SugarFree Protocol – Christi

Christi will join us on Monday, June 11, but you can read about her now.

Christi’s Introduction:

Hi, Everyone – I am 41, 5″4′, and weigh 138 pounds. I have always been an avid exerciser and in my twenties trained for a marathon. That’s when everything began to go downhill in my body. Despite the exercise I gained weight, became hypothyroid, was unable to get through the day without naps. And the excess fat simply would not budge no matter what I did. Every other year or so, I would gain five to ten pounds that would never come off, and there was never a reason for it, like eating more or badly. It just came on. Like so many others here I cut calories and fat further and exercised more, all of which did nothing but completely break my metabolism. I have a family history of obesity on both sides, and nearly all my relatives are overweight or obese. I told myself I would not be that way, but after the last several years of gaining weight, I realized I was headed down that very path.

Prior to doing my first round of HCG I weighed 155 pounds (or more – I only weighed myself when I felt ‘thinner’), despite watching every bite I put into my mouth, daily vegetable juicing, and crazy exercising. Nothing in my closet fit me, and I had no energy or will to go buy new clothes. Even while taking HCG I saw signs that the weight loss would not last. I stopped losing with two weeks left to go on the plan despite following Simeons’ protocol exactly, including daily one hour walks. I could not fathom what was wrong with my body. How could I eat 500 calories a day while exercising and not lose weight? My mirror told me there was still plenty of fat I needed to lose.  That’s when I turned to the internet (yet again!), but this time stumbled on to SugarFree’s site.

I spent two weeks reading all the Participant blogs from beginning to end, as well as  SugarFree’s research, and it all made sense. I am excited to start Protocol and to finally work my way toward the long-term healing of my broken metabolism. When I read some of the other blogs (Ariel, I so envy your 29″ waist!), I found real hope that this is possible. Of course I’d love to lose fat and inches, but my real goal is getting to a point where I feel good again, and have the energy I need to play with my three kids and explore my life’s passions.

Thank you, SugarFree, for writing down all the wisdom you have gained over the years, and sharing it with the rest of us!

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 1 – 6/11

Weight: 138.2

Measurements:
Bust: 36″
Waist: 31.5″
Hips: 38″

Lunch:
– 8 oz spinach
– 5 oz green beans
– 5 oz lobster
– 3 oz shrimp
– 3 T. butter
– 2.5 oz sour cream
– 1 oz potato

Fitday stats:
Calories: 746
Fat: 52.4 grams (63%)
Protein: 49.6 grams (27%)
Carbs: 19.1 grams (10%)

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 92
1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

I was up last night with two of my children at different times and had difficulty going back to sleep after the second time, so I am very tired today. I have been playing with my glucose monitor since receiving my strips last week, and today’s fasting blood sugar was higher than others. I wonder if my interrupted sleep had anything to do with it? I was very hungry this morning and really missed the cream in my coffee, but felt quite satisfied after eating my BIG lunch!!

[Note: Fasting glucose of 92 is normal, but yes, not getting enough sleep can definitely affect fasting numbers, as can stress, pain, coming down with an illness or even skin creams with corticosteroids in them. More problematic is your 2-hr PP being higher than your 1-hr PP, which is symptomatic of Metabolic Syndrome XX. When your 2-hr. PP is 3 or more points higher than your 1-hr, you should continue to take your blood sugars on the hour until they come down again. No need to report that here, only to say in your report that you are aware of the problem and monitoring it.]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 2 – 9/12

Weight: 137.6 = down .6 pound

Lunch:
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz swiss chard
– 8 oz leg of lamb, raw
– 5 oz green beans
– 1.5 T. butter
– 3 oz mushrooms

Fitday Stats:
Calories: 711
Fat: 52.4 grams (66%)
Protein: 47 grams (27%)
Carbs: 18.6 grams (7%)

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 81
1-hour PP: 78
2-hour PP: 86

I went to bed early last night to catch up on my sleep and feel so much better today! I was very late eating lunch so I was very hungry, but happy that I managed to stay away from the pizza temptation at my kids’ soccer. And my lamb was well worth the wait.

My 2-hour PP was higher than my 1-hour (more than yesterday even though the numbers are lower). I will do a 3-hour again and hope it’s back down, but I need to post this so I can get dinner going for the family. But I actually lost over half a pound. YAY (even though I know it’s water, I’ll take it!).

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 3 – 9/13

Weight: 136 = down 1.6 pounds

Lunch:
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz swiss chard
– 7 oz chicken liver, weighed raw
– 6 oz broccoli
– 2 T. butter
– 1.5 oz cream, full fat

Calories: 680
Fat: 50.4 grams (67%)
Protein: 44.3 grams (27%)
Carbs: 12.5 grams (7%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 75
1-hour PP: 82
2-hour PP: 86
3-hour PP:131

I messed up my meal a bit today. I forgot to buy tomato paste at the store and to make the egg SugarFree added to my menu. I took my liver out of the pan when it was perfectly done, but it must have cooked quite a bit while I was waiting for my veggies to finish up because it was too done when I sat down to eat.

[Note: This is called ‘cooking carry-over’ so it’s important to take into account. All food continues to cook after removing it from the pan, so removing just before it’s done is always best. If I want a roast beef to be a rare 125, I always remove it from the oven at 118-119 and let it rest for fifteen minutes before carving.]

I have no idea what is going on with my 3-hour PP. I took it twice. I’ll wait an hour and try again. I’m guessing it’s a problem with my meter – at least hoping so.

[Note: as per our conversation, I believe you had a reaction to one of the new supplements you took today. The ‘experiment’ you’ll try in the next five to six days will likely prove this.]

Despite flubbing up my meal, I am feeling good and am excited my weight is going down despite all of my eating! WOW.

[Note: Despite ‘all’ of your eating? LOL — you’re hardly eating anything. Wait until Maintenance when you will be eating a ton of food, and you will still continue to lose more fat (although more slowly, of course). :)]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 4 – 9/14

Weight: 135.8 = down .3 pound

Lunch:
– 3 T butter
– 2.5 ounces sour cream
– 7 oz salmon, boneless
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz swiss chard
– 9 oz asparagus
– 2 oz mushrooms

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 764
– Fat: 56 grams (66%)
– Protein: 52 grams (27%)
– Carbs: 14 grams (7%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 73
1-hour PP: 78
2-hour PP: 66

My 2-hour PP is finally lower than my 1-hour!

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 5 – 9/15

Weight: 134.8 = down 1 pound

Lunch:
– 2 T butter
– 12 oz chicken thighs, bone-in, weighed raw
– 8 oz broccoli
– 10 oz baby zucchini
– 1 oz white potato with skin

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 732
– Fat: 52 grams (64%)
– Protein: 53 grams (29%)
– Carbs: 13 grams (7%)

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 68
1-hour PP: 77
2-hour PP: 72

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 5 – 9/16

Weight: 134.4 = down .4 pound

Lunch:
– 2 T butter
– 1.5 ounces cream, full fat
– 9 oz chicken livers, weighed raw
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz swiss chard
– 5 oz green beans
– 1 oz white pasta shells, cooked

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 745
– Fat: 52.3 grams (63%)
– Protein: 48.5 grams (26%)
– Carbs: 20.1grams (11%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 72
1-hour PP: 78
2-hour PP: 86
3-hour PP: 82

I cooked the chicken livers perfectly today, though still didn’t have the tomato paste on hand.  It’s on my grocery list for this week!  My one-hour PPs are up again today.  TOM came early today. I took Advil, so I wonder if this is could be the reason they are not dropping back down or if it’s the pasta? Or perhaps a combination?

[Note: It’s the pasta. See note/s below.]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 7 – 9/17

Weight: 135.6 = up 1.2 pounds

Lunch:
– 1.5 T butter
– 1 ounce sour cream
– 8 ounces beef steak
– 8 oz spinach
– 8 oz baby zucchini
– 1 oz sweet potato with skin

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 710
– Fat: 51 grams (64%)
– Protein: 55 grams (31%)
– Carbs: 8.3 grams (5%)

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 79
1-hour PP: 79
2-hour PP: 78

I was disappointed when I stepped on the scale this morning, but know it’s water weight. I’m not excited about taking my measurements tomorrow morning with it being TOM, though. Still, I feel good, my steak was super yummy, and it looks like yesterday’s numbers were probably not due to the pasta, though I will try pasta again in the next several days just to be sure.

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 1 – 9/18

Weight: 135.4 = down .2 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 34″ = down 2”
Waist: 31″ = down .5”
Hips: 37.5″ = down .5”

Lunch:
– 1.5 T butter
– 1 ounce sour cream
– 12.5 ounces chicken thighs
– 8 oz spinach
– 8 oz broccoli
– 1 oz rice

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 787
– Fat: 53 grams (60%)
– Protein: 55 grams (28%)
– Carbs: 24.3 grams (12%)

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 85
1-hour PP: 76
2-hour PP: 83

I was pleasantly surprised to see my measurements down today! Granted, I would rather have lost the two inches from my waist and hips rather than from my bust, but three inches overall AND it’s TOM. YAY!  Looks like I didn’t like the white rice so much today, though, since my 2-hour PP is up again.

[Note: First, you may have only lost three pounds of scale weight – but since you had been ‘unofficially’ following Protocol for a few weeks prior to starting here, I was expecting that. I was also expecting you to lose, not water as must new Participants do, but fat. And you sure did – three whole inches of it in a week. That’s fantastic! And since you are carrying about two extra pounds of water due to TOM, expect that to go this week as well.

As for the rice, it’s not so much that it didn’t agree with you, because it did. No spikes and low readings all around. It’s more that your insulin was not up to the job of handling it, which is one symptom of Metabolic Syndrome XX. That will change and get better as you go on, and especially as you move into Maintenance next week.]

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 2 – 9/19

Weight: 134.4 = down 1 pound

Lunch:
– 2 T butter
– 1.5 oz sour cream
– 8 oz bone, raw
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz beet greens
– 5 oz green beans

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 789
– Fat: 60 grams (68%)
– Protein: 51 grams (26%)
– Carbs: 12 grams (6%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 82
1-hour PP: 79
2-hour PP: 82

I’ve been busy packing to move, so my big lunch has been a wonderful break from the busyness of life right now. My 2-hour blood sugar is back to being okay today (I think 3 points higher is okay), but I have been noticing I get sleepy between my one and two-hour readings. Could just be the time of day, but I wonder if there is more?

[You’re working hard and then eating a lot of food your body has to digest. Perfectly normal to feel a bit sleepy until some of those nutrients actually reach your cells, which takes an hour or two (or more) if you’re eating right.]

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 3 – 9/20

Weight: 134.4 = no change

Lunch:
– 3 T butter
– 1 oz cream, full fat
– 2 oz sour cream
– 9 oz sea scallops, weighed raw
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz beet greens
– 10 oz baby zucchini

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 830
– Fat: 61 grams (66%)
– Protein: 53 grams (25%)
– Carbs: 18 grams (9%)

Ketostix: trace to small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 74
1-hour PP: 86
2-hour PP: 86

My lunch was yummy! I sautéed the scallops, then made a butter cream sauce to pour over everything. I woke up this morning feeling really hungry. After talking to SugarFree it sounds like my body is getting ready to move on to Maintenance next week. The plan is for me to increase my fat the next few days so my body can cope with all of the packing I still need to do. I hope the transition goes well because I cannot wait to have some berries.

[Note: Looks like the extra fat finally brought your 2-hr PP down to a true normal level. I expect to see it drop below the 1-hr mark within a week. :)]

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 4 – 9/21

Weight: 134.4 = no change

Lunch:
– 2 T butter
– 2 oz cream, full fat
– 7 oz beef liver, weighed raw
– 9 oz swiss chard
– 6 oz broccoli
– 1 oz onion
– 1 large hard-boiled egg
– 1 oz tomato paste

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 872
– Fat: 59 grams (61%)
– Protein: 55 grams (25%)
– Carbs: 30 grams (14%)

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 92
1-hour PP: 84
2-hour PP: 89

I woke up this morning with my sinuses all clogged – not sure if it’s a cold or just allergies, but I’m not feeling great either way. I am guessing this is why my fasting blood sugar was high?

[Note: It wasn’t high – and your other numbers look good considering you had onion and tomato paste.]

I am going to wait until a bit later to eat because I am taking my son and some friends to a movie for his birthday and want to make sure my stomach is nice and full so I am not tempted by the popcorn or the brownies we will serve later.

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 5 – 9/22

Weight: 135 = up .6 pound

Lunch:
– 3 T butter
– 8 oz salmon, weighed raw
– 4 oz swiss chard
– 4 oz beet greens
– 8 oz broccoli
– .5 oz bacon fat

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 821
– Fat: 62 grams (68%)
– Protein: 55 grams (27%)
– Carbs: 10 grams (5%)

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 92
1-hour PP: 98
2-hour PP: 85

I did not have a good night last night. First my son wanted to go to our favorite Mexican restaurant for his birthday dinner. Despite being what I thought was prepared, I ended up eating eight chips with homemade salsa (yes, I counted) and two bites of his enchilada (nice size bites). While I know this isn’t horrible (and nowhere near what I would have done before Protocol), I’m not very happy with myself.

[Note: You should be. You went to a tempting place to eat, but only had a handful of chips and salsa and two bites of other food. That’s great — and human. Your blood sugars are slightly elevated, but absolutely in normal range. And the slight water weight gain from the extra carb/water molecules will be gone in a few days. Take pleasure and pride in your accomplishment! :D]

Then, same son was up with asthma problems last night, so mom was up, too. I am very tired and still not feeling great myself. I am trying to remember that today is a new day, and despite my munching last night, it’s over. I have learned that I am not quite ready to put myself in restaurant environments when I am not eating, and perhaps just not ready for Mexican regardless, at least until my metabolism is healed.

I was hungry last night (which I’m sure helped out with my deciding to munch at the restaurant), this morning, and don’t feel nearly as full after my meal today. I think I will head to bed early tonight, which will help with the hunger, sleepiness, not feeling well, and [hopefully] blood sugars, too.

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 6 – 9/23

Weight: 134 = down 1 pound

Lunch:
– 2.5 T butter
– 2 oz cream
– 8 oz beef liver
– 4 oz beet greens
– 5 oz green beans
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 oz onion
– 1 oz tomato paste
– 1 egg

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 848
– Fat: 58 grams (62%)
– Protein: 52 grams (25%)
– Carbs: 28 grams (13%)

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 89
1-hour PP: 84
2-hour PP: 89

I must have copied / pasted the wrong email into today’s menu because I left off the tomato paste and egg again. They still fit into my allowable ratios and my blood sugar is cooperating despite a heavy day of packing and up with a sick child again last night. The liver was actually a little better after having been in the refrigerator a couple of days; good to know, though it is still not my favorite.

My son has a stomach bug and I am fighting something off.  I am choosing good thoughts and praying for health this week before we move on Saturday.

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 7 – 9/24

Weight: 133 = down 1 pound

Lunch:
– 2 T butter
– 2 oz sour cream
– 8 oz chicken thighs
– 8 oz swiss chard
– 10 oz asparagus
– 1 oz corn pasta
– 1 egg

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 881
– Fat: 64 grams (66%)
– Protein: 53 grams (24%)
– Carbs: 22 grams (10%)

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 85
1-hour PP: 95
2-hour PP: 93

Son #2 is also now sick with the same stomach virus my other son has had, and it seems like it might be hitting me now, too.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 1 – 6/25

Weight: 134.6 = up 1.2 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 34″ = no change
Waist: 30.5″ = down .5”
Hips: 37.25″ = down .25”

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 93
1-hour PP: 89
2-hour PP: 88

I know it’s just water weight, but it is weird to me that I could gain over a pound during a time when I hardly ate a thing. I am feeling better today, but will stick with the sick regimen SugarFree recommended to me. The tea with coconut oil has been very soothing

Today is my first day of Maintenance, but it’s going to be a few days before I can eat the right foods. I’m happy my waist is down another half-inch and my hips another quarter-inch.

[Note: It takes a while before Participants truly grasp that the scale numbers are not only meaningless, but that the scale lies to them almost daily. You’ll ‘get it’ by the time this round of Maintenance is over because, although you will likely weigh what you weigh today, you will be measurably smaller and slimmer. 😀 Feel better soon!]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 2 – 6/26

Weight: 135 = up .4 pound

Ketostix: negative

I thought I was feeling better and was planning to try to eat a normal meal today, but no. My sons say this is how it has been for them after the first day or two, also. I’m afraid my body might really be going into starvation mode, though, and trying to conserve everything by the water weight gain again today.

[Note: Starvation Mode doesn’t work that way. You’re simply retaining water because you’re ill, and once you’re fully recovered and eating well again it will disappear in the course of a week. Feel better soon — and no need to post again until you’re completely well.]

Protocol Round 2, Week 1, Day 1 – 7/30

Weight: 137.2 = up 2.2 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 34″ = no change
Waist: 31″ = up .5”
Hips: 37.25″ = no change

Lunch:
– 1.5 T butter
– 1 ounce duck fat
– 9 oz striped bass, weighed raw
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz swiss chard
– 5 oz green beans
– 1 oz corn pasta, cooked

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 734
– Fat: 51.9 grams (64%)
– Protein: 48.7 grams (26%)
– Carbs: 18 grams (10%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 92
1-hour PP: 87
2-hour PP: 86

I’m finally back after my move. I tried my best on Maintenance through I didn’t have great kitchen access. I gained two pounds since my last journal entry, which I thought was okay until I realized I actually gained four pounds since my last day of Protocol. But even though I’ve eaten a lot of food and have enjoyed it for the first time in over a decade, I didn’t gain much in inches. I am excited to be back on Protocol though, because now that I’ve unpacked my kitchen I will be more disciplined and so can maintain this new way of eating and living.

[Note: Christi, glad to have you back with us. Unfortunately, the four pound and half-inch gain means that your first round of Maintenance was not successful and you actually gained back fat. But now that you’re all settled, you should be able to get back on track and your next round of Maintenance should see you maintaining whatever fat loss you achieve in this round of Protocol. :)]

By the way, if you’re on Maintenance and haven’t tried Sugar Free’s Chicken Normandy recipe, it is a MUST! I made it yesterday and it is fabulous – my entire family fell in love with it.  My daughter even suggested we just make the sauce and have it as soup!

Protocol Round 2, Week 1, Day 2 – 7/31

Weight: 136.8 = down .4 pound

Lunch:
– 2 T butter
– 2 ounces cream, full fat
– .5 ounce tomato paste
– 8 oz beef liver
– 8 oz broccoli
– 10 oz zucchini

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 802
– Fat: 54.5 grams (61%)
– Protein: 55.9 grams (28%)
– Carbs: 22 grams (11%

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 93
1-hour PP: 94
2-hour PP: 74

I messed up a little today, as I was only supposed to eat seven ounces of liver. No wonder I wasn’t hungry at all last night when I was sitting at the dinner table with my family! I did find some organic, grass-fed beef liver and am happy to report it tasted better than the liver I have eaten in the past, but I still am not a huge fan. I am hoping to develop more of a taste for it and will definitely make SugarFree’s chopped liver when I am back on Maintenance. All-in-all, being back on Protocol and managing my food more closely feels good, though I was still quite hungry this morning. I am curious about the huge drop in my 2-hour PP as that has never happened before. I checked it twice to confirm.

[Note: What it means is that your insulin surged high enough to drive down your blood sugar quickly, because what you ate converted to glucose slowly. If you had taken your blood sugar an hour or two later you would have seen it go back up to the eighties as more of what you ate converted to glucose. As for the liver, you will find chicken liver much more palatable than beef. :)]

Protocol Round 2, Week 1, Day 3 – 8/1

Weight: 136.4 = down .4 pound

Lunch:
– 1 T butter
– .5 ounce duck fat
– 1 ounce white potato
– 11 oz chicken thighs, bone-in weighed raw
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz swiss chard
– 8 oz broccoli

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 737
– Fat: 51.9 grams (63%)
– Protein: 48 grams (26%)
– Carbs: 19.5 grams (11%)

Ketostix: trace to small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 84
1-hour PP: 108
2-hour PP: 90

I have never had a reading as high as my 1-hour today. I moved some heavy furniture between finishing my meal and doing my reading, so I am guessing that might have attributed to it. I rested before my 2-hour and it came back down but it still seems a little high.

[Note: Strenuous exercise before taking blood sugar readings absolutely affects them!]

Protocol Round 2, Week 1, Day 4 – 8/2

Weight: 136.4 = no change

Lunch:
– 1 T butter
– 8 oz rack of lamb, bone-in, weighed raw
– 8 oz spinach
– 4 oz swiss chard
– 9 oz asparagus

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 789
– Fat: 63.4 grams (72%)
– Protein: 44.7 grams (23%)
– Carbs: 9.9 grams (5%)

Ketostix: trace to small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 84
1-hour PP: 87
2-hour PP: 85

TOM is next week, and I am feeling a little bloated. Lamb was so yummy roasted with herbs de Provence and sea salt…yum! Much better blood sugars today. Imagine, no exercise and everything works better – what a mind-switch!

Protocol Round 2, Week 1, Day 5 – 8/3

Lunch:
– 1 oz duck fat
– 8 oz beef liver, weighed raw
– 8 oz broccoli
– 5 oz green beans
– .5 oz tomato paste

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 617
– Fat: 36.8 grams (54%)
– Protein: 49.4 grams (32%)
– Carbs: 21.6 grams (14%)

Ketostix: trace to small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 84
1-hour PP: 81
2-hour PP: 93

My “Lunch” ended up being “Dinner” today, as a couple of hours with friends turned into all day.  I thought I was supposed to drop my cream, but as is obvious from my Fitday numbers, I should not have. My blood sugar also went up at 2-hours for the first time in a while from the tomato and not enough fat (guessing).  I hope I’m not super hungry tomorrow, and will definitely make sure I take the time to make changes in Fitday before eating next time.

[Note: Yes, the issue was insufficient fat with too many carbs – especially the sweet tomato.]

Protocol Round 2, Week 1, Day 6 – 8/4

Weight: 136.6 = up .8 pound

Lunch:
– 1 T butter
– 3 oz tomato, raw
– 7.25 oz grass-fed ground beef, weighed raw
– 8 oz swiss chard
– 10 oz zucchini
– 1 whole egg, soft-boiled

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 780
– Fat: 58.9 grams (68%)
– Protein: 50.1 grams (26%)
– Carbs: 12.5 grams (6%)

Ketostix: trace to small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 95
1-hour PP: 84
2-hour PP: 83

I was very hungry this morning when I woke up. Wondering if that had to do with yesterday’s too-low fat and eating late?

[Note: Neither. You were just hungry. 🙂 It happens.]

Protocol Round 2, Week 1, Day 7 – 8/5

Weight: 137 = up .4 pound

Lunch:
– 3 T butter
– 3 oz yellow tail, raw
– 2 oz salmon, raw
– 1 oz tuna, raw
– 8 oz broccoli
– 1 cup miso soup

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 645
– Fat: 46.3 grams (65%)
– Protein: 46.1 grams (28%)
– Carbs: 10.9 grams (7%)

Ketostix: trace to small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 85
1-hour PP: 91
2-hour PP: 67

People were going out for sushi after church today. My plan was to wait until I got home to eat salmon, but as I thought about it, fish is fish….one is just raw and I happen to love it that way.  I ended up eating a lovely meal and staying within Protocol – but should have had more fat. Is avocado allowed? Does anyone have suggestions of a good fat to add other than butter when out?  Another weird 2-hour drop, but from SugarFree’s last comment on that a few days ago, I think that’s okay?

[Note: I’m guessing there was some sugar in the Miso soup which caused a bit of an insulin surge, which in turn drove down your 2-hr. As I said last time, if when that happens you take your 3-hr reading you’ll find it back up again. Yes, avocado is allowed (though it’s a fruit, not a vegetable), but you need animal at most of all – and butter while dining out is the best way to add it.]

Protocol Round 2, Week 2, Day 1 – 8/6

Weight: 135.6 = down 1.4 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 34.5″ = up .5”
Waist: 30″ = down .5”
Hips: 37″ = down .25”

Lunch:
– 1 T butter
– 7 oz salmon, weighed raw
– 1 oz duck fat
– 10 oz zucchini
– 4 oz swiss chard
– 4 oz spinach

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 712
– Fat: 52.7 grams (67%)
– Protein: 50.7 grams (28%)
– Carbs: 8.8 grams (5%)

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 95
1-hour PP: 89
2-hour PP: 86

I’m wondering if my bust increase is due to TOM on the horizon this week?

[Note: Yes.]

I was happy to see my waist and hips both down. My weight seems to be all over the place the past few days so I’m wondering if it is PMS.

[Note: Yes. :)]

I am fine with the weight fluctuations given my measurements, and still find this process too good to be true! 🙂  I expect my bust measurement will be back down next week.

Protocol Round 2, Week 2, Day 2 – 8/7

Weight: 136 = up .4 pound

Lunch:
– 1 T butter
– 8 oz salmon, weighed raw
– 1 oz duck fat
– 8 oz broccoli
– 8 oz spinach

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 688
– Fat: 53.3 grams (71%)
– Protein: 49.2 grams (29%)
– Carbs: 0 grams (0%)

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 95
1-hour PP:
2-hour PP:

I was at a water park with my kids all day, so packed leftover salmon and sautéed veggies the night before. We saved a ton of money by taking our lunches, plus all ate much healthier. Unfortunately, I forgot to take my glucose monitor into the park with me.

Protocol Round 2, Week 2, Day 3 – 8/8

Weight: 136 = no change

Lunch:
– 1 T butter
– 7 oz pork spareribs, weighed raw
– 1 oz corn pasta, cooked
– 9 oz asparagus
– 8 oz spinach

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 769
– Fat: 58.9 grams (70%)
– Protein: 40.4 grams (21%)
– Carbs: 17.8 grams (9%)

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 91
1-hour PP: 84
2-hour PP:85

I wasn’t home in time to get my menu in for review yesterday, so I winged it. My fat was a little high, but the spareribs were wonderful and I used the juice from cooking to saute my veggies. Yum. I will wait until Maintenance to have both this and lamb again though, as seven ounces isn’t much.

Protocol Round 2, Week 2, Day 4 – 8/9

Weight: 136.6 = up .6 pound

Lunch:
– 1 T butter
– 1.5 T duck fat
– .75 T heavy cream
– 9 oz calf’s liver, weighed raw
– .5 oz tomato paste
– 8 oz broccoli
– 5 oz green beans

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 766
– Fat: 51.6 grams (61%)
– Protein: 54.6 grams (28%)
– Carbs: 20.8 grams (11%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 91
1-hour PP: 93
2-hour PP: 95

I still cannot find a liver recipe I like, but I at least feel good knowing I am eating something healthy. It is better cooked in the duck fat, but still not a meal I enjoy very much. TOM still hasn’t arrived. I feel like my PMS is worse than it’s been in a couple of months, though.

Protocol Round 2, Week 2, Day 5 – 8/10

Weight: 136.6 = no change

Lunch:
– 1 T butter
– 1.25 oz duck fat
– 4 oz scallops, weighed raw
– 4 oz shrimp, weighed raw
– 8 oz spinach
– 10 oz zucchini

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 707
– Fat: 50.8 grams (65%)
– Protein: 49.9 grams (28%)
– Carbs: 12.5 grams (7%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 91
1-hour PP: 88
2-hour PP: 89

TOM finally arrived today. I feel very tired and not so full or satisfied after eating, so I think it is time to start Maintenance on Monday. I wonder what’s up with my 2-hour blood sugar being slightly higher two days in a row?

[Note: Nothing. A point or two (in the normal range) is completely normal.]

Protocol Round 2, Week 2, Day 6 – 8/11

Weight: 136.4 = down .2 pound

Lunch:
– .5 oz heavy cream
– 1 oz duck fat
– 6 oz calf’s liver, weighed raw
– 2 hard-boiled eggs
– 8 oz broccoli
– 5 oz green beans
– 1 oz cooked white rice

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 776
– Fat: 53.1 grams (62%)
– Protein: 50.1 grams (26%)
– Carbs: 24.4 grams (12%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 91
1-hour PP: 89
2-hour PP: 86

Protocol Round 2, Week 2, Day 7 – 8/12

Weight: 136 = down .4 pound

Lunch:
– 1 T butter
– 1 oz duck fat
– 12 oz chicken thighs, skin-on, weighed raw
– 8 oz broccoli
– 10 oz zucchini
– 1 oz cooked white rice

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 737
– Fat: 52.4 grams (64%)
– Protein: 49.6 grams (27%)
– Carbs: 16.7 grams (9%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 95
1-hour PP: 93
2-hour PP: 89

Protocol Round 2, Week 3, Day 1 – 8/13

Weight: 135 = down 1 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 34″ = down .5”
Waist: 29.5″ = down .5”
Hips: 36.75″ = down .25”

Lunch:
– .5 T butter
– 8 oz wild striped bass
– 1.5 oz duck fat
– 10 oz spinach
– 8 oz broccoli

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 726
– Fat: 54.6 grams (67%)
– Protein: 48.4 grams (27%)
– Carbs: 10.3 grams (6%)

Ketostix: Trace

I was doing too many things at once and forgot to turn down the stove while cooking lunch. VERY hot duck fat splattered on my hand, chest, leg and arm, which resulted in pretty bad blistering burns. I actually had next to no pain for about thirty minutes and got to enjoy my meal Little did I know what was ahead. Doctor called in some kind of sulfur cream which helped not at all with the pain but a lot with the blistering. I am thankful none of it hit my face! I will no longer multitask when cooking with fat and I will always use my splatter screen in the future.

[Note: You poor thing – hot fat is really dangerous and makes for the most painful burns. I’m glad you called the doctor quickly!]

Protocol Round 2, Week 3, Day 2 – 8/14

Weight: 135 = no change

Lunch:
– .5 T butter
– 3 whole eggs, scrambled
–.5 oz heavy cream
– 2 oz bacon

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 655
– Fat: 58.9 grams (81%)
– Protein: 28.9 grams (18%)
– Carbs: 1.9 grams (1%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 89
1-hour PP: 98
2-hour PP: 70

A dear friend’s surprise birthday party was last night, and I REALLY did not want to miss it. I ended up ordering a martini in a chilled glass hoping both would take the edge off the burning I was still experiencing. Keep in mind, I’ve had maybe one glass of wine in the past two months. Boy was I regretting it in the middle of the night when I woke up with an excruciating headache and grumbling stomach. Only then did it dawn on me that all of the alcohol converted straight to sugar, and that coupled with my injury and inability to handle alcohol in the first place through my body into a tail spin. I stuck with a ‘sick’ diet today because even though it’s not a virus, that’s how I am feeling. My head is finally better and I am going to try to get to bed very early tonight.

[Note: I’m glad the burn is better today, but yes, while your body is under a LOT of strain dealing with trying to heal your skin, best to eat lightly and get a lot of rest. Once the blisters have subsided, the antibiotic your doc prescribed done, and all the pain gone, try lightly dabbing coconut oil on the affected areas. It’s an amazing natural antibiotic and healer, and will help ensure there is no scarring. Feel better soon!]

Protocol Round 2, Week 3, Day 3 – 8/15

Weight: 135.4 = up .4 pound

Lunch:
– 1 T butter
– 7 oz strip steak
– .5 oz duck fat
– 4 oz swiss chard
– 4 oz spinach
– 11 oz zucchini
– 1 oz white potato

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 690
– Fat: 49.0 grams (63%)
– Protein: 50.1 grams (29%)
– Carbs: 14.2 grams (8%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 88
1-hour PP: 104
2-hour PP: 89

No idea why my 1-hour reading was so high today. The only thing was the potato, but I haven’t had problems with an ounce of potato before. I was working at my computer after, so no physical exertion to blame, either.

[Note: No worries – it’s the effect of both the antibiotics and the stress of healing the burns, which has raised your cortisol level, which has depressed your insulin, which has slightly elevated your PP reading. Once you’re completely healed all your numbers will drop into the normal range again. Until then, we’ll raise your fat level a bit.]

Maintenance Round 2, Week 1, Day 4 – 8/16

Weight: 136 = up .6 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 89
1-hour PP: 97
2-hour PP: 93

I had to practically force myself to eat today, as I was just not hungry, which is unusual. But I am craving something sweet. Does this have anything to do with the ointment I have been using on my burns?

[Note: Yes.]

Why is my ketostix usually trace and never above small?

[Note: Before you become fully ‘ketone-adapted’ (the first two or three weeks of Protocol), the body isn’t very good at using all the ketones. There are five different types of ketones that are made from fat, and one of them is acetone. It is the acetone type that spills out in your urine, giving the ketostix color. Once you’re ketone-adapted (running completely on fat for fuel), your body is much better at using every one, including the acetone. It burns it for fuel and very little slips out in your urine. I’ve been at ‘trace’ for years. The reason you continue to use the ketostix after becoming adapted is to show you that you are still burning fat for fuel and not carbohydrate. THE COLOR OF THE STIX HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BURNING FAT OR NOT. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE IN LIPOLYSIS.

If you are ‘trace’ you are using fat and only fat for fuel  so of course you are burning fat. And lipolysis can only take place in the absence of insulin AND a calorie deficit, so it only takes place on Protocol Phase 1 and not on Maintenance.]

Maintenance Round 2, Week 3, Day 1 – 8/27

Weight: 136.6 = up .6 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 34″ = no change
Waist: 29.5″ = no change
Hips: 36.75″ = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 97
1-hour PP: 103
2-hour PP: 98

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. The burn on my right hand got infected, requiring bandaging and very limited movement last week. I cannot believe how much better it now looks and feels, though I am still having to use an antibiotic cream on it, which has been causing my blood sugar to sneak into the low 100’s. I was very happy to see no changes in my measurements today. I am going to be away for the next week and already have my butter packed as I will eat most meals out, and I am a little nervous about that. My kids go back to school next Wednesday, and I am ready to get back into a regular routine, including postings. I cannot believe how scattered my summer has been.

Note to anyone looking for easy lunch ideas: I discovered canned tuna on a huge bed of raw spinach with a combination of duck fat, olive oil and salt as a dressing. It was yummy.

And SugarFree – thank you so much for the detailed response to my questions about ketosis / lipolysis!

[Note: You’re welcome, Christi. 🙂 I’m so glad to hear how well you’re recovering from those horrible burns! Enjoy your week off, and start your next round of Protocol when you return.]

Christi’s Final Report – 9/17

Weight: 137 = 1.2 pound loss since starting Protocol three months ago.

Measurements:
Bust: 34″ = down 2″ since starting Protocol
Waist: 29.25″ = down 2.25″ since starting Protocol
Hips: 36.75″ = down 1.25″ since starting Protocol

I am nominating myself for the ‘Worst Participant’ award – or at least the participant with the least entries! Although my entries have been lax lately (to say the least), I have continued on the program to the point I believe it truly is my new lifestyle. Thank you, SugarFree, for your grace during all of the transitions I have had in my life these past few months.

Life circumstances have again arisen that are taking me into my ‘second half of life’ journey sooner than I anticipated. All to the good, but my time will be even tighter, so I am saying farewell to give room for someone else to join. I will log in occasionally to see what folks are up to and to look for any great ideas, articles, or recipes. I love reading the other blogs and seeing the transformational journeys.

I am forever thankful to SugarFree, because without her and her Protocol I do not think I would have the energy to begin this new journey – and I know the new smaller clothes in my closet would not fit!

I began working out two weeks ago (once per week), per SugarFree’s recommendation of Body by Science. I eat more than I ever thought possible, yet my measurements continue to decrease. I am continually amazed at this ‘eat more, exercise less’ philosophy that REALLY WORKS! As with so many other things in my life, it goes completely against what the world says, and it gives me so much freedom. I love not having to watch calories. Sugar is no longer even tempting for me since I know how bad it makes me feel, and I am eating more than enough to completely satisfy me.

I no longer binge in the afternoons as I used to do because I ate so little. Instead I enjoy an incredible meal, and if I am genuinely hungry later (which rarely happens), I eat a piece of double creme brie with butter smeared on it! I no longer spend hours a week exercising hoping that I can simply maintain my too-high weight instead of gaining more. I eat a lot; I exercise a little. I have tons of energy and am smaller than I have been in a decade; sometimes I ask if this is really my life or a dream?!

Thank you, SugarFree, for your mission of sharing your knowledge and transforming lives! Best of luck to all of the current participants, and if you are reading this contemplating whether or not to try SugarFree’s Protocol – GO FOR IT because it really works!

[Note: Christi, thank you so much for your kind words. I’m happy I was able to be here for you, and you know you are always welcome back at any time. Have a wonderful fall, and a happy, healthy and forever-slim life. :D]