Diet.  Whilst it's restrictive, thankfully it only last for 5 days and I've found it much easier than I thought I would.  My sugar cravings were particularly intense yesterday and all I could think about were giant slices of cake, but I soldiered on and drank plenty of water and woke up this morning feeling much better.

Phase 1 cuts out all sugars, even the natural sugars found in fruits and processed carbs.  The list of foods you are allowed may be varied but for someone like me, who isn't exactly a whiz in the kitchen I found this quite difficult.  Vegetables are unlimited (except for mushrooms, you can't eat these), salad vegetables are again unlimited and you can eat as much meat and eggs as you like.  You are advised to stick to 3 meals a day however, with a snack in between if you genuinely feel peckish. 

Condiments are out, so no salad dressings as mostly these will contain sugar, even mayonnaise is out despite the fact this diet doesn't limit fats, for Phase 1 you are limited to Natural Yogurt (the full fat type, not the fat free).  I've lived on chicken salads with a yogurt dressing and mostly eaten bacon and eggs or omelettes for my dinners.

I'll be weighing myself on Saturday to mark the end of Phase 1 and as I enter Phase 2 a whole world of foods will open up including fruit, cheese, cream, brown rice and pasta, potatoes, the odd bit of 85% chocolate and best of all red wine (I'm a red wine junkie) although in moderation of course.  I'm going to struggle with that bit!

The Harcombe Diet

DIET ALERT: One of the things I'll be posting about regularly on my page, is my attempt at the Harcombe Diet.  To sum it up this diet cuts out sugars and processed foods and I'll keep you posted on my progress.  This might be my 150th attempt at finding a successful way to eat, after falling off the wagon too many times to mention.  Since my wedding, just over two years ago, I've gained a fair bit of shall we say 'comfort weight'.  Another resolution this year (and one of the most popular ones) will be to lose it.

Day 2: So far it's a cake walk (cake!) - I'll post when I have something exciting to report.

In the meantime, here's a picture of the book for those who may not heard of it.

(Real Food)