Tracy will join us on Monday, May 20 – but please welcome her now.
Tracy’s Introduction:
Hi, everyone! I am 35, 5’6″ and weigh 141 pounds. My metabolic test results confirm that I am Hypothyroid with Thyroid Hormone Resistance, and am also Hyperinsulinemic. My Vitamin D and Ferritin are in the basement, despite taking supplements.
Growing up I was an average weight, but gained thirty pounds my first year at University. So much for the Freshman Fifteen! Living away from home is also when I really started to enjoy food, and overeating sugary foods became a habit.
Over the years, I became generally healthier and did a variety of “clean eating” diets. But while I lost weight on them I was starving, even if I ate tons of protein and never went more than three hours between meals. And weight loss has been really hard for me, probably compounded by my having been Hypothyroid since my late teens.
This year I lost a lot of weight with HCG, but it has been coming back, rapidly over the past
few months. And it’s mostly around my waist, which is disturbing. Wanting to do something about it drove me to the internet, where I found SugarFree – yay!
So the picture isn’t pretty and I need to take steps to remedy the situation NOW. I feel
like I’ve been in denial over my eating habits and health for quite some time. I’m a little nervous about doing this because I have a lot going on – I’m single and love to socialize, so I need to work on eating Protocol even when I am out having fun. I’m looking forward to getting started though – and thanks for cheering me on!
Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 1 – 5-20
Weight = 141
Measurements:
Bust: 38.5″
Waist: 29.5″
Hips: 39.5″
Meal:
– 9 oz salmon
– 1.5 T. butter
– 1.5 T. duck fat
– 5 oz green beans
– 4 oz broccoli
– 4 oz kale
– 1 oz white potato
Fitday stats:
Calories: 758
Fat: 51.8 grams (62%)
Protein: 58.4 grams (30%)
Carbs: 14.6 grams (8%)
Ketostix: Small
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 81
1-hour PP (after meal): 112
2-hour PP (after meal): 113
This is my first “official” day, but I’ve been playing around with my menus since Thursday, hence the reading on my ketostix. My hunger was bad, bad, bad on Friday and Saturday. I was dreaming of all the cookies and cakes I wanted to eat. Luckily, I have the support of some of my friends, who know I’m carefully watching my diet and will be eating once a day. They’ve been really helpful.
Today my hunger was manageable, but it was there; I felt acutely aware of it while I was getting ready to leave in the morning. And I had a restless, short sleep. I know I need to work on my sleeping habits, but every time I think about them, I provoke myself into intense insomnia. I was wide-awake at three a.m.
Look at my 1-hour and 2-hour numbers! All from one tiny ounce of potato! When I was vacationing before starting Protocol, I saw numbers that were way higher than that. It’s definitely been my wake-up call. I’m really glad I’ve found SugarFree!
[Note: Welcome, Tracy! I’m not surprised at the nine-pound loss in the last two weeks as you ‘tried on’ Protocol – you’ve probably lost fat and inches, too. As a result however, you may need to start the Maintenance phase a bit early – we’ll see how you do with fat loss next Monday.]
Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 2 5-21-13
Weight: 141.6 = up .6 pound
Meal:
– 10 oz liver, raw
– 1.5 T. butter
– 1 T. lard
– 9 oz asparagus
– 8 oz spinach
– 2 eggs
Fitday stats:
Calories: 777
Fat: 52.8 grams (61%)
Protein: 64.8 grams (34%)
Carbs: 10.6 grams (5%)
Ketostix: Moderate
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 85
1-hour PP (after meal): 119
2-hour PP (after meal): 117
Wow. So ten ounces of liver is a lot of liver. I ate it though – for the third time in my life. I can’t say that I enjoyed it, but after I felt really good. I think liver likes me even if the feeling’s not really mutual.
I slept quite a bit better than the other night. I was hungry when woke up and while it didn’t seem to get worse, I experienced a persistent, dull hunger until I ate. Then I felt full, but certainly not stuffed. I have a big appetite and have no problem eating things like eight ounces of broccoli in one go.
[Note: Hunger before eating is normal, and a good sign that your metabolic hormones are starting to get a few signals through. :)]
Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 3, 5/22
Weight = 142.2 = up .6 pound
Meal:
– 10 oz cod, raw
– 1.5 T. duck fat
– 2 T. butter
– 9 oz chard
– 12 oz broccoli
– 4.5 oz string beans, raw
– 1 oz blue cheese
Fitday stats:
Calories: 806
Fat: 52.9 grams (59%)
Protein: 63.9 grams (32%)
Carbs: 19.4 grams (9%)
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 81
1-hour PP (after meal): 121
2-hour PP (after meal): 108
Today was good, though the cod was so-so. I only bought it because it was on sale. In spite of living in a huge city, I have some trouble finding a large variety of foods. Especially greens. Even finding kale is a challenge. I loved the chard today. After eating all those veggies I feel full, but not uncomfortable so. My hunger was also much less noticeable today. Things seem to be going well and my cravings seem to be diminishing. Overall, I’m looking forward to a weekend away to relax! Look at how much lower my two-hour PP was! I know the initial number was high, but I was happy to see it go down!
Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 3, 5/23
Weight: 141.8 = down .4 pound
Meal:
– 9 oz pork loin, raw
– 1 T. duck fat
– 2 T. butter
– 8 oz spinach
– 5.2 oz beet greens
– 9 oz asparagus
Fitday stats:
Calories: 762
Fat: 50.1 grams (59%)
Protein: 61.5 grams (32%)
Carbs: 16.3 grams (9%)
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 74
1-hour PP (after meal):
85
2-hour PP (after meal): 85
Today was another good day. I ate much later because I was out on a training course, but I wasn’t really hungry. I ate all the beet greens I had in the fridge, which was more than I thought I had!
My fasting glucose looks good, but I’m really pleased with my one- and two-hour PPs! I’m hoping to stick as closely to Protocol as I can this weekend away. I won’t be able to weigh anything, but I’ll bring my monitor and keep track of what I eat. Wish me luck!
[Note: Tracy, your postprandial readings are looking wonderful, and I’m sure you’ll do fine this weekend. Have a great time! :)]
Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 5, 5/24
Weight: 141.4 = down .4 pound
Meal:
– 8 oz steak
– butter
– green beans
– mixed greens salad
– parmesan cheese
– olive oil
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 77
1-hour PP (after meal): 79
2-hour PP (after meal): 88
Today I ate out for dinner with friends on my trip and had a great meal. Things went well and my meter readings were good.
Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 6, 5/25
Meal:
– 10 oz steak
– butter
– spinach salad
– goat cheese, large portion
– Rice, small portion
– 2 glasses, dry sparkling wine
– 1 large glass of red wine
– 3 scoops of ice cream, with sugar
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 75
1-hour PP (after meal): 127
2-hour PP (after meal): 125
Before I left, I talked to SugarFree about a plan for the weekend away. I stuck to it on Friday almost perfectly. I could have one small glass of wine if I wanted. No starch save for one small piece of potato. Meat and green vegetables. Friday went well. Today did not.
My friend’s sister threw a party to “welcome me” on my visit. Unfortunately, it was a party that started with Prosecco, a sparkling wine. If I’d eaten my meal at lunch, as SugarFree told me to do, I think I would have been all right. I could have had the glass and been done with it. But the wine made me hungry, which I hadn’t been till then. I followed that with a large glass of wine and rice. And then ate sugar-filled ice-cream for dessert, quite a lot of it. After I ate, I felt awful. And my readings showed why. I’m really disappointed in myself for what I allowed to happen. No one made tied me down and made me do it. What’s worse is that I felt completely distracted from enjoying the trip. I felt so terrible on Sunday all I wanted to do was go home. It ended up being far from the trip I wanted to have. And though I’d like to blame that first glass of wine for everything, the truth is I could have and should have had my meal at lunch – and I could have easily said ‘no’ to the Prosecco. I just chose not to do either of those things.
Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 7, 5/26
Meal:
I felt so nauseous and full that I didn’t eat anything. I drank a lot of plain soda water. Because I had to fly home, I didn’t want to risk being sick on the airplane.
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 120
I walked around town and tried to enjoy the sun. I thought about getting something to eat somewhere, but got frustrated and gave up. My skin felt bruised and achy.
Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 1, 5/27
Weight: 144 = up 2.4 pounds
Measurements:
Bust: 38.5″ = no change
Waist: 29.5″ = no change
Hips: 39″= no change
Meal:
– 9 oz pork tenderloin
– 8 oz spinach
– 5 oz green beans
– 2 T butter
– 1 T duck fat
Fitday Stats:
Calories: 709
Fat: 49.8 grams (63%)
Carbs: 10.1 grams (6%)
Protein: 55.2 grams (31%)
Ketostix: Trace
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 100
1 hour PP: 115
2 hour PP: 124
Wow. My weekend is still making itself felt today. And will again tomorrow, I’m sure. If you compare these lasts few days meter readings to the end of last week you’ll understand my frustration with myself. It felt good to get back on track, even feeling hungry and miserable.
Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 2, 5/28
Weight: 143.1 = down .9 pound
Meal:
– 9 oz salmon, raw
– 12 oz broccoli
– 5 oz green beans
– 2 T butter
– 1 T lard
Fitday Stats:
Calories: 709
Fat: 49.8 grams (63%)
Carbs: 10.1 grams (6%)
Protein: 55.2 grams (31%)
Ketostix: Trace
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 103
1 hour PP: 106
2 hour PP: 92
I feel better today, although I was really hungry by mid-morning. I’m still disappointed in myself for my behavior this weekend. At least now I can see the damage that eating a ‘normal’ diet causes. I’ve learned something, at least.
Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 3, 5/29
Weight: 142 = down 1.1 pounds
Meal:
– 10 oz chicken liver, raw
– 7 oz kale
– 1 oz spinach
– 1 T butter
– 1.5 T duck fat
– 9 oz asparagus
– 2 eggs
Fitday Stats:
Calories: 787
Fat: 53.4 grams (62%)
Carbs: 10.6 grams (5%)
Protein: 64.8 grams (33%)
Ketostix: Small
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 90
1 hour PP: 90
2 hour PP: 109
I was hungry this morning, which seems standard.
[Note: Yes, it is. We’re supposed to be hungry in the morning; it means we’ve burned and used all the fuel we consumed the day before, instead of storing it. And it appears you are beginning to recover from the weekend, a downfall most Participants (including me) seem to have to go through at some time or other. The point is to learn from it. And the lesson isn’t just: “Oh, boy, look what eating these foods does to me” but also: “I willfully sabotaged myself when I had the choice not to; I’m going to figure out why and not do it again.” Only then will you be able to say: ‘lesson learned.’ 🙂
As to the nausea and ‘achy’ skin – that’s easily explained. You were hung over, no differently than if you had drunk several bottles of wine. That’s because our bodies cannot naturally process or digest anything more than the tiniest drop of processed sugar. In order to do so our body has to create a special enzyme, just like we need to make an enzyme to digest milk. Those folks whose bodies do not make this enzyme are ‘lactose-intolerant’. But the body is so efficient that after a few weeks of not eating processed sugar it stops making that particular enzyme. Why waste the energy? And if you suddenly eat a lot of sugar without having that enzyme inside you? Well, imagine the effects of someone lactose-intolerant drinking a gallon of milk, and you’ll get the idea. You basically went on a bender – and the results weren’t pretty. I wouldn’t advise trying it again.]
Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 4, 5/30
Weight: 141.5 = down .5 pound
Meal:
– 9 oz lamb
– 8 oz chard
– 1 T butter
– 1.5 T duck fat
– 9 oz beet greens
Fitday Stats:
Calories: 719
Fat: 50.5 grams (63%)
Carbs: 11.1 grams (6%)
Protein: 55.4 grams (31%)
Ketostix: Small
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 67
1 hour PP: 94
2 hour PP: 95
Felt good today. Slept really well and have had excellent energy. And my memory is really good. I’m studying for exams and have no problem remembering large volumes of complicated information.
[Note: Sounds like you’re recovering quickly – especially blood sugars – which is a good sign. Good luck on the exams! :)]
Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 5, 5/31
Weight: 141 = down .5 pound
Meal:
– 8.6 oz salmon
– 4 oz broccoli
– 12 oz zucchini
– 2 T butter
– 1 T duck fat
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 T cream
Fitday Stats:
Calories: 823
Fat: 58.8 grams (64%)
Carbs: 11 grams (6%)
Protein: 62.4 grams (30%)
Ketostix: Moderate
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 81
1 hour PP: 124
2 hour PP: 106
I was hungry a few hours before I ate. It was bearable, but I was glad to get home and cook my food! I’m not sure why my glucose readings were so high today?
[Note: A 1-hr reading of 124 is one of only three things. In likely order: you ate hidden sugar. Assuming the cream has put one ingredient – cream – and that your salmon was fresh and not already spiced, I would place a bet on the spices you’re using to cook with, especially any spice ‘blends’. Or, you exercised/was highly stressed by something before you took the reading. Finally, if you are using any sort of skin/face cream or even a dandruff-type shampoo with cortisone in it. Those are the only three choices, so put on your Detective Hat and find out which one it is!]
I was thinking of trying to add an ounce of potato to my meal tomorrow, but it looks like maybe I should hold off for a few more days. Also, do we stay in lipolysis when our readings our so high? Or does eating shut down lipolysis temporarily anyway? I’m guessing it must and that’s why it’s so important to eat once a day.
[Note: Since lipolysis cannot take place in the presence of insulin, and eating anything raises glucose readings, which raises insulin, lipolysis can never take place until many hours after meals – as many as ten sometimes – and usually occurs when we’re asleep. This is why it’s not only crucial to eat once a day, but why you must eat your meal early in the day.]
Now I get really hot after I eat. Almost flushed and rosy. But I feel good, too. Is it just from having a big meal? Or does it mean that my body is actually using the food I’m eating now?
[Note: It means your body is finally burning your nutrients for fuel, instead of storing them. And this is why so many Participants get hot in the middle of the night sometimes as well; lipolysis opens the fat cells and that energy is then converted to fuel for burning, which for some reason likes to happen at about three in the morning. :D]
I’m looking forward to this weekend. I’m back on track, have no distractions, and am hoping for some good measurements on Monday!
Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 6, 6/1
Weight: 139.2 = down 1.8 pounds
Meal:
– 9 oz chicken livers
– 12 oz broccoli
– 4 oz chard
– 1 T butter
– 1.5 T duck fat
– 5 oz green beans
– 2 eggs
Fitday Stats:
Calories: 736
Fat: 51.9 grams (63%)
Carbs: 10.8 grams (6%)
Protein: 56.9 grams (31%)
Ketostix: Small
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 74
1 hour PP: 110
2 hour PP: 117
I was really hungry this morning. So hungry that I ate twelve ounces of broccoli. I was hungry when I went to bed last night and had a hard time waiting to eat. Today was the first day that liver actually tasted good to me, so I’ll take that as progress!
As for my high numbers, I went back and did some detective work. Yesterday I only used salt and pepper on my food. Today I used smoked paprika and some turmeric. I don’t use any dandruff shampoos and there wasn’t anything in the cream except pasteurized cream. I guess it can only be stress?
I am studying hard for exams. About five to six solid hours a day, and I’m stressed out over what’s going to happen in the next few months, including a probable relocation overseas. Could that be having such an impact even when my fasting blood sugar reading looks so good?
[Note: No. Stress will definitely raise blood sugars – but if so, it does it all around, which would mean your fasting sugars would be high as well as your postprandial numbers. When it’s ONLY those numbers, it is something you are eating, and the numbers themselves indicate sugar – either with your meal or before it. Use salt, pepper and garlic only for the next week. Stop taking all supplements immediately. Next Monday, use the paprika or turmeric. If you get a rise in sugars – that’s the culprit; they’re cut with sugar, which often happens. If not, add back each supplement one at a time per day and see if any of them causes a rise. Something you are putting in your mouth is doing this, even if stress is a contributor.]
Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 6, 6/2
Weight: 138.8 = down .4 pound
Meal:
– 8 eggs
– 70 grams liquid egg whites
– 7.2 oz kale
– 1.5 T butter
– 12 oz zucchini
– 2 oz spinach
Fitday Stats:
Calories: 784
Fat: 53.7 grams (62%)
Carbs: 13.8 grams (7%)
Protein: 61.3 grams (31%)
Ketostix: Small
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 85
1 hour PP: 110
2 hour PP: 106
Since my additional veggies worked so well to stave off hunger yesterday, I added more kale to my menu today. I have an exam tomorrow morning and I don’t want to eat before (I feel like I have better focus on an empty stomach), but I also didn’t want to be starving in the exam hall.
[Note: Have all the extra veggies you want.]
I really wanted eggs and SugarFree said I could have them once a week. I had a bit of trouble trying to figure out the right balance of fats, but I did my best. And compared to last weekend – I’m feeling stellar! In control and feeling myself getting smaller.
I have extra motivation to stay on plan because I need to be as productive as possible and poisoning myself with sugar will do nothing for my productivity. So many of my friends are bingeing on sweets to comfort themselves and de-stress. While tempting, I just imagine the hours I’ll miss out on studying because of my racing heart, sick stomach and bloated fingers.
Two other comments I’d like to make: first, I think I’m either sensitive to turmeric or eggs. I seem to get a bit of a rash on my finger, which I thought was due to gluten. I’m not eating any gluten and there’s no way I’ve even been subject to cross-contamination, so I’ve narrowed it down to either of those two foods. I’m cutting them out this week. If I am intolerant, could that impact my readings?
[Note: YES!]
Second, I love zucchini! I have a spiralizer at home and last night I used it to turn the zucchini into thin, long noodles. Then I generously salted them and put them in the fridge to dry out a bit overnight. Sautéed in a generous amount of butter today, they were fantastic!
[Note: What a delicious idea. 🙂 Especially now that summer’s here and zucchini will be taking over the farmer’s markets. I just found a spiralizer on Amazon that looks like it will do it all.]
Protocol Round 1, Week 3, Day 1, 6/3
Weight: 138.4 = down .4 pound
Measurements:
Bust: 37.5″ = down 1”
Waist: 29.25″ = down .25”
Hips: 38.75″= down .25”
Meal:
– 8.6 oz beef
– 8 oz broccoli
– 4 oz chard
– 9 oz beet greens
– 2 T butter
Fitday Stats:
Calories: 734
Fat: 51.1 grams (63%)
Carbs: 11.4 grams (6%)
Protein: 57.4 grams (31%)
Ketostix: Moderate
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 76
1 hour PP: 115
2 hour PP: 104
I’m really happy with my measurements today. I tried on a whole bunch of jeans that I’d shoves to the back of my closet – beautiful, new jeans that I only bought this year. They all fit, with the exception of one pair – and I think those will fit by the end of this week! I know I’ve lost inches in other places because I did a series of measurements before I started, so the inches lost above don’t reveal the whole picture.
I felt really prepared for my first exam today. I’ve been sleeping much better and have been going to bed way earlier. I’ve also been waking up way earlier, which I think is helping me feel sharper. I felt quite shaky about an hour before I was supposed to write it, so I ate an ounce of cheese. Within ten minutes I felt great.
Protocol Round 1, Week 3, Day 2, 6/4
Weight: 137.6 = down .8 pound
Meal:
– 9 oz chicken livers, raw
– 5 oz kale
– 5 oz spinach
– 7 oz green beans
– 2 medium eggs
– 2 T butter
– 2 T duck fat
Fitday Stats:
Calories: 921
Fat: 69.9 grams (69%)
Carbs: 14.8 grams (6%)
Protein: 58.1 grams (25%)
Ketostix: Moderate
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 83
1 hour PP: 104
2 hour PP: 112
I’m really pleased with my weight loss so far, especially because it has been effortless. Eating once a day is really easy and, while I have intermittent hunger pangs, I’m only starving right before I eat.
As per SugarFree’s suggestion, I cut out my supplements aside from Melatonin. No supplements, no spices, cooking everything at home. I’m a little frustrated.
[Note: I understand the frustration but, as the great Sherlock Holmes said: “Once you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” Time to cut out the Melatonin and see if your sugars go back to normal in a few days.]
Protocol Round 1, Week 3, Day 3, 6/5
Weight: 137 = down .6 pound
Meal:
– 5.3 oz shrimp, raw
– 4 oz scallops, raw
– 12 oz broccoli
– 12 oz zucchini
– 2 T butter
– 2 T duck fat
Fitday Stats:
Calories: 777
Fat: 53.4 grams (63%)
Carbs: 14.6 grams (7%)
Protein: 59.0 grams (30%)
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 77
1 hour PP: 115
2 hour PP: 101
I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy all the fat I can eat on Maintenance though! I’m finally developing a taste for it. I’ve never really enjoyed eating fatty foods, but I guess it’s just an acquired taste.
I still can’t believe my numbers. I haven’t taken any supplements today either. I really don’t know what’s going on, especially when my fasting number has gone down so nicely. At least my two-hour number was better!
[Note: And I suspect it was better because you didn’t take the Melatonin last night. If I’m correct in my hypothesis, your numbers will be even better tomorrow. Let’s see if my detective hat still fits. 😀 By the way, as of today you’ve lost thirteen pounds. Two more and you will have lost an entire 10% of your total body weight in about three weeks. Amazing!]
Protocol Round 1, Week 3, Day 4, 6/6
Weight: 136.6 = down .4 pound
Meal:
– 9 oz chicken liver
– 2 T butter
– 1 T goose fat
– 2 medium eggs
– 7 oz green beans
– 4 oz spinach
– 5 oz kale
Fitday Stats:
Calories: 805
Fat: 57.1 grams (64%)
Carbs: 14.8 grams (7%)
Protein: 58.1 grams (29%)
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 79
I was really hungry today. All morning. It was tough for me to wait to eat, which is the first time that’s happened to me (aside from right at the beginning of Protocol).
[Note: It’s perfectly fine to eat earlier, but your hunger is saying you’re ready for Maintenance!]
I feel pretty good though, although a bit tired since I had a very restless sleep. I also think I have a minor infection in my eye, which has been quite irritating. Hopefully the antiseptic drops I got for it will clear it up before it gets any worse.
[Note: Aha! The oncoming infection could definitely have affected your blood sugars, and the drops may do so as well. Still, when you need meds, you need to take them regardless of any blood sugar complications. Numbers should return to normal once your body does.]
Protocol Round 1, Week 3, Day 5, 6/7
Weight: 136 = down .6 pound
Meal:
– 8.5 oz pork loin
– 2 T butter
– 2 T goose fat
– 12 oz broccoli
Fitday Stats:
Calories: 845
Fat: 63 grams (67%)
Carbs: 10.6 grams (5%)
Protein: 59 grams (28%)
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 81
1 hour PP: 108
2 hour PP: 106
I’m pretty keyed-up for my exam today, and tend to get over excited on the build up to each one. Then I buzz for a few hours after.
[Note: Tracy, this syndrome can easily be ameliorated with meditation. On the good news side – it appears that your high blood sugar culprit was indeed the Melatonin. You haven’t taken the hormone for the last few days, and your sugars are much lower today (with great fasting sugar as well) than they’ve been since you began to take it. :)]
Pre-Maintenance Weekend, Day 1 – 6/8
Weight: 136.4 = up .4 pound
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 77
1 hour PP: 97
2 hour PP: 101
Today was my first day of Pre-Maintenance, which I started because SugarFree said my hunger was an indication that I was ready to come off Protocol. My first day officially begins on Monday though.
So much fat! It did taste great though. I’m happy with my PP numbers today; they’re the best I’ve had in ages. Here’s hoping the fat continues to help bring them down!
Pre-Maintenance Weekend, Day 2 – 6/9
Weight: 133.2 = down 3.2 pounds
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 79
1 hour PP: 86
2 hour PP: 85
Wow – I have no idea how my weight dropped by 3.2 pounds, but I’ll take it! I was hungry last night and this morning when I woke up and I ended up eating about an hour earlier than usually. Things are going well – I feel good, have great concentration and am really looking forward to my measurements tomorrow!
My readings have also been great. I think they’re some of my lowest so far – since the first week of Protocol, anyway.
Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 1 – 6/10
Weight: 133.4 = up .2 pound
Measurements:
Bust: 35″ = down 2.5”
Waist: 28″ = down 1.25”
Hips: 37.5″= down 1.25”
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 79
1 hour PP: 99
2 hour PP: 104
Look at my measurements! I’m so pleased! Plus I’ve lost lots of inches in places like my arms and thighs. Success! Now on to Maintenance.
[Note: “Success” indeed. 🙂 You’ve lost eight pounds and nearly seven inches of fat. More, when you count the losses on arms, thighs and knees. Remember though, as we discussed and as I’ve written about extensively here – you will likely gain between three and five pounds of water your first week of Maintenance, as your brain fills your now-skinnier fat cells with water as a ‘place-holder’ for the missing fat, hoping you will eat in a way that causes it to return. When you don’t, it will release the water and let the cells die. Yes, those cells will all be replaced with new fat cells, but they will be small and mostly empty. And on Protocol, will stay that way. :D]
Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 2 – 6/11
Weight: 134.2 = up .8 pound
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 86
1 hour PP: 104
2 hour PP: 112
My body prefers white potato I guess.
Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 3 – 6/12
Weight: 134.8 = up .6 pound
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 81
1 hour PP: 97
2 hour PP: 104
Feeling good today and will be trying some white potato tomorrow.
Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 4 – 6/13
Weight: 134.4 = down .4 pound
Ketostix: large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 83
1 hour PP: 104
2 hour PP: 103
Still feeling pretty good. I’m always really hungry before eating and usually have no problem finishing all my food. Today for some reason, it was a bit of a challenge. I seemed to get full fast.
Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 5 – 6/14
Weight: 133 = down 1.4 pounds
Ketostix: large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 85
1 hour PP: 100
2 hour PP: 104
Looks like my body is starting to accept that I’m not refilling those fat cells. Nice to see my body let go of some of that accumulated water. I found some delicious looking, pure beef drippings last night at the store. I can’t wait to try cooking with them tomorrow!
I had no starchy carb today, so why was my 2-hr PP a bit high?
[Note: Although it often takes several weeks on Protocol before it can be confirmed, it appears that you have a mild case of Metabolic Syndrome XX. You can read about it here.]
Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 6 – 6/15
Weight: 132.8 = down .2 pound
Ketostix: large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 86
1 hour PP: 94
2 hour PP: 94
I had a hard time finishing all my food . Tomorrow I’ll choose more “compact” veggies instead. However, I’m very pleased with my one- and two-hour PPs – under 100 after eating white potato! Today was the first time that’s happened. Hopefully this will start a trend.
Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 7 – 6/16
Weight: 132.8 = no change
Ketostix: large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 81
1 hour PP: 112
2 hour PP: 104
I can see the end of my stress ahead. One exam tomorrow, one Tuesday. After that, things open up. I can spend more time relaxing and focusing on things other than school.
Looks like my body still can’t handle the sweet potato. I’ll avoid starchy carbs for a few days and try again later in the week.
Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 1 – 6/17
Weight: 132.2 = down .6 pound
Measurements:
Bust: 32″ = down 3”
Waist: 27″ = down 1”
Hips: 37.25″= down .25”
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 84
1 hour PP: 112
2 hour PP: 95
Wow – I’m really happy with my measurements! Less happy with my readings though. I ate later today because of my exam. I was really stressed out and feeling rushed. Maybe that had a slight impact? At least my two-hour reading was significantly lower. Tomorrow is my final exam. Wish me luck!
[Note: Good luck, Tracy! And yes, as you know, stress affects blood sugar readings – a lot. On the other hand, those ‘stress readings’ have had no effect on your fat loss, which is remarkable. You not only lost over four inches of fat in a single week, you’ve lost an amazing two and a half inches from around your waist – the place hardest to lose – in just three weeks. If you weren’t getting wolf whistles before, you sure should be now. :D]
Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 2 – 6/18
Weight: 133.6 = up 1.4 pounds
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 86
1 hour PP: 97
2 hour PP: 85
I woke up early and super-nervous for my exam today, but it went really, really well! Looking forward to de-stressing and moving on from hours of study. Look at my great numbers today – and that’s with cauliflower, too!
[Note: As stress goes down, so do blood sugars. 🙂 Moral of the story: Yes, stress can help make you fat. Everyone gets stressed – but learning how to handle stress well can help keep you lean.]
Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 3 – 6/19
Weight: 133.6 = no change
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 89
1 hour PP: 97
2 hour PP: 92
Feeling good. My body handled the potato really well. I’ve been bloated over the past few days. A year ago I’d say TOM is near. But I’ve been so irregular over the past year that I really have no idea. If it is, maybe that could explain my slightly higher fasting blood sugar over the past two days?
[Note: Your sugars in the past two days have been great. Yes, oncoming TOM could bring on the bloat – but so could the water you’ve gained/retained in the last few days. And that could be from water being stored in your rapidly emptying fat cells, or even from repairing the damage done in the last few weeks from stress. It should right itself – one way or the other – in a few days.]
Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 4 – 6/20
Weight: 133.6 = no change
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 72
1 hour PP: 97
2 hour PP: 95
Finally! Good readings with an ounce of sweet potato. I am definitely making progress. Some day soon I’ll be able to try some berries. It’s been so long since I’ve had fruit. I can’t imagine how sweet it will taste – I find the sweet potato so much sweeter than I used too.
Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 5 – 6/21
Weight: 131.8 = down 1.8 pounds
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 67
1 hour PP: 75
I felt sick all day. I ate my meal, which tasted fine, and then right after my one-hour reading I was sick. I think I picked up a 24-hour bug.
Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 6 – 6/22
Weight: 128.6 = down 3.2 pounds
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 70
1 hour PP: 113
2 hour PP: 92
I ate a few eggs cooked in butter with some slices of bacon. I felt quite ill for most of the day, and my weight loss was all water from dehydration. By the end of the day, I felt almost 100%.
Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 7 – 6/23
Weight: 130 = up 1.4 pounds
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 74
1 hour PP: 113
2 hour PP: 112
I ate my regular Maintenance meal today, but it was tough, and soon realized I didn’t feel as well as I thought.
Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 1 – 6/24
Weight: 131.6 = up 1.6 pounds
Measurements:
Bust: 31″ = down 2”
Waist: 26.5″ = down .5”
Hips: 36.6″= down .75”
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 76
1 hour PP: 79
2 hour PP: 90
Still not feeling totally well, although much better than the weekend. Next week is my last on Maintenance and I feel like it is continuing to be a great success! Though I’m traveling tomorrow and part of the next two weeks, I will work hard to stay on track.
I know I’m supposed to start Protocol Round 2 week after next, but I’m not sure if I need to lose any additional fat. I never thought I’d say that! Is it time for me to go onto Lifetime Maintenance?
[Note: Since you’ve now reached the fat goal you set during our first consultation, you are ready to stay on Maintenance for the next three months and see how you do. If your sugars, weight and fat levels remain stable – congratulations! – you’re now ready to remain slim for life, and have the knowledge and tools to do so. This is a major achievement, and one the medical/diet/food ‘professionals’ claim is almost impossible – but which you and so many other Participants have shown is not only possible, but almost guaranteed. :D]
Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 2 – 6/25
Weight: 131.8 = up .2 pound
Ketostix: Large
Today was hectic, since I was getting ready for my long flight. I packed a few ounces of
salted nuts to eat on the plane since I was awake for more than twenty hours. Now I’m settled in at home and am glad I stayed on track during the flight.
Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 3 – 6/26
Ketostix: Moderate
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 79
1 hour PP: 97
2 hour PP: 97
I have to dig up my scale, so no weigh-in this morning. The first thing I did when I landed was head to a grocery store, where I stocked up on most of my Maintenance foods. I cooked up my liver and was actually happy to eat it. 🙂
Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 4 – 6/27
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 79
1 hour PP: 94
2 hour PP: 92
I felt great today. It’s good to be home and it was amazing to eat two ounces of sweet potato with no spike – I call that definite progress!
Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 5 – 6/28
Weight: 131.6 = down .2 pound
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 69
1 hour PP: 108
2 hour PP: 81
Enjoyed my food today, especially the strawberries and cream! Everything is going really well. Family and friends say they can’t believe how much slimmer I look. Two of my friends didn’t recognize me! I might not have lost a ton of scale weight, but the inches have really made a huge difference. And my jeans are actually falling off me. 🙂
Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 6 – 6/29
Weight: 131.2 = down .4 pound
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 81
1 hour PP: 94
2 hour PP: 79
Really pleased with my numbers today. Even with two ounces of potato, my one- and two-hour numbers look lovely.
I met up with a huge group of my friends last night. I enjoyed one glass of dry red wine, came home and drank water and went to bed. I stayed on track and, unlike on my vacation, I didn’t let the excitement and the “party atmosphere” give me an excuse to throw my Protocol guidelines out the window. As a result, my weight was down today and my blood sugar numbers look good. Quite a contrast from a month ago!
Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 7 – 6/30
Weight: 130.6 = down .6 pound
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 65
1 hour PP: 85
Not much to report today. Feeling good and looking forward to reporting my measurements tomorrow.
Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 1 – 7/1
Weight: 131.2 = up .6 pound
Measurements:
Bust: 30″ = down 1”
Waist: 26″ = down .5”
Hips: 36.25″= down .35”
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 68
1 hour PP: 97
2 hour PP: 100
I tried an ounce of carrots today for the first time, which might be too much starch at once for me right now. Tomorrow I’ll try an ounce of pasta. Hopefully my numbers will be a little lower.
I can’t believe that I’m still losing inches. I got new jeans this week, size 27, which I don’t think I’ve ever bought. I’m not worried about “outgrowing” them either, because I have a well-formulated plan for Lifetime Maintenance that I’ve never had before.
[Note: Tracy, you’re doing so well! And are proof that numbers on a scale say nothing much useful. In just over 7 weeks you’ve only lost ten pounds, but two whole sizes of fat. Nearly nine inches from your bust alone, and nearly four inches from your waist! And you’re right – it’s a great feeling to know that you will never gain any of it back! Your being able to party with friends last night while remaining on Protocol shows you can do that. :D]
Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 2 – 7/2
Weight: 130.8 = down .4 pound
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 79
1 hour PP: 104
2 hour PP: 100
My one-hour PP was a little high. Was it the one ounce of pasta I had, or the antibiotics I just started taking for an infection, or the infection itself?
[Note: Tracy, it might be partially due to the antibiotic (can’t say without knowing what it is), but the infection itself will raise cortisol, which will depress insulin, which will raise blood sugars. Best thing to do until you’re done with the antibiotics is to stay away from all sugary carbs (berries and dark chocolate), drink a lot of water (adding half a bouillon cube in warm water with your meal to ensure adequate sodium intake), double your Acidophilus Pearls, and eat plain Greek yogurt with live cultures. The Pearls and yogurt won’t cure your infection, but it will help prevent your getting a yeast infection from the antibiotic! And of course, no alcohol until you’re done with the pills, since alcohol weakens antibiotic strength. Enjoy the trip, and I hope you get completely well soon. :)]
Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 3 – 7/3
Weight: 130.6 = down .2 pound
Ketostix: Large
Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 77
1 hour PP: 113
2 hour PP: 108
I’m feeling better today, but my one-hour number was quite high. Hopefully that number will go down when my infection is gone and I’m off the antibiotics. I’ll be away the rest of the week and won’t be able to post again until Monday.